Silverhart Online

After the soul-siblings have finished with their respective drawing, they show their work to Rarsu as the lizardling rubs his scaly chin.

"Not bad, could use some work in the Elharis symbols though. On the bright side, you did manage to form a well-drawn circle, and the shapes inside are decently sketched." Rarsu stated his observations to Gray and Selena's drawing. "Most Mages never achieved this type of quality in their first time, so you two only have to be proud of yourselves."

"Nice." Gray grins at the praise given to the both of them while Selena merely nods in confirmation. "To be honest, I'm not exactly proficient in art or drawing. If it weren't for the tools, the circle wouldn't even be one, to begin with, haha."

"Yes, which is why we Mages are truly thankful for Paragon Lucas' efforts in bestowing us with such tools that brought nothing but convenience," Rarsu said in agreement. "With that said, the drawing tools are now yours for the keeping. If you also have the time during your self-study in the library tonight, you may also practice it there."

"Will do." Gray answers with appreciation.

"Now, any more questions before we proceed to the next agenda for today?" Rarsu asks.

"Hmm." Gray ponders about it. After a short while, a question pops inside his mind as he could not help but inquire the lizardling about it. "About the bigger Magic Circles, most particularly the one when we first met days ago, how is it possible to achieve a perfect representation of the circle despite its massive size? I'm sure that's quite a tiresome feat to pull off."

"Tiresome?" Rarsu chuckles in response. "Not exactly. Come, I'll show you why."

The lizardling gestured the soul-siblings to follow him as they were led outside of the classroom, back at the familiar open area of the basement.

Arriving at the area, Rarsu instructs both of them to wait as he approaches a nearby table filled with green rolled parchments. He grabbed one and proceeded at the center of the area.

Upon unfolding the parchment, it reveals to be the usual off-white color of its front, showing a sketch of a Magic Circle that is simple in design. At the back of the parchment is the green color, revealing an Elven symbol in its center. Rarsu then crouches as he lays the object flat on the floor.

The lizardling's next actions show him touching the parchment as he channels his Mana on it and utters a word that's unfamiliar to the elf.

"Exolv."

The parchment suddenly reacts with the lizardling's actions as it started to glow brightly in blue light. As a result, the same circle that was drawn in the parchment begins to form on the floor, slowly assuming each of the circle's details with absolute perfection as it grows bigger with each passing second.

After the ordeal, both Gray and Selena's eyes widen at seeing the completely similar and bigger version of the circle right on the very floor, integrating itself without issues.

Rarsu picked up the parchment that was utilized and show it to the soul-siblings as the contents are now shown to be empty.

"This is the Parchment of Exolv." Rarsu presented to the both of them. "A magical item used for specifically replicating anything that is written or drawn to your desired platform, ground, or even walls. The size of the drawing depends solely on the Mana that you have channeled on the parchment. As a result, huge Magic Circles that are conjured from this phenomenon is quite taxing on your Mana pool. Thus, Mages with a deep pool of Mana are the ones capable of summoning a massive-sized Magic Circle for a spell of great magnitude."

"Ah, so determining the size of the Magic Circle is not exactly an issue as long as you have the necessary amount of Mana." Gray nods in realization, finally understanding how huge Magic Circles are created. Then, the elf asks another question as he eyes the circle on the floor. "So, how are you going to secure the Magic Circle? You know… erased it, to remove any evidence whatsoever that a magic ritual has occurred."

"If no Arcane Energy sustains it, then the circle will decay in an hour, disappearing eventually into thin air," Rarsu responds. He then looks at the wall clock that is hanged on the top, the time dictating at 3:01 pm, meaning that the current lesson has to end. "I'm sure you still have a lot of questions, but we'll tackle it for the future days to follow. We still have a schedule to adhere to, after all."

"Very well." Gray agrees, seeing as there are still three months to learn more about the subject matter.

***

The final lesson of the day and one of the things that Gray look forward the most is Sentmaturgy, the creation of magical construct guardians known as the Sentinels. The said lesson will take place from 3:10 pm to 5:10 pm, as depicted in his training schedule.

Gray and Selena were led by Rarsu into another part of the basement, a workshop of some sort. The area is vast in space to accommodate freedom of movement while in the performance of the job.

The place is akin to a hallway that radiates a creepy ambiance in the elf's opinion as it's filled with six cylindrical transparent glass tanks, three on each side, most likely for the purpose of storing bodies. Upon further observation, Gray also notices that the tanks all have wires that are connected to what seems to look like a generator. Overall, the elf could not help but compare the whole place to a messed-up laboratory of a mad scientist with questionable experiments detailing to human life.

Of course, the idea is not that farfetched since Sentmaturgy is technically the creation of a new life, an artificial life, but still life nonetheless.

There's one thing though that came into the elf's mind when he marvels at the sights in his vicinity.

'Wait, does the concept of electricity exist in this world?' Gray ponders as he eyes at the various equipment and hand tools of the workshop. 'Or maybe a different source is being used? Perhaps another Paragon like Lucas introduced similar concepts.'

Filing the question for later, the trio further enters the workshop with Gray and Selena filled with nothing but curiosity in their own faces, especially the latter.

Selena's eyes could not help but gleam with sheer interest, even more so than Gray. After all, this is the place where she was made, where she was crafted. Various parts and resources were all gathered and mix meticulously to form the being that she is today.

If she was honest, the thought kind of intrigues her, bordering to extreme fascination as a matter of fact.

In a short while, the three of them halted in their tracks as instructed by Rarsu. They now find themselves at a rectangular table with connected straps that are loosened.

'Yup, the laboratory vibes that I'm feeling right now just got creepier to a whole new level.' Gray thought as he cringes.

"Now, let us begin our lesson," Rarsu smirks, showing his sharp teeth. "As you already know, Sentmaturgy is the art of Sentinel creation. Although the definition is simple, the same can't be said about the process, though. The procedures are quite daunting mind you as your patience will be subjected to the ultimate test. For beginners like yourselves, the learning process can be extremely intimidating and will take most of your precious time. As such, this lesson is completely optional, and we can disregard it in favor of more Magic training and exercises. Now, do you really wish to take the path in becoming a Sentmaturgist?"

"Well, I wouldn't know until I try it, right?" Gray merely smirks to the challenge.

"Very well." Rarsu returns the gesture with a grin of his own. "Although I'm not exactly sure if you'll be speaking the same tone once you'll be subjected to the irritation that this lesson has to offer."

The lizardling begins the lesson by taking out a series of items from his inventory; a skin-colored piece of clay, a transparent orb with multiple tiny tube vessels inside that are interconnected in an elaborate fashion and a small white thin elastic tube which is also the same as one of the tubes inside the orb mentioned.

"These are the main constituents in the making of a Sentinel." Rarsu presented the items as he states each of their purposes. "The special clay, or simply known as the Sentinel clay, is used in forming the shape of the construct's humanoid figure while the orb is the internal core of the Sentinel, the very life force of the construct. The clay's color varies to accommodate the Sentmaturgist's preference. The cultivation of the clay, as well as the creation of the core and the artificial tubes that serve as the Mana vessel, is a craft only known by the dwarves, considering that the very profession that we are currently tackling originated from them. Anyways, the core is like the Sentinel's heart, connected by the multiple Mana vessels that circulate Mana throughout the Sentinel's entire body.

Gray nods in acknowledgment as he looks at the parts on the table intently.

"Sentamaturgy overall demands not only the practical movement of your hands to mold clay into a humanoid figure." Rarsu continues his lecture after a short pause. "But as well as the internal mechanism, engineering, and magic ritual that accompanies it. A meticulous sleight of the hand is required, especially when connecting the vessels properly by stitching them and integrating them to the Sentinel's core and its entire body. You could say that this is quite similar to a surgeon's job, so you could only imagine the difficulties and frustrations that you are going to encounter. One slight mishap in the stitches would cause malfunction to a Sentinel, resulting to the condition of a severe Mana leak. As such, only a few Mages have ever pursued this demanding profession."

"Damn," Gray responds, knowing how hard the surgeon profession is. He then turns his attention slowly to Selena with an engrossed look, appreciating the intricacies of how the girl was created in this world.

And speaking of Selena herself, the girl clearly is witnessed to be interested as she approaches the table and gazes at the parts deeply with a look of pondering. She then took hold of the core with her mouth agape as she could not help but be fascinated by it.

Gray and Rarsu observe the girl as the former spoke up to the latter. "Master, it appears that Selena is showing great interest, even more so than I am, just like in Alchemy."

"Hmm." Rarsu rubs his chin, pondering the implications behind the girl's actions. "It seems so. A Sentinel creating her own kind… Fascinating indeed."

"Hehe, that's kinda awesome." Gray grins as he crosses his arms. "Now that I think about it, if I can create another Sentinel and incorporate my soul into it once more, then Selena will have another sibling!! Wait… I can even have an army that I can call my own, every Sentinel with a living soul at my every bidding. Oh, I can only imagine the possibilities, hehe."

[+2 CHAOS]

"As grand as your ambition may be, it's not remotely achievable at this current situation." Rarsu shook his head in disagreement, causing Gray to frown in response.

"What do you mean?" The elf was definitely not amused by this.

"I currently lack the materials to perform the procedures in creating even a single proper Sentinel, and it's quite an annoyance to acquire them," Rarsu answers him while shaking his head in annoyance. "The items are only produced in Underforge by the Dwarven Mages, and those lots can be annoyingly secretive if they want themselves to be. Like the Enchanting trade, only Sentmaturgists are allowed to purchase the required materials. I've already sent the purchase order for acquiring the materials last month, but sadly, I received not even a single response from the seller. Not to mention, the process of creating a basic Sentinel is extremely time-consuming, an average span of around two months or perhaps more to be specific. The procedures involve a lot of intricacies like the conservation of their body, stitching of the vessels that I have discussed earlier, and a whole lot more."

"That's… disappointing." Gray grimaced at what Rarsu explained to him. "Then, what are we supposed to do if we are not going to create some Sentinels then?"

"For starters, practicing your stitching, the precise handling of the clay, and the right usage of the equipment involved," Rarsu replies with a serious look. "As well as the proper care and maintenance of your sibling over there.

"Right." Gray nods in affirmation.

Rarsu instructs the elf to move closer to the table beside Selena so he can begin teaching the other aspects relating to the Sentmaturgy profession.

And thus, marks the average day for Gray and Selena Allister in the next three months to come under the care of Rarsu Khougraox.