Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Alise sat on her bed hugging her knees, she had got quite the scolding from her parents. She couldn't really blame them it was nearly dark by the time she got home. Thankfully they were more worried than upset so she actually got off light. She felt a little guilty she had lied telling them that she had fallen asleep because she had felt sick. Trying to cover for being late and skipping school all at once. However, she had little choice if she tried to tell them and made all those funny sounds Dalvin's spell caused her parents would likely become very angry with her. Besides, it was more fun this way, like a secret mission. Squashing her guilt Alise jumped up from her bed and grabbed her backpack. Time to get ready for tomorrow. She wasn't gonna be the only one getting their socks blown off. She searched for anything she thought would impress Dalvin. Grabbing her smartphone and laptop she stuffed them into her backpack. Tossed in her portable gaming device and a laser pointer. She tapped her chin, what else would work. It didn't look like Dalvin had any tech of any kind and his clothes reminded her of a medieval setting. So maybe some mundane stuff she took for granted would be impressive. She went to the bathroom and took the lighter for the candle and a roll of toilet paper. Then she snuck down the hall and grabbed the wind up radio and flashlight the kept in the closet for when they lost power. She surveyed her stash and smiled, they weren't all sure-fire but one of these was bound to impress him.
It was a rough night, as she expected it was hard to sleep the excitement was just too much. It was like waiting for Christmas morning. So as the first light began to peek through her window she got dressed and slung her backpack on. It was a Saturday so at least she wouldn't have to skip school again. But she should probably avoid her parents and leave before they wake up. As she closed the front door and headed towards the woods a voice stopped her, "And where you off to so early young lady?" She turned around, her father Allen was coming out of the shed with his tool bag." Oh hey, papa, you're up early whatcha doin?", he snorted, "Goin to work, the Hastings called last night their water pump broke so I promised them id be there first thing. So what trouble are you up to?" She waved her hand dismissively, "No trouble I promise, I'll be back on time too." He eyed her doubtfully, "You had better young lady, you are on thin ice understand." She saluted, "Yes sir, roger that" He smiled and returned her salute, "Take you phone with you this time I will call when I return home." She nodded and patted her backpack. With that, he left for work and she headed into the woods.
She stood at the mouth of the small cave in shock there were several structures built and Dalvin sat at a wooden table eating what smelled like deer. How on earth had he built so much stuff in one night and managed to go hunting. Wait she knew what this was. She pointed a finger at him, "You pulled this stuff out of a magic sack right?" He raised an eyebrow at her, "Time and space compression is possible but not cost-effective. Methods of rapid construction are more practical." She gave him a thumbs-up, "Nice your speech is way better, did you stay up all night practicin?" He smiled, "Yes I spent several hours refining my speech so that today would go more smoothly. I have something I would like to discuss with you and I am sure you have your questions as well. So if you like let's start with your questions." He motioned to a chair across from him, she took him up on it and sat down. Where should she start there was just so much to ask. Guess she should just go with it, "Can anyone learn magic like me maybe, as an example?" He nodded, "Yes anyone can but it's not magic its science." She eyed him doubtfully, "How is a stone for binding promises 'science' and not magic?","Simple, it is a stimulated effect triggered by verbal recognition that blocks receptors in your brain. And because of that the effect is temporary and can be sidestepped in several ways. Usually, a more complex oath is used but I lacked the means to fully explain yesterday." She sat back in her chair disappointed. Science how boring. She sighed, "Well how does this science work then seems like it can do anything to me?","Yes, it can be used to achieve anything. As for how it works ill give the simplified version. Everything is made up of tiny bits and there is a field called the source field that gives these bits their properties." He placed one of those green stones he had on the table between them. "This is a source stone, a physical condensation of the source field. This can manipulate the field, the field manipulates the bits and the bits manipulate the world around us. Any questions?" She smiled again, "So it is magic, just very explainable magic!" He dropped his head to the table, "Yes let's just go with that." Her smile widened even further, "Ok, so why did you come here?" He looked up from the table a serious look on his face "Because I found something people would kill me to get, so ran away to a lost planet.","Lost planet what does that mean?","It means that there are no source stones here, source stones always appear with the formation of organic life. Organic life forms because of a spike or shift in the source field, this will also produce source stones. In short, the absence of source stones means your planet is source forged, that is to say, artificially created." Alise was dumbfounded," its possible to make an entire planet with magic...thats just plain crazy." He nodded as if in agreement, "Yes it isn't a simple feat. It can only be done with a very large source stone which we have dubbed the Eyes of God." Alise fell into thought this was all a little heavier than she thought it would be. So someone had made the earth after all but from what Dalvin had explained it was done with science magic. Well no point it getting caught up by little details, "So how do I learn to use this source?" He seemed to be chuckling to himself for some reason."Well, there are two methods the Guidance method and the Intuitive method. Source stone responds to magnetism and electricity. Electricity is primarily used because it is easier to manipulate. The Guidance method uses runes to manipulate the electricity to achieve a certain effect. The Intuitive method uses focus, concentration, and practice to manipulate the electrical and magnetic fields that each being possed. Then, in turn, manipulate the stone. So, in short, I will teach you the Intuitive method." Alise laughed, "I don't care what you say that totally sounds like magic. Well, I have more questions but I think you should have a turn. So what did you want to ask me?" This time Dalvin was laughing, "Well that's pretty much answered now but ill ask anyway. Will you become my apprentice?"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone