Diversions

Mana is the core of the world, the heir to all of reality, causality, and duality itself.

Its source is infinite, boundless, and without limitation. It exists as a conceptual and metaphysical wellspring, capable of altering the fabric of existence in any way imaginable.

Originating from one beyond the world, mana's true limits have never been reached, hinting at its inherent boundlessness.

In essence, mana is an inexhaustible source of energy, one that could never be fully drained.

All magic powered by mana is constrained only by the user's own body and how much mana they can contain.

My current capacity is perhaps enough to fuel a small town.

However, the effectiveness or output of that energy may vary depending on my intent or goal.

A person's Order allows them to manipulate mana with precision, granting a unique set of abilities specific to their chosen path.

Meanwhile, their pathway provides a broader range of possibilities, shaping their potential and capabilities in a more expansive sense.

I closed the book with a soft thud, tucking its weighty knowledge into the back of my mind as I continued walking down the street.

The bustling town unfolded before me in a flurry of activity. I glanced at the various shops lining the roads, their displays offering glimpses of their wares.

Some sold gleaming weapons, others finely tailored clothes, and a few stocked goods that defied reason artifacts and items beyond ordinary understanding.

The town itself thrived on its diverse ways of gathering wealth.

Alongside the streets, I could see railroads stretching into the horizon, with trains rumbling past at a pace far slower than my trusty deer.

Of course, I had infused my mount with a portion of my mana, ensuring its speed and endurance far exceeded that of any mundane beast.

And to top it off, I'd given it an exceedingly fitting name one worthy of its enhanced nature.

Pausing momentarily, my gaze fell upon a nearby shop.

Its glass panels offered a view of the treasures within: swords arranged in meticulous rows, elegant clothing displayed with care, and bustling shoppers moving with spirited energy.

Above the entrance, a sign swayed gently in the breeze, its golden letters catching the light.

"The Silver Emporium."

Curiosity pulled me forward. The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped inside.

The air shifted immediately cool and faintly perfumed, with a hint of lavender and something metallic lingering underneath.

Inside, the shop was a labyrinth of wonders.

Weapons lined one side, their polished edges catching the dim, flickering light of enchanted lanterns overhead.

On the opposite wall, racks of garments swayed gently, the fine fabrics shimmering as though imbued with magic.

In the center of the shop, several glass cases displayed small, intricate artifacts and runes etched into metal bands.

Glowing crystals humming softly, and peculiar trinkets whose purposes I couldn't yet decipher.

The shop was a trove of treasures, and I found myself wandering deeper into its labyrinthine aisles, noting down items I might need.

I paused near the weapon racks, my eyes drawn to a slender, enchanted rapier.

Its blade gleamed faintly with runic etchings, a subtle shimmer that suggested an affinity for speed and precision.

A weapon like this might come in handy for emergencies, I mused, though I doubted I'd rely on steel much.

Further along, I stopped at a display of vials and flasks.

They contained glowing liquids of various colors, each labeled with a distinct purpose: mana restoration, physical enhancement, even a brew marked.

"Cloak of Shadows" that promised invisibility for a short time.

I jotted down a note to grab at least two mana potions before I left.

The garments section offered enchanted cloaks and robes.

One caught my eye a dark gray mantle trimmed with faint golden thread.

A small plaque described its properties: Light as a feather, resistant to the elements, and imbued with a minor concealment charm.

It seemed both practical and stylish. I added it to my mental list.

At the center of the shop, I lingered at a glass case containing artifacts and trinkets.

My eyes fixed on a smooth obsidian amulet, its surface carved with delicate, looping symbols.

The sign beneath it read: "Wards against possession and mind control." Considering my plans, such protection might prove invaluable.

I mentally marked it as a priority purchase.

Satisfied with my survey, I approached the counter where the elderly clerk awaited, still watching me with that same calm curiosity.

"I was wondering," I began, lowering my voice slightly, "do you have anything that could... divert an Order?"

The clerk's brow furrowed faintly. "Divert, you say?"

I nodded. Diversion wasn't a concept most people were familiar with, but I was well-versed in its meaning.

It referred to the act of altering one's Order reshaping the very core of one's soul.

Normally, such a feat required an extraordinary cost, as it involved defying the natural flow of the pathway itself.

But I didn't need a drastic change, just a minor adjustment to smooth out my current limitations.

"I don't need a complete change," I clarified. "Just a small... correction."

The clerk stroked his chin thoughtfully, then gestured toward a shelf behind the counter.

"I might have some fragments that could help with that," he said. "But tell me first what is your Pathway?"

"Scholar," I replied simply, meeting his gaze.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Ah, then you may find this even more valuable than the fragments."

He reached under the counter and pulled out a thin, aged tome.

The cover was plain and red, save for a faded symbol etched into its leather a star enclosed within a circle.

"This," he said, setting it gently on the counter, "contains the knowledge of the Lost Gods of Johan. Their secrets were said to rival even the greatest scholars of our time."

I stared at the book, my curiosity piqued. Lost gods, forgotten knowledge this could be exactly what I needed.

"How much?" I asked, my voice steady despite the excitement stirring within me.

"Ten gold coins," the clerk replied, his tone firm but fair.

Ten gold coins. It wasn't a small price, but considering the potential value of the knowledge within, it was more than reasonable. I nodded slowly. "I'll take it."

Before leaving the tavern earlier, I had a discussion with Albert about funding my operation.

He generously handed me a pouch containing a hundred gold coins, explaining, It's the month's pay for signing a vow with the Silent Court.

I knew this was the standard practice, but I hadn't expected such a sum.

After all, I hadn't actually spoken a vow.

Regardless, it seemed the Silent Court's coffers were generous enough not to care.

I handed the clerk the ten gold coins for the book, tucking it carefully into my bag.

"I also need a sword that can handle mana infusion," I added, "as well as two potions one to enhance poison resistance and another to prevent corruption from the dark."

The clerk's eyes narrowed with a flicker of interest, but he nodded.

"You could look for those yourself," he suggested, motioning to the shelves and displays around the shop.

I nodded, turning to browse the aisles once more.

After some searching, I found a sword that caught my attention a sleek, well-balanced blade with a faint blue sheen running along its edge.

A small card next to it described it as "Mana-Conductor: Ideal for channeling energy, resistant to overloading."

It wasn't extravagant, but it seemed reliable.

Moving on, I located the potion section. Rows of vials glittered under the dim shop lights, each labeled with its effects.

I picked out two: a green elixir labeled "Venom Veil: Bolster's resistance to toxins" and a dark purple vial marked "Shroud Break: Guards against corruption."

They seemed like exactly what I needed.

Satisfied, I brought the items back to the counter.

The clerk examined my choices and quoted a single gold coin for all three items a surprisingly reasonable price.

Without hesitation, I handed over the coin, stowed the sword at my side, and tucked the potions into my satchel.

With my purchases complete, I gave the clerk a brief nod of thanks and stepped out of the shop into the bustling street.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting warm hues over the town as I made my way toward the town hall.

The streets were alive with activity: merchants haggling over wares, children darting between stalls, and townsfolk bustling about their business.

It was a lively, almost chaotic scene that seemed to pulse with the rhythm of the town's daily life.

I moved swiftly through the crowd, weaving past carts piled high with goods and groups of people engrossed in conversation.

The energy of the town was invigorating, but I didn't have time to linger.

My destination was the train station.

As I approached, the distant sound of a train whistle echoed through the air, blending with the cacophony of the town.

The station loomed ahead, a sturdy structure of brick and iron, with its clock tower proudly displaying the time.

I glanced up at the massive hands ticking steadily forward and noted that it was just a few minutes past four o'clock.

Stepping onto the platform, I immediately spotted Albert waiting near the entrance.

His sharp suit and calm demeanor made him stand out among the bustling travelers.

When he noticed me, he raised an eyebrow. "That was fast," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I shrugged, adjusting the strap of my bag. "Didn't need much time," I replied evenly, glancing again at the clock. "It's only four. Plenty of daylight left."

Albert nodded, seemingly satisfied with my response.

Without further delay, we boarded the train, finding seats in one of the quieter compartments near the back.

The cushioned benches were a welcome reprieve after the bustle of the town.

The train let out a low, rumbling groan as it prepared to depart, accompanied by the faint hiss of steam escaping from its pipes.

Albert leaned back in his seat, folding his arms across his chest. "Let's go over the plan," he said, his tone calm yet purposeful. "Do you have everything you need?"

I reached into my bag and pulled out the red book, its leather cover worn but sturdy. Opening it, I revealed pages filled with text written in Latin.

"As expected," I said, glancing over the intricate script. "It's called The Lost Gods of Johan for a reason. This should help me divert my path. With its guidance, I'm certain I'll be able to alter my soul."

Albert leaned forward slightly, inspecting the book before his gaze shifted to the sword now strapped at my side.

It was sleek and sharp, a noticeable upgrade from the previous one.

"And your new weapon?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Was the old one not sufficient?"

I shrugged. "It was decent, but it couldn't handle mana infusion. No point keeping something that would shatter the moment I pushed it too far."

Albert sighed, crossing his legs. "Fair enough. When we reach the capital, we'll need to inform the S.C. and get you situated with the items you'll need to become a seated member."

The weight of his words lingered in the air.

I nodded as the train jolted slightly and began to move, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the tracks filling the compartment.

The countryside outside started to blur into motion.

Seated member. The thought echoed in my mind as I considered its implications.

A seated member of the Silent Court wasn't just an ordinary rank it was a position of significant power and responsibility.

A seated member ruled over those without a seat, their authority encompassing the non-seated entirely.

To be seated meant you had enough power and knowledge to uphold the Court's ideals and recruit new members on your own.

It was an unspoken acknowledgment of your strength, intelligence, and capability to navigate the labyrinthine world of the S.C.

The train car was sparsely populated, the few passengers on board were either lost in their own thoughts or quietly reading.

The sun cast faint, flickering shadows through the window, adding to the sense of quiet anticipation.

I looked at Albert who glanced outside the windows. "Now should I tell you about my past?"