Empowered by M-Power

Hamish's scream tore through the still air, raw and visceral, sending a chill through Robert's veins. Hamish dropped to his knees, clutching his chest as if his soul were being ripped apart.

"Hamish!" Robert called, stepping forward. An unseen force held him rooted to the spot.

Moira's voice echoed in Robert's mind, calm yet firm. "Stay back, vessel. This is… necessary."

Hamish convulsed, his body shaking violently as waves of magic surged through him. Robert watched, heart pounding, as muscles rippled and tightened, bones cracking and shifting with sickening sounds.

In a flash of light, the wrinkles on Hamish's sun-weathered skin smoothed away. His shoulders broadened, chest expanded, and limbs grew leaner yet more powerful. Even his rough, calloused hands appeared renewed.

Black, viscous ooze seeped from Hamish's pores, pooling in the air—a writhing, tar-like mass gathering impurities and burdens of age. It coalesced, folding inward into a sleek onyx stone. Magic surged outward, slamming into the stone with a brilliant flash.

The onyx shattered, revealing a crystal-clear quartz glowing softly from within.

Hamish jerked as the magic ebbed, collapsing onto his back, gasping. Robert rushed to his side, his heart still racing. He hadn't anticipated such a transformation.

Hamish lay still, chest rising in shallow breaths. The quartz's glow seeped through his skin beneath his sternum, pulsing gently, a silent reminder of the magic now within him.

Hamish's eyes fluttered open. He inhaled sharply and sat up, his hand instinctively touching the glowing quartz on his chest. "What…" he rasped, his voice hoarse yet steady. "What just happened?"

Robert stared, stunned. Hamish's face was familiar but transformed. Thinning, gray-streaked hair now thick and dark, framing smooth, youthful features. The harsh lines of age had vanished. His eyes shone clear, suggesting vitality, and clear eyesight. He looked to be early thirties, or even younger.

"Bloody hell," Hamish muttered, running a hand over his head. Whispering to himself, he said "Is that… hair?" and then with wide-eyed shock stared at Robert, he excitedly proclaimed "MY HAIR IS BACK!"

A teasing wolfish whistle filled the air, bright and playful. "Well, Hamish… I must say, you wear 28 rather well."

Hamish blinked, distracted by finding the quartz in his chest. "What… what is this? What did ye do to me?"

Moira's tone softened, radiating affection. "You've essentially been reborn, Hamish. Restored to your prime. The crystal in your chest is your mana core. A direct link to Albion's magic. It will enhance your strength, resilience, and connection to this land. Consider it my gift, a token of thanks for your services protecting Robert."

Hamish let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Well, I'll be damned… Feels like ye crammed a bloody lightning bolt in my chest."

Robert was amazed, jaw hanging open. "Hamish… you look incredible."

"Aye," Hamish said, flexing his fingers. "Feels incredible too. Though next time, a little warning might be nice, m'lady."

Moira giggled. "Where's the fun in that?"

Hamish chuckled, relaxing his broad and muscled shoulders. "Chief, it's your turn to catch up. Can't have ye lagging behind, can we?"

Robert laughed, though his mind swirled with questions about the crystal and its purpose. Moira's voice teased in his thoughts. "You wanted more control over your growth, didn't you?"

Hamish sat cross-legged in the soft grass, fingers resting over the quartz. Its glow pulsed like a heartbeat, as if echoing the power within. Robert noticed Hamish's expression shift, torn between awe and irritation.

"Alright, Chief," Hamish said with a wry grin. "What am I supposed to do with this glowing rock ye stuffed into me?"

Moira's bright voice took over before Robert could reply. "Oh, Hamish, it's not just a glowing rock. That crystal is the key to your potential! Its also my pride and joy. Let me explain."

Hamish groaned quietly. "Oh boy…."

Moira pressed on. "The crystal acts as a conduit for Albion's magic. It stores energy, mana, or what I call M-Power. As you complete tasks, defeat enemies, or use your skills creatively, the crystal absorbs it. Think of it as harvesting the fruits of your efforts."

Hamish laughed. "M-Power? Really?"

"Of course," Moira said. "It stands for 'Moira's Power.' And it sounds like 'empower'... which is exactly what it does! Now, when you rest, focus on a skill you want to improve. Visualize it, feel it in action, and the crystal will guide you."

Hamish closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The air around him shimmered as he concentrated. The crystal's glow intensified, then softened as he opened his eyes, surprise flickering across his face. "Well," he said slowly, flexing his fingers. "That was something. Feels like my sword arm's stronger... and I can hold my ground better."

Moira explained proudly. "That's because you just empowered your defensive stance. It's stronger now. You'll block and parry with greater effect."

Hamish nodded, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, I'll admit it. That's not bad. Feels like I've actually done something useful."

Moira replied, "Of course you have. And the best part? The more you push yourself, the more M-Power you generate. It's a cycle of growth."

Robert leaned back, watching Hamish stand and test his balance, as if trying on a new suit. "It suits you," Robert grinned.

"Aye, Chief, but don't think I won't use it to outshine ye," Hamish replied.

Moira laughed. "Oh, Hamish, I wouldn't have it any other way."

As Hamish practiced slow strikes with his sword, the crystal pulsed, absorbing invisible power increments.

Snow's voice called from the cottages' direction. "Robert! Hamish!" she shouted, running urgently. Her steps faltered as she neared, her large blue eyes darting between them, landing on Hamish with a look suggesting confusion and wariness.

"Robert…" Snow said slowly. "Who… who is that?"

Hamish burst into a loud laugh, twirling dramatically with arms wide. "Who else would it be, lass? It's me, Hamish. Just a wee bit refined."

Snow's mouth dropped as she stared at the quartz's glow. "No way…" she whispered. "Hamish? That can't be you! You… you're so…"

"Devastatingly handsome? Aye, I know," Hamish said with a wink, planting his fists on his hips.

Snow's shock melted into laughter. "You look like you stepped out of a painting! What happened to you?"

Robert stepped forward, placing a hand on Hamish's shoulder. "Moira worked her magic, literally. She reset him to his prime and gave him a crystal core. It's impressive, to say the least."

Snow's eyes widened as she looked at Robert. "And you're next?"

Moira's lilting voice chimed in before Robert could answer. "Oh, absolutely, dear Snow. You're not far behind. I was planning to wait until tonight, but after seeing how splendid Hamish looks, I simply can't resist!"

Snow's gaze flicked to Hamish's glowing quartz. "That thing… it's in him?"

"Aye, lass," Hamish said with a soft grin. "It's in my chest. A bit of a shock at first, but it's worth it. I feel… incredible."

Moira's tone turned teasing. "You'll both feel even better once it's your turn. But first, my vessel must prepare himself. Isn't that right, Robert?"

Robert nodded, his mind racing over Hamish's painful transformation. "Give me a moment," he said, raising a hand. "I need to dull the pain."

Hamish snorted. "Good luck with that, Chief. Felt like my insides were being ripped out and stitched back together by an angry tailor."

Snow winced, but Robert focused. He summoned a radiant force from his core, weaving it into a spell to ease pain and fortify senses. A shimmering aura formed around him, its warmth reassuring despite draining some energy.

"Moira," Robert said steadily. "I'm ready."

Moira replied, almost giddy. "Very well. Hold still, vessel. This will be… illuminating."

Motes of light rose from the ground, swirling in a dazzling display before converging on Robert's chest. Searing pain shot through him, but the Light Magic held, reducing it to a manageable throb.

Robert felt muscles tighten, bones shift, skin tingle as Moira's magic worked. Impurities were drawn out, energy surged, and a gem formed above him.

When the magic subsided, an Aetherium Gem floated—a kaleidoscope of shifting colors.

Moira said reverently, "This is an Aetherium Gem. A rare balance of all magic. It will let you harness power with unmatched efficiency. A fitting core for a mage like you."

The gem plunged into Robert's chest, its energy flooding him. He gasped as the connection snapped into place. He could feel its power immediately, spreading through his body. It was very much like a drug, that intensified his awareness and internal power. He could sense power flowing into it, like a lake catching rainfall.

A system prompt appeared in his vision, not waiting for his attention. This one demanded it.

SYSTEM: "You have formed a connection to a mana core. This will act as storage for surplus M-power. M-power can be used on your physical characteristics, skills, spell abilities, and upgrading all abilities connected to this system. See individual skills for costs." Robert's mind spun with the implications. He could immediately sense that some m-power was already storing inside of it. It felt like a pearlescent liquid, weightless but taking up space. So there's a limit. A volume suggests getting filled up to a maximum. He pondered this and further tried to analyze what it could do.

Snow stepped closer to him, her expression torn between awe and apprehension. "Does it hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"A little," Robert admitted with a small smile. "But it's worth it. Moira's right; this changes everything."

Snow nodded, touching her forehead. "If it's my turn… I want mine here," she said, tapping her brow. "And… it should be blue."

Moira laughed warmly. "A Water Sapphire, then. It will amplify your water and ice magic perfectly. Are you ready, Snow?"

Snow squared her shoulders, her blue eyes determined. "I'm ready."

Snow stood before them as motes of magic danced in the Highland air. She met Robert's gaze, her eyes reflecting trust and nervous anticipation.

"Before we start," Robert said softly, stepping closer, "let me help with the pain."

Snow's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Robert held out a hand. Golden light coalesced in his palm. "I've been working on a spell to ease the process. It won't erase the pain completely, but it will help. Trust me?"

After a moment, Snow nodded. "I trust you."

Robert wove the pain-dampening spell into her, a gentle glow wrapping her like an embrace. Her shoulders relaxed, tension easing. The quartz in Robert's chest pulsed, absorbing residual energy.

"Now," Moira said warmly, "let's begin."

Snow's transformation began softly, attuned to her gentle nature. Imperfections—calluses, scars, stiffened muscles—were drawn away, swirling into a dark, tarry mass. Snow gasped, her hand touching her back as tension melted. The mass solidified into a jagged obsidian gem, quivering before shattering under Moira's magic. A flawless, deep blue sapphire emerged, radiating serene light.

The sapphire drifted to Snow's brow, embedding with a flash of blue light. She staggered but steadied herself, her expression shifting to wonder.

"How do you feel?" Robert asked.

Snow touched her glowing forehead, murmuring, "Different. Lighter. Freer."

Moira hummed with approval. "You've done well, Snow. That sapphire suits you beautifully, and your potential is extraordinary."

Snow turned to Robert, her eyes grateful. "Thank you. I feel like... I dont know. I feel like i've become what I always should have been. My inner me."

Robert smiled, clapping her shoulder gently. "This was your idea, your contribution. Now…" He gestured toward the portal at the camp's center. "You and Hamish should clear the dungeon together. Gather loot, treasure, and whatever else you find. Head inside, move toward the training wing, and tell me all about it when you get out."

Snow nodded eagerly, while Hamish rubbed his hands together. "Loot, here I come."