The nuit was impressed that the human could even get the ring moving, yet alone with the stability that it displayed. That is, until it really got moving faster than snail’s pace. As if on cue with the request of the other Rayage touched the keystone and immediately the wavering djed straightened out, once again returning to perfect circle that was the Alchemy Circle. His control over the energetic flux was impressive indeed. It seemed almost natural with him, alchemy a part of him, and the circle was just as easy as breathing. The master of which he had achieved over the circle was indeed something to be craved. It was the product of hundreds of years of practice, of research.
If he was human his breathing would be deep, breaths slow and concentrated on the matter at hand, controlling the energy. If he was human he was sure that this entire process would be just that much more taxing. Luckily for him, he was not human, at least not anymore. He was a nuit, and nuit don’t get tired. Products of animation the nuit don’t need rest, don’t need sleep, powered by ancient and powerful magic which made the race. It was something different, unique, something surreal. Coming back in line, tuning in with the energy present the nuit forced the djed faster and faster around the circle. He wanted to get this done, but he didn’t want sloppy work. No, that would not benefit anyone and can, in fact, be counterproductive.
Picking up the pace some more the Alchemist preformed the art of Alchemy, the process of transformation and the implantation of traits from one object to another. It was a form of limited change, a power of limited transformation, but within those limits are unlimited possibilities. So, that begs the question, is it really limited at all? Heh, that is for each individual alchemist to figure out for himself. Answers given are not answers at all, for if there is no journey to understanding then there isn’t any understanding at all. For it is the journey that makes everything worthwhile.
Shooting faster and faster around the circle the djed soon reached its peak. The energy crackled around the circle and even the alchemist had trouble controlling it, but willed it faster and faster. Eventually the circle began to waver and distort and Rayage knew that he needed to end this transmutation before it ended badly. ”Now.” he gave the signal to break the connection from the circle itself. The immortal of course waited for Wrenmae to leave before forcing the energy to the center, breaking away from the circle at the same time. The djed surged forward with such force that it released a bright flash of light upon hitting the target. The third door was opened and three became four.
When the light cleared the nuit walked towards the circle and picked up the fourth product of Alchemy, ”Please load the circle again.” be began to instruct the murderer, ”This time you will be placing four scarfs in the fount charger and the last steel bar in the center as the target.” taking the alchemical product in his hand he placed it in the water and let it soak as he watched Wrenmae load the circle, ”Please be mindful of the boundaries of the Chargers. We need the entire scarf inside, nothing more, nothing less.” he said inspecting the circle as the man worked around it, being more careful at the words of the immortal. It was clear that the man did not want to disappoint him and that pleased him to no end.
When the circle was successfully loaded the nuit took the alchemical product out of the water and set it aside to dry. It would be a shame to lose half of the product. Or at least one half of the most important part of the steel cloth cloak: the steel part! Now it was time to empower the cloth with steel properties. Granted that there were no filters and so everything in the steel would be present in the magic. Though he did not mind that, as when he would combine the both final products he hoped to get the perfect medium between cloth and steel, and although the next steps after the first one in this reaction won’t seem like it’s doing it. It is. Any capable alchemist could attest to that. It was a purification process, refining the djed of the cloth to be extremely steel like.
Stepping up to the circle he kneeled to the keystone and touched it with his hand. Ichor leaked out of the punctured skin on one finger renewing his connection to the circle. Feeling the djed about the circle he smiled as he started to will it into motion. That rush that he got when he was preforming alchemy. It was extraordinary. It was that feeling, the feeling of absolute control, which had got him this far. Focusing on the circle itself, he willed the energies to move around the circle. His will dominating the circle as the energies followed suit. He was the commander and they were mere followers, servants to follow his exact instruction. The djed which flowed around the place flowed because he willed it, because he has the power, because it had to. He had paid the blood sacrifice, and in exchange he was granted power, dominion over the circle and everything within. With just a drop of ichor he could summon forth, command, and control the powers of change and transformation.
Djed trickled slowly around the circle, and began to speed up slowly as the alchemist got a greater and greater grasp on the feeling which he wanted. This grasp strengthened his control and further helped him clutch onto the magic, command it, and use it for his own gain. That is why people use magic after all, is it not? Self-preservation. That is and was everything to the nuit, and this power, the magic which is called Alchemy is how he would ensure himself a page on the history of mizahar. No, he would not be forgotten as some half-witted, sloppy alchemist. He would be renowned as the next Rupert Pycon, greater than Pycon ever was or ever could hope to be! He would change the very world with his art, and craft it in his image. He was clutching at a power which he could control, and with this magic he would make the best out of it.
Faster and faster still the djed surged around the circle. It needed more speed, more power, more permanence. By sheer force of will he found himself controlling this ring with effort and concentration. The many times he has done this has made the practice and art form, and the nuit an artist. For there can be no art without an artist, that would be just absurd. He was an artist, and his canvas was reality! His art will make people rethink what is possible and what is not.
Further still he concentrated, a look of effort torn upon the immortals face as the energies were now swirling around the circle at appalling speeds. The faint crackle of djed could be heard as the ring glowed with visible power. The creative and positive energies he wielded flowed without any resistance from the negative influences of the filters. Unrestrained and unrestricted the djed passed through the keystone, now a constant stream, giving the alchemist himself a feeling, a charged feeling as through his connection with the circle he could feel the energy, become it, and command it. It was reaching its peak though, and so, without further to do or will, the alchemist broke his connection with the keystone, at that very moment, at the very last moment, willing all the energy at the bar of steel in the center.
The resulting flash of light soon faded as the steel was made more cloth-like. The alchemist approached the once steel bar and picked it up, going over to the water he dropped it in. With a sploosh the bar sank to the bottom. Though he noticed that it had grown slightly softer. The fabric effect of the steel was beginning to show. To be sure, though, there would need to be more and more doors opened further purifying and cementing the properties into the item. Reaching into the pool the nuit grabbed the product and walked back to the center of the circle. Placing it there, he turned and started to load the circle again. Four scarves were placed, and they were on their second door. Four more scarves, more and more time passing… things were turning out alright.
Going back to the keystone the alchemist placed his hand firmly on the stone itself. Immediately he felt the connection, a jolt of energy, a sigh of power awakened within him. It was this feeling that he lived for. Now to accelerate it and make it even more pleasurable, and as if on cue the djed began to move around the circle, the slow trickle of energy tickling the alchemists hand as he concentrated. Going inward he solely concentrated on the force which he was exerting on the djed. He felt it tug and move and pull off of the items as bits floated away joining the mainstream of the circle. Bit by bit the djed detached as the current got stronger and stronger, the energy willed to go faster and faster and faster still. A torrent was brewing inside the alchemist, and that is what would be reflected onto the circle. His very thoughts affects the circle, his very existence was key to this, his very power given the proper time was absolute.
Unhurried he continued the process urging and almost communicating with the circle to go faster, faster, just a little faster. Every chime that passed it heeded to the alchemists will, reality bending towards him like he was some king. A king indeed he was here in the circle, a king indeed with limited control over reality, and a kind king, one that advanced the world through the workings of the world’s energies. Through awakening the world’s power, he gained personal power himself. Using that personal power he could shape the world however he wishes. It was almost too good to be true. Isn’t there a saying about that?
The djed had accelerated towards its peak. The alchemist was having trouble keeping control over the energies and that was when he knew that it was time to let it all go, to end this and open the door. All he had to do was kick the door open through the bombardment of energy to initiate the change of the substance in the middle. With one last piercing thought the alchemist threw himself away from the center commanding the djed to explode inward, it was much like an army advancing around a city they had laid under siege storming it all at once with a last coordinated attack to overwhelm the foe. Again the flash of light was produced, and again the door was opened. The second door had been opened. Two more doors and this would be complete. He was already half way done with making the two components for just one steelcloth cloak. This was a time consuming process indeed. He half wondered if, in the future, he could improve upon this process. It was likely. Highly likely indeed.
Picking up the product he dunked it in the water, allowing it to actually soak into the ‘steel bar’. It was amazing to watch the change of an object due to multiple rounds in the alchemical circle. It was getting more and more cloth-like by each door. More and more of clothes properties were forced onto the steel bar, overriding and bypassing, changing the steels primary djed and creating something unique indeed. ”Wrenmae, please load the circle again. Once more, be careful to do it properly.” he said taking the steel bar out of the water. Squeezing it in his hand water came dripping out. Now it was much akin to a giant sponge. He found it odd, but interesting at the same time.
Circle loaded he placed the product in the middle again and readied himself for another round of alchemy. The transmutations can get tiring and very taxing on the mind. Even on the nuits who don’t get physically tired, there was such thing as mental fatigue. He couldn’t fall prey to that just yet. No. he would not allow himself. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he once again kneeled to the keystone and pressed his hand against the alter of power.
Feeling the connection he began the process over again, willing the djed around the circle, stripping the vital substance off of the scarfs in the charger slots. He found it humorous that he would do this yet again. Why wouldn’t he? The material hadn’t got to the ‘proper’ state yet. It was all about advancing. Advancement happened through change, and through will. Did that not say something about Alchemy and Change itself? To change something, anything, one must first will it. Willing change and then you add energy to it, the djed circling around the circle. Though alchemy we can learn the basic truths and gain the power to change any situation, circle or not because, believe it or not, humans, and all other things capable of intelligent thought already have the power to change anything within them. Their blood, their life, their very existence is what gives them this power, this right to interact and change, evolve, grow, learn, progress! It was something deep and inherit within all living beings. It wasn’t something magical like Alchemy, it was a subtle force, but one to be respected nonetheless.
Faster and faster the djed swirled around the circle, the hum of power was evident to anyone near. The air tickled with tangible power as the alchemist worked. The great amounts of radiation already present, coming off of the circle, could not be controlled as they projected every which way. Though such exposure to djed-radiation was an occupational hazard of anyone who practices Alchemy, it was a fate that he had long since accepted, but kept silent about to Wrenmae. For if he did the cloaks right, and he most likely would he was a careful alchemist after all, there would hardly be a worry in the world about it. Things done right and with patience held very little threat to the user’s health.
Having accelerated to the point where the djed was visible, going around the circle many times a second, the alchemist deemed it fast enough as he let go of the stream. Backing off of the circle he willed it to the center. The dreary and no longer too dramatic flash of light was expected as the third door was open. Grabbing the material he threw it into the water once more, once again telling the man who kept him company to load the circle. It was nice not having to waste time loading the circle, and the nuit sort of enjoyed not having to do it. Such practices, or to get used to it though, was frowned upon. He knew that the man was only with him because he hoped to gain his alchemical knowledge. Once the guy had got enough he would fly away, taking away with him some half hazard knowledge of the art. Ray scuffed at that. Humans…
Wringing out the bar of steelWow that is so weird to write. the alchemist placed it in the center. The third door had been opened, and this would be the last door to complete the two chargers that he had been waiting for. The anticipation was growing within him and he rubbed his hands together, ”I hope you are watching and taking away something from this.” he nuit let an idol thought translate to words as he approached the keystone again. It wasn’t that Ray did not like the mans help, just his presence was going to take a bit to get used to. He hasn’t taught alchemy in some time. A couple centuries at least. He was a bit rusty, not that he cared, just he didn’t want the man to go around telling people who he learned alchemy from if he was going to be an idiot about it. He hadn’t quite pegged this one yet.
Placing his hand on the keystone the connection was revived. The nuit felt the power return to him, and with it the ability to excite change. It was an awesome power, but also one that needed to be carefully monitored, carefully thought out, and carefully executed. Many possibilities could manifest itself once the door is opened, and the alchemist only has limited control as to what happens based on the key they forge out of energy with the chargers, and the type of door they were seeking to open. The smart alchemist would write out every detail of the experiment before preforming it. It was both a way to concentrate and further meditate on the idea itself, the goals, and the possible outcomes. Not the mention the creation of the perfect chargers.
The djed was sluggish when the nuit commanded it. There was no resistance from the other chargers, the filters, but only the resistance of the circle itself. It was made of imperfect material, and so djed flow was always taxed. The energy could still move, yes, but there a nagging at the back of the alchemists mind that it could be better, and in fact there were much better circles in the prevalterrian era. Of that there was no doubt. More and more he willed the djed, like some scared animal coming out of hiding the djed slowly peeked out and moved closer and closer. He needed it to come already so he could focus on accelerating it, not just ripping it from the objects. The process took some deal of thought and concentration. Though, being as skilled as he is, Rayage made it look easy. Though looks can be deceiving! In magic, even if the wizard happens to make it look as easy as breathing, there is always this complex relationship between the mage and the djed. Even in world magic this relationship was complex. It took some deal of thought to even get it moving, just practice made it easier. He still had to will it and control it, perhaps the most taxing part of the art!
Faster it moved as the nuit urged it. Faster it ran in circles collecting speed and momentum. Faster it shot ran by thought. Faster and faster still the nuit willed it. Faster it went, following the alchemists unspoken commands. Change was like that, a silent force. Subtle, but blatant It was this walking contradiction which was responsible for the transformation of the world! He smiled as he felt the djed cascade around the circle, it was getting to that point where he would have to release it again.
Feeling that it was time after a couple more chimes and willing it even faster the alchemist willed it to the center forfeiting his connection to the alchemy circle by backing away, taking his hand off the keystone. A flash of light emitted from the reaction as he backed away. This was the forth and final door that needed to be open. Now there was only about two more steps before one steel cloth cloak would be complete. What a day! Then they would have to repeat the process four more times to get their collection of five. It was going to be a long time doing alchemy. He hoped that Wrenmae was prepared for this all-nighter.
Placing the product into the water, he instructed Wrenmae to place the product he had set aside, the steel cloth, into the center of the circle. When the alchemist was pleased with the amount of time the second product had been in the water he took it out and tried to get all the water out of it by wringing it out. Nonetheless there wasn’t time to let it all dry. So he placed it in the fount charger slot, and then placed some water in the filter. It sort of soaked into the earth, but the water was still present in a small puddle.
With the circle prepared the nuit once again activated the keystone by placing his wounded limb upon it. It could be named that for many reasons, but Ray liked to think of it as the ‘key’ to which opens the doors of understanding and alchemy. Yes, it was a key alright, and for Rayage it has unlocked many doors revealing the truth as much as the countless emotion of disappointment. His experiments were hard, his experiments were not for the weak of mind or heart. His experiments are what set him apart from other alchemists. It was this that his sense of pride came from. He was different, knowledgeable, but more importantly he was a master in his field, powerful. His knowledge of alchemy was astounding, rivaling even the great Rupert Pycon, or so he hoped or so he aimed, or so he dreamed.
Setting the energy into motion he felt almost no strain on his mind. It was as if he was snapping a twig under his foot, it was easy because it was only one object. There was hardly any resistance, hardly anything at all. The lack of energy surprised him, but it also allowed him far more control, and allowed him to gain speed much faster from when the circle was full. It was like cutting into cake, that was how easy it was. Smiling as he thought this the energy surged through the circle uninhibited and uncontrolled by anything but the Alchemists thoughts.
The energy moved faster and faster under his sharp command. More and more speed it gained until it was its peak. The nuit grinned loving the feeling and how ‘effortless’ this was. It made him feel even more alive, even more powerful as the circles energy bended to his will. Speed plateauing he lost his connecting with the circle binding the energies to the center as he stumbled backwards. The combination would give birth to something extraordinary, the charger which he spent nine doors creating. The base for the steel cloth. He smiled at the success as he went over and tossed it into the water, letting the water disperse any remaining djed radiation upon it. That was waters purpose after all in Alchemy, completing the reaction by cementing it into being and making it far less dangerous.
”Now, are you ready to see the fruits of our labor?” he asked, instructing the man on how to properly load the circle and what to place where. Cloak in the center as the target, the dark blue ink as in as a fount charger, the newly alchemized material as a fount charger, and water as the filter the circle was loaded and complete. Rayage clapped his hands together in an act of job as he walked over to the keystone to activate the final door to completing the steel cloth cloak.
Wasting no time he placed his hand onto the keystone. Wasting no time he willed the energies into movement. Wasting no time he wanted to get this done, but again a warning resounded in his mind. Patience. The one word stopped him from acting too hastily. Patience was needed else sloppy work would be produced. Rayage would be dismayed if ‘sloppy’ was attached to any of his alchemical works. It would be unacceptable, especially at this level. There was so much going on within the circle that a sharp mind was needed to keep track and control it all. Slowly, or at least not as fast as he would like, the energy spanned the circle, going around it, being guided by the lines.
Forcing himself to slow down the alchemist spent a little more time on this transmutation than most others. He wanted to get it right, he wanted the energy to flow smoothly, he wanted everything to be great. He was, after all, partly showing off his skill to the man. He could not afford to make a mistake. No, not here. Not right now. Not in front of him. He needed to hold up his infallible guise. So, the djed flowed, and with careful guidance and concentration from the alchemist it moved. It moved and with it activated the powers of change. Opening doors was just one aspect of alchemy, the real fun of it was finding out what exactly lie on the other side. It was something fun to play around with. Ray had amused himself endlessly with the art. Never once had it grew old or boring, but he realized that his knowledge and skill was getting greater and greater just by doing what he loved to do. He had a mission, and he had to complete it.
The djed wavered for a second, and the moment that it was going out of control the alchemist almost groaned trying to get it under control. His mind offered resistance, trying to slow it down if just a little bit. He struggled against the sheer force of the djed, like standing against the oceans waves, but he stood his ground. Soon enough it was slowed that he could control it fully again. Speeding it up again, he tried to get it just to the point where he could just control it, for his experiments and experience had equated faster djed speeds to better and longer half-lives. Reaching its peak, the alchemist severed his connection using the last bit of time to will it to the center to bombard the cloak with changing power. The very fabric of the cloaks identity would be changed, all in the small amount of light that emitted from the object. It was complete. The steel cloth cloak.
Dark blue hue shined with a metallic sheen in the firelight as Rayage picked up the cloak in his hands. It was slightly heavier than a normal cloak, but that is to be expected with metal-like fabric. It was also cool to the touch but still folded like fabric. His hand traced it as he brought it up to show the man, ”Behold.” he said, handing it to Wrenmae, ”Please take it and let it soak in the water.” he commanded. This was to finish the process. One steel cloth cloak was made, four more to go. They were going to be up all night.
If he was human his breathing would be deep, breaths slow and concentrated on the matter at hand, controlling the energy. If he was human he was sure that this entire process would be just that much more taxing. Luckily for him, he was not human, at least not anymore. He was a nuit, and nuit don’t get tired. Products of animation the nuit don’t need rest, don’t need sleep, powered by ancient and powerful magic which made the race. It was something different, unique, something surreal. Coming back in line, tuning in with the energy present the nuit forced the djed faster and faster around the circle. He wanted to get this done, but he didn’t want sloppy work. No, that would not benefit anyone and can, in fact, be counterproductive.
Picking up the pace some more the Alchemist preformed the art of Alchemy, the process of transformation and the implantation of traits from one object to another. It was a form of limited change, a power of limited transformation, but within those limits are unlimited possibilities. So, that begs the question, is it really limited at all? Heh, that is for each individual alchemist to figure out for himself. Answers given are not answers at all, for if there is no journey to understanding then there isn’t any understanding at all. For it is the journey that makes everything worthwhile.
Shooting faster and faster around the circle the djed soon reached its peak. The energy crackled around the circle and even the alchemist had trouble controlling it, but willed it faster and faster. Eventually the circle began to waver and distort and Rayage knew that he needed to end this transmutation before it ended badly. ”Now.” he gave the signal to break the connection from the circle itself. The immortal of course waited for Wrenmae to leave before forcing the energy to the center, breaking away from the circle at the same time. The djed surged forward with such force that it released a bright flash of light upon hitting the target. The third door was opened and three became four.
When the light cleared the nuit walked towards the circle and picked up the fourth product of Alchemy, ”Please load the circle again.” be began to instruct the murderer, ”This time you will be placing four scarfs in the fount charger and the last steel bar in the center as the target.” taking the alchemical product in his hand he placed it in the water and let it soak as he watched Wrenmae load the circle, ”Please be mindful of the boundaries of the Chargers. We need the entire scarf inside, nothing more, nothing less.” he said inspecting the circle as the man worked around it, being more careful at the words of the immortal. It was clear that the man did not want to disappoint him and that pleased him to no end.
When the circle was successfully loaded the nuit took the alchemical product out of the water and set it aside to dry. It would be a shame to lose half of the product. Or at least one half of the most important part of the steel cloth cloak: the steel part! Now it was time to empower the cloth with steel properties. Granted that there were no filters and so everything in the steel would be present in the magic. Though he did not mind that, as when he would combine the both final products he hoped to get the perfect medium between cloth and steel, and although the next steps after the first one in this reaction won’t seem like it’s doing it. It is. Any capable alchemist could attest to that. It was a purification process, refining the djed of the cloth to be extremely steel like.
Stepping up to the circle he kneeled to the keystone and touched it with his hand. Ichor leaked out of the punctured skin on one finger renewing his connection to the circle. Feeling the djed about the circle he smiled as he started to will it into motion. That rush that he got when he was preforming alchemy. It was extraordinary. It was that feeling, the feeling of absolute control, which had got him this far. Focusing on the circle itself, he willed the energies to move around the circle. His will dominating the circle as the energies followed suit. He was the commander and they were mere followers, servants to follow his exact instruction. The djed which flowed around the place flowed because he willed it, because he has the power, because it had to. He had paid the blood sacrifice, and in exchange he was granted power, dominion over the circle and everything within. With just a drop of ichor he could summon forth, command, and control the powers of change and transformation.
Djed trickled slowly around the circle, and began to speed up slowly as the alchemist got a greater and greater grasp on the feeling which he wanted. This grasp strengthened his control and further helped him clutch onto the magic, command it, and use it for his own gain. That is why people use magic after all, is it not? Self-preservation. That is and was everything to the nuit, and this power, the magic which is called Alchemy is how he would ensure himself a page on the history of mizahar. No, he would not be forgotten as some half-witted, sloppy alchemist. He would be renowned as the next Rupert Pycon, greater than Pycon ever was or ever could hope to be! He would change the very world with his art, and craft it in his image. He was clutching at a power which he could control, and with this magic he would make the best out of it.
Faster and faster still the djed surged around the circle. It needed more speed, more power, more permanence. By sheer force of will he found himself controlling this ring with effort and concentration. The many times he has done this has made the practice and art form, and the nuit an artist. For there can be no art without an artist, that would be just absurd. He was an artist, and his canvas was reality! His art will make people rethink what is possible and what is not.
Further still he concentrated, a look of effort torn upon the immortals face as the energies were now swirling around the circle at appalling speeds. The faint crackle of djed could be heard as the ring glowed with visible power. The creative and positive energies he wielded flowed without any resistance from the negative influences of the filters. Unrestrained and unrestricted the djed passed through the keystone, now a constant stream, giving the alchemist himself a feeling, a charged feeling as through his connection with the circle he could feel the energy, become it, and command it. It was reaching its peak though, and so, without further to do or will, the alchemist broke his connection with the keystone, at that very moment, at the very last moment, willing all the energy at the bar of steel in the center.
The resulting flash of light soon faded as the steel was made more cloth-like. The alchemist approached the once steel bar and picked it up, going over to the water he dropped it in. With a sploosh the bar sank to the bottom. Though he noticed that it had grown slightly softer. The fabric effect of the steel was beginning to show. To be sure, though, there would need to be more and more doors opened further purifying and cementing the properties into the item. Reaching into the pool the nuit grabbed the product and walked back to the center of the circle. Placing it there, he turned and started to load the circle again. Four scarves were placed, and they were on their second door. Four more scarves, more and more time passing… things were turning out alright.
Going back to the keystone the alchemist placed his hand firmly on the stone itself. Immediately he felt the connection, a jolt of energy, a sigh of power awakened within him. It was this feeling that he lived for. Now to accelerate it and make it even more pleasurable, and as if on cue the djed began to move around the circle, the slow trickle of energy tickling the alchemists hand as he concentrated. Going inward he solely concentrated on the force which he was exerting on the djed. He felt it tug and move and pull off of the items as bits floated away joining the mainstream of the circle. Bit by bit the djed detached as the current got stronger and stronger, the energy willed to go faster and faster and faster still. A torrent was brewing inside the alchemist, and that is what would be reflected onto the circle. His very thoughts affects the circle, his very existence was key to this, his very power given the proper time was absolute.
Unhurried he continued the process urging and almost communicating with the circle to go faster, faster, just a little faster. Every chime that passed it heeded to the alchemists will, reality bending towards him like he was some king. A king indeed he was here in the circle, a king indeed with limited control over reality, and a kind king, one that advanced the world through the workings of the world’s energies. Through awakening the world’s power, he gained personal power himself. Using that personal power he could shape the world however he wishes. It was almost too good to be true. Isn’t there a saying about that?
The djed had accelerated towards its peak. The alchemist was having trouble keeping control over the energies and that was when he knew that it was time to let it all go, to end this and open the door. All he had to do was kick the door open through the bombardment of energy to initiate the change of the substance in the middle. With one last piercing thought the alchemist threw himself away from the center commanding the djed to explode inward, it was much like an army advancing around a city they had laid under siege storming it all at once with a last coordinated attack to overwhelm the foe. Again the flash of light was produced, and again the door was opened. The second door had been opened. Two more doors and this would be complete. He was already half way done with making the two components for just one steelcloth cloak. This was a time consuming process indeed. He half wondered if, in the future, he could improve upon this process. It was likely. Highly likely indeed.
Picking up the product he dunked it in the water, allowing it to actually soak into the ‘steel bar’. It was amazing to watch the change of an object due to multiple rounds in the alchemical circle. It was getting more and more cloth-like by each door. More and more of clothes properties were forced onto the steel bar, overriding and bypassing, changing the steels primary djed and creating something unique indeed. ”Wrenmae, please load the circle again. Once more, be careful to do it properly.” he said taking the steel bar out of the water. Squeezing it in his hand water came dripping out. Now it was much akin to a giant sponge. He found it odd, but interesting at the same time.
Circle loaded he placed the product in the middle again and readied himself for another round of alchemy. The transmutations can get tiring and very taxing on the mind. Even on the nuits who don’t get physically tired, there was such thing as mental fatigue. He couldn’t fall prey to that just yet. No. he would not allow himself. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he once again kneeled to the keystone and pressed his hand against the alter of power.
Feeling the connection he began the process over again, willing the djed around the circle, stripping the vital substance off of the scarfs in the charger slots. He found it humorous that he would do this yet again. Why wouldn’t he? The material hadn’t got to the ‘proper’ state yet. It was all about advancing. Advancement happened through change, and through will. Did that not say something about Alchemy and Change itself? To change something, anything, one must first will it. Willing change and then you add energy to it, the djed circling around the circle. Though alchemy we can learn the basic truths and gain the power to change any situation, circle or not because, believe it or not, humans, and all other things capable of intelligent thought already have the power to change anything within them. Their blood, their life, their very existence is what gives them this power, this right to interact and change, evolve, grow, learn, progress! It was something deep and inherit within all living beings. It wasn’t something magical like Alchemy, it was a subtle force, but one to be respected nonetheless.
Faster and faster the djed swirled around the circle, the hum of power was evident to anyone near. The air tickled with tangible power as the alchemist worked. The great amounts of radiation already present, coming off of the circle, could not be controlled as they projected every which way. Though such exposure to djed-radiation was an occupational hazard of anyone who practices Alchemy, it was a fate that he had long since accepted, but kept silent about to Wrenmae. For if he did the cloaks right, and he most likely would he was a careful alchemist after all, there would hardly be a worry in the world about it. Things done right and with patience held very little threat to the user’s health.
Having accelerated to the point where the djed was visible, going around the circle many times a second, the alchemist deemed it fast enough as he let go of the stream. Backing off of the circle he willed it to the center. The dreary and no longer too dramatic flash of light was expected as the third door was open. Grabbing the material he threw it into the water once more, once again telling the man who kept him company to load the circle. It was nice not having to waste time loading the circle, and the nuit sort of enjoyed not having to do it. Such practices, or to get used to it though, was frowned upon. He knew that the man was only with him because he hoped to gain his alchemical knowledge. Once the guy had got enough he would fly away, taking away with him some half hazard knowledge of the art. Ray scuffed at that. Humans…
Wringing out the bar of steelWow that is so weird to write. the alchemist placed it in the center. The third door had been opened, and this would be the last door to complete the two chargers that he had been waiting for. The anticipation was growing within him and he rubbed his hands together, ”I hope you are watching and taking away something from this.” he nuit let an idol thought translate to words as he approached the keystone again. It wasn’t that Ray did not like the mans help, just his presence was going to take a bit to get used to. He hasn’t taught alchemy in some time. A couple centuries at least. He was a bit rusty, not that he cared, just he didn’t want the man to go around telling people who he learned alchemy from if he was going to be an idiot about it. He hadn’t quite pegged this one yet.
Placing his hand on the keystone the connection was revived. The nuit felt the power return to him, and with it the ability to excite change. It was an awesome power, but also one that needed to be carefully monitored, carefully thought out, and carefully executed. Many possibilities could manifest itself once the door is opened, and the alchemist only has limited control as to what happens based on the key they forge out of energy with the chargers, and the type of door they were seeking to open. The smart alchemist would write out every detail of the experiment before preforming it. It was both a way to concentrate and further meditate on the idea itself, the goals, and the possible outcomes. Not the mention the creation of the perfect chargers.
The djed was sluggish when the nuit commanded it. There was no resistance from the other chargers, the filters, but only the resistance of the circle itself. It was made of imperfect material, and so djed flow was always taxed. The energy could still move, yes, but there a nagging at the back of the alchemists mind that it could be better, and in fact there were much better circles in the prevalterrian era. Of that there was no doubt. More and more he willed the djed, like some scared animal coming out of hiding the djed slowly peeked out and moved closer and closer. He needed it to come already so he could focus on accelerating it, not just ripping it from the objects. The process took some deal of thought and concentration. Though, being as skilled as he is, Rayage made it look easy. Though looks can be deceiving! In magic, even if the wizard happens to make it look as easy as breathing, there is always this complex relationship between the mage and the djed. Even in world magic this relationship was complex. It took some deal of thought to even get it moving, just practice made it easier. He still had to will it and control it, perhaps the most taxing part of the art!
Faster it moved as the nuit urged it. Faster it ran in circles collecting speed and momentum. Faster it shot ran by thought. Faster and faster still the nuit willed it. Faster it went, following the alchemists unspoken commands. Change was like that, a silent force. Subtle, but blatant It was this walking contradiction which was responsible for the transformation of the world! He smiled as he felt the djed cascade around the circle, it was getting to that point where he would have to release it again.
Feeling that it was time after a couple more chimes and willing it even faster the alchemist willed it to the center forfeiting his connection to the alchemy circle by backing away, taking his hand off the keystone. A flash of light emitted from the reaction as he backed away. This was the forth and final door that needed to be open. Now there was only about two more steps before one steel cloth cloak would be complete. What a day! Then they would have to repeat the process four more times to get their collection of five. It was going to be a long time doing alchemy. He hoped that Wrenmae was prepared for this all-nighter.
Placing the product into the water, he instructed Wrenmae to place the product he had set aside, the steel cloth, into the center of the circle. When the alchemist was pleased with the amount of time the second product had been in the water he took it out and tried to get all the water out of it by wringing it out. Nonetheless there wasn’t time to let it all dry. So he placed it in the fount charger slot, and then placed some water in the filter. It sort of soaked into the earth, but the water was still present in a small puddle.
With the circle prepared the nuit once again activated the keystone by placing his wounded limb upon it. It could be named that for many reasons, but Ray liked to think of it as the ‘key’ to which opens the doors of understanding and alchemy. Yes, it was a key alright, and for Rayage it has unlocked many doors revealing the truth as much as the countless emotion of disappointment. His experiments were hard, his experiments were not for the weak of mind or heart. His experiments are what set him apart from other alchemists. It was this that his sense of pride came from. He was different, knowledgeable, but more importantly he was a master in his field, powerful. His knowledge of alchemy was astounding, rivaling even the great Rupert Pycon, or so he hoped or so he aimed, or so he dreamed.
Setting the energy into motion he felt almost no strain on his mind. It was as if he was snapping a twig under his foot, it was easy because it was only one object. There was hardly any resistance, hardly anything at all. The lack of energy surprised him, but it also allowed him far more control, and allowed him to gain speed much faster from when the circle was full. It was like cutting into cake, that was how easy it was. Smiling as he thought this the energy surged through the circle uninhibited and uncontrolled by anything but the Alchemists thoughts.
The energy moved faster and faster under his sharp command. More and more speed it gained until it was its peak. The nuit grinned loving the feeling and how ‘effortless’ this was. It made him feel even more alive, even more powerful as the circles energy bended to his will. Speed plateauing he lost his connecting with the circle binding the energies to the center as he stumbled backwards. The combination would give birth to something extraordinary, the charger which he spent nine doors creating. The base for the steel cloth. He smiled at the success as he went over and tossed it into the water, letting the water disperse any remaining djed radiation upon it. That was waters purpose after all in Alchemy, completing the reaction by cementing it into being and making it far less dangerous.
”Now, are you ready to see the fruits of our labor?” he asked, instructing the man on how to properly load the circle and what to place where. Cloak in the center as the target, the dark blue ink as in as a fount charger, the newly alchemized material as a fount charger, and water as the filter the circle was loaded and complete. Rayage clapped his hands together in an act of job as he walked over to the keystone to activate the final door to completing the steel cloth cloak.
Wasting no time he placed his hand onto the keystone. Wasting no time he willed the energies into movement. Wasting no time he wanted to get this done, but again a warning resounded in his mind. Patience. The one word stopped him from acting too hastily. Patience was needed else sloppy work would be produced. Rayage would be dismayed if ‘sloppy’ was attached to any of his alchemical works. It would be unacceptable, especially at this level. There was so much going on within the circle that a sharp mind was needed to keep track and control it all. Slowly, or at least not as fast as he would like, the energy spanned the circle, going around it, being guided by the lines.
Forcing himself to slow down the alchemist spent a little more time on this transmutation than most others. He wanted to get it right, he wanted the energy to flow smoothly, he wanted everything to be great. He was, after all, partly showing off his skill to the man. He could not afford to make a mistake. No, not here. Not right now. Not in front of him. He needed to hold up his infallible guise. So, the djed flowed, and with careful guidance and concentration from the alchemist it moved. It moved and with it activated the powers of change. Opening doors was just one aspect of alchemy, the real fun of it was finding out what exactly lie on the other side. It was something fun to play around with. Ray had amused himself endlessly with the art. Never once had it grew old or boring, but he realized that his knowledge and skill was getting greater and greater just by doing what he loved to do. He had a mission, and he had to complete it.
The djed wavered for a second, and the moment that it was going out of control the alchemist almost groaned trying to get it under control. His mind offered resistance, trying to slow it down if just a little bit. He struggled against the sheer force of the djed, like standing against the oceans waves, but he stood his ground. Soon enough it was slowed that he could control it fully again. Speeding it up again, he tried to get it just to the point where he could just control it, for his experiments and experience had equated faster djed speeds to better and longer half-lives. Reaching its peak, the alchemist severed his connection using the last bit of time to will it to the center to bombard the cloak with changing power. The very fabric of the cloaks identity would be changed, all in the small amount of light that emitted from the object. It was complete. The steel cloth cloak.
Dark blue hue shined with a metallic sheen in the firelight as Rayage picked up the cloak in his hands. It was slightly heavier than a normal cloak, but that is to be expected with metal-like fabric. It was also cool to the touch but still folded like fabric. His hand traced it as he brought it up to show the man, ”Behold.” he said, handing it to Wrenmae, ”Please take it and let it soak in the water.” he commanded. This was to finish the process. One steel cloth cloak was made, four more to go. They were going to be up all night.
