《Divine Sparks》


 Death of Prometheus

    DIVINE SPARKS


    Book 1


    Christopher Hankins


    Divine Sparks


    PROLOGUE


    Blood splattered the wall as the soldier groaned in agony his face twisted in disbelief.


    An old unkempt man with long grey hair that looked like it hadn¡¯t been washed in years. His red eyes with thin pupils almost similar to a snake. His mouth twisted in a malicious grin madness showing in his expression.


    ¡°Are you mad¡± another soldier screamed his face showed the despair in his heart. The old man grinned his eyes almost sparkled as he looked at carnage caused by his own hands almost like a child after scribbling on a paper thinking it art.


    While still smiling he replied ¡°Oh most definitely it wouldn¡¯t be any fun otherwise.¡±


    Another soldier lost his life in a pointless battle against a beast in human skin. Gazing at the Battlefield over 20,000 soldiers all after him. He smirked continuing to massacre anybody who was brainless enough to throw themselves in his direction.


    His weapon a large halberd as taller than himself averaging around six feet. ¡° Prometheus.¡± A gentle voice called from behind him. ¡° Lash.¡± Prometheus replied. A frown marred her beautiful face. Lash was a Goddess a being capable of using Divine Energy.


    Prometheus himself was an heir a descendant of demigod a son of a true God. At the beginning there was Chaos. Chaos took form and became order bringing about Divine Energy. Condensed Energy gave birth to Immortals such as Gods, Devils, and Celestials.


    After the universe was formed from the dregs of Energy beings such as humans and animals formed. As a heir he expected to serve as soldier for the Gods following their every whim. Many of the Gods suppressed humans using them as playthings.


    Prometheus took a liking to humans and their ability to adapt. Prometheus threw himself into research studying anything that caught his fancy.


    Taking pity on humans he taught them to read and write as well as the uses of fire but most importantly he taught them magic. Naturally it wasn¡¯t Divine Energy but the same Energy their body were created from.


    Every living has a strand of Chaos. Gods at their core were a fist sized amount of Chaos strands forming Divine Cores. These cores took the forms of different things depending upon their souls and bodies. In Prometheus research he found what he called Divine Sparks. These sparks were the bases of life everything had one. If a heir was to be able to grow their spark they had a chance to become a true God by absorbing Chaos Energy and forming their own Divine Core.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    When the Gods found out he was treated as a heretic and traitor to his race. Lash the only woman Prometheus ever fell in love with. Eventually he managed to get her to accept his courting. Even thought about abandoning his research and settling down but she had betrayed him. He had found her secretly meeting Zeus.


    Prometheus snarled that damn asshole. He swore over half the heirs in the world were probably his. She had tried to apologize be he had ignored her. Her excuse was that they had been in love before but separated temporarily.


    What the fuck does that even mean. Why hadn¡¯t she explained earlier when he¡¯d asked her out ? Hell that asshole Zeus is married for God''s sake.


    After he¡¯d been branded a traitor he used his Divine Spark to devour others. He might have been able to eventually form his own Divine Core but negative influence of the Divine Sparks of all of his conquest slowly started to drive him mad.


    He was forcibly assimilating their Divine Sparks along with over a 900,000 years of memories he was still part mortal after all. Suddenly he felt a pain in his chest he looked down a sword pierced his heart.


    ¡°You bitch.¡± he said angrily to Lash. It was Zeus''s dog Athena. While he¡¯d been distracted by Lash that mutt stabbed him. He could feel his strength waning his eyes widened. Poison he quickly deduced.


    Lash seemed shocked. ¡°No I didn¡¯t know!¡± she replied quickly. He didn¡¯t believe how else could his location had been found so fast. As Athena removed her blade his body slumped to the ground. Athena scoffed. ¡°A fitting death for a traitor.¡±


    He immediately knew he was dying but refused to let his life¡¯s work be in vain. He fused and ignited all of his Divine Sparks burning his own life force. The sky shattered as space broke the area in-between universes opened.


    A storm that could tear apart Gods rage inside the hole. He cackled madly has both Goddesses quickly retreated far away. ¡°If I survive I will return to take my revenge and kill that shithead Zeus !¡±. He jumped and gaping tear closed behind him.


    He could immediately feel his body be annihilated his soul and the last fragment of his Divine Spark be thrown around like a lifeboat in a hurricane. Suddenly the world went black.


    Far away dying was an extremely chubby boy. A car quickly streaked away from the scene. A gap appeared in the air a bright orb flew out towards the boy growing dimmer fast it immediately entered the boy.


    The injured soul of Prometheus and the boy fought for dominance as they fused together. The eyes closed when they opened they were like the eyes of a snake only a crimson red.


    He observed his surroundings confused. ¡°I am Prometheus.¡± He declared. ¡°Wait that¡¯s not quite right.¡± He muttered. His face turned into a slight smirk. ¡°We are Prometheus. I am Hadrian.¡± He chucked. ¡°Looks like I had the last laugh after all.¡± He knew that if Zeus caught his soul he would be tortured for eternity.


    ¡°Seems like I ended up in the lower realms how delightful.¡± He once again muttered while smiling.

 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Hadrian Stone was having the strangest day he had ever had in his life. After waking up in the middle of the road after being clipped by a car he was apparently totally fine. After being checked into the nearest hospital it was discovered his body internal magic had awakened.


    The doctors were stumped as to how this had happened because a mage was either awakened by another or an artifact. Since then his body had been strengthening itself.


    He had slimmed down and put on a decent amount of muscle his body had consumed the fat on his frame to heal itself. After admiring himself self in his mirror he admitted he looked quite decent. His jet black hair slipped straight back with two bangs framing his face and dark green eyes as well as a slight smirk on his face he looked like your typical bad boys fathers hated.


    What Hadrian worried about were the strange visions he had been getting. Memories from a man named Prometheus. He taken time to sort through them assimilating them all. The visions were shattered fragments of memories from the consumed Divine Sparks. After fusing with him there were no differences between Prometheus and himself


    . He had been trying to make sense of the fragments since he had woken up earlier. His sanity had thankfully been returned after the fusion and he was slowly being able to devour the fragments since they only pieces without a owner. He then decided to plan his next steps.


    He had currently just turned fifteen so he decided to apply for magic school as most magically inclined people would. These schools did not only include humans but in fact half of the student body were magical creatures such as Werewolves or vampires.


    He decided to purchase research materials like science textbooks and such. He had problem. He was flat broke. The moths probably died from starvation. His parents had always doted on his older brother a successful lawyer. His parents were usually at work so he barely saw them anymore. He racked his brain for ideas for about half an hour before face palming.


    He was powerful mage damn it. He put on his coat and headed out to an abandoned neighborhood a short distance away. The neighborhood was supposed to be torn down an replaced with apartments but the company eventually decided it wasn¡¯t worth price. He could make it own hideout after putting a few bounded fields around it. It should stop any curious people in case one of his experiments went FUBAR. In other words he could buy the place once he earned some cash.


    He entered an old workshop and looked around with a little work it should serve his needs. He then walked over to the middle of the room and sat down with his legs crossed. He concentrated inwards towards his own Divine Spark. Prometheus and Hadrian''s Sparks had fused together completely. Divine Sparks were the essence of life it could be said Prometheus and Hadrian were always one their very existence one.


    Using his Spark he manipulated his own magic testing it and getting a good feel for it. Hadrian having no magical lineage was decently powerful surprisingly enough. It was probably Prometheus effect on him. After a bit started laying down his foundation for his bounded fields.


    Bounded fields were essentially barriers with different effects depending upon their creation. He the latest down one for concealing any magical fluctuations as well as for rejecting intruders and one more for reflecting attacks. The fields were only temporary until he fix them to a nearby magic vein that ran through the area. Done with for now he focused on absorbing energy from his surroundings to refill his reserves powerful bounded fields were draining unless you quite a powerful mage.


    After doing so he went outside and collected several stepping stones nearby. He concentrated energy to a point at the tip of his finger and began to carve an alchemy array.


    Done he set it on the workbench. He then searched around for decent sized pieces of glass. Throwing them in the array he activated it controlling the glass at a molecular level he formed into tiny marble sized balls. Next he transformed each marble into several gems. Picking one up satisfied he shoved all but one into his pocket setting one off to the side. Gems being conductive to energy were useful in some types of magic. Taking some metal scraps he then created a knife embedding the gem in the hilt. He continued to construct a small bounded field to absorb ambient energy an store it. He carved several runes onto the gem then anchored the field to gem allowing it to store the energy inside the gem. After making a sheath and strap he fitted to his waist his coat hiding the blade.


    The blade was also capable of acting as crude magical focus he finally had a decent weapon not nearly as good as his halberd but carrying the that in public would probably scare the crap out of some people. He then sat back down in the middle of the room he then created another bounded field but anchored it to himself instead.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Next he focused on his soul and Spark fusing the field to the two. The reason for this was create his own domain or world he could reflect his soul plane on to. A domain usually was only used by powerful mages or beings it allowed them to manifest their own territory where their own magic would be strengthened many times over.


    What Hadrian was doing was making a false domain rather than creating an area on the same plane of existence he actually manifesting his own soul creating his own miniature world. In this world he was a God of his own. After gaining enough energy he would be able to bring it into the real world bringing enemies inside trapping them where his word is law. As a human his reserves of energy were much lower. His world was currently about 10x10 feet . He then had an idea an tossed the extra stepping stones, gem and his knife into the space.


    Next he practiced summoning objects in and out as well as equipping his knife directly in to his hand. It went surprisingly well. Taking one of the gems he gestured towards transmuting them into several tiny pieces small enough to sell without anyone being suspicious.


    Patting his jeans he stood up and walked out his new workshop. He headed towards the nearest jewelers. After about twenty minutes of walking he reached it. He looked up and read the sign. ¡°Mr. Mines Jewels¡± it read. The door chimed as he opened it alerting the old man at the counter. The man gave him a funny look as he approached the counter most likely due to his young age.


    ¡°Do you need something young man¡± asked the man. Hadrian internally laughed he was anything but young at least mentally. Humans used to mistake him for the original Prometheus his ancestor he was named after. Even his deeds such as teaching humans magic the credit went to ancestor and didn¡¯t really care enough to correct them.


    Hadrian kept his expression so flat he could probably define the word pokerface. ¡°I have a few unneeded gems I would like to sell.¡± The old man once again gave him a strange look. ¡° May I see them? ¡° the old man queried. He probably was suspicious of the origin of the said gems. Hadrian gestured towards the counter summoning several of smaller gems on top of it.


    The old man eyes widened. ¡°I hope you wouldn¡¯t mind appraising these for.¡± Hadrian kept his tone dull and flat. ¡°Of course not milord. It will only be a moment so if you would please take a seat I will be return shortly.¡± Hadrian raised an eyebrow. Seems like mages a respected in the lower realms he used to being feared or hated by Gods and heirs and occasionally worshiped by humans. Oh well it was a pleasant change he mused.


    He walked over to the nearest seat and sat down while the old man scurried into a back room somewhere. Half an hour later Hadrian walked out with quite an amount a cash on him. He decided to head to the local bank and open an account it would help keep track of everything in his past life he shoved everything in interdimensional space but he didn¡¯t have enough energy to access it at the moment it was in the realm of the Gods currently.


    After finishing in the bank a couple of hours later he headed towards the local book store. After exiting with near a tenth of the store he left. He had picked out mostly science, biology, math, English, and hell even an array of cooking books.


    He then walked towards tool store after buying a bunch of repair manuals for his workshop he may have been a powerful mage but running electric to a workshop was beyond his current abilities. While he was there he bought a construction generator to run anything he might need such as equipment or such.


    A simple illusion stopped people from asking questions. The reason he hadn¡¯t worn a illusion to the jewelers was because it because it he would probably do business with quite a bit since his resources were currently out of reach. After several illusions, memory spells, and a few illegal transactions he managed to to buy his workshop and the property it was on as well as a few false documents for illusions for the whole minors can¡¯t buy houses issue.


    It¡¯s not as if he was was hormonal teenage boy. Oh wait. By the mother of Zeus he was one. May the God''s damn teenage hormones he muttered bitterly.


    Twenty minutes later he found himself sitting cross-legged in his workshop. Many creatures such as Japanese Yokai practiced Senjutsu the art of controlling nature energy. What Hadrian was doing was similar. He was absorbing sunlight, moonlight would work as well and transforming it into usable energy.


    Ten minutes of fiddling with his internal bounded field and it worked automatically as plus it absorbed ambient man and lower tier offensive spells that were thrown in his direction. Another feature was he was able extend and contract the absorption radius. This would immediately fill his reserves a sustain him during battle. He easily turn off or even focus the absorption feature to absorb higher tier spells.


    While his inner world was absorbing magic he decided to refine his own body. Due to his inner world his soul was fused with even if was killed he could easily transmute a new body. Actually he no longer even needed one but living as a spirit didn¡¯t sound especially appealing. After absorbing enough energy he could leave his and attain Godhood.


    The quickest way was to kill a few Immortals and absorb their Divine Spark. Due to his new inner world the memories would be sorted and assimilated thus keeping his sanity. He was forced to forcibly absorb Sparks to fight his enemies and to temporarily stand on par with Gods. He would ascend eventually so it was no use worrying about it. Killing Gods wasn¡¯t easy anyways.


    Returning to his room and changed his clothes. Laying on his bed he planned his actions for the next day. He decided to take the entrance test for First Magic Academy. The academy itself lay in different plane of existence but powerful mages has placed transport gates around the world.


    Their were 99 academies ranked by number. Thus First Magic Academy was obviously ranked first thus he could have access to an immense amount of research materials. He smiled looking forwards to next day.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Hadrian awoke feeling refreshed he had started refining his body starting with his skin strengthening it and purging the impurities he would continue with his muscles after the entrance test.


    Eventually after refining his entire body he would become the definition of a superhuman. Suddenly Hadrian heard his ring playing one of his favorite pop songs.


    Hadrian blinked in surprise wondering who was. Gesturing towards the dresser the cellphone flew towards him. Catching it he quickly answered. After several minutes he hung up.


    His brother had been working as a lawyer for Snow Inc. Apparently he recently started dating the company head''s daughter. He accidentally mentioned that Hadrian was planning on taking the entrance test for First Magic High.


    Before the merging he would had to take the aptitude test to see if he had any magic potential. He could obviously easily pass it now his body absorbing energy every second of the day. His brother''s girlfriend''s little sister was taking the test in weeks time. He had wanted to know if Hadrian was capable of escorting here there.


    Hadrian frowned not wanting to babysit an annoying rich and spoiled brat. It would improve the the relationship between employee and boss and his had always helped him out so he grudgingly agreed.


    The aptitude test tested for the amount of magic. Magic flow which is how well a person''s body conducts magic. And lastly magic control which test manipulation of magical energies. He decided to spend the next week refining the rest of his body.


    He sat down on his bed after stripping down to his boxers. Controlling his magic he focused towards his muscles. As with his skin he concentrated on his cells letting them soak and assimilate his magic. Old injuries such sprains, pulled muscles, and other muscle related injuries quickly healed. His body relaxed as if after a hard days work he decided to soak in the nearest hot spring. His muscles slowly started to strengthen each of his muscles be stressed and healed repeatedly tempering his entire body.


    The next week he spent all his time refining his muscles, bones, bone marrow, his nervous system, organs, eyes, and even his brain. After completing his body refining he concentrated on interconnecting the magic in each cell allowing his body to work completely in harmony.


    Standing in front of the mirror Hadrian ran an eye over his entire body looking for mistakes. Turning his senses inwards he once again checked for mistakes. Finding none he quickly dressed himself and headed out once more.


    On the road he towards the local mall. Every piece of clothing he had on were his brother''s old things. All of clothing he incinerated decided it really wasn¡¯t worth donating anyways.


    Walking through the stores he checked out the latest fashion while looking for something his own preference. After buying an array of casual clothes mostly in black and grey.


    Next he needed something impressive looking for the entrance test without being arrogant or tacky. Eventually he found a nice black dress shirt black slacks and coat also black with silver fur lining the pockets and hood. After paying he tossed his bags in is inner world an walked towards the electronics store.


    Picking out the nicest and most expensive just because he felt like it. After adding a plan and activating his phone he transferred all his information and immediately conjured a fireball melting his phone into ashes.


    It may have been overkill but Prometheus paranoia had transferred over during the merging. He looked overhead after exiting the mall spotting the rapidly sinking sun, he checked his phone noticing it was getting late. Arriving home once again changing clothes he headed to bed looking forwards to tomorrow¡¯s test.


    The next day after waking up Hadrian changed into his new outfit grabbed his phone and pocketed it. Instead of leaving he crossed his legs and meditated for a few minutes readjusting his body and mindset to his peak condition.


    Finally done he slowly walked to bus stop to Eric Snow''s his brother¡¯s boss''s private villa. Boarding the bus he kept his face flat except for for the small scowl that tugged at his lips.


    Arriving at the back he pulled his hood over his obscuring his face. During the the ride he practiced manipulating his energy outside of his body he closed his syncing his senses into his magic, forming a ball his view shifted into 360 picture around the energy ball. In control of the orb he flew around getting used to the information feed he was getting.


    The orb shot into the sky under his guidance. From a bird¡¯s eye view he quickly spotted the Villa. His vision went dark for a split second while he teleported the orb next to the Villa¡¯s gates. Hovering around the walls scanning the area spotting no traps and only slightly powerful mages as security guards.


    Hadrian would have sneered had he not currently an orb. Oddly enough he did find two magical signatures of about average strength most likely female. He mentally tagged them as Mr. Snows daughters.


    Releasing his hold on the orb he snapped back into his body and opened his eyes scanning the bus. Seeing nothing at of place as his own was the only magic signature on entire bus.


    Keeping aware formed a defensive bounded field that would deflect physical attacks he finally relaxed. Being a paranoid person he hated large groups of people and was particularly a social person either. The bus ride ending he disembarked with a couple of passengers.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Walking for several more minutes he personally arrived in front of the Villa. Approaching the gate he went ahead and pressed the doorbell. He made sure to lower his hood to prevent any misunderstandings.


    After waiting several minutes a butler opened the door and walked towards the gate. The butler gave him a small bow. ¡°Ah you must be young Hadrian Stone, Charles had said you would be here. Please follow me.¡±


    Slightly annoying his expression getting even duller he quietly followed behind. He soon arrived in what looked to be a waiting room. ¡°If you please take a seat I will enlighten Lord Snow of your presence.¡±


    Hadrian sat down without a complaint. Despite be annoyed patience was something he plenty of. After about seven minutes a man whose sheer presence made the atmosphere heavy. With snow white hair neatly combed backwards, perfectly shaped beard, and piercing blue eyes he was quite intimidating unfortunately Hadrian''s past life he had been hunted down by whole armies as well as several Immortals he almost had the urge to snort.


    Their eyes connected piercing blue verse a dull dark green. After several seconds the man spoke.¡± You must be Hadrian Stone. I was informed you were participating in First Magic Academy.¡± First Magic High was separated into three sections. High school , Middle school, and Elementary school. First Magic High is high-school division.


    It was further divided in to factions such as combat, research, enchantment, alchemy, and far more. Hadrian nodded, ¡° Indeed.¡± He replied. Lord Snow nodded ¡° Lately the Phoenix family''s second son has been constantly bugging my daughters for dates and even had the gall to ask me set an arranged marriage for the two of them. Your elder brother Charles is currently dating my eldest daughter thus it wouldn''t be a stretch for you to be involved in some way.¡±


    Hadrian narrowed his eyes. ¡°So basically you want to use me as a shield. Is that right ? Lord Snow raised an eyebrow at Hadrian. ¡° It¡¯s not as if don¡¯t plan to reimburse you for your troubles.¡± Hadrian casually waved his arm. ¡° Money isn''t really something I need.¡± Lord Snow mouth pulled into a grin. ¡° I had heard you awakened your magic not long ago in an accident.¡±


    It was Hadrian''s turn to raise an eyebrow. ¡° You shouldn''t believe everything you read. Do I look like a protagonist in novel ?¡± Hadrian replied while chuckling. Lord Snow nodded.


    ¡°So you are quite an accomplished mage?¡± Lord Snow stroked his chin. ¡° How do you feel about taking a apprentice.¡± Lord Snow asked. ¡° You don¡¯t know me at all.¡± Hadrian countered. ¡°I trust my judgement.¡± Hadrian sighed. ¡° So what¡¯s in for me.¡± ¡° How about free access to my entire library.¡±


    Hadrian blinked. ¡° Library?¡± He was hooked. Lord Snow laughed. ¡° I¡¯m somewhat of a collector.¡± After further conversation he finally agreed. ¡° Now shall I take you to your new student? ¡° Hadrian nodded.


    The both of them exited the Villa through back and continued walking towards the training fields behind the building. Entering an arena Hadrian spotted four other people.


    One of them a beautiful woman with long white hair and light blue eyes. There were two younger girls as well one looked like a younger version of the woman. The youngest girl had short silver hair aqua colored eyes with red oval shaped glasses.


    Hadrian figured these were Lord Snow''s wife and two daughters. The last of the group was man probably around the same age as my brother Hadrian figured.


    With long blonde hair golden eyes and a handsome face he looked quite like a hero from a fairytale. Personally Hadrian thought he looked like some spoiled rich kid from a big family.


    Hadrian narrowed his eyes. So this this is the Phoenix family¡¯s second son he thought. Blaze Phoenix was arrogant incarnated. He was also a known player. He decent with magic and his powerful phoenix bloodline made him one the strongest new students in First Magic High.


    All in all Hadrian was not impressed at all. Hadrian''s expression was so cold it make grown men shivers no one daring to meet his eyes. Oddly enough Lord Snow''s youngest daughter kept taking glances at him while she thought he wasn¡¯t looking a small blush on her cheeks.


    Blaze looked murderous while Hadrian seemed amused. He smirked. Blaze was practically grinding his teeth in rage. ¡°Who is this asshole ?¡± Blaze angrily asked.


    ¡° This is Hadrian Stone , Charles younger brother as well as a powerful mage. He will be in charge of teaching Noel magic.¡±


    Hadrian once again blinked. Apparently Lord Snow must have found out about him transmuting gems as well as being able to us some sort of storage magic. He didn¡¯t bother telling his family about Hadrian.


    ¡° Hadrian this my wife Emilia, my eldest daughter Flora, and finally my youngest daughter Noel.¡± Hadrian glanced at Noel. Seeing him looking at her she blushed even more than she had been earlier.


    Hadrian personally found her adorable. Hadrian bowed and taking Noel''s hand and kissed it. ¡° A pleasure to meet you Lady Noel .¡± Said Noel was more red than an apple. Tilting his head to the side he smirked at Blaze.


    Hadrian had Gods as love rivals Blaze couldn¡¯t compare at all. Blaze glared at Hadrian. ¡°What could a brat like him teach her.¡± Blaze sneered. Hadrian chuckled. ¡°Quite a bit I¡¯d imagine.¡±


    ¡°Now I¡¯d like you and Noel to get to know each other a little better. Noel why don''t you bring Hadrian for a walk around the grounds.¡± Noel froze looking extremely nervous before nodding. ¡°Ah please follow me.¡± She lightly tugged his sleeve. Hadrian followed closely behind her.


    The others bar Blaze returned to the Villa. Hadrian could feel the death glares Blaze was throwing at him. Hadrian being a respectable adult looked over his shoulder stuck his tongue out as well as flipping him the bird. Blaze looked murderous. Hadrian felt happy. He was had always had people trying to kill him it felt nostalgic.


    In a much better mood he and Noel entered the gardens. The gardens consisted of magical flowers charmed to always bloom. While walking through gardens and the rest of the grounds Noel had yet to say a word so Hadrian decided to start the the conversation himself.


    ¡°Now then.¡± Noel stopped and turned to look at him. ¡°Yes?¡± she asked. ¡°I figured getting to know each other is a not quite this silent.¡± Hadrian replied. Noel seemed slightly embarrassed.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She apologized. ¡° It¡¯s fine. Here let¡¯s have a seat.¡± Hadrian summoned his knife and proceeded to transmute a bench from the ground. Noel¡¯s eyes grew wide. Hadrian laughed. ¡°


    Doesn¡¯t your family ever use magic in front of you ?¡± he asked. She shook her head. ¡°Not really their both combat mages but I¡¯ve never seen them .¡± Hadrian nodded. ¡°So let¡¯s introduce ourselves a bit.¡±


    She nodded. ¡° I¡¯m Noel Snow I like reading about just about anything especially magic and hope to become a magic researcher. My favorite colors are blue and green. My favorite food is chocolate.¡± She blushed after mentioning that.


    Hadrian went next. ¡° I¡¯m Hadrian Stone I enjoy studying the most obscure arcane mysteries. I don¡¯t particularly care what happens in the future. My favorite colors are black and red. My favorite food is sesame chicken.¡±


    She nodded her head seemingly memorizing his every word. ¡°Have your tested your magical aptitude yet ?¡± Hadrian asked. She shook her head. ¡°Our testing equipment isn¡¯t as good as any of the schools. We were only able to loosely confirm the amount of magic in my body.¡±


    Hadrian thought about it for a couple of minutes. ¡°Well then how about I teach you something new?¡± Hadrian smirked as her eyes widened.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Hadrian got off the bench and walked to a nearby tree snapping of a suitable branch he walked towards the rock garden and began drawing in the sand.


    Curious Noel walked up behind him and peered over his shoulder. Drawn in the sand was a circle just large enough someone to sit in cross-legged. Right outside the circle on the edges were various symbols which were unknown to Noel.


    Noel cocked her head to side staring at the circle with an very focused expression. "I give I can''t even tell what language a single one of is from." She pouted.


    Amused Hadrian asked "This simplified version of a domain called a bounded field. Their kinda similar to wards but instead having a set purpose like it''s based on an idea."


    Hadrian continued "Their simply raw energy formed into a field that covers a certain area the field acts depending on what I had on mind while making it. The more complicated , larger the size , or an extremely vague idea the more energy is required."


    Noel nodded getting the idea. "A bounded field can be set just about anywhere but this circle here binds it to this spot as well as gathering energy for it to work without having to continue to sustain it. It will continue to unless the energy supply can not sustain it or the circle is destroyed which is easily done in sand. The better the materials for conducting energy the less energy wasted making the field more efficient. It is possible to bind a bounded field to an object or person but unless set up to somehow to gain energy it will deteriorate and collapse upon the depletion of energy."


    "Anyways this specific circle is to measure the energy present inside your body. The symbols will keep all other energies out while the circle with resonate with your own energy giving my a more precise reading.


    If you would please sit inside the circle I''ll start." Quickly nodding Noel sat down inside the circle. Hadrian directed a thread of energy towards a symbol activating the circle.


    The symbols lit up a deep crimson red but quickly flickered changing to beautiful golden glow. The color of Hadrian''s magic was affected by his earlier merging. The golden glow was a sign of the bounded field actively drawing in ambient energy.


    Closing his eyes Hadrian concentrated on the circle. After about a minute or so his eyes opened. "Okay I''m finished." Hadrian mentioned. Noel stood up and walked to his side looking at him curiously.


    Hadrian remembered sensing her energy while on the bus and found it around average the more detailed information showed something similar.


    Immediately Hadrian face palmed. Noel was still an average human and couldn''t be compared to the powerful heirs or Immortals he was familiar with. Hadrian gestured towards the circle returning everything to the way it previously was.


    He nodded thinking it wasn''t bad having an disciple maybe she could help him keep his research straight. Again he felt she was extremely adorable and patted her head. Still nodding he figured this is what Lord Snow felt when he was proud of his daughters.


    Hadrian had wanted children one day but besides his mental state being in terrible condition he had no interest in anything but revenge at that time.


    He would continue mentoring her and made sure her significant other would be up to his standards. Again he forgot about his actual age at this moment. Prometheus soul was damaged during his escape and during the merging Hadrian''s personality remained dominant with Prometheus affecting the direction he mentally grew in.


    Hadrian chuckled he may have the memories of everyone Prometheus had ever devoured but those memories and even Prometheus''s were just that memories. His physical body may be affected by the soul but he was still a highschool student physically.


    He turned to speak to Noel. "You actually do have quite a decent amount of energy on hand you should no problem with at least lower to middle tier spells." Noel smiled.


    He signalled for her to follow him. Walking inside the Villa he led her to one of combat practice rooms. By this time he was capable of sensing large areas around himself without having to resort to scrying spells. Still he had to be in the area he was sensing or at least within close proximity so scrying spells still had their uses.


    Walking towards the middle of the room he stopped. Raising and swiping down he summoned a couple of stepping stones. He had at least got around to using alchemy to change them into the appropriate shape for making tablets he could buy them but he didn''t feel like it.


    He once again gestured summoning several energy threads to the tip of his index finger. Slowly lowering his finger to the tablet he began to carve several runes in chain around a circle. After he finishing he ran his right hand over the tablet checking for problems as you could never be to careful when inscribing runes for energy control.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Carrying the tablet he headed over to Noel setting it on a table he summoned from his inner world he took a step back. "This is simple chain of runes it''s only job is pull on the energy of current holder of the tablet. It should allow to get a feel for your energy after your able to summon at least an thread about the thickness of a spider-web we''ll move onto some actual energy manipulation.


    Noel nervously approached the tablet, a single finger touching it she quickly jerked back. Looking embarrassed she quickly picked it up. She frowned a strange pulling feeling about two inches below the navel. Closing her eyes she attempted to get a better feel on tugging.


    After several minutes she opened her eyes smiling but frowned after thirty seconds or so. "I can feel the energy, it feels like gust warm air flowing around an area the size of a tennis ball but I can''t seem to control it only tug on it slightly."


    Hadrian rolled his eyes. "It took me an entire hour to feel it, you shouldn''t be in such a rush." She went red her eyes darting around slowly lowering her head looking embarrassed towards the ground.


    Hadrian chuckled amused. "Your not expected to be able to manipulate so soon, your body has many pathways with twelve main ones being called meridians by the Chinese. These pathways are usually blocked. Energy users are being which either has gaps in the pathways or have one or two clear. The more pathways open the easier it is to manipulate energy." he replied.


    "How would you be able to find which pathways are unblocked and can you do anything about the blockages?"she asked. "By centering yourself and connecting your senses to your soul you can "feel" with it. This is known as your soul force or mental power. A energy user uses this force to examine their body, investigate their surroundings, and if your skilled enough with your soul force you can create illusions or even read minds."


    Noel seemed shocked. "The magic flow test performed at any Academy test for magic potential by examining the pathways of the one being examined. Blockages can be cleared by to do so without damaging the pathways is as difficult as becoming a Immortal. Each pathways has to be slowly broken through with the users energy as well as waiting waiting for the users energy to recover to start all over again." he mentioned.


    "The amount of time and resources such as magic recovery pills and healing pills for any damage to the body while attempting to break through. There are even rare talented energy users who are at least born with the twelve main pathways unblocked though this extremely rare in any case."


    "Now that you can feel your energy next I''ll teach you how to use soul force so you can examine your pathways. You soul force resides in your head in the area between your eyes known as the third eye is where you should focus. Try imagining your soul breaking through the thin sheet that divides mundane mortals to energy users. If you succeed you''ll be able to extend your soul force."


    Noel once again closed her eyes concentrating with extreme focus. About half an hour later Hadrian felt a weak soul force slowly and awkwardly extend from her body. He smiled inside.


    While not extremely quick it was still quite fast. His own time awakening his soul force was about three minutes. The quickest recorded be forty-five seconds. The average energy users usually spends about an hour so it was still not bad.


    "Try focusing your soul force into threads it should steady it as well as make manipulating it a bit easier." After instructing her a bit more she managed make a single thread move about in several directions.


    "Okay well done. Now that somewhat familiar with that try using your soul force to sense your energy pathways." After pointing out the pathways general locations she managed to find them a few short minutes later. Apparently every single pathways were completely closed.


    Noel seemed shocked as well as close to crying. Passing the entrance test required at least one semi-opened main pathways.


    Massaging his nose he patted her shoulder. "Don''t worry about it I''m familiar in Chinese medicines and alchemy. There are several ways to clear pathways quickly but will be painful. Are you you up to to it?"


    Noel eyes showed determination as she assured him she was. He refrained from mentioning the subject of energy manipulation as well as the pathway clearing solutions were created by him. As well as telling her the recipe was restricted to government and schools. Well whatever it didn''t matter anyways.


    Writing a list of herbs, beast''s blood, and energy crystals. There are certain herbs which absorb different types of energy.


    Several types of beast are also capable of absorbing energy condescending a small bead of energy inside them called beast core allowing them to use energy attacks.


    Energy Stone are stones mined from energy rich lands. Energy users are capable of absorbing energy from these stones to replenish energy.


    Handing the list to the butler who sent several maids to handle purchases. The butler who''s name Hadrian still didn''t know or care to for that matter. An hour later everything he had written was in front of him.


    Refining pills was something he hadn''t done in this life. Matter of fact he had barely used soul force as his soul wasn''t exactly stable enough to do so until several days after the merging.


    Hadrian gestured towards the herbs sending a thin thread of soul force inside he continued examining each one picking the best out of the lot. The blood didn''t particularly matter and the energy stones were of average quality.


    Encasing a herb in soul force Hadrian gestured with his other hand. Release a energy thread of sunlight he had absorbed he summoned a fist sized bundle of flames. Sending another thread of soul force Hadrian manipulated the flames for seconds testing his control over the flames.


    Satisfied Hadrian controlled the flames burning each herb slowly using his soul force to gather the liquid from the herb. After continuing Hadrian finished each herb a many small blobs of liquid floated around his head.


    Opening the blood more blobs were added. Hadrian absorbed the energy stones. He didn''t need them but nobody else knew that.


    Chuckling inside Hadrian refined both the liquid essence and blood removing impurities. After finishing the materials began to circle around him carefully he began to add the ingredients above the flame this time manipulating the flame differently for each herb using soul force to keep the wild energy in the beast blood from acting up.


    Slowly adding everything while keeping everything sealed in soul force as well keeping an eye on the flame Hadrian finally began to condense the pills. With a thump the pills took form. Using a even smaller wisp of flame he began to solidify the outside sealing the energy inside the pills.


    Done he quickly summoned a glass bottle gesturing the pills flew into the bottle he stoppered it then sealed it with a quick spell. Finished he grinned.