The Tragedy of Arcanus

     What is magic? asked the old man prior to another one of his long-winded lectures.
     The three students chimed, Magic is the act of affecting the physical world through effort of willpower.
     Correct; on a rudimentary level. Have you read The Upper Planes as I instructed?
     One student, a rather ill-mannered red-headed boy, turned toward his peers with a look of disdain.
     I have, of course. But those two were out goofing off again! he said, pointing indignantly.
     The boy smiled while the girl turned to hide her blushing.
     You make it sound like we were doing something... delinquent.
     The elderly man stroked his beard and remained silent.
     Give it up, Kobra. You would rather goof off playing pranks on townsfolk with her following at your heels than study. You're not cut out to be a wizard! said the energetic boy.
     I suppose your idea of wizardry involves necromancy and being reclusive. Eh, Henry?
     It's Henry Norken to you; why don't you tell our master what you did to that sword of yours? said Henry, pointing towards the katana at Kobra's side.
     What business is it of yours, Henry? piped up the half-elf girl.
     Kobra grinned, and turned to their master. To quell your curiosity, sir, I enchanted the blade to change to a sharper, deadlier weapon on command.
     The old man remained vigilantly silent, merely observing their informative quarreling.
     Aha! The use of magic on weaponry by a student is strictly-
     The old man raised his hand, stopping Henry mid-sentence.
     I have heard enough, thank you. It is obvious that you two have not studied.
     The old man peered into their eyes, each in turn.
     I can't say I'm pleased with your actions or your negligence, but I must applaud you for a successful application of magic.
     Henry's eyes widened.
     But, sir, what about the regulations?
     The old man snapped his fingers and his walking cane grew into a large black staff.
     Regulations exist for safety reasons. Kobra is unharmed and has never once turned his blade upon a living being.
     B-But-
     No buts. Now; since you have neglected your studies, I am burdened with the task of explaining this concept to you.
     Kobra drew a blank scroll from his rucksack and began making strange marks on it.
     Keep in mind-- Kobra, Felice, Henry-- that this information is all theoretical and has yet to be proven. It is only a theory, albeit a useful one.

     Felice beamed brightly as she met Kobra the following morning. Her blond hair waived in the slight breeze, revealing her pointed ears accented artistically by her deep blue eyes.
     Good morning. Have you seen Henry today? she asked.
     No. I'm trying to avoid him, remember?
     Felice blinked. Since when was he "avoiding" Henry? Did something happen?
     Er, no... care to explain?
     Kobra glanced at the statue in the courtyard. Arcanus, the magic city and secondary capital of Chymerland, was founded not just by wizards; sorcerers, wizards, bards, and battlemages all contributed. Henry is quick to forget this, and Kobra was quick to remind him.
     Kobra explained, He runs his mouth. A lot. And I'd rather not fight with him again.
     Oh, I know that. I just thought something else happened since yesterday.
     Nothing major. said Kobra with a grin.

     The instructor's words from the previous day were fresh in Kobra's mind, so Kobra hoped to make use of them.
     Other planes, huh? he said with a laugh.
     You'd almost have to be mental to think such a thing.
     The old man smiled. There is evidence of such places, even if we cannot physically travel there.
     Kobra smiled as he drew out his katana.
     His instructor had lectured about the other planes and their importance to magic. In particular, the Mental Plane.
     Kobra held the elegant weapon in both hands and said, Evsoel. The tip of the blade immediately protruded to form a triangular convex. From the outward tip of the triangle, a drop of water condensed.
     Kobra raised the sword into the air and focused his mind; trying to tune his mind into another plane.
     Immediately, Kobra felt as though he was covered in a thick fog of static electricity. His hair stood on end and his sword began to pulsate with an invisible energy.
     Down went the blade and a stream of water protruded from the arc of the slash, raining upon the soft earth with incredible force. From where the water struck the earth, the meager grass began to grow thick at preternatural speed.
     I did it. I managed to connect to the plane of water. said Kobra out loud.
     A laugh erupted from far behind him.

Contact me: kobrasrealm@gmail.com

Want more? Go back to the Kobra Compendium index.