Master Of None

By the time that Walker and Gil and returned from the other ships, they felt like they had been put through the wringer. It was a rough job channeling the wind elemental mana constantly for others. They had not done much when it came to carving runes. However, saying that they had learned nothing, would be a blunt lie.

The wind rune carvers had been able to show them the patterns they used. This had gone in to in depth conversation that the two had been glad to hear. Neither had seen or heard much about the specific origin runes since they were a tough topic to research.

The origin runes for wind had been just the same, hard to understand. Where there was normally a simple wind pattern that represented a wind rune, there were more details that couldn't be seen by the eye.

The origin runes would have branching swirls carved for the mana to pass through. These small carvings represented even the tiniest of breezes and the fact that wind was always around even if it was not able to be felt. The idea was what the rune masters had been able to take from the origin wind runes found. Adding this to the runes they had used for years made their altered runes to become double effective. A massive break through for the entire study of wind elemental runes.

Things didn't stop there though, the efficiency that the runes and also increased. It made most current runes obsolete, they still worked well though. Yet, the third rune that had been thrown in to the mix were the draconic runes. The runes that the dragons had made as their own through many years. The runes that were not perfectly linked to elemental mana but helped the dragons improve using mixes of elemental mana.

What Gil and Walker had heard was that the draconic runes were not as pure as a dragon's elemental affinity. The runes were made to improve strength or certain aspects of what they were used on. Some even improved an area's ability to bring mana around it.

The meaning behind this was that the runes the dragons used unknowingly mixed elemental mana. Therefore, they were able to be used in the terms of research toward natural mana and used to influence all other runes.

By taking the parts of the draconic runes that helped their goals, the wind rune carvers had advanced further. This created a draconic semi- origin rune that was strong and had multiple facets, including the ability to better work with other runes of other elemental manas.

Furthermore, there was the potential to work with runes that were not inherently about mana. Runes that would help people replenish their body's mana or runes used to create storage rooms. Even runes that were made to create unique seals that would normally only be produced with certain skills were possible. The world of rune carving was in turmoil.

This was a lot like how Remey and the old master alchemist had upturned the world with the affinity potion. Tris had already gathered some of her elven friends that worked in other professions such as rune carving to bring affinity potions, rune carving, and magic together. The three would be a combination well above what some people could even dream of.

Naturally, these thoughts muddled in Gil and Walker's minds. They had been able to learn so much at once that they would have to spend a decent few hours to absorb this knowledge. But they had also learned more about cooperative and fine control of wind.

The fine control came naturally to Walker since he had the ability to manipulate all elemental mana and natural mana. This was like opening his eyes a little wider. It was the very same as training any muscle in the body. The more he had channeled the wind the more efficient he had become in a short period of time.

There was a difference for Gil though. In terms of manipulating wind, he had to have Zephyr's assistance. He was an arcane archer, not a mage of any sort. But he had a unique privilege when it came to wind. He was the avatar of the grand elemental wind spirit. Something that put him above anyone else with even the highest wind elemental affinity.

Thus, when Gil had started to use the same skills to manipulate with under Zephyr's guidance, he had found that it came naturally. Instead of struggling, he had felt the changes in his body and flow of mind. That made Zephyr able to better control wind as well. The two worked together and therefore became closer. The next time that Gil would use the skills that came with the avatar of wind title, he would be much more proficient with them.

The best part was, that Gil felt he would be able to use archery better. So far, he had relied on his skills to make arrows that helped him bring out his skills and lately, his closeness to the wind. He was able to wrap the arrows in wind since he used his skills, relationship with Zephyr, and ability to manipulate wind to move inside an arrow. But with the newer understanding, he could tell that he would be able to better mold wind in to arrows and even more easily make arrows out of pure wind as one of his last resorts. His final trump card had become stronger and more usable.

"Dragon incoming!" The shouts echoed to every ship and soon there was a gust of wind that made everyone hold on tightly. Four unfortunate souls were knocked overboard and had to climb back aboard the ship but there was no harm. The reason for this was that a familiar dragon was landing on the deck and changing in to her dragonkin form.

"I sensed that some interesting things were happening so I came a little ahead."

"Ventus, we should have known you would sense all that. Gil and I were working on some alterations to the runes of the ship. The wind rune carvers used the wind elemental mana was brought in to help adjust the runes. Zephyr and Fleur also helped so I'm sure that made it easier for you to sense as well." Walker was tired but he was actually very happy to see Ventus.

When it came to dragons, Ventus put her children and their growth forefront over everything. He believed that out of all the dragons, Ventus was the most transparent with what she cared about. Mordant was curious and enjoyed delving in to secrets, Current went with the flow while remaining calm and collected, Rise was traditional and built by her past deeds. Putting Ignus on the spot would bring a fiery heat of emotions, and Terron was stubborn and solid like the ground. They all embodied their wills and elemental affinities well. But Ventus had stood out to Walker. He too valued family.

"That would make sense. I had to leave the ship I left with for some time. I was very surprised when I sensed a lot of mana as soon as I had returned and neared the ship again." This made Walker furrow his brows in confusion.

"Why did you have to leave? Was everything alright?" If something had happened, he would have to alter the plans or potentially even leave. Catching up again would be much harder.

"My children were confronting a few demons that did not agree with the changes and restructuring of their society. Some seem to still want to rule with force instead of standing united with equal power. They had to learn a lesson and my children did as well. Now they will understand how to deal with those that only care for causing violence and pain. I learned a little about the human terms of imprisonment."

"Oh…" Walker was sure that the dragons did not imprison each other when rules were broken. Yes, there would be punishments, but not the same ways that humans had. Yet, hearing that Zephyr went with human terms for punishment meant that she had taught a decent lesson that would rehabilitate those causing trouble. It was a sign that Ventus held respect for human society as well.

"I'm glad that things worked out well. If you hadn't done anything I'm sure it wouldn't have gone as smoothly." The compliment was also out of respect. Walker knew he didn't have to say anything but he did because it was only fair. Respect paid back with respect.

"The real question is, what will happen when the last two ships get here? Will they be altered then we leave?" Ventus clearly had some excitement. Behind her calm breezy personality hid a violent and powerful dragon. A force of nature.

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