The Forsaken Hero

"You mean like this?" Elise asked, her voice filled with hope as she demonstrated two spinning magic circles.

I watched the runes complete a full rotation before shaking my head. "Not quite," I explained. "You’ve managed to cast both a light and healing spell, but there’s no connection between them. Casting two spells at once isn’t the same as an array. It’s just two separate spells completed simultaneously."

She tilted her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. I took a breath and tried explaining it again. It wasn’t the first time I’d shared this concept, but the idea of an array was foreign enough that even a prodigy like Elise struggled to grasp it.

"An array is designed to combine the best aspects of both spells into a single, more potent spell," I clarified. "Simply casting two spells simultaneously creates two separate effects, which spreads your mana thin, making it less effective. Arrays can also change how those effects are distributed, like this."

I waved my hand and cast the array I’d created out of Mist and Gentle Song. The first spell created a thick fog by dispersing water droplets into the air, while the latter was a first-circle healing spell used to make potions. When combined, the healing magic infused the mist, diluting the effect but spreading it further, creating a sensation akin to a refreshing breeze on a hot day.

"Ah, I think I get it!" Elise exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with understanding. Concentration settled on her face as she channeled her mana and began casting again. I smiled slightly as she skipped the chant and directly manipulated her mana, taking advantage of the insights gained from our shared connection to the Oracle of Eternity.

As she wove her two spells together, attempting to create an array, I turned my attention to R’lissea, who was equally focused on the six magic circles slowly rotating around her.

My eyes widened in surprise, my tail twitching. I refrained from interrupting as the spell neared completion. The six circles aligned, forming a single, solid ring, and threads of mana shot out, connecting first to me and then to Elise.

"Nexus," R’lissea declared in a quiet, commanding voice.

A thin, tenuous conduit formed between our souls, binding us to her. Her shoulders slumped slightly as her concentration wavered, and she gave me a tired but hopeful smile, seeking my approval.

"That wasn’t bad," I said with a reassuring nod, "though I don’t think it will last more than a few minutes. Are you sure that was only your second time casting it?"