The Sentient Weapon Program. Such an ambitious project. The Champion continues to amaze with his innovative ideas. We’ve had numerous failures thus far, but his lordship comforts and encourages us in spite of that. He reminds us that every failure only brings us closer to success. And indeed, he is wise to say so. For we are making great strides. This time, I will be proposing we take a page from our enemies, the wicked elves. Before the Great Fragmentation, back during the war, there were several reports of Vindanna’s soldiers having bonded with sprites and Ether Beasts. There are even reports of these creatures casting Arts on behalf of their masters, with both master and servant seemingly “sharing” a Capacity, each intermittently pulling Ether from one another. Though it will be artificial, I believe we can replicate this with the technology the Champion is helping us develop. If not in my lifetime, then in the future.

  -Excerpt from “The Sentient Weapons Program”

  Galen stared, jaw dropped, at the destruction Redian just caused. A massive, scorching crater smoldered not too far from him. It was so hot that the rocks still glowed with molten heat.

  Aleksi stood to the side, whistling in admiration at the destructive power the Sentient Weapon had just unleashed.

  “Whoa! Would you look at that. Despite having been asleep for so long, I still got it!” Redian praised itself in Galen’s mind.

  He was too shocked to respond.

  “Galen? Gaaaaalen. GALEN!” Redian called to him repeatedly to no avail, “huh, I think I broke him. I wonder how that happened? This calls for a flashback!”

  ***

  Twenty minutes earlier, Galen had been walking with Aleksi to one of the larger training grounds located in the back of the castle. He walked with his mentor with a pep in his step, which hadn’t gone unnoticed.

  “You seem chipper today, lad,” Aleksi noted.

  “Of course! You’re finally gonna teach me about Arts,” Galen grinned, “it only took you like…”

  He pretended to check the nonexistent watch on his bare wrist, “Four plus months to finally get around to it!”

  Aleksi rolled his eyes, “You know why we held off on teaching you about Ether. I had already gone over a lot with you, and the subject of Arts is a rather extensive lesson to go through.”

  “Well, we can start going through the explanations now, right?” Galen gestured to their surroundings, “I recall you saying that it’ll take us a bit of time to get to the training grounds.”

  The area they were heading to was one specifically tailored to train with Arts. According to his mentor, this was because many Arts could be rather… destructive.

  Like, KABOOM destructive.

  As he walked, he looked around the large area they were passing by, and added, “Every time I think I’ve finally figured out how big this castle is, I’m quickly proven wrong.”

  Aleksi chuckled, “That’s not surprising. I’ve been stationed here for a few years now, and even I still don’t know every nook and cranny of the place.”

  Galen shook his head in disbelief.

  His tutor cleared his throat and gave him a sideways glance, “Anyway, you make a fair point. So make sure you pay attention as I explain about Arts.”

  He nodded in response, eager to learn.

  “As you recall, one way you can use the Ether within you is by empowering yourself. By using the power this way, you can enhance both your physical and mental abilities. Now-”

  “Ether can enhance your mind too?” Galen interrupted with surprise.

  “Yes,” Aleksi blinked and frowned, “did I not mention that last time?”

  “No… you didn’t.”

  Aleksi blinked again, “Oh… well, now you know!”

  And just like that, his mentor had brushed over his mistaken omission and continued his lecture, “As I was saying, physical and mental empowerment is one way you can use Ether. Another way is through Arts.”

  Aleksi paused for dramatic effect before continuing, “Using Arts is an advanced skill that requires tremendous control over the flow of one’s Ether. The output from one is typically many times greater than what an Etherean can do with basic empowerment. It is also far more flexible in what it can do. In fact, the kinds of Arts you can create is most often only limited by one’s imagination. As a cost, however, it burns far more of what you have stored in your Capacity than empowering the body does.”

  His tutor paused to look at Galen, who was quick to assure him, “Don’t worry. I’m following along so far.”

  The man nodded and continued, “Though the kinds of Arts is typically only limited by the imagination, they usually tend to fall under the same categories. You have Offensive Arts for one. Someone shooting a fireball is an example of that. Then you have Defensive Arts. Summoning a wall of flames to shield yourself is an example. Finally, you have Enchantment Arts. These can be a mix of the previous two, though they mostly refer to imbuing an object with an effect. Think of someone making their sword and shield with flames.”

  Galen nodded along, taking it all in.

  Seems simple enough, he thought. Though he did have a question, “How do you cast an Art?”

  “To cast an Art, an Etherean must be able to imagine and visualize an effect and bring it into being. This is most easily done with what we call this an Invocation. It’s where you use a phrase, though it’s more like a command, using your voice imbued with Ether to guide the power into creating the effect you desire.”

  That sounds like spell casting in an RPG, Galen noted with interest.

  “Is an Invocation necessary?” he asked.

  “Actually no,” Aleksi answered, “however, casting without one is tremendously difficult, and is considered an extremely advanced skill. There are two ways of doing so. One is by mentally going through the Invocation rather than doing it verbally. The other, much more difficult way, is by completely bypassing the Invocation altogether and directly casting the Art. We call those Invocationless Arts, and the level of skill required to pull one off… well, you may as well be considered a master if you can do it.”

  “How come it’s more difficult to cast an Art without using a verbal Invocation?”

  “I don’t know,” Aleksi said honestly.

  Galen frowned at that. To which his mentor simply shrugged, “It’s the truth, lad. Despite centuries, perhaps millennia of study, there’s still much we don’t know about Ether. There are several theories as to why a verbal Invocation is the easiest method. One theory suggests that, by saying it aloud, it helps the mind visualize the desired effect. Another theory, one more disconcerting, proposes that Ether, to some extent, has awareness.”

  Galen felt a shiver go up his spine at that, though Aleksi didn’t seem to notice as he continued, “This theory posits that Verbal Invocations help the Ether to flow in the way intended by the Etherean. Another similar theory proposes that, subconsciously, when Invoking, an Etherean infuses their vocal chords, and thus, their voice, with Ether. This then ‘commands’ the Ether to aid in creating the intended effect. To this day, we still aren’t sure which, if any theory, holds the most weight. The truth could even be a combination of them! Regardless, simply keep in mind that Verbal Invocations are the easiest method to casting Arts. Which is then followed up in difficulty by Mental Invocations.”

  “And the most difficult method is omitting Invocations altogether,” Galen finished, “got it.”

  Aleksi nodded approvingly.

  “So… using an Invocation allows an Etherean to cast an Art,” Galen repeated aloud, “well, this’ll be easy then!”

  His mentor raised a brow at that comment.

  “Well, if all I need to do is say an Invocation, then you can just teach me the ones you know so that I can practice! Or maybe you guys have a book full of Arts or something that I can read and memorize.”

  Aleksi gave him a flat look, as though he were an idiot. That raised a red flag that he might have misunderstood something.

  Galen scratched the back of his head nervously, “Uh… is that sort of thing frowned upon here?”

  Aleksi then began to laugh at him in earnest, as if he had just suggested the most ridiculous idea ever heard.

  He couldn’t help but flush, “What?! What’s so funny?”

  “Lad, I mean no offense,” his tutor said in between laughter, “but there is absolutely no point in doing what you suggested.”

  Aleksi shook his head as he finished laughing, muttering under his breath, “Memorizing the Invocations of others…”

  Galen’s blush deepened. He felt as though there was an inside joke that he was unaware of. He didn’t much care for the feeling.

  “So, are you going to explain or am I going to need to hit you?” Galen threatened, more out of embarrassment than anger.

  “You could try,” Aleksi shrugged with a chuckle, “apologies, lad. Our conversations have become so casual as of late, that I sometimes forget that you’re from another world. That’s my mistake.”

  His tutor cleared his throat, “Now, your idea won’t work at all because every Invocation is unique to their user. If you tried to use one of my Invocations, nothing would happen. The reason for this is that everyone has a slightly different way of thinking, visualizing, and doing things. Though two people may appear and act identical, there is always something that differentiates the two. And that something makes enough of a difference that it renders using another Etherean’s Invocation null and void.”

  Aleksi sighed as he explained further, “Even if you took two Ethereans who had such a similar way of thinking that they came up with the exact same Invocation for the exact same Art, the way they visualize the effects and manage the flow of Ether would be different. That is why an Etherean cannot simply use another’s Invocation, even if the Art they are trying to use is fundamentally the same. No… everyone must come up with and use their own.”

  Galen slowly nodded, “I think I understand now.”

  I guess being unable to simply use another person’s Invocations and Arts is a good thing. It prevents anyone from speed-running mastery over this sort of thing.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  He returned his attention to Aleksi as his mentor added, “Also, another thing you need to keep in mind, lad, is that simply saying an Invocation won’t allow you to use an Art. It takes more than making, memorizing, and uttering a phrase to cast one. You need not only to create and remember the Invocation, but you also need to manage the flow of the power yourself to have the Art work. Then, you have to memorize the way the Ether flows to recreate the Art whenever you wish to cast it.”

  “That sounds like a lot I’ll have to burn into my brain…” Galen noted nervously.

  “That’s because it is,” Aleksi warned, “and it is for that reason why most people are limited in the Arts they can create. Theoretically, a person can create an infinite number of them. However, there’s only so much a person can remember. The number of Arts one can create and then memorize varies wildly between users. Some people have freakishly good memory, after all. And some… well… some make the retention of goldfish seem like a wonder in comparison.”

  He smiled as that joke drew a laugh out of Galen.

  After a bit more time, Aleksi perked up, “And with that, we’ve finally arrived.”

  Galen had been so absorbed into the conversation and lecture that he hadn’t even realized they had arrived at the Arts training ground.

  The space was absolutely massive! It was the size of several football fields put together, and looked to be a barren wasteland confined in the space.

  “Here, we can freely teach and train beginners in how to use Arts. This place should serve our purpose rather well as we test what your Sentient Weapon can do,” Aleksi explained.

  Galen nodded, but then frowned as he noticed something, “Where are all the people? A space this large, I figured there would be at least some others training as well.”

  “Normally, yes. However, since it’s the Champion who will be training here, and since I figured you’d like some privacy for your first experience with Arts, I got approval to vacate the area while we trained, lad.”

  Galen beamed, “You know, you’re starting to know me a bit too well, Aleksi.”

  “I try. Now, open your mind to your sword… Redian, was it? Open your mind to it and get it up to speed on what we’re going to do. I’m eager to test the power of a Sentient Weapon.”

  He nodded and opened the mental door to allow Redian to speak in his mind.

  “About time!” the sword spoke immediately, “I got so bored waiting for you to talk to me that I did some math to pass the time!”

  For something with A.I. like you, I’m guessing the calculations you worked on were something complicated, Galen mentally responded.

  “Yep. You took so long to talk to me that I figured out the necessary calculations for time travel!” Redian casually dropped that bombshell as if he had just said two plus two equals four.

  Galen’s jaw dropped. He grabbed Redian, who was sheathed at his back, held it up in front of him, and both verbally and mentally yelled, “YOU WHAT?!”

  Aleksi was startled at his sudden yell and look of panic.

  Galen ignored him as he added, Do you have any idea the ramifications that something like that could have on… on… EVERYTHING!!!

  Redian was silent for so long that he’d been about to yell at the Sentient Weapon again. That is until the sword began snickering, “Uh… boss? I was clearly joking.”

  His face blanked out as Redian laughed at his overly serious reaction, “Man, you are gullible for a Champion. You know that?”

  You were joking… Galen thought to the sword.

  “Of course!” Redian scoffed, “besides, the idea of time travel isn’t all THAT out there. Theoretically speaking, time travel into the future is possible. And there’s a number of theoretical ways to go about doing that. I’m guessing you were thinking about traveling into the past. Well, that’s a major impossibility. There are WAY too many paradoxes involved for such a thing to be plausible. The only way for time travel into the past to occur is if multiverse theory is a thing. And even then, you technically wouldn’t be traveling into the past. You’d just be traveling to another reality.”

  Galen gave the biggest mental and physical sigh of his life as he thought, Well, multiverse theory might be a thing. I mean, I’m from another world, after all.

  “Oh, I’ve already thought about that since we had a Champion before you. Either multiverse theory is a thing, or your world is just another in the vast universe we’re in.”

  My thoughts exactly, Galen looked to Aleksi, who watched him with concern.

  “You alright, lad? What were you and that sword discussing?”

  “The nature of reality and our existence, I guess,” Galen answered.

  He couldn’t help but laugh at his mentor’s bewildered look.

  “That is… a rather heavy subject…”

  “Very. So, I’d rather move on. Give me a second.”

  He then tried to get Redian up to speed, So, let me catch you up on-

  “No need, boss,” the sword interrupted, “I’m not deaf! I heard the entire conversation you and Aleksi had on the way here. And might I add? That idea of using someone else’s Invocations was REALLY idiotic. You’re definitely from another world, alright. Because I shudder to think there’s an intelligent carbon based life-form that is paradoxically that stupid.”

  Galen flushed at the insult, but shoved that aside as he asked, How did you hear our conversation? You don’t exactly have ears.

  Redian was indignant, “Now that is just offensive.”

  How?! Galen thought incredulously.

  “You wouldn’t understand,” the Sentient Weapon sighed in his mind, “truly you possess the privilege that I expected of you flesh and bone, carbon based life-forms.”

  Before Galen could respond, Redian suddenly added, “Ah, I’m just messing with you. I’m not actually offended… MUCH…”

  Riiiight… so, about using you to cast an Art?

  “Oh, yeah. Well, you’re my Wielder aren’t you? No need to ask permission from me,” Redian pointed out.

  That may be true, but I’d still rather ask, he thought with a frown.

  “You are one strange kid. I like it!”

  With that, Galen drew Redian from its sheath, and glanced to Aleksi.

  His mentor raised a brow, and Galen asked him, “So… I’m just supposed to cast an Art using Redian, right?”

  Aleksi nodded, and then rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “Yes… though to be honest, lad… I haven’t a clue how you cast one using a Sentient Weapon.”

  “You don’t?”

  “No. I didn’t know anything about them until we were both guided down to the Armory.”

  “Then how am I supposed to use Redian for this?”

  Aleksi raised a brow, “Well, according to Milton, the sword is supposed to be able to give you advice. Why don’t you simply ask it?”

  Galen looked at Redian, So, you heard the man. How do we go about this?

  The sword didn’t respond right away. In fact, if he didn’t know any better, he’d say it was purposefully ignoring him. Eventually, however, it did respond.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I actually didn’t hear him. Because I don’t have ears as you pointed out.”

  Galen gave the sword a look that said, “Seriously?”

  Redian simply chuckled in his mind, “Alright, alright. I can see you don’t seem to possess a sense of humor. We’ll work on that. So! You want me to cast you an Art, eh? Well, I can most certainly do that. But…”

  Of course there’s a but, Galen blanched.

  “Hey, this but is on you!” Redian said defensively, “for me to cast an Art, I have to draw upon and use one that my Wielder has made. BUT-”

  Was emphasizing the “but” really necessary, Galen mentally interjected.

  Redian ignored him and continued, “You haven’t created any Arts yet! And because of your Ether Intolerance, you can’t exactly practice making one. Using the Ether necessary to do so would result in an adverse reaction.”

  So I’m screwed? Galen thought, dejected.

  “Maybe,” Redian bluntly stated, “but maybe not… As far as I remember, I haven’t really tried this before. But I could try making an Art on my own using the Ether you feed me as a foundation. I’ll try to make it so that you can use the created Art once you get that medication to curb your Ether Intolerance.”

  Not like we can do anything else, Galen then frowned and asked, wait, you said you haven’t done this before? Why not? I’d imagine Sentient Weapons making and using their own Arts would be rather handy for the Wielder. Doubly so if the Weapon can make Arts that their Wielder can use.

  “That is true,” Redian agreed, “and we can, in fact make Arts for our Wielders. The thing is, artificial though the minds of me and my kin may be, there’s still a limit to what we can memorize and store. We can certainly remember more than you flesh and bone types, that’s for sure. Sorta? I mean, our recollection is certainly better! But that limit is still there. Also, remember how Ethereans can’t use the Invocations and Arts of others? Same thing applies here. Each Sentient Weapon, once bonded with a new master, has their Ether wavelength synchronized with that Wielder. That’s what allows us to both pull and give Ether to each other. Now that I’ve bonded with you, our wavelengths are now matched. And considering the Arts and Invocations I have in my memory are from and made for my previous user…”

  I can’t use them, Galen finished with a sigh.

  “Right. However, since we’re synchronized, I can try to make an Art using your Ether as a basis. I’m not sure how this will turn out, though. Normally, a new Wielder already has a few Arts in their arsenal. That gives us Sentient Weapons data we can use to make new ones. For you, however… We’ll be doing this completely from scratch.”

  Galen nodded, and replied to the sword, So be it. Let’s give this a shot. What’s the worst that can happen?

  “I pull too much Ether from you and you either die or pass out from the sudden deprivation,” Redian answered.

  I… I wasn’t seriously asking. Wait, can that actually happen?!

  Redian seemed to mull that over, “Yes.”

  Why did you answer so nonchalantly?!

  “Because it’s a fact! And facts don’t care about your feelings. I could totally get the calculations wrong considering I don’t have data on your Efficiency and Capacity to go off of. Though, I’m rather good, so the worst that might happen is that you pass out. Do you still want to proceed?”

  Galen couldn’t tell if Redian was messing with him or not. Deciding the sword might be pulling his leg, he nodded, Let’s do it. What do I need to do?

  “Well, I’ll be doing most of the work. Just stab my blade into the ground, keep a hand or two on me, and concentrate on breathing in Ether to keep your Capacity filled while I pull from it. That should minimize the risk,” Redian explained.

  Galen did as the sword suggested, stabbing Redian into the ground and resting both hands on the pommel. He closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing in the Ether around them while the Sentient Weapon went to work on creating a new Art.

  He didn’t know how much time had passed, but eventually, Redian had announced in his mind, “Okay, boss! I think I’m ready.”

  So you pulled it off?! Galen asked excitedly.

  “Yes? I think?” Redian said sounding unsure.

  Why do you sound like you’re asking?!

  “Partly to mess with you. And partly because I’m partly unsure. Guess we’ll find out once we try this!” Redian said cheerfully.

  Galen groaned and said both mentally and aloud, “I better not die from this.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Redian assured him, “probably.”

  Galen rose and pointed the sword towards the middle of the training area, Let it rip, Redian.

  “Roger that!” Redian said excitedly.

  The sword in his hand began to vibrate, and through their connection, Galen could feel Redian announcing the process, sounding more like a robot.

  “Pulling Ether from bonded Wielder,” Redian began.

  Galen felt the power leaving his body at an alarmingly rapid pace.

  “Converting neutral Ether into Fire Elemental Ether. Beginning Invocation.”

  Galen’s eyes widened as he saw flames begin to emit from Redian. The fires danced towards the tip of the blade, where they flowed into a growing fireball.

  “Invocation complete. Launching newly created Art, Hell Blaze.”

  The fireball, which was triple the size of a basketball, shot from the tip of Redian’s blade. It was sent flying towards the middle of the training area, where it exploded violently into a pillar of blazing flames and heat.

  Galen felt incredibly drained after the fact, but he thankfully didn’t pass out. His jaw dropped at the destruction caused and the wave of hot air that passed over a moment after.

  He hadn’t expected this result at all.