Elden Ring: Putrefaction of Gold

The Allure of a God

Thirteen years later...

"The Primeval Current would represent a significant opportunity to advance our understanding of not only our current glintstone sorceries but all schools of magic connected to it. Possibly even laying the groundwork to see entirely new concepts within these realms developed. One that can again rise our academy to the respectable place it once enjoyed," said Sellen.

The entire debate parlor was alive with wild enthusiasm for Sellen's words. Her speech generated applause from the audience.

Her opponent, Lazuli came to the podium next and tapped the edge of his paper against the slanted wood panel.

"It seems, Sellen, that you imply that our previous academy had already sunk in the lake," he said.

There were some laughs, which Sellen responded to with a polite nod, though Ranni was certain the old witch was seething on the inside. She was never one to stand for people challenging her theories in her quest to "elevate the status and respect among the academy." In reality, she suggested that the position held by the Carians and their influence over the academy was an outdated concept and should be ruled by the academics responsible for the next generation of practitioners.

Right or wrong, for Sellen's efforts to carry any weight, she hinged on uncovering a discovery of equal or greater significance than Rennala's monumental discovery the powers within the moon itself. Sellen, often considered brilliant by some for her theories on the primeval current, soon revealed that it was her only idea. Incapable of moving past this concept, despite warnings of the academy, caused her to fixate upon it, proving, at least to Ranni, that her brilliance was largely artificial. It was only a matter of time before her ambition overruled common sense, and she preached her theories as though they were already proven.

"Of course, we ought to honor and acknowledge the times when great discoveries were made and our knowledge advanced quickly. But, most progress comes slow and steady, and not with disregard to caution; we can only hope to be lucky enough not to cause a cataclysm. Continuing the branches of study introduced by our Headmistress, Queen Rennala, will keep this academy busy for centuries."

"Ah, yes," said Sellen. "And where is our Headmistress? In fact, when did she last set foot here? Does anyone even recall?"

Sellen's attention turned to Ranni sitting in the back of the debate parlor.

"Luner Princess Ranni! Perhaps you would be so kind as to shed some light on this matter."

The room went quiet as Ranni stood.

"I am under the impression the primeval current and the ethics of its research is the matter of this debate. Being as is, all other subjects are outside the scope of such discussion. But if it pleases you, Sorceresss Sellen, show me why such exploration of the primeval current has captured thy attention so, when all others who sought its power have spoken only in theory with yet to produce their findings," said Ranni.

All eyes were back on Sellen, who quivered at the statement of truth. There were no papers with substantial proof of what Sellen claimed. The two sorcerers who had sought to prove them had long disappeared without publishing their findings.

Satisified, Ranni exited in a round of applause.

Blaidd waited for her out by her personal carriage, which was in the courtyard of the academy. Students rushed back and forth, heading to their lectures and classes. Several scholars were surrounded by their captivated pupils, who were far too starry-eyed with a fascination with the manner of their speech and not the practicality of their hypothesis.

"Well said," said Blaidd as he opened the carriage door. "Of course, it's rather convenient that Azur and Lusat 'disappeared' under your influence."

"As my stepmother would always say, some ideas and methods are reprehensible."