Lilia's Tale

Chapter 31: Permanent Magic

"Is it what the name suggests?" I asked after repeating the words in my head several times to make sure I didn't miss on any potential hidden meaning.

"It is. It's something that I've been wondering about based on the existence of rune magic. Basically put, rune magic is the way we create magic items, by embedding a spell into an item through the use of runes. Runes are relatively hard to create, and become exponentially harder to do as the spell you try to embed gets stronger."

"So basically, runic magic consists in making objects have spells and use magic?" I asked to try and confirm my understanding.

"Exactly. In your case, the Dimensional Shift spell you have in your necklace is a magic that would usually only be useable by people at A-rank or above. Although, due to the fact that it's partial, I wonder if people at B-rank wouldn't be able to use it. However, due to it being embedded into the item through runic magic, but also thanks to the stone's relatively high magicule efficiency, Miyu-san is the only person capable of creating such a powerful magic item."

"Runic magic is definitely very inefficient, considering you need a high-S-rank to produce a magic item at B-rank."

"It is as you said. However, some artifacts that have been found were capable of things that are normally completely impossible to do through magic. I heard of an artifact that was capable of making trees and other plants grow near instantly, sometimes to unnatural sizes. It was obtained by the elves, so they called it Gaia's Tear, in accordance to their deity."

"That is definitely some crazy power. So, what would that Permanent Magic be exactly?"

"The idea is simple. Similarly to magic items or artifacts, I was thinking of how to make some spells be constantly active without the need of any external influence. Basically, yourself using magic permanently, thus the name Permanent Magic."

"And the reason why you wanted to show me the laboratory was because you wanted to tell me about this so I can help you research it, since I will end up having to do such a thing as Permanent Magic for my wings?"

"That was the idea, yes. I'm sorry for bringing you into this, since it's still under research."

"I don't mind," I near instantly replied to his apology, hyped for the upcoming work. "I owe you some help just for showing me all of this. This place is like an open Pandora's box to me, after all."

"Pandora's box...?" he repeated in confusion.

"Ah, sorry, I didn't realize you wouldn't have this expression here. It's basically a box said to contain every wonder in the world. Basically, I'm really happy just being able to see all those items and artifacts, and it brings my inner scientist out wanting to study all of them."

"Well I studied the majority of them already, so I could tell you more about them another time," he commented while giggling.

"Gladly! But for now, I have to help you with your research," I said as I looked around for a place to settle in.

"Wait a minute, Lilia. Today is water control practice day, remember?"

I paused for a minute, looking at him. I had completely forgotten that fact in my excitement and anticipation.

"R-Right. I forgot, I'm sorry."

"It's alright. There is another reason why I brought you here, actually."

He moved towards one of the tables where multiple items were placed, and grabbed an ornate vase.

"This is an artifact I found alongside the inscribed pot next to you. I was thinking of using it for your water practice, since I found its power is based on water magic," he explained as he showed it to me.