B3 – Chapter 18: Bolt!

Lightning elementalism was far more simplistic compared to fire elementalism. Whereas fire had the most benefit from stacking ignite or aflame then using a burst effect, lightning spells would always set the “charge” condition. Which, according to the introduction section from the merged spell books, would leave behind a visual indicator on targets struck. Then, when another target in range was hit with another lightning elementalism spell, the “charge” would be consumed, and replicate the spell on all who were marked.

In short, it was a great way to deal with foes at a distance, and two or more of them at a time. I don’t want to get any defensive spells from this type, Tristan thought. I don’t have enough innate resistance to deal with the backlash in combat. Ice for defensive, and anything for offensive.

In the end, he settled on three spells; one from each Order for the ones he could access. I can’t know everything, he thought. But I can damned sure have a few go-to spells. When I get back to the Fey Realm, I’m going to make so many artificed items.

Bolt (First)

Spell Phrase: Ich rufe die Wut des Sturms herbei und die Kraft, die in mir donnert. (I summon forth the fury of the storm, and the power that thunders within.)

Spell Gesture: Raise your arm above your head. Bring all of the fingers into a fist, save for your index finger. Then, bring it down to point at your target, and push the essence into your fingertip. End the spell phrase as you end the gesture, letting the arm dip down no further than your stomach (depending on angle). For things above you, you must tilt your body backward to enable the same movement.

Other Notes: This spell has a range of 1,000 feet. It travels at the speed of lightning, and so is incredibly hard to dodge. The actual harm inflicted is minor, but your essence’s hue should glow around the target as you apply the charge effect – great for keeping track of targets on a battlefield. Discharge range is within 100 feet of those charged.

Huh, Tristan thought as he tapped his foot. I could apply this to several targets further than one-hundred feet from each other, then fire it at more targets to get even more effectiveness out of it. He went to the wall and made sure he had the maul leaning against the wall, and then put the Greatsword against another wall. You’d think they would have targets or dummies or something in these rooms. But it is a study room, and not necessarily a practice room.

Going across the room, to the corner, with the Omnitome shoved back inside his chest plate, he raised his hand above his head. “Ich rufe die Wut Sturms herbei und die Kraft, die in mir donnert!” as he spoke, he brought his finger down, spinning his crucible, and as the phrase ended he pointed at the Starmetal Maul.

A small, silvery bolt darted out from his fingertip, sending a tingling sensation up his arm. It impacted the maul, and wisps of silver-grey electricity sparked along the weapon. And now for the Sword. Raising his hand again, Tristan repeated the spell. The moment the bolt hit the sword, the silver-grey charge effect vanished with a burst of crackling lightning that made a fzztht noise as the air popped. The same effect vanished from the maul, along with a near-instant repeat of the noise and visual.

Tristan could feel his forearm quivering. Must be the backlash, he thought as he brought his left hand up and massaged the muscle. Slowly, very slowly, it returned to its normal flexibility and he stretched it with some wrist rotations. That is dangerous in combat up close. The backlash for my muscle locking up there was…really severe. But, it does have a one-thousand foot range, and I doubt I would use this up close unless I had no choice.

The next thirty minutes were spent repeating the incantation, re-doing the spell, and limit-testing how much the muscle lock up would affect him by trying to manipulate his knife and bow. I wonder…He tried holding the bow, extending his index finger, and then repeating the spell as he brought it down to point.

To his surprise and shock, the spell went off – and his muscles contracting kept a solid grip on the bow. Pulling back the string as he pushed essence into the string, he manifested the Frost Flurry icicle and let fly, the maul being impacted and sent clattering against the wall. This spell is perfect for when I’m shooting with the bow. I can take advantage of the backlash to keep a sturdy grip.

Another thirty minutes were spent just practicing using both spell and bow in conjunction, and after taking a brief breather, he pulled out the Omnitome and looked at the next spell on his list.

Split Bolt (Second)

Spell Phrase: Der Blitz wird auf meinen Ruf hin zweimal einschlagen, wenn ich den Zorn der Wolke heraufbeschwöre. (Lightning will strike twice upon my call as I summon forth the cloud’s wrath.)

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Spell Gesture: Perform the same spell gesture as you would for Bolt, except extend your index finger and pinky finger. You must evenly channel the essence into both.

Other Notes: This spell has a range of 1,000 feet. This spell is advised to be used when there are multiple distant targets you seek to inflict. Discharge range is within 100 feet of those charged, but is immediately resolved if both bolts hit their chosen targets.

That doesn’t seem as useful, Tristan thought. I’d rather just use my bow and fire twice in rapid succession. But I should test which one is faster overall. Setting the greats sword and maul up against the wall once more, he raised his right hand without the bow in his grip. “Der Blitz wird auf meinen Ruf hin zweimal einschlagen, wenn ich den Zorn der Wolke heraufbeschwöre.” He spun his crucible and found the difficulty to be in balancing the even flow of essence to two fingers.

The spell failed, and he frowned. “Why?” Tristan grumbled as he attempted it again. The second time, he tried to focus on the essence allocation; swirling it in his palm before slowly pushing it down his essence channels into his fingertips. He did not speak the spell gesture, merely kept his hand above his head as he delicately balanced the essence between the two fingers. I think I have it, he thought as he said the spell phrase and brought the hand down.

The silver lancing energy shot out, hit both objects, and then a tiny tether connected the two weapons before detonating as the charged effect was instantly consumed.

Tristan let out a cry of pain as he gripped his pulsating and throbbing arm – the muscle contorting in on itself as it spasmed and locked up. He grit his teeth and tried spinning his crucible to push essence into the limb to see if that would alleviate the pain – but it did not help. “Fucking stupid spell,” he growled as he grit his teeth through the pain. “Who the fuck would use this?!” he shouted.