"...spiritual creatures are interesting in that they do not conform to the laws of physics nor mana. Acting upon a separate plane of existence which we call the Inanis Plane, we cannot usually interact with this plane unless we are gifted with certain abilities as some races such as Ms Ella can attest for."
Instructor Q scribbled a diagram onto the board and I made sure to jot some notes down. Of the classes so far, it was thoroughly enjoyable learning something like this rather than the convoluted nature of mana.
"But for humans such as Mr Sonja, his perception and interaction of this world is cut off. Now, theres various modes of interacting with this world, but the most common one is the technique called 'Anchoring'."
The diagram had shown two planes that were separated by a space, of which the Instructor drew a line across, labelling it, 'Anchor'.
"Unlike mana which is found in all of us or aura that warriors cultivate in their own bodies, spiritual magic is something we call 'borrowed magic'. By communing with a compatible and willing spirit across the gap between worlds, we can siphon their abilities and materialise them in our physical world. This is the most common use of spiritual creatures. Does anyone have any questions?"
There was a moment of pause before a hand was raised.
"Can spirits do the same with humans? Anchoring on powerful individuals and borrowing their powers?"
Instructor Q smiled, almost pleased with the question.
"Ms Ella, brings up a great question. Can spirits do the same for humans? Lets bring it back to our anchoring technique. So when an anchor is formed between a human or elf, etcetera, and a spirit, what do you think entices a spirit to form one in the first place?"
"Because it's a two-way connection?" My mouth opened as an expert in the more rough details of this world.
"Correct. So, to answer Ms Ella's question, usually it is two individuals across the gap in our worlds that seeks to make an anchor in the first place. The inherent benefit of creating an anchor facilitates mutual growth. As you grow in strength, your spirit siphons a portion of this, whilst as your spirit grows in the Inanis Plane, you are fed back spiritual prowess."
Ah, I see now. Late game building. In layman terms, a sort of debuff in levelling in the beginning but scales as time goes on. Although I was here to help sort out Ella, there was significance in this sort of strategy.
As I see it now, I needed to diversity my fighting capabilities. Although that was done through transitioning from strictly great swords to well, 'barbarian skills' which encapsulates a lot, I needed some sort of ranged attack.
With some semblance of the plot in my head, I could remain safe in this period of slow growth if I were to nurture a spirit and cultivate two systems of power. Aura and spirit. Not to mention my intent capabilities bolstered by my blessing, but that was in the long run as I see it.
I needed a strong and sturdy base before I launched myself headfirst off the cliff and into this novel's plot.
"Instructor Q, how do you perform an anchoring technique?"
His face visibly was taken aback. In his years as a teacher, he knew the sort of attitude students and the general populace held towards spiritual magic. They held it in disregard as a slow growing power, something that require time and effort. Something young people either had no intention of giving or lacked entirely.
Hearing me say this, the glint in his eye as he looked towards me grew sharp.
"I don't normally do this for students, especially in an introductory class like this, but if you've thought it over. And I mean, really thought it over, I could perform one for you?"
Here I thought this guy was an asshole. This guy is great!
"Of course, Instructor. I've thoroughly thought this through. It's the reason why I chose this elective in the first place." I lied naturally as I breathed.
Instructor Q beamed at the thought of me genuinely enrolling for spiritual magic. Ella, who was beside me, even glanced over with a new found appreciation. She must've thought my whole schtick was being a barbarian.
Nevertheless, the process was quite quick.
Getting pulled to the front and made to sit in a hastily made circle of some powder, maybe chalk, Instructor Q stood before me and recited some words.
"Okay, Khael. This'll feel strange and disorienting. What's going to happen is I'm going to send your consciousness into the space between worlds." He flipped through a few pages of a book while standing over me. "You'll have a chance to interact with some spirits and maybe, if there's a compatible one, you could form a contract."
I nodded along.
"Is there any danger to this? Could I find some evil spirits?" I had some concerns. This was a fantasy world and as a general rule of thumb, danger could be found anywhere.
"You'll be perfectly fine. The space between worlds is protected by narrow entryways. Beings that hold any potential of harm can't breach it, otherwise, how else would the physical world survive? Just have a feel for it, you don't necessarily have to form a contract."
I agreed with his points.
"Alright, I'm ready."
Instructor Q hummed in agreement and began reciting the ritual. There was a moment of anticipation as Ella leaned from her desk to watch me do this whole thing and myself, sitting there with an awkward gut feeling.
Not a moment to soon, I began to feel dizzy. The world spun and blurred. Then it kept spinning. Until all of everything, my senses and sensation of reality coalesced into the black infinite void that was the space between worlds.
...
...
"It's surprisingly... well, maybe it's expected that it's pretty dark."
"Yeah, but to be honest, I've a couple concerns other than the place we're in."
"I second that opinion."
"I third that"
"Do the rest of us actually have to continue that?"
I stood, floated (?), whatever. From my position, I looked to my left and to my right. Before looking once again to my system.
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Ability :
Subconscious of 9 Hearts (Grade Unique)
Granted by the Cat goddess Nala, this divine blessing allows for the overlapping of nine subconsciouses within the body of the user.
[Pillar] - Superimpose and enhance subconscious thought up to 9 times
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Originally there was 1.
Now there was 9 of us.