Chapter 64

Previously in NWC-

CeCe explains the basic scientific theory behind mana and magic. The discussion quickly dives deeper than originally intended, and before CeCe could discuss her favorite theory, they all become exhausted....

Morning comes and the party wakes with it. After eating their breakfast, they pack up and make their way home. They exchange stories of what they experienced in the ruins, Luna speaking on behalf of Medusa to the best of her ability. The trip is full of idle conversations, the spirits high in response to their successful journey. "So, Luna, I still don't understand why you can't just tell where your power shards are if they're literally parts of you."

Luna thinks to herself, trying to find the best way to explain it.

"Let me try to explain it as simply as possible. I don't blame you for your lack of understanding, so please feel free to ask questions. The shards are made of my powers stored in shards, that much you know."

"Correct. You had your abilities sealed and all of that."

"Each person's mana is unique to that person, kind of like a fingerprint. The mana inside of the shard is without a doubt my fingerprint."

"Okay?"

"But my mana is surrounded by someone else's mana. My fingerprint was smudged and covered by someone else's."

Reno's mind clicks as he finally begins to follow her. "Oh! I guess I kind of understand! So that's why you're able to tell when we're close, but not know until you're up close. You can't tell your fingerprint is there until you get closer and inspect it!"

"Exactly! Like CeCe said, the ability to see mana as if it were a physical object is nearly impossible to develop. Not even I can do it."

"Seriously? That's kind of terrifying to think there's people that can do something someone like you can't."

"It truly is. And before you ask, I can't grant you the ability to do something I myself can't do. I was able to let you learn how to use magic because I know how to use magic myself. I could change your hair color simply because that's not a difficult task for a trained magic user."

CeCe listens in on their conversation and her curiosity grows more and more. "Hey, hey! What's this about granting Reno abilities? You taught him how to use magic, Loon?"

Reno and Luna look at each other, their conversation ceasing. Finally, after a long pause, Luna speaks. "I suppose CeCe is more than trustworthy enough. I'm comfortable sharing with her if you are, Reno."

"Eh? Me? It's not my secret, I don't have an issue with it either."

Luna swallows her nerves and reveals everything to CeCe. "You see, I'm a bit more than a floating ball of light. I'm actually the goddess commonly referred to as Mixzys. I happened upon Reno one day and employed his help to regain my power that had been sealed away in shards and scattered all around the continent. While I do have a complete spiritual understanding of aqueous, the true nature of my abilities is wish granting. As of right now, this body can only contain so much mana, so my wishes have been smaller than I used to be capable of granting. I changed Reno's hair color with my last wish because that's what it took to get him to help me. After we got the first shard back I made it so he can learn and cast magic. He's able to grasp a basic understanding of an element from someone who's spiritually mastered that element."

CeCe listens intently, nodding her head and taking everything in. She doesn't accuse anybody of being crazy or lying, she just waits for Luna to finish speaking. Finally, when the opportunity arises, she speaks. "That's… quite a lot to take in! I had no idea I'd made friends with a goddess! I'm honored to be in your presence, Loon!" CeCe has a bit of a teasing tone as she calls Luna by her nickname, but she doesn't come off as disrespectful. "I hope you understand my suspicion with your story, however. I'm not calling you a liar, but I would like some sort of proof before I can fully believe you."

Luna thinks for a bit, trying to come up with a way to validate their claims. "CeCe, the way you can use your wind magic as if it is a part of your body… you have a complete spiritual understanding of the wind element, don't you?"

CeCe nods her head, smiling with pride. "That's right! I would say I'm impressed that you know such an advanced concept such as spiritual understanding opposed to mental understanding, but if you really are a goddess then I suppose it only makes sense!"

"Right. Well, why don't you teach Reno?"

CeCe blinks, her face blank with a small passive smile. "Huh?"

"You wanted proof, correct? I granted Reno a wish which allows his soul to communicate directly with others, thus being able to pass on basic spiritual understanding of elements. That's how he learned how to cast magic in the first place."

CeCe thinks to herself before nervously nodding her head. "Alright, I guess it can't hurt to try. What do I need to do, Loon?"

"Make contact with him and think about your magic, the way you cast it, the way you feel when casting it, anything that you do while pulling mana."

CeCe nervously nods and gently touches Reno's hand. "Like this?"

"That might work, but the more contact with him the better. The soul needs a stable connection in order to pass on information. Have you heard of the Second-hand Theory, CeCe?"

"You mean the phenomenon where people who spend extended periods of time in intimate relationships can potentially learn how to use their partner's affinity?"

"Correct! The theory is partially correct. While the phenomenon is entirely possible, it's not intimate relationships. Continued physical contact as well as an emotional attachment can strengthen the bond between souls and subconsciously allow them to pass on information. That's why when two people are friends for an extended period of time they begin to understand how the other thinks and are even able to tell what their friend is thinking simply by gazing at them. It's the same concept here. You and Reno have bonded in your time in the ruins, and as such, there should be a connection strong enough to allow your souls to communicate with the help of the wish I granted. So, I ask that you increase the contact area and focus."

CeCe shuts her eyes, blushing slightly as she gently interlocks fingers with Reno. Reno's face turns bright red and he begins trying to pull his hands away. "Woah, woah, wait! What about what I want?!" CeCe ignores him, gently pressing her forehead to his. Reno's entire body begins trying to separate from hers as he gets increasingly nervous and embarrassed. "Too close, too close!" Reno begins visually panicking.

Luna sighs, watching the events play out. "Reno! You need to calm down, otherwise your soul won't be able to connect with CeCe's! I'm trying to help you learn a second element! I told you how few people have been able to gain a spiritual understanding of two elements yet you're sitting here refusing that ability?!"

Reno begins trying to walk back, but CeCe persists. "C'mon, Reno! Just trust Loon, okay? Besides, if Loon taught you water magic with this method then you shouldn't be this scared!" The two continue to contest each other until finally Reno trips, pulling CeCe with him. "Huh?!" CeCe lets out a yelp of surprise as she begins falling forward. Her eyes shoot open to watch the distance between the two of them shrink at breakneck speeds. Without any sort of opportunity to react, their faces are brought together, their lips touching for a moment. In that moment, they both experience a fleeting moment of confusion in which their minds blank. During this brief moment of silence, their souls are able to connect. They both feel a warmth emanate from their heart, extending outwards and encompassing their bodies. They finally regain their ability to think, both of their faces turning bright red as they swiftly separate themselves.

Reno stands up as fast as possible, shouting. "I told you to just back off!"

CeCe covers her face and speaks with a growing level of annoyance in her voice. "It wouldn't have happened if you would've just sat still, you moron!"

"How the hell is this my fault?! No means no! Do you not speak English? Let me say it in Spanish; NO!"

Luna watches as the two shout back and forth, thinking to herself. "(For some reason I feel annoyed.)" She watches them argue for only a few more seconds before flying directly in front of Reno's face, speaking with anger. "Enough! You're an idiot, Reno!"

"ME?! I didn't even do anything wrong this time!"

"I don't care! You're not allowed to talk until I say you can, do you understand?!"

Reno scoffs, shaking his head. "What the hell?"

CeCe begins walking again, her speed slightly faster than before as she tries to cover her still red face. "You should listen to Loon and just shut up!"

Reno looks at both of them with utter shock before crossing his arms and huffing. "Whatever, this is stupid."

Medusa looks at the three, placing a vine to her mouth with confusion. "Muh?" She watches as the party continues on their merry way, unaware of what was going on.

TO BE CONTINUED...