Team Up

"So this... spirit realm you speak of, is it yet another force comprising the fundamental architecture of our world? Something so intrinsically interwoven with the rules and properties governing existence that attunement to it grants one a more profound connection to the overarching machinations underlying the world itself?"

A light, melodious giggle escaped Arianna's lips at his insightful deduction – the crystal chimes of her laughter soothing to the ear in a way Gladius couldn't quite articulate, yet found immensely pleasing all the same.

"You have an impressive grasp of these ephemeral mysteries," she acknowledged, her eyes shining with unabashed approval. "The spirit realm is indeed believed to represent an ethereal dimension interwoven with our own material plane in much the same way mana instills this world with mystical energies."

Her coral-hued lips pursed in contemplative thought for a moment before she continued.

"What's more, while the precise nature of the spirit realm remains shrouded in antiquity and esoterica, the ancient ancestors proclaimed it to exist as its own layer of reality – an all-encompassing dimension superimposed over our own, its enigmatic majesty and inner workings hidden from mortal perception. Thus, by forging a connection through my aether spirit, I open a gateway to attaining a far deeper, more holistic attunement with the greater mysteries of this world ."

As her words trailed off into silence, Arianna's scrutinizing gaze intensified until it felt as if she were peering straight into the very depths of Gladius's soul. 

The intensity of that azure stare sent a peculiar tingle shivering down his spine – not an unpleasant sensation by any stretch, but undeniably potent in a manner that hinted at greater implications he couldn't fully grasp.

The light of pure, unrestrained speculation danced across her features, sparking with the fires of an epiphany blossoming into full bloom behind those brilliant, all-seeing eyes.

A smile slowly spread across the woman's face – one suffused with an enigmatic, almost dazzling inner radiance as she silently acknowledged the incredible truth blooming in her psyche. The path lying before them, the road she would tread into this captivating new future, portended to be a winding, fathomless journey fraught with mysteries and revelations beyond even her considerable imagination.

And she couldn't wait to unravel each tantalizing secret awaiting them in the days to come.

This singular encounter, this momentary crossing of paths between an awakened swordsman and a mystically-attuned academic, had irrevocably shattered her perceptions of what she thought possible. The world, reality itself, had unveiled layer upon layer of unfathomable depth in the span of mere moments. 

Where the vistas sprawling before her had once seemed vast yet finite, she now perceived an endless frontier of untapped potential and esoteric riddles begging to be unraveled by those few blessed with the wisdom and tenacity to forge their own destinies.

Her future, once an almost painfully linear progression of exhaustive study and careful experimentation, now resembled a thrillingly divergent road shrouded in equal parts terrifying uncertainty and breathtaking possibility.

And Gladius... this enigmatic man with his impossible abilities and metaphysical resonance represented the key to unraveling it all.

Arianna's heart raced as the words left her lips. "Gladius, as someone without a background in magic, maneuvering this world as a Manaless individual must be incredibly challenging due to the arrogance of many Mages. However, I propose we join forces." 

Her emerald eyes sparkled with determination. "Although I'm affiliated with the Arcane Nexus Collective, I too face ostracization. Together, my identity can shield you from most troubles, and we can embark on an extraordinary journey, unveiling the wonders of the Magical Force and the enigmatic Sword Force you wield."

Extending her hand, a warm smile blossomed across Arianna's delicate features, radiating a beauty that transcended mere physical perfection. 

Gladius found himself captivated by the raw passion emanating from her vibrant expressions and melodic voice, elements that rendered her truly breathtaking in his eyes.

Returning her smile, Gladius grasped her outstretched hand, his calloused fingers gently enveloping hers. "I'd be honored to join you, Arianna. And might I add, your smile is truly radiant."

A faint blush crept across Arianna's cheeks as she met his unwavering gaze. 

"Ah, thank you," she murmured bashfully, yet her eyes remained locked with his as her thumb traced the contours of his palm. "And you... you're quite handsome yourself."

Gladius's smile never wavered as he casually withdrew his hand, unbound by societal restraints or shame. In his mind, honesty and desire reigned supreme, guiding his actions with a refreshing candor that mirrored the fluid grace of his swordplay.

Turning his attention to the distant spires of Emberstar City and the fallen Astral Weavers Mages, Gladius posed a question, "I assume these ones aren't significant enough to warrant serious concern?"

Arianna's expression hardened as her analytical mind shifted into gear. "They're merely Nascent Novice Mages," she explained. "While others will investigate their deaths, they lack the resources to trace it back to us. Simple Mage trackers will suffice for ones at this level."

Furrowing her brow, Arianna continued, "Evidently, returning to the Aracne Nexus is no longer an option. However, we can take on Guild Missions to accumulate Mana Crystals." 

She paused, studying Gladius's expression. "You're likely unaware, but Mana Crystals serve as our accepted currency among Mages. Various grades exist, but acquiring enough will allow us to live comfortably at an Inn for an extended period."

Gladius nodded, absorbing this newfound knowledge about the fundamental resources fueling this realm of magic users. The Mana Crystals, akin to currency, varied in potency and value based on their quality and grade.

"And to gather these Mana Crystals, I presume we'll be undertaking missions involving the slaying of hordes or specific beasts," Gladius stated, an eager smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. With each perilous encounter, an exhilarating thrill coursed through his veins, his senses heightened to an almost preternatural degree.

"Precisely," Arianna affirmed, a knowing glint in her eyes as she sensed Gladius's growing excitement for battle. "For now, let's make our way to the Ember Library. I'll introduce you to various Magical theories, and perhaps you'll uncover insights into the Sword Force you wield."

The Ember Library, a sacred repository housing tomes and texts delving into the fundamental forces and concepts governing this mystical realm. While Gladius's grasp of the Sword Force stemmed from an innate, instinctual connection, he eagerly anticipated expanding his understanding.

"Sounds like a plan," Gladius acquiesced, gesturing forward with an broad smile. "Lead the way."

A melodic giggle escaped Arianna's lips as she set off, Gladius falling into stride alongside her. 

As they traversed the path toward Emberstar City, Arianna's inquisitive nature compelled her to fill the silence with conversation, her brilliant mind always seeking to unravel life's mysteries.

"You know, I never imagined my partner would manifest as someone lacking Mana," she mused, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Life has a peculiar way of unfolding... Speaking of which, where do you hail from? It seems almost unbelievable you'd emerge from a mere small town."

Gladius shrugged nonchalantly. "And yet, that's the simple truth. Born in a humble village, it was there I discovered my passion for the sword's path. By my twenties, I ventured forth to hone my craft, slaying Nascent Beasts ever since. I'm afraid my story lacks grand embellishments."

Yet, as the words left his lips, Gladius couldn't help but ponder the enigmas surrounding his current existence. 

His sword sense revealed only that his bone structure surpassed nineteen years, offering no insights into his origins or bygone eras. He wondered about the life this body had led before he inhabited it – why had he been found in the Ashen Woodland with only three vials of healing essence, devoid of any other possessions? 

Had the original occupant ventured there to meet their demise, their lack of Mana rendering them an outcast?

These musings could wait for another time, for they held little significance to Gladius in the grander scheme. 

More intriguing queries tugged at his mind as he remarked, "But what of you, Arianna? Back in the woods, your name carried... a certain reputation, shall we say."

A wry smile played upon Arianna's lips as she exhaled a sigh. 

"Truthfully, my circumstances mirror your own humble beginnings. Unable to rely on relatives, I've spent most of my life secluded in the Arcane Nexus, my days consumed by the study of Magic and exploration across the Ashen Woodland." Her expression hardened momentarily. "I simply never resonated with the mindsets and actions of most Mages. Their ways felt stifling, suffocating the true potential of Magic. Then, after certain... complications, a noble Mage sought to claim me solely to inflate his own ego and pride."

As she spoke, Gladius detected the undercurrent of frustration and fervor driving Arianna's pursuit of arcane knowledge. Her Aether Spirit granted her a singularly unique perspective, allowing her to perceive the mystical energies and forces beyond the grasp of most Mages. It was this open-mindedness and yearning to push boundaries that appeared to have ostracized her from mainstream Mage society.