Setting the cup of coffee down onto the wooden counter, Lilian muted things over in her mind as she pondered the offered deal. On one hand there was the whole being forever bound to Death, in a way she felt that she was simply not understanding at the moment. Yet, the other hand was also fairly clear in that someone or something was able to hunt and kill creatures that normally were considered near godlike in myth and legends.
If even a shred of the mythical power was real then it stood to reason that something that could concern the Dullahan of all things would be something so far beyond her understanding and power, that it would be the next best thing to suicidal to continue on without the power being offered. Before she could begin to doubt herself, she quickly grabbed the thick tome and placing the palm of the hand bearing the Reaper's Mark on the cover spoke in a voice shaking with worry, fear and other less obvious emotions, "I accept Death's Deal."
Power responded as the book blazed with energy for a split second before the oppressive weight of reality slammed down upon the mystical upsurge, yet it was a fraction of an eternity too late for the deal had been accepted and sealed. Knowledge burned itself once more into Lilian's mind yet unlike the first this was infinitely gentler and kinder to a mortal's soul and will, even as it grafted the power of a incarnate God to such a weak Vessel.
The shadows respond to the presence of their new master as the core of power settled and became one with her, for the briefest of moments reality's might was throw aside as a new Goddess arose for a second moment upon earth before the power dispersed throughout Lilian's soul.
As she pulled herself up from the floor once more, she found that her hand was encased in liquid shadows, an absolute impenetrable void of color, that if a scientist had been able to see would have declared it to be the color of a black hole. However, Lilian knew that it was so much more than mere absent of color or even the consumption of light, but a metaphysical creation of Death itself within reality.
With a thought the gauntlet fled back into the shadows as she enforced her will upon the new found might that was hers to command. Now and forever the presence of Death's Regiment would be in the back of her mind, forever itching to be brought into life and to let all see the new Dullahan in all her glory. Yet, her human mind and will brutally shoved down the whispers of the darkness, with simple logic and reason and with sullen grace it relented.
Pushing aside the quagmire of religious issues that had suddenly been thrown upon her, with the taking of the deal, for it was one thing to know the myths of the Dullahan it was another thing entirely to understand and hold his power. The techniques within the tome, in a mere glance had told her how to shatter stars with their might, yet they had also made it clear that such was impossible within reality.
However, now, glancing down as the icy coolness of the liquid death encased her arm once more, she in fact could simply wipe away the Sun with an errant thought. For the creatures of legend and power did not care for Reality's command and rejection for they were children of a different realm and so the restrictions of humanity applied not to them. Now, with the soul deep understanding of the power she had been gifted, Lilian knew that now so did she reject the laws of reality and was akin to an incarnate god upon Earth.
Death could wash over the world and consume it all and there was nothing that could stand in her path, for if the Tome could destroy stars in its realm. Death's Regiment could shatter galaxies with unleashed oblivion, snuffing out all life within. Even if only it was free of the restrictions that humanity placed upon her, it was still too much power for anyone sane to be eager to have.
Children across the world dreamed of having the power to shape reality to their own whims, even she did so as a child, but now with the power to finally do so in hand. All she could think of was just how nice it would be to simply never have had this day happen. Staring down at the cup of coffee on the counter morosely, knowing that it was simply inadequate to deal with the nightmare that her life had become so rapidly. Lilian decided to just run and try to forget about everything for a while, just be by herself and think on how to remain sane.
Dragging her feet as she began to get dressed for a quick run, outside in the chilly morning. It would soon become warn but for now it was going to be painful before she began to warm up from the run.
Opening the door once ready, Lilian was met with a burst of cold air as if the world itself was rejecting her presence upon its surface. Pushing through the coldness, she began to run leaving her worries behind for the hour. Feeling the thumb of her heart beating and muscles moving with practiced motions, it was all so peaceful.
The intake of breath and the breathing out of breath, a perfect harmony to resynchronize her emotions and mental state after the last few trying minutes of her life. Running through the snow covered streets of the sleepy college town was always good for relaxation and right now that was all she sought. A few minutes of freedom from the torment of her current life.
Yet, no matter how much she tried the sensation of the weight in her soul never faded and she knew it would always remain. Cursing her impatience for taking the deal without understanding just what it entailed, but now she was forever stuck with the power of a fallen God, something innately unsuited for a human mind to comprehend.
Lilian knew in the bottom of her soul that the saying of absolute power corrupting absolutely was correct, humans were simply incapable of handling power such as what she had been gifted without falling prey to their own nature. Every thought that brought forth rage, called forth liquid Death ready to snuff the life out of whoever she so wished, even now running when she should be thinking of anything else, she could feel the slithering touch of Death on her legs as the liquid dripped and ran over her skin.
Shaking her head to clear the sullen thoughts, Lilian turned all of her focus and will on simply forgetting about the stuff until she returned home. Taking in the scenery of the surrounding town and focusing on the beauty in the falling snow, even as the flakes melted in the air. Letting go was difficult but as the weight of the past lifted from her shoulders she could finally relax for a few mixtures before having to confront the truth once more.
Retuning home near to the hour, sweaty and in much better spirits than when she left, Lilian was as ready as possible for the next task on her day. Studying the wretched tome that started all of this. The tome sat inconspicuously upon her table, waiting for her to begin reading the tome and further her dive into insanity.
Shaking her head, and to put it off some more, Lilian decided to take a shower to clean her body off, yet the moment she came to that thought a wave of liquid coolness encased her. 'Do not panic, it is of me and will not harm me." Lilian told herself as she could feel her body begins to panic as the absolute darkness began to break past her fearlessness of the dark, before light returned in a moment.
Gasping for breath as the momentary panic receded, "That better fucking not happen again." Lilian snarled as she fell to the floor blinking her eyes to clear away the darkness from them. Grabbing the tome off of the table as she pulled herself off of the ground, finding her body completely clean and dry irrespective of the fact that only moments ago she was covered in sweat and grime.
As she clambered into a nearby chair, with the tome in hand, she let go of the tension sinking deep into the cushions of the chair. "Lets see what this is all about shall we?" Lilian muttered to herself as she opened the tome to the first page and was confronted by maddening sigils once more. It was only due to being able to see the faintest slivers of commonality between the shapes and normal language that the sigils were transformed from a specter of madness into comprehension.
Twisting and transforming in the mind, Lilian squinted as she was forced to peer through the layers of obfuscation to see the truth of the book. As she did, meaning was torn free from the confirms of the tome and revealed to her soul and mind.
This is the Grimoire, Dust of Ages. If you are reading upon the first layer then know that the mystical is real. I am a Human born of the Second Realm. I have lived for centuries prior to writing this tome and storing within the secrets of Death and Star.
The paths of Ascension are arduous and strenuous for any to walk, and those that bear the blood of Humanity are forever bound to our original Realm. Magic and the might it provides is not ours and never will be, none born of the Top Realm may use magic as easily or as potently as those born of the Second or Third or Fourth Realms.
If you believe that you will be the one to break past such restrictions cast away your hubris, for it will only lead to your deaths. Only those of Legendary might and right, can challenge the laws of reality and win. I place this admonishment prior to the teachings for the simple fact that Humanity is singularly unsuited for Power of this level, we are not meant to live eternally nor are we by nature accepting of power and responsibility.
If you still seek power, even in the knowledge that your own nature forever damms you in its pursuit then read on, if you have returned to sanity close this tome and never open it again.
Upon opening this tome, you felt a surge of energy burn through your body and sear into your hands the Foci that are embossed upon the tome. This awakened your Soul and prepared you for Ascension.
To Ascend, it is the process of using the Soul to overcome Reality. You enforce your Soul upon the real, and as your Soul grows in strength so too does your own. Take the revealed sensation of your Soul revealed and let the power flow through your body, cycle it through your mind and heart. Let all of your flesh be infused with the might of your Soul, that which grants you Ascension.
As your Soul grows, more energy is there to be called upon and so the faster you Ascend. Yet, be vigilant for as your Soul grows so too does the influence of any upon you. I have seen people of great kindness turn into monsters of the worst sort as they Ascended without care and caution, letting their Soul awaken hidden natures and refused to rest to recover. In the end I was forced to slay them, do not make their mistake if you proceed down this path.
With a sigh, Lilian placed the book down on the nearby table, 'It all comes down to the soul. Which has a large number of implications. Ugh more questions I can't answer' she morosely thought as she pondered the tome and the warnings. Which she now full hearty agreed with feeling the slick touch of power every moment in the back of her mind only proved the truth of the warning.
Yet, she couldn't reject the power as it was part of her already and she needed power if other beings could use their full might on Earth, where she would not be able to do so. Getting off of the chair with a stretch from reading the book for an hour to ensure that the full meaning had been found, she made her way to the carpet that she tended to use for yoga exercises.
Huffing as she sat down on the floor of the room, in the middle of the carpet, Lilian turned towards the phantom sensation in the back of her mind. Feeling the churning power just waiting for something to give it form and focus, with unsteady thoughts it was slowly dragged free from its place in the back of her mind and sent coursing throughout her form.
She could feel her body shift and change under the energy of her Soul, as it reformed muscles and nerves. Pain and pleasure racked her body for both an eternity and an instant as nerves were refined and tuned to a higher degree. Time passed without awareness for all she knew was the coursing power of her Soul slowly digging trenches by which it could flow and fill her body. Muscle and bone respond to the call of Soul and thickened and hardened even as her entire body became more than human.
With a thunderous ring, her phone alarm broke through her concentration long before it was done. Startled from her mediation Lilian could feel her soul slipping back away, yet leaving behind traces of the work she had done. Muscles larger and far more toned than before, nearly sculpted in appearance under soft skin, and every inch of her body had been improved in some way, from her hair which now fell in silky waves of white down her back and her brownish eyes which now gleamed light red.
As she began to get dressed for college, Lilian found another result of her beginning the steps of Ascension, in that her body was more than a full inch taller, pushing her to near five feet and eleven inches. On the down side it had the side effect of making her pants and shirts no longer fit, 'Guess I am going to the store this week for clothes.' She thought as she finished getting ready for the rest of the day.
Several hours later, as she returned home Lilian was smiling as her day had gone perfectly, none of her classes were in any danger of failing any more for the foreseeable future. 'Its a relief to not have to worry about that for now, of course skipping Wednesday and Friday would be a large step, but at least I could without destroying any chance of getting a nursing degree' she thought in her head as she all but bounced back home.
But as with everything good in her life for the last few hours, it was not that cut and dry, for one of the men in her class had attracted her attention as he radiated death, pulling on her Soul in a way that only last week would have been unfelt but now was intimately familiar. Frowning as she pondered what it could mean for there to be another individual that seemed to bear the blood of death in such close proximity to her, yet thankfully she had managed to see his hands were free of any sigils.
As she considered the lack of sigils she found her hands rubbing her own, and scowled down at her hands for it had been a nightmare to keep them covered in her third class, but somehow she had managed to do just that. On the other hand a part of her mind whispered, it would be simple enough to claim they were tattoos and nothing more, 'and instantly lose any social standing I have' the rest of her mind snarked back at that part.
"What do I do? Do I tell him or do nothing? Is he in danger for his heritage as I am or is he so weak that no one cares? Why is everything so dammed complicated now?" Lilian ranted as she strode into her living room where the tome sat waiting innocently on the table where she had left it.
Seeing the source of all of her recent frustration, Lilian found something that she could do. Learn the stupid language that kept making her black out, it couldn't be that hard to learn after all as it literally shoved the meaning into your head when you read it. Smiling as her day suddenly had something even more enjoyable than doing well in school, Lilian quickly danced around the house as she gathered up notepads and pencils to begin translating and learning the language.
Opening the tome to the first page, Lilian began to take notes. Forming rules and inferences of how the language was constructed and its probable rules of writing, yet something seemed wrong with all of her work. Yet, it still progressed slowly and steadily, no major breakthroughs or mistakes passed her eyes as she worked with a faint smile as she got to indulge in her passion for languages. The hours ticked on by as the sun drifted lower in the sky, until her alarm rang.
Blinking tired eyes, tearing up from the strain of looking past the obfuscation of the language, she noticed that the time had come for the informal running club meet up. Dragging herself out of the chair and away from the single most Interesting language she had ever seen for even the complex eastern languages were child's play compared to this, she began to get ready, yet her mind remained fixated on the language and how it could be written.
Time passed in a blur as she found her way to the meet and in the depths of her mind only barely recognized the start of the first run and so it continued throughout the hour long block of time. She was the last one off the start and always the third to finish, she longer legs and better muscles improving her already trained body to a level that pure humans could simply not compete against.
Lilian sighed as she returned home, irritated at her own performance and the simple fact that she was simply beyond the vast majority of humans to have any challenge in running competitions, and the difference would only grow. "Yet, another reason that my life has been screwed over. I just wanted to be a nurse, maybe marry and have a couple of kids. Now this mess has landed on my head." She muttered as she found her way to the tome and began to flip through the pages paying them no mind until she found one of the last chapters, the title of which caught her eye.
Paradoxical Finality is one of the stranger techniques I have encountered through the ages of life I have lived. It is Chaos and Entropy aligned, two foci that to the base individual would seem incompatible as is entropy not the same as Chaos in and of itself, thus breaking the fundamental rule of Human magic. However, it does not break the fundamental rule for the simple fact that the physical definition of entropy is not the same as what Entropy is.
In physics Entropy is designated as the amount of chaos in a given system, this however is not what we term Entropy. To us and the mystical Realm Entropy is a subset of Time, a very precise subset, it is the encapsulation of Temporal Energy states. It doesn't care about anything more or less than the energetic history of energy. It is coincidentally the only Concept to be able to peer into the outside of Time itself, for it can set the current Time of Energy to any Time.
Thus, with Chaos added to the already non linear nature of Entropy, we find ourselves with the most unpredictable Techniques ever made. This technique in particular can do anything that relates to Entropy as defined above and Chaos. I have seen it take the form of Defense, Summoning and Attack, even on one occasion Prediction.
Once more the alarm on her phone tore her back into reality from the soul sucking depths of the Grimoire. Huffing a bit as she placed the tome aside, Lilian began to get ready for several hours of mind numbing boredom from packing groceries. Knowing full well that the job could be preformed by a trained monkey, was just the icing on the cake.
Sighing as she left knowing that tomorrow would be likely just as irritating.
Day 1 complete
Due to me not wanting to write each individual day out, we are moving to workweek time frames with Weekend plans made on friday
Due to only having Tuesday to Friday to work with you only have from 6am to 6pm for open action slots, Class starts at 10 and gets out at 2, if you ditch work then you have 4 more hours. per day a total of 12 actions without classes and 16 without work
Each hour nets you one dice to that action.
[] Go running (might find stuff)
-[] time
-[] actions
[] Meet up with the strange guy from class
-[] time
-[] actions
[] research what the hell is going on
-[] time
-[] actions
-[] topic
[] Preform Ascension (57/100)
-[] time
-[] actions
[] Study the Language of the tome (378/5000)
-[] time
-[] actions
[] Go to work (income of $12 dollars per hour spent)
-[] time
-[] 4 actions
[] learn a Technique
-[] time
-[] actions
-[] Technique
-[] Paradoxical Finality (27/2000)
[] Socialize with random people (might find possible allies, reduce stress)
-[] time
-[] actions
[] spend time relaxing (lower stress and improve mental state)
-[] time
-[] actions
[] meet up with the running club (1 hour)
-[] time
-[] actions
Wednesday
[] Go to school for your classes (Lilian is fine with missing one Class this week, 4 actions)
Friday
[] Go to school for your classes (Lilian is fine with missing one Class this week, 4 actions)
