The Lost Secrets of the Arcanum

Magic, as far as Alice was aware, has been lost for ages. Ever since the great war over a millennium ago, in which the lands of the world was sundered into multiple continents, no mages have ever been born. Naturally, after such a long time, historical records become rare and fact becomes almost indistinguishable from fiction. Some skeptics even believe that magic has never existed at all. Even so, ever so often, one could hear rumors of some cult or another that claims to be able to perform miracles. While the princess has a tendency to be doubtful of tall tales and stories with no evidence, she's willing to keep an open mind as she pries open the heavy tome, carefully perusing the texts within. If there was any advantage at all to be gleaned here, then she would find it. {if Orb = True}Plus, with her new acquisition from Rose, maybe she can find a find a way to power it up.{endif}

It is said that magic was the gift of the gods, granted to humanity upon our creation. It allowed us to surpass our mortal limitations, to allow us to mold the world as we see fit. It is said that humanity were the favored creation of the gods, and that this cradle of a world was made for us, so that we could create kingdoms, empires, and legends that span the ages.

It is little wonder then, that our gifts would be taken from us when we squandered them. I wonder how disappointed the gods are, to see us waging war and causing calamities with the powers they provided. Instead of creation, we chose destruction, and in the wake of our greed and ambition, the gods saw fit to strip such privilege from us, leaving us no better than the animals we subjugated.

However, in the years gone by, scholars and researchers believe that it may still be possible to curry favor from certain deities. Rumors exist of tribal shamans down south, using totems to call upon the elemental powers, and of the eastern blood arts, where a sacrifice of one's life **** is needed to invoke certain rituals. None of these rumors can be substantiated, but it's clear humanity has not given up on seeking out the secrets of the arcane despite all the time that's passed.

This book is culmination of my life's research. Here, I've gathered the most conclusive method for attempting to regain the flow of mana. It is far from perfected, but alas, there is nothing more for me to add. Dear reader, it is now up to you to keep digging...

With a slam, Alice closes the book. Her head ached slightly, and even with her eyes closed, she could see the dizzying array of diagrams, charts, and equations listed in the book. The author claims that with certain reagents, one could attempt to invoke a deity in order to become their chosen. This was an incredibly dangerous action, and those of weak wills are incinerated instantly upon saying the words of power. Even those who survive the first step can often fail, as their desires are too muddied to single out a god. The author concludes with a warning that any who attempt this ritual should be amply prepared, not merely just in terms of hardening their willpowers, but through knowing the path they wish to take.

Naturally, this was a thoroughly complex read, and it's not something Alice can go and perform right now. She'll need to study this further and prepare the necessary ingredients before even attempting such a complex ritual.

{if Orb = True}Aside from the main topic, there was very little mention of relics and artifacts, except a brief excerpt that mentioned that one's life **** is always a sufficient substitute for mana when powering objects of power. Life ****... as is blood? Alice intends to find out.{endif}