218 Spellcraf (1/2)

”An acceptable proposition,” said the clone.

There was a bit of a pause which Li broke by asking, ”So, how does this work?”

The clone balanced the droplet of black water between his palms and looked at it, its shadowed face flickering with intent. The droplet shimmered and flickered like a hazy mirage, and then gained color. Bright and changing colors – energy in pure flux.

”The power is ready for fashioning. I merely require your specifications.”

”Well, obviously, the first step is something that can easily counter the demonrot,” said Li.

”A fine first step. Direct immunity? Or a varying degree of resistance? The latter would require less magical energy to create.”

”I'd prefer direct immunity, honestly, but I can settle for strong resistance in some conditions to lower mana costs. As for conditions, let's say something like the farther away someone is from me, the less resistance there is? I could also pair that with my ability to plant totems, right?”

”All fine and reasonable considerations. And all done.” A zap of green energy flashed from the clone's hands to the droplet, adding in Li's input. ”Then the baseline rank of this spell would be B+ rank, degrading down to C+ provided maximal distance is enforced. Is this sufficient?”

”You know, this is starting to feel more and more like I'm buying some kind of custom car rigged out,” said Li. ”Anyways, I think it's pretty sufficient, though I'd also like for the spell to cure existing demonrot.”

”If that comparison gives you comfortability, then certainly, I can comply.” The clone's face flickered, and its clothing changed into a completely formal, modern suit from his past world. ”And that addition will be…costly. A twofold spell that both provides resistances and cures, even in the rules you know for spells, that is rare.”

”You are right. Spells with multi-effects at high ranks are rare, and they tend to have a premium cost. But I'd be willing to pay for it,” said Li. ”My magical energy reserves are far higher than what they used to be, and I can draw upon the power of the forests and my followers to supply it as well.”

”Very well. The rank of the spell rises to A.”

”Let's make it area of effect as well,” said Li, feeling like a rich customer ordering everything on the menu.

So far, though, he had not pulled out all the stops yet. He still had the ability to put down totems as an Elder Leshen that could extend the range of his buffs – something he had never had to do until now because he had worked alone for so long.

He also had so many more tools to restore his magical energy. He also would be willing to plant seeds from his personal collection that would aid with those needs as well. After all, the stops of laying low that had previously stopped him from going all out were getting increasingly thinner.

”That's an acceptable cost. How about we get to what the spell looks like. Its flavor details.”

”I am listening. Go ahead.”

”Let's make it convenient. Something that's easily noticeable and eye catching. A highly visible, glowing, healing aura. Maybe that will look a little too generic. But, if you are me, you have an idea of my preferences, right?”

”An idea.”

”Then make the spell look impressive. Flashy. Inspiring. Something that people will flock to and recognize and burn into their memories as their saving grace.”

”Done,” replied the clone nearly immediately, adding in splotches of colored energy into the droplet, tinting its black hue lighter and more vibrant.

”Give me the spell,” said Li. ”I want to get a glimpse of it. See if I want any final alterations.”

”As you wish.” The clone gently pushed its hands forward, and the droplet floated towards Li.

He caught it in his hand, and knowledge and power flowed into his mind.