TBATE- A force to be reckoned with

Celestial Guidance

'Noctis,' I call out.

'You told me all those years ago to call out to you if I ever need Celestial Guidance.'

'I...I need your help. War is coming, and I need to be strong enough to protect my friends and family.'

'These beings called the Vritra have already killed one of the six lances, a white core mage. And he said there will be war.'

'So I beg of you, please train me and my brother. Because if we don't get stronger...we'll lose people we care about. And I don't think I can take it, not again.'

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Opening my eyes I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

So, how did it go?

I think it worked, we just have to wait for a reply.

...so this Noctis is my biological father?

I mean probably, he is the one who entrusted you to me.

Even then, I still consider you as my father.

Heh, I see.

I knew better than to expect an answer right away.

So I got to work on my core.

"What in the-?" I am unable to hide my surprise.

My solid yellow core had cracks in it.

But that's not what surprised me.

It was the translucent black shell that covered it.

It's like seeing through a black glass.

It has turned way darker than last time.

What does it do?

I mean I have found nothing to indicate any effect on my core.

I guess I'll have to ask Noctis if-when he replies.

For now, let's break through solid yellow.

I summon Solaris in my hand, since it does increase the rate of absorbing mana.

I begin absorbing ambient mana, and my core took it all, almost hungrily.

And the mana in my core swirled like a whirlpool.

Soon the outer cracked shell crumbled to reveal the light yellow ball.

Four more stages till white.

And after that, the stage beyond white.

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I and Arthur had decided to stay home for a day before returning.

Father left at dawn for work. So we could spend our day with Mother and Ellie.

Tabitha tagged along, and for what?

Shopping.

My mortal enemy.

I didn't even bother counting the number of stores we entered.

Fortunately with the two of us being there, we both got small breaks from being mannequins.

Finally when we entered a store selling scarves, Arthur spoke up, "Aunt Helstea, are there any stores selling anything to help me train faster?"

"Hmm? You mean elixirs?" She looked at him confused.