two

[defyingreality]

I think I get why people get so annoyed when they try to fight me.

[ He's somewhat amused by what had happened. Mainly because what happened felt a lot like what he usually does to other people - well, Phobiaclones didn't count but still - except that he was one of those other people this time. He had felt that something was going to happen, the same gentle way that he felt matters shift back home but without the pressing headache or the way reality suddenly was sounds-light-energy blending into thoughts pressing on his head. ]

Anyways, I had a feeling that this was going to be a low effort kind of event a few minutes before it hit, and I guess it was an ability? From the Library? Like the way I can almost create items from books, or talk instead of write in the journals. We really need to work on complying exactly what everyone can do in order to make better choices going forward. That story was gentle. I doubt we will have such luck next time.

In other news, I can procure a almost decent pot of coffee so long as I don't walk away, so if anyone wants some, just ask.

Comments

[angel_of_baal]

....that's what sorcery is, though. Using the stuff of the Immaterium to impact and shape the material world.

[Well, there's also daemons, but that's a separate issue.] What is that considered where you're from?

[defyingreality]

Is that like using mana?

[ Maybe a different word for it? Or a different source? He is falling back on terms from webnovels here. ]

It's just what I can do. My... well, Hero power I guess. One of them.

[angel_of_baal]

I've never heard that term, but possibly. Some are skilled with using arcane energies that others cannot even sense. Does that sound like your mana?

[defyingreality]

That sounds like what they talk about in books. There's a few shows that also go on about mana pool and stuff. In the historical fantasies, they talk about qi in about the same way, but usually it's just fiction.

[angel_of_baal]

It is not fiction, I assure you. The powers of the Librarius are why I am still alive.

[defyingreality]

I always wondered how it felt to use mana as a kid. Even learned some simple magic tricks as if it would trigger something special, but all I can remember now is some coin tricks and juggling.

[angel_of_baal]

Where I'm from, one has the ability, or doesn't. My father is gifted. My brother Magnus, as well. But the rest of us...cannot wield the warp.

[defyingreality]

Did it make you jealous? Knowing that you can't do what they can? Or did you gain other talents to offset it?

I ask because in my world, there's a level of manipulation that can be utilize in order to fake Trust enough until it comes true. In other words, fake it until you make it.

[angel_of_baal]

No? [The question sounds bizarre to him. Everyone serves the Emperor with their own abilities. Some are gifted in some ways, others in different. All that mattered was duty.] No one would envy the Librarians. The price they pay for their power is constant vigilance and worry.

[defyingreality]

[ He chuckles and there's a kind of lack of humor in that, as if he's more relieved than anything else. ]

I asked because where I'm from it's pretty normal to want to gain power because of jealousy. Or a desperate need. Or because someone you trusted wants you to shoulder power and take the blame.

But constant worry... the only worry I have is that no one can match me. X isn't a name, it's the title of the strongest Hero. I've held it for three years in a row, and the Commission wants me dead because of that.

[angel_of_baal]

Some would say my Father can extend his aid to those in direst need. I don't know if that's true.[Not that he hasn't been in dire need, just...unable to do anything at the time.] But the point of power and ability is duty. To have a power and not use it in service of Mankind is the closest we come to a sin.

What do you do with your great rank, then? [Because that's like a Legion Champion, right?]

[defyingreality]

I help who I can help. I try not to abuse those without power, which is actually kinda easy for me considering. I don't go for all trappings of power that everyone seems so eager to claim - the only time I actually leaned into X was to film a couple ads.

Though I should probably be more proactive. I had hoped to never last long as a Hero but I guess I've overestimated the current crop of Heroes. Then again, I'm not sure if anyone can really do anything to me.