“However, some creatures have been known to have more than one core, making actions like this a bit more challenging, though those creatures are few and far between,” he rotated the core to check for any damage. “I see, my lord. But what happens when you remove a core from a body?” Athar asked, regarding the core curiously.

“By removing the core, the rest of the body becomes practically useless unless its core is returned. If you destroy the body while removing its core, then it has nothing to command, thereby allowing one full control over it, provided you have the skill,” the Masked One explained.

Athar was stunned. “So, what you’re saying is that the core is what controls the body? Is it not the brain of the creature that does that?” he asked. “In essence, the brain performs the bodily functions needed for things like eating, speech, and movement. The core is what commands and guides the brain to perform those actions. A body cannot function without its core, but the core has its own properties that allow it to exist autonomously,” the Masked One answered.

“I think I’m beginning to understand, my lord,” Athar said, still trying to wrap his head around the concept. “But, what purpose does a core have without a body to make use of its commands?” he asked, prompting his master to chuckle maliciously. “Observe,” he commanded.

He outstretched the hand holding what he had taken from the ochelon and absorbing its contents fully, causing his body to begin surging with a power Athar had never seen before.

I can’t believe it. He’s taking it all, Athar realized as the color began to drain from the core.

The mage’s body began to grow larger and more beastlike, as his nails thickened and grew darker, while his muscles bulged beneath his cloak. As soon as the core was fully drained of power, he crushed its remains in his hand as the mana within the emptied shell dissipated into thin air.

“You see, Athar, there are various forms of magic and mana in this world, many of which I do not have the time nor patience to explain right now. Those fools in their castles think there is only the kind that the Synners have. However, I am going to show them what true power is as the herald of my master’s second coming,” he flexed his hand open and shut, testing his newfound strength.

He has a master? A second coming? Wait, when was the first? Athar wondered, genuinely confused by his master’s words.

“I can tell you’re confused,” the Masked One said, tilting his head slightly. “I am indeed, my lord,” he nodded quickly. “This is precisely why I needed you to see this. You’re going to help me, as you are one of the catalysts needed for it to happen,” the mage said with a dark tone.

Athar swallowed hard and nodded his head. “Is that what you were doing to me? You were looking at my memories,” the young man said, finally understanding. “Originally, I did not think you would have much more involvement in this matter, but your past is going to play a vital role,” the Masked One sighed.

“I was commanded, and now so are you. You don’t have a choice anymore, Athar,” the Masked One said, looking him dead in the eye. “If you did, I’m certain you wouldn’t remain here in the north, serving someone you obviously loathe,” he continued.

Athar could say nothing in return.

“I own you, as I have since the day you arrived here in Valdis. But, for now, we both serve a much higher purpose, and an even darker power,” the Masked one said in an unusual tone. Athar felt a chill go up his spine as the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

“I understand, my lord,” he said dejectedly. “I’m just glad you didn’t do… whatever that was to me,” he gestured to the entrails scattered across the floor. “I still could, if you make me angry enough,” the Masked One growled. “However, there would be little benefit to me doing so, as you have no favorable attributes to acquire,” he continued.

“What do you mean?” Athar shuddered, feeling both relief and fear. “I absorbed the ochelon’s attributes by draining its core. While the changes are random, they still offer a fair gain in power or strength depending on the creature they come from,” his master explained briefly.

If he didn’t scare me before, hearing that definitely did, Athar blanched momentarily.

“Still, there is much work to do, and we must move on from here. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that there is a summoning circle beneath our feet,” the Masked One gestured around the large room. “The runes embedded within the rings can serve different purposes, but one of them is this,” his eyes glowed brightly as he condensed a large amount of mana into his hand and slammed it into a ring beneath him.

The floor radiated violet light as the runes lit up sequentially. The center of the numerous rings glowed, as a handful of crystals materialized before them. “What the…?” Athar asked breathlessly, gauging the size of the summoned items.

“As I’ve said before, controlling these creatures one by one is difficult, and so I have devised a way to cut out my need for direct control. The royal ochelon’s core, now infused with my own, will leave its mark on the mana I imbue. It takes some time to fully charge them, but it can be done passively - another benefit of using the circle with my mana signature,” his master explained.

“But how do you know that will work, my lord?” Athar looked at him in astonishment. “All creatures must bow to something more powerful than they are. It is embedded in their instincts. By using the mana within these crystals to power the spell I cast on the horde, they will answer to me, and only me. Do you understand now?” the mage raised an eyebrow beneath his mask.

“I-I think so, my lord,” Athar nodded slowly. “Good. Now, come; there is something else I want to show you,” his master gestured for him to follow.