The First Cultivator

"We're so sorry," Azura and Toren said in unison, trying to look ashamed. Azura had gathered her accomplice since he was also being punished. Besides, she needed the help.

The crow-kin just looked disapproving at the two. "Fine," the crow-kin squawked.

"Okay then," Azura said as the pair started farther inside.

"Wait, kin aren't allowed in," Miss Grassfoot said.

"Surely you, as one of the book-keepers, could give us access," Toren said sweetly.

"I could, but I won't."

"Come on, please," Toren whined, and Azura saw that the woman wouldn't be moved by their typical tactics. So Azura tried something new. Something that she rarely ever used… the truth. She gathered the last condensed mana in her reservoir for the spell.

"LIGHT," Azura chanted. The light spell was bright enough to interrupt the bickering pair. Both of them stared in shock at the ball of light.

Toren was surprised because Azura didn't tell him why she wanted to visit the library. He probably assumed it was some kind of prank. The book-keeper was astonished because she had never heard of a kin casting magic. Azura arched one eyebrow at the pair.

"How did you…" Miss Grassfoot started as Toren's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

"I made a breakthrough recently," Azura admitted. "But even this much is draining. I need to see what types of magic are out there to find one that might work for me."

Azura didn't know crow-kin could smile. One would think it wasn't possible with that large beak, but damn if she didn't give Azura the biggest smile she'd ever seen.

"A kin mage," the woman said thoughtfully. "That'd show those snooty mages a thing or two. Alright, I will let you in on a trial basis. Cause any trouble, and you're out. Plus, I will tell both of your parents. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now follow me. I know of a few books that might help." The crow-kin turned and led the pair further into the library. Azura followed, ignoring the pleading look on Toren's face.

"I'll grab a few books for you that list different types of magic and their general uses. Once you find a magic specialization you're interested in, I can find something more specific for you."

The pair went further into the library, where towering shelves of books surrounded them. Azura stared around in astonishment as she took it all in. Azura could read and write pretty well, thanks to the schooling the kin adults provided. This library represented a fount of knowledge she had no idea existed. As they walked on, Azura noticed something else. There weren't any other kin in sight. Humans dominated the area. Worse still, all of them were mages, judging from their hair color. She felt distinctly uneasy.

"Are there only mages here?" Azura whispered, shying away from the glares coming their way.

"Yes," the crow-kin whispered. "The only reason I work here is that my kind is famous for our memory and intelligence. I know where almost every book is stored. Don't make me regret allowing you in."

Another turn and the crow-kin pointed at an empty table.

"Sit there."

The pair sat quickly, and Azura winced as the chair scraped along the floor. The crow-kin ignored them, going to a shelf. She promptly grabbed four books and gently placed them before the pair.

"These four books contain a comprehensive list of different magical areas of expertise. You'll find everything from pyromancers to fate weavers in here." Her expression hardened. "Don't leave the table for any reason. Once you're done, quickly come back to the front with the books, and I'll replace them."

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"What if we have to use the bathroom?" Toren asked.

"Hold it or leave," Grassfoot said as she marched back to the front.

Once she was out of sight, Toren turned to Azura, his voice low.

"How did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"That magic."

"I could always cast that spell," Azura said smugly.

"Yes, but last time I saw you use it, I had to drag you home."

"I…," Azura paused, choosing her words carefully. "Had something of a breakthrough yesterday. I'm unsure how useful it is, but I think I can work with it."

"Huh," Toren said, eying her.

"It might be something big. Something even kin can use," Azura said conspiratorially.

"But kin don't have mana pools," Toren argued.

"That's not true. All living things have a mana pool, but most kin's pools are too small to feel or access. Mages like to insult us, saying we don't have one, but the mage who taught me said we did." Azura didn't need to mention that she was only taught for a month before the mage quit. Toren knew all the details about that and about her father. Azura squashed the flare of anger when she thought of the man. She had a job to do.

"Look for anything that uses only a little mana. Or one with a high initial cost but lasts a long time," Azura told the boy as she grabbed the first book.

Let's see Aeromancy, air magic, Azura read silently. The magic for controlling wind and the air. Useful both in combat and in utility in everyday life. Aeromancers can manipulate the weather and even fly. It is suggested that a mana pool have at least a level 4 classification…

Azura stopped reading and moved on. That was no good.

Mages measured and classified the size of mana pools. She dreamt of being a powerful mage when her mana pool was first awakened. Her bastard of a father had sent her a tutor, but never showed up himself. When she had cast her first light spell and passed out, her teacher took her to a specialized clinic where her mana pool was measured. She had a level 0 classification. It was barely enough to awaken. The mage had promptly quit as her tutor. Naturally, Azura's mother didn't believe she was so powerless. She sought out experts, leading to the events of yesterday. Azura flipped to the next section as she put the distracting thoughts out of her head.

Necromancy, death magic. The magic to animate the dead. This includes summoning zombies, skeletons, and ghouls. Masters of necromancy can permanently control their summons and raise even higher levels of undead. Necromancy has a high initial cost that sacrifices can offset. Alternatively, the creations can be maintained by allowing them to feed on life essence on a regular basis. It is suggested that a mana pool have at least a level 2 classification…

Azura stopped. It might work, but yuck! Who would want to work with dead things all day? No, she would rather not be a mage than a necromancer.

Fire magic… no.

Light magic… no.

The search continued, with nothing appealing. Of course, there was always the option of becoming a warlock, but the fate of those individuals often had tragic endings. Even a few kin had become warlocks, as it was a way to awaken their magic, drawing power from the contract.

Toren had suggested sex magic as it could become self-sustaining once the act got going. She promptly hit him on the head.

Azura was despairing when she found…

Body magic. Body magic internalizes magic to increase one's physical attributes. This branch of magic is considered virtually useless by credited mages. The only situation where it would be reasonable to apply this particular magic would be in areas with extremely low mana density, as it does not consume mana directly. This branch of magic is usable by any awakened mana pool level.

The author's disdain for body magic was apparent, but Azura felt her pulse race. She quickly looked for more but found nothing. Each previous branch of magic had multiple pages dedicated to it with spell descriptions, common uses, etc. Here, there was just… nothing.

"I got something," Azura whispered, showing him the passage.

"Body magic?" Toren asked. "Like super-powered farts?"

Azura paused for a moment, horrified. Then she hit him on the head. No, he was just being silly. That couldn't be in the realm of body magic… could it? Not dwelling on that disturbing possibility, she scooped up the books and returned to the front counter.

"Do you have any books on body magic?" Azura asked as she placed the current tomes down.

The crow-kin frowned as the feathers on her forehead crinkled in thought.

"No, but there is a book on obscure branches of magic. It might have some information."

The crow-kin led Azura back into the library, where she pulled out a relatively small book. Its spine was stiff enough to impress a chiropractor. She doubted it had ever been opened. The title made Azura's heart sink: Impractical Magic.

"Can I borrow this?" Azura asked.

The crow-kin hesitated a moment. "I don't see why not. No one has ever asked for that book before. Just bring it back in a few weeks."

Azura thanked the crow-kin profusely before tucking the book away as she and Toren left.

"Will that really help?" Toren asked doubtfully.

"Maybe," Azura answered.

"Well, that was a waste of time and wasn't even fun," Toren scowled, looking up at the sun. "I have to go peel carrots for the next 5 years."

"My warden also expects me home soon," Azura sighed dramatically. "It's folding the inmate's laundry for me. Look me up when you get out. Try to smuggle me a small file in a carrot during our next visiting hours."

"How am I supposed to put a file in a carrot?"

Azura shrugged. "I thought you were used to handling small things."

This time, it was Azura who received a blow to the head.