Chapter Fifty-Six: "Domain"

Theresta had been at the Sunspire Tower for some time now. Sent by Selwore of the Academy's royalist faction, this elven lady was usually seen only in the library, though she occasionally attended gatherings outside. Theresta would sometimes craft enchanted items, but spent most of her time in the Sun Temple honing her arcane skills.

The alchemical documents Patrick kept in the library were considered the core property of the Sunspire Tower and were guarded by Quelrintis and Yanida, ensuring that no outsider learned their formulas. Theresta herself had no right to access them, so she generally limited her work to enchanting trinkets or weapons, riding the coattails of the potions sold by the Sunspire Tower to earn a modest income.

Originally, Theresta had been sent to the Sunspire Tower by Selwore, the leader of the Academy's royalists, to observe Archmage Patrick’s habits and arcane talents. She had been somewhat reluctant to live in such a remote place. However, upon arriving, her outlook changed; though the arcane energy here was not as rich or dense as in Silvermoon City, the Sun Temple’s arcane particles were fresh, vibrant, and full of vitality, whereas Silvermoon’s arcane was potent but tinged with decadence.

Now, thanks to Archmage Patrick’s presence, the entire Sun Temple had become lively. The new alchemical potions released by the Sunspire Tower attracted many merchants, travelers began settling nearby, and idle adventurers came to the Ghostlands to hone their skills. New homes were being built to accommodate more elves, and it would soon become a new town.

The distant landscape remained somewhat gloomy—the Ghostlands’ environment was not like Eversong Woods. With winter approaching and cold rain falling, the air was biting; most of the leaves had already fallen from the trees on Sunscar Peak, leaving only bare, interlaced branches.

Chilly northern winds brushed Theresta’s face. The elven ladies of Silvermoon had their own unique sense of style: Theresta’s refined, efficient golden hair, and her blue mage’s robe paired with black-toned pauldrons, created a simple yet sophisticated look that showcased her flawless figure. Her face bore a faint powder, hidden beneath fair skin, but up close hinted at a delicate, alluring fragrance and a deep, captivating beauty.

Her subtle makeup gave Theresta an air of returning to nature; when she first arrived at the Sunspire Tower, she attracted many admirers. Only after revealing her formidable spellcasting abilities did she dissuade most suitors.

Makeup was not merely for concealing flaws; rather, it “emphasized” and “highlighted,” subtly suggesting the elven lady’s experience and refined taste.

Theresta returned to her room and began composing a magical letter of reply to Selwore. This time, Archmage Patrick and High Marshal Alleria Windrunner had left for a few days with an adventurer named Lorne Songstream. Though the absence was brief, given Patrick’s recent changes, those days away must have been significant.

A few days earlier, Theresta had noticed a change within the Sunspire Tower: an arcane vortex had appeared at the top level, quietly and steadily drawing arcane energy from the air. She later learned that the archmage and his companions had returned.

Judging by her observations, Patrick’s arcane rank had not changed, but his power had deepened; his mastery of energy had become more refined, and his mental strength had grown ever keener. It seemed he was contemplating reaching the seventh circle and had already taken steps toward it. In terms of raw arcane talent, he would stand out even in all of Quel’Thalas.

...

Patrick was utterly absorbed in the world within the platinum discs, imitating spells from recorded fragments. His spirit manipulated the surrounding space, his sea of consciousness expanding around him and projecting directly into reality, replacing matter with his own will. Thus, a private “domain” under Patrick’s control was born.

This experiment in arcane manipulation consumed vast amounts of mana. As his awareness replaced reality, the “domain” devoured his mental and magical energy. All perceptions of the surrounding matter were projected into his “domain,” but it was still far from truly affecting reality. The path of arcane mastery stretched long before him.

Exhausted, Patrick withdrew from the platinum discs, which shrank and merged into a sigil that sunk back into his body.

Opening his eyes, Patrick found himself lying in his chamber on the sixth floor of the Sunspire Tower. A female elf was watching over him.

“How long have you been here?” Patrick asked softly.

Alleria did not answer directly. “Don’t you ever rest? Is there nothing in your world but the arcane?”

Patrick was at a loss for words; he could hardly explain that the future held turmoil for Azeroth, the fall of Silvermoon, and the destruction of the Sunwell.

“A few days ago, I came again to discuss plans for dealing with the trolls, only to find you frozen in your chair. I called in Quelrintis, who assured me you were only in deep meditation—nothing serious,” Alleria said, looking closely at Patrick. Their eyes met, and the distance between them narrowed.

Patrick seemed a bit embarrassed, his long ears flushing red. He got up to stretch; after days lying still, his muscles were numb, but his spirit was slowly recovering, his sea of consciousness absorbing arcane energy from the surroundings again.

“Has Sylvanas not taken up positions near Zeb’nowa and Zeb’tela?” Patrick asked, feeling somewhat revived.

“She’s already begun preparations for the purge. But what about you?” Alleria handed Patrick a cup of fragrant, hot tea. “Are you planning to ascend to high arcanist and then return to your family, perhaps serve in Silvermoon City?”

“Why do you think so?” Patrick took a deep sip, soothing his parched throat.

“Because since you came to the Sun Temple, your studies have accelerated. It’s as if something is chasing you, forcing you to press forward relentlessly.”

Patrick gave a clear answer: “No. I will remain here in the Ghostlands, holding the Sunspire Tower.”

Alleria and Patrick spoke for a while about their plans for the coming days and their thoughts on the upcoming troll-clearing campaign. Not long after, Alleria left—she had received a summons from Sylvanas to return to the frontline outpost.