Chapter Seventy-Eight: Arcane Secrets Hidden

"Our eternal power source, the Sunwell, originates from a single vial of water from the Well of Eternity. This wondrous titan creation radiates both arcane and natural energies. Thanks to the marvels of the titan constructs, we are able to use the arcane as a mimicry, channeling it to emulate various other types of energy—just as with water, fire, wind, and earth, the four elements."

"But aside from these common energies, are there even higher forms? The answer is yes. Wizards of the School of Conjuration can freely manipulate space, wielding spatial power; those of Divination may use time reversal to glimpse the mysteries of time; the School of Evocation controls magical energy, creating matter out of nothing; while Illusionists cultivate the strength of their own souls, gaining mastery over others' spirits."

"These four arcane schools correspond to the four applications of advanced energy: space, time, primal matter, and soul. As your mastery of magic grows ever greater, you will no longer need to use arcane energy to imitate these higher forces—you will directly wield the higher energies themselves."

"Yet, we have discovered another way to lower the requirements for commanding such supreme energies: what we call an energy level ascension."

"By gathering and channeling vast quantities of lesser energy, then triggering an ascension in their energy grade, we can obtain a portion of higher energy. This allows us to begin unraveling the secrets of the world’s most supreme powers."

"Likewise, by taking a portion of higher energy and downgrading its level, it will yield a great amount of lesser energy."

As these words were spoken, the image of the elf reappeared, gathering pure blue arcane power in his palm. Slowly, the blue light began to turn white, and the arcane sphere in his hand transformed into a sphere of space. Patrick could clearly see the orb radiate powerful spatial fluctuations, so intense that even the surrounding space was warped. The very light itself seemed bent by the interference of this spatial sphere.

"Remember, higher energies are not so easily mastered. The unrestrained pursuit of power leads only to losing oneself, and an elf who loses himself will never again touch the truth."

"So, young elf, unshackle your hands and feet, and strive to explore, to savor, and to master the secrets of higher orders of power."

At last, the phantom elf swept his hand and two sequences of spells soared forth, entering Patrick’s consciousness. A vast system of knowledge was transmitted to him—the principles and techniques of energy level ascension and downgrading.

Patrick exerted himself to absorb the new knowledge—these were the highest arcane masterpieces of the High Elves, and the arcane wisdom amassed since the ancient Kaldorei era surged forth in his mind.

The Archmage's Platform was not far from the Sunwell Plateau, so the entire platform was suffused with the Sunwell's radiant energies. Allen did not let this opportunity slip by, ravenously absorbing the Sunwell’s power. Meanwhile, the four platinum discs within Patrick’s body were also voraciously drawing in energy from the Sunwell. Patrick felt as though the arcane energy within him was on the verge of overflowing, his own magical reserves swelling at a frantic pace.

As Patrick finished reading 'The Ascension and Downgrading of Energy Levels,' the four platinum discs flew from his grasp, erupting in a blinding radiance. The arcane force of Norgannon shot skyward in a pillar of light. Outside, every elf was drawn and shaken by this tremendous power.

King Anasterian spoke: "He’s just learned this knowledge, and can already wield it so? It seems I truly am growing old."

Ochs, Blade of Dawn: "This... this is incredible. Truly a mage of extraordinary talent."

Senior Sunwing: "How could he possibly grasp the essence of energy ascension so quickly?"

Grenville, Morning Walker: "It seems the Morning Walkers must prepare themselves ahead of time."

Jenrini, Star of Dawn: "Yes, a youth of remarkable talent."

Bridges, Morning Breeze: "Our next target is the Kabron Clan. We must win their favor."

Far to the north, in the continent of Northrend, within the Nexus, every blue dragon looked up in unison toward Silvermoon City, sensing a surge of arcane power imbued with titan strength erupting from the Sunwell. Malygos the Blue, blessed by Norgannon, was most attuned to Norgannon’s might.

The platinum discs in Patrick’s hands were fashioned by Norgannon himself; Malygos could clearly sense the presence of Norgannon’s power within them.

"Perhaps the kingdom of Quel’Thalas harbors secrets beyond imagining," Malygos murmured.

Meanwhile, with the platinum discs’ eruption, the entire Grand Archmage’s Sanctuary was once again locked in space, and Norgannon’s apparition appeared once more.

"Hello, little one. We meet again," Norgannon greeted, still in the form of the old man with the long beard.

"It seems you have grown strong enough to master higher powers. Now you may attain secrets of a greater order." Norgannon’s eyes, glowing with white light, fixed upon Patrick.

The runes on the platinum discs began to gleam, and the surrounding space was filled with titan glyphs. Each symbol held a fragment of knowledge, each one a secret.

Runes danced in the air, weaving and reflecting off each other, transmitting to Patrick the crystallized wisdom of the titans, and Norgannon’s own insights into the arcane.

Patrick felt the arcane energy surging within his sea of consciousness. He had only just passed the seventh circle, but now he was rapidly approaching the middle ranks of the seventh, with the faint prospect of advancing even further.

It became clear: the titans, too, harnessed spatial and temporal power through ascension of energy levels. This explained how Aman’Thul could grant Nozdormu mastery over time, not merely arcane force; likewise, Eonar bestowed the energy of life upon Alexstrasza, making her the Life-Binder of Azeroth.

It demonstrated that the high titans could elevate arcane energy to even greater forms—space and time. Patrick recalled the dungeons he had run in games, where all things related to the titans were driven by brilliant blue arcane energy.

Even Medivh’s tower, Karazhan, was rife with spatial rifts and temporal fragments—byproducts of Medivh’s magical experiments gone awry. In those days, many human commanders glimpsed their own futures there, even the moments of their own deaths.

All at once, a revelation dawned on Patrick: Azeroth was rife with hidden secrets. Sometimes, when you believe you are nearing the truth, you are, in fact, straying ever farther from it. The supreme powers of the titans are rooted in the arcane; the high titans of the Pantheon, masters of the rules of the universe, all ascended to their heights through the arcane.