Elden Ring : a Tarnished of No Renown

"...."

A single Tarnished rode on his steed, riding back towards Limgrave.

"There was no more we could do to help them, Sigurd."

"I know.... It's just a shame, really. She prioritized her own father's well-being over her own but it is entirely foolish, for Edgar was a fighter who could take care of himself.

She should've crawled back to Stormveil by herself."

"I cannot disagree with that."

"Well, talking about her killed the mood again. I am tired from all the fighting as well, I suppose I'll find somewhere nearby to take a well-needed rest first."

"Why don't you rest at the Roundtable Hold? Camping in the wilds will do you no good."

"You have a point, but I don't like it there. Not with that stinking old codger and the clergyman preaching the Golden Principles next to me... I wouldn't get any rest at all.

Besides, it's about time I took a look at the stars again."

"The stars? Why wouldst you do that?"

"I've somehow came back to the Land's between by following one of the constellation's direction... The Grace's Guidance only returned to me when I woke up in that cave after I fell into the ocean.

I'm sure if I follow that constellation again, it'll lead me to somewhere. Oddly, I noticed the stars have stopped changing despite so much time has passed.

I am not a scholar or an astrologer, so I can't explain it. I don't even know the name of the constellation that I followed."

"Hmm, this reminds me of someone I know. It might be worth my time to look into this matter of your star-guidance someday."

"Who would that be?"

"Just an old friend. Her war counselor is well-versed in the arts of reading fate through the stars. Perhaps he can give you some sound advice for your future."

"I see. I'm sure I'll run into this friend of yours someday if I continue exploring."

"That would be true."

"Ah, those ruins seems just nice to pass the night... Let us go there Torrent."

Coming across some ruins on the small hills right besides the road, Sigurd rode over to check inside.

Looking around the area he found what appears to be a small tunnel, with stairs leading deeper into the ruins.

"Oh?"

Upon entering the hole he came to the sight of a giant man almost 2 times his size, wearing a helmet that resembles a pumpkin.

"Ah you're the same kind of fellow as that pumpkin head I ran into at Castle Morne!"

"Hrgh? Yrgah!"

The pumpkin head immediately grabbed ahold of it's flail and swung at Sigurd, who jumped out of the attack's range just in time.

"Woah, don't blame me then if I get rough with you now!"

(Link to the fight)

https://youtu.be/nomZuZ2qtaQ?si=7fdFYq9HtSRmEnU8

(Check the paragraph comment to access the link)

___________

'Goo-!'

I raised the steel door leading deeper into the room.

"Oh dear, a Tarnished are we? It's a wonder you should turn up here and coincidentally attack my assistant outside."

"Sorry about that, he attacked me first so I had to give him a beating. Don't worry, he isn't dead."

"At least that is some good news.

My name is Sellen, a sorcerer quite plainly. Why are you here?"

I... If I told her I just happened to stumble into here because I'm looking for a shelter it'd be insanely awkward!

"I... Uhh... I want to learn sorceries."

"Ahh, a yearn for Glintstone sorceries!

While your aptitude appears to be... insufficient... with the right dedication and perhaps some luck, maybe nurture will defy nature."

"I... see. That's great then!"

"But one must choose their masters wisely. While I may be a sorcerer, I was exiled from the Raya Lucaria Academy as a reviled witch. Even still, do you still yearn to learn from me?"

"I don't see what could be an issue. I am an outcast too, at least we have something in common."

"Huhu, you are a piece of work. Very well, you are now my pupil in Glintstone sorceries.

But I refuse to coddle. Or cast kind words. Never. Anticipate grievances, young apprentice."

"Thank you, Miss Sellen."

"Master."

"...Yes, Master Sellen."

"Let's not idle any longer. Here is your homework, for today."

From the numerous books found inside her room, a mini trove of library, she dug out a book.

"Here is your homework, dear apprentice."

"This is... The Foundations of Glintstone Sorceries?"

"Indeed, and I want you to read and take notes of the details from chapter 1 to chapter 8. We will review your notes tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?! Isn't that a bit too quickly?"

"There are 15 chapters in total and this is just the start. To become even a slightly capable sorcerer, you need to have at least read their 3 or 5 books as long as this."

"That's... Yes, Master Sellen."

I gave up on the intention to wrestle my way out of Sellen's grasp and resigned into doing whatever she demands.

What trouble have I gotten myself into? A brute like me studying sorceries? What kind of sick joke is this?

"One more thing, apprentice. I try my best to ignore it, but please get yourself dressed properly."

"Ah..."

This is the one thing that she has a point about. I am so used to running around naked, and Melina never scolfs at me about it so I kind of forgot that it isn't normal...

_____________

(Two weeks later...)

"-do it as I have taught you, Sigurd. Channel the energy from your soul into the staff, and fire it out."

"Hah... Hrgh!"

'Pew!' A small blue pebble came out through the end of my staff, hitting the wall inside the basement.

Everyone applauded. Even Melina, who manifested out of her spirit form just to clap her hands.

"Well done, Apprentice! Just a few weeks ago you have as much wits as a slug, but look at you now... you're finally able to grasp the most basic of sorcery!"

"I am not sure if that was an insult or a praise... but thank you regardless, Master Sellen."

"I am only doing as I promised, apprentice. Since I have taught you the very basics, you're now capable of at least comprehending the simpler forms of magic you come across outside."

"At first I was completely doubtful that this would come to fruition... I even considered treating this as just trying somethings out on a whim.

But with the help of your guidance I was able to grasp the concept of Glintstone magic. I never would've did it without your help."

"Naturally. But remember, you are still just a tadpole when it comes to magic. Infantile. If you truly wished to become a better sorcerer, you must first face your ignorance and better your understanding.

Glintstone sorcery is the study of stars and the vitality therein. Our lack of knowledge is as vast as the night sky up above.

Come back to me whenever you find something you do not understand. I will drill it into you just as I did before."

And with that, I ventured out to the wilds as a Tarnished born anew.... enlightened by the visions shown to me by the stars.

"Hah.... Torrent, come to me."

The spectral steed spawns directly underneath me, lifting me up on it's back once more.

I had planned to explore the area around Stormveil castle, but I took a major detour...

I could likely beat that Margit who is guarding the main gate, but the truth is I have little reasons to rush.

This is why exploring the area will take a priority over entering the castle.

"Let's go to the road leading to the castle."

And just as I was about to ride off with Torrent...

"Oi cully! Stop pretending you can't see me!

Why won't anyone look me in the eye?... I'm not that ugly."

Is that a voice coming out from a tree?

(Chapter End)

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(Edit)

(Author's Thoughts)

It's super annoying how this app doesn't allow you to copy the sentences of a novel that you're reading. And you can't even screenshot the link because of the security setting of the app? It's criminal to not have these simple functions in such a big app.

While the idea of uploading gameplay fights to supplement the story has great potential, but I don't see anyone will go through the inconvenience just to copy each link themselves and watch the videos.... I suppose this idea will be a flop.

In the future I'll still write fight scenes, but I will still capture gameplay footage to put into the fanfic just for immersion's sake.