Tenebris Renasci: A World of Magic and Gunpowder

"How do you feel?" Malla asked, her tone full of curiosity as she led across the table. 

Alexander's ears twitched, his sensitivity to sound had increased to that point where even basic talking was loud enough to tingle.

"I… I feel strange." Alexander replied as he studied his hands, "I-I can hear colors and see sounds, and… everything smells so strong…"

Alexander then brought his hands to his chest as he turned to look at Zara, whose face was mere inches away from his own. "And my body, it feels so light… like I could just… float away."

Zara tilted her head curiously, "Float away, is that… normal?" She asked, her tone slightly worried.

Malla slowly nodded as she raised a hand to her chin. "It is," she replied with a thoughtful tone, "his body, his senses, they have been suppressed and blocked for years, it's only natural that when that blockage is removed, his clarity increases." She explained, her six eyes watching every inch of Alexander. 

Malla then grinned, "Basically, this is how you were meant to experience life." 

Alexander blinked in pleasant surprise, to think that the world was so… vivid and beautiful.

It was all so overwhelming.

So this… this is what I was missing?

I didn't even know…

Alexander continued to silently enjoy his vibrant surroundings, the intense smells, the intricate details of every texture, and even the distant sounds that echoed in the distance.

Alexander felt as if he could enjoy this moment forever until he was suddenly smacked by reality.

"Well, I suppose now all that's left is the disgusting part," Malla said with a sigh, crossing her arms.

Alexander raised an eyebrow as he looked up at Malla, "uhm, what?"

"Did you forget?" Malla asked, "You just went through what was essentially a detoxification, you cleaned your mana nodes of waste, and that waste… well it has to go somewhere."

Alexander's eyes widened.

"W-wait…" he stammered, before suddenly feeling a rumbling in his stomach and bowels.

Zara quickly backed away from Alexander as Malla broke into a wide and mischievous grin. "The outhouse is behind my home." She said with a point towards the front door. 

— — —

"Ugh… that was… terrible." Alexander groaned as he stepped out of the outhouse, holding his stomach as his nose was scrunched up.

Both Zara and Malla stood near the outhouse, their arms crossed as they watched Alexander stumble towards them.

"Well, how are you feeling?" Malla teased. 

Alexander groaned, "I have never… EVER, wanted to smell my own fecal matter in ultra HD 4K…"

Zara raised an eyebrow as Malla chuckled, "I have no clue as to what that means, but it sounds unpleasant."

Alexander sighed. 

Despite the unpleasant experience, he was still overall satisfied with the results.

He was now tapped into potential he did know he had, and was ready to take it for a test drive.

"Anyway," Alexander said as he dusted his hands. "What happens now?"

Malla turned to look at Zara, "Well, my job here is done, and now all that remains is my payment." 

Zara nervously turned towards Malla with a sheepish smile. "Oh, I… I have no goods, shaman Malla…" she said with a shrug.

Alexander raised an eyebrow as he turned his attention towards Zara. 

Did she really just… did she come here without a way to repay Malla?

Alexander wanted to slap his forehead, but with his new sensitivity, he feared the pain would be unbearable.

Malla smiled, "Well, I was never a stickler for physical goods anyway." She replied warmly, "However if you are looking for another way to pay, I could use a test subject for a few experiments."

"Experiments?" Zara asked, "of what nature?"

"Nothing malicious I assure you," Malla replied with a nod, "it's just, I have several concoctions that I've only tested on myself." she began, "I would greatly appreciate the feedback of someone else so that I can learn if the effects remain consistent or change from person to person."

As Zara paused to process Malla's words, Alexander took a moment to do the same. 

Malla's payment method actually didn't seem so bad, and it was obvious that she was interested in helping others.

But Alexander wasn't interested in becoming a test subject, especially not now because of his enhanced sensitivity.

"I'll help you… when you need it, shaman," Zara said, finally speaking up, "but now, I have much work… to be done, training…" Zara said as she pointed towards Alexander. "I have to… train him."

Malla turned to curiously look at Alexander, her six eyes blinking in unison. 

She then smiled, while nodding understandably. "I see, well I have no rush to test my experiments, so please don't feel pressured or guilty." She then sighed satisfactorily, "I'm simply glad to have helped another soul, and that Alexander has been healed."

Relief washed over Zara as she placed her hands together. "Thank you, shaman, your kindness is… great."

Malla waved her hand dismissively. "It's my duty as a healer." She replied with a chuckle, "I take pleasure in helping all who come to me, even a pale conqueror."

— — — 

As the duo walked away from Malla hut, with the sun setting in the distance and the sky began a vast canvas of orange hues, Zara wrapped her tail around Alexander's waist.

Alexander turned to look up at Zara with a curious expression. "So," he started, his tone soft as his eyes took in the sharp and detailed presence of Zara, "what's next?" He asked.

Zara's expression grew serious as her eyes filled with determination and anticipation.

"I will teach you." She replied, "Everything I know."

Alexander paused, thinking over Zara's answer. 

He could feel the power surging within him, the raw power and energy that now coursed underneath his skin. 

He knew he had just unleashed a beast that was hidden within him, and he could now do more than he ever imagined.

"Yeah…" Alexander replied with a nod, "I'm ready for that."