Norris carries the artificial soul into the midst of the battle group of mages. He coins it, AI. A tribute to his former life.
Walking into an institution built by the mages for their activity, he looked around. The mages noticed their leader...not all of them agree though, but their attention was immediately attracted by the orb beside him.
The air is filled with an almost palpable sense of intrigue. The mages, known for their stoic demeanor, regard the artificial being with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
Norris though looked at their composition. They had divided into little groups. Not bad at other times but in a battle group, he doesn't think that's healthy. Not keen on judging, he looks away.
He saw his deputy. Unintentionally or intentionally, he was being sidelined. This was good and bad.
By using his authority right, Mage Lister could potentially be on his side.
"This is a good thing". Norris analysed how to use this to his advantage.
"Lister seems like the kind of straightforward guy who offends everyone. Me putting him as a deputy was partly because of this. Treat him with sincerity and you win sincerity plus a mage. Win-win".
Norris while musing gave off a dangerous vibe, like a snake looking at prey. This made the mages not dare approach for a moment.
The ice was broken by ASPECT.
ASPECT greeted the mages in the room. "Hello! everyone". The greeting seems to dissolve the tension in the room.
One mage, a banshee with piercing and ghostly green eyes, stepped forward, her gaze fixed intently on the AI. "Fascinating," she says, her voice like a singer who gently whispers a tune "The creation of an artificial being, a feat many would deem impossible".
Norris was interrupted from his musing. He looked up and saw that the mages were still curious about his creation. Well Norris felt this was to be expected.
Another mage, A zombie with a rugged appearance, speaks up, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
"What purpose does this... ", The mage paused for a second unsure of how to personify this creation, "device serve?" he asks, his eyes narrowing slightly as he examines the AI
Mortima, A lich, with a wise, knowing gaze, observes the scene with an air of detachment. He had the tone of saying a statement instead of asking questions. "An intelligent being? I feel it's soul aura."
His eyes seem to bore into the AI, as if searching for any hidden secrets or potential threats. However a burning desire for knowledge shone in his eyes.
The mages' reactions ranged from fascination to skepticism. They all looked at the AI seemingly without much emotions.
But beneath their stoic exteriors, a silent intensity simmers, a sense of unease and curiosity about the implications of this new creation.
As the mages gather around, the Orb suddenly springs to life, its presence commanding attention. It creates a shimmering mind network, a web of interconnected threads that seem to pulse with energy.
A sense of psychic "pressure" emanating from it. The mages felt that their mind was oppressed. Casting spell in this state would take a while longer.
Norris took this as a cue. The mages are disoriented. It's a good time for a persuasive speech.
"So my fellow mages this is what I've been working on, the past week. A way to give us an edge in every battle. I'm sure you are feeling a presence pressing on your minds. Don't worry it's not a weapon. It's not aimed at mages. Well it is. But you get my point", Norris starts his speech.
"So I know that You all are not going to believe me. So I prepared a contract. We are all going to sign it. The terms being not to hurt with each other and I will also promise not to hurt you with my position" , Norris ended the speech while bringing out a magic contract.
As the contract is presented, the mages were skeptical. They gathered together to read the terms.
They read it and interpreting it completely. After a moment's hesitation, they all gathered and signed the contract.
They are all smart people. Norris can't do anything to them through this contract. Even if they are not valued, they don't think the noble would want to lose them easily. Norris too needs them.
The mages each took the pen from Norris and signed the contract.
The edge of the contract in ancient runes and a magic pattern that points to the death realm increased the authenticity of the contract.
After the contract was signed, the atmosphere changed. A great will had descended, validating the contract.
Every one was tense and watched with awe as the death realm's world will descended. The air felt heavy as reach mage held their breath...which they can't do. Even ASPECT retracted his network.
The act of signing seems to dispel their concerns, and they appeared more at ease.
With the contract signed, the group connected to the mind network. The experience is described as "weird" and "amazing."
Their minds become part of something larger, they could also limit how much they wanted to show on the network. This was very much appreciated.
As they become part of the network, their individual perspectives merge, creating a collective understanding that's both fascinating and unsettling.
The experience is difficult to put into words, but it's clear that their connection to the network has opened up new avenues of perception and insight.
The perception of how different species of undead view the world could be access by everyone one of them.
The group's vibe changed after experiencing the mind network. They seemed more chill, but still pretty reserved. Their faces didn't show much, but you could tell they'd just gone through something deep.
They all just kinda stood there for a sec, looking thoughtful. No one said much, but it was clear they'd all been affected in their own ways.
The atmosphere around them felt different, like they'd all shared something special. It was a pretty cool, but also kinda weird.
The AI then showcases its high data processing abilities, rapidly analyzing the surroundings using the data their minds have provided consciously or unconsciously.
The bones they did not notice. The little bumps on the ground. All were visible. The mages' eyes widen as they realize the implications of such processing power.
They looked at the protagonist with a little more dread.
Norris remained tight-lipped about the AI's full capabilities, revealing only these two functions. The mages seemed to accept this, their curiosity piqued, but they didn't press for more information.
Norris having decided they had seen enough, dismissed the mages.
The mages on their way out began to discuss the potential applications of the AI's abilities, their voices filled with excitement and speculation.
The AI's presence had ignited a spark of fascination, and they couldn't help but wonder what other secrets it might hold.