Netbook; anonymous?

[outofsynth]

[Sort of. Min's taking advantage of ambidexterity because it's embarrassing to be bad at things. His handwriting is notably different from his usual and probably isn't immediately recognizable to anyone who isn't Ryan.]

What do people do if they can't protect themselves here? I don't want to be stuck inside all the time, but I don't want to have to rely on other people either.

Before anyone says it, I'm not looking to learn how to fight. With all the weirdness in this place there's got to be some other way.

Comments

[outofsynth]

I was always too nervous to even throw a punch at another kid in school. That's not going to change if I'm up against something even scarier.

What kind of enchantments did you get from her?

[kingincognito]

That is why you practice during the times when the situation is not so dire. So that you will be prepared when it is. I was once the same way, when I was much younger, but it is not as insurmountable as you think, I promise you.

I asked her to enchant my bracelet so that I might be able to use my natural magic without any detrimental effects to myself. And it works, to an extent, though I transform into a small bird while using it. The other enchantment is a gift from a dear friend, and it allows me to access part of his magic.

[outofsynth]

Maybe, but even if I started learning now it would be years before I could face some of the dangerous creatures here.

So your own magic is dangerous? I wonder why turning into a bird makes it safer. Is the magic from your friend safer than yours?

[kingincognito]

Starting to learn now is better than not learning at all, though. In three years time, you could be adept at what you've practiced, or you could still be where you are now. Time will pass regardless of your decision, so wouldn't you rather go ahead and start?

Let me put it this way: you mentioned not being able to throw a punch, no matter whether it was another person or something scarier. Is the same not going to be said for any defensive magic you might learn or obtain? You will still need to act in the moment to use a spell. If you can do nothing but freeze and fail to act, what is the purpose of learning the defensive magic?

My magic holds the risk of slowly petrifying my body. But while using Ydalir's enchantment, it does not seem to draw upon me in the same way that my magic would. The same goes for my friend's magic, I assume - I have not had the need to use it yet, but I do not think Ydalir would have made it so that it draws upon him. It simply mimics his ability.

[outofsynth]

I get your point. I'm kind of hoping I won't be here in three years though.

I guess I'm picturing it being easier if I can find some way to protect myself. I won't actually have to attack anything, so it should feel different. Right?

That's interesting. Does it use his strength when you use his magic?

[kingincognito]

I'm hoping not, either. But there is no telling how quickly, if ever, we might find a way out of this place. It is best to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

You may, you may not. I suppose it all depends on what way you end up protecting yourself. For example, I have a spell that shields myself and anyone behind me from being hit. I may not need to attack someone, but if I am too frozen in terror to cast the spell, no one will be protected.

I do not think so. When I use my own enchantment, it does not use mine. I feel no more exhausted than when I activated it.

[outofsynth]

[Unfortunately for Min-Gi this is very much the logic he would normally use. It's uncomfortable to have it presented to him when it comes to something he's honestly pretty scared of though.]

I know. You're right. I'm trying to find something that plays to my strengths, but even if I can find something like that it doesn't mean I won't have to put work in. I know how it sounds, but I'm not trying to look for the easy way out. I'm willing to put in practice. I just don't want to work hard at learning how to defend myself if it's still not something I'm going to be good at when I'm actually in danger.

So it might be possible for me to get an enchantment on an item rather than using magic myself?

[kingincognito]

[ Oh boy, does he feel that. He truly does. It reminds him of himself, when he'd been much younger, before the incident at Phoenix Gate... ]

You will never know until you try. I'm sure that there are plenty here who would help you to practice, though. Myself included. Simply learning what to do can do a lot to bolster your courage.

It is definitely possible. It would do you well to speak to Ydalir to see what she may suggest, though you can certainly go in with an idea in mind as well.

[outofsynth]

I guess not. I'll have to think about it. What would you be able to teach me if I asked you?

I think speaking to Ydalir is probably a good idea. Magic isn't an option at all where I come from, so no matter what I do I want to make sure I understand what I'm asking for.

[kingincognito]

Wielding a sword as a means of self-defense. And first aid, as well, if you're interested. I'm afraid my magic isn't able to be taught. But regardless, I am happy to offer my company even if you are practicing with whatever else you may choose in the end.

That is a very good idea. You might also ask Pure Vanilla Cookie, as well. I'm certain that one of the two can point you in the right direction.

[outofsynth]

[The idea of him learning to fight with a sword would be laughable if it wasn't so terrifying. He has zero intention of taking him up on that, but it's also easier not to say as much directly. Especially since he may still need him to help with whatever he does decide on. And probably first aid. That would be smart.]

I'll let you know. I don't have a sword so I guess that's out for now, but it would probably be a good idea to learn more first aid.

Thanks for all the advice. I was beginning to think asking here was a bad idea, but you've given me a lot I can at least use as a place to start.

[kingincognito]

A practice blade can always be obtained, should you decide that's what you want to pursue. But you are very welcome. I hope that I have eased your mind even just a little.

My name is Joshua. I help out at the clinic, so if you need anything, you can find me there most days.

[outofsynth]

You have. I know I'll still have to work at it, but I feel a lot better about my chances of finding something I can do now.

I'll come and find you when I've had time to make some decisions. Thank you for all your help.

[He refrains from an introduction himself. Even if people start figuring out it's him once he does figure out a good form of defensive magic he can try he wants to keep his privacy for now.]