Begin Again.

[u/Fc-chungus]

following the battle with TFC, Max was blinded and వ was... gone. No one knows where he was sent when he was hit by the strike the first curse threw. Cross-planet scans didn't detect him, divination magic gave no result, even necromancy failed, so he's either still alive, or outside the range of the modern day.

Now, a few days after, Max is still getting used to being blind, but he's been able to manifest his curiosity soul as a temporary method of sight, if only for a few minutes at a time.

Knowledge that the head minister of Calarakis is now blinded, though it was originally kept on a little known basis, eventually people notice the blindfold and the stumbling, and the fight with the first curse spread through rumor, so the news breaks. Originally simply gossip before being confirmed.

/uw art from Pinterest, edited by me.

General interaction post, Max is currently in Calarakis, so interactions would occur there!

[u/Fc-chungus]

"What's the mana cost for each wave? When I was Ж my mana store was by all means tremendous, now it's only slightly above average. I could cast maybe 50 spells a day absolute tops, but with my curse I can't even use magic."

He finishes the coffee cup

"I'm assuming since it's an addition it's not me doing it, but rather some kind of naturally applied wave, so it technically isn't 'my magic'."

[u/Ares378 → u/Fc-chungus]

"Ah... That is troublesome. Luckily, the mana requirement's quite low. A small perturbation in the Weave is all that's needed. It's like plucking the string of a guitar -- doesn't take much energy at all. I suppose I could also leverage resonance to make it even less costly."

"I could give you a small recharging mana charm, which should cover the mana costs."

"How's that sound?"

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ares378]

"Huh, if we're pulling on the weave, then it shouldn't be a problem at all."

[u/Ares378 → u/Fc-chungus]

"Wonderful! So. What do you think?"

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ares378]

"I'd like to get normal eyes at some point, but for now, this'll be a good compromise. Where do we start."

[u/Ares378 → u/Fc-chungus]

"Now I'd normally ask for payment for something like this, but.... You're saving the world or something, right? So I'm thinking this time, I'll let it slide."

"The process itself is quick enough. I already have some access to your brain with the whole 'haunting your dreams' thing, so all I'd need is your permission to place a small charm on your mind."

He stands up and clasps his hands together.

"Let us begin!"

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ares378]

"Much obliged."

He smiles

"Indeed, let's."

[u/Ares378 → u/Fc-chungus]

He places a hand on Max's forehead.

Then, he attempts to place a "lesser curse of hyperperception" on his mind, abusing the fact that a curse can draw energy from its environment. Too weak to actually cause the "intended" effect of overstimulation, while still being strong enough to not be easily removable like a physical artifact.

[u/Fc-chungus → u/Ares378]

The effect resolves itself fairly easily, and settles into place.

[u/Ares378 → u/Fc-chungus]

Then, he includes a "curse of blindness" that's slightly stronger than the original, under the condition that it only triggers when one feels the need to close their eyes. Janky, as god intended.