“The Codex of Blood will specialize Rami in offense. This first evolution will increase her size to ten feet, and while wingless, will still be able to fly with a form of levitation. Her claws will penetrate any armor, and she can pick an element to use as a breath attack. Her very presence will cause fear in her opponents, and it doubles the damage you do. This codex will increase your chances of victory significantly.”
Blapy took Rami to the last codex, which looked like a scroll of grey parchment, and placed her next to the thin paper. The runes were faded, and he could only read a couple: extraction and mobility.
“The Codex of Perception will specialize Rami in gaining knowledge. Her size won’t change but she’ll gain wings that grant control of the gravity surrounding her. Like the offensive codex, she won’t need air to fly. It will amplify her Vibrational Conduction ability, allowing her to absorb information from a distance, and removing the need for contact. In addition, with some effort, not even an enemy’s memories remain safe from her gaze. Your Perception will be doubled, and your Mental Resistance will benefit as well. The advantages of this codex are situational and lack the clear benefits of Fortification and Blood.” Blapy paused for a few seconds. “Take as much time as you need. This is a big decision.”
Ruwen looked down at Rami, who lay next to the scroll. Do you have a favorite?
Yes, but let’s talk through them all.
Okay, let’s start with Fortification. Pros.
Well, I would be gigantic, which might be fun, and I could protect everyone. Which would be nice considering how much trouble you find.
True, but I won’t always be in danger and it’s important to me you’re happy. I don’t want you to pick something that will shape the rest of your life just to help with an immediate need.
Rami moved her tiny body into a circle. Hamma told Lylan something similar. She said to choose with the future in mind.
I remember. She’s pretty wise. What about the cons.
I wouldn’t be able to hide behind your ear anymore, and I think I’d miss the privacy.
Okay, let’s talk about the Codex of Blood. Ruwen said.
I would love to breathe lightning or ice and I would still look like I do now, only a little bigger. Being effective in a fight would make me feel more useful, and I could really help the group.
Is that something you want to do? Fight?
Sometimes. It’s hard to sit back when everyone is in danger. Plus, the benefit to your damage would be amazing.
This codex would turn us both into something truly frightening on the battlefield. What about cons?
Same as Fortification. I’m not sure about the change in size, though this is much less drastic, and I’m not sure I’m meant to slash people to death or freeze them solid.
Ruwen waited a few seconds and then brought up the last codex. That leaves the Codex of Perception.
Pros, Rami said, I can fly, which will be fun, and I no longer have to touch the things I want to absorb. That is a gigantic benefit.
All of them let you fly.
True, but this codex lets me keep my size, and I kind of like hiding behind your ear. Retrieving memories from people could prove incredibly valuable.
What about the cons? Ruwen asked.
Pulling memories from others seems a little wrong, and of the three benefits to you, Perception is the worst.
Don’t worry about me. Focus on yourself and what you want.
But shouldn’t I—
No, Rami. You’ve already helped me more than I can ever repay. You will continue to help me and be a valuable part of the team, regardless of what you choose. It’s critical you pick the codex that makes you the happiest. We don’t need to decide right now either. I’m in no rush.
Rami remained quiet, and Ruwen gave her space to think. There were benefits to all the choices. Fortification and Blood seemed like they’d benefit him the most, but not all their battles would be physical. They would have never gotten out of the Spirit Realm without Rami’s knowledge.
Rami uncurled on the pedestal and looked up at Ruwen. I’ve decided.
Are you sure? We can always come back after you’ve thought about it some more.
I’m sure. One choice feels right for me.
And?
The Codex of Perception.
Okay.
Ruwen shifted his gaze from Rami to Blapy. “Rami wants the Codex of Perception.”
Blapy grinned, picked up Rami, and hugged the little wyrm. “You are such a smart girl.” Blapy held Rami up so their eyes were level. “Of all the wyrms, Bookwyrms are some of the rarest. Most, probably to compete with their bigger cousins, choose Fortification and a few choose Blood. Very few keep their focus on knowledge. You are a fraction of a fraction, and the nightmare of anyone with a secret.”
Ruwen read the notification that appeared.
Tring!
The Black Pyramid has rewarded you…
Name: Codex of Perception (Level 1)
Quality: Legendary
Durability: 1 of 1
Weight: 3.5 lbs.
Effect: Wings of Levitation: Manipulate personal gravitational field.
Effect: Telescopic Touch: Interact with objects in a 100 foot sphere.
Effect: Mind’s Eye: View memories of target.
Effect: Double Perception Attribute.
Effect: Increase Mind Resistance by 50%.
Restriction: Bookwyrm.
Description: A grey scroll covered in runes. Bookwyrms on the Perception path, with a short flight, can absorb entire libraries. They are the bane of Ink Lords and anyone with a secret. Being caught with a Bookwyrm of Perception is grounds for imprisonment and sometimes death in many parts of the world.
Ruwen nodded to Rami, and Blapy set her down next to the grey scroll of the codex. Rami crawled forward until she touched the codex. A moment later the codex burst into a thousand glittering pieces, hanging in the air like suspended diamonds. The sparkling mass swirled around Rami, hiding her from view.
The whirling slowed and the fragments of the codex faded into the air, revealing the new Rami.
Rami stood up on her new hind legs. She stared at her arms and the clawed
