After making sure Stark was watching closely, I held the shard in my palm and called upon my dragon heart, the dragon core of the red dragon. And let my mana flow.
I had no real need for my magical circuits since I had so much mana to call upon, and while my magecraft skills were pretty much nil, there was one type I did know. Wishcraft which i learned from the Holy grail, which was made for its use.
"This is magecraft," I said softly, "the act of applying internal mana to change matter in accordance with my will. I am not creating something from nothing. I am accelerating a process that is already possible. I skip the process, I skip melting it, shaping it, cutting and polishing it, and go right to the end."
The glass shimmered, hovering a few inches above my hand as I shaped the desired outcome in my mind: a ring—simple, elegant, balanced. Energy flowed, invisible threads wrapping around the shard, condensing, compressing, refining.
The glow intensified for a moment, then died.
In my palm now sat a ring—smooth, translucent, the same light ocean-blue as the crystal shard had been. Complete with elegant engravings.
I walked back and handed it to him.
Tony turned it over in his fingers, silent for once. Then: "No seams. No thermal distortion. The etching's internal—must've been a phased molecular displacement or… or… JARVIS? Got anything?"
JARVIS responded smoothly, though with the faintest hint of hesitation—rare for him.
"Scanning complete. No evidence of conventional thermal restructuring. No particulate residue. Internal lattice structure appears reconfigured at the atomic level, but with no measurable energy discharge. The process is... unaccounted for."
Tony arched a brow. "Unaccounted for. That's your polite way of saying 'I've got nothing,' huh?"
"I believe, sir, that qualifies as a scientific miracle," JARVIS offered.
Tony turned the ring over once more in his fingers, this time slower. "You didn't just make it—you willed it. You skipped the furnace, the tools, the hundred steps between raw material and finished product and just... wanted it into existence."
I inclined my head slightly. "More accurately, I imposed the outcome on the material. Magic bends the process—not reality. The glass could become a ring through traditional means. I simply made it happen without the steps. The mana does the work."
Tony sat back, the ring now resting in his palm like it was made of stardust and question marks.
"Alright, I admit, it's hard to deny that you just did that… which means that as much as I hate it, I can't really find a way to deny magic… So, tell me everything!" He said as he gazed at me with the intensity of the sun.
"Very well." I folded my hands in front of me. "As I said, magic—at least in the form of magecraft—is the use of energy to achieve a result that is possible within the laws of nature, just not through normal means.
All forms of magic require energy, which comes in two forms: internal and external. What I used there was internal energy. Some are born with more, while others are born with less, which dictates who can use magecraft and who cannot. Although one can use external energy, it's not quite as simple as that.
"But what is this energy? JARVIS couldn't detect anything, and I don't mean to brag, but I made his sensors, and well, they are good." Tony asked.
I smiled gently. "Of course they are. But you were trying to detect something that exists outside the spectrum your instruments are calibrated for. Magical energy—mana—is not part of your Standard Model. It's not electromagnetic, not gravitational, not weak or strong nuclear. It is, in a sense, primal."
Tony leaned forward again, the ring forgotten on his knee. "So you're saying it's a fifth fundamental force? Something that predates even quantum theory?"
"I believe you're familiar with the theory of dark energy? Counterpart to dark matter? You can think of it this way: this type of energy is manipulated using the soul, so a soulless machine cannot use or detect it.
Tony made a face like he'd bitten into a lemon made of metaphysics. "Wait, hold on—run that back. You're saying mana's like dark energy... but soul-reactive? That the user's soul is what interfaces with it?" He pointed a finger like he was trying to lasso the idea. "So not only is the energy exotic and undetectable by tech—but the interface is biological and metaphysical?"
"Correct," I said. "Your instruments measure particles and waves. But mana responds to will, purpose, and spirit. It is intimately tied to life, to consciousness, to what some might call meaning itself."
"So it's... metaphysical electricity. Fantastic," Tony muttered. "And here I thought quantum entanglement was the hardest concept I had to learn."
He stood up again, pacing. "So internal mana is soul-based—personal. That I can sort of wrap my head around. But you mentioned external energy too. What is the difference between those two?"
I nodded. External mana can come in several forms. The primary way to use it, is the one used by the order of the mystic arts."
"The group you allowed to use magic freely." He asked.
"Yes, those. They use external energy, which is drawn from other dimensions… Let me try to explain that in a way you can understand."
Stark looked torn between whether he should be angry that I treated him as if he were stupid, and thankful that I took the effort.
"These dimensions are numerous and small, small pockets of pure energy, all with one kind of essence. Like a dimension with nothing but kinetic energy, or magnetic energy.
The dimensions can sometimes gain their own consciousness, and as all beings, they too wish to grow. But the only way for that to happen is if they grow more complete."
"Complete?" He asked.
"Yes, a dimension with only kinetic energy is naturally incomplete, as it lacks everything else. If our universe is a fully developed dimension, then you can see the path those others have to take; they need to gain everything else."
"And how do they do that?" He pushed.
"They need to be taught what it is, a being of pure kinetic energy doesn't understand what heat is, because they don't understand what cold is. So to learn, they need someone to teach them, someone who knows." I paused.
I wasn't sure how much I should explain to him, what risks it could have. However, I had to admit, I was curious about what he would do with this knowledge.
"The order of mythic arts uses external energy from these dimensions, borrowing it through contracts with those beings. They lend power in exchange for something, such as understanding or even souls, which the dimension's lords can use to feel and learn."
Tony blinked.
"Okay. Wow. So... let me get this straight. You're telling me the sorcerers are making energy trade deals with sentient pocket dimensions? That they're—what, bartering mana for knowledge? Souls for power?" He ran a hand through his hair. "That's like wiring a generator to a black hole and promising it a playlist of Earth's greatest hits in return."
"An inelegant analogy," I said, "but surprisingly close."
He looked back at me, skeptical. "And they just hand over energy? What's stopping them from overrunning our universe?"
"A few things, their essence is not fully compatible with this reality. Imagine trying to pour an ocean through a needle. It's why they need intermediaries—humans, mostly. Sorcerers."
Seeing how deep he was in thought, I suddenly felt like I needed to warn him about the dangers that came with playing with dimensions, before he recklessly did something.
"That said, some of these dimensions can and would want nothing more than to devour all of earth, they just need someone to… open the gate, and the Mystic order, is like the magic police, stopping fools from trying to do just that."
Tony stopped pacing. His gaze turned sharp again—calculating, concerned, and now just a little bit afraid.
"So… we've got magical border patrol agents keeping a lid on extradimensional monsters who want to eat the planet," he muttered. "And they're doing that by… babysitting the very people who give those things access."
"Correct," I said. "But there are failsafes in place, so as long as nothing too big happens, and the order is around, Earth is safe, which is why even I don't do anything to them."
I could see that he didn't like that; he was, after all, someone who enjoyed being in control, not as bad as Fury, but close. And the idea that his fate, and the fate of Earth itself, was apparently completely out of his hands didn't sit well with him.
"Okay, I'm not liking this. We went from cool things like turning glass shards into glass products to being about threats to Earth itself." He said after a moment.
"Is that any different than talking about technology and alien civilizations? There are dangers all around us, we must simply do the best we can to navigate them."
"Great," he exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air. "Now we have aliens."
"That should hardly surprise you, a man of science. Nonetheless, I believe we are getting off topic." I said, interrupting his rant before it got going.
Tony sighed and sank back into his seat. "Right. Magic, mana, soul-fueled physics, extradimensional trade agreements..."
He twirled the ring between his fingers again, watching how it caught the light. "Okay. So far, we've covered that you bend the laws of nature, but not break them. That magic is energy plus intent, shaped by the soul. And that the Mystic Order is the only thing keeping certain cosmic horrors from crashing the party."
He paused, considering.
"What about you?" he asked suddenly, his gaze sharp again. "Where do you fit into all this? You're not with them, clearly. You don't follow their rules. So what's your role? Monarch, enforcer, myth—what are you in the grand scheme of magic?"
I met his eyes without hesitation. "I am a divine spirit, what you might call a god."
Tony didn't flinch. He stared, eyes narrowed, lips parting slightly as he processed the weight of the words.
Then, after a beat: "Right. Okay. Sure. That tracks. Because why wouldn't the reincarnated King Arthur also be a god."
He stood up again, moving this time not in circles, but toward the small bar in the corner of the room. "You want a drink? Because I definitely need a drink."
"You are taking this a lot better than I expected, few can hear someone proclaim themselves a god and… remain calm." I couldn't help but look at him deeply.
Tony uncorked the bottle with a sharp pop and poured himself a glass. "Well," he said, swirling the amber liquid like it might offer answers, "let's be real. You just turned a shard of glass into a designer ring without heat, tools, or touching it. Then you explained a cosmic barter system involving sentient dimensions and soul-energy. So... godhood isn't the weirdest part of today."
He took a sip, then eyed me over the rim of his glass.
"But let's define some terms here. When you say 'god,' do you mean something like Zeus throwing lightning bolts? Or more like... creating the world in seven days? Because one of those I can maybe accept, the other… not so much."
"I can assure you, gods such as the one described in the Bible, that's not real. Though Zeus isn't far off from what you can expect from a god, given that Zeus is a real god, as for myself." I'm likely around that level… though given I have never fought a god, it's hard to say. But gods… are just powerful beings, we still can't do what is impossible." I explained as best I could.
Tony gave me a look over the rim of his glass—half skeptical, half curious. "So you're saying gods are just… overpowered entities with good PR and enough juice to bend the rules?"
"More or less," I said. "But gods… they aren't really around anymore, so don't expect any to answer your prayers, humans… mostly have to do things on their own, your fate is in your hands and all that."
"Well, that's something at least… still… I don't like it. Magic, gods, all these things… at least Magecraft I can understand, it's like… a science I don't know yet, but could. The rest? That I don't like."
Tony's voice had grown quieter, less sarcastic now. He set his glass down, but didn't look away from it.
"Science gives me rules," he muttered. "Boundaries. Inputs and outputs. If I screw something up, I can trace the mistake, figure it out, fix it. Magic? Magic feels like a loaded deck. Feels like cheating."
"Then consider this," I said gently. "I, a god, someone with great magic, still came to you, for help. Because magic, and even gods, can't do everything, and some things we can't do, people, like you, can."
I didn't want to ruin his confidence or make him act crazy from fear. He was someone who once nearly drove the world to its end in his wish to save it; he could do much good and much harm. And most importantly, my people needed what he had.
Tony tapped the rim of his glass once, then leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Yeah… well, you're lucky I've got a soft spot for people who admit they can't do it all."
He gave me a look—not accusatory, not dismissive, but searching. Measuring.
So, what exactly do you need from me? You clearly don't lack for power. Hell, you could probably walk into any government vault and walk out with whatever you wanted. But instead, you're here. Sitting in my living room. Talking to me." He pointed at his chest with the faintest smirk. "Tony Stark. Genius. Billionaire. Narcissist. Human."
I inclined my head slightly. "Exactly. A human who sees the future before others even imagine it. Who shapes it with machines rather than miracles. You built a heart for yourself when yours failed—do not underestimate the rarity of that."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, it was either that or die. Not really a tough call."
"Still," I said, "many would have died. You refused."
He said nothing for a moment, just stared down into the amber swirl of his drink. Then he looked back up, eyes sharper now. "Why do you want my Arc reactor?"
I let out a breath, folding my hands before me again. "You must be aware of the value of it, the value of infinite energy, my kingdom is being overcharged for oil and coal. I won't let me people suffer."
Tony nodded at my words. "So it seems. But you could likely just steal one, or magic one up? Why come to me, why ask? I mean, it's nice, but you claim to be a god, do gods negotiate with mortals?"
I met his gaze. "I like to think I am a reasonable god".
He cracked up at my words. "Reasonable, you say, you conquered a nation, you destroyed a fleet, which I am still curious about, and you frighten the entire world so much they can barely sleep at night, and you are the reasonable one? Damn, I sure don't want to meet an unreasonable one."
Tony shook his head, the ghost of a grin still lingering. "Alright, what do you offer then? A free ticket to heaven? A hundred virgins? A title and place in your kingdom? Show me how a god bargains."
(End of chapter)
So, here we are, magic explained in a way that hopefully makes sense. Since this is set in the Marvel world, I needed to explain Marvel magic, as that is what Tony would find if he looked around, yet Arthuria only really knows Fate magic, so that is what she can best explain.
Did Tony accept the god part too easily? It's hard to say; they all accepted Thor pretty easily, and Arthuria has done some pretty godlike things.
But yes, now it's time for a godly bargain!