First Part of Trials Creation trials are typically order refresher, then basic trivia on that knowledge, then problem solving, then finally Putting that knowledge into action.
Jalen finally exited the Lotus position stretching his legs. “Ok I was getting kind of tired of the repetition. Some of the new knowledge was helpful but some of it could have been inferred by just creating cards. I guess that’s why it’s only basic card knowledge. My legs are kinda stiff. I wonder why mediating normally doesn’t feel uncomfortable.
While massaging his leg he read the chapter again. A trial seems kind of interesting. I guess I should get it over with sense I don’t have much else to do.
Trial Commencement: Foundational Review
The book shimmered in Jalen’s hands, the pages glowing with a faint pulse as lines of text began rearranging themselves. His vision blurred slightly as if the knowledge was pressing itself into his mind, ensuring he hadn't simply skimmed through the earlier chapters.
Chapter 1: The Art of Card Forging
"The power of a Deckmaster is not in the cards they hold, but in the ability to create what does not yet exist."
- A card is a manifestation of will, knowledge, and mana.
- True Deckmasters do not just receive cards; they craft them, reimagine them, and rewrite them.
Chapter 2: The Foundation – Blank Cards
"A blank card is the canvas of infinite potential, waiting to be shaped."
- Blank cards can be created using pure mana, existing materials, or by sacrificing older cards.
- The strength of a card depends on the quality of its blank card foundation.
- Strengthening methods include layering cards and imbuing them with external essence.
Chapter 3: The Contents of Cards
"The strength of a card is not just in its content, but in the space that holds it."
- Cards require structured space to contain greater power.
- Overloading a card can destabilize it.
- Planning a card's function in advance prevents waste.
Chapter 4: Imbuing Beliefs, Emotions, and Ideas
"A Deckmaster’s creations are not limited to materials or mana. True mastery comes from the concepts and emotions infused into a card."
- Conceptual Anchoring: A clear concept strengthens a card's function.
- Emotional Infusion: Emotions amplify a card’s power, but too much instability may cause failure.
- Cognitive Shaping: Envisioning how a card works refines its abilities.
- While structure is important, flexibility is key to great creation.
Jalen blinked as the glowing text faded. It wasn’t just a reminder—it felt like a final reinforcement, making sure he actually understood rather than memorized.
As the last line dimmed, a new text emerged across the page:
"To proceed, please answer the following questions
- What’s the foundation of the Deckmaster Class?
- In what ways can you guarantee an outcome?
- How can you best plan to create a card?
- Which emotions can be used to amplify a card’s power?
- What is the foundation of card crafting?
Jalen ran a hand through his hair, staring at the glowing questions on the page. This wasn’t exactly what he expected. He figured the trial would jump straight into practical application, but it made sense—if he couldn’t answer these questions, how could he claim to understand the fundamentals?
He took a deep breath and spoke aloud, knowing the book would recognize his answers.
“What’s the foundation of the Deckmaster Class?”
“The foundation of the Deckmaster Class is the ability to create. It’s not just about using cards, but about shaping them—taking raw mana, materials, or concepts and turning them into something real. A Deckmaster isn’t just a collector; they are a forger, an innovator.”
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The book pulsed once, acknowledging his response.
“In what ways can you guarantee an outcome?
Jalen frowned, thinking back to the lessons.“ This seems like a trick question since there is no way to guarantee an outcome. By planning ahead, gathering resources and having a clear concept of what I want to create majorly increases the chances of success. So there are no ways to guarantee an outcome.”
The book hummed like it was in thought for a brief moment before A second pulse of light flickered across the pages.
“How can you best plan to create a card?”
Jalen smirked. “By understanding the components before starting. That means knowing what materials I have, what kind of Blank Card I’m using, and the purpose of the card. If I just throw mana at a blank slate without any direction, I’ll get something unstable or weak. Planning also includes considering the card’s function—whether it’s a weapon, a summon, or a field card—and adjusting my approach based on that.”
A longer pause before the book acknowledged his answer. Maybe he was going a little too in-depth, but better that than missing something.
“Which emotions can be used to amplify a card’s power?”
“That depends on the intent behind the card.” Jalen crossed his arms, deep in thought. If The intent is raw destructive power a negative emotion like anger or rage would increase the power while worsening control. A defensive intent would be strengthened by determination making barriers unbreakable. An adaptive card could probably be strengthened by a calm mind. So it depends on the intent of the card.
What is the foundation of card crafting?
The foundation of card crafting is blank cards.
The book remained still for a moment, as if contemplating his final answer. Then, with a slow, deliberate glow, the text shifted once more.
"Answers accepted. Proceed to the next phase."
Jalen exhaled. That part was done, but he feels like he could have answered the last question better. Jalen frowned at his last answer, feeling the incompleteness. He had been too hasty.
Blank Cards were undeniably important, but they weren’t the only foundation of card crafting. He took a breath, correcting himself. “While blank cards are undoubtedly important they are not the entire foundation. Emotions and Intent are also equally important.
A card isn’t just a product of materials and mana—it’s a reflection of the creator’s will. That’s what truly brings a card to life.”
The book pulsed again—this time, brighter than before, as if approving of the revised answer.
"Answers accepted. Proceed to the next phase."
Jalen let out a small chuckle. “Guess you liked that one better, huh?”
With that, the next trial began.
As the glow of the book dimmed, new text appeared on the pages, shifting like ink settling into place.
"Phase Two: Problem-Solving – A Deckmaster must be able to adapt and correct flaws in their craft. Identify the mistakes in the following scenarios and determine the best course of action."
Jalen leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”
A novice Deckmaster attempts to create a fire-based attack card. However, when activated, the card flares wildly, consuming far more mana than expected and nearly burning its user. What was the likely mistake, and how can it be corrected?
Jalen clicked his tongue. “Sounds like either a lack of control or poor emotional balance. If the creator was overly emotional—maybe angry when they made it—the fire effect would be unstable, burning too much energy. The fix would be refining the intent behind the fire. Instead of raw destruction, the card’s concept should focus on precision. Maybe reinforcing the card’s structure with a stronger Blank Card or layering mana properly to prevent overflow.”
The book pulsed, accepting his reasoning.
A Deckmaster forges a summon card, attempting to create a wolf familiar. However, the summon lacks intelligence and wanders aimlessly, failing to follow commands or act independently. What was the mistake, and what should have been done differently?
Jalen tapped his fingers against his arm, thinking. “That’s a conceptual flaw. The creator didn’t define the summon’s purpose clearly enough. Just because you make a wolf doesn’t mean it’ll act like one. They probably focused on the form but not the function. The solution? Refine the core idea—was the wolf meant to be a scout, a guardian, or a pack hunter? The creator could also imprint emotional willpower—loyalty, vigilance, or aggression—to shape its behavior properly.”
Another pulse of light, and the book turned to the next problem.
A Deckmaster crafts a sword card, but upon summoning the weapon, it shatters upon first impact. The creator used strong materials and reinforced the blade with mana, yet it remains fragile. What is the cause of this failure?
Jalen raised an eyebrow. “Huh, that’s tricky. If the materials were strong and mana reinforcement was applied, then the issue isn’t just the physical aspect—it’s in the construction process. Either the layering of mana was uneven, causing weak points, or the creator focused too much on raw durability without balancing flexibility. A blade that’s too rigid is just as useless as a weak one.”
He thought for a moment, then nodded. “To fix it, the Deckmaster should refine their mana layering techniques, making sure the reinforcement spreads evenly. Also, maybe using a concept of resilience rather than pure hardness would help—like a blade that adapts to impact rather than resisting it outright.”
This time, the book flashed twice, signaling approval.
Jalen smirked. “Yeah, I’m getting the hang of this.”
As the text faded, a final line appeared:
"Phase Three: Application – Now, create."
Jalen cracked his knuckles. “Time for the real test.”