reify
verb (used with object)
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“So, this book will give me a special power?” Dave asked.
The book was thin, looking to have only twenty or thirty pages. The cover was very nice though. It looked like it was made of leather, with gold and silver embossing covering it in intricate patterns. There was no title, or any other words on the cover.
“That is correct.”
The one who spoke looked to be a beautiful woman dressed in flowing white robes. She was also around ten feet tall and emitted a very slight divine glow. She sat upon a marble throne built for her stature. The thing was nearly as elaborate as the book was, and seemed to give off a feeling of something even beyond royalty.
“However,” The woman continued, “I do not currently know what power the book holds. It will only manifest when you open it.”
“So you’re giving me an unknown power? What if I get a bad one? And why don’t you know what the power is? Didn’t you make the book?”
“The book will not give you a bad power. Even if it seems weak, that is only because of the limitations of your own mind. As for why I do not currently know what power you will get? That is because right now, it does not exist. The power will be made for you. Your mind, your soul, your body. All of it will go into creating the power when you open it. As it is, it is merely the concept of power. The idea of it. Opening it will make it real, and reading it will grant it to you.”
Dave thought it sounded a bit sketchy. And she had still not told him why she was giving him a power at all. She said she was a goddess, but not her name. There had to be a catch.”
“What’s the catch?”
“Catch?”
“Why are you doing this? What do I have to do for you? What’s the downside?”
“There is no downside, unless the power comes with one. Your other two questions I cannot truly answer right now. Just know that I grant you think power because you will need it for what is to come. And no, I will not tell you what that is.”
“Can I refuse?”
“You may. But I would not recommend it. It will result in several problems for you in the future.”
“And of course, you won’t tell me what those problems are.” He sighed. “Fine, fine. Might as well see what this is all about.”
Dave opened the book. He felt something. A tugging on something he did not even know existed. The tug was replaced by a warmth flowing through him in the same way. Like something had been taken and then put back.
He looked at the book’s title page.
“Reification? What’s that mean?”
The so-called goddess closed her eyes and a slow smile crossed her lips. “That is a fine power. A top quality one. It will allow you to turn concepts into reality. To turn a mere idea into something real.”
Dave thought about it. “That sounds complicated. Can’t I just get something to throw fire or something?”
“Ah, but with this power, you can do that. Yes, it will indeed be difficult to use, especially when you first learn it. Certainly more difficult that pyromancy. But the limits are nearly endless. Let us say you wish to, as you put it, throw fire. You can use your power to turn the idea of fire into a real flame. And then the idea of that fire moving into reality. It might not be easy, but with this power, you can change the world.”
Dave looked at the ornate book. At the single word written on the page.
“Huh. That does sound good. I guess I’d better get reading then.”
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