"Sounds appropriate."

"And if you want to expand once you have your phylactery - the place where you keep your soul - well... There's quite a lot of fun nonsense out there."

"That depends how it compares to the power I already have access to."

"I suspect anything you'll hit in the next few centuries will have far less raw oomph, but there'll be some interesting synergies and utility spells arcana covers better - the spell I used to funnel necromantic energy into you was modified off of an extremely basic spell. At the highest standard levels - quite frankly, teleporting between planets is significantly more worthy of pursuit than causing earthquakes and tsunamis, even if it's less focused on."

"More versatile."

"That. And if you're smart you know where to find nice big bombs to teleport around, or how to conjure a bit of the inside of a sun - but the hilariously destructive spells require you to stick around being a target."

"Seems awkwardly designed, especially if most people are not as durable as you."

"A bit! Most people throwing around tsunamis are more durable than average, but arcana users are typically on the low end of 'stupidly durable powerful people.'"

"That won't be a problem for me, but I also have other tools to achieve those results."

"Having multiple specializations is good like that."

"Quite."

"It does make me curious if your system is learnable..."

"I don't think it is. You have to be- gifted it, by either the Imperatrix or her counterpart."

"Yuck."

"The bright side is that they do not appear capable of revoking it."

"An advantage, at least, and better than some kinds of granted magic I've seen."

"I'll take what I can get."

Kiss. "Fair. And you should get everything you can reach."

"Of course."

Mmmmmmm that is a very good look on Eliese. Clearly the proper response is for Acererak to tug her down to join her on the couch.

Eliese is completely on board with this plan of action.

Kisses!

And, a bit later, explaining the actual important basics of arcana as relevant to aspiring liches while cuddling. There's quite a few steps involving massive blood sacrifices of course, and the creation of the phylactery itself... Acererak's animated as she explains it, eagerly delving into the most obscure minutiae at the slightest provocation.

The best way to learn is from someone who has a passion for the subject. Which Acererak clearly does.

Cuddles (and floating illusions) are clearly essential to the explanation process, too.

Obviously.