At Hexside…
The cousins seemed to along well with the other students, even making friends with Luz's friend.
Spade found a friendship with Gus, an adventurous soul with a soul who thirsts for knowledge was a tale as old as time. William enjoyed both Willow, Gus, and the other friends of Hexside while Hunter… well he was catching up with old friends and connecting with one particular friend. It seemed that the cousins were making themselves at home at Hexside as their social circle grew. It seemed things were going well in Luz's click. But the Isles are often known for being unpredictable and chaotic at times and even with Hexside's newly added rules and regulations, heightened disciplinary committees, and creative new punishments (examples; the one-hundred decorative apology cards, cleaning the sewage system of Hexside, the Stone Sets of Forgiveness, and others) not everything can be predicted.
For when there is doubt, there is a weakness in magic. This would be the case for Gus as his illusionary capabilities were questioned by himself.
"Hey, Gus." Luz greeted the sulking boy with Spade behind her.
Gus said nothing and continued to sulk.
"…Are you okay? I sense hesitation in your magic." Spade asked as he looked at the boy.
"No, no, I'm fine. It's just…" Gus uttered but Luz knows what was going on.
"Gus, Willow's going to be okay. The fairies were caught, and their hive is fumigated. Principal Bump is already making sure they are all gone." Luz tried to assure the boy, but it didn't seem to help.
"But it's my fault, Luz. Mine and my stupid Illusion Magic." Guz denied it as Spade found insult in that.
"Illusion Magic is not stupid, it's one of the most respected arts. How can you even think that it is?" Spade questioned.
"Spade, you're not helping. Gus, what happened wasn't your fault. There was something already wrong with the fairies-." Luz tried to help but Gus was filled with doubt.
"Thanks, Luz. But I think I need to be by myself now. I don't think Illusion is the right path for me."
Unaware, there was someone who was listening in.
"Hmmph. We'll see about that, Child. I think you are on the right track." A hooded man smiled, seeing potent potential in the boy, "I am sure my love wouldn't mind a little…. Interference."
At the Illusion Coven…
The Gladderstones… magical objects that were revered and valued by Illusionists around the world.
Not just by the Coven, but the emperor himself, who sees these objects of mass power as divine relics to be protected. Therefore, there was a law prohibiting the theft and improper use of their power. Only an Illusionist of the highest level is allowed to possess them, Adrian himself has dedicated himself to their protection. So, it has come to pass to test the boy and his illusion powers. It was no coincidence that the princess and the boy crossed paths. The witch never believed in fate, but something brought them together for a reason.
The boy's development… his potential, is a true sign of the effects of the Luzura Event.
With the permission of the emperor, he was allowed to test him. Now, he just needed to give him the want for the quest. He heard those three brats from Glandus High could be used….
"Steve, I have a mission for you." Adrian declared to the faithful coven scout.
"Anything, sir." The young man in the bird mask saluted.
"You have mentioned to your friends that your brother has been pestering you about a map to the Looking Glass Ruins." The Coven Head informed.
"Sir, please, I already told him-."
"Give him that map."
"Steve then halted by his order.
"Make it look like he needed to earn it, be sure that his three hoodlum friends get their dirty paws on it."
"But sir, why?"
"Simple, your brother and one other boy, the emperor and I wish to test them both on their potential. We will monitor their progress and see how they act on my stage of mine. We believe that this generation will hold great promise."