A/N: Hello readers! Thank you so much for favoring and following my story! Your opinions are helping me improve and making me reconsider some of my plans. I'm very happy and invite you to this new chapter!
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Magic and magecraft.
A vastly different concept from what Merlin knew of Mystery. Magecraft, a creation of the figure whom Merlin had gathered a tremendous amount of information about over his lifetime. He wished to learn the secrets that would allow him to go beyond the boundary that the first magus had set.
King Solomon also known as the King of Magecraft. The creator of the Mystery system himself. Someone whom Merlin struggled to top with his name, but to no avail. All of Britannia may have known about Merlin the Magus of Flowers but it was the entire world of magi that had the name of the famous King of Magic at the back of their minds.
The boy balled his fists.
No matter how hard he tried, Merlin never succeeded in surpassing the ancient progenitor. The man seemed to have it all superior to Merlin. Clairvoyance blessed by God himself was said to give him unparalleled foresight. The titles such as wise and all-knowing were written off as his representations.
Was this the so-called jealousy? It was an ugly, nasty, feeling. The one Merlin knew as an incubus was just a shallow imitation.
Merlin turned his attention away from these thoughts and focused on the book he was now holding, A Textbook of Magic, and started to read.
As the pages were flipped, the magus realized that this world had no concept of True Magic. Apparently, magic was the simpler form of the latter, but nothing could be further from the truth. The foundations that the book presented were both familiar and foreign to Merlin. The drawing of magic circles, the incantation of spells, the handling of mana in the body. These were things that were parallel to Mysteries he was familiar with.
For the theory, the contrast appeared to be different. Humans did not have magic cores or magic circuits. Mana was a phantasmal energy that the human body naturally absorbed as fuel for using incantations.
One had the ability to use his internal reserves as well, though these tended to be insufficient. And so the Magical items were created to be used. From which you could quickly replenish the thirst of your spells.
The book also claimed that magic was something best developed throughout the battle. At this, Merlin furrowed his brow. Learning magic didn't require the student to be in dangerous circumstances. Indeed, the brain was more active and prone to realizations in a dire state. However, the experience he collected through the years proved it wasn't something essential nor was it obligatory. There exist methods to teach other than dropping one at the deep end and expecting results.
He didn't mean to sound pessimistic, yet the book was looking more and more like a guidebook than a reliable source of knowledge. Eventually, he left the topic behind, intent on learning more before the sundown.
This led to the content of the incantation, the magic circles, and oh my. It was explained that the magic user utilized the recited words as a catalyst to trigger the spell.
"Using an incantation allows magical effects to trigger automatically."
In later phases the greater familiarity, the further one could shorten the incantation to another form. Merlin's eyes glowed. This meant the act itself was nothing more than a suggestion thrown to the user's mind, allowing for easier spellcasting.
This was similar to a form of self-hypnosis for programming one's casting. Merlin was all too familiar with this notion. Incantation was useless in the grand scheme of things. An unneeded piece of context used by those who took one step at a time. A slow process of learning.
Merlin looked at more text showing elements of magic. From what he could tell there were four main categories:
Fire. One generates heat and has a certain amount of control over the burning process.
Water. One generates water and allows further control over ice and steam.
Wind. One manipulates gases in the air and environment.
Earth. One manipulates the earth and solid mass.
There were also schools of Healing Magic. Like the one his mother used. Merlin made sure to research it as well.
Back to the spells. They were divided into levels. Beginner, which required basic mana manipulation. Intermediate needed increased concentration as well as manipulation of mana. The more manipulation you had, the more power you pushed into a spell. Leading to a higher level of recognition as a mage.
If someone reached these ranks then he would become, for example, a Saint Water Mage or Emperor Fire Mage. The most respectable ranks were Saint, King, Emperor, and God. Having a god title in ranking meant a person was on the highest ladder scale. It wasn't truly divine, more likely a power-filled state with an acknowledged danger level.
His mind soaked up knowledge like a sponge. At the end of the day, a book that was hundreds of pages long was absorbed before midnight.
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After sleeping through the night and sorting the information, Merlin returned to the same room. Ready to discover more. A Textbook of Magic was a useful thing, but its time was nearing the end.
His mind recalled the spell base now obtained and stored carefully. All regarding the spells, the incantations, and the words were available.
The theory was still just theory. Now was time for practice.
There were some inconsistencies the scholar had to figure out for himself. A spell such as Fireball was described as a birth of fire that brought a flying ball made of flames.
As Merin tried to recreate the spell, he needed to push the ball with a compressed gust of wind. Additionally, one that would not disperse the hovering mass of fire.
"Let the great protection of fire be on the place thou seekest. I call the bold heat of a torch here and now. Fireball!" Just as quickly flames roared, they extinguished with colliding water. Merlin dispersed the steam assembled.
Soon after, he used the spell again. This time no direct chant, instead imagining the whole process.
The effect was the same. The only thing left was knowing this human body's full potential.
"Well, let's get to it then." He calmed his underdeveloped muscles and let the Magus of Flowers' spiritual core take over. Blood and flesh didn't matter. This was a crucial time. They remained nothing more than an afterthought as Merlin worked.
To become one with his magical nature. The essence of power flowed through his fragile body. It was like a momentary shift through the shell of water, causing Merlin to end up in an ocean of luminous energy that could only be called mana.
Perceptions and all, Merlin allowed them to dissipate. More and more flowed in, yet the magus remained unaffected. They familiarized themselves with his body until he took control of them. They didn't resist his touch. It felt as if something primordial had returned to him, and he couldn't stop the sudden flow of pleasure that bloomed.
Merlin opened his eyes, a soft glow sparkling from them.
At the place where his blood should be, the pressure has grown. A wonderful feeling corresponding to his intentions. The genius of mysteries smiled as spheres of elements began to orbit around him.
The painting fits perfectly. Altered yet the same as always. Even though the origin was different, the sensation suggested the same.
Merlin felt at home.
He laughed, laughed so hard, and so filled with happiness.
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"Honestly, son." Paul Greyrat sounded, a hand hiding a smirk plain to see by Merlin. A fake resigned tone was infused. The wizard wondered what it was all about, "I knew the time would come, but I didn't expect it so soon," he said.
Merlin raised a brow, "What do you mean, Father?"
"The day I would have this talk with you. Listen Rudy, it's okay to feel on top of the world. However, we shouldn't make it a habit. I think even your mother wouldn't mind me talking this out."
"What?"
His father began shaking his head, "There's a time when a young boy thinks he's the strongest but then it turns out there's still a long way to go. It's normal for a kid like you to live in fantasies, but there has to be a limit." What nonsense is this man saying? Paul was talking seriously. Merlin attempted to keep a straight face while thinking of telling his mother about this later.
"Is a healing spell needed?"
"What? No! What I'm saying is that I heard you laugh weirdly yesterday. It concerned me because I thought something was wrong!"
"Oh, so that's what it's about. I was reading a book about magic, you see. There were magic spells in it."
"So you thought what? It's a cool idea to parade an overlord?" His father asked wryly. Filling the rest of the story, the relief Merlin lets him believe in, "Hahaha! In the end, Rudy is just a kid!"
"Why do you sound so happy?"
"Nothing to worry your little head, kiddo!" Paul spoke cheekily before ruffling his hair affectionately, "I was worried for nothing." He muttered and grinned widely.
"You know, your dad was also thinking himself a great deal when younger. Everyone told me I sucked, hah! Here I am! Running around with a sword and shouting aloud was common. You have it after me!"
Merlin smiled, amused at the tale, "Then I'm hoping to be a great wizard in the future!"
"A wizard, huh..." Paul looked down as he thought up something, "Hey Rudy, I prepared these wooden swords we discussed. Maybe trying a little swordplay would change your mind about studying party tricks, hmm?"
Merlin sighed, already seeing this coming.
"Alright." He agreed and moved to follow his father.
The face of his parent brightened considerably.
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A peek into the future.
In the distance, the outlines of the rocky mountains can be seen in the mist. The clouds form a circle, allowing the sun to shine across the blue sky and brighten the day for the awakening residents. There is a village on the outskirts of the Fittoa Region. Its roads buzz with the life of diligence with the upcoming Vatirus flower harvest season.
There is a massive redwood tree in a dense forest. A youth is seen lying on top of its thick leaves, appearing asleep.
His face is calm, and the sun's rays embrace across his body.
"Life is precious, after all. You are truly one lovely sapling." The tree he was on shook nearly imperceptibly. A rational person would say that from the wind. An enlightened man would call it a sign of divine.
Merlin enjoyed the breeze to the fullest, his presence attracting the satisfaction of the nearby flora, "Have pride in your strong branches, my dear. Being but a young girl, it's still incredible to grow to this extent." One might have raised an eyebrow because the tree was enormous.
He chuckled softly, "I imagine your true form will be magnificent. It's not every day when a magus like me praises, you know?" Merlin brought the fruit to his lips and chewed, "When the time comes, we will spend the night watching the stars."
In a vision, the boy saw the place. The Tower and the garden surrounding it. The magus' predictions regarding death came true through the years. Witnessing the struggles of wars and poverty. As an incubus, he lived akin to through a dream. As a human, the pinpoints in reality began to sip into his mentality.
With the image clearer, Merlin realized some of his actions may have seemed overly pushed, maybe even cruel. Mixed emotions built up along his current nature. There was no regret about the choices made, however.
"What's done is done."
Merlin struggled to relax while memories returned to the vision of pink petals. How frustrating.
The tree stirred, sensing the boy's distress. Merlin noticed its actions were to raise his spirits, "You feel the presence of that place within me, don't you? Hahaha. Very well then, I will indulge you for granting me a meal." He recalled the invisible link, "Even with the ocean of stars separating me, the connection is still as strong as ever. My shell continues to exist back there."
When the time comes. When the boy named 'Rudeus Greyrat' dies, the magus Merlin will return to his observatory. That's why he strives to become as strong as he can. To protect this chance and be as long as he can. Time is not finite.
But for now.
"Teacher!"
His pupil made her presence known by shouting as loud as ever, "Come down! Teach me magic! You promised! I was searching for Teacher the whole hour and he was hiding here!?"
Amethyst eyes fluttered. Merlin shifted his body to a more respectable position and looked knowingly. His gaze meets that of his cute student, who was exhaling hard from running here.
"I will teach you a new spell." He humored, making her face brighten, "But first Sylphy have to go all the way here." His hand clapped the spot beside, "I can't see you clearly from here! It's your quest for today!"
"No way..." The young girl's face immediately morphed into dismay, "Why doesn't the Teacher just come down? Sylphy will wait!"
"There is no way I can do that." Merlin replied, "You see... I have a fear of heights~"
"Eh!?"
He elaborated, swinging his legs, "Knowing there is so much space between me and the ground." His body seemingly shivered, "I get chills~"
"Liar!"
"What?"
"Teacher is lying!" Sylphy's body shakes with tears gathering in the corner of her eyes, "He lies as he breathes!" Merlin felt countless spikes penetrating his body as he gasped.
"N-now now, Sylphy. There is no need to curse your Teacher, is there? I just wanted to make this an exciting exercise! It would be a fun idea to test how you get here using chantless magic, isn't that right?"
"As I thought, Teacher is truly the worst!" WHY?! Merlin suddenly missed the mini-grumpy Artoria, who wanted to impale him with a wooden sword at every opportunity.
"Then our lesson is over." He decided, putting an ultimatum, "Sylphy hates me so that's it."
"I-I don't hate you." She murmured with blushing cheeks.
"Hmm?"
"Um, I will tell Miss Zenith!"
"You wouldn't...!" The reincarnated magus gaped at the mention of his mother, swallowing his annoyance quickly enough to pass unnoticed. The elf-like girl crossed her arms and averted her head. Ha! Try me! Her actions screamed.
Merlin forced a smile, "Fine. You win." He admitted defeat, and with a flicker of his hand, Sylphy was lifted along the leaves. The next moment, she was on top of the tree, "You are one troublesome student, Sylphy. Forcing your teacher into a binding."
"It's Teacher's fault he is so stubborn!" Merlin sighed inwardly. It's good that she started showing a more confident and outgoing side. But newfound confidence doesn't excuse growing impatience. He hoped Sylphiette would mature out of this soon. Still, the girl was a kid so there is a place for endless improvement.
"Rudyyy! Stop ignoring me!"
"Now Rudy? Not Teacher?" To answer the question - Sylphy pouted.
"I want to be as good in magic as Rudy. Will you teach me a new spell now?"
The magus narrowed his eyes, "You used 'the mother argument' to make me do that." Then he leaped down in a swift motion, using his wind magic to land on the big roots.
His action made Sylphiette recoil, "Huh? Rudy, where are you going?! Wait for me!" The girl stated before reconsidering. Only now did she realize her position, "W-wait! I'm still here Rudy, so help me come down!"
"Oh, what are you talking about? You asked me to take you there, didn't you?" He hummed thoughtfully.
"T-that's..." She stuttered, remembering her words, "Rudy!"
Merlin made a smug face. Looking up, he said, "You wanted to learn magic? So it shouldn't be a problem for you to use wind magic to descend. Forcing air to condense is elementary." Of course, controlling magic in such a small area around one's body isn't an easy feat. He didn't mention it, trusting in Sylphy's potential as a mage, "It's a good initiative to test your wind affinity. From what you mentioned before, you already mastered chantless magic." Merlin started leaving until the sounds of his footsteps were no longer heard.
"RUDY!" Sylphiette's cries echoed through the forest.
But before Merlin vanished.
"Were she to fall or fail, please take care of it for me." The brown-haired boy whispered, gently caressing the tree as it affirmed back with a rustle of leaves
If one were to ask Merlin whenever he planned for that outcome from the beginning, the wizard would laugh before smiling innocently.
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A/N: Merlin learning about new magic was a must-chapter this time. One I couldn't skip over!
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. By the way, this is how this fanfic came to be. You see, after watching Fate Grand Order, I always wanted to read some fanfiction about Solomon, because he seemed like such a character to me, and with incredible pressure at the end. I was so sad!
But it turned out that there were none! The only one I found was an AU one. I have nothing against this didn't meet my expectations. I just stopped reading it. That Romani Archaman character didn't have the same story as the one in the Anime. The moment in the anime where Romani had to merge his personalities of Solomon the servant of a god and Romani the human interested me incredibly! How must he have felt! What were his thoughts?
So using Merlin was the way. I was prompted to write him. He is a being closer to understanding than the actual Solomon and wise with certain motivations. I tried to imagine him as best as I could. I like him just as much!
That's all if you read that far. Thank you for reading!
