Hello everyone! Kamen Rider Duelist here with another chapter of Silent Magi's Apprentice! This chapter is gonna be a bit on the short side again, due to how we're about to slowly transition into the next phase of this story, and the fact that there's nothing else for me to add to get to my 10k word quota. But I promise you, it's gonna be good. That being said, please enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! All creative rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.
Glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness.
It was the same entity that lurked within the void. For centuries, the entity laid dormant, scheming and waiting for the day that it shall emerge once again. And that day has finally come. The presence of the one he sensed. It had not felt that sensation for centuries. They must be obtained by any means necessary. However, in the years that the entity lay dormant, its strength waned significantly. It requires an emissary to retrieve what he desires.
"Come to me…"
Another pair of red glowing eyes appeared, as the sound of something large being carried, scraped against the ground. The sparks that flickered in the darkness did little to light the darkness, let alone see what approached the first entity.
"Hnnnnnnnnnnnn…"
"I yearn for the one who has arrived in this world. Seek them out and bring them to me."
"Hnnnn…"
"Alive. Kill those who stand in your way…"
"Hnnnnnnnnnn…" The figure walked off, the sparks of light once again showing movement within the shadows, but not much to even show who held the weapon.
"Hmhmhmhmhm… soon your power will be mine…"
Chapter 11: Cusp of Change
Kuromu groaned, slowly opening his eyes. The last thing he remembered was his Trial of Skill. He converted his Potion of Healing to Elemental Resistant Potions, one for each Element. It was a feat that no one had ever done before. But it was after that, that his memory went blurry.
"Ugh… what happened?" Kuromu uttered out, looking at his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was that he was in some kind of infirmary, given the multiple number of beds in this one room. "Huh?"
"Ah, you're awake." A voice called out as walking over is what looked to be a nurse, but she had angel wings, a very seductive body, and a large syringe in hand, as she then checked his vitals, "You passed out from the trial. You must've burned through a lot more magic than you could manage."
"Who… are you?"
"I'm Injection Fairy Lily, the head nurse. I manage any injuries during the Trials." She greeted him with a smile.
"Huh…" Kuromu muttered. But then his eyes widened considerably, as if he had drunk a gallon of coffee and immediately sat up, much to the nurse's shock and confusion." OH NO! DID I FAIL MY TRIALS?!" he panicked.
"Hm? No, you didn't. If you did, you wouldn't be in the infirmary." She pointed out. "You didn't sustain any real damage, just lost a lot of mana."
"Wait… what?"
"If someone failed a Trial, they'd be transferred out of the infirmary the moment they're stable. The fact that you're still here means you haven't failed yet."
"O-Oh…" Kuromu said dumbly, before sighed. "I got worried over nothing…"
Just then, a pair of doors opened from one side of the room, gaining Kuromu and Injection Fairy Lily's attention. They saw Shizuka and Master Endymion enter, the former looking relieved that her apprentice was finally awake.
"You are awake!" Shizuka said with delight, swiftly rushing over to hug her apprentice. She felt relief in her heart knowing that he survived using all of his magic.
"S-Sensei…" Kuromu muttered.
"Goodness… why must you be so stubborn with getting results…" She sighed, worriedly.
"I-I'm fine, sensei. Really, I am." Kuromu got out. "What… happened?"
"You used almost every ounce of magic you had to make those Elemental Resistant potions. It wasn't even considered possible." Endymion noted. "You passed out after that and were brought here."
"I see… so then…"
"Young man, what you performed was True Alchemy."
"True… Alchemy?" Kuromu parroted.
"Yes, Alchemy as you know is a unique science. As you are also aware, it is the prototype for the modern branch of science you call chemistry. True Alchemy is the ability to completely transmutate a substance's nature and properties into a completely new form. For years, the means and results have only been artificial. But in your case, it was natural. Your Elemental Resistant potions have 100% potency. It is virtually impossible, yet you made it possible."
"I… did that? All on my own?"
"You did, and because of your accomplishment, veterans of the field want to study and learn from it. You young man, have received a grant." Endymion smiled.
"A… grant?" Kuromu asked, looking at Shizuka. "What does that mean?"
"It means that people will pay you to study the potions you made." Shizuka responded.
"O-Oh! Wow, really?" Kuromu said, stunned. "That's… incredible. Uh… sure, I have no problem with that, really. it's just… honestly, I don't know how I did it. I just went with my instincts."
"Either way, you made something very profitable." Endymion replied. "And if studied and replicated, you will be compensated rather handsomely and your name will be written in the history books."
"I see." Kuromu nodded. "So… what happens now? Does this mean I… pass?"
"Of course, my boy." Endymion nodded, then cleared his throat. "Er… rather… on a technicality, you did not pass just yet."
"Huh?"
"You've yet to undergo the Trial of Spirit. Where you discern your True Element. That is the last step before you can be promoted to the rank of Mage." Endymion said. "And since you are incapable of undergoing that Trial now,"
"I'll have to take it on a later date." Kuromu deduced. "I guess that makes sense, but… wouldn't it be unfair to the others if they had to do with me since I'm holding them back?"
"Oh no, not at all. Some still are taking their tests, and some will partake at a later date." The master mage shook his head.
"Good. Then I won't be seeing Krona anytime soon…" Kuromu grumbled.
"Ah, I see you've met him. He is a bit… much." Endymion chuckled softly.
"He downright insulted Shizuka-sensei, calling her a weakling mage he's never heard of before…" Kuromu growled.
"But now you have something over him. That is something he could never hope to create." Endymion pointed out with a slight smirk.
"That much is true."
"Just don't let it get to your head. I would rather not deal with two Kronas'."
"You won't be hearing any arguments from me." Kuromu raised his hands.
*WOOSH!*
"Kurooooooo!" Nia cried out, practically glomping his face on him with her whole body.
"Gah! Oi, Nia!" Kuromu cried out, falling back on the bed.
"I was so scared! Why do you have to be so stupid!?" She whined, soon hitting him with her tiny fists out of frustration.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, really!" Kuromu managed to say. Nia was soon picked by her wings by Elesia who walked in with La Jinn and his lamp in hand. The Dreamsprite pouted with puffed cheeks, looking away with her arms crossed.
"Good to see you in better health, Young Master." La Jinn greeted.
"As am I, La Jinn." Kuromu groaned, sitting back up again. "As am I."
"Oh goodie, you're awake." Doriado's voice said, as she, Wynn, and even Selene walked into the infirmary. Surprisingly, Darius, the Chaos Command Magician, was also with them.
"Lady Doriado, Lady Selene, Wynn, and… someone I don't know." Kuromu said.
"My name is Darius, I'm the Chaos Command Magician… and Krona's Master." He revealed, then bowed deeply, "I apologize for any insult he may have spoken towards you and your Master."
"A-Ah, no it's fine, really." Kuromu waved his hands frantically. "I mean… it's expected that some nobles are… stubborn about their heritage."
"He's still a crummy magician." Wynn pouted.
"Now, now, Wynn." Doriado chided gently.
"But Master, it's true~!" Wynn whined childishly.
"I… cannot deny he is a bit… much…" Darius sighed. "He believes himself to be the reincarnation of The Progenitor."
"Rather presumptuous, don't you think?" Kuromu asked dryly.
"It is… yet he keeps discovering many signs, hidden secrets, and other things lost to time, retaining to The Progenitor. He truly believes that he could be related in some way, with every magical sign pointing him to it." Darius sighed once more.
"…I have to ask, is he a problem child?"
"Very much so…"
"That explains it." Kuromu sighed, then turned towards Master Endymion. "So when is my Trial of Spirit going to take place?"
"Within the next week." Endymion stated.
"You'll have plenty of time to prepare for it, dear." Selene smiled. "But in the meantime, you should head on home and get some rest."
"Agreed. I'm sure you would love to rest in your own bed." Endymion said.
"Definitely." Kuromu agreed.
"But~ before you go." Injection Fairy Lily smiled as her syringe suddenly grew in size, being as tall as her body now, which made Kuromu pale considerably. "I have to give you your shot. Ju~st to be on the safe side."
"No! NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"Ungh… I will never see her as my doctor ever again…" Kuromu whimpered, limping and holding his butt cheek. Shizuka, Nia, Elesia, and La Jinn followed behind him, walking the streets of the Magical Citadel so that he didn't fall over, walking it off until he was ready to go home.
"I mean, better it there, instead of your arm or face." Nia pointed out.
"She didn't have to do it with that big needle!" Kuromu cried out.
"For mages? She does."
"I was skewered like a pig on a spit roast."
"Now you're just exaggerating." Nia said dryly.
Kuromu merely pouted and grumbled.
"How do you feel about the revelation of your potions?"
Kuromu's annoyance disappeared when Shizuka asked him the question, "Well… I have to admit, it's something I never thought possible, but… here I am. Garie is gonna be super happy when Gabby tells her what happened."
"I bet!" Nia giggled. "So, where do you wanna go now?"
"Hmmmm…" Kuromu pondered. "I think I'll pay the church and Lady Minerva a visit at the Capital. Gotta give thanks for passing my Trials so far."
"A very kind gesture to do. But-"
"Come now, Lady Shizuka. You've known the Young Master the longest." La Jinn said. "He is stubborn to a fault and will find a way to do what his heart desires. And besides, he still needs to walk off the pain, so a little more walking around wouldn't hurt."
Shizuka sighed at this. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. He did pass the first two Trials, so a show of gratitude towards the Progenitor shouldn't hurt.
"Very well. Just do not overwhelm yourself, my dear Kuromu."
"I will."
Meanwhile…
"Your results have arrived and…" Endymion trailed off, looking at a scroll, while Darius and Krona awaited his verdict, though the latter was slightly impatient. "I'm pleased to announce that you've passed your Trials of Knowledge and Skill. Congratulations."
"Hmph, of course I would pass. They were simple tasks." Krona huffed, displeased at how short and easy it was.
"Come now, Krona. You should be proud." Darius said. "I, for one, am. Because you didn't cheat this time around."
"I still believed I was in the right." Krona huffed.
"Regardless, you can't relax just yet. You've yet to undergo the Trial of Spirit." Endymion reminded him. "This is the first time you will be given an audience with the Primordials. Given your first two attempts at the Trials of Knowledge and Skill… I worry about your well-being should you fail the Trial of Spirit."
"You think way too harshly, Master. I am no fool." Krona said. "I would not be so foolish as to incur the Primordials' wrath."
"Do not underestimate their powers, Krona." Darius warned. "They look into the hearts of those they test, and-"
"I am aware of that. Which is why I know it'll be easy."
"Once again, your arrogance blinds you." Endymion sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please try to take this seriously and heed our words wisely."
"Of course, of course…" Krona sighed with a soft yet annoyed nod.
"You'd do well to at least follow Kuromu's example." Endymion said.
"Who?" Krona frowned. "Master, you know that I don't keep up with anything that isn't at my level."
Darius fought the urge to facepalm, let alone, say what Krona called Kuromu, but remained calm, "The apprentice you called a 'thing'."
"Oh… right. That 'creature' who somehow received an apprenticeship. He couldn't have achieved such levels of magic naturally. So quite frankly, he's nothing but a failure." Krona waved off.
Endymion and Darius could only look at each other.
"What? Is there something I should know?" Krona frowned.
"Believe it or not, Kuromu passed his Trials of Knowledge and Skill." Darius stated.
Krona was surprised at first, but scoffed at the notion. "Even if that was true, it's most likely a fluke. Still a failure if you ask me." Krona dismissed in an off-hand manner. He was about to leave the room when Endymion left a bombshell at his feet.
"He performed True Alchemy."
Krona stopped in his tracks, turning back with confusion and shock upon hearing those words.
"He… what?"
"Yes. I did not lie." Endymion clarified. "True Alchemy is something beyond our ken. Something that is nigh impossible, and yet… he did."
Krona shook his head in denial. There was no way what he was hearing was true.
"S-Surely, you jest. That can't be true. He had to have done some trick or cheated into making you believe that." Krona stuttered. "True Alchemy was only possible because of The Progenitor! Nobody can recreate it!"
"Indeed nobody can. And yet Kuromu performed it before our very eyes." Endymion replied.
"LIES!" Krona stomped his foot, "There is no way… that thing did something like that!"
"Very well. If you do not believe our words, then perhaps seeing it will." Endymion then waved his staff and an astral projection of Kuromu's Trial of Skill appeared before Krona. The Doomstar Magician watched with scrutiny as he analyzed each and every movement Kuromu made.
First, was the creation of the Potion of Healing. He paid close attention to the steps he did, and much to his annoyance, he found no error. It was where Kuromu placed the four empty Potion bottles in front of the Potion of Healing that he started to really start paying close attention. With each moment passing, his eyes grew wider and wider, seeing the impossible happen.
"H-He must have cheated! This can't be true!"
"I'm afraid that isn't the case, Krona." Darius shook his head. "What you see before you is real. The astral projection wasn't manipulated either."
"NO!" Krona snapped, "I will not… I will not accept that thing as one of us!"
"Unlike you, Krona, he has treated the Thaumaturge Trials with dignity and respect. Something that you failed to do upon first meeting him." Endymion frowned.
"Don't give me that! I found texts and lost information from The Progenitor! Found hidden tombs and scrolls! I know I am better than that thing who came out of nowhere like a leech!"
"Enough of this nonsense, Krona." Darius reprimanded him sternly. "Whether you like it or not, he has earned the right to advance to the Trial of Spirits."
Krona hissed in anger, enraged that someone like Kuromu could pass. With an angry yell, he swiftly teleported away to vent out his anger and not bring any sort of ire to the masters.
Darius sighed at this, "You should not have said anything related to Kuromu, Master."
"I was hoping it would make him realize the error of his ways and wake up from the illusion of him being superior to other apprentices… but alas, it backfired…" He groaned in frustration.
"What are we to do now?"
"I'd rather not leave your apprentice to his own devices. Who knows what he might do." Endymion answered. "Please make sure he doesn't do anything rash."
"Of course, Master…" Darius bowed before leaving the room.
*GONG! GONG! GONG! GONG!*
The sound of bells from the Church of Ultima's steeple rang throughout the Capital. Kuromu felt a bit disappointed that the service was already over, due to the congregation already filing out of the church. But at the same time, it gives Kuromu the opportunity to have a one-on-one audience with Minerva.
"Whoa… so big…" Nia said, looking at the ceiling. "Not as big as the Mystical Cathedral, but still big."
"Oh right, this is your first time here, isn't it." Kuromu realized, which Nia nodded.
"Hm? Oh, Kuromu, Shizuka," A familiar voice said, seeing Minerva approaching us, and that owl still perching on her staff. Kuromu hopes that it doesn't sit on his head again as a nest.
"Hello, Lady Minerva." Kuromu bowed to her.
"My, my, and even more guests. Hello Elesia." She greeted, to which the Mystical Elf bowed in response. "And these are?"
"Ah, right. This is Nia, a Dreamsprite. She's been helping me ever since I got here. And the genie over there is La Jinn, the Mystical Genie of the Lamp, he's my ward of sorts."
"Greetings, Your Grace." La Jinn bowed.
"Nice to meetcha!" Nia perked up.
"So I see." Minerva smiled. "So what brings you all here?" Minerva asked.
"Well, I… passed the Trials of Knowledge and Skill in the Thaumaturge Trials." Kuromu admitted shyly. "I… wanted to show my thanks and gratitude to the Progenitor."
This got the high priestess excited, "That is wonderful! I knew you could do it!" Minerva cheered. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you. I also have some questions… about the Progenitor too…"
"Oh but of course, but first you want to give thanks, correct?"
"Yeah, but… given how service ended…"
"Do not worry, I will answer anything you wish to know, even after the service has ended." the high priestess reassured him. "Come, this way." She said, before moving towards the altar rail, in which Kuromu followed. Shizuka and the others followed him as well, as the young man found himself kneeling at the altar rail, with Minerva on the other side, being inside the sanctuary.
"So uh… how does this prayer of thanksgiving work?" Kuromu asked.
"It's rather simple." Minerva smiled. "Just cup your hands, bow your head, and close your eyes."
Kuromu did as instructed, "Okay then what?"
Minerva then responded by kneeling in front of him, clasping her hands around his, then resting her forehead on his after.
"L-Lady Minerva?" Kuromu said nervously, opening his eyes briefly.
"Relax. Close your eyes and let everything else fall in place." Minerva said.
"O-Okay…" Kuromu nodded, then closed his eyes again. Minerva closed hers as well, and the two stayed kneeling. Nothing happened at first, but then the two began glowing.
"What's happening?" Nia asked.
"I believe that she is absorbing some of his mana." Shizuka observed, "Lightsworn clergy like Minerva are considered as mediators between the Progenitor and the living world. Though it takes concentration and oftentimes could lead to terrible things happening if interrupted."
The two kept glowing and despite his eyes being closed, Kuromu's vision suddenly turned white.
Falling…
Kuromu felt his body falling through a deep void until at last, he crashed onto… nothing. He felt confused. There had to be some kind of surface or else he would just be falling indefinitely. But at the same time, it was like he was walking on air.
The moment he took a step forward, a bright light engulfed himself, prompting the boy to shield his eyes from the radiance brought forth. Moments later, the light dimmed and Kuromu lowered his arms, opening his eyes. They widened significantly when he saw himself floating in what appeared to be an astral plane of sorts. Or rather… an Astral World. It was made of various powerful energies and is colored light blue with shades of purple and dark blue, all of it swirling like a galaxy.
"What is this place?" Kuromu asked, looking around wildly.
"You are standing at a nexus point."
Kuromu whipped his head around and saw a figure. He wore a purple robe, as the hood covered his face while carrying a wooden staff. Even if the boy attempted to see underneath the hood, the face remained obscured.
"W-Who are you?" Kuromu asked.
"A friend, you could say." the hooded man answered.
"A… friend?" Kuromu parroted before he realized, "Hold on, are you… the Progenitor?"
"Maybe I am. Maybe I am not." The hooded figure replied. "That depends on your perception."
"I…" Kuromu trailed off, looking confused. "Honestly, I… really don't know. I just wanted to show gratitude to the Progenitor for passing my Trials of Knowledge and Skill." He scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish with a weak grin. "I wouldn't have made this far without the help of my sensei and everyone else that helped me learn magic."
The hooded man nodded, "You did well. However, what you participated in is only the beginning of something much greater in store."
Kuromu looked confused, "What do you mean?"
"I cannot say much now. If you know too much, it could set some expectations." The hooded man chuckled, walking around the boy.
"I don't understand." Kuromu said, watching the hooded man's movement.
"Life is full of things that we cannot understand, yet we want to." The hooded man began. "Such as the example of you arriving in the current world you now reside, with no memory prior to that. You don't understand why you're in that world to begin with, why you don't have any memories before then, yet you want to know."
Kuromu's eyes widened, "How did you-"
"Be forewarned. As your magic grows, it will become a beacon to those who sow evil." the hooded man warned.
"What? Why?" Kuromu asked. However, he didn't receive his answer as the Astral World was turning white, "H-Hey, what do you mean by that? Wait!"
Kuromu gasped sharply as he recoiled back from Minerva, almost falling back, but Shizuka caught him from behind.
"Are you alright?" she asked her apprentice, worried about the sudden disconnection.
"I-I think so. Maybe." Kuromu answered, unsurely as Minerva walked to the other side of the gate.
"Did something happen?" Minerva asked. "All I did was take some of your mana for your tithe."
"I… had some sort of vision." Kuromu answered.
Minerva and Shizuka looked at each other. "A vision? Of what?" The former asked.
"Um… I was standing in some sort of astral plane where there was this blue galaxy. And… I saw a robed figure with a wooden staff."
"That is… rather strange." Shizuka pondered. "Did they say anything to you?"
"They did, but… they sounded rather cryptic. I couldn't understand a thing." Kuromu shook his head, "Even still, I feel like I've heard their voice somewhere before…"
"Where exactly?" Minerva asked.
Once again, Kuromu shook his head. "I'm not sure."
"I see. I'm sure you'll remember it eventually." Minerva assured. "Now that you've given your tithe, you want me to answer your questions about the Progenitor?"
"Ah, right."
With this, Kuromu, Minerva, and everyone else sat in the empty pews and the young apprentice had to tell Minerva everything that had happened in the Thaumaturge Trials, including his meeting with Krona and his… demeanor. Needless to say, Minerva was staving off a slight headache, just hearing about the Doomstar Magician proclaiming himself to be the Progenitor reincarnated and how he had insulted him and Shizuka.
"I… have no words…" she groaned, placing her hand onto her face.
"A piece of work, that one is…" Nia huffed.
Kuromu sighed at this, "That being said… is there anything notable about the Progenitor, other than what Shizuka-sensei told me about them?"
"I don't think so. At least, I don't have any at the moment." Minerva shrugged.
"What about the whole reincarnation mumbo jumbo that Krona kept spouting about? I'm pretty sure no one gets reincarnated… at least practically."
"Correct, reincarnation is nigh impossible. The only close resemblance is transferring your soul into a new host and taking it over. But full reincarnation from the loss of your body is impossible."
"And yet Krona still talks as if he is the Progenitor reincarnated…" Kuromu sighed exasperated.
"Delusional idiot." Nia huffed.
"While crass, it fits his description rather perfectly." La Jinn commented.
"Regardless, it is best not to dwell on it any further." Shizuka advised. "What he does with his life is but his own. He will realize the folly of his way sooner or later."
"Unless the idiot gets himself killed or becomes the next big enemy." Nia shrugged.
"Shizuka is right though. Best not to dwell on it." Minerva said.
"A girl could dream though." Nia pouted with a huff.
Minerva shook her head then turned to Kuromu, "In any case, you focus on your own Trial. Your Trial of Spirit is only a week away, so it's best for you to keep yourself from being distracted by something so trivial as Krona and his… ego trip."
"Yes, milady." Kuromu said, before he saw Minerva lean in.
"And besides, we're still doing that thing you were planning, no?" Minerva giggled softly with a whisper.
Kuromu blushed a bit, as Minerva pulled back, "U-Uh, yes, of course. When I'm finished with my Trial of Spirit. What we discussed earlier, is still the plan." He cleared his throat.
"Good. Keep that in mind and you'll do just fine." Minerva winked playfully, which Shizuka noticed. She didn't like it. "Anyhow, I must be returning to my duties. Do take care of yourselves." She said, before turning to leave. Like the first meeting, Minerva's owl looked back, staring at Kuromu for a moment longer, before turning its head back.
"Now then!" Nia smiled, flying over to sit on Kuromu's head playfully, "How about you get some rest? I'll keep watch so you'll have no nightmares!"
"Right, home it is." Kuromu nodded, before pulling out his wand and waved it. A magic circle appeared in front of them, the other side of the portal showing Shizuka's home. With this, everyone went through the portal, and once they step towards the other side, the portal closed.
Meanwhile…
On the edge of a forest within the shadows, red eyes laid upon the cottage, seeing a portal open. The target and useless bodies came through, and the glare gleamed brighter on the figure's face. They had found the location of their target.
"Hnnnnnnnnnn…"
Time for the hunt…
["I'm glad to hear that Kuromu has passed his Trials of Knowledge and Skill."] Mahad said, as he and Mana were speaking with Endymion via the crystal ball in his office. ["It seems that him relaxing at the Mystical Cathedral did wonders for him."]
"Agreed, let us hope he hasn't lost that spirit and drive to continue." Endymion nodded in agreement.
["You worry too much, Master Endymion! This is Kuromu we're talking about! Thanks to us, he's better than ever!"] Mana chirped.
"You truly like him, don't you Mana?" The master mage chuckled from her bubbliness.
["Hey~ that's cruel! I'm still engaged to my fiancé, you know!"] Mana huffed. ["Even if it was an accident when he still kinda touched me…"]
"Hm? What was that?" Endymion raised an eyebrow.
["Nothing! Nothing at all!"] Mana said quickly, waving her hands frantically, shaking her head erratically.
["Are you certain that nothing happened between you and Kuromu while you were in the caves?"] Mahad asked suspiciously.
["Yup! Absolutely nothing happened!"] Mana denied vehemently.
"Regardless, I am happy to know that he-" Endymion was cut off when he sensed something. Something that made him quickly stand up at attention.
["Master? Is something wrong?"] Mahad asked.
"Mahad… go to Shizuka's house stead this instant… I fear the residents are in danger." Endymion noted.
["You don't possibly mean…"]
"Hurry. Mana, you go as well."
["Roger that, Master!"] Mana saluted with a nod.
As the images of the master and apprentice faded, he quickly moved from his desk to another part of the chamber. "I didn't expect our enemy to find them so soon… I must prepare a counter spell to ensure any progress of their tracking is removed." Endymion noted. Finding himself at a writing stand, he unfurled a blank scroll of paper and a wave of his staff, intricate markings appeared, writing the counter spell onto the scroll while also inscribing a magic seal on it.
'I hope that I'm not too late.' Endymion thought.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…" Kuromu plopped down on the bed with a loud sigh of content, feeling the softness of his bed. "So tired…"
"Then get some good zzz's! I'll protect you from the bad dreams!" Nia beamed a smile.
"Yeah, I'll do just that…" Kuromu said, his eyes feeling heavy before finally falling asleep. "Zzzzzzzzzz… zzzzzzzzzz…"
"Rest well, my dear friend." Nia smiled, pecking his cheek for good luck. She then heard the sound of footsteps, with Nia turning around to see Shizuka approaching.
"Is he sleeping?" Shizuka asked.
"Mhm! Fast asleep." Nia nodded.
"I see." Shizuka sighed.
"Something wrong?"
"It is what Kuromu had said earlier. The vision he had while transferring his mana to Minerva for his tithe. I cannot help but be bothered by it." Shizuka pondered in thought, with a hand to her chin.
"I'm sure it's just your nerves getting to ya," Nia waved off, wanting to believe it was nothing.
"Perhaps, but…" Shizuka trailed off, before reaching into her dress to pull out a small stone slab, the size of her hand and on it was a strange blue Eye of Wdjat of sorts.
"Is that…" Nia trailed off.
"The Eye of Truth." Shizuka nodded, approaching Kuromu's bedside. "I can use it to see into his mind. Perhaps what he saw in his vision can tell me more."
"Or maybe you just want to peek into his thoughts about you?" Nia snickered. Shizuka glared at Nia with disdain. Now was not the time for jokes. "Okay, okay, I'm joking. Sorry." The Dreamsprite placated with her hands raised. With a small sigh, Shizuka placed the Eye of Truth stone slab on her eye and a thin beam of light shot towards Kuromu's head, the beam honing in on it. Moments later, an astral projection appeared overhead and the image she saw surprised her. Indeed, her apprentice was telling the truth about having a vision. Because what appeared was the same robed person he described and the astral plane of existence he described was there too.
"What is this place?" Kuromu asked, looking around wildly.
"You are standing at a nexus point."
Kuromu whipped his head around and saw a figure. He wore a purple robe, as the hood covered his face while carrying a wooden staff. Even if the boy attempted to see underneath the hood, the face remained obscured.
"W-Who are you?"
"A friend, you could say."
"A… friend? Hold on, are you… the Progenitor?"
"Maybe I am. Maybe I am not. That depends on your perception."
"I… Honestly, I… really don't know. I just wanted to show gratitude to the Progenitor for passing my Trials of Knowledge and Skill. I wouldn't have made this far without the help of my sensei and everyone else that helped me learn magic."
"You did well. However, what you participated in is only the beginning of something much greater in store."
"What do you mean?"
"I cannot say much now. If you know too much, it could set some expectations."
"I don't understand."
"Life is full of things that we cannot understand, yet we want to. Such as the example of you arriving in the current world you now reside, with no memory prior to that. You don't understand why you're in that world to begin with, why you don't have any memories before then, yet you want to know."
"How did you-"
"Be forewarned. As your magic grows, it will become a beacon to those who sow evil."
"What? Why? H-Hey, what do you mean by that? Wait!"
The astral projection disappeared after the whole conversation played.
"What was all of that?" Nia asked, looking at Shizuka.
"It… It cannot be." Shizuka said bewildered.
"What? What is it?" Nia asked. "Who was that robed man?"
Shizuka was silent for a moment, before turning towards the Dreamsprite, "You are to not speak a word of this to anyone, Nia. Is that clear?"
"Why?"
"Is that, clear?"
"I don't know what you're getting so worried about, but okay." Nia shrugged with a pout.
"Good… now if you will excuse me…" Shizuka sighed as she made her way out of the room. She had to meet with Elesia. Because if what she saw in that visual was suspected to be true, then Kuromu was in greater danger than she realized.
*THUUUUUUUUUUUUUD!*
A loud thudding noise was heard from outside of their cottage. Shizuka was alarmed. It couldn't be! Her adobe was protected thrice by wards! But how?! The sound was loud enough for her and La Jinn to hear as well.
"Milady… I sense a dark presence. Outside." La Jinn frowned.
"As do I… where is Elesia?" She asked the djinn.
"She's-"
*CRASH!*
The door suddenly flew open and the Mystical Elf was seen flying backwards and falling to the floor after.
"Elesia!" Shizuka cried out, rushing after to her fallen form. She was severely injured as the silent elf passed out from her injuries. Someone was not only able to get past Shizuka's barriers, but Elesia's might in Nature Magic.
"What was that?!" They heard Kuromu's voice, with him rushing out of the room. "Elesia!" He cried out, running over to her. "Sensei, what happened?!"
"I do not know… but we are under attack…" Shizuka grimaced.
"Hnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn…"
Kuromu's blood ran cold, hearing a moaning sound that sounded… inhumane. He slowly looked up and his eyes widened considerably upon seeing the intruder of their home.
Standing there was a robbed person, but the light from their home showed much more than that. The rob was blood red with several cuts and holes on it from its battle. The unknown enemy was wearing some light armor with several enchantment symbols on it, most likely against those with magic as they wore the skull of some kind of orc as his glowing yellow eyes could only be seen while finally they had a large scythe, drenched in dry blood.
"Kuromu… you need to escape, now…" Shizuka ordered.
"W-What?"
"You need to leave now. You cannot defeat this foe in the current state you are in."
"But I can't leave you behind!"
"I said go!"
But the moment she said that, the reaper-like figure lunged towards them, ready to grab the boy, until a barrier appeared between, causing the figure to bounce back from it, tumbling to the outside then sliding to a halt after, laying there seemingly lifeless, but it was anything but.
"Whew! Made it in time!" A familiar voice said, as they looked to see a familiar pair of Master and Apprentice. Being none other than the Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl.
"Master Mahad! Mana!" Kuromu gasped in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"We'll talk later. Mana, keep them safe. I'll deal with this intruder." Mahad ordered.
"Got it."
"Shizuka. With me." Mahad said, rushing outside.
"Wait!" Shizuka called out, going after him.
"Mana, what the heck's going on?" Kuromu demanded. "What is that thing? And why's it trying to grab me?!"
"No time for that, you need to help your friend," Mana said, pointing to the injured elf.
"U-Uh, right! Nia, get me a Potion of Healing! Hurry!"
"Already on it!" Nia said, flying to him with the said potion. Quickly grabbing it, he cradled Elesia in her arms and uncorked the bottle.
"Elesia, can you hear me? If you can, I want you to drink this." Kuromu said, placing the small flask of green liquid to her lips, slowly pouring. The elf made soft gagging noises, while feeling the drink enter her lips, but drank it nonetheless. The effects kicked in as her injuries were swiftly healed, making her sigh in relief from the loss of pain.
"Phew, thank goodness. Are you alright?" The young man asked as she nodded softly but looked more upset that she couldn't protect her new family. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Shizuka-sensei and Master Mahad are dealing with the intruder."
Elesia shook her head, writing down one thing to him, [Dreadscythe]
"Dreadscythe?" Kuromu paled.
"Oh no…" Mana said in fright.
"You know this Dreadscythe?" Kuromu asked incredulously.
"They're known to successfully kill mages and steal their magic…" Mana grimaced.
"But that means-"
"I-It's fine. Like you said, the masters know what they're doing. Right now, our priority is keeping you safe."
"But where can we go?" Kuromu wondered. "We can't exactly teleport out of here and leave them behind! We have to do something!"
"We'd just get in the way, and lose." Mana denied.
"Gh…"
"Young Master, if I may suggest. We should retreat to one of the Pocket Dimensions of the abode. It should make it difficult for them to follow in the unlikely event of the Masters falling." La Jinn advised.
"The Apothecary Lab." Kuromu said, before carrying Elesia in a bridal carry. "It's better than nothing, at least. Let's move. Mana, Nia, La Jinn, cover our retreat." He said, before running towards the Pocket Dimension in question.
The Dreadscythe shook its head as it noticed the two masters. A devious grunt of excitement was heard from behind the mask..
"Dreadscythe…" Mahad grunted. "Never thought I'd see the likes of you again, after all this time…"
"We must be careful… Even Endymion has trouble against ones like this…"
"Yes. But this particular one…"
"What?" Shizuka said, before her eyes widened, "No, you cannot be saying it is…"
"The very same from that time."
"But… he saved them. How did they fall into darkness again? Unless…" Shizuka closed her eyes and magical energy enveloped him, concentrating on the magic she was using.
"Shizuka?" Mahad uttered, before the magical energy faded from Shizuka's body and opened her eyes after.
"I see. So that is how it is." Shizuka said. "I sense their other side locked within their soul. It is merely suppressed."
"You're sure of this?" Mahad asked, looking at her.
"I believe so. At first, I theorized that this Dreadscythe and their counterpart have split at some point. But that is not the case here."
"Hnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!" Dreadscythe groaned, as they grabbed their scythe and rushed at them.
"I won't allow you!" Mahad waved his staff, casting a Mirror Force spell to block their path. Unfortunately, Dreadscythe lunged forward and shockingly shattered the Mirror Force with its scythe.
"Impossible!" Shizuka gasped.
"How about this then? Spellbinding Circle!" Mahad waved his staff to cast his spell and a magic circle appeared, surrounding and encasing Dreadscythe before it shrunk in size and seized the reaper's body, immobilizing them as they struggled to free themselves.
"Are you certain it will hold?"
"We can only hope that it will… We can't let them take your student." Mahad grimaced.
"Hnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!" Dreadscythe growled and groaned, as it kept struggling to free itself from their binding. Moments later, to the mages' horror, cracks formed on the Spellbinding Circle.
"This is bad.. Given how it's doing this, I believe it may have high level anti-magic equipment." Mahad grimaced from how quickly and easily the spell is breaking apart.
"We have to retreat. I am certain Kuromu has taken shelter in one of the Pocket Dimensions." Shizuka suggested.
Dreadscythe then stopped moving as it reached into its cape, only to toss out two small orbs.
"Dimension… Hole…" It said, casting the spell of the orbs as they activated and began to try and draw in the two mages into whatever abyss they were connected to.
"Ergh…! No!" Shizuka gritted her teeth as she attempted to pull away from the gravitational pull.
"I… can't… dispel this…" Mahad growled, as he too, tried to move away from the orbs.
But then-
*CRASH!*
The dimension holes were shattered by two magical arrows, piercing the orbs upon contact. Mahad and Shizuka fell backwards after, but rose to their feet just as quickly.
"Thank goodness, I arrived just in time." A familiar voice said, revealing them to be the Queen of the Master Magicians, Selene.
"Master!" Shizuka gasped in surprise.
"Are you two well?" Selene asked.
"More relieved to have back up." Mahad sighed in relief.
"Good. You two head into the house and protect Kuromu there. I will handle our enemy here."
"But we cannot leave you here, Master!"
"Come now, my former apprentice. Give me at least a little credit." Selene giggled. "You forget what I'm capable of when it comes to magical combat."
"But…" Shizuka trailed off, but then noticed Dreadscythe almost ready to break free.
"Come, Shizuka. Lady Selene will hold them off here. Protecting Kuromu is our top priority now." Mahad urged the Silent Magician.
Shizuka was silent once more, before nodding, and the two went inside the house. The moment they did, the Spellbinding Circle completely shattered and Selene immediately got in front of the house.
"You will not go any further." Selene said, aiming her bow and magical arrows at Dreadscythe.
"HnnnnnnNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!" Dreadscythe growled, as if telling Selene to move out of the way.
"Sorry, but I'm not letting you get to him. He's my student's precious apprentice after all."
Not accepting that answer, Dreadscythe brandished their scythe and rushed towards the Queen of Master Magicians, with the latter rushing towards them before clashing.
Meanwhile…
Kuromu and Mana had made a makeshift bedding for Elesia to rest on. Nia was watching over her while La Jinn had set up multiple barriers to protect themselves from Dreadscythe in the rare case that they did invade their home. In the meantime, Kuromu was using his alchemic lab and magic to produce a multiple assortment of potions for them to use.
"Okay, I'll have to do this, then pour that." Kuromu muttered to himself as he kept working.
"Young Master, if you just make a wish, I can-"
"Not now, La Jinn. Just keep the barrier up." Kuromu cut off.
"But I can help, you just need to-"
"I said not now!"
La Jinn sighed wearily at this. He understood the dilemma they're in, but he's working harder instead of smarter.
*POOF! POOF!*
Everyone turned around in alarm, thinking that the enemy had already breached the home. Thankfully, the only ones that showed up were Mahad and Shizuka.
"Master Mahad! Shizuka-sensei!" Kuromu gasped.
"Kuromu, glad to see you're still okay." Mahad sighed in some relief.
Kuromu then rushed over to the two Masters. "What's going on? What was that thing out there? Why is it invading our home?"
"Kuromu, please calm yourself." Shizuka placated her apprentice. "We will explain everything in due time, but now is not that time." She then looked over her shoulder and saw Elesia resting. "How is she?"
"She's stable. But even with the Potion of Healing I gave her, she still doesn't look good." Kuromu replied. "We have to get to the Citadel and give her proper treatment."
"Agreed…"
Mahad though kept looking around, his face showing unease as his hands were tracing the walls of the room.
"Shizuka… Kuromu… doesn't all of this seem… off?" Mahad questioned them.
"What do you mean, Master?" Mana asked.
"Yeah, this is the Apothecary Lab." Kuromu pointed out. "All around is a Pocket Dimension of forest with all the ingredients needed for Potions. What's off about it?"
"Then why do I still feel like Dreadscythe is still at arm's length?" Mahad questioned as the other mages took notice of that too, unaware due to the adrenaline. But the feeling that they had upon seeing Dreadscythe still remains, even in the lab.
"S-So what does that mean?" Nia stuttered, scared. "Y-You're saying that one of us is an imposter?"
"More like…" Mahad wandered off with his words only to quickly move between Mana and Kuromu as a dark spear struck the mage and sent him back into the ground, injured now.
"Master!" Mana cried out.
"Wha-!" Kuromu got out, but then something grabbed his neck, and lifted him up, trying to free himself. "Argh! Gah!" He choked out.
From Elesia's wound came something. It looked like a parasite as it grew and formed around her as she slowly stood up, Kuromu in her grasp.
"E-Elesia…?" Kuromu got out.
"Not anymore…" 'Elesia' chuckled, before changing form. Her skin grew darker, her green hair turning purple and her eyes black with a yellow iris. "Ah… this feels so good… why did I ever think of staying on 'the good side'?"
"Release Elesia and my apprentice this instant!" Shizuka demanded, pointing her staff at them.
"Release her? Oh… dear Shizuka… I am her." She said with a devious grin, "You could say… I'm the part of her she buries. The part of her who rather just accept what others have said about her, and make it into fruition. I'm the Dark Elf of the Forest… The one who plagues elven kind and causes diseases, plagues, and death…"
"Gh… you mean…!" Kuromu gritted. "It was you after all? The one… who caused that plague… to her village…?"
"She and I are one… She and I are the same… We may or may not have done it… Who's to say?" Elesia said, "Though, the moment I was freed from that mental prison, I was given a task. To bring this prize to someone."
"We won't let you!" Mana said, producing an orb of magic filled with darkness and flames. "Dark Burn-"
The moment she was about to release the spell, Elesia placed the strangling Kuromu in front of her.
"Ah, ah, ah… Don't want to hurt your precious friend, now do we?" Elesia wagged her finger.
"Mana, please do not do it!" Shizuka pleaded.
"But-"
"You didn't keep a good eye on me…" Elesia said, as dark vines lashed out, striking Mana before pinning her to the ground, slowly squeezing around her neck.
"You will do no more harm!" La Jinn said, as he breathed flames on the vines, burning one section to free Mana from it.
"Hmph… annoying…" Elesia said as she pointed to the Djinn, only for a spectral arrow to pierce through its center.
"La Jinn…!" Kuromu cried out.
"I'm sorry… Young Mas… ter…" La Jinn got out weakly as his body dissolved only for him to disappear, and the lamp fell to the ground… shattering into pieces.
"LA JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINN!" Kuromu shouted in despair.
"Annoying as well…" Elesia said, as a puff of purple smoke flew into Kuromu's nose, causing the apprentice to cough before passing out from it.
"Kuromu!" Shizuka called out.
"Task complete… fare thee well." Elesia said as the vines surrounded her, covering the elf and apprentice before lunging through the door of the lab, racing out into the forest outside of the house.
"Get back here!" Shizuka shouted.
"No Shizuka… don't!" Mahad denied, coughing out blood.
"But… Kuromu…" Nia whimpered as she was over the shattered lamp of La Jinn, unable to sense its presence at all. "And La Jinn… he's… he's…"
"I'm sorry… we can't do anything right now…" Selene walked into the room with a frown on her face, as she waved her wand and dispelled everything that trapped the others.
"Master… what…" Shizuka got out.
"I was about to deliver the final blow, but then…" Selene said, looking away.
"Lady Selene… I think this was a planned attack…" Mahad wheezed as Mana was attending to their wounds. "They all felt the same… The same dark presence and magical power…"
"You're not suggesting…" Selene frowned heavier.
"I am… we need to tell Endymion that he has returned…"
"Kuromu…" Shizuka murmured as she was on her knees, tears falling from her eyes.
"We'll do our best to save him, Shizuka… don't give up just yet." Selene kneeled down to comfort her student. Shizuka didn't say anything as she leaned on her former Master and cried on her shoulder.
This was the start of a change in the world. One where the misplaced apprentice will someday find out the dark secret of his bloodline.
"CURSES!" Endymion slammed his fist on the writing table. In the end, he couldn't save the young man. He had just been informed by his wife on the situation, and his fears had come true. Kuromu was abducted, meaning only one thing: His enemy that he had thought long forgotten had returned.
Not to mention, his enemy learned of the location and proper ways to abduct him with ease. It made the master of mage furious that they did it so easily! And not only did they take him, but unleash that dark side of the elf he thought he saved too.
This truly was the darkest time.
*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*
"What is it?!"
"P-Pardon my intrusion!" The doors opened to reveal Darius, the Chaos Command Magician entering.
"Darius, what is so urgent that you have to-"
"I apologize, but my apprentice is nowhere to be found."
"Doesn't he do this already?" Endymion questioned the mage.
"No, this time is different…" Darius frowned. "I was following him to ensure he didn't do anything rash as you have instructed. Until I noticed him talking with a shady figure…"
"Figure?"
"Yes… I sensed their magic… it's inhuman…"
Endymion's eyes widened before he frowned, "…It seems there's an accomplice to Kuromu's abduction…"
"Surely, you don't mean that Krona's behind all of this…"
"I'm afraid so…" Endymion stood up, "Gather every S-Class mage within the Continent as much as possible. Code: Black is in effect."