Acting as mentor, the lady decided to train me. It didn't take much for me to acquire more spells under her experienced guidance. She quickly understood how my spells work and their effects, and how I could acquire more. And, spending more time with her, my mind quickly forgot about that unpleasant conversation. She wouldn't leave me, I kept telling myself, until I started to believe it. Perhaps, one day Death will take us apart... that's what she meant. I was naive, but she was the only glimmer of hope I could cling to, and so I kept on...

"What is this?" one day I asked her.

"A cake," she replied. "You know, I realized... you don't really know when it's your birthday, do you?"

I shook my head.

"I figured... Someone who doesn't have a name surely won't know something like that, too. And it's been a year since we met. So, happy birthday, Abby," she softly said with a warm smile, bringing the cake closer.

The cake looked extremely lovely, and the decorations were very sweet; it was adorned with little bunnies on the side and a big number one in the middle, with many question marks all around it. My lips curled up into a smile at the sight, and a chuckle escaped me. That was the first time someone had ever baked me a cake.

"Lady, can I ask you a question?" I asked.

"Of course you can."

"Why... are you doing so much for me?"

Her smile subtly faded away, her lips now resembling a forced one. Scooping me up into her arms, she stepped towards a chair. I peacefully rested my head on her chest as she affectionately stroked my hair.

"Because... we are more than mere playthings of fate, Abby," she murmured.

"Hm?"

"We're both victims, but that doesn't mean we should simply accept our fate. We do our best to fight it, adapting to the situation with our tools and in the most affordable manner. I believe that's what you did when you lost your sight, isn't that right?"

"You're painting me in too flattering a light... I don't deserve all this praise."

"You're wrong, Abby. You deserve this and much more. Perhaps you still don't see it, but I know well... You and I both, equally blessed and cursed. Yet, we both found light beyond the darkness; a darkness that devoured us whole, but at the same time, it forged us. Pain did not weaken us. On the contrary, it made us stronger, and that scar of yours is nothing but proof of that. That's why you're beautiful, Abby."

I didn't reply. Instead, I just snuggled deeper into her warmth. I didn't know her past, and I didn't ask. Not because I wasn't interested, but because I knew she would just playfully shush me, declaring it a secret, just as her name. However, I didn't really mind. All I wanted was to be nestled in her embrace; she was all I ever needed, the light I clung on to. Her words were just so... comforting.

She chuckled softly at the sight of me burying myself deeper in her hug. "Don't you want to eat?" she asked, caressing my head.

"Later," I mumbled. "I want to stay like this for a while."

"Hmm. You know... I just realized, this is the first time you didn't reply with 'Noo, I'm uglyy' at a compliment," she said, her voice dripping with playful mockery.

A chuckle almost escaped my lips, but I remained silent, letting her have fun teasing me as I continued enjoying the warm sensation.

"One day, Abby... I'll show you a greater light..."

The days slipped by, and I felt myself quickly growing with her acting as a teacher, and mother. She imparted me precious notions on how to live in this world, and she taught me how to cook the meals I loved the most. It was hard, having to see through the hollow rabbit, but I managed; all I needed to do in order to see through it was have it in contact with me. So, I trained to have it on my shoulders instead of always holding it in my hands.

"Have you trained like I told you to, Abby?" she asked me.

One day, she brought me to an open space; around us: many trees. It was a peaceful day, and the wind caressed my skin as I watched her while I held my pet in my hands.

"Yes, I did."

"Even while I was gone?"

"Yes, but you still haven't told me the reason behind it..." I lamented. She advised me to use my spells whenever I could. As soon as the spell would shine on my book, I would cast it again, though I never understood the reason why.

She smiled, proudly resting her hand on her hips. "I believe your spells have now reached their full potential."

I tilted my head. "Huh?"

"Open your codex, Abby."

With a hint of confusion swirling inside my mind, I nodded and opened the book, its dim light illuminating its surroundings.

"You got quite a handful of spells now. Listen carefully, Abby, this will be useful to you if you want to become stronger."

I nodded. "I'm listening."

She raised her finger in the air and began to explain. "The more you use a spell, the stronger it becomes; that's why I told you to keep using them. However, there's a limit to how much a spell can enhance itself. That limit can be crossed in two ways: acquiring new spells, and combat," she explained. "The first way is quite simple: every time you learn a new spell, all the previous ones become stronger. The second way, however... is much trickier."

"Hmm..."

She rested her hand on her hip. "Of course, there are numerous types of spells, and it may differ from spell to spell; creation, destruction, restoration, manipulation, adaptation, and so on... But be aware of the basics, Abby. Typically, spells are either offensive or defensive. Whenever an offensive spell fails to overcome a defensive spell, the offensive spell's strength decreases, while the defensive spell's strength increases. This is extremely valuable information."

"Like... a sword clashing with a shield?" I asked.

"Correct. Apparently, there's interaction between the spells. A phenomenon that I call 'Mana Resonance'."

"Mana Resonance?" I tilted my head.

"Yes," she continued. "When spells collide, the mana don't just cancel each other out. Instead, they resonate through the air, influencing each other's properties. An offensive spell that fails to break through a defense isn't just stopped; its mana becomes entangled, and is partially absorbed by the weapon later. This strengthens the defensive spells. Those who emerged victorious from numerous fights will undoubtedly allow their spells to surpass their limits. Moreover, a skilled libromancer attuned to mana can do wonders with such knowledge."

"I see... So, what exactly are we doing?" I asked.

"Can you see them, Abby?" she asked, partially extending her arms to the side. From here, figures resembling clouds appeared like smoke.

I leaned in, stepping forward, trying to distinguish them. "Huh... cakes?"

She smiled. "So now you can see them... It seems you've grown accustomed to mana as well. Not many can visualize such little quantities; you have a great affinity for it!"

"They look funny," I chuckled.

"I can manipulate mana, and give it a form; that's how I'm creating them," she said before clearing her throat, looking at me with a tender smile. "Listen, Abby... you're a beautiful girl, and that's why many will try to get to you, and to break you... They've already tried, but failed. We mustn't allow people to ruin us, and that's why I'll teach you how to stand up for yourself. I know it may sound grim, and perhaps... even hopeless. But that's how we must strive... Even if we're not told this directly, you'd know it just by looking at the world around us... Si vis pacem, para bellum..."

"Si vis...?"

"If you want peace, you must prepare for war."

"Am... am I really able to?" I asked, feeling a sudden discomfort.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Of course you are. You just lack confidence, but you'll grow into a powerful libromancer. Most of your spells are defensive, but they're also very unique; you can trap spells. This gives you immense potential once you'll be able to manipulate mana and master Mana Resonance," she warmly reassured. "By understanding Mana Resonance, a libromancer can strategically choose spells to weaken an opponent's offense over time and bolster their own defenses. You understand? It's not just about raw power, it's about knowing how to manipulate the mana between spells."

"So, basically, I have to turn an opponent's power against them by doing it mine?"

She proudly smiled. "Exactly. A skilled libromancer can create a feedback loop, where each failed offensive spell strengthens their defense, making them nearly invincible over time. But remember, this requires deep mana manipulation and a clear understanding of the magical principles. You still seem confused about your own magic and the way it works, so... I'll be your opponent."

"What?!" I immediately stepped backward, stumbling on a little twig I couldn't see.

She laughed, the reassuring melody of her laugh approaching as she moved closer to help me up. "Don't worry, Abby. I won't hurt you, I promise," she said softly as she dusted off my clothes.

"What if my spells hurt you?" I mumbled. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You have nothing to worry about. I may not look like it, but I'm quite strong," she quipped with a wink. "For now, let's focus on the defense. I want you to evade and block my spells, feel the mana in the air, and try to make it yours."

"Hm... alright," I murmured.

She stepped back, taking distance. "And don't forget, always cast your spell with your codex open. This is a mistake I see all the time," she advised.

"Alright. Why is that?" I asked.

"Spells' strength is naturally diminished when the codex is closed. If you aim to win, you should always open it before casting," she explained.

I nodded.

"I won't open my codex, and the training will officially end when you'll be able to hit me with a spell. I advise you, it won't be easy," she quipped, taking a weird-shaped knife in hand, a strange aura surrounding it. "Are you ready?" she then asked.

I gulped, and slowly nodded once again.

"Then... start!"

I have lost... numerous times. I had never anticipated that it would be so hard to fight. Running evading and simultaneously casting spells while being forced to see through a hollow rabbit you're bound to carry around, and at the same time having an open book in hand was... painfully hard.

The training went on for a long time, more than I can remember. I felt extremely tired every day, but at the same time... content.

The lady was ridiculously strong; I really never had the chance to win.

Until, one day...

"Lame Fantasma," she cast, summoning countless blades into existence around her. With a flick of her wrist, the blades hurtled toward me.

I sprinted, trying to approach her from the side. I grew accustomed to the terrain around me and I was sure of where I was going; nothing in the way to block my path. As her blades came closer, slicing through the air, I invoked. "Chains Of Forgotten Freedom!"

Chains erupted from the ground, intertwining to form a shield before me. The blades clashed against it with a series of sharp clangs reverberating through the air.

I successfully blocked her attack, and siphoned part of her spell's mana into my own. Then, as her blades still hovered in the air, about to fall to the ground, I proceeded with my next step. "Clouds Of The Celestial Vault!"

An array of clouds materialized around me, and I trapped all of her blades in their midst. Finally, I redirected them towards her. And just as she tried to protect herself, just as she raised her hand to counter... "Mystic Puddle!" I cast at her feet, catching her by surprise with a pool of glimmering liquid at her boots; she staggered as the ground tugged at her.

A magic explosion unfolded, sending dust and smoke swirling around her, and I halted in my tracks.

"Lady?!" I shouted as I ran towards her, my heart hammering from both the effort and concern.

Fortunately, she emerged from the smoke, looking at me with a warm smile.

"Lady..." I called once again. "I'm sorry, I-"

I was stopped by a gentle pat on the head. "Good work, Abby," she chuckled. "I knew you had a new spell, but you still caught me by surprise... You've really grown strong."

I suddenly felt relieved, free of any worry, and I could feel my lips curving into a wide smile. "I... I won!"

I felt full of joy, I felt my cheeks burning, with a sense of complacency warming me up from deep within. She held me in her arms, caressing my head while I couldn't help laughing and smiling as I nuzzled against her shoulder. "I won..."

"You won."

"I won! I won!"

Never had I fallen asleep so peacefully before...

... One day, as usual, I nestled in her embrace, my head resting against her chest. We just had dinner, and I was about to nod off blissfully.

"Tomorrow will mark two years since we met, Abby," she whispered.

"Will you bake me a cake again?" I mumbled in my lethargy.

"I've already thought of that, and I have a present I'm sure you'd love. However, Abby... I'm afraid I won't be able to be celebrate it together with you."

"Hm? You have to go somewhere again?" I asked.

Silence followed after that, and the gap between the strokes increased.

"I have to go, Abby," she murmured.

"Will you return for the evening?

"I'm afraid I won't..."

"Huh?"

"We've already talked about this, Abby. I must go..." she whispered, her tone low and saddened. "Tomorrow, you'll wake up, and I'll be gone."

Once again, silence fell.

"Don't cry, Abby..."

It was already too late; my mind had remembered.

"No..." I clutched her shirt, my fingers trembling as I buried my face against her chest. My sleep mask damp against my skin, and I instinctively rubbed my face against her t-shirt.

"I'm sorry, Abby."

"No..." I repeated. My throat felt tight, and each breath I took came out in ragged sobs, my nose runny and raw. "Please don't leave me," I murmured, my voice breaking.

"Your sleep mask is getting all wet. Please, don't cry, Abby." Her voice felt choked just like mine as she gently stroked my hair; I could feel her hand shaking slightly.

"Take me with you!" I pleaded, raising my voice as I burrowed deeper into her embrace, afraid of being separated from here.

"I can't, Abby... I would only put you in danger," she sighed, her chest trembling as she tried to steady herself. "I am the Silver Witch, my path is stained with blood... But you don't have to worry, I would never leave you alone; you shall live with good people, and live your own life. However, once I'm gone, you'll have to see me as an enemy, for your own good, and you must go on."

"I can't go on without you..." I clutched her even harder, until my fingers hurt, hoping she couldn't pull me away, so that she would be forced to take me with her.

"You can, Abby..." she whispered, pulling me closer. "You know, in these two years, I've had the chance to observe you closely. Never once did you remove that mask, unless by mistake. When was the last time you looked at yourself in the mirror, I wonder... You may not realize, but I know... you're a strong and beautiful girl; so charming that even a prince couldn't resist your beauty. I want to ask you one last favor... Once I'm gone, I want you to remove that mask, and look at yourself in the mirror."

I felt myself choking on tears, my eyes burning while I shook my head, refusing to let go. "Please, mom... don't leave me..."

She held me even tighter, and I could feel droplets falling over me. "Oh, Abby..." Her voice was shattered into pieces. She planted a soft kiss where her tears had just fallen, and then leaned in closer to my ear. "Dormi, Dormi, Mia Docile Creatura. Dormi, Dolcemente, Nella Stanza Dove Risiede Tua Madre. Dormi, Fino A Quando Lei Non Se Ne Sarà Andata..."

After that incantation, I fell asleep...

... Upon my awakening, I already had my hollow rabbit in hands, viewing through it a ceiling I didn't recognize; the room itself was something I had never seen before.

I got up from the bed, I was alone in the room, and on a bedside table I found: a cake. It said 'Happy Birthday, Abby', with a number two and numerous question marks and bunnies around it.

I could feel my throat tightening and my chest in pain. I clutched it as I took deep breaths, trying to calm down.

"Don't think about it, Abby," I murmured to myself, my voice trembling. "Don't... What you must do now... is to look at yourself in the mirror. I can do it..."

Inside the room, I noticed there was a little bathroom, right by the door to exit it. Biting my own lips to force myself not to cry, I went to the bathroom, and with the help of a little chair I found there, I stepped on it to place myself in front of the mirror. All was left for me to do... was remove the sleep mask.

I placed down my pet, now all I could see was darkness, and I slowly reached for the edge of my mask.

"Huh...?" As I lifted the mask, I could see a faint red glow.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat.

"W-what?!" I could see the faint light tremble; my fingers reaching for my eyelids, trembling as well. The light felt gentle, but overwhelming at the same time. Fear seized me, slamming into my chest and causing my legs to shake.

Slowly, my trembling eyelids opened, and light flooded my vision. Everything was blurry at first, unfocused and unknown. But then, there was it... a clear image.

In front of me stood a beautiful and delicate girl, her big eyes a sparking pink, just as her sleek hair. Her breath shallow and quick, her cheeks wet with tears of joy, and maybe, even disbelief. She covered her mouth with her hands, muffling the sobs as she started laughing.

"Me...?!" I murmured through the tears, rubbing off the tears with my arms as warmth grew in my chest. "I can see..."

The girl in the mirror was none other than me. I looked at myself, my scar-free visage, while tears of joy kept falling down my cheeks, adorned with a wide and content smile. "I can see! And... I am..."

I couldn't stop crying, I couldn't stop feeling grateful. I was overwhelmed by joy, and sadness at the same time. "How am I supposed to see you as an enemy...?" I whispered, hoping that my fragile voice could reach her, somehow. "How could I ever do anything other than thank you...?"

After I calmed down, I stepped out of the room, and met... my new family. Just like me, they were devoted to the Silver Witch. They explained to me who she was, and their story.

The lady was right; her ambitions were far too grand for anyone to bear...

She's my savior... our savior. And yet, we had to treat her as an enemy, for our own good. She herself asked me to...

And so I did, painfully, but I did... acting as if I never met her in the first place. I wore nay mask, but I putteth on a facade.

Howbeit, the lady shall at each moment beest in my heart, and I shalt never forget her... Her meeting wast naught short of a dream. And just liketh one, the lady cameth into my life, only to disappear.

A dream so beautiful... I forgot how ugly I was.