Kevin reached into his pockets and retrieved a forearm-length stick and a white book. With a determined focus, he began to flip through the pages, trying to recollect the spells written within.
The wand is a beautiful and exquisite piece of white jade, with intricate carvings running along its length. The designs were delicate and detailed. The stick seemed almost fragile, as if it could break at any time with a little bit of force.
It is a simple white notebook, adorned with silver filigree edges and a sapphire clasp. Inside, fine parchment pages hold delicate handwritten script and mystical symbols.
"Is that a wand?" Alaric spoke up, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Wand?" Emma asked, confused.
"It’s similar to a sword or a hoe, a weapon or an instrument through which magicians use their magic," Sera explained.
"Magic?" All the children were instantly excited at the word, their eyes lighting up with wonder.
“Then, what is that book?” asked Tia.
“I am not sure, maybe it’s a grimoire.” Sera replied with uncertainty.
“It’s not a Grimoire.” Benedict interjected, grabbing everyone's attention.
“Normal people usually get things mixed up due to their lack of knowledge, but a grimoire is not something that is available for anyone to take out as they wish.
“A Grimoire is similar to a Holy canon for dark mages. A book which is generally kept hidden by an entire occult faction. It is the very core of a dark faction.
“Only the upper echelon of the faction are granted access to it. While they act as intermediary to pass on that knowledge to lower members in their hierarchical system.
“How much knowledge of the grimoire is accessible to an individual depends upon his rank in that faction.
“What Kevin took out is known as the Book of shadows.”
‘Book of shadows?’ Everyone is confused at this unheard term.
Benedict continued, “A Book of Shadows is a personal journal used by practitioners of magic to record their magical journey, rituals, and experiences. It typically includes personal reflections, spell workings, rituals, invocations, herbal lore, and notes on spiritual and magical experiences.
“This book serves as an evolving record of one's practices and learnings, often kept private and updated over time. The concept of a "Book of Shadows" is deeply personal and specific to certain practices, reflecting the individual's unique path and growth.”
“You could say it’s an experimental log of an individual's magical practices, drawing from teachings in a grimoire or a Holy Canon."
“If there is a book of shadows, then is there a book of light?” Emma asked.
“Of course there is. The texts read at the shrine during gatherings could be considered a Book of Light. While the Book of Shadows is private and secret, the Book of Light contains knowledge openly shared with anyone.”
“Grandpa, what is the difference between a Grimoire and a Holy canon?” Tia asked curiously.
“Hmm,” Benedict stroked his chin in contemplation. “At their core, they're similar in structure and status in their respective factions. But, their difference lies in their application.
"While the canon is related to gods and contains magic used for the betterment of mankind, it's generally safe and secure for practitioners to use.
“On the other hand, a grimoire is associated with demons and often involves dark magic. Its usage can be potentially harmful to the user and may even pose a threat to the world.
"In simpler terms, a Canon is associated with light and goodness, utilized by priests, while a Grimoire delves into darkness and evil, favored by witches and dark mages. Similarly, magicians turn to the Arcane Codex for their mystical knowledge."
“But still, Kevin, are you still a student? You're already proficient. Why do you need that book to recall the spells? Do you think the enemy will give you time to read through your little book during a battle?"
"Come on teacher, cut me some slack, will you? This is newly learned magic, and I still haven't completely memorized these uselessly long incantations." Kevin smiled wryly.
As anticipation rose among the crowd, Kevin closed his eyes and slowly began to chant a long spell. The wind seemed to rise around him as if some unknown force was swirling in the air.
“O Dea Lucis, Divinitatis Lumina, Te invoco, te adoro, te veneror, Per splendorem tuum, per lucem tuam, Noctem obscuram dissipare, Et auroram splendidam effundere, Astra in caelo pulchra fulgeant, Luna suum splendorem ostendat, Et aurorae praeclarum signum appareat, Per potestatem tuam, per gratiam tuam, Auroram creare et formare possumus, Exaudi vocem nostram, O Dea, Et concede nobis hanc potestatem!”
Kevin opened his eyes and slowly looked up at the sky as he chanted his final words, thrusting his wand toward the heavens.
"Fiat Lux Aurorae"
A beam of multicolored light rushed towards the open sky from Kevin's wand as if it were going to attack the moon.
A moment later, the beam of light dispersed.
Soon, a marvelous phenomenon unfolded in the sky.
Under the open sky, with the full moon at its center, a wave of blue light began to form. It was as if the moon itself was sending its light out in gentle, undulating waves. The aurora slowly expanded, its ethereal colors spreading across the entire sky, enveloping the village in a celestial glow.
The villagers gasped in awe as hues of blue, green, and purple danced above them. The colors shifted and swirled, creating patterns that resembled rivers of light flowing through the heavens. It was as if the night sky had come alive, painting a mesmerizing canvas that stretched from horizon to horizon.
The air seemed to shimmer with the magic of the aurora, and a soft, almost musical hum filled the atmosphere, adding to the enchantment of the moment. The villagers stood in silence, their faces illuminated by the otherworldly glow, completely entranced by the beauty unfolding above them.
Both children and adults alike had their eyes wide with wonder, a blend of astonishment and reverence. The captivating scene left everyone spellbound. The entire village was bathed in the soft, radiant glow of the aurora, and for that fleeting moment, time appeared to stand still.
"Tch," Benedict clicked his tongue. "What kind of gift is this?"
"My newly learned magic," Kevin said proudly.
"That’s what I am asking. How is this a gift to me?"
"Isn't a student’s progress the greatest gift to a teacher? Are you not happy to see how great your student has grown?" Kevin retorted.
"Nonsense. You are just showing off, you narcissistic brat. What happiness should I feel by seeing this half-baked magic?" Benedict grumbled.
The duo started to bicker again, which jerked awake all the people who had been blanked out by the spectacle.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
But unlike before, no one had any mood to laugh at the duo. Everyone looked back at the sky, as if wanting to etch this scene into their memories.
The aurora continued its dance, the colors flowing and blending in an ever-changing flow of light. The village was bathed in the soft, surreal glow, casting long shadows and highlighting the astonished faces of the onlookers.
The waves of blue light emanated from the moon, spreading across the sky like the ripples of a tranquil sea. The green and purple hues intertwined, creating a mesmerizing display that seemed almost otherworldly. It was a rare sight, something that many had only heard of in tales and legends.
Even the animals seemed to sense the extraordinary occurrence, remaining still and quiet.
‘An aurora?’ Tia couldn't help but gasp.
"Wow," Vina exclaimed.
"Magic is awesome. I will definitely learn it," Ron resolved in excitement.
"Yes!" all the children chimed in, excited and eager to learn magic as they clench their fists.
While the villagers were excited or awestruck, only Sera was frowning, with many thoughts revolving in her mind.
As the night wore on, the villagers gathered in a circle to express their final thanks before starting the dinner.
“To Sir Benedict, for being the best teacher and friend! To a wise and compassionate soul. Thank you for being the guiding light in our lives. We all love you!” Sera raised her glass.
The villagers joined in, clinking their glasses in a harmonious chorus of gratitude.
Benedict raised his glass, “To this wonderful village, may you continue to be strong and united.”
As everyone joyfully enjoyed the rare and lavish party, chatting animatedly, Benedict and Kevin were busily swarmed by people.
The aurora continued to cast its magical glow over the scene, adding an otherworldly ambiance to the celebration. Laughter and conversation filled the air, blending with the soft hum of the aurora’s presence.
Copyright © [June] [2024] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
*****
As the party continued, Sera stood apart from the crowd, a plate with food and a glass in her hand, lost in thought as she watched Kevin and Benedict.
'This magic Kevin cast is definitely not a normal one. From Benedict’s words, it is still incomplete. Incomplete as it may be, it should still be a 3rd or 4th circle magic.
‘And from the looks of it, it should be from the light element which is extremely rare. From what I heard during the demon summoning incident, his bloodline should also be very high. Definitely an ancient family.
“There should be very few families which satisfy these conditions that belong to the upper echelon of the Light Goddess Church
‘A priest from an ancient family belonging to the upper echelon, who serves under the goddess of light, with an affinity for light magic and a genius to boot.
'As I thought, both of them are extremely troublesome.’ Sera shook her head.
‘Some of my anxiety will be reduced after Benedict leaves. I just have to be a little bit more careful until Kevin leaves the village.
'But I still can't be sure if someone of similar rank will be transferred here again.
‘This has been bothering me for a long time now.
'Benedict was here even before I arrived in this village. He is not someone who should be transferred to this godforsaken village. Holiday? Yeah, right.' Sera sarcastically retorted to herself.
'I didn't think there was anything special about this village when I read the investigation reports from the clan. Just what is it I am overlooking?'
‘....’
'But no matter how much I think about it, I still can't figure out what they could be after in this village.'
‘And also considering Benedict’s character, why is it that he did not try to interfere with the Ravencrests to save a little girl like me?’
‘He is kind, strong and also has good authority. So, why?’
"Haaa…" Sera couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
"Haha, what are you sighing for, Sera?" Emma approached Sera with her plate, startling her.
"Nothing, I was just thinking."
"Oh! What are you thinking about?"
‘Hmm, I should ask Emma, maybe I might get some unexpected clues,’ Sera thought.
"Well, you see, when I saw Kevin display his magic, I couldn't help but feel that both Priest Benedict and Kevin are truly powerful."
"Yeah, I think so too."
"So, here is what I am confused about. They both are definitely not someone who would be sent to this faraway baronet. So, why are they here?"
"Huh? Aren’t they just following the clues to investigate the incident where an entire village was sacrificed? I remember Kevin saying so," Emma speculated.
"That happened in another baronet. To begin with, Benedict was here even before I arrived in this village. So, I think they are here for something else. What could interest the church about this village so much that they sent a high-ranking priest to this village in disguise for so many years?"
"Hmm, indeed," Emma pondered for some time.
"Ha! Maybe it is about that?" An idea popped into Emma’s mind.
"What? Did you think of something?"
"Well, maybe. It is only my speculation, but if the church is involved, it is normally due to demons or monsters. So, other than our baronet’s unique aspect, I couldn't think of anything else."
"Unique aspect?" Sera perked up.
"Yes. I have never been to any place outside the village, but from what I could think of, this should be it."
"Sera, do you know why the lands nearer to the forest areas are less populated despite the huge land area?"
"Population?"
"Yes, our Raven's Crest Baronet is huge, but only around ten villages are here. The same goes for the Baronets around us. But as we move towards the center of the kingdom, the population density, villages, and towns increase."
"Most people prefer to live in areas away from the forest regions."
"Sorry, I am unable to follow."
"You see, the areas near the forests are usually more prone to monster attacks."
Suddenly, Sera understood what she was overlooking. Her eyes opened wide in realization.
"Yes, you are right. Our village is just beside the forest. So normally, there should have been at least one monster attack every year. But ever since I came to the village, other than some wild beasts, I have never heard of monsters coming out of the forest."
Emma added, "Do note that the forest beside our village is supposedly very vast, deep, and said to be filled with monsters and beasts that are extremely dangerous. Even adventurers who rarely come to this forest for rare herbs do not dare to go deep. No one even knows what is beyond the forest."
"How did I overlook this?" Sera felt astounded. "It felt so natural that there are no monsters around here."
"Indeed, we all are so used to this situation that we normally forget this," Emma concurred.
‘I should have asked Emma before. I didn’t have to ponder so much,’ Sera thought.
"So, why is it that there are no monsters coming out of the forest? Not even a stray one?" Sera asked excitedly.
“Apparently, a few hundred years ago, a pact was made.”
“A pact?”
“Yes, I don't know the details, but according to what my grandmother told me, a pact was made to ensure that no monsters would cross over from the forest.”
“Who made this pact? With whom?”
“I don’t know. The only thing I know is that it was made by Aldric Ravencrest, and it will continue as long as someone of the Ravencrest bloodline rules this land.”
“This pact is what has been protecting the entire kingdom of Aetheria from the monsters of the forest.”
“I think that is why the King ensured the Baronetcy was inherited by you despite your lack of talent in magic instead of confiscating it, so that the blood of the Ravencrest would continue to rule over the Baronet.”
“....”
Sera remained silent, trying to comprehend what she had heard. She felt like she missed something.
“Sera?”
“Huh? Ah! Nothing. Do you think you can find out more about this pact?”
“The current generation might not remember much, but the older generations or some of the families living in the village might still remember some details. If we ask around, we might be able to find something.”
“Do you want to find out?”
Sera looked towards Benedict and Kevin, who were happily chatting, ‘If I were to start an inquiry, it would raise unnecessary suspicions. It is not urgent. I should at least wait until Kevin leaves the village.’
“No need for now.” Sera smiled.
“Okay,” Emma replied.
“I’ll go get some more food.”
“Yes.” Sera watched Emma walk away, her mind still reeling with the new information.
----------------------------------------
Copyright © [2024] [The Rainy Imp]. All rights reserved.
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