177. Rebirth and Illusions II
“Alright kids, all you need to do is pick up the ball and bring it towards that red spot opposite you. Like this.” A middle-aged man wearing white robes carefully picked up a rounded transparent glass-like object the size of a basketball and walked towards a four by eight meter room then placed the ball on a table upon reaching the opposite side.
“Simple enough right? Now on to your respective areas, and do the same thing. Just be careful when you walk, ok?”
“We understand, deacon.”
A group of ten kids, all at the age of ten scattered and walked towards their designated area.
One kid in particular looked around and slowly approached a slot labeled “six”.
He is none other than Theodore.
Yesterday, he overheard his parents arguing about his future and were talking about Mana Affinity and at that time, he felt an inexplicable guilt he remained awake the entire evening.
He is conflicted as to do what next. Convinced that everything is an illusion, he was able to control his emotions. As to why he is not waking up from this dream, he believes there must be a reason. And for whatever his supposed family needs him to do, he will go with the flow for now and observe.
This world has a mysterious energy called Mana and if he is destined to become a Mana user or what people call Mages, maybe becoming a powerful figure would give him the clues he needed and whatever “booster” his father mentioned might be a good start.
As for his parents, since they are not real, he will continue to ignore whatever filial emotions they bring him.
“Come here, little one. This is your spot.”
Theodore nodded and moved over.
From his understanding, he will be tested for Mana Affinity and if he passes, he will be given this “booster” which will help enhance his body constitution, a foundation every mage needs. If this illusion wants him to take this path, then he should be able to pick up clues along the way.
Theodore observed his surroundings again. The place he had been brought to is supposed to be a temple yet it looks more like a prison.
“Go on, pick up the ball.”
As soon as Theodore heard the overseer’s next instruction, his body moved and picked up the transparent ball with his two hands then began to walk.
*Swish!
When he took his first step, he felt a cold breeze of air that passed through him. It was negligible it felt like being sprinkled with cold water and it evoked a familiar feeling.
*Swish!
After another second, another wave passed through his body again but this time, a bit stronger creating a pressure both to his mind and body.
Theodore wanted to move but when the 4th wave passed through his body, he felt like he had undergone something very similar.
Theodore immediately stopped his tracks and closed his eyes and check if he can recall anything.
In his mind, he is replaying the same scene when that mysterious wave of energy passed through his body.
“Go on, move.”
Theodore’s thoughts were disrupted his body automatically moved however the moment he took the next step, he felt his entire body frozen.
“Huh?”
Theodore tried to move again but his body felt like it had been poured with cement his hands could not even move an inch.
“What’s going on?”
Theodore clenched his teeth. He could feel the invisible waves of pressure getting stronger but that did not affect him one bit.
“Move , move. I said move.”
Theodore mustered all his strength and decided that even if he injures himself, he will make sure he gets to the opposite side.
“Why can’t you move?”
Clock ticked and Theodore continued to struggle and without him realizing, two minutes has already passed.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“Ok, that’s enough.”
Theodore was surprise he almost shouted “No”.
“That’s enough, kids.”
With the measuring device being turned off, the invisible wall that restricted Theodore’s movement lightened as well.
*Huh Huh
Theodore panted and tried to catch his breath.
“Goodness!” Theodore cursed in his mind and wanted to laugh and whispered to himself, “Maybe not being a mage.”
Dejected, Theodore placed the ball back then walked towards the exit. It looks like he will end up a normal man. He is curious if he would be able figure out the purpose of this illusion before he kills himself.
As Theodore approached the exit, part of him could not accept the result but at that moment, it struck him if he made a deal with that snake-like creature to place him on an illusion so he could experience a life of a mortal.
“Whatever” Theodore muttered to himself as he walked past a few children then he saw his parents having a serious conversation to another overseer.
(I’m sure this will not take much of your time.)
(May this overseer at least tell us what’s happening or who are we meeting?)
(I know you want answers but trust me, it’s better if you follow me.)
When he was a few steps closer, Theodore pretended he did not hear anything.
“Come here, sweetie.” Theodore’s mom took his hand as they followed the overseer.
Theodore was clueless what’s going but from his understanding, this should be his father working behind the scenes. With his failure, he guessed his father had already made some especial arrangement. If he is not meant to take this “booster”, then it only means that this illusory world should want him to remain a normal man.
After a few more minutes, they entered another building near the temple then finally arrived inside a luxurious office.
“The respected mage is waiting.” The overseer slightly bowed before leaving.
“Come, have a seat.”
When Charles and Veronica had a view of the person inside, they immediately kneeled on one knee.
“You may stand. Come in and have a seat and don’t make me repeat myself.”
Theodore is still learning the customs of this illusory world and observing his parents reaction, this man wearing a dark lightweight robe referred to as a “mage” by the overseer must be a powerful and influential figure.
At the same time, Theodore’s parents hastily got to their feet and positioned themselves on one corner of the sofa.
“Since you’re a Warrior and a protector of the city, I will skip the introductions and get to the point.”
*Mrggghh!
The mage cleared his throat then continued, “Your son will be taken away and will be adopted by a duke or he will become a Royal Soldier of the kingdom but either way, you get to part with him.”
“I’m sure there is a mistake. I just saw my son and he has the slightest of Affinity. May his lordship…”
“I’ve seen it myself and I also know he is a mute. Unfortunately, I am unable to disclose anything as to where he will be brought to. But I can tell you that if he does not pass, he can return. But whether he wants to visit his original family or not, that is up him.”
Charles was confused when he heard his son can return if Theodore does not pass so he humbly asked, “And if he does… pass?”
“Usually, when a kid is deemed worthy, there will no questions asked. The kid will just be taken away. And the only reason I’m answering your question is because I still have some respect for people who had been guarding this city for generations. And let me rem…”
“Please your…” Veronica could no longer hold her emotions and was about to kneel however on that exact moment, Theodore saw his father’s right index finger moved towards Veronica’s chin delivering an aura attack knocking her unconscious.
“May his lordship forgive my wife’s ignorance and may my son become an asset to where he needed to be. We will excuse ourselves.”
Theodore remained on his seat and did not even turn to see his dad carrying his mom away. Having been convinced that he is in an illusory world, he had made a decision to not get attached.
However, that moment when the Mage spoke, that man released a sliver a killing intent prompting his dad to knock her mother unconscious and leave before things escalates.
Theodore is growing confused. When he felt that killing intent, he was a hundred percent it was real. And couple that with him witnessing his father delivering that attack to the his mother’s chin, he felt he had witness something similar before however, he still can’t recall anything as if these memory fragments refuse to surface.
*Click
When Theodore’s parents left, the Mage clicked his fingers revealing another man looking through window. All along, the room was shrouded by an illusion spell hiding another person.
The man is wearing a white tunic with fine embroidery of what looks like an elephant, a design exclusive to a noble family. Even his back figure exudes an aura of elegance.
He is none other than the current Viscount Myrikel.
“If you are thinking about sponsoring this kid, I’ll tell you now he does not have an Element.” The mage stood up and took out a small thick and wooden rectangular box and placed it on the table.
“Times have changed.” Viscount Myrikel replied.
“You nobles have traditions to keep. And I will not help if Duke Guilligar takes offense.
“Ha ha ha. Hypothetically, if this kid has an Element, will you help then?”
With the appearance of another person, Theodore was not surprised however, upon hearing “No Element”, he felt he had experienced it again but memories of his past life is stubbornly eluding him. He felt like banging his head on the floor so he could remember something.
Calmly, he watched the mage open the box. He thought it was vintage cigar of some sort yet when he saw what was taken out, he can’t help but got curious.
The mage took out vial from the wooden box then emptied the cup he had been drinking tea from earlier then pour the contents of the vial into the cup.
“Oh my old friend. Did time damage that small brain of yours?”
The mage added water into the ceramic cup then stirred it with a spoon before bringing the cup over to Theodore but before handing the cup, the mage waved his hand releasing a fume.
Theodore was still silent but when the fume reached his nose, he felt an immense thirst his hand automatically reached out to the cup the mage was holding.
“Careful, little boy.”
Theodore could not resist the urge to drink so he immediately poured the contents of the cup into his mouth.
*Gulp
*Ahhh
When Theodore emptied the cup, his body moved again and walked towards the table and grabbed the container of water then drank from it ignoring his surroundings. He felt the temperature of his body rose he felt groggy.
“I’m off to the next city. Sometime this afternoon, someone will pick this up boy and as always, see you again next year.” The mage packed his brief case before exiting the room.
Viscount Myrikel let a long sigh and looked at Theodore.