I wake with a start, sitting straight up in my bed with an extreme migraine that fades after several moments. "Uhh.. Was that real...?" I question myself before looking over to the leather-bound book. I take it up in my hands and prick my thumb with my teeth, smearing blood over the leather cover.
It responds by glowing silver for several moments before fading, the word 'Leo' now etched into the cover. Excitedly I open the book to the first page and speak "Silas? Are you there?"
A moment later 'Yes' writes itself in silver ink, before rapidly fading away.
"Honey what are you doing with that journal?" I hear my mother question me from her own bed a few feet away.
"Ah, mom I was just looking it over" I didn't want to tell her as I felt that Silas would prefer I keep quiet about him and the Technique.
"Hmm, Alright dear I believe the Griffon will arrive in about an hours time so get together all of your things." She encouraged.
"Alright mom!" I glance around my small area, I don't think there's anything besides the few possessions I keep under the bed, My only clothes is the outfit I wear to work, which thankfully the lord let me keep, It would be really embarrassing to show up naked.
Hopping off the bed, I crouch down to reach for the items I keep underneath, An old iron knife I got for my fifth birthday.... And that's it. Wow I cant wait until I'm rich and famous. With those thoughts I grab the knife and look it over, if it wasn't a present I wouldn't have bothered taking it with me but since it is I put it in my pocket, where it sits uncomfortably.
"Oh yeah!" I remember the journal, quickly opening it to a blank page and look about to make sure no one is watching before carefully touching it to the page. It causes a ripple as if it was made of liquid so I push it the rest of the way in, where a hyper-realistic picture of the knife appears.
"Okay well that's super cool." I grin childishly as I turn to my mother who just finished preparing her cleaning tools. "Alright mom I'm ready to go!"
"Alright sweety Ill walk you too the stables and then we can say our goodbyes, and then I have to get to work." She explains with a loving smile before taking my hand and walking with me towards the stables.
"Do you know where Mat went mom?" I question, glancing around curiously.
"Oh I believe he had a birthday present he wanted to grab for you, but you didn't hear that from me." She explains with a light grin.
Soon enough we arrive at the stables, where I find Mat sitting against a nearby tree, once he spots us however he quickly stands up with his hands behind his back, dashing over to us before holding out the contents of his hands abruptly. "Happy birthday Bro!"
In his hands are a small jar of ink alongside a feather quill. "Wow thanks!" I take the items from his hands and grin gratefully.
"Heheh, Don't worry about it, you'll probably need it for school. And you better remember my birthday when I go for testing!" He explains with a grin, punching me in the shoulder jest-fully.
"Hah, Of course! Ill be sure to get you the best present ever!" I laugh.
"Alright well I've gotta get to work! My mom wants help with the dishes. Ill see you in two months!" He grins and gives me a quick hug before running off.
My mother smiles. "Alright Hun I wont be able to stay with you to wait, the Master was kind enough to arrange a griffon for you so I have to work extra hard. Just remember Ill always love you and know you'll become something great!" She tearfully hugs me tightly and pecks my forehead. "Be good alright? Make lots of friends too, Good friends not hoodlums." She hands me the funds we had been saving for enrollment in a cloth pouch
"Of course mom! You wont have to worry about me at all, Ill make lots of friends and have lots of adventures." I assure her with tears in my eyes, Returning the hug earnestly, putting the pouch in my pocket.
"I know you will honey, just try not to get hurt, Goodbye son." She holds the hug for a few moments more, seemingly regretful to let go before turning and heading back into the manor.
I watch her go with a smile, Before taking out the Journal and placing the Quill and ink inside. I then sit down with the book open to the first page. "Silas. How do I practice the mental cultivation?"
'Simple boy, close your eyes and rest your hands with fingers interlocking, cross your legs and tilt your head down towards your lap, And focus on the ball of light from before, Remove all things from your mind aside from that, and allow the small orb to expand, slowly fusing into your brain. You will enter a sort of trance as your mind is enhanced, which will be perfectly normal until you have more mastery of your mind. it will be as if sleeping, but without dreams. So I suggest that you meditate instead of sleeping.' The words scrawled apart the page.
I assume the pose and begin to meditate, feeling the ball of light fuse into my mind and slowly improve it, through the process my consciousness fades as the process truly begins...
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"Boy wake up!" I feel a shake of my shoulders which quickly startles me awake, to find a gruff looking older man with a long gray beard. "You Leo?" He questions with a condescending tone.
"Er, Yes sir." I quickly stand up and look at the man.
"Great, I've been paid to take you to the academy city. So cmon." Without warning the man lifts me up and throws me over his shoulder.
"Whoa! Is this how you treat customers?!" I scream in confusion as he throws me over the back of a large Griffon.
"You're not my customer the Lord is, You're more like.. A package." He lazily explains as he hops into the griffon in front of me. "Oh right, hold on." He whistles loudly as the Griffon shoots into the sky leaving me barely enough time to grip the saddle in terror, and close my eyes.
After what feels like an eternity of terror we stop our ascent, frightfully I open my eyes, to look down at the shocking view of the entire city of Micon, People moving around the size of ants. As I am frozen at the beauty of the view the griffon suddenly shoots forward, so I return to hugging the saddle as I watch my home city fade away behind me and be replaced with countless trees.
Soon enough I grow used to the speed, carefully sitting up and looking towards the pilot of the bird, who seems to be wearing a belt firmly keeping him on the saddle. I glance down at my own seat and find an identical strip of leather dangling in the wind.
"Why didn't you tell me to put this on!?" I yell over the wind as I quickly buckle the belt around myself tightly.
"I forgot!" The man laughs sadistically and proceeds to ignore me.
I groan in annoyance and think of Glory, the Academy city.
From what my mother told me it has been around for at least ten thousand years, being created by the founder of the Saint Empire, Agris, told to have ascended mortality to become a god. The largest religion in the country is focused around him, with the main cathedral being in the capital, the pope having the same power as royalty. The academy was built as A place for all to learn regardless of their class, therefore the entrance fee was rather cheap, to many nobles dismay. There are several factions vying for power in the city, the religious followers of Agris being one of the more prominent ones, mainly specializing in holy and fire magic.
Unfortunately I didn't know much more aside from that little my mother told me of it, so I don't know what exactly I'm walking into. Sighing I carefully assume the meditation position and close my eyes, allowing my mind to fade into the void.
SHORT POV: PILOT
I glance back at the child as the Syllia, my Griffon flies north to the academy city from Micon, A route I know well. The boy seems to be meditating? But he shouldn't have any methods as one without noble birth who hasn't gone to the academy yet, not to mention when I had awaken the boy I swear there was a trace of silver in his eyes that somehow sent a chill through my entire being, like I was threatened.. I was partially hoping the boy would fall off during take-off but he hung on like a dragon to gold.
The sooner I get there and get this brat out of my hair the better, The man sighs before ushering the bird forward at a greater speed.
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LEO POV:
"Boy, we're here!!" I awaken to the man yelling at me over the sound of wind, I open my eyes with a start, glancing down at the massive city below, with massive stone walls armed to the teeth with guards and buildings tightly clustered together along with multiple markets filled with countless students.
"Uh, How many students are there?"
The man grunts in response, "At least fifty thousand Id say. We're descending." Quickly we practically drop into an open field, where there are multiple other griffons and large flying beasts.
I unstrap myself from the bird and jump to the ground, practically hugging it. I don't think I ever want to fly again. As I sit on the ground I notice a pair of black leather shoes enter my vision, I look up to find a woman with black short hair and a black robe.
"Mr. Leo?" She questions and looks down at me.
"Ah, Uh yes!" I quickly stand up, dusting off my pants leg and bow to the women.
She chuckles as she watches my frantic figure. "Great, I'm designated to take you to the testing hall, and depending on your results to the regular dorms or the mages quarters." She explained before leading me out of the stables area, through winding streets with countless students going about their own business.
I frown at the thought of my magical potential, Being absolutely zero, I don't think Solis would lie to me which would make the entire trip for testing entirely pointless. Though I guess its inevitable.
Soon enough we reach the testing hall, where an elderly gentleman in a silver robe sat behind a flat plate of gold.
"Welcome Leo, please step up and press your hand to the plate, through this we will be able to see what your magic potential and affinity is." The man displayed a gentle smile as he ushered me forward.
I couldn't contain a sigh as I stepped forward and placed my palm onto the plate, which glowed for several moments before words appeared on it written in red.
MAGIC POTENTIAL: 0.00
MAGIC AFFINITY: None.
The mans eyes widened in surprise, never before had he seen someone with no potential or affinity, he made me try it again several times with no effect.
"How odd... Well don't feel too bad my boy, you can still enroll to become a scholar or another regular class, though I'm afraid you wont be able to enroll in any magic or knight classes.."
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My eyes widen in shock. "I-I cant enroll in knight classes? I thought that didn't need magic?"
The man sorrowfully shakes his head, "No unfortunately it does, you see it uses internal magic, which requires much less potential than the external magic that mages practice, however it still requires some potential and unfortunately you are without any."
I gulp audibly and feel my hopes shatter. "U-uh.. Well I still want to enroll in regular classes.." as I pass over the entrance fee,
"That's the spirit boy, Hilda, please take young Leo here to the regular dorms." The man receives the money and puts it away as Hilda, the one who brought me here escorts me away.
There's an awkward silence for the whole trip once we reach the dorm she guides me up to an empty room and breaks the silence. "Here we are, its a single person room. There is a pamphlet with all of the classes listed, you can choose a maximum of seven and a minimum of two, its set up as one class a day for three hours. There are also some other items that will be delivered for you tomorrow, including a uniform and a spare. Unfortunately next semester isn't for three more months so you'll have to self study anything you are interested in at the library, The food in the cafeteria is free but not very good, you can also get a job at one of the shops or businesses around town to pay for anything you need or if you want to eat decent food. If you have any other questions feel free to ask one of the school employees." She quickly explained in a professional tone as if she had repeated this countless times before.
I bow gratefully and thank her, which draws a slight smile to her face before she passes me the key to the room and I enter.
Inside the room there is a bed, desk, and chair. That is it. Nevertheless its an extreme improvement to Sharing a room with several other servants. I quickly place my journal on the desk, opening it up and removing the quill and king, which I place on the right corner of the desk. Sitting down at the chair I speak to the book. "Hey Silas, how come you didn't tell me that I needed at least a little mana potential to become a knight?" I question him, still quite upset.
'Hmph, because you don't need to become a knight, with the mental cultivation you can become anything you put your mind to! Literally! Here, let me show you what I mean.' Quickly a diagram of the human brain is showed on paper, the very center about the size of a marble is a orb of blue. 'That orb is a mana core and it belongs in the brain! Therefore if you become specialized enough in mental cultivation you will be able to alter and upgrade the it and grow capable of using magic. However you wont be able to focus on one aspect until you have fully fused with the technique and are able to practice it consciously.'
"Really?!" I question excitedly "How long will it take until I can?"
'Well... A year tops with your brain, and that's actually pretty quick!'
"What?! I cant spend an entire year being the only kid here with no magic potential, is there any way I can make it quicker?"
'Well... There is but how quickly will depend on you.. also it could cause unknown effects on your brain, You would need to ingest a special poison that would numb your brain and put you in a coma for an undetermined amount of time, could take from a week to a month.'
I frown slightly at the thought of being out for a whole month, but at the exchange for time it would be worth it. As I'm thinking it over there's a loud pounding at my door. I go to open it to immediately be tackled with a hug.
"Leo!" A bright eyed girl with fiery red hair is up in my face.
"Leah? Howd you find me? I just got here!" I question in pleasant surprise.
"Heheh, I knew what room you were going to be in before you did." She replies with a grin. "So whats your potential? Do you have any affinities?!" She returns my questioning excitedly.
"Ah.. No I actually don't have any potential or affinity. But that's alright! I could just be a late bloomer!" I reply with an eager smile, thinking back to the meditation technique.
"None at all?!" She looks surprised. "Well its okay! Even if you don't get any Ill be your protector! I've been learning alchemy as well as magic so I'm going to get really strong soon!" She grins proudly, producing a wisp of flame above her hand. "I have high potential as well as an exceptional affinity to fire and an average to wind!"
"That's great Leah! Good job." I praise her and pat her head, which is odd looking at her nobility however that's how its always been between us.
"What are you doing touching my bride to be?!" An angered arrogant voice comes from the hall behind Leah.
"Tsk, Damn it James I'm not marrying the likes of you! Just leave me alone." Leah pouts.
A slightly older boy steps into the room. "Oh come on dear, our parents have already decided it, and it will be very beneficial to you and your family." The boy has brown hair and a high and mighty expression on his face, as well as a trace of a sneer when he looks at me.
"My father refused the engagement, you're grasping at straws." Leah complains.
"Well at the very least you can socialize with other nobles instead of this poor whelp, its an insult!" James declares, reaching for her hand.
I quickly step in the way. "Please leave my friend alo-" I attempt to speak to be interrupted with a slap in the face, sending me into the wall and down to the ground.
"Insolent servant! do not speak unless spoken too!" James growled.
"Leo!" Leah runs to my side as I lay on the ground in a pained daze. She attempts to help me up before James kicks me in the side, sending my rolling across the room with what feels like a broken rib.
Groaning I attempt to slowly stand up. Feeling my stomach and spitting a dab of blood.
"Don't touch such low class trash Leah, You'll catch a disease." James growled before staring at Leahs enraged expression. "Ahem.. Ill take my leave, I hope to see you at lunch without this trash." He quickly exits the room to avoid Leah flying into a fit of rage.
Leah hesitates, wanting to go after him before turning back to me and helping me up to the desk. "Damn jerk! Its your first day here too.. This wasn't how it was supposed to go! If it wasn't for his stupid family I would have burnt him to a crisp."
"His family..?" I groan.
"The Seriths, They're a long line of powerful mages and knights, fighting is practically in their blood and they're known to boss lower families around. And the bastard never leaves me alone" She explains through clenched teeth.
I frown, I couldn't just leave her to be bothered by such horrible people on her own but with my current strength I was totally useless to her. I thought back to the poison that Silas had suggested and open the journal. Silas, already understanding my intentions has written the name of the poison down.
"Hm.. Leah, I have a minor favor I was hoping you might ask your professor to make this, the Mind-rot poison, I promise Ill return the favor."
"Poison? Why would you need that?" She questions confused.
"I cant tell you the exact reason but its so that I can become stronger and protect you and my friends and family!" I explain with a determined expression.
She blushes lightly before nodding, "I-I can probably get it right away, Teacher should be in the lab right now." She smiles bashfully "Ill be right back!" Swiftly leaving the room she practically slams the door behind her.
I look back to the journal 'Are you sure about this?' Is scribbled across the page.
I nod, "Of course I'm sure, I've never wanted to beat someone up so bad in my entire life!" I practically yell, rubbing my sore rib.
'Very well, I wont be able to do much from this ring but Ill do what I can to assist you, make sure you don't die from not eating and all that.'
"How does that work..?"
'Simple, the ring was devised by your father, and he created a function that in emergency would draw in surrounding mana and recreate it as nutrition inside of the wielders body'
I widen my eyes in disbelief, "Isn't that like.. really impressive??"
'Ahahah! Of course it is, your father was an impressive man'
"I guess I have a lot I need to learn about him.." I close my eyes and begin to meditate, hoping to get as much progress as I can. My mind quickly fades away...
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I awake several hours later, to find a note alongside the bottle of poison on the desk.
Taking the note in my hand, I read it. 'Dear Leo, When I came back you weren't responsive but you seemed okay so I just left this here for you, My room is in dorm D room 306. Make sure to come visit me when you can okay?'
I smile at the note before writing on the back of it, saying that I will be unavailable for a while but there's nothing to worry about as I would be fine. I then address it to her room and place it in the mail slot outside the door.
"Its upsetting that I wont be able to be with her like I used to for a while but I need this so I can kick that kids ass."
Taking the bottle I move over to the bed, sitting down with the journal in my lap. "So.. Do I just drink it?" I question, still rather uncomfortable with the name of the poison.
'Yes, you just need to down the whole thing and meditate, it should put you into an advanced state where your brain can absorb the energy to cleanse itself and complete the basic cultivation of your mind. Though you will be in a coma until it has completed, which could take from a month to five months.. '
I uncap the bottle and quickly down the poison, it tastes bitter and sour. I begin to meditate as I feel it begin to take effect. My head begins to feel warm and my body numbs, the heat then grows hotter and hotter until it turns into a headache that feels as if lava is chewing through my head. I would scream if I could move but that wasn't an option. Right when I thought I was going to lose my sanity A cooling sensation flooded my thoughts, battling the fire for dominance. My thoughts grew muddled and I slowly lost consciousness as my body plopped over on the bed.
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