Chapter 20

The Egg

In the hushed serenity of Xerkes Academy's infirmary, Adom slowly opened his eyes. He heard the gentle rustling of pages, a soothing rhythm that seemed to anchor him to reality. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing the sterile white of the infirmary ceiling, a stark contrast to the vivid chaos of the amphitheater where he had been to previously. He had managed to put himself to sleep right after the fight with a spell.

Beside him, Sam's presence was like a beacon of familiarity. Engrossed in a book, the boy's posture was one of casual alertness, a testament to the long hours he had spent waiting. As Adom's movement caught his attention, Sam's head snapped up, his eyes widening with relief and surprise. "Adom! You're awake!" he exclaimed, the book forgotten in his lap.

Adom's response was a simulated groan, acting like his body ached with the remnants of the duel's intensity. He pushed himself into a sitting position, wincing, to make the act look more natural. "He beat me, huh?" he grumbled, his voice not betraying his inner thoughts.

Sam's expression softened, a sympathetic smile touching his lips. "Yeah, he did. But you put up an incredible fight. Everyone's been talking about it." His tone carried a note of pride, a recognition of Adom's newfound strength and resilience.

Sam leaned in. "Professor Mohagan, he's the one that brought you here. He said you'd be fine, just needed some rest. You've been out for a few hours."

Adom almost chuckled, he managed to steal a nap. He had been aware of Mohagan's intervention. "That makes sense," he conceded.

"Maybe I shouldn't have drawn so much attention to myself right after getting healed," he mused aloud, the regret in his voice unmistakable. "Beating up those kids... it wasn't the smartest move."

Sam, sitting nearby, listened intently, his expression one of concern. "You were standing up for yourself, Adom, it's understandable."

Sam hesitated for a moment before continuing, "After the duel... Damus. He didn't stick around. He just walked off, didn't even look back. Some of the students... they're saying he went too far, that it wasn't just a duel for him."

As he grappled with these thoughts, Adom suddenly chuckled, a realization dawning on him. "Haha, well, I must say, he almost had me in that last hit, it was clever. Damus is just a kid right now. Getting caught up in a rivalry with a kid... it's not really fitting for a man my age."

Sam looked at Adom, perplexed. "What do you mean 'a man your age'? You're the same age as us. Are you sure you're okay, Adom? That fight might have done more damage than we thought."

Adom waved off Sam's concern with a light-hearted chuckle. "Probably," he joked, dismissing his earlier statement as nothing more than a playful quip.

Adom then smiled at Sam, a confident grin that spoke of his readiness to take on the challenges ahead.

"Anyway, the Magic Physics exam is tomorrow, right?" Adom asked, provoking a nod from Sam, then, adjusting his stance as he felt the stability returning to his legs. "I need to start preparing my plan."

Sam sighed, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What plan are you talking about, Adom? You're being pretty vague," he said, trying to gauge his friend's intentions.

Adom, maintaining an air of mystery, replied nonchalantly, "Oh, it's just stuff I have to do. A plan for the future." He offered a playful grin, deliberately keeping Sam in the dark about the true nature of his intentions.

Sam, half-joking, half-serious, tried to make light of the situation. "So, you're gonna do planning for future school projects? Why not just say that?"

Adom laughed, amused by Sam's interpretation. "Yes, something like that," he agreed, playing along. "Hey, I'm hungry. Wanna go eat?"

Sam's concern resurfaced. "Hey, you haven't talked to anyone yet, even Mohagan wanted to see you later," he reminded Adom, referring to the earlier events at the academy.

Adom waved off the concern with a casual air. "Heh, I'll drop by his office later. Right now, I'm craving some silver lamb meat from the Morningstar Tavern in the city. And their lava cake... ah, I've thought about that so much. Let's go there," he suggested, his tone light and carefree.

Sam, unable to keep up with Adom's unpredictable nature, gave up trying to make sense of it all. "Alright, I won't try to understand you anymore," he said jokingly, a resigned smile on his face as he followed Adom out of the infirmary.

The streets of Mandrake were alive with the vibrant energy of the city. The hustle and bustle of the evening crowd created a lively atmosphere as Adom and Sam made their way to the Morningstar Tavern, a popular spot known for its exquisite cuisine and cozy ambiance. They were stopped many times by fellow students, asking them about the fight, about Adom's condition.

As Adom and Sam pushed open the doors of the Morningstar Tavern, they were instantly enveloped in a cozy ambiance, bathed in the warm, golden light of hanging lanterns. The air was rich with the tantalizing scents of roasting meats and exotic spices, mingling with the hearty laughter and chatter of the diverse clientele. Elven minstrels played a lilting melody in one corner, their music weaving through the air like a magical thread. Halflings, with their cheerful faces, clinked mugs with robust dwarves, their boisterous voices competing with the more refined discussions of the tall, elegant elves. In another corner, a group of goblins bartered loudly over a game of cards, while a solitary orc, adorned in battle-worn armor, probably from the local adventurer guild, quietly savored his meal, casting a watchful eye over the lively scene. The tavern was a melting pot of races and cultures, each adding their unique flavor to the vibrant tapestry of the establishment. This place was the only one that allowed underage students to eat and drink in at night, as long as it was not alcohol.

Finding a table near the corner, Adom and Sam settled in. The atmosphere in the tavern was comfortable and relaxed, a stark contrast to the tension and intensity of the academy.

As they waited for their food, Adom's thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead. The plan he had in mind was ambitious, a strategy to alter the course of the future and prevent the tragedies he knew were looming on the horizon. But for now, he was content to enjoy a quiet evening with his friend, savoring the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

The food arrived, and Adom's eyes lit up at the sight of the succulent lamb meat, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The lava cake, with its rich, molten center, was a decadent treat that lived up to his memories. Sam, too, enjoyed his meal, the lively atmosphere of the tavern providing a welcome respite from the usual routine of academy life.

As they ate, their conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. It was moments like these that reminded Adom of the importance of friendship and the joys of life outside the confines of sorcery and academia.

Finishing their meal, Adom leaned back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "That was exactly what I needed," he said, a satisfied smile on his face.

Sam chuckled, "Glad to see you happy, man. But don't forget about Mohagan. He did want to see you."

Adom nodded, his expression turning serious. "I won't forget. I'll see him tomorrow after the exam. Tonight, let's just enjoy the moment."

Sam, assuming they would head back to Xerkes Academy, was surprised when Adom suggested otherwise. "Let's head over to the Weird Stuff Store," Adom proposed, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"The Weird Stuff Store? Why there?" Sam asked, puzzled by the sudden change in plans.

Adom smiled, "I met a junior of ours on my way back to Mandrake. I promised I'd visit him later. Plus, I want you to meet him too. He's an interesting guy, you'll see."

Sam raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. The Weird Stuff Store was known for its eccentric collection and even more eccentric owner, Mr. Biggins. It wasn't a place they frequented a lot, but Sam trusted Adom's judgment.

The streets of Mandrake were quiet as Adom and Sam approached the Weird Stuff Store, the city having settled into the peaceful lull of late night. As they reached the front door, Sam remarked with a hint of skepticism, "You do know the store's closed at this hour, right?"

Just then, the door creaked open slightly, and a shadowy figure appeared in the doorway. In a theatrically deep voice, the figure demanded, "Password."

Adom and Sam exchanged a glance, Sam's expression clearly conveying a 'I told you so' look. Adom, however, couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. Playing along, he greeted cheerfully, "Hello, Mr. Biggins."

Caught off guard, the voice momentarily lost its theatricality. "Oh, hello there young Adom and Sam, hum! Huh—" Realizing the lapse, the voice deepened again. "Password."

With an amused smile, Adom replied, "There is no password to enter the store, Mr. Biggins."

There was a brief pause before Mr. Biggins responded, his tone shifting back to its usual whimsical self. "Oh, right! I forgot about that." Stepping out of the shadows, the eccentric store owner greeted them with his characteristic flair.

Mr. Biggins, dressed in his usual colorful attire complete with his flamboyant hat and cape, stood before them. His eyes twinkled with mischief and curiosity as he ushered them inside. "Come in, come in! Always a pleasure to have visitors, especially at this hour. Adds a bit of mystery, doesn't it?"

Sam, still slightly bewildered by the unusual welcome, followed Adom into the store. The interior was dimly lit, the shelves casting long, dancing shadows across the walls. The store felt different at night, more alive and mysterious, as if the artifacts themselves were whispering secrets in the dark.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

As they walked through the aisles, Mr. Biggins regaled them with stories about some of the more peculiar items in his collection. He showed them a clock that ran backward, a mirror that showed the viewer's younger self, and a small box that hummed an eerie tune when opened.

Adom brought up the topic of their visit. "Mr. Biggins, we actually came to see Leon. Is he around?"

Mr. Biggins answered. "Ah, young Leon. He's upstairs, probably lost in his studies. He's quite the dedicated one, that boy. Always eager to learn more about magic."

Adom nodded, "We'd like to say hi if that's okay."

"Of course, of course! I'll take you to him. Follow me." Mr. Biggins stood up, leading them to a narrow staircase that spiraled upwards.

As Adom, Sam, and Mr. Biggins ascended the stairs to Leon's room, Sam couldn't help but express his amazement at the store's architecture. "I had no idea this place used such advanced spatial magic," he remarked, his eyes scanning the seemingly endless corridor that stretched before them.

Each time Sam showed his astonishment at a new discovery, Mr. Biggins couldn't suppress a chuckle, clearly proud of his store's magical features. "Oh, you haven't seen the half of it, my dear boy!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with delight. "Every nook and cranny of this store is brimming with magic. Some of it is so ancient, even I don't fully understand how it works!"

Finally, they arrived at Leon's room. The door swung open to reveal a cozy, book-filled space that reflected Leon's dedication to his magical studies. Leon looked up from his books, his face lighting up with a genuine smile at the sight of his visitors. "Adom! It's great to see you!" he exclaimed, standing up to greet them.

Adom introduced Sam to Leon, who responded with a respectful nod. "It's an honor to meet you, Senior Sam. Senior Adom has told me a lot about you."

Sam, a bit taken aback by the 'senior' title, chuckled awkwardly. "Just call me Sam, no need for formalities."

Mr. Biggins, ever the gracious host, announced with a flourish, "I'll go fetch some of my special blend tea. It's just the thing for a late-night chat among budding sorcerers!" With that, he disappeared down the hallway, leaving the boys to their conversation.

As the friends talked, a sudden boom and Mr. Biggins' shouts of struggle drew Adom, Sam, and Leon back into the store with a sense of urgency. They found Biggins grappling with the door to a room, his face contorted with effort as he tried to keep it shut.

"Stay back! This could be dangerous," Biggins warned, his voice strained under the effort.

After a tense few moments, the commotion inside the room ceased, and Biggins finally managed to close the door securely. He leaned against it, catching his breath, while the boys looked on with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"What was that all about, Mr. Biggins?" Sam asked, his voice edged with worry.

Biggins straightened up, a serious look on his face. "That, my dear boys, was an egg. An egg from a species long thought to be extinct - the phoenix." His eyes flickered to Adom as he spoke, a hint of significance in his gaze.

The mention of a phoenix egg stirred a wave of awe and disbelief among the boys. "A phoenix egg? Here? But... why?" Leon questioned, his eyes wide with fascination.

Biggins chuckled, though his eyes remained fixed on Adom. "I acquired it many years ago, believing it to be nothing more than a rare relic. I thought the egg was dead. But it seems I was mistaken."

A heavy silence fell upon the group, broken only by Biggins' occasional blinking as he continued to scrutinize Adom.

Finally, Biggins broke the silence. "Hmm, young Adom, I believe you might have provoked its awakening."

Adom, taken aback, stammered, "Me? But how? Why would it react to me?"

Biggins removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes that seemed to pierce through Adom's very soul. "Well, I have no concrete idea. But it's curious, isn't it? The phoenix, a creature symbolizing rebirth, stirring at your presence. Tell me, boy, haven't you experienced a form of rebirth recently?"

Sam and Leon exchanged glances, both confused and intrigued by Biggins' insinuations. Adom's mind raced with questions. How could Biggins possibly know about his miraculous recovery? What connection could there be between him and the phoenix?

Before Adom could voice his thoughts, Biggins patted his shoulder, lightening the mood. "Oh, don't look so troubled! It's a good sign, a very good sign! Legend says phoenixes are linked to rebirth, and it seems you are the one who activated it. Your recovery from Shadowfade Syndrome must have resonated with the creature's essence."

The group absorbed this revelation in stunned silence. The idea that Adom's healing had somehow triggered the awakening of a mythical phoenix was both astounding and bewildering.

Sam finally broke the silence. "So, what does this mean for Adom? And for the phoenix?"

Mr. Biggins, seemingly nonplussed by the gravity of the situation, casually fished out a packet of chocolate gold pieces from his pocket and began unwrapping one. "Hmm, well, I think it will become your familiar, young Adom." He popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth, savoring it. "Chocolate, anyone? They’re made in Suiska, by elven chocolate masters. Simply divine."

The boys, still reeling from the revelation, screamed in unison, "What?!" Their reaction was a mix of shock, disbelief, and a pinch of awe.

Biggins, unfazed, continued with a twinkle in his eye, "Surprise! Oh, are you boys amateurs of chocolate?" He offered the packet to them, seemingly oblivious to their stunned expressions.

Adom, Sam, and Leon stared at Biggins, their mouths agape, each trying to process the enormity of what was just said. A phoenix familiar? The rarity and power of such a bond were almost beyond comprehension.

Biggins, still munching on his chocolate, elaborated with a casual air. "Having a familiar is quite common in the world of sorcerers. The bond formed makes both parties stronger. And the more powerful the familiar, the stronger one could become. But, in the records, the rarest creatures known to have been familiars were dragons and phoenixes. Both thought to be extinct."

He paused for dramatic effect, enjoying a moment of silence before delivering the final blow. "Only thrice has it been known, and it was tens of thousands of years ago, even before the Great Light."

Sam's face was a picture of utter disbelief, his eyes wide as saucers. "You mean to say Adom could have a phoenix as a familiar? Like, a real, legendary phoenix?"

Leon, equally dumbfounded, added, "And this all because he... got better?"

Biggins nodded, seemingly more interested in his chocolate than the historical moment unfolding before him. "Yes, quite so. It's all very exciting, isn't it? Now, about this chocolate..."

Adom, still in a state of shock, managed a weak chuckle. "I guess I've always had a thing for the unusual. But a phoenix familiar... that's beyond unusual."

Biggins, with a knowing smile, interjected. "Ah, but you see, young Adom, in the case of a phoenix – as with dragons – the bond is somewhat unique. You are as much a familiar to the phoenix as it is to you."

Adom looked at Biggins, his confusion evident. Biggins continued, his voice tinged with a mix of seriousness and excitement. "Unlike other familiar bonds where, typically, the sorcerer is the dominant partner, phoenixes and dragons are different. In these bonds, you're either inferior or equal in power. It's a relationship of mutual respect and growth. The phoenix chose you, and that speaks volumes about your potential."

Biggins clapped his hands together, his eyes sparkling behind his glasses. "Well, young Adom, it seems you're destined for great things. And what a story it will make! The boy who lived and awakened a mythical phoenix. But know this, greatness is not just about grand deeds and legendary powers. There's much fulfillment to be found in normalcy, in the quiet moments of life. Live your life the way you’d like to, young Adom. Whether it be in the shadows of normalcy or the light of greatness, the choice is yours and yours alone. But regardless, you'll be the talk of the magical world! "

As Mr. Biggins turned his attention towards the room where the phoenix's egg was stored, a faint, resonant sound echoed from within. "Oh my," he mused aloud, "it seems you’ll have to take it with you, young Adom. I’m afraid it already recognizes you and might make quite some noise if left here now."

Adom stared at Biggins, his mind racing. This enigmatic man, with his clouded past and casual demeanor, was a puzzle. Few knew anything substantial about him. Rumors swirled that he was a close friend of Headmistress Ravenshadow, often seen sharing drinks and conversations with her. In Adom's previous life, Mr. Biggins had vanished following the explosion of his store during Tygris' invasion. The mystery of his disappearance had never been resolved.

Biggins, seemingly oblivious to Adom's contemplative gaze, walked over to the room and carefully opened the door. Inside, the egg was pulsating with a soft, warm light, its rhythmic glow matching the mysterious sounds emanating from within.

"Here we are," Biggins announced cheerfully, as he carefully picked up the egg. "This little wonder will be your companion now. Quite extraordinary, isn't it?"

Sam and Leon crowded around to get a better look, their faces a mix of curiosity and astonishment. The egg, with its radiant hues and gentle pulsing, seemed otherworldly.

Adom stepped forward, hesitantly extending his hand towards the egg. As his fingers brushed its surface, the egg glowed brighter, responding to his touch. A sense of warmth and connection flowed through him, an unspoken bond forming between him and the nascent creature within.

"You'll need to care for it, of course," Biggins advised, handing the egg to Adom. "A phoenix, even in its egg stage, is a powerful being. It'll need your energy and presence to thrive."

As Adom gently cradled the egg, it began to glow with an intense, otherworldly light. "Cover your eyes, boys," Mr. Biggins said, his voice a mix of amusement and warning. He shielded his eyes with one hand, the other reaching up to steady his hat.

The young men - Sam, Leon, and Adom - hastily obeyed, turning away as the light from the egg intensified. In that moment, Adom's status window opened, a message appearing before his eyes: [ [???]’s egg has chosen you as their familiar, would you like to bond?]

A mix of excitement and trepidation filled Adom as he mentally affirmed his willingness. The system responded with a caution: [Warning: Bonding is an irreversible process. Once you are bonded to [???], you will be bonded for life. Would you like to proceed? Time remaining: 3 seconds].

Before Adom could fully process the warning, time ran out, and the system automatically proceeded with the bonding. "Wait, wait, I-" Adom started to protest, but it was too late.

The egg erupted in a dazzling display of light and power, its radiance filling the room and spilling out into the night. A surge of essentia, raw and potent, emanated from the egg, a tidal wave of magical energy that threatened to overwhelm the senses. The boys staggered, struggling to maintain their balance as the very foundations of the house trembled.

Mr. Biggins, ever the unflappable host, merely adjusted his hat, a bemused expression on his face. "Oh boy, here we go…" he muttered, almost to himself, as if such occurrences were nothing out of the ordinary for him.

In the midst of the chaos, Adom felt an intense burning sensation on his back. It was as if the essence of the phoenix itself was searing into his flesh, branding him with its fiery touch. "It burns!" he cried out in pain, the sensation almost unbearable.

Sam and Leon rushed to his side, their faces etched with concern, but Biggins waved them off. "Do not worry, this is very normal. It will pass very soon," he reassured them, patting Adom on the back with a nonchalance that contrasted sharply with the situation.

The aftermath of the phoenix bonding left Adom Sylla in a state of bewildered astonishment. As he stood there, trying to process the whirlwind of events, Mr. Biggins' laughter echoed through the room, lightening the atmosphere.

"Phoenix bonds are indeed a fiery affair the first time around," Biggins quipped, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "But look on the bright side – fire won't bother you anymore, well, at least once your bond has reached a certain stage. Or so the legends claim. Here, have a chocolate." He handed Adom a piece of chocolate, placing it directly into his still open, astonished mouth.

Adom's status window popped up, confirming the incredible: [Congratulations, you have successfully bonded with [???]! New skill: Fire Invulnerability]. The reality of what had just transpired was slowly sinking in. He was now bonded with a creature of legend, and with it came abilities that were the stuff of fairy tales.

But Adom's thoughts quickly turned to Mr. Biggins. The enigmatic store owner was an ever-present puzzle, a man whose casual demeanor belied the depth and mystery that surrounded him.

Determined to understand more, Adom decided to use his 'Level Knowledge' skill on Mr. Biggins. He anticipated seeing a high level, perhaps indicative of a hidden, powerful sorcerer. But what he saw left him even more baffled. Above Mr. Biggins' head, instead of a number, was [???]. Adom had never encountered this before, not even with someone as powerful as Headmistress Athena.

Biggins, catching Adom's intense gaze, broke into a broad grin. "Hmm, young Adom, I know I'm quite the handsome fellow, but it's rare for anyone to stare at me so intently. I knew you had great taste in appreciating beauty!" he said, his laughter filling the room.

Adom, still holding the phoenix egg, couldn't help but smile at Biggins' jovial deflection. It was clear that the old man was not going to give away his secrets so easily. Biggins was a man of many layers, each more intriguing than the last.

Sam and Leon, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of confusion and awe, looked at each other, their expressions a mix of 'did that just happen?' and a growing realization that their friend Adom had stepped into a world far beyond their wildest imaginations.