Valicar found herself once again upon the open sea, the memories of their previous voyage still fresh in their minds. The past week had been filled with unexpected twists and turns, but now, as they gazed out upon the vast expanse of the southern ocean, boredom weighed heavily upon them. With little to do but watch the endless waves, they turned to reflection to pass the time.
The southern sea, known colloquially as Averox's Pond, held a mystique born from ancient legend. It was said that Averox, an ancient behemoth akin to the legendary Kraken that had once attacked them, was the progenitor of all sea monsters that roamed these waters. Averox's existence was shrouded in mystery, with few having ever glimpsed the creature and even fewer having survived such an encounter. Yet, his name carried weight throughout the southern lands, much like the legendary Dragon, Ignial, was revered in the North. If James's tales were to be believed, Sophia could have considered herself a peer to these majestic beasts in a past life.
As they sailed onward, the twins found themselves captivated by the lore surrounding Averox and other sea creatures of legend. They imagined the depths of the ocean teeming with life, ruled by creatures of immense power and majesty. Though they had yet to encounter such beings firsthand, the tales stirred their imaginations, filling their minds with visions of grandeur and adventure.
No sea creatures had made an appearance thus far, especially not a legendary one, despite a month having passed since the voyage began. The most exciting thing they got to do was shoot off some new spells into the ocean. One of which was quickly becoming a fan favorite among the sailors—the show was a magical sight to behold for the men.
Sophia, ever the entertainer, prepared three spells in quick succession. "Vermora!" she exclaimed, and to the amazement of the crew, the empty rum barrel was lifted by a magical force, dancing in mid-air. This spell allowed Sophia limited telekinesis over objects she could lift with one hand. The sailors cheered and hollered as they watched in awe.
"Lamoria!" Sophia continued, and with a flick of her wrist, the barrel's weight and density significantly dropped, making it seem as light as a feather. The barrel practically floated in the air, defying gravity and expectations.
Then came the final spell, "Accerio!" Sophia declared with a mischievous grin. The sailors leaned in eagerly, anticipation thick in the air. With a swift motion, Sophia launched the barrel into the sea at a high velocity, sending it soaring through the air with impressive speed and precision. The barrel flew like a cannonball, creating a splash that elicited cheers from the crew.
Seeking to maximize her magical efficiency, Sophia had been experimenting with spell combinations. Despite her tendency to doze off during college classes, one principle stuck with her: lighter objects require less energy to move or throw, but they hit softer. So, what if she accelerated the object and then reverted its density just before impact? With this in mind, she hurled empty barrels into the sea, much to the amusement of the drunken sailors.
"So, not to knock the entertainment value, but... why bother when you can just conjure lightning, Soph?" Mike questioned as another cheer erupted when a barrel exploded, sending splinters flying.
"I've explained this to you before," Sophia replied, "I have limited magic. While a lightning bolt or fireball might be more dramatic, they're also far more costly. This way, I can achieve similar effects with a fraction of the energy." She attempted to convey the concept of efficiency, though it seemed lost on someone accustomed to brute force solutions.
"Get back to work, you lazy sods," bellowed Easton Von White as he emerged onto the deck with a displeased scowl etched across his face. Too many of his men were idling, nursing drinks instead of attending to their duties. He knew all too well the culprit behind this lack of discipline: Valicar Norail, the enigmatic young passenger aboard his vessel. Despite her tender years, Valicar possessed an uncanny maturity and formidable prowess in both magic and swordplay. Her presence alone was enough to command respect, even from the most seasoned veterans.
Yet, Valicar was no ordinary passenger. Her personality seemed to shift like the tides, leaving those around her bewildered and intrigued. At times, she appeared as two distinct individuals sharing one body. Easton chalked it up to her peculiar upbringing and the trauma she had undoubtedly endured, particularly witnessing the state of her mother. He marveled at the resilience of her mind, considering the turmoil she had faced. But resilience aside, he had a ship to run, and Valicar's antics were proving to be a constant source of distraction.
Under the guise of testing her magic, Valicar had managed to persuade the crew to partake in their rum provisions, much to Easton's chagrin. It was high time he put an end to her antics and restored order among his crew.
"What have I told you about fucking with the crew!" Easton chastised the young Valicar.
"It was for a good reason! And this is really Elinor's fault for not letting me test it more at the estate," Valicar retorted.
"You shot a flour bag a mile away, destroying the town's only shoe cobbler shop," Easton reminded her sharply.
"That was a different set of spells! It's not my fault no one told me you can't cast the same enchantment twice without backlash!" Sophia protested through Valicar's lips.
"That's precisely why we're heading to Helm Hold, Valicar," Easton stated firmly, his tone carrying a mix of authority and concern. "They'll be able to provide proper instruction on such matters. But for now, enough with the magic tricks, Twinkle-Fingers. Get some rest. We'll be reaching the shores of Bolravia tomorrow." Despite the casual rapport he had developed with the girl, especially evident during their training sessions, whenever she delved into her magical endeavors, a palpable shift occurred. The Valicar he knew was bold and fierce, yet the one who wielded magic seemed entirely different—composed and focused. It was a paradox he couldn't quite grasp, but one thing was certain: she was their best chance against the church and the Pillars.
"Why the hell do you call Mages that? It seems offensive for someone who uses magic," Sophia remarked, puzzled by the peculiar term.
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"Old habits, I suppose... You don't spend a decade of your life with the church without picking up some of the culture. Now off to bed, Sparky," Easton replied with a hint of amusement. Valicar grumbled under her breath as she made her way back to her cabin. Sophia had been pushing the limits of her mana pool anyway, or so the twins convinced themselves. The next day, they reached Bolravia.
As Valicar stepped off the ship, she could feel the energy of the island pulsing around her. The air was thick with the scent of exotic plants and spices from another world, and the sounds of strange creatures filled her ears.
"Is that a... A FUCKING MONKEY!" Mike exclaimed, his surprise evident in his voice.
"I'm surprised you can tell. Most people can't from just the book's descriptions," Easton remarked with a quizzical look.
"Oh yeah... lucky guess," Sophia tried to play off the outburst, though her astonishment lingered.
Exploring the island the twins were lost in its natural beauty. The island itself was a paradise of vibrant colors and stunning landscapes. Towering mountains rose from the coastline, their peaks lost in the clouds. Rolling hills covered in wildflowers and lush forests teemed with life, and crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls flowed through the land, shimmering in the sunlight.
The government of Bolravia was a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch acting as the head of state and a parliament serving as the legislative body. The monarch was nothing but a figurehead with limited powers, and the real governing power rested with the parliament. This is where the problems began. The officials had already been paid off by the church to overlook the attack that came next. Valicar and Easton were returning from the market with supplies when they were suddenly ambushed by a group of heavily armed assassins. The assassins were quick and skilled, but Valicar and Easton were not so easily defeated. Dispatching half a dozen men in less than a second Easton made a move for their captain. What Valicar didn't expect next was for Easton to be sent through a nearby building, leaving a very human-shaped hole behind.
"What the fuck was that!" Sophia exclaimed, unleashing another wave of fire from her hand.
"That guy over there did it... he's bad news, Soph," Mike warned. At that moment, the man pulled back his hood, revealing a sinister smile and piercing yellow eyes. Mike's heart sank. "Oh shit, another templar."
"Run, Valicar! You can't challenge him! Not yet!" Easton's voice boomed as he burst out of the rubble like a firework. His golden eye gleamed brightly, but there was something unsettling about the other, which had turned pitch black as if devouring the light.
With a golden mace in hand, the man rushed forward to confront Easton. "How far you have fallen, Von White! To think you, of all people, would force Bellic to come begging me for help to deal with you and that brat."
"I had hoped I wouldn't have to see your ugly mug again, oh so great Pillar of the East!" Easton's scowl deepened, his hat bellowing in the wind but never leaving his head. "Where is your lapdog?" he called out, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade slicing the air, as their weapons clashed with a resounding clang.
"He is... nearby," came the cryptic reply.
With alarm ringing in his voice, Easton called out to Valicar. "Quickly, Val! Back to the ship! Protect the men!" Understanding the direness of the situation, Valicar sprinted off at full speed, cutting down anyone who dared stand in her path.
As she ran, the clash of weapons echoed through the air. Easton, shrouded in shadows with a golden aura enveloping him, clashed swords with the Pillar of the East. Rays of gold burst forth with each strike, illuminating the scene like a miniature sun. The sheer force of their magic rent buildings asunder with every clash, a destructive dance of power that threatened to consume everything in its path.
Arriving back at the ship, Valicar was met with a chilling sight. Bellic stood among her newfound crew, his blade stained crimson with their blood, a grim testament to his ruthlessness. There was no mistaking his intentions - he sought not only to halt their escape but also to sate his own bloodlust.
"Bastard!" Mike's voice, coursing through Valicar, was a blend of anger and despair as he witnessed the scene unfolding before them.
With desperation gripping her heart, Sophia's voice trembled with rage and sorrow as she chanted the incantation. "Iginis, Silvoria," she whispered, and a sword made of ice materialized in her awaiting hand, as arcane might surged through her arms, granting Mike his strength boost.
Rushing forward, Valicar incanted, "Moriv," allowing Sophia to unleash a burst of raw force, pushing Bellic away from the men as Mike positioned Valicar strategically between him and Bellic. The magical blast struck Bellic with devastating force, sending him hurtling through the ship's railing and into the dark depths below.
"You little bitch!" Bellic's enraged roar echoed from the water. Without hesitation, Valicar pressed the attack, hurling her sword at him with an unnatural speed and weight, a result of her swift incantations. "Lamoria, Accerio!" she screamed, her voice strained with urgency.
The sword soared through the air, its trajectory honed by Sophia's magic, burying itself in Bellic's shoulder as he narrowly avoided a fatal blow to the head. But Valicar wasn't finished yet; she had been preparing for this confrontation for years and knew exactly which spell to unleash next. "Goroma Va Kora!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing out with determination.
In the blink of an eye, a fully powered lightning bolt crackled to life, unleashed at point-blank range. The searing bolt struck Bellic with unrelenting force, his flesh melting and fusing to his armor as he writhed in agony. The water surrounding him boiled with the intensity of the blast, enveloping him in a veil of steam as he sank beneath the surface, unable to stay afloat.
But the exertion had taken its toll; after unleashing a barrage of spells back-to-back and never fully recovering from the previous day's ordeal, Sophia's strength waned. It had been months since she last succumbed to sleep, leaving Mike alone with his thoughts. "Sorry, Mike. I think I overdid it a little," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion and remorse.
"Fuck! Not now, Soph!" Mike's frustration bubbled to the surface as he felt the weight of the situation without his sister's backing. Despite his remarkable skill, his small frame simply couldn't keep up with heavyweights like Easton or Bellic without some form of magic to bolster his abilities.
Before he could ponder his next move, Easton landed beside him, battered but whole. His eyes, still a mesmerizing mix of gold and black - one shining like a star, the other as dark as night. "Sail, men! We make haste to Helm Hold!" he commanded, his voice strained with urgency. But as he tried to move, he faltered, collapsing to one knee and using his sword to keep himself upright.
"What's wrong?!" Mike's concern was palpable as he rushed to assist Easton, his voice betraying a mix of worry and determination.
"Not now, kid!" Easton's voice was strained, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. "I put that bastard on his ass, but that holy healing magic is no joke. We have maybe half an hour before he's back at full strength, while I stay like this."
Concern etched on his face, Mike pressed, his blue eye focused intently on Easton, the other, red one, closed as Sophia slipped into slumber by force. "Where did he get you?"
"It wasn't him." Easton's response was curt, his attention fully focused on the task at hand. "This is just the backlash from the demonic oath I took."
"The what?!" Mike's disbelief was evident, his mind struggling to process the revelation.
"We'll talk about it later, kid. For now, we sail at full speed!" With a sense of urgency, Easton's command left no room for further questions.