THE TRUTH BEHIND THE FALL
Soon, they stepped into the building, and Lynne was welcomed by a large hall, with a few reception desks scattered about, filled to brim with people. On both left and right were staircases leading up, while the front appeared to be sealed off with magic runes; it was a narrow passage also guarded to teeth, with halfway up being switched from illuminating runes to a mosaic of a coiling Dragon. Anna headed straight towards the sealed portion and Lynne followed.
“Is Master free?” Anna asked one of the guards.
“Yes,” the guard knelt quickly and confirmed. “Patriarch has been worried and instructed us to let you in immediately upon your return.”
“Thank you.”
“Open the seal and let the Princess in!” he then instructed some of the other guards.
The strange runes flickered slightly as the small passage opened up, whereupon Anna immediately stepped through, followed by Lynne. Unlike his expectations, he was suddenly assaulted by blinding light, forcing him to close his eyes. He also felt immense spacial flauctuations coming around him, attempting to tear his body apart; however, strange, soft energy had completely enveloped him, striking away any spacial tear that tried to harm him. The feeling passed within a moment, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself in front of a large, beautiful garden. Whether it be trees, flowers or medical herbs, the garden was filled to brim with countless colors, causing a rather surreal scene to appear. As he turned his head back, he realized they were standing in front of a small, wooden cabin with a simple porch. Anna immediately turned around and knelt before the doors.
“Master, your Disciple has returned.” her voice carried striking sense of respect and awe. Without hesitation, Lynne knelt himself; better to save his life rather than pride, after all.
“Ah, I was wondering who it was,” the doors suddenly opened as a hoarse voice spoke. “I was beginning to be worried Anna. Where have you run off to this time?” Lynne peeked a glance at the newcomer; he saw a rather handsome, middle-aged man wearing quite plain, gray robes. His black hair had already showed signs of aging, but his eyes were still full of life and color.
“This one had wished to accompany her friends,” Anna spoke. “However, we had run into some problems, which is why Disciple is late.”
“Ah, that creature finally attacked then, no?”
“Master, you knew?” Anna exclaimed in surprise.
“Ha ha,” the middle-aged man laughed softly. “How can some lowly ‘Four Evolutions Creature’ deceive me? It appears as if you still lack experience to distinguish auras…” he then turned to Lynne; Lynne immediately felt insane pressure fall upon him as the middle-aged man glanced at him. … shit, why be all coy and crap with the war? Why didn’t they just send this dude and have him level the entire freaking Kingdom? “Who might this young lad be?” he asked Anna.
“This is a benefactor who saved us and killed the creature,” Anna said calmly. “As he was wandering Magus, I was hoping Master would put in a good for him so he could become a Disciple.” the middle-aged man gazed deeply into Lynne; he felt completely naked before this existence, as if he couldn’t hide absolutely anything about himself. Suddenly, the old man chuckled knowingly.
“Hm, I can certainly do that,” the middle-aged man said. “Anna, go and make the preparations. Leave the two of us.” … ah, I’m doomed. I’m so doomed.
“Yes, Master!” although confused, she still had to listen. What’s going on? Master never asked before to talk to a candidate for a Disciple position…
Shortly after, Anna left, leaving kneeling Lynne to sweat profusely from every spot known to a man. He absolutely didn’t dare raise his head to look again at the middle-aged man, and simply remained kneeling there like an idiot.
“Well, we could talk with you kneeling there like an idiot, or we can do the exact same thing while enjoying a cup of tea, with the view of this beautiful garden.” dejected, Lynne finally got up and sat on a chair on the porch while the middle-aged man entered the house. He came back shortly after, carrying a smoking pot which emitted heart-shaking fragrance, alongside two jade cups. Pouring in the tea, he calmly observed Lynne who still didn’t dare look at him. “Hm, I don’t bite, you know?” the middle-aged man chuckled lightly as he spoke.
“I-I know.” Lynne stuttered in reply.
“I would have never believed a seedling would be preserved,” Lynne’s heart suddenly stopped beating as he glanced at the middle-aged man in shock. I’m so screwed. “Ha ha, don’t worry. I couldn’t care less about the fools who want to plunge the entire continent into war. I don’t care how you escaped, or what your plans are. I only ask that you do no wrongs while staying here; if you do so, I’ll not only keep your identity a secret, but I’ll also help you.”
“… why do I get a feeling you’ll suddenly ask me to do something that will make my eyes and ears bleed?”
“You have rather good understanding of social connotations.”
“Who are you?” Lynne asked as he finally let go of his fear. After all, what was there left to fear? All his secrets were exposed. This middle-aged man was at least ten thousand times stronger than him, and his life was in his hands, so there was no longer need to fear.
“You can call me Seed,” the middle-aged man said, chuckling. “As for who I am, you will learn eventually. Wry truly miscalculated with you having escaped,” his chuckle suddenly turned into a booming laughter. “He knew he couldn’t have possibly ended you all, but he probably never expected that such a good seed would be one of the escapees. Your circulation is profound, Mana source is thick and pure – albeit slightly lacking – your mind is keen and perceptive. Your affinity for Magic is extraordinary, and none of the elements seem to reject you. Damn it kid, you’re even more talented than me.”
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“What’s the talent worth when my entire homeland was scorched beyond recognition?” Lynne said, smiling bitterly.
“Believe it or not, there was a good reason why that happened,” Seed spoke, his expression solemn. “However terrible that sounds. That is why I never interfered, even when I learned of their plans. I do not know what your plan is – nor do I wish to know – but I will warn you, out of the goodness of my own heart: if you desire to go against them, by the time you’re able, you won’t find them anywhere.”
“I was tasked with learning the truth behind the entire matter,” Lynne spoke as he took a gulp of the tea; it was rather refreshing, suddenly revitalizing him from within. “Ah, good tea. Before his death, Headmaster of the Skyfire Academy had granted me the title of ‘Skyfire Magus’, and with it the obligation to learn the truth. Even if, after telling me that, you’re forced to kill me, please do tell me.”
“Ah,” Seed sighed softly, shaking his head lightly. “If the truth was such an easy matter, then the world wouldn’t be left in the dark. The truth behind the matter is very simple, young one. ‘Elvarheimn’ and ‘Rolyhard’ had long since coveted the manuals of the ‘Skyfire Academy’. The reason such a tiny Kingdom like ‘Highlind’ withstood eons of time was solely due to singular existence: ‘Skyfire Magus’, the venerated protector of the Kingdom. Only those who had achieved complete perfection on the path of ‘Celestial Emperor of the Flames’ would be granted the honors. Manuals to ‘Origin Paths’ are extremely rare, and to my knowledge only three are currently in possession, ‘Skyfire Origin Path’ included. However, ‘Highlind’ was unable to produce a ‘Skyfire Magus’ for quite a long time… if things proceeded as such, ‘Highlind’ would have fallen through simple invasion. However, recently, some people have begun showing signs of progression to their understanding of Primal Flames, which is why the invasion was ushered further. If ‘Skyfire Magus’ was to be born, decades of hard work would have been nullified in one, fell swoop. Do you feel better now, knowing that your entire homeland was destroyed for such a simple reason?”
“… ah, what can I say?” Lynne smiled bitterly, appearing not to be even surprised by what he learned. “People have killed for less.”
“Ha ha, you underestimate allure of the ‘Origin Path’, young lad. Only those following ‘Origin Path’ can ascend to the ‘Grand Realm’ and leave this plane. But alas, that is all I know. Your talent is extraordinary, I’ll say that again. Since you said that you’ve met up with the Headmaster just before the latter died, I can only assume that the manual for the ‘Skyfire Origin Path’ is with you. Don’t worry, it is far too late for me to make use of it, and frankly, even if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t do it. However, what is curious to me, is that you still haven’t begun threading it. Why is that?”
“You seem to know so much, I’m surprised you’ve even asked me a question,” Lynne said, taking another gulp of a tea. “I’ve decided to test the rumors of the legends.”
“Oh?” Seed arched his brow as a strange glint passed his eyes. “Dual paths?”
“Indeed.” Lynne nodded.
“Interesting,” the middle-aged man chuckled softly as he himself took a gulp of the tea. “I’m wondering, which other Origin Path are you in pursuit of?”
“’Spellweaver’s’,” Lynne replied honestly, laying all his cards out on the table. “However, I haven’t a clue where to even begin looking for a manual.”
“I just so happen to be able to help you with that.”
“Really?” Lynne arched his brow as he looked at the middle-aged man strangely.
“Hm,” the man nodded, smiling lightly. “Currently, ‘Origin Path’ of the ‘Void’ is in the hands of Venerated Bliss, Lordmaster of the Infinity Sect. He had also tried to confirm the rumors of the legends, long time ago. Alas, his talent was lacking, and he was unable to comprehend the dual path. The manual for the ‘Origin Path’ of the ‘Spellweavers’ was also in his possession at the time, but as he decided to follow the ‘Void’, he had gifted the manual to his good friend.”
“… you’re not gonna tell me that friend is you, will you?”
“Ha ha, indeed I am, indeed I am. Ha ha.”
“….” Lynne was dumbstruck. This… this can’t just be coincidence, right? What the hell…
“However, you are not ready yet,” Seed spoke, his expression suddenly changing to a serious one. “While your talent is outstanding, your foundations are not. From the looks of it, you have been studying Magic for less than a year, which is why your Mana is lacking. In order to pursue two different paths, outside the comprehension, the most important thing is Mana – both the abundance of it, your talent in manipulation, and even the quality of Mana itself. If you were to start learning both paths now, you’d implode from within, dying on the spot.”
“I’m guessing you have a plan? And please, just tell me already what it is you want me to do in return.”
“Ha ha, alright, alright. Youth and your impatience…” Seed scowled lightly. “If, in the future, you ever have a chance to ascend, I’d like you to also open up a path for me.”
“… I haven’t a clue what you mean, but sure, if I can do it, I will.”
“You are quick to agree to the things you don’t understand…”
“Well, it’s either that or me trying to scheme against you to obtain the manual. You can see how many beautiful choices I’ve got.”
“Ha ha, indeed. As for the plan… it is very simple. Best way to purify your Mana and increase its potency, outside of using Natural Treasures, is to temper it directly through combat. With each spell cast, slight impurities are removed directly from the source, so the next time you replenish Mana, it’d be a bit purer. However, naturally, that’s far from enough, otherwise everyone would be walking around with Mana as pure as babe’s tears. I’ll have someone send you a batch of pills designed for both direct and indirect purification. A week from now, Sect is holding Magus Competition between youths, and you’ll take part in it. Before each match, you’ll take one of the pills used for indirect purification. When on stage, just cast your spells and try to win. With the pills for direct purification, take them at the end of each day, and enter the state of tranquility through the night, allowing the essence of the pill to purify your Mana. My estimate is that, within half a year, you’ll be prepared to learn two paths. Are you willing?”
“… I am willing.” Lynne exclaimed, his eyes shimmering in firm determination; he was given an opportunity, and he’d be a fool not to accept it. Even though he was still slightly wary of the middle-aged man, he felt that this old monster had no reason to try and trick him. Lynne had no doubts that he probably even had some spells that he could use to directly control Lynne. He, instead, was offering a helping hand, in exchange for the possibility of future. Looks like it’s time I truly take Arts of Magic seriously and to the heart… Headmaster, I have learned the truth of the matter. However, they have failed. One day, however far away it may be, I’ll become ‘Skyfire Magus’, both in title and in power. Then, I’ll once again show the glory beneath the skies, and everyone will remember us. That, I promise…