Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Camoa frowned at that as she completely froze. “Who told you about that?” I opened my mouth to respond, but she quickly continued. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter. The mind is not always capable of comprehending the possibility of the future, Arthur.” She told me in a warning tone. “Several Druids have attempted what you ask, and many times, it has led to the destruction of their home, family, and people.” Setting everything down, Camoa reached across the counter and grabbed my hands. “I suggest you-“ She stopped once she saw my bored expression. “You’re dead set on this, aren’t you?”

“I’ve forsworn alcohol, so future potions are about all I got left right now.” I told her plainly.

She sighed and dropped my hands. “I can make the potion, but it will take time. That also means I will need to return to the forest. Why do you even wish to see the future? Is this because of the Priestesses, or is it Lucia?”

“It’s because a name keeps popping up, and I can’t help but feel it’s important. Given the potion you gave me from last time showed me the past-“

Camoa dropped her bowl, and it shattered on the floor as we all looked at her. Even the Succubae children that ran around like parasites were startled. Her hands shook as her eyes locked onto mine.

“How far into the past?” She asked in a whisper. “There are countless who have become paranoid seeing the future and destroyed themselves in the process. More have gone mad when seeing the past.” Camoa shook her head softly. “That potion was not supposed to do that at all. If you saw the past, that means something pulled you there…”

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Marina started to become nervous as the Druid looked like she was having a breakdown. Camoa started to hyperventilate to the point where Marina had to step in. This appeared to be a touchy subject for the Druid, and I didn’t want to pry, but I also still wanted my potion.

It’s also sounding like it was good I never told anyone about my trip to the past. However, I did respect Camoa. Perhaps she was right. If something was pulling me there, it was likely the same person I saw during my vision. That voice that seeks me out from Davost’s Library took control of the statues.

“I don’t know what to tell you. I’d rather see the future instead of the past, though.” Then again, it was hinted at by the person I had the vision of. The entire situation was weird, considering it was almost like he was waiting for me. “Are there any creatures stuck in time or can move through it magically?”

Both Marina and Camoa looked at me with a cocked brow. “That is impossible.” Ayda suddenly answered from the doorway. The baby of the Farro family entered with her mother in tow. “Time that has passed is impossible to change. Looking into the future is considered taboo, but who am I to judge.”

My eyes focused on her for a moment before I turned to the more experienced Elf. “She’s right. Magic cannot affect what has already passed. It can heal wounds, but it cannot bring people back from the dead. Even the darkest, most vile magic is incapable of such things.”

Aydalia Jr. continued for her mother. “Thus, what has passed is unchangeable. The future is malleable, which is why that type of magic has been lost. Not that it matters. No one has the necessary amount of magic to cast such spells anyway.” Ayda explained further. “Potions are definitely an option, but as Camoa stated, they come with horrible risks.”

“Risks I’m willing to take.” I tapped my head. “As long as I got enough energy, my mind is-“

The youngest present interrupted me. “What happens when your energy runs out?” Ayda inquired. “We have seen how you act despite not being exposed to such spells and potions. None of us could manage you. Arthur, you essentially threw a tantrum until you ran out of energy and collapsed.” Aydalia looked at her daughter, surprised that she was being so blunt. “Can you say it won’t be worse next time if you go through with this?”

“Logical little-“ I muttered but stopped myself. “I’m feeling confident. That’ll be for me to worry about.”

“It will literally be for everyone else to worry about.” Ayda quickly replied.

“Don’t you have work to do? How’s the catalyst coming for the Succubae? Better yet, how’s my train?”