I woke up in a foreign world, surrounded by a gloom that caressed me with a pale and mysterious light. The first sensation I had was of being held in warm and loving arms. A woman with green eyes like emeralds and dark hair looked at me with a mixture of joy and perplexity.
"Kaion... Kaion Graves," whispered my mother, her voice softly resonating in the quiet of the room.
My mind was a whirlwind of confused thoughts. I remembered my previous life, the world I thought I knew, but now I was here, in this strange and fascinating place. I moved my tiny hands with curiosity, feeling the texture of her dress with a consciousness that seemed unusual for a baby.
My golden eyes and white hair were distinctive among the Ancients, a magical race that inhabited Profundia. My older sister, Aria, approached cautiously, her green eyes sparkling with fascination and curiosity. She was an expert mage among the Ancients, her silver hair reflecting the purity of her lineage.
Since my birth, my behavior had puzzled those around me. I didn’t cry like other babies, nor did I fidget without reason. Instead, I seemed to observe the world with unusual intensity, as if I understood more than I should at my young age.
As I grew up under the loving care of my family in Profundia, a place where magic and mystery intertwined in every shadow, my curiosity only intensified. Every day was a new adventure of discoveries and surprises, from the whispers of ancient runes to the fleeting glimmers of magical powers I barely comprehended.
My mother, a respected sorceress in the village council, had been absent from work during my early years to take care of me. Her love and dedication surrounded me like a cloak of protection and wisdom. However, now that my sister Aria took over while she returned to her responsibilities, the typical mischief of a three-year-old began.
At the age of three, in my physical form as a child, I was immersed in the world of letters in a way that surprised my family in Profundia. As I explored the books that Aria and my mother Lysa provided me, I quickly realized that learning to read was natural for me. Every word came to life in my mind, each open page revealing a new world of knowledge and possibilities.
From an early age, my understanding of legal concepts and logical structures, something I had mastered in my previous life as a lawyer, translated into an exceptional ability to assimilate and process written information. Books on history, mythology, and magic sparked my curiosity, and each story became a new adventure in my inquisitive mind.
Sitting in my room, with the light from magical lamps illuminating the pages of a book on ancient runes, I reflected on how my previous knowledge facilitated learning at an accelerated pace. I compared the complexities of legal arguments I had handled in my previous life with the new challenges I now faced in Profundia: understanding the mysteries of magic, comprehending the systems of power and politics among the subterranean races, and preparing for the elemental exam that would define my future at the magic school.
Although the transition from being a lawyer to a child in a fantasy world had its challenges, Kaion found comfort and satisfaction in his ability to absorb knowledge and apply it meaningfully in his new life. Every day was a step closer to understanding his purpose in this new world and honoring the opportunity to start anew, in an existence where magic and mystery intertwined with human experience.
One afternoon, while Aria was trying to teach me to draw with chalk on the blackboard, my clumsy hand made the chalk slide off the board and explode in a cloud of white dust, creating a commotion in the room. Aria raised an eyebrow in curiosity but quickly adopted a serious expression.
"Kaion!" she exclaimed firmly, hurrying to clean up the mess. "You have to be more careful. Magic can be dangerous if you don't know how to control it."
I stood there, my eyes filled with wonder and some fear for what I had caused. Aria sighed, finishing cleaning up the scattered chalk.
"We'll have to talk about this with Mom when she gets back," she added, her voice softening a bit when she noticed my remorseful expression.
I nodded seriously, understanding the gravity of my mistake. Aria was my guide in this unknown world, and every lesson was crucial to my learning.
As the years passed in Profundia under the loving care of my mother and the firm guidance of my sister Aria, I began to reflect on everything they had taught me. Aria was not just my older sister; she was my mentor in the world of magic and the mysteries of our subterranean home.
Her lessons encompassed not only magical skills and knowledge of the Ancients but also values of patience, responsibility, and respect for ancient traditions. Every scolding for my mischief or advice on how to handle my magical abilities resonated deeply within me.
I remember the time I tried to manifest a small sphere of energy to impress the other village children, only to accidentally spill an ancient ink bottle over an old parchment. Aria, with her serious but understanding look, reminded me of the importance of concentration and respect for objects that housed our history's knowledge.
Another crucial moment was when I wanted to explore the deepest tunnels of the continent on my own, believing I could find answers about my origin in the ancient caves. Aria firmly stopped me, explaining that my safety and understanding of our underground paths were more important than any personal quest.
Her teachings not only prepared me to face the challenges of Profundia but also helped me understand my place in this world of magic and secrets. Through her words and examples, I learned to appreciate the rich history of the Ancients and to value every magical connection that united us as family and community.
Now, as I prepared to turn four, I felt grateful to have Aria as my guide. Her role as a strict but understanding sister had not only shaped my character but also strengthened our bond in this subterranean world where every shadow hid a new lesson to be learned.
Thus continued my life in Profundia, where every day brought me closer to unraveling the secrets of my past and the destiny that awaited me in this magical and mysterious realm.
One day, while Aria and I were exploring the ancestral library of our house in Profundia, we found our mother engrossed in an old tome of scrolls, her eyes shining with ancestral knowledge.
"Kaion, Aria," she called, her voice resonating with authority and wisdom. "Come here, I want to show you something important."
We sat next to her, expectant. My mother opened the scroll and began to explain in a soft but firm voice:
"In Profundia, and in many other places in the world, there are three Fundamental Energies that govern life and magic. The first is Mana, which flows in our blood and allows us to channel and use magic. It is an energy we inherit from our ancestors and must learn to control."
She pointed to the symbol of mana on the scroll, an intertwined spiral that glowed with a soft light.
"The second is Qi or Ki, an energy obtained at the moment of an individual's birth in a place where a Qi vein underground is near the surface. It is a vital energy that influences our physical abilities and how we interact with the environment."
Carefully, she traced the lines of Qi on the scroll, which intertwined in complex patterns.
"And lastly, Battle Aura, which manifests when a human being reaches the limits of their physical and mental training. It is an energy that arises in moments of great concentration and effort, strengthening our body and spirit in times of need."
I looked fascinated at the scroll, absorbing my mother's words and trying to understand the depth of the energies that governed our subterranean world.
"Remember, my children," my mother concluded with a loving smile, "these energies are part of our heritage and responsibility. Learning to know them wisely is fundamental for your growth and protection in Profundia."
We nodded seriously, aware of the importance of these teachings as we continued our education in this magical and secret-filled world.
On a quiet night, in the cozy home of Profundia, my mother, Lysa Graves, gathered Aria and me in front of the warm light of the fireplace. Lysa, with her serene but knowledgeable gaze, began to reveal deep secrets about the Ancients and their connection to mana.
"My dear children, the Ancients have been mana users since time immemorial. This energy flows in our blood, it is part of our heritage and allows us to channel magic uniquely," she explained, while her skillful hands traced symbols in the air that seemed to glow with a faint light.
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She pointed to the Natural Elements that govern Mana and Qi: Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth, as well as their variants like Water turning into Ice.
"In addition to these elements, there are the Primordial Elements: Light and Darkness, opposing but balanced forces that coexist in our world and our hearts," she added, her voice resonating with reverence for these fundamental forces.
Lysa continued solemnly:
"And then there are the Edicts, magical laws that govern powers beyond our human understanding. The Edict of Space, which controls dimension and distance; the Edict of Life, which regulates the cycle of birth and death; the Edict of Death, which guides spirits to their final rest; and the most feared of all, the Edict of Destruction."
Her expression turned grave when mentioning this last one:
"The Edict of Destruction can unleash devastating powers but can also irreversibly corrupt the mind and soul of the user. Not everyone can control this power without succumbing to its destructive influence."
Aria and I listened attentively, absorbed by our mother's teachings about the complexity and dangers of the magical world around us.
"Always remember, my children," Lysa concluded tenderly, "that magic is a gift and a responsibility. You must learn to respect and control these energies to protect yourselves and others in Profundia."
We remained silent, aware that our lives were imbued with ancestral wisdom that prepared us for the future in this realm of wonders and mysteries.
After his lessons with Aria, I returned to my room in our house in Profundia, where the torchlight danced on the stone walls. The warmth of home contrasted with the solemnity of my thoughts as I leafed through the magical books allowed by Aria. Immersed in my concentration, I was interrupted by the call of Aria and my mother from the living room.
I stood up curiously and headed towards them, finding them in a corner illuminated by phosphorescent light crystals. Aria, with a serious but motherly expression, looked at me with affection before explaining the importance of the exam I would face when I turned five years old.
"Kaion, listen carefully," Aria began with a soft but firm voice. "When you turn five, you will have to take an elemental compatibility exam before the village elders. They will evaluate your connection to mana and determine with which element you were born."
I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. I knew that this exam would decide my future at the magic school located in the city of the dark elves, where I hoped to learn more about the underground magical world.
"Through this exam, you will discover your elemental affinity and the level of your mana," Aria continued, her voice echoing in the cavernous room. "I'm sure you will do very well, Kaion. You are smart and have a strong heart. The elders will see your potential."
I took a deep breath, feeling the responsibility ahead. The idea of proving my worth to the elders and securing my place at the magic school filled me with excitement and determination.
"I know, Aria," I replied with determination. "I'll do everything I can to be prepared."
Aria smiled warmly and hugged me affectionately.
"I know, Kaion. I'm proud of you. Together, we'll make sure you're ready for this next challenge."
I felt a mix of nervousness and confidence. I knew that, with the support of Aria and my mother Lysa, I could face any test that Profundia and the underground world presented to me.
I decided to explore the ancestral library of our house from a very young age. As I grew, my fascination with books intensified. My mother, Lysa, had explained to me about the monsters that lurked in this subterranean world of Profundia. I found an old bestiary among the dusty shelves. Its yellowed pages showed detailed drawings of creatures with claws and sharp fangs, some I could barely imagine.
I immersed myself in the reading of the bestiary, marveling at the detailed illustrations and stories of heroes facing fearsome creatures. My fingers ran through the worn pages as I tried to absorb every detail.
Suddenly, Aria burst into my room with her typical serious expression, but this time she seemed a bit exasperated.
"Kaion, reading books again? You need to go out and play with the other children. It’s not normal for a child your age to be cooped up studying monsters," she said in a tone mixed with concern and amusement.
I looked up from the bestiary and smiled sarcastically at her.
"And why not? I see nothing wrong with being a future expert on monsters. Besides, who will protect this place from the fearsome creatures if I’m not well-prepared?" I replied playfully, enjoying the joke a bit.
Aria sighed in resignation but couldn’t help but smile at my response. She knew that my love for knowledge was genuine, but she also wanted to ensure I had a balanced and happy childhood.
"Kaion, promise me you’ll spend some time with the other children, then you can return to your books. But you also need to learn to play and have fun, okay?" she said, softening her tone.
I nodded reluctantly, knowing Aria was right. Although it was hard to leave behind the worlds of fantasy and knowledge that inhabited those books, I understood that balancing learning with social interaction would be crucial for my development in Profundia.
I promised Aria that I would take a break and join the other children in their games, but secretly, I decided to keep exploring the books at night when everyone was asleep. It was a new and fascinating world, and I felt that each page I read brought me closer to understanding my place in this strange subterranean continent.
I left the house with a mix of curiosity and resignation. The village of Draconia, home of the Ancients, was a fascinating and mysterious place, but today I had to explore a different aspect of my surroundings: the village children. I walked towards the hill where they usually played, a place on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by large rock formations and sparse vegetation.
As I approached, the shouts and laughter of the children filled the air. Some of them noticed my presence and, as usual, began to whisper and laugh among themselves. I could hear the murmurs despite the distance.
"Look, it's the ghost!" said one of the children, pointing at me boldly.
"White-haired specter!" shouted another, provoking a wave of laughter.
I ignored their comments, already used to such teasing. My white hair and golden eyes had always been the subject of gossip and laughter among the village children. However, I noticed a girl who kept herself on the sidelines. She wore a bone mask that hid her face and didn’t seem to participate in the teasing.
I decided to approach her. Unlike the other children, she made no sound or comment. She simply observed me through the holes of her mask, her dark and deep eyes the only visible part.
"Hello," I said, trying to sound friendly. "What's your name?"
She looked at me silently for a few seconds before responding in a soft and almost inaudible voice.
"Nara."
"I'm Kaion," I said, smiling slightly. "Why do you wear that mask?"
Nara shrugged and looked towards the other children who were still laughing and playing without paying us much attention.
"I prefer to stay on the sidelines," she said. "Besides, not all monsters are in books, Kaion."
Her response surprised me, but at the same time made me feel a connection with her. We were both different, and at that moment I knew I had found someone who didn’t judge me by my appearance.
I decided to spend time with Nara, staying a bit away from the commotion of the others. We sat on a rock and began to talk, sharing stories and observing the other children from a distance. Although I didn’t actively participate in their games, Nara had a unique way of seeing the world, and I found myself enjoying her company.
Nara and I were talking quietly, sharing stories and silent laughs, when suddenly the screams of the other children became louder, filled with panic. We looked towards where the screams were coming from and saw a dark figure emerging from one of the caves near the hill.
A monster, a huge and grotesque creature, staggered out of the darkness. It had scaly skin, glowing red eyes, and sharp claws that gleamed in the dim light of the cave. Terror gripped the children, who ran in all directions, screaming and seeking refuge.
"Kaion!" shouted Nara, pulling my arm. "We have to help them!"
I tried to think quickly, but I felt helpless. Although I had read a lot about monsters and magic, my practical skills were virtually nonexistent. Nara and I started running towards the group of children, but the creature was already too close.
One of the children tripped and fell to the ground, his face filled with terror. The monster headed towards him, raising a claw to strike. Without thinking, I ran towards the child, hoping to do something, anything to distract the beast.
"Hey! Over here!" I shouted, waving my arms. My heart was pounding, and fear almost paralyzed me, but I knew I couldn’t stand by.
The monster turned towards me, its gaze fixed on my golden eyes. I felt a chill run down my spine, but I didn’t stop. Nara, beside me, was also shouting, trying to divert the creature's attention. At that moment, something strange happened. My eyes began to glow with an unknown power, and suddenly I could see the monster's movements with amazing clarity, as if I could predict where it would move next.
"Let's go, we need to lure it away!" said Nara, her voice trembling but determined.
We moved to the side, hoping the beast would follow us and move away from the children. However, we were too slow and ill-equipped to face it. The monster roared and began advancing towards us, its steps thundering on the ground.
"We have no chance!" I said desperately. "We need help!"
Just when I thought all was lost, I saw a familiar figure running towards us from the distance. It was Aria, her face a mix of concern and determination. She was holding a staff that glowed with a faint blue light.
"Kaion, Nara, step back!" shouted Aria, positioning herself between us and the monster.
Nara and I stopped and slowly backed away, watching as Aria faced the creature. With a quick movement, she raised the staff, and a wave of magical energy shot out, hitting the monster and pushing it back.
But this was not enough for Aria. Her eyes hardened, and with protective fury, she raised her staff once more, invoking a thunder spell. Blue lightning began to dance around her figure before concentrating on the tip of the staff.
"Keraunos!" Aria shouted, and a bolt of pure energy shot through the air, striking the monster with devastating force. The creature emitted a deafening roar before falling, charred and lifeless.
Aria turned to us, her breathing heavy but her eyes filled with relief.
"Are you okay?" she asked, running towards us and hugging us tightly.
"Yes," we replied in unison, still trembling from the adrenaline.
"You can't face things like this alone," said Aria, her voice now soft but firm. "But I'm proud of you for trying to help. Always remember that, although you are brave, you must also be prudent."
I nodded, grateful for her intervention and aware that I still had much to learn about this dangerous and fascinating world. I felt the warmth of Aria's embrace, but my mind remained on the moment when my eyes had glowed. What was that power? Why could I see the monster's movements before they happened?
As Aria led us back to the village, I couldn’t help but reflect on that unknown power within me. I had much to discover and much to learn, and now more than ever, I was determined to understand who I really was and what my place was in this world full of magic and dangers.