Chapter 17: Light magic

The swamp is a labyrinth of twisted trees, dense undergrowth, and murky waters. The air is thick with humidity, and the ground squelches beneath our boots, every step a challenge for our tired bodies. The roots of the ancient trees form labyrinths of tripping hazards, snaking through the waters. Any incautious step can lead to a fall. With the dungeon cleared, we make our way through this swamp once more. The stagnant waters are the perfect breeding grounds for disease and insects. But those are not the only threats, for the real danger lies in the serpents slithering among the roots beneath the water's surface.

A serpent protecting its batch of eggs is a ferocious enemy to face. Unfortunately, one such serpent has already detected our movements. While they hatch their eggs, their instincts and battle prowess increase manifold. Before, we had luck as we encountered a male serpent, but this serpent is colored brownish with green accents, indicating a female serpent. This mother is not one to play with prey for her hatchlings. She lunges at me before I can even react. Luckily, Elara is swift to take action and throws her knife at the serpent, giving me enough time to dodge. The serpent quickly turns around, but I already have my daggers equipped now.

I take my daggers, utilizing my advanced dagger mastery to hit the serpent, but her scales are too hard to pierce. Elara comes dashing with her longsword. It crashes down on the serpent, breaking the scales and allowing me to pierce its flesh with my daggers. Blood gushes out from the wound as I remove my daggers. The serpent grows sluggish with the loss of its blood, giving us the opportunity to slash at it even more. After an intense fight, the light of life leaves the serpent's eyes.

With the serpent defeated, we take a moment to rest, bandage wounds, and drink a healing potion.

"Let's search for the eggs. They can be valuable when sold to merchants, but they are foremost a real delicacy. I'd like to try some," I say to Elara.

We search through the underbrush of the swamp. After a while, we find the nest in a crevice inside an old tree. There are five eggs inside: four normal brown-colored eggs and a golden egg. The monster lexicon doesn’t hold any specific information about the golden egg, only a legend of sorts about a rare serpent mutation hatching from the golden egg, said to be stronger than the normal serpents. I reach into the nest to take out the batch of five eggs, but as I touch the golden egg, a crack appears on its surface. It appears to be hatching.

From the shell of the golden egg, a white snake slithers out, its small eyes red like the blood moon. It curls inside my hand and hisses slightly. Then I get a notice:

[Achievement made][Achievement "Witness the Birth of a Legend" made][Reward: Ability to form contracts with monsters][New Ability gained: Contract Magic]

The small albino serpent lays sleepily inside my hand, hissing softly. Its scales are still slimy from the egg. As I watch it, I feel a connection forming with it. The connection grows stronger, and a mark appears on the forehead of the small serpent and on the back of my hand, indicating our bond. With the marks formed, I get the urge to name the little serpent.

"Hey, little one, how do you like the name Lumina?"

Upon me naming it, the serpent nods its little head in agreement. The marks begin to glow and then slowly start to fade away. With a new friend made, we head back to the city.

As the swamp recedes behind us, the outline of the city rises on the horizon, a welcome sight after our grueling trek. The city is surrounded by sturdy stone walls, a testament to the dangers that lurk beyond its borders. Inside, the bustling streets are filled with vendors shouting about their wares, children playing, and the chatter of townsfolk going about their daily lives.

We make our way to the inn, a cozy establishment with a wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze, proclaiming it "The Restful Lantern." Inside, the warm glow of lanterns and the smell of hearty stew welcome us. We check in, grateful for the promise of a bed and a hot meal. As we sit by the fire, the events of the day start to weigh on us, and soon, we retire to our rooms for a well-deserved rest.

The next morning, the first rays of the sun filter through the inn’s windows, casting a golden hue over everything. We gather our belongings and make our way to the Church of the Sun, a grand building with towering spires and stained glass windows depicting scenes of light and warmth. The faithful are already gathered, their voices rising in harmonious prayer.

Inside, the air is filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of devotion. The high priest, a venerable man with a serene presence, leads the ceremony. His voice is a steady anchor as he intones, “From the light we come, in light we live, and to the light we will return.” The congregation repeats the words, their faces reflecting the peace and hope these words bring.

After the ceremony, Elara and I approach the high priest. He recognizes us with a warm smile. “Orin, Elara, it is good to see you both again.”

“Good to see you too, Father Lyren,” I reply. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our last conversation. I want to understand more about the light magic you mentioned.”

Father Lyren nods thoughtfully. “Light and shadow are two sides of the same coin. The light magic I teach draws upon the same source as your shadow magic—the soul’s inner light. I can guide you, but know that this path requires balance and harmony.”

Father Lyren leads us to a quiet chamber within the church, a sanctuary bathed in soft, golden light. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries depicting celestial scenes, and the air hums with a palpable sense of tranquility.

“Sit, Orin,” Father Lyren instructs, motioning to a pair of cushioned seats. Elara takes a seat beside me, her eyes filled with curiosity.

“To harness light magic, you must first understand the nature of light and its interplay with the soul,” he begins. “Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Imagine a flame within you, small yet bright. This is your inner light, the essence of your soul.”

I close my eyes, following his instructions. As I breathe steadily, I visualize a tiny flame flickering in the darkness within me. It’s a delicate ember, but as I concentrate, it begins to grow stronger, radiating warmth and light.

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“Good,” Father Lyren’s voice guides me. “Feel the warmth of this light. Let it expand and fill you, banishing the shadows that linger.”

The warmth spreads, and I feel a sense of peace enveloping me. The light within me grows brighter, pushing against the shadows that I’ve always associated with my magic.

“Light and shadow are not enemies, Orin. They are complementary forces. Your shadow magic thrives in the presence of light, just as light casts shadows. Embrace this duality,” Father Lyren continues.

As I focus on the growing light within me, the interplay of light and shadow becomes more apparent. The shadows don't disappear; instead, they dance at the edges, creating a harmonious balance. Father Lyren's words resonate deeply, and I feel a newfound understanding taking root.

"Now," Father Lyren says, "let's move to the practical application. Light magic can manifest in various forms, from illumination and healing to protection and offense. We'll start with a simple spell: creating a light orb."

He raises his hand, and a small orb of light forms above his palm, glowing softly. "Concentrate on your inner light and project it outward, forming a sphere. Let the warmth and energy guide you."

I nod and raise my hand, focusing on the flame within. As I channel my energy, I feel a slight resistance, but I push through it. Slowly, a small orb of light begins to form, flickering unsteadily at first, then stabilizing into a steady glow.

"Excellent," Father Lyren praises. "Now, try moving the orb. Imagine it as an extension of yourself."

With concentration, I manage to make the orb hover and move it around slightly. It feels different from my shadow magic—less instinctual and more deliberate—but I can sense the potential.

"Practice this until it becomes second nature," Father Lyren advises. "In time, you'll learn more advanced techniques. Remember, the key is balance and harmony within yourself."

Over the next few days, I immerse myself in training. Each morning, I return to the Church of the Sun, practicing under Father Lyren's watchful eye. The peaceful environment of the church, with its golden light and serene ambiance, helps me focus and refine my skills.

Elara, too, finds solace in the church, though her interests lie more in the historical and spiritual teachings. She spends her time exploring the ancient texts and artifacts, learning more about the origins of light magic and its significance.

One afternoon, as I'm practicing creating and controlling light orbs, Father Lyren approaches me with a thoughtful expression. "Orin, I think you're ready for a more challenging task. Healing is one of the most profound aspects of light magic. It requires not just control but compassion and empathy."

He leads me to a small room where a young girl lies on a bed, her leg bandaged from a recent injury. "This is Lara. She hurt herself while playing and hasn't been able to walk properly since. Use your light magic to heal her wound."

I feel a surge of nerves but nod determinedly. Kneeling beside the bed, I focus on the light within me, directing it towards my hands. As I place my hands over Lara's injury, I visualize the light enveloping her wound, mending the damaged tissues.

A soft glow emanates from my hands, and I feel a warmth spreading through my palms. Lara's expression shifts from pain to relief as the light works its magic. After a few moments, the glow fades, and I remove my hands, revealing a fully healed leg.

Lara sits up, tentatively moving her leg before breaking into a wide smile. "Thank you, mister!"

Father Lyren smiles warmly. "You've done well, Orin. Remember, healing is as much about the heart as it is about the skill."

Days turn into weeks, and my proficiency with light magic grows. I learn to create barriers of light, capable of deflecting attacks, and beams of concentrated light that can cut through obstacles. Each new ability strengthens my bond with Lumina, whose presence becomes a source of comfort and strength.

As the time comes for us to leave the city, Father Lyren gives me a parting gift: a letter of recommendation to the cardinal teaching magic at the royal capital. "This will help you gain further knowledge and refine your abilities, Orin. The cardinal is a master of blending light and shadow magic, a true pioneer in soul magic. Learning from him will be invaluable for your journey."

I thank Father Lyren, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for his guidance and support. "I won't forget what you've taught me, Father. I'll strive to balance the light and shadow within me."

"May the light guide you, Orin. And may your path be filled with both challenges and revelations," Father Lyren replies with a serene smile.

[Achievement made]

[Achievement "Light of the Soul"]

[Title earned: "Novice Soulmancer"]

Elara and I spend one last night at the inn, packing our belongings and preparing for the next leg of our journey. Early the next morning, we set out towards the north, our destination the Dragon Mountains. The city gradually fades behind us as we trek through the forest, the terrain becoming more rugged and wild.

The forest before the mountains is dense and dark, a stark contrast to the warm light of the church. Tall trees with twisted branches loom overhead, casting long shadows that seem to move and shift with the breeze. The air is thick with the smell of earth and leaves, and the sounds of unseen creatures rustle in the underbrush.

We move cautiously through the goblin territory, aware of the dangers that lurk here. The goblins are cunning and territorial, often ambushing travelers who stray too close to their camps. As we walk, I sense the presence of these creatures, their beady eyes watching us from the shadows.

Ahead, a faint rustling makes us halt. The trees conceal movement, and we prepare for a possible attack. From the underbrush, a group of goblins emerges, their eyes gleaming with malice. Elara and I draw our weapons, ready for the fight.

The goblins charge, shrieking in their guttural language. I summon an orb of light and hurl it at the nearest goblin, the explosion of light disorienting it. Elara's sword slashes through another goblin, her movements swift and precise.

More goblins appear, accompanied by a hulking hobgoblin wielding a crude mace. I channel my energy into Lumina, who transforms into a larger, more formidable serpent. With a hiss, she strikes at the goblins, her fangs delivering a paralyzing venom.

The hobgoblin roars and swings its mace at me. I dodge, creating a barrier of light to deflect the blow. Elara engages the hobgoblin, her sword clashing against its mace. I focus my light magic, forming a concentrated beam that sears through the goblin ranks, causing them to scatter in panic.

The hobgoblin falters under Elara's relentless assault, and with a final strike, she brings it down. The remaining goblins flee, their courage broken. We stand amidst the fallen goblins, catching our breath.

"Are you alright?" Elara asks, concern in her eyes.

I nod, wiping sweat from my brow. "I'm fine. Let's keep moving. We can't afford to linger here."

We continue our journey through the forest, the shadows lengthening as the day wears on. The mountains loom ever closer, their peaks shrouded in mist. The air grows colder, and the sense of danger heightens.

As night falls, we set up camp in a secluded clearing, the crackling fire providing warmth and light. Lumina coils beside me, her eyes alert for any signs of trouble. Elara and I share a meal, our thoughts on the challenges that lie ahead.

"The Dragon Mountains," Elara muses, gazing at the distant peaks. "We've come a long way, haven't we?"

I nod, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. "Yes, but our journey is far from over. The dragons will be formidable opponents. We must be prepared."

"We will be," Elara replies with determination. "Together, we can face anything."

As we settle down to rest, the fire's light dances in the darkness, casting shadows that intertwine with the light. The journey ahead is uncertain, but with each step, we grow stronger, our bond deepening as we face the trials that come our way.

And so, with the Dragon Mountains on the horizon, our adventure continues, the path ahead fraught with danger but also with the promise of new discoveries and the pursuit of our destinies.