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Beginnings of the Modern Mage Chapter 19A: Meltdown (Nao's PV)
…Where…am I? Arc: “Ah, you’re finally awake.”What’s happening? Did the spells stay active? Why am I tied up on this super uncomfortable chair?Arc: “Yes the spell is still active. We’re currently at some kind of warehouse.”Hopefully, it’s not too far from home. *Door Open*Arc: “Keep appearance. Don’t let them know you’re awake yet.”I do what Arc says and keep my head down. I can’t see anything but I can hear it.Sever: “That’s what he said. Maybe you’re just incompetent. I knew keeping alive for something like this would come in handy. If we did what you suggested we would have no leads.”I can feel it too. There’s a movement in the edges of my vision, the shadows shift and squirm in the background.They’re speaking but I can’t understand a word they’re saying. I try to block it out but every time I try, I feel blood flowing out my ears. As if they want me to listen. Fear begins to build inside my throat. The nightmares, the all-consuming void, and burning skin. Breathe.I ste
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Chapter 19B: Meltdown (Anthony's PV)
Fuck!*Punch*I try my best to block or dodge Trevor’s blows but…I’m getting overwhelmed. The only reason why I’m still conscious is because of the lightning shock. Damn it, Nao had to fight this monster? How am I supposed to win without magic!“You seem to be struggling love.”Yeah, but I can take it. If Nao can, I’ll push through this new pain. I’ll find a way to fry this bastard. “Awwww, that’s my husband. Undying will and strength. But you might need some help.” What do yo-Trevor: “Come on Anthony, I had more fun with Nao. Stop shooting those fireworks and fight me like a man.”Anthony: “Ahhh, my lover’s body feels soooo good.”Trevor: “Wow, your voice. Why do you sound like a girl now?”Anthony: “Don’t worry about that. You wanted a real fight right, how about you play with me for a while.”My body is moving without my will now. It’s a puppet now, moved by the star I made vows with. She beckons Trevor to fight in a somewhat provocative way. I rather fight him myself, but I’ll
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Our Moral Failings
Arc: “Be careful, this is your first mage battle. Not only that, Anthony has an artifact.”What’s that?Arc: “A true magic item, among the strongest of their kind.”A magic item huh? I search through my pockets and hope I still have them. Inside I feel two pens and take out the scan one. I need to know what I’m dealing with. I point it at Anthony who’s waiting for me to deliver the first blow. Good thing, this gives me time.Anthony(With Artemis): Strength: 10Endurance: 10Intelligence: 21Charisma: 20Agility: 14 Magic: 35 VSNao(Base/No Shape Shift):Strength: 21Endurance: 17.5Intelligence: 19.5Charisma: 18.5Agility: 16.5Magic: 24Oh, that not too ba-Arc: “Focus!”*CRACK*Purple lightning snakes forwards threatening to cook me but I place a shield up just in time. In spite of the warning, I barely could catch it on the shield. It even pushed me back.Arc: “Idiot, it’s the magic stat you have to be careful of. Even mages who neglect their body can level cities. Close the g
Beginnings of the Modern Mage The 96th Archmage
Anthony: “Your voice…”Anthony: “So, you’re our predecessor. I don’t know how you possessed Nao without Arc but I don’t care. Me and Artemis can take you.”Alphon: “Artemis? Ha! That crazy bitch found herself another replacement for her dead husband. Poor ma-”*Boom*Artemis: “Shut up…”Alphon: *Whistle*Alphon: “Good thing you’re a terrible shot.”Anthony: “I already can guess her circumstances. There’s no way someone this powerful would willingly marry me.”Artemis: “Oh honey, you’re so understanding. I love you even more.”Anthony: “…Sure.”Artemis: “Don’t pout love. I know what will make us happy, how about some more murder.”Alphon: “Man, stop switching so much. It’s creepy.”Artemis: “Tch.”Anthony: “I rather not kill you when you’re possessing Nao. But I’ll do what I must.”Alphon: “So you’ll fight me first?”Anthony: “…Why not. Despite her protests, I want to see how strong you were.”Alphon: “I see. Well, don’t be blown away too quickly.”Alphon teleports, actually teleports,
Beginnings of the Modern Mage What It Takes To Be A Hero
Nao: “Buy me some time Velo.” Velo: “Got it.”Transform, book form!Anthony: “No you don’t!”Velo activates his shield ring and blocks the bolts of lightning ripping through the ground towards us. Velo: “Ugh…”Swap control water for minor illusion. *Break*Velo: “The shield is down!”That’s fine I get between the next bolt and block it with my shield. I shoot 4 air bullets behind the shield that chases the fleeing Anthony.Anthony: “You’re not the only one with magic items.”Anthony takes out that paralysis water gun and fires the 3 shots at the black listers. Tallow: “Nice try!”Before Anthony even pulled the trigger, Tallow got everyone out of the way of the attack.Anthony: “What?”Tallow: “Nao, watch out take a step back.”I do as he says and narrowly dodge a strike of lightning. Anthony: “Mind reading huh?”Tallow: “You won’t be able to catch anyone off guard now.” Anthony: “That won’t last forever.”I take the chance and blast more air bullets at Anthony while closing the
Beginnings of the Modern Mage A Whole New World
I walk out of the gym carrying my mother. Police, newsmen, and students fill my vision. I ignore their questions, camera flashes, and stares. I move through the crowd with my friends and last family member close behind. Tallow is sent to the hospital and Anthony goes to jail.My world is crumbling, so why is the sky so clear and serene? The days start to blur together after that moment. All of it grieving, all of it ignoring the press and preparing for the funeral.The presence of magic is now known to the whole world, but how could I care? My world is the one that matters and it’s shattered. The only thing I can remember is her coffin being lowered into the ground. The only thing I could feel are the tears dripping off my face. The only thing could hear was Alyson’s sorrow contrasted with the cicadas. Why? Why does the sun shine so brightly? Of all days.We return from the funeral and open the door to a broken home. Without mom taking care of us…what do we do? What happens to me a
Beginnings of the Modern Mage New Grand Order (Alyson’s PV)
A month since that day and 1 week since the funeral. I’ve been trying my best to keep up appearances. I’ve always dreamed of having a job and supporting my family. But I never wanted it like this. At least today is Friday, I need some rest. Alyson: “Nao, I’m home!” Again…nothing but silence. Aside from leaving at odd times, he’s always been up there. I understand the feeling, I wish I could just…forget it all. But this is our new normal and I will adjust. We have to. I scroll through my phone and follow a recipe for dinner. Alyson: “…Mom made this seem so easy.” I push through it and come up with…something. I’m sure it’s edible. I knock on Nao’s door and leave his food on the floor. I go back down to the kitchen and eat my own meal before relaxing with the TV. *Knock* *Knock* Or I was. Alyson: “I swear if it’s another reporter wanting Nao, I’ll break his camera.” *Door Open* Alyson: “Deanna?” Deanna: “Hey Alyson, I know it’s out of nowhere but can I come in.” Alyson
Beginnings of the Modern Mage The Mystic League & Embers of Love
……Astral: “Please say something so I can stop.”Deanna: “O-Oh, okay. A-Are you that guy solving small crimes in the town?”Astral: “Yeaaah…small…”Alyson: “Why are you here and what do you want?”He points to the source of the cold. Alyson: “…Why?”Astral: “Because it’s dangerous and I don’t want it to fall to the wrong hands.”Deanna: “Anton’s Family?”Astral: “Exactly, or more specifically the organization his family runs. I actually finally found out it’s name from a loose lipped goon. They call themselves Dawn. Interesting name for people who hide in the darkness.”I still don’t entirely trust this guy but…I can feel my feet freezing over.Alyson: “Fine, take it.”Astral: “Thanks Alyson.”…Did I tell him my name. I shake my head, everyone probably knows my name at this point. We move out of the way so Astral can rip the floorboards off to reveal a glowing blue orb. Deanna: “Why is that here and what even is it?”Astral: “My friend’s best guess is that these magical artifacts
Latest Chapter
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Rise From The Ashes
[Perspective Shift: Nao]I wake up.But little has changed. I’m still numb from the news from yesterday. No, I’m not numb. I’m just suppressing the urge to do what must be done. I force myself up and-Alphon: “Not so fast kid, I still need to help Trevor. One more treatment should do.”Nao: “…Alright.”I give up my body and try to recollect my emotions again.[Perspective Shift: Alyson]Alyson: “Mmmmm, Nao?”Prisha: “Think again sweetheart.”…Oh yeah, we slept in the same bed. But I don’t remember being in…this position.Alyson: “Did you do this on purpose?”Prisha: “No, maybe you just needed someone to really hold. I for one have no issues.”Alyson: “Of course you don’t.”Before Prisha can get any ideas, I untangle our bodies and get ready for the day. The…very stressful day. Before freshening up and savoring the last moments of peace I’ll have, I take a look at Deanna. She does look a bit better. Hopefully, she’ll wake up soon. After enjoying my time getting ready for the day with
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Emergency Notice
Notice:I know we just started but due to severe problems at home, I will no longer be able to write for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry, but I'm putting this on hiatus until further notice. If you don't hear back from me within a year, probably means I'm dead or worse. It's been a fun ride, hopefully I'll see you later.In order to reach the 100 word mark, I'll just repeat the notice.[ I know we just started but due to severe problems at home, I will no longer be able to write for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry, but I'm putting this on hiatus until further notice. If you don't hear back from me within a year, probably means I'm dead or worse. It's been a fun ride, hopefully I'll see you later. ]
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Burn and...
[Perspective Shift: Nao] Nao: “Don’t worry guys, you’re doing well.”Mat: “Says…*Pant*…you.”Velo: “Gathering mana…is…hard.”Nao: “Baby steps.”You’re sure this is the correct way to teach them?Arc: “Yes, they’re not you. They’ll need to start with meditation and feeling mana before anything else.”I didn’t think that would tire them out this much.Arc: “I hope this puts in perspective how lucky you are to have me.”Right, lucky. Nao: “I think we should stop here, it’s getting late.”Mat: “Thank you.”Velo: “Are you sure?”Nao: “Yeah, we all need to rest after all.”Velo: “…Alright, I’ll do better next time.”Mat: “Yeah m-me too.”Nao: “Great, I’m looking forward to it.”*Ding*Points: 30 Continue Teaching (+5) [Daily]Nice, that’s a nice bang of daily points. I go lay down on my bed and watch my students leave the room. Heh, students. Who would’ve seen that coming? Mat is the first to leave and Velo gave one last look before motioning for the door. Velo: “Nao?”Nao: “Yeah?”Vel
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Rescue Mission Part 3
We stare each other down. Despite having the field advantage, I’m sure Vale will find a way to surprise me. I take a mental check over the magic items I have.Magic Missile Gun [9 Shots]Invisibility Cap (Tallow) [1 Charge, for 1 minute]Magic Shield Gloves (Tallow) [1 Charge]Not terrible, I can do this. Vale: “Let’s test this out.”Vale creates 2 dozen across the entire room and commands them to attack me. But due to the environment, they’re not fast enough. I raise my hand and flash-freeze them while imprisoning the main one.Vale: “Yeah, I thought so. Plan B it is.”Eira: “Watch out!”!I see a bright light burst to life behind the ice prison. Instantly, I know what he’s doing. But the target…I move in front of the wall where Victor is slumped against outside. I create several ice walls in front and activate my magic item. Tallow: “Magic Shield!” A bright blue translucent shield appears right in time for the world to turn white.Vale: “Mini-Magic Cannon.”I can’t see anything,
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Rescue Mission Part 2
Victor: “We’re in, nothing weird so far.”I take a step through the door and scan the area. The inside of the building is old, dirty, and damaged. Plates, glass, and dust litter the cracked floor. Moonlight weakly slips through the windows to my sides. Chairs and tables are flipped over and scattered across the area.Victor: “Watch your step.”Tallow: *Nod*We creep along the scarce few smooth sections of the floor. My eyes dart to every dark shadow of the room. My frozen arms tremble, ready to freeze whatever may jump out to get us.Victor takes out his magic missile gun while leading me deeper into the building. Through the hallways and corridors, much of it was the same. Empty rooms, destroyed materials, and an awful smell. Probably to deter the few people snooping around.I know this is a temporary safe house but I can’t believe this place has the materials necessary to keep Trevor alive. That was until Victor brought us to a seemingly normal door. He looked back at me and nodded
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Rescue Mission Part 1
*Knock* *Knock*Nao: “…Huh?”I look at the clock, I notice that it’s 7:30 PM. Not an awful time to wake up. I hope this is worth it.I look at Alyson’s cute sleeping face.Nao: “I’m glad you still have that same look while sleeping.”I kiss her cheek before getting out of bed and opening the door. At the doorway is Mat who tries to say something before seeing Alyson’s sleeping figure.Mat: “Bro, did you-”Nao: “No.”Not yet.Nao: “What’s up?”Mat: “I wanted to tell Alyson that Victor is back with the info we need. I was going to tell you afterward but since you’re both here…”Nao: “Okay, I’ll tell her. Is…Tallow still insisting on being the only one going with Victor?”Mat: “Yep, it’s times like this where I feel the most useless.”Nao: “I’m…sorry. I wish I had more artifacts for you.”Mat: “It’s fine, I’ll just continue spreading the message online. It’s all me and Velo can do after all.”Before I could say anymore Mat closed the door. *Sigh*I look back at Alyson’s sleeping figure
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Divide and Come Together
“Oh my god…did that really happen?”Alyson: “Yes, I hope you understand the threat that Hiroshi presents. If he’s willing to do that to his men, imagine what he would do to us or…you.”“I think I get it Ms.Redfern, I’ll make sure this gets to the right people.”Alyson: “Please, call me Alyson. Since we’re on a first-name basis, can I have yours?”“Of course, the name is Ruby.”Alyson: “And what about you cameraman?”Ruby: “Sorry, Kevin is mute.”Kevin: *Nod*Alyson: “I understand. Prisha will stay near you just in case anything happens.” Prisha: “Aww, I just woke up and already I’m put to work. Oh well, I’ll do my best. I’ll also throw that invader bootlicker in jail while I’m at it.”Ruby: “Thanks, for everything. I’ll be sure to put in the good word for you and…you’re brother.”Alyson: “I’d appreciate that.” With that, Prisha led the reporters and the surviving spy out of the house. I watch them leave while keeping my distance from the group. Alyson, Mat, and Victor are still in t
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Mirror
[Perspective Shift: Nao]*Door Open*Finally, I’m back home. At least, back at base. I don’t think this will ever feel like home. *Hug*?!Suddenly, I feel something soft and warm envelop me. I start to focus and notice Alyson hugging. It’s a bit uncomfortable due to the size difference though.I grow to acceptable sizes and hug her back. We stayed like that for a few moments before breaking apart. Alyson: “You didn’t have to grow on me like that. It doesn’t bother me.”Nao: “Maybe, but I prefer being tall.”Alyson: “…Alright. I want you to know that I’m proud of you for what you did. It could have been much worse if your killed Sever.”Nao: “…Thanks, I mean it. But I…”Still feel that desire deep down. Nao: “If you don’t mind, I would like to go to sleep.”Alyson: “I understand but…you should know what happened while you were away.”Nao: “W-What happened?”Alyson: “Follow me upstairs and I’ll explain.”I do as she says while listening to the story. I try to swallow any destructive
- Beginnings of the Modern Mage
Trapwire
[Perspective Shift: Nao]Sever: “My employer knew you would be too impulsive to stay still after your home is invaded. Clearly, you want to end this quickly but we have other plans.”Nao: “Tch, you’ll regret healing me. I’m much stronger and wiser than before. Now that I can move, I’ll be sure to kill you this time.”Sever: “You’re not the only one that’s grown. Even If you somehow kill me, I’ll make sure to delay you long enough to shut down that shield of yours.”Nao: “What?!”Sever: “Yeah, afterward we’ll make a bigger bloodbath than what happened with Astral.”Nao: “…Fine.”I bite my lip and stuff the pain coursing through my body. It’s not as bad as I expected but it will never be pleasant to shapeshift.This is where all my practice pays, I transform into a form that will inspire fear and horror. Nothing too crazy but enough to force a reaction. My body breaks apart and reforms into a form resembling a werewolf. But the form is more…grotesque than normal. I grow pure black fur
