Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Today was supposed to be a good day. We got our magic weapons, Nao’s getting more powerful and project heartbreak seems to be going well.
But of course, I underestimated these creatures. Of course, they would retaliate after Nao dealt with them. I knew I should have brought my shotgun.
“What’s this Polly? You going to shoot us with your toy gun?”
Mat: “Back up dude, I warning you.”
Mat is in front of us with his magic gun aimed at our oppressors. Despite everything, he’s shaking like a leaf and can’t pull the trigger. I hold back the urge to rip the gun out of his hands and do it myself. But…Mat has to be the one to do this, to face his fears.
I have faith in him.
“Or what? You going to pellet us with Styrofoam?”
Mat: “Why wouldn’t you just leave us alone?!”
“Because someone has to pay the price for what Nao did to us. Lucky you!”
*Punch*
Mat: “Gah!”
Valo & Tallow: “Mat!”
“How was that fatty.”
Valo: “Heal.”
*Heal*
Anthony: “No you idiot, don’t waste it on a single punch!”
Valo: “But-”
Anthony: “Fuck it, I’ll do it myself.”
I rush to the gun but get a kick to the face for my troubles.
“No you don’t, we’re not done. I have a lot of stress to get rid of.”
Worthless….
But Mat is not the only one. The bullies descend upon us and I can do nothing to stop them. We fall back on instinct and just try to cover our heads. Doesn’t do much, we still bleed.
Why can’t I be more like Nao? What makes him so different? Oh yeah, of course…luck…
*Kick*
Valo: “Stop already! You’re going too far!”
“Shut up!”
*Kick*
Valo: “GAH!!”
Anthony: “You bastards, leave my friends alo-”
*Punch*
Anthony: “Guh…”
“Would you look at this?”
“Napoleon number 2 wants to get rebellious now?”
“Stay down. We have enough time for all of you.”
They unleash a barrage of brutal kicks and punches upon us for minutes…or was it hours. No matter how much we begged or screamed, it only made them hit harder.
Eventually, only I could stay conscious long enough to see Nao arrive. Even now, he’s the one to come and save us. What use are we? Do we even deserve freedom if we can’t earn it ourselves?
As I see Nao torture those bullies and do what I failed to, I can think of only one thing.
Is he even one of us anymore? He’s taller, more handsome, and can fight evenly with the King.
No…what am I thinking? He’s a friend, our hero, and my inspiration. Those eyes…I want those eyes.
I know he won’t abandon us, eventually…we will have our vengeance.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Chapter 12 -13: Conflicted (Alyson’s PV)
No…I place the old photo back in my drawer. It’s all in the past.I get ready for school and go downstairs to see Nell cooking. Nell: “Good morning honey.”Alyson: “Good morning Nell. How’s…work?”Nell: “You don’t have to worry about it. We get by and I can handle it.”Alyson: “Why don’t you tell Nao? If all three of us-”Nell: “I’m not blind, I know that there’s something going on with Nao. I don’t know what it is but won’t burden him with this too. I didn’t want to do that to you either but…*smile* you just don’t take no for an answer.”Alyson: “Don’t worry Nell, when I graduate at the top I can help out.”Nell: “You shouldn’t burden yourself Alyson. You should focus on what you want to do with your life, we’ll be fine.”Alyson: “That won’t last forever and besides…it’s the least I can do.”Nell: “Will you…stay for breakfast.”Alyson: “No I…okay.”She beams a tired smile and I return the gesture as best I can. We eat a quick meal together, just the two of us. I don’t know why I don
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Bad Recovery
This…isn’t my ceiling. I blink and feel a tinge of pain across my pain. So…this is reality. I’m probably in the nurse’s office.I swallow and exhale a long breath. Everything that has happened flashes through my head. Nao: “What happens now?”Alyson: “So you’re awake.”!I struggle through the pain and look to my right to see Alyson by my bed. Nao: “What are you doing here.”Alyson: “Is that a problem?”Nao: “No, I’m just surprised.”Alyson: “…”Nao: “…”Alyson: “So, explain yourself.”Nao: “Is it not obvious, Trevor beat me up.”Alyson: “…I mean before all of that.”Nao: “I did the right thing, any humane person would do it.”Alyson: “Those eyes didn’t look human to me.”Nao: “…”Nao: “Maybe not, but I couldn’t sit by and let them beat up my friends like that. If I…have to become a monster-”Alyson: “Don’t finish that. You don’t have to do that.”I begin to retort but something is happening. Alyson’s general seriousness begins to crumble before my eyes. Nao: “What’s with you?”Aly
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Love In a Hopeless Place
*Knock**Knock**Door Open*Alyson: “Come in.”I follow Alyson to her room and to the bed. Despite my hesitation, Alyson pulled me to sit with her. A few minutes passed with no words flowing. Only an awkward silence filled the air. Only Alyson would have the strength to break that silence.Alyson: “Your less…animated than usual. Did you have a bad day too?”Nao: “…You can say that.”Alyson: “Do want to talk about it?”Nao: “I came here for you so lets start there.”Alyson: “…Fine, I’ll go first.”Alyson: *Sigh*Alyson: “My brother got into a fight today, a really bad one. It’s partly my fault but I wish he wouldn’t put himself in these situations.”Nao: “You’re fault?”Alyson: “I shouldn’t have put him on the black list at the time. I was mad and…scared of Nao’s aggressive sudden improvement.”Nao: “That’s a…bad thing?”Alyson: “Not entirely but doing that is only going to hurt in the long run. What he’s trying is just not possible.”Why does she keep saying that!Nao: “Why do you say
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Chapter 16A: Fading (Anthony's PV)
It’s been 2 days since Nao left school but he left a noticeable impact. Trevor, has been training for the rematch, bullies are a bit scared to approach us, and most importantly…Mat: “Man, Alyson has been out of it these days. Her test scores have taken a nose dive.”Anthony: “Nao is still helping us even while suspended.”Velo: “Yeah, he even infused a shield spell onto this ring I got from a cereal box.”Tallow: “But she’s still among the top 20 students in the school both athletically and academically.”Anthony: “It’s enough, soon someone is going to challenge her place as queen.” Mat: “And when Nao comes back, he’ll take the position of King. After what you told us he was fighting evenly with him. I’m sure after a month of training, he’ll be way stronger.”Anthony: “…We’ll see.”I still remember when we went to see Nao yesterday. The focus, the new power, and improved body…he’s even taller now…Anthony: “Hey guys, do you want to try exercising.”Everyone: “No way.”Mat: “Look at
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Chapter 16B: Rising (Alyson's PV)
Tonight, Hillview is getting lucky with a meteor shower. Couples of Hillview, be sure to take advantage of this to-”I change the channel. Why does everything remind me of him? Now I know what Nao felt like back he was rejected for the first time. I shouldn’t have made fun of him, this feels terrible. I look at my phone and the desire to call him consumes me again. No, I’ve called enough. At this point, I’m probably coming off as a stalker. I lost my chance at a love life.Look at me, I can’t even gather the strength to go to school early anymore. But I still have to go. I leave my room and go to the bathroom. At least, I try to but Nao is still inside taking a bath.*Knock**Knock*Alyson: “I still have to go to school Nao, get out already.” *Bathroom door opens*!!Nao: “H-Hey Alyson.”Holy….he…actually looks…hot? How did he get so tall and…well built? I actually have to look up a bit.Nao: “Are you…blushing?”Alyson: “N-No! Your growth spurt just caught me off guard. Out of the w
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Consequences
I say goodbye to my friends and head back to my room. Nao: “Well, that’s all my points gone. Hey Arc, am I ready for virtual reality training level 0?”Arc: “No.”Nao: “Wow, that’s…ridiculous.”Arc: “The function was designed for mages who have transcended peak human levels.”Nao: “I’m…really working up to that point huh? When you say it like that I have to ask what’s even the point of power like that.”Arc: “Don’t remember the shadows?”My heart rate spikes as my mind touches the edges of that memory. Nao: “Y-Yes…but why are they even here? I wish things can go back to normal…kind of.”*Knock**Knock* I go to the door and open it to see Alyson standing at the entrance. She looks a bit…shy.Alyson: “Nao.”Nao: “Alyson.”Alyson: “I can’t be your friend. We’re too different and I don’t expect you to keep this successful run. You should stop before you hurt yourself and disappoint us all.”Nao: “Did you come here to just make me mad?”Alyson: “But! I can be and should’ve been your sis
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Chaos
Nell: “It will be okay….it will be okay.”Nell repeats that through tears but I can’t help but stare down the barrel of those guns. Magic? Murder? It’s all too much to take. What’s even real anymore?Sever: “We got it, move out.”Alyson: “Na-”I try to get up but the rifles move to freeze me in place. Nell: “What are you going to do to my son?”Sever: “…You don’t need to know.”Nell: “…”No…Sever: “Be sure to go to school tomorrow Alyson. We need everything to move as usual. Low suspicion and all that.”I-I’m too scared to move. I couldn’t do anything as Sever dragged Nao out of my life. With a slam of the door, everything starts to settle. A day that was supposed to heal us is instead one where we’re damaged beyond repair. And it’s not even over yet.Alyson: “N-Nell, I need to know what you meant by Nao being a mage.”She’s still holding me in her arms and shaking trying to hold back a flood of tears.Nell: “Alyson…I’ll try to explain. But I don’t know what good it will do….Nao is
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
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
