Beginnings of the Modern Mage

Vengeful Initiate

I wake up and start to think that everything yesterday was a dream. But the slight headache and necklace assures me that things are going to get better.

Nao: “It wasn’t a dream…I’m….not useless anymore.”

I breathe a sigh of relieve and get dressed for new day. I place my school books in my bag and get ready for school.

Through my door and then down stairs.

Nao: “See you mom, I’ll eat school breakfast today.”

Nell: “Wait.”

I stop at the front and turn back around to see mom still making food in the kitchen.

Nell: “Can you check on Alyson? She’s usually up early, I hope everything is alright.”

Nao: “…Okay mom, I’m sure the bit-”

Nao: “-The angel is alright.”

Nell: “Thank you.”

I go back upstairs and knock on Alyson’s equally plain door.

Nao: “Alyson!”

…

…

Nao: “Fine, I’m coming in! I don’t want to be here longer than I have to.”

I open the door with a quiet creak and witness this pristine room. I always blown away by how empty this place. Aside from dolls, a bed and work related materials there’s nothing in here.

But I have to admit, I bet it’s easier to clean and keep this spotless. And there in the corner desk is Alyson seting head down in study papers.

She must have stayed up all night studying? Why? She’s perfect as is.

Alyson: “Mmmmm.”

Let’s shake her a bit but no too hard. I don’t want a punch to the face.

Nao: “Wake up, it’s time for school.”

Alyson: “Just 1 more minute mom, I-”

She turns her head towards me and slowly realizes who’s here to wake her up.

…

…

Alyson: “I must still be dreaming, Nao doesn’t have the balls to touch me.”

Nao: “Well maybe I grew a pair. I won’t be the inferior sibling forever, mark my words.”

Alyson: “You-”

I’m not staying here to get an earful. Let’s leave my war declaration hanging in the air for a bit. I escape back downstairs a little more determined to drag her down.

Nao: “She’s coming.”

Nell: “Okay, you can-”

Nell: “Where did you get those contacts?”

Nao: “What, contacts?”

Nell: “Your eyes, they’re blue.”

Nao: “I huh, got them from a friend…”

Mom’s eyes light up and she runs towards ready to gift a hug.

Nell: “You really got a friend at school, really? That’s great news.”

Nao: “Yep, totally. You can let me go now.”

Nell: “You must invite him over.”

Nao: “Haha, maybe someday.”

Alyson: “You little liar.”

I don’t even need to turn around.

Nell: “Shush you, this is a time to celebrate.”

Nao: “Mom, I need to finish getting ready.”

Nell: “Of course, Alyson are you going to eat here?”

Alyson: “No, I slept in so I have to hurry.”

Nao: “You’re actually on time.”

Alyson: “On time is late in the grown-up world.”

Nao: “Tch, fuc-”

Nell: “Stop you two.”

Nao & Alyson: “…”

Nell: “Why can’t you two get along for one day like you used to. I-I’m going back to the kitchen, I’ll cook only for one today.”

I’m sorry mom, maybe another day.

Alyson: “You don’t look cool you know.”

Nao: “Excuse me?”

Alyson: “Blue eyes, really? That only belongs on sexy men and superstars. It looks wrong on your pudgy face.”

Nao: “So you’re saying my eyes look sexy?”

Alyson: “Tch.”

Nao: “What? Shocked I actually talked back?”

Alyson: “Careful Napoleon, I’ll tolerate you at home but as soon as we’re at school I’ll put you back in your place.”

Whatever, I leave her downstairs and go to the bathroom. I check in the mirror and see it. I really do have beautiful ocean blue eyes.

Nao: “Arc, is this you?”

Arc: “Yes, learning 2 spells caused me to infuse mana into you. All mages have blue except for the elites, and masters. They have purple and silver respectively.”

Nao: “Nice, I love them! Even the bitch complimented them.”

Arc: “It gets better, the more powerful you become the more brilliant they’ll shine.”

Nao: “Great, this with shape shifter will change my life. No one will dare call me Napoleon.”

I take one last long look at my eyes before leaving the bathroom, saying goodbye to mom, grabbing my lunch money and leaving for school.

Nao: “Damn, I should’ve tested a spell on Alyson. Arc are you there?”

Arc: “Yes.”

Nao: “How do I actually cast spells? I got the basic idea down but pulling it off is something else.”

Arc: “Remember, I’ll handle the hard parts. Just say the name in your head, imagine what you want to happen and where. I’ll do the rest.”

I look around the area for a test subject for minor illusion. Across the street stands a man and a woman. Hopefully, they aren’t a couple.

I think of a guy moaning and send the sound between them. Now the sound is going to play but only they will hear it.

Nato: “Minor Illusion.”

Immediately, the girl turns around and slaps the man. Nice, so this is how the magic happens. This will come in handy.

Arc: “Remember it’s a minor illusion, not a full one. Only small sounds and images can be created in people’s heads.

Nato: “Good enough.”

I keep a steady pace and fade into the crowd of students flooding into the building.

Hillview High, home to scum and witchery. Thankfully, Anton doesn’t seem to be here yet. But just in case.

Nao: “Any missions I can do quickly before-”

Anton: “Napoleon, my dude!”

Just like that everyone around scattered to reveal my location. No, this time is different…I can do this.

I turn to face my enemy and focus. First step to success is to learn how strong they are.

Nao: “Scan.”

Anton:

Strength: 16

Endurance: 15

Intelligence: 5

Charisma: 11

Agility: 13

Okay, that’s way higher than me. The others are only weaker by 2 or 3 points in everything but intelligence.

Anton: “What’s with that glare?”

Nao: “N-Nothing.”

They encircle me like mountains and I’m back to being a scared little boy.

Anton: “Don’t give us any bad looks, you’ll give people the wrong idea.

I don’t have to do anything to give people the right idea.

Anton: “Thanks for the pizza money yesterday and the target practice. The boys and I want to do something for you today. Go buy some drinks and snacks from the convince store. We’ll have a party in your honor.”

I can hear the snickers from the other two at this obvious shakedown. My hand instinctual went to grab my lunch money and run until-

3. Stand up for yourself (+5 Points)

Arc is right, time to change. Now or never!

Nao: “S-Sorry, I don’t have money today. B-Besides, I don’t deserve a party thrown for little old me.”

Heh, they’re at a loss for words. But that didn’t last long.

Anton: “Heh, puppy has a mouth all of sudden.”

“Anton, I think I saw something cool behind the school. I think we should check it out.

Anton: “Your right, what’s that? Let’s go Napoleon.”

Nao: “I-I don’t want to.”

Anton: “Excuse me?”

Nao: “I-I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Faster than I could react he lifts me up by my hair with ease.

Anton: “Hehe, did those contact boost your confidence? Don’t worry, I’ll punch those out for you.”

Anton’s such a loser

Anton: “Huh? Who said that!?”

“Huh?”

“Who said what?”

Anton: “Some smart bastard just-”

Anton’s a bitch baby.

He drops and scans the area like a rabid dog. My little distraction seems to be working.

Anton: “Mother fucker! Who said that!”

Everyone increases their pace to get away from the walking time bomb, Including me. I’ll crawl if I have to, anything to live another day.

“Hey, Napoleon is getting away.”

Anton: “Fuck him, I need to find the bastard who’s-”

Anton doesn’t get any I’m sure.

Anton: “That’s it I’m-”

“Anton, the queen is coming.”

Anton: “This late? Fuck, whoever is saying that bull is lucky. Let’s go.”

Good riddance, for once Alyson came in handy.

*Ding*

Points: 5

She’s rarely on time so I’m sure everyone will be here to greet the queen, probably the king too. Even Anton wouldn’t risk that.

Better get out of here and to class before Alyson makes good on that promise. Along the way I wonder what I should do with my points. Wait for shape shift or spend?

Nao: “What spells can I get?”

Magic Missile (3)

Control Water(2)

Light(1)

Mind Reading (4)

Meditation (5)

Nao: “Mind reading I get but what’s meditation?”

Arc: “That’s the other way to increase your height and improve your looks. It cost less than shape shift but the progress is longer on it. I recommend it since the long-term benefits out way the downsides.”

Nao: “What are the long-term benefits?”

Arc: “Shapeshift at the basic level won’t change your stats. You can give yourself a six-pack and large arms but the power that comes with it won’t be there. It’s an illusion while meditation will eventually give you those looks along with the stat increases.”

Nao: “Okay, and how long will meditation take to increase my height to 6 feet at least.”

Arc: “Depends on you but a couple of months on average.”

Nao: “Yeah, no. Maybe after I get shape shift. For now, I’ll save for shape shift.”

Arc: “Your loss.”

Nao: “Next mission?”

4.Full Body Exercise for 20 minutes (+2 Points)

5. Complete School Work (+1 Point)

6. Make a Friend (+1 Point)

Nao: “The hell? I’m a mage why do I have to exercise?”

Arc: “That’s a stereotype, great mages aren’t useless in melee.”

Nao: “…Fine.”

I get to class and sit in my little corner away from the rest of these people. I look at the missions again and sigh at the 3^rd one. How the hell am I supposed to do that with my body.

I focus on the school work for the day which does draw some eyebrows. But it doesn’t matter, I’ll show them all.

*Ding*

Points: 6

One more point until I change my fate. But one more obstacle waits for me at the cafeteria. I get in line and of course, she’s there.

Alyson: “Nao.”

Nao: “Witch.”

Alyson: “I hear you even started paying attention in class. You were serious about this morning.”

Nao: “Deadly.”

Alyson: “So was I.”

*Snap*

Instantly, all the eyes of the cafeteria are directed at me.

Alyson: “You’re my step-brother so I didn’t interfere with your life here but you’re upsetting the balance. Anton will be the least of your troubles.”

My knees buckle under the pressure but I refuse to back down now.

Nao: “I’ll handle it.”

Alyson: “You know it’s almost cute, you like an angry puppy that doesn’t know when to bow its head.”

And you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Arc, buy control water.

Arc: “I wouldn’t recommend using it now. You need to sleep for the spell to be fully integrated.”

I’ll deal with the consequences, get it.

Points: 4

I can wait longer if it means making her miserable.

Nao: “Scan.”

Alyson:

Strength: 9

Endurance: 9

Intelligence: 20

Charisma: 23

Agility: 11

Magic: 1

She’s that smart? but let us see if your charisma will survive this.

*Buzz*

Alyson: “What the?”

*Buzz*

Alyson starts to slap the side of her face and flay around.

“Hey what’s wrong Alyson?”

Alyson: “There’s this bug buzzing around me.”

I won’t just be one. I turn it up a bit.

*Buzz*

Alyson: “!!!”

Alyson is really flaying about crazy now. Trying to slap a bug that’s not there and no one else can see. She begins screaming and eventually…

*Thud*

She falls to the dirty ground to the shocked gasp. But that’s not all, I draw the moisture from the hair to create water around her legs. Making it seem like she pied herself.

“Eww, did she just….wet herself.”

Alyson: “What? No I didn’t! How dare you think that the floor is just wet!”

And then there’s the muffled snickers from the bystanders. Even I can’t help but smile.

Alyson: “You!”

Alyson picks herself up and grabs me by the collar.

Nao: “You can’t blame me for that.”

Alyson: “I don’t know how but I get the feeling that you have something to do with it. I thought you grew out of pranks Nao. But fine, I’ll play your game.”

Alyson: “Everyone, place Nao on the black list.”

*Snap*

Alyson: “Hope this prank was worth it because I don’t think you understand what you’ve done. Am I right, Anton?”

I shudder at the name and turn around to see the mountain that’s Anton.

Anton: “I always held back because he’s your brother. Finally, I can do some real damage.”

Alyson: “As long as it’s not the face so Nell doesn’t complain.”

Nao: “Y-You really a bitch aren’t you?”

*Smack*

The back of my head is throbbing from the slap Anton just gave me. He grabs my head and whispers into my ear.

Anton: “That’s no way to talk to the queen of Hillview, say goodbye to your social life Napoleon. Let’s go.”

Heh, I never had one.

Anton and his goons drag me outside and then to a secluded area in the school.

*Smack*

*Smack*

*Smack*

“Damn those contacts are really in there Anton.”

Anton: “We’re not leaving until I knock that blue out those eyes.”

*Kick*

It hurts.

“Hey, I know you’re frustrated but don’t kill him okay.”

Anton: “Who will miss the little bastard!”

*Kick*

Stop…

Anton: “Best be glad that the king didn’t do this. If he knew that you did that prank on his crush, you’d be dead.”

*Kick*

*Kick*

*Kick*

Why…

Anton: “Don’t pass out now, I’ll beat you until the lesson sinks in. You don’t have the right to fight back, this is where people like you belong. In the dirt.”

Stop. It.

7. Kill Them (+10 Points) [Optional]

!!!

Arc what is this? Why…

Arc: “…”

They’re scum, monsters and don’t deserve forgiveness. It should be me on top, not this scum! What did they do to deserve that position except having a powerful family?

But do they deserve to die?

*Kick*

*Kick*

*Kick*

Anton: “Get up Napoleon, those glares are getting on my nerves.”

*Kick*

Yes, they do. Buy magic missile.

Anton: “You’re finally getting up yourself now huh? Good, let’s keep going.”

Arc book form.

Anton: “What the hell, where did you get that.”

Swap control water with magic missile. Revert to necklace form.

“Cool trick Napoleon, but that won’t save you from a beating.”

*Blast*

Anton: “!!!”

Nao: “Heh, I didn’t expect it to make that big of a burnt hole through your chest.”

“W-What the he-”

*Blast*

Anton: “W-W-What…”

Anton stumbles to the ground and now he’s actually pissing himself. Funny.

*Blast*

Nao: “Now he doesn’t have to feel scared anymore.”

I wipe the blood from my nose and ignore the throbbing in my skull.

*Ding*

Points: 11

Arc: “Why did you kill them?”

Nao: “Because it was the right thing for me to do. They’ll get in my way in the future. Why ask? You’re the one who gave the mission.”

Arc: “Just feeling out what kind of mage you will be. I have a good idea now. I wonder if you’ll put a hole in your sister.”

Nao: “…We’ll see.”

Nao: “Is there some spell I can buy to clean up the bodies.”

Arc: “You’ll sacrifice shape shift?”

Nao: “I’ll get it soon enough, I can’t have their deaths affect my future until I get strong enough to wipe out their families.”

Acid Blast (9)

Nao: “Good, buy it.”

I swapped magic missile with acid blast and melted their bodies to nothing. Then I left it all behind me. Time moved fast after my first kill and felt nothing.

I did my school work despite everyone pretending I don’t exist. I’m on the black list so of course, I’m officially one of the bullied, to be ignored and forgotten. But I refuse to fade away, I will survive this.

The day came to an end and for the first time in years I enjoyed the walk home. I didn’t even need to go to the book store, I’m living the adventure now.

I open the door to my home and see my mother cooking our food.

Nell: “Hello Nao, how was your day?”

Nao: “…Fine. What’s for-”

Alyson: “Move Nao.”

I move to the side to let her through.

Nell: “Hey Alyson, you seem…tense.”

Alyson: “Just another one of those days. I really could use a nice meal.”

Nao: “Me too.”

Nell: “Really?! Oh, I must prepare a big feast for such an occasion. We might as well celebrate Nao getting a friend after so many years.”

Nao: “Mom, come on. You don’t have to do that.”

Alyson: “Tch.”

Nell: “Nonsense, I want to spend time with my two favorite people in the world. It will take some time so relax upstairs until.”

Mom has smiled like that in long while. I can’t help but smile back but its brightness hurts me for someone reason.

I go upstairs and then to my room. As soon I entered and relaxed it all came rushing in. The reason why mom’s smile burns me.

Everything I’ve done, it all caught up to me at that moment. The burnt flesh, melting bodies, and their faces frozen in horror. I throw myself over the trash can and chuck up my lunch.

The full aftereffects from using spells not fully integrated into my mind also crash into me. The pain is squeezing my head like a viper but that’s not what’s important.

Nao: “I-I really killed someone…and I felt nothing? What’s happening to me?”

Arc: “Is that not what you wanted?”

Nao: “I did but now, after seeing mom’s innocent smile…”

Nao: “This is not what I wanted. I don’t deserve it anymore.”

Arc: “It’s the only way to get what you want though, right?”

Nao: “…I’m going to exercise.”

I throw myself in a full-body workout I found on YouTube. Anything to get my mind off of what I did and the inevitable consequences.

For the next hour, I push through the pain and sweet. I didn’t even notice the last-minute spectator.

Alyson: “You done?”

Nao: “I’m not in the mood Alyson.”

Alyson: “Wow, you actually call me by name. You’re actually upset huh? Fine, I don’t want any bloodshed at home. Are you coming for dinner?”

Nao: “Why do you care?”

Alyson: “I don’t, but I do care about Mo-…Nell. I also want to make a deal with you.”

Nao: “Go on.”

Alyson: “I’ll take you off the black list if you stop doing…all this.”

Nao: “…Why do you want me to stop so bad?”

Alyson: “Because you’re going to upset the balance.”

Nao: “What balance?”

Alyson: “Of the world! Losers will be losers and winners will be winners. No one can’t change this.”

Nao: “…Watch me. I refuse that deal.”

Alyson: “…”

Nao: “…”

Alyson: “Good luck with that.”

I wait until Alyson leaves so I can get ready for dinner. I go to the bathroom, wash my face twice, and my hands until I can’t feel anything.

Nao: “*Sigh*”

Nao: “I didn’t do anything wrong, they deserved to die. I’m not like them.”

I spit those words out onto the face reflected in the mirror. The short, pudgy-faced murderer with nice eyes.

Points: 3

I won’t have to look at this face much longer. I turn away from this old me and face an uncertain future.

I go downstairs where mom and Alyson are waiting. I sit down and begin eating. It’s been so long since we ate together but I can’t fully get into it.

The food doesn’t taste as good as it should and I can’t look at mom. Mom…she looked so happy to be together for once. But now I can’t enjoy the smile that drew out mine.

Nell: “Let’s not waste this occasion, let’s take about something fun.”

Alyson: “Like what? Not much to talk about.”

Nell: “Anything interesting happening at school?”

I flinch from the onslaught of memories while Alyson looks at me.

Alyson: “…Not really. I’m still at the top of the school and Nao is still Nao. Nothing changed.”

Nell: “I’m glad you’re doing well at school, you always impress me.”

Alyson: “T-Thanks Nell, I try. Speaking of I need to cut this meal short.”

Nell: “What? Why?”

Alyson: “I’m sorry, I need to buy some important materials for class.”

Nell: “But-”

Alyson scarfed down her food and left us alone in the living room.

Nell: “*Sigh*”

Nell: “Nao, am I a good mother?”

Nao: “O-Of course, you’re a great mom.”

Nao: “We…don’t deserve you.”

Nell: “But you may need me, I’m proud to be your mother.”

Nao: “Really? Why?”

Nell: “I know you don’t strive to improve like Alyson but I know being super successful is necessary to be happy. I had faith you would find your own path.”

Nao: “I-I happy to hear you think so highly of me. But…”

No, just like with the bullies I refuse to add stress to her. I’ll handle this alone. But maybe one small question won’t hurt.

Nell: “What?”

Nao: “Nothing I…just wonder about this school assignment. Can you help me out?”

Nell: “Of course.”

Nao: “It’s a moral question, is there a good reason to kill someone?”

Nell: “What are they teaching you kids these days? I personally think yes, but very rarely. It up to you to decide when such extreme force is necessary.”

Nao: “Really?”

Nell: “It might sound like I’m not answering the questions but that’s how complex the world it is. But I would prefer people didn’t have to kill other people. That’s the world I would like to see.”

Nao: “I see…thanks for the advice. I think I’m tired from the hard day.”

Nell: “I understand, I see you working hard and I’m proud. It seems like you found your path.”

Nao: “Yeah…”

That’s all I could take of her warmth. I left back to my room and flopped on the bed.

Nao: “They were trying to kill me. I defended myself, it’s okay. I did nothing wrong. There was no other way.”

Saying that to myself like a lullaby, I slowly drifted off to sleep.

Nao’s Current Stats:

Strength: 8

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 10

Charisma: 7

Agility: 8

Magic: 8

Active Spells:

Minor Illusion

Acid Blast

Scan