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2024-10-29 19:42:56I 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 3rd 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
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…Wake Up……Nao……Arthur……Alphon……Wake Up…My eyes explode open and I feel fire boiling my flesh causing me to scream in agony. Blood pours out of my mouth and my lungs burst open only to reform again.This pain is…too much. Why am I going through this? What is happening? Instantly, I feel bugs slithering on my legs and arms, holding me down. Forcing me into the flames.I fight back, struggle, and push away the bugs but their grip on me tightens. Not again, I don’t want to die again. “Nao!”*Door flings open*“What happened?!”“Sorry, he’s just having a really bad nightmare.”More bugs crawl into my mouth eating up the blood flooding it. No, please don’t crawl in there! NO!“Let me through!”No! Not another one! Get bac-“Nao, wake up! Please honey, wake up.”Nao: “Huh?”Another bug consumes my form but it’s…warm. My body cools and the flames subside. The skin that was torn and burnt returns. My vision clears and I see bodies without faces. My eyes slide over to the girl hovering a
Beginnings of the Modern Mage I’m Going To Put a Spell Inside You
Alyson: “Alphon, nice name.”Nao: “Not as good as Alyson but I do like how our names begin and end the same way.”Alyson: “Sounds like you believe in destiny.”Nao: “Not fully, but I understand some things are set in stone. Few things are in our control.”Alyson: “You have a good head on your shoulders.”Alyson: (Nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks like this.)Nao: “So what do you do for fun around here?”Alyson: “I don’t really do fun.”Nao: “Come on, we’re young. If not now then when?”Alyson: (Don’t tell me he’s a party junky.)Nao: “As long as it’s not parties or loud noise I’m fine.”Alyson: (Dodged a bullet there pal.)Alyson: “So what kind of fun are you looking for?”Nao: “Some place I can relax with someone interesting. Up for it.”Alsyon: “When you put it like that, I do have some areas in mind. I haven’t…really been before but there’s a first for everything.”Alyson: (I’ve been letting Nao get into my head too much. I guess I do need a break and this guy seems cool
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Looming Shadows
My eyes slip open to a bright day filled with warmth. I breathe a sigh of relief that the only pain I feel is a slight headache.I complete my morning routine mixed with my daily exercise.*Ding*Points: 10Today is the first real date with Alyson but I don’t know how to do this. Should I call or should I wait?*Ring*It’s Alyson! Guess I don’t have to rip my hair out over this.Alyson: “Sorry if I woke you up Alphon.”Nao: “No, I’m fine.”Alyson: “Are you okay, you sound…different.”Shoot!Nao: “Sorry, morning drowsiness messing up my throat. Give me a minute.”Alyson: “Take your time, I’ll call back in 15.”*Hangs up*Really?! Do I have to live as Alphon even in my room just in case she calls? No, all I need to do is change my upper body. I’m fine, I can do this. I calm down and close my eyes. In a few moments, my face and neck look and hopefully sounds like, Alphon. But it feels weird to look like this without the whole package. Oh well, I’ll play some games until sh-*Ring*Oh,
Beginnings of the Modern Mage Suspicions & Growth
He stands over us covering the moment with oppressive shadows. Seemingly oblivious to where he is, the man emits intense killing intent. Even if help were to come they would be too frozen by fear to step up.I instinctively put my arm in front of Alyson which earns a raised eyebrow from Sever. Sever: “And you are?”Nao: “Alphon, what does such a dangerous guy want from my friend.”Sever: “You seemed more than friends.”Alyson: “Relax Alphon, I got this.”She moves my arm away and stands up against Sever. Usually, Alyson commands any ring she steps into against this guy, she looks as small as me.Alyson: “What do you want with my brother?”Sever shoots me a glance but quickly returns to Alyson, meeting her glare with his own.Sever: “I rather we discuss this away from strangers.”It’s my turn to get up and stand up against Sever. I might be taller by a small inch but I still feel like I’m still the young kid in the situation. Despite that, I puff up my chest and enter the fray.Nao: “
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
