"So..." Walter said, putting his hands into his pocket. He was going to ask the lady which shop he should go to but thought otherwise. With his unnecessary questions, wouldn't the lady consider him stupid?
"Hehe," the lady chuckled, taking off her hood. She had a purple hair and brows with purple charming eyes, features ordinary people didn't have. Walter wasn't surprised. Once someone tolled the path of magic, he or she would undergo changes. Which was why, among other distinguished features, no magician had black eyes. They were either brown, blue, green or even purple. Although, ordinary people also had different eye colours, they had black eyes. This also made it difficult to spot a magician based on his or her eye colour as ordinary people also had different colours of eyes! "You were about to ask me something," the lady said. It was not a question but a statement and Walter understood very well. Swallowing his pride, he said, "I was gonna ask you which shop I would purchase mystical items from." "Mystical items?" the lady raised her purple eyebrows. "It seems you're some rich guy to purchase mystical 'items'." Walter, being a smart person, needed nobody to tell him what the lady meant. What she was trying to tell him was that mystical items were actually very expensive and he should consider buying only one for now! He resisted the urge to gulp a mouth of saliva. "Although all shops here sell powerful mystical items," the lady continued, "they can't compare to Old Gee's shop." "Old Gee? Who's Old Gee?" Walter asked. Then he regretted asking. Now he would look very stupid to the lady. Impatient as he was towards obtaining a mystical item, he waved the thought aside. He even wished that the ground should open and swallow him. Luckily, it was a wish and not a prayer to the Goddess. It was just a normal wish people had everyday. Hehe. "Old Gee is the owner of the shop I just mentioned," the lady said sarcastically. Then she added, "You'll have to follow me." Walter nodded and then asked, "What's your name?" "My real name or pseudonym? the lady chuckled. "Too bad we don't use real names here just like we don't reveal our identities. Oh! I revealed my identity because this is not even my real identity. It's more like a mask." Walter almost knelt down and thanked the Goddess that he didn't remove his cap when the lady took off her hood. He would have even been recognized as the Arcane Guard who had made a groundbreaking record in solving cases. "Your pseudonym then," Walter almost sighed. He was weak and tired from the whole incident. "I'm called the Purple Lady," the lady said with a smile. "The Purple Lady." Yeah, it's so obvious, Walter said inwardly. Purple Lady. Purple Lady didn't say anything again and began walking, Walter following behind. Without turning back, she said, "Just keep close to me. Don't stray away." Seriously? Walter's face turned purple out of embarrassment. What was this lady seeing him as? A stray dog? Suppressing the embarrassment in his blood, Walter asked, "So, what Magic School are you?" "School of Thaumaturgy," Purple Lady said. She didn't even turn back to glance at Walter who was engaging her in a conversation. It was pretty obvious she didn't fancy conversations. Huh? Why's everyone coming into the School Of Thaumaturgy? Walter frowned behind her. There were many Arcane Guards at the Arcane Safety Department and sorcerers at Hands Of Arcane these days who were of the School Of Thaumaturgy. The School Of Thaumaturgy was growing popular these days. "What's your Array?" Walter asked, squeezing through the crowd of people who were walking randomly. His eyes were fixed on Purple Lady lest he lost her. He wasn't afraid he would lost her as he could quickly use the Tracker wind spell to locate her. "Tsk..." Purple Lady stopped abruptly and turned around, making Walter almost bump into her. Walter stopped in his tracks, his face carrying a horrified look. What's the matter now? What's with that sudden reaction? "You don't tell your Array to any random person," she said. "In fact you don't tell your Array to anybody at all. Not even the person you trust most." "..." But everyone knows my Array at the Arcane Safety Department, Walter complained inwardly. Maybe that's because it's the Arcane Safety Department. "And now you'd like to keep your mouth shut," she continued. "I can't walk, dodge people and answer unnecessary, unending questions at the same time. I'm not some sort of artificial intelligence." But you can turn abruptly, Walter almost rolled his eyes. But then, he nodded to the lady. "Now try to tag behind as fast as you can," Purple Lady said. "I'm doing you a favour even though I have other stuffs to do—my personal stuffs." Walter frowned. So? What do you want from me? A gift? A worship? An applaud? It was not that Walter was ungrateful. He was actually grateful to Purple Lady for taking her time to show him around. But then, he felt she was too proud. On top of that, he also felt what she deserved from him was a sincere 'thank you' and nothing more. He was an Arcane Guard, fighting crimes and solving cases. He had curtailed several criminals in MythVille and discovered crypts by himself. He had gone through so much trouble for the Arcane Safety Department. But then, not one of the citizens ever told him thank you. It was as if he was wasting his time as an Arcane Guard, doing some charity work. Purple Lady continued walking, dodging the crowd of people and taking bends which Walter didn't know. Although she was walking hastily, she didn't bump into anybody. Walter was ashamed of himself after observing this. A girl did not bump into anyone while he had actually bumped into several people and had to spend time apologizing to them. Finally, she took another unknown bend and stopped at a shop. Squeezing through the crowd of people, she got into the shop, Walter following behind her. An old man with white hair and beard, who was attending to his customers cast his glance at the duo. His saggy eyes peered at them from head to toe, then his dry lips curled up into a smile. Old Gee. "To what do I owe this visit, Purple Lady?" the old man maintained his amiable smile. Brown old robes, Walter thought, brown eyes. He at least has magic and he should be at least at Array four. After having these thoughts, Walter nearly burst out laughing. His usage of 'at least' amused him. "This man here wants to purchase a powerful mystical item," Purple Lady replied, looking at Walter who was immersed in his thoughts. "So, what's your name?" Old Gee asked, frowning slightly. He had never seen this face and was quite suspicious. "My real name or pseudonym?" Walter asked, imitating Purple Lady. "Sigh..." Old Gee sighed, "another newbie." Hearing Old Gee's impression on him, Walter nearly vomited blood. This was someone's impression on him! Quickly correcting himself, Walter replied, "I'm the Lex Talionis[1]." The inspiration of his name came from his yearning for vengeance. Lex Talionis was the perfect name that matched his persona right now. "Lex Talionis..." Old Gee muttered as if in a deep thought. "I don't like vengeful people." I don't like illegal business owners either, Walter snorted inwardly. We both don't like each other so it's a draw. "So, Lex Talionis, what kind of mystical item do you want to purchase?" Old Gee asked, stroking his white beard. "Hey! I came before him!" a man yelled, pissed of that Old Gee had attended to Walter before him. Before Old Gee replied, Purple Lady had already shot the man a scowl. Cringing, the man shut his mouth up. Seriously? Walter turned to look at her. Are you dreaded this much? "So, what item do you want to purchase?" Old Gee asked. "What type?" Walter who wasn't good at making decisions took the initiative to ask, "You have items from all the Schools, right?" "Schools of what?" Old Gee scoffed sarcastically. "Black Form magic? Sorry, I don't have such item." Walter's facial muscles twitched. He had received more embarrassments today than any day but he still replied, "Uh, I dunno." "Hehe, then I'll choose for you to save 'my' precious time," Old Gee said and went further into the shop. Walter took this short moment to observe the shop. There were several mystical items there, all of them exuding powerful auras. They were so many that it seemed 'infinite' to him. In a couple of minutes, the old man came with a small mirror which could fit perfectly into an adult palm. The mirror was round and had golden frames. Walter peered at the so-called mystical item and then asked, "What's that? What Magic School is it from? Old Gee chuckled, "It's from the School Of Astrology—a powerful item. It's called the Imaginary Cluster." Imaginary Cluster? Walter frowned slightly. Isn't that similar to Embers Ad Infinitum's Star Cluster Hall?[2] "It's an Array six mystical item," Old Gee continued. "It's equivalent to Array six, Fate Warlock of the School Of Astrology. It has powerful abilities as well as side effects. I'm gonna tell you the abilities first." Walter listened with piqued interest. He wanted to get every detail about the mystical item. He didn't want to march into battle against his enemy without having any knowledge about his 'own' trump card. "This item has the ability to change target's fate. It can also see into the future and past. Simple as it may seem, it is freaking powerful! This is a middle Array item and it can freaking affect the whole world. I forgot to tell you that it can use the abilities of the other Arrays before it. Hehe," Old Gee said. "Huh? Affect the whole world?" Walter asked. "Shouldn't you keep the item for yourself?" "That's why I'm a business man," Old Gee chuckled. "Okay, now let's get back to the side effects." I hope the disadvantages is not more than the advantages, Walter mused. "First side effect...it can be used only twice in a day so be mindful what you use it for or the chance of winning the enemy would be slim... "Second side effect...it's unpredictable. Trying to change your fate, you'd end up getting a worst fate. "Third side effect...it feeds on your Magical Body and would leave you in a devastating state after use. "Fourth side effect... it's a sentient item which loves talking a lot. You need to engage in long conversations with it. Sometimes, it'd become friendly and won't feed on your mana. "Fifth side effect...it loves petting...and then the sixth side effect...it loves playing pranks," Old Gee said. Hearing the fifth and last side effects, Walter couldn't help but frown. Was the item some sort of pet or kid? What's up with the petting and pranking? "So what's the price?" Walter decided to purchase it anyway. "One hundred dollars," Old Gee said. One hundred dollars for an item which can destroy the whole world, sweet. Walter took out his $100 notes and paid. Old Gee then gave him the mirror. Immediately Walter touched the mirror, he felt his Magical Body being drained slightly. Then he began hearing whispers. He quickly stuffed the item into his pocket, fearing his Magical Body would be affected significantly if he continued maintaining contact with it. Later, Purple Lady escorted Lex Talionis Walter out of the shop. Walking, Walter felt joyous. He has purchased a powerful item and now he was going to have his revenge! [1] Lex Talionis It is the latin term for, 'talion'. It is a principle developed in early Babylonian law and present in both biblical and Roman law that criminals should receive punishment based on the injuries and damages they had inflicted on their victims. The punishment is usually the same as the injuries and damages inflicted. [2] Star Cluster Hall This term appeared in the book, "Embers Ad Infinitum" by the Cuttlefish That Loves Diving. It is a place where the awakened first enter after the awakening. Here the awakened exchange his abilities for specified prices.Walter got home successfully without encountering any Arcane Guard. He was even happier he didn't meet anyone at home; he wouldn't have been able to survive the nagging. He was about collapsing into the chair when he saw a piece of paper on the table. On closer look it was not a piece of paper. It was an envelope. A letter? Not suspecting anything, he reached out his hand, taking the envelope. Then he opened it and took out the letter—it read: "Dear Walter, I've lived with you for so long, in happiness and in grief, through summer and autumn. I've gone through a lot with you and would have continued doing so...But, you never listened to me! You were all about the Arcane Guard! You never cared for me or your daughter Amber. Oh! I remember she's not even your daughter...she's your stepdaughter. And that's why you don't give her maximum care—that's why you don't give us maximum care! "Guess what? I've decided to leave you till you reconsider. I'm not abandoning you or leaving fo
Rumble! The lightning and thunder became grave as the wind whistled through the house. Then there was a heavy downpour of rain, pattering against the roof like large hailstones which seemed to tear through the roof and soak the individuals inside. Walter wiped his mouth and clenched his fists, keeping a fighting stance. His eyes were narrowed, looking intently at the man—he didn't dare lose his guard. Whoosh! There was a gust of wind as the man rushed towards him, clenching his katanas tightly. With each step he took, he seemed to be moving in the air. Swoosh! The blades cut through the air like blades of fans, spinning towards Walter who wondered how someone could wield a katana like that. He didn't even know the swordsmanship as he only mastered a few martial arts—a few deadly ones. Walter's back curved backwards, his feet flying off the ground. They moved so gracefully, dancing towards the pair of katanas. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! The slashing became intent, the katanas fill
Dark Alley, South Suburb Some minutes later... Several Arcane Guards had trooped in, taking a clean sweep of the environment. Most of them were scanning the environment with magic while some were interrogating the residents at the street. The alley was crowded with Arcane Guards that all the residents could not help but wonder what was going on—why there was a sudden gust of Arcane Guards into the alley. But of course, they couldn't ask. It was none of their business anyway. In Walter's house, a team of five Arcane Guards moved about with utmost responsibility. They were searching for clues around the house. This team was Unit 006, the Goddess's Eye, the team saddled with the responsibility of attending to criminal cases that night. They were mostly sorcerers from the School Of Astrology. All of them were awed at the bloody scene as they walked about. When one of them came across the fragments of Dan's heart, he couldn't help but gape in shock. The fight was very horrible i
The sun seeped into the room accompanied by brightness and warmth. The brightness and warmth dispelled the darkness and coldness which had been loitering around since night till dawn like hungry tramps.Accompanied by the light was the chirping of birds, singing happily about the bright new day. Then came the talking which toned up into shouting and then into babel of voices which rose into the atmosphere and became what could be described as 'perfect' noise.Walter who had not slept up till morning couldn't help but stand up from the chair he was sitting on and reached out his right hand to grab the brown waistcoat which was resting on the table.Hearing that his whole relatives had been captured by Castor and that he demanded a mystical item as a ransom, he couldn't help but feel tense all through the night. Although he was off duty, he wanted to go to the Arcane Safety Department and ask about the mystical item from Wilfred, the team leader. He hasn't heard of anything called the B
After thinking for a long period of time, Walter finally came up with what you could call a perfect plan. He hadn't been so pleased all his life that he had to narrate his plan to the talkative Imaginary Cluster."So, you're gonna visit the museum this afternoon?" a puzzled face appeared on the mirror with the right eyebrow raised higher than the left."Yes," Walter nodded in a satisfactory way. To him, his plan was the best plan he had ever come across. Not even MCs in movies could contend with him now, so he thought."What are you gonna do at the museum?" Imaginary Cluster asked. Hearing this, Walter knew what was coming his way.Taking a deep breathe, Walter replied, "I'm gonna take a detour around the Museum this afternoon to familiarize myself with the place.""Oh!" Imaginary Cluster's voice became more excited than ever. "I see...So you're now Sherlock Holmes. Too bad you cannot be as smart as he was."Walter's face turned pale. Imaginary Cluster, can you learn some manners and
The Museum, MythVille CityA lofty building stood in a very beautiful environment which exuded significance, differentiating it from the 'everyday' buildings around. The building was a perfect work of architecture, archaic in nature. It was very beautiful and has this 'mystical' exuberance.This was the city's museum. Not only did it keep ancient sculptures and relics but also mystical artefacts over the years.After getting his ticket at the ticket room, Walter had made his way to the permanent exhibition room.Here, he discovered that he was not the only person visiting. There were about twenty students and two teachers in the room as well, all of them fascinated by the galleries. The Museum curator was a man in his late 40s and had this air of profoundness around him. No doubt, he was very knowledgeable."This is the Ancient Tongue," the Museum curator said, showing down a black book. "This book contains the Ancient Tongue language."The students all widened their eyes with piqued
Office of the Arcane Safety HeadDamien Hastle was seated behind a brown desk, reading a book. With the runes and strange languages in the book, it was obvious he was reading a book about magic.Auburn hair, sea blue eyes and beautiful lips made him an exceptionally handsome man with an intriguing demeanour.He was focused on the rune book which lay before him, reading with all manner of seriousness. He wanted to increase his knowledge about magic so that he could cultivate his Magical Body and advance quickly to the High Magic Array. He had been in the Array Seven for two years now without any development and this was making him impatient with advancing.Advancing to High Magic Arrays was very difficult and dangerous—a mixture of the two with a higher tone. Unlike the Low and Middle Arrays where sorcerers had to build up their Magical Bodies before advancing, High Magic Arrays were not like that. They needed some kind of ritual and this ritual could take days, months and years! It wa
The faces gnarled as their heads flew towards the teams of Arcane Guards and sorcerers. Their faces became paler and paler, losing all form of luster. The teams couldn't help but gape in horror as these horde of creatures swarmed towards them. And to think that the whole woods was filled with these swarming creatures made everything eerie!All the teams quickly casted the Magical Barrier spell in oneness before they even used their mystical items. This was because the heads were moving very fast and had almost neared them. Using any mystical item in this situation would result to them losing vigilance, giving the creatures a wide array of chances to chew off their bodies.Seeing the magical barriers, the creatures didn't lose hope. Instead wide smiles appeared on their faces as if they were telling the teams that their collective effort to ward them off was in vain. They opened their mouths and long tongues slithered out of them, green liquids drooling over their mouths. On a closer