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Humans, the most diverse race in our world. Considered weak to some, but overwhelmingly powerful for many.
Unlike other races, they're born with mana flowing through their bodies. This allows them to perform Magic.
Magic. It's been a few hours since I have learnt of it. Silas, my care taker? So to speak. Gave me a book to read, while he went outside to hunt with sliver. I'll admit, I. Myself wanted to tag along with them. But due to my weak body at the moment, I can not move around freely as I would hope.
Sighing in disappointed at my own body, I placed the book, I had in my hand on the table next to me.
And relax by laying back against the chair, closing my eyes in the process. Taking in a few deep breaths.
After what felt like hours, I opened them again. Still. Nothing.
Sigh, I guess I truly don't have any mana inside me? The thought of it alone felt suffocating to think about. I, Alter. Couldn't perform what all others could? ..
Sigh, if I can't be useful to Silas. He might kick me out sooner or later… uhh or until that friend of his comes to heal me. Come to think of it, why is she still not here? It's been a few days now since Silas told me about his friend, that would come. But for some odd reason, she still hasn't arrived yet.
I tried asking Silas himself a few times. But no luck, always the same response.
"She will be here sooner or later kiddo, now relax a bit, okay? Good "
I never understand how this man thinks. Trying my best to stand up, I felt my legs almost give out. It wasn't like the time, I woke up in the woods. No. I, couldn't move. It's like the life in me. Was tired. And only had enough strength to keep my brain functioning. But even that, was functioning at low levels.
Leaving those thoughts alone for now. I coughed up blood..
"T.. this..is not good huh.."
My body was getting weaker by the second.
But still. I want to look around more, I'm sure Silas and Sliver will figure something out
"I a-am.. the useless o-one..a-after all haha.." I mattered to myself, My eyes growing heavy.
This old house stood on a hill, overlooking the forest. that I woke up in. Silas said it belonged to a strange old man who collected books and swords. He did not give me his name though, Nobody dared to go near it, and the forest all together.
That explained why I couldn't find anyone even after wandering around for so long, nobody was in the forest to begin with—well expect Silas of course. I thought to myself, opening the door to one of the rooms, I haven't entered since arriving here.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the creaky door and slowly starting walking inside. It was unlocked. I hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside.
The first thing that hit me was the smell—old paper, dust, and something else, something metallic. The room was dim, the windows covered with heavy curtains. Books were everywhere. They lined the walls, stacked on tables, and piled on the floor. It was as if the room itself was made of books.
As I ventured further inside, pushing my body to its limits. I noticed the swords. They were scattered around, leaning against bookshelves, lying on tables. They were old, some rusted, but they still held a certain sharpness. I picked one up, its weight surprising me. It felt strangely familiar in my hand.
The House was silent, except for the occasional creak of the floorboards and the faint rustling of pages. It was a silence that held secrets, a silence that invited exploration.
Did he keep this room unlocked so I could enter it or am I reading too much into it? I thought as
I began to wander, drawn by the titles of the books. They were a mix of everything - history, fantasy, science, poetry. I picked one up, a thick volume bound in leather. It was a collection of ancient myths and legends.
I will have to come back here someday, to read some of this stuff if I survive my injuries I thought flipped through the pages.
Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me.
I turned around, startled, and saw a figure standing in the doorway. It was a beautiful young women, tall and thin, with long white hair and piercing blue eyes. SHe was dressed in a simple robe.
"You shouldn't be here," she said, her voice sweet but firm.
I was taken aback but I stood my ground. "I'm sorry," I said. "I am just looking around while waiting for Silas, I mean no harm "
The lady's eyes softened slightly. "Silas..." he murmured. "Yes, that idiot is still looking out for people"
"Are you the friend he keeps talking about?? " I asked. Feeling sure about it.
"I am," She replied. "My name is Elias. "
"I'm Alter" I responded. "I'm the kid he told you about, the one with no memories and can't be healed "
Elias looked at me for a long moment, as if trying to gauge my intentions.
"....."
She stayed silent, her eyes looked dead as she asked..
"Who named you that?" Her voice was still sweet and firm
"Silas did, since I didn't have one—he decided to name me"
"...I..see.."
" Right..Uhm can I ask—" before I could ask my question, she responded with her own. While her eyes gazed around the room searching for something.
"Alter, right. Tell me, where is Silas right now?"
"Huh? Uhm.. well I don't really know the location, but he said he'll be going hunting far east from here—" before I could finish my sentence, my body gave out. As I fell to the group, slowly losing consciousness. With the last thing I see being Elias, rushing over to me with her hand having a small dim light glow.
As I passed out...