Chapter:1,2,3,4
Chapter 1: The Child Without Magic
In the vast, dazzling city of Overlight, crystal skyscrapers and domes of magical light seemed to touch the sky. It was a place where magic shaped everyone's life. Starting at the age of four, children revealed their Arcane Affinity and received a Magic Rank, ranging from F to S, then Nation, and finally the prestigious International Rank. But for Kael, a five-year-old boy with messy brown hair and dreamy eyes, this day was not filled with joy.
"Still nothing?" a teacher asked, frowning.
Kael shook his head, a little ashamed. All the other students had already triggered their magical auras. Some produced flames, others levitated objects, and even a girl his age had summoned a dragonet of light.
For him, nothing. No seal, no energy flow, just silence in his mind. And that worried everyone.
"Maybe he's... an extinct one?" another child whispered. "Those without an arcana."
Kael didn't answer. The word sounded like a condemnation. To be "extinct" was to never have access to magic. To be forever weak in a world where strength was measured by rank and arcana.
---
On the way home, Kael walked alone. His home was in a working-class neighborhood of Overlight, but even there, everyone seemed to shine brighter than him. Young people were training their arcana on magical grounds, drawing colorful seals in the air representing their powers.
Kael looked up at the sky and sighed. Why him?
He entered his home, and his mother greeted him with a tender smile. She never said a word about his magical delay. She believed in him.
"Your time will come, Kael," she said, placing a warm hand on his head. "Maybe you're just... different."
Kael smiled weakly. But deep down, a storm was brewing.
---
The Arcana of the World
The world of Arcanum is based on ten primordial Arcana. Every human being is born potentially linked to one of them. These arcana influence magic, personality, and sometimes even destiny:
1. The Emperor – Power of domination, control and command magic.
2. The High Priestess – Magic of knowledge, soul-reading, and premonition.
3. The Chariot – Magic of speed, teleportation, and mastery of space.
4. The Force – Raw power, physical transformation, bestial magic.
5. The Lover – Emotional magic, empathy, influence of the heart.
6. The Hermit – Magic of shadow, silence, invisibility.
7. The Wheel of Fortune – Magic of chance, alteration of luck.
8. Justice – Magic of truth, judgment, purification.
9. The World – Magic of creation, barrier, universal invocation.
10. The Fool – The Forbidden Arcana. Unstable mastery of the other arcana, manipulation of celestial fire, shadows, the dead, and divine spells.
But no one ever speaks of the Fool without shuddering. He is taboo, dangerous… uncontrollable.
---
That evening, Kael dreamed. He was standing in a place made of stars. A hooded figure watched him from afar, but he couldn't hear what it was saying. He woke with a start, his heart pounding.
The next day, everything resumed as if nothing had happened.
But in the shadows, Kael's destiny slowly began to unfold...
---Arcana Obscura – Chapter 2: The Newcomer
Morning slowly broke over Tokyo, bathing the city in a pale and misty light. In apartment 6C, on the eighth floor of a modest tower, a soft alarm vibrated. Under the covers, Kael stirred before opening his eyes.
He stayed still for a moment, listening to the outside world: distant honking, quiet footsteps in the hallway, the whistle of a brave little bird.
Then he whispered to himself:
— Today's the day…
First day at Luxmundi Academy. New city. New school. And still no sign of magic.
He got up slowly and stepped into the warm shower that helped him fully wake up. Water streamed down his thin frame, and he stared at his reflection in the fogged-up mirror. A child's face, eyes full of questions, hair still messy.
He dressed simply: black pants, a slightly oversized white shirt, and the navy-blue uniform jacket provided by the academy.
In the kitchen, breakfast was already waiting. Soft, stacked pancakes with a glass of soy milk beside them. He sat down and began eating in silence.
— Eating well? came a calm voice behind him.
Kael looked up at his father, Valentin Aetherion, a tall man with silver hair tied in a low ponytail, wearing a long black coat embroidered with golden symbols. A former S-rank intelligence mage, Valentin once manipulated the secret flows of the Empire on covert missions. A specialist of the Hierophant Arcana, his healing and light powers were known across the magical world.
— Yeah, Kael replied. Thanks, Dad.
— You ready? I'll take you. The building's huge, but you'll find your classroom easily.
Another voice, lively and gentle, echoed from the next room:
— Don't forget your mana case!
It was Selene Aetherion, his mother. A former S-rank swordswoman, once feared among the Judgelame order, wielding the legendary Judgment Blade, known to cut through illusions, lies, and even spells.
Kael grabbed the case.
— Thanks, Mom!
— Good luck on your first day! And remember: always look people in the eyes, even when you doubt.
A few minutes later, Kael and his father walked in silence to the car parked beneath their building. The sky was grey, almost suspended.
Inside the vehicle, Valentin held the steering wheel without starting the engine.
— You know, he said slowly, you don't have to prove anything to anyone. Not today.
Kael turned his face toward the window.
— Easy for a former S-rank mage to say.
Valentin smiled, bittersweet.
— Leave the titles behind. What matters is what you build yourself. Not what you inherit.
Silence lingered. Then the engine roared to life.
---
Luxmundi Academy stood tall at the heart of a revitalized district of Tokyo. It was a massive building, a blend of modern glass and ancient stone, suspended between past and future. Students in uniforms were already bustling across the plaza—some laughing, others focused on their magic scrolls.
Kael stepped out of the car. His father gave him one last look.
— You've got this.
He nodded and headed toward the grand entrance. He pushed the door open. Instantly, dozens of eyes turned toward him. Curiosity. Hostility. Contempt. The expressions varied, but none carried the warmth of welcome.
Even some teachers seemed to glance past him.
Why...?
He forced himself to walk tall, fists clenched to stay calm. He passed through several hallways, checking the map on a nearby screen. Room D… Class 1-A… Office 7… Seat D-5.
He found the room. The desks were arranged in neat rows, each marked with a code: A-1, A-2, all the way to E-8.
D-5. There. A desk in the middle, toward the back. He approached it, noticing it was a two-seater. His eyes drifted to the seat beside his—D-4. Occupied. By a girl.
He sat down carefully, stealing a glance at her. She had long blond hair tied back, her delicate face focused on a notebook. Then, slowly, she turned her head.
Their eyes met. Kael's heart started pounding. He blurted out:
— H-h-hi…! Uh… what's your name?
She watched him for a second before answering in a calm, gentle, almost melodic voice:
— Althéa.
His heart skipped a beat.
— And you?
He swallowed hard.
— Kael. Kael Aetherion.
— Nice to meet you, Kael.
She gave him the faintest smile. Subtle, but sincere.
And in that suspended moment, he forgot all the hostile stares. All the whispers. For the first time in a long while, someone had spoken to him… without judgment.
Arcana Obscura – Chapter 3: The Spark
Soft light filtered through the tinted windows of the classroom. Outside, the wind stirred the branches of an old cherry tree, and a sunbeam cast golden rings on the floorboards. Kael sat quietly in his seat. The other students whispered in hushed voices, but he stared blankly into space, his thoughts elsewhere.
Althéa sat next to him in silence, her arms folded on the table.
— You know, she said softly, you don't need to look so down.
Kael turned his head slightly toward her.
— I think… you're stronger than me.
She raised an eyebrow in surprise.
— No. Maybe it's the opposite.
— You're joking, right? I don't even have an Arcana. Not a single ability. Just… emptiness.
Althéa drew in a deep breath, as if preparing to say something important.
— I don't think you're empty. You know, you can still become a hero without powers. The world's wrong about what true strength is. Having power is fine, but it doesn't replace courage or will.
Kael looked at her, touched by her words.
— You're a Caster, aren't you? Easy to say when you've got magic…
She shook her head.
— I'm not a Caster. I'm a swordswoman.
His eyes widened.
— Seriously?
— Yeah. And I master a technique called Scarlet Eclipse.
She leaned closer, like sharing a secret.
— It's a combat style born from Chaos Control. It channels unstable mana. When I trigger it, my energy turns wild, almost burning. Fights become intense, raw. I learned it training with the Judgelames… It earned me a Crimson License.
— W-wow… At least you've got real power.
She smiled faintly, almost sadly.
— Maybe. But sometimes I'd trade all of it just to have peace. Power brings responsibilities. And stares.
Suddenly, the door slammed open.
A man walked in. Tall, imposing, dressed in a dark coat with golden trim. His well-groomed beard and heavy boots gave him the look of a battle-worn veteran.
— Good morning, everyone, he said in a deep voice. I'm your new instructor for this term. My name is Mike.
He stepped forward and wrote on the board with a piece of white chalk:
> Today's Lesson: Combat Resistance
— If I'm counting right, he said, sweeping the room with his gaze, there are sixty-four students in this room. Perfect. That's a good number to learn… how to survive.
Nervous laughter broke out in the back. Mike turned slowly toward them, then continued.
— Today you'll learn one of the core principles of Luxmundi Academy. Power is meaningless without resistance. A strong attack can be decisive. But if you collapse after one hit, you've already lost.
He drew a triangle on the board.
— Combat resistance is built on three pillars. Remember them well.
He tapped each corner with his finger.
— 1. Physical resistance: the base. Endurance, toughness, the ability to get back up. No matter how strong your magic is—if your body can't keep up, it'll betray you.
— 2. Mental resistance: the art of staying calm in chaos. Not panicking when everything falls apart. It's what separates a warrior from a reckless kid with a sword.
— 3. Magical resistance: more complex. It depends on your affinity, mana flow, and your Arcana bond. Without training, some spells will burn you from the inside.
He paused, staring intently at the class.
— The coming days will be tough. But necessary. You'll be tested—individually and in teams. Prepare your minds… and your muscles.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Kael felt drained. Mike's words still echoed in his mind—so did Althéa's.
When he got home, he dropped his bag and collapsed onto his bed.
— Why don't I have an Arcana? Why me…?
He sighed deeply, staring at the ceiling.
— But at least… I made a new friend.
A voice drifted from the hallway:
— Oh really? You made a new friend? What's her name?
He flinched.
— Mom! It's not nice to eavesdrop!
Selene stepped in, arms crossed, wearing a teasing smile.
— Sorry. Old habit. Just… curious.
— Her name's Althéa.
— Althéa… Pretty name.
— Mom…
— Alright, alright. I get it. I'll stop asking.
Kael pulled his blanket over himself.
— Good night…
— It's barely five in the afternoon, sweetheart…
But he didn't answer. Sleep was already claiming him.
---
The dream came again. Like every night.
The black plain. The sky frozen in eternal twilight. No sound. Just the silent wind.
And her.
The silhouette.
Always the same. Cloaked in black. Still. But this time… she held out her hand.
— Take my hand. Fool of the Arcana. You've been chosen.
Her voice was clearer now. Realer. Kael slowly reached out…
But a jolt made him startle awake. His heart raced.
— That dream again… That same silhouette…
He rubbed his sweaty face.
A faint clinking noise came from the hallway. His door creaked open. Selene appeared, holding a mug.
— You're up? she asked softly.
— Yeah… bad dream.
She entered, handing him the cup.
— Chamomile. To calm your mind.
Kael sipped it, then asked:
— Mom… you'll laugh, but I keep dreaming of a black silhouette. She talks to me. Holds out her hand… like I'm supposed to follow her.
Selene didn't laugh. She sat gently at the edge of his bed.
— Dreams have power. Sometimes… they reveal what your heart refuses to admit.
He stared at her, unsettled.
— Aren't you going to the basketball game with your friends tonight? she asked, changing the subject.
Kael turned away.
— Mom… I don't have a single friend.
Silence.
— …Sorry.
— It's fine. I don't need friends.
— Where are you going then?
— Just out for a walk.
— You don't want your lunch?
— No, Mom.
— Alright… well, it's gone now anyway.
She left. Kael stayed alone. In silence. And when he opened his right palm… he thought he saw a faint red glow flickering, like a dying ember.
Arcana Obscura – Chapter 4: The Awakening of the Fool
The air was cool and damp as Kael and his father walked toward the gates of Luxmundi Academy. Early morning fog still lingered between the tall buildings of Tokyo, as if trying to resist the sunrise.
Kael looked up at the grand archway in front of the school—his new world, looming tall, cold, and vast.
— You sure you're okay? asked his father, Valentin Aetherion, gently.
Kael nodded in silence.
Valentin stopped in front of the parking lot and gave a faint smile.
— I'm teaching today in Division C. So I'll see you around. You know where your class is?
— D-section. Room 4… I remember.
— Good. Keep your head high, son. Remember, power doesn't define your value.
Kael gave a short nod and walked ahead.
Inside the academy halls, the same cold glares met him. Students turned to whisper. Some frowned. Even a few professors looked away, as if his presence was a stain.
He tightened his grip on his satchel. Why do they all look at me like that...?
Reaching his classroom, he took a breath and stepped inside. As before, his seat was labeled D-5. His seatmate, Althéa, was already there. She gave him a brief nod. He sat down quietly, heart still heavy with unease.
Moments later, a tall man in a dark jacket entered. His beard was thick, his aura composed but strong.
— Good morning, everyone. You already know me—Professor Mike. And as you know, the student tournament is coming soon.
The class immediately hushed.
— You'll all be tested. Your combat ability, your Arcana mastery, and your mana levels. It won't be easy, but it's necessary. We're not training children—we're forging protectors.
As he spoke, the classroom door suddenly opened.
A new student entered.
Tall. Lean. Messy black hair. A scar down his neck. His gaze was sharp, and something in the way he moved made the entire class freeze.
Professor Mike raised an eyebrow.
— Ah, you must be the transfer student. Come here and introduce yourself.
The boy didn't move for a second. Then he stepped forward and stood before the class.
— This is Sho Kuzanagi. He's new to Division D. A fighter-class student.
Mike nodded toward him.
— Sho, tell us a bit about yourself?
Sho scoffed.
— Not your business.
Mike frowned.
— Mind your tone.
Sho tilted his head.
— Why? You part of the mana police?
The class held its breath. Mike's lips pressed into a tight line. He said nothing.
Sho shrugged and walked to the empty seat behind Kael, ignoring everyone. The tension lingered in the air like smoke.
Kael leaned slightly toward Althéa.
— He's… strange.
Althéa nodded, eyes narrowed.
— Very. Something about him is off.
— You think he's hiding his Arcana?
— Absolutely. And when he reveals it… I don't think it'll be pretty.
Kael exhaled, gaze on Sho.
— Yeah… I've got the same feeling.
—
At break time, the bell rang and the class emptied toward the cafeteria.
Althéa waved at Kael.
— Hey, come sit with me.
Kael smiled slightly.
— Sure, I'm coming.
They sat down with their lunch trays. Kael's had crispy fries and a smooth chocolate pudding. Althéa's tray, however, had… a small talking fish bone.
— You got fries? All I got is a talking fish bone.
Kael laughed softly.
— Looks like luck smiled at me today.
— She never smiles at me…
They chuckled together. For a moment, the world outside faded.
—
After lunch, the students were gathered in the Mana Analysis Lab. The room was filled with glowing crystals, sigils etched into the floor, and levitating tablets waiting to scan their auras.
A woman in a white coat entered. Her presence was sharp and precise—every gesture clean, measured.
— Good afternoon, students. I'm Lyra, your mana analyst.
— Good afternoon, Lyra, the class answered in unison.
— We will now begin full diagnostics: Arcana type, mana capacity, spell potential, and combat resistance scores. Please proceed one by one.
One by one, students stepped forward. Their stats were displayed on large holographic charts:
> Student #01 – Serena Vahl
Age: 12
Arcana: The Star
Powers: Celestial Path, Light Threads, Gravity Shift
Mana Rank: B+
Student #02 – Roan Dalmer
Age: 13
Arcana: The Tower
Powers: Earthquake Fist, Collapse Wall, Seismic Slam
Mana Rank: A
...
The list went on. Students reacted to each other's rankings, whispering, cheering, or frowning.
Kael watched as everyone took their turns.
Until…
— Student #64 – Kael Aetherion
> Age: 12
Arcana: —
Powers: —
Mana Rank: F (Level 1)
Silence.
All eyes turned toward him.
Kael stood stiffly as the results displayed.
Some laughed quietly. Others looked away, embarrassed for him.
Lyra only glanced at the screen, expression unreadable.
— Next.
Kael stepped back, heart pounding, his legs heavier than stone.
Not even one Arcana…
But from the side, Althéa placed a hand lightly on his shoulder.
She didn't say a word. But the gesture said enough.
—
The day ended late.
At 7 PM, Kael finally returned home. He dropped his bag, kicked off his shoes, and collapsed onto his bed. He stared at the ceiling.
— Why don't I have anything…?
Then he thought back to the cafeteria.
— But… at least I made a friend.
A voice interrupted:
— Oh really? You made a new friend? What's her name?
Kael jolted.
— Mom! Don't listen at the door!
Sélène stepped in, arms folded, half-smiling.
— Okay, okay. I got it.
Kael yawned, exhaustion crashing down.
— I'm gonna nap.
He drifted off almost instantly.
—
That night, the dream returned—but something was different.
The field was darker. The sky had stars this time. And the silhouette stood closer.
The same black figure. But this time, she stepped forward.
— You've waited long enough.
— Take my hand. Fool of the Arcana…
— You have been chosen.
Her voice echoed, both gentle and fierce.
Kael looked at her hand. His instinct screamed to run.
But his heart… wanted to reach out.
He extended his fingers—
And woke up with a gasp. Cold sweat clung to his skin.
— That dream again… But this time… she spoke.
The room was silent. The moonlight barely lit the edges of his desk.
Suddenly, his door creaked open.
— You're not asleep? asked Sélène softly.
— Bad dream.
— Again?
He nodded. She sat beside him on the bed.
— You know… dreams are strange. Sometimes they're warnings. Sometimes… invitations.
Kael didn't answer. He looked at his right palm.
For a split second… a faint symbol shimmered in red light—then vanished.