Morpheus diligently absorbed knowledge from various texts... religious doctrines, mythologies, and historical accounts. As a transmigrator, he knew their value.
In occult studies, a single historical record could wield immense power, even triggering large-scale magic.
This wasn't exaggeration but fact.
Converting such knowledge into usable magic required a magician's exceptional skill.
For Morpheus, just beginning his mystical journey, this was premature. He needed to delve deeper.
Over time, he devoured everything occult-related. After classes, he'd rush to the British Library, becoming a unique fixture there.
People noticed the boy by the window, basking in sunlight, quietly reading. His presence was striking due to the stark contrast.
While other kids read fairy tales or picture books, this ten-year-old tackled tomes that daunted college students... dense historical texts or weighty academic volumes.
He meticulously took notes, scrutinizing every word, never missing a detail.
He'd cross-reference multiple books, seeking commonalities. If not for his childlike appearance, one might mistake him for a seasoned historian or theologian.
His school performance was stellar, not just academically but in sports too, avoiding the "nerd gets bullied" Stereotype.
Instead, Morpheus was popular. Basketball or soccer teams clamored for him, but he prioritized the library over joining officially.
Three years passed. The elementary student was now a junior high student, taller and more refined, perhaps from reading, exuding a scholarly air.
In those years, he scoured the British Library's occult collection. His knowledge of history and theology rivaled college or graduate students!
Yet he remained a junior high student, sitting with peers, learning material he'd long mastered.
He'd even taught himself Latin and Greek, now tackling Egyptian hieroglyphs.
…
At the British Library again, studying Egyptian texts, Morpheus drew curious glances.
"Look, he's back!" Said a regular.
"That kid? He's young, reading ancient Egyptian?" a newcomer marveled.
First-timers were shocked, but regulars enjoyed the newcomers' reactions, chuckling softly while explaining without disturbing others.
"He's our genius, the Library's prodigy. In three years, he's read hundreds of books!"
"Hundreds?!"
"Yes, mostly theology and history... highly specialized, no entertainment value."
As they spoke, a white-haired elderly man approached, speaking softly to Morpheus. The boy responded, and the man left satisfied.
The newcomer gaped. "Isn't that Professor McGrail from King's College London? He knows the kid?"
"Of course. They've discussed things a dozen times. McGrail visits when stumped, consulting him. I told you, the kid reads serious stuff. Some even suggested he audit at King's to not waste his talent.
"Others proposed he take exams for early admission, but he declined, wanting a normal student life."
The newcomer's eyes widened. King's College wasn't just any university... it was elite!
Nearby, a petite girl and an older blond man watched, pretending to read but focused on Morpheus.
"That's him, Mark?"
The blond girl's lips didn't move, but her voice echoed in the man's mind.
Magic.
"Yes. For three years, he's studied theology, history, and mythology. I've tracked him. He's seeking mystical traces in these texts," Said Mark, full name Mark Spence.
The blond girl, Leivinia Birdway, smiled. "Not just a hobbyist, like girls into fortune-telling?"
Mark's expression stayed neutral. "No. He's decoded several magics, carries tarot cards, and can use some for spells."
"He's self-taught magic?"
"Yes, no teacher."
"Tarot? Sounds perfect for our Dawn-Colored Sunlight, doesn't it?"
"Indeed. His path aligns with the Golden Dawn's teachings. With formal training, his power could grow rapidly."
"Rapidly enough to be a second-in-command?"
Without hesitation, Mark nodded. "Highly likely. His linguistic talent makes him ideal for magecraft."
Leivinia smiled. "Let's make contact."
…
Walking home, Morpheus yawned. Reading and learning were thrilling, but relaxing brought fatigue, like his body was drained.
He pulled a £5 note from his pocket and bought fried noodles at a street stall.
Cheap and oily, the high-calorie meal was perfect for his depleted energy.
Happily taking the large portion... enough for three meals for most kids... he sat and devoured it. The savory aroma spread, spurring his hunger.
The first bite eased his stomach, followed by more.
Satisfied, he tossed the empty container into a bin, burping lightly, then narrowed his eyes.
The surroundings were empty, suddenly a no-man's-land.
He sensed an unusual aura!
An event's aura!
"Hm? Bounded Field?" His eyes scanned, spotting a paper with a strange rune by a nearby bin.
Recognizing it, his eyes lit up, and he approached.
"A Lúgh rune?" He said.
"Correct. Bounded Field, Lúgh rune... quite useful," came a haughty voice, unmistakably a young girl's. Morpheus turned to see a girl, younger than him, about eight.
She smiled proudly, staring at him. "You're seeking magic's traces, aren't you?"
Morpheus glanced at her, then the man beside her, forming a guess but asking, "Who are you?"
He asked deliberately, already suspecting she was Leivinia Birdway, leader of Dawn-Colored Sunlight, with her deputy, Mark Spence.
"You're not yet worthy to know," Leivinia said, raising her hand. A strange object formed, becoming a starry chalice.
Water condensed from the air, forming a serpent that lunged at Morpheus!
He dodged, pulling a tarot card from his pocket... the Judgment card!
With its appearance, flames erupted in the air, accompanied by an explosion!
Bang!
The flames shattered the water serpent!
His magic was weak, this explosion his limit, but it sufficed. Leivinia hadn't used full power; the serpent was a feint.
Seeing her serpent destroyed, Leivinia smiled, not attacking again. "Heard of the Golden Dawn?"
"The father of modern magic? That secret society?" Morpheus frowned, feigning irritation from the attack.
"Exactly. After its dissolution, many groups inherited its ideals. We're one... call us Dawn-Colored Sunlight. Want to join?"
Morpheus didn't rush to agree. It was a chance to dive into occult studies, gaining vast knowledge, but he stayed cautious.
"What's your goal?"
"Goal?"
"Your organization must have a mission."
"Smart. Our purpose hasn't changed since our founding. Dawn-Colored Sunlight aims to master the world, everything!" Leivinia said, issuing another invitation. "So, will you join?"
Morpheus paused, recalling Dawn-Colored Sunlight's origins. Initially not called that, the ancient group aimed to rise above, becoming leaders, superhuman.
After the Golden Dawn's rise, they infiltrated it, only to be consumed, transforming into a magic cabal and renaming themselves Dawn-Colored Sunlight.
He smiled. "I'll join!"
Leivinia grinned. "Thought of a magic name?"
"Long decided... Veritas000!" Morpheus declared, sharing the name chosen since starting his occult pursuit.
The name and number stunned Leivinia and Mark, then she laughed heartily.
"Your name and number show grand ambition!"
Morpheus laughed too. "Doesn't it fit your cabal's purpose?"
Pursuing ultimate wisdom, the realm above the Tree of Life, matched their goal of mastering the world's core.
At thirteen, Morpheus joined Dawn-Colored Sunlight, beginning his formal magic studies!
…
After hearing the story, Olga Marie sat in silence. She knew Morpheus was from another world, but his talent and drive shocked her.
Planning his future at ten, seeking magic's traces without supervision!
Finding true magic, mastering basic mana control, and casting spells through self-study!
Monstrous talent!
But Leivinia shocked her more.
Morpheus was ten, yet this eight-year-old led a cabal, with apparent strength. What kind of world was that?!
Eight! At that age, Olga Marie was clueless!
***
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