Ever since the Head Priest took me in, a lot has changed. Over the past decade staying here, I have been devoted to praying, studying magic and researching as well as applying any guidance the Head Priest offers me, all thanks to that vision I had.
Once again, I'm exploring the depths of the church's library to find anything relating to ancient history. Though I have noticed that there aren't many books regarding the war era. The Head Priest claims that its because those days were far too barbaric for anyone to bother recording anything, mostly word of mouth stories, and we know how creditable those can get over time.
Even if I tried questioning someone else, such as the sisters of the church, they all give the same lame excuse, 'People didn't know how to write well'. I don't really buy that excuse, but they refuse to say anything else.
No matter how much I even try to consider, maybe they are being truthful, this part of me just keeps telling me something isn't right. That there is something more than just these lame excuses and pushing away from the topic. People of the past definitely knew stuff we don't know, but what could it be? Maybe it could be connected to my vision? Or maybe reveal some more information regarding it at least? Not like I have a way to confirm this anyway at this moment.
Walking through these narrow hallways, over the last 10 years, it's all the same. Bookshelves filled with knowledge from present to past, composition of magic and some odd grimoires that I've long mastered.
This one book that I read one time, said that the recorded number of known spells around the world is 1,908,213,431. But I'm not sure where that book is from, so it could be easily beyond that already. It really is astonishing how much there is… yet, I only know so little.
How do I even progress from here? It's all starting to get overwhelming for me, I don't know what to do anymore… I feel like this place has done nothing but hold me back. Lack of any real ancient history. Spells only limiting me to doing my laundry without using my hands. What am I supposed to even do with the fact that god spoke to me? I feel like I am wasting my time here…
Even if I were to leave the town, the law of the Divine kingdom states that magic is not used for war, some group called the Clergy decided that. Isn't that stupid? The history literally says that there was a civil war that led to the creation of the Divine Kingdom and I don't believe that they would have beat the Royal Kingdom without the use of magic to help them. Why would they restrict magic to being anti-war?
Though I can understand that a holy gift like magic should be used for good rather than war and evil, I feel like there's something more to it. As much as I approve, sometimes there are times where magic would end up being used for war, and I feel like the Clergy definitely would resort to using magic for their own benefit if it came to it. No other way the kingdom still stands without that.
My personal thoughts on these, it's reasonable. A holy gift to be used for war is unacceptable by all means but there being no grimoires with offensive magic, even if its taboo, feels outlandish. Though what can I do about this, practically nothing. I can only make these silly assumptions.
I grabbed a book off the shelf. I need to read something otherwise I will waste the whole day making up conspiracy theories. Mindlessly I managed to pick up "The Theory of Concept by Einstine" . He was a pretty intellectual person 50 years ago. Many admired his work in progressing magic through the use of the unknown space above us and furthered our understanding in Time. Many thought he would be able to create a grimoire that would take us out of our planet and time travel.
Though I wonder if it would be possible, so far no one has managed to find a way to use Time magic or even any magic to reach the stars. Maybe I should try? Surely I'd be able to compete with one of the greatest minds of the century, haha.
"Little Miss, are you in here?" The Head Priest's frail voice echoed through the library.
"I'm over here, I'm just reading." I replied as I poked my head through the rows of books.
"I have a lesson to teach you, could you come outside to the garden please?" he requested as he stepped out of the library.
"Sure thing!" I called out as loud as I could to make sure he heard me.
Well, I suppose that's enough for day dreaming and theorising, time to actually do something. I hope it's not another flower spell, I have had one too many of those. I neatly placed the book back to where it belongs and dusted myself before heading out of the library. Most of the sisters at the church aren't able to read so they never come here, leaving a bit of a mess since they forget this room exists.
As I walk down the narrow church hallway to get to the other end of it to where the garden is, I like to touch the walls, run my fingers across them, feel the material, feel the mana within the walls. I read in one of the books from Einstine that mana is everywhere. It's quite interesting to think about it, that everything and everyone is created from mana.
Now that I think about it, what even is the true source of magic? We all know that magic is based on mana, since the source of magic is mana that exists everywhere, but does mana have a source? Or is mana the only source for magic? Or can there be multiple? Always the random thoughts at times like this, though I am curious to find out. Maybe I will achieve something like this? Although, if the greatest minds in history never discovered anything like that, then is there really anything more?
I heard that the Royal Kingdom also had some mages, but there's so few books that mention them, the only notion is Psevdians that lived there before the Great War. I suppose it would make sense since they're detached from the god that gives us power to use grimoires to begin with. Royalis never believed in god like we do. Apparently because of that they use magic differently then we do, but with no books, I can't really understand it. Maybe one day I will visit and find out for myself.
"What is it Head Priest?" I asked as I finally reached the garden.
"The day is beautiful isn't it?" He replied while staring into the sky.
"It certainly is, but what of it?"
"I have one final lesson for you, little miss." he said while still staring at the sky.
"What, why? Why is it the final lesson?" I questioned in shock
"I have taught you everything I know, sorry little miss, but an irrelevant priest like me doesn't have access to the grand archives like the Bishops in the capital or Cathedrals do. But regardless, for the final lesson…"
Vrooom… BANG
Light flashed before my eyes. I wasn't even able to react, what was this? I slowly rotate my head in fear of what is behind me. With the corner of my eye I could see a hole in the wall. A hole that was never there, a hole that wasn't here a moment ago. I know these walls.
"WHAT WAS THAT?" I screamed out.
"This is your final lesson, little miss." The head priest replied.
"I don't understand, what is this for? What does it do?"
"After this lesson, I want you to go to the capital. I know someone who can teach you more. In the Cathedral, Bishop Epistêmê will continue your journey in magic studies."
"So what do I need this spell for? What does it do?"
"To protect yourself. Though I am not your father, I have raised you in the Church. I want you to have a way to protect yourself in a worst case scenario."
"Protect myself, in what way, from what?"
"The journey to the capital is a long one, you don't know what you will walk into along the way."
"But aren't we a civilised country? I thought the war was long over?"
"The war is long over, you won't run into anything of that sort. There is more in the world that you don't understand, little miss, but once you set out, you'll learn."
"I don't understand what you mean. What is out there that could apparently cause me harm?"
"You have been kept protected for a long time. Soon you will see the world for what it really is."
"What is it though? Tell me! If you're making these statements then I should at least know what you're referring to."
"Do I tell you what the book has to teach?"
"No, but what does that have to do-"
"Your journey will be your teacher. Once you set out, you will become a better person, but I want to teach you at least this to stay safe."
"Fine, but isn't this kind of magic forbidden? I haven't been able to find any Grimoire about it and all the books state that it's taboo to use magic for offense."
"Who said anything about offense? This is merely to protect you, never use it to cause harm, but only to defend yourself."
"Does this not defeat the purpose of the rules?"
"Rules are always broken, take that as bonus teaching from me. The world is not as structured as you think, rules exist, but so do rule breakers. Without those going against them, there wouldn't be a need for them in the first place. Remember that."
"Got it, I will drill this into my mind. So what is this spell that you want to teach me?"
"Lustra Borealis, a simple spell that was written maybe 30 or 20 years ago by a talented young elf, young for an elf at least. He was travelling the main continent as his personal dream to explore all known lands. He rested here for a short while and we exchanged knowledge. Now that I think about it, you do resemble him, personality wise at least."
"What do you mean by that, what is the point of this story?"
"That he too was exploring the world to understand it better. He was born in the Elven Islands, secluded away from what the rest of the world had to offer, but keen on finding out about the land beyond the sea."
"I see, what was his name?"
"He was called Elariel Galanarthil. Maybe in a few years we will read books about him, he was quite the scholar, very smart and extremely ambitious."
"Wait, so people like that still exist?"
"Did you think that the world stopped innovating after Einstine?"
"Well, sort of, I always brushed off the dream of being like him."
"Never brush away a dream, chase it, and make it reality."
"I hope I can maybe meet this Eariel someday, he seems like an interesting person."
"He didn't leave much other than that. It was his way of thanking me for letting him rest at the Church, but I wish to pass it on to you."
"I hope I can master this final spell."
←→
The sun was long beyond the horizon and the night breeze rattled the trees around me. A refreshing feeling, after a long intensive day of training. This is the first time I ever learnt such a spell, my body is aching and my legs can barely hold me up. Though seeing the head priest's face when I accidentally blew up the wall was rather funny, only to think about it now, at the time I was terrified. We need to thank whoever created the spells for repairing broken walls.
Apparently the spell wasn't supposed to work the way I made it work, but that isn't really a major problem, I just need to see if I can adapt the spell to myself, or so the Head Priest claims at least. I might be able to figure it out over time, but in the town its rather hard to use a spell that shouldn't be normally used. Maybe the journey out will give me more time to think and experiment on my own. After all, that is what I was looking for, weren't I? Honestly, I am not even sure what I want at this point, or what I want.
If the Head Priest recommends me to go study elsewhere, then I will follow his order. There isn't much else I can do, he did also tell me to go to Bypethenos first. He studied there in his younger days when he was training to become a Priest. Their Cathedral, though small, is apparently amazingly built. They definitely have a better library there. Now, with that in mind, maybe there I will be able to get a better understanding of "the creation of magic". I heard there was a book about it, but no one has it here, nor am I sure who actually wrote it. I can only remain hopeful about it though.
Making my way through the once bustling town square, under the moonlight, the town is nothing but a graveyard. The eerie silence always creeps me out. I swiftly made my way through to the path home. I rarely stay out this late, but today was a rare occasion. I recall the priest's words about the world not being how I imagined it, the rules and rule breakers. Shivers ran down my spine the more I thought about it. Why would anyone want to break the law? Go against the order that keeps us safe and happy?
Rattle
Rattle
Whatever is making that sound, I don't like it.
Rattle
Rattle
Either the Priest has made me paranoid, or something bad is going to happen. I would prefer that I'm paranoid though.
Rattle
"Please god" I whispered to myself
RattleSqueak
It's just a rat… "haha…Sigh ", it's just a rat…
Rattle
There's more? What is it now? More rats?
RATTLE
Uh oh..
RATTLE
"Is… anyone there?" I called out while taking a peak around the corner.
"Oh, hello there." A young man replied as he dug through some boxes and barrels. "Wait a minute, I know you from somewhere…" he added.
"Do you? I don't recognise you at all." I replied while inspecting him
"You're the priestess girl, aren't you?"
"I suppose you can call me that, yes."
"You probably wouldn't remember me since it's been a long time, but when we were little kids, before you went to be part of the church we occasionally would play together."
"We did? Surely I'd recognise you then. Would I not?"
"Maybe, maybe not, it's been a long time, I probably look different to what I used to, but you, you kept your adorable look."
"WHAT?!" I replied startled by the jumpscare compliment from this strange man. "What is your name?"
"Auxentios, Auxentios Brígach. You used to call me Auxxy when we were little."
"Auxentios… Brígach… such a unique last name. But you're right, AUXXY!" I screamed.
"You remember?"
"Yes, I would have never recognised you Auxxy, you're, like, tall and built and different."
"After you joined the church, I got inspired to become something worthwhile as well, I started training to become a City Guard. I am actually out patrolling right now"
"That's amazing, I didn't know I had such an impact on anyone by joining the Church. But wait, if you're patrolling, why are you rummaging through those crates?
"There was a rat that I wanted to get rid of, people sell food here, I didn't want that pest sneaking into any food storage."
"Oh… that… does make some sense, I suppose."
"Well, uh, you haven't happened to see any rats around, have you?"
"Actually, I did, it went over in that direction. I can't help more than that."
"Ah, that… sucks. I doubt I will find it at this point now."
"Probably… yeah… it's long gone to say the least."
"Yeah, ah, oh well." he said as he scratched his head. "What are you doing out so late?"
"I'm going home."
"I could assume so, but why so late?"
"Well, I had my final lesson, and it dragged out for a while."
"Final lesson? What was it about?"
"Ah, just some magic spell that he wanted me to master. Nothing too interesting but kind of useful."
"Oh? What is it useful for?"
"You know, stuff."
"Uh huh. Sure, anyway, do you want me to take you home? Never know who can creep up to you at night, best to stay safe."
"Sure, yes, that would be great, thank you."
"No problem, glad to help."
"So chivalrous of you."
"It's my duty, Madam." he said as he bowed with his hand out, inviting mine to hold.
"Hehe, we'll thank you my knight in shining armour." I giggled as I gave him my hand.
He held my hand as he guided me home down the moonlit road. Today is truly an amazing day, so much has happened, so many beautiful memories made. Sleep is going to be soothing tonight, that's for sure.
After a pleasing walk home, with security at hand, we finally reached my doorstep, I held his hand tight till the very end. I tried to look him in the eyes, but I felt my face was burning red each time I tried to.
"Thank you, for this. I honestly feared that something was going to happen to me, you don't know how relieved I felt when I found out you were someone I knew, it made me feel safe." I explained while holding his hand with both of mine. "I know this may seem weird for me to say, and very blunt. But I am truly thankful."
His free hand rose up to my head, she started patting me as if I were a cat. "It's good to see you again Roza, if you ever need me again to help, I'll be there." he told me as he smiled. "I'll see you around, rest well." he added and he freed his hand from me and walked away.
"Goodnight, Auxxy." I replied as I watched him walk away.
I creeped into my own house, tiptoeing my way through the building, sneaking through each corner. I dodged every squeaky floorboard, I avoided any loose railing and used my clothes to silently twist the door handle to my room. I arrived at last. No sound made, no one finding out,
"Good morning Miss Roza." Casilda stated in a solid concrete tone.
"Casilda?!" I exclaimed silently
"How nice of you to come home." she said as she stood up from the chair at the back of my room
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you asleep?" I tried to whisper as loud as I could
"You weren't home for support, your parents were worried, so was I. Your parents though worried, they have to sleep and be ready for another day of work outside the house, I, however, have the privilege of working from home, I decided to comfort them by staying up to await your glamorous return, with a young handsome male at that, ignoring the fact that it's an ungodly hour."
"Casilda, it's not what it looks like."
"No, Miss Roza, it's perfectly understandable, but you must understand the consequences that may arise from such deeds."
"No, you don't understand Casilda, I was not out late because of Auxxy."
"Auxxy? You already have a nickname for this young lad?"
"Casilda, you're not listening. I was having my last lesson with the Head Priest, he won't be teaching me anymore."
"Oh. so, who was that boy? And why was that your last lesson? What did you do?"
"He just walked me home, he's a guard that was on patrol. That's all there was to that. The priest said that he taught me everything he can, and that I am better off going to the capital to keep studying. There's nothing else here for me."
"That is an amazing achievement, no one ever has managed to learn everything from the Head Priest, why the capital though, that's quite a while away."
"I suppose, but that's why I was out late, then I tried all I could for the last lesson, he even told me to not go back unless I have something new to show him, since me being there is a waste of time."
"So what is your plan now?"
"The Capital, what else can I do? There's nothing for me to learn here."
"What about your parents, Miss Roza? I don't see a reason they would let you travel alone so far, you're their only child."
"I will have to try to convince them, or run away, I'm not really sure."
"Don't worry Miss Roza, I will support you and try to convince your parents. One thing to mention though, Auxxy? Really?"
"He was a friend from before I started going to Church. Please and thank you. I want to rest now." I replied as my face turned beetroot red. "Thank you for the help Casilda."