“It’s time for the Borealis Festival! Come on, Parah! Wake up!!” Yuna’s voice rings through the room like a bell, its urgency punctuated by the slight bounce of her presence. As Parah opens his eyes, he finds himself face-to-face with Yuna, who is perched on top of him, her cheerful grin illuminated by the light outside.
Parah chuckles, the warmth of her exuberance cutting through his sleepy haze. “I know, I know, Yuna. Get off me already, you ‘little gremlin’!” he laughs, gently pushing her away.
Yuna giggles, but her eyes remain bright with the day’s excitement. “Today’s the day we celebrate the magic in the sky! And it’s your 100th birthday!! So, try to be a bit more cheerful, big brother…” Her playful pout makes her look even more endearing.
“Alright! I’ll get dressed, just get out of my room already,” Parah responds with a wide grin, shooing her out with a gentle nudge.
In a flurry of movement, Parah quickly dons his attire—a set of black pants and boots, paired with a simple white shirt and a loose leather belt. His brown hair, streaked with white due to a birth defect, cascades to his shoulders, while a small section tied back with a vine adds a touch of rugged charm. His long elven ears and striking blue eyes complete his look. “Wow, for someone who wasn’t dressed a minute ago, you look quite sharp,” Yuna remarks, admiring his outfit.
Yuna, 70 years younger than Parah, is dressed in a delightful green dress, cinched with yellow thread, and complemented by a white shirt underneath. Black boots and white socks complete her ensemble, while her brown hair is styled in a neat bun, secured with green vines. Her short elven ears peek out from her coiled hair. “I’m glad I didn’t have to dress you this time, big brother,” she adds with a mischievous smile.
“Oh, hush! You haven’t tried to tell me what to wear in decades!” Parah teases back.
“Is that so? I simply lost track, big brother. I’m glad you’re keeping tally!” Yuna quips, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“OH, COME HERE, you little—” Parah’s playful reprimand is cut off by a knock at the door.
“Hold that thought! Coming!” Yuna rushes to answer it. The door swings open to reveal a tall elf standing in the doorway. He wears an elaborate blue robe adorned with white, gold laced shoulder pads and golden-brown boots. His long, white hair flows past his shoulders, and his eyes shimmer in a gradient of green, blue, and yellow. Arcane symbols are woven into the fabric of his robe, and a golden belt with a red gem cinches it at the waist.
“Oh, it’s Uncle!” Yuna exclaims, her face lighting up. “HA! It’s been a while, Yuna!” he greets her with a warm smile, before turning to Parah. “Is your brother around?”
“Well, I’m glad you asked, he’s right here! Hello, Sir Great Mage!” Parah greets him with a respectful bow.
“Haha, no need to be so formal. It’s an exciting day for you. I’m here to take you to the altar where your magical power will be evaluated. Are you ready, boy?” the Great Mage asks, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“Yessir, I am! Don’t worry, big brother, I’m right behind you!” Yuna reassures him, eagerly grasping Parah’s hand.
As they step outside, the world transforms into a tapestry of magic and light. The Borealis Festival has draped the city in its celestial beauty. The cobblestone streets, polished by the light of the Borealis, sparkle beneath their feet. The sky above is a breathtaking canvas of swirling colors—emerald greens, deep blues, and soft purples—each hue blending into the next, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.
Towering trees line the streets, their branches stretching towards the sky as if trying to touch the shimmering Borealis. The trees are adorned with a myriad of twinkling lights that filter the festival's magical glow through their leaves, casting an enchanting dappled light on the ground. The festive atmosphere is alive with the vibrant sounds of laughter, joyful chatter, and the harmonious strains of wind instruments, blending together into a symphony of celebration.
The Great Mage leads the way, his presence adding a regal touch to the scene. “It’s busier than usual, isn’t it?” he notes, glancing around at the throngs of festival-goers.
“Yes, it certainly is,” Parah agrees, his eyes wide with wonder as he takes in the festive splendor.
The trio wanders through the lively festival, absorbing the vibrant sights and sounds, until they come upon a grand stage. An elf stands at the center, commanding the attention of a large crowd with his authoritative presence. “Hello, travelers!” he announces with a voice that echoes across the square. “I am the Queen’s Royal Historian. Today, I shall recount the history of the City of Forelorn, the kingdom of the elves in which you stand!”
The crowd falls silent, captivated by his words. “This festival, the Borealis Festival, was established one thousand years ago after the Demon King’s death. It was created to honor a hero who wielded all light magic and became one with the Borealis. The prophecy foretells that a great hero will one day return, but such a figure has yet to appear in a millennium. This festival was devised by the Queen and the Great Mage Saigo to commemorate this legendary hero and their light.” So please enjoy the festivities! The historian then exists the stage.
Parah and Yuna listen intently, their hearts swelling with pride and anticipation as they take in the significance of the festival and the storied history of their city. The city around them, with its vibrant colors and festive atmosphere, feels even more magical as they stand amidst the echoes of its ancient past and the promise of future heroism.
Parah's eyes widened with admiration as he looked at the Great Mage. “What a wonderful story. You came up with this festival, Great Mage?” he asked, genuine curiosity tinting his voice.
The Great Mage, a figure of wisdom and power, nodded with a serene smile. “Why yes, my boy. I did many years ago.”
Before Parah could delve further into conversation, Yuna’s enthusiastic voice interjected, breaking the moment. “Come on, Uncle, let’s go! I want to see everything!”
With that, Yuna grabbed the Great Mage by the hand, tugging him eagerly along the bustling festival grounds. Parah followed closely behind, his pace quickening as he tried to keep up with the excited pair. “Wait up!” he called out, laughing as he maneuvered through the lively crowd.
Yuna’s attention was suddenly captured by a food stall. Her eyes lit up with delight as she spotted a dragonoid man, clad in a pristine white chef’s outfit, standing behind a stall adorned with colorful banners. The chef was handing out bright yellow apples, and Yuna’s excitement bubbled over. “Ooh! A food stall! I want one, I want one!”
The dragonoid chef chuckled heartily, his scaled cheeks forming a warm smile. “Haha, she seems excited,” he remarked, watching Yuna’s eager antics.
The Great Mage approached the stall, his usual dignified composure momentarily softened by the festive atmosphere. “Give us three, please,” he requested, placing an order with a gracious nod.
The chef’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “Alright! That will be three silver coins, sir!”
The Great Mage’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Three silver coins? Why so expensive?”
The chef’s smile widened as he began to prepare the apples with a practiced flourish. “I’ll show you,” he said, reaching for a bowl of shimmering yellow liquid and a jar of iridescent purple dust. He expertly dusted the apples with the purple powder before applying a thin layer of the yellow liquid. “These apples are enchanted to boost mana reserves,” he explained.
The Great Mage scrutinized the apples with a keen eye. “Ah, I see,” he said thoughtfully. “Your technique lacks a bit of finesse, though.”
The chef’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Excuse me?”
With a swift and graceful motion, the Great Mage twirled his fingers in the air. He demonstrated a more delicate application of the mana dust and enchanted paste. “Now, take a bite of the apple, Mr. Chef,” he instructed.
The chef, intrigued, took a bite of the refined apple and was instantly amazed. His eyes widened in awe. “H-how did you do that?” he stammered, astonished by the newfound delicacy.
“It’s simple,” the Great Mage replied with a knowing smile. “Don’t excessively apply the mana dust or the yellow paste. A lighter touch makes it more delicate. The more you apply, the rougher it will taste.”
The chef’s eyes gleamed with understanding. He tried the technique himself, and his expression turned to one of admiration. “Ah, I see now,” he said, nodding appreciatively. “Here, have these three apples for free then. Thank you so much for your insight, sir.”
The Great Mage accepted the apples graciously. “No need to thank me. It’s all part of the festival spirit,” he said. He then handed two of the enchanted apples to Parah and Yuna. “Here you two, enjoy these.”
Yuna’s excitement was palpable as she clutched her apple, her face flushed with happiness. “Finally, finally!” she exclaimed, hopping up and down. “In all my years at the festival, I have never seen this type of item sold here.”
The Great Mage chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, the elven kingdom is becoming a peaceful spot for many to visit. But the laws still permit only elves living here permanently. It’s a pity we only get to see some of these foods from other races and kingdoms during the festivals.”
Yuna beamed up at him. “It’s such a special treat!”
The Great Mage glanced at Parah, who had been observing the flowers around them with fascination. “Okay, come on now,” he said. “We should probably head toward the altar.”
Parah, still savoring the taste of the apple, looked at the Great Mage with curiosity. “What will happen during my magic evaluation, Uncle?”
“You will find out once we get there,” the Great Mage replied with a cryptic smile. “Depending upon your magical ability, I might just take you on as an apprentice.”
The trio continued down the cobblestone path, the festival’s energy all around them. The Great Mage led them towards a colossal circular building. It was nestled within a breathtaking garden, the likes of which Parah had never seen before. The building was seamlessly integrated into the surrounding nature, its walls formed from the hollowed trunk of an ancient tree.
As they approached, Parah marveled at the garden. Flowers of vibrant purple and golden yellow were scattered across the lush greenery. The petals of the flowers seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light, reacting to their presence as if acknowledging their arrival.
Yuna gasped in awe. “Woahhh…” she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.
Parah, enchanted by the sight, observed how the flowers emitted delicate particles of purple dust. The fine dust swirled through the air, catching the light from the Borealis above and blending with the colorful aurora. “It seems the Borealis is drawing some of the mana from the Experium flowers,” the Great Mage remarked, his tone filled with reverence.
Parah nodded in agreement. “I’ve seen these flowers before,” he said. “I’ve picked them dozens of times. But I didn’t know the Borealis absorbed their mana. It makes sense now.”
“Yes,” the Great Mage confirmed. “It’s the flowers’ offering to the Borealis.”
The path they walked on led them to the grand circular building. The structure was both majestic and ancient, its walls adorned with intricate carvings of elven lore. The doors of the building stood wide open, inviting them in with a sense of anticipation.
“I-I haven’t been here before,” Parah stammered, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
“Why, of course you haven’t,” the Great Mage said, his voice gentle yet firm. “No one is allowed in here unless granted passage by a mage. As we entered the garden, the barrier recognized my mana and allowed us entry. That’s what permitted you two to enter as well.”
Parah took a deep breath as he approached the entrance. The circular building, with its grand and enigmatic presence, beckoned him forward. The magical atmosphere of the garden and the anticipation of the upcoming evaluation filled him with both wonder and resolve.
The Great Mage, with Yuna by his side and Parah close behind, led the way into the heart of the festival, where the magic of the Borealis awaited them.
Food was not allowed in the altar, so the three quickly finished their apples before stepping toward the circular building.
Yuna suddenly let go of the Great Mage’s hand, grabbing Parah’s instead. “Big brother, I’m nervous!” she whispered.
As they walked into the circular building, Parah’s eyes wandered upward. The structure’s stone and wooden architecture opened in the middle, revealing the sky above. The shimmering aurora borealis cascaded down upon the elven mages attending the magic evaluation. Whispers followed the trio as they entered. The altar had a grand stage at its center, with a blue-and-gold-patterned carpet leading up to it. Two additional floors surrounded the hall, filled with elven spectators, all watching the newcomers.
"Alas! We are here!" the Great Mage said with a chuckle, his voice echoing through the silence that fell over the room as all eyes turned toward him. The trio walked down the carpet, heading toward the stage. “Yuna, please take a seat in the front row,” the Great Mage directed kindly. As they approached the stage, the Great Mage materialized his staff, and a ripple of awe spread through the crowd as many mages followed suit.
“Now, Parah, lay down in the middle of this stone,” the Great Mage instructed. Hesitant but obedient, Parah did as he was told.
"NOW THE TRIAL BEGINS for the young elf, Parah!" the Great Mage's voice boomed, and the coliseum erupted with energy. The crowd chanted in unison, their combined magic swirling in the air. Parah stared up at the sky, but his vision quickly dimmed, the light of the borealis fading as blurred memories and unfamiliar pain flooded his mind. He screamed in agony, gripping the stone beneath him.
Amidst the pain, a soothing voice whispered, “Stay calm, I’m with you.”
When Parah’s vision returned, he was greeted by worried faces. “Brother? Brother, wake up!” Yuna’s concerned voice reached him first, and the Great Mage’s firm but kind tone followed.
"Y-Yeah, I’m okay," Parah muttered, sitting up. “Just a really bad headache…”
Gasps erupted from the audience. “The borealis… it’s missing!” someone shouted. Parah’s heart raced as he looked around. The sky was dark, the lights gone. He turned to see the Great Mage staring at him, his face tight with concern. "It can’t be," the Great Mage muttered, as his eyes flickered back to Parah. The boy was now surrounded by an ethereal aura, shifting in colors like the borealis itself.
"The queen must see him!" one of the elven mages yelled. Whispers turned to shouts, some mages fainting from the intensity of the magical shift.
“You two will not stay here!” the Great Mage’s voice cut through the chaos, firm and commanding. “I will see you soon!” With a swift motion of his staff, he shouted, “Nostos!” and, in an instant, Parah and Yuna were whisked away.
The teleportation left Yuna trembling in fear. “B-Brother, what’s happening? I’m really scared…” Her voice quivered as she clung to Parah’s arm.
“We’ll be alright, Yuna. I’m right here,” Parah said, forcing a reassuring smile despite his own growing unease. They materialized in a small room with a bed and a desk. Yuna’s grip tightened even further.
“W-Where are we?” she asked, eyes wide with panic.
"I don’t know, Yuna. I don’t know." Parah’s head throbbed painfully as he looked around. “The whole room… it’s getting colorful and black…” he murmured, feeling dizzy and disoriented.
“Brother!” Yuna cried out as Parah collapsed to the ground. “Brother!! Are you okay?? Brother!!”
Parah jolted awake, but the world around him had changed. He found himself in an unfamiliar white realm, with no sign of Yuna. Panic surged through him. "W-Where am I? Where’s Yuna?!"
"Ease your mind, my dear bearer," a calm, ethereal voice replied. "I am Asuka, a guide here to help you with your magic. This is a realm unlike your own."
“Asuka…? Why am I here? Why was I chosen?” Parah’s confusion deepened as he tried to make sense of everything.
"Asuka's voice remained steady and soothing. “Inside you is a power that hasn’t been seen in this world for a thousand years. You are worthy of this magic. But before I submit to you, I must pass on the wisdom of the previous wielder and the burden that comes with it."
“Why? Why me?” Parah’s mind raced, overwhelmed by the sudden flood of information.
"A lifetime of memories, lasting less than a hundred years, will now be yours,” Asuka said softly.
Images flashed before Parah’s eyes—scenes of magic, love, and war. He found himself in the midst of a brutal battlefield, fighting for his life. His hands gripped a sword, his body moving with unnatural precision as he parried an attack.
“Where… where am I?” Parah stammered. Suddenly, a demon lunged at him with a roar. “DIE, YOU ANT!”
“Just hear me out!” Parah shouted, desperate for peace.
“YOUR TRICKS WON’T WORK ON ME, ELF! DIE!” the demon screamed, launching another attack.
Parah’s body moved on instinct, the sword in his hand slicing through the demon’s flesh. The creature fell before him, its life extinguished. Parah’s heart sank as he realized what he had done.
"I-I’ve just killed someone…" he whispered, dropping to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
Amidst the chaos, a figure approached—a girl with a sword, her mana swirling thick and suffocating. She raised her hand, unleashing a devastating wave of power that obliterated the remaining enemies. She knelt beside Parah, her presence calming. "I know that was hard for you… but I’m here with you," she said softly.
Parah looked up, recognizing her voice. "A-Asu…" he whispered, and without thinking, he embraced her, finding solace in her warmth.
“BROTHER!!! BROTHER, WAKE UP!!!” Yuna’s frantic voice brought Parah back to reality. He gasped awake, finding himself once again in the bedroom of the Great Mage’s mansion.
"Brother, are you okay?" Yuna asked, her voice laced with worry. "W-what’s wrong?"
Parah sat up, but the memories of the otherworldly experience lingered, weighing heavy on his heart.
Parah suddenly pulls Yuna into a tight embrace. "Thank goodness, I’m back," he whispers, his voice filled with relief.
"W-what are you talking about, big brother?" Yuna asks, confusion in her voice. She steps back and gasps, her eyes wide with shock. "Look at your eyes!" she shouts, her tone frantic.
"My eyes? What’s wrong with them?" Parah asks as he rises, feeling a strange surge of energy course through his body. A newfound strength pulses within him, making him feel more alive than ever before. He places a hand on the floor, attempting to steady himself and stand.
Suddenly, without warning, an elderly man materializes before him. The man is dressed in a butler's formal attire—black and white garments perfectly pressed. His short black beard is speckled with hints of silver, matching the salt-and-pepper color of his neatly combed hair. His presence is calm yet commanding, as if he’s been waiting for this moment.
"W-who are you?" Parah asks, his voice trembling.
"Hello, young man. I am Yohei," the old man responds, his tone calm and measured. "My master has tasked me with watching over you both until his return. Please, feel at ease. Perhaps a cup of tea would help?"
Though Yohei's demeanor is polite, there’s something unsettling about him. Parah's eyes catch a glimpse of brass knuckles chained to Yohei’s belt.
"Psst, Yuna, this old man means business! Can we trust him?" Parah whispers urgently.
Yuna hesitates, her eyes darting between Parah and Yohei. "Yes... I suppose we can," she replies, though her voice wavers with uncertainty.
"Yes, Yohei, tea would be wonderful," Parah agrees, though his voice carries an undertone of unease that he tries to mask.
With a soft clap of his hands, Yohei summons two maids who appear almost instantly. They are identical twins, their human features strikingly similar except for their contrasting hair—one with jet-black hair and the other with pure white, both of which cascade past their shoulders in soft waves.
Their maid uniforms are elegant yet practical, designed with sharp precision. The outfits consist of classic black dresses that fit snugly at the waist, flaring slightly at the knees. Over the dresses, they wear crisp white aprons adorned with delicate lace trim. The high collars and puffed sleeves give a refined, formal touch, while their black stockings and polished black shoes complete the ensemble. The outfits are perfectly coordinated, matching their contrasting hairstyles in a visual harmony of black and white.
"Hello, esteemed guests, I'm Yumeka, and I'm Tsukiko," they say in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized. Yohei clears his throat, reminding them of their task.
"Ah, yes!" the twins exclaim before gracefully serving tea. Parah and Yuna exchange awkward glances as the maids exit, leaving the room bathed in an uneasy silence.
"Brother, you should really see this," Yuna says quietly, handing Parah a mirror.
Parah's heart pounds as he looks into the mirror. "What’s happening to my eyes? They’re... glowing?" he mutters, astonished.
"Bearer o’mine," Asuka’s voice echoes in his mind, "your eyes are a manifestation of your magic. Do not fear it."
"T-thank you," Parah replies, relieved by Asuka’s presence.
"Brother? Who are you talking to?" Yuna asks, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, no one. Don’t worry about it," Parah replies, attempting to sound casual. Suddenly, a brilliant light floods the room as the Great Mage appears outside.
"LOOK, Brother, it’s Uncle!" Yuna exclaims. She gulps down the rest of her tea and dashes toward the door. "UNCLE!!"
Parah sighs, placing his unfinished tea on a nearby table. "I didn’t even get to finish my tea," he mutters, chasing after Yuna.
The siblings stop at the top of the staircase, watching as Yohei, Tsukiko, and Yumeka bow to their master.
"Yohei!" the Great Mage barks.
"Yes, my master?" Yohei responds, bowing lower.
"Prepare me a bath and bring fresh clothes immediately!"
"At once, master," Yohei replies, hurrying away.
"Tsukiko, Yumeka, make dinner for our guests," the Great Mage orders.
"YES, MASTER!" the twins reply in perfect unison.
"UNCLE!" Yuna calls out, running down the stairs, only to trip halfway. Before she can hit the ground, the Great Mage catches her mid-air, laughing heartily.
"HA! My precious niece! I’m glad you two are safe!" he exclaims, placing Yuna on his bicep like she weighs nothing.
"Great Mage," Parah begins hesitantly, "what happened back at the altar?"
"The mages weren’t too happy about me teleporting you away, but no worries." He glances down at his dirt-stained robes. "First things first, I require a bath! But, we must leave soon. Yohei, Tsukiko, Yumeka—hold onto something!" he commands, his voice booming through the mansion. "Parah, I suggest you hold onto something too."
"W-WHAT? WHY ARE WE LEAVING?" Parah asks, alarmed. The Great Mage raises his staff, chanting an incantation as he strikes the ground three times.
"NOSTOS!" he shouts. The entire room begins to swirl and shrink. Parah reaches out to grab onto something but fails. He braces for the worst.
Is this how I die? Parah thinks as everything spins wildly. Meanwhile, Yuna laughs, swinging her legs happily as she sits on the Great Mage’s arm.
Suddenly, the room stabilizes. The mansion is now bathed in bright sunlight.
"HAHAHA! THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN! CAN WE DO IT AGAIN?" Yuna shouts as she giggles.
The Great Mage laughs in response. "Maybe next time, Yuna. But not today." He turns to Parah. "Ah, I see you didn’t grab onto anything during the spell. No matter! Your magic is strong enough to endure my teleportation spells now."
"Uncle," Parah starts, but quickly corrects himself. "I mean, Great Mage, where are we?"
The Great Mage grins mischievously. "We’re just outside the Kingdom of Idelia, home of the humans! HAHA! The Devian King won’t find us here for some time!"
"The D-Devian King? Who is that?" Parah asks, intrigued.
"Ah, that’s a tale for another time, Parah! For now, maek yourself at home. There’s a protective barrier around the mansion to keep you safe. But heed my warning: do not step beyond the barrier." The Great Mage places Yuna on the ground before marching off toward his bath.
Parah watches as Yuna excitedly runs outside. But when he turns, he sees the front door wide open. Panic grips him. "Y-YUNA! Where are you?" he calls out.
Suddenly, he hears Yuna scream. "YUNA!" Parah grabs a stoker from the fireplace and rushes outside. His heart races as he rounds the corner, only to find Yuna standing in the garden, beaming.
"BROTHER! Come look at this!" she calls excitedly.
"Wh-what is it?" Parah asks, breathless.
"Mandrakes! We can use them for dinner!" Yuna exclaims.
"O-oh, let me get them for you," Parah offers, taking the pocketknife Yuna hands him. He kneels and begins cutting the mandrakes as Yuna watches with eager eyes.
After some time, Parah finishes harvesting the mandrakes. "There, all done," he says with a tired smile.
"Thank you, brother!" Yuna exclaims before running inside with the mandrakes in hand. Parah watches her, his heart swelling with pride.
Suddenly, Parah felt an overwhelming surge of mana energy from deep within the forest. It tugged at him, pulling him toward the trees, beyond the safety of the barrier. His heartbeat quickened, but something inside him refused to falter.
"I need to be stronger… for myself and for Yuna," he thought, determination building within him. His training as an elf, memories of learning combat at the age of eighty, flashed through his mind. Elven men were taught to master their instincts, to control their strength, and now it was time for Parah to prove himself.
His eyes narrowed, his pulse racing with excitement. "I can do this," he whispered to himself before sprinting toward the woods, his feet moving faster with each step.
The moment he crossed the barrier, Parah found himself surrounded. A pack of wolves, their eyes glowing with a malevolent hunger, encircled him. Their growls echoed in the stillness of the night. Parah’s heart pounded in his chest as two wolves lunged at him with ferocious speed.
"Focus!" he reminded himself, his instincts kicking in.
He swiftly rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws of the first wolf. But before he could recover, the second wolf was already upon him. Its teeth sank into his arm, sending a sharp pain coursing through him.
"Agh!" Parah winced, but his resolve didn’t waver. He gritted his teeth and, with his free hand, swung a punch at the wolf. As his fist connected with the beast's fur, a sudden burst of radiant energy ignited from his hand, enveloping his fist in a glowing aura. The energy surged through him, and with a loud crack, the wolf was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree.
The remaining wolves hesitated, their eyes narrowing as they assessed this new threat. Parah’s fist still pulsed with radiant energy, the glow illuminating the forest floor.
"COME ON!" he shouted, excitement and adrenaline rushing through his veins. His shout echoed through the forest, causing the wolves to flinch, but their leader—an enormous alpha wolf with a red-tinted coat—emerged from the shadows. Its eyes glinted with malice as it prowled forward, growling low and deep.
The alpha wolf locked eyes with Parah and, without warning, charged at him. Parah braced himself, but the alpha's speed was overwhelming. In one swift motion, the alpha tackled him to the ground, its weight pressing down hard. Parah struggled to breathe, his arm pinned under the beast's massive paws.
"Bearer o’mine," Asuka’s calm voice suddenly whispered in his mind. The sound cut through the chaos of the battle. "Raise your hand. Feel the mana within you. Focus."
Parah’s mind raced, but he trusted her completely. Gritting his teeth, he raised his free hand as much as he could, trembling from the effort.
"Now… grab it," Asuka whispered, her voice soothing yet firm.
Parah closed his eyes, feeling the mana flowing through his body. He concentrated, letting the energy course through him, gathering in his palm. The radiant glow began to coalesce, forming something solid. His hand pulsed with power as the mana responded to his will, shaping itself into a weapon.
With a final surge of strength, Parah’s hand materialized a sword—a brilliant, radiant blade forged from pure mana. The blade shimmered like the borealis, humming with energy.
Without hesitation, Parah thrust the sword upward, piercing the alpha wolf’s chest. The radiant energy exploded on impact, sending a shockwave of light through the clearing. The alpha let out a deafening howl as the mana-infused blade struck true, its form dissolving into light as the radiant energy consumed it.
The other wolves, sensing their leader's demise, whined in fear and scattered into the forest, their tails tucked between their legs. The pack was broken.
Panting heavily, Parah stood in the clearing, his chest rising and falling with exhaustion. The radiant sword flickered once before fading from his hand, leaving only the soft glow of the moonlight to light the forest floor. He winced as he cradled his injured arm, but a sense of victory washed over him.
"Well done, Bearer o’mine," Asuka’s voice echoed in his mind, her tone full of pride. "You’re learning faster than I expected."
Parah smiled weakly, feeling the weight of the battle lift from his shoulders. "Thanks, Asuka," he whispered, glancing down at his now fading mana-infused hand. "I still have a long way to go, but… I’m ready."
As he walks back toward the mansion, Yuna runs out to greet him, her eyes wide with concern. "Brother, what happened? Are you okay?" she asks, noticing his injured arm.
Parah smiles weakly. "I’m fine, Yuna. Don’t worry."
"Drink this potion!" she insists, handing him a healing vial. As Parah drinks, Yuna sighs in relief.
"Come on, it’s time for dinner!" she says sighing, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside. The scent of food fills the air as they enter the dining hall, where the Great Mage waits with a hearty laugh.
"Let’s eat!" the Great Mage bellows, raising his mug. Parah smiles, finally feeling at home.
“Great Mage, can we please talk about this Devian King you mentioned earlier and why we’re in the Kingdom of Idelia?” Parah’s tone was steady, his gaze serious.
The Great Mage suddenly slammed his beer on the table, a hearty laugh booming from him. “Oh-ho! I suppose I’ve made you wait long enough! But before we dive into such grim topics, enjoy the food. Life’s too short not to appreciate the small pleasures, lad. Seize the day! Now, look at what you have in front of you.”
Parah blinked and shifted his gaze to the lavish table set before him. A large, golden-brown turkey dominated the center, flanked by bowls of fresh salad and an array of drinks. Around the table, the lively sounds of laughter filled the air. Yuna was giggling alongside Yumeka and Tsukiko, their chatter light and carefree. Yohei, ever attentive, chimed in every now and then, his deep voice adding to the warmth of the room. Parah glanced to his right, meeting the Great Mage’s knowing smile.
“I think I get what you’re saying… Thank you,” Parah replied softly, a warm sensation settling in his chest.
“Of course, lad! Maturing doesn’t mean we lose the joy in life. It’s about finding what makes us happy, savoring it, and enjoying the moments we’re given. Now, about your questions…” The Great Mage’s jovial expression shifted, his eyes glinting with an ancient wisdom as his tone grew serious. “I teleported us from Forelorn to Idelia because staying too close to the elf kingdom would’ve brought you more trouble. Not just from the noble elf houses but from the Devian King’s elite soldiers as well. We couldn’t afford to wait.”
“Wait, that’s why you teleported us here?” Parah asked, eyes widening. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
The Great Mage chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. “There wasn’t much time to explain, lad! We had to move fast, and now we have several months of peace—hopefully—before the Devian King can track us down. Until then, I’ll be training you. As will Asuka.”
Parah’s heart skipped a beat. “W-wait! How do you know about Asuka?!”
“Oh-ho!” The Great Mage’s laugh rumbled through the room. “I knew the bearer before you! You aren’t the first, lad. I was told long ago to await your arrival. The one who gave me that message was none other than your predecessor.”
Parah’s thoughts raced. “But if the Devian King’s such a threat, why haven’t I heard of him before? I mean, everyone knows about the Demon King, but this Devian King…?”
The Great Mage sighed, his brow furrowing. “That’s where most people are wrong. The Devian King is the Demon King. Or at least, that’s what he believes. The old Demon King no longer exist—your predecessor made sure of that when she wiped out the royal bloodline of demons. But we missed one. The Devian King is half-elf, half-demon. That’s where his name comes from, ‘De-Vian.’ He sees himself as the rightful ruler of both the demon and elf races.”
Parah swallowed, anxiety creeping in. “Why does he want me?”
The Great Mage looked directly at him, his voice low and firm. “He’s afraid of your magic—the same magic that overthrew the Demon race’s monarchy ages ago. As long as you’re alive and unyielding, he’ll never stop searching for you.”
Parah clenched his fists under the table, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders.
The Great Mage stood, his presence imposing as ever. “Tomorrow at dawn, we’ll leave for Idelia.”
Parah’s heart fluttered with both anticipation and nervousness. “Yes, Great Mage!”
The Great Mage chuckled, downing the last of his drink. He left the table, his robes swaying behind him as he headed to his room for the night. Parah watched him go, feeling the fatigue of the day start to settle in. He glanced down at his plate, resolving to finish his meal.
“I should probably get to bed soon,” Parah muttered to himself.
After finishing his food, Parah stood, stretching his tired muscles. “Yohei, where’s the bath?”
Yohei’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “Oh, young master! I’ll prepare it for you right away!”
“No, it’s fine! You’ve done enough tonight. I can handle it.”
“Nonsense! It’s my duty, after all,” Yohei replied with a grin.
Parah chuckled, allowing Yohei to guide him to the bath. As he stepped inside the warm, steamy room, he began to undress, letting his white commoner’s clothing fall to the floor. Slowly, he eased himself into the hot water, a sigh escaping his lips as the heat seeped into his bones.
“So much has happened in just two days…” Parah thought, closing his eyes and sinking deeper into the bath.”
Parah found himself, replaying the day’s events. The Great Mage’s words echoed in his mind, “He’s afraid of your magic…” Parah clenched his fist beneath the water, determination filling his heart. “I can do this…”
With renewed resolve, Parah stepped out of the bath, drying off with a plush towel. As he dressed in the sleepwear Yohei had prepared, he found a note neatly placed on the counter.
“For you, my new young master <3,” it read, a playful heart drawn at the end.
Parah couldn’t help but smile, slipping into the soft, cool fabric. Feeling the weight of the day finally pulling him toward sleep, he made his way upstairs, each step slower than the last. Entering his bedroom, he collapsed onto the bed, sinking into its comforting embrace.
As the moonlight filtered through the curtains, Parah drifted into a deep, peaceful slumber, the world outside momentarily forgotten as dreams claimed him
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