'So, this is the prison in this world, and it is quite luxurious in comparison to the prison in my world.' Aarav pondered
"Hey, system, what's all this nonsense about Triston's pact with the Witch Queen?" Aarav inquired, perplexed.
[You have a life pact with Sierra Whitmore, a descendant of Amelia Whitmore, one of Asteria's most formidable beings and a former Witch Queen].
"Then Sierra is a witch queen, right?" Aarav questioned.
[Yes or No]
"What?"
[Actually, her aunt is serving as a de facto witch queen for two years until she becomes 21 because she cannot ascend to the throne before that age.]
"Witches don't interact with people very often, that's what I learned from Triston's memories. So, how did Triston get associated with the witches, then?" Asked Aarav.
[Triston's mother started this life pact with Whitmore's family.]
"What, Scarlett Barrington?" Aarav was somewhat stunned, but once he collected himself, he asked, "as much as I understand this world. Aren't witches supposed to be evil beings, then why did she initiate her own son's life pact with Witch Queen?" Aarav inquired
[Scarlett Barrington was a demon with royal blood; royal blood runs through the veins of only those demons who are direct descendants of Demon Lord. When Kingdom discovered the truth about her, they went after her to assassinate her and her child (baby Triston) to save their lives while Scarlett Barrington was on the run with a 3-year-old Triston. She reached out to The Moon Temple, the only group capable of competing with the Kingdom of Histon. In exchange for her royal demon blood, she signed a life pact between Triston and Sierra Whitmore, daughter of Amelia Whitmore, the then Witch Queen. Once, you become a member of the Moon Temple Kingdom of Histon can't touch you.]
"So that's why they didn't kill me," he said. As he softly stated, Aarav turned to face the sky "There is no way to adequately express a mother's love in words, and I have never had a finer one. She gave up her life and her pride of being a royal demon for her son." He thought as tears started to fall.
"Aunt Scarlett, don't worry. Should I call your mother?" Aarav groaned and expressed regret for acquiring Triston's body. But I'll return your dignity and pride, which you deserved, he said as he summoned all of his bravery.
After a minute of silence,
"Where was her husband through it all?" He inquired further.
[Daniel Barrington genuinely cared about her and her family, but he was unusually quiet about the matter.]
"hmmm! How can you seem to know so much about everything, as if you've known them for a long time?" He was intrigued.
[I can read the memories and experiences of anyone with whom you have had contact.]
"That's pretty efficient, I suppose. How do you get trapped with my soul if you are so powerful and formidable?"
[I became bound in contract with you until your disappearance as a result of the talisman your mother gave you. My entire being is a curse and a blessing rolled into one.]
[I can increase your affinity with each element and assist you in increasing your magical rank, but in exchange, I consume your mana.]
"So you're a spiritual being bound to me by the talisman. Wait!" He became terrified "Is it that good luck charm? Are you referring to a good luck charm that my mother gave me?"
[Yes]
"But how exactly? My mother is just an ordinary woman; how can she bind you to me?"
[My memory has been Locked, including my origin and my name. So, I'm not sure about the specifics, but no ordinary person can have access to the talisman that can bind the nature spirit.]
"Is there something that's missing? Why would my mother, conceal such important information from me?" He thought to himself.
"Wait, so you're not a system like in those fantasy stories in my world?" he inquired, his face was expressionless.
[As I previously stated, I am a spirit tied to your soul through the talisman your mother gave you.]
"Then why did you act like a normal system from those novels when I first arrived here?" he wondered.
[I dug deep into your memories and concluded that if I identify myself as a system, the chances are that you will not be alarmed by my presence are higher.]
-
"What are the ramifications of my life pact with Sierra Whitmore, Alizeh?" he wondered.
[…]
"I can give you a name, right?" he solicited.
[un!]
[You are Sierra Whitmore's subordinate as a result of a life contract you made with her. The blood connection between witches and humans with huge mana reserves is symbolized by the five-leaf clover emblem on your neck. People who use mana, like you, have established blood or life pacts with witches. They procreate with the humans with whom they have struck a contract to suck their mana through blood and expand their power, as well as to prevent interaction with the outside world.]
"What? So she's going to use me as a sacrificial lamb? Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?"
[You didn't inquire]
He exhaled a sigh!
"Is there any way I can get out of this pact?" he inquired.
[No]
He sighed deeply!
[...]
[Witch Queen, stands 178 cm tall, with long black hair, emerald green eyes, a curvaceous body, and a pair of G-cup breasts.]
"What? G cups? Is she even human?" with astonishment he enquired
[She's a queen of witches, duh!]
"Well. Witches, in my opinion, are not inherently evil by birth. I'll deal with this later; the more pressing matter is to become powerful now."
[*chuckle*]
"Alizeh, what exactly are all these mysterious ranking systems that people use?" Aarav questioned.
[Aren't you asking that question a little bit too late?]
He tightens his lips and says, "I'm asking you now." He has narrowed his eyes.
…
In Asteria, magical ranking begins with 'Apprentices mages,' who are still learning how to control their magic and are learning under the supervision of a teacher or school. They understand their element and can cast basic spells. These Magic users range in levels from 1 to 10.
Following that are 'lesser mages,' who have a basic understanding of magic but live normal lives. The potency of their magic determines their magical rank, which ranges from 11 to 20.
Some 'mages' are between the ages of 21 and 40, with advanced knowledge in one or two subjects but not so much in others.
Then there are 'master mages,' who are about level 41-60 and very strong in a variety of skills (such as an attack, potions, defense, healing, and so on). They are most likely studying under a High or Celestial Mage to advance in rank.
It should be noted that the next ranks have a limited amount of space, whereas the previous ones do not.
First, there are 'saint mages', who are respected because they are on the same level as royalty and are trained from a young age to train, master their abilities, and then teach their students. They are proficient in all skills but lack the power of the final tier. 61-90.
This brings us to the final level of magic, 'Celestial Mages,' which requires a level of 91 or higher. These being are considered to be God's figure in this world.
Magic Class: Magic Rank:
Apprentice Mage 1 to 10
Lesser Mage 11 to 20
Mage 21 to 40
Master Mage 41 to 60
Saint Mage 61 to 90
Celestial Mage 91 or higher
There are only four celestial wizards in the universe of Asteria. Because these mages are revered as gods, they normally keep their true identities disguised for as long as possible, making it difficult to find them. ' Winston Kingsley, the first Celestial Mage, had two disciples: 'Amelia Whitmore,' the former Witch Queen, and 'Salvadore Deamonne,' the Demon Lord. They eventually rise through the ranks to become the third and fourth Celestial wizards, respectively. 'Neldor Ermaer,' the elf king, is the world's second Celestial mage.
The world's power balance is maintained by these four Celestial mages. Amelia Whitmore supports the Kingdom of Histon, the Elf King supports the Kingdom of Livian, and the Demon Lord, as Lord of Demon Forest, is a separate entity in his own right. He had endeavored to invade both kingdoms for a hundred years in the hopes of becoming the sovereign of Asteria. Winston Kingsley, the Headmaster of Blemsnorth: The Arcane Institute, remains neutral in the meanwhile.
…
"Could you tell me what magical level I was at?" Aarav enquired further.
[Apprentice Mage; Magical Rank: 8]
"Way to go, huh?" he sighed!
[Don't be too depressed; you are incredibly lucky despite being only an ordinary human.]
[You have a fairly large mana reservoir compared to others of your rank or one level higher because you have Barrington Family blood in your veins as well as royal demon blood from your mother's side. Your life agreement with Sierra Whitmore can also expedite your progress if you correctly use the sign of the five leaves clover.]
"I'm also accompanied by Alizeh." He remarked.
[Un!]
"So, right now, I have an affinity for the Earth Element, but you stated you can improve my affinity for other elements?" He was intrigued.
[I can't raise your affinity with each element instantly, because if I do, your core would burst and you won't be able to utilize magic again. I can progressively boost your affinity with each element as your magical rating develops.]
"So, I'm supposed to start focusing on my chakras or core and cultivating mana, whatever term you right?" he asked.
[Un!]
Aarav was contentedly learning about this world and its magic and getting ready to begin his ascent to the rank of the celestial mage to build enough strength to travel back to his planet. The other side of the Kingdom was not as tranquil.
"Mother, why didn't you stop this whole silly thing in Royal Court today, you know Triston belongs to me, why did you favor the dual?" Eleanora yelled in Queen Victoria Winfield's chambers.
"Think about your brothers, Albert and Philip, and the pressure they could be under given the state of the kingdom as a whole and the impending announcement of the Crown Prince. We need the assistance of as many noble families as we can, but the cursed half-demon has now entered the equation and might even be detrimental to our family. He fooled everyone for the previous 16 years by acting foolishly, but now he began to reveal his true self. Therefore, put him out of your mind and pay attention to Ronald Crawford, the Crawford family's eldest brother. As I seek a means of dealing with that demon born, "Victoria screamed out.
"I don't want to become engaged in these pointless politics, so please don't." Eleanora moved away while stamping her foot on the ground.
"I can't say I blame her; she received her obstinacy from me alone"
She sighed!
"I must first devise a strategy for dealing with that demon brat before I can deal with her stubbornness." As she sat down on a chair to compose a letter, she goes into a deep state of thought.
From very ancient times to the present day, secret magical organizations, including witch covens, have organized themselves into hierarchies, akin to the priesthood, with the Queen and Elders at the top dictating the group's policy. These individuals were frequently regarded to be stronger, wiser, or simply older than the rest of the group, and they held positions of authority until challenged from below or passed on to a successor in due course.
The themes of guilt, scapegoats, and atonement are absent in witchcraft. Only cakes and wine, as well as other libations thereof, are used in modern rites that incorporate elements of sacrifice. The use of minute amounts of blood in particular activities is considered as a technique of communicating a specific form of magical energy believed to be located in the blood of the mana user with whom they have a life pact, rather than as a method of deity appeasement or atonement for sin. Many modern-day witches, who are frequently nonviolent, even draw the line at using a few drops of blood from the mana users with whom they have a life pact. Witches can usually form a life pact with only one person in their entire lives, and they cannot make another pact if the mana user with whom they pact died. The descendants of the Whitmore family, on the other hand, can create a life pact with the three mana users at the same.
There are six leaders in the Moon Temple, each with their own magical rank and experience. The Witch Queen is the title given to the female leader. Queen keeps five Witches as the coven's elders in those that value knowledge and power. The Great Elder is one among them, and he is the coven's second-in-command after the Queen.
Following Amelia Whitmore's disappearance. Sierra Whitmore's cousin, Helga Diablos, who was the coven's elder, became the de facto Witch Queen of The Moon Temple for a while until Sierra Whitmore reached the age of 21. She had always despised the Whitmore family for wielding enormous powers that were feared throughout the world. The Whitmore family's strength has surpassed all others when Amelia Whitmore (mother of Sierra Whitmore) was elevated to the level of Celestial Mage. In the land of Asteria, they were unstoppable.
No one wants to be an enemy of the Whitmores, but a year ago, Salvadore Deamonne declared his goal to capture Asteria and become the sovereign of the planet. The battle between the demon race and the other races has begun. During that time, Amelia Whitmore vanished from the face of Asteria, much to the surprise of the entire globe, and her whereabouts are unknown.
Lustrous braziers half-encircling each of the twelve sandstone columns in The Moon Temple's throne room illuminate and engulf the lower levels of the throne hall in a brilliant gleam. The paintings of fallen angels and Former Witch Queens on the curved ceiling dance in the flickering light, while sculptures and statuettes gaze down on this magnificent hall's mosaic floor. A dignified silver throne sits within a pagoda-like structure within this hall, flanked by five equally impressive seats for coven elders. A five-leaf clover emblem adorns the throne, and a sparkling symbolic emblem is fixed to each of the elegant armrests. The light pillows are a light jade color and have been embellished with plumes.
"A message from the Kingdom of Histon concerning Triston Barrington has arrived, Your Grace." A man in a black robe stated as he bowed.
"Triston who?" inquired a middle-aged woman in a black robe seated on a silver throne, her red, oily hair gently draping over a rugged, frowning face and grey eyes squinted.
In response to her question, an old lady seated Silver throne next to the Witch Queen remarked, "Triston Barrington is a son of Scarlett Barrington, who has a life pact with Sierra Whitmore, Your Grace."
"Scarlett Barrington's son? I'd like to learn more about the letter, so please read it aloud to me."
Helga had a keen interest in the subject.
Everyone remained motionless and listened carefully while a servant in a black robe read aloud a letter. He finished reading the letter after a few minutes. An eruption of indignation from a middle-aged woman, "Outrageous, how dare they hold a trial for Triston, who has made a life pact with a future Witch Queen and has even been found guilty. Julius Winfield had stepped over the line. I suppose I'll have to show them where they belong."
Another elder intervened as she raggedly rose from his seat. "Please analyze the case calmly, Mildred Graeme, great elder; they have already submitted an apology letter describing the entire situation in detail. The subject did not even raise an objection to the sentence. Before acting on a whim, I feel we should explore this matter first. We are not in a position to start a conflict with anyone at this moment. When the Moon Temple is already disrupted due to the disappearance of Amelia Whitmore."
Mildred stomped her foot on the ground and sat back on the throne as the other elders nodded. After a few moments of thought, Helga issued the following command: "I agree with the elder Isadore Winter's suggestion that we send some spies to the capital to investigate the situation, and after much deliberation, I've decided to give Triston Barrington some gold class materials as a gift to aid him in his battle with the Attwood family's son, in order to protect our Coven's reputation. Also, after his sentence period is through, enroll him at Blemsnorth Academy and make the Moon Temple his guarantor. I'll delegate the organization of my commands to you, Elder Isadore."
.As she bowed, Isadore responded, "Your Grace, your wish is my command."
In Helga's chambers that evening, she was discussing the situation with Isadore.
"Your daughter attends the Blemsnorth to study magic." Helga expressed interest.
With a nod, Isadore said, "Yes, Your Grace."
"Tell her to keep an eye on Triston when he walks in and try to persuade him to become her stooge. If all goes according to plan, we'll be able to use him to assassinate Sierra Whitmore by manipulating the situation." She had made a choice.
"Excuse me, Your Grace, but what if he didn't fall for Luna's Charm and became useless to our plan?" Isadore was curious.
"Then eliminate him!" Helga stated unequivocally.