Turpis was taken aback by what the elf just said, and his guard was immediately up. "I am Turpis," he said, eyeing the elf warily. "And what do you mean by 'student'?" Turpis inquired further, his voice tinged with suspicion. He had a feeling that there was more to this elf and his story than what he was letting on, and he wasn't about to let his guard down just yet
"you would get my guidance" The elf's face remained calm and serene, but Turpis could sense a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. Sensing that Turpis have a second thought, he activated his arcane power and three glowing orbs began to manifest beside him.
Turpis was both shocked and mesmerized by the three glowing orbs. The first thing that came to his mind was the legends of Santilmo in his hometown. But as he looked closer, he could see that at the back of the elf, there were three transparent-like tentacles attached to these orbs.
As he looked at the glowing orbs and the tentacles attached to them, Turpis couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and curiosity toward the elf's powers. He wondered what kind of knowledge and skills he could learn from someone who possessed such abilities.
Turpis had always known that power was everything in the world. He had witnessed powerful and influential people protect someone and control them, even though that someone has done something wrong. To possess power is to hold the world in your hands, bend it to your will, and make it bow before you. When he tried to save the humans earlier, he ultimately failed because of his lack of power. Now, he saw an opportunity to learn from someone who had power beyond his wildest dreams, and he didn't want to let it slip away.
But he also couldn't shake off the feeling of suspicion and wariness towards the elf.
"I am willing to learn," Turpis said cautiously, "but what is the catch? Why would you offer me your guidance?"
The elf's expression softened as he regarded Turpis. "The catch, you ask? Well, let's just say that I have my reasons," he said cryptically. "But I assure you, Turpis, my intentions are pure. I see potential in you, and I believe that with my guidance, you-, I mean I could make you become a formidable force in this world."
Turpis hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He knew that he needed to gain power if he ever wanted to protect himself. And the elf's offer seemed too good to pass up. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to this elf than meets the eye.
"Okay," Turpis said at last, "I'll take your offer. But I have one condition."
"Let's hear it," replied the elf.
"I am willing to learn and receive your guidance, but I want to make it clear that I won't do anything that violates my moral boundaries, and I won't let you force me to do so," Turpis stated firmly, his eyes fixed on the elf. He wanted to make sure that he wouldn't be taken advantage of or pushed to do anything that would go against his principles.
The elf nodded, unfazed by Turpis's proposal. "Fair enough," he said. "Now, let's prepare your ceremony."
"But first let me heal you up" The elf approached Turpis and gently placed his hand over the wounds. Turpis watched in amazement as the orbs around the elf vibrated, seemingly absorbing something from the air around them. As the elf's healing magic took effect, Turpis felt a warm sensation spreading through his body, easing his pain and mending his broken ribs.
"Thank you," Turpis said gratefully, feeling much better already.
The elf laughed pridefully. "You should be, after all, I'm known as one of the greatest arcanists in the history of Eldoria Country, The Great Melfroy. Now, let's prepare for your initiation ceremony. We'll need to perform a ritual to officially make you my student and unlock your potential."
Melfroy's proud laughter made Turpis feel a bit uneasy, as he wondered whether he was making the right decision by agreeing to become this elf's student, after all, Melfroy's appearance is younger than him. Despite his doubts, he couldn't deny the potential benefits that could come from learning under Melfroy.
"Alright," Turpis said, steeling himself for the ritual ahead. "What do I need to do to prepare?"
"Come with me for a moment" the elf replied
As Turpis stood beside Melfroy, he noticed that the elf was staring at something intensely. Turpis followed his gaze but saw nothing there except dirt that are made of walls. He wondered what Melfroy was looking at and what he was planning to do.
Then, as if Melfroy had found something, a mischievous smile spread across his face, and the three orbs began to spin slowly in a clockwise manner. The orbs started to glow brightly as their speed increased, and Melfroy's eyes and tattoos began to radiate an eerie light. With a swift motion of his right hand, a spatial tear formed in front of them, revealing a portal to another realm.
Then Melfroy jumps to the tear and drags Turpis with him. The world around Turpis suddenly shifted and he felt like he was falling through space. His body sometimes become weightless but in the next moment, he can feel a very strong force that pulls him down. Turpis clutched into Melfroy's arm tightly, trying to regain his bearings as they hurtled through the tear.
When they emerged on the other side, Turpis felt a wave of nausea and disorientation wash over him, and he had to grip tightly onto Melfroy's arm to keep from falling. He closed his eyes, trying to steady himself and suppress the bile rising in his throat. But when a putrid stench assaulted his nose, he couldn't hold back any longer. His stomach convulsed and he retched, spewing the contents of his stomach onto the ground.
*Blurgh*
"Hahaha" Melfroy's laughter echoed through the foul-smelling air, as he made fun of Turpis's first experience with a spatial tear.
Turpis felt irritated, his discomfort only amplified by Melfroy's amusement and so immediately tried to direct his puke towards Melfroy, to which Melfroy respond with a slap, " Oy oy oy, don't you have respect towards your future teacher?"
Turpis felt a slight anger at Melfroy's lack of empathy and concern for his well-being. He quickly composed himself and wiped his mouth, ignoring the pain from the slap.
"Well well, don't be too angry," Melfroy replied, completely unfazed by Turpis's action. "Just watch and learn from your great teacher on how to fight." His tone was playful as if he was teasing Turpis.
That's when Turpis noticed his surroundings - the familiar table, the chains on the wall. But this time, he realized that there were no human beings alive in the room. Instead, their bodies were piled in the corner, their heads missing. Turpis couldn't help but feel a wave of horror and disgust wash over him as he took in the gruesome scene.