Chereads / Crimson Sorcery: The Tainted Awakening / Chapter 2 - Chapter 1 : Where it all started.

Chapter 2 - Chapter 1 : Where it all started.

"Ethan," the girl's voice echoed through the room, carrying a melodic tone that demanded attention. She stood before him, an ethereal vision with her cascading white hair and mesmerizing beauty, accentuated by the shimmering silver cloak that adorned her slender frame.

"The meeting with the Mage Association draws near," she reminded him, her voice laced with urgency and authority. "Do not forget it, lest you regret it later."

Ethan, engrossed in his book, looked up, his eyes meeting hers. He sighed, the weight of the impending meeting evident in his weary expression.

"Yes, Madam, I am aware," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "But I have yet to distill the essence of this intricate matter into a coherent summary. How can I possibly articulate my thoughts to them?"

The girl Ethan referred to as Madam was none other than the Vice Chancellor of the Defense Ministry of the illustrious Kingdom of Aveloria, Freya alden.

"I shall tolerate no excuses, Ethan," Freya declared with a touch of exasperation. "I granted you two months for this vital task, and now you claim it remains unfinished. Pray, tell me, how have you utilized your time? Or were you once again lost in your foolish pursuit of magic?"

"T-that?" Ethan stammered, his voice faltering in response to her piercing questions.

Freya let out a sigh, a mixture of disappointment and frustration tinging her words. "I can grant you a mere two days, and that is all. Afterward, I shall not bear any responsibility for the consequences of your negligence." With those final words, she turned and departed, leaving Ethan alone to grapple with his mounting predicament.

As Ethan observed her retreating figure, a surge of anger coursed through him. Rising from his seat, he began to chant an incantation under his breath, the words laced with an undercurrent of malice.

"Sound dome," he uttered, and in an instant, the room brightened for a fleeting moment before returning to its previous dimness. The incantation had cast a spell, enveloping the space in an impenetrable barrier that prevented any sound from escaping its confines. The reason behind this precaution would soon become apparent.

With the spell complete, a smirk played upon Ethan's lips before morphing into a twisted expression of disgust and resentment.

"Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu fuckiiiingggg bitch! Who the hell do you think you are?" he screamed, his voice filled with venom as he clenched his teeth and grasped his head in frustration. Sparks of his powerful aura flickered around him, leaking out in response to the surging emotions within.

After a moment of venting his frustrations and hurling bitter invectives at his supposed superior, Freya, Ethan gradually regained a semblance of composure. Turning his attention back to the deck of cards spread out before him, he began to chant once more. This time, his voice softened, filled with a mix of reverence and anticipation. With each utterance, he lovingly caressed the book resting on the desk, treating it as if it were a cherished relic. And as the final words of the incantation left his lips, the book emitted a pulsating glow, undergoing a transformation that rendered it foreboding and sinister.

"Just a few more minutes," Ethan muttered to himself, his voice laced with a madman's laughter. "Then I shall return to Earth and rule over it like a monarch, hahahahh."

A tinge of sadness crept into his expression as he continued, his tone laden with longing. "If only I could make Freya my willing servant. Alas, such luxuries are not within my grasp."

His smile widened, eyes filled with selfish intent and boundless ambition. "But that shall not be a problem, for the knowledge and power I possess now. Upon returning to Earth, I shall undoubtedly become the strongest individual in the wild world. Oh, dear me~ oh, dear me," he mused, relishing the possibilities that lay ahead.

Halting his excitement, Ethan refocused his gaze, his voice growing softer as he addressed the book before him.

"And it is all thanks to this, the symbol and proof of my tireless efforts spanning over three years—the ticket that shall transport me back to Earth."

The book he spoke of was a sacred tome of sorcery, a treasure he had stumbled upon during his relentless search. Possessing the ability to traverse parallel universes and dimensions, it was no ordinary artifact. The mere act of discovering it was a legendary feat in itself.

Ethan Asteria, the 47th most powerful mage in the Kingdom of Aveloria, held a unique position as both a mage and a senior officer in the Mage Association responsible for the kingdom's defense and strategic planning. The kingdom had been embroiled in a devastating war with its neighboring countries for over five years, placing an immense burden on the young mage. While others found pride in serving the kingdom, Ethan's dedication wavered. The reason for his lack of obligation was simple—Ethan Asteria was not truly Ethan. Within the body of Ethan Asteria resided the soul of a high school boy named Mathew, transmigrated from Earth seven years prior. Since that fateful day, he had lived a life far removed from his own.

In the depths of Mathew's being, residing within the vessel of Ethan, a bittersweet fascination with magic stirred. Though he held no particular fondness for the concept of serving his adopted country, he couldn't help but be captivated by the intricacies of spells and the limitless possibilities they held. In his daydreams, he envisioned himself as the hero of the kingdom, leading Aveloria to triumphant victories. Yet, as reality crashed upon him with unrelenting force, Mathew's illusions shattered like fragile glass.

During his magical education, Ethan nurtured a belief that he possessed something extraordinary, a unique gift that set him apart from others. But as he entered the prestigious academy and encountered numerous individuals, particularly his senior officer Freya, the truth struck him with merciless clarity. He was not the exceptional prodigy he had envisioned himself to be. Instead, he was a mere citizen of the kingdom, possessing a few talents among countless others.

This revelation served as a catalyst for Ethan's fervent pursuit of a return to his homeland, Earth. Immersed in relentless research, he dedicated himself to unlocking the secrets that would lead him back to the world where he believed he could truly shine. And finally, after tireless exploration, he discovered a book, a key to his ultimate goal.

In his heart, Ethan harbored an unshakeable conviction that the knowledge he possessed was more than enough to conquer and rule Earth. In that realm, he would be unmatched, standing as the epitome of power and influence. No longer would he endure the disdainful gazes or condescension of others. This burning desire for dominance ignited a flame within Ethan's core, propelling him forward on his treacherous journey, guided by the newfound tome he clutched with determined resolve.

But he was not aware that something different was written on his faith.

..

"Where in the fuck I'm, It's not the fucking Earth"