Chapter 8: Twin's Reunion, Part 1
Moments passed and the crystal ball showed no reaction. I waited a bit more, yet it didn't even budge. As expected this means I don't have even a speck of mana inside of me.
"I don't have any mana, do I?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. It was a bitter truth to accept, I already knew of this but seeing it like this really put a dent in my determination.
Lamy's expression softened as she gently nodded. "Noel, it's true that you haven't shown any signs of having mana so far," she paused and looked at me deeply, "But that doesn't mean you're without worth or purpose. There are many ways to contribute and make a difference in this world, even without magic."
"But everyone can use magic," I muttered, unable to hide the tinge of envy in my voice.
"Even Nora, my twin sister, can wield magic effortlessly. We were born in the same womb yet why am I the only one without this gift?"
She took a step closer, her voice soothing. "Noel, I can understand how you feel. It's natural to compare yourself to others, especially when it seems like everyone around you possesses something you don't. But remember, magic is just one aspect of who you are. It doesn't define your entire worth."
I glanced at the crystal again, my disappointment still fresh. "I know you're right, Lamy, but it's hard not to feel inadequate when I can't do something that seems to come so effortlessly to everyone else."
Lamy's eyes held a gentle intensity. "Your value isn't determined solely by your ability to use magic. You have qualities that are unique to you, strengths that might not be immediately obvious. And, believe me, the world is vast and full of opportunities. Just because you don't have magic doesn't mean you can't find your own path."
"And how am I supposed to find my path if I'm stuck in this place!?"
Regret washed over me instantly as soon as those words slipped from my mouth.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that"
Years of confinement in this tower have deeply affected my mental state. Here I am, directing my anger towards the only person who has shown me care in this world. I can't help but loathe myself at this moment.
Lamy hung her head low, her face barely noticeable. I really want to punch myself for saying such a thing. No, even death wouldn't make up for hurting the feelings of such an innocent soul.
"It's not your fault, Lamy. Please don't blame yourself. This was bound to happen even without you-"
"I-m fine. It's alright. All I want is to see you smile today. " she said as she forced a smile of her own, despite trying her best the look in her eyes betrayed it all.
She reached out and placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch offering comfort. "It's okay to feel frustrated and disappointed, Noel. It's okay to grieve the loss of what you thought your life would be. But don't let that define your future. You have the power to shape your own destiny."
For a moment, I saw the image of my parents in Lamy. They brought back memories of my real parents back on Earth. They had always been supportive, even when I dropped out of school and secluded myself in my room. But, I took that kindness for granted, lashing out and blaming them for my situation.
A teardrop escaped my eye as I remembered the final argument I had with my mom: the shouting, the curses, and the slammed door..
I sank to the floor, my vision blurred as a torrent of tears cascaded down my cheeks. The weight of my failures, both past and present, bore down on me like an insurmountable burden. Every mistake, every missed opportunity, felt like chains that bound me to an existence devoid of purpose.
"Noel! Noel! Noel!"
Amidst my thoughts, I completely forgot about my surroundings. I could barely hear any sound. It was as if I were trapped in a different space, isolated from everything.
Suddenly the grip of isolation tightened, threatening to consume me whole. It was as if all the light had been sucked out of my world, leaving behind only a void of hopelessness. My body grew weaker and weaker each time the darkness was spreading in my body.
In the midst of this suffocating darkness, a sinister thought began to take shape. "Is this my punishment?" I thought bitterly.
•••••
Lamy had been genuinely excited when she presented the Manalyzer, a thoughtful gift she believed would brighten Noel's day. However, her excitement was instantly shattered when Noel's expression shifted from surprise to one of deep anguish. Tears streamed down his face, but they weren't tears of joy as she had expected. The pain and torment etched on his features were a stark contrast to her hopes.
Alarmed, Lamy called out to him, her voice quivering with concern. She reassured him, her words meant to soothe whatever distress he was experiencing. But no matter how many times she spoke, it was as though he was in another world, his gaze distant and unresponsive.
Panic threatened to overtake her, Lamy was on the verge of calling for help from outside the tower. However, a memory from her past abruptly halted her actions.
She clenched her hand tightly, a tiny drop of blood staining the floor. It was the second time in her life that she had felt so helpless. Despite the frustration and desperation, she wouldn't give up easily.
With a determined resolve, Lamy meticulously inspected Noel's body from head to toe, leaving no area unchecked. She hoped to uncover any clue that could shed light on his distress. Suddenly, Noel's toes began turning black, the discoloration slowly creeping up his feet.
Shock rooted Lamy to the spot, her face etched with a trace of fear. She knew exactly what that ominous black hue indicated.
"How? Why is there a demon here?" Lamy's voice trembled with fear as she uttered the words. Her mind raced, unable to comprehend the presence of a demon inside the Mansion. This was a place teeming with powerful beings, including Arch Mages with six-circle rings and above.
The thought that a demon could infiltrate such a fortified place sent shivers down Lamy's spine. She tried to steady her trembling hands, her mind racing through possible scenarios.
With a clenched jaw, she focused on channeling her mana. If Noel were to turn into a demon, that would be far worse than remaining alive, as he would be consumed by the darkness of the demon. The stronger the demon, the more he would have to suffer.
Judging by the rate at which the darkness was spreading, it was a matter of a few minutes before Noel would be entirely consumed by it, transformed into something sinister and vicious that'll attack any living creature it sees.
Lamy's determination was palpable as she clenched her teeth, prepared to chant a spell that might halt the encroaching darkness. But before she could utter a single word, a sudden movement caught her eye.