As Felix reclined in the plush confines of the carriage, his mind embarked on an intricate exploration of the arcane possibilities tethered to the creation of a spell, particularly one enigmatic in nature — a Time spell. While Time affinities were relegated to the realm of mythical tales in the Mortal world, the lack of overt acknowledgment didn't necessarily preclude the existence of individuals harboring such affinities. Delving into the annals of magical research, the old Felix, Felix Moonlight's predecessor, had unraveled the mystique surrounding various Magical Affinities, including the transcendental domains of Life and Death, Space, and Time. The clandestine nature of the Destruction Affinity safeguarded him from the relentless pursuit of those who might brand him a criminal deserving of relentless pursuit.
Contemplating the intricacies of Time spells, Felix grappled with the realization that such mystical manipulations were a rare commodity in the Mortal world, perhaps wielded exclusively by the royalty or high-ranking dignitaries of the empire. The prospect of becoming a mere instrument for the benefit of others, subject to the whims of those in power, held no allure for him. An internal dialogue unfolded as he pondered, ´What kind of spell should I create first? And before delving into the specifics, what is time?´
Felix, attuned to the symbiotic relationship between Time and Space, acknowledged their interdependence. Without Space, Time would cease, and without Time, Space could not traverse its eternal expanse. This cognizance opened avenues for potential spellcraft, contemplating the influence of Time on Space. However, he acknowledged the current limitations of his power, recognizing his inability to wield such profound manipulations. The decision then turned to whether he should influence the Past, Present, or Future.
´Investigating the Present seems prudent,´ Felix mused. ´It is the moment of decision-making, a juncture where actions shape the Future and reverberate as the Past.´ The essence of Time, as he perceived it, lay in the intricate dance between decision and consequence. The thought crystallized into a potential spell concept — an augmentation of the Present moment to grant him extended contemplation. The notion of momentarily freezing time, affording him a few precious seconds to deliberate, plan, and outpace adversaries, resonated as a viable pursuit.
As the threads of his musings intertwined, Felix found himself nearing a decision on the type of spell to craft. The intricate dance of temporal manipulation unfolded in his mind, an amalgamation of abstract concepts converging into a coherent magical endeavor. Just as he reached the precipice of clarity, he chose to anchor his ethereal contemplations, opening his eyes to the realization that night had descended upon the realm.
The carriage had come to a halt in the heart of the woods, a sanctuary for rest where the horses could rejuvenate, and the occupants could partake in a communal dinner. A gentle knock on the carriage door heralded Maria's entrance, bearing a plate laden with nourishment. She conveyed the plan to rest in the woods, guarded by a select few adventurers. After depositing the plate, she gracefully withdrew, leaving Felix to his nocturnal contemplations.
Partaking in his dinner, Felix indulged in the ritual of blade maintenance, ensuring his sword remained an instrument of deadly precision. The ambient paranoia of potential threats fueled his preparedness for the unseen dangers that lurked in the shadows — be it assassins, bandits, raiders, or the untamed beasts of the wilderness. With a finely sharpened sword returned to its scabbard, Felix positioned his hand upon its hilt, the embodiment of vigilance, before succumbing to the embrace of sleep, poised to confront the unpredictable challenges that the night might unveil.
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Amidst the nocturnal stillness, Felix's slumber was abruptly disrupted by a symphony of low growls, an unsettling harmony that reverberated through the veil of darkness. Swiftly attuned to the potential threat, Felix's hand instinctively sought the comforting grip of his sword handle. The shroud of night heightened his senses as he closed his eyes, endeavoring to sharpen his auditory perception. The faint growls and the subtle crackling of a twig came into focus.
The absence of the telltale scent of blood provided a modicum of reassurance — a grim testament that no one had succumbed to the unseen menace. Pondering the enigma of the oblivious guards near the carriage, Felix couldn't stave off a scathing thought: 'So useless.' Yet, the urgency of the nocturnal hour propelled him to confront a more pressing dilemma — how to navigate the obsidian embrace of the night.
In the labyrinth of his musings, Felix grappled with the idea of rousing everyone from their slumber. The prospect of waking potential allies harboring night-vision capabilities surfaced as a solution. Stepping stealthily toward the carriage door, he executed its opening with utmost silence. A disheartening tableau unfolded within — the guards, oblivious to the imminent danger, lay enveloped in the clutches of sleep. Felix, muttering his disdain internally, moved with purpose.
His hand rested on the shoulder of the first figure he encountered, the vibrant-haired individual from the morning encounter. Waking him with a sense of urgency, Felix pressed a finger to his lips, issuing a hushed directive, "Shut up. Tell me, can any of you see in the dark?" The crimson-maned figure acknowledged with a nod, signaling a glimmer of hope.
Discovering an ally capable of navigating the shadows, Felix implored, "Lucky that you have this ability. Wake the others and let them see through the night." The red-haired man initiated the rousing process, with Felix maintaining a vigilant eye. However, the impending threat manifested in a renewed chorus of growls, escalating in intensity as the revelation unfolded.
The red-haired individual unleashed a radiant sphere, revealing the ominous silhouettes of 13 wolves adorned in dark blue fur, their black eyes gleaming malevolently. The ambush ensued, resulting in the tragic demise of one of the group members who eluded the red-haired man's wake-up call. With blades unsheathed, Felix and the surviving comrades met the ferocity of the lupine onslaught head-on.
A spell echoed through the night, the woman with the pointy hat conjuring an ice spear that met its target with lethal precision. Rallying the group with vocal authority, she implored, "What are you waiting for? Do not grant them respite! Strike down these foes and shield the young Master!"
The skirmish unfolded with a dynamic exchange. The red-haired man engaged two wolves simultaneously, the blond-haired companion dispatching a third with adept swordplay. As the tides turned, Felix, observant and calculating, opted to reserve his intervention.
The pointy-hatted woman continued her magical onslaught, conjuring ice spears with seamless efficiency. The two male companions showcased their prowess, eliminating the remaining wolves in swift succession. However, an ominous growl heralded a new adversary — a wolf with bright blue fur and eyes aflame with animosity. The battle-worn survivors, depleted of mana and facing a formidable foe, braced for the impending assault.
The blue-furred wolf, a paragon of vengeance for its fallen pack, lunged with relentless fury. The red-haired man attempted a desperate counter, conjuring a fireball, yet succumbed to the wolf's claws. The blond-haired companion met a similar fate, ensnared by the unexpected onslaught.
Left with only a maid devoid of combat prowess and a middle-rank spellcaster with limited offensive capabilities, Felix confronted a dire situation. Suppressing any revelation of his true potential, Felix grappled with the sobering reality that his survival hinged on discretion and strategic concealment. The unforgiving night bore witness to the aftermath of a confrontation that had unraveled in unforeseen tragedy.