The city hall bustled with members of the Blood Drops Clan engaging in lively conversations. Excitement permeated the air as Mia made her way onto the altar positioned at the center of the hall. Clapping her hands to gather everyone's attention, her voice rang out with a blend of authority and wisdom, commanding an immediate hush in the room.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Mia greeted. The room fell silent as her words captured the attention of every individual present.
"Recalling the earthquake we experienced last week, I'll be teaching you a protection spell today. However, I must emphasize caution in its usage. This is no trivial matter, and I urge each of you to pay close attention to this class," she explained, her words carrying a weight of seriousness that resonated throughout the hall.
Every two weeks, Mia convened a meeting in the city hall to disseminate crucial information, share significant prophecies, or impart practical knowledge to the civilians—ranging from basic literacy to valuable farming tips. Only three months prior, Mia had crafted an entirely new language for the Blood Drops Clan, providing them with a unique and exclusive means of communication.
During this particular gathering, Mia focused on teaching a magic spell she had learned but never practiced.
"This spell is known as the Life Replacement Spell. True to its name, it allows us to use our own life force to safeguard anyone upon whom we cast this spell, shielding them from any catastrophe. That's why I urge everyone to use this spell only in dire situations and after careful consideration," Mia explained. Her words carried a weight of responsibility as she continued, "Remember, those left behind to live will always bear the greater burden." She reiterated the caution.
A teenage boy from the audience raised his hand, "Royal Sorcerer, I have a question."
"Go ahead," Mia said, her eyes fixed on the boy.
"The person on whom we cast the spell will stay alive through everything? Even in a definite life-threatening situation?"
Mia nodded, "But the cost is the life of the spell caster," she answered, eliciting small gasps from some members of the audience, "That's why it's called a Life Replacement Spell."
The boy tilted his head and asked more, "Can it only be used on humans? Can I use it on my cat?"
Mia couldn't help but laugh softly at the pure innocence of the question, "Yes," she smiled, "Yes, you can put the spell on your cat too."
The room buzzed with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as Mia continued the lesson. She led the members through the intricate steps of the Life Replacement Spell, emphasizing the importance of intent, focus, and a deep connection to the life force that flowed within them.
"Now that your eyes are closed, with nothing but darkness in your vision, imagine the face of the person—or cats—that you want to put the spell on." Mia walked around the hall, observing everyone with closed eyes, engrossed in following her guidance.
"Visualize their face in every single detail you can conjure. Envision them smiling at you," she continued. "This person must be someone truly important to you. Feel your heart brimming with the love and affection you have for them."
Mia stopped in front of Heya, who was attending the meeting as an audience member. The young boy had his eyes closed, and Mia watched his face carefully. His long eyelashes and sculpted jaw highlighted his handsome features. He was perfection in her eyes, and she couldn't help but wonder whom he was imagining in his practice.
Even though her rational mind knew he must be envisioning her, her heart still entertained the curiosity.
She resumed her pacing, refocusing on her instructions. "Now, imagine that person living in the future after the catastrophe that befalls them. Envision their happiness, picture how they will lead their life after you. Immerse yourself in every detail with the love you have for them. Feel free to cry if you want—the stronger your emotions as you imagine, the more potent the spell will become."
Mia now stood in the middle of the altar again, closing her eyes along with everyone in the room. In her vision, she saw Heya smiling at her, as he always did. Love filled her heart, suffocating her a bit, as the air seemed to have no place in her, replaced entirely by Heya.
She opened her eyes slowly, fixing her gaze on Heya before shifting her attention to nothing but the thin air. "Now, open your eyes," she said.
Everyone opened their eyes, some were wiping away tears, others clutching their hearts and still shedding tears.
"When you're actually putting this spell on someone, you have to keep your eyes closed the entire time," Mia explained. "However, since we are just practicing now, please everyone practice the spell words with your eyes open."
All eyes were fixed on Mia, ready to cast the spell.
"Raise your index and middle finger like this," she demonstrated, holding up her hand, index and middle fingers pressed together. "Place this on the forehead of the person you're casting the spell on."
Everyone followed her guidance, extending their fingers into the air, imagining their loved one's forehead in front of them.
Mia then chanted the magical spell aloud, "In the mystic realms where words weave spells and enchantments unfold, I offer my essence, a sacrifice bold. With the magic that courses through my veins, I pledge my life to shield and sustain. Through every tempest that time may bestow, in every trial, in every woe, may this person find safety, in life's intricate dance, in the present and future, by magical chance. As I speak these words with heart sincere, let a shield of protection magically appear. So mote it be, in realms unseen, a guardian spell, forever keen."
As the members practiced the spell under Mia's watchful eye, the city hall became a symphony of whispered incantations and shimmering magical energies.
Mia moved among the participants, offering guidance and encouragement, ensuring that each member grasped the delicate balance required for the spell to be effective.