As Aubert's eyes fluttered open, he was greeted by a vista that seemed to straddle the line between dream and reality.
Rising to his feet, he was immediately enveloped in an ethereal landscape. Books, imbued with an ancient charm, levitated gently around him, their pages fluttering like the wings of a butterfly.
Above, the sky was painted with strokes of crimson, punctuated by stars that shimmered like diamonds against the velvet night. Dominating this dreamlike sky was a radiant red moon, casting a surreal glow that touched everything with a mystical luminescence.
At the heart of this enchanting realm floated a small gem, its facets cutting the light into a kaleidoscope of colors. It was a red diamond, pulsating with an inner light that seemed to beckon Aubert closer.
With each step he took towards the gem, it underwent a mesmerizing transformation, its color shifting through the spectrum—blue to green, then to a deep, vibrant purple, only to return to its fiery red as Aubert drew near.
Compelled by a curiosity that felt as natural as breathing, Aubert reached out, his hand moving towards the gem with a cautious awe.
But before his fingers could graze its surface, he felt a sudden, reassuring grip encircle his wrist. Turning swiftly, Aubert's gaze met with the familiar figure of the man in the top hat, his presence as enigmatic as the landscape that surrounded them.
"You're quite the explorer, aren't you, Little One?" the man inquired, his voice carrying a blend of amusement and wisdom.
Recognition sparked in Aubert's eyes as he greeted the man warmly, "Mister Top Hat!"
The man's response came with a light-hearted chuckle, "Indeed, it's me, Little One," as he ruffled Aubert's hair, a gesture that seemed to bridge their worlds.
"Are you scared, being here without your papa?" the man asked, his tone gentle, probing Aubert's sense of security in this unfamiliar realm.
Aubert, his head tilted in thought, considered the man's question. The notion of his father's absence flickered through his mind, casting a brief shadow of doubt. Yet, it was quickly dispelled by a bright, determined smile.
"Papa will always find me, no matter where I am," he stated with a confidence that was both bold and innocent.
The man's smile mirrored Aubert's assurance, a silent acknowledgment of the deep bond between father and son.
Turning his attention to the red stone, the man asked, "Little One, what do you think of that stone?"
Aubert's eyes lit up with childlike wonder. "It's beautiful! Like a kaleidoscope, constantly changing," he exclaimed, his fascination untainted by the complexities of magic.
The man's chukled once more, though a shadow of melancholy briefly crossed his visage, a subtle shift that did not escape Aubert's perceptive gaze.
Avoiding the heart of Aubert's question, the man steered the conversation towards the essence of magic. "What do you believe is the essence of using magic, Little One?"
Aubert, drawing upon the lessons imparted by Maurice and the countless hours spent in imaginative play, replied with conviction, "Imagination is the key. With it, anything you dream can become reality."
The man's expression softened, a mixture of admiration and wistfulness painting his features. "Did your… papa teach you that?" he asked, a hint of nostalgia threading through his words.
"Yeah!" Aubert's affirmative nod brought an unexpected emotion to the surface for the man in the top hat—tears that glistened unbidden in his eyes.
"Mister Top Hat, why are you crying?" Aubert's voice was laced with concern and innocence, touching the heart of the man before him.
With a swift, tender motion, the man brushed away his tears, caught off guard by the flood of memories and emotions that Aubert's words had unleashed.
The concept of "imagination" resonated deeply, echoing the lessons of his own father, and in that moment, the man realized the profound connection between their shared experiences.
Aubert's unwavering belief in the power of imagination, a reflection of his father's teachings, bridged the gap between past and present, leaving both of them touched by a sense of wonder and the timeless bond of family.
The man turned his attention back to the levitating gem, his right arm stretched out towards it, a deep red aura enveloping his limb.
Magically, under his influence, the stone morphed into a glowing orb of radiant red energy.
Aubert, witnessing this transformation, couldn't help but express his wonder with a wide-eyed "Woah!"
The man, cradling the now luminescent orb between his hands, knelt down to Aubert's level, locking eyes with him in a moment filled with unspoken promises.
"Little One, remember, there are no limits to what you can achieve," he said, his voice imbued with a mixture of warmth and seriousness that captivated Aubert's full attention.
Aubert's eyes, reflecting a mixture of awe and curiosity, grew wider, eliciting a gentle laugh from the man.
With a tender smile, he pressed the radiant orb against Aubert's chest, the warmth from the orb pulsating with a comforting rhythm.
"When you awaken from this dream, you'll forget this place and me. But hold onto the words I've told you," he whispered, a hint of melancholy in his tone.
As he continued to press the orb into Aubert, the boy's form began to disintegrate into sparkling motes of red dust, scattering into the ethereal wind, leaving the man alone amidst the magical expanse.
Watching the last of the red dust fade, he murmured with a hopeful inflection, "Don't fear, and never lose faith in yourself."
CRACK!
A chilling sensation coursed through the man, Aubert, as a sound akin to the universe itself fracturing echoed around him.
In a heartbeat, the tranquility was shattered by a vast rift tearing open the fabric of reality. From its depths, dark tendrils, like the outstretched fingers of a monstrous entity, reached out, greedily clawing at the light.
"Aubert, did you truly believe you could contain me here indefinitely?" The scornful taunt of Desoloth, a voice born from the abyss before time, reverberated through the void.
Aubert stood, momentarily paralyzed by the realization that the seal he had meticulously casted, believing it would last decades, had faltered far sooner than anticipated. Desoloth, the primordial void's incarnate, had once again defied his expectations.
Summoning every ounce of his dwindling strength, Aubert initiated the sealing chant, "rengorts laes eht ekam!"
The rift, under the command of his voice, began to close, forcibly drawing Desoloth back into its unfathomable depths, the energies of the eighth dimension reasserting their hold over the entity.
Exhaustion overwhelmed Aubert; his forehead beaded with sweat, his breathing heavy and labored.
The initial attempt to seal Desoloth had significantly drained his magical reserves, and now, faced with the urgent need to reinforce the seal, he was pushed to the brink of his capabilities.
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
The ominous sounds of the seal fracturing under Desoloth's relentless assault filled the air, sending waves of panic through Aubert. With his mana reserves depleting rapidly, he focused all his remaining strength on fortifying the barrier, the only thing preventing Desoloth's escape.
Time seemed to slow, Aubert felt the last of his magical energy ebbing away, the realization dawning on him that this reprieve might only last another 16 years.
"Little One, I pray you learn to wield the magic I've imparted to you, for soon, I will need your aid," he whispered into the void, a silent prayer for the future.
***
Aubert's chest radiated a comforting warmth, a stark contrast to the cold grip of the dream realm he had just departed.
Fluttering his eyes open, he found himself ensconced in the familiar confines of his bedroom.
The transition left him disoriented, his mind grappling with the foggy remnants of a dream he couldn't quite grasp. He sat up, a blanket of confusion enveloping him as he tried to piece together how he ended up in bed.
CREAK!
The gentle creak of the door broke his reverie, as Maurice stepped into the room, balancing a tray adorned with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a plate of three perfectly baked cookies.
Maurice's eyes twinkled with delight upon seeing Aubert awake.
"Hey, you're awake," Maurice greeted, his voice carrying a warmth that echoed the comforting embrace of the room.
Aubert's gaze shifted to the tray, and his eyes sparkled at the sight of the cookies.
"Cookies!" he exclaimed, his previous confusion momentarily forgotten in the face of such a tempting treat.
As he made to hop out of bed, an unexpected glow enveloped him—a soft, enchanting red aura—and he found himself floating, hovering above the mattress in a gentle levitation.
Excitement coursed through Aubert as he discovered this new sensation, his smile bright and wide.
"Papa, look!" he called out, his voice bubbling with joy. In his enthusiasm, Aubert kicked his legs as if to run through the air, only to find himself spinning in place, a delightful discovery that sent ripples of laughter through the room.
Maurice, setting the tray aside on a nearby shelf, watched the scene unfold with a mixture of astonishment and immense joy.
"Ylf," Uttering a single word, Maurice's form began to glow with a serene blue light, mirroring Aubert's red aura as he too ascended into a gentle levitation.
He approached Aubert, reaching out to steady him in mid-air, his expression one of profound pride.
"Aubert, you've unlocked your magic," Maurice announced, his voice a blend of excitement and awe.
"YAY!" Aubert cheered, his jubilation infectious, the room alight with the magical bond that flowed between father and son.
Dominic, standing at the threshold, observed this heartwarming spectacle, his smile a testament to the beauty of the moment.
The sight of Maurice and Aubert, suspended in a dance of magical discovery, was a poignant reminder of the deep connections that magic could forge, bridging hearts and kindling joy in the most unexpected ways.
***
10:50 Pm
Under the serene glow of moonlight, Aubert's room was a tranquil haven, the peaceful ambiance a stark contrast to the lively discussion unfolding in the living room.
There, amidst the cozy crackle of the fireplace, Dominic and Maurice delved into matters of magic and mentorship.
"Professor, with Aubert's newfound magic, how do you proceed with his training?" Dominic's inquiry, laced with genuine interest, broke the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
Maurice, ensconced in the warmth of the firelit room, took a moment to gather his thoughts. His response was deliberate, mirroring the depth of his contemplation.
"Dominic, educating Aubert will transcend the mere mechanics of spellcasting. It's about fostering a profound bond with the essence of magic itself. My approach will be rooted in several core principles."
As Maurice elaborated, the fire's lively dance seemed to mirror the intricate interplay of magic he described.
"First and foremost, we'll focus on the Connection between Emotions and Mana. Magic is far more than incantations; it's an art form that intertwines one's deepest feelings with the raw energy of mana, akin to a dance that balances heart, emotion, and power."
Dominic absorbed the wisdom in Maurice's words, the concept of magic as a dance resonating deeply.
Maurice continued, "Imagination will be a cornerstone of Aubert's learning. It's the wellspring of magical innovation, enabling a magician to venture beyond traditional boundaries and craft spells of unique potency and beauty."
The room, lit by the flickering flames, seemed to nod in agreement as Maurice spoke of Mana Control.
"Mastering one's magical flow is crucial. Unchecked mana can be as revealing as a signature, distinguishable by fellow magicians. Aubert must learn the finesse of balancing and concealing his power."
Maurice's tone grew more earnest as he touched on Magical Etiquette. "Understanding the societal norms of magic, including the need for discretion and the ethical use of power, is vital. It's about nurturing a sense of responsibility and respect within the magical community."
The fire crackled more intensely as if underlining the importance of Maurice's educational philosophy.
Dominic, listening intently, realized that Aubert's magical journey would be one of emotional depth, imaginative exploration, and disciplined mastery.
"I see, as expected from you, Professor."
Maurice's acknowledgment of Dominic's praise was modest, yet his eyes held a spark of determination.
"Thank you, Dominic. It's imperative to guide Aubert's immense potential with wisdom. Magic is more than mere power; it's a path of understanding, connection, and the harmonious blending of the mystical with the mundane. This balanced approach will shape Aubert into not just a powerful magician but a mindful and respectful steward of magic."
RING!
Their discussion was abruptly interrupted by the sharp RING of Dominic's Commlink, slicing through the room's quietude.
A Commlink is a revolutionary magical smartphone in Sylvestria. The device features a sleek, lightweight design with a crystal-infused screen that displays holographic images.
Dominic answered promptly, his voice tinged with concern. "Gertrude? What's the matter at this hour?"
Gertrude's holographic image, urgent and clear, conveyed the gravity of the situation. "Sir Dominic, a Stargate has appeared southeast of Verdant Haven, harboring A-Class monsters. It's a significant threat."
Stargates, magical portals to unknown realms, posed a perennial challenge to Sylvestria's Magicians, with their spontaneous appearances and the dangers lurking within.
Dominic's resolve was evident as he prepared to confront the threat. "Understood, Gertrude. I'm on my way. Ensure the team is ready."
After the call, Dominic shared the urgent news with Maurice, the weight of the situation reflected in his demeanor. "We face a Dungeon crisis. A-Class monsters are a formidable threat."
Maurice's concern for Dominic was palpable, a testament to the bond between mentor and pupil. "Dominic, your strength is unmatched, but caution is paramount."
Dominic's nod was a silent vow of vigilance. "I'll handle it, Professor. Verdant Haven's safety is our priority."
With a parting assurance, Dominic stepped into the night, the comforting ambiance of the cabin giving way to the chill of impending challenge. Maurice remained, his thoughts a blend of pride and concern, as the fire's warmth filled the room, a silent witness to the unfolding saga.