6:55 AM
Golden Fields Region, Verdant Haven
Réel Residence
Sizzle!
The kitchen was alive with the sounds and aromas of breakfast being prepared. Maurice, with practiced ease, moved about the kitchen, cooking up a storm of traditional Verdant Havem breakfast delicacies.
The air was rich with the scent of butter, herbs, and fresh pastry, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that promised a delicious start to the day.
Meanwhile, Aubert was nestled in the living room, his attention fully absorbed by the first chapters of The Réel Spellbook.
The pages before him unveiled the story of Arthur Réel, known as "The Showman of Time," his ancestor.
Arthur's portrait captivated Aubert; with his short-tousled hair and green eyes, he exuded a charisma that transcended time.
Adorned in a light brown top hat embellished with a clock, a matching tuxedo, and a dark brown cape, Arthur stood proudly on a hill dotted with clocks, a testament to his mastery over time.
"Gramps looks cool," Aubert muttered, admiration clear in his voice as he studied the ancestral figure before him.
Turning the page, Aubert delved into the early life of Arthur Réel. Born to Reve Réel, Arthur described his father as a strict figure, especially regarding the duties of a showman and magician.
This rigorous upbringing left Arthur doubting his capabilities and self-worth in the arts they held dear.
Arthur believed his unique magic to control time—a power uncharacteristic of the Réel family's "Imagination Creation" magic—stemmed from his mother, Darlene Dubois, who had passed away shortly after his birth.
Harnessing this newfound magic, Arthur discovered he could turn back time, reliving moments with the sole memory of future events.
Utilizing his ability, Arthur meticulously refined his performances, erasing any imperfections by rehearsing tirelessly to gain his father's approval. Reve, noticing his son's intensified dedication, felt a mix of pride and concern for Arthur's well-being.
After years of practice and joint performances, Arthur embarked on a solo tour. Yet, to his dismay, his audience's reaction was underwhelming; their boredom was palpable, casting a shadow of doubt over Arthur's talents once more.
Despondent, Arthur turned back time, seeking to pinpoint and amend his shortcomings.
This cycle of performance, disappointment, and temporal retreat repeated itself fifteen times, with Arthur tirelessly working to captivate his audience, only to be met with the same indifferent response.
On the fifteenth attempt, overwhelmed by frustration and despair, Arthur inadvertently destroyed the dimension he had retreated to in a moment of uncontrolled emotion.
Upon returning home, Arthur found solace and guidance in a heart-to-heart with Reve. It was then Reve illuminated the path forward, pointing out that Arthur's performances lacked originality and imagination, merely echoing Reve's acts.
This revelation was a turning point for Arthur, inspiring him to craft new spells and foster a unique performance style.
When he took the stage once more, his audience was captivated, their joy and engagement marking Arthur's ascent to stardom.
Arthur's fame eventually led him to cross paths with Angelica Einzbern, whose beauty and spirit captivated him.
Their connection was instantaneous, leading to a whirlwind romance that culminated in marriage, a union of love and magic that enriched Arthur's life beyond measure.
Aubert, absorbed in his ancestor's tale, couldn't help but feel inspired.
"Wow, Gramps was amazing," he whispered, a mix of awe and pride in his voice.
Turning the page, Aubert discovered a list of spells Arthur had created, including "Temporal Loop" a time-loop spell, "Levity Lapse" for gravity deletion, "Chrono Push" to accelerate time, "Simplistic Temporal Freeze" to freeze time, "Rekindle Vitality" for resurrection, and "Dragon Stampede", a spell that would summon a horde of dragons.
Each spell was a testament to Arthur's creativity and his journey to finding his unique voice in the realm of magic and showmanship.
Aubert's eyes sparkled with excitement, eager to explore these spells and carry forward the legacy of innovation and magic that defined the Réel family.
Aubert then eagerly flipped the page, his curiosity piqued by the unfolding legacy of his ancestors.
There, he discovered that Arthur and Angelica had welcomed a son into their world, named Évariste Réel. The passage detailed how Évariste, even as a baby, radiated joy and exhibited a keen interest in mathematics, a trait that seemed to hint at the unique magic he might wield in the future.
Arthur, recognizing the potential within his son, decided to pass on The Réel Spellbook to Évariste when he was merely six years old, eager to see how his progeny would harness and evolve the family's magical legacy.
On the next page lay a heartfelt letter from Arthur to Évariste. The words were imbued with pride and love, expressing Arthur's deepest hopes for his son to continue the Réel family's legacy, blending magic with the boundless possibilities of imagination and innovation.
It was a touching testament to the hopes and dreams a father held for his child and the enduring bond that magic had forged within their family.
Turning the page, Aubert was greeted with the title of the next chapter: "Évariste Réel, The Showman of Calculations."
It was a promise of a new story, of another Réel who had left an indelible mark on the tapestry of their family's history.
Aubert's fingers hovered over the corner of the page, ready to unveil the mysteries that Évariste's life would reveal.
Just as he was about to turn the page, Maurice's voice echoed through the room, "Aubert, it's time for breakfast!"
The call was a gentle reminder of the world outside the spellbook, pulling Aubert back to the present moment.
Aubert glanced up, a slight sense of disappointment mingling with his hunger.
The spellbook had transported him through time, connecting him with his ancestors in a way he had never experienced before.
But the aroma wafting from the kitchen promised a different kind of nourishment, one that was equally important.
"Coming, Papa!" Aubert called back, marking his place in the spellbook before reluctantly closing it.
As he stood, a smile played on his lips, his mind still partly with Arthur, Évariste, and the legacy they had woven.
Aubert made his way to the dining room, the anticipation of breakfast momentarily distracting him from the spellbook's allure.
As he entered, the sight that greeted him made his eyes brim with delight. The table was laden with an array of breakfast delicacies meticulously prepared by his father.
Freshly baked croissants, buttery and flaky, sat alongside plates of crepes filled with sweet and savory ingredients, their aromas mingling in the air to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
With an enthusiasm only a young boy could muster, Aubert jumped into his chair, eager to dive into the feast before him.
His excitement was palpable, each dish a testament to Maurice's culinary skills and his desire to start their day on a delightful note.
Maurice, observing Aubert's reaction with a mixture of pride and amusement, seized the moment to bridge their morning's adventure with the spellbook to the reality of their breakfast table.
"What do you think of The Réel Spellbook, Aubert?" he inquired, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of anticipation for his son's insights.
Aubert, momentarily distracted from the tantalizing food, brightened at the question. "It's amazing, Papa! I read about Arthur's chapter. He could control time! And he seemed really cool, standing on that hill with all those clocks,".
The tale of Arthur Réel, The Showman of Time, had captured his imagination, offering him a glimpse into the rich tapestry of their family's magical legacy.
Maurice smiled, a look of fond reminiscence crossing his features. "Arthur's chapter was always my favorite," he confessed, his voice softening. "He's the most 'normal' among the Réels, in a way."
The comment was delivered with a hint of humor, a nod to the extraordinary lives led by the members of their family, each marked by unique talents and remarkable adventures that stretched the bounds of what one might consider 'normal.'
Aubert raised one of his brows, puzzled by the notion of normalcy in a family as magically endowed as theirs, yet his smile remained.
The idea that even among a lineage of exceptional magicians, someone could be regarded as 'normal' for simply embracing their unique abilities in a more grounded manner was both amusing and heartwarming.
As Maurice placed the final touches on the breakfast table, he looked at Aubert with a warm smile and announced, "Bon Appetit!"
Echoing his father's sentiment with equal enthusiasm, Aubert replied, "Bon Appetit!" His eyes sparkled with anticipation for the meal laid out before him.
Despite his excitement, he remembered Maurice's advice about the importance of eating quietly, a small but significant gesture of respect and mindfulness at the dining table.
So, with a careful balance of eagerness and etiquette, Aubert began to enjoy his breakfast, savoring each bite with a quiet appreciation that spoke volumes of his respect for his father's guidance.
Meanwhile, Maurice watched Aubert with a fond smile, his thoughts wandering to earlier considerations about Aubert's development.
While the culinary aromas filled the room, Maurice's mind was busy concocting a different kind of recipe—one aimed at enhancing Aubert's combat and showman capabilities.
It was a challenge that required a delicate balance, much like the flavors of the breakfast he had just prepared.
Suddenly, an idea crystallized in Maurice's mind, inspired by the very essence of their family's legacy—creativity and adaptability.
He decided to design a specialized training regimen that would not only improve Aubert's physical strength and agility but also nurture his innate magical talents and showmanship.
This program would include a series of obstacle courses infused with magical challenges, each designed to mimic real-life scenarios that a showman might face.
These courses would test Aubert's quick thinking, adaptability, and ability to use his magic under pressure.
Furthermore, Maurice planned to incorporate elements of theatrical performance into the training, encouraging Aubert to develop his presentation skills and ability to engage an audience.
This would involve practicing spells with flair and creativity, turning each magical act into a captivating performance.
To support this, Maurice thought about inviting other magicians and performers into their homes, offering Aubert the chance to learn from a diverse array of talents and perspectives.
By blending rigorous physical training with magical creativity and performance artistry, Maurice aimed to equip Aubert with a comprehensive skill set that would serve him well both in combat and on the stage.
This holistic approach would not only enhance Aubert's abilities but also deepen his understanding and appreciation of the art of showmanship, ensuring he grew into a magician who could captivate audiences with both his power and his poise.
As Maurice watched Aubert quietly enjoying his breakfast, he felt a surge of optimism for the future.
He knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but he also knew that together, they could turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, learning, and unforgettable performances.
With this plan in mind, Maurice looked forward to discussing it with Aubert after breakfast, ready to embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives.