"The crest, or marking, on magic users, is a fundamental part of magic. Magic flows through the body just as blood flows, but has no where to escape or transform at. Crests are weakened points in the skin where magic can flow, and can be any color, but usually the color of the magic used. It's rare to be born with it, but it is quite painful to open one for the first time." - Dr. Leonard Brezlid, professor at Aurel University.
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It was a quiet day. Quiet for the capital, at least, with very little to no crime. There hasn't been much since the end of the war, only a year ago. Police Colonel Roland, of the Aurel Police Department and Aurel Provincial Authority was sitting in his office, lounging around. He was becoming accustomed to the new normal of sitting down and doing nothing for most of the day, contemplating on what had occurred only a year prior. He was getting ready to eat lunch, when his door was slammed open. One of his lower-ranked officers came in.
"Sir. We have more information about the assault we had earlier. Lieutenant Johnson will come to brief you." The officer said.
Roland wasn't quite pleased with this, as it was obviously the job of other, lower ranking individuals to handle such low-importance crimes such as assault. But clearly, something was different if it was being brought to his attention.
"Alright, bring him up. I don't have all day." Roland says.
The officer saluted him, before leaving. He came back a few moments later with the Lieutenant, who had a shell-shocked expression on his face. The Lieutenant, Johnson Adams, was an older man, with a head of no hair, and awards on his uniform that he presents at all times.
"Go ahead, Johnson." Roland would say, motioning to the chair.
Roland was surprised, the Johnson was usually as emotive as a rock, yet his face read many emotions, one of the primary ones being of sadness, and perhaps even fear.
"Alright, hurry up and tell me what went down. My break's soon, so be quick." Roland said.
Johnson said, right after shaking himself out of whatever was on his mind, "On 20:00, a assault had been reported on Lynn Street. We had gone to investigate, finding the assumed victim beat up. We called for a medical team to come and send him to the hospital."
Roland replied, "Uh-huh. Why does that matter to me? Seems pretty average."
"Not even close. On the body of the victim, we found a passport pertaining to a Tomas Granz. But, in his pocket watch, we found a ID belonging to a Leonese soldier, one with short brown hair, and stoic eyes. A certain Nicolas Torres." Johnson says.
"You don't mean that- are you saying that..." Roland would be stunned.
"Yes, in our hospital is the Gray Fox of Leon, a warrior who has killed inconceivable amounts of our men in the war, the wielder of the stars themselves, and, the one who killed the congressman Shin Kurose, and his wife. But, that's not even the craziest part." Johnson continued.
"The hell do you mean, that's not the craziest part?" Roland would slam his hands on the table.
"When we got there, all of the people who had assaulted Nicolas had been killed. Not even killed, almost like they had been melted. The only reason we had known it had started as an assault was because of the signs of struggle. And, in the middle of the scene, was a kid, sleeping. It was his son, Michael Torres. And, when we looked back at the footage..." Johnson cuts off, not being able to say it.
"You see some screwed up stuff in my line of work, and worse back in Leon. But, I have never seen such unrestricted brutality than the ashes of those people. That kid... is a monster. After we took him into HQ, he woke up. He didn't remember a single thing from before the assault began. I wouldn't want to remember, if I was him." Johnson would say, crying.
"Dear god. I thank you for telling me this" Roland says.
"You can go now, soldier." Johnson nods, before leaving. Roland would turn his chair around, and look out the window.
Roland says to himself, "A kid with that much potential needs to be kept in check. I wouldn't want random people getting reduced to ashes."
Roland would press the intercom button, saying, "Bring me Michael Torres, I think the Acadamy needs a new recruit."
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It was a bright, sunny day outside the Aurel Military Academy, as a young man walked inside. The name of the man, was Joseph Volkov. And, it was Joseph's first day at the Military Academy. Well, not first day. It was more like a tour. While, it wasn't Joseph's first choice for work, he'd figure he could stay until he's 25 to get veteran's pay, and then maybe open up a small restaurant. Maybe even make a couple friends on the way.
Joseph walks into the courtyard. There were plenty of people, but it seemed calm. Unlike a regular high-school, it was very orderly. Joseph figured this is just how it is, especially since it has been 5 years since the war ended. He would look around, before finding a person around his age. The dude looked a little... how do you put it, edgy, thought Joseph. He probably had good reason to be.
Joseph brushed back his blonde hair, glanced around, and decided to strike up a conversation. He walked over to him and asked a question, "Who're you?"
The edgy kid glanced at Joseph and said, "Who's asking?"
Joseph said, "I didn't mean anything by it, just wanted to know who you are. This place is pretty formal, I just want a guy to chat with."
Joseph sat down next to him, to the dude's surprise. "So, why are you here?" Joseph asked.
"Well, I go here. I'm a cadet. Obviously." The edgy kid said. There was a uncomfortable silence.
Joseph asked him, "So, why did you join? I wanted to because I figured I could just knock out people if there was a war, wouldn't have to do any real killing. Plus, my dad wants me to do something for a change."
The edgy kid stops for a bit, and then says, "You talk too much, but you have a good point."
Joseph says, "See, at least someone agrees with me." Joseph looked down to the ground. "Speaking of which, can you show me a tour of this place? Pretty important, since I'll be coming sometime soon."
The edgy kid would say, "Sure, I guess."
Joseph says. "Great! So what's your name!"
The edgy kid says, "Michael T-" Michael would get cut off.
"Michael? Cool! My name is Joseph." Joseph pointed at himself with bravado. He then extended a hand to Michael. "Come on, we don't have all day!"
Meanwhile, behind him, was a cadet. The cadet glared at the duo as they stood there. Joseph glanced back at him, seeing that he had a nametag on, that read "Ken Kurose".
What a familiar name.