After one long day of traveling, we finally reached the mysterious island, which is believed to be above Lemuria.
The mysterious island stood shrouded in an ethereal mist, adding an air of mystique to its surroundings. As our boat approached the shoreline, the first thing that caught our eye was the lush greenery that covered the landscape. Towering trees with intricate foliage spread their branches wide, creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight, casting a gentle glow on the ground.
The flora on the island seemed to be a blend of familiar earthly plants and exotic, otherworldly species. Flowers of vibrant hues adorned the landscape, emitting a sweet and intoxicating fragrance that hung in the air. Unusual butterflies with iridescent wings fluttered about, adding a touch of enchantment to the scene.
My sister spotted a dodo; she exclaimed, "Look, a dodo!" Dodos were extinct due to the harsh creed of merciless humans. Seeing some alive made me want to protect this island from external factors.
The shoreline was a mix of golden sands and smooth pebbles, meeting the crystal-clear waters that gently lapped at the edges. The water, though transparent, had an otherworldly luminescence, casting a gentle glow beneath the surface.
As we stepped onto the shoreline, we could see both endangered and extinct species living in harmony. Alex smiled and said, "You know, when me and your father found this island, we wanted to show the world this discovery. But after reading articles about hunters mercilessly killing these poor harmless creatures for fun, we hid this island from the world."
Whatever Alex said was true; sometimes people can be unbearable. I curiously asked, "How did you manage to protect this vast island?"
Alex smirked as he pointed to himself. "That is very simple. Because I am rich." At that time, I felt like taking a stick and hitting his pride out of him. I clenched my fists and released them. "I guess you are right. Being rich has its own perks."
Alex laughed again and patted my shoulder, saying, "Your dad gave the same reaction." I shoved his hand away and furiously said, "Don't talk about my dad. He abandoned us."
His expression changed. "You know, it is not your dad's fault."
I glared at him and said, "I don't care. I want to hear an explanation from him." After saying that, I headed back to the boat to help Anna pack the supplies.
Alex scratched his head as Rowan approached him. Rowan said, "Magnus is a tough nut to crack when it comes to his father."
Alex smiled and said, "I guess you are right. Even I would be angry with my father if the same thing happened to me."
A few minutes later, I came out of the boat with Anna and Lumina. I saw Alex and Rowan immersed in a conversation. As I approached them, I heard them talk about the flora and fauna around us. I signaled to them that we were ready to leave.
We had to venture toward the heart of the island. There were thick forests towards the center of the island. We had to be ready to face all the challenges put up by Mother Nature. The rich guy brought expensive gear for all of us to wear.
Alex was dressed in rugged adventure gear, a combination of practicality and durability. He wore khaki cargo pants with multiple pockets, ideal for storing tools and small essentials. Sturdy hiking boots protected his feet as he navigated through the diverse terrain of the island. He didn't look like a rich guy.
Rowan, adapting to the adventurous spirit, had on a pair of durable outdoor pants in a darker shade. His shirt was a comfortable, moisture-wicking fabric, perfect for the humid climate. A compact backpack rested on his shoulders, carrying supplies for the exploration.
Anna, Lumina, and I were attired in similar practical wear. Anna had chosen a set of convertible pants, allowing her to adjust to the changing weather. A long-sleeved shirt with a lightweight jacket tied around her waist completed her ensemble. Anna carried Lumina, who looked bright and cheery in her little multicolored dress.
As for me, I sported a pair of comfortable cargo shorts paired with a moisture-wicking T-shirt, suitable for the anticipated physical activity. A light jacket was tied around my waist, just in case the weather turned unpredictable during our adventure.
As we ventured further into the heart of the island, we discovered ancient ruins intertwined with the natural beauty. Weathered stone structures, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols, hinted at a civilization long forgotten. The architecture seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, as if the island itself held the secrets of the past.
I looked at the architectural marvel before me. It felt so ethereal. It was something that corrupt hands ought not to touch. As we climbed the stone staircase of the ruin, Alex said, "Welcome to the entrance of Lemuria. But it doesn't take us to the underground city, though."
I raised my eyebrows and said, "Oh." Alex looked shocked and said dramatically, "A simple 'oh' isn't enough. You should feel betrayed."
I hit his hand and sarcastically said, "Stop being so dramatic. This always happens during adventures."
Alex gripped the part of the hand I hit and said even more dramatically, "Kids in this generation don't respect elders."
I glared at him and said, "I am twenty-five, not a kid." Alex smiled as he leaned on my shoulder. "But you are a kid to me."
Before I could fight back to that statement, Anna interrupted the conversation and said, "It looks like there is a sealing mechanism here."
Puzzles fascinated me. I ran towards the sealing mechanism and tried cracking the code. Alex said with pride, "I know how to solve it." Before he could continue speaking, I heard the gears kick in and the door unlock.
CLACK
Alex was shocked. "How did you get it on the first try?" I smirked and pointed to myself, "Because I am a genius. The world revolves around me." Everyone was not pleased with my answers.
As the huge door opened before us, I felt a huge gush of air going through us. I could feel a familiar energy within me.
The magical energy surged within me—a familiar yet exhilarating sensation that tingled through my veins. It was as if the astral magic lying dormant within had suddenly awakened. The energy pulsed with a gentle warmth, embracing me like an old friend returning after a prolonged absence.
I closed my eyes and enjoyed the rush of astral magic that filled every cell in my body. The sensation was both empowering and comforting—a reminder of the cosmic threads that bound me to realms beyond the tangible.
With newfound joy, I extended my senses, feeling the currents of magic around me. The air shimmered with latent energy, responding to the rekindled spark within my soul. The once-forgotten capabilities of astral manipulation felt like a treasure unearthed, waiting for me to explore the boundless possibilities it offered.
Opening my eyes, a radiant smile adorned my face. "I can feel it," I exclaimed, the excitement bubbling within me. Everyone looked at me with puzzled eyes.
Rowan asked, "Magnus, are you okay? What do you feel?" I looked at him with a sense of joy and said, "Rowan! Can't you feel the magic inside you!?"
I created a small bubble of gigantic power within me. It was a magnificent, sparkling sphere emitting a lavender hue. Rowan finally realized what I wanted to say: "No way! You can use astral magic again." He looked as excited as me.
However, Alex and Anna looked shocked. They couldn't believe their own eyes. After all, they lived in a magicless world.
Anna, her expression a mix of disbelief and fascination, asked, "Is this the magic you were talking about? It's like something out of a fantasy story."
I nodded, reveling in the joy of rediscovering my astral abilities. "Yes, this is astral magic. It connects us to the cosmic energies of the astral realms. It's a part of who we are."
Alex, still processing the magical display, muttered, "Magic... I have never seen it in action. It was only there in fairy tales."
I turned to him with a grin. "Well, get ready for more, because we're just getting started. Let's explore this island and unravel its mysteries."
I concentrated the magic within me and separated my soul from my body. My body was about to fall when Rowan caught me. I was in my astral form. He glared at me and said, "Give a warning next time!"
I laughed at him; he was kind of cute. I shouted back, "Sure!"
I couldn't wait to look at Alex and Anna's faces. Their expressions were a mix of astonishment and bewilderment. Anna's eyes widened, and she stuttered, "Magnus, is that really you?"
Alex, who had seen many wonders in his exploration, looked both fascinated and intrigued. "Astral projection... I've read about it in the sculptures."
I winked at them, relishing the opportunity to showcase the mystical side of Lemuria. Rowan, still holding onto my physical body, rolled his eyes and muttered, "You and your magical theatrics."
I floated in front of the massive open door and pulled out a rune that Seraphina had taught me when I was Magnus Thaddeus. My hands moved gracefully as I finished creating the rune. This rune was used to unseal the magic before us.
When the sealing magic was removed, we felt a huge gush of air. A huge beam of lavender light blasted into the air on Earth. The first thought that came to my mind was that this could attract unwanted visitors.
Before I could do anything, we were suddenly teleported to a dark cave. I saw a small beam of light. I signaled the people around me to head towards it. Everyone ran to the light. Rowan was carrying my physical body on his back. He was quite reliable.
The dark cave opened up to a breathtaking sight—the underwater ruins of Lemuria. Submerged structures, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols, stood as silent witnesses to a forgotten era. The remnants of a once-glorious civilization lay beneath the clear, mystical waters.
There was mystery and beauty all around us. I was surprised by what I observed. Lumina transformed into her dragon form, sat on my shoulder, and giggled with delight, her small hands reaching out as if trying to touch the ancient magic that lingered in the air.
Alex, Anna, and Rowan stood in awe, their eyes wide with amazement. Anna whispered, "This is beyond anything I could have imagined."