After answering Eray's questions, Gon noticed his fatigue. "Now is the time to rest. You need time to digest what you've learned and to think about it. I expect you to be ready for more tomorrow."
Returning to the sarcophagus, Eray felt a sense of excitement, a buzz within him. "Which of these books should I read next? I finished that one by Pitler. It was really strange, but I learned a lot of valuable lessons."
"I think I'll read the one about warfare next." Eray flipped through the pages of the book. He read some sections and discovered interesting information. "Wow, this book meticulously details how wizards should be positioned in major battles, terrain conditions, army hierarchy, and even the soldiers' uniforms. The author was a great general."
When Eray woke up, he noticed the silence around him and observed the dark corners of the room. Stretching after rising from the sarcophagus, he started looking around. Under the dim light of the room he had woken up in, he pondered where Gon had slept the previous night.
Scanning the area for any sign of where his master might have rested, he found that the only sarcophagus with its lid open was his own, and there was no sign of Gon. Just as he was absorbed in these thoughts, Gon seemed to materialize from a dark corner as if out of nothing.
Eray couldn't hide his surprise at this sudden appearance. Gon's face bore an expression ready to reveal a secret. "The reason you couldn't see where I rested, why I disappear among the shadows," Gon began, "is actually because I dwell within your shadow."
Eray froze at this explanation. Just as he was beginning to understand his unique connection with the shadows, he now learned that his master was actually a being that lived within his own shadow.
Gon continued, "This is a common situation for wizards living under the protection of our lord like us. As you delve into the depths of shadow magic, communicating through shadows, and even existing within a shadow becomes possible. Although my physical body is elsewhere, I am now a part of your power and existence, and I am your guide on this journey of magic."
As Eray tried to process this information, he realized Gon's presence was proof of how complex and boundless the magical world he had just discovered was.
"The reasons and consequences are clear," Gon continued in a soothing tone. "Your dedication to shadow magic not only makes you a master of it but also gives you the chance to unravel the mysteries of the shadows.
"My existence is a sign that you're not alone on this journey. With my being within your shadow, I will guide you, provide protection, and share my experiences." As Eray tried to process Gon's words, Gon continued, "You've grown stronger, Eray. It's time to summon another individual who will aid you on your journey," he said, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity and hesitance.
Eray, anxious upon hearing these words, asked, "Really? What kind of person?"
Trying to calm Eray's excitement, Gon said with a slight mischievous tone, "She might be the ugliest, fattest, and oldest woman you've ever seen," "But don't be fooled by her appearance. Her wisdom and power will greatly contribute to your journey in magic."
Eray paused for a moment at this description. Gon's depiction didn't conjure the most appealing image in his mind. "When will I meet her?" he asked.
--------
Several weeks had passed since their last conversation. Eray's studies were going quite well. He was now able to cast spells much faster.
He could almost fully utilize his shadow and even influence and use the shadows of objects in a room without his own shadow being present.
Gon approached Eray and said, "We're ready now, Eray. It's time to summon Violet." "Violet?" Eray repeated, feeling both excited and a bit anxious. Eray asked, "How will you summon her, Master?" Gon replied, "Don't worry, it's not me who will summon her, but you."
Eray, puzzled, said, "But Master, I don't know how. How can I summon Violet?"
Gon answered with a calm expression, "You'll use shadow magic. Of course, what else were you expecting? Violet, like you, is someone who traverses among the shadows. To summon her, you'll need to establish a connection with your shadow. Visualize her name in your mind and project it onto your shadow."
Eray grew even more curious upon hearing this explanation. After all, he had been living here alone with Gon for months. The prospect of someone new arriving excited yet panicked him a bit. After all, Gon was the only person Eray had ever talked to this much in his life, and the arrival of someone else made him anxious.
"So, who is Violet? What kind of person is she?" he asked, a bit apprehensively.
Gon paused for a moment, then replied, "Violet has a path similar to yours in shadow magic. A woman who has lived over a thousand years. However, her affinity and knowledge can provide great contributions to you. Don't be fooled by her appearance, there's wisdom and power hidden in her shadow."
Eray asked, "Master, what's so peculiar about her appearance?" Gon replied, "You'll see for yourself when she arrives."
This vague response made Eray even more tense. Unlike the soldiers and servants who were obligated to treat him well, Gon was different. He felt like a true master and friend.
Throughout his time in the dungeon, Eray had never felt as valued as he did now. Interacting and getting along with someone else wasn't something he had much experience with.
Eray thought to himself, "I hope at least she's kind-hearted." "What should I pay attention to when summoning her?"
Leaning towards Eray, Gon advised, "When summoning her, maintain your focus and clarify your intention. To draw Violet's reflection here, you must be in harmony with the darkness within you. Like talking to your shadow, whisper her name and invite her here. As you become more skilled, even a fleeting thought will be enough to communicate," he said. From now on, I'll translate everything you send.
Eray had been given the necessary guidance to succeed. Keeping Gon's instructions in mind, he moved towards the light. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began to summon Violet inwardly. Focusing on his shadow, he whispered, "Violet, I summon you here." Eray's voice echoed in the silence of the room, and at that moment, a stir was felt within the shadows.
--------
With Eray's call, a stir began in the shadows, and suddenly, from Eray's shadow, emerging from the darkness, a figure appeared under the light. Violet was much younger and more vibrant than Eray had imagined. She stood before him as a graceful woman.
She had brown eyes and hair. Her smiling face shone in the dim light of the room. She quickly approached Eray and greeted him with a warm hug.
"Ah, look who has summoned me, little wizard," she said cheerfully, ignoring Eray's astonishment.
Then, she caressed his head and planted a kiss on his cheek. This made Eray both embarrassed and very happy. No one had ever approached Eray in such a manner in his life.
While Gon observed this warm encounter from a distance, he chuckled softly, "Violet, as always, you're after dramatic entrances," he said.
Turning to Gon, Violet retorted playfully, "Oh, Gon, how could I possibly stand you, hoping you'd drop dead soon? Always vanishing into the darkness, leaving your four wives wondering behind."
The old friendship between Gon and Violet was peppered with jokes and light-hearted taunts. Eray thought to himself, "They really must be close friends."
Violet turned her attention back to Eray, engaging with him in an even friendlier manner. "So, little wizard, has this grumpy old man been treating you well?" she asked.
Eray, comforted by Violet's cheerful demeanor, smiled. "Well, uh... Master Gon has been very helpful," he said.
Violet, turning back to Gon, commented, "Ah, Gon, seeing you like this, I can't help but think that someone has brought light into your old and dark heart."
Gon, rolling his eyes, replied, "Of course, I'd expect someone like you to talk about my heart," he said with a playful smile.
Violet continued to show more interest in Eray.
"Now, tell me, what have you learned on your journey in magic?"
Eray thought to himself, "She's approaching me like an older sister. And she seems to view me as a little child. At least she's kind-hearted."
With a smile on his face, Eray began to share his experiences on his journey in magic and the new things he discovered about himself. Violet listened to every word attentively, offering words of encouragement and support.
While Violet watched Eray practicing magic in the center of the room, she provided him with heartfelt support and discussed future plans with Gon.
A week had passed since Violet's arrival, and Eray had made significant progress in his spells. He could now direct his own shadow and the shadows in the room with small movements, utilizing them in combat training.
Eray, in deep concentration, made the battle among shadows resemble a dance. He carefully controlled each movement, making the shadows combat each other.
Violet,
"Look at that, our little wizard dancing with the shadows is so talented."
Eray thought to himself, "
Even though I'm 11 years old, this woman is really treating me like a child."
"Or do I actually like this attention..."
Despite these thoughts, a part of him was happy about these comments.
"I wonder if they really know about my past, and that's why they're acting this way," he pondered.
Violet encouraged him, "You're doing great, keep it up!"
Eray reflected,
"Master Gon never praised me like this. Sometimes he'd utter a few harsh words and then disappear. He wouldn't even watch my training sessions. At least this woman seems to value me; I'm glad she came."
Eray continued his training. Sometimes, he created two shadows to fight each other, and at times, he battled the shadows himself. However, this wasn't considered the best form of training since he controlled the shadows and had to premeditate where and how they would attack.
"It's like playing chess with oneself," Eray thought.
Eray noticed Gon and Violet having a lengthy discussion about his future and the next steps in his magical journey.
Turning to Gon, Violet proposed, "I think our little wizard might be ready for some real tests, what do you think?" She was curious about Gon's opinion.
Watching Eray carefully, Gon replied with a serious tone, "Yes, his progress is remarkable. I believe I understand the reasoning behind our master choosing this child. But the challenges in the depths of the dungeon will be far more merciless than these training sessions."
Eray was very pleased with Violet's cheerfulness and Gon's guidance. His mastery over shadow magic was increasing by the day, and his self-confidence was solidifying.
With the support of Violet and Gon, he felt ready to further develop his spells and use them to face the challenges of the real world.
During a break in his training, Violet decided to have a more personal conversation with him.
She approached him with a smile and said, "Eray, you've become a young man now. Did you ever have a girlfriend before coming here? I think you're quite handsome," she half-jokingly said.
Eray blushed at this unexpected question and shyly replied, "No, actually, I never... I mean, I didn't really interact with many people..."
Violet asked, "How did you not interact with people, aren't you a prince? Of one of the most powerful empires, no less."
Eray, pressing his lips together, admitted, "Well, my family and I weren't exactly on good terms. I didn't talk much to anyone besides the guards and servants."
Violet, "Really?"
Eray, "Yes, I rarely left the palace. My siblings would have lots of conversations among themselves in the garden; they even got along well with princes and princesses from other kingdoms."
Violet, "Ah, it's your fault, Eray. You should have gone up to them and joined their conversations. Of course, you can't make friends if you always stay in your room."
Eray got a bit irritated by Violet's words but didn't show it, "I did go up to them a few times."
Violet, "Oh.. That's nice, how did it go? Were you able to get along?"
Eray, "Once, leaders from 'the island' had come. Their children and relatives, along with my siblings, were all drinking and chatting in the palace courtyard." "They hadn't invited me, but I gathered my courage and went up to them."
Violet got excited, "And.. what happened then? That was a nice thing to do."
Eray's expression deepened with disappointment, "At first, the visiting guests were kind and warm to me. But when they saw my siblings' insults and belittlements, they, encouraged by such behavior, started mocking and belittling me too."
Violet realized she had initiated a sensitive topic, but her intention was to know Eray better. To ease Eray, "Don't be upset, maybe they were just joking with you because you were younger."
Eray's eyes took on an expression that surprised Violet, "It has nothing to do with age, Master! I am the same age as my sister Ellie. They adore her, treat her kindly and politely..." "Even... even Ellie, who was always kind to me, eventually stopped looking at me."
Violet, trying to calm Eray further, smiled kindly, "If Ellie is also your age, she is... still a... child too... don't take it too seriously..."
Eray thought to himself, "This woman means well but she's not good with words. She doesn't even realize what she's saying."
With a forced smile on his face, Eray replied, "You're right, Master, I guess I'm overreacting," ending the awkward conversation.
"Those bastards humiliated me in front of everyone. While I was talking to that girl, 'Mia,' her fiancé poured wine over my head. All my siblings just laughed at this ridiculous incident. While the punishment for such an act should have been death, my mother didn't care. She could have at least made them apologize."
"I will never forget that moment and the shame..." Eray muttered these angry words to himself, not audible to Violet, but she noticed Eray's sensitivity regarding this subject.
Violet, "Eray, I'm sure your family and siblings love you very much. The fact that you're the only person in the world without mana might have confused them."
Eray, "Maybe you're right, Master..." As he said this,
Eray thought to himself,
"Ah, Master, it's not just because I have no mana. It's also because my mother hates me. If she had acted differently, my life would have been more bearable."
----
Several years ago
There was a big preparation in the capital. Palace staff, soldiers, servants. Everyone was preparing for the rulers coming from the Ancestor Island. Occasionally, kings and queens from the mainland and other regions would visit Avalon for political, military, and economic reasons. However, this visit was a bit more special. The visitors were from powerful families, and the group was somewhat larger.
The Ancestor Island was ruled by four major families. At the forefront was a family proficient in fire magic. The reason the island was called "Ancestor" was because the most powerful users of the four elements—Fire, Water, Earth, Air—lived there and governed it. Although the island did not have a very large population, all of them were very powerful magicians. The visitors were the rulers of this island.
Several days had passed since the arrival of the guests. Eray was painting and reading books in his room. He was told not to go out much, and he was following these instructions. "A bit of red, now it's perfect," he murmured to himself, appreciating his own artwork. "Yes, I like this painting. Ahh, I'm tired... Maybe reading a book would be good now."
Eray called out to the guards at his door. Following his call, two soldiers entered and stood at attention. "Where is Ellie?" Eray asked.
The soldier replied, "Your Excellency, she is downstairs in the garden, chatting and having fun with your siblings and the visitors."
These words made Eray feel a bit sad and jealous. "Is Lady Mia also downstairs?" he inquired further.
The soldier confirmed, "Yes, sir. All the children and relatives of the rulers are in the garden. The rulers themselves are in a meeting with your father."
"Thank you, you may leave now," Eray dismissed the soldiers. They saluted again and left the room in a disciplined manner, closing the door behind them. Eray picked a book from his cupboard, choosing one he had read a few times before, and sat down at his desk. As he read, bitter and various thoughts crossed his mind.
"I know I was born different. They are ashamed of me... They don't want me around. Even as a child, I wasn't loved. I guess I evoke a strange disgust in them. The respect and love that my peers obtain through crying or laughing, I try to earn through my intelligence. The continuous reading has made me more mature than my peers; I'm much smarter than them. I have no problem boasting about this; after all, being somewhat intelligent is the only thing I can boast about. But was it my aim... to become mature and smart? I don't think so... I just kept reading and painting non-stop to escape reality."
"Do I really make them sick to their stomachs?"
These types of thoughts often crossed Eray's mind, making him somewhat introverted and timid. Yet, he never showed it outwardly, pretending to have an iron will and nerves of steel to appear strong and unbreakable.
Eray had been deeply impressed by a woman he saw upon entering the palace. Her blue eyes and golden blonde hair, long and silky down to her waist, and her dress in the same shade of blue as her eyes, had left him utterly fascinated.
For a few days, he couldn't get Mia out of his mind. Her cool, expressionless demeanor looked mature and strong. He was perhaps enamored or simply smitten with her confident walk and expression.
Mia was considerably older than Eray, but in this continent, age was of little importance. Those with more mana could live for thousands of years. The stronger one was, the longer they lived, and aging almost halted after a certain age. Therefore, it was not unusual for a 20-year-old to marry or be together with someone 500 years old. These thoughts had crossed Eray's mind the moment he saw Mia. Yet, that painful truth always crept back into his thoughts.
Eray wouldn't live that long. Even those with the least amount of mana could live beyond a hundred years. So, how long could Eray, with no mana, expect to live? These questions, despite his young age, made him aware of some harsh realities. Yet, he didn't care. He had spent a few days thinking about Mia and desired at least a small conversation with her.
Eray made a sudden decision. He quickly washed up, removing the paint stains from his hands and face. He carefully combed his hair and dressed in clothes he thought suited him. He hurried out of his room. The guards waiting outside were briefly taken aback but quickly followed behind him.
As he walked through the palace corridors, servants and soldiers bowed respectfully to Eray. This respect was not personally for Eray but for his family, for his surname. They passed through several doors, with Eray leading the way, followed by two royal guards.
Some guests and invitees also greeted Eray with respect but quickly started whispering among themselves. This was a common occurrence for Eray, who was quite famous. After all, Eray lacked the mana that even a mere ant possessed, and many people were curious about this so-called "freak."
Since Eray rarely left the palace, even Avalon's nobility seldom saw him. Now, there was a grand event, and Eray was confidently making his way to the garden where his siblings and the guests were gathered.
Several doors opened at the mention of Eray's name. Finally, he was about to enter the palace garden. He was indeed very excited.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, His Excellency Eray von Logenjar graces us with his presence."
Some nobles stood up and bowed as a sign of respect. The soldiers assumed the position of attention. The attention of Eray's siblings and the guests shifted towards the prince at the door. Eray, somewhat nervously, approached the large table set in the center of the garden.
Mia was sitting there, surrounded by nobles from her group, with a table filled with wines and snacks beside her. Across her were Eray's siblings. In the corner sat Eray's twin sister, Ellie. Jamie and Cyo were sitting together as usual, while their middle sister, Lyon, looked at Eray with disgust.
Eray respectfully bowed his head to his siblings and the guests. He hadn't thought about what he would say.
"How should I start talking, ah, I'm really nervous. It wouldn't be a problem if Mia wasn't here, but now my whole body is burning," he thought. Ellie, who was more polite than the other siblings, broke the silence. "Eray, you're here. Where have you been? We haven't seen you for days."
With a gentle smile, Eray replied, "Ah, I've been trying to finish my painting, so I couldn't really come out."
"Ask where I've been as if you didn't force me to stay in my room. Though, I do enjoy staying in my room," he thought to himself.
Ellie smiled warmly, "Come sit next to me, dear brother."
As soon as Eray sat down, he inadvertently made eye contact with Mia. Mia returned the look with a polite smile, then said, "You must be His Excellency Eray."