Eric and Rose, well mainly Rose had explained to Viktor that Magus Cade would be helping him refine his magic. While Viktor and Rose explained the attack that had happened on them last night. With both Eric and Rose being dumbfounded when the boy explained he really didn't remember much.
A week had gone by and the brown haired boy found himself in the towns small and quaint yet certainly cozy library.
"Well look at my star pupil." Cade said his eyes smiling almost as much as his mouth. Their was a somewhat flamboyant bounce to the mans words.
Viktor snapped his book shut. "Hi, sir…" He faltered. Cade wrapped his fingers on the boys shoulder.
"Nothing to be sorry about, besides it's been a week. It's time to start."
Viktor looked at the man who could be no older than his mid twenties and simply nodded waiting for instructions.
"So, tell me what you know about magic in general and then your magic as well. What makes Viktor Fritz so special?" He asked.
Viktor blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. He glanced down at his worn out boots, chewing the inside of his cheek as he considered his answer. "Magic is... energy," he started, his voice quiet but steady. "It's in everything and everyone to some degree, but not everyone can control it."
Cade watched him, nodding slightly for him to continue.
"Me…" He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I... well, I can use magic without incantations or a focus… it's unusual." Viktor blushed slightly as he admitted this. It felt strange to share this with someone other than Eric or Rose.
Cade was silent for a moment, his gaze unfocused as he mused over Viktor's words. "Indeed," Cade finally spoke. "To harness magic without incantations or a focus is rare, and demonstrates an innate connection with the source of magic itself."
Viktor looked up at Cade tentatively, finding no mockery in the man's eyes, only sincere interest. It was refreshing. "But… it feels like I'm letting loose a flood without a dam. It's... overwhelming," Viktor confessed.
Cade nodded slowly. His eyes bore into Viktor as he listened intently and when the boy finished speaking, he patted Viktor's shoulder comfortingly.
"That's why you're here, Viktor," Cade reassured him. "Every great mage has started where you are now – confused and overwhelmed by their own power. But with time and guidance," The mage gestured around them to the rows of ancient volumes surrounding them, "knowledge is power for a mage, which is why I've done my due diligence on you."
The mans eyes pursed into slits as if he were a snake. "Viktorius Xil Kirchner, youngest son of Werner Kirchner, and only child of the deceased Elden Kirchner. And apparently some time ago you developed a split personality. Well not you per say, the one inside you. The real Viktor, we both know Viktor Fritz is just a cover up. Let me speak to the real one…"
Viktor's heart pounded in his chest. He stared at Cade, stunned into silence. His mouth opened and closed several times but no words came out. He felt himself back away, bumping into a shelf lined with books. His mind was screaming, his pulse thrumming in his ears. How did he know?
Despite the panic creeping up his throat, Viktor still managed to choke out, "What...are you talking about?"
Cade's gaze softened slightly, but there was a firm resolve behind his eyes. "I've been in this game for a long time, Viktor. Or should I say... Viktorius?"
Viktor shook his head, his dark curls bouncing with the motion. "No," he protested weakly. "I don't know who that is."
He could see Cade's eyebrow raised in clear disbelief but the man remained silent, allowing Viktor to gather himself.
After a few deep breaths to calm his racing heart, he looked back up at Cade, determination burning in his eyes. "Fine," he said with more confidence than he felt. "You want to talk to him? Then let's talk."
And with that declaration, he shut his eyes tight focusing inwardly. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he tapped into the reservoir of magic within him—an overwhelming rush of energy that rippled through him like an ocean wave crashing onto the shore.
When Viktor opened his eyes again, they were different; irises no longer a warm brown but a chilling icy blue—the sign of his other identity.
Cade took a step back as he noticed the shift before composing himself. "Viktor?"
Cade leaned back slightly, observing the transformation with cautious interest. Despite his collected demeanor, he could feel a chill running down his spine at the stark change in Viktor. "Impressive," he commented lightly, leaning onto a nearby table.
"Is it?" Viktor replied sardonically. "Or perhaps it simply amuses you to see such a spectacle?"
Cade shrugged nonchalantly. "Perhaps," he admitted without any traces of guilt or shame on his face. "You are unique after all. So which one controls who? Can Kirchner come out at anytime, or does Fritz have the reigns over you?"
Viktor's face scrunched up in obvious displeasure at the question, but he answered nonetheless, "It's not as clear cut as that... We're both always here, in some form or another. But we each have strengths, moments when we are most needed. Fritz is... he's better at navigating the everyday world. He can blend in, make friends."
He paused then, a smirk pulling at the edge of his lips as he continued, "Kirchner, on the other hand, is the one who steps up when there is danger, when power is needed." His eyes glowed with an eerie light as he added, "And believe me, Cade, you don't want to be on the wrong side of Kirchner."
Cade chuckled softly at that warning. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, his tone light but his eyes serious. And for a moment Cade cringed at the young boy's words. He didn't know which was worse, the fact he was referring to himself in the third person or the fact he said something as lame as that.
"You'd do well to remember," Viktor warned, his icy eyes unblinking. Cade gave a simple nod in response, choosing not to fire back another retort. The atmosphere in the room had shifted; what started as an informal chat had turned into something more akin to a power play, a battle of wills.
The moment was broken when Cade cleared his throat and looked down at the book he'd been holding. "Let's get back on track, shall we?" he said, flipping open the weighty volume filled with complex spells and magical theories. "You might not need incantations or a focus, Viktorius, but understanding the fundamentals will help you control your power."
Viktor watched Cade for a moment before nodding, his icy gaze softening slightly to their previous warm brown hue - Fritz was back in control. He moved closer to the table where Cade was standing, tilting his head slightly as he tried to make sense of the arcane symbols and diagrams in the book.
Cade watched him in silence. The two versions of the boy fascinated him - one so raw and powerful, the other so innocent yet burdened with a power he barely understood.
"Magic is all about balance," Cade began, breaking the silence that hung between them. "It's about taking energy from the world around you and returning it in equal measure. It's this principle that prevents us from being consumed by our own power."
Viktor listened intently, absorbing Cade's words like a sponge. Despite his inner turmoil, he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
As they got deeper into their studies, he could feel a sense of understanding blossoming in him. His fear was gradually replaced with something akin to fascination. The vast knowledge contained within these ancient volumes was taking shape inside him, helping him understand a force that had been so mysterious and terrifying not too long ago.
Hours turned into days, and days into weeks. Viktor's transformation from an anxious, overwhelmed apprentice into an eager, curious student was subtle yet significant. Every day brought a new revelation, be it about his power or himself.
Occasionally, Kirchner would stir within him during their intensive training sessions. His icy eyes would come alight with a brilliant blue fire as he pushed past magical boundaries under Cade's watchful gaze. And Cade— ever patient, ever watchful —was there to guide them both through the labyrinthine complexities of their dual existence.
Viktor slowly learned the art of control, the delicate dance of give and take that was magic. He learned to harness his power without being consumed by it, to apply it without endangering those around him. This understanding led to Viktor finally accepting his dual personality—Fritz and Kirchner became two sides of the same coin.
As the sun set on another day of intense training, Cade watched with a sense of admiration as Viktor effortlessly weaved his way through a complex labyrinth of illusions using only his natural ability to sense energy. A subtle smile of pride creased Cade's wizened face, a testament to the young man's progress and determination.
Every step Viktor took seemed to glow with a mesmerizing aura, emanating from the depths of his being. And as he reached the end of the maze, it was clear that he had conquered not just this challenge, but any doubt or fear that once held him back.
"Excellent job, Vik," he praised, his voice echoing off the ancient stone walls and causing the young boy to look up from where he was sitting on the rough, worn floor. His legs were crossed and his brow glistened with sweat.
"Thank you..." Viktor responded, his breath coming in short gasps as he wiped the moisture from his forehead with the back of his hand. His muscles ached from the intense training session, but he felt a sense of pride in earning the approval of his mentor.
Cade's eyes twinkled as he considered Viktor nodded, his chest swelling with a new sense of confidence. But as the weeks turned into months, he didn't let this newfound belief in himself lead to complacency. If anything, it spurred him on to work harder, to learn more. And Cade was there for him every step of the way, guiding him through the intricate and often bewildering world of magic.
In time, the roles of Fritz and Kirchner became less defined. Their stark duality slowly blurred into a cohesive whole. Viktor learned how to tap into Kirchner's raw power while maintaining Fritz's gentle compassion, creating a balance that allowed him to wield his magic with precision and control.
But not all good things are meant to last.
Next Chapter: 43-On The Brink