Chereads / Chronicles of Alyria / Chapter 2 - Celestial Magic

Chapter 2 - Celestial Magic

[Logis Empire, South West Region-Dragonian Kingdom-Reinhardt Duchy Capital Venis]

Time flowed steadily in the halls of House Reinhardt, and as the years passed, young Lucian grew from an infant into a spirited child filled with boundless curiosity and potential. At the age of six, he was a bright-eyed boy with silver hair that shimmered like moonlight and eyes as blue as the deepest ocean, a testament to his noble lineage. Yet, behind his youthful innocence lay a soul burdened by the weight of loss and responsibility, for his parents had tragically perished from assassination when he was but three years old, leaving him orphaned and adrift in a world of uncertainty.

Under the watchful guidance of his loyal butler, Sebastian, Lucian embarked on a journey of discovery that would shape the course of his destiny. "Focus Young Master gather all the mana into one point" a gravelly voice from behind him instructed.

From the earliest hours of the morning until the fading light of dusk, Sebastian tutored him in the ancient arts of magic, instilling within him the knowledge and discipline required to harness the powers that flowed through his veins. With each passing day, Lucian's mastery reached 1 star level (novice magician). "I did it...I finally did it!!! (giggles and laughter)" a cheerful and tired Lucian shouted.

After hours of rigorous training, Lucian's muscles burned with exhaustion, his body pushed to its limits by the demands of mastering the arcane arts. With a weary sigh, he collapsed onto the cool stone floor of the training chamber, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to catch his breath. Yet, despite the fatigue that threatened to consume him, a triumphant grin spread across his features, for he had achieved a milestone that he had long dreamed of. With a sense of pride swelling within him, Lucian closed his eyes and surrendered to the embrace of sleep, content in the knowledge that he had finally reached the level of a 1-star magician. 

The Alyrian Magician Level System encompasses various stages of magical development, each denoted by a star rating. Novice Magicians, marked by 1 Star, are in their initial stages of magical exploration, possessing rudimentary knowledge and skills. They can execute basic spells like lighting candles or moving small objects with telekinesis.

Apprentices, with 2 Stars, expand their repertoire under guidance, mastering elemental manipulation on a small scale, basic illusions, and minor healing.

Adepts, at 3 Stars, achieve proficiency in complex spells involving elemental control, moderate healing, and protective wards.

Magi, rated 4 Stars, advance further, manipulating larger elemental energies and crafting potent spells.

Masters, with 5 Stars, demonstrate unparalleled expertise, capable of high-level magic, intricate illusions, and profound healing.

Archmages, at 6 Stars, reach legendary status, wielding reality-altering abilities that transcend comprehension.

Divine Sorcerers, the pinnacle at 7 Stars, are believed to have a divine connection, able to perform miracles, manipulate time, and commune with cosmic forces.

As Lucian drifted into a deep and restful sleep, a gentle hum filled the air around him, accompanied by a soft glow that enveloped his form in a warm embrace. With a start, he felt a presence stirring within his mind, a familiar voice resonating with warmth and approval.

"Congratulations!, Lucian," the system intoned, its words echoing in the recesses of his consciousness. "You have achieved a milestone in your journey and proven yourself worthy of greater power. As a reward for your dedication and perseverance, I bestow upon you a gift unlike any other: the ancient art of Celestial Magic, a unique form of bloodline magic that draws upon the power of the stars themselves."

As he drifted deeper into slumber, the glow surrounding him intensified, suffusing his dreams with visions of celestial realms and arcane wonders beyond imagination. And as dawn broke upon the horizon, heralding the beginning of a new day, sounds of footsteps running around the place echoes in the training chamber.

Awoken sligthly by the commotion Lucian asked "(Snoring)....What's... (Snoring) ...Happe-" Before he could finish the sentence he fell asleep again snoring like there's no tomorrow.

Midway through Lucian's sleep, the tranquility of the training chamber was shattered by the abrupt entrance of his loyal butler, Sebastian. Flustered and breathless, Sebastian barged into the chamber, his usual air of composed professionalism momentarily shattered by urgency. "Master Lucian," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency, "I must speak with you at once. His Majesty, the King, is on his way to this estate for an unexpected visit."

Lucian's heart quickened at the news, a surge of excitement coursing through him at the prospect of meeting the king his uncle. With a swift nod, he rose from his makeshift bed, ready to face this unforeseen turn of events with poise and determination. As Sebastian hurriedly ushered him towards the grand hall to prepare for the royal arrival, Lucian's mind raced with anticipation, wondering what fate awaited him in the presence of the kingdom's ruler.

The Logis Empire, a realm as vast as it was diverse, was governed by a single emperor who ruled over four kingdoms, each representing a different race that inhabited the realm. The Dragonian Kingdom, with its majestic spires and ancient wisdom, stood as a testament to the strength and pride of the dragonkin, while the Human Kingdom, with its bustling cities and bustling markets, thrived on innovation and ambition.

The Dwarven Kingdom, hidden deep beneath the mountains, was a bastion of craftsmanship and resilience, its people known for their indomitable spirit and unwavering loyalty. And lastly, the Elven Kingdom, nestled within the enchanted forests, was a realm of beauty and mysticism, its inhabitants attuned to the rhythms of nature and the whispers of the wind.

As Lucian pondered the significance of the king's visit, he couldn't help but wonder the purpose of this sudden visit. "I wonder why is my uncle visiting now instead of going through marriage interviews since he just ascended the throne" Lucian pondered on this by himself while the servants dress him in a more regal attire.

After several tense hours of anticipation, Lucian's uncle, a figure of authority and reverence within the Dragonian Kingdom, finally arrived. accompanied by a servant who announced his name with a flourish "Announcing His Majesty the King Arthur von Reinhardt the fourth, King of-" as the servant was about to announce his titles.

He immediately swept into the grand hall with an entourage of attendants cutting off the announcer servant, his silver hair catching the light of the chandeliers as he strode into the room with an air of authority. His piercing blue eyes surveyed the scene with a keen intelligence, while his sturdy build spoke of years spent honing his strength and resilience. Yet, to Lucian's surprise, the air of majesty that surrounded his uncle seemed to dissipate in an instant as he caught sight of his nephew.

With a warm smile, he crossed the room in long strides, his demeanor transforming from that of a stern ruler to that of a doting relative. With gentle hands, he ruffled Lucian's silver hair, his eyes sparkling with affection as he embraced him in a familial hug. In that moment, the weight of expectation and formality melted away, replaced by a sense of familial warmth and camaraderie that enveloped them both.

"Ahahaha!!!...my dear nephew how have you been?!?(cackle laugh)" said the king while holding him. With a sense of pride swelling within him, Lucian couldn't resist the urge to boast to his uncle about his recent achievement in the arcane arts. "Uncle Arthur," he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement, "I've reached the 1-star level as a magician!" His words hung in the air for a moment, anticipation crackling between them, before his uncle's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and pride.

"Is that so, young Lucian?" Arthur replied, a twinkle of amusement in his gaze. "Well then, let's put your skills to the test, shall we?" With a swift motion, he drew his sword, the blade gleaming in the flickering torchlight as he assumed a ready stance. Lucian's heart raced with anticipation as he readied himself for the spar, his hands tingling with excitement at the prospect of proving himself to his uncle. In that moment, amidst the clash of steel and the crackle of magic, Lucian knew that he has a long way to go until he can match his uncle.

As the spar ensued, Lucian's excitement surged through him like a torrential wave. Drawing upon the newfound powers of Celestial Magic bestowed upon him, he focused his energy, channeling it into the spell known as "Fallstar," a dazzling display of celestial prowess. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a multitude of mana-shaped stars, each shimmering with otherworldly light, and hurled them towards his uncle with precision and determination.

Arthur who, recognizing the impending danger, swiftly raised his sword in defense. However, instead of striking him directly, Arthur deftly redirected the onslaught of stars towards a distant corner of the castle with masterful precision, sparing himself from the full brunt of the attack.

The grand hall erupted into gasps and murmurs as the celestial stars collided with the castle walls, sending shockwaves rippling through the stone structure. Lucian, overcome with a mixture of awe and horror at the power he had unleashed, staggered backwards, his strength drained by the exertion of casting such a potent spell. As the echoes of the impact reverberated through the chamber, a wave of dizziness washed over him, his vision swimming as darkness closed in around the edges.

With a soft groan, Lucian crumpled to the ground, his consciousness slipping away as unconsciousness claimed him. The last thing he heard before succumbing to the darkness was the distant sound of voices calling out his name, their urgency lost in the swirling maelstrom of his fading senses. And then, as if drawn into the depths of a dream, he sank into oblivion, the world around him fading to black.