As Cynthia observed the standoff between her aunt and the warlock, she felt the intensity building. She gripped her staff, considering how best to intervene, but a voice in her mind interrupted her, calm but firm. "It is not advised for you to attempt using your staff just yet," the voice warned.
Cynthia, puzzled, whispered back in thought, "And why not? What's the worst that could happen?"
"Firstly, do you know any spells strong enough for this situation?" the voice reasoned. "And secondly, remember there's a painful backlash called Psy Whiplash if you use unmastered powers."
Heeding the voice's caution, she relaxed her grip on the staff, allowing her focus to return to her aunt. Seren was speaking with fierce intensity, but before she could finish, Cynthia cut in. "Aunt Seren, please… stand down and go back to inform my father of what's happened."
"Cynthia, you can't be serious," Seren retorted, her voice hardening as a gust of wind swept through the area.
"I am," Cynthia replied firmly, meeting Seren's gaze. "I don't want anyone to get hurt."
There was a pause as Seren, though blindfolded, seemed to look into Cynthia's resolve. "I took you from your father, Cynthia, and I intend to return you to him, whether this man agrees or not," she said, turning back to the warlock.
The warlock tilted his head, his eyes narrowing with a glint of warning. "You're a powerful magus, that much I'll admit. However, it would do you good not to provoke a Warlock, the only class prohibited from open combat with others." A pulse of Psy energy flared from him, thickening the air with tension.
Cynthia quickly stepped forward. "Aunt Seren, please. I know your strength, but let's not complicate this further. Please, go to my father."
Seren let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders dropping slightly. "Very well… but only under one condition." She turned to the warlock, her voice sharp. "Cynthia's attendants are to stay by her side at all times."
The warlock considered her words, then nodded. "Yes, as befits her status, her attendants will be with her."
Seren gave Cynthia one last look, her voice softening. "I'll return soon. Be safe."
With reluctant steps, Seren moved aside, her gaze lingering as the warlock signaled Cynthia to follow him. They descended the steps toward a waiting carriage, a majestic silver deer with a crescent moon on its brow harnessed to it. Opening the carriage door, the warlock gestured for Cynthia and her attendants to enter first.
As the carriage set off, Seren's figure slowly faded in the distance, her stance unwavering as she watched her niece disappear down the road toward an uncertain future.
Back in the carriage, Cynthia gazed out the window, observing the busy streets filled with citizens moving with purpose along the roads. Without looking at the man beside her, she asked, "Where are we going, and who are you, anyway?"
The man chuckled softly. "Ah, I suppose I never introduced myself. My name is Pythagoras. I am the Councilman of Array and the third member of the Draethon Council. It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady. As for our destination, it's the residence for members of the Draethon Council, known as the Residence of Providence."
Cynthia replied simply, "I see. My name is Cynthia Rochester. Thank you for welcoming me."
As they neared the heart of the city, Cynthia could see the Residence of Providence standing tall among the skyscrapers and urban sprawl. Despite the city's frantic pace, the estate was an oasis of tranquility, its grandeur amplified by the contrast to its bustling surroundings. Majestic wrought-iron gates, engraved with a deer marked by a crescent moon on its forehead, opened to reveal a cobblestone pathway flanked by manicured gardens and vibrant flowerbeds a sanctuary of nature amidst the city's concrete jungle.
"Welcome to your new place of residence, my fellow Councilwoman," Pythagoras said with a smile as the gates opened, allowing them entry.
Once the carriage stopped, Pythagoras assisted Cynthia and her companions as they disembarked. He led them through the estate, pointing out various areas. The main house a grand, three-story alabaster mansion towered gracefully with ivy-covered walls, exuding a timeless charm. Tall, arched windows offered sweeping views of the city skyline, casting sunlight across the marble floors and golden chandeliers that illuminated the lavish interiors. Every room was an artful display of antique artifacts and intricate tapestries that told the stories of the state's rich history.
At the mansion's heart was the Grand Hall, crowned by a domed ceiling adorned with celestial designs. This hall served as the gathering place for the Council, where decisions were made that shaped the city's future. Behind the mansion lay a serene lake, mirroring the city lights and providing a peaceful escape from the urban rush.
After a short tour, Pythagoras led them to a private residence on the far right of the estate. Passing through a small courtyard, he gestured toward the building. "This will be your personal residence. You may also select two rooms in the main building as your own. Servants have been appointed to assist you and should arrive shortly. They can answer any questions you have. Until then, I believe Draethon will contact you to guide you on your path."
With a courteous bow, Pythagoras excused himself, closing the gate to her courtyard as he departed. Cynthia took a moment to look around, finding the quiet and peaceful atmosphere comforting. She entered the residence and, after a brief glance around, settled onto her bed. "Well, this is my life now, it seems. I might as well make the most of it," she murmured.
Opal, standing nearby, spoke up, "Young miss, do you believe the Lord could actually get you out of here?"
Without much thought, Cynthia replied, "I doubt it. From what I understand, I'm technically his superior now. Besides, I'm not permitted to leave Lumenoth, though no one has told me why." She sighed before adding, "In any case, my father is only an ambassador. He has no influence over Lumenoth's decisions."
Yawning, Cynthia shooed Opal and Jennifer away. "Now, leave me. I need to sleep. Resonating with my Psy Energy has exhausted me." As they departed, Cynthia let herself fall into bed, quickly slipping into a deep sleep.
Deep within Cynthia's subconscious, a white, silhouetted figure appeared.
"So, am I to assume you are the voice that has now taken up residence within my mind?" Cynthia asked.
"Correct. I was created to assist you," the voice replied.
Puzzled, Cynthia continued, "Created by... my father?"
A brief silence followed before the voice answered, "...Yes, it was indeed your progenitor."
"Right, my father," Cynthia affirmed, though a trace of skepticism lingered in her tone. She continued, "It still seems strange. While I may not know every spell, array, or magical artifact in existence, I've never heard of anything that allows someone to establish an assistant in the subconscious. So, how did my father achieve such a feat?"
The voice hesitated before responding, "I don't have an answer to that question. I'm currently experiencing a sort of... blockage."
"Blockage? What do you mean by that?" Cynthia pressed.
"It appears that certain memories or pieces of information are inaccessible to me until specific conditions are met," the voice explained, sounding almost defeated.
"Conditions? Explain," Cynthia urged.
"It seems that my abilities and the knowledge I hold are directly tied to where you are in your ascension process," the voice continued.
"Ascension process?" Cynthia echoed. "Didn't I bypass that when I was chosen by the staff?"
"In terms of traditional ranks, yes. You have reached what is considered the peak for Warlocks," the voice confirmed, "but you still lack depth in many areas."
"For now, even though you hold the rank of Psy Lord, your mental proficiency is still at the level of an Initiate Sigilist," the voice explained. "To fully stabilize and harness your Psy Lord abilities without risking major backlash, you'll need to progress through the ranks of Adept Enchanter, Psy Weaver, and finally, Arcane Master. Only then will your Psy energy be truly under your control."
Cynthia took a breath, absorbing the information, but before she could respond, the voice added, "However, if a situation arises where you must use abilities beyond your current mastery, I will guide you as best I can to minimize risks."
"So, my abilities are great, but my knowledge of using them is shallow," Cynthia said, thoughtfully. "I suppose it makes sense. Not everyone is born ready to be chosen by a staff so it is not as if any prepares to be this powerful from the very start"
"I agree. From now on, we will work to strengthen your mental prowess to align with your Psy capabilities," the voice said. "Normally, a person would have to master their mental state, build their Psy reserves, and undergo a ceremony to elevate themselves to each new level. But for you, the only requirement will be to master the essential spells, arrays, and the basics of artifact and magic tool creation just enough to stabilize yourself... or that's what would be expected if I weren't here."
Confused, Cynthia asked, "And what makes you so special?"
"Try to feel what's happening within you," the voice instructed. "Tell me what you sense."
Following its direction, Cynthia focused inward, scanning her body carefully. After a moment, she said, "The reach, the amount of power I can summon, and how much I can control... are these not things everyone else can feel?"
"No, not with this level of precision," the voice replied. "Even though it's their own body, most people will never achieve such exact control over how much Psy energy their spells require. But you can. I can enable you to visualize all necessary information, even when you're awake," it added with a hint of confidence.
"Not to mention, I can scan your surroundings and provide useful information as well," the voice continued.
Cynthia raised a brow, intrigued. "Scan my surroundings? So, you can show me information like...?"
"Yes. I can describe anything you observe whether through sight or touch. The extent depends on your current abilities," the voice clarified.
After a moment of contemplation, Cynthia nodded. "Alright, then… when I'm awake, we'll test what you're truly capable of."
"I will wait until then," the voice responded, seemingly satisfied.
'Do you have a name?' Cynthia asked.
'No, I am without a name,' the voice replied.
'Well then, your name is Vesaran,' Cynthia declared.
'Understood. I will answer to the name Vesaran,' it responded.
Cynthia looked at the figure before her and asked, 'Will you always appear as this opaque figure?'
'Yes, unless Master wishes I take another form,' Vesaran replied.
'I assume you can read my thoughts, correct?' Cynthia asked.
'That is correct.'
'Good. Transform into what I'm thinking about,' Cynthia commanded.
At her words, the figure grew taller, its form shifting and solidifying until it transformed into a large, majestic blue bird with long, flowing tail feathers and a blue diamond on its chest, complemented by a grey underbelly.
'The spirit beast of the Zephyros is truly a majestic creature,' Cynthia murmured, admiring Vesaran in this new form.
'This bird is the object of Master's admiration?' Vesaran inquired.
'Not admiration. Desire to possess would be more accurate,' Cynthia clarified. 'If it were admiration, that would belong to the Empress.'
'Understood,' Vesaran replied.
Cynthia continued to study Vesaran in awe, feeling a strange yet satisfying connection to her newly named guide. As the graceful bird tilted its head, its sapphire eyes seemed to peer into her very soul, calm yet probing.
"Vesaran, I look forward to your help in my growth," she said, her voice carrying an unusual warmth.
Vesaran's voice responded, gentle yet resonant with quiet power. "And I, Master, look forward to seeing you soar to the heavens."
Cynthia allowed herself a small smile, feeling the weight of her new role settle a little lighter on her shoulders. "Good to know," she murmured, her fingers tracing the intricate feathers of his form.