The night in the capital city of the Kingdom of Arcanora was a canvas of tranquility. The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a gentle, luminous glow over the landscape. Its soft light filtered through the delicate branches of ancient trees, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground.
A serene lake lay still, its surface a perfect mirror reflecting the moon's radiance and the twinkling stars above. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the soothing sounds of nocturnal creatures and the distant whisper of a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
It was just like any other night, but suddenly this tranquility was broken by the abrupt chants of magic spells.
[Elemental Flux Sensor]
(Elemental Flux Sensor is a basic elementless spell designed to detect and analyze mana signatures in the environment. This spell allows the caster to sense the presence and movement of magical energies, regardless of their elemental affinity.)
"Where did he go?" A cloaked man asked as he suddenly materialized in the surroundings.
"He took that path," another cloaked man replied, pointing to one of the alleys.
"I'll take that way, you guys take the others and trap him."
Before the other man could reply, the first man concealed himself, moving swiftly towards the path.
"Tch, always taking the fun part for himself.... Let's go," he said to the others standing behind him, who then dispersed to the other paths.
*Pat pat pat*
The sound of running footsteps reverberated through the narrow alley, quickening with every second.
"Haah....haah, they are still following? Dammit!"
[Swift Shift]
(An elementless spell that grants the caster the ability to move rapidly over short distances. This spell makes the user's figure blur and makes it hard to notice. It allows instantaneous shift from one location to another within a limited range. It is perfect for dodging attacks, repositioning in battle, or making quick escapes. The movement is so swift that it leaves only a fleeting afterimage, making it difficult for opponents to track or anticipate the caster's next position.)
He continuously chanted the same spell to move faster, but he didn't have enough time to remove the mana traces he was leaving behind, which would be his biggest regret.
"Found you."
"!!!"
The boy, around 12 years of age, was surprised to see the cloaked man standing in front of him.
"You can struggle all you want, but it won't change the outcome. You will be taken away with or without your consent," the cloaked man, Scarred Rogue, smirked as he made this declaration.
[Infernus]
(A fire magic spell that summons a torrent of erratic, burning flames to attack the opponent. The flames continue to rage uncontrollably until they are extinguished.)
"Is that your response? Pathetic." Rogue mocked as he prepared his own spell.
[Serpent Surge]
(A high-class water spell that mimics the high spirit guardian of water, the Serpent. This spell autonomously targets its foe, destroying everything in its path, and relentlessly attacks the target until they are unable to fight.)
*Fiss fissss*
The flames were overpowered in an instant before the water serpent moved towards the boy.
"Ahkkk!"
The boy grunted in pain as he was slammed against a nearby wall. He tried to stand up again, but before he could...
*Swish*
The serpent whipped its tail and hit his back.
*Thud thud*
He flew away after being hit and was about to hit the ground before he stopped midair.
[Zephyr Rise]
(A wind spell that harnesses the power of a gentle, uplifting breeze to lift and elevate objects or individuals. The spell creates a soft, but powerful updraft, allowing targets to rise smoothly into the air, providing both support and elevation until the caster decides to release or lower them.)
"Who's there?!" Rogue bellowed, alarmed that he hadn't detected the individual until now.
"I think that's enough for today, fellows. You all should leave before you are unable to." a calm and serene voice said.
Rogue turned around to find an old man in white and grey attire with black trinkets standing with an unbothered look on his face, looking around as if on a normal stroll.
But before he could retort, he realized what the old man had said and was horrified to see him looking at his colleagues.
"H-How?!" He screamed as an overwhelming sense of doom gripped his heart, and he started to think everything through calmly.
Infiltrating his detection spells covertly, using magic without him being able to detect the magic discharge, knowing he was surrounded but still being unbothered, and most importantly, that ancient attire...
"No way...." he said almost in a whisper.
"So you recognize me? Good, but now I can't let you guys leave."
"Wait..." Before Rogue could signal his colleagues to escape, his plans were thwarted.
[Luminous Burst]
(A light affinity spell that releases a sudden and intense burst of radiant energy. This spell generates a brilliant explosion of light that illuminates the surroundings and blinds or disorients opponents. The flare continues to radiate with dazzling brilliance for a short duration, searing through darkness and creating a barrier of light to protect or guide.)
{If used by a high mage, it can knock out all the opponents near the user without any resistance.}
*Snap*
Before the bandits could fall, he used a wind spell to move all of them to the same location.
[Stone Shackles]
(An earth affinity spell that conjures robust chains or bindings made of solid rock. These stone restraints emerge from the ground, swiftly ensnaring the target and immobilizing them. The shackles are incredibly strong, holding the opponent in place until they are either dispelled by the caster or shattered by a significant force.)
"Now then, the inquisitors can deal with them. Let's move someplace quiet." He said, picking up the unconscious boy and taking him with him.
[Flash Movement]
(An elementless spell that allows the caster to instantly traverse large distances. This spell enables the user to move with lightning speed, appearing as a blur to onlookers. The caster can cover significant ground in the blink of an eye, making it an invaluable tool for rapid escapes or surprise attacks. The spell's effects are instantaneous, and it leaves little to no trace of the caster's previous location.)
{If used by a high mage, it can also be used to take objects or individuals with the user.}