The weight of the memories pressed down on me, the images swirling in my mind like an old film reel. My heart raced as I replayed the scenes, each frame a chilling reminder of a past that wasn't mine but felt achingly familiar. That little boy, with his messy hair and carefree laughter, had been full of life and promise. Joy and innocence radiated from him, a stark contrast to the despair that soon engulfed his world.
I remembered the warmth of his parents' embrace, their smiles brightening the dim corners of his life. But as the memories twisted into darker realms, I felt something shift within me. Confusion swirled with anger, a tempest of emotions that rattled my core. Why had it come to this?
What dark magic had taken hold of his family, transforming love into nightmares? I clenched my hands into fists, recalling how the boy watched helplessly as his world fractured, shattering into pieces.
Isolation filled my chest like ice. I wasn't just witnessing these events—I was inhabiting them. I felt the boy's fear spike as his father succumbed to that dark transformation, the wretched magic altering him into something unrecognizable.
I wanted to scream, to shake the past away, to disconnect myself from the boy's terror. But as the vision deepened, I couldn't escape the boy's despair.
"This should not have happened to him," I muttered under my breath as the images flickered, showing the boy trapped in that cage—a cage that should have contained nothing but freedom, adventure, and the warmth of family.
Instead, it housed terror and helplessness. I searched for the boy's parents name in the recesses of my mind but found nothing. The memories refused to reveal themselves, a locking mechanism of danger keeping them at bay. Each moment felt like a haunting reminder of my own vulnerabilities.
Suddenly, a sharp pain jolted through my head, like an electric current coursing through my veins. "Status window," I gasped, trying to steady myself on the floor. A transparent screen sprang up, bringing my focus back to the present—a welcome distraction from the chaos in my recollections.
Status Window
Main Quest Updated!
Main Quest: Ascend to Academic Eminence
- Rank in top 10 of 1st-term exam
- Master basic magical theory and practice
- Develop exceptional skills in spellcasting, potion-making, and magical combat
Reward: ???
Side Quest: The Missing Textbook
- Retrieve a rare and ancient magical textbook from the Academy's library
- Rumored to contain powerful spells and incantations
- Obtain the book before it falls into the wrong hands
Reward: +10% to Spellcasting Skill
The words glimmered on the screen, a hub of opportunity dangling in front of me. A surge of potential flooded my senses—perhaps the side quest was an avenue to divert my mind from the hauntings of the past. But I couldn't shake the unease thrumming at my temples.
What had transpired in those memories revolved around a darkness I hadn't encountered yet. A shadow that loomed over my newfound existence, threatening to seep in and corrode everything I had built upon.
"Why is my reward still hidden?" I frowned. "What more do I need to do?"
And then, as if answering my question, the ache in my head began again. I turned my thoughts inward, seeking to unlock the mysteries of the rewards as I steadied my breathing. "What constitutes this fury skill?" I wondered aloud. "What can it do?"
New information flickered before my eyes:
Fury Tier: ??? (Revealing in progress)
- Unleashes unrivaled power in moments of extreme stress or emotional upheaval, channeling fierce energy to overwhelm foes.
- No unlocked requirements yet.
I drew in a sharp breath at the implication. "What does that mean?" I murmured, apprehension edging into my thoughts. I had gained something worse—a skill that would thrive on emotions, on turmoil. Fury would become an embodiment of my inner struggles.
What if I lost control?
As an electrical pulse surged through my body, I couldn't help but feel the metaphysical shackles of my past tighten once more, anchoring me to anxieties I thought I could escape.
That boy had once been me, and I had fled from my roots only to bear the weight of his sorrow. Could I let this transformation take place again—conversing not just with magic but with emotions too turbulent to contain?
Was I a re-writer of narratives and lives or merely a fleeting character slated to justify trials and triumphs? A thought flickered into my mind like a moth beating against an unyielding lamp: I longed to navigate uncharted waters, but what might await in the deep?
Eryndor Thorne felt the shimmering edges of his mind regaining focus as the chaotic images of the past and present swirled together in a tumultuous vortex.
The room around him solidified, vibrant colors returning to the world where once darkness had threatened to consume him. He lay on the cool wooden floor of his dorm room, a sharp contrast to thethe pulse of pain began to recede.
He looked around his dimly lit dorm room, still feeling a sense of disconnection from the earlier chaos that overwhelmed him. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by the flickering candlelight, and a few books lay haphazardly across his desk, remnants of the frenzied nights spent studying the magical theory.
Eryndor's gaze shifted from the swirling memories to the translucent screen of his status window. The words "Main Quest Updated" loomed before him, along with the daunting objectives he had to accomplish. The weight of responsibility pressed down on his shoulders, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that plagued his mind. He needed to focus, to push forward, but the memories of the little boy's life continued to haunt him.
As he lay there, his stomach growled, a sharp reminder of his physical needs. Eryndor's eyes widened as he realized it was already 6 pm, and he had yet to eat dinner. He quickly recalled the device's capabilities, the one given to him during the welcoming ceremony. With a thought, he activated the map function, and the hallowed screen of his pendant projected a detailed layout of the academy.
The screen displayed a vibrant image of the campus, with each building and pathway illuminated with a soft glow. Eryndor's eyes scanned the map, searching for the cafeteria. He spotted it, a bustling hub of activity, located in the heart of the academy grounds. The image showed a lively atmosphere, with students gathering and chatting over their meals.
Eryndor's mouth watered at the sight of the delicious-looking dishes on display. He had always enjoyed a good meal, and the thought of indulging in the academy's cuisine brought a sense of anticipation. With a determined nod, he got up from the floor, his legs feeling a bit shaky from the intense memories and emotions he had experienced.
As he made his way towards the cafeteria, Eryndor's mind wandered back to the little boy and his tragic story. He couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility that weighed on him. He knew he had to focus on his studies and quests, but the memory of the boy's sorrowful eyes lingered, urging him to find a way to make a difference.
The bustling atmosphere of the cafeteria greeted Eryndor as he entered. The aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air, and the clatter of utensils and lively conversations created a symphony of sounds. He made his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the various food stations, each offering a delectable array of dishes.
Eryndor's stomach rumbled again, a not-so-subtle reminder of his hunger. He approached a nearby table, occupied by a group of students who seemed to be engaged in a lively debate. Their eyes glanced at him momentarily, but they quickly returned to their discussion, unaware of the turmoil brewing within Eryndor's mind.
As he took a seat, Eryndor's gaze fell upon the untouched plate in front of him. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, knowing that the little boy from his memories had likely never gotten to even eat a proper meal or may have been dreaming of such a feast.
Eryndor's guilt turned into determination as he reminded himself of his new life and the opportunities it presented. He quickly scrolled through the pendant's menu, searching for the cafeteria's location. The screen lit up with a detailed map, highlighting the various buildings and pathways within the academy.
The cafeteria, marked with a bright symbol, stood out against the vibrant background. Eryndor's eyes widened as he noticed the bustling activity depicted on the map. Students were shown milling about, their avatars bustling with energy and excitement.
The map's details were impressive, down to the various food stations indicated by small, colorful icons. Eryndor's curiosity grew as he imagined the delicious aromas and lively atmosphere awaiting him. With a determined glance at the map, he set off towards the cafeteria, his mind focused on the task ahead.
As he walked, Eryndor's thoughts turned to the little boy once more. He knew that his journey and the choices he made would honor the boy's memory and the tragedy he had endured. With a renewed sense of purpose, Eryndor made his way through the academy, the map guiding him towards the promise of a nourishing meal and the adventures that lay ahead.