The journey to Elandrial began at dawn, with Aethir leading Yuuto through dense forests and winding trails that seemed untouched by time. The air felt different here—crisp and filled with the energy of magic so old that it made the very ground hum. Yuuto followed in silence, his mind still buzzing with the excitement of entering the realm of the Elves and the promise of learning their ancient magic.
But as they walked deeper into the forest, Yuuto's thoughts turned to something else—something Thalia had briefly mentioned during one of their lessons. The Ancient Wizards. Before he could stop himself, the question spilled out.
"Aethir," Yuuto called from behind, quickening his pace to match the Elf's graceful stride. "I've heard stories about the Ancient Wizards—powerful beings who once ruled Aetheria. Do you know anything about them?"
Aethir didn't stop walking, but he slowed just enough to glance over his shoulder, his violet eyes narrowing slightly in thought. For a moment, it seemed like he might not answer, but then he spoke, his voice calm and deliberate.
"The Ancient Wizards…" Aethir began, his tone carrying the weight of a history long buried. "Yes, I know of them. Every Elf does. Their legacy is woven into the very fabric of this world, though few outside our kind truly understand the depth of their power."
Yuuto's interest piqued. "What happened to them? How could such powerful beings just disappear?"
Aethir stopped abruptly, turning to face Yuuto with an intensity that took him by surprise. "They didn't simply 'disappear,' Yuuto. Their fall was far more complex—and far more tragic."
The Elf's gaze softened slightly as he turned to continue walking. "You want to hear the story, then?"
"Yes," Yuuto said quickly. "If I'm going to understand the magic of this world, I need to know everything."
Aethir nodded and resumed his pace, though this time he spoke as they walked.
"Long before humans or even Elves came to prominence, the world of Aetheria was ruled by the Ancient Wizards—beings of immense magical power, far beyond anything you or I could comprehend. They were not born into magic like you or I. No, they shaped magic itself. They were the first to unlock the secrets of mana, to bend the elements to their will, and to craft spells that even now remain beyond our understanding."
Yuuto listened carefully, picturing these Wizards as towering figures wrapped in robes of shimmering light, their eyes glowing with the knowledge of the universe. He could almost see them standing at the center of the world, wielding power that shaped reality itself.
"They built great cities," Aethir continued, "places of learning, where magic flowed freely and the very air was filled with energy. The Wizards were seen as gods by some, protectors by others. But with great power comes great arrogance. Over time, they began to see themselves as more than just guardians of Aetheria. They believed they could control the world, bend it to their will, and even challenge the natural order."
Yuuto frowned. "What do you mean by 'challenge the natural order?'"
"They sought to become immortal," Aethir said darkly. "They believed that with their magic, they could transcend death itself. The Wizards devoted centuries to discovering the secret of immortality, using powerful spells to extend their lives, creating magical constructs, and even experimenting on their own bodies and souls."
Yuuto felt a shiver run down his spine. The idea of immortality was tempting, but the cost—there was always a cost. "Did they succeed?"
Aethir nodded grimly. "Yes and no. Some of them did achieve a form of immortality, but not in the way they had hoped. Their magic twisted them, turned them into beings no longer human or even mortal. They became shadows of their former selves, powerful but hollow. Their bodies crumbled, their minds fractured, and their souls became bound to the very magic they had used to extend their lives."
The Elf's words hung in the air like a curse, and Yuuto couldn't shake the feeling that he was hearing more than just a legend.
"What happened to the Wizards after that?" Yuuto asked, his voice quieter now.
"Their downfall was inevitable," Aethir replied. "Their hunger for power led to a great war—one that nearly tore Aetheria apart. The Wizards, in their desperation to hold on to their immortality and dominance, turned against one another. Spells of unimaginable power were unleashed, cities were reduced to ruins, and the very fabric of magic was torn asunder."
Yuuto's mind raced, picturing the devastation that such a war would have caused. The thought of magic so powerful it could destroy entire cities, tear apart the world itself, was terrifying.
"And after the war?" Yuuto pressed.
Aethir's voice lowered, as if the weight of what he was about to say still lingered in the air. "The few Wizards who survived the war vanished. Some say they fled to the farthest corners of Aetheria, hiding in places where magic is still strong, waiting for the day they can return. Others believe they were sealed away, trapped in magical prisons to prevent their return. But their legacy lives on. The dark magic you've encountered? It's likely a remnant of their power—a corruption left behind by their twisted experiments."
Yuuto's stomach churned at the thought. If the dark magic spreading through Aetheria was linked to the Ancient Wizards, then the threat was far greater than he had realized. The corruption he had faced near Ravenwood, the strange creatures drawn to it—it all made sense now. It wasn't just a random surge of dark energy. It was something deeper, older, and far more dangerous.
"So they could still be out there," Yuuto said, his voice tight. "The Ancient Wizards. Waiting."
Aethir glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps. Or perhaps their magic is all that remains. Either way, their influence continues to shape this world."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The forest around them seemed unnaturally still, as if the very trees were listening to the story Aethir had just told. The weight of history pressed down on Yuuto, making him feel small in comparison to the ancient forces that had once ruled this world.
But as the silence stretched on, Yuuto felt something else—determination. If the Ancient Wizards were truly behind the corruption spreading through Aetheria, then it was up to him to stop it. He had faced dark magic before, and though he was still learning, he couldn't let fear hold him back.
"What can we do?" Yuuto asked, his voice firmer now. "If their magic is still out there, corrupting the world, how do we stop it?"
Aethir gave him a long look, and for the first time, there was a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "That is a question many have asked, Yuuto. The answer lies in understanding. You must learn the true nature of magic, both light and dark. Only then can you hope to stand against the forces that are rising."
Yuuto nodded, his resolve hardening. This was his path now—learning not only to wield magic but to understand the ancient forces that had shaped Aetheria. The Ancient Wizards may have fallen, but their legacy lived on, and if their magic was responsible for the dark forces he had encountered, then he had no choice but to face it.
As they continued their journey toward Elandrial, the story of the Ancient Wizards stayed with Yuuto. The thought of their immense power and their eventual downfall weighed heavily on his mind, but it also fueled his desire to learn. The magic of Aetheria was vast and dangerous, but Yuuto was ready to face it—one step at a time.