Darkness, utter darkness.
That's the only thing Valiance could "see". He did not even know if he's still alive. However, he could feel that he was capable of having his own thoughts. So probably, he's not dead yet?
As Valiance felt like floating in some sort of empty space, a light appeared from the distance. It was incredibly small, but Valiance could see it. That light was probably the only hope he have right now.
He tried reaching out his hands, but then he realized he couldn't move, or rather didn't have anything to begin with, just a consciousness wandering through the darkness.
When he tried approaching it through some unexplainable means, Valiance saw that the light became slightly bigger.
This is it!
Valiance moved again, not caring about his surroundings, about the darkness enveloping everything. He just continued to move forward, determined to reach that light, the one and only thing that could let him out of this void. Probably.
For quite some time, he kept moving the light slowly become bigger. He felt happiness blossom within him. Persevere! He would eventually reach his destination.
He hasten his pace even more, feeling that he was now moving at great speed, as though he was sprinting. However, the light's growing pace did not change.
What's going on?
He stopped for a bit and observed the light. He realized the light's size was becoming bigger without running toward it. It looked like he hadn't cross any distance. The feeling of running earlier, it was all just a feeling. For an extremely long period of time, Valiance waited for the light to reach him.
It was finally here.
He discovered that the light was not an object, or a door, or a ball of light, but merely the entire dark dimension turning white, starting from the point he saw earlier. As the light took over completely, the light's brightness turned higher and higher, momentarily blinding him until…
A gust of air brushed past his skin as his senses heightened. When Valiance opened his eyes, he realized he was no longer in that dark dimension. Rather, it was a room, full of metallic and research equipments.
He looked down, opening his hand, eyes full of shock. Didn't he got swallowed by that unstoppable magical spell? Why is he here?
Looking around, he realized he was actually standing naked inside a huge glass capsule that fits one human body. He looked in front, seeing the glass door.
Valiance pushed it open and stepped outside, more gusts of air slamming on him. He closed his eyes for a moment, silently appreciating the air he was breathing and feeling right now.
"Where…am I?" Valiance muttered, looking at his surroundings.
There was a long table near the glass capsule, which were full of tomes and scrolls. He walked towards it and saw the title of a tome sitting atop others. It read: "Artificial Human by Kalli Esteban".
Kalli…Kalli. Old man Kalli? Is he the one who dragged me here? He's still alive? If so, where is he?
Valiance took the book, flipping it open. He skimmed through it and found out it was a detailed book of Kalli's human experimentation in his scholar years. He explained in the book how humans could be made artificially with the use of magic as a fuel. And of course…life and soul.
Suddenly, a piece of paper tucked inside the book fell down to the ground. Valiance hunched, taking it as he flipped it to the face of the paper where there were words written. Reading it, Valiance's eyes suddenly turned misty.
Valiance, it's me your old man. I really hoped you are the one who is reading this letter and not someone else, because if you did read this, it meant I succeeded.
I know the events that led to our death comes as extremely shocking to you. Yes, you are supposed to be dead. However, I made a contigency that once you and I died, a remaining fragmented soul of mine which is slumbering here will wake up and go to the place of our death.
In truth, few years ago, I forgot when specifically, I put up a protection on your soul secretly that will basically seal it up once your physical body suffered a great harm that is beyond recovery. When my one last remaining clone took your soul, he went to this research laboratory where he created a new body for you, paired with a magical core.
Yes, a magical core. I know how much you wanted to try out magic. For many years you have been envying them, rising into status and becoming famous. I'm really sorry if the core I managed to create is merely an inferior one, but don't worry, you have my teachings, right?
To be honest, if Kuzako did not appear, I would've dragged you here to destroy and restructure your body. This will be my gift to you. Oh and by the way, I also left something tucked in the book. Make sure to check it out!
At this moment, even though there was still one paragraph left written on the paper, he was shivering so hard, tears flowing out of his eyes. The teardrops landed on the paper, soaking it.
Then, he read the final paragraph.
That's all I really want to say, this clone's energy is running out. Well, I just want to say something. Hahaha, this is so funny, I'm already an old fogey but I'm still feeling emotional. Anyway, I love you, Son. Take care of yourself. It's a pity I won't be there to protect you anymore. But—
"Father…" Valiance slowly sat on the ground before reading the final sentence.
—for the final time, I think your old man did great, right?
Valiance wailed loudly, sad emotions overwhelming him. He had never felt something like this before. The paternal love he had never experienced from his biological parents due to their death from war, he experienced it to him, someone who was a complete stranger. Despite being extremely weak and useless, Kalli always protected him with a smile.
"What can I do without you now?" Valiance muttered, tears still endlessly flowing.
Ten minutes later, Valiance wiped his tears before he held the book Artificial Human silently sitting on the ground. He flipped it open, trying to search for that thing his old man mentioned in the letter. Then he found it, on the last page of the book.
Valiance took it and noticed it was another piece of paper, but the texture felt grand and expensive, as though it was made out of luxurious materials. When he tried reading it, a smile crept on him.
Dear Mr. Valiance Esteban,
We are pleased to accept you as our student in Orith Magical Academy under the recommendation of the headmaster. Please show up to the registration office and show this letter to be our pupil instantly. We are enthusiastic to show and teach you the ways of using magic.
Signing off, Dylan Rombuss.
Valiance grinned when he saw this, happy emotions overtaking the sadness he was previously feeling. Even after death, the old man still took care of him.
"Well then," he muttered. "I promise, I will become powerful. I will take revenge against that man."
Kuzako, you bastard. Just wait and stay alive, I'm coming for you.