If not for the presence of mana, Edward would have long since died from an infection.
Although everything seemed fine, Edward noticed an unusual anomaly within the ruins of the cathedral.
Both mana and spiritual energies were absent.
Rather, something reminiscent of the gods was within the air, Divine energy.
Edward of course was aware of the presence of Divine energy in this world. Having met several priests who hailed from the holy land command the energy as a demonstration, but that was the energy of the light God, this differed. Though fundamentally the same it held different characteristics.
"As far as I know, only gods and believers can command the energy," Edward mused as he attempted to manipulate the energy surrounding him.
He of course had no intention to believe in a God. That would be a waste of time.
So rather than dividing his time between searching for the 'Whimsical Chronicles' and trying to command an elusive energy, Edward chose the prior.
As Edward continued walking down the same narrow path for several more minutes, he encountered a sight that ignited his already heightened interest in the ruins.
What met his view were the bones of an adult male. Normally, Edward would have just glanced over this sight, like the several others he had found, but this person seemed familiar.
The corpse lay draped in a large blue robe adorned with intricately woven silver patterns. Beside it was a long, irregularly shaped staff topped with a bright stone that glowed a dull purple. A book, bound in a golden cover, rested nearby.
"The book!" ignoring the corpse Edward laid his eye on the book and formed a smile
As Edward neared the pile of bones to finesse the staff and robes along with the coveted Whimsical Crinicals, a loud voice erupted within his head
[To think the hero of this era would be the one to pass the trial]
Out of nothingness materialized a figure, a man whose flowing hair mirrored the cosmos. His eyes, were a muted shade of gray, while he was cladded in robes that billowed around him.
Stopping his movement, Edward just stared at the newcomer with a tilted head. He had never detected any form of life force within the surroundings, so he felt disturbed.
"Who may you be?" Edward asked quickly regaining face
[I won't make this long since you seem preoccupied with deprecating my master's remains,] the being replied with a slight nod. [However, my curiosity was piqued as I watched you advance through the trial so outstandingly, Congratulations,] the being added, its expression sullen and dull
" so that's what that whole pandemonium was of huh," Edward was glad to have this confirmation, but he still inquired about who this person/ thing was "Pardon me, but if I may ask whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to"
[I am merely a familiar, my name is a title I don't know,] replied the Familiar [But if you have any inquiry I shall answer to my best abilities, but be warned young hero after this conversation my existence shall cease] spoke the being finally showing the slightest emotion of joy
Though Edward was slightly annoyed at being called young and a hero, he just overlooked it.
"Do you have any knowledge of ancient magic,"
[sadly I don't]
'Then what the hell,' Edward thought, if he were annoyed he would be pissed, but fortunately he was calm
"Do you happen to know if that book is the 'Whimsical Chronicles'?" Edward asked, pointing towards the gold-bound grimoire by the corpse.
[Yes, that is correct,] the Familiar spoke, [though I don't know how you are aware of its existence. Its contents detail and record the events that took place during 'that' war long ago.]
As he listened to the familiar sound, Edward nodded and exhaled deeply in relief.
"So I can finally leave this realm," he thought, feeling a surge of excitement. "Just a few more questions."
[And those questions would be?]
"Was your master a god?"
[A coward might be a more fitting title, but yes, young hero.] The familiar replied, [my master was once revered as the Sage, the god of magic.]
"Then why call him a coward?"
[While the other gods fought valiantly,] the familiar paused, casting a glance at the skeleton. [He merely watched from the sidelines as they battled to the death…] The familiar continued, elaborating for several minutes longer.
"My day is getting better and better," Edward thought as he looked at the familiar robes. They seem to have more value than they let off. I mean, they can change their appearance to match what I want, and on top of that, they offer great protection. It's impressive how much they can do,'
"And that's just the beginning. The staff appears to have a high level of magical conductivity, paired with a Dragon Heart as its power source. But wait…"
"Sorry to interrupt," Edward said, "but from what I have learned only two such staffs made by a Dragon Heart exist, why is this one not known"
[Fear of course, My master feared that his precious staff would be coveted by the other gods which led him to never divulge such information, and why such a legendary object rests on the ground with common rubble]
***
[Would that be all?] the familiar spoke
"I suppose so," Edward said as he retrieved the staff along with the robe whose predecessor was the magic god.
[I hope you well young Hero] The familiar had served its purpose and its existence erased
As Edward observed the particles of magic power scatter, he returned to his pile of rubble and retrieved an old silver watch with a leather strap. Lacking it around his wrist.
"This is all I need; any more would make things far less fun," Edward remarked.
Draping the blue robe over his shoulder, Edward then infused the robe with mana, causing a subspace to open up. Carefully, Edward placed the staff, Mortem, and Azphel inside.
_________________
sup
:}