As the days at Celestia Academy passed, Lazros continued to immerse himself in his studies. His training, now guided by his ancestor's teachings and the powers hidden within the book, had allowed him to master some spells at a much faster rate than his peers. Yet, despite this newfound strength, Lazros kept his abilities hidden. He preferred to stay under the radar, avoiding the attention that came with being labeled a prodigy or genius.
Among the many professors at Celestia Academy, one stood out to Lazros. Professor Vincariel, a 6th-circle mage, taught magical spells and magic theory. To the students, he was a well-respected teacher, known for his deep knowledge and his ability to explain even the most complex magical concepts with ease. His calm demeanor and insightful lectures made him a favorite among students who wanted to excel in magical theory and practical spells.
But there was something about Professor Vincariel that Lazros couldn't quite shake off. As he spent more time observing the professor, a strange feeling settled within him. The book, hidden deep inside him, had started reacting to the presence of Vincariel. It was as though the book was aware of something that Lazros couldn't see with his own eyes.
One evening, while Lazros was alone in his dorm room, the book pulsed with a strange energy. Lazros sat up, the sensation coursing through his body. He could feel it—something powerful, something hidden deep within Vincariel's aura.
"He's not what he seems…" the book whispered to him.
Lazros stood and walked toward the window, trying to make sense of the words that echoed in his mind. The book had spoken to him before, but never with such urgency. He knew Vincariel was strong, but it had always been assumed that the professor was simply a 6th-circle mage. That was impressive in itself, given how few mages reached such a level, but now it seemed there was more to him than met the eye.
The book pressed further, its voice clear in his mind.
"He is hiding his true power. Vincariel is closer to the 8th circle than anyone realizes. And he is one of the strongest in this generation, nearing the edge of the 9th circle…"
Lazros's eyes widened. The 8th circle was a level most mages never reached, a mastery only achieved by a select few in history. To be on the cusp of the 9th circle was nothing short of extraordinary. And yet, Vincariel had kept this secret well-hidden. How could a mage of such power be teaching at the academy without drawing attention?
"Why would he hide his power?" Lazros wondered aloud, his mind racing with questions.
The book responded, its tone almost solemn.
"Some powers must remain in the shadows, young one. There are forces at play that even Vincariel is cautious of. But he is not to be underestimated. He sees the potential in you, Lazros. That is why he watches you so closely."
Lazros sat down, his heart pounding in his chest. Vincariel had been watching him? That was not something Lazros had ever considered, but it made sense. The professor had always paid particular attention to his work, never treating him like just another student, and had even praised him for his quick progress in magic theory. But why? What was the professor's interest in him?
The book continued to speak, its tone shifting.
"Vincariel knows that you are different. He senses the power within you, the same power that resides in your ancestor's legacy. He sees your potential, Lazros. He knows you are destined for something greater."
Lazros stood up, pacing the room. The implications of the book's words were unsettling. If Vincariel truly was an 8th-circle mage, then he was one of the most powerful mages alive, yet he was still teaching at the academy. Was he hiding from something? Or was he simply biding his time, waiting for the right moment to reveal his true power?
Lazros's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He quickly composed himself and opened it to find Gilberto standing there, a friendly smile on his face.
"Hey, Lazros," Gilberto greeted him. "You alright? You've been acting a bit distant lately."
Lazros smiled back, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just thinking about some things. It's nothing."
Gilberto raised an eyebrow. "If you say so. Anyway, I'm heading to the training grounds. Want to join?"
Lazros hesitated for a moment. The thought of practicing magic again felt different now, especially after the revelation about Vincariel. But he couldn't afford to dwell on this for too long. He had a long road ahead of him, and he needed to keep pushing forward, even if it meant remaining in the shadows for a while longer.
"Sure, I'll come along," Lazros replied.
As he followed Gilberto to the training grounds, the weight of Vincariel's secret pressed on him. If the professor was indeed as powerful as the book suggested, then Lazros had to be careful. He couldn't afford to make any hasty decisions. He had to learn more, observe more, and understand what Vincariel was truly after.
For now, he would play the part of the "useless son" that everyone expected him to be. But in the back of his mind, Lazros knew that his journey was just beginning, and the path ahead would be filled with even more secrets, powerful allies, and dangerous foes.
As the weeks passed at Celestia Academy, Lazros found himself more and more drawn into Professor Vincariel's orbit. The professor, despite his apparent power and prestige, seemed to take a special interest in Lazros. He was always there to offer guidance, whether it was helping Lazros refine his magic, offering insights into magical theory, or simply checking in on him after lessons. To the outside world, it appeared as if Vincariel was just a diligent and supportive professor, but Lazros couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their interactions than met the eye.
Despite his increasing strength and newfound abilities, Lazros still couldn't fully comprehend why such a powerful mage would invest so much of his time in him. Was it because of his heritage? Was it because of his potential? Or was there something deeper, some connection that Lazros himself couldn't yet see? His mind was constantly at work, questioning the professor's motives.
One afternoon, Lazros took a break from his studies. He decided to take a stroll through the grounds outside the academy, needing some fresh air and a chance to clear his head. The academy was vast, surrounded by lush forests and picturesque views of the kingdom. It was a peaceful place, but for Lazros, it had begun to feel stifling.
As he walked through the outskirts of the academy's grounds, Lazros couldn't help but overhear a familiar voice. He paused, his heart skipping a beat. He recognized the voice instantly—it was his mother's.
Curious, Lazros slowly crept closer to where the conversation was taking place. He couldn't see clearly, but the voices came from behind a row of trees near a secluded garden. He approached cautiously, trying to remain unseen.
To his shock, when he peeked around the corner, he saw Professor Vincariel standing there, speaking to none other than his mother, Selena Silvershade . The sight left him speechless. What was his mother doing here, outside the academy, talking to one of the most powerful mages in the kingdom?
Selena, dressed in a simple but elegant gown, looked every bit the regal woman she was known to be—stunningly beautiful, with an air of grace and strength. But there was something in her posture, in the way she stood before the professor, that struck Lazros as strange. She wasn't just speaking casually with him; there was an almost intimate quality to the conversation. It wasn't just a meeting of casual acquaintances—it was something deeper, something more significant.
Lazros's heart raced as he tried to make sense of what he was witnessing. His mind was spinning with questions. Why was his mother talking to Vincariel in private? How did they know each other? Could there be a connection between them that he didn't know about?
As the conversation continued, Lazros strained to hear their words.
"Is he ready?" Selena's voice was soft but filled with an intensity that made Lazros's ears perk up.
"I believe so," Vincariel replied in a low, measured tone. "He's stronger than I anticipated. His potential is far beyond what anyone else has recognized so far."
Lazros felt a chill run down his spine. "Stronger than anyone has recognized?" Who were they talking about? It wasn't clear whether they meant him or someone else. But it was enough to make Lazros's curiosity grow even more.
"I can only hope he's able to handle what's coming," Selena said quietly. "The burden of his legacy… it's not something anyone should bear alone."
The words echoed in Lazros's mind. "The burden of his legacy"—was she referring to him? But what legacy? And why was Vincariel so involved in it? Could his mother have known Vincariel all along, perhaps before they even came to the academy?
Lazros's head swam with questions. He had always known that his mother was different from the rest of the family, that her past was shrouded in mystery. She had never spoken much about her origins, and the Duke—his father—rarely spoke of her family. Her beauty and presence were legendary, but there was always an aura of secrecy surrounding her. Her connection to the Silvershade family, though unknown, had always been a topic of hushed whispers and quiet speculation. But seeing her now, standing face-to-face with Professor Vincariel, deepened the mystery even further.
The two of them spoke for a few more moments before they finally parted ways. Vincariel walked away first, his figure disappearing into the distance. Selena lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on the spot where Vincariel had stood.
Lazros's heart thudded in his chest as he watched her turn and leave, unaware of his presence. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was so much more to his mother than he had ever known. He had always thought of her as the kind, gentle woman who had stood by his side, the one who had been his unwavering support. But now, after seeing this exchange with Vincariel, he wondered if there was a side to her that he hadn't yet discovered—one that was far more complex and connected to the world of magic than he could have ever imagined.
Why had his mother been so involved with Vincariel? What was her true identity? And most importantly, what did this mean for Lazros's own destiny?
As Lazros walked back to the academy, his mind buzzed with questions, each more pressing than the last. The pieces of his past, his family's secrets, and his future seemed to be slowly coming together, but there was still so much he didn't understand.
One thing was clear now—his journey was far from over. And it seemed that the answers to the questions haunting him were much closer than he had ever thought.