The carriage was in full speed, yet it would take four days to reach the Magic School of Knowledge. The journey stretched long before them, the landscape shifting from rolling hills to dense forests as they traveled southward.
Kael sat slouched in his seat, boredom gnawing at him. To pass the time, he attempted to "seek" knowledge about mages. It was a futile effort, of course—he knew that—but frustration pushed him to try anyway. He had heard it took around five years of dedicated practice to become a mid-rank Seeker. The thought of achieving such a feat seemed daunting enough, but becoming a supreme mage? That felt like an impossible dream.
One mage stood out vividly in his mind—a legendary figure whose mastery over the Language of Command was unparalleled. This mage could speak a single word—"die"—and even an S-class monster would collapse instantly, its life extinguished without resistance. Such power bordered on godlike, and Kael couldn't help but marvel at the sheer weight of it.
He pondered further on what made someone a mage. Mages weren't simply magic-focused individuals—they were Seekers who had gained knowledge over mystical abilities, like conjuring fireballs or manipulating elements with their bare hands. These feats required not only immense skill but also a deep connection to the collective consciousness. For Kael, however, that connection didn't exist. The void had chosen him instead, offering a different path—one darker and far less understood.
Frustrated by his inability to access the collective consciousness, Kael redirected his focus inward. Perhaps there were still ways to refine his understanding of fear. His thoughts lingered on how far he could push his abilities, imagining scenarios where subtle manipulation of the mind could lead to madness or despair.
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Meanwhile, Elira immersed herself in seeking ways to enhance her vine ability. Her efforts bore outstanding success. She discovered that the roses blooming along the vines could induce hallucinations if their scent was inhaled. The delicate petals masked a sinister effect—enemies caught within their reach would experience vivid, disorienting visions, leaving them vulnerable.
Her progress didn't stop there. Through further insight, she upgraded the thorns of the vines. Now, they could paralyze anyone entangled by them, rendering foes immobile and helpless. Elira tested the improvements mentally, picturing how devastating the combination would be in combat. A distracted enemy, trapped and paralyzed, would make an easy target for her artifact bombs.
Satisfied with her advancements, she leaned back in her seat, a faint smile playing on her lips. Mastery over this spell brought her one step closer to proving herself—not just to others, but to herself.
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As the hours passed, the carriage entered a gigantic forest. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their twisted branches forming a canopy that blocked out much of the sunlight. Shadows stretched unnaturally across the ground, and the air grew colder, heavier. The atmosphere carried a creepy vibe, almost as if the forest itself was alive and watching.
Kael glanced out the window, a smirk tugging at his lips. The eerie surroundings suited him perfectly—a playground for his darker tendencies. Still, something about the place unsettled him, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.
Elira noticed the change too, her earlier confidence giving way to unease. She tried to shake it off, telling herself it was just the oppressive gloom of the forest. But deep down, she felt it—the same dread that had haunted her before, only fainter this time.
The rising tension reached its peak as they ventured deeper into the woods. Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a halt, throwing everyone inside off balance. Outside, the guards shouted urgently, their voices tense and wary.
"What's going on?" Elira asked, her hand instinctively gripping the strap of her satchel.
Before anyone could answer, a low, guttural growl echoed through the trees. Something moved in the shadows, unseen but undeniably present. Whatever it was, it wasn't human—and it wasn't friendly.