Athènia's POV
After eating, I feed Jayden his bottle.
Dracos: Athènia, there's only one thing left for you to learn.
Athènia: What!? Already?
Dracos: Yes.
Athènia: But my twin took two years to learn everything.
Dracos: That's because you have a wolf who is also your Guardian.
Athènia: But my twin also has a wolf who is his Guardian.
Dracos: Athènia, stop comparing yourself to your brother. Even if he's strong and powerful, you're far stronger than he is. You have the ability to learn faster than normal.
Athènia: Fine, but when will I learn the last lesson?
Dracos: First, finish feeding Jayden. Then we'll train.
Athènia: Okay, Master.
Jayden finishes his bottle, and I put him to sleep. He's really calm today, he fell asleep much faster than usual. Normally, he cries much louder before drifting off, but this time he went down quickly, falling into a sleep that will last at least five hours.
Athènia: Done.
Dracos: Then let's go.
We step outside and walk toward the training grounds.
{Kora: Lis, I can feel it… Dracos will also leave us today.}
Athènia: I know, but there's nothing we can do.
We reach the center.
Athènia: So, Master, what are we learning today?
Dracos: The deadliest spell a sorcerer can use.
Athènia: A spell, that can kill?
Dracos: Yes, almost instantly. Precision and concentration are everything. The strength of the spell varies depending on the caster's power. For example, if one sorcerer tries to kill another with this spell, the opponent can counter with the same one but the stronger caster will shatter the weaker spell and strike down the other on the spot.
I've already seen Jiji attempt this technique several times, but he never succeeded.
Dracos: The spell can kill instantly… or a few minutes later.
Athènia: Then you'll teach it to me?
Dracos: Yes. I'll first show you the movements.
Athènia: I thought it was just about raising your hands.
Dracos: Be serious, Athènia. You need focus and patience. First, trace a circle with your feet while moving your hands.
He stands tall, raises his arms in the air, then draws a circle with his foot, ending with his legs crossed.
Dracos: Like this. Then, act as if you're drawing energy into your hands.
He mimics holding something, lowering his hands beside his hips.
Dracos: Then you spin around, push your hands forward, and release the spell.
He demonstrates, but without speaking the incantation.
Athènia: You didn't say the spell.
Dracos: Because I want you to master the movements first. If the enemy counters and forces you out of your circle, then you pull your arm back, rotate your hand to draw another circle, bend your arm, and then push forward again to strengthen the spell.
He repeats the motion.
Dracos: That will destabilize them enough to break their focus. But before that, with the energy in your hands, you surround it by sliding your palms in a circle, then clasp them together at your waist. You step back, thrust your hands forward, then open them as if you're opening a box and boom, the final strike.
He shows me, then turns to face me.
Athènia: I have a question.
Dracos: Go ahead.
Athènia: How can the opponent know to counter with the same spell?
Dracos: By seeing the circle drawn at the start, they can guess what you're about to cast and retaliate. Now, come here and practice.
I pout but move closer. We repeat the motions again and again. I fail many times, but after dozens of tries, I finally manage to do it five times in a row without mistakes.
Dracos: Excellent. Now I'll tell you which smaller spells are linked to each movement.
Athènia: What!? But I thought it was just one spell!
Dracos: There are smaller spells within a great spell. I've taught you this before, haven't I?
He gets into position to continue teaching, but suddenly, a black fog appears. Oh no, Im is here. Before I can react, I'm hurled against a rock. Pain shoots through me, my vision blurs. No, I can't faint.
Athènia: Kora..
{Kora: One minute.}
A few seconds later, I see clearly again, but I still can't move.
Athènia: Kora, what's happening?
{Kora: A partial spinal shock. You won't be able to stand for a few minutes.}
Why now of all times? No, I feel my soul slipping from my body. I see myself lying on the ground.
{Kora: Lis, go to them.}
I realize I've been projected farther away, so I rush back to the training grounds. I arrive just as I see Im standing before Dracos with a wicked grin.
Im: My dear Dracos, still alive, after all these years? Today is the day.
Dracos: It's been twenty-five years.
Im: And you have company, I see.
Dracos: Just a friend.
Im: She already looks half-dead. So, have you made your choice?
Dracos: Death is better than becoming your subordinate.
Im: Then you've chosen.
Dracos: I won't die without a fight.
Im: Very well, my dear friend.
Dracos: I am not your friend.
He glances toward me, as if he can see me.
Dracos: Watch carefully, Athènia. Memorize these spells.
He spoke directly into my mind. I nod. Dracos steps back, lifts his arms high.
Dracos: Invocado El puedo!
He traces the circle with his foot, ending with crossed legs.
Dracos: Diablo Fire!
He thrusts his hand forward. Im counters with his own spell.
Dracos pulls his arm back.
Dracos: Cercla Inflamada!
He draws another circle with his hand, bends his arm forward, repeats the circle.
Dracos: Booster Power!
He thrusts forward. Im staggers but doesn't falter.
Dracos: Booster Power Max!
He clasps his hands, steps back, then launches forward.
Dracos: Mortal Shock!
The force is immense, but still not enough.
Im: You're strong, Dracos… but not strong enough. I'll give you one last chance to reconsider.
Im shatters the spell and hurls it back.
Athènia: MASTER DRACOS!!
Dracos falls to his knees, one arm gone, my body lying behind him.
Im: So she's the one, the chosen one.
My hair hides my face; he doesn’t recognize me.
Im: I'll kill her right in front of you.
Dracos: You demon..
Im: Oh no, Dracos. I am the incarnation of evil itself. Now tell me, will you yield?
Dracos: Never. I' ll never become your subordinate. You won't lay a finger on the chosen one.
Im: And what will you do to stop me? You're not strong enough.
Dracos: Who said it has to be me?
Im: Weren't you the one bold enough to oppose me, knowing who I am?
Dracos: And wasn't the first battle with the Chosen proof enough? She stood and fought while her allies lay broken. Wake up, Im she is the savior we've awaited for centuries. You may be stronger than us, but not stronger than her.
Dracos coughs blood as Im laughs maniacally.
Im: Do you think that will stop me? As I told Tevi, I'll kill this Chosen one, no matter who she is. Don't worry, Dracos, your death will be swift.
He drives his blade into Dracos's body. My master collapses, surrounded by a faint golden shield.
Im: I'll take your powers later. For now… I'll deal with her.
He steps toward me. I don't know if souls can use magic, but I try.
Athènia: Propulsion!
Im is thrown backward, crashing to the ground.
Im: Damn it!
His eyes darken as if he's speaking to someone else. Then he looks at my body.
Im: I'll deal with you another day, Chosen one.
He vanishes. I return to my body with a gasp, sitting up sharply. I rush to Dracos, lifting his head into my lap.
Athènia: Uncle Dracos..
Tears blur my vision as he opens his eyes slowly, forcing a weak smile.
Dracos: Why is my best student… crying?
Athènia: Because you are dying!
Dracos: We knew from the beginning, this day would come.
Athènia: I know, but it doesn’t stop me from being sad. You were my mentor… my master these past months.
Dracos: They were the best days of my life. Spending six months with your presence… was a gift.
His voice fades.
Dracos: At least, I could help before dying. One good deed.
Athènia: The world will remember you for it.
Dracos: I hope you defeat evil Lis, I'm counting on you. Save the supernatural world.
Athènia: You can count on me, Uncle Dracos.
Dracos: Make me proud, my favorite student.
Athènia: Why do you always call me like a boy?
Dracos: Because I love you my precious niece.
Athènia: I love you too uncle.
He smiles faintly as his eyes close forever. Tears stream down my face. He's gone. I had just learned he was my uncle… and now he's dead. Why must fate be so cruel? I clutch his body tightly.
Athènia: I promise you, Uncle. I'll avenge you. I'll defeat Im for you, for Tevi. This is my vow. If I fail ¦ I won't deserve to be called Athènia.