ã€ŠPandora&#x27;s Bookã€‹


 Prologue: Unexpected discovery

    A man was heading straight for the entrance of the Museum Conservation Institute. As soon as he arrived at the gates, he showed his identification to the guard. The guard observed the man-he is tall, with messy black hair, wearing an oversized lab coat that made him look like a mad scientist. The guard confirmed his identification and allowed him to pass.

    As the man walked through the familiar halls of the museum and climbed the stairs to the second floor, where their lab was located, he wondered what this was all about. A few hours ago, his phone had rung. He quickly pulled it out from his coat and checked the caller ID. As soon as he did, a smile crossed his face without him thinking, and he answered the call.

    He heard a female voice¡ªone that was impossible to mistake.

    "Victor, you have to come here right now," the voice said, sounding excited.

    For a moment, Victor was lost in his thoughts. The woman knew he should be attending to a client. Why was she calling him back to the museum? After a few seconds, he finally asked, "Why is there an emergency?"

    "No... one of the excavation team returned something for us to check, but it¡¯s... peculiar."

    "Peculiar?" Victor thought. All the items left in their care were peculiar. They were conservation scientists, after all. Their items ranged from bones and pottery shards to gold amulets, silver talismans, old artworks, and sculptures¡ªthings lost to time. These items were preserved in the hope of preserving history, or maybe rediscovering it. How could this item be any different?

    "Just come here, okay? It¡¯s hard to explain," the voice said, her tone final.

    Victor knew better than to defy her, and so he came.

    As he walked towards the laboratory, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it was all about. Despite the excitement in the woman¡¯s voice, he thought to himself that whatever it was, it probably wouldn¡¯t be that important.

    He was wrong.

    When he finally reached the laboratory, he stared blankly at the familiar door before slowly reaching for the doorknob. It felt cold.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    He opened the door and found a woman sitting at her desk, typing something on her computer. When she heard the door open, she quickly looked around and smiled. The woman was beautiful, with long black wavy hair and eyes that seemed to glow, framed by her fair complexion. She stood suddenly and hugged Victor.

    "Finally, you got to see this! Also, what took you so long"

    The woman crossed her arms while looking at victor.

    "Traffic? Also, I wasn''t supposed to be here right what did they find?" Victor asked curiously

    She motioned to the table where they examined the items assigned to them.

    On the table sat a large leather-bound book, nearly five inches thick and about fifteen inches tall. Its cover was adorned with intricate symbols that didn¡¯t make sense.

    A book? Victor thought. They had many books at the museum, even rare manuscripts that are not fully released to the public. How could this book be peculiar? The woman seemed to sense Victor¡¯s thoughts and took his hand, pulling him towards the table.

    As he got closer, he realized that the book was indeed peculiar. At the center of the book there was a yellow crystal that looked almost magical as if glowing a dim light.

    The cover was filled with symbols he couldn¡¯t recognize¡ªsymbols he wasn¡¯t even sure he had seen before. At the lower part of the book have what seemed to be a label or perhaps a title, but he couldn¡¯t read it. It wasn¡¯t a language he had ever encountered. It wasn¡¯t Greek, Latin, or Sanskrit.

    As Victor stared dumbfoundedly at the book, the woman, sensing his confusion, spoke with a hint of pride in her voice. "I¡¯ve been searching for whatever language this is. I¡¯ve even looked up the symbols, but I can¡¯t find anything that matches¡ªnothing even remotely similar."

    Victor''s eyes widened

    Nothing? What on earth is this book?

    He thought as he once again stares at the book

    "Have you checked what¡¯s inside?" Victor asked.

    "That¡¯s the thing," the woman replied, looking anxious. "It won¡¯t open."

    "It won¡¯t open?" Victor¡¯s confusion deepened.

    "Have you tried forcing it?"

    The woman crossed her arms and said "Of course not! Why do you think we¡¯re called conservation scientists? What if I damaged it in the process?" , her voice incredulous.

    It was absurd forcing to open the book after all it is an item left in their care, Victor thought. But not as absurd as a book that wouldn¡¯t open without any sort of locking mechanism.

    Confused, Victor took a pair of gloves and put them on. He looked at the woman, and she nodded. Slowly, he touched the cover of the leather-bound book. He felt a slight tingle when his fingers came into contact with it.

    Looking at the book face to face, he realized that he had indeed never saw the symbols before. Slowly, he attempted to lift the cover. Sure enough, it was heavy, as if the book was resisting. On his second attempt, he felt a warmth spread through his fingers, as if his hands were placed in the hearth. He tried again to lift the cover. This time, it felt lighter, and slowly, he opened the book.

    He didn¡¯t know it back then, but that was the moment a new era had begun.

 Chapter 1: The performance

    A man was walking in the busy streets of the town as he overhears all kinds a conversation.

    One of the murmurs he have heard was that a village that is in the west of the town was attacked by undead. They said couple of people have died in the attack.

    Another one he find more interesting.

    "hey have you heard it? They said there were a band of minstrels that decided to perform here" a man said excitedly.

    "wait really? That''s unusual. our town barely gets any attention at all"

    the other man replied

    "yeah that''s true I think they already arrived at the center of the town"

    This one piqued the man''s interest.

    The man was nearly 6 foot tall and has deep blue eyes and was obviously curious about the performance. the man walk past the gossipers after deciding to go check the town center.

    the man felt the rays of the soft afternoon light that made him cover his eyes slightly every now and then as he moves skillfully through the streets that he knew well.

    when he finally arrived at the center of the town he has to push himself forward as there were a cluster of people blocking his view.

    when he finally found a clear sight he quietly watched the performers

    They wore simple tunic and trousers which weren''t in any way special and obviously that weren''t the reason why there are so many people watching them.

    apparently the one of the minstrels seemingly manipulates the water guiding it across the air as if she was dancing with the water itself gracefully. the man smiled smiled he always find this type of things entertaining wether it is because of the rarity of this performance or the difficulty of doing it or maybe even because he is not capable of doing such things he really doesn''t know.

    Behind the female performer is another performer this time it was a man with an athletic build and a attractive face. The performer step forward and smiled at their audience.

    The man took another step forward this time the path he steps on froze in solid ice and continuous to expand on the ground. A chilly air send shivers to the spine of his spectators. The man then proceeded to conjure a staff or maybe a scepter that is made out of ice. There were loud applauses from his audience even the tall man spectating was entertained.

    the tall man was immersed watching the entertainers that he didn''t even noticed someone approached him. he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulders.

    "Getting jealous, kalle?" Coming from the owner of the hand.

    Kalle turned, looking at the man just to find him smiling a croaked smile. Kalle stared at him for a moment.

    he was the same height as him, blond and wear a red robe with a metallic pin with a symbol of a bird in it

    "Cedric" kalle finally spoked with a neutral tone. "Why the long face? Not happy to see me?" Cedric mused.

    Kalle didn''t. he never liked Cedric and he was also sure that the feeling was mutual as they really never got along.

    "Did you know my patron asked people with magic to look for an powerful artifact? Wouldn''t you be interested in helping? Oh wait you can''t" Cedric said sarcastically

    ''relic?''

    kalle thought ignoring Cedric''s remarks. he was born without magic and it not like it''s uncommon, although almost everyone dreamed of having magic growing up and only a few people has the innate ability for it and especially more few in this small town where he grew up.

    "curious aren''t you? Of course you would but unfortunately I don''t think any relic would help your case" Cedric said smilingly.

    kalle was trying to ignore Cedric but apparently it wasn''t easy.

    Cedric being able to sense kalle''s thoughts spoke "ohh someone''s seemed annoyed what are you gonna do ask your stupid old man for help?"

    Kalle pushed Cedric back clearly annoyed by his remarks.

    "Oh mad now?" Cedric asked in a sarcastic tone. Just before Cedric says another word which would probably be an insult kalle holds his shoulder with his other hand and using his free hand punches him in the face.

    Cedric''s eyes grew in shock as he stagers slightly backwards due to the impact. He was holding his nose which was apparently bleeding. Cedric wiped his nose and smiled ''too easy'' he thought.

    Cedric was straightening himself when he saw kalle who was once again about to strike him

    ''You never changes'' Cedric thought.

    However before kalle even got near enought to pull another punch a spear made of ice materialized in front of them.

    Both of them flinched, being surprised as they took a step back.

    It was the scepter of the performer was using and now it has turned to a spear. The performer spoke articulately

    "I am sorry but fighting is not allowed. if you didn''t noticed this is our show. Not yours and it wouldn''t be good for our business if you steal the attention of our customers" the performer made a half smile

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Kalle look around him; the crowd was really watching them. Kalle despite looking rather still annoyed apologized to the performer in which the performer accepted.

    "well it''s no big deal just make sure to behave" the performer said with the smile still on his face

    However, Cedric didn''t seem to be in any mood to apologize. He held the performers spear and smirked. Then opened his mouth "and what happens when I do want to steal your audience?"

    Surprised by the remark the performer raise his brow "I don''t think you understand the situation".

    Hearing this, Cedric laughs "no no no, you are the one who doesn''t understand the situation"

    As Cedric said these words his hand glows a dim red suddenly there is steam coming out of the spear

    ''its melting!'' the performer thought looking surprised

    "Why? did you expected me to be magic less? Where is that smile on your face?" Cedric said smirking, indeed the performer''s face was no longer smiling

    Before the performer even responded the sizzling sound from the melting ice grow louder suddenly the shaft of the spear split in half losing its sharp edge

    The crowd grasp at the scene, the performer looking perflexed but quickly regains his posture and spoke "you shouldn''t have done that".

    "Why what are you what are you gonna do?" As Cedric said this both of his hand started burning with reddish fire which made the performer and kalle took a step back

    Cedric raised his hands in a motion that seemed to summon fire; however before he finishes what his doing a strong torrent of water hits him, sending him reeling backwards.

    Cedric looked like a drenched dog, his clothes soaked and his hair hanging messily over his face. He looked as if he was about to bite someone.

    Cedric was about to recover when he looked up and Saw another ice spear.

    This time it is pointed to his neck he stared up looking at the performer a long time before raising his hands "fine you win" said Cedric smiling.

    "but I''ll remember this" he said as he was staring at the female performer, who was the one who attacked him, and he was no longer smiling.

    The performer moved his spear away from his neck allowing Cedric to stand up. As he did he went pass the performer and bumped kalle along his way out.

    "Next time you won''t be this lucky" he whispered as he passed kalle.

    The crowd parted to make way for Cedric. Most of them seemed afraid they might get caught in the scene.

    Kalle stared at Cedric as he leaves he knew that he will come back for him some other time but it does not matter.

    "He is trying to provoke you" as kalle heard this he looked behind him. It is the male performer who spoke

    "I know it and worked"

    Kalle said gloomily.

    "He has magic if you didn''t attacked him first he wouldn''t be able to use magic against you"

    The performer said

    "I also know that"

    Kalle said while still brooding over something

    The performer smiled he thought that this man knew the other guy would be allowed to legally use magic since he attacked him first yet he still did. He didn''t knew whether this guy was brave or foolish.

    It didn''t matter he thought he liked this guy.

    he offered his hand and introduced himself "I''m anthon winterheart and this" said pointing at the female performer "is my sibling Eli winterheart" the female performer bowed her head slightly.

    kalle remembered what Eli did to Cedric and made a mental note not to piss Eli winterheart and so is his brother.

    Kalle took his hands and spoke, "I''m kalle thyllos and I would like to apologize again for the disruption we have caused you"

    "No that''s fine don''t think about it. however I think you should be more careful" anthon said sounding worried

    "I know that, thank you for your concern I''ll be leaving. it''s a pleasure meeting both of you"

    "And the pleasure is ours" as anthon said.

    He watched kalle''s back as he leaves.

    ''kalle thyllos... thyllos why does it sound familiar?'' he thought thinking where did he heard the name thyllos.

    Kalle walked through the stalls of the markets he passed the vendors and moved through the streets until he found what he was looking for

    A two story tavern stood in front of kalle that was made with sturdy stone walls supported by wooden beams.

    The tavern looked old yet sturdy

    Kalle pushed the door open entering the tavern

    There were only few people inside. It is still early for customers rush after all. A big man with trimmed beard and a female with short hair both seem busy serving some of the customers. The female saw him and nodded courtly.

    Kalle decided to seat near the counter putting his hands in front of him, still deep in thoughts.

    he moved his hand to his pocket and took a silver pin with a insignia of a bird.

    He remembered taking it from Cedric when he purposely bumped him. He knew the insignia well he remembered Cedric telling him about his patron

    he knew who was his patron was. He could not be mistaken, as that man owned the insignia in the pin.

    It is a man he loathed with all his heart.

    It took a few minutes before the bearded man has his hands free and moves closer to kalle. The man was standing tall in the opposite of the counter.

    "What did you stole this time?" The man said in a deep voice.

    his faced neutral.

    Kalle knew the man didn''t like the habits he have developed.

    "The service in this tavern is bad I''ve been waiting for a long time, I should''ve picked a different tavern" kalle said ignoring the question.

    "I should''ve adopted another kid" the man said plainly

    "And also you didn''t answer my question" the man continued

    Kalle threw the pin to the man. The man caught it with his one hand and stared at it when he realized what he is looking at he narrowed his eyes.

    "It no big deal Gabriel" kalle said as if defusing the thoughts of the man named Gabriel

    "It is, you knew I don''t want you to relate to him it won''t do you any good it won''t do us any good"

    Gabriel said sounding worried.

    Kalle stared at the man with a big physique he knew him well, he respected him and he also knew that Gabriel would only want what is best for him. He was the one who have taken care of him after all.

    "Don''t worry I don''t plan on doing anything stupid" kalle said trying to assure Gabriel

    Gabriel stared at him for a moment

    "You know that wasn''t the first time you said that" Gabriel said.

    Kalle managed a hearty laugh Gabriel knew him well.

    "How is lyra?" Kalle asked

    "She is doing fine far more fine than you would have done" Gabriel said

    He knew Gabriel was right.

    Lyra was the women with short hair helping gabriel deal with the customers. She looked like she have gotten the hang of it. she was the same age as kalle and needed some place to work and since the work at the tavern does not suit kalle and Gabriel desperately needed an extra pair of hands they decided to hire her.

    Gabriel suddenly remembered something.

    "Wait I almost forgot who did you steal this from?" Gabriel said holding the pin

    Kalle told him the events that happened earlier.

    "That was very much like you" Gabriel said both his arms crossed.

    "And You shouldn''t fall for that again" Gabriel followed.

    "I know I''m not really good at keeping my temper at check you knew that. Also Can I ask? Have you heard? they seem to be searching for a relic" kalle said pointing at the pin.

    Gabriel recognized that kalle was avoiding the topic.

    Gabriel knew what he meant of course he always knew things. gossips has its wings and his tavern is a nest.

    "I thought you said you won''t be doing anything stupid?" Gabriel looked at him suspiciously.

    "I won''t I''m simply curious" kalle said shrugging.

    Gabriel flicked the pin back to kalle which was caught easily by kalle.

    "It''s nonsense, they are said to be searching for the source of all magic, something called pandora. One that is used to be wielded by someone powerful" Gabriel said now seating at a chair in the opposite of the counter.

    ''Pandora?'' kalle repeated in his head.

    "Such thing exist?" Kalle asked now even more curious.

    "If it did it then why would they start searching only now? Also the idea of having an age without magic was merely a theory" Gabriel said now sliding a tankard of mead to kalle and taking a sip of his own

    "Thanks " kalle said as he reached for the mead and also took a sip.

    "I never understood how can you drink that, I always needed something stronger" Gabriel said as he look in his rum.

    "And I never understood how can you work while drinking that" kalle pointed out

    He took a sip again

    "So you think they are chasing legends?" Kalle asked

    "I can''t say for sure but legends always have origins aren''t they? The only thing I''m sure is that it''s not for us to find out" Gabriel said

    Kalle thought so too.

    it was not up to them to find out, he repeated in his head. Tired of the day he told Gabriel he wanted to rest and said thanks for the drink.

    he got up on his seat and was headed to the stairs

    Where his room was located.

    Gabriel looked at kalle as he was about to moved upstairs ''he have grown '' he thought yet he still feel extremely worried, but for what reason? He didn''t knew.

    When kalle reached the second floor he holds the door knob of the first room and rotated it making a clicking sound.

    Once he opened it he lay on his bed tired. He put the pin on top of the night stand and decided to sleep.

    After kalle''s dreamless sleep he woked up in the middle of the night. he tried to go back to sleep but it''s useless. He thought of the things that have been happened for the day. He thought about the pin, he thought about the owner of the insignia. He hated the feeling of not being able to do anything.

    he looked at the window.

    It''s already dark.

    He decided he needed a walk and took his cloak.

    He moved down the stairs the tavern is now full of people. travellers, locals and all types of people. it is the time where customers arrived the most.

    Kalle saw Gabriel for a moment; busy with all the customers and decided not to disturb him.

    He always thought of helping him. He tried several times but it always don''t end well, he isn''t suited for making drinks nor for serving them. He is too short tempered. in the end both of them agree it would be best for kalle not to help.

    He opened the tavern door and felt the cold air in his face. He didn''t knew where he was going. He just walked aimlessly at the streets brooding about what happened over the day.

    Suddenly he saw an alley one that he never even set foot on. he knew the streets well, he also knew that there was nothing of interest in that alley. He didn''t know why but he decided to enter the alley.

    Kalle walked at the the narrow passage ways of the alley cautiously.

    Suddenly he saw a silhouette at the end of the alley kalle squinted to see more clearly. Then he recognized that it was a woman running towards him. The woman bumped into him and apologized before running again.

    Kalle noted her appearance. The woman had curly hair and was about 5''7. She looked to be in her 30''s and had an attractive face.

    ''strange'' kalle thought.

    He was about to continue his walk when he noticed

    something shinning near his foot when he crouched to inspect the object more closely, He realized that the object was a necklace of some sort with a yellow crystal pendant.

    Kalle took it and looked back too see if the woman was still there.

    She was not.

 Chapter 2: A long night

    The night was still deep; there were no noises that could be heard, nor were there any people around.

    There was only one man standing in an alley, looking confused.

    Kalle was looking at the necklace that he had just picked up when he suddenly heard footsteps coming towards his direction. He half expected it to be the woman who dropped the necklace until he realized that it was coming from the opposite direction.

    He quickly put the necklace in his pocket.

    When he looked again at the sound of the footsteps, he saw two men running towards him.

    "Hey, have you seen any woman here? She has curly hair and was running in this direction," the man spoke in an authoritative voice.

    Kalle looked at the pair. One of them was tall and skinny, and the other one looked more muscular. It was the more muscular man who spoke. Kalle eyed them again; both of them wore robes with intricate designs. But that wasn''t what caught his attention. He looked closer at them¡ªboth of them wore the same pin as Cedric.

    He gritted his teeth. He tried not to show his anger. Kalle pointed them in the wrong direction. He was surprised that he was able to speak calmly.

    After the two left, he decided to walk back to the tavern.

    When he left the tavern, he was full of thoughts. Now that he was about to return, he felt that the walk didn''t help him at all.

    As he walked his way back, he wondered about the woman. ''Who is she? And why is she being chased by those guys?'' Kalle thought.

    When he finally arrived at the tavern, he opened the door and found Gabriel sitting in his chair, drinking his rum.

    Kalle wanted to tell him about what happened but thought otherwise. Gabriel already had his hands full and he was also too tired to talk.

    "I just went out for a walk. I wanted to tell you earlier, but you seemed busy," Kalle said, sounding tired, his voice hoarse.

    "It''s fine. You should get some sleep¡ªyou really looked like you needed it," Gabriel said while holding his tankard.

    "Yeah, I really need sleep," Kalle conceded. "I''ll be going. You should close already," Kalle said as he was about to climb the stairs. Gabriel nodded at Kalle. Gabriel was still drinking his rum; he thought that he wouldn''t be sleeping for a while.

    On the other hand, Kalle felt like he really needed some sleep and would immediately sleep when he reached his room.

    That didn''t happen, as his night was just about to get longer.

    Gabriel took a sip of his rum. He knew he would not be sleeping any moment from now. He was bothered by what Kalle told him. He knew the events had affected him. He knew it wouldn''t do them any good. He was afraid Kalle would be swayed by grudge. He hoped that Kalle wouldn''t; he also hoped he himself wouldn''t.

    He thought as he clenched his fist and took another sip of the rum.

    Kalle opened his door and slumped at the corner of his bed. He moved his hands towards his pocket and took the necklace. It looked... almost mystical. He raised it, trying to see it more clearly. It had some thin silver metal chains, and the crystal of the necklace had its corners covered in silver. Kalle looked at it for a long time until a thought hit him.

    Cedric told him about his patron, who was looking for a relic¡ªa relic that is the source of all magic¡ªand both of the men who were apparently chasing the lady had the same pin as Cedric.

    ''But why now?'' He thought about what Gabriel told him¡ªthat if such things did exist, why would they only search now? Kalle felt so conflicted that he put his other hand to his head. When he looked again at the necklace, he felt the sudden urge to touch the crystal with his other hand.

    It felt warm. He guided his fingers across the crystal. He thought that the crystal was looking brighter. ''Wait,'' Kalle thought. He stared more closely at the crystal. Suddenly, there was a surge of light that made him cover his eyes and drop the necklace on his nightstand.

    When he removed his hands that were covering his eyes, the necklace was gone. The only thing left was a huge leather-bound book with symbols of some sort. He also took notice that the crystal in the necklace appeared to be in the center of the book.

    He blinked at the sight.

    It took him a while to register what just happened. The necklace had just turned into a leather-bound book. He suddenly felt that he wouldn''t get the rest he wanted for a while.

    As Kalle got nearer to the book, he looked at it more cautiously. ''The source of all magic,'' Kalle thought. He didn¡¯t know whether it was the same relic Cedric was looking for or if such a thing even existed. Kalle really didn''t know. Kalle looked at the book before deciding to put his hands on its cover.

    It felt warm. Slowly, he tried to lift the cover.

    Kalle stared wide-eyed at the book. He tried to open it, but it didn''t even budge. At first, he thought he just didn¡¯t use enough force, since the book looked extremely heavy.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    It took him a couple of attempts to realize that wasn''t the case. He even stood up, trying to use all of his strength, but the book showed no sign of being opened.

    Resigned, Kalle stopped his attempts and sat once again on the bed. As he sat, he noticed something on the floor.

    It was the pin he had stolen from Cedric. It had fallen down when the necklace turned into a book.

    He slowly picked it up and looked at its original spot. Kalle could no longer put the pin on the nightstand. The space was consumed only by the book. He opened the drawer of the same nightstand and saw some sheets of paper and a box. The box was green with various intricate carvings and ornaments, but what was noticeable about the box was that there was a tiny bird sculpture just above its latch. ''I forgot it¡¯s here,'' Kalle thought. He looked at the pin and compared it with the sculpture.

    It was exactly the same.

    He put the pin in the drawer and closed it. Kalle was tired and confused. All he wanted was to sleep. He looked at the book and decided to try it one more time.

    To his surprise, the book opened.

    Meanwhile, somewhere far from the small town of Capella, a man was in a large office-like interior, his table filled with documents and stamps. The wall was plastered with unfamiliar paintings and the room was well furnished overall. A sole lamp was producing light for the entire room along with the soft moonlight.

    The man was around his forties and was sitting in his chair with his hands on the table.

    Suddenly a glowing portal appeared in front of the man the portal was surrounded by various symbols and runes. Two men step forward from the portal as they did the portal disappeared with a swooshing sound, it was the same men that was chasing the woman.

    The men stood looking silently at the seated man.

    The man wore a tunic made with luxurious fabrics. He had black hair that was well tended and blue eyes that made people nervous when being watched by him.

    The two men standing in front of him felt exactly that. There were chairs placed in front of the table yet neither one of them dared to take a seat.

    "Did you find the woman?" the man sitting spoke with authority; the moonlight from the window casting a soft glow onto his face. Both of the men standing seemed to respect or rather fear the speaker.

    They stood extremely straight, as if afraid that a minuscule move might offend the speaker and cause them harm. They were aware that the man in front of them was capable of frightening things.

    It took a moment before either of them spoke. When one of them finally had the courage to do so, it was the muscular man that stepped forward, his voice almost failing him.

    "We... We lost her," the muscular man said, his hands almost shaking in front of him. He did not sound confident at all.

    "Hmmm," the man sitting stared at him. The muscular man felt his body tense. He looked at the man sitting; his eyes were almost glowing. The darkness outside didn''t help ease the tension at all.

    In what felt like an eternity to the muscular man, the authoritative figure finally spoke. "I need you to find the woman as quickly as possible. She has something valuable that I need," the man said while playing with his pen between his fingers. Twirling the pen in between his fingers, the pen spun around his thumb. "I am a forgiving person... however, I won''t tolerate any delay," the man continued. The muscular man was about to speak when a projectile quickly passed by his face. He felt blood trickling down to his chin. When he looked behind him to see what just hit him, he saw the pen pierced in the wall.

    Kalle''s confusion grew more; he didn''t know what caused the book to open that moment he wasn''t even using all his strength in fact he was still seated at the edge of his bed. That''s not the only thing that caused him confusion. What confused him more is that the first page of the book is completely empty. Still uncertain kalle flips the front page.

    [ Blank ]

    Kalle frowned as he continued to flip the pages the soft sound of pages being flipped is the only apparent noise in the room.

    [ Blank ]

    [ Blank ]

    [ Blank ]

    Kalle keep flipping the pages but the only thing he saw are pages without any contents. He was halfway through the book when he suddenly felt his head hurt. He pulled his hands away from the book and held his temple with both hands. He felt splitting pain in his head.

    ''Wh.. ar yu''

    Kalle heard a unfamiliar voice that he can''t quite process. He looked around him -he was alone the voice seem to be coming from his head.

    ''Wh..o ar...e yo u''

    Kalle heard it again he felt that the voice is becoming clearer.

    "WHAT?" kalle said aloud his head still hurting.

    Slowly kalle''s headache subsided, he removed his hand from his temple still chasing his breath as if he just ran a marathon.

    ''Who Are... you? ''

    Kalle heard it again this time he can perfectly discern the words being spoken in his head. He understood the words however he didn''t knew what happened and who is the one speaking.

    Kalle slowly opened his mouth "kalle. Kalle Thyllos that is my name. Just who are you?" The question slipped from his mouth.

    ''Where Am i?'' the voice who spoked once ignored the question again.

    "Capella it is a small town, You didn''t answer my what are you doing in my head?" Kalle said staring at the still opened book.

    ''i don''t know'' the voice said in kalle''s head. The voice become clearer over time. Kalle thought about the relic Cedric was looking for it is said to be wielded by someone powerful but he didn''t expect the relic to have a consciousness of its own.

    "There were legends... About you. Are you really Pandora: the source of all magic? Why are your pages blank? What happened to your previous owner? " Kalle asked this question in a rapid fire.

    The voice in his head produced a laugh. If it was even possible for books to laugh  kalle thought.

    ''you have a lot of questions aren''t you but don''t worry I''ll try to answer them all'' the stuttering in the voice is now gone. Kalle just realized how articulate the voice in his head is now yet a few moments ago it sounded unintelligible.

    ''For your first question I guess you could call me the source of all magic although I don''t understand what do you mean by Pandora'' victor asked.

    "Pandora is said to be the the source of all magic although it''s form is not known to anyone" kalle answered.

    The voice remembered a myth he once heard about, a box owned by a woman named Pandora. It was given to her by the gods although they asked her to never open it. Pandora couldn''t contain her curiosity and opened the box. When the box opened all the evils in the world was released.

    How fitting, the voice thought.

    The voice then explained the myth to kalle thinking it was the refference for the name.

    "Wait don''t you think it would be inaccurate to call the source of all magic to be the one to also release all the evils in the world?" Kalle asked finding it hard to believe.

    ''it is not'' the voice said plainly

    ''Don''t ponder to much about it. For you second question. That would be harder to answer but I''ll explain it after you also answered my questions and for third'' the voice paused as if remembering something.

    '' I was the previous wielder of this book; my name is victor, victor hope''.

    Just below kalle''s room Gabriel was sitting in a chair with a table, he looked at his tankard full of rum. He have been thinking all night and now he have finally decided. He was no longer drinking. He needed to do something. He stood and took a pen and a roll of parchment from a drawer in the taverns counter. When he finally collected the items, he returned to the chair and started writing.

    When he was finally done he stood up and got out of the tavern. When he arrived outside he stood straight holding the rolled parchment and moved his hand towards his mouth in a gesture that seemed to whistle. After some wait a black owl came gliding down towards Gabriel, landing towards his shoulder. Gabriel carefully clipped the parchment of the feet of the owl and feed it some bread. Gabriel watched as the owl flew away, he head inside back the tavern.

    He thought that he only did what was necessary.

    And that he needed more of the rum.

    In his room, Kalle spoke to Victor.

    "Wait then how come that you are inside my head? No, how come you are inside the book?" Kalle said realizing that Victor''s consciousness was seemed to be stuck in the book.

    ''that... I can''t tell you. to be honest I''m not even sure my self'' the voice said.

    kalle felt grief in his words although he didn''t knew why.

    ''you have asked your questions it''s my turn now where is this town called cappella?'' victor asked sounding curious.

    "It is located in the duchy of Alcor it''s not really a famous duchy" kalle explained

    ''I have never even heard of that? Which continent are we in? How long have I been gone?''

    Kalle was silent for a long time.

    "Victor... To be honest I don''t know" kalle voice was filled with sympathy.

    ''what do you mean you don''t know?'' victor said; kalle sensed Victor''s confusion he spoke.

    Kalle slowly opened his mouth letting the words slip out.

    "I really don''t know, but it has been a long time I think it would be atleast"

    Kalle paused almost eating his words.

    "a couple of millennia"

 Chapter 3: A long night(2)

    Victor was quiet for a long time before he spoke again in Kalle''s head.

    "Which continent are we in?" Repeated Victor, his voice did not reveal anything.

    "Agapea, and what do you mean which? There is only one," Kalle, now looking confused, replied.

    "In my time there used to be seven continents. Are you telling me that now there is only one?" Victor asked.

    "Well, one that is habitable at least. The rest of the smaller ones are filled with monsters," Kalle explained.

    "Why? What happened to the other continents?" Victor asked.

    "No one knows, but there is this legend where Agapea used to be multiple continents. However due to war and the population of monsters growing, the greatest magic users at that time needed to combined all the land masses that were not infested by the monsters, allowing Agapea to be the sole continent where humans reside," Kalle paused.

    "It was also the same reason why taking care of magical creatures was prohibited," Kalle thoroughly explained.

    "Of course, those were just legends and were never confirmed, but if what you said was true, then it seems the legend is also true," Kalle sighed as he looked at his window. It''s almost dawn, the idea that he would get any more sleep now sounds unrealistic.

    "Wait, what about your technology? How did it progress over time?"

    "Technology?" Kalle asked. He had never even heard of the term.

    In an inn not far from Kalle''s location, a woman lay stretched on her bed, deep in her thoughts. The woman had curly hair, black eyes, and was very beautiful. The woman brooded over the necklace. The woman thought about Kalle Thyllos, She wondered if Kalle was trustworthy. She would also eventually need to retrieve the necklace from him. The woman believed it would be easy.

    She could find anyone if she wanted.

    The problem is those guys are still probably searching for her. She needed to hide for now.

    As she lay in her bed, she started thinking. She didn''t sleep; instead, she thought of one thing.

    Vengeance.

    "..."

    Victor didn''t know what to say. He never expected a future without technology; he always thought that magic and technology would be able to work together.

    "Those are the tools or equipment that we use in our time that is completely independent of magic," Victor explained.

    "So there really was an era without magic?" Kalle asked.

    "Yes, although I never thought there would have been an era without technology," Victor pointed out.

    After a short while, Victor spoke again.

    "I also didn''t expect an era with magic."

    Kalle now grew more confused.

    "What? But I thought this book was the source of all magic?" Kalle asked, sounding tired.

    "Yes, I promised to explain that part, right? The thing is, every time I learned a spell from this book, the contents were removed automatically, turning the pages blank," Victor paused.

    "However, I am unable to share or teach the spell to anyone else," Victor continued.

    Then how did magic spread? Kalle thought. He now looked even more dumbfounded. His head was now filled with questions that he didn''t know who could answer. He was also sure that Victor felt the same.

    Kalle and Victor spent another couple of hours exchanging information, talking about various things, and hypothesizing possible answers to their questions. When they were done, Kalle was visibly tired.

    "You should sleep," Victor said sympathetically after noticing Kalle''s tiredness.

    Kalle looked outside the window. It''s already morning. He didn''t care. He decided that another hour of staying awake would make him sleep forever.

    With that thought, Kalle lay on his bed.

    When he closed his eyes and he immediately fallen asleep.

    Kalle was deep in his sleep when he saw a woman, one with unique clothing, the type of clothes he had never seen. The woman wore a black polo shirt with buttons that were mainly covered by a lab coat. Kalle tried to look at the woman''s face, but he couldn''t see it. He could only notice her black wavy hair that was around shoulder length. Kalle didn''t know why, but he wanted to get closer to the woman.

    He slowly tried to move towards the woman. However, the woman seemed to go only farther away. He felt that he have seen the woman somewhere, yet he also felt that he never meet her.

    He stretched out his hand until suddenly he heard a loud banging noise.

    The noise made Kalle sit upright. He could hear his own breathing. It took him a while to calm his nerves. He held his temple with his hand as he looked at the window. It''s already noon. When he tried to stand from his bed, he realized that the sleep wasn''t long enough.

    Slowly, he moved downstairs. He saw Gabriel slumping at the table, seemingly asleep. There was still an empty tankard beside him. A woman seemed to be waking Gabriel up. When Kalle looked closer, he realized that it''s Lyra. They usually open the tavern at noon, and since both Kalle and Gabriel overslept, there was no one to open the tavern.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Kalle took a chair near Gabriel and took a seat. It took a few minutes before Gabriel woke up; his eyes dreary, he stared at Kalle. Apparently, Gabriel noticed something on Kalle''s arm, which he asked about.

    "What is that? Did you steal again?" Gabriel sounded like he needed more sleep.

    Kalle noticed that Gabriel was talking about the bracelet he was wearing. It had a silver chain and a yellow crystal for a pendant. It was the same necklace that he had found in the alley last night.

    Both he and Victor agreed that a group of people would be looking for the necklace and decided it would be better to turn it into a bracelet. "It isn''t much, but that would probably help," he remembered Victor saying.

    "Don''t worry, I didn''t," as Kalle said this, Lyra saw him and nodded, going towards the kitchen.

    Gabriel didn''t argue with Kalle. Despite picking up the habit of stealing things, he knew Kalle doesn''t lie, so instead of talking, he once again slumped his head on the table.

    Kalle thought about the events that happened last night: the dream, the woman dropping the necklace, Victor. For a moment, he thought that maybe that could also be a dream.

    ''How was your sleep?'' Victor asked as if sensing his thoughts.

    "Not good enough," Kalle managed a laugh. Here he was, thinking the events could have been a dream.

    Gabriel moved his head up, looking at Kalle, who just realized that he had spoken out loud.

    "Don''t think about it. I''m just talking to myself," Kalle explained, trying to dismiss Gabriel''s thoughts.

    Victor laughed. Kalle had the feeling this wouldn''t be the first time he would make such a mistake.

    Gabriel looked at Kalle with doubt before slumping at the table again. He himself was too tired to inquire.

    When Lyra returned, she was carrying a tray with three coffees, which she skillfully distributed at the table.

    "Just what happened to the two of you? Both of you look like a mess," Lyra said after taking one coffee for herself.

    Kalle took the coffee and spoke, "I just have a lot going on in my mind," he said as he took a sip of coffee.

    Gabriel also took his coffee, his eyes still dreary.

    "It''s the same for me," he said hoarsely.

    Lyra looked at the two with her hands crossed. "What about the tavern? We haven''t opened it, and even if we did, you two won''t be any help," Lyra said.

    She was right, of course, Kalle thought. He had been up almost all night. He wondered about the reason for Gabriel staying up all night.

    "You''re right. We will just open tomorrow. For now, we''ll have to rest," Gabriel said as he took a sip of coffee. He was now sounding better.

    Lyra accepted. She also took a sip of the coffee.

    "So what will the two of you do now?" Lyra asked as she drank her own coffee.

    "Rest," Gabriel answered. "Also, Kalle would need to prepare," he continued.

    Kalle raised his brow.

    "Prepare for what?" Kalle asked Gabriel.

    Gabriel looked at Kalle before speaking.

    "You''re going to Altair Magic Academy," Gabriel declared.

    Kalle looked at him, wide-eyed. He half-expected the statement to be caused by Gabriel''s hangover. But when Kalle heard those words, he knew Gabriel was sober. Kalle could even feel a hint of pain in Gabriel''s voice.

    "But I don''t have magic, and even if I did," Kalle''s voice trailed off. Him not having magic was not a lie but neither was it the truth. Last night, when Kalle and Victor talked, Kalle remembered Victor saying that he did not actually learned all the spells in the book and that he actually left one.

    When Kalle looked at the spell at that time, he was flustered, and yet he could understand why Victor didn''t learn it. He even considered not learning it.

    In the end, he decided to learn the spell anyway, thinking that it would be useful in the future.

    "I know, but I already handled that," Gabriel''s voice made Kalle notice his surroundings again.

    "I have talked to your... father''s friend. He said they would accept you despite not having magic since your lineage has prominent magic users, and it''s still possible to awaken magic. Also, it''s not like students who are yet to awaken magic are not common there," Gabriel said.

    Kalle noticed him slightly pausing at the word "father."

    "Gabriel, I don''t want to go," Kalle said defiantly.

    "I know," Gabriel said softly. Kalle realized why Gabriel was up all night. He had been thinking about this.

    Kalle didn''t want to leave his life here, and more so, he didn''t want to return to his previous life.

    Kalle knew the decision must also be hard for Gabriel. He thought of convincing or maybe even arguing with Gabriel but thought otherwise. He knew Gabriel wouldn''t change his mind.

    Kalle also thought about the events that happened last night. He hadn''t told Gabriel about the woman who was being chased and also the necklace that she had dropped. He thought about telling it now, but if he did, he knew Gabriel would send him away this very moment.

    "Why?" Kalle finally asked, breaking the silence.

    "Is it because of Cedric? Do you plan on hiding me?" Kalle made a sarcastic laugh. He knew that was one of Gabriel''s reasons. He hated being protected. Ironically, he seemed to be constantly needing protection; Cedric is one of the most skilled magic users of THAT person. Kalle knew he wouldn''t stand a chance. He hated the feeling of not being able to do anything.

    He looked at the bracelet; he thought maybe he could do something.

    "That''s one of the reasons. I also wanted you to get a new environment. You know that you don''t belong here," Gabriel spoke.

    Lyra felt the situation tense, so she stood up, excused herself, and said that she would get breakfast... or maybe lunch.

    ''We call it brunch,'' Victor interrupted.

    Kalle ignored Victor''s remarks. He looked at his coffee, still deep in his thoughts. He wondered maybe he could do something now maybe things could go differently now. He also thought that maybe he could use THAT in the academy. Kalle felt a small lump of hope.

    "Okay, I''ll go. What do I need?" Kalle said, surprisingly calm.

    Gabriel raised his brow. He never expected Kalle to accept it. He had already planned a long, stretched argument with Kalle, but it seemed that wouldn''t be necessary.

    Gabriel was silent for a long time.

    "What? Why are you so quiet?" It was Kalle who spoke.

    "I just didn''t expect you to accept it so easily," Gabriel said, his voice filled with disbelief.

    "I think you''re right. I might need a new surrounding, and a change of things would be nice," Kalle spoke as he took the last sip of his coffee and set it down on the table.

    Gabriel looked at Kalle. He was sure that Kalle was planning something, and whatever it was made Gabriel worry.

    Kalle recognized the look on Gabriel''s face.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine, and I won''t look for trouble," Kalle said sincerely.

    Gabriel looked down. He knew Kalle spoke the truth, but he was still scared that it would be trouble that would come looking for Kalle.

    "So what should I prepare? And when will I be leaving?" Kalle asked, breaking Gabriel''s train of thoughts.

    "Altair is far from here. As you know, it''s a different duchy, so it would be a long travel, probably a week or less. So, of course, you would need rations. Also, it would be ideal to find a horse you could rent," Gabriel explained, finishing his coffee.

    "You also need to leave tomorrow," Gabriel followed.

    Kalle''s eyes widened. For a moment, he regretted agreeing.

    "What? That early?" Kalle asked, surprised by the urgency.

    "Ten days from now, the academy will start a new academic year. Since the travel could take a week, it would be best to leave early," Gabriel explained himself.

    "What about my work? Also, where would I stay there?" Kalle asked, remembering that he had a job at the docks. He was a navigator on a ship there, and for some reason, he was extremely good at navigating. He decided that he would miss the work.

    "That''s already handled. You would have lodging at the academy. They have dorms for those that are not locals, and as for your job, I''ll talk to them about it," Gabriel explained.

    "Are you saying I would get to live there and study for free despite not having magic?" Kalle asked, having a hard time believing what Gabriel just told him.

    "Yes, I talked to someone with a high position who was willing to offer these to you. Of course, it''s not because of me that he offered; it was because he is your father''s friend," Gabriel explained.

    As he said this, they heard footsteps coming close to the table. They turned their heads and saw Lyra coming out of the kitchen with another tray in hand. This time, the tray contained plates with salted fish, bread, and porridge.

    As the meal went on, the three of them discussed the departure of Kalle. When the meal was done, Kalle arranged his plate and excused himself.

    "I will be preparing the things I will need. I might also go to the market," Kalle said, now standing up while looking at Gabriel.

    "Go home early. It''s best that you get enough sleep for tomorrow," Gabriel reminded.

    Kalle reached door and waved his hand while not looking back. He slowly pushed the door and got out of the tavern.

    "You think he will be fine?" It was Lyra who asked. All this time, she had been quiet, not wanting to interrupt the conversation of the two.

    Gabriel looked at the door through which Kalle had just left. He didn''t answer. Truth to be told, he didn''t know the answer.

 Chapter 4: Commotion

    Kalle felt the harsh sunlight touching his face as he got out of the tavern. The streets were busy despite the high temperature, Kalle could hear various murmurs in the crowd.

    ''what happened to your Father?'' it was victor who spoke in his head.

    "Both of my parents are dead, also I don''t want to talk about it" Kalle said plainly after arriving at a less crowded area.

    Victor sensed that Kalle didn''t like the topic so he decided to change it.

    ''so where is this Altair academy''

    "At altair" Kalle answered.

    ''what?'' Victor didn''t knew if Kalle was being sarcastic.

    "The Altair magic academy in named after the duchy it resides" kalle explained.

    ''So it is in the duchy of altair?''

    "Yes" kalle said while still moving through the streets

    Kalle''s mind is full of thoughts. He thought about the man he hated, the possibility of getting his revenge yet he also thought about the spell. He knew he would need to eventually use the spell yet he felt so conflicted about it, as for why? he didn''t know.

    Kalle have now arrived at the stalls of the market, he brought enought rations for a few days with his money that he got from his work. As for the rest of the rations that he would need. He decided he would buy those during the travel.

    Suddenly there was a surge of people running. Kalle looked around, he saw a lot of people that seemed to be headed the towards the town center. He found a man going towards the same direction and asked him what is happening.

    "A man has taken a woman captive, and is causing a commotion," the man said.

    "But why not deal with him? I''m pretty sure there are plenty of magic users who could help," Kalle asked.

    "Well, the thing is... the man is also a magic user."

    Kalle moved along the busy crowd as he tries to reach for the center of the town and in his haste he bumped two or three onlookers. When he finally arrived at the town center, he saw two familiar faces. Anthon and Eli winterheart, apparently they were performing when the man decided to cause some trouble.

    There is huge a crowd surrounding the scene, kalle has to push himself with the crowd just to see the commotion. A man with a big belly and drenched clothes was point a dagger at a young woman.

    The woman seemed to be restricted by some shadowy force that prevents her from escaping or defending herself.

    Anthon was standing Infront of the man, they seemed to be talking to each other.

    Beside Anthon, is his sister Eli, holding his arm, whispering something to his brother.

    Kalle realized that neither of them can act without endangering the woman captured.

    ''it would be a good time to use that'' Victor spoke in Kalle''s head.

    Kalle knew what was Victor talking about, he was already thinking of using it, The spell he learned from the book. He remembered the exact words he saw at the final page of the book.

    [Spell acquisition]

    At first he didn¡¯t understood what it meant but Victor explained that it was a spell that lets the caster take another spell from someone and store it in the book.

    Kalle realized that the reason Victor never learned the spell is because he can¡¯t take spells from any one. As he is the sole person to have magic in his era. Victor even pointed out last night that the spell itself confuses him, How could there be an ability in the book to take spells from someone when he, alone is the only one with magic.

    Victor might be right, it could be a perfect opportunity Kalle thought. He looked again at the scene, the dagger is still at the hands of the big bellied man and the woman was still restricted by some unknown force, magic Kalle decided.

    He looked at the bracelet and willed it to turn to it¡¯s book form, he had been practicing it last night. The bracelet¡¯s figure is suddenly gone, turning into a pure white light, this time unlike its first it wasn¡¯t too bright. It only appeared to be wisp of light that moved from Kalle¡¯s arm to his hand.

    The wisp slowly changes its form, transforming to the he have known book. However this time, the book fits perfectly in Kalle¡¯s hand. The book appears to have reduced it sized.

    Kalle stared intently at the man causing the commotion, he tried to pour every ounce of concentration he can. Suddenly runic symbols appeared rotating from his arm where he was holding the book. The runes seemed to change shape, color and arrangement every now and then.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    After a few seconds of the runes shuffling its appearance, it have turned black and the runes no longer moves. Kalle looked at the captive of the man, which was being restricted by some force. Slowly the restriction disappears allowing the woman to move more freely, the big bellied man hasn¡¯t even noticed it yet.

    When the binding on the woman was finally gone, she pushed the big bellied man who seemed confused by what just happened. The woman ran towards the two performer Eli and Anthon both equally confused, yet quickly regained their composure.

    It was the same for the man with the dagger as well, when he realized what just happened he thrown his dagger at the woman who is still running away from him.

    The dagger flew, slashing through the air, yet before it could even land on it''s target it was met by a wall of ice, shielding the woman.

    A sharp crack was heard around echoing around the town center. The crowd gasps at the scene.

    Slowly Anthon got near the ice wall that he just conjured. With enought force he plucked the knife out of the wall and looked at the man.

    It was the first time Kalle noticed it, Anthony''s eye''s seemed to glow, he could Anthon''s anger despite being far from the scene.

    The crowd turned silent at the scene. The only thing the could be heard now was Anthon''s footsteps as he moves closer to the man.

    He looked at Anthon, he felt fear. For every step Anthon took the man also steps back slightly staggering.

    Frightened, the big bellied man tried to cast the binding spell on Anthon.

    Anthon braced for the spell, he planned on avoiding the spell before it even captured him.

    To his surprise, nothing happened.

    The big bellied man tried casting the spell again, yet the spell doesn''t cast.

    The man widened his eyes in his confusion.

    "Wha...t?... What did you do to me!" The man exclaimed his hands raised in a defensively.

    "I didn''t do any thing" Anthon claimed, his voice cold.

    "Yet" Anthon followed with a smile.

    Kalle saw the smile from a far, he knew Anthon smiles often yet he thought that he didn''t want to see him smile that way.

    Anthon moved closer, grabbed the bellied man by the hand and restrained him with handcuffs that seemed to be made with ice.

    The crowd seemed to disperse as commotion settles down.

    Kalle remebered the book on his hand, he looked at the first page of it.

    He saw words being written in the book.

    [Binding shadow]

    "Weird, why are the words looked..."

    ''incomplete?'' Victor asked recognizing Kalle''s question.

    "Yes" Kalle said in a whisper.

    ''it seemed to me that no matter what spell you would take the spell would appear incomplete in the book although i think the spell it self won''t change much'' victor explained.

    As kalle listened intently to victor, he suddenly realized the crowd growing thinner.

    He then again willed the book to turn back into a bracelet so he wouldn''t caught any attention.

    Sure enough the book, again turned into a white wisp that circle into his wrist before completely turning back into the bracelet.

    It took some time for the crowd to be completely dissolved. And when it does the only ones left are the man, anthon, Eli and Kalle.

    Kalle moved towards the three, Anthon seeing Kalle, waved at him and Eli simply nodded at him.

    ''She''s always quiet'' Kalle realized.

    "Hey, Kalle" Anthon said his voice quite grim.

    "Hey, what happened?" Kalle replied.

    "This minor bastard caused commotion during our show" Anthon said pointing at the big bellied man now sitting by the edge of a fountain, his hand still restricted by the ice handcuff, he seemed to be suffering from cold but Anthon Don''t seem to care.

    "Why, how did it started? the. Commotion was already on going when I got here" Kalle asked.

    "He seemed drunk, he was harassing one of our audience, when I came to stop him he took the woman and pointed a knife at her neck" Anthon explained.

    "So what are you gonna do to him now?"

    "I don''t know really this town do not have a town watch so there wouldn''t be anyone to take him although I think there is a town sheriff we would still have to contact him" Anthon holds his temple with his right hand, he seemed to be stressed.

    "There always seemed to be someone wanting to steal your audience" Kalle spoke.

    The statement made Anthon sigh.

    "Your right, good thing his binding magic stop working for some reason" Anthon pointed out.

    "What about his other magics?" Kalle asked.

    "I don''t know I think everything seems working fine, it''s just his one spell that doesn''t work. I''m happy to capture this bastard but if you ask me, I actually find him not being able to use the spell very strange" Anthon paused.

    "I mean he have been using the spell for a few minutes and there is no fluctuations in it''s consistency yet suddenly he can''t use it?" Anthon seemed to be thinking about it deeply.

    "You seemed really interested about that" Kalle pointed out.

    Anthon smiled his usual smile.

    "Not really, I''m just a little curious. Wait by the way what brings you here? Did you come to watch?"

    "Actually, I came at the market to buy some rations I would be leaving capella for some time"

    "Oh really? Where to?" Anthon asked.

    "It may sound funny thought, I am going to Altair academy" Kalle answered.

    Anthon''s eyes widened even Eli besides him seemed to be surprised by the revelation.

    "Yeah I know I''m magic le..." before Kalle even finishes his sentence Anthon interrupted him.

    "Actually there is a lot of people hoping to awaken magic there so don''t think about it, the reason we''re surprised is because we will actually be going there too"

    This made Kalle a little confused. By the norms, someone as skilled as them with magic has probably graduated the academy now. Since the application is not really based on student''s age.

    You could start old or young and the results would only vary by your performance, Kalle knew about it because Cedric also Graduated from Altair since he entered it in a very young age.

    "Wait, both of you seemed to be extremely talented in magic how come that you haven''t entered it yet" Kalle asked with a raised eyebrow.

    "Well our father actually works there, he constantly tries to convince us to attend of course although we don''t want to... Atleast yet" Anthon explained.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Well, I guess you could say that we wanted to explore and pursue our hobby of performing although this year, we actually give in to our father and would be attending Altair as well" Anthon paused as if having a sudden idea.

    "Wait what if you travel with us? We have a carriage that will bring us there and it''s only the two of us inside, so there is plenty of room" Anthon continued.

    "We just met yesterday and now your inviting me to join your carriage?" Kalle asked, he wondered if Anthon is usually this easy going.

    Anthon smirked.

    "Why not? It''s not like you can harm us any way" Anthon joked.

    "Plus I need someone to talk to, Eli is a extremely boring companion"

    The statement made Eli look sharply at Anthon before punching him by the shoulder.

    Kalle smiled at the banter of the two. For a moment he almost felt... Jealous.

    "Sure, When will you guys be leaving" Kalle said with a smile.

    "Tomorrow, early morning we could meet up here if you want" Anthon explained holding his shoulder that have been punched.

    "That''s perfect, I actually planned on leaving tomorrow too" Kalle said.

    "Yes, it''s all set then" Anthon exclaimed with a smile.

    They said their farewell to each other after Kalle noticed the time.

    Kalle leaves the town center and walked through the town''s streets, this time it had rather turned into a quiet afternoon with only a few people passing every now and then.

    a voice spoke in his head.

    ''What did mean, the man''s other magic?''

    Kalle recognized Victor''s voice.

    "Well humans with magic now either have a specialty or do not"

    "Those who do have specialty are like Eli, Anthon and the man" kalle explained while still walking in the clear streets.

    "The binding magic the man used, is his speciality. Of course he has other magic that is related to his speciality or has magic that do not require specialty such as barrier, enhancement spells that boost speed and strength or even a simple spell like magic hand" Kalle was surprised that Victor didn''t knew such details.

    Then he remembered that Victory was the sole magic user in his era and that he wouldn''t know how magic was used in their current era.

    ''So some people have specialty and some have basic magic only?'' Victor asked

    "Yes" Kalle answered, suddenly he remembered something.

    "Wait does this mean I can use that binding spell?"

    ''Yes I think so too'' Victor answered.

    Kalle saw a bird with brown feathers pecking over some crumbs of bread.

    Kalle stretched out his hand and tries to call the spell he just took from the man. Suddenly the same runic symbols starts rotating again his hand, it shifts and changes color before finally settling on.

    The runes turned black and suddenly a shadowy force have captured the bird rendering it immobilized.

    Kalle''s eyes widened not expecting the spell work in the first try.

    He retracted his hand and slowly the runes disappeared so is the binding in the bird.

    Kalle watched

    as the bird flew away. He somewhat felt like the bird, being freed from the thing that was stopping him.

    Being magic less.

    Now that he had magic he would be able to do what he wanted for the longest period of time.

    Revealing the truth.

 Chapter 5: Departure

    It was already in the afternoon when Kalle walked his way back to the tavern, He felt the afternoon sunlight in his face. At this time of the day, the streets were almost empty he could only see a few travellers moving and some children noisily playing by the streets.

    His mind wandering with a single question: should he tell Gabriel about the spell?

    He knew it would be easier for him to keep it a secret, it would also prevent Gabriel from worrying much however he knew he couldn''t hide it forever. Eventually someone would figure out the he have magic especially now that he would be attending Altair.

    Kalle was so lost in his thoughts that he bumped a man walking walking the opposite direction. Kalle immediately apologized but the man only narrowed his eyes before walking away.

    ¡®You should tell Gabriel¡¯ Victor said.

    The statement made Kalle halt his steps.

    ¡°What?¡± Kalle replied.

    ¡®You¡¯re thinking about that aren¡¯t you? You don¡¯t seemed to be in your right self ever since we left the town center¡¯ Victor explained.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I am thinking about, How did you know?¡± Kalle said, as he continued to walk again.

    ¡®Well as I said you seemed to be distracted ever since we left the town center, in where you used the spell acquisition also, this man Gabriel seemed to be important to you¡¯ Victor pointed out.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Gabriel took care of me when my parents died¡±

    Victor was quiet for some time before finally replying.

    ¡®He seemed to be a great guy¡¯

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t¡¯ kale said with a half smile.

    ¡®What?¡¯

    ¡°Atleast originally, he wasn¡¯t what you would call a good guy, Based on the stories I heard when I was a kid, Gabriel was very irresponsible. ¡±

    ¡°But when my parents¡­ died¡± Kalle paused as if looking for the right words .

    ¡°He turned to the most respectable person I know¡± Kalle still have the half smile in his face.

    Victor felt that the smile carried more grief that than it is in joy.

    ¡®Is Gabriel a relative of yours?¡¯ Victor asked.

    ¡°He isn¡¯t, he was my father¡¯s closest friends or maybe his only true friend.¡± Kalle said.

    The statement confused Victor, he remembered Gabriel saying that the reason Kalle would be able to enter the academy with everything free is because of his father¡¯s friend. He wanted to know what Kalle meant yet he didn¡¯t want to intrude on Kalle so he keep himself silent.

    The walk took around ten minutes of awkward silence before they have finally returned at the tavern. Kalle pushed the familiar door and felt the aroma of the food being cooked. When Kalle looked around the tavern, he found that it was extremely clean. When he looked at the counter he saw lyra cleaning the shelves. He moved closer and sat on the chair near the counter.

    ¡°Hey, how did it go¡± lyra asked Kalle.

    ¡°Fine¡±

    Lyra raised her brow, just like Gabriel, she could also tell if something was wrong with kalle. Ever since Kalle moved in with Gabriel, Lyra already become his friend, they were still small at that time, Lyra was nine and Kalle being ten.

    Lyra left the counter and took a seat near Kalle.

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Lyra asked Kalle softly

    "It''s nothing I''m just thinking" Kalle replied.

    Lyra looked at Kalle and sighed.

    "You know there always seemed to be something that is going around your head lately. You know you could talk to us about it or maybe talk to Gabriel atleast"

    Kalle chuckled softly, he thought that was the exact thing Victor told him.

    Suddenly they heard footsteps coming from the kitchen.

    Gabriel came out of the kitchen with a tray filled with Roasted chicken that is seemed to be for their dinner.

    "Talk about what" Gabriel said apparently hearing the conversation.

    Kalle looked at him for a short period of time before finally deciding.

    "I have something to tell you" When Kalle said this words, lyra stood up not wanting to interrupt the conversation of the two.

    "It''s fine, you should stay" Kalle said to lyra.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Lyra stopped and decided to return to her chair, Gabriel also took a seat at the opposite side of the counter.

    With them all sat, Kalle told them everything the necklace, Victor and the spell.

    The two remained silent waiting for Kalle to finish his story. When he was finally done, the face of the two both seemed to be equally surprised. Kalle would see the widened eye of lyra and on the other hand Gabriel has a more serious look.

    "Wait so you could use magic now?" Lyra said sounding happy for Kalle.

    "Those guys could also start searching for you" Gabriel said with a sigh.

    Gabriel then again looked at Kalle. He half expected Gabriel to scold him for intruding with others business but instead Gabriel don''t seemed to be mad.

    "Just be careful, also are you sure you could trust that Victor? He was still inside your head, probably listening to our very conversation"

    ''He''s right, I''m listening, but only because I don''t have a choice'' Victor spoke.

    "Yeah he is listening but not because he wanted it, ever since I opened the book he seemed to be now stuck in my head" Kalle explained.

    "So there is nothing to be done" Gabriel let another sigh.

    "You would be early tomorrow, we should eat already. By the way what is the name of the two performers?" Gabriel asked.

    "Eli and Anthon winterheart" Kalle answered.

    The answer made Gabriel pause and raise his brow.

    "Why is there a problem?" Kalle asked.

    "No it''s nothing, we should eat" Gabriel said as he set''s up the table.

    The three of them ate, enjoying the food. Kalle almost have forgotten that he would be leaving for tomorrow, somehow he felt that he should enjoy their meal together.

    When they''re finally done. They all cleaned the table and washed the dishes.

    Afterwards Kalle excused himself so he could get some rest.

    Gabriel nodded at him.

    Kalle moved upstairs, entering his room and laying straight to his bed.

    He somewhat felt relieved, he didn''t want to keep anymore secrets. Kalle feeling light headed easily sleeps off.

    When Kalle woke up he saw that it was he saw that it was already dawn. He sits on his bed and stretches his arms. For the first time in a while he felt he just have a good night sleep.

    He cleaned him self and prepared everything he would need. When he got down the second floor he was already carrying everything that he would be bringing into his travel.

    When Kalle got down he saw Both Gabriel and Lyra sitting in their chairs with a table filled of breakfast Kalle took a seat in one of the chairs and nodded at Gabriel.

    "How was sleep" Gabriel asked.

    "Better than in a while" Kalle said now taking some of the meals into his plate.

    "You should eat a lot" Gabriel suggested.

    Kalle nodded.

    Kalle enjoyed the meal, he felt full. Kalle then drank a glass of water after his meal he felt the eye''s of the two staring at him.

    "I would be fine" Kalle declared.

    "That won''t make us worry less" Lyra explained.

    Suddenly Lyra stood up and hugged Kalle from where he was sitting, he could hear Lyra''s quiet sobbing while hugging him. When lyra finally let go she looked as if she never sobbed which made Kalle smile.

    As Kalle stood up, Gabriel also got near him and hugged him tapping him in his shoulder. Kalle found it a good thing that Gabriel didn''t use much force on hugging him as he would have a hard time breathing.

    After a short while Gabriel let go of Kalle.

    ¡°You should take care¡± Kalle said.

    ¡°We would¡± Gabriel said.

    They said their goodbyes and the two watched as Kalle left the tavern. Gabriel noticed that Kalle seemed to have a new found confidence. He isn¡¯t sure if that is a good thing or not.

    Kalle felt refreshed, for the first time in a while he would be leaving the town. He isn¡¯t sure if that is a good thing or not but with his spell acquisition he might be able to be a great magic user. He thought as he left the tavern, he has now walked pass the streets on his way to the town center which was their rendezvous with the siblings.

    When he arrived at the center of the town he saw the siblings; Eli and Anthon. He waved at the two, Kalle saw Anthon smiling widely at him.

    ¡°You¡¯re just on time, The carriage is about to arrive¡± Anthon said.

    ¡°I still find it hard to believe that you have carriages and decides to perform in a small town like this one¡± Kalle said.

    Anthon shrugged.

    ¡°It¡¯s more of the passion rather the fortune really¡±

    The three-or perharps only Anthon and Kalle were having a idle chat while waiting for the carriage and as for Eli, she was just listening to the conversation while also waiting.

    When the carriage finally arrived, Kalle¡¯s eyes widened at the sight. The carriage wasn¡¯t anything he was expecting. It has a very lively Blue color and exterior with seemingly gold designs. Kalle half expected the carriage to be at first a normal carriage for commoners or for someone who is slightly wealthy but this is not what he saw, The carriage seemed to be for nobles and not the normal kind, it seemed to be for the high ranking nobles.

    A man got out of the carriage and bowed to Anthon in which Anthon nodded at. He asked Kalle to enter the Carriage along with Eli. After a short while Anthon joined them inside.

    Almost immediately the carriage starts moving at a faster rate than Kalle expected. Anthon and Eli sat beside each other while having Kalle infront of them.

    ¡°So it was your first time in Altair?¡± Anthon asked.

    ¡°In a while, I have been there as a kid.¡± Kalle explained.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good to hear, although if I may suggest you should be careful, There are a lot of thieves there, even one was known as the phantom thief¡± Anthon explain.

    ¡°Phantom thief?¡± Kalle asked Curiously.

    ¡°Yes, there were rumours about a thief so good, that he doesn¡¯t even have to wait till night to strike, as if the thief is the surrounded by shadows, same reason why no one was able to see the face of the said thief.¡±

    Kalle chuckled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry that wouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡± Kalle said.

    Anthon tilted his head slightly at what Kalle said. Suddenly Anthon smiled once again as if having an idea.

    ¡°Hey Kalle, have you ever played Kings tower?¡± Anthon asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I play it when I was a kid, even now too actually, although I would say im not good at it¡±

    ¡°How about we play?¡± Anthon said smiling.

    Play? How? Kalle thought.

    Anthon saw Kalle narrowed his eyes, he smiled once more.

    Suddenly a circle full of runes appeared at the floor of the carriage. Conjuring a table with some sort of pieces that was made out of ice. The pieces were lined up neatly in a eight by eight grid.

    ¡®Wait is that¡­ Chess?¡¯ Victor asked sounding confused.

    Kalle didn¡¯t answer, didn¡¯t knew what chess was, he was only glad that the carriage was wide enough for the table.

    Curious, Kalle touched a piece that is also made out of ice yet for some reason it isn¡¯t cold.

    Anthon once again smiled seeing Kalle¡¯s interest.

    ¡°Amazing right?¡±

    Kalle nodded.

    ¡°Show off¡± Eli spoke with a snear, It was the first time she spoke ever since they got into the carriage.

    ¡°Sounds like someone is insecure with their skill¡± Anthon said.

    This made Eli look sharply at Anthon. She stood up and took the seat besides Kalle so she could play against her brother.

    ¡°Move¡± Eli said while looking fiercely at her brother.

    Eli''s competitiveness took Kalle by surprise.

    Anthon hesitated before deciding which piece to move. Sure enough Eli Crushed Both Anthon and Kalle in the game. She seemed to take Anthon¡¯s joke seriously as she wasn¡¯t holding back. After some time she seemed tired of playing against the two. Allowing Kalle to now play against Anthon.

    Unlike playing against Eli where both of them gets equally destroyed, when they play against each other the fight was more long as if they have similar skill level. As the two continues to play Victor watched intently as he realized that the game called kings towers were the exact same of a game from his era called chess.

    That is how they spend their days travelling, stopping once a day to eat and also stopping at inns at night to rest. During the travel They passed various towns and cities Although uneventful, Kalle still enjoyed the company of the siblings he even felt himself improve at the game they are playing.

    The travel took six days, earlier than the expected seven days due to the carriage moving faster than usual.

    Anthon explained that this was because of his father¡¯s urgency to reach home. When they finally arrived they said their farewells and dropped Kalle in a city called Solara, this is also the city where Altair academy is also located.

    When Kalle got out of the carriage he felt the cold breeze of air hit his face along with the morning sunlight. He watched the carriage as it disappears with the crowd.

    Kalle looked around him, He saw huge colorful houses, various stalls of goods and a huge fountain in the center of the town with a sculpture within it. The road was made with huge pieces of flatted rocks that were pleasant to the eye.

    ¡®Amazing¡¯ Victor said

    Kalle thought it too, it was not like the town he grew up on. This city looks as if there is a festive everyday. When he look around again he noticed figure of a tall building not too far from where he was. The building has three towers with one standing taller than the other two. Kalle figured out that is the Altair academy.

    Kalle decided to explore the city first since it¡¯s still a little early and he also have plenty of time too.

    Kalle looked at the stalls there were various potions, tools even weapons depending on which stall you would look. Some sells food some services, voices of merchants who want their product to be purchased could be heard everywhere. There were a cluster of people within the streets and even in the road that it wouldn¡¯t last a minute without kalle bumping into one or two fellow travellers, he once bumped a big man with a axe slung on his back, A hooded figure which kalle found strange and even a old man that has long robes and a staff.

    When Kalle finally decided that he did enough exploring he took a seat in a empty bench and spoke to Victor.

    ¡°This place is massive¡±

    No reply.

    Kalle just now realized that Victor was strangely quiet during his time wandering around.

    ¡°Victor?¡± Kalle spoke again

    Still no reply.

    When Kalle looked at his arm, He widened his eyes as he saw that the bracelet was no longer there.

 Chapter 6: Phantom thief

    Kalle tried to recall the events that happened, sweat trickled from his face. When did he last heard Victor''s voice? he thought.

    He remembered that the last time he heard his voice is when they got out of the carriage. Therefore the bracelet must have been lost during the period of his wandering. He thought of the possibility that he dropped the bracelet somewhere, but he found the idea unrealistic.

    Then he came into conclusion, someone has stolen the bracelet.

    He wondered when did it happen, or how.

    He didn''t know.

    Solara is a massive city and looking for a lost bracelet especially one that is stolen would be extremely challenging.

    Desperate, Kalle returned to the spots he once visited asking, fellow travellers if they saw the bracelet.

    Despite his efforts none of the people he asked seemed to know or recognize the bracelet.

    Tired, Kalle returned to the bench where he once again seated himself. He closed his eyes and produced a sigh.

    Suddenly he saw a distant yellowish light. Surprised, he opened his eyes, yet that same moment, the light immedietly disappeared.

    Confused, Kalle tilted his head again before, trying to close his eyes. Sure enough the light was there once again. Kalle opened his eyes and stood up.

    For some reason he felt like he knew where the bracelet was. Instinctively, he tried to follow the light. As if guiding him within the streets. Kalle moved quickly despite not knowing the terrain, he didn''t know why but he felt that he could trust the light.

    After some twist and turns he arrive at a alley a little far from the center of the city he moved quickly and passed the alley and when he got out he saw several housing that are mostly have 2 floors. The houses were mainly made out of wood, having less details than the ones near the center of the city.

    He picked up the light in one of the houses, this one also has a second floor with stone foundation.

    He was sure that the bracelet was inside, yet he didn''t know what to do. He can''t just barge in and tell the owner of the house that he suspects him of stealing.

    He walked back and forth in front of the house before finally deciding to knock.

    After Kalle knocked, he heard footsteps coming towards the door, he didn''t know what to expect, he didn''t even know what would he say.

    However when the door opened what he saw is not what he expected. He saw an old woman who might be around her 60''s.

    The woman had silver long hair and a aristocratic nose. Kalle could still see the beauty of the woman despite her age.

    "Could I help you with anything?" The woman spoke his voice sounded soft and caring.

    Kalle didn''t know what to say he just stared at the woman absently.

    He looked at inside of the room he saw a cloak hanging in the coat rack, the same cloak that bumped into him.

    A idea hit him.

    "The owner of the cloak? Does he live here? I think he dropped something" Kalle said, He made that up.

    The woman narrowed her eyes before appearing to realize something.

    "Oh, you mean Olivia? I think she is in her room, I would call her" The woman said with a smile.

    Olivia? A woman? Kalle thought.

    "Why don''t you take a seat while I call her" the woman said.

    The woman''s kindness took Kalle by surprise, hesitantly he entered the house and took a seat with one of the chairs, as the old woman moved upstairs.

    The woman seemed genuinely kind, Kalle thought he wondered what kind of person this Olivia is.

    When the old woman got down of the stairs she was with another woman, younger she looked to be similar age with Kalle. She had black flowing hair and almost yellow eyes that seemed to glow a dim light.

    The woman named Olivia stared fiercely at Kalle, her face cannot be read.

    The old woman looked at Kalle and introduced herself.

    "This is my grandchild, Olivia she owns the cloak and I''m Cynthia"

    Kalle nodded.

    "My name is Kalle"

    Kalle could still feel Olivia''s gaze on him.

    The old lady named Cynthia excused herself, she told the two that she would be making coffee.

    As she did, Olivia sat in a chair in front of Kalle with her legs crossed, still staring at Kalle.

    She wore fitted tunic that seemed to help her move more agility, she also wears fitted trousers that has a black color.

    "What do you need" her voice cold, echoing within the room.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "I need what I own" Kalle declared.

    "How did you find me?" Olivia asked.

    "Where is the bracelet" Kalle said, ignoring her question.

    "That bracelet was no longer yours."

    "Your grandmother don''t seem to know your... Extra curricular activities" Kalle said taunting Olivia.

    The taunting seemed to work as Olivia swiftly stood up and pushed kalle at his chair, pointing a dagger at his neck.

    "Are you threatening me?" Her voice cold, her eyes glowing eerily.

    "I just want the bracelet back" Kalle said without flinching. He had a strange gut feeling that Olivia is not an evil person, neither is her grandma.

    "How Did You find me?" Olivia said intensely, pointing the dagger more closer to Kalle''s neck.

    "Connection, I have a connection or bond with the bracelet, can you atleast get that dagger away from me" Kalle said calmly.

    Olivia''s eyes widened, she have heard about relics that could bond with it''s wielder. If what this man states is true, then the relic could be sold for a high price, however since it''s already bonded she isn''t sure if any one would still buy it.

    Slowly she withdraw the dagger from Kalle''s neck, putting it back in her trousers and taking a seat to her chair.

    She looked emptily at Kalle, she seemed to be deciding on what to do.

    Kalle sighed, he stared at Olivia for some time before asking.

    "Are you the phantom thief? Someone told me rumours"

    Olivia smiled, for the first time Kalle have saw her smiled. She was beautiful just like her grandmother.

    "What do you think?" She asked

    "That you are, although I''m surprised"

    Olivia raised her brow.

    "Why, because I''m a woman?"

    "No, because you don''t seemed to be a bad person, yet you are know as a notorious thief"

    Olivia looked at Kalle.

    "I would appreciate, you not using the word thief. Or even talking about it, also if you''re given the talents for something isn''t best to use it?"

    "I guess you''re right, so what now? Can I get the bracelet back?" Kalle asked.

    Olivia sighed, she moved his hand towards his pocket and thrown something shiny at Kalle. When Kalle looked more closely he found out that it was the bracelet.

    "I wouldn''t even be able to sell that anyways" she said now standing up, she passed Kalle while moving up stairs.

    As she does, Cynthia returned with coffee for kalle.

    "Olivia, where are you going?" Cynthia asked.

    "Don''t worry, we have it settled already" Olivia said as she moved upstairs.

    "That girl." Cynthia sighed.

    "You know, she was always like that but she is a good person" Cynthia explained.

    "She seemed to be" Kalle said remembering, that Olivia still returned the bracelet to him.

    "I would also like to thank you for being extremely kind to me" Kalle said to Cynthia.

    "It''s fine, you don''t seemed to be a bad person so I don''t see a problem" Cynthia said with a smile.

    The two exchanged some more words as Kalle drinks the Coffee offered by the old lady. When he was finished he thanked her for the hospitalities and said his goodbyes.

    When Kalle finally got out of the house it was already noon. He have been busy searching for the bracelet.

    Kalle now felt relieved to have the bracelet in his possession again, he looked at the bracelet that is currently worn on his left arm.

    ''So the phantom thief wouldn''t be a problem huh?''

    Victor said sarcastically.

    Kalle sneered, he didn''t like Victor''s remark yet he felt relieved to have him back.

    "She was better than I expected" Kalle said.

    "Better than you?" Victor said trying to annoy Kalle.

    "Definitely not"

    Kalle said smiling as he took out a dagger out of his pockets, it was the same dagger Olivia pointed at her, it has a dark wood color with a shining silver edge.

    At it''s handle, Carved the letters: O. D, Kalle assumed it was Her initials.

    ''Wait, when did you?'' Victor said sounding confused.

    Kalle smiled.

    "I have my ways"

    Kalle have now arrived at the bustling streets with loud crowd and merchants, he finally decided to return to the bench he once seated to he could rest.

    "Hey?" It was Kalle speaking to victor.

    ''hmm?'' Victor sounding curious.

    "When the bracelet was gone, I saw a light as if calling me, is that you?" Kalle asked.

    ''Yes, that was me. I tried to send you my location'' Victor answered.

    "How?"

    ''I guess I also have my ways'' Victor said sounding triumphant.

    Kalle chuckled, as he once again looked at the dagger he just taken out of his pocket.

    ''what are you gonna do with that now?'' Victor asked.

    "I don''t know, souvenir? I guess. It''s not like we will ever meet again" Kalle answered.

    Or atleast that''s what he thought.

    Kalle rested at the bench for a few more minutes before deciding to finally head towards the academy.

    He stood up, took his belongings and started walking.

    The walk was uneventful, he passed various stalls, merchants, saw several kinds of travellers.

    It took him almost half an hour to reach the academy, but when he finally reached it his mouth gaped.

    The academy was far bigger than he expected. With a appearance of a castle, has three tower standing tall and great silver gate that is blocking all the entrance.

    Kalle was still outside the gate but he could see that the academy must have a enormous grounds, it looked like a small town itself.

    When he arrived at the gate he saw a stout man, who seemed to be the guard.

    The man asked him his identification.

    "Umm, I actually don''t have any form of identification, I''m new here" Kalle explained.

    "Then I can''t let you enter, the enrollment was already done a long time ago" the stout man said.

    "Actually I think, there is something arranged for me, my name is Kalle Thyllos"

    The stout man widened his eyes, the name clearly rings something in him.

    "Yeah... Wait I''ll talk to someone" The stout man said as he left his post and headed inside the academy.

    Kalle noticed a waiting bench arranged just before the gates, Tired of the walk he took a seat in one of the benches.

    ''He seemed surprised'' Victor told Kalle.

    "Yeah" Kalle said as if expecting the reaction of the guard.

    This confused Victor yet he didn''t ask Kalle, he knew Kalle was secretive about his past.

    After some time the guard have finally arrived, he was with a man with a respectable clothing, he looks like someone with position, Kalle wondered it this is the man Gabriel was talking about.

    Kalle stood up to great the two, the stout man returned to his post as if letting the man with him talk to Kalle.

    "You''re Kalle is that right? Kalle Thyllos" The man asked.

    "Yes" Kalle answered plainly.

    "I''m Leo Swiftstrike, the headmaster is expecting you, you should follow me" the man named Leo gestured his hand and suddenly, the smaller part of the gate opened, allowing the entrance of Kalle.

    Kalle then entered the academy, Leo guiding him through the campus grounds.

    The distance between the gate and the main building seemed enormous. It took them whole five minutes to arrive at the academy doors.

    Kalle observed the halls, the walls were filled with paintings that he doesn''t recognize.

    The halls were mainly empty, which is fair, knowing that the classes would start four days from now.

    Suddenly, Kalle saw stairs the seemed to be heading towards the higher parts of the school, the two of them climbed the steep stairs.

    When they finally reached the second floor they moved left and proceeded walking a few minutes before finally stopping at a large double door that was adorned with gold like borders.

    "He''s here" Leo said, after knocking at the door.

    "Let him in" the voice was firm, it came from the other side of the door.

    Slowly Leo, opened the door.

    What Kalle see was a largely furnished room with a table and chairs lined up neatly. The room seemed to be a little to big to be an office.

    At the chair, just behind the table a man is sitting with ornated blue clothes and green colored eyes, he seemed to be around his 40s yet there is still vigor in his appearance.

    In the table can be seen a set of that game that Kalle, Eli and Anthon played.

    King''s Towers.

    "Have a seat" The man sitting suggested.

    Kalle took a seat.

    "First, I should introduce my self I''m the head master of this academy" the man declared.

    "My name is Richard Winterheart"

 Chapter 6: Kings Tower

    Kalle raised his brow, surprised of what he just heard.

    "You mean...?"

    Even before Kalle finished his question Richard interrupted.

    "Yes, I''m related with Anthon and Eli, in fact I''m their father" Richard explained.

    Kalle remembered Anthon telling him that their father works at the academy, but he never did he  mentioned that their father was the headmaster.

    "Don''t worry, it''s merely a coincidence that they travelled with you, during one of your travel days Anthon sent me a message using an owl that they would be traveling with someone" Richard paused

    "It was merely a coincidence that it was you"

    ''Owl?'' Victor asked.

    Owls are used for sending messages here, they are special type of owls that could travel at a extremely high speed, they''re one of a few kinds of magical creature that were allowed.

    Of course Victor didn''t know about that. Kalle decided that he would explain it to him later.

    "Why are you really willing to take me in for free" Kalle asked.

    "The answer for that question is simple, me and your father are close friends." Richard explained.

    This made Kalle clench his fists, of course he didn''t show it.

    "You could even say that I''m indebt with him" Richard said looking down as if remembering something.

    Somewhat the sincerity in the voice of Richard made Kalle''s anger slowly fades, slowly he unclenched his fist .

    "How did you know my father?

    Richard smiled a bitter smile.

    "We were partners, if you could call it that way"

    Richard paused.

    "The thing is, we used do expedition outside the Agapea together"

    Kalle knew about it, It was one of the expedition where his father and mother died.

    "I see, where would I be staying?" Kalle asked trying to change the topic.

    Richard noticed the change in Kalle''s tone.

    "You know I''m really sorry for what happened for your father no one wanted what happened" Richard said sympathetically, his eyes staring at Kalle.

    I don''t think so Kalle thought.

    "You know, I have heard rumours..." Before Richard even finished what he was staring Kalle immediately interrupted.

    "Yes, rumours. His death cause a lot of rumours, now can I ask where I would be staying" Kalle said.

    Richard raised his brow, he felt that Kalle no longer want to talk about his father.

    "I was hoping that you could stay with us, at our house" Richard said.

    Kalle''s eyes widened.

    "What? I thought there are dorms available for students here."

    "Yes there are dorms for students, but I would prefer if you could live with us" Richard explained.

    "I appreciate the offer but I would prefer to stay in one of the dorms" Kalle said plainly.

    Richard looked at his table as if thinking of something, suddenly he looked at Kalle smiling as if he just got an idea.

    A smile that reminded him of Anthon.

    ¡°What about a bet?¡± Richard asked.

    ¡°A  bet? What kind¡± Kalle asked curiously.

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    ¡°Eli and Anthon told me you could play¡± Richard gestured at the board.

    ¡°If you won against me ill let you stay in the dorms, of course I would still deal with your expenses but if you lose you would have to stay at our house? How about that?¡±

    Kalle knew it was impossible, he knew that Richard was far better than both Anthon and Eli, there is no way he could win.

    Unless¡­

    ¡®Need my help?¡¯ Victor spoke in his head.

    They once talk about the game, Victor told him that there was a exact version of the game from his era which was called chess and Victor was extremely good at it, atleast that what he says.

    ¡®Tap the table twice if you want me to help¡¯

    Victor said.

    Kalle thought for a moment, he didn¡¯t want to cheat neither did he want to live with one of his father¡¯s friend. He decided that the latter is worse.

    He slowly tapped the table two times.

    Richard tilted his head at the gesture but decided to shrug it off.

    ¡°So what is your decision?¡±

    ¡°let¡¯s play¡± as Kalle said this he stood in front of the table so he could play with Richard.

    Richard raised his brow

    ¡°No that would be tiring¡± as Richard said this he gestured his hand in a way that seemingly manipulated the chair in order to adjust it self where Kalle could sit in front of the table.

    Kalle took the seat, The two shaked hands before starting the game.

    It was Kalle¡¯s who would make the first move.

    ¡®the piece in front of the king, two squares forward¡¯ Victor instructed.

    With that the game begins. And to Kalle¡¯s surprise Victor wasn¡¯t lying he was really good at the game.

    Some of the moves Victor tells him to do made Richard widened his eyes. Personally Kalle could not understand most of the moves that Victor makes, but as the game unfolds he could see the reason behind some of the moves.

    Richard looked confused, he even scratched his head once or twice, apparently surprised by the skill Kalle was showing. When he talked to Eli and Anthon the two of them told him he could easily beat Kalle but that don¡¯t seemed to be the case.

    As the game progress Kalle slowly gains advantage. Richard felt that all of Kalle¡¯s moves were carefully calculated.

    Eventually the position completely turn in favor to Kalle, which made Richard resign.

    ¡°Were you holding back? When you played against Eli and Anthon? You¡¯re the first person to beat me in a while¡± Richard admitted, remembering that the only other person who could beat him was Kalle¡¯s Father. Yet he find it strange because the way Kalle play and his father is completely different. His father takes more risk on the hand Kalle seemed to calculate every detail and only makes a moved when he is sure.

    Kalle shrugged of the question.

    ¡°So Ill be staying in the dorms?¡±

    Richard sighed.

    ¡°Yes, As much as I wanted you to stay with us I must keep my word.¡±

    The two talked for a few more moments, discussing the schedule of lessons and how the academy works, Richard find easier to talk with Kalle with this things than it is talking about his father.

    When they are finally done, Kalle shook hands with Richard.

    "Thank you for your hospitality" Kalle said.

    "No problem, Leo you should guide Kalle to our dorms, oh and I forgot to mention you would have to share a room with a fellow student" Richard explained.

    Kalle looked back, he decided it would be better than to live with them.

    Leo moved first, opening the door allowing Kalle to get him and Kalle to got out of the room.

    As Leo moved through the halls, Kalle followed him quietly, observing his surroundings.

    They walk a short while before arriving at a series of doors that appears to the the rooms for students.

    Leo quietly pointed at a door which has the number 5149 indicated in it.

    "This would be your room, I believe your roommate has already settled in, also here are your keys" Leo said handing the keys to Kalle.

    "I see, thank you for your help" Kalle said.

    "No it''s fine, I shall take my leave then" As Leo said this Kalle nodded at him watching him as his figures slowly disappears in the hallway.

    Kalle looked at the door before deciding to knock.

    No answer.

    He tried to know again, yet the results were the same.

    Kalle thought that his roommate probably left somewhere.

    He looked at the door room again before deciding to open it. To his surprise it wasn''t locked.

    When he opened the door he widened his eyes in surprise the room was huge, and we''ll decorated. However that wasn''t what caught Kalle''s attention, the room was filled with junk.

    What he saw was various metal scraps scattered on the floor, there were items the he could not recognize. Some strangled wires and broken clocks seemed to be everywhere.

    Kalle tried to carefully moved so he wouldn''t step on any of the mess. He looked behind the double bed he saw a man with a slim figure, was slightly tall, the man has greyish coloured hair, He was sitting in a chair facing a table and is seemed to be busy with something.

    Kalle tried to approach the man.

    "Excuse me?" Kalle spoke, not trying to disturb the man.

    Suddenly the man stood up and look behind him to look where the voice came from his black eyes widened with surprise.

    Kalle looked at the man, he seemed to be far younger than himself. When he looked at the table he saw what he was working at.

    It was some sort of round object that seemed to have three hands, one constantly moving.

    When the man finally gained back his composure he bowed down and apologized.

    "I''m really sorry are you my roommate? I didn''t expect you to came already, I haven''t even started cleaning" the man said sounding genuinely sorry, his eyes trying to avoid Kalle''s glance.

    "No it''s fine I can help you." Kalle said sympathetically.

    "Really? Wouldn''t that be too much? Wait I forgot to introduce my self I''m Nikoli Gearworks" the man declared.

    "I''m Kalle thyllos, should we start cleaning?" Kalle asked gesturing towards the piles of trash scattered on the floor.

    "Yes, yes" Nikoli said sounding a little tensed his hands slightly shaking.

    The two went on and started to clean the messy room. Nikoli picked up the items scattered in the floor while Kalle cleaned the other side of the room near where the table is located.

    While cleaning Kalle noticed the item that Nikoli was fidgeting earlier. It was embossed with gold and look extremely valuable.

    ''A pocket watch?'' Victor said, probably implying about the item, however Kalle has no knowledge about the item in the desk.

    Kalle didn¡¯t knew what a pocket watch was.

    He holds the item feeling its round shape and observing its unfamiliar appearance, He could see one of the Hands moving shortly every now and then producing a ticking sound repeatedly.

    ¡®It is an item used to tell a specific time in our era¡¯ Victor explained.

    Kalle¡¯s mouth gapped slightly, he assumed it is one of the items that do not rely on any magic.

    He looked at Nikoli, who was still cleaning the mess on the floor.

    ¡®It looks like in a world of magic¡­¡¯

    Victor paused, thinking the right word

    ¡®You have found an inventor¡¯

    Somewhere the town of cappella a woman with curly hair was walking briskly in the empty streets moving through pavement while the afternoon light touches her faces.

    The walk took her less than twenty minutes before arriving at her destination.

    The woman observed her surroundings, it was a village, or atleast the remains of it.

    She saw houses that had been burned down, some of houses completely that collapsed, wood scattered on the floor, she even saw some blood that have been dried with the walls of some of the houses.

    She clenched her fist at the sight.

    There were no noises that could be heard, only occasional rustling of the leaves from the tress when the wind blew.

    The woman decided to look around maybe in the hopes of finding a house that wasn¡¯t damaged completely, she failed.

    She tried looking for anyone, possibly residents of the village yet the whole place seemed to be completely abandoned, forsaken even.

    While looking, she found a familiar statue, one that is made completely out of stone and is intricately detailed.

    The statue was of a woman who is holding a book while slouched to the ground, she is hugging the book very tight, her head slightly looking down, her eyes can¡¯t be seen due to her hair but tear drops could be seen trickling down her face.

    There were marks of blood on the statue.

    The woman with curly hair gritted her teeth, Her black eyes almost was glowing, it seemed to contain both anger and grief,  seeing what happened to the village.

    To her own village.

    She decided that it¡¯s time to search for Kalle Thyllos.

    It took the woman another thirty minutes of walk to return in the town of cappella, once there, she asked travellers, locals or anyone on the streets if they knew a man by the named of Gabriel.

    Her search didn''t take too long as it turns out that Gabriel owns a tavern that is frequently visited by Travellers.

    The woman opened the door to the tavern and took a seat in one of the chairs near the counter.

    Lyra approached the woman and asked her what would she like.

    "Is Gabriel here? I have to talk to him" the woman sitting said.

    Lyra tilted her head, confused she called Gabriel.

    Gabriel moved closer to where the woman was sitting, he looked at her straight in the eyes before speaking.

    "What do you need"

    The woman slowly opened her mouth,

    "I have a question"

    After a slight pause she spoke again.

    "It''s about Kalle"