《Catena of Magic: The Fall》


 What lies ahead?

    <u>Kalon Bloodborn''s POV</u>


    To what end is life? Every being seemed to be prey to another. We Celestials suffered the same fate. I found myself battered and broken, having lost all sense of time in my desperate flight for survival. My legs had abandoned all strength, leaving me collapsed on the ground, utterly weak. My mind fixated on the harbingers of my agony.


    Demons. Savage creatures that knew nothing but to kill and lay waste to every life that breathed mana. The horror they unleashed upon invasion was unimaginable. Their strength, enhanced by the exotic energy, could topple even an average Celestial. A prolonged fight would only leave a Celestial at a disadvantage.


    I had witnessed these atrocities firsthand. My clan, my parents... gone. Everything. I watched strong celestials turn deranged, their forms twisted into something I could no longer call Celestial.


    I was taught the ways of the Celestial, convinced that we were the pinnacle of strength, the rulers of our world. Yet before these grotesque monsters, we were nothing more than prey, waiting to be slaughtered, our homes reduced to hunting grounds.


    The snarls of the demons grew louder, and I could feel my heart pounding ¡ª each beat increasing in intensity. My mind raced, grasping at any chance of escape. I was weak, feeble, but I couldn''t surrender so easily. If given the chance, I would stop at nothing to find an end to this grim predicament. I would work myself to the bone.


    The Possessed came into full view. Their faces were distorted, unrecognizable, barely a trace of their former Celestial selves. The vanguard stumbled toward me, their eyes locked on mine, making the moment even more chilling. Blood drenched their bodies.


    Their presence was suffocating, overwhelming. Goosebumps erupted across my skin, and my breath grew shallow.


    I wanted nothing more than for it to end, knowing all too well that they would take their time, savaging my body.


    In the midst of the horde, a cacophony of shrieks spread outward, bouncing off the building walls. It caught the Demons'' attention, and most of them sprinted toward the source. Blood sprayed in all directions, and I watched as the Possessed fell, one by one, to crimson-red thorns. The coagulated blood formed into spikes, solidifying before they shot out with immense force, impaling the Demons.


    I watched in wonder at the intricate manipulation of the battlefield. My fear had vanished, replaced by a flicker of hope as I witnessed my savior dismantle the monstrosities with ease. The shrieks died down, and soon they had all fallen. My savior took his time surveying the destruction. As he approached, his form became clearer.


    His grey, ramshackle braids were adorned with beads, and he held a wooden staff in one hand, its head carved into the figure of a wyrm. In his other hand, he gripped some sort of artifact. His dim red eyes focused on me.


    "Forgive me, child. I could not protect your home. You have seen the worst of Enoria, and at such a young age. Come, let us leave this place."


    I honored the elderly man with a slight bow, the thought of being grabbed from behind urging me to stay close to him. My senses were still on high alert, and I scanned every corner for any sign of monsters. A crashing sound ahead startled me, and two Demons charged forward. The elder took a single step, and they were instantly impaled by blood-spikes.


    I tried to make sense of the scene, but it was hard to focus, worn out by the strain I¡¯d accumulated. My concentration wavered in the presence of my savior. Yet, something caught my attention. Perhaps it was the immense power radiating from the elder or the speed at which he manipulated mana, far greater than anything I had ever seen. I couldn¡¯t detect his mana cycle; he simply commanded the mana from his surroundings with incredible speed.


    I hadn''t realized how long I had been staring at him. A monster had crept close. This time, with just a simple gesture, the elder made its head swell and then explode. The splattered blood dissipated with a wave of his hand.


    "Focus ahead. This zone isn''t clear of Demons," he warned. Despite this, I kept focusing on his mana manipulation. I couldn¡¯t glean any insight just by observing, but witnessing such a high level of skill firsthand left me yearning for more. I didn¡¯t even realize when we had exited the building. The sunlight was blinding ¡ª it had been night when I first entered.


    Armored soldiers approached, riding on the backs of beasts. Their armor was scuffed and battered from battle.


    A male lamian, whom I assumed was their leader, stepped forward, followed by two others. The red-haired female at his side was undoubtedly a Noden; the other, with the trademark red eyes, was clearly a Lamian.


    To my surprise, the lead soldier dropped to one knee before us ¡ª specifically before the elder. The rest followed suit. ¡°The First Battalion of the Stygian Defenders greets the Patriarch of Lamians.¡±


    What? The Lord of Lamians. Cian Bloodborn.


    Taking a moment to study him once more, I realized he fit the description I had read in books. The available images of him were from his youth.


    "Rise," Lord Cian commanded. "Has Bloodville been cleared of Demons? And what of the survivors?"


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "The land has been purged of monsters, my lord. The survivors have taken refuge in the south. Resources have also been distributed to them. Many buildings have fallen, and the mana temples have crumbled."


    Two soldiers hurried to Cian¡¯s side, adjusting his robe.


    "Buildings can always be rebuilt," he said dismissively. "Life, however, cannot. It is irreplaceable. Take this young boy to the refuge. We must wipe out the remaining demons before they evolve into wraiths."


    It was clear. I was to be taken to join the other survivors in the refuge while Bloodville was rebuilt. A painful sting struck my chest. Staying here would not help me develop the power to defeat these outbursts. I couldn¡¯t let this chance slip away. The opportunity before me was too precious to lose.


    I pushed past the soldiers and made my way toward the Patriarch.


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t want to stay here¡ªdeprived and unable to grow. Lord, take me with you to Stygia. I can be of use. I want to help fend off the evil that plagues this land.¡±


    Silence followed. The soldiers stared at me, bewildered by my proposal. Some even looked concerned. I had been so frustrated by the situation that I hadn¡¯t even thought to choose my words carefully.


    ¡°You wish to live in Stygia, not merely to escape future outbursts, but to end the emergence of demons?¡± The voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. It was the Noden warrior who spoke.


    I nodded quickly. ¡°Yes. I want to help restore peace to Enoria.¡±


    Her words seemed to pique the Patriarch¡¯s interest as he turned his attention toward me.


    ¡°The ways of the Lamian are indeed different. We are not seekers of war. Rather, we pursue knowledge and insight into the mysteries of the world. We support the Oracle in the war against the Possessed. Do you understand, child? The path to enlightenment is as enduring as it is difficult.¡±


    The Patriarch¡¯s focus rested entirely on me, enough to make me feel the weight of his gaze.


    I understood the gravity of my words. Determined to bring about the change I sought, my decision was already made. I bowed my head.


    ¡°Yes, I understand. I¡¯m ready to face any hardship, as long as it brings us one step closer to ending this.¡±


    My statement brought a smile to the general¡¯s face.


    Lord Cian let out a hearty laugh, lightly patting me on the back.


    ¡°You speak like a man who has already achieved much. You are welcome in Stygia.¡±


    ¡°I take it the Lord would bless me with his teachings, should I prove worthy?¡±


    Lord Cian burst into another hearty laugh.


    ¡°In Stygia, all are treated equally. You would need to be a true genius to catch my eye, and only then might you earn my teachings. What is your name, child?¡±


    ¡°I bear the name Kalon, my Lord.¡±


    ¡°Kalon. From now on, you will be known as Kalon Bloodborn. Becoming my disciple is something you must earn, Kalon.¡±


    The elder took a deep breath, his hands outstretched.


    ¡°Fang.¡±


    The clouds above took on a reddish hue, parting to reveal a magnificent creature hovering high in the sky. A two-headed serpent with three pairs of limbs floated effortlessly. Its ebon scales, impervious to the sun''s light, wrapped the creature in an eternal cloak of shadow. From its sleek, sinuous form sprouted a crown of hair, each strand intricate and flowing, like the finest craftsmanship of Enoria.


    I couldn¡¯t help but release a soft gasp at the sight. ¡°What a majestic Blood Wyrm!¡±


    The red-haired woman giggled at that. ¡°I see you¡¯ve yet to tame your own. Have you mastered flight, Kalon?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I replied.


    Black wings unfurled from the patriarch¡¯s back, generating a gust of wind that pushed me backward. I watched as the general and four other soldiers dismounted. From their backs, wings stretched out, bat-like and imposing.


    They took off into the sky, heading towards Bloodville¡ªnow a wasteland. The remaining foot soldiers departed, leaving only the red-haired woman and me. Her mount was a frost bear, towering at least eight feet, its snow-white fur stained with the black blood of fallen demons.


    ¡°Kalon, right? I¡¯m Selene, and this here is Chilly. Don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t bite. Come, I¡¯ll take you to Stygia.¡±


    ¡°On this mutt?¡± I questioned, raising a brow, confused as to how this beast could take us to Stygia. It seemed far too large for swift travel.


    The frost bear growled, baring its fangs, which Selene quickly silenced by petting him.


    ¡°He might not look it, but Chilly¡¯s really agile. Let¡¯s not waste any time. Hop on.¡±


    Selene and I mounted Chilly. The beast scrutinized me with intense eyes, making me feel uneasy.


    We raced through the plains at surprising speed. I had to hold onto Selene to avoid falling off. My gaze wandered to the landscape as we passed by.


    Bloodville had been in a lower region, I realized as we moved further away. I lost count of the herds of beasts we passed, each one more magnificent than the illustrations in the books. Stygia, the land of life, was truly blessed with an assortment of beasts. Alongside the creatures, the plant life flourished, vibrant and resplendent, adding to the grandeur of the journey.


    ¡°You seem to know so much about these beasts. I¡¯m surprised this is your first time seeing them. Didn¡¯t your parents ever bring you this far?¡± Selene asked.


    Pushing aside a surge of emotion that threatened to surface, I remained silent, unwilling to speak of it.


    ¡°We all have our stories to tell. Many have been lost to the demons, but what matters is how we move forward.¡±


    Sensing my discomfort, Selene offered comforting words. Intrigued by her tone, I asked about her story.


    She told me of her upbringing in the frigid lands of Lemuria, where Nodens had to adapt at a young age. Children there were already brutes, venturing into the wilds early on. Lemuria, she explained, oversees the Whispering Sea, a place that spawns countless demons¡ªa role assigned to them by the Oracle herself.


    There was so much more to this world than I had ever imagined. Beyond the plains of Stygia lay the vast city-states of Enoria.


    From afar, I saw the celestial spires stretching towards the sky. Their beauty filled me with awe and wonder.


    Before me unfolded a spectacle of architectural splendor, with dome-shaped rooftops reaching toward the heavens.


    Up above, the city¡¯s skyline stood as a testament to its rich heritage, with each dome exuding elegance and grandeur.


    With a toothy grin and a wink, Selene greeted me. ¡°Welcome to Stygia.¡±

 (Ch. 2): A Land of Blood & Life

    <u>Kalon Bloodborn POV</u>


    We strolled past the intricate marvels that defined Stygia. The city seemed less like a collection of individual buildings and more like a singular, living organism, its paths winding and weaving together like veins of a beating heart. Every step felt like walking through a masterpiece crafted by the hands of time itself.


    As we navigated through the streets, we suddenly halted. I hadn¡¯t even realized we had entered another part of the city. This place buzzed with youthful Celestials, moving in clusters like constellations, already orbiting each other in familiar harmony.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Selene reassured me. ¡°You¡¯ll find your own stars to circle soon enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not worried about that,¡± I replied, though my gaze lingered on the maze-like streets. ¡°More concerned with how I¡¯ll avoid getting lost.¡± We laughed, the sound lightening the tension that gripped me.


    A group of Celestials, who looked far older than Selene, approached us. Their faces bore the weight of the story she had just recounted ¨C sadness etched into their features. They offered words of solace, condolences meant to soothe, but their words felt like leaves in a storm¡ªtoo light to anchor the rage that churned inside me.


    I needed more than comfort. I needed a way to end the terror that stalked our lands. The thought of those demons¡ªthose monstrosities born of nightmares¡ªcaused a fire to rise in my chest. its heat spreading through my vessels.


    Suddenly, I felt a heavy pat on my shoulder, grounding me. I looked up to see a giant. His short, wavy hair framed a face weathered by experience, his tunic decorated with intricate embroidery that hinted at wisdom beyond words.


    I realized then that my aura had been leaking out like a dam about to burst. With practiced effort, I pulled it back, calming the storm within.


    ¡°We understand, Kalon¡± the giant said, his voice as deep as the roots of an ancient tree. ¡°No child should endure what you have. Many would have fallen, but you survived. The Lord has brought you to Stygia¡ªthe fountain of knowledge, ever-flowing and unyielding.¡±


    He extended his hand, rough with the calluses of a life lived in battle. I took it, feeling the strength beneath the surface, like a mountain offering shelter in a storm. Qinox, the elder giant, released his grip, and I felt a surge of respect for him.


    The others nodded in agreement, their gazes softening as Selene moved closer to my side.


    ¡°He¡¯s still processing it all. Please, offer him your support if he asks,¡± she said, her tone gentle but firm. ¡°A little rest may help him find his footing again. Come, Kalon, let me show you your room.¡±


    As we entered the dormitory, my eyes were drawn to the intricate carvings etched into the citadel¡¯s walls. The markings seemed to shimmer with life, as though they were more than just symbols, but fragments of stories waiting to be told.


    My curiosity got the better of me. ¡°What are those inscriptions, Selene?¡±


    She let out a soft giggle, her eyes twinkling like the stars in the night sky. ¡°You¡¯re sharp, aren¡¯t you? Those inscriptions hold passages from the great scholars of the past. They¡¯re not just words; they carry meaning¡ªwisdom, even. If you study them hard enough, you might gain insight, maybe even unlock a magical ability. But it¡¯s no easy feat. Some find it too much to digest.¡±


    I tugged at her sleeve playfully. ¡°What¡¯s so funny, Selene?¡±


    ¡°I recalled something. A friend of mine, Ronan. He always struggled to unravel the passages. He insisted he was on the brink of a breakthrough, his determination burning like a candle flickering against the dark.¡±


    ¡°You must be quite fond of him. Did he ever succeed?¡± Selene¡¯s laughter faded, but a gentle smile lingered on her lips, illuminating her features like the first rays of dawn.


    ¡°No. He didn¡¯t succeed in solving the inscriptions, but he did gain enlightenment ¡ª just not from those ancient words. It came from his own understanding of the world.¡± The path to enlightenment was a rugged terrain, littered with obstacles and uncertainty. For Ronan, the inability to decipher the passage did not stem from dullness; rather, it was a reflection of his unique perspective.


    As we navigated the halls of the citadel, our conversation flowed like a gentle stream, the ease of it enveloping us until we reached the room designated for me. Our brief time together had forged a bond, and I learned that Selene was on her own ¡®Path to Mastery¡¯¡ªa sacred journey every Celestial was expected to undertake. She would remain here for a time, preparing to launch herself into the vastness of knowledge and magic, taking advantage of every moment to hone her abilities.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Upon entering my room, I was welcomed by lavish decorations that danced across the walls like stories begging to be told. The space was vast, a stark contrast to my previous quarters, where I had felt confined like a bird in a cage.


    Without hesitation, I shed my clothes and slipped into the bathtub, the warm water embracing me like my mother¡¯s hug.


    The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth.


    Time melted away as I soaked, the stresses of the past hours dissolving with each ripple. Eventually, I forced myself out, wrapping my body in an ash-colored tunic and matching pants, the fabric as soft as a cloud.


    Taking my time arranging my appearance, a ritual of self-reflection. My thick braided hair fell freely, but I tied it into a bun, revealing my face like a sun breaking through the clouds. My dark skin glimmered with a healthy sheen, a testament to resilience. I noticed the subtle changes; I had shed some of my cheek fat, but not to the point of looking gaunt ¡ª just enough to reflect the strength I was cultivating within.


    A knock at the door pulled my attention away from my thoughts. When I opened it, I was greeted by a boy who looked no older than I. Curly black hair framing a face adorned with scarlet eyes¡ªan unmistakable hallmark of our kind, the Lamians.


    Behind him stood a Drunt, a small bipedal creature resembling a Celestial. Its form exuding an air of mischief.


    ¡°Hello. My name¡¯s Damon. Nice to meet you.¡± He greeted me with a smile that shone like a beacon, extending a hand, which I took firmly.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too. My name is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Kalon. Selene told me about you. You both met. Alright, come in.¡± He gestured for the drunt to enter the room. The little figure carried a silver platter, its surface gleaming like starlight, laden with an assortment of food.


    ¡°This here will serve you well. You can assign him any tasks,¡± Damon said, as the bearded Halfling bowed low, his forehead nearly brushing the ground. ¡°I greet Master Kalon.¡±


    ¡°What is your name, mortal?¡± I asked the bearded drunt, who raised his head, a mixture of pride and humility in his eyes.


    ¡°I bear no name, Master.¡±


    ¡°They are unnamed. Same goes for him. You could offer him a name.¡±


    ¡°Then your name shall be Proteus. My first follower.¡± I smiled, watching as his eyes sparkled with newfound purpose. ¡°I¡¯m not one to needlessly burden others, even a mortal such as this. I offer you a simple role: serve as my chronicler.¡±


    He beamed, clearly pleased with the name and task. ¡°Thank you, Master. This one shall be called Proteus.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯ll be much to learn from me. I simply need someone who can keep records of my feats. That is something I truly require.¡±


    Damon sauntered towards the recliner, an inviting throne amidst the chaos of the room. ¡°Come, Kalon. Let¡¯s chatter over your meal.¡±


    As we shared our thoughts, I got to know Damon better. He was quick-witted, a lively spirit flitting through ideas like a bird on the wind. The elders had taken a liking to him, and he was well on his way to becoming a great scholar. His mouth dropped open in delight when he learned I had met the Patriarch, saved by him, and even received an invitation to be his disciple.


    I couldn''t help but chuckle at his goofy reactions with each revelation. However, the mood soured like an overripe fruit when I recounted the outbreak. His demeanor darkened, and I felt a pang of sorrow from the memories that still haunted me. Proteus observed intently, often mimicking Damon¡¯s expressions, his small frame reflecting our emotions.


    ¡°I see. You wish to advance your knowledge. There is a way. I could take you to the Hall of Knowledge; also show you where scholars offer teachings. You could attend those as well.¡± His words hung in the air, an enticing promise of enlightenment.


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer you take me to the Hall of Knowledge first. I¡¯d like to learn before diving into discussions.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why the rush? Others find it rather irksome to wade through a sea of texts written by scholars. They¡¯d rather savor the richness of conversations.¡± He waved his right hand, and a wound appeared as if the air itself had been sliced open, blood trickling like a scarlet waterfall. With a flick of his wrist, he hovered his other hand above the injury. I watched in awe as the bleeding halted, the flesh merging seamlessly ¡ª magic at work, weaving the threads of mana into a tapestry of healing. Though I understood the concept, the intricacies of that dance remained elusive.


    ¡°Like most, I had the privilege of being born in the citadel, and it has brought me this far.¡± He shifted in his seat, concern etching itself into his features. ¡°You confided in me. I understand what you¡¯ve been through. But it¡¯s okay to take things slow. It might take longer, but it¡¯s what¡¯s best.¡±


    I laughed, a sound that broke the weight of his concern like sunlight piercing through clouds. Damon¡¯s brow furrowed, questioning. ¡°I¡¯m well aware of my strength, Damon. It won¡¯t take long for me to finish my studies at the Hall of Knowledge. Who knows, the Patriarch might even grant me access to his personal abode.¡± I flashed a smug grin, and Damon chuckled in return.


    ¡°Alright, Mister ¡®Sagacious¡¯. How about I take you there now?¡±


    I stood up, but my direction veered not towards the door but to the bed. ¡°I need a little rest before diving into it.¡± I grinned, anticipation buzzing in the air.


    As I laid on the bed, my body sank into the mattress like a stone dropped into a lake, the weight of exhaustion flooding over me. All the built-up stress poured forth, my bearings shifting in a tide of drowsiness. What followed was a deep, overwhelming sense of weariness, pulling me under like the embrace of a long-lost dream.