Blissful Dawn and the Weight of True Magic
The world was beautiful, and the sunlight was so dazzling it hurt the eyes. Everything seemed vividly clear, bathed in fresh light. The rundown slums felt brand new, like seeing them for the first time, with hidden beauty radiating from every corner. The slum center buzzed with people. It being the day the exams ended, crowds wandered the streets. With light steps, I waved and greeted every passerby. A smile bloomed on my face. People stared in bewilderment, but I didn't care. I just wanted to share this refreshing euphoria and joy with these poor souls. My body felt feathery light, my mind strolling atop clouds. Hum-hum, a tune slipped out unbidden. It was like liberation from years of crushing worries and fears. Each exam failure's frustration, eleven years of blood and sweat—all for today. Even junkies sprawled on the ground looked adorably like little flowers.
I crossed the slums as if flying. This road I'd trudged endlessly turned out so beautiful. Why hadn't I grasped its profound charm before? No leisure, probably. Plucking a roadside flower with mana, I sniffed. A light sweetness tickled my nose. Mmm, alluring scent. Eyes closed, I breathed it deep into my core. But abruptly, a fishy tang shoved it aside.
"Finally lost your mind, huh."
Sword nut Evan. Pity filled his face as he eyed me. Strong iron stench wafted from him. Nearly grimaced, but smoothed to a smile. Hmm, even this reek must hold its beauty. Just beyond my grasp.
"You good? Didn't flunk and hit the drugs, right?"
Evan waved before my eyes. Drugs? Well, in a way—a tonic for my life.
Brushing his hand, I flung arms wide. Sunlight bathed me.
"Flunk? Obviously passed."
Eyes bugged like he'd heard the impossible. Dug his ear, then blurted in shock,
"Passed?"
I nodded. He blinked at me. From my bosom, I fluttered the paper before him—my acceptance letter, shielded in every defense spell I knew. Proof of university, harvest of toil.
His gaze traced the words. Disbelief etched his face. Staring blankly, he stammered,
"Uh... congrats."
"Yeah, thanks."
Smiled, nodded. His expression deepened my satisfaction. Truth be told, I'd paused here just for that look. Satisfied, time to bounce. Stepping off, I halted. Owed him a few over the years. University-bound soon—gift time? What? My shop hit me. Ten-year home, my nest. Better known face manages than stranger. Turned back.
"Heading to university soon, so shop's yours after."
"Your shop? Our land originally. You squatted."
Nitpicking. Ten years made it mine—what drivel. Shrugged laughing. He nearly retorted, shut up. Licked lips reluctant, nodded.
"Fine, I'll take it."
Snatch back if I return. Walked off. He scratched head, turned dumbly.
Left center, toward nest. My tidied lot appeared. Center: shop welcoming. The sign reading
sparkled in warm sun. Stroked it close. Memories of first hanging. Never dreamed so long. Eleven years, fruit today. Eased door open, entered. Scene like two weeks prior—save Professor lounging where workbench was. Massage bed instead. New. Sleeping? Approached cautious. Soft snores, sunk deep. Butler massaged limbs instrumentally precise. Sensed me, eyes cracked. Sleep clouded gaze. Yawned, stretched.
"Exam done already?"
Nodded. Offered boasted paper. Two fingers took, checked. Her tutelage bore fruit. She'd rejoice. Smile formed. Shock struck. Wall-slam instant. Huh, blinked. Pain lagged. Brutal mana clump sensed. She'd smacked me. Trembling eyes on her. Why? Passed!
"What score is this. Dead last."
Shook paper. Unthought case. Pupils quaked. Beaten for low? Sobered sharp. Dreamland daze. Her temper should've warned. Composed quick, straightened.
"Sorry!"
Deep bow. Mana surged above. Late, another hit. Cold sweat.
"Well, inevitable. No high hopes anyway."
Yawned huge. Butler tea swift. Sipped. Gaze windowed. Time check? Butler watch-showed. Frowned.
"Woke too soon."
Rose, grounded. I flanked prompt. Glanced,
"Anyway, university pass vibe? World yours?"
Pass—smile auto. Light again. Reined mind, joy stuck. She smirked spotting.
"Wake quick. Pass starts hardship, not ends."
Bowed attentive. Knew not end. Hide thrill? Futile.
Ignored, unfolded acceptance.
"Hmm, twelve thousand. Bumper crop."
Laughed. "More than thought, eh?"
Right. Pass-focused, rank ignored. But yes, hordes. University rumor-mill, info scarce. Grads: seal bars leaks. Empire knows intake. Guessed thousands. This? Yearly means mages inside... incomprehensible.
Tsked my face.
"Coveted by mages, but rootless like you. Families: rite."
Masses plummeted into colossal sieve. Few slipped through; rest thrashed futile.
"Slipped filter sieving mages. Starting line."
Dispelled, arms crossed sour. Professor yet structure-hater.
"Passed, so: lower head more. Fiercer inside. All surpass you."
"Yes."
Tense. Elation excess. Exams: tricks, not skill. Score proof. Engrave. Weakest mindset all.
Finger flicked—space rent. Heavy tome pulled. Acceptance slipped, handed.
"Month to enroll. Homework: reference, remodel doll."
Pointed butler. Book careful. She bed-slipped, snored prompt. Massage resumed. Bowed, withdrew.
Workshop descent, wry smile. Smack unforeseen. Sobered though.
Workshop pristine. Central bench, book-placed. Cover titleless, luxe leather. Novel. Opened cautious. Neat contents. Read slow. Hands shook soon—unbelievable.
Servant spells: bolster mages. Heirloom, evolved ages. Titleness: private. Clan lore.
Mage-aid magics, generations-honed.
Her source? Treasure-hunt find?
Pages slow. Histories deep, designs exquisite.
Standout: environment optimization. Air tweaks for comfort. Minimal mana, universal. Flow arcane. Circles via book's circuits only. Misstep? Crumbles swift. Not talent—trials eternal.
Space tailor-fits, eternal ease.
Shiver. Such exists. Others akin: elegant arrays.
Embarrassed. My 'perfects' recalled. Her-pleasing partly, but tweaks flawless-thought. Wretched here.
Me unique? No. Superiors abound. World vast, freaks legion. Clans apex. Servant niche: history vast.
Professor right. Weed I. Fresh weed. Joy ebbed, dread filled.
Pass: start. Survive now.
Month to rite. Grimoire mocks time scant.
Delved deliberate.