Adrastos remained his the confines of his room until the following evening, perhaps even longer since the magician did not keep tabs on time. While he sat there, he meditated, cleared his thoughts, and allowed the rukh to speak to him. He knew much about water and light, thus enabling him to create a combination magic that allowed him to create false shadows, but was there more? Could he perhaps gain access to another type of magic that he did not know of through a magic tool? He probably could, yet the type of magic was unclear to the white-haired magician. Instead of continuing that line of thought, he listened to the rukh that fluttered around him in utter silence... However hours upon hours passed with little to no progress.
He felt the source of discontent, though did not want to directly face it, at first; the lack of progress was due to his mind that was currently grappling with the tempest of emotions that ran wild within him. He knew that before he continued his training he would need to quell these rampant feelings that threatened to boil over. Adrastos dove into his mind, attempting to understand. He focused on the cause, then expanded into how to control it.
His number one instinct, etched into him by the late Master Chou Zhi, was to renounce his identity and cast out his humanity; such a task was simple back when the old man was alive, but with him gone, that option was no longer open. What then? Many others would talk about how they felt, claiming that it relinquished them from the tremendous burden; others claimed that channeling the emotions into a productive activity would also free them. Unfortunately, neither one sounded appropriate. Adrastos was not the person he use to be, and therefore different measures had to be used compared to the past.
A knock on the cabin door interrupted Adrastos’ concentration, causing him to grind his teeth together.
“Excuse me, sir? Would you like something to eat? You haven’t eaten anything since setting sail from Portsmouth.”Food? Did he even need food? His stomach growled as if to suggest that he was in need of nutrition. Food was just another temptation trying to distract him from what was important. As if his memories and attraction toward Noir weren’t enough already, but now hunger was attempting to pull him away from his training. Adrastos scoffed. If this was a test, then he would not succumb to his human needs. The man with silver hair once again melted away from reality where he continued his struggle with calming the tempest within.
As the months went by, Adrastos trained his mind and body within the confines of his room. He practiced different stances, meditated more, and tested his magoi, hoping to increase it so he would be able to last longer in a battle. He even asked Zayn to assist him in mini sparring matches from time to time, leaving no time for individual necessities.
Little food was consumed and barely any sleep was indulged in as the hours melted into days, then into weeks. Perhaps the lack of nourishment and sleep deprivation contributed to his oncoming madness, or perhaps it was due to his chaotic emotions, but nothing could be said for sure when he began to hallucinate.
At first he only smelled and felt things that weren’t really there, like the scent of blood and a fire, or a gentle caress against his face and a choking force crushing his windpipe. These were minor nuisances though, able to be ignored by Adrastos as he meditated; ultimately though, the hallucinations began to consume his hearing. He heard whispers reverberating all around him. They were silent at first before gradually increasing their volume until they screamed and shook his very soul. The voices belonged to the magician’s past, and as such, one voice cried out over all the others: the only belonging to Master Chou Zhi. This startled Adrastos into opening his eyes and finding himself no longer aboard the ship but in the dancing collection of tall grass that rested between Magnostadt and Balbadd.
“Did you really think you could escape me?”The white-haired individual turned toward around, his body twisting until it was almost painful. The old man whom he had killed stood there clad in his usual purple robes that billowed with the mighty wind, holding the ominous staff that glowed violet. Even his black feline, lazily stretched out on one shoulder, accompanied him, like a shadow unable to shake off.
“Adrastos, you foolish boy. You didn’t bother to check the corpse which you had burned in The Plains and as a result, you thought that you had vanquished me from your life.” The elder chuckled; his wheezing gasps were cringing to the ear.
“I must admit you displayed admirable talent, but you can’t get rid of me that easily.”“Why are you here? How are you here?”“That’s not important. I’m more concerned about you. Tell me what you’ve been up too.”The scene around Adrastos transformed into a flowery meadow, and the sun was setting in the background. He was on his back, gazing up at the soft darkening skies, taking deeps breaths as his chest rose and fell, and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere that hung over him. In the back of the magician’s psyche, he was confused. Wasn’t he in the plains with his teacher? And before that a ship with Noir?
“Adrastos…?” whispered a small voice.
Adrastos looked down to see Noir, his student, resting her head upon his chest as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Noir smiled, instantly causing his words to get stuck in his throat and his supposedly icy heart to dissolve with affection. There were no feelings of uncertainty within his heart as he saw the image before him. A part of him wanted to freeze time, to hold on to this precious occasion, but he couldn’t relish it because of one question that screamed in his mind:
How does she know my real name?“Were you thinking of your slave days…? And your pain…?” Adrastos knit his brows together in bewilderment. Slave days? Nobody knew that? Even her. So… how was it that Noir was aware now? She knew his name and history, but never had he mentioned either one to her. The magician opened his mouth,
“How-”Her eyes flickered with her own confusion.
“You told me, remember?” She placed her tiny palm upon his cheek and stroked it gingerly with her thumb.
“Are you alright?”The magician took hold of her hand and mindlessly kissed it, pecking her soft skin with his lips.
“Yes,” he replied.
“I’m fine. I zoned out for a moment and thought about the dark days of my life. It was a nightmare that I escaped from. Thanks to you that is.” Noir smiled again and relaxed in Adrastos’ arms, but soon everything began to fade.
“No!” The white-haired man attempted to hold onto Noir desperately, not wanting to let her go. His efforts were trivial though as she, like the surrounding area disappeared, replaced by blackened grasslands, tainted black like his own rukh.
“You love that girl, and look at what has become of you. She will ruin your chances within the Alchemists that you tried so hard to be part of. She has made you weaker and unable to function properly.”Adrastos shook his head. His silver eyes, shedding tears of sorrow and rage, glared at his master. His chest was writhing in pain, as if someone stabbed him and twisted the blade while it was in his body. Perhaps Chou Zhi was right, but why did he have to show up now? It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. Didn’t Adrastos have the right to a little happiness at least?
Happiness? You have always feared falling in love for the exact reason he mentioned. If you were really so determined to pursue your dulled vision of happiness, you wouldn’t have killed that village in the plains of Magnostadt, you wouldn’t have assisted in the kidnapping of Roark, you wouldn’t have joined the Alchemists, and you wouldn’t have caused what little chaos you’ve managed to stir. You forfeited any right to a prosperous life once you cursed the whole of fate in favor of death and destruction. The truth is, that deep down, you love tormenting others and watching them suffer. That is the only way you are able to have enjoyment. That is where you achieve your pleasure.Adrastos screamed at the top of his lungs. He seized his staff and cast Aqua Cyclonas II at his master’s form. The plains were gone in an instant and once again he found himself back in his quarters aboard the ship to Balbadd. Despite the environment being as it should, the magician could not stand one more second where he was and bolted out the door where he sprinted to the main deck.
Not a soul could be seen once Adrastos set foot into the open air; it was refreshing to be free, or at least have the illusion of freedom for a short time. The salty sea breeze was a cleanser to his soul as he leaned against the port-side railing, panting from his outburst.
“Neo!!” Adrastos’ eyes widened as he looked to his right, seeing yet not seeing Zayn run at him. For a brief second, he saw his new accomplice but within another second, he saw Chou Zhi, staff in hand, ready to attack.
Instinct took over immediately; the magician spun, casting
Adrustum Aura, Aqua Cyclonas, Glaciem Aqua Sagitta, Aqua Canno II, Lux Tenebris Fulgeo, Shadow Cyclones, Glacias Lamnia, Aqua Vipera Glacialis Morsus, and
Nemesis Sol in an unbroken cycle. The spells were rampant, but much to Adrastos’ bewilderment, all of the spells were blocked. “
Why don’t you ever die?!” he yelled, clutching his staff so tight that his knuckles turned white. Exhaustion was taking hold, but he refused to be stopped so soon.
“I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you for sure!!!”Then what?“I’ll kill you and kill everyone else!!! Those men, the so-called masters of my flesh from all those years ago!! They’ll die! The governments will crumble!!! I will cover this land in crimson and the skies will be obsidian! And not you… or anybody else… WILL STOP ME!!!” The black rukh, a swarm of darkness that engulfed his body, fluttered around him in a frenzy as Adrastos hit the end of his staff onto the wooden floorboards, creating the mist of his Inner Darkness spell to spew from its top. Blood fell from his eyes, hindering his vision, and he collapsed to the floor. His staff clattered to the floor, ending up a couple feet away. Adrastos didn’t know what had happened for him to suddenly crumple as he did, but there was nothing he could do; his body refused to move.
I… used too much… magoi…?Adrastos mentally cursed himself. Now what? Did he even manage to get his master? Even if he didn’t, the magician was now useless so he couldn’t attack or defend himself. All he could do was lay there and wait for his life to end or for someone to find him.
When he awoke, Adrastos sat up and looked around. He was back in his room. He didn’t know how he got there, but he has glad he was still alive. That meant he had the chance to do one more thing before diving into the abyss.
The magician retrieved a piece of paper and a quill pen. His mind was set, and though it broke his heart, Adrastos began to write.
Noir,
By the time you read this, I will be long gone, and I don’t mean just physically either. My mind will no longer be as clear as it is now, and I’m unsure how much longer it will last. With these final words to you, I will tell you who I really am before the man I am is forever lost. I believe it would be best if I began from the beginning.
My real name is Adrastos Thanatos. Back when I was younger, I lived in a slum on the southeastern coast of Reim, but while I was still just a child, I had been sold into slavery after my home was ravaged by thieves. Everyone was slaughtered, even my parents whom I watched die in front of my very eyes. The only ones were were kept alive were the children. I watched as my childhood friends were killed or sold until I too followed their path.
For years I remained a slave, and I was sold to many masters. However, I eventually escaped and fled to Kou, where I fell in love with Akina Kazuya. You are much like her. You were both slaves and were very quiet and had the most beautiful eyes resembling glittering gemstones. And so... you, Noir, are someone I can relate to, just like Akina.
Back when we travelled to Balbadd, I acted rashly and attacked Diego. You know, the strange fanatiger? My actions were guided by jealousy; I couldn’t handle seeing him near you because you are someone very close to me. It’s amusing in some ways because I vowed to never have such feelings, and yet they still managed to fester. The reason I feel this way is not because of how you remind me of Akina, but rather that I enjoy your company and feel a sort of connection that I can’t shake off.
There is a part of me somewhere that wishes I could love you, but the more prominent side of me is fearful. I have been told so many times that emotions weaken a person, but I find myself wondering why that is. Emotions give someone a reason to fight. It shows that they are still human.
Noir, I know what life as a slave feels like, and how they to destroy your humanity. You must try to forget about that. Laugh, smile, and express your emotions in any way that you can. For your own sake. If you don’t, you may very well end up like me.
Thank you, Noir, for allowing me to be your instructor, but you must forget me. I ask not as your teacher, but as a friend, because the next time we meet, I will not see you as I do now, and we will be enemies. Farewell, Noir. I hope you have a pleasant life.
Yours truly,
Adrastos ThanatosAdrastos read the words on the page slowly, absorbing each letter into his memory, then with eyes closed, he crumpled the paper and jammed it into his pocket. He couldn’t give it to her. Adrastos sighed and walked up above, gathering what little possessions he owned as he strolled out the door.
Already, on the horizon under the midday sun, rested the shore of Balbadd. If Noir was there by his side, he would say,
“Looks like we made it. You ready?” If not, he would just stare at the shoreline as they steadily approached it. Regardless of the situation though, the crumpled piece of paper in his pocket would weigh him down, forever whispering words that he would never dare to say aloud.
I'll hold on just a little longer...-------------------------------------
A-Tier INT Training: 3,020/2,000
- Spells Used:
Name: Glaciem Aqua Sagitta
Tier: C
Cost: 20 magoi
Element: Water (Ice)
Class: Offensive
Range: 20m
Cool-Down: 3 posts or Sustain+1
Description: The user creates 2 water arrows aproximately 30.480cm (1 ft) apiece and sends them shooting in a single-file line toward a target at 15m/s up to 20 meters away. While being sent to the target, the water arrows are turned into ice. When the target is hit by both arrows, C-Tier damage is dealt, otherwise D-Tier damage is dealt if only one arrow hits.
Name: Adrustum Aura
Tier: C
Cost: 20/10 magoi
Element: Water (Ice)
Class: Offensive
Range: 20m
Cool-Down: 3 posts or Sustain +1
Description: The user controls the rukh to make the moisture in the air freeze at 15 m/s, freezing an area 10mx10mx10m with 20 meters of himself, dealing C-Tier frostbite damage to anything caught inside. This ability may be sustained to be cast the next post.
Name: Aqua Canno II
Tier: C
Cost: 20 magoi
Element: Water
Class: Offensive
Range: 20
Cool-Down: 3 post or Sustain+1
Description: The caster forms a horizontal pillar of high pressured water about 4-8m in diameter that can be launched toward an opponent within 20 meters at 15 m/s to inflict C-tier damage.
Name: Lux Tenebris Fulgeo
Tier: C
Cost: 20/10 magoi
Element: Light
Class: Offensive
Range: 20m
Cool-Down: 3 posts or Sustain+1
Description: The user commands the rukh to create a 5m beam of black light that travels 15m/s and travels up to 20m. If hit, the beam of light will cause C-Tier damage.
Name: Shadow Cyclones
Tier: C
Cost: 20/10 Magoi
Element: Liquid Shadow [Water+Light]
Class: Offensive
Range: 20m
Cool-Down: 3 Posts or Sustain +1
Description: The user creates 2 swirling black cyclones exactly 5m in diameter and 10m tall. The cyclones can be freely directed in a 20 meter area of the user and move at 15 m/s. Each cyclone deals D-tier damage, and 1 limb will freeze due to magic's passive if a cyclone hits.
Name: Adrustum Aura II
Tier: B
Cost: 30/15 magoi
Element: Water (Ice)
Class: Offensive
Range: 30m
Cool-Down: 5 posts
Description: The user controls the rukh to make the moisture in the air freeze at 20 m/s, freezing an area 10mx10mx10m-15mx15mx15m within 30 meters of himself, dealing B-Tier frostbite damage to anything caught inside. This ability may be sustained to be cast the next post.
Name: Aqua Cyclonas II
Tier: B
Cost: 30/15 magoi
Element: Water
Class: Offensive
Range: 30m
Cool-Down: 5 posts
Description: The user creates 4 swirling high-pressured cyclones exactly 5m in diameter and 15m tall. The cyclones can be freely directed in a 30 meter area of the user and move at 20 m/s. If all cyclones strike a single opponent, B-tier damage is dealt, if 2 hit, C-tier damage is dealt, if 1 hits, D-tier damage is dealt. This ability may be sustained to be cast the next post.
Name: Glacialis Lamnia
Tier: B
Cost: 30/15 magoi
Element: Water (Ice)
Class: Offensive
Range: 30
Cool-Down: 5 posts
Description: The castor forms a long sword like structure that is made of ice and is 15m in length that is used to slash at an opponent within 30 meters at 20 m/s to inflict B-tier damage. This ability may be sustained to be used the next turn.
Name: Aqua Vipera Glacialis Morsus
Tier: B
Cost: 30 magoi
Element: Water/Ice
Class: Offensive
Range: 30m
Cool-Down: 5 posts
Description: The user creates a 15m long three-headed snake out of water that has ice fangs. It moves at 20m/s within a 30m range from the user. If bitten, the spell inflicts B-Tier freezing damage.
Name: Nemesis Sol
Tier: B
Cost: 30/15 magoi
Element: Light
Class: Supplementary
Range: 30m
Cool-Down: 5 posts
Description: The user commands the rukh to create a sphere of black light that has a diameter of 10m-15m and travels up to 20m/s within a 30m of the user, dealing B-Tier burning damage to anything caught inside. Can be sustained into next post.
Name: Inner Darkness
Tier: B
Cost: 30/15 Magoi
Element: Liquid Shadow [Water+Light]
Class: Offensive
Range: 30m
Cool-Down: 5 Posts
Description: The user sends a shadowy mist encompassing an area of 10mx10mx10m-15mx15mx15m that travels at 20m/s within 30m of the castor, entering a person's body to freeze and cause B-Tier internal damage as well as freezing 1 limb due to magic's passive.