The First Step

  ELYSIUM

  Rel

  …

  “Already… morning, huh?” Rel yawned, stretching out on his bed. “That means…”

  Today’s the day—the day of the trial. It’s been a long time coming, but I think we’re ready. I never really thought about it, but with the way Lamoros and Yalfei talked about it… there’s a real chance we might not even pass.

  “How anticlimactic would that be…” he mumbled, hobbling off the bed.

  His eyes met their reflection in the familiar mirror across the room. The boy staring back at him looked the same—yet different. A bit taller now. More toned. His hair, longer than he remembered.

  “I’ll have to trim that soon…”

  Above the desk, his sword hung in its usual spot, surrounded by the clutter of spellbooks he never bothered to organize. The soft glow of the runes etched into the blade bathed the room in pale light. It was never truly dark in here—and Rel had grown used to that. Comfortable, even. The room looked exactly as it had three months ago.

  “Just a couple more weeks, and I’m outta here,” he said quietly, a sentimental look in his eyes. “For better or worse, today decides everything. Those guys better not be slacking off…”

  Rel stumbled over to his desk, grabbing his sword on the way out. He needed to catch breakfast today—no way he’d survive the trial on an empty stomach.

  Can’t just sleep in this time…

  …

  “Can anybody tell me the solution to this problem…”

  Ugh… I don’t have the patience for this. What a drag…

  “Yes!” a girl responded—so close it startled him.

  Oh… Yumi.

  “Wake up,” she whispered, wearing a slight grin. “What if he calls on you?”

  “Whatever.”

  Once classes are over, we’re meeting up for one last training session before the test. After that—assuming we pass—we’ve got two weeks to prep for the trip to Heirun, the city of magic.

  “So, will they be taking the test with us?” Rel asked quietly.

  Leaning in, Yumi whispered back. “Lam and Fei?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, duh,” she said, “they’re coming with us, aren’t they?”

  Figured as much. Hope they don’t make it harder on us for that.

  “Any clue what we’re up against?” he muttered.

  Yumi shook her head. “I asked Fei earlier, but she said the trials change every time.”

  Makes sense.

  “So we just go in blind, huh?”

  “That’s how everybody before us did it, no?”

  Thing is… they all took the test at eighteen. Oldest in our group is fifteen—and Dante’s turning twelve soon…

  Yumi smiled. “We’ll get through it one way or another.”

  Can’t argue with that.

  “You’re right.”

  Ring!

  That’s the bell…

  “Lunch?” Yumi asked.

  “I’m gonna stop by my room real quick,” Rel said, grabbing his blade. “I’ll meet you guys after.”

  Yumi nodded, and waved as she turned the corner.

  Right. I’ve gotta make sure everything’s in order.

  …

  Crash!

  “Where…”

  Toss!

  “Where, damn it!”

  The book… I swear it was on my desk earlier…

  The one he’d been flipping his room upside down to find—a worn, old grimoire. On the surface, it looked like a regular dark magic spellbook… but to Rel, it was more than that. Something special.

  I really gotta clean this place up at some point…

  Dark magic, since its inception, had been widely recognized for its ability to sap the mana out of life and spells alike—the reason it was created was to replicate shadow magic, after all.

  This book held spells that weren’t taught in class. In fact, most weren’t even known to the public. Rel had once tried teaching Dante a few from it, back when he was still a dark mage—but none of them worked for him.

  I don’t know where I got it from… but it’s always been with me. I can’t lose this. I know it’s important.

  There was a spell that Rel had been learning from the book—one far more advanced than anything he’d ever tried before. With the journey ahead looming, he figured he needed a trump card. That’s why he chose one of the grimoire’s most difficult spells: Mana Counter.

  “It looks simple at first glance, but it really lives up to its reputation,” he muttered. “If I can master it, then…”

  “We’ll be able to pass the trial, right?”

  Wha—

  “Lamoros…?” Rel blinked, startled. He hadn’t noticed him standing at the door.

  “Need help?”

  Rel smiled. “Yeah, I do.”

  …

  “So basically, this Counter spell…” Lamoros began. “It cancels other spells? How does that even work…”

  Fair question.

  “You know how dark magic usually drains mana and all that? This one’s a bit different—it targets the spell’s cast formation directly. If I’m fast enough, I can interrupt it before it even fires.”

  A spell’s cast formation is its essence—like the core blueprint. Think of it like a magic circle you’d see in a ritual, only each one’s unique to the type of magic it supports. Forming it takes time, especially for newer or complex spells, which leaves a window to strike.

  Normally, if a caster is interrupted mid-formation, the spell just fizzles out. But advanced mages can form these subconsciously, almost instinctively—those are harder to stop. That’s what makes Mana Counter so dangerous. Simple in theory, but incredibly difficult in execution. Only a handful of high mages even know it exists.

  “I see…” Lamoros mumbled, thumbing through the pile of books on the floor. “So it’s one of those spells that has to be instinctive…”

  Rel nodded. “Yeah. I was hoping to get a bit more practice in before the trial, but I lost the book. I need a refresher on the cast formation, so I can’t really practice without it.”

  Damn… not good.

  Lamoros winced, picking up an old, worn grimoire. “This it?”

  “Wha—yeah, you found it!” Rel gasped, rushing over. “Where was it?”

  “Dude…this thing is practically falling apart,” Lamoros said. “You gotta get this fixed up… or replaced.”

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Rel mumbled, taking the book. “I’ll do it eventually.”

  The old grimoire still emitted a soft glow, even after all these years. Light in his hands, it flipped open on its own—straight to the page he’d been searching for. Counter—or “Mana Counter,” as the book called it—was one of the most powerful spells it had to offer. Normally, a spell like this wouldn’t be taught until Diamond rank, the level of a seasoned mage. Rel hadn’t even registered with the guild yet.

  This is it…

  “Woah, it’s a high-rank spell?” Lamoros exclaimed. “I had no idea you had something like that… where’d you even get this grimoire?”

  Rel glanced over, closing the book with a soft thud. “No clue. It’s always been with me, for as long as I can remember.”

  When I recover my memories, I’ll know.

  “Anyway, let’s get some lunch. The others are waiting.”

  Lamoros nodded. “Right.”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  …

  Once again facing the long corridor, Rel found himself familiar with every room along the hall. His door, once plain and unremarkable, now bore a few trinkets and personal touches of his own.

  It’s not much, but it’s something. Not sure what they’ll do with my room when I leave, but at least this way… they’ll have something to remember me by.

  “The D-wing sure is long, huh?” Lamoros muttered, eyeing each door as they passed.

  “Is it?”

  Never really compared the D-wing to the others. The school itself is huge, though.

  “You know,” Rel started, “I’ve always wondered about something.”

  “…?”

  “We’re all given the family name ‘Mynhart,’ right? After the school?”

  Lamoros glanced over, a little curious. “Yeah?”

  “Well, since it’s a school, can anybody just show up and attend? Or are all of us orphans?”

  The hall fell quiet as the two made their way toward the mess hall, both lost in thought.

  “…I’ve never really thought about it,” Lamoros admitted. “Honestly, knowing the old man, it’s probably exclusive to us.”

  “Haha, yeah, probably,” Rel chuckled.

  Everyone’s got their own story—for how they ended up here.

  …

  As they neared the hall, a knot of unease began to form in Rel’s chest. Even with a party this tight, no glaring weaknesses… he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

  “Don’t stress, man,” Lamoros said, catching the look on his face. “We’ve got this. You’ve even got a high-rank spell in your back pocket—I don’t know a single student who’s pulled that off at your age. Or any age, really.”

  Rel smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll be fine with you two around.”

  “Not what I said.”

  …

  Finally, the familiar double doors loomed before them. Just beyond, their friends were waiting. In a few short hours, they’d face the trial that would determine whether or not they were ready for the outside world.

  Hahhh… knowing the old man, he’ll probably make us fight a dragon or something.

  “I don’t wanna…” Rel mumbled, burying his face in his hands.

  “Eat lunch?” Lamoros asked. “I mean, I guess you don’t have to, but we’re gonna talk strategy…”

  “No, I meant… never mind, forget it.”

  He’s so carefree… I should take a page out of his book.

  “Well, let’s go,” Rel sighed.

  “Dude… if you’re not hungry…”

  …

  “Ooh, mess hall’s packed today,” Lamoros mused, scanning the crowd. “Now, where are they…”

  The hall buzzed with energy—word of their upcoming departure must’ve made the rounds. At their usual spot, the one where Rel had first sat with Yumi and Dante after waking up with no memories, Yalfei waved them over.

  “Over here!” she called, barely audible over the noise.

  Behind her, Dante waved eagerly, his greatsword swinging around on his back.

  “I’m gonna grab some food. You coming?” Lamoros asked.

  Yeah, no way I’m skipping lunch today.

  “Well, duh,” Rel said. “I’ll check in with them first, though.”

  “You do that.”

  Rel nodded and made his way toward the table.

  …

  “You sure took your time,” Yumi said with a scoff. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Where’s Lam?” Yalfei asked, looking around.

  Lam…?

  “He’s getting food,” Rel said. “I should be joining him, actually—”

  “Before that,” Dante cut in, “show me the spell.”

  “Spell?” Yumi blinked. “What spell?”

  Only Dante knew about it. I tried teaching it to him first, figured since he was the better dark mage, maybe he’d pick it up easily.

  “You’ve mastered it, right?” Dante pressed. “Let’s see it, then.”

  “Here…?” Rel raised an eyebrow. “Probably not the best idea.”

  Magic isn’t exactly allowed in the building.

  “Why not?” Dante said. “If you’re using Mana Counter, nobody’ll even see anything, right?”

  Yumi frowned, clearly confused. “Mana what now?”

  “Come on,” Dante nudged him. “Just once. You need the practice anyway, don’t you?”

  I do…

  Rel hesitated, glancing around the mess hall as Dante nudged him forward. Show me the spell… you need practice anyway, Dante had said. Rel swallowed, the weight of the grimoire heavy in his pack.

  “Alright, fine,” he muttered, slipping a hand inside to feel the book’s worn, familiar cover. “But we do it quick—we’re not supposed to be in the training hall anymore.”

  “Isn’t that where we’re taking the trial?” Yumi asked, puzzled.

  “It’s not that simple,” Yalfei said. “We’ll meet the old man there, sure—but the trial won’t actually happen inside. It usually doesn’t.”

  Yeah, figured.

  “As far as training goes,” she added, “we’re not allowed back in.”

  Dante was already headed for the door. “Come on. Let’s get there before lunch is over.”

  They slipped through the line, belts and blades clinking quietly. Past students locked in conversation, the four of them ducked into the B-wing corridor.

  “Wait,” Yalfei stopped, “what about Lam?”

  “He’s getting food,” Rel said, blinking. “Wait… I was supposed to join him…”

  “Who cares?” Dante groaned. “Come on, we don’t have much time.”

  Fine…

  Minutes later, they reached the double doors. Mana thrummed faintly beyond them, the distant clang of steel echoing through the stone.

  This is it…

  Rel placed a hand on the door, feeling the runes along his sword hum in response.

  “Ready?” Yumi asked, her rapier already drawn.

  “Yeah,” Rel breathed. Then he pushed.

  The training hall opened before them, vast and echoing. Spellbound dummies lined the walls, and faint traces of old magic still shimmered in the air. It felt like stepping into a memory.

  We are definitely not supposed to be in here…

  Dante led them to a quiet corner. “Alright. You ready?”

  Rel nodded.

  Without warning, Dante raised his arm. A burst of mana flared to life as a cast formation bloomed—dense and fast, sucking in surrounding energy like a vacuum.

  “Gravity Shift—”

  Rel responded instantly. He snapped his fingers—and in a flash, the cast formation shattered. No backlash. No spell. Just silence.

  Yumi blinked. “Wha—?”

  Yalfei smiled faintly, clearly impressed. “So you’ve been hiding this all along, huh?”

  Rel grinned. “Nah, this is new.”

  “When?” Yumi asked, eyes wide. “When did you even have time to learn something like that? That has to be a high-rank spell, right?”

  “It’ll definitely come in handy,” Dante added with a laugh.

  “But… how?” Yumi pressed. “We don’t have any books with spells like that…”

  “It’s got something to do with that thing you were searching for, doesn’t it?” Yalfei asked, her gaze drifting to the open flap of his bag. “Is that a grimoire?”

  The old book peeked from his pack, its worn cover catching the light just enough to draw attention.

  “That’s right,” Rel said, pulling it free. “It’s an old grimoire—I’ve had it as long as I can remember.”

  Yumi leaned in, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Wait, are you saying you learned that spell from this?”

  Rel nodded, flipping the book open to the familiar page. The script inside glowed faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat.

  “Yeah. It’s called Mana Counter. Supposedly, it’s a kind of dark magic, but different from the usual—it doesn’t drain mana or corrupt the flow. It just… shuts a spell down, right at the source.”

  Yalfei crossed her arms. “I’ve heard of counter magic, but only in theory. You’re telling me you figured it out on your own?”

  “Well, not all of it,” Rel admitted. “I still need practice. The cast formation is instant, so if I mess it up, it fizzles.”

  Dante laughed. “But you pulled it off just now. That’s huge.”

  Dude, if I messed it up, we would’ve all gone flying…

  Yumi eyed the grimoire like it might bite her. “Where did you even get that thing?”

  Feel like I’ve explained this a million times.

  “No clue.”

  “Right, lost memory,” she mumbled.

  Yalfei stepped forward, brushing her fingers along the grimoire’s edge.

  “That’s not a normal book, Rel. Whatever it is, it’s powerful—and dangerous. You’re sure about this?”

  Rel met her gaze, firm. “If it means we make it through the trial, then yeah. I’m sure.”

  Yalfei nodded, acknowledging his resolve. “I see.”

  “In any case,” she continued, “we’ve got no time left. Let’s bounce.”

  …

  “So,” Lamoros began, munching on a sandwich, “you guys went to the training hall, and had a secret practice sesh without me?”

  “…”

  “Didn’t even leave me a note,” Lamoros added with a dramatic sigh, still chewing. “You know how I get when I’m left out of cool stuff.”

  The four of them sat at Lamoros’ table, fifteen minutes left until lunch ended, the silence between them growing heavier.

  “I can’t believe you guys,” he continued, stuffing his face.

  Rel rolled his eyes. “We didn’t even do that much.”

  “Oh, come on,” Lamoros said, pointing his sandwich at him. “You pulled off a high-rank spell in front of everyone but me. That’s basically betrayal.”

  Yumi stifled a laugh. “We’re literally telling you about it now.”

  “Not the same,” he muttered through a mouthful. “I wanted to see it.”

  “Whatever,” Rel sighed. “I’m heading to class, see you guys at the trial.”

  He grabbed his things, the weight of the book pressing against his side, and headed for the D wing. As his footsteps echoed down the long hallway, he tried to shake the nervous tension creeping up his spine.

  “Okay,” Yumi called after him, her voice trailing off. “See you then!”

  I hope those guys are ready. Surely I wasn’t the only one to think of a trump card, right?

  …

  “Ugh,” Rel groaned, flopping onto his bed.

  Class is in five minutes… I’ve got time.

  “First, we’ll get registered at the guild,” he murmured, hands resting behind his head. “Then take on a few requests, climb the ranks…”

  Once we hit silver, we’ll be able to join the raid in Fyltasia, which takes place in a few months. If there truly is a Tome of Radiance in the dungeon, hopefully, it’ll have the memory-restoring spell we’re looking for. If not, we keep searching—this is just the first step, after all.

  “And on the way, I’ll search for any trace of Lily…” he whispered, almost afraid to say her name aloud. “Still haven’t told anyone about her. How could I? Would they even believe me…?”

  Rin… the guy from my visions. He was hailed as a hero. Maybe even the first hero. But Pandora was a woman—according to the stories—so that doesn’t line up… but if Rin really was the first hero, would that make Lily the Great Sage? Does that mean Rin is out there somewhere, too?

  “Whatever,” he muttered, forcing himself upright.

  No use chasing ghosts before class.

  He rose with a wince, the stiffness in his body a reminder of the morning’s training. He moved to his desk and carefully returned the grimoire to its place, fingers lingering on its worn cover for just a second.

  At the door, he paused and looked back. The room was quiet—his bed slightly unkempt, a few trinkets on the shelves, the faint scent of old paper and steel lingering in the air.

  It wasn’t much. But it was his.

  Something about leaving the room today felt… off. Like it might not be the same when he returned. Maybe it was nerves. Or maybe it was something else.

  “The five of us… we’ll reach Lunar rank. I know we will.”

  Lunar—the highest title a mage could hold. Given only to those who shaped the world with their magic. If they survived every dungeon, uncovered every Tome…

  “But that’s a problem for later.”

  He shook his head and pulled the door open. It creaked like it always did. One last glance over his shoulder… and he stepped into the hall.