SPELL FROM THE HELL'S MAGIC PT.1

The journey from Orleans had been long and arduous, the hours of trudging through the seemingly endless expanse of grasslands blurring together into a monotony of green and gold. But as the sun reached its peak, casting a warm, golden glow across the rolling plains, something magnificent emerged on the horizon. Kane’s eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief and excitement dancing within them as the scene unfolded before him.

A city, unlike anything he had ever seen, rose majestically into the sky. It was a place where nature and magic intertwined seamlessly—lush greenery draped across high rises that seemed to be crafted from a blend of stone and shimmering enchantments. People milled about, adorned in an array of clothing that spanned centuries of styles, yet all carried an air of elegance and mystery. The skies above buzzed with movement as mages glided through the air on brooms and ornate flying carpets, their laughter mingling with the whoosh of wind and the hum of magic.

Children, some holding small orbs of floating light or trails of sparkling dust, ran along cobblestone paths, giggling as they weaved between adults who watched them with amused eyes. The city thrummed with life, vibrant and full of wonders that Kane had only glimpsed in stories and television shows back on Earth.

“Wow... this is great,” Kane muttered, unable to suppress the awe in his voice. He tried to stifle his excitement, to keep it hidden beneath his usual stoic mask, but his eyes betrayed him as they darted around, soaking in every detail.

Loer, who had been watching Kane’s reaction with a slight smirk, nodded knowingly. “This is Eortes. Eortes City,” he announced with a touch of pride. “This is where your first magic exam will take place.”

Kane’s attention snapped to Loer, curiosity and apprehension battling within him. “Hm?” The magical displays and vibrant scenery were a powerful distraction, but he forced himself to focus. “Explain,” he said, his voice firm.

Loer adjusted the strap of the waist bag now slung over his shoulder as they walked along the path skirting the busy road. Hitoshi and Aldine moved in sync beside them, their eyes also taking in the bustling city but with a practiced calm that spoke of familiarity.

“You know that mages from all over Atrocies take exams to prove themselves, right?” Loer began, his tone steady and informative. “These exams take place in the fourteen most precious marked cities of the magical realm, known as the cornerstones. Eortes is one of them.”

Kane nodded slowly, absorbing the information. “And what kind of exam is this?”

“It’s divided into three rounds over fifteen days,” Loer explained. “The first is a Sciro battle, where you use your Sciro to duel against another mage's Sciro. The second is a written spells exam, testing your knowledge and precision in casting. And the third... well, that’s a mage versus mage battle. You’ll be facing opponents on your own.”

Kane’s brows furrowed, a mix of anxiety and resolve crossing his face. “And when does this exam start?”

“As soon as you enter,” Loer said simply. There was a finality to his words that made Kane’s heart clench. The gremoire he carried—bound in dark, worn leather with its faintly glowing sigils—suddenly felt heavier at his side. He knew that, within its many functions, it also served as a beacon for the mage council of Atrocies. The moment he crossed into Eortes, the magical seal indicating his participation would activate, and the fifteen-day countdown would begin.

“So that means my time starts now,” Kane murmured, half to himself, as the realization settled in. Loer nodded, his expression softening as he watched Kane’s eyes flicker with an emotion that Loer couldn’t quite decipher. Kane’s gaze swept over the city again, a small part of him wishing he could stay here, bask in the beauty and magic without the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. The clean air, the fresh water—it was so different from the polluted, suffocating environment of Earth. But deep down, he knew he couldn’t abandon the person who meant the most to him.

His mind drifted, unbidden, to his mother. The thought of leaving them alone to face the harshness of his father’s world sent a pang of guilt and anger through him. Memories surfaced—dark, jagged flashes of arguments and pain. His father’s voice, sharp and unforgiving, echoed in his ears. Kane clenched his fists at his sides, the tension radiating through him.

“Ah, that Omato guy...” Kane muttered, the name seeping out like a toxin. Omato and his father had spoken of knowing Zennosuke, Kane’s father. It was a connection that filled him with unease and rage. The thought made his jaw tighten, and he barely noticed Hitoshi’s eyes flicking toward him, observing the storm brewing beneath his composed exterior.

Hitoshi’s hand rested lightly on Kane’s back, a brief touch that spoke of silent support. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low enough that only Kane could hear.

Kane jolted slightly at the contact, but he quickly shook his head and forced a tight smile. “Nothing,” he replied, his voice hollow. But as they continued their way deeper into Eortes, the weight of everything—his past, the exam, the future he was trying to fight for—pressed down on him like an invisible burden.

As they approached a towering building bathed in the soft glow of golden lights, Loer stretched his arms above his head, feeling the tension from their journey begin to ease. The lights cast a warm, inviting shimmer across the building’s intricate architecture, making it stand out against the backdrop of Eortes' magical skyline. The building's facade was adorned with delicate carvings of mythical beasts, and the windows glistened as if kissed by enchantments.

“We’ll stay here for the coming fifteen days. Sounds good?” Loer asked, turning back to gauge the group's reaction. Hitoshi, Aldine, and Kane exchanged brief looks, each offering a small nod of agreement. The place looked promising—luxurious yet welcoming. People of all ages, dressed in robes of deep blues, emerald greens, and other striking colors, were streaming in through the grand entrance. The hum of chatter, laughter, and the occasional crackle of magic filled the air as they made their way inside.

“Let’s go then,” Loer said, beckoning them forward. The moment they stepped through the wide, arched doors, they were met with a grand reception area that seemed to pulse with life. Chandeliers of enchanted crystal hung from the ceiling, casting prismatic light across the room. The walls were paneled with rich, dark wood, intricately inlaid with shimmering runes that glowed softly, shifting colors as if breathing. The floor was made of polished marble that reflected the golden lights above, making the entire space appear vast and opulent.

Despite its grandeur, the reception was busy, almost chaotic. Rows of counters were manned by attendants, each one shuffling through stacks of glowing papers or speaking hurriedly to guests. Mages of varying ages, from students wearing their school crests to more seasoned spellcasters, stood in lines that snaked around the room. The air buzzed with snippets of conversation and the occasional outburst as someone became frustrated with the wait.

Aldine let out an exaggerated sigh as her eyes fell on the long line stretching out in front of them. She stepped forward, tapping on the shoulder of the girl standing just ahead. The girl turned around, her face lighting up with a cheerful smile. Her short, choppy bangs bounced as she nodded in greeting, her blue eyes sparkling even under the warm lights of the room.

“Hey, can you tell us how long this will take?” Aldine asked, trying to keep the exasperation out of her voice. The girl’s smile faltered as she looked over her shoulder at the crowd behind her, then turned to scan the mass of people in front of them.

“We’ve been standing here for a while, actually,” the girl said with a sigh, crossing her arms over her chest. Her cheerful demeanor shifted slightly to one of shared annoyance.

Aldine threw her head back dramatically, the frustration evident in her expression. Behind her, Loer sighed, the weariness of their journey mixing with impatience. Hitoshi shook his head with a wry smile, taking in the crowded room. Kane stood quietly, his eyes drifting over the bustling scene, willing the line to move faster. The air seemed heavier now, thick with anticipation and the restless energy of too many mages confined in one space, all with the same goal.