SPELL FROM HELL'S MAGIC PT. 2

The line barely seemed to move, and the receptionist’s face grew increasingly strained as she struggled to keep up with the line of impatient guests. Every few minutes, she paused to consult an old, glowing ledger beside her, searching for available rooms, only to sigh in frustration as she spoke with each waiting mage. It didn’t take long for the group to notice the growing tension and understand that the wait might be longer than any of them had anticipated.

“At this rate, we won’t even get a room,” Aldine muttered under her breath, eyeing the length of the line ahead of them.

Just then, a staff member stationed across the room noticed Hitoshi and started making his way over. He wore a striking uniform— a red tailcoat with sharp lapels, a crisp white shirt, and neatly pressed white pants. His jet-black hair was styled immaculately, and his skin seemed to glow with an almost ethereal quality, his features refined and delicate. His high cheekbones and sharp jawline gave him an air of elegance that set him apart from the bustling crowd. His presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of more than a few onlookers as he strode confidently toward Hitoshi.

The boy stopped just to Hitoshi’s side, positioning himself so that he faced the young mage at an angle. Hitoshi, feeling the sudden shift in the boy’s attention, glanced over in surprise.

“Uh… yes?” Hitoshi asked, tilting his head slightly, curious but cautious.

The boy’s lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looked at Hitoshi with a familiarity that caught him off guard. “Suzuki Hitoshi, correct?”

Hitoshi blinked, his brows knitting together slightly. “That’s me, yes,” he replied, wariness lacing his voice. Although he had no recollection of this boy, he felt compelled to respond politely. The boy gave a slight bow, and Hitoshi returned the gesture, albeit a bit hesitantly, still uncertain who this elegant stranger was.

Noticing the nameplate on the boy's tailcoat, Loer leaned close to Hitoshi, whispering, “Do you know this person?” His voice was low but curious, eyes narrowing as he read the name “Salavache” engraved in intricate, silver script.

Hitoshi shook his head, his expression reflecting his confusion. “No, I don’t remember anyone named Salavache.” Meanwhile, Aldine and Kane, having caught the exchange, glanced at the man with mild interest, also silently wondering what connection he might have to Hitoshi.

Salavache chuckled softly, his gaze warm and nostalgic. “It’s a shame. You were just a little boy when we last met, after all,” he said, an amused glint in his eyes. “I used to babysit you. Do you remember the frizzy-haired boy with glasses whose hair you’d always pull?”

Hitoshi’s eyes widened in recognition. “Th-that Niichan was you?” he exclaimed, looking at Salavache with a mixture of shock and delight. In his memory, his babysitter had been a timid, glasses-wearing boy, always frazzled and shy. It was almost impossible to reconcile that memory with the poised, polished man standing before him now. The glasses were still there and it wasn't as if he looked any bad when he was younger, but the aura around him was much different now.

“Mm-hm,” Salavache nodded, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Hello again, Hitoshi.”

“…Hi, Niichan,” Hitoshi replied, still processing the revelation. He bowed slightly, an apology in his posture. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.”

Salavache waved a dismissive hand, the gesture lighthearted. “Oh, no need. It’s perfectly understandable—it’s been a long time.” He clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head thoughtfully. “So, what brings you here?”

Hitoshi straightened and glanced at his friends before answering. “I’m here with some friends,” he explained, gesturing to the others beside him. “We’re here for the Sciro competition.”

Salavache nodded in understanding and looked at Hitoshi’s companions with polite interest. Hitoshi quickly introduced each of them, turning to each one in turn. “These are my friends—Loer, Aldine… and Kane.” As he mentioned Kane, a small, involuntary smile crept onto his face. Salavache noticed this subtle shift and smiled knowingly before clearing his throat and composing himself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Salavache said warmly, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on each of them. Then, after a moment’s pause, he straightened and gestured for them to follow. “Come with me.”

The group exchanged hesitant glances but, trusting Hitoshi’s familiarity with Salavache, fell into step behind him. Salavache led them away from the queue and toward the main reception desk. As he approached, he leaned in close to the receptionist, murmuring something softly. Though they strained to listen, the group could only catch faint, indecipherable whispers as Salavache spoke to her with a gentle authority.

Curiosity got the better of Kane, who leaned close to Hitoshi's ear from behind with a raised eyebrow. “He was your babysitter?” he asked, his voice just above a whisper.

Hitoshi nodded, turning to meet Kane’s gaze. As he did, his silver hair swayed, brushing lightly against Kane’s cheek. The unexpected closeness caused Kane’s face to warm, and he instinctively stepped back, only to misjudge his footing and catch the edge of Loer’s extended foot behind him.

Kane stumbled, a look of panic flashing across his face as he started to fall backward. But in an instant, Hitoshi’s hand shot out, grabbing Kane’s arm and pulling him back upright with a firm grip. Kane’s heart raced as he steadied himself, his pulse pounding in his ears.

“Are you okay?” Hitoshi asked, concern etched on his face.

Kane’s cheeks flushed, and he quickly pulled his arm away, his voice flustered. “Y-yeah. Cool. Thanks. I mean, I’m okay. Thanks,” he stammered, avoiding Hitoshi’s gaze as he tried to regain his composure.

Hitoshi smiled softly, giving Kane a reassuring nod before turning his attention back to Salavache, who had just concluded his conversation with the receptionist.

Salavache placed a reassuring hand on Hitoshi’s shoulder, leaning down to whisper something only he could hear. Whatever he said, Hitoshi’s expression softened, and as Salavache handed over a set of ornate brass keys, he shot the group a parting smile. With a nod to the receptionist, Salavache turned, his red tailcoat swaying slightly as he walked back toward the crowd, quickly blending into the steady bustle of the lobby.

The receptionist, who had been watching the entire exchange with polite interest, now redirected her attention to them. Her professional smile grew as she spoke, “You can proceed to the fifteenth floor from here. Thank you for choosing our inn.” She gave them a respectful bow, which they returned, before gesturing to where others waited with keys in hand.

But as they scanned the lobby, Kane’s eyebrows knit in confusion. “There’s no elevator here?” he asked, glancing around, trying to make sense of the unusual setup.

Loer chuckled, shaking his head. “Nah. No elevators here. Instead, we rent flying carpets.”

Kane’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?” he asked, a bit louder than intended, looking around as if expecting the mythical carpets to materialize out of thin air.

Hitoshi strode over to a line of decorative holders along the far wall, where rolled carpets rested neatly at the end of the wall, just beside the main entrance. He selected two carpets, their patterns rich with vivid blues, reds, and golds that caught the dim lobby light, and reached into a small pouch on his belt. From it, he retrieved a few rectangular stickers, each marked with faintly glowing symbols, and carefully affixed two of them onto each carpet. He then returned to the group, handing one carpet to Aldine.

Kane watched with growing curiosity as Hitoshi approached him with a sticker, holding out his hand. “Here, hold out your wrist,” Hitoshi instructed, his tone gentle yet assuring. Kane extended his arm, and Hitoshi peeled the sticker off, pressing it onto the inside of Kane’s wrist. Kane glanced down, noting how the faint glow of the symbol now matched the light on the carpet.

“Like this,” Hitoshi explained, “your magic connects to the carpet, so you’ll be able to guide it by calling it to you.”

Kane nodded, following along as best as he could. The process seemed complex, but Hitoshi made it look effortless. Kane glanced up, noticing the spiral of floors above them, each marked by round railings that ascended into the distance. He began to understand why elevators might not be practical here—something about the place demanded a different kind of experience, something magical.

Aldine took her place on the carpet Loer was now holding, her usual calm replaced with a sudden sense of urgency as she grabbed his shoulders, her eyes wide with excitement. “Go, quickly!” she urged him, her voice almost ghostly as she loomed over his shoulder. Loer startled, visibly unnerved, and lifted his wrist, muttering a command under his breath. The carpet jolted upward, shooting off with surprising speed, and they disappeared into the spiraling floors above.

Kane burst into laughter, shaking his head. “What was that?” he chuckled, glancing at Hitoshi, who was still grinning.

“Well, shall we?” Hitoshi asked, gesturing for Kane to step onto the carpet beside him.

Kane hesitated for a moment but then joined him, trying to maintain his balance as he took his place behind Hitoshi. Hitoshi raised his wrist, flicked it slightly, and the carpet lifted, beginning to ascend gracefully.

As the carpet floated higher and higher, Kane felt a slight vertigo, his instincts screaming at him to brace himself. The carpet was steady, but every movement made him feel as though he might lose his balance. Sensing his unease, Hitoshi turned his head slightly. “If it helps, you can place your hand on my shoulder,” he offered, his own posture relaxed, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

Kane gulped, nodding in appreciation. He reached forward, lightly placing his hand on Hitoshi’s shoulder, gripping just enough to steady himself as the carpet continued to rise. His other hand clutched his waist bag protectively, mindful of the Sciro cards inside, afraid they might slip out if he wasn’t careful.

The upward journey was exhilarating, the open space giving way to a dizzying view of the floors below as they passed. Each level blurred past them, the air tingling with an energy that was almost palpable. The carpet responded fluidly to Hitoshi’s every movement, soaring up with the grace of a bird.