Nox

I was enjoying a nice croissant with Nez when I could feel the sensation of Senna’s <Ring> desperately trying to summon me. This can’t be good. I let out a heavy sigh, unfortunately interrupting Nez’s story.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but I am being summoned for something probably urgent. Can we meet again tomorrow here at the same time?” I asked.

“No problem. I’m getting the rest of your croissant though as payment.” Nez replied. I left my croissant and used <Shadow Step> to where Senna was.

The tension in the air was intense. What the hell? All the <Mana> in the vicinity seemed to be revolting against the very space we were in. I saw my brother and Senna panicking, trying to get near Nil, but Lux was standing in their way growling and baring her teeth. That’s when I noticed. The <Mana> surging off of Nil. An absolute maelstrom of <Mana> was going rampant in his body.

“What is happening?” I asked.

“We don’t know and Lux is in the way.” Azzeck snapped quickly. I mean, Lux is not exactly a threat to us, we could force her out of our way.

“Need me to move her?” I asked. I mean, yes this wasn’t good, but I didn’t see why they needed me.

“We need you to go fetch Grand Archmagus Solomon as fast as you can.” Azzeck explained. Ah. I am definitely faster than my brother.

I chained <Shadow Steps> to the Institution of Mages. I burst into the place, which put a lot of the Magus inside on edge. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to be polite. Solomon is supposed to take Nil as an apprentice, so he should be vested in keeping that punk alive until then from what I understand. I thought.

“I need Grand Archmagus Solomon immediately! It is an emergency!” I roared to the Magus.

“He isn’t here.” one shot back.

“I need to get a hold of him now. Where is he?” I retorted. The Magus simply huffed at me, and shot me a wouldn’t you like to know look. One kick later his smugness was unconscious on the ground.

“I do not want to repeat myself a third time! Where is Grand Archmagus Solomon? I come with an urgent message from the Emperor of Speranza!” I yelled.

The next Magus was a lot more cooperative and produced a special <Crystal Ball> and began using it to contact Grand Archmagus Solomon. I was getting a lot of dirty looks from knocking out the first idiot. Not my problem.

“This better be important.” Grand Archmagus Solomon snarled.

“Hello Solomon. Nil is in trouble and your help is needed.” I snapped at him. Solomon glared through the crystal, then realized who I was and what I said.

Grand Archmagus Solomon materialized next to me. I grabbed him and chained <Shadow Steps> back to Nil’s room. Solomon’s eyes went wide the instant we appeared in the room. He looked around confused then settled his eyes on Nil.

“Why is there a baby <Sentinel Lord> in the room? What happened right before his <Mana> started doing this?” Solomon asked.

“That is his <Familiar>. He used his <Arcane Eye> and caused a bit of eye strain. He then started to <Temper> and out of nowhere this happened.” my brother explained.

Senna at this point was all but losing her mind. It clearly was taking all the control my brother had to remain calm and keep her from acting too rashly. I hardly blame her though. Solomon casually walked up to Lux and made her fall asleep with the snap of his fingers. He began examining Nil.

“My my. What powerful <Mana> fluctuations. I knew he was talented but this is unexpected.” Solomon replied calmly.

“What is happening to him?” Senna cried out.

“First of all, relax. Nil is not in much danger, even though he probably does not know it. Interrupting him will likely cause a lot of damage which is why his <Familiar> was trying to defend him.” Solomon explained.

“What is happening?” Senna asked again. A little calmer, but clearly still distraught.

“From what I can tell, he simultaneously hit two <Advancements>. One with his <Tempering> and one with his <Arcane Eye>. His <Arcane Eye> was probably close and when he started <Tempering> it was pushed over the edge. Once his <Arcane Eye> went over the edge, the influx of <Mana> pushed his <Tempering> over the edge. This is his body rapidly learning to adjust to the <Mana> he unknowingly absorbed as the two are reaching the next level. It is undoubtedly going to be excruciating for him, but as long as he succeeds there will be no lasting damage. We can’t interrupt him, and the period to be able to help is long passed. It is good to see he has been practicing and using them pretty steadily over the last fews months.” Solomon explained.

Solomon woke up Lux, and calmly walked over by us. Lux was shooting daggers at Solomon. Good luck little girl, any of the four adults still in the room are way out of your league. She pouted as usual and checked on Nil, who looked like he was most certainly not enjoying his <Magic> at the moment. His eyes shot open, and it felt like the <Mana> in the air attacked all of us. He immediately shut them, and began clutching his head. Senna rushed over and picked him up, petting his head calling his name, but Nil was out cold. Solomon walked over, did a quick check, and gave the all clear.

“Thank you for getting me. I definitely don’t want my apprentice-to-be dying. By the way, as you requested Emperor Azzeck, I think I found a suitable teacher for Crown Prince Nil. Who is his combat teacher so the two can start planning lessons and how to help develop his talent if you approve of my recommendation?” Solomon announced.

“I am the one teaching him to fight once he is old enough.” I chimed in. Solomon shook his head approvingly.

“Who did you have in mind?” Azzeck asked.

“An incredibly skilled Archmagus. His <Practical Magic> is <Void Magic> and I would say he is arguably the best at it. His natural <Affinity> is <Darkness>.” Solomon began.

This description was reminding me of someone. No way. Not possible. Tenebrae is not that small. I thought. Azzeck and Senna were nodding approvingly. How could they not? An Archmagus with a <Divine Affinity> and could teach their son <Void Magic> if he desired?

“I know you two care more for competency than race, but he is a demon which you might prefer. And he is currently in the capital. Originally he was travelling around but said he found something interesting he might be investigating for a while, and I did discuss if he was open to being a teacher for the Crown Prince and would gladly accept if you desired.” Solomon explained.

“We would like to review his file and meet them before agreeing, but they sound incredibly promising.” Senna replied.

“I agree with my wife. What is his name?” Azzeck asked.

“Nez Beelze Phoenen.” Solomon replied. Oh this might get awkward.