Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 113 Learning Magic

"What about magic? That's what you used earlier, right?"

"Yes, it was."

"Come on, tell me how you use magic."

Alicarde sighed, feeling a hint of irritation. Anne's fear had vanished, replaced by endless curiosity. He knew saying no wouldn't work—she'd keep asking until he gave in.

"Has anyone ever told you that curiosity killed the cat?"

"I'm not a cat, so I'm fine," she replied with a smirk.

"Fine, I'll explain magic, but keep it to yourself."

"Okay, I won't tell just anyone."

"Magic is in everything," Alicarde began, trying to simplify the complex concept. "The world is shaped by five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and spirit."

Anne listened intently as he continued, struggling to make it clear.

"These elements are the basis of magic. Fire, water, air, and earth form the foundation, with spirit connecting them. Attributes like space, light, and darkness stem from these elements—though there are exceptions."

"Why are there exceptions?" she asked, confused.

"Don't know, don't care."

"That's pretty half-assed," she shot back.

"I don't need to understand it all. Do you know how phones work on the inside?"

"Actually, I do."

He cleared his throat, avoiding further debate. "The spirit binds the elements together. It's the element of will, shaping everything around us."

"So, magic comes from will?"

"Magic comes when our will shapes the mana around us. Mana is the energy that lets us manipulate the world."

"What about the other elements and mana?" Anne asked eagerly.

"All elements have their purpose. Earth represents balance, air stands for freedom, fire brings life and destruction, and water symbolizes change. Spirit binds them all together."

"And mana?"

"Mana, ki, ether—they're all forms of energy that flow through everything. It's just a matter of knowing how to use them."

Anne looked at him skeptically. "How does someone get mana?"

"You won't get mana, Anne," Alicarde said bluntly.

"But you just said everyone has it."

"They do, but not everyone can tap into it. Mana flows through all living things, and if you can harness it, you can use magic. The universe gives everyone a different way to connect with these energies."

"And how do humans use magic?"

"Humans have to learn to feel their mana, which is harder for them. Once they do, they need to move it through their mana circuits, similar to how energy flows through the world's ley lines."

"How can someone feel mana?"

"It's tough. Meditation, adrenaline, even near-death experiences can help."

"How did you learn?"

"I'm not human, and after I died, my mana increased. Even then, I had to meditate a lot. Breathing exercises help refine mana and connect to the universe."

Anne smiled, fascinated. "How do those exercises work?"

"Simple. Just breathe like this," he demonstrated a basic breathing technique before catching himself.

"Hmph, almost fooled me," he said, smirking. "Don't try that on your own."

"What? Come on, show me again!" Anne's enthusiasm was unshaken.

Alicarde shook his head, amused. "It's getting dark. I'm taking you home."

"Wait, what about radars? Won't they detect us?"

He sighed. She wasn't going to stop asking questions, but he needed to get her home without drawing attention.

The bicorn, Wrath, raised its front legs with a growl, startling Anne, who grabbed Alicarde's wrist. Its massive black wings appeared out of thin air, shimmering as if absorbing the light around them. With a powerful thrust, Wrath soared into the sky, rising swiftly. The wind roared around them, cold and sharp, but exhilarating.

Anne's fear faded quickly, replaced by excitement as they climbed higher, leaving the world below. Alicarde sensed her mood shift and decided to give her a better view, flying above the clouds where the stars blanketed the sky.

As they soared through the misty clouds, Anne pointed excitedly at the sights. She had forgotten her earlier fear, now completely caught up in the beauty of the moment. Alicarde, however, remained cautious, aware of drones and other threats.

He noticed the temperature drop as they ascended, but Anne seemed oblivious to the cold, her excitement unbroken.

"How high can it go?" she asked.

"What? No longer scared of me?" Alicarde teased. Explore new worlds at empire

Anne smiled. "Are you going to drop me? That'd be quite the fall."

Without warning, Alicarde lifted her from the saddle and tossed her into the open air.

"Arrrghhhh!"

Anne screamed as she fell, but soon realized she wasn't actually falling—she was floating, suspended in mid-air by Alicarde's [Flux Field].

"Need a hand, m'lady?" he asked mockingly.

Pale and wide-eyed, Anne nodded frantically. "Yes, please! Don't let me fall!"

Alicarde laughed, a deep, sinister sound. "Very well, I'll let you off this time."

With a swift motion, he pulled her back to the saddle.

"Thank you…" she muttered before glaring at him. "For nothing, you jerk!"

Alicarde chuckled as Anne clung tightly to him, clearly not trusting him after the stunt. Deciding it was enough teasing for one night, he directed Wrath toward her apartment.

As they descended, Alicarde reversed summoned Wrath, causing them to plummet toward the rooftop. Anne screamed, holding onto Alicarde for dear life. Just before impact, Alicarde activated [Flux Field], slowing their fall to a gentle landing.

Setting Anne down, Alicarde watched as she stumbled, her legs shaky from the adrenaline. She shot him a mix of relief and annoyance.

"You're impossible," she muttered, but a small smile betrayed her amusement.

Anne's legs trembled, still processing the surreal experience of free-falling through the night sky with the Reaper. She felt a mix of fear and exhilaration buzzing in her veins, a strange thrill from the madness that had become her reality.

Alicarde, sensing her unease, gave her a stern look. "Stay out of trouble. Your curiosity about the supernatural is dangerous. Try not to get involved with things beyond your understanding. Remember—curiosity killed the cat."

Anne smirked, her tone nonchalant. "Hmmm, sure. Understood. Thank you."

"You're not actually going to listen, are you?" Alicarde asked, his voice tinged with resignation.

"I will," she replied, flashing him an innocent smile.

Alicarde sighed, shaking his head. "Why do I have a hard time believing that?"