Achan's P.O.V
"Good afternoon, and welcome to our institution. Please introduce yourself and tell me why you're interested in studying business management here." The Principal asked as soon as she entered the room.
I took a deep breath and responded confidently.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. My name is Achan, and I've always been fascinated by how businesses grow, manage operations, and create lasting impact. Your school has an excellent reputation in business education, and I believe it will provide me with the right foundation and opportunities to develop my skills."
The principal nodded, seeming pleased with my answer.
"That's great to hear. What specific aspects of business management interest you the most?"
I smiled, eager to share my passion.
"I'm particularly interested in entrepreneurship and marketing. I love the idea of creating something new, understanding market trends, and strategizing how to make a business succeed. I want to learn practical skills that will prepare me to manage a company or even start my own business someday."
The principal looked thoughtful before asking.
"Those are excellent goals. Our business management program is designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation while also focusing on real-world applications. What qualities do you think will help you succeed in this field?"
This field? Why did I pick this field?
"I believe my adaptability, analytical thinking, and willingness to learn will help me. I enjoy problem-solving and thinking creatively to tackle challenges. Additionally, I value teamwork and leadership, which I know are essential in the business world." I answered confidently.
That's not true. I hate leading, and I have been working solo in my entire life!
"What a bunch of lies!" I whispered to myself.
"So, how's the interview?" Sorene greeted me as soon as I left the room, handing me a milk tea she had just bought.
"It's good-"
"That's my boy!" Ori suddenly jumped out of nowhere and hugged me from behind.
"Oy, can you both stop being sweet in public, you're making it hard for me not to feel lonely!" Sorene scorned at us before storming off into the mist.
"Where'd she go?" I asked Ori, but he just ignored me.
What's going on? Why is it getting a bit foggy today?
"Are you okay? Did our principal give you a hard time?" Ori turned me around and grabbed my chin.
"No-Nothing, I just didn't like what I answered on the interview..." I smiled at him before kissing him.
What? Are we-
"Don't think much of it, you're my boyfriend, I'm sure you aced that interview!" He smiled then initiated another kiss.
Boyfriend?
"What's wrong?" His voice suddenly changed.
"Ori?" I pushed him from our hug to see his face.
"When are you coming back? I miss you!"
"Young Master?!" I squealed.
What is happening?
"Let's go? You'll miss your class!" Uther said, but I heard Ori's voice.
"What is going on?" I removed his hands from my waist and looked around.
Where am I?
"Achan? Are you okay?" Uther grabbed my waist and pulled me into him.
The foggy surroundings suddenly enveloped us.
"Stop!" I yelled, making him and the mist be pushed away from me.
What is going on?!
"Is he breaking out of Old Man's Spell?!" I suddenly heard a voice in my head.
"Wait, is this?" Then it hit me, I finally recalled the day we arrived at the Coven-
"ORI, SORENE?!" I yelled.
The Young Master, who was just standing in front of me, turned into dust.
"The Spell is breaking, call the Old Man!" I heard a woman's voice.
Vervaine!
"I call upon the Heavens that govern the Earth, break thy Spell and set thee free. Dionis, God of Mentality and Knowledge, hear thy plea. Blima, Goddess of Blessing, hear thy plea. Silephina, Goddess of Psychic, hear thy plea. Protect thee from any forces that might control thy mind and body, Blessings of Divine Protection, I Achan Allare please, protect me!" My mouth moved on its own, it's as if the power that resides within me helped me recite a Spell that I haven't had access to.
A huge gust of wind flew me out of that place and sent me into a dark room.
"It's too early, I haven't prepared yet!" I heard Old Man's voice.
"Am I- no, this is his memory!" I told myself after seeing myself lying on the floor.
The Spell took me here, the time when we had just arrived on the Coven...
The Old Man sighed as his eyes began to glow.
"Prepare the Ritual, we don't have much time, the First Mage might break free from my Spell any moment now!" He said after reaching for my unconscious body, placing a powerful Mind Controlling Spell.
"Achan!" I heard Ori's voice as the door to the room opened.
"Why did you let my niece contact them? She could have been seriously hurt if I hadn't felt her power. How did they manage to convince her against me?!" Elder Vervaine screamed as she shut the door.
"What am I doing here?" I whispered anxiously.
I'm afraid the First Mage's power is just stalling me!
"Sorene's always been a gullible girl, better put a leash on her or she might get caught in those two boys' troubles!" Old Man chuckled as his forehead started displaying a small Magic Circle.
I felt the familiar aura that his Magic Circle produces, it's his dream-like Mind Controlling, the Spell that took control of what I dreamt earlier!
"What are you trying to tell me?" I yelled, hoping that the thing that brought me here could answer me.
"The Mago's no longer a threat, KILL HIM before the First Mage could get half his power from the kid!" The Old Man's voice echoed in my head.
"But- I already got his part of First Mage's power?!" I gasped.
It's the First Mage's power, it's telling me that Ori's gonna die!
"Wait, don't kill him, he doesn't have the power anymore!" I yelled but they couldn't hear me.
"Finally, we can get rid of the last heir of the Mago Witchcraft!" Elder Vervaine smirked, disclosing their real intention.
That's why the First Mage's power showed me this, it's trying to help me!
"Thank you!" I whispered as my consciousness started to get sucked by a powerful force.
"First Mage?" I heard Elder Vervaine utter as I opened my eyes.
I can feel myself lying on a bed. Am I back in reality?
"Where am I?" I whispered after finding myself tied up, my body filled with glowing, bright golden yellow light.
The First Mage didn't wake up, which indicates that this era doesn't need him yet. But he still chose to protect me, his Vessel, so there's a chance that he might need me soon, but why did he warn me about Ori's death? Does he still want him alive, even though he forcibly revoked his status?
"First Mage, are you awake?" Elder Vervaine slowly walked towards me, her hands reaching to touch me.
Where's Ori's book? I can't cast a Spell without it!
"I-I am, what's the meaning of this?" I tried to remain as calm as possible.
Luckily, with Ori's powers coursing through mine, this old lady seems to bite my lie. No other than the Vessels of the First Mage could tell that my presence doesn't belong to the First Mage, with both combined, my identity would always be mistaken as His!
"Oh heavens, that means Darkness is upon us!" She covered her mouth and knelt in front of me.
"Where's Or- my other Vessel?" I almost slipped.
"Zorion? What do you need from him, Your Excellence?" Vervaine asked while untying me.
I know she's stalling me.
"He's my remaining direct descendant, If something happens to him, I'll set this world ablaze, I don't care if I become Darkness itself!" I tried to lower my voice to make it different from what I usually sound like.
"I-I'm sorry?" Vervaine got stunlocked, realizing the stumble she and her accomplice got themselves into!
I'm sorry for saying this while impersonating you. Sorry, First Mage, you kinda wanted me to save Ori, so please, don't punish me for this!
"Zorion Mago, where art thou!" I tried my best to sound as authentic as possible.
"The First Mage has awoken, Old Man, get in here!" I overheard Vervaine whisper behind me as she followed me around.
She's communicating with him via Telepathically.
I need to come up with a plan, oh my gosh. If it's Ori, he could have saved us both already!
Why does it have to be me- no! I can not have this type of mentality anymore. Ori has done so much for you, Achan, it's time to grow up and return the favor. Ori needs you!
"Oh heavens above, strike thy place, strike thy sinner-" I started spouting nonsense.
"First Mage, forgive us!" Elder Vervaine rushed in front of me to stop my fake incantation.
"Are thee would begin to tell?" I smirked after watching her kneel in front of me as she begged for mercy.
The First Mage showed me that they would perform a Ritual to control my mind and body, so that our Coven ruler, the so-called Old Man, could have his power.
Maybe that's why the First Mage let Ori revoke his part of the power to heal me, so that he could prevent that from happening.
That Old Man's too cunning, he overtook the Coven by slowly getting rid of Ori's family members on the circle of Elders, I wouldn't be shocked if I find out that he's also behind his family's deaths!
And I know Ori must already have that same thought, but we can't fight him head-on, he's too powerful, even Grama couldn't do anything, he's being backed up by the current Great Mage, after all!
"Let him go, or I will bring immeasurable pain to your soul!" I screamed as I stormed into the same dark room in my vision.
"First Mage, what perfect timing!" The Old Man smiled, taking his hands from the now-unconscious Ori.
"You have harmed my entire lineage, wasn't that enough?!" I lowered my voice.
"Oh, so you're aware?" He smirked as three of his men surrounded me.
Is that Uncle Tristan?
I almost broke character, but after seeing Ori's unconscious body behind them, I steeled myself.
"He already has his full power, be careful!" I heard Elder Vervaine say before she ran into Old Man's behind.
What a bitch! Why did she become his lackey anyway? Didn't she possess enough Psychic Fairies to protect her from his influence- or maybe, she's also a wolf under a sheep's clothing. I just hope that Sorene's not faking being our- where is she by the way?!
"If he has his full power, why does he want this kid?!" The Old Man kicked Ori's body.
I was about to run towards him, but a force forbade me from moving.
"I knew it, he's not fully awake yet!" Uncle Tristan smirked as he waved his hand at me with a lit dried Oregano.
"He said he'll set the world on fire if we kill this kid-there must be something else that he needs from him!" Elder Vervaine whispered.
What is she getting into?
"Tristan Allare Valerio, my Vessel's adopted uncle, would you want to know your real parents?" I tried to smile, but my anger wouldn't let me.
But my delivery was still believable, he suddenly dropped his lit herb.
"Don't listen to him, he's still in his vulnerable state, I'll start reactivating the Ritual!" The Old Man stepped forward and reached his hands for my head.
"Good!" I smiled and immediately picked up his herb.
If I can't use His power, I'll use mine instead, but this time, I'll use it with care. I wouldn't want my Purity to be wasted again!
"You stupid kid!" The Old Man screamed after he stopped moving.
Thank goodness, I still got it!
"Ori?!" I yelled and ran for him.
"Yo- You're not the First Mage?!" Elder Vervaine exclaimed after seeing my sudden change.
"You're great, kid, you had us fooled!" The Old Man roared in anger.
"I am my father's son after all!" I laughed before placing Ori next to the door.
I can't leave yet, I must correct this, or else they will come for us!
"You might be a powerful Psychic, but you still can't be all that. After all, your only powerful trait is your mind, and that leaves your body your greatest weakness!" I walked in front of him and my uncle and watched them try to break free from the immobilizing scent of the Enchanted herb.
"You really are your father's son, I can't believe I chose to spare your life that day!" He gritted his teeth as he tried to move his body.
Chose to spare my life that day?
"What are you talking about?" I moved closer to him as I stared at his eyes.
"Achan, don't listen to him, just go!" Uncle Tristan suddenly cared for me.
"Oh, Tris, what an annoying bastard you are!" The Old Man's eyes glowed, but I prevented him from using his power by moving the herb closer to his nose, making the effects stronger.
"Speak!" I grabbed his bald head and pushed it closer to the herb's smoke.
"You've grown so much like your father, I can't believe you learned this from him too!" He laughed as if he already had this exact experience.
"What are you talking about?!" I took a step back.
Me? Like my father? Is he trying to get into my head?!
"The day you ran from home, the Old Man visited your father. If you don't want to know the truth and waste your Purity here, Achan, run!" Uncle Tristan yelled.
What is he talking about?
"Bahaha, what a waste of effort, why do you have to spoil the fun, huh, Tris?!" The Old Man smiled before his body began melting.
"An illusion?!" I exclaimed in pure shock.
I immediately stepped back and looked around, he might be hiding around, waiting for his chance to attack!
"Achan, screen my name's meaning, now!" I hear Ori's voice.
He's awake!
"Happiness?" I mumbled.
*Gasp!* I covered my mouth when a book suddenly appeared in front of me.
His Grimoire?!
"Behind you!" Ori struggled to stand up, and before he could run up to me, I immediately held my hands up.
The book opened, and a blinding light came out of one of the pages. As it glowed, the words written on the page suddenly flowed into my mind.
"By iron will and silent thread,I bind thee fast, thy steps are dead.No wind shall stir, no limb shall sway,Still as stone, thou shalt stay." I cast the Binding Spell and caught the Old Man behind me.
"I see, you've become the Projeny, correct?" He smiled and stared at the book, floating above me, realizing my weakness.
"If you don't want to answer to me, I'll let the Society handle you!" I glared at him before snapping my fingers to open a page in the book that I intended to use next.
"You will run out of Mana before they can arrive, let's see-"
"Let distance fade, let borders break,From here to there, my form I take.By ancient will and whispered key,Open the way now, carry me!" He was stunned after realizing the extent of my newfound power.
*Sigh* Finally, it's over!
"Are you okay?!" I helped Ori stand up after the Old Man and the others vanished from the room.
"Are you feeling all right? Did they do anything else to you?" Ori hugged me tightly as his worry slowly vanished.
"I'm all right, the First Mage helped me!" I smiled.
"He involved you in our deal, too?!" He pushed himself away from our embrace and looked me dead in the eye.
"Deal? Deal with what?" I asked him.
"O-Oh?" He bit his lip after realizing what he said.
"Ori, what deal? What else did you do that you haven't told me yet?!" I asked him again as I stared at his fearful eyes.
"I- It's about us..." He mumbled before covering his mouth with his hands.
"About us?" I repeat.
Before he looked at me again, he took a deep breath.
"I did sacrifice my part of His power to help the Goddess of Nature heal you, right?" He started.
"Yes?"
"Weren't you suspicious as to how you lost the connection to him?" He bit his finger to try and compose himself.
"Wasn't it because I lost my Purity? The past Scion also lost their Purity by using forbidden Spells too, leading to the disconnection from Him, right?" What else is there?
"It's not just because of that, Achan, the First Mage needed a part of our power to aid another world against the Darkness and lost. That's the reason why you became a Projeny and got disconnected from him!"
My jaw dropped after hearing his confession.
"Ori, what happened exactly?!" I yelled.
"I don't know exactly, but, the First Mage is still currently dealing with the Darkness on a different world, and the reason we were spared was because I offered my part of his power-"
"Was that the mysterious Mage's suggestion?" I asked, but I already know his answer.
"Yes!" I knew it.
"Was that mysterious Mage the real First Mage?!" I uttered as I connect all the dots.
"Why do you think I sacrificed my power to Goddess Nulara just to heal you? I could easily purify you, we're both Vessels of the First Mage, we can easily do that!"
"Then, why did you use that- and where did you learn that kind of Spell?!"
"The man in the shadows?"
"The mysterious Mage?"
"He's far stronger than our current Great Mage, and he also knew Black Magic- but I chose to trust him, turns out he's right. We both could be saved!"
"We don't have to worry about that for now, I don't think he'll ever return, after what we've done to Silvia- he said that himself..."
Then I remember those words, he's been hinting at me about it all this time?
"He's this world's manifestation of the First Mage, it's his essence, on an easier term, yes!"
"Well, fuck me, I guess!" I sighed as I dropped myself on the floor.