Ari, Dawn, and Tracey learn more about magic from an old retired teacher who reveals the different tiers of magic, including rare and powerful types like light, dark, gravity, and even time and space magic. Meanwhile, Imperial's suspicion grows as he quietly follows a mysterious group and uncovers troubling connections between empires.
Scene: Secrets of Magic – The Journey Begins
Imperial had been following the mysterious figures for hours, staying hidden beneath the shroud of dusk as they moved steadily toward the southwest region of the empire. His breathing was steady, his steps cautious. The deeper they ventured into the remote lands, the more uneasy he felt. Something about this journey wasn't right.
Meanwhile, far away in the countryside, Dawn, Ari, Tracey, and the old man sat around a flickering fire inside a humble wooden cabin tucked between trees. The air buzzed faintly with the crackle of magic and firewood.
The old man sipped his tea before speaking again, his tone suddenly more serious.
"There's a limit to what your magic can do—at least in its natural state. But once you reach that limit... another form awakens."
Dawn raised a brow. "Another form? What does that mean?"
The old man nodded. "If a mage achieves complete control and mastery over their magical ability, they unlock the potential to push beyond. During intense combat or rigorous training, it can temporarily boost their magic to a much higher level."
Ari leaned forward, intrigued. "How is that even possible?"
"Two known techniques," the old man said, raising two fingers. "But first—tell me, you've all heard of magic waves, haven't you?"
The three nodded in unison. "Of course."
He continued, "Magic waves are the physical manifestation of your energy. They ripple outward, affecting the environment and your opponent. But there's something even beyond that—an advanced technique."
As he spoke, a flashback flickered as Imperial's memory same time —Master Kaien's voice echoing in his mind.
"There exists a technique," Kaien once told him, standing in the open plains beneath a stormy sky. "It's called the Magic Zone."
Back in the present, the old man's words mirrored Kaien's exactly.
"The Magic Zone is a powerful technique where a circular area of magical energy forms beneath your feet, spreading outward. Within this zone, your magical power is enhanced—and in some cases, your opponent's magic is weakened."
Dawn's eyes widened. "So it gives you a boost and weakens them?"
"Exactly. But there's a catch," the old man said. "If your opponent shares the same magic affinity as the one you used to form the zone, it might strengthen them too. It's a double-edged blade."
Ari frowned. "Sounds risky. And difficult."
The old man nodded. "Indeed. Many magic wave users never reach the level to form a Magic Zone. It's not just about power—it's about mastery, control, and harmony with your magic."
He leaned back, eyes distant. "There's only a handful of users known to control the Magic Zone. One of them is from the Central Empire—Erika Rowan. She's one of the most gifted mages I've ever heard of."
"Rowan?" Ari's eyes sharpened. "You mean... from the top three royal families?"
"That's right. She's a frontrunner for the position of next emperor," the old man confirmed. "A true prodigy. I also heard the Alden family has a promising youth, but Erika was chosen over him for the Elite Five. Perhaps the boy didn't meet expectations."
Ari looked annoyed. "I doubt that. Maybe the council just doesn't know his worth."
"What is this Elite Five anyway?" Tracey asked curiously.
Dawn answered, "A few weeks ago, all five emperors met and created a new title—The Elite Five. One chosen warrior from each empire, selected not just for strength but unity. These five are granted a rare privilege—they can involve themselves in matters of any empire, even override an emperor's command if needed."
Ari's eyes narrowed. "That's new. No wonder we didn't hear. We were still in your village back then, Tracey."
Tracey nodded. "Too busy trying not to get killed."
Dawn turned to the old man again. "You said there were two techniques to boost magic. What's the second one?"
"Ah, yes." He lifted his cup again. "The second is something that anyone can use—if they survive long enough in battle."
"It's called Drive Mode—or just 'Drive.' It's a burst of magical power triggered during combat, especially when a mage is fatigued or cornered."
Ari tilted her head. "So… it activates automatically?"
"At first, yes," the old man explained. "The body responds to danger with an instinctive surge of energy. But with training, you can learn to trigger it deliberately. The downside? It consumes your magic quickly. But the upside—it multiplies your power. Like a catalyst."
Ari nodded. "A short boost for a high cost. But sometimes that's all you need to win."
Suddenly, a faint blue glow shimmered around Ari's waist. Her magic crystal pulsed. A call.
She tapped it, whispering, "Imperial?"
His voice came through, quiet and urgent.
"Ari, listen to me carefully. I've found something. It's related to that woman's missing husband. But more than that… there's something dangerous happening in the empire. I'm in the southwest region. Come quickly. And be discreet."
The connection cut off.
Ari stood immediately. "Imperial's in the southwest. He said it's dangerous and tied to the missing husband."
The old man's face hardened. "The southwest? That's forbidden territory. Civilians aren't allowed there. Not even the royal family can enter freely. That entire region is under the direct control of the Royal Council."
Tracey clenched her fist. "Then Imperial's in serious danger."
Dawn turned to the old man. "Where are we right now, exactly?"
The old man grabbed a rolled-up map from a shelf, spread it across the table, and pointed.
"We're between the northern and eastern borders. The southwest is the complete opposite—across forests, plains, and multiple checkpoints. It'll take at least half a day at top speed."
Tracey's eyes narrowed. "Then we'll go by beast once we get far enough from the town."
"I wouldn't advise it," the old man warned. "That area... it's crawling with secrets the empire doesn't want uncovered. But—" he paused, eyes meeting theirs, "—if you must go, you'll need to move carefully. If they catch you... you'll be branded traitors."
Dawn nodded. "He's our friend. We're going."
Without another word, the three left the cabin and started moving—on foot first, staying low. They'd switch to beast mounts once they were far enough from prying eyes.
Above them, the stars twinkled in eerie silence as if watching their every step.
And deep in the shadows of the southwest, Imperial was already walking into a secret that could tear the empire apart.