Magic is not one thing, but a diverse and complex art, divided into three main types:
Combat Magic Combat Magic is the rarest type of magic, used by professional sorcerers in battles. It is highly effective against creatures of darkness, but it is not easy to use. Combat Magic cannot be unleashed without reciting a special "Magic Array." Each Magic Array differs according to its power and method of learning, and they are usually very limited in copies, which is why those who possess them are rare.
Divination Magic This type of magic is commonly used among the people of Babylon. It relies on reading the movement of the stars and predicting the future. Some sorcerers claim there are ways to convert the stars' energy into combat power, but these ideas remain mere rumors and have not been proven yet.
Alchemical Magic This magic deals with the creation of potions that enhance abilities or treat injuries. Alchemical Potions are divided into three types:
Enhancement Potions: The most common, they grant the user temporary power lasting about five minutes.
Recovery Potions: Less common, used to treat injuries, but are ineffective if the wound is fatal or lethal.
Truth Potions: Very rare and unique, they compel the user to tell the truth for a short period not exceeding 35 seconds, and are considered high-quality potions possessed by only a few.
Although there are more mysterious alchemical potions, they disappeared from history a long time ago, and no one knows their true fate.
return to the past...
Inside a dark dungeon, the gloom wrapped around a young boy chained by his wrists, suspended in the air, helpless. He heard footsteps slowly approaching.
A mysterious man approached, his voice carrying the weight of time and authority. He shouted at the guards angrily: "Why did you do this to the boy?"
The voices fell silent, and the guards seemed to hold reverence for this man.
The boy raised his head, tired, and called out to him with an angry but anticipated tone: "You didn't tell me your name, old man."
A calm smile formed on the mysterious man's face, then he replied: "My name is Erold Lionheart... I was the Master of the Knights of Egypt, but you are too small in my eyes."
The boy rested for a moment and said: "I thought you were the only one who could catch me."
Erold (Lionheart) smiled admiringly: "Why don't you join me? You have talents that could serve the country, don't waste them in prison."
The boy looked at him glumly and sarcastically: "How much will you pay me? That's all I care about."
Erold laughed and said: "Nothing... unless you want to stay here until you grow old."
Astonishment appeared on the boy's face, then he said: "Do you want me to work for free? You're more of a thief than the King of Thieves!"
Erold laughed again: "The choice is yours, boy." And he turned his back to leave.
The boy shouted loudly: "Fine, but you must feed me and provide me with a big house."
Erold quickly replied, smiling: "Goodbye... I don't need you."
The boy quickly changed his offer: "Okay, okay, food and a moderately sized house."
Erold continued his way, ignoring him. The boy screamed again: "Can I at least get food?"
Erold confirmed, laughing: "Guards, release him."
The guards were shocked, and one of them asked: "Sir, are you sure? He might escape again."
Erold replied confidently: "Don't worry, I'll take care of him. He will accompany me wherever I go."
The boy was released, and Erold followed him in a state of alert. The guards held their swords, while Erold was relaxed without any worry. One of the guards shouted: "Chief, beware of the boy!"
The little boy whispered firmly as he ran behind Erold: "Where to now, old man?"
Erold replied: "To the Royal Bath so you can wash."
The boy's eyes filled with astonishment and he said: "I never expected to enter the palace in my life, even if the reason was stealing."
Erold looked at him, impressed, and said: "Try to steal next to me, boy, or rather, Little Tiger!"
The boy replied with annoyance: "Don't you dare call me that, you senile old man, I hate that name!"
Erold replied happily and said: "You don't have a name. What do you think if I give you a name instead of calling you The Little Tiger? I fear that name might be a burden on you."
The boy suddenly raised his head, a wide smile spreading across his face, his eyes shining with the enthusiasm of a fearless child. He said in a strong voice full of excitement: "Then, what should I do?! Will I fight criminals?!"
Erold's breath stopped. He froze in place, and time around him contracted as if it had vanished. He saw him. Not the boy in front of him... but his son. The same eyes, the same tone, the same enthusiasm... as if life had returned a moment from the past to him. As if his soul had split between two times... Suddenly he was not in the palace, but in an old training ground, and that little child was running towards him with a wooden sword, laughing and asking the exact same question.
His heart trembled, and his hands shook slightly without showing it. He muttered in a voice closer to a whisper, filled with amazement, longing, and despair: "Arthur..."
The boy looked at him curiously, then smiled, saying: "I like the name... much better than 'The Little Tiger'."
Erold stared at him for a moment, before quickly turning his face away, hiding a look that contained more than time could bear. Erold finally smiled, a warm, genuine smile that had been absent from his face for years, and said in a calm voice: "Let's go, Arthur."
The guards were silent in astonishment, exchanging glances. One of them then whispered: "Is... is that his true soul?" The other replied, still staring at Erold: "I swear... I've never seen him smile like that before." Another replied slowly, not taking his eyes off Erold: "I thought he was emotionless... worse than creatures of darkness... but look at him now."
"Erold" woke up from his sleep, faint light seeping through the window. He was breathing heavily, cold sweat on his forehead, and tears escaping his eyes unknowingly. He sat on his bed, staring at the mud wall... "That dream again..." he muttered softly. The dream that wasn't a dream. The memory that wouldn't die... The voice of "Erold," the warmth of his words, his surprised look when he told him: "Let's go, Arthur."
But no one called him by that name anymore.
Erold sat on the edge of the bed and closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the old voice, the name he used to carry: Arthur. He whispered to himself in a low voice full of determination and regret: "I'm sorry, Erold... I had to honor your name, to be better, and to avenge you." He raised his head, took a deep breath, then said: "I promised you."
Suddenly, Jasmine burst into the room, saying in a disapproving tone: "Promised who, old man?"
Erold sighed, leaning his head back (in an exhausted tone): "Go away, little one."
Jasmine looked at him mischievously, laughing and saying: "Hehehe... You scoundrel, did you promise a girl marriage and run away?"
Erold was surprised by her audacity, but merely kept silent. Jasmine let out a wicked laugh and said as she hurried out of the room: "You didn't answer... that means you did it! Fatherrrr! Erold promised a girl marriage and ran away!"
Erold sighed again and muttered: "That annoying little one..."
A knock came at the door, and Ali entered, saying: "Get ready, today is the Festival of the Stars... and I brought the goat."
Erold, standing up: "Alright, I'll get ready. Thank you, Ali."
But Ali looked at him reproachfully and said in disapproval: "Did you really promise a girl marriage... and run away?"
Erold replied with annoyance: "That little one..." Ali laughed and said teasingly: "I'll wait for you outside, man."
Erold went out after preparing himself, then called out: "Let's go." Jasmine clung to him excitedly and shouted: "To the Festivaaaaal!"
On their way, Erold looked around, observing the festival atmosphere... It wasn't easy to distinguish who belonged to the elite and who was a commoner, as everyone here seemed equal, colored by the hues of joy. Children ran everywhere, laughter echoed between the stalls, and vendors handed out food for free.
Erold was surprised and asked: "Free food?!"
Ali replied with a proud smile: "Yes, the Royal Family funds this day. No one in Babylon sleeps hungry during the Festival of the Stars."
Erold was sincerely impressed and said: "It seems the Royal Family truly cares about the populace." Ali interrupted him, pointing ahead: "We're close to the Shrine of Knowledge. I'll go talk to the guards. Keep Jasmine with you."
Ali walked away, but something... something hidden, was pulling Erold in another direction. Towards a dilapidated, dark shrine, as if time had forgotten it. He felt something deep within him pushing him involuntarily to go there. He took Jasmine's hand and headed toward it.
The shrine... its walls were covered in the blackness of time, and its ceiling barely prevented dust from falling. He opened the door, and a faint light seeped in.
Jasmine (looked at him sarcastically): "Do you want us to die from the dust? Rrr... Rrr..."
But suddenly, everything dimmed. The sound vanished. Darkness reigned.
Erold turned... Jasmine? She wasn't there. He was alone. A voice whispered in his ear, not from a mouth but from his soul: "Finally... you came."
He spun around quickly and said: "What is happening?!" He felt his hip... no sword. "Impossible... I brought my sword..." He muttered: "This isn't reality..."
The unknown voice laughed and said: "I like your analytical ability. Yes, this is the Spirit World."
Erold stared into the darkness: "Impossible... the Spirit World is a myth."
The voice replied in a calm tone: "And how can it be a myth when you are inside it?"
Everything began to become clear... then the unknown person continued, as if giving a lesson etched into existence:
Types of Magical Powers:
Essence of the Mind: The primary source for sorcerers. The more your knowledge and depth of understanding increase, the greater your power. But beware, when a madman obtains the Essence of the Mind... he becomes an unpredictable danger. Legendary Tools and Weapons: Extraordinary objects that can destroy kingdoms or turn a child into a legendary fighter. Spirit Powers, divided into: Spirit World: An isolated place that can only be entered under conditions related to your soul and the soul of those with you. Spirit Sword: A sword that forms since your birth, but its use is difficult for those who do not know their true selves. Soul Separation: A rare phenomenon, with no confirmed information about it.
Erold said in amazement: "That... is incredible information. But who are you?"
The other replied calmly, approaching from the shadow: "I cannot say my name, Erold... or should I call you Arthur?"
Erold gasped: "No one knows that name... who in the hell are you?!"
A light appeared from above the shrine, directed towards a well surrounded by roses and grass. And from inside that light, the features of two unknown people began to form... but they were still unclear. Erold said firmly: "Tell me, what is your purpose in this?"
The unknown replied: "Our purpose... is to help you. And you will thank us later." Before Erold could say anything, the man placed his thumb on his forehead and said: "Remember your confused past... Arthur."
A scream... reality was torn apart. Unspeakable pain. Then silence.
Erold opened his eyes, startled. It wasn't his voice... He looked at his hands, at his feet... they were small. He ran to the mirror... and was shocked. He had returned to being a small boy. He had returned... Arthur.
Arthur was astonished: "This is my room... I don't believe this... Wait a minute..." Then he remembered that he used to live with Erold in the Royal Palace.
Little Arthur rushed out of the room, shouting: "Erold! Where are you?" and ran through the corridors of the Royal Palace, calling: "Erold!"
One of the maids stopped him and called out: "What's wrong, Arthur?"
Arthur: "Where is Erold now?"
The maid answered: "The King requested him."
Arthur rushed to the King's wing, saying: "I must warn him."
Arthur entered the King's wing, but the guards stopped him. One of them said: "What are you doing, Arthur? Isn't this your training time? Go back to training, or Erold will be angry with you and us."
The other guard: "And what does that have to do with us? Everything this boy does, we get punished for!"
Erold came out of the King's wing, noticed Arthur, and then said in annoyance: "You naughty boy! Are you slacking off on training?"
Arthur looked at Erold, his eyes overflowing with longing and tears, then ran towards him and hugged him, saying: "I missed you, Erold... I'm sorry, truly sorry... that I left you. I couldn't do anything that day..."
Erold was surprised and looked at him, saying: "What's wrong, boy? What are you talking about? Are you alright? Did you fall on your head?"
The guards looked on in shock; it was the first time they had seen the boy in this state. Arthur said in amazement: "How did this happen? Wasn't I with that unknown person?"
Then he remembered the last thing the man told him: Remember your confused past, Arthur. He concluded that he was now inside his memories.
Arthur asked Erold: "Erold, did you meet Hoor just now?"
Erold was surprised and said: "I know you're rude, Arthur, but you must respect Prince Hoor." Arthur was shocked and thought internally: So, Hoor is still a prince...
He heard one of the guards say: "They found a princess murdered in a horrific way... severed limbs and scattered intestines. It is said that one of the creatures of darkness ate her."
People describe the Jinn as creatures of darkness for a logical reason: no one has ever seen them, only something moving in the dark, except for a few... and some went mad afterwards. The Jinn are creatures with strange abilities that some cannot imagine, but they do not eat humans. That case was not caused by the Jinn, but by Hoor, who did this to her so he could escape her, and cast the blame on the Jinn race.
Arthur thought: This crime happened before Hoor became king, after he assassinates King Amun, and after he betrays Erold... Erold suspected Hoor was the one who assassinated his father, so he went to confront him, but he was betrayed. Erold found himself surrounded by many soldiers, and ended up drenched in blood... but I will stop this.
Arthur to Erold: "Erold, where is Lady Elizabeth?"
A look of suspicion crossed Erold's face, and he thought: Why does Arthur seem different today? Why is he polite to me and not calling me a senile old man? What happened to him?
Erold said calmly amidst the noise of the guards: "Arthur, why don't we spar together? We haven't done that in a while."
Arthur thought: Why does Erold want to spar with me? In the past, he wouldn't do that, so I would get angry and train harder... But why not? I want to know whose level is better... mine or yours, Erold?
Arthur said with eyes filled with resolve: "Come on, let's do it, Erold."
Arthur, Erold, and some guards headed to the city square. Arthur asked Erold for a dagger so he could use his full potential.
Arthur (arrogantly): "So you want the spar to be until the end?" Erold replied: "Don't boast, little one, I think you forgot who I am."
One of the newer guards whispered to the other: "Mr. Erold, wasn't he the former Master of the Knights?"
The other guard replied: "Yes, but the King made him his advisor, because Erold possesses strategic intelligence and indescribable strength. His loyalty is always to the King, so he didn't want to keep him as the leader of the knights, but made him his personal bodyguard and advisor. Erold is a personality you only see once every five hundred years."
Erold called out: "Arthur! Are you ready, boy?"
Arthur replied: "Where is my weapon?" One of the guards brought him a dagger, and Arthur thanked him. (He said to himself: This time will be different, Erold.) Arthur gripped his two daggers and prepared for the spar.
Erold looked at him in shock... he saw Arthur in a stance he wasn't used to, but in a perfect stance for using daggers; gripping them from the bottom of his palms, his left hand—his weaker one—raised high to cover his weak points.
Erold blinked, and found Arthur had moved to him with tremendous speed, attacking him and saying: "Try to block this, Erold!"
In surprise, Erold blocked the attack, and Arthur continued to attack with astonishing speed.
The guards were shocked and said: "Since when did the boy become this fast? He was fast before, but now he is much faster!"
Erold thought: What happened to Arthur? He's strange today... Wait, did a Jinn possess him? Impossible... but why do I feel excited?! Calm down, Erold, he's Arthur. Erold said amidst the attacks: "You are not Arthur... but you have excited me, you!"
Arthur saw Erold's expression darken, but he smiled, and Arthur was surprised. Erold began exchanging attacks with him.
One of the guards described the scene: "You can only see swords moving and sparks from their hands... you can't keep up with their speed."
Erold continued the attack and said: "Impressive!"
Arthur was tired and surprised, and said to himself: Hold on... was Erold this strong? There are things I don't understand about this man...
Erold continued the attack, and fatigue began to show on Arthur. Arthur (internally): Damn this weak body... I'm not even used to moving in it!
Erold thought: I figured it out... he's possessed. It seems he's not used to this body... Don't worry, Arthur, I'll help you.
Erold backed away slightly, then said: "It's time to get serious... I will use a medium-level Array, you! If you have a trump card, bring it out before you regret it!"
Arthur was shocked and said in fear: "What's wrong, Erold? I was just joking!"
Erold (calmly): "I won't kill you, but you will answer my questions, you."
He raised his sword to the sky and said in a powerful voice: "Night Array, now darkness reigns!"
Darkness emerged from Erold's feet and spread five meters around him. Arthur tried to escape, saying: "It's me, Arthur!"
But no one could see. He sensed something behind him, he turned... there was no one. Erold said from behind him: "You have sharp senses, you!" Then he struck him on the head, and he lost consciousness.
Arthur woke up restrained, and Erold was in front of him, saying: "Good morning, you cursed one!" Then he punched him in the face. Arthur felt pain, and sadness appeared on Erold's face, so he said: "I'm sorry, Arthur, this is only for your own good..."
Erold directed questions to Arthur and said: "Who are you?"
Arthur: "I'm Arthur."
Erold shouted: "Stop lying! Why am I wasting my time?"
Erold took out the Truth Potion from his pocket and showed it to Arthur. Arthur said to him sarcastically: "Man, you don't stop draining the Kingdom's potions! How many potions do you carry with you in a day?"
Erold was surprised and thought internally: Why is he acting like Arthur now? Was the thing that possessed him watching him for a while? I'll find out after the potion.
Erold held Arthur's mouth to force him to drink the potion, but Arthur was cooperative, which increased Erold's suspicion. Arthur said: "I trust you, Erold... Ask what you need to know, and don't make me say what I'm hiding if you trust me. Arthur saw Erold as an older brother and a role model." Erold's eyes glistened and he said: "You got it... boy?"
Arthur opened his mouth, and Erold poured the potion into it, then asked him: "Are you truly the Arthur I know? Answer: yes or no."
Arthur replied: "Yes, my older brother."
Erold felt relieved and said: "You scared me, you rascal... it's a potion with a ten-second effect, you will be able to speak freely at any time afterwards."
Erold said to himself: I don't know what you're hiding, boy... but I respect this. Erold freed Arthur and said: "You have an excellent style, you surpassed the level of the new Master of the Knights."
Arthur laughed and said: "And I will surpass the old one soon."
Erold laughed and said: "I don't think so, boy! You were good, but not good enough. Come on, let's go, Lady Elizabeth wants to check on you." Erold said: "She is in the wing..."
But he couldn't finish his sentence, as he saw Arthur rushing off, saying: "The servants' wing! I felt her!"
Arthur rushed to the servants' wing, saying: "I haven't seen you in a while, my older sister, Elizabeth!"
Arthur reached the servants' wing, and found an elderly woman, with gray hair, somewhat short, and with affectionate features. She wore a simple maid's dress. She turned and found Arthur jumping in the air, saying: "I missed you, Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth was surprised, then said happily: "Arthur! What happened to you?"
Arthur fell while hugging her, and said: "I missed your stew, Elizabeth... I haven't eaten it in a while!"
Elizabeth laughed and said: "You little liar, you ate it yesterday!"
She noticed a bruise on Arthur's eye, and was surprised, saying: "Who did this to you? And what happened to you? Erold told me you were possessed!"
Erold appeared from behind Arthur and said: "He's fine, my suspicions were controlling me."
Then he spoke, addressing Arthur: "Boy, what happened to your senses?"
Arthur replied: "I used to sense your anger before, but now you are like a still well!"
Erold smiled and said: "Smart boy."
Arthur asked him: "Why were you hasty in knocking me down?"
Erold replied: "Because the Essence of the Mind cannot withstand the Array. Unfortunately, I cannot use more than two Arrays, or my Essence of the Mind will be poisoned... and I'm not in the mood to be bedridden for a whole month because of a medium-level Array."
Arthur: "I should have tried harder... I would have won against you!"
Erold laughed: "In your dreams, boy! The Night Array is much stronger than that, but I didn't want to kill you."
Arthur was annoyed: "I don't understand the Essence of the Mind yet." Arthur was talking about the past and the future, and he couldn't use magic no matter how hard he tried or exerted himself.
Erold: "For the Essence of the Mind to awaken with you, you must make your mind separate from your body."
What Erold didn't know was that Arthur had done that... but in a moment of despair, nothing happened, and he couldn't activate the Essence of the Mind.
Arthur got up from the table, tired after eating the stew, and said: "Thank you for the food, Lady Elizabeth... it was delicious."
Elizabeth replied with a smile: "You seem to have an appetite today, my little one!"
She approached him, hugged him while crying, and said: "I don't know why... but I feel like I won't see you again, Arthur. Please, take care of yourself."
In the blink of an eye... Arthur traveled through time in the same room.
But he found a person stretched out on the ground, their blood flowing. Arthur approached, trembling, and said: "No... not again... Please, don't let it be you..."
In a trembling voice he said: "Eliz... abeth?"
He found Elizabeth lying on the ground, stabbed, whispering: "Ar... thur... Arr... thur... run... please..."
Arthur hugged her, crying: "Elizabeth! Please don't leave! Nooooo!"
But unfortunately, Elizabeth breathed her last, saying: "Run... please..."
Arthur remained beside her, crying: "Why does this happen again...?"
He remembered Erold, and said tearfully: "I will come back, Elizabeth... I will come back for you... I'm sorry!"
Arthur ran to the Royal Hall, and found it in ruins... fire everywhere. He entered the Throne Room, and found Erold surrounded by 200 knights, and King Hoor sitting on the throne, saying arrogantly: "Do you want to revolt against your King, Erold? Is this what you promised my father? Loyalty? Or betrayal? I see nothing but a traitor who wants to kill the new King!" Erold replied: "You conspired with the King of Thieves to assassinate the King, and sent mercenaries to distract the guards... and you were the one who killed him."
Suddenly... the sound in the hall stopped, as if everyone had been struck deaf. The guards wondered to themselves: "Is this an Array? Or strange magic?"
Erold felt a dark magic, then said: "You are possessed..."
Hoor's eyes turned black and red, and he said: "Oooh... Erold, Erold... I didn't expect you to fall for this trick!"
The sound suddenly returned. Hoor said: "Guards... kill Erold!" Then the sound stopped again. Hoor said: "Do you want to kill your soldiers? They all have families and children... will you return to killing? Or should I call you by your old title... (The Retired Killer) Erold?"
Erold froze in place. He did not want to kill them. He remembered their faces, their laughter, their training... He remembered one of them saying happily: "I've been blessed with a child!" Then he remembered his son contemplating the sky from inside the ruined palace, and saying: "How lucky I am, I've been blessed with two sons in this life... and they are all wonderful."
Erold looked back, and saw Arthur in shock. He smiled at him, then King Hoor said: "Guards... Attack!"
Erold was stabbed 200 times... they did not stop until his breath ceased. But he was saying to Arthur in his final moments: "Take care of yourself... my son..." Arthur ran toward Erold's body, tears filling his eyes, shouting: "Erold!! Please! Don't leave me... please!" He put his head on his chest, the dead man.
King Hoor looked at him, and said with disdain: "Annoying boy!" But he noticed the symbol on Arthur's chest, and was terrified... he couldn't even speak.
Arthur said: "I promise you, Erold, I will take revenge... whether it's the one who controlled Hoor, or Hoor himself..."
Arthur noticed his words had changed. Hoor was trying to flee... In a moment of fear... a circle of the symbol on his chest glows... then a second... then a third. Arthur's eye turned into an eyeless socket. Arthur moved with lightning speed, choked Hoor, and said: "I know you won't die easily... but I will destroy you mentally... and that's much better!" He broke Hoor's back and said: "I'll deal with you later..."
The guards shouted: "Your Majesty the King!"
Arthur turned to them, and killed ten of them with unbelievable speed. The guards attacked Arthur, who was moving quickly. Some were killed by their own colleagues out of extreme fear. And inside him, Arthur was screaming: "I don't want this! Why can't I control my body?! Who are you?!" An inner voice answered him: "Silence, you weakling! Do you want Erold's blood to be wasted? I swear I will exterminate all Jinn!" Arthur asked him: "Who are you?!" But he received no response.
He headed toward Hoor, who was crawling away. He told him: "I want to stab you, but you won't feel Erold's pain... half of you is paralyzed... so, I'll smash your head!" He crushed Hoor's head until it shattered.
Arthur fell unconscious, next to Erold's corpse... He woke up later, and remembered everything that had happened. With mixed feelings of sadness and anger... He carried the bodies of Erold and Elizabeth with him, and walked through the city. People were afraid of him. They called him "Devil Arthur." They accused him of killing the King and the knights, and accused Erold of treason. But he ignored them, and said: "You will die ignorant... This man killed himself so you could live." In a moment of silence, one of them shouted: "Get out of here, Devil!"
In despair, Arthur left the city, and buried Erold and Elizabeth in a nearby village. An elderly sheikh approached him and asked: "Who are these?"
Arthur replied (with brokenness and a faint voice): "They are my father and mother... the most beautiful things I ever received in this world."
The sheikh said sadly: "And what is your name, boy?"
Arthur was silent, then said (in a faint voice): "My name is... Erold."
The old man with a gentle smile: "Welcome, Erold."