The Past II

So, the only one who can match me is someone with the Element of Light. But right now, I still can't see who that user might be in this era. The archaeologist found a talisman that once could summon that entity, but now it's just an artifact, a reminder for all of us.

But no one destroys something without a reason, right? Why did that person lay waste to this continent so mercilessly? Like a wildfire, there must have been a spark that set it ablaze. It's the same with that person—there had to be a cause that no one knows about.

The tales passed down through hundreds of thousands of years paint the Element of Darkness user as a villain in folklore, while the Element of Light represents hope from that era. And now, the Element has chosen me as its rightful bearer.

"Tell me, Sorcerer, what was his reason for destroying this continent?" There's only one way to find out—by asking the sorcerer directly.

No sound reaches my ears, as if something is blocking my communication with the White Sorcerer. "So that's how it is. Now, who's doing all this?" As I realize this, my vision goes dark, and all I can see is blackness.

The same sensation I feel when trying to awaken my Element. "M-murderer." The voices I hear are from people oppressed by that person. Why are they blaming me, as if I did all that?

"You don't deserve to live." A figure appears before me, like smoke forming a human shape, circling me and accusing me of being a ruthless killer who lived with them in those times.

"You killed my child!" I'm sorry, but blame the person who did that to your child. I don't even know who you are.

If I had done such a thing, I would have known I was a reincarnation of that person. But reincarnation is impossible in this world.

Those who die are carried into the void. I read about it two days ago—they can't reincarnate because their Mana roots, connected by fate, are severed upon death. They remain in the void forever unless they die from sickness or in battle, then they enter the Afterlife. I don't know what that place is like, but the book described it as a place where people rest peacefully.

There's a spell that can revive someone from death, provided they have intact Mana and an unbroken fate. This magic is banned here because it can cause chaos—though the book doesn't explain why. "It must be a great secret." The book ends on that sentence, with no sequel, likely banned by the kingdom's ministry.

Even royal books don't fully describe the powers of Darkness and Light, only that they are Absolute forces that, if combined, could destroy the world. I still don't know the extent of my potential. They say these Elements have no limits, their power rivaling the Dragon Race that lives in the continent's center.

The Dragon Race is the strongest here, only five in number, but one of them can match any nation's strength. The strongest among them, the Black Dragon, is said to destroy stars with its breath alone. But that's probably just a legend. They haven't been seen in ages. "It would be fascinating to meet one and see it firsthand."

It wasn't so bad reading all those library books, Alex. Thanks to you, I've gained so much knowledge.

Suddenly, I feel like I'm falling from the sky. The White Sorcerer awakens me with a snap of his fingers. As I return to reality, I collapse onto the Academy's floor, gasping for breath, feeling drained from the vision.

"Hohoo... Welcome back, Eizan." This old man is so annoying with his constant "Hohoho." I want to punch him sometimes.

"Why did you show me that vision?" I understand the purpose, but I want to hear his explanation directly.

"Forgive me, Eizan. I did it to help you control your power. If you use it too freely, the events from thousands of years ago might repeat in this era."

I begin to pick myself up from the floor, taking deep breaths.

"With great power comes great responsibility. Remember that."

I remain silent, listening to his words. He always speaks with such wisdom, as if he's lived a long, long life.

"Hmppph... It seems our meeting ends here, Eizan." Ah, he's leaving again.

"Next time, tell me why you saved me that night." He just gives me a faint smile in response. There's definitely a reason he saved me.

Anyway, I can't delay my meeting with Director Emilia any longer. She must have been waiting for me in her office. I need to discuss my future and whether I'll accept her offer.

I head towards Director Emilia's office, but on the way, I encounter Zayn walking alone in the Academy's corridor.

Strange. Why is he coming from the same room I'm heading to? Does he have a deal with Director Emilia too?

"Eizan, what are you doing here?" I should be asking you that, Zayn. Why were you coming from Director Emilia's office?

"Ahh... I see." Zayn closes his eyes and continues walking, ignoring me standing in front of him.

"What do you mean?" I turn to look behind me.

But when I look back, Zayn is gone. My whole body shivers. He's like a ghost haunting the Academy's halls.

I continue on and finally stand before Director Emilia's office. "Huff... I need to give her an answer."

I open the office door and am greeted with a cup of hot tea and another cup that looks like it's already been drunk by someone.

"Welcome, Eizan. I assume you're here to discuss something with me." She says, winking at me.