Ch 34 - Copy Cat

"So I was right?" I ask.

"Indeed. Just like you whispered I am able to see you," The man confirms.

"Because I can see mana and mana is what makes up magic I can see invisible magic. At least to an extent. I can't actually see the spell but right now I can see a bubble around you," He explains.

"That's interesting but it doesn't explain why you were so terrified," I reply.

"Because of what's behind the bubble," He says as he begins to shudder once again.

"And what do you see?" I ask as a smile slowly creeps its way around my mouth.

"Darkness."

"Abysmal darkness."

"If you could see it then why did you decide to follow me?" I ask.

"Curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to know just what you are," He responds.

"Curiosity killed the cat," I say as an absolutely terrifying grin threatens on my face.

"AHHHHHHhhh-"

Nothing.

Nothing at all was left of the man that once stood nearly double my height. His existence was completely eradicated.

"Ha! HAAA IT WORKS!" I shout unable to contain my happiness.

My chilling laughter echos down the alley as I realize that the world is in the palm of my hand.

I could see.

I could see mana.

Back when I killed Edward and the guards by using dark magic and when I absorbed their bodies my magic capabilities grew. Then when I did the same to Sun they grew even more.

At first, this confused me because I had no idea why but I quickly learned that by devouring someone I could take their abilities to increase my own.

Then that's also when I experimented and discovered that it's better to do it on a living being than a dead one.

So by learning that I could steal people's achievements a dangerous idea popped into my head when I met the guard.

Once I confirmed that he could see the darkness that I was covering up I wanted to know how.

I originally thought that he might have a magical item of some sort however what it was instead was so much better.

Because of his bloodline allowing him to see I needed to take a risk.

If I could absorb him I might have been able to copy the ability that he has and steal it for myself.

So by sending out my dark magic to kill and absorb him I found my thinking to be flawless.

Looking at my own arm extended in front of me I could see the bubble that he explained as well as the darkness beneath it.

This new discovery allows for so many new opportunities for me.

Instead of spending hours, days, weeks, or years practicing magic, I could just steal it.

I would just need to go on multiple murderous killing sprees.

Astounded, I quickly made my way out of the alley and made my way towards my next destination that would hold me up for the next couple of weeks.

Even though I could steal all the magic powers of people I still would have no idea how to use them.

I mean I'm still learning new things every day about the magic I've been using for years already.

There no telling how much information I could be missing not to mention new things that I could learn.

And there's only one place to do that.

It is time to claim my reward for allowing the brat to live.

Traveling throughout the many streets that I seem to be passing day after day I make my way towards my 'parents' house.

With my wind magic growing as the days pass my speed also increases.

Thus, I was able to make it back to the house in a relatively short amount of time.

As if I was returning from a long day of work I enter the house without any regard.

By this point, it had been about twenty-four hours since I was last in the building.

Upon my immediate entrance, there was no commotion.

Having no time to waste I begin my search for Ralph.

Entering the kitchen from the front door I make my way to the living room. Yet still, no one was present.

So I then turn to see if they were in their bedrooms. But after checking every place possible I return to the living room confused.

'Where did they go?' I ask myself.

'It's only mid-day so Ralph might actually be working. But where are Luke and Madelyn?' I continue to wonder.

Realizing that I might have come back at a bad time. I just decide to sit in the living room and practice my fire magic.

Having faith in my water abilities I feel comfortable enough that if something were to go wrong with my fire magic I would be able to put it out.

Thus, without any other choice, I sit down and practice for the next couple of hours before someone finally comes back.

*bang*

I hear the door close behind them as I stop practicing and stand up.

"You!" I see a familiar face say.

"Brother!" I exclaim.

"I AM NOT YOUR BROTHER! I thought you weren't going to return but it seems the world hates me too much," Luke complains.

"Where's Dad?" I ask.

"Working, and he is not your dad!" Luke says ending the conversation by walking into our room and slamming the door.

Now having confirmation that Ralph will return I sit back down on the floor of the living room. But this time I don't practice any magic due to Luke being nearby.

I decided that it would be best to keep the number of people that know I can use magic to a minimum. Plus, I might have more plans in the future that involve Luke, and him knowing that I'm a mage might mess some up.

Thus, sitting on the floor I figure I might as well catch up on some sleep.

*bang*

Opening my eyes and standing up once again I finally come face to face with the man I had been waiting for.

"Hello, dad," I say as yet another terrifying smile blooms across my face.