Unveiling the Shadows

Human Trafficking.

I don't remember reading about it in the novel.

I have a bad feeling about this.

I've had an awful day. I'm just going to go back to my room and sleep. That way I'll have enough energy to deal with this all when I get to Assenav.

***

I'm in my room changing into my nightgown with Hermione when I hear a knock at the door.

She heads over and begins to talk with the person on the other end.

I head over to see who she's discussing with.

An old man with a cart and a small child are standing in the hall.

The child who was busy playing with the cart turned to me.

"Would you like to buy a book my lady?" He asked enthusiastically gesturing to the cart.

I look at the cart that's carrying old second hand books. I scan them until my eyes fall on a particular book.

"I'll take this one. Hermione pay them"

Its title is "Mana for Morons by Ray Evans"

I head back inside the room and continue getting ready to sleep even though it's still evening.

When Hermione excuses herself and leaves I crawl into the bed and try to drift off to sleep.

I toss and turn but can't seem to fall asleep. Eventually I pick up the book I bought and started reading.

Mana for Morons by Ray Evans.

Ray Evans is a triple gold star mage. He graduated from the top student from the Alchemy department of Lancos. And is a member of the council of the thirty six. He is a part of  the Aendesia's exploration party into the Dark Isles.

An introduction to Mana

Mana is the basic root needed to cast spells. Almost every citizen of Aendesia is born with at least some level or quantity of mana. But this is no coincidence.

Aendesia is a kingdom whose soil posseses magical properties. And as time went on its residents were able to absorb the mana from it. And after the dark era the people of Aendesia cultivated their mana and spells were created.

At first there was a lot of negativity that surrounded mana usage. Anyone who showed any affinity for magic was promptly executed. There were also different categories for punishment. Methods for this range from burning at the stake to being torn apart by bulls.

It's a part of Aendesia's dark past. And the reason why witch trials aren't judged hastily and are extremely scrutinized.

Back at the ending of the dark era witches were people who showed any signs of having mana. But nowadays that perspective has changed. A witch would be a person who has willingly entered a contract with "Aragan".

Aragan is the lord of evil spirits that has sought to destroy humanity since the dawn of time. Little is now about how he came about but old belief has it than somewhere on the dark isles is a tear. A slash in which he and his horde of endless demon crawl out and terrorize the people of Aendesia at night. But majority of this is all folklore as accounts of things differ from region to region. The only thing is confirmed to be true is that the tear does exist but as impossible as it is for us to venture into it. It is also believed that the same applies to them on the other side.

Hence the reason for contracts. A contract is formed to ensure that they have some hold on this world. For a contract to be formed  The fundamental rule is "Equivalent Exchange"

Something of value is offered and something of equal value is given in return. (For more information please buy and read Mana for Morons: The Dark Arts)

After the initial stigma behind mana was dropped. People began to embrace the use of magic and spells. Aendesia's magical properties are part of the reason the Alian Empire is as strong as it is. At the heart of Aendesia is the Lancos School of Magic.

The school is named after Lancos Heart. A well known magic user of the dark ages and is sometimes referred to as the Father of Mana.

Magicians who go study at Lancos have the choice to major in different departments. Although its best to go with the department that one has affinity for. Each department specializes in a specific way to use mana. There are seven departments in total.

The Department of Alchemy

They deal with the act of pouring mana into liquids to create elixirs of magic. There are a few limitations to this form of mana. Alchemists aren't fighters so will struggle with a one on one match.

The Department of Elementalism

Involved in the training of those who seek the power to use the elements. A complex division that divides further based on the element one decides to specialize in.

The Department of Enhancement

They tend to use their mana to improve their speed, strength and overall physical ability. They are the most common because it is the easiest to learn. Those who fall into this class are hired to be knights and soldiers of the empire.

The Department of Mana Healing

A rare type difficult to master. Mastering this category requires a lot of mana and a lot of willpower. They heal and restore health to those in pain and ill health.

The Department of Spirit Summoning

Users belonging to this category use their mana to form contract with spirits from elemental worlds.

The Department of Enchantment

They use their mana to give special properties to objects.

The Department of The Unknown (Arcane)

A mysterious and almost abandoned department. That study those whose mana carry abnormal properties.

Though before being allowed to study and specialize in any field. One must have passed the thousand spells test.

A test where a person tries to successfully cast one thousand spells as fast as possible. They will be scored based on accuracy, speed and difficulty of the spell.

After receiving admission from their desired department. They spend three years studying and learning spells and all practical ways they can use their mana.

At the end of the 3rd year each student is given a star depending on their performance. There are three rankings in total from bronze to Gold.

My eyes I'm tired of reading. I shut the book and put it under my pillow. I gaze into the darkness of my room suddenly wishing I had a night light.

********At the Mattel Manor*******

Asa felt nervous when the young master had told her to follow him. She just wanted to be done already and go back to her lady's side.

The young master had lead her to the library. And shut the doors behind them.

"Tell me. Is something troubling Isabella?"

Asa began to panic. What should she do?! She had promised her lady that she wouldn't say a wor'd of what was happening to the young master. Deep down she didn't want to betray her but she couldn't disobey the next head of the house.

"I'm sorry young master but I cannot say"

"It seems as though you didn't understand what I said. I am ordering you to tell me"

Clenching her fists and preparing for the worst she steeled her resolve.

"I apologize sir but I cannot say"

"Very well then you leave me with no choice. Refuse to answer me and I'll throw you out"

"Yo....u..u wouldn't!"

He laughed. It was a small laugh but it sent shivers down her spine. If he did infact throw her out. Her family was doomed they relied on her income to survive. And it'd be impossible to find another job that paid as much as her current work.

"You of all people should know that I'm more than capable of such. And If you don't tell me what I want to know I'll not only throw you out but I'll make sure you'll never be able to find work with nobility"

She felt as though the air was forced out of her lungs with that single sentence.

"Ready to talk?"

"I made a promise to the lady so I cannot say anything"

She scolded herself mentally. But her heart was at ease. At least she was able to keep her word.

"Well you leave me with no choice. Pack your bags and leave..."

"Yes sir"

She was done for. She had just lost her main source of income. How would she care for her siblings now?!

"Is what I'd like to say but I can't lose someone like you yet"

"Huh"

"I don't know if you're incredibly loyal or just incredibly dumb. What would you have done if I was actually serious about throwing you out"

She was confused. Just a moment ago he was threatening her.

"You...You're not going to let me go"

"No I was just trying to scare you into telling me"

Relief washed over her and before she knew it. Tears were streaming down her face. She was just happy she got to keep her job without betraying her lady.

"Did anything bad happen to Isabella while I was away"

"I cannot say. But what I can tell you is that it does partially involve the Countess sir"

Adelio sighed in frustration. He could somewhat understand his mother's pain but taking it out on Isabella was just unfair and cruel.

"You don't look too good" he scanned her from head to toe. Observing the bandages wrapped around her head.

"The Countess has been more fractious as of late. And I'm sometimes unfortunately caught up in the crossfire"

"I see. I'll make sure to compensate you for all your trouble"

"Thank you sir" She bowed her head.

"You can go back. Tell Isabella to see me this evening without fail" And with that he left the room.