"Hmm… this is a very dangerous mission," said Professor Elbert, sipping his favorite century-old wine while scrutinizing Rinoa's proposal. He claimed that just a drop could put a mammoth to sleep, considering that these ancient, large, and powerful creatures were once dominant in their ecosystems.
"I hope Rinoa will fulfill my desire to study Dark Magic, a mysterious and intricate art that has become a hot topic among wizards," he said.
After finishing every last drop, he tossed the bottle towards Lenz.
"Bring me another one," he said.
Lenz swiftly caught it. "Master, please don't throw this bottle carelessly; although it may look ordinary, it is made from the highly rare skin of an ice dragon, a species that has become increasingly elusive in the wild. Its rarity has become a topic of concern, as we don't even know if this species is extinct or not," Lenz stated, carefully wiping the bottle in reverence.
"Hahahaha... I am merely an enthusiast, not the maker. However, diving into the uniqueness of each concoction is an invaluable experience," Elbert added, his voice hoarse and warm, filled with excitement shining from his bright eyes. He explained in a subtle tone, "If everyone agrees to Rinoa's proposal, we might witness rare supernatural creatures that only appear in gamma locations like this, places that defy the known laws of nature and magic."
Lenz seemed to ignore Elbert's last words, becoming absorbed in his own ramblings, like a child captivated by an infinite imaginary world. His voice flowed with enthusiasm, disregarding the tremor in Elbert's, which conveyed knowledge about mysterious supernatural beings, highlighting the difference in their perspectives.
"As a true connoisseur, you must master the art of making Rosetta wine, crafted from the unique rosberry fruit that radiates beauty akin to that of a rose. Despite its poisonous nature, the taste of this wine is incredibly enticing, and its availability is scarce, flourishing only in the misty highlands of Skypia. The bottle is made from the skin of an ice dragon, which perfectly stabilizes the temperature and preserves the quality of the wine, making each drop seem as if it tells a story. The finishing touch of a hint of snow flower extract adds a special magical nuance; only the Smith family, renowned wine experts, possess the skill and privilege to produce this extraordinary wine," Lenz proclaimed proudly. However, Elbert appeared not to pay attention to him.
"Alright... alright... could you bring it again?" Elbert asked, his voice faltering and sounding heavy.
"Although this wine can be fatal for some, one of its unique advantages is its ability to enhance the drinker's magical strength," Lenz said confidently, perfectly suited for a wizard like you. "After all, the grandmaster is a great wizard, one of the six great wizards in the history of magic. That's why this wine will not endanger you," he added, praising Elbert for his vast experience.
"Exactly," Elbert said, his gaze intense like the creeping shadows of night. His eyes gleamed with tension, creating an aura that made the entire room feel colder.
Suddenly, a thick aura of black magic flowed from Elbert's body, enveloping the room in darkness as if it were siphoning away every bit of light. The darkness crept and gnawed at everything it passed, birthing a chilling and eerie atmosphere. Lenz could only stare blankly, cold sweat pouring down his temples, his mind feeling as if it were teetering on a fragile ledge above an endless abyss. The longer he fixed his gaze on that darkness, the deeper he sank into it, as if ensnared in an invisible web. Though his heart screamed to cry out with all his might, his voice was trapped in his throat, waiting to be freed. On the walls, the paintings responded to the darkness; an elegant princess instantly transformed into a frightening old hag. The hag's hands waved rhythmically, drowning Lenz's senses in a loud choking sound, as if disturbing his fragile calm. Similarly, the once cheerful children's portraits morphed into horrific zombies, struggling to crawl out of the canvas, with terrifying faces and outstretched hands, seemingly pleading for help, yet igniting a profound sense of dread in the room.
"You know, Lenz," Elbert's voice was heavy, laden with suppressed bitterness, "humans are never satisfied. They will always crave more, driven by desires that persist even until their last breath. Whatever lies before them, they will inevitably reach for it—in any form. It can be through asking, begging, or even hurting and robbing one another. It is not uncommon for betrayal and murder to become options when desperation takes hold," he said, emphasizing the dark side of humanity that often remains hidden beneath the surface. He fixed his piercing gaze on Lenz, challenging his understanding and beliefs in the process.
Lenz merely nodded in response, fully aware that he was not naive; he understood that a single wrong word or movement could lead to catastrophic outcomes. The atmosphere was thick with an air of palpable hatred. He had no idea how long he could endure this horror while remaining conscious, yet the stakes felt impossibly high.
"Is this dark magic?" Lenz asked, astonished, unable to conceal his fear. His voice trembled with uncertainty, and his wide eyes stared in terror at the power that enveloped the room.
"Alright, it seems you are not yet ready," Elbert said calmly, gazing at Lenz who appeared still trapped in fear. His voice was like a gentle breeze amid the tumultuous whispers of the magical force surrounding them, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the terror, as if trying to restore tranquility within him.
Slowly, Elbert dissipated his magical aura, returning the room to its former state. Despite this, sweat continued to stream down Lenz's forehead, a clear sign of the previous tension in the atmosphere. Nevertheless, the paintings remained animated and moved like humans, though they appeared grotesque as if tainted by dark magic, constantly observing Lenz like a hunted animal, drooling incessantly like a starving predator.
"Now, let's take a moment to calm down," he said in a firm yet soothing voice, deliberately enhancing the atmosphere to make it more comforting. "I have halted my magic; however, unfortunately, some traces of it may linger in your memory, making it difficult to shake off the recent experiences."
" …. "
"Am I being too much?" Elbert asked, scratching his head as if searching for answers among his hair. "Let me explain," he continued, sitting upright and tapping his legs as if inviting them to dance. "Honestly, if my magic threatened my life, I would have already sold tickets to the greatest adventure show!"
"G-g-guru," Lenz stammered, his voice trembling and fragmented, revealing the deep anxiety within him. His wide eyes seemed to quiver, unable to bear the tension that filled the room.
"Calm down," the mentor's voice was gentle yet firm, attempting to soothe Lenz's overwhelming unease.
"Yes," he replied, his voice breaking, reflecting the uncertainty and fear enveloping him.
"I apologize for what just happened. I didn't mean to frighten you," Elbert said solemnly. "The magic you just witnessed is a form of black magic known as black mist, a technique once created by a mad sorcerer named Entrople from the Gaia race, who possessed immense power but ultimately brought desolation upon himself. Entrople was my close friend; we were inseparable until the day his beloved passed away. After that, he became withdrawn and lost, as if he could not find his way back to the right path. One day, I found him attempting to resurrect the dead, realizing that his actions were against the fundamental laws of nature. At that moment, I could sense that he was no longer the Entrople I once knew. Unfortunately, at that time, he ended his own life using his magic during a failed quest for resurrection. Black mist can only function fully if there is a sacrifice involved—when that tragic moment occurred, I chose to seize that dark power rather than save my dear friend."
Elbert focused the abundant energy within him, channeling it through his arms and centering it in his palm. With intense concentration, he shaped a shimmering sphere tightly infused with magic. The dark light enveloping the sphere pulsed, signaling the power ready to be unleashed. In one swift motion, he hurled the sphere toward the enticing moving painting, leaving a trail of sparkle in the air.
"Boom!! The thunderous sound filled the room, causing the entire walls to tremble violently; this tremendous explosion shattered the moving painting into flying fragments, like pieces of broken glass, creating a horrific silence afterwards."
"Black mist is a form of dark magic that exudes a mysterious aura, akin to thick black fog. This mist serves as a conduit for evil spirits to possess various objects it encounters, including inanimate items like paintings, statues, and dolls, as well as anything susceptible to the presence of supernatural beings. Even the corpses of animals, plants, and humans can be resurrected by the touch of this curse. However, due to its dangerous nature, it is clear that any object affected will transform into a terrifying creature. The more beautiful and enchanting an object is, the more horrifying the appearance of the creature birthed from it," Elbert explained, emphasizing the urgency of understanding the properties of this magic, considering its impact on the surrounding world.
"Master, why are we suddenly discussing this?" Lenz asked with a curious expression. In his sparkling gaze, there was a strong desire to delve deeper into the mysteries of dark magic. Lenz's fascination was evident, as if he could hardly wait to learn more about the darkness that shrouded this magical realm.
"When Rinoa arrives later, I hope she agrees with the concept of dark magic. Although she has expressed an interest in studying the practice, it seems Rinoa is still attached to the hope of embarking on an expedition in Gamma," Elbert said with a frown, his face showing profound doubt.
"Rinoa still yearns for that expedition," Lenz said, furrowing his brow as he pondered the hidden meaning behind her words. He could sense the depth of Rinoa's aspirations, as if she stood on the brink of an adventure filled with mystery and wonder, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore lands rich with magical potential that had long been her dream.
"To be honest, the true wielders of the greatest magical power belong to the Gamma nation, not Gaia or Earth, which pose significant threats and challenges to many other sorcerers. In the regions that lie at the boundaries of these worlds, diverse and extraordinary magical forces are hidden. Rumors circulate that there exists magic capable of resurrecting the dead, buried within dark and mysterious caves. However, it is important to note that this magic is not of the dark kind, but rather a greater white magic, illuminating with pure beauty and the purity of intention. In other words, this magic can revive a person flawlessly, as if restoring a lost soul and bringing newfound hope to a harsh and challenging world," Elbert stated, expressing his deep conviction in the possibility of such a feat.
"Actually, I have a deep interest in going there as well," Elbert remarked softly yet full of hope. "Unfortunately, I have not yet received the approval from the five leaders of Atlantis who hold power."
"I'm also unable to access the forbidden library located on the 50th floor," Elbert lamented with a gloomy expression, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. His voice grumbled with frustration while his thoughts drifted to the arrangement of ancient books that remained out of reach, hidden behind tall walls and tightly locked doors.
"Can you help me?" Elbert asked, his voice filled with hope, although his expression remained somber, revealing the heavy burden he carried. With his arms crossed over his chest, he looked at Lenz, his eyes reflecting both frustration and a yearning for knowledge. A sense of despair haunted his every step, as if the weight of the world still pressed down on his shoulders, waiting for an answer that could change everything.
"Help with what? The access directory for the library?" Lenz replied, confusion evident on his face. His brows furrowed slightly, and he gazed at Elbert with uncertainty in this strange situation.
Elbert firmly placed the glimmering black stone on Lenz's chest. As he did, a dark and terrifying aura began to seep into Lenz's body, a visceral reminder of the formidable power that surrounded them. Suddenly, a scream of pain erupted from Lenz, shattering the silence, as his body convulsed with waves of agony, signaling an unexpected sacrifice that came at a great cost. Gaping wounds appeared on his skin, resembling horrifying gashes, marking the beginning of a horrific transformation. In an instant, his face turned pale, and slowly, his body began to resemble that of a living corpse, like a ghoul stumbling through the haunting shadows of the night.
Raarrgh, Lenz's growl reverberated through the darkness, echoing like a deathly chant. From that moment on, all traces of his humanity vanished, and he was fully transformed into a zombie. His body moved with a slow, swaying motion, as if the last remnants of his energy had been drained by the consuming night.
"Thank you for helping me, Lenz," Elbert said, his voice filled with gratitude and a touch of happiness. His expression radiated brightness, as though the warm light of the morning sun enveloped his heart, bringing a flicker of hope into the surrounding darkness.