Chronicles of Legends

Volume 7 Chapter 3 - Foreign Magic

|Lancelot|

"Where are you leading me, Mordain?" I inquired, a spark of curiosity igniting within me as I trailed behind the illustrious leader of the phoenixes. Together, we ventured away from the familiar training grounds where I had honed my skills in arduous battles against other adult phoenixes.

"It is time for you to unlock your true power," he replied with solemn simplicity, his words resonating with purpose. Guiding me towards a nondescript section of the wall, Mordain pressed his hand against it, triggering a hidden mechanism that responded to his unique mana signature. With a soft click, the wall yielded, revealing a descending flight of weathered stairs.

"Follow me," he beckoned, retrieving a gleaming golden coin from his possession, "Within these depths, time is entwined and distorted, manipulated by the forces of aevum. Therefore, clutch this coin, for it shall guide and anchor you amidst the temporal labyrinth."

Grasping the coin with a firm understanding, I accepted this token of guidance from Mordain. Together, we embarked upon the descent, traversing the winding stairs that led us deeper into the unknown. Eventually, we arrived at a grand door, reminiscent of the revered Spirit Room, adorned with the rich hues of mana—its four distinct colours harmonising in a symphony of resplendent shades. Amidst the vibrant tapestry, splashes of regal purple, symbolic of aether, danced with an ethereal allure.

Mordain's hand effortlessly brushed against the door, swinging it open with an uncanny ease that belied its imposing stature. A silent gesture beckoned me to step forward, granting me the honour of venturing into the enigmatic depths that awaited beyond.

At my side, Bell, my loyal wind spirit, manifested, her ethereal presence palpable. Sensing my unease, I turned to her, seeking reassurance in her wisdom.

'What's amiss, Bell?' I inquired, my senses heightened by her unusual alertness.

Her response came in a whisper of concern, 'Something... stirs here, Lancelot. I sense a presence. May I remain by your side for now?'

Perplexed, I nodded, granting her request without hesitation. Together, we ventured into the dimly lit expanse of the room, Mordain's conjured fireball casting flickering shadows that danced upon the walls. In the heart of the chamber stood a peculiar structure resembling an ancient altar. Atop the altar rested a towering pillar, upon which floated a book, defying gravity with an air of otherworldly significance.

I blinked, my gaze fixated upon the grimoire that seemed all too familiar—a relic from a world I thought I had left behind. Adorned with the emblem of a spade in regal blue hues, embellished with golden accents, it held an unmistakable allure that tugged at the depths of my memories.

"I-it can't be," I stammered, caught in a daze of disbelief. "That book... it shouldn't exist here!"

Bell's telepathic voice resonated within my mind, her tone filled with awe and recognition. 'Lancelot, it is your star magic—the grimoire you wielded in your past world!'

Mordain's voice cut through the haze, his expression harbouring a knowing smile. "This very book descended into the depths of the Beast Glades over seventeen years ago," he revealed, recounting the tale with measured words. "Vicht appeared, instructing us to safeguard it until the rightful owner, the one deemed worthy, emerged. Each phoenix who attempted to unlock its secrets met with failure. But you, Lancelot, can wield its power, can you not? Or should I address you as Yuno?"

In that moment, clarity struck like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the fragments of my fragmented past. The realisation dawned upon me, casting away the shadows of uncertainty that had shrouded my journey thus far.