Chapter 3: Magic

"What do you mean by a god?", asked the confused Alexander to the Grand Magician. The wind blew suddenly which started to move the Grand Magician's beard and hair, but he had a serious look in him. "It's time you know how magic works young Alexander, now sit and let me explain to you". Alexander quickly did what his master asked, and he sat down on the ground with his legs crossed. He looked up at the Grand Magician who then sat down in the ground as well, and then he looked at Alexander. Before the master started to talk he lifted his arm slightly and with his fingers, a bright beautiful white light began to glow. The Grand Magician then said, "Magic is elegant…magic is energy…. magic is what keeps this world alive and it is everywhere, from the land to the heavens. It is dormant within all the children of Gaia. Magic although elegant can also be fierce, twisted, and with the right control it can become a weapon", at this moment the elegant light that the Grand Magician was fabricating turn fierce and it felt hotter, and then it stopped. Alexander with excitement said, "So how do I awaken my magic? if you say that it is dormant within me". The Grand Magician then quickly answered, "I will get to that, for now it is important that you know that once you awaken your magic there are certain limits that you will have. Yes, magic is power, but it can also be unforgiving. The reason that all children of Gaia have magic dormant in them is because of the essence of their energy called lifeforce. Some have small amounts, and others have an enormous amount. Alexander the first time I saw you I noticed it…. The amazing amount of lifeforce that your body was producing and with my vision it all clarify things more that you are destined to wield magic. Once you awaken your magic that lifeforce will make its way all over your body. It will start from the stomach where it is stored, once open it will moved to your arms, legs, shoulders, and even your head. When this happens, your body will feel stronger and you will be able to do things that you previously couldn't". Alexander was so enlightened by the words of his master, all he thought was that magic will make him strong, but there is more to that. In his mind he thought magic meant ever lasting power. The Grand Magician then continue, "once you are able to use magic you will be able to use this lifeforce and converted into magic, but as I told you before there is a limit on what you can do. Think lifeforce as a lake and you keep drawing water from there". Alexander then quickly interrupted the Grand Magician and said, "So life force is replenishable?". The Grand Magician answered, "Exactly, but also if you keep taken out water from this lake without given it a chance to replenish it will eventually dry out. This is my warning to you now young Alexander, do not let your lifeforce run out for it will end your life. This is the very risk we take on wielding magic. That is why it is important to train, because it can help you gain more lifeforce and it will give you the ability to last longer in battle".

Alexander kept on looking at his master with determination to learn the concepts of magic. The other Grands then woke up and got out of their tents and saw Alex talk with the master. Zoran began to make some breakfast, and Emilia helped him. Robert restarted the fire and he said, "Looks like it is his first day of training huh…finally we are going to see what he is made of". Zoran then said, "Well let's hope for the best". Back with Alexander the Grand Magician kept on explaining the concepts of magic. "To unlock the dormant magic within you it is necessary to open the first arc of magic. Arcs are like levels of your mastery of magic, every arc is harder to open then the other, but it will give you immense power every time. The normal state of magic is that first arc that I just mention. Magic is an unbound source of energy and to my knowledge it is without a doubt that only four arcs of magic exist. To open the first arc of magic you must summon a God and form a pact with him". Alexander's excitement then turned to fear as he said, "A what? A god, how will I do that?". The Grand Magician noticed Alexanders fear and he answered, "Calm down Alex, there is nothing to fear , we will need to do a ritual spell and this will summon a door which you must enter and face the trial of your god… the god you get will determine which type of magic that you gain… there is five types, which are astral, elemental, destruction, spirt, and armament. Some gods can have a hybrid of this magics, for example Roberts god, Agni, who is a combination of elemental and destruction magic". Alexander was still surprised by the fact that he had to summon a god of all things. He had no clue on how he will confront the god that picks him. "Master this is all great information, but I still do not know what the trial of my god will be like, how can I pass a gods test", Alexander asked. The Grand Magician answered with certainty, "I do not know what your trial will be Alexander because it is different for everyone…. What I do know is that it has to be you that walks in to the door once it summon, and only you". The fear of Alexander became greater as he came into the realization that he will not have his masters help or any other of the Grands, it will only be him.

"Master I can not do this alone, I know nothing on what to do once I meet the God…. how can I pass a God's trial", said Alexander with a great amount of fear. The Grand Magician answered, "I know it sounds hard Alex, but you need to understand that you can prevail… my students are the living examples of that as all of them went through their own trials and gain magic". This words from the Grand Magician help Alexander calm a fraction of his fear, he then asked, "Master, what happens if I don't pass the God's trial?". The Grand Magician stayed frozen and almost stoic, like he wanted to avoid answering that question as much as possible. However, he knew that it was unavoidable to hide the truth from Alexander as he is a very curious boy. "You will, die…. That is why the first arc is always the hardest one to open and the hardest step towards gaining power". Alexander started to shake from fear as he heard his masters answered, part of him did not want to do it. Yet, he then remembers the angered he has toward demons, all that hatred gave Alex the push he needed and reluctantly he said, "Find! I will do it!". The Grand Magician look like he had some doubts about Alexander and him being ready to take on such a hard task and he said with concern, "Are you sure Alex, if you are not ready we can wait another time". Alexander then closed his fist in angered and he then screamed, "No, I have to do it! I need to become stronger… because those demons need to pay!". There was an enormous amount of hatred within Alex. His green eyes looked like they had a hunger in him, it was a hunger for blood. The Grand Magician sense Alex's deep hatred. "Alex there is something else that you must know….. it is about the hatred that you have….it is good to have it because it can drive you to become better, however when you have magic hatred can become darkness", the Grand Magician said. Alexander looked carefully at his master as he did not understood what he meant by darkness, "What do you mean master?". Robert who became curious about the teachings that the master was given Alex approach them and Rae follow. As he walks towards them he heard the conversation and instead of the master answering the question, he did. "It means that darkness can corrupt your magic, and when that happens you will be no better than a demon". Alexander looked at Robert with surprise as he did not notice that he had come. "It's true Alex", said the Grand Magician as Alexander turn to look at his master, "you must have control over your emotions or you can become the very thing that you are trying to stop… for when hatred takes over darkness can manifest, and you will descend into despair…. The pits will open, and your normal flow of magic will be broken", the Grand Magician added. Alexander could not think of something worst then the demons, and surely, he did not want to become something worst. "I can't stop hating the demons master, but I'll try to keep my emotions in a better place", Alexander said to his worrying master.

"That is good to hear Alex…. alright then, now that we have told you most of the rules and concepts I think it is time to begin now", said the Grand Magician with an eager voice. The Grand Magician then looked at Robert into his red eyes with a serious looked and said, "Robert it's time to set up the ritual and I will need your help setting up the summoning magic circle…tell the others to help as well". Robert then nodded as to show that he understood the instructions of his master and with Rae proceeded to tell the others. The Grand Magician then got up and also lifted his staff and went to go help the Grands set up the summoning ritual. Alexander stayed sitting down and thinking while looking at the nearby canyon, he was looking at the river running through it. He thought that it was so blue and beautiful, and it even was green on the sides of the river which was rare for a canyon since there is mostly dry weather. Then behind him he felt the presence of someone and then he heard, " Alex". He then turned around to see Zoran with a wooden bowl that had a spoon with it. Zoran was without armor and Alex saw that he had quite a bit of muscles and was pale white, his face was slightly tanner. " Here, you do not want to do your trial with your stomach empty do you?", said Zoran. Alexander stomach began to growl suddenly in hunger and he quickly grab the bowl and began to eat. " This is so good! What is it?", asked Alexander who had never tasted something so good in his life. Zoran felt good from the praise he was given by Alexander it made him feel somewhat cheerful and then he said, " Well that is chicken broth with rice and vegetables, I also put some meat in it". Alexander continue to eat and said, " What are this little soft lines they taste so good". Zoran then began to thing of the name of the ingredient as it was sometime ago that they got it . He answered, " I believe, and I am not quite sure, that they are called noodles or something like that". He then looked at Alex who finished his food very quickly and he looked sadden by the fact that it was all gone. " I know that you are scare, I see it in your eyes Alex…. You are scare that you will fail, correct?", Zoran said with a concerning voice. Alex then stood and looked at Zoran and said, "Its that obvious huh?...The master said that this is the hardest step, but what if I can't even pass the first step and I fail". Alexander looked sadden and worried and Zoran then said, " Do not worry on the what if Alex, since that will only set you back and limit you… You need to focus on the now and what will you be willing to do to gain the power that you seek….Remember that this is not an impossible task to do for it has been done before". The words said by Zoran help Alexander somewhat for it was true that they had done it and had gain their magical powers. It sort of relief that tension he had in his shoulders, it was not all but some because he still could not help to be anything but scare.

Then came Emilia to the edge of the rock where Zoran and Alexander were. She then said, " The ritual is ready now. Are you ready Alex?". While Emilia and Zoran looked at him, Alexander took a deep breath and said "Yes, let's do this". There was a huge magic circle, which was written with chalk, that covered a large portion of the camp. It had weird scripture that Alexander did not understand. The circle seemed to have around three layers, one which was a trim of the circle, the other layer, which was the largest served as the foundation, and the middle which had scripture around it as well. Alexander then saw the Grand Magician was standing outside the trim of the magic circle with his staff. The Grand Magician then said, "Now young Alexander it is time for you to begin the very first step in your magical training…for the ritual I am going to need you to stand in the middle of the circle and then we will do the rest…once the door appears it will open and you will go inside…is that clear?". Alexander felt a little overwhelm by the instructions of his master for everything was happening very quickly and he did not have time to catch his breath. Suddenly he felt a touch in his shoulder, he looked and saw Emilia with the others. "Do not worry Alex, you will do great", said Emilia, to which Zoran then added, "Yes don't you worry". Robert then nodded as meaning that he supported him and also Rae gave Alexander a lick leaving him full of saliva. With the encouragement of his new friends, Alexander with determination he went to the middle of the circle as he was ready to take the trial of a god.

"Very well now Alexander it is time to begin the ritual… you need to stay still now", the Grand Magician said. The Grand Magician grabbed his staff and with great strength he pierced the rocky ground with his staff. He brought his hands together like in a prayer, as he did this the golden crystal in his staff began to glow fiercely. In an instant the Grand Magician separated his hands and open them wide, the glow of the crystal then fell down to the magic circle, this made the magic circle glow a bright white color. Alexander was amaze by the color of the circle and he did not know much of what his master was doing because he was facing his back towards him. The circle then turned into a very dark golden color. "Kalo theo!" , the Grand Magician yelled. Suddenly, the sky began to turn dark and the glow of the magic circle reach the heaven's. The light could be seen pass the mountains. The sky began to split and it showed a huge bright golden dark light, and in quick succession an enormous magic circle appeared in the sky. It was a sight to see and the Grands were amaze by the light show that they where witnessing. The wind began to blow hard, and Alexander was in a state of surprise, and surely it was not what he was expecting. Seeing the ritual did not help, as it only added to his nervousness and fear. In the sky the middle of the enormous magic circle began to open. When it fully open something drop and landed right in front of Alexander. When it landed, it made a huge loud sound from the impact and shook the ground. Emilia then with her eyes wide open in shock ran to her master and said, " Master… that is not a door…. That is, a dam palace gate… you can't possibly make him do this now". It was indeed an enormous palace gate that was very large in size. The gate was golden in color with silver handles. It had a black metal covering the door like vines. " You are right Emilia that is a door of big size, bigger than most of you guys when you summon your god's, but there is nothing I can do anymore the ritual has started and it is his task to finish it now", said the Grand Magician with some concern. The doors of the gate then open outward and a menacing fog came with it. Alexander was not himself he was in a state of hypnosis while looking at the gate. Something was calling to him to go towards the gate, and as the Grand Magician and Emilia were discussing what to do to help he started to move. Emilia noticed and she said, " Alex wait", but Alexander did not listen he moved straight to the gate. Everyone knew that now Alexander could not be stopped since the light from the magic circle was preventing anyone from intervening. Alexander then enter the gate and as he did the doors closed behind him. The light on the magic circle stopped its glow and the sky turn blue again and all that remain was the gate Alexander had enter. "All we can do is hope that he will come out victorious now", said the Grand Magician.

Inside the gate Alexander came out of his trance and was wondering where he was, as he did not remember going into the gate. " Where am I?" , he asked himself. The place was dark and there was only a white glowing path that was very thin. Alexander could not see the end of the path, but as he saw down he could see that if he fell it will be the death of him. He then started to regain the memory of how he came inside the gate and he said, "That's right, so this must be the inside of the gate that I saw, but why did I come in?". There was fear within Alexander, as all he could see was only the path and nothing more. He swallowed his fear and he began to walk on the white glowing path. As he walked and walked it seem that there was no end to the path and Alexander began to get somewhat frustrated, "When will this end?" , he asked himself in angered. Suddenly, in front of him was a figure that looked like a man and he had long white hair. Alexander could not see the face of the man for the man was facing its back towards Alex. As Alexander began to get closer to the man he heard that he was saying something. "It is all your fault!", the man said, Alexander did not know what he meant and thought the man was crazy and he said, "Excuse me sir, do you know how much longer do I need to walk?". The man again said, "It is all your fault", and Alexander who was confused proceeded to touch the man. The man then turn suddenly and it grab Alex. It was a familiar face, for it was Alexanders father who had died in the Massacre of Andromeda. "It is all your fault Alexander, you are the reason I am dead!", the father yelled. Alexander could not believe that it was his father and was speechless and very much scare. He pushed his father's figure to release himself from his grab. Alexander slightly panic and he was moving backwards, but he hit something. When he turned there he saw it, another figure and this time it was his mother, " Why", the mother said. Alexander looked at her and her eyes began to start crying blood, " Why did you let me die Alex?" , the mother asked. Alexander was speechless, " I….I…I wasn't strong enough", he said with difficulty. The both figures of his parents continued to yelled at him which tormented Alexander. He continued to hope that the screaming will stop, but it did not. Alexander covered his ears as he did not what to hear the yelling of his parents, but it did not work. When he open his eyes for a brief moment he noticed that he was on the edge of the path, about to fall into the nothingness. That's when Alexander realize it, that these figures were meant for him to fall off the path. He then stood back and turn to the figures of his parents. With tears in his eyes he said, " You are not here, you both are dead". The figures looked shock and suddenly disappear like the wind, " I am sorry" , said Alexander in pain and with a tear running down his cheek.

Alex continue to walk the path, it felt like hours and he thought he started to go crazy after seeing the figures of his parents. Soon he began to wonder if the path had no end and this was all a form of torment. In his mind he thought that the god was punishing him for his failures. Soon as he continue to walk from a far distance he saw it, another gate. Alexander could not believe it and was something he thought he will never see. He quickly began running towards the gate as fast as he could, but it still took a large amount of time. Alex began to get tired from the running as he could not reach the gate that was right in front of him. The gate began to get larger and larger as he ran. He thought of stopping but his determination will not let him do it, so he kept on running. He was getting short of breath and his legs started to hurt, but still he continue to run. It seem like the gate was a dream because it was something unreachable. Eventually, Alexander reached the front of the gate after all that running that he had to do. The gate was enormous and it was a little similar to the first one. This one however, was closed and it will not open. Alexander noticed and was confused he thought that the gates open automatically after you are in front of them. He tried everything, but the door did not open, then he sat down like almost in defeat. " Why won't the door open?", he asked himself. Then he realize and was embarrass about it that he only tried to open the door outward. It was an honest mistake for the first gate open outward, yet he was sill embarrass that he did not think of opening the gate inwards. "Good there was no one else to see that", he said to himself.

Alexander then stood up from the white glowing path and he put his hands on the gate. With some force he started to push and the doors of the gate began to move. They started to get more heavy as the more it open so Alexander had to use more of his strength. In the last bit of the gate opening Alexander had to use all his strength and he even turn slightly red from the weight of the doors. The gate doors then open wide, and when Alexander looked inside there was only darkness as he could not see anything else. When he went further inside that is when light started to spark and glow. It was not fire but something else that was lighting the room, a bright light. Then he saw it, the amazing golden room with marble flooring that had a silver color art. The pillars that extended high in the sky, the walls had and amazing enormous swords , so big that they were the walls themselves. Then Alexander moved his gazed towards the front of the room and there was a throne. The throne was huge and definitely not for a normal human or creature. It was gold in color and had the same black metal that made up the edges of the thrones. The throne was great and all but what was important is the huge figure that was sitting on it. It looked like he was a man, but he was cover in full golden armor and was even wearing a helmet. It was heavy armor and Alexander could not see what or who was inside, all he knew is that the figure was tall, well over nine feet. The figure began to move his fingers while he was sitting down. He had his other hand help support his head as he was using it as a cushion. Alexander knew that he can only be one person and it was indeed the god that he must face in order to open the first arc of magic. He walk towards the throne and soon he was staring right at the god. The god who looks like he had green glowing eyes because of his armor looked at Alexander. Both stared at each other without saying a single word, and then the god spoke, " Took you long enough…. Now lets begin!".