Chapter 6: The Missing Piece

In the sprawling green fields, a young boy flees from his bullies, a pack of peers scarcely older than himself. His heart races as he dashes across the lush landscape, but a cruel twist of fate sends him tumbling to the ground. As he struggles to regain his footing, his pursuers halt, panting with exertion.

Boy 1 (between breaths): Gotcha now, you little troublemaker.

Boy 2: Careful, don't lay a hand on him.

Boy 3: Look at him, a real oddball.

Boy 1: What's he doing born here anyway, with that peculiar black hair?

Their taunts escalate as they reach for mud and stones, launching them at the defenseless boy. However, at the sight of an older figure approaching, they scatter in fear. The newcomer approaches the distressed child, offering solace.

Older boy: Are you alright, son?

Younger child: Stay back! I... I might hurt you.

The older boy chuckles softly at the child's fear, assuring him that his appearance doesn't dictate his fate.

Older boy: Listen, having black hair doesn't make you cursed, kid.

But as the younger child recoils, he recalls a tragic memory – a touch that brought death. Tears well in his eyes as he pleads for distance, fearing his own power. Moved by the child's distress, the older boy embraces him, offering comfort for the first time in the young one's life, as his abilities fail him for the first time.

Older boy: It's alright now, you're safe.

With these words, the older boy removes his veil, revealing a face that leaves the child stunned – a face with the same black hair and crimson eyes as his own.

The child trails behind the older boy until they reach the shade of a nearby tree. With a sense of cautious trust, they both settle onto the grassy ground. The older boy retrieves a loaf of bread from his robe, breaking off a portion and extending it towards the child. At first, the young one hesitates, his eyes filled with uncertainty, but hunger soon overpowers his reservations.

Older boy: Here, have some bread. It'll make you feel better.

The child draws back, shaking his head softly, his gaze a mixture of gratitude and defiance.

Child: No, I can't. It's not safe.

The older boy pauses, puzzled by the child's refusal.

Older boy: Why not? It's just bread.

Child: I... I can't explain. Please, don't make me.

Despite the child's plea, the older boy gently stuffs the bread in the child's mouth, urging him to accept the offering. As the taste of sustenance fills his mouth, the child's eyes betray a flicker of gratitude amidst his lingering apprehension.

As the older boy rises and stretches, a solemn air envelops the shaded sanctuary beneath the tree. Turning to face the child, he delivers a sobering truth.

Older boy: Your curse is incurable.

The child nods knowingly, his gaze fixed on the ground. This revelation hardly comes as a surprise; the village elders had already imparted this grim knowledge. However, the older boy continues.

Older boy (with a playful smirk): But, it can be blocked.

Child: Blocked? How?

The older boy tosses a pair of gloves towards the child, he reaches out tentatively, expecting the gloves to crumble at his touch. To his astonishment, they remain intact. A smile tugs at the corners of the older boy's lips as he watches the child's disbelief.

Older boy: They're not just any gloves. Consider them a gift, but they ain't for free.

With a flourish, he throws a book to the child, he explains that mastering the skills within will grant the child control over his curse. The child's confusion deepens, but before he can voice his questions, the older boy bids his farewell.

Older boy: Welp! I gotta go, byeee.

Child: Wait! At least tell me your name.

The older boy turns back, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

Older boy (exclaims proudly): You can call me Maximus. And remember kid, don't go turning anyone into frogs before you've read the whole book!

With a wink and a chuckle, Maximus disappears into the distance, leaving the child to ponder the newfound path before him.

The scene transitions to the present, where the once-young child, now older, follows another enigmatic figure. They ascend to the mountaintop, where the grand silhouette of the Avalon Academy of Magic and Swordsmanship awaits them.

Louis: We're here, Doctor. This is where our paths were destined to converge.

The mysterious man gestures towards the distant academy, acknowledging Louis's words with a nod.

Man: Indeed, Louis. We stand at the threshold of destiny.

With a subtle gesture, Vernon releases a veil of mystique, revealing not his own countenance but that of Asmodeus, the embodiment of lust, within him. Asmodeus's presence manifests, his voice resonating with power.

Asmodeus: Well done, Vernon. Remember, to harness my power and rescue Louis, you must earn Max's favor.

The gravity of Asmodeus's words hangs in the air, setting the stage for the unfolding saga of intertwined fates.

Within the confines of the academy, Max finds himself atop Avery in their shared dorm room, a precarious position that catches him off guard. Before he can fully process the situation, a startled Avery delivers a resounding slap, sending Max recoiling.

Avery (flushed with embarrassment): Wh-What in the world are you doing, you... you pervert!

Max (still bewildered): I... I didn't mean to... I slipped. I'm so sorry.

Before Max can offer any further explanation, Avery hurls a nearby pillow at him and hastily insists that he leave. Sensing the tension thick in the air, Max recognizes it's not the opportune moment to press the matter. With a nod of understanding, he quietly exits the room, leaving Avery to grapple with their awkward encounter.