The Core of the Universe

The first light of dawn filtered through the rune-carved stones of the palace halls, casting a soft glow that danced across the sacred corridors. Footsteps echoed in the stillness as Zeoth, roused from the tumult of the previous night, struggled to shake off the weight of sleep. Summoned by a servant to the grand hall, he carried the lingering fog of his dreams. Elizabeth walked beside him, her silver hair neatly braided, her face alight with a rare buoyancy. Zeoth, however, was taut with unease, his nerves frayed more than ever.

King Ruthgard awaited them in the throne room. Morning light streamed through vast windows, illuminating the stone throne at the chamber's heart. The king's eyes, ever stern yet softened by a trace of warmth, met theirs.

"After all you've endured, it's only natural to feel unsteady," he said, his tone gentle. "I want you to find some ease. I've initiated the process for your admission to the Academy of Magic. Until then, you're free to spend your time as you wish—on one condition: you must not leave the palace. The dangers beyond these walls have not yet been quelled."

Elizabeth bowed her head in acknowledgment. Zeoth offered a curt nod, his mind racing. Together, they made their way to the palace gardens, where a gentle breeze stirred the grass, coaxing delicate flowers into a subtle dance. They settled in a quiet corner, Zeoth sprawling across the lawn while Elizabeth drew her knees to her chest, her hands resting atop them.

"Going to the Academy of Magic… it feels so strange," Zeoth mused, his voice tinged with wonder. "It was just a dream before. Now it's real. But there's this… nagging unease inside me."

Elizabeth's lips curved into a smile. "I'm nervous too. My father taught me basic spells when I was young, but the academy… it's a different world. New people, new trials. Still, knowing you'll be there with me makes it easier."

Zeoth fixed his gaze on the sky, clouds drifting lazily above. "Someone like me, who can't wield magic, attending the Academy of Magic? It'll seem absurd to others. They'll probably shun me in time."

Elizabeth shook her head firmly. "I'd never let that happen."

For the next three hours, Zeoth and Elizabeth spoke ceaselessly of the academy—its challenges, its wonders, their hopes and fears. Their words wove a tapestry of shared dreams, unbroken by the weight of the world.

At last, Elizabeth stretched out on the grass, her voice soft with sincerity. "I can't believe it, Zeoth. I'm so glad I met you."

A flush crept across Zeoth's face, his cheeks warming under her gaze.

Just then, a servant approached, his black-and-white uniform adorned with a golden brooch. He bowed with practiced grace. "The king requests your presence in the throne room."

The pair rose, brushing grass from their clothes, and retraced their steps through the palace's labyrinthine halls.

In the throne room, King Ruthgard stood resolute, a letter clutched in his hand. Its broken seal and curled edges betrayed its recent opening. "I sent a missive to the Academy of Magic," he announced. "Their reply arrived moments ago. They'll send a private carriage to collect you. Return to your chambers and gather what you need."

He turned to Elizabeth, his expression softening. "I've taught you magic since you were a child, as you know. But the academy is unlike anything you've experienced. It will be a new journey for you."

His gaze shifted to Zeoth, steady and piercing. "Zeoth, I witnessed your power during the fight. It's extraordinary, a potential unlike any I've seen. But it's clear you can't summon it at will, and its use exacts a heavy toll. The last time, you were unconscious for hours. The academy's entrance exams will demand sustained magical application. To that end, I've requested special accommodations for you. For now, focus on understanding and mastering your power. An uncontrolled force, no matter how great, is useless."

Zeoth nodded solemnly. "As you command, my king."

Ruthgard's lips twitched into a faint smile. "There's no need for such formality when we're alone. You're my daughter's friend, after all."

Zeoth faltered, then repeated with earnest gravity, "As you command, my king."

The king let out a hearty laugh. "Haha! You didn't catch a word I said, did you?"

Elizabeth joined in, and Zeoth, caught off guard, chuckled as well. The tension in the room dissolved, replaced by a fleeting warmth.

By midday, the Academy of Magic's private carriage rolled into the palace courtyard. Its glossy black exterior gleamed, adorned with intricate golden filigree. Four majestic horses pawed the ground with elegant impatience. Zeoth and Elizabeth, their belongings prepared, approached the carriage. King Ruthgard stood in the courtyard to see them off.

"The journey will be brief," he said, his voice steady. "But stay vigilant. The academy is a place where one answer spawns a dozen more questions."

Zeoth and Elizabeth bowed in farewell. They climbed into the carriage, and as the door closed, the horses surged forward.

As the carriage pulled away from the palace, Zeoth gazed out the window, lost in thought. A quiet sigh escaped him. "I still can't make sense of last night's dream…"

DREAM – FLASHBACK

"I'm certain you have many questions, Zeoth."

A voice, chilling yet strangely comforting, reverberated through Zeoth's mind.

"W-Who are you?" Zeoth stammered, his voice laced with apprehension.

"Everything you care for, everyone you love, the ground you stand on, and the cosmos you behold—all of it is me. Your hatreds, your fears, and every enigma that eludes you—I am those too. I am the universe itself. Or rather… I was, once. You'll understand 'when the time comes.' For now, know me as such."

Zeoth scanned his surroundings, his mind reeling. "The universe… it's just an expanse containing infinite matter. How can it have a mind? How can it speak to me? I don't understand."

"You're not wrong," the voice replied. "By definition, that's precisely what the universe is. But my case is… different. For now, know this: the power within you is called the 'Core of the Universe.' And its true master… was me. But I no longer exist—not in the future, nor in the past."

Zeoth's tension mounted, his thoughts spiraling. "What are you saying? I don't understand. My head's spinning."

"Zeoth… the power you wield was born of greed. It brings its bearer only suffering in pursuit of victory. The sole way to harness it is to forge a mind of immense resolve. Do you remember the bold answer you gave when I asked, 'Do you wish to win?'"

"Of course I want to win. For Elizabeth."

"You said that, and I mocked you for it. Yet you endured that power, if only for a few seconds. And you recovered far sooner than I expected. Learn all you can about how the universe functions. Strengthen your body to its limits. These will fortify your mind."

Zeoth drew a deep breath, his anxiety easing slightly. "I think… I'm starting to understand. I'll do my best. I'll master this power. I'll protect Elizabeth, no matter the cost. B-but… why are you telling me this? Why me? Why does such a power exist? I've never read of anything like it in any book. It's… too dangerous. If this power is your creation—"

"Yes," the voice interjected. "This power is my creation. Almost no knowledge of it exists in this world. But at the Academy of Magic, there are ancient tomes, some partially deciphered, that few can read. If you can access them, you'll uncover more about this power."

"Then why not tell me everything now?" Zeoth pressed. "You created it, didn't you? If you explained it, I wouldn't need to search."

The voice fell silent for a moment, then resounded once more. "The reason for everything… the purpose of this power… you'll learn soon enough. But not now. Our time is up."

A fierce wind struck Zeoth's face, abrupt and biting. Then, in an instant, he awoke, drenched in sweat.

And now, in the carriage, Zeoth blinked slowly, his eyes tracing the forest beyond the window. The voice's final words echoed in his mind, their meaning still elusive. He couldn't fathom how they connected to Lily.

"Zeoth, you must protect Lily. She's the only one who can guide you in mastering your power."