The sun hung low in the sky, its golden rays filtering through the dense canopy of the Magic Beast Kingdom's vast forests.
The air shimmered with energy, a testament to the ancient power that coursed through this land.
At the heart of a secluded clearing, Neron stood, his body drenched in sweat, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths.
"Haaa... haaaa..."
He adjusted his grip on the shimmering card in his hands—[
The Tower],
one of his Arcanas.
Its weight was no longer a challenge, its intricacies no longer a mystery. Over the years, he had forged an unbreakable bond with it, mastering its every nuance until it felt like an extension of his very soul.
He had also mastered the rest—[The Sun], [The Hanged Man], and his personal favorite... [The Hermit].
His Original Magic perfectly synchronised with the power of [The Hermit], allowing him to perfect its power.
"Hehe..."
A slight smile tugged at his lips as he surveyed the aftermath of his training.
Craters marred the once-pristine clearing, trees were felled in every direction, and the air was thick with the remnants of his immense Mana.
"Not bad," he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
"Not bad at all."
He recalled the first time he had wielded the Arcanas.
Back then, they had felt like an insurmountable challenge, their power far beyond his ability to control.
But now, after years of relentless effort, he had not only mastered them—he had made it his own.
In a sense, they were all various kinds of Original Magic to him.
All of this meant one thing to him.
"I've gotten stronger."
As he walked back toward the grand palace of the Magic Beast King, his thoughts drifted.
The kingdom had become his sanctuary, a place where he could train without interruption or distraction. The Magic Beast King had taken him in without hesitation, offering both guidance and protection.
Yet, despite the few years he had spent here, a part of him remained tethered to the Eastern Kingdom.
'I'm 17 now...' He thought to himself. 'Isn't it about time I returned?
He remembered the day he had asked the King to send spies to monitor the Eastern Kingdom.
At the time, he couldn't bring himself to return.
"Indeed. And it will be devastating. Entire kingdoms could be wiped out, countless lives lost. If it comes to that, the world may never recover."
Neron leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. He had trained tirelessly for years, honing his strength and mastering his Arcana. But was he truly ready for something of this magnitude?
"I know what you're thinking," the King said, his voice cutting through Neron's thoughts. "And I won't pretend to understand the weight you carry. But you are stronger now than you have ever been. If anyone can make a difference, it's you."
Neron met the King's gaze, his resolve hardening.
"I can't stay here," he said. "Not while the Eastern Kingdom is on the brink of destruction. It's time for me to return."
The King's expression softened, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "I knew you would say that. And I will support you in any way I can."
"Thank you," Neron said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.
"We plan on remaining neutral in his war and keeping our identity hidden... but we will be here if you need us."
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." The King nodded. "It's the least we could do after all that Lilith and even you have done for us."
A small smile formed on Neron's face.
The Magic Beast Kingdom was now allied with the Dragons and the other neighboring Kingdoms.
Their prosperity was unlike anything in times past.
All thanks to Neron.
The King rose, placing a hand on Neron's shoulder. "Remember, Neron: the strength you've gained here is not just for yourself. It's for the world. Use it wisely."
Neron nodded, his determination burning brighter than ever.
As the King left the room, he turned his attention to
his Arcanas as they shimmered with a faint light.
"Time to go home," he whispered, his voice resolute.
"I hope everyone is well..."
*
*
*
[End Of The Vagabond Arc]
~We have finally reached the final stop of Part 2, which is Arc 4... or Volume 12 of Spellcraft.
Prepare for The Final Spell Arc.
Cheers!