Chapter 42: The Right of the Strong.

Chapter 42: The Right of the Strong.

Zeke sat in his cave, lost in thought as he ate his breakfast. He had been holed up there for the past few days, consumed by his studies of magical theory and his training in the art of mind magic. As much as he enjoyed the solitude and the opportunity to focus on his craft, he couldn't help but feel the need for a proper shower and a functional bathroom. Additionally, his food supply was running low - a result of his prolonged isolation. The fact that it had lasted him this long was only thanks to his companion, Viola, who had graciously gifted him most of her own rations after their recent underground excursion.

Zeke fiddled with one of the magical tools he had brought back from the underground empire, attempting to repair the trinket that was meant to filter the air. He was certain the issue lay within the magical energy converter, yet for some reason, the device refused to cooperate.

"Well well well, look what we have here." The sudden voice startled Zeke, causing him to spin around in surprise. But a moment later, a wide grin spread across his face. "Old man, you made it!"

Zeke moved to embrace his mentor, Maximilian, but the older man held up a hand, pinching his nose shut in mock disgust. "Don't come any closer, boy. You are filthy!" Despite Maximilian's exaggeration, Zeke couldn't deny that his current appearance was less than presentable.Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.

"Teacher, did Viola fill you in on everything that occurred?" Zeke's voice took on a somber tone as he spoke. Maximilian nodded in affirmation. "It seems the two of you have had quite the adventure. A dragon heart, fascinating. Allow me to take a look at your heart, my boy." Maximilian extended his hand towards Zeke, who willingly placed his hand in his mentor's grasp. The old man closed his eyes, channeling his magic as he probed the depths of Zeke's body, studying the young mage's heart with meticulous precision.

"A marvel indeed," Maximilian said in wonder, studying the dragon heart now integrated into Zeke's body. "It appears that dragon possessed a remarkable level of skill, for it has melded seamlessly into your body. Make no mistake, my boy - had you not had the [Perfect Body Control] spell engraved into your core, that beast would have taken complete control of your being. You were truly fortunate this time, Zeke." Maximilian's gaze met Zeke's own, his expression grave and earnest. The young mage knew that this was no trivial matter, and he nodded in agreement, his own demeanor sober.

Zeke responded to Maximilian's words with equal gravity. "Teacher, I believe my future does not lie in the path of an adventurer. My true passion lies in inventing new forms of magic and conducting research, much like yourself."

Maximilian's expression didn't betray any surprise at this revelation, but his face contorted into a frown as he pondered his response. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice tinged with sorrow. "I regret to inform you that it is not so simple, my boy. At this moment, you do not possess the right to attain that dream."

Zeke was perplexed. "What do you mean, I don't possess the right? Who made that decision?" Maximilian continued to elaborate. "Allow me to pose a question to you, Zeke. Why do you believe that I am the only one known to possess the ability to perform explosion magic?" Zeke was at a loss, the answer seemed obvious to him. "Because you are the one who invented it?" Maximilian smiled, his eyes alight with understanding. "Indeed, that is true. But why do you think the Feuerkranz, Flammensturm, Brennbar, and all the other fire mage families did not force me to reveal the secrets behind my magic?"

Zeke was caught off guard by the question, his mind racing to find an answer. He had never considered why the powerful fire mage families had not sought to uncover the secrets behind Maximilian's explosion magic. From all he knew of these great families, they were not the sort to shy away from using underhanded means to achieve their goals. So how was it that his teacher had never been forced to shared his research with them?

Zeke took his teacher's words to heart, nodding in agreement. He knew that the path ahead would not be easy, but he was determined to become strong enough to protect himself and his future research.

With a flourish, Maximilian produced a magical artifact from his pocket. "This," he said, "is for you. I had it specially crafted to hide your dragon aura. It is crucial that you keep the heart hidden, at least for now."

Zeke took the artifact, examining it with wonder. He knew that it was a valuable tool, and he vowed to treat it with care. "Thank you, teacher," he said, feeling a newfound sense of respect for the resourceful old man in front of him.

Zeke examined the amulet with intrigue, studying the intricate engravings and the powerful aura emanating from it. The moment he placed it around his neck and fastened it in place, he felt a sudden snap as the amulet locked into place, covering his heart. He could feel the powerful magic within the amulet start to take effect, as if it was actively working to suppress the dragon aura within him.

"Fascinating," he murmured, running his fingers over the smooth surface of the amulet. "This is truly a work of art, Teacher. How does it work?"

Maximilian smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "It is a special amulet I had commissioned for you, my boy. It uses advanced mind magic to suppress the dragon aura within you, making it so that others cannot detect it."

Zeke's eyes widened in amazement. "So this means I can finally leave this cave and return to the academy without fear of discovery?"

Maximilian nodded. "Exactly. But do not become complacent, my boy. You must always be vigilant and be prepared to defend yourself. Remember, in this world, only the strong have the right to possess wealth and treasures."

Zeke solemnly swore to himself to become stronger, to defend his dreams and possessions with all his might. He knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and hardships, but he was determined to overcome them. He turned to his mentor, Maximilian, and bowed his head in gratitude for the invaluable wisdom he had imparted. "Thank you, teacher," Zeke said earnestly, "I will not forget your words."

"You're welcome, my boy," Maximilian replied with a smile. "Now, let us make our way home. The future is uncertain, but with hard work and dedication, I know that you will become a force to be reckoned with."