Mages Requiem

Annabelle's curiosity was sparked by Liam's reference to his Origin. Contract magic, specifically, are those unique legally binding agreements that are reinforced through magic:

Parchment Contracts:

Magical contracts on parchment, are regularly used by most people doing business.

Unbreakable Vow Contracts:

Verbal contracts that are sealed with a magical oath, become legally binding agreements that are upheld and enforced by magic itself, and are unbreakable.

Life debt Contracts:

A magical bond is created between two magic users and the individual whose life they have saved. The person indebted to their savior is bound to one day return the favor by performing a beneficial act for their savior. This bond can form between the bitterest of foes, irrespective of the desires of those involved. Since the bond is magically enforced, the indebted may fulfill their obligation unconsciously, or even unwillingly.

Verbal magical contracts were a unique rarity for an Origin, even in the Bourbon family, where their unique, ancient powers often took darker or more convoluted forms. She leaned forward, studying him with an inquisitive glint.

"Contract magic…"

She mused, swirling her glass.

"So, you have the power to bind someone to their promises, without having to swear to a higher power."

She took a measured sip of wine, clearly impressed.

"Quite the Origin. We might just have a new favorite member of the family."

Liam gave a wry smile at that, though his eyes remained guarded.

"It has its uses."

He said, nonchalantly, though the subtle edge in his tone was unmistakable. Annabelle noted it with approval. A healthy dose of caution meant he wouldn't be swindled so easily, even by family.

Grandmother Colette just then entered the dining hall bringing snacks, her presence warm but charged, as if she'd been eagerly awaiting the moment the family would all be together. She took her seat with an elegant wave, her eyes sparkling as they landed on Liam.

"Ah, how are you doing, my dear?"

Colette said, reaching out to pat Liam's hand.

"I trust you've had a warm welcome?"

Annabelle's lips quirked.

"Oh, he's fitting infamously. Already poured me wine."

She said, lifting her glass in salute.

"And we were just learning about his Origin. Quite the unique gift, wouldn't you say?"

Charles chuckled, nodding with satisfaction.

"Indeed. Our Liam here has much to offer—and much to learn."

Colette looked between Liam and Charles.

"Speaking of learning, Charles, you didn't by chance share our family's... policies on revenge, did you?"

Charles raised a brow, though there was a glint of amusement in his eye.

"As a matter of fact, we were just discussing it. Although, I'd say our young Liam's grasp of it is sound already."

"Nothing like personal experience."

Liam remarked with a casual shrug, though the hardness behind his eyes betrayed the darkness of his memories.

"Revenge is an art, not a task."

Annabelle smiled at this, impressed by his poise.

"You'll fit right in, dear. The Bourbons are masters at taking what's owed to them."

She said, her words tinged with the wry pride of their family's legacy.

"I'd be happy to teach you the finer points, should you need help navigating this peculiar family. Colette will back me up there—won't you, Grandmother?"

Colette's lips turned up in a secretive smile.

"Oh, indeed. But Annabelle, darling, be gentle. Our young Liam's come a long way."

Liam nodded graciously, lifting his glass in a toast.

"To family, then. And to finding what's rightfully ours."

His voice carried the quiet strength of steel, the tone of one who knew well the cost of loyalty and the price of betrayal.

Glasses clinked around the table, and Annabelle watched him with a growing sense of pride. She sensed he was more than just a distant cousin thrown back into the family. He might just be one of their strongest allies.

As the meal concluded and conversation dwindled, the large double doors of the dining room swung open. C2 entered, flanked by several other homunculi, each carrying a heavy trunk with a smooth, efficient grace. Their movements were coordinated, precise, and almost ceremonious, drawing every gaze in the room.

At Liam's signal, the homunculi halted, setting the trunks down in a neat row on the floor. Liam rose, adjusting his cuffs and offering his family a courteous nod.

"Grandfather, everyone."

He began, his voice calm yet commanding.

"I've prepared a demonstration. Today, I'll show you how my Origin works, with a rather… fitting example."

At his cue, one of the homunculi stepped forward and unlocked the nearest trunk. With a faint creak, the lid opened to reveal a man crouched inside, trembling and disoriented. His appearance—a haggard face, weary eyes, and shabby clothes—immediately conveyed a life worn by hardship and poor choices. He looked around, confused but too frightened to make a move.

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Neale Winterfred."

Liam said, addressing his family.

"An unfortunate gambler, drowning in debt, husband, and father of three. Not to mention a B-Rank mage, possessing a magic core with a value of 47 MP and a significant lifespan still ahead of him."

The room remained silent, and all eyes were on Liam and his unusual guest.

"Mr. Winterfred..."

Liam continued, addressing the man directly now.

"I have a proposition. I will give you $100,000—enough to clear your debt and provide a fresh start for your family. In return, you will transfer your magic core to me. Do we have a deal?"

Neale's eyes widened. The desperation in his expression was tempered only by a glimmer of hope. No magical contract seal, no binding oath. He couldn't believe his luck. Foolish, he thought, that a pureblood mage would trust him without a proper contract.

"Yes! Yes, I agree!"

He stammered eagerly, his gaze flicking to the stack of money the homunculi had placed nearby.

As soon as he reached for it, Neale scrambled to his feet, clutching the money with a greedy, victorious grin. But just as he turned to dash toward the exit, his body froze mid-step. Horror crossed his face, and he managed a strangled gasp before his skin turned gray, cracking and splintering like stone.

He had no intention of honoring the agreement, since the moment he saw the money, he decided to attempt to double the money at the closest gambling den. In moments, Neale crumbled to dust, his ill intentions instantly punished by the unyielding nature of the sales contract.

Unfazed, Liam turned to C2.

"Deliver the money to Mr. Winterfred's family."

He instructed.

With a graceful bow, C2 acknowledged his command and signaled the other homunculi, who gathered the money for transport.

"This..."

Liam announced to his family.

"Is the binding power of my Magical Contract. It does not require a signature or a ritual pack. If the other party fails to uphold their end, they pay the price. And, as you can see, I am rewarded with more than just what I bargained for."

A faint shimmer surrounded Liam as he kept his end, receiving Neale's magic core, stamina, lifespan, and inherent magical talents into his contract storage. An inner surge confirmed from his recent two upgrade rewards:

Product:

Enabling Liam to divide a product in his contract storage into smaller units to generate additional products.

Extra Gains:

Liam is now permitted to acquire a target's magic core, lifespan, stamina, talents, and negative afflictions, rather than just one benefit when a contract is broken.

These abilities allowed him to refine and separate his collected rewards, making them versatile resources he could distribute as needed.

As the dust settled from Neale Winterfred's swift demise, Liam turned to his family with a calm, almost clinical demeanor.

"This demonstration..."

He explained.

"Serves to show not only the power of my Origin but also the consequences when one attempts to deceive the contract's terms."

Liam's words hung in the air, heavy with both intrigue and unease, as his family absorbed the lesson. Charles, Colette, and Annabelle exchanged glances, each pondering the implications of Liam's unique Origin.

He then turned to his grandparents, Charles and Colette, with a slight smile.

"For all you've given our family, I'll restore to you what time has taken."

As Liam channeled the accumulated lifespans he had accumulated, a radiant energy encircled Charles and Colette, bathing them in a soft, rejuvenating light. The family watched in awe as the transformation unfolded before them.

Charles, the authoritarian patriarch, felt strength surge through his body, fortifying his muscles and revitalizing his form. His stern features softened slightly, but his commanding presence remained, even more potent now in his renewed vigor.

Beside him, Colette's gentle warmth radiated outward, her benevolence undiminished but now framed in the glow of her younger self. Lines etched from years of care and love melted away, revealing smooth, vibrant skin and eyes that sparkled with life.

They turned to each other, marveling at the newfound vitality within them. Charles reached for Colette's hand, his typically rigid expression softening into a rare smile.

"It's as if we've been given a second chance, my love."

He murmured, his voice strong and rich.

Colette laughed, a light, joyful sound that hadn't graced her voice in years.

"I can hardly believe it… Liam, you've given us a miracle."

Liam nodded, satisfaction clear in his gaze.

"This is only a fraction of what I can accomplish for us. I wanted to give back something invaluable to those who built our foundation."

Charles clasped Liam's shoulder, a rare gesture of appreciation.

"You've proven your worth to this family today, boy. This is a legacy that will secure our family's future."

As the family absorbed the gravity of what Liam had achieved, they sensed that this demonstration was only the beginning of his vision—one that would not only fortify their legacy but change the very fabric of their lineage for generations to come.