Magus Reborn

Kai stood frozen, his eyes locked on Flossbor. They widened in disbelief. His gaze then shifted to Claire, who was giggling softly, her hands outstretched as she played with the wisps of glowing spirits dancing around her. She looked so… carefree.

The spirits flitted and twirled, drawn to her as if she were a magnet for their kind. The words that came from the two elf elders hit him like a bolt of lightning.

Claire could be a Spirit Trainer.

Kai knew a little about them. They were common among the elves, but a rarity among humans. They didn't follow the structured spell formations or elemental focuses typical of Mages. Their power was solely based on their bonds with spirits and was an entirely different magic system overall.

The strongest Spirit Trainers he could recall had always been elves, their deep connection to nature giving them an unparalleled affinity for such bonds.

Among humans, there had only been few Spirit Trainers and only one among them had gotten famous enough for him to be in the history books—Zephyronh, the man who had been around the second golden era of magic and had bonded with a Grade 6 wind spirit, earning the title of "King of the Wind" for his ability to command the air better than any Wind Mage.

Kai's mind reeled. Even if Claire's potential affinity didn't reach such legendary heights, the very fact that she had an affinity at all meant she could become someone extraordinary.

He thought back to their journey through the Vasper forest. The spirit of the forest itself had chosen her to communicate, and while he'd dismissed it as a coincidence at the time, he now saw it in a new light.

I should've known this before, Kai thought to himself.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Flossbor. "So, can Claire take part in this rite?" he asked, maintaining a calm exterior. He didn't want to sound desperate, knowing that it'd get him nowhere.

Flossbor hesitated, his brows knitting together in thought. Behind him, Caelith muttered, "That's against tradition. Humans don't—"

"I don't know," Flossbor interrupted. "I can't make such a decision on my own. As Caelith… intended, the ceremony is sacred. Allowing a human to participate might not be... proper."

Kai sighed, disappointment flickering across his face. "That's a shame." He glanced back at Claire, who was now sitting cross-legged, her fingers tracing patterns in the air as the spirits mimicked her movements. He turned back to Flossbor, not wanting to give up the opportunity just yet. "How do you conduct the rite, anyway? It's a summoning ritual, right? You call forth spirits from other realms to make contracts with them?"

Flossbor nodded and squinted his eyes. "Yes. We call out to specific planes depending on the affinity of the elf taking part. Once the spirit appears, it's up to the elf to negotiate and form the contract."

"And how do you determine which type of spirit to summon?" Kai pressed.

Flossbor's expression turned contemplative as he answered Kai's question. "We have summoning circles and their corresponding rituals for spirits of each affinity. The choice of circle depends on what the elf wishes to contact. Often, the decision is based on the potential of the elf, but most opt for Grade 1 or 2 spirits as they are far easier to tame for young ones."

Kai nodded thoughtfully. The rite seemed straightforward, but it also appeared to limit the elves' ambitions by encouraging safer choices. He decided to press further, a plan forming in his mind. "How about this? I'll share my knowledge of summoning circles for rarer spirits. I'm well versed in them. In exchange, you allow Claire to take part in the rite and grant her access to basic books on spirit training."

The room fell silent. Caelith, who had been listening from behind Flossbor, stepped forward.

He pointed his finger at Kai before he spoke. "Fatebreaker or not. You're a liar and presumptuous!" he snapped. "Summoning circles are our sacred knowledge, not something to be handed out to outsiders. How could someone like you possess such knowledge?"

Kai met his glare evenly, unflinching. "I don't lie," he said firmly. "If you doubt me, you're welcome to consult Elder V'aleirith. She can confirm my claim. I've acquired this knowledge from a different source—one that has nothing to do with your people. And before you ask, yes, the summoning circles work, and they work well."

Flossbor looked conflicted, his hands clasped behind his back as he glanced between Kai and Claire, who remained blissfully unaware of the discussion.

Kai continued, his tone calm but persuasive. "Think about what I'm offering. With this knowledge, your young spirit trainers could grow far stronger than average. I know you will have your own summoning circles, but what I will provide will let them make contracts with rarer spirits. In return, I gain the chance to cultivate a spirit trainer for my troops. If our shared goal is to stop the Elder Tree from dying and to preserve the cycle, then strengthening ourselves is not just an option—it's a necessity."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough to sound sincere. "This deal benefits us both, Flossbor. Your people gain power, and I gain a fighter. It's a fair trade."

Flossbor's brows furrowed as he mulled over Kai's words, his silence thick with tension. Caelith seemed ready to object again, but Flossbor threw a sharp look at him.

"Flossbor, we're already granting him access to druidic magic. How strong can his so-called summoning circles even be? Are we really going to entertain this?"

Flossbor held up a hand to silence him. "That's Elder V'aleirith's gift to the Fatebreaker. We have no authority to question or revoke it. As for his summoning circles, we won't know their strength until we've seen them ourselves."

Turning to Kai, Flossbor's expression softened slightly. "If you don't mind, I would like to consult the council before giving you an answer. If the summoning circles you possess are as strong as you claim, then we would certainly consider your offer."

Kai inclined his head respectfully. "That would be more than enough." He then turned to Caelith, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I hope my circles will satisfy even you, Elder Caelith."

The elf huffed in response, crossing his arms and turning away, his silver eyes filled with scepticism—he didn't trust Kai one bit.

A pang of irritation flared in Kai's chest, but he forced it down. One elder's opposition wouldn't change the generosity of V'aleirith, who had already allowed him access to the elves' druidic knowledge. By now, Kai had learned enough about diplomacy to know that relationships took time to mend and strengthen. He had no doubt that even Caelith, with his guarded demeanor, could become an ally in time. The elves didn't know him yet, just as he didn't fully understand their ways. But time could change everything.

His thoughts drifted back to Claire, still engrossed in her playful interaction with the spirits. The idea of her becoming a spirit trainer was exhilarating, the potential immense. But Kai reminded himself that the decision wasn't his to make. It was Claire's life, her path to choose. If she wanted to pursue this rare and powerful path, it would need to come from her own heart, not his ambition.

He glanced at her, his mind already forming a plan.

A talk was necessary—one where he would lay out everything he knew about spirit trainers, their potential, and the challenges they faced. Claire deserved all the information before making a decision. With a deep breath, he resolved to speak with her soon, to make sure she understood both the opportunity and the responsibility it carried.

***

Kai didn't know if it was V'aleirith's influence at play, but the council's decision came surprisingly fast. Permission was granted for Claire to take part in the rite, and while it wasn't entirely shocking to him—given the extensive summoning knowledge he'd offered—it was a relief. Summoning and rituals had consumed his final days in the Sorcerer's Tower library, and now that expertise was proving invaluable.

Despite the permission, Kai knew he had to talk to Claire. This wasn't a decision to be made lightly, and it was ultimately hers to make. As soon as the council delivered their verdict, he sought her out.

He found her under the shade of a sprawling tree, where she was laughing and playing with the spirits that seemed drawn to her. For a moment, he watched her, wondering if she had any idea of the potential that lay within her. Taking a steadying breath, he approached.

"Claire." She turned to him, curiosity lighting her face. "I need to talk to you about something important."

She immediately stood up, and let the spirits go somewhere towards the trees that surrounded them.

Then, Kai started talking.

She, in return, listened intently as he explained everything—the rarity of spirit trainers, their power, and her natural affinity for spirits. It took him some time to explain everything to her. Her eyes widened as the realization hit her slowly, her expression shifting from disbelief to awe.

"Are you sure you aren't jesting, Lord Arzan?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"I'm as serious as I can be," Kai replied, meeting her gaze. "The elves have confirmed it. You have the talent to become a spirit trainer—to contract spirits as the elves do, and to use them for various purposes, even combat. It's an entirely different system of magic, separate from what Mages use, but it's just as powerful. If you decide to take part in the rite, you could gain the ability to wield the elements of the world."

Claire stared at him, her mind visibly racing to process his words. Kai continued, his tone steady but encouraging. "But… This is your decision. Think about it carefully. If this is the path you want to take, let me know."

Claire went silent at Kai's words, her gaze drifting over the scene before her. Kai followed her gaze. The elves bustled about the forest clearing, their treehouses blending seamlessly into the towering woods. Spirits flitted in and out of sight, their ethereal forms weaving through the air like glimmers of light. Claire closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as if to steady herself.

When she opened them again, there was a certainty in them.

She looked up at Kai. "I want to be a spirit trainer."

Kai studied her for a moment. "Are you sure?" he asked. "You can take your time and let me know. We have time until the rite begins. So think carefully."

Claire nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Lord Arzan. I'm sure. I've been searching for something—some way to contribute more to Veralt, to you, and to feel like I'm more than just a simple maid. I believe the goddess has heard my wishes."

Kai's eyes softened. "You aren't a simple maid, Claire. You know that."

"Yes, but there's only so much I can do as a mortal," she replied, her voice unwavering. "If I can wield powers like you do, I could do so much more."

Kai nodded thoughtfully, impressed by her thick determination. Before he could respond, a rustling behind them caught his attention. The elders of the council approached, their footsteps quiet but purposeful, followed by the figure of Elder V'aleirith.

"Wise choice," she said. "Spirits never betray you unless you betray them first. They are the best of companions, and their loyalty will bring you strength and solace."

Behind the ancient elf, Caelith muttered something under his breath, his expression sour. Kai chose to ignore it, instead shifting his focus to the gathering in the clearing. The scene was alive with activity. Though the night had blanketed the forest in darkness, the area was illuminated by the glowing lights strung from treehouses and floating motes of spirit energy. And all the lanterns just added to the scene.

His gaze settled on the center of the clearing. There, basic summoning circles had been etched into the ground, their intricate runes glowing faintly with latent energy. Nearby, stacks of food and drink had been laid out, waiting to be enjoyed after the ceremony.

It all seemed exciting, and even the air buzzed with anticipation. He saw how elves of all ages filled the clearing, they'd puddled into groups and started talking in hushed tones. It somehow mingled with the sounds of the forest.

Kai stepped closer to Flossbor, taking in the preparations before speaking. "Are the preparations complete?"

Flossbor turned to him and nodded. "Yes, everything is ready. We're just about to begin."

Kai gave a small nod, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. He noticed a group of young elves standing together, their faces a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The elders began moving towards them and the gathering quieted as Flossbor took center stage.

The elf elder raised a hand, signaling for silence. When the murmurs ceased, he began speaking, his voice carrying easily over the assembled crowd. Raven quickly came to Kai's side to translate whatever was being said.

"Iladari, ilasth, silwen borial, thrilen en'karil Rithaeth Ilvaris—mianath ratha'il thara hestil lira'dil. Tirerel maerthalin, thrilen thalith thos an'latra, melnara thilith al'lanis. Athalir en'lin, wa'thinoreth daelith thil'ska, syth'altil alael viris."

"Brothers, sisters, tonight marks the Rite of Binding—a sacred tradition that heralds the journey into adulthood. For generations, this rite has not only been a passage but a promise. Through it, you will call upon the spirits and forge a bond that is both an honor and a responsibility," she whispered to Kai's ears.

His gaze softened as it rested on the young elves standing in eager anticipation.

"Thar el'veloth is thil'mareth, alael thaliri hothril varas and al'thalin mae'thivalth. Almarin wa'thalira, thalirnal na rethin, ain'thalir at'maerel virinith. Vi'el thos'helir thyneshin, hithirith vir'inthar athali'lael, vi'morath athal'raem as rethinor."

"This moment is a turning point, one that will define your path and your connection to the spirits that have watched over our kind since the dawn of time. To bond with a spirit is not a mere act; it is to invite it into your essence, to share your strengths and shoulder your burdens."

Flossbor raised a hand, gesturing to the summoning circles etched into the forest floor, his voice changing to the common human tongue. "Let your affinity guide you. Step forward and call out to the realm that resonates with your soul. Tonight, you take the first step not just toward adulthood, but toward understanding the true harmony of life and the elements. I would like all of you to talk in common language, so that the… Fatebreaker here could help you with the summoning circle."

The young elves exchanged glances, their nerves fading into determination as they nodded. The elders from behind gave hopeful eyes at Kai, probably trusting the council members on this decision.

As the elder finished his speech, a hush fell over the clearing. One of the young elves, a male with bright green eyes, stepped forward. His voice was steady as he declared, "My a-affinity is with w-wind," the boy stuttered but managed to speak in common language.

He moved toward one of the summoning circles, and the crowd watched in silence.

The young elf stepped confidently into the summoning circle. "I would like to contract with a Grade 2 wind spirit," he announced, speaking slowly.

The elders exchanged glances, one of them, Lillian, stepping forward. "Are you certain? Grade 2 spirits, while stronger, are harder to tame and require more discipline."

The elf nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm sure."

Their gazes shifted to Kai, who stood a short distance away, observing the proceedings. As the elders silently sought his input, Kai's eyes dropped to the summoning circle etched into the ground. His expression remained calm, but his mind churned with thoughts.

Taking a step closer, Kai addressed the elf. "Are you looking for anything specific in a spirit? Speed, strength, or something else?"

The elf shook his head and took a moment to reply. "No, I trust in whatever spirit will answer my call." Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire

Kai crouched down by the circle, his fingers brushing against the etched lines. "Understood." He reached into his pouch and retrieved a small vial of fine, white powder. Pouring some into his palm, he began to alter the circle with practiced precision. Lines intersected with curves, and additional runes bloomed in the space around the original diagram.

Plane summoning circles often start simple, Kai mused, his focus unwavering. Their complexity increases depending on the spirit you're trying to reach. With the right adjustments, it's easy to call forth a creature suited to this elf's potential.

The elves watched in silence, their curiosity palpable as Kai worked, few of them looking unsure of his capability. Even Caelith, standing to the side, leaned forward ever so slightly. When he finished, the summoning circle glowed faintly with an energy that felt sharper and more refined.

Kai stepped back, brushing the residual powder from his hands. "It's ready." His voice was calm, yet it carried a quiet authority that silenced the murmurs around him.

Taking a deep breath, Kai raised his arms and began to chant, his words resonating in the still night air. The altered summoning circle thrummed with power, its glow intensifying with every syllable he spoke. The runes sparked, their brilliance lighting the faces of the gathered elves.

A sudden gust of wind whipped through the clearing, and the energy in the circle coalesced into a vortex. From its center, a form began to emerge—a bird-shaped wind spirit. Its body shimmered like silver mist, its wings feathered with strands of pure, flowing air that glimmered faintly in the moonlight. Its eyes were crystalline, reflecting the surrounding light in an iridescent display.

Gasps erupted from the crowd, and a voice rang out in disbelief. "Isn't that the rare Lyre'pyron? No one has contracted with it in hundreds of years!"

The clearing fell into stunned silence as the spirit spread its wings. And at that moment, all eyes turned to Kai.

***

A/N - You can read 30 chapters (15 Magus Reborn and 15 Dao of money) on my patreon. Annual subscription for both of them is on too.