The Twin Mage

Chapter 12: Chapter 11 - Encounters (part 3)



Arthur and Morgan's fifth winter was shaping up to be a memorable one. Treating Tista's condition required two sessions a week, each lasting nearly four hours. Two hours were dedicated to the treatment, while the rest was for bathing and recovering their strength. Manipulating Tista's mana flow while simultaneously juggling fire, water, and dark magic left them drained every time.

The bright side was that with practice, they were growing more skilled at maintaining multiple active spells. Each treatment became easier, and Tista's symptoms improved dramatically. She could now help with household chores, tend to the livestock, and even enjoy brisk walks outside when the weather allowed.

While Tista thrived, Arthur and Morgan's relationship with his brothers worsened. Tista harbored a grudge against Hades for his cruel words during her darkest moments, and her disdain was palpable. Whenever Hades tried to assert dominance, Tista shot him down with biting remarks, leaving him humiliated.

"She's turned into an insufferable brat," Hades seethed privately, though he refused to admit fault. Trion remained loyal to him, though their growing isolation within the family gnawed at his conscience.

Raaz, on the other hand, seemed to grow closer to Arthur and Morgan by the day. He taught them farming techniques and whittling during the long winter evenings. This budding bond only fueled Hades and Trion's resentment, especially since Raaz refused to teach them whittling until they turned eight.

Meanwhile, something else began gnawing at Arthur and Morgan's nerves. Their mother and Rena often exchanged peculiar glances and sighed whenever he was nearby. After days of spiraling into paranoia—Do they suspect I'm from another world? Did I offend them somehow?—he finally confronted them.

The truth was far simpler than he feared.

"Lith," Elina said, exasperated, "can't you see the changes in Tista?"

Arthur and Morgan frowned. "Her health is improving. Isn't that what matters?"

Tista and Rena facepalmed in unison.

"Her hair, Lith!" Rena snapped. "It's soft, silky, and flawless. Her skin's glowing too!"

Arthur and Morgan blinked in confusion. "That's just a side effect of purging impurities. Why is that a problem?"

"They're jealous!" Tista chimed in, grinning. "Mom and Rena want the same treatment!"

Though baffled by their vanity, Arthur and Morgan eventually relented. Their gratitude restored harmony to the household, and the extra practice strengthened their control over mana and boosted their mana core's growth.

Before long, Raaz approached them with his own plea.

"Your mother looks ten years younger, and I look like I've aged twice as fast. People are starting to talk! Please, Lith, help me!"

Arthur and Morgan sighed but agreed, with one condition. "Secrecy is critical. And under no circumstances will I help Hades or Trion."

Raaz reluctantly agreed, holding out hope that time would mend the growing rift in his family.

One quiet morning, Arthur and Morgan left home early, heading to Selia's house to clean before going hunting. Snow blanketed the countryside, shimmering in the dawn light like a frozen wonderland. The peace of the morning, however, shattered the moment they reached her doorstep.

A gang of boys, friends of Hades, ambushed him.

"You arrogant little leech!" one spat, kicking Arthur and Morgan's side. "Hades told us everything. You humiliate him daily, and you even steal his food!"

The group surrounded them, their fists and feet raining blows. Arthur and Morgan curled up on the ground, shielding their head and stomach. Blood filled their mouth as their vision blurred.

One boy grabbed their hands, threatening to crush them. "Let's see you cast magic now!" he sneered.

Desperation ignited Arthur and Morgan's survival instincts. Lightning erupted from their body, shocking their assailant. But before they could recover, another boy struck their head with a stick, sending them back to the ground.

"You'll pay for that!"

Pain blurred into clarity. Magic isn't just about casting spells, Arthur and Morgan realized. I can channel it!

Focusing on their mana core, Arthur and Morgan infused their body with earth magic, hardening their skin and dulling the pain. Adding light magic, they accelerated healing and kept themselves conscious.

Their attackers hesitated as Arthur and Morgan stood, bloodied but defiant. Hardening their skull with earth magic, they headbutted the nearest boy, knocking him out cold. When the others lunged, they infused their limbs with water and fire magic, moving with fluid precision and striking with explosive power.

Within moments, the attackers lay defeated—some unconscious, others crying or too injured to stand. Arthur and Morgan stood over them, chest heaving, blood dripping onto the snow.

"This new magic is powerful but draining," they mused, using light magic to heal their wounds. As the boys writhed in pain, Arthur and Morgan's voice turned cold.

"I should end this here and now," they growled, releasing arcs of lightning across their bodies, drawing agonized screams. "But I'll let you live—this time. Don't make me regret it."

As the last spark faded, Arthur and Morgan slumped against the wall, catching their breath. These attackers wouldn't forget this lesson anytime soon, and neither would they.


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