There Are No Heroes

Point Of View: Kaori Tanaka

I spent the previous night trying to levitate the feather. If I were in my world, I would think all of this was madness. But with every attempt, failure after failure, as I focused, I felt something. There was a presence, a power, a source of energy. I knew it was possible.

Professor Abimael was unwell. The lesson took place in his office. From what I heard, one of the experiments had gone wrong, causing a huge explosion in the research facilities beneath the palace. He seemed both sad and enraged—it must have been something important—but even so, he conducted his teachings with mastery. Little by little, that magical universe captivated me more. I discovered that I had an affinity for wind and water magic.

"Complete spells are mental representations of sets of basic runes used in spells," he explained, snapping his fingers to get my attention. "Focus. You can manipulate the text of the runes to define the intensity of your spells. As for the effects, it is up to you, through your intention, to master them. The important thing is to have knowledge of the runes to make clear mental connections."

He paused, moving from the blackboard in his office to a table where there was a glass flask. He poured the light brown liquid into a cup and took a sip. "The more complex and grandiose the spell, the more runes are needed and, consequently, the more concentration, familiarity with mana, and physical and mental energy are required." He took a small pearl-colored sphere from inside his cloak and extended it toward me.

"What is this?" I asked.

He looked at me with a hollow smile. He sat down and crossed his legs. "It is a magical item, a physical manifestation of a spell or magic. This item contains a set of runes that activate a specific magical effect." He took my hand and placed the sphere in my palm.

"What effect?" I asked, curious, analyzing the object. It was completely smooth. Where were the runes?

"It allows one to discover a mage's basic affinity. The runes are cataloged into four basic elements and their variations: water, fire, earth, and air. Insert your magical intent into the object." He watched while crossing his legs to the other side and taking another sip of his drink.

I did as instructed. I felt my mind wander into the sphere, my breath growing heavy, and my concentration being consumed. The sphere glowed. Its internal light moved, illuminating the surrounding environment. Then, it took on color: first, a dense white like water, enveloping the sphere. Then, the water seemed to divide, as if cut by something. The air around me grew cooler.

"Excellent! You have two affinities: water and wind. Very talented. With these two affinities, you have a sea of possibilities to explore. Of course, if your hunger is insatiable, you can go beyond your natural affinities." He stood up as I sighed in exhaustion. Something so simple, yet incredibly draining. Abimael moved through the bookshelves. "There are various ways to catalog runes: by complexity, affinity, alphabetical order. My favorite is by affinity; it simplifies things greatly."

He placed three books on my desk: Runes by Affinity: Wind, Runes by Affinity: Water, and Practical Guide to Spells and Their Sets.

When the lesson ended, I was overloaded with tasks. I still had my sword training. Would the next years be like this? Would I be trapped in the castle? As I walked towards the courtyard, I had already decided: I would see the city, no matter the cost.

Captain Gregor was there, looking at me sternly.

"You are late!" he barked in a sharp voice. His gaze evaluated me imperatively.

"Sorry, professor. The magic lessons took longer than I expected."

He seemed irritated. He tossed me a sheathed sword.

"Tie it to your waist. Today, you will run around the palace." He gestured with his hand. What was his problem? He hadn't taught me anything useful so far, just torture... I let out a muffled sigh and followed his orders. They had changed the class schedules so that I wouldn't be too exhausted to learn magic. Anyway, running was something I could do.

I started running at a slow pace. Unexpectedly, Captain Gregor appeared at my side and began running with me.

"I will accompany you so you have no chance to rest."

I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with this old man.

After two laps around the palace, I couldn't take it anymore. Gregor Olindar, even with his heavy armor, didn't have a single drop of sweat. I felt the veins in my neck throbbing, my chest heaving. I stopped.

"I can't take it anymore," I gasped, using the last breath left in my lungs.

"It was only two laps, Ms. Tanaka. To endure the journey that awaits you, you need to become more resilient." The rigidity in his voice was evident. I wanted to argue, complain, protest, but I couldn't. I was exhausted.

"I need some time to rest," I panted.

Point Of View: Lorian Vellorn

I had decided to bring the girl to my side. The people in this kingdom were not trustworthy. Corruption spread through every person or animal in Calyndor. Centuries of impunity ensured the survival of the most corrupt. An evolution, but in reverse.

The sun was almost setting when I knocked on the door. Compared to the scorching sun that flooded summer afternoons, a cool breeze touched my skin. The room remained semi-lit by the moon's pale light. Before knocking, I observed through the door's gap that an oppressive silence permeated the environment. Kaori was sprawled on her bed, her breathing heavy; she was in pain. I watched attentively, pondering whether I should call her.

"My... body..." she murmured between groans, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. What kind of evil experiments had they done to her to leave her in this state?

I knocked lightly on the door to indicate my presence. It might seem inappropriate to invade a lady's room, but it was better than waiting in the hallway and letting rumors spread.

"Miss Kaori, are you ready for our afternoon tea?" I said, making my presence known.

Startled, she propped herself up on her elbows, her eyes fixed on me. "Oh, you're already here." I saw her brow furrow as she lay back down. She took a deep breath and asked me, "By the way, what was your name again?"

"I apologize for not introducing myself. I am Lorian Vellorn, son of Count Ismael Vellorn and current leader of the Vellorn mercantile company."

She quickly got up from the bed, gesturing for me to turn around while she changed clothes.

"Training... a true hell." The moment was followed by a few minutes of silence. I heard her steps towards the door. "Since you seem important, I imagine you brought a carriage and a lot of money."

"Clearly, Miss Kaori. I couldn't disappoint your expectations." I walked towards her. I was already getting used to her overwhelming presence. She seemed more like a little girl than ever.