Witchbound Villain: Infinite Loop

The grassy courtyard of Soulnaught Empire's palace was alive with the sounds of nature and the eager anticipation of learning. 

The sun played a coy game with the clouds, ensuring the boys didn't melt under its heat, while the trees and greenery provided a perfect, dappled shield from direct sunlight.

A refreshing breeze danced through the air, making the day just about perfect.

“Vision is the proof of God’s love. Have I told you about this before?” Morgan asked, her tone soft and airy.

Yvain, sitting front and center among the male descendants of Elysian, answered along with them, “Yes!”

“Good. And what did I tell you?” Morgan asked again, her eyes narrowing playfully. “That God created us as…?”

“Equals!” the boys chimed in unison, their enthusiasm almost making her laugh.

“Right. That means, it isn’t that you’re talented or chosen when you excel in Vision art, it’s because you strive to know your own soul, the soul God created to become you,” Morgan explained.

The boys nodded, hanging on her every word. By knowing themselves, their identities, and understanding what they were created for, they would grow stronger and stronger. Vision art was the art of knowing one’s truth.

One of her disciples, Ronald Elle, the former crown prince of Elysian, hesitantly raised his hand. Morgan arched an eyebrow.

“Yes, Ronald?” she nodded at him, bracing for the inevitable question.

“If we all have our own identities, which will reflect in our mastery of Vision, then why does every Vision user always start with fire type spells?” Ronald asked, his frustration evident.

He was, after all, the only one still unable to unleash his Vision energy despite everyone's encouragement and teachings.

Morgan hummed. “Well, Ronald, it’s true that everyone has their own distinct specialties derived from their unique identities. And believe me, when you find that specific thing, you’ll become even stronger than me,” she said with a smirk.

“But there’s a reason why everyone tends to start with fire type spells.”

Morgan raised one of her hands, and a ball of light appeared, hovering above her palm. A small fire ignited within it. "Because fire symbolizes life. Energy in its most primal form. When you think of magic, you’ll think of an energy you draw from deep within."

The boys watched, mesmerized, as the fire flickered and danced.

“Isn’t it easy to imagine something showing up when you first started? It reflects your emotion, passion, rage,” she continued, the fire in her hand growing larger and more vibrant.

“Something you think you can’t control yet, something hot and dangerous because of your unfamiliarity with it. Something you need, something magical.”

Morgan clenched her hand, and the fire vanished. “And it’s also easier for mages to control fire.”

She let the statement hang in the air, knowing the boys were absorbing every word. Despite its danger, fire was better for beginners precisely because it was dangerous.

It was almost impossible for beginner Vision users to hurt themselves or others with fire because of their own consciousness and carefulness. It was clearly hot, so when it hurt them, they’d stop using it because of the pain.

“Vision magic,” Morgan explained, “is deeply connected with one’s soul. Inherently, you’ll have reflexes, instincts, and fear not to hurt yourself. When you feel fear and pain, you’ll immediately stop, because your emotions are also overcome by these feelings.”

The boys nodded, their eyes wide with understanding. But Morgan knew there were always exceptions, her gaze shifting to Yvain.

When Yvain lost his mind, falling into a rampage, he lost all of his reflexes and instincts. There was no longer pain or fear—combined with his great mastery of the art, which made him more comfortable using his power.

Morgan smiled wryly. “But, while fire is an excellent starting point, remember to respect its power. It’s a great teacher, but it can be a harsh one if you let your guard down.”

The wind rustled the leaves around them, adding a touch of serenity to the moment. The lesson was clear: Vision magic was as much about understanding oneself as it was about wielding power.

The boys sat there, the grass beneath them, and the gentle breeze around them, contemplating the wisdom they had just received.

“Okay. For those of you who have mastered fire spell control, you can start creating other elements with the mana you can handle. Stick with earth and water for now; don’t try wind yet,” Morgan instructed, her tone both firm and encouraging.

“Yvain,” she called.

“Yes, Master?” Yvain flinched, startled by Morgan’s sudden attention.

Morgan smiled, rubbing the boy’s head affectionately. Yvain leaned into her touch, clearly enjoying the rare moment of warmth. “Caliburn said he’s coming to teach you the next phase of Force Art today.”

Yvain froze. “Eh?!”

“Be good and learn well,” Morgan said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“W-what about my Vision training?!” Yvain’s panicked expression as he tried to think of an escape from Force training amused Morgan to no end.

“Good boy, I’ve seen you reach your next phase already,” Morgan said, her voice filled with pride. “You’ve had an inkling of what your specialty is, right? Now, tell your master.”

Yvain groaned, clearly uncomfortable. “I’m not sure yet, Master… but it feels like I’m standing in the middle.”

“In the middle?” Morgan raised her eyebrows, intrigued.

Yvain hesitated, searching for the right words. “It feels like… I want to stay here, at this very moment, in the middle of everything.”

Morgan tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “Middle… you mean, neutral?”

Something clicked in Yvain’s head. “That! That’s—! That!”

Seeing Yvain so excited, Morgan couldn’t help but chuckle. “But that’s such a vast concept. Neutrality?”

“That’s what I mean, Master… My head’s gonna explode!” Yvain exclaimed, his excitement mingling with frustration.

Morgan smiled, her eyes twinkling with understanding. “Neutrality, huh? That’s quite profound for someone your age. It’s a concept that requires a deep understanding of balance and harmony. But don’t worry, Yvain. We’ll take it step by step.”

The other boys watched with a mix of admiration and curiosity. Yvain’s journey was unique, and they were eager to see where it would lead.

“Remember,” Morgan continued, “neutrality doesn’t mean inaction. It means finding the balance, the center point where all forces converge. It’s a powerful place to be if you can master it.”

Yvain nodded, feeling a sense of clarity and purpose. The path ahead might be challenging, but he was ready to embrace it.

“Okay, Master! Ah! Please don’t tell me to leave yet! I will meditate for a bit, please let me stay!” Yvain begged, his eyes wide with urgency.

Morgan didn’t have the heart to refuse him. She nodded, and Yvain cheered with joy, immediately taking a spot under a tree that the other boys hadn't claimed yet. He settled into his meditation, a look of peace washing over his face.

Meanwhile, Morgan walked around the grassy courtyard, observing the boys as they dispersed, each trying their own thing. Her goal was clear: to let them experience as many spells as possible, helping them discover their own specialties.

Most of the older male descendants had only mastered fire spells in their lives. They had honed their skills so well that fire had become their specialty. But, just like how they couldn't find their intended core identities—the unique essence God created them to become—they never reached their full potential.

These younger boys, however, still had their chance to find it. They came to Morgan, eager to learn more spells, to explore the depths of their own abilities.

Morgan moved gracefully among them, offering guidance and encouragement. She knew that each boy had a unique path to follow, and it was her job to help them find it. As she watched them experiment with earth and water spells, she felt a sense of pride and hope.

But one boy in particular, was still struggling.

Ronald sat on the ground, facing the sky.