Mana runs in everything. It's up to the mage to learn and master it. A mage needs to know his or her limits. It could lead to endangering themselves and endangering others."

  Aeon Mage- Mastered their magic. Headmasters, Scholars, Royal Family Members, Emperors, Royal Guards.

  Adept Mage- Greater understanding of their magic, such as teachers, doctors, and mages who work within the news center.

  Central Mage- the borderline understanding of their magic, like soldiers of the Amoria region, Ardian, Magic Academy Students.

  Novice Mage- learning how to work their magic.

  Mages are classified by their mage rank. All mages start as Novice mages learning how to learn their magic and its fundamentals. For some jobs, you must meet a certain required mage rank to take it. To undergo a promotion to the next mage rank the Four Royal Families created a system called a "Duel of Progression". A match between mages of the same rank that is foreseen by the current Headmaster at Ardian Magic Academy and one of the members of the Four Royal Families. In some rare cases, both sides have been promoted.

  -------------------

  Village of Rupta Year XX03

  "Wake up boy."

  "Who's calling me? Father"

  "Father? Haha" the mysterious voice chuckles. "There is still much more to learn. While there is still time."

  AHH

  Axelle suddenly sits up in his bed. Breathing at an unsteady rate. His palms are sweaty, and his back is drenched with sweat.

  "A dream. Was it?" Axelle thinks as he sits at the edge of his bed, staring at his palms.

  The first light of the day barely cracks the sky.

  HOOT

  HOOT

  Multiple emissary owls with a satchel on their bodies fly over Rupta with newspapers attached to their talons.

  TAP

  TAP

  HOOT HOOT

  An owl delivers the mail outside on the porch of the Cordelia family home.

  "Yawn" a tired Bri wakes up.

  "What day is it?"

  TAP TAP TAP

  Bri looks out her window.

  "Morning," Axelle waves from outside. "Ready to train?"

  "Axelle, you're here," with her sleepy eyes and groggy voice, staring at him. "He looks so real," as she heads back to sleep.

  TAP TAP TAP

  Bri bolts outta bed. "Oh, it is you!"

  "Alrighty" Bri puts on her clothes and heads outside to her dining room.

  "Good morning Bri" her mother greets her. A middle-aged woman with waist-length black wavy hair, with very light touches of teal within her hair, brown eyes, and wearing a cooking apron.

  "Morning, Mother, did Father already head to work?"

  "Yes, he did the same time he was leaving. Axelle came by. That boy sure does wake up early. I asked if he wanted some breakfast, but he kindly turned it down and waited patiently for you to wake up."

  "Oh dear, I hope I didn't make it wait too long."

  "Maybe around 10 minutes."

  "Okay"

  Bri walks past her mom going near the front door.

  "Bri honey do please be careful this time."

  She puts on her shoes "Don't worry Mother we shall be close to the house this time. I believe you can see us as you peak through the window here" Bri points at the window closest to the front door.

  Bri is about to exit the front door" Also Mother."

  "Yes"?"

  "Did father mention anything about the "gift"?"

  "Oh yes he did he's going to find the last piece of it today after he finishes work"

  "Excellent"

  "Also Bri could you also pass me the newspaper outside"

  "Of course, Mother"

  Bri walks outside and passes the newspaper along to her mother.

  "Thank you, dear. Be safe"

  "Will do"

  SHUT

  Bri leaves as she heads off to train with Axelle.

  Bris's mother then sits down at the dining table and reads the daily news. "Be aware of the rebellion group, 'Aero Desperados, ' seeking what is right and undoing this region's wrongdoing," she speaks aloud.

  Axelle and Bri continue to walk down a short path that leads to a nearby stream.

  "Aero Desperados?" Bri asks.

  "Yeah, I saw the news article that arrived this morning just before you came out. Supposedly a group of Orphans from the remnants of that civil war that happened a couple of years ago"

  "If I remember correctly that war was fought in the region of Amoria but I forgot who was involved my father told me that story because his job was affected by it and had to stay home" Bri adds.

  "My father helped Amoria's Strategic General Galen Rossi I remember him telling me it was a war about using the resources for the walls and military and not giving to the poor. The Valentine Family tried to intervene and give them a loathsome of money but it was already past that point. It makes sense why the kids of those parents would want to start something" Axelle responds.

  The two continue walking until they reach the stream.

  "The Great War Hero Galen Rossi" Bri asks.

  "Father told me he was given that position as Strategic General because his great-grandfather helped to defeat NYX."

  "I wonder what plan they came up with to defeat NYX?"

  "Am not sure but we all know it was down to the Heavenly Mages that finally defeated NYX" Axelle remarks as he has a conflicted look on his face.

  Bri walks backwards as she faces Axelle and inspects his face.

  "You look tired." She asks.

  "Am fine" Axelle says as his words dont match the expression of his face."

  "So were you surprised by my spell yesterday?!" Bri says as he tries to lighten up the mood.

  "Y-Yeah you sure did where did you learn that?" Axelle wonders.

  "I've been secretly practicing that spell to show you but good thing I perfected it in the nick of time"

  Axelle looks slightly at her arm and sees the scar from the other day.

  "So it can't remove scars," Axelle thinks to himself. "Perfected? Am not too sure about that wolf was able to get through. I would say work on the time it takes to set-"

  Bri pouts as her eyes begin to tear up.

  "W-wait it was a great technique and it saved us yesterday. I-I was just worried you know. That I might not be there next time to save you. So you should practice it."

  AHAHA

  "It's always so funny to see you so flustered. Am kidding" Bri chuckles.

  "Your mean," Axelle says playfully.

  "Jeez, I am just kidding" Bri laughs.

  Haha

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  Axelle laughs.

  Bri flicks her left hand towards Axelle.

  Water from the stream jumps out and soaks Axelle.

  SPLASH

  "Haha," Axelle tries to wipe himself.

  "You let your guard down hahaha" Bri teases him pointing and laughing.

  "Now am soaking wet" as he dries his hands.

  "Can't you warm yourself up with your fire?" Bri asks.

  "I have to change my clothes am not trying to burn myself"

  Bri looks guilty as he walks towards him.

  "Well, I am sorry here I can-"

  SPLASH

  Axelle splashes water on Bri from the stream.

  "You let YOUR guard down" Axelle mocks Bri.

  "Why you"

  Axelle and Bri enter the small stream as they splash and play with one another.

  Moments pass by.

  The two were fully drenched in water.

  "I guess we didn't do no training"

  "Yeah, but at least we had fun. Woah its gone this late in the afternoon" Bri smiles.

  "Ok but we do need to change our clothes now"

  "Dont worry about it" Bri waves her hand as she extends her left arm out.

  The water molecules from both of them begin to collect in the palm of Bris's hand.

  "Wow didn't know you could do that"

  "It's one of the first things that my father and mother taught me to have control of the flow of water. They did say it can become a problem if I don't train it properly but I don't think that'll be an issue." Bri says as she smiles.

  Axelle smiles back.

  "Hey, you two!" a middle-aged man with a fair skin tone, blue eyes, black side combed wavy hair, and a beard calls out. Wearing a white button-up shirt, dress pants, and carrying a briefcase.

  "Father" Bri says excitedly running up the path.

  She gives him a big hug.

  "How was my beautiful little girl today"

  "I was good me and Axelle just played by the stream as you told us to"

  "Really? Did you have fun?"

  "Yeah, we sure did. I also got to show Axelle some of the spells that I've been practicing"

  "Oh just make sure Bri that you don't use too much" as he pats her head.

  Axelle slowly approaches very cautiously.

  BADUMP BADUMP

  Axelle's heart races.

  "Is he going to be mad at me? Is he going to scold me for yesterday? No, I should be fine because Bri's mom was nice to me. She even offered me breakfast. Oh, this is her dad. Completely different. Maybe he's going to warn me? Maybe we shouldn't play with magic anymore?" All these thoughts spiral through Axelles head as he anxiously waits to hear what Bris's father would say.

  "Axelle" Bris's father speaks.

  "

  "M-Mr.Cordelia how was your day" Axelle responds.

  "Just a normal day at work no off-putting things to report. I just wanna say-"

  "Oh here it comes" Axelle winces his eyes as if he was getting punished.

  "Thank you for saving Bri yesterday"

  Axelle's eyes widened.

  "I know she can be a handful at times as she just learned her magic but please look out for her"

  "Your w-welcome sir"

  "And you little missy you have to be careful okay."

  "Yes I will Father"

  "Alright" her father smiles as prepares to head inside their home. "Oh yes and one thing Bri I have the "thing""

  "Alright," Bri responds as her father takes out an item wrapped in cloth from his briefcase.

  She slowly grabs it from her father and turns back to walk towards Axelle.

  "What's that" Axelle asks.

  Bri slowly reveals it unraveling from the cloth.

  A beautiful necklace with many different sea stones.

  "Wow that's cool"

  "Here this is for you" Bri says.

  "Woah really?"

  "The symbol of our friendship and for always being there for me. Supposedly this necklace brings good luck and an increase in mana to whoever wears it"

  "Wow thank you but I don't have anything for you."

  "That's okay Axelle you don't have to give anything" Bri smiles.

  Axelle attempts to put it on him. "Woah it's a little too big for me but I just let it dangle or just wear across my chest for now"

  "How does it look?"

  "Great you look like a warrior with that on"

  "Hmph with this mighty necklace and my blade of flames I shall diminish all who stand in my way with my Fire Blast" Axelle monologues.

  Bri chuckles to herself "All alright Prince of flame"

  They both smile with a clear sunny sky.

  However sunny days will fade away.

  "Hmm what should I do" Axelle lays his bed, staring at the necklace Bri gave him.

  "What does she like? What what she like? Something that she can use?" Axelle says aloud. "Haa this is too hard"as he puts his hands behind his head

  KNOCK KNOCK

  "Hey something wrong" his father walks wearing black slacks, and a black shirt.

  Axelle looks at his father's attire "Where is he going? agh never mind I have more important matters to attend to" Just when he was about to ask that question Axelle looked back at the necklace.

  "Umm yes" as he lifts his necklace.

  "Oh the necklace that Bri gave you the other day"

  "Yeah she gave me this but I don't know what to give her in return"

  STEP STEP

  "Hmm" takes a closer look at the necklace.

  "Wow it has a mana stone inside of it I didn't see that the first time you showed us"

  "Well that was on me I didn't really "show" it to you and mom."

  "That's right you just walked in and went straight to your room your face all red and announced, "I've received a necklace from Bri".

  "It makes sense for her to have that since her father is a geologist" Axton states.

  "What should I get her father?"

  "How about-"

  "Dear isn't it about time we head out?" a woman's voice calls out.

  "Good morning Mother," Axelle says.

  Wearing a dark dress "Good morning I didn't want to wake up but it seems you are wide awake. What's wrong?"

  "Well honey he's having trouble tryna pick out a gift for Bri"

  "Aww, how sweet. I remember your father gave me a necklace and before he went to the civil war he promised he'll marry me. Then he proposed and gave me a ring with our initials on it" his mother says as he shows it to Axelle.

  "It did cost ALOT of Bal"

  "But it turned out fine honey since the Strategic General Rossi was nice enough to give us a home and we don't have to pay any expenses at all"

  "That's it that's what I should do?"

  "Well Axelle you should give a ring to a person who you really-"

  "No an item that has her name on it. But it has to be something she can use daily."

  "Some kind of accessory maybe" his dad suggests.

  "How about a small little side pouch? So she can fit her essential needs."

  "That's a great idea, Mother"

  "I got a ton of those in the other room let me go get one" Axelle's father leaves the room.

  "But how am I going to inscribe her name?"

  "Dont worry axelle you just have to use a little of you're flame like this" Etna shows her finger as the flame is no brighter than a small candlelight.

  "Here I found it"

  Axton gives him a little beige leather side pouch that can be adjusted.

  "She can use it as a sling bag or adjust it to put it on her arm or leg"

  "Okay perfect," Axelle says as he lifts his finger on fire. He then carefully inscribes Bri's name into it in perfect cursive.

  "There"

  "Wow that looks great son."

  "Job well done," Etna remarks with a smile.

  "Thank you for your help, and by the way, where are you guys going?" Axelle finally asks.

  "We're just going to a last-minute funeral of a former colleague of mine who battled alongside me in the civil war. Xander Pierce of the Pierce family. He was a wonderful ice mage and had a loving family. I believe they have a daughter around your age as well"

  "I feel so sorry for his wife" Etna adds.

  "The ceremony will be in Cassadora we figured we didn't wanna bother you with that well since," Axton says as both he and Etna look at the side bag with their raised eyebrows.

  "But it may rain," Axelle says.

  "It's all right since it's inside a cathedral," Etna says.

  "We'll be off Axelle" Axton

  "We should be back around dinner time. If the tram to Cassadora isn't delayed"

  "The Cordelia family knows that you and Bri will be training again together today so you'll be in their care"

  "Okay"

  "Also since you mentioned rain, don't play or else you'll get sick, and don't train too hard" Axton remarks as he pats his son's head.

  "Stay safe," Etna says as he kisses her son's forehead.

  "Safe travels," Axelle says as the two leave the house. He looks at the sky "it is going to rain soon I better give this to her now"

  Axelle heads over to Bri's house.

  KNOCK KNOCK

  "Hello Axelle"

  "Hey Mrs.Cordelia."

  "If you're looking for Bri she's training by the stream."

  "She already beat me to it. All right, thank you"

  Axelle smiles "Hopefully she likes this gift"

  He arrives with her back facing him as she learns to create a water ball. Her hands begin to shake as she struggles to maintain the water's form.

  "Learning a new spell" Axelle says.

  SPLASH

  The water falls back into the stream.

  "Hey, Axelle how long have you been standing there?"

  "Not that long just enough to see you form that waterball."

  "Yeah it's a new spell I've been trying to learn I call it Water Prison"

  "Cool name"

  "Thank you what's that in your hand"

  "Oh uh, this is supposed to be for you" Axelle hands over the little bag with his right hand as he scratches his head with his left. "A little thank you for the necklace"

  "Wow, you didn't have to give me anything. It even has my name on it. Thank you, Axelle. It's good that you gave me this, I needed something so I don't have to carry things in my hand" She then looks up at the sky.

  "Do you wanna call it a pass for today or do you wanna train for a little bit"

  "Are you kidding let's train a bit we haven't properly trained these past few days. Plus you've been learning new magic spells. Just a couple minutes ain't bad."

  "Uh, I don't know."

  "Fine how bout this? When the first raindrops hit the ground we'll go back to your house" Axelle suggests.

  "Ok I guess you really wanna fight me."

  "Show me what you can do Bri"

  "Alright you asked for it"

  SHEATH

  Axelle unsheaths his sword as it begins to be infused with flames.

  Bri activates a blue magic circle under her as she begins to motion with her hands.

  The two waiting for the other to strike first.

  {FIRE CREATION MAGIC: FIRE BLAST}

  Axelle advances creating a slashing motion that releases a fireball hurling straight towards Bri.

  {WATER CREATION MAGIC: AQUA RING}

  Bri creates a ring around her that blocks the attack creating a ball of smoke.

  "My vision I can't see" Bri says.

  Axelle then suddenly appears behind her.

  "My blind spot"

  Axelle prepares to kick her but is met wet feeling.

  Bri catches her kick with the water from the Aqua Ring.

  "Not so fast"

  {FIRE CREATION MAGIC: FLAME VOR-}

  {WATER CREATION MAGIC: WATER PRISON}

  Bri beats Axelle before he can finish his spell, as a ball of water fully engulfs Axelle.

  "What do you see gotcha beat now?" Bri teases him.

  While inside the water prison, Axelle points at her and gives her a thumbs up.

  "Alrigh- URGH" Bri falls to one knee. "What is happening?"

  DRIP

  DROP

  DRIP

  Raindrops begin to fall.

  "What's going on?" Axelle sees Bri struggling. He attempts to escape the water prison with his sword in hand but to no avail.

  "I can't control it" Bri yells. "Ahh arghhh AHHHH" as she holds her head with both of her hands.

  As she looked u,p her eyes began to glow blue. "What are. What is saying this"

  The rain continued to blow like a monsoon.

  "Am I halluncianating? I can't breathe? My body is starting to feel numb. My vision grew darker and darker. Am I dying?" Axelle begins to question himself with his body frantically moving with his blade in his hand desperately trying to find a way out.

  "BRI!" her mother comes running down.

  "Mother what's wrong with me."

  "She used too much no. Her mana goes amplified because of the rain she can't control it. Not only that."

  From the waters, a large head of a beast begins to form and another and another.

  "A hydra"

  "She is THIS type of mage." Her mother is in shock as she attempts to stop her.

  "Am really going to"

  "No, not yet" a mysterious voice calls to him.

  CRACK

  CRACK

  SNAP

  POP

  Axelle's blade begins to glow a purple hue as Bris Water Prison evaporates.

  He lies there motionless looking at Bri as she struggles to control the water beast with her mother trying to calm her down.

  "Boy this is still so much to be done" the mysterious voice calls out again.

  ...

  .....

  ....

  "BRI!" Axelle yells.

  "Argh my head. Was that all a dream?" Axelle holds his head as he examines his surroundings.

  "My room the last thing I remember. The rain. Sword. and Bri"

  "Axelle?" a voice says.

  He looked at the door of his bedroom.

  His mother Etna stands in happiness and relief as she rushes over to his side.

  "Your okay Axelle!" She comes over to hug him. "Is everything ok? Do you know who am? What's you're name? Where are you at?"

  "Mother, calm down I know this is my room, Axelle Alekzander"

  "Thank heavens."

  "What happened to me?"

  "You were out in a coma for a week."

  "A week?!"

  "Yes, your father was really worried he called a doctor, and he's probably getting more food right now"

  "Am sorry"

  "It's okay as long as we know you're okay."

  They both continue to hug as Axelle notices something in his mother's hand.

  "What is that, mother?"

  "Oh, I was just about to leave this on your bedside. I believe you should read it"

  She passes him the letter, and he begins to read it.

  "To my dear friend Axelle am very sorry for what I have done and what you've seen me do. Thank you for all the fun times and happy memories I will always cherish them. You probably hate me now and wish to see me never again. For that reason, I decided to move to the region in Polaris where I will learn to properly control my water magic. Am sorry we didn't have a proper goodbye but I wish to see you again soon. Love your friend, Bri Cordelia."

  "What..."