Chapter 14: The Unseen Forces

  The next morning, after their strange encounter with the merchant, the trio found themselves in a crowded tavern. The clinking of mugs, low murmurs of conversation, and the warm scent of roasting meats surrounded them. As they settled into a corner, they tried to make sense of everything. Their world had just been turned upside down, and they were scrambling to understand it all.

  "Alright, this place," Rohan said, slamming a mug of ale on the table. "What’s the deal? We're surrounded by magic, but we have no clue how any of this works."

  Before anyone could answer, a bard’s voice rose above the tavern's noise. He strummed a lute and began singing a song. It was a familiar tune, but the lyrics were like nothing they’d heard before. As they listened, they began to understand that this world had a structure—a hierarchy—that ran on magic.

  The bard’s song described different levels of power, from the lowly common folk to the elite, those who controlled the elements. The song painted a picture of a society where magic was as much a social currency as it was a tool.

  ---

  Social Hierarchy of Magic

  The bard's words gave them a glimpse into the power structure of the society they were in. Here’s a breakdown of the levels mentioned:

  1. Commoners

  Have little to no magic.

  Perform basic tasks, maintain the city.

  Live under the influence of higher powers.

  2. Adepts

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Individuals who have learned to control a single element or skill.

  Often employed as artisans, healers, or protectors.

  May rise in status through training.

  3. Masters

  Those who can wield multiple elements or have immense knowledge of magic.

  Control land, resources, and political influence.

  They are revered and feared.

  4. The High Council

  The ruling class. Individuals with unparalleled mastery over all elements.

  They maintain the balance of power across the world.

  Often involved in the most secretive rituals and decisions.

  ---

  Rohan shook his head. "So, there’s a whole system here. Magic isn't just something you use—it determines your place in society. That explains a lot."

  Arjun leaned forward, his mind racing. "And if we're going to figure out how we fit in, we need to learn about this magic system."

  They spent the next few hours in the tavern, listening to the bard’s tales, which only deepened their understanding of the world. But as the night went on, a question lingered in Arjun’s mind. Was their arrival here tied to this system?

  The next morning, they set out to find a library. There, they hoped to uncover more about the magic that had brought them here. When they arrived, they were stunned by the vast collection of books and scrolls that seemed to hold the world’s knowledge within them.

  Kabir immediately made a beeline for a shelf, his eyes scanning the titles quickly. He pulled down a book, and within minutes, had flipped through several chapters. Rohan stared at him in disbelief.

  “Wait, you’re already done? How long has it been?” Rohan asked, glancing at the time.

  “It’s been ten minutes,” Kabir replied casually, closing the book with a snap.

  Arjun shot him a puzzled look. "How are you reading that fast?"

  Kabir shrugged. "I don’t know, it’s just... easy."

  Rohan was beginning to think something was off. Kabir had always been quick, but this was on another level. "You’ve got something special too, don’t you?" Rohan asked.

  Kabir gave him a crooked smile. “I don’t know what you mean, but I’m starting to think we all have something different about us.”

  Arjun, still reeling from the implications of their arrival, looked down at his bracelet. "I think it’s our bracelets. They’re not like anything else here. They’re... special."

  ---

  Power Levels and Magic

  As they pieced together more information, the trio began to realize that the bracelets were tied to their place in this world. The magic they possessed was different from anything else they had seen. Here’s a basic outline of how the magic levels worked:

  1. Mundane Magic

  Simple spells or enchantments used by the average person.

  Limited to a single element or task.

  2. Elemental Mastery

  Magic users who can control one or more elements (fire, water, earth, air).

  Requires years of training or a special bloodline.

  3. Mystical Relics

  Rare and powerful artifacts that amplify a user's magic.

  Unique items like their bracelets.

  4. Legendary Powers

  The most powerful, ancient magic that can bend reality itself.

  ------

  These individuals are either born with it or earn it through extraordinary deeds.

  Arjun's eyes widened as he realized what this meant. "Our bracelets... they’re relics. I can feel it. There’s something about them that makes them stand out from everything else."

  Rohan frowned. "If they’re relics, that means we're already a part of something big. But we don’t know what. We need to hide these bracelets, keep them under wraps."

  Kabir looked around nervously. "We’ve got to be careful. If people find out what we have, we might attract unwanted attention."