Black Mist

by Michael Sisa

  Dan felt a cold chill crawl up his spine. A trickle of sweat flowed down his cheeks. He made a fierce glare at Negi then grabbed the student by the hand. “Let’s get out of here.” His voice was firm and cold; it permitted no disobedience. Negi gulped down as he stared directly into Dan’s fierce eyes.

  “F-Fine!”Negi stiffly turned the opposite direction. “Let’s go see the drake at a later date then!” Deep inside, Negi really wanted to again see the creature, but Dan’s glare was enough to make his entire body quiver in fear. With remorse, he conceded with Dan’s suggestion and led the way towards the outside. Dan heaved a sigh of relief. Somehow, he felt an incredible amount of malice in the air. It originated particularly deep within the Bastille.

  “Excellent choice….”

  Dan turned around the moment he heard the voice. His heart violently thumped as though it was about to explode. He felt his entire body tremble, and his mouth began to dry and his throat became parched. It took him his everything to prevent his wobbly legs from falling down the ground. Whoever the owner of the voice was, it was without doubt the source of the dread that filled the air.

  “You okay?” Negi asked with a frown. He noticed the vigilant look on Dan’s face and like routine, he mimicked Dan’s eyes and scanned the surroundings. He saw nothing but the dimly lit bricked walls of the Bastille’s interior.

  “Did you hear that voice?”

  “Voice?” Negi tilted his head to the left. Dan closed his eyes then opened it. “Never mind… let’s go back to the outside.”

  “You sure you’re fine?” Negi was still staring at Dan.

  “Yeah.”

  After a shrug from Negi, the two of them went out of the Crimson Bastille. To their surprise, the five guards from before were no longer there. Negi spouted some words like how careless the management of the Sky Academy was to leave such fort without any guards. On the other hand, Dan silently listened as the two of them went back to their respective dormitories.

  ***

  After the peculiar ‘encounter,’ Dan immediately went inside his room. Somehow, he felt his entire body drained of its energy. He slumped on his bed with a soft thud, making his body sink a few inches deep into the bed’s fluffy interior. He turned his head to the left and saw a stack of books neatly placed on top of his wooden cabinet. He got up and made his way towards it.

  He remembered the words written by Wellter Prochson in his letter: “A day from now, sets of magic books and meditation arts shall be delivered to your room. It’s an ancient heritage of the Prochson Family.”

  Dan wordlessly touched the topmost book as he read the words written on it. The book itself was indigo, and the words imprinted were dull silver. A single glance was all it took for one to realize that the books were ancient. Dan took out the book.

  “I can’t read it...,” Dan mumbled as he stared at the cover. Afterwards, he opened it at a random page. The smell of dry ground that had been touched by droplets of rain filled his room the moment he did so. Dusts flew in all directions.

  Dan kept staring at the words written on the book. The words written were beyond his ability to decipher. The letters were curved in peculiar ways that were vastly different from one the Empire used. Dan was about to place the book back when he saw an envelope tucked at the lowermost portion of the piled up books. He gently took it out then read the contents of the letter inside.

  Seek Lamark Prochson. He’ll teach you everything you need to know regarding the books.

  It was not indicated in the letter who wrote it, but Dan was sure that it was Wellter. The handwriting was very much the same. Like before, the letter blazed into cinders the moment he had finished reading the contents. It flew upwards then vanished into nothing but smoke and dusts. Dan silently told himself that he would find the man named Lamark tomorrow. With such thoughts, he again slumped his entire body onto the bed. He dozed off into dreamland.

  ***

  Morning came and it was now Dan’s third day at Ilian Academy. He donned his uniform in a neat fashion and combed his hair backwards. Currently, he had the appearance of a pureblood noble. With calm and confident gait, he went his way towards the next class: History.

  History Class was held in a building further beyond the Green House. The building itself was old enough to be called deteriorating. It was five stories in height and was half as large as the Green House. Dan’s class was located at the first floor. The moment Dan entered the room, the previously noisy atmosphere instantly died down. Numerous stares were shot at him. It became deafeningly quiet.

  “Over here!” Negi waived his hand. Dan turned to the source of the voice and saw Negi sitting next to the window. He wore his usual innocent grin as he kept with his perpetual waive. After Dan sat down to the chair next to him, he made a nudge then chuckled, “Kahahaha! You’re now a celebrity, mate!”

  It was still deafeningly quite, and only Negi’s voice was what filled the room. Somehow, Dan’s classmates wore uncertain looks on their faces; they were almost fidgeting. Suddenly, a female student walked towards the duo. She made a light curtsy as she deliberately tried to hide her uneasiness and anxiety. Her eyes lost its semblance to almonds the moment she squinted. She gulped down before she said, “C-Celina... Celina Devon. T-That’s my n-name.”

  Dan and Negi wore surprised expressions as the female student introduced herself to them. She continued, “P-Pleased to make your acquaintance!” The last word was almost a squeak. She held out a hand then lowered her head, covering it half by her black hair.

  “Oooh~ a fan?” Negi joshed. He stood up then winked at Dan. Negi took the female student’s hand then shook it with a firm grip. “Really famous now, eh?” Negi said to Dan. He turned to Celina and made a broad smile. “Nice to meet you too! Celina, right?”

  Before the female student was able to utter her response, another student walked towards them and declared, “Raul—Raul Floria! Also pleased to make your acquaintance!”

  One by one, students began introducing themselves to Dan. The previously silent room was now filled with buzzing sounds and Negi’s occasional chuckles. Negi took the initiative to ‘entertain’ the classmates that introduced themselves. Dan, on the other hand, silently listened as the students made their speeches one after another. The commotion only died down the moment the professor for History Class entered the room.

  “Get back to your seats,” the professor said. She was an elderly woman who seemed to be around her nineties. Her hair was pure white and her skin sagged from the pull of earth. Numerous wrinkle marks adorned her body covered by a purple cloak. She wore a matching silk hat.

  “Hey, isn’t she too old for this stuff?” Negi whispered. Dan dismissed the rude remark.

  The class immediately assumed their seats. The room was now filled with nothing but occasional murmuring sounds. The professor tapped her cane against the wooden platform, creating three ~tak sounds. She cleared her throat.

  “I am Professor Helsie and I shall be your professor for the History Class!” Her declaration was full of vigour, but her frail voice betrayed her intentions. She had the air of someone about to croak at any moment.

  “So... for our introduction—” She began scribbling words on the wooden board using chalk. The words, ‘Walker Vont Ilian,’ were written. She turned to the class and after biting her pale lips, she softly opened it then asked, “How much do you guys know about this legendary magician? Anyone?”

  To Dan’s surprise, Negi’s hand shot upwards. Almost waiving, he beamed at the professor.

  “Yes? Any ideas?” Professor Helsie said.

  Negi stood up. He somehow carried with him an air of confidence. Negi gently placed a hand on his chest as though revering the words that was about to come from his mouth. “Walker Vont Ilian—commonly referred to as Master Walker, is the founder of Ilian Academy, the Academy of the Sky. Moreover, he is also the one that created the walls that surrounded the entirety of the Empire of Kulaima... an almost impossible feat, I must say. Among
magicians, he is regarded as the strongest... to the point of being called as legendary. As of now, he is the only magician that has attained SSS rank.”

  Professor Helsie and the rest of the group silently listened to Negi’s speech. The professor’s eyes twinkled of amusement as she gently gazed at the child before her. She could feel the passion behind Negi’s every word.

  Negi continued, “Two hundred years ago... the very same century when the Empire of Kulaima gained its name, Master Walker single-handedly stopped the invasion of Krukas. According to the historical records of the Great Historian, Klein Marsha... Master Walker had fought on par with the Great Demon Lord Vanarava—that was before the Great Demon Lord entered its eternal slumber.”

  Negi’s voice remained proud and confident. “It was said that the fight between the Great Demon Lord and the Legendary Magician lasted seven days but they still failed to have a definite conclusion. The strength of those two were definitely on par with each other. Around a decade after that fight, Master Walker died of old age.” Negi’s voice was filled with a hint of sorrow in it. His lips curled downwards. He shrugged. “Such a waste... right? But I guess even a legendary magician can’t win against time. A year after Master Walker died, to the human race’s surprise, the Great Demon Lord entered its eternal slumber. Some historians made theories regarding the abrupt cause of such event. Some said that the Great Demon Lord forcefully entered its eternal slumber due to the lack of any worthy opponent. Without doubt, the moment Master Walker died, there was no longer any opponent strong enough to fight against Vanarava. There was also the theory that before Master Walker died, he had once again fought against the Great Demon Lord. And during that fight, the Legendary Magician inflicted fatal damage on the Great Demon Lord. These two theories became a controversial topic during that time but till now, no one knows the truth.” Negi made a light bow after he concluded his speech. “That’s all—”

  Professor Helsie vigorously clapped her hands after Negi’s answer. Her eyes continued to twinkle as she gleefully smiled at the student. “Very good! Excellent! It seems that this class is very promising?” She glanced around the room. The students wore bored and indifferent expressions in contrast to hers and Negi’s. Dan silently listened all throughout the ordeal.

  Helsie chuckled then snorted. After placing a hand on her hips, she said, “On to the next question then!” She again began writing words on the wooden board. She was full of enthusiasm. Just like before, Negi immediately shot his hands into the air the moment Helsie asked her question. Without doubt, Negi had now become Professor Helsie’s favourite student.

  Chapter 21: Lamark Prochson

  History class had ended. It consisted mostly of Professor Helsie’s rumblings coupled with Negi’s eager answers. The moment the professor left the room, Dan eventually found himself surrounded by numerous students. Somehow, most of the students suddenly became friendly with him. Unable to stand all the fuss, Dan grabbed Negi by the arm and quickly went out of the building. The students did not give chase as they stared the two’s disappearing figures.

  “Finally... almost got a headache from that,” Dan mumbled. Negi heard him and declared, “Man—and we’re just at the good part! Can’t you see the looks of those students? It’s obvious! They wanted to be friends with you!” He rubbed his chin. “Guess that’s to be expected... after witnessing ‘that’ during the Martial Arts Class.”

  Dan felt that the friendly gestures of the students were superficial, but he chose not to tell Negi. Though the two of them were almost the same age, to him, Negi was nothing but a child. He remembered the letter from before. “Do you know where I can find the Professor named Lamark?”

  Negi’s jaw dropped after Dan’s question. He repeatedly opened and closed his mouth. Finally, he said, “L-Lamark? As in... L-Lamark P-Prochson?”

  “Yes.”

  Negi ruffled his hair. His next words were almost hysterical. “You’re not planning on meeting that monster, right? Listen—don’t meet that... that savage... he’ll kill you!”

  “Monster?” Dan asked. The two of them were currently at a garden located near the History Class’ building. Save for them, there were currently no other students around. Vines crept up on the bark of the trees that surrounded the area. A broken fountain was seen a few meters from their spot, and mosses covered it green.

  “Yeah! Monster!” Negi glanced left and right after he realized that his voice was too loud. After a light breeze passed through, he continued, “My brother’s a fourth year in this school, right? Before I entered this academy, he warned me of that guy. Rumours say that Lamark is a sadist... no that’s an understatement... he’s a blood-loving demon! There are even stories saying that he’s killed students before!”

  “Rumours, huh? It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s true.” Dan gave a shrug. He was confident that even if the rumours proved to be real, the professor named Lamark Prochson would not harm him. It seemed that the head of the Prochson Family had already told Lamark beforehand about Dan. “So... do you know where to find him?”

  Negi scratched his head. “Not really... he’s not that popular with the students. Maybe you should ask a professor if you really wish to meet that person?”

  “I see... I’ll do that then,” Dan replied. He straightened his tie. “I’ll be on my way—see you tomor—”

  “Wait!” Negi interjected. “I think my brother mentioned it before... Professor Lamark seems to be one of the Magus Arts Professors for the fifth year students. Going by that logic, maybe you could find him at the Magus Arts Tower for the senior students? Not really sure though... just a suggestion.”

  Negi pointed a finger to the west. Particularly, he pointed at a tall tower seen beyond the sea of trees. “That’s the Magus Arts Tower for the higher batch of students. Takes around an hour of walk from here... or two? Just try not to get lost in the forest. Professor Quittle told us before, right? Dangerous plant monsters sometimes appear in there.”

  “Thank you.” Dan smiled then turned towards the direction Negi pointed at. “See you tomorrow!”

  Negi made a slight nod. “Yeah. If the guy turned out to be as real as the rumours indicated, just run.”

  His suggestion seemed odd, but Dan appreciated it regardless. With a wave of his hand, Dan went his way towards the Magus Arts Tower.

  ***

  The path towards the senior students’ Magus Arts Tower was paved, and a small metallic partition separated it from the forest itself. The partition had a meagre height of two feet, but it was enveloped by a dim azure hue. A single glance was all it took for one to know that it was magically enchanted. The rustling of leaves as the occasional gusts of wind brushed against the trees were heard as Dan silently went his way. They were no rules indicating that the first years were not allowed to enter the senior students’ area. After an hour of walk, he had finally reached his destination. The tower was located near the border of the forest, and it held an isolated feeling to it. It spanned thirty meters in diameter, and it towered a height of a hundred meters. Its exterior was black and metallic.

  A group of students were seen at a far corner as Dan went towards the tower’s entrance. Some of them cast a stare at his direction when they noticed the colour of his tie. The students’ years were categorized by the colour of their ties. First year students like him were required to wear green ones.

  There were no other entities around save for the clustered group of students. Dan decided to walk towards the group and ask for Lamark Prochson’s whereabouts. Dan noticed that their ties were purple: an indication that they were on their fifth year.

  Dan made a light and polite bow. “Hello... If I may have some of your time?”

  The clustered students numbered seven in total. Four were male and the rest were female. A male student sitting on top of a boulder said, “Yeah? What is it, first year?” The last part was clearly emphasized.

  “I’m looking for professor Lamark... if anyone of you knows where I can find
him?” Dan saw the quick transition on the students’ faces. From a proud gaze, it quickly transformed into pure horror. Some of them became pale from the mere mention of the name. The eyes of a female student on his right seemed to bulge out as it scanned her surroundings. Her chest rapidly rose then fell in successions.

  The group whispered to each other, “He’s looking for that professor! Professor Lamark’s not nearby, right?”

  “Shit... shit... shit! Maybe he’s here in the tower?”

  “Let’s get out of here then! Quick!”

  After a quick glance at Dan, the group hurriedly fled the area. They did not even bother to answer Dan’s question. Dan was left there standing as he stared at their disappearing figures. As time went by, he found the man named Lamark Prochson more intriguing. He wondered what kind of a magician the man would be for the students to fear him that much.