Chapter 2: Chapter 2: A Different World
*Aren*
"Raise and shine my son!" said my loved but annoying father.
Blinding light invades my room and forces me to acknowledge the world outside my dreams. I only have one response to such an intrusion.
"Nooooo."
"Come Aren, today is the today."
"Whhhhy."
"Because this was the only way for me to get you to do it. Don't you want to go to the Arcane University?"
"....Yes."
"Well, you need to do the Bond Summoning Ritual."
I ignore him and pull the covers over my head. I don't need to go to the university. I'll learn how to manifest my magic on my own and go on wonderful adventures. Like those in my dreams.
That's what I keep telling myself to make it all better. I feel a weight fall onto the side of my bed.
"Son, I know what happened with Feridaca was-"
"You swore not to talk about my...ex."
"...You're right. Forgive me."
"...I forgive you. But I won't do it. Why do we even need to do it anyway? Doesn't the Goddess disapprove of us taping into the Heart Magic Gate?"
"She warns delving deep into it. It's an inherently corrupting force but it's not without its merits. I still regret being stubborn like you and not performing the ritual. If I did, maybe you'd still have a mother." said my forlorn father.
"...You're doing a horrible job of convincing me."
"At least I'm trying. I don't want you to miss out on a lasting relationship."
"I don't want a relationship, I want to focus on magic. Let the prince do it if it's so important."
"This ritual can't be done often and Alymar will most likely be married off for political reasons. A shame really."
Sure it is...
"So see, you're the only candidate this generation. Besides, if you want magic then this is a good deal. Duel magic cultivation will increase your abilities greatly."
"...I know."
"Just try it Aren, if not for a relationship then for magic."
"...I do love magic. Fine, if it means I'll be able to go to university. Let's get this over with."
"Terrific! Get dressed and come to the summoning room at the king's castle. Top floor."
The weight suddenly disappears as I slowly get out of bed. Must have teleported.
"What? Are Archmages too good for walking?"
I sigh as I rummage through the various books on magic for my royal robes. Far too golden and gaudy for my tastes. We're mages for Goddess's sake, not those political snakes in court.
"Things will be different when I'm Archmage. But first, I have to get over this hurdle."
I slip into my robes and garments before walking into the bathroom. I look into the mirror and see ocean blue eyes staring back. I force them along with my bed hair to straighten out. I need to look the part of Archmage's son.
After an hour of self-hypnotizing, I exit my room and I'm greeted by 2 armored men. Their heavy armor shines golden in contrast to the beautiful azure of the tower.
I can't help but feel the need to joke a bit. I think I earn a cheat moment considering the crap I'm going to be put through.
"Soldiers, what is your job?"
They straighten up and slam the pommel of their spears on the ground.
"To protect the Archmage's son at all costs."
"I see, I see. Tell me, how many magic gates have you mastered?"
"S-Sir?"
"You heard me. Answer the question."
"S-Solar Plexus."
As expected from common soldiers. How far we elves have fallen.
"Interesting. So are you saying that my father, Archmage Valaron of the Crown, master of space magic, can't defend me?"
"N-No, that's-"
"Oh, so he can defend me. So I must ask...why are you here? What is your job?"
They look at each other, clearly caught off guard by my sudden harshness.
"Liven up, I'm just joking with you. Clearly, my father can't be here all the time. You're...valuable."
"Y-Yes sir, thank you sir."
"Good, I'm glad you understand your place. Now, let's go."
No more words were said as we walked towards the magical elevator a couple of hallways away. I step on the glowing blue sigil and thought of the bottom floor. Within a few seconds, we're at the bottom of the tower. In front of us, the door to the outside.
I push open the doors and take in the fresh air. It's only at these times do I feel like I'm in another world. Exiting a tavern after collecting a job, ready for the next adventure. But that illusion breaks when I open my eyes to see the elven city.
Its golden but suffocating beauty stretches across the horizon. I love and hate it. The intricate buildings and well made road. But the magic that once laced the architecture is fading away. Only the occasional fairy and the always awe-inspiring Temple remain.
The magic I seek lies outside these familiar streets. Thoughts like these fill my mind as I make my way to the castle. Of course, it's also painfully golden.
"Yo!"
On the steps towards the front gate, my only real...friend I suppose.
"Prince Alymar, a pleasure."
"Don't give me that prim and proper nonsense."
He takes a look behind me, only now noticing the guards.
"Oh, can you two go defend the doors for us? Bolster the castle defenses while we're doing the ritual and all that."
"Yes sir!"
They follow their orders while we go inside and make our way up to the top floor. The old way...
"It sucks your father won't install teleporters for us."
"He said it was enough to do it the first time. Maybe in another 100 years, he'll have the time to do it."
"I guess that's not too bad. I just wanted to see my best friend finally get a...proper girlfriend."
"...Don't get your hopes up. She'll be at best a study partner."
"Like that never leads anywhere. So, who are you hoping gets summoned?"
"Don't care."
"Really? What about that hotty Jessie? Or the bombshell Vanessa? Better yet, why not-"
"Aren?"
Before us is one of the few girls I know that's tolerable, Olivia.
"Well look who it is. We were just talking about you." Alymar commented.
You were talking, I was listening.
"Hello Prince Alymar, can me and Aren have a moment?"
"Of course, I wouldn't want to get in the way of love. I'll meet you in the summoning room buddy."
I held in my sigh as Alymar runs ahead.
"I hear you're going to do the Bond Summoning Ritual today."
"You heard correctly."
"Then...I want to say I'll see you then."
"Confident are we?"
"Enough to wait on your call in my room."
"You shouldn't get your hopes up."
"Please, who else is good enough for you? Admit it, you hope it's me too."
Woman, your ugly side is showing.
But I hate to admit it, she's right. If I have to duel cultivate with someone, Olivia is the best option. She has a good head on her shoulders...most of the time. And we do know each other very well.
"I can't deny nor confirm your suspicions."
"Ha, so I am right. Don't worry, you won't regret it. I won't treat you like...well...you know. I really do love you so, think of me when you do it."
She tries to give me a quick kiss on the cheek but I'm having none of that. I quickly dodge out of the way.
"I understand, we'll wait until we're officially together. Till then Aren."
Finally, she runs past me toward her room in the castle. I know she's a noble too but come on. She's acting like I'm already hers...
Ignore it, let's just go.
It didn't take too long for me to reach the top floor and the summoning room. In the corner, leaning on the pillar as if that makes him cool, is Alymar.
"Yo! How was Olivia?" He calls out to me.
I go over to him while giving glances to my father and other proper mages preparing the summoning circle.
"She's like usual. Assured that I would summon her."
"Ha, that's our Olivia."
"She wasn't the only one. 10 other girls came to me but they only wished me the best while blushing. It's exhausting."
"...Aren, you're the only elf to make me, the sole prince, feel jealous. Tell me, my friend, why do girls like you so much? What's your secret?"
"...Not giving a-"
"Aren! It's time."
Before I could let a true part of me slip, my father calls to me.
"I guess it's time." I say while once resigning myself to my fate. I can't help but feel a bit annoyed by this but I'll do what I have to do.
"Go get them buddy."
I walk up to the purple glowing summoning circle. I'm given a small knife to cut my finger with. I let the blood drip onto the circle. It lights up further as smoke starts to emerge.
"Go on Aren, say the words."
I close my eyes and say the words my father taught me before.
"I call upon my ever faithful shadow and light. The invisible blue string that binds my soul to another. Hear my plead and grant me audience with the one that will complete me."
The light expands to cover the entire room. Within a few seconds though, it fades away. What appears in its place...is something I would've never expected.
"Is that-"
"Impossible."
"A-A human?"
Before me sits a female human of all things. Small, fragile and without our long ears. There are many words that come to mind when I see her but only one escapes my lips.
"She's-"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone