Chapter 20 – Spirit's Flame and the Mysterious Letter
After the joyful dinner and a long day of keeping secrets locked behind polite smiles, Chris returned to his chambers.
His footsteps were slow, not out of exhaustion, but anticipation. Tonight, he would attempt something that only a handful of mages throughout history had managed—Spirit Magic.
A branch of magic so rare it was often dismissed as myth.Even in the Arcana Library, information on it was scarce.But Chris had learned the foundation directly from the Librarian Spirit, Arcanis.
He closed the doors, drew the curtains, and sat cross-legged on the floor. His hands moved in precise gestures, tracing symbols in the air as a small magic circle formed in front of him. The room darkened, and in the center of the circle—
A soft red flame flickered into existence.
The flame twisted and danced, slowly taking form: a small fire spirit, no larger than a child's fist, with eyes like twin embers and a playful smirk etched into its face.
It looked at Chris curiously.
"You… called me?"
Chris smiled.
"Yes. I am Christopher of House Celestrius. Will you form a pact with me?"
The spirit tilted its head.
"You're interesting… different… chaotic inside, but calm outside. I like that."
The fire pulsed. A bond formed, invisible yet powerful—one that connected their souls.
"Then I accept."
The contract was sealed.
"What's my name, partner?"
Chris thought for a moment and said,
"Igeris. That will be your name."
The fire spirit's glow brightened with joy.
"Igeris… I like it!"
But as the connection settled into place, mana drained rapidly from Chris's body. His head felt light. Spirit magic was not only rare—it was taxing. Especially forming a first contract.
Moments later, he collapsed into his bed, Igeris hovering over him protectively, humming softly like a tiny hearth.
The next morning, Chris woke up feeling rejuvenated.
"Morning, sleepy mage,"Igeris chirped, floating above his shoulder.
After breakfast, a servant came with a message.
"The Duke wishes to see you. Privately."
Chris followed the servant through the familiar corridors of the grand castle. He soon arrived at the Duke's private chamber, a heavily warded space where only the most important family matters were discussed.
Inside, the Duke was seated at his desk, a thoughtful expression on his face. As Chris entered, he gave a nod.
"Sit, son."
Chris complied.
"Tell me, how was the Arcana Library? Did you find what you needed?"
Chris gave a calm, practiced answer.
"Yes. I found enough to repair my foundation and advance further. The library's magic density was indeed immense, but I managed."
The Duke studied him carefully. There was no hint of a lie, but also… something unspoken.
"Good. You've changed. Stronger, calmer. You remind me more and more of your mother in her youth."
Then the Duke opened a drawer, took out a letter sealed with an unknown sigil, and handed it over.
"This arrived for you today. There's no sender name, but it passed through official channels. The seal… it's unfamiliar, even to me."
Chris furrowed his brows.
He took the letter, examining the strange silver wax that shimmered slightly, as if it were alive. The crest on the seal was not of any known noble house—a crescent moon wrapped in chains, set against a backdrop of falling stars.
'What is this…?'
He looked at the Duke.
"You don't recognize it?"
The Duke shook his head.
"No. But I had it checked. There's no curse or tracking on it. Still… I would advise caution."
Chris nodded.
"Understood, Father."
'This... could be trouble. Or a message from the past.'
As he left the chamber with the mysterious letter in hand, Chris couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something far larger.
Something that would soon pull him beyond the castle walls… and into the heart of the unknown.