Dual Heritage Ch. 06

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Hope you enjoy this chapter.

16

Mark entered the Enchanter's Den, the bell tinkling softly as he pushed open the door. Luna greeted him with a smile and led him down a narrow staircase to the basement. As they descended, Mark noticed that the air grew colder and the light dimmer.

The space was massive, with high ceilings and shelves lining the walls that were filled with strange and mysterious objects. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the magic that surrounded him.

Luna caught him staring and giggled. "It's pretty cool, right?"

"Yeah, it's amazing."

"Glad you think so."

Luna explained that space worked differently inside the shop, but Mark couldn't quite wrap his head around it. She led him to center of cellar where Jullian was waiting for him.

"Ah, there ye are. Come in, come in," Julian said with a heavy accent.

"I read the book you gave me," Mark said, hoping to start the conversation on the right foot.

Julian nodded, his wild hair bobbing in agreement. "Ah, good. And what did ye think of it?"

Mark paused, unsure of how to answer. "It was...a lot to digest."

"Yes, it is not a life for the faint of heart. The pursuit of knowledge and power can lead to terrible things if one is not careful."

"I understand."

Julian continued, "Good. So, let us begin with the basics. Arcanist powers are rooted in the manipulation of magical energy, or essence. While magi have the ability to harness and channel that energy through their own bodies. A magus is just someone who is just more adept at it."

"So a magus tries to control but an arcanist just dominates the energy."

Julian nods. "Yes, Arcanists are known for their aggressive domination of the ether, whereas magi work to harness and control it. It's a subtle but important difference. But as with all things, it is not quite that simple."

"So, how do I start?"

Julian smiled. "First, we'll need to assess where you are in terms of your abilities. Then, we'll work on building up your strength and control."

Mark stood frozen as Julian gestured for Luna to step forward.

"Blast her with your magic."

"What? I can't do that."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "If you want to continue, you better not question my methods, Boy. Now, blast her!"

Mark reluctantly raised his hands, he focused his mind, feeling the energy inside him build up ,focusing his energy into a ball of light that he aimed at Luna. She stood still with a smile, waiting for the attack.

A burst of energy shot out from his hands, hitting her squarely in the chest.

Luna stumbled backwards but regained her footing quickly. "Nice one," she grinned, clearly exhilarated.

Mark was taken aback by her reaction. He had expected her to be hurt or angry, but instead she seemed thrilled by the experience and she didn't even have a single scratch on her.

"Not bad." Julian nodded in approval. "Not bad at all. Now try it again, but this time, focus on directing the energy towards a specific spot."

Taking a deep breath, Mark raised his hands once again and focused on directing his energy towards a specific spot on the wall. Luna stood patiently, a look of excitement on her face

He visualized the energy flowing through him, and imagined it hitting the spot with pinpoint accuracy.

Luna was thrown back by the force of the blast, hitting the wall behind her. Mark rushed to her side.

"Are you okay? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-"

Luna waved him off, still grinning. "I'm fine, don't worry about it. That was amazing!"

Julian nodded approvingly. "Good. Very good. You have pretty good command over your output."

He then turned to Luna, who had regained her footing. "Now, Luna—"

Luna nodded and raised her hands, and Mark watched in amazement as she created a massive ball of magical energy in front of her. The power emanating from it was palpable, and Mark felt his heart race as he watched it grow.

"Now, Mark," Julian said, interrupting his thoughts. "I want you to try and disperse the energy ball Luna has created."

Mark felt a wave of apprehension wash over him. He wasn't sure he was ready for something like that.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tried to focus his mind on the task at hand. He felt the energy inside him surging, and he raised his hands towards the energy ball. He concentrated with all his might and released a blast of energy towards it, but it wasn't enough to disperse it.

Mark growled, feeling the frustration build inside him. He pushed harder, channeling all his energy into his hands, but the energy shield remained unbroken.

He tried again and again, each attempt leaving him more frustrated than the last. He could feel his muscles tensing up, his breathing becoming shallow and ragged.

He raised his hands once again and let out a mighty roar as he released all his energy towards the ball. The energy surged forward, colliding with the shield with incredible force.

For a moment, it looked like he might succeed, but the energy shield held strong. Mark's blast dissipated harmlessly, leaving him feeling drained and defeated.

"Return tomorrow," Julian said, dismissing him.

He couldn't help but feel disappointed in himself. He had always been a fast learner, but he just couldn't seem to get the hang of this particular task. His frustration lingered, and he knew that he needed to find a way to channel it productively if he wanted to continue his training.

As he walked through the door of his house, Ria looked up from her book and asked him how his training went. He could tell from the look on her face that she could sense his frustration.

"It didn't go so well," he replied, feeling his shoulders slump in defeat.

Ria put down her book and gave him a comforting hug. "It's okay. You'll get it eventually.

"Yeah, I know. It's just frustrating when you can't seem to get something right."

Ria squeezed his hand. "Don't worry about it too much. You'll get there. In the meantime, I know exactly what to do to take your mind off of it?"

As soon as they entered the bedroom, Ria noticed the tension in his body. "You strip and lie down on your stomach on the bed"

Mark complied and stripped and lay on his stomach on the bed, wearing just his boxers.

She vanished into the walk-in closet, and the sound of fabric rustling filled the room as she rummaged through her clothes. When she emerged, Mark's eyes widened in appreciation.

She was wearing a silky, baby pink nightgown that hugged her curves in all the right places. The thin straps dangled delicately over her shoulders, and the fabric flowed in a way that seemed almost ethereal.

Mark couldn't help but watch her as she walked, his eyes glued to the way the soft fabric draped over her curves. The rose-colored silk was adorned with delicate lace detailing that adorned the hemline and neckline, adding an extra touch of femininity to her already stunning figure.

As Ria climbed onto the bed and straddled his lower back, Mark let out a contented sigh. Her hands immediately began to work their magic, kneading the tension out of his body. He felt himself starting to relax, sinking deeper and deeper into the plush mattress beneath him.

It wasn't just the massage that was working its magic, though. The sight of Ria in that alluring nightgown was having an effect on him, and he couldn't help but feel a stirring in his loins. He closed his eyes and let out a soft moan as Ria's skilled fingers worked out the knots in his back, the tension slowly melting away.

Leaning down, Ria whispered, "Feeling better, baby?"

"Your hands are pure magic, Ria," he moaned, lost in the sensation of her skilled touch.

"I'm glad you appreciate my expertise."

"More than your hands, I love how you feel against me," he confessed, feeling a surge of desire course through him as the size of gown let him feel her naked butt.

She giggled, wiggling her hips. "Of course you do."

As Ria's hands moved down Mark's back, her skilled fingers kneading out the tension, she urged him to take it easy. "These things take time," she said soothingly.

He sighed, "I know, I know. But it's just frustrating. I feel like I should be further along."

"I get it. But trust me, I've been there too." she said, her fingers working magic on his lower back. "When I was younger, I couldn't conjure an ice spell to save my life," she continued. "It was especially tough for me because our coven's main element is ice. People started to question my place as the next in line."

"Why couldn't you do it?"

"I don't know. I just couldn't connect with the element. I felt so discouraged and alone."

He listened intently as she worked on each knot on his back. "But you eventually mastered it, right?"

"Yes, I did. And now I'm the most proficient in my peer group. For a magi, magic is like what rain is for a farmer. We have to wait for it to come to us and bless our lands. You just have to be patient, Mark."

"But what if I'm never ready? What if I'm not good enough?"

Ria's hands never stopped moving, working out each knot and tension point in his back. "I know it's frustrating, but you have to trust the process. You can't rush it. It's like trying to force a flower to bloom before it's ready."

The frustration and self-doubt that had been building up inside him slowly began to dissipate as he listened to her

"You always know just what I need," Mark murmured, his voice low and husky.

Ria leaned down to kiss his neck. "That's because I pay attention to you. Now, let's focus on helping you relax."

Mark closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Ria's body on top of his and the sensation of her skilled hands working out the tension in his back

After two weeks of rigorous training with Julian, Mark found himself fully immersed in the arcane arts. Juggling his college coursework with Julian's demanding lessons proved to be a herculean task, often leaving him drained and overwhelmed.

But Ria was always there for him, offering her unwavering support and advice whenever he needed it. She was the bedrock upon which he could rest, the unwavering pillar that helped him stay focused and motivated.

And in the bedroom, Ria was equally as devoted. There was nothing she wouldn't do for him, no fantasy too wild or taboo. She was his little sex-pot, always willing to explore new boundaries and let him do whatever he wished to her body, wherever he wanted. She always yielded to his need, indulging his every desire and fantasy.

She was more than just a lover, she was his partner in every sense of the word.

Gratitude swelled within him for her constant presence in his life. Overall, he felt content with the direction his life was taking.

"Glacies obscura: Constringe!"

Next thin he knew air around him before crystallizing into a cage of ice. The bars were not just simple icicles; they were ornate, resembling twisted vines with intricate patterns of runes etched into their surface. Each rune glowed a pale blue, pulsing with an eerie energy that seemed to hum in the frigid air. The air inside the cage turned frigid, each breath visible as a misty exhale.

Mark felt the temperature plummet, each breath he took materializing as a misty cloud in front of him. He reached out and tapped one of the icy bars, feeling the cold bite into his skin.

Well, this is impressive. Whoever did this has some serious skill.

His thoughts were interrupted by footsteps. He looked up to see Alex walking toward him, flanked by two unfamiliar figures.

"Ah, the welcoming committee," Mark drawled, locking eyes with Alex. "To what do I owe this pleasure."

Alex's eyes were icy, a perfect match for the cage. "Don't play dumb, Mark. You know by now that Ria's off-limits."

"Ah, so this is about your bruised ego? Upset that she chose me over you?"

"This has nothing to do with that. Ria has responsibilities as the next in line. She has a destiny and you are a hindrance."

"Ah, 'destiny.' So, what's the plan? Arrange a marriage with a warlock from a prestigious coven?" Mark replied chuckling.

Alex gritted his teeth. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, I think I do. The 'chosen one,' right? Destined to lead the coven into a new era or some such nonsense?"

"You're mocking traditions you don't understand."

Mark leaned back against the icy bars, arms crossed. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but I have no intention of getting in the way of her responsibilities. I just want to be with her and support her through it all."

One of the strangers behind Alex stepped forward, his face contorted in anger. "You're not one of us. Stay away from our lady or face the consequences."

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Last time I checked, Ria was her own person and didn't need anyone to protect her. And as for facing consequences, I'm not afraid of a little fight."

The stranger bristled and raised his hand, ready to cast a spell. But before he could, Alex stepped in front of him, holding out a hand to stop him. "Stop it, Arin."

"Is that what you call her though? Lady Ria?" Mark said mockingly.

The other stranger growled. "Show some respect. She is the future leader of our coven, and she deserves to be treated as such."

"Future leader or not, Ria doesn't need a babysitter. And as for being an outsider, I've never been one to play by the rules."

"She is our future. Show some respect," he snarled.

Mark raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk. "Oh, I see. So you're one of those purists? Believe in the divine right of bloodlines and all that nonsense?"

The stranger bristled, his face turning red. "You know nothing about our ways, outsider. Stay out of our business or face the consequences."

"You know, I'm getting really tired of all this 'outsider' crap. And as for Ria, she's her own person. She doesn't need a bunch of self-appointed guardians."

Alex stepped forward, his hand on Arin's arm. "This is your last warning, Mark. Stay away from Ria, and we won't have any issues."

"I'll stay away from Ria when she tells me to. Until then, I'll be with her whenever and wherever I damn well please."

With a flick of his wrist, he shattered the ice cage.

As the situation escalated, Mark braced himself for a fight. The two strangers flanked him, while Alex stood back and watched forming a triangle around him.

As the two men approached him, Mark raised his hands and summoned a ball of fiery energy. He hurled it towards the Arin, who tried to dodge but was hit squarely in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.

The second man lunged at Mark, brandishing a sword that glowed with arcane energy. Mark dodged the blade's deadly arc and retaliated with a blast of ice, encasing the man's sword arm in a crystalline block. The ice was laced with dark runes that pulsed ominously.

The man screamed in agony as Mark shattered the ice with a focused burst of wind, sending shards flying like deadly projectiles. As the man staggered back, Mark conjured a cyclone, lifting him off his feet and slamming him into a nearby wall.

Mark's eyes narrowed as he sized up his opponents. Arin, still smoldering from the fireball, staggered to his feet, his eyes ablaze with fury. The second man, whom Mark mentally dubbed "Sword Guy," was flexing his sword arm, the ice having shattered but the dark runes still glowing ominously on his skin.

Arin raised his hands, chanting an incantation. A swirling vortex of dark energy formed around him, tendrils of shadow reaching out like the arms of an octopus. Mark countered by summoning a wall of fire, a blazing barrier that incinerated the tendrils as they approached.

Not to be outdone, Arin's chant reached a crescendo, and the dark energy coalesced into a giant shadowy beast, its form vaguely resembling a wolf. It lunged at Mark, who dodged just in time, feeling the air grow cold as the shadow beast passed.

"Nice summoning, but watch this."

With a flick of his wrist, Mark summoned a bolt of lightning that crackled through the air, disintegrating the shadow beast with a deafening howl.

"Fuck." Arin growled, visibly frustrated. "You will pay for that"

Before he could make good on his threat, Sword Guy charged at Mark, his blade glowing brighter, now wreathed in flames. Mark dodged the first swing, then the second, but the third came too fast. He raised an ice shield just in time, the blade clanging against it, sending sparks flying.

Mark shattered the ice shield, sending shards flying at Sword Guy, who managed to deflect most but was hit by a few.

"You're slowing down."

"Not bad," Arin sneered, "but can you handle this?"

He clapped his hands together, and the ground beneath Mark began to quake. Vines erupted from the earth, snaking their way toward him.

Mark leapt into the air, dodging the vines, and retaliated by sending a bolt of lightning towards Arin. The bolt zigzagged through the air, but Arin deflected it with a hastily conjured shield of wind. The bolt veered off course, striking a nearby tree and setting it ablaze.

Meanwhile, the second man had recovered and was now charging at Mark, his sword glowing with an otherworldly light. Mark dodged the first swing but had to conjure a shield of ice to block the second. The sword clashed against the ice, sending sparks flying.

Mark shattered the ice shield, sending shards flying toward his opponent. The man deflected most of them with his sword but grunted as a few found their mark. Again seizing the moment, he summoned a gust of wind so powerful it lifted the man off his feet and sent him crashing into a nearby wall.

Mark turned his attention back to Arin, who was now chanting another spell. A dark cloud formed above Mark, and bolts of energy rained down. Mark dodged and rolled, avoiding most of the bolts, but one grazed his arm, leaving a stinging wound.

"Giving up yet?"

Mark grinned, despite the pain. "I'm just getting started."

With a wave of his hand, Mark summoned a whirlwind that engulfed Arin, lifting him off the ground. Arin struggled against the force of the wind, his face turning red from the effort. Mark then condensed the whirlwind into a tight vortex, increasing its speed. Just when it looked like Arin couldn't take anymore, Mark dissipated the wind, sending him plummeting to the ground.