The Song Of Sword And Magic

Chapter 25: The Source of Magic 

[Translator — Asuka]

[Proofreader — Karane]

The next morning, Boyd passed them some food and water before he circled around the castle with them and reached the bottom of one of the six towers. The tower was spectacular, and the gold-painted top reflected the sunlight. Standing at the bottom of the tower, all of them could clearly feel how tiny they were.

“This tower was built when Doyle defeated the Dark Tide for the first time.” Boyd explained. “After the war, Edra I figured out that the Source of Magic was what created the Dark Tide, so he decided to build a tower on top of it to seal it off.”

Then, Boyd swept a glance over the other five towers. “To pay tribute to Edra I, the following kings would also build a tower every time they defeated the Dark Tide. However, only the first tower is meant to seal off the Source of Magic.”

“What a great story.” Rae remarked nonchalantly.

Without uttering a word, Stan looked up at the top of the tower.

Niss and Fern traded glances, feeling helpless at the awkward atmosphere.

“Why are there no guards around?” Niss suddenly thought of this question. “I suppose you’ll need some security around such a dangerous place.”

“Yes.” Boyd flashed a smile at Niss. “Initially, the Magician’s Tower had sent one magician to protect this tower. After that, they would always assign a new magician to us every ten years.”

“Magician’s Tower?” Niss exclaimed. “I didn’t expect that I would come across someone from the Magician’s Tower here. What is the person’s name?”

“His name is Hersey. You’ll see him soon. Have you heard of him before?” Boyd looked curiously at her. 

“Yes, I heard of him before.” Niss clenched her fists out of excitement. “He’s the most talented magician in the Magician’s Tower for the past fifty years, so he’s the role model for all of us. I luckily came across him a few years ago, but after that, I had never seen him again.”

“Then you’re very lucky today.” Boyd smiled faintly.

***

Upon stepping into the tower, they could feel that it was cold inside. Apart from the books and candle holders, there were not many decorations within the tower. Looking up, they realized that there was endless darkness above their heads and the middle of the tower was hollow.

“The structure of this tower is splendid!” Niss was amazed.

“You know something about this?” Fern didn’t expect that Niss knew a thing or two about architecture. 

“There are all kinds of books in the Magician’s Towers, so I have some basic understanding of all the subjects.” Niss blushed upon hearing Fern’s compliment.

“The Magician’s Tower! I have not heard of it for a long time!” Just then, an old voice was heard coming from a room. Following that, an elderly man in a magician’s robe came into their sight. “I have not received any guests here before. Welcome.”

“Hersey! You’re really Hersey!” Niss could barely contain her excitement. After going through so many challenges, she finally met an archmage from the Magician’s Tower, which gave her a sense of safety.

“You know me?” Hersey ran his fingers through his beard. “Are you a magician from the Magician’s Tower as well?”

“I’m Niss, and I’m just a disciple. I have to enter the Source of Magic to complete my trial.” Niss said excitedly as she had forgotten about her companions. 

“The Source of Magic… The trial…” Hersey gave it a thought and understood what was going on. “Alright. Since Byron has agreed to let you come here, it means that you have convinced him with your power. Then, I have no reason to bar you from entering the Source of Magic.”

Right then, Fern stepped forward and asked, “Can you give us some tips? You have stayed here for a long time, so I’m sure you know what’s inside the Source of Magic.”

After taking a look at Fern, Hersey lifted his hands and whirled around. “I haven’t even managed to finish reading all the books here, so why would I have the time to explore what’s inside the Source of Magic?”

Apparently, Fern was unhappy with the answer, but Niss was just beside him, so he couldn’t flare up. “Then give us some advice at least. This is for the disciple of the Magician’s Tower here as well.”

“Since I replaced the previous magician two years ago, no one had been allowed to come here before.” Hersey raised his right hand, and a ball of light appeared on his palm, whereupon he hurled it at a particular bookshelf and illuminated the books. Following that, he extended his left hand and made a gesture as if he was taking something. Magically, a heavy book flew out of the shelf and reached his left hand. 

Fern and Stan widened their eyes as they watched Hersey use his magic. On the other hand, Niss and Rae were already used to such things. 

As Hersey flipped through the book, he mumbled, “Where is it… Hmm… I remember it’s here. Oh no, it should be here. Oh wait, give me some time. It’s supposed to be here.”

Fern leaned close to Rae and asked in a hushed voice, “Can we rely on him?”

Rae cocked her head slightly and answered, “Anyway, he’s definitely more reliable than those knights.”

Just when Fern wanted to continue speaking, Hersey suddenly guffawed. “I found it!” He raised the book on his right palm, ready to make an announcement. “According to the book, you can’t completely trust what you see in the Source of Magic, and you must have your own judgment. Otherwise, you’ll drown in it and will never be able to come back to reality.”

All of them shuddered upon hearing that. Even Boyd couldn’t help but shake his head. “I suggest that all of you should head back now. Don’t make such a futile attempt.”

“We can’t go back. Thanks for your advice, but we have to keep going ahead.” Fern nodded at Boyd. 

Stan gave it a thought but still couldn’t understand what Hersey was trying to say. “Sir, are you saying that all we see in the Source of Magic are illusions?”

“Not all you see are illusions. You must have your own judgment. Moreover, I think…” Hersey paused to make sure that everyone was listening. “The most terrifying thing about the Source of Magic is that even if you can tell illusions and reality apart, you might not even be willing to break free from the illusions.”

While all of them were thinking about what Hersey just said, Niss swept a glance over her companions. “This is the real trial. If any one of you thinks it’s too dangerous, you can pull out now.” She shifted her attention to the mercenary. “That includes you, Fern. I won’t blame you if you decide to leave now.”

Stan said, “Whatever the case, I will never leave my companions.”

Nonchalantly, Rae replied, “You should worry about Fern instead of me.”

With a smile, Fern teased, “Niss, it seems that you can never get rid of us.”

Moved by their support, Niss sniffled and said, “Thanks, guys… Really. Thanks.”

“Alright. It’s time to go.” Fern turned to Hersey. “We’re ready. Please lead the way.”

“Great. Follow me.” Hersey then led them to a huge piece of white silk curtain. After that, he raised both of his hands, whereupon the curtain dropped from the top and fell to the ground, which revealed a large bronze mirror.

***

The frame of the mirror was carved with many symbols and words that they were not familiar with.

Following that, Hersey clasped his hands together and started chanting a spell, whereupon a swirl appeared on the mirror. Gradually, the swirl grew so wide that even Boyd could go past it with ease. 

Hersey stopped chanting and looked at the swirl before his eyes. “I thought I would never have the chance to use this magic.”

Upon hearing that, Fern recalled that Hersey came to replace a magician two years ago, so a doubt started forming in his heart. “Do you know where the previous magician has gone?”

Hersey arched his brow and stared at him. “He left a note to say that a major event would happen in Wallis in two years, so he had to look for the solution. He had only protected the tower for six years at that time.”

“What is his name?” After Fern asked that question, he realized that he couldn’t even be sure if it was the same person he knew even if he learned his name.

“Hayward.” Hersey told Fern the magician’s name. “His name is Hayward. I guess he must have found out something while he was guarding the Source of Magic.”

After Fern nodded in agreement, Hersey turned around and asked the mercenary, “Have you seen him before?”

“Oh, no. I’m just curious.” Fern didn’t want to break his promise with Hayward, if that person was really Hayward. 

“If you come across him in the future, please thank him for me. It was because of him that I managed to break free from the chores of the Magician’s Tower and spend my time reading here quietly.” Then, he shifted his attention to the swirl. 

“Even if we can’t complete the trial, can’t we get out of the Source of Magic at any moment?” Fern extended his finger to touch the swirl. The first part of his finger sunk into it, but he didn’t feel anything strange. 

“Once you go in, the swirl will disappear. Only until you get what you want will the swirl appear again.” Hersey approached Niss and gazed at her. “Show me your magic cane.”

Although Niss was puzzled, she still passed her magic cane to him. The blue gemstone on the cane seemed ready to change into a different color.

“I see.” Hersey passed the cane back to her and placed his hands behind his back. “You’ve gotten the blue sacred seal. When you get the next sacred seal, you’ll be able to see the swirl again.” He then swept a look over everyone. “Do you get it now?”

“Yes.” Niss nodded and looked at her magic cane. “So this is the sacred seal. What is it for? I’ve never read about it in the books.”

“You’ll find out soon, Niss.” Hersey stared at Niss with his hopeful gaze. “Now, go ahead bravely. May the God of Magic be with you.”

Boyd also gave them his blessing. “May the God of War bless you.”

At that instant, Niss felt as though her destiny was pushing her forward, and she couldn’t even control her own pace, which was a suffocating feeling for her. Looking at the swirl, she felt lost all of a sudden, for she didn’t understand what role she was playing in all of this. Am I taking every action according to the voice in my heart? Or am I just a tool of someone else?

***

Seeing that Niss was in a dazed state, Fern decided to step into the swirl first. Turning around, he said to his companions, “I’ll go ahead first. Follow me.”

After that, he carefully extended his right hand further into the swirl. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and disappeared into the swirl. 

His companions widened their eyes as they watched him vanish right before their eyes. Drawing out his sword, Stan inched forward slowly and disappeared into the swirl as well. 

After taking a glance at Niss, Rae said coldly, “If you don’t go in, they won’t be able to come out again.” Upon finishing her words, she flipped her cloak and ambled into the swirl. 

At the moment, only Boyd, Hersey and Niss were left in the tower. The other two looked at Niss and waited for her to make a move. Seeing how her companions had entered the Source of Magic fearlessly, Niss felt embarrassed for her timidity. She shook her head forcefully to cast away the unnecessary worries in her mind.

Eventually, she mustered her courage and thought, No matter what happens, I have to confront my destiny bravely. After taking one last look at Boyd and Hersey, she jumped straight into the swirl. 

Following that, Hersey raised his hands and chanted a spell in a trembling voice. The swirl slowed down and eventually stopped, leaving a void on the bronze mirror.

“The Wheel of Fate has turned again.” Hersey muttered under his breath. 

***

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