The Black Swan

Chapter 1: A Whole New World

Part 1: Coming of Age

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The ride on the carriage was bumpy, but a truly unique experience. As the wheels of the carriage rattled over the cobble-paved streets, Yoonie popped her head out, in total marvel at the beauty of our vehicle. It was made out of a finely-carved timber, the craftsmanship so apparent in the way the seamless streaks of gold and purple came together perfectly.

"Hold on to something if you wanna do that," Joshua suggested to Yoonie, who was practically sticking her head of the window in a carefree manner, "I don't wish to be liable for bringing an injured initiate to the Capital."

"I... How did you even know about me? Why did the council choose me?"

"I wish I could tell you, but perhaps another day - in a more private setting. I wouldn't want anything I've shared to fall on malicious ears." Joshua explained, holding back the urge to blabber all that Yoonie wished to know. "What I will tell you is that the Seventeen see great potential in you - so don't prove us wrong." Using his hand to cover a little laugh, Yoonie noticed the sharpness of his jaw - outlined by the late morning sun shining on them from an angle. His skin was more refined than the smoothness of butter, making her wonder how someone could be so charming and alluring at the same time.

"I'll... I'll try my best."

Shortly after, the carriage creaks to a stop in front of a large gate. The driver informed the guards of Joshua's return to the Capital, as the latter produced the document for his official journey out of the Capital. The guard scans the document, nodding to the others approvingly as he let them pass through the gates.

"Woah..." Yoonie exclaimed in wonder as the carriage glides over the drawbridge leading to the Capital - something that Yoonie recalled from her geography lessons in the orphanage. Between the Common Circle and the Capital was a heavily guarded moat filled with water at the bottom, and many gates holding down the central fort of the Kingdom. The Capital is also where many of the royalty and noblemen stayed, along with important people such as officials, warriors and magicians. Iz*Land is a large landmass surrounded by oceanic waters - a literal island - with its only neighbours located at the southeast. Right between Iz*Land and the south-eastern neighbouring countries was a dangerous area referred to as <the Outskirts>. No commoner really knows who or what resides in that region, yet none would dare to find out.

"It is a beautiful place, isn't it?" Joshua leaned closer to Yoonie, following the way she gazed out of the carriage window. "It's the reason why many of us work so hard everyday - to protect this magnificent home of ours."

"Are we in any sort of great danger?" Yoonie asked Joshua, oblivious to the ills and obstacles disturbing the Kingdom.

"Not at the moment, no. But we cannot be too sure when that will happen - which is why we have to recruit as many magicians and warriors to serve the Kingdom."

"Is it true that everyone can develop magic abilities?" More interested in finding out more about the wonders of magic, Yoonie adjusted herself back into her seat.

"Oh, right. I should explain that to you - seeing that you wouldn't have known about your abilities before." Joshua scratched his neck, apologetic as he almost forgot the things he had to inform Yoonie before their arrival. And hence for the better part of the remaining trip, Joshua took some time to explain these two terms - <Purist> and <Partisan>.

"Magic is a hereditary trait - meaning that you can only inherit it from your parents. This special gene is called the Imperium gene. If one of your parents possesses the Imperium, you will inherit their magical ability. Currently, it would appear that you are a Purist - possessing some sort of Light magic." Yoonie nods her head as she followed Joshua's explanation - understanding that she wouldn't have known about her magical abilities because she has never met her parents before. Since young, she had been brought up at the orphanage. It was Sister Jihyo who told her later in her elder years that she was left abandoned at the doorstep of the church.