Queen Dragoness of Eirvoth

III: Meeting with the Grand Magus

NARRATOR

The titles of a Grand Magus in Eirvoth are only given to those who have truly achieved the total mana manipulation technique. This achievement is considered impossible from specific points of view, as nobody truly knows what absolute mana manipulation looks like. However, one can proclaim the title by showing their superiority. Mana in Eirvoth is an unknown entity, but most dwellers agree on one single statement regarding mana: it is everywhere.

The capabilities enabled by mana are simply astonishing. Individuals can manifest elements with a touch of their fingers, enhance their blood flow for muscle enhancement via mana insertion, generate solid inanimate objects out of thin air, and so much more. The only limiting factor for dwellers is their ability to manipulate mana. This is the main reason many doubt the existence of a person capable of absolute mana manipulation, even among those granted the title of a 'Grand Magus'. However, compared to others, the Grand Magus' mana manipulation technique, though not perfect, is one of the closest to perfection.

The kingdom of Eirvoth is home to a few individuals who were granted the title of Grand Magus. There are five in total, four elves, while the other is a beast. Each of them has their own work to do, whether it's for their own self-interest research or for the betterment of Eirvoth. However, one particular Grand Magus stands out among the rest. He is Arktuvo Silverwind, the oldest and the first Grand Magus.

Arktuvo Silverwind, an elf, deems himself the oldest in Eirvoth, even older than Queen Aurora. Elves are well known for their intricate and beautiful looks, often considered the epitome of perfection. However, their longevity is also a significant characteristic worth discussing. If the average human lifespan is seventy years, elves will live twice that long.

For Aurora, however, it didn't matter how much others loved the elves. She has always held a grudge. It wasn't the elven race she despised, but one individual who left a dark memory she wished to forget. Other opinions wouldn't change her feelings. Once scarred, the wound never truly heals.

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"Your Majesty? Your Majesty?!"

"Wh-... Freya?"

"You seemed lost for a second. Are you alright?"

Aurora evades the question, rubbing her head. It always happens to her whenever she's about to meet with the Grand Magus. It's only a glimpse, a rush of layered images in her thoughts, yet those illusions are hard to escape.

How many times has she witnessed the same memory? And how many times has Freya screamed to snap her out of her thoughts? If Freya weren't there, who knows what emotions she would unleash after brooding over herself. Aurora appreciates Freya for being there but hesitates to tell Freya again. She stares at Freya for a long time, constructing her sentence inside her head. In the end, nothing comes out of her mouth.

"Your Majesty, if you're feeling unwell, it might be wise to postpone meeting with the Grand Magus."

"I know!" Aurora unintentionally raises her voice.

Her declining mental state, barely holding on, is only supported by the constant good deeds she keeps in check by herself. However, the support that keeps her hanging collapses upon meeting Red, someone similar to the one she had cherished before. Instead of supporting herself, she longs for someone else to support her. She is on the verge of breaking her mental state.

Aurora doesn't want to stay in such condition. She doesn't even want to think about her troubles, but even heroes need saviours.

Freya recoils from her polite stance after hearing the sudden aggression from the Frost Queen. Panic and confusion shroud her vision and rationality. Freya envisions Aurora annoyed with her but blames herself for making the queen uncomfortable. Freya thinks, "Is she... mad at me?" She quickly apologizes for any inconvenience.