Mystical Saga - The beginning

36. Stress and Understanding (Z)

A/N

This story is unedited so apologies for grammatical and spelling errors if any.

_____****____

Zachary (POV)

As I struggled through one book, the professor had already breezed through four. Hours of relentless research, fueled by ten cups of coffee, left me exhausted and frustrated. My last brain cell felt like it was about to give up when I heard the professor's excited exclamation, "Ah! Finally, something!"

My heart leapt with hope. "What is it?" I asked, my eyes bright with anticipation.

"Wait," she instructed, and I obeyed, watching her closely. Her eyes scanned the pages rapidly, her brow furrowing in concentration.

The seconds dragged on, feeling like an eternity. Finally, she turned to me, her expression shifting to one of disappointment. She pulled her glasses down and sighed deeply. "There's some terrible news."

"The kind of magic exists in the folklore of Ethera, The Magic is known as Cipherium. The first Queen, Queen Ina's son created this magic," the professor explained solemnly.

"Wait... They could create magic?" I asked, my curiosity instantly sparked.

"Well... not anymore. Legend has it that Ethereans who could control three or more elements could create various types of magic....... It's a shame they're extinct now," she lamented, her tone tinged with sadness.

"Am I among the few who know they didn't go extinct?" I wondered silently to myself.

"And how did they go extinct?" I queried. "From what I've heard, some crazed queen was wreaking havoc on the kingdom. Sage Bhairav intervened, sacrificing himself. Their energies clashed, and those who could wield more than two elements lost their abilities. It resulted in the extinction of the entire bloodline of three or more element holders. Since then, no one has regained control over three or more elements."

"Hmm..." I mused, a heavy silence settling between us as I absorbed the weight of her words. "So, what were we discussing? Ah, yes, Cipherium. It was crafted to safeguard and clandestinely monitor enemy activities. Initially entrusted to his adopted daughter and biological son.

But, when the daughter ascended to the throne, his son—consumed by jealousy—wielded his powers to create havoc for his sister, often plotting against her and attempting her life. He crossed all limits when he employed young girls as pawns in his schemes. It is also believed that he initiated the movement toward total patriarchy.

Eventually, his sister had to imprison his powers and exile him. Moreover, it's widely speculated that he is the progenitor of all existing dark energies.

Cipherium is an exceedingly complex form of magic, making it incredibly rare and challenging to master even in its own time. In today's world, where magic holders are restricted to controlling only two elements, the existence of Cipherium seems almost impossible to achieve"

"Do you think it's possible to revive this magic?" I asked, my voice tinged with both curiosity and urgency.

"If someone has mastered at least four or more elements, which is nearly impossible," she explained, her tone grave and thoughtful.

"May I pose a question?" she inquired, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

I nodded, signalling for her to proceed.