Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 14 : THE WIZARD LEGACY

Long ago, before the battles and long before Atlas met Keevin, Atlas encountered an old man in his late seventies, tending to his garden in the yard of his home. Alone and with aching back, the old man was heard complaining about his pain. From a distance, Atlas observed him before approaching with an offer of help.

"Hey, old man, do you need help?" asked Atlas.

"That would be amazing!" the old man exclaimed.

Atlas directed the old man to sit under a nearby tree and watch while he took over the harvesting. As he wiped the sweat from his brow and gathered the freshly harvested vegetables into a basket, he handed it to the old man with a smile.

"Hey, old man, I'm done!" Atlas said cheerfully, handing over the basket.

The old man smiled warmly. "Thanks, dear child."

"Is there anything else I can do to help you?" Atlas asked.

"As a matter of fact, I could use your help in the kitchen. Why don't we cook and share a meal together later?" the old man suggested.

Atlas thought to himself, "He must have felt terribly lonely before," and replied, "Sure. Can I know your name? Mine's Atlas."

"You can call me Dominic," the old man replied.

They spent the day cooking together and enjoying their meal. As they ate, Dominic surprised Atlas with a question that made him startle.

"Are you, by any chance, a wizard?" Dominic asked.

Atlas's face paled, fearful that his identity might be exposed.

"Don't worry, I'm a wizard too," Dominic reassured him.

Atlas was stunned, his face frozen in surprise. "How did you know I'm a wizard?" he asked cautiously.

"I've lived long enough to recognize one," Dominic replied calmly. "But don't worry, I mean no harm. Thank you for sharing a meal with me. It feels good to talk to someone after so long," he added with a sad smile.

"No problem. I enjoyed it too. In fact, can I ask you something?" Atlas said.

"Of course," Dominic replied.

"To be honest, I can't figure out my main power. Despite knowing some basic magic, I still struggle with the incantations," Atlas admitted with a sigh.

"I can teach you," Dominic offered.

"Really? That would be incredibly helpful," Atlas said eagerly.

"Wow, he's as eager as a pup," Dominic thought to himself. "Come back tomorrow, and I'll train you," Dominic said aloud. Atlas nodded eagerly.

And so, their training began the next day and continued for six months. Under Dominic's guidance, Atlas's powers grew significantly.

"Atlas, come here for a moment," Dominic called out one day.

"Yes, what is it?" Atlas asked.

"Starting tomorrow, you won't need to come here anymore," Dominic said cryptically.

Confused, Atlas asked, "But why?"

"The training you've received is enough. Tomorrow, don't come," Dominic ordered.

He then lifted his hand, focusing on Atlas's body. A light emanated from his hand and transferred into Atlas, leaving him feeling ill.

"What did you do?" Atlas asked, alarmed.

"I hope this finds you well, kid. Be strong and always be kind. Never forget to cherish those around you," Dominic said solemnly before teleporting Atlas to the Guild. Atlas passed out upon arrival but heard Dominic's voice in his mind.

"The demons are coming tonight, seeking my power, which I've just passed to you."

"What power?" Atlas asked, bewildered.

"The pinnacle of magic, known as True Magic, Intelligence," Dominic revealed.

"Intelligence?" Suddenly, a rush of spells flooded Atlas's mind. Overwhelmed, he asked, "What are these spells? There are so many!"

"For nearly a century, this power has been guarded and hidden from malevolent wizards. I trust you, kid. Change the world, Atlas," Dominic said.

Atlas awoke to find himself back home, realizing it was 6 a.m. He hurried to Dominic's house, calling out frantically.

"Dominic! Old man!" he shouted as he ran. Arriving, his heart sank as he found Dominic lying unconscious on the ground. He rushed to his side, trying to rouse him.

Dominic opened his eyes weakly and said, "Fate has decreed my time has come, and I cannot change that. I entrusted you with my power, hoping you would shape the future. Can you?"

Atlas was torn by grief and confusion as he watched Dominic's final moments.