Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0022] - The Little King and the Mage

Nehsem

Noun

Translation: Life Force

Definition: The act of exchanging one's life force for magical power. This term is particularly linked to necromancy, and later to alchemy, it denotes the perilous practice of humans using a portion of their lifespan to wield magical abilities. It is seen as a dangerous and feared form of magic, indicative of human desperation and ambition, where the balance of life and death is manipulated for accessing supernatural powers.

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He was slight, no more than a wisp of a boy, clad in a robe of the finest silken blue that whispered of the dragon's deep azure scales. His eyes were like pools of molten gold, betraying his true nature, while his hair was pale blue, dishevelled and short.

"My brothers call me Levi."

"I'm the Noctavia."

"I didn't hear you the first time, but I heard you the second. No need for a third—I can hear well enough," he chided gently, a glimmer of mischief in those golden depths.

"You are... very young..."

Levi shrugged. "That's why I prefer the waters. The merfolk don't ask so many questions."

"I apologize if I've caused any offence," Noctavia said hurriedly.

"You haven't," he answered, "You're just saying what others believe. Leviathan is clueless, just a kid. He's... not quite dragon enough."

"You see that human? Xendrix is just like you."

"I may be a kid, but I'm no human to be compared with! How rude!" Levi retorted, his dragon pride wounded by the analogy. "What is it that you want me for?"

Noctavia, with a light chuckle, sat down, legs crossed. "What I mean is, Xendrix is still learning his path, unsure of his actions. And I'm here to guide him alongside you if you're willing. Please? Pretty please?"

"I don't understand this alchemy you speak of," the young dragon stated, mirroring her posture. In that brief, motionless moment, Levi seemed beyond his years.

Noctavia took out an iron cup from her backpack, etched with indecipherable gibberish runes and adorned with pretty patterns and colourful beans. "He needs to infuse this cup with water."

"Just tell him to fill it at the river," Levi suggested.

"Yes, but humans don't perceive magic as something simple. They need to believe it's achieved through effort, through struggle... they need to feel as though they've moved mountains."

"How do you propose I assist, then?"

"Could you pretend to be guarding the cup, allowing him to triumphantly claim it? It worked with the earth element."

"That strategy aligns with earth, for earth nurtures and protects. But water... it's inherently peaceful," Levi pondered, "Is like a mummy..."

"I'm open to your ideas."

Levi glanced sceptically at Xendrix. "Why do you aid this human? I don't readily trust them. He smells funny... like cabbage."

"If he masters magic, he can enlighten others. Humans won't feel overshadowed or threatened by Menschen, fae, or others."

"And here I thought I was the kid here," Levi mused.

Noctavia drew a deep breath, her gaze sweeping across the still landscape. "Without your help, I'm left with no choice but to seek guidance from the two-headed fish, and that's..."