warlock way

Arcanthys

Golden light pierced through the carriage window, illuminating the arms and legs of a boy holding a large book in his hands. On its pages, a gigantic map of a planet, seemingly unknown to Eric, spread out before him. His gaze traveled across the map in awe; it seemed so real that, despite being inside a book, he could almost swear some elements came to life. At one point, he thought he saw a giant whirlpool forming in the sea, but just as he identified it, it vanished as if it had never been there. At the top center of the map, drawn with delicate golden strokes, the name of the world stood out: "Arcanthys."

The planet was divided into four continents, each represented by symbols and drawings that reflected its unique essence. In the center lay Nytheris, with vast plains painted in golden and green hues, evoking a sense of abundance and life. Many cities were highlighted on the map, but one in particular caught Eric's attention: an imposing city in the center of the continent, featuring a structure resembling a tower. To the right of it, the name "Agora" stood out with a special glow, like a beacon of knowledge.

To the west rose Avaron, marked with intertwined branch patterns that mimicked the density of its forests and the winding rivers crossing the land. Clouds drawn in soft lines indicated the constant rain that watered its soil, creating a fresh and lively atmosphere. To the east lay Zaryndor, a hostile and fragmented landscape. Vast deserts, represented by jagged lines, revealed rocky plateaus that seemed to challenge anyone who dared cross them. Here and there, strange patterns were scattered across the map, which Eric assumed were sandstorms. Yet what unsettled him the most were the mysterious figures surrounding these storms, some standing out in purple hues, as if they were alive.

Farther south, Velthar offered a striking contrast. Its hills and valleys were drawn in spirals, surrounded by trees that seemed to fade into the mist, hinting at an air of mystery. Along the map's edges, large rivers snaked across the continent, and in some places, nestled among remote hills and forests, lay the engraving of a green sphere whose presence seemed to promise secrets yet to be uncovered.

As Eric admired the map, his eyes drifted toward the lower left corner, where a solitary island rested. It bore the name "Morrigan," written in red hues evocative of blood, surrounded by swirls in multiple shades of black. The island's silhouette seemed shrouded in shadows, as if hiding dark secrets. Small marine creatures lurked at the edges of the parchment, perhaps as a warning of the mysteries that awaited in its waters.

Finally, Eric's gaze was drawn to the corners of the map, where three moons orbited the planet, each traced with care, reflecting their importance. Solís, the largest, gleamed in soft gold, as if promising long, warm days. Umbra, the second in size, projected a dark halo that faded into the parchment, like a shadow that would never stop moving. The smallest, Noctara, was little more than a pale circle, almost imperceptible, but it left behind a trail of curved silver lines accompanied by subtle tonal shifts that seemed to dance to the rhythm of an invisible wind.

"It's incredible that something like this exists," Eric murmured, still in awe of the map. As he gazed at it, one of the doubts that plagued him began to fade: he was no longer on Earth, his home. He had to accept it. The planet he saw in that book wasn't just his new reality—it was also his only path forward. There was no turning back. Adapting to survive was his only option.

"Arcanthys, huh..." he muttered, letting out a sigh. "What a place to end up." He looked at the map again with a critical eye.

"This planet is huge, and it has three moons," he thought, brushing the edge of the map with his thumb. "For life to exist here, the conditions must be closely aligned... Maybe a fragile balance, fifty-fifty, and yet life seems to have found its way."

He studied the book carefully, but his mind kept working. "The creatures here must be far more resilient than those on Earth, adapted not only to their environment but also to the moons' effects... Or is mana the key?" He pondered silently, frowning slightly. "I still don't fully understand its role, but it must be relevant."

"Well, putting aside the unknown environment and the obvious dangers lurking in this world, I now have to worry about the Tower of Eternal Night," Eric thought as he shifted his gaze toward the carriage window. In the distance, he could see two other carriages traveling in a line, with most of the black knights escorting the convoy and only a few riding near him.

His eyes landed on Aldric's carriage. "I'd bet my life that tower isn't a pleasant place for anyone. Judging by how they treated me in the labyrinth, it's clear they don't care who lives or dies. If I hadn't been careful, I'd be among the corpses of those children, devoured by those pale creatures." A shiver ran down his spine at the vivid image of the scene.

"The only way to survive and secure my well-being is to prove my worth." His gaze hardened. "If I can make myself useful, I'll find a safe place to grow. It's clear that Aldric and the others only care about my unusual mental abilities for my age, and that magical affinity the skull mentioned might be my biggest advantage. I'm the kind of mage they need for war."

Eric let out a sigh, fully aware that there was no room for mistakes. "From what little I know of this world, I highly doubt it's a peaceful place."

"If that's the case, if the tower needs mages for war, then I have to be ready when the time comes," he whispered, pressing the book to his chest. Despite his words, insecurity lingered in his mind like a persistent shadow. "I don't know what the future holds. In a world with things as incredible as they are terrifying, anything could go right—or very wrong."

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the unknown. "But no matter what happens, I'll find a way to carve my own path."