The Dragons Heir

Interlude 1/Memory Snow part 2

(WARNING: This chapter has a LOT of information from the RE: ZERO wiki explaining the various spells of magic elements. So feel free to skip that part if it doesn't interest you.)

ALEX

Puck's words hung heavily in the air, their weight pressing down on me as disbelief flickered across my face. "Could you repeat that?" I stammered, desperately seeking clarification. Surely, I must have misheard him. But Puck only stared back at me, a slight smirk dancing on his lips.

"Wind, fire and Yang. Oh, and ice too, but that's just a variant of fire magic!" he declared matter-of-factly, his enthusiasm palpable.

I stood there, blank expression masking the whirlwind of thoughts within me. Four elements? An overwhelming surge of mana that far exceeded that of any Spirit? It felt almost surreal. The realization washed over me: 'Isn't that too much?' I bit my lip, a twinge of guilt gnawing at me. 'A Servant physique combined with a divine blade and the power of four elemental magics... I feel like I'm cheating.'

Shaking my head, I tried to dispel the creeping shame. 'No, what the hell am I saying? This is a gift - a unique opportunity. I should harness this potential rather than let it slip through my fingers.

'

Lost in contemplation, I barely noticed the time passing. Eventually, I lifted my gaze, determination shaping my features into a fierce resolve. "Puck, would you mind helping me with magic? I really want to learn how to use it properly."

He met my eyes, enthusiasm brightening his expression. A grin spread wide across his face. "Why the hell not? This should be pretty fun!" His excitement was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile back at him.

"We'd better take this outside, though. We wouldn't want to accidentally demolish the mansion," I replied, half-joking, half-serious. The thought of conjuring powerful magic in close quarters sent a shiver of anticipation through me.

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We ventured out of the imposing mansion and made our way toward the once-vibrant courtyard, now transformed into a winter wonderland. The lush green lawn was completely blanketed in a thick layer of pristine snow, its former life hidden beneath this icy façade. The trees that had stood tall and welcoming were now encased in a solid shell of frost, their branches resembling delicate sculptures. The small pond, which Emilia frequented to converse with the lesser spirits, was now an unyielding expanse of ice, glistening in the pale winter light.

As Puck and I stepped into the heart of the snow-laden lawn, I could feel the chill in the air sharp against my skin. Emilia trailed closely behind us, her brow furrowed with a mix of concern and curiosity, making her look even more captivating amidst the winter backdrop. Breaking the silence, Puck's voice rang out cheerfully, "So, which element do you want to start with?"

I paused, contemplating the question, the weight of this decision resting heavily on my shoulders. After a moment of reflection, I replied, "Well, I feel somewhat proficient in wind magic already, so let's begin with Yang for now." I sensed Puck's anticipation in his wide grin as if he had expected my choice all along.

"Very well!" he exclaimed, his demeanour shifting from playful to earnest. "Every element operates on different levels of mastery, each allowing for the enhancement of spell power and transformation of form. These are classified using specific incantations: El, Ul, and Al—in that order." Puck paused, ensuring I absorbed his words before proceeding. His intense gaze locked onto mine, confirming his satisfaction with my attention.