Necromancer For Hire- Arc 8

Arc 8, Chapter 20

The Ghost

Victor rubbed his eyes, sniffling a yawn. He pulled himself from the kitchen table, tossing his breakfast in the trash with a grimace.

Despite Morena’s thoughtful contribution of a nightlight, Victor had only barely slept a couple hours. His room was entirely foreign to him, and the sheets didn't smell like they did at home. It was petty, and Victor regretfully knew it, but he still couldn't let his nerves settle down. Every step he took felt like a burden on Morena and her kindness. He couldn't even eat breakfast that morning.

He trudged into the study, hugging his chest. Morena had already set up the room for their lesson, the floor cleared and books spread out on the desk. Victor tried to loosen the tight muscles in his shoulders. He was excited to start the next part of their studies.

Morena pulled out his chair, leading him to his seat. Morena seemed to be enjoying teaching as well. Victor could feel the power bleeding off of Morena, a kindred magic he hadn't felt on another person. Despite his nerves, his mind wanted to be relaxed in her aura. While most would find the cold, almost grotesque ambience of death magic unsettling, it felt like home to Victor.

“Ectoplasm is one of the most basic building blocks of death magic,” Morena began, arms clasped behind her back, “Known as spiritual energy, it is thought to be the essence of the dead. Though our abilities may vary, all death mages are able to wield ectoplasm.”

Victor hastily scribbled down a section of notes.

“Victor, to scale your power, I want you to summon some ectoplasm for me.”

Victor’s heart skipped a beat as a searched through his mental database of necromancy knowledge. Summon ectoplasm? Nothing sounded familiar. He wasn't sure if he had ever done anything like that.

But this seems to be a basic spell, Victor thought, his cheeks burning red. She's gonna think I'm dumb if I don't know how to do this.

“May I see an example?” Victor said, attempting to dance around the fact he had no idea what she was talking about.

“Of course,” Morena replied, standing up, “That's what I'm here for, kiddo.”

Morena stomped her foot to the worn wooden floors, a circle of magic illuminating beneath her. Victor’s breath came out in clouds as the temperature in the room nose-dived, a deathly chill falling over them. A tentacle of blue ooze rose from the circle, emitting a hellish blue light.

“A powerful necromancer can manipulate ectoplasm in every regard. I can stretch it, harden it, and sharpen it to form a blade. All it takes is a thought and a whim. Now, it’s your turn, Victor.”

It's the same color as my fire, Victor thought, shakily holding up a finger. A tongue of fire ignited, harmlessly lapping at his flesh with cold flames. He had found that, despite the destructed properties of his powers, he couldn't burn himself.

Morena smiled, amused. “That's really good, Victor, but I'm serious. Just cut the fancy stuff and show me basic ectoplasm”

Victor shuffled in his chair, staring wide-eyed at Morena. He wrung his hands, sweat clinging to his brow. “I'm sorry,” he blurted, heart thumping, “All I can do is fire. I'm really sorry.”

“That's impossible,” Morena hissed, incredulous, “The fire is made from ectoplasm, you have to be able to summon it! Unless…” she paused, pacing the floor, “...your magic is so strong that it instantly ignites, bypassing the basic phase.”

Victor cringed, shamefully peeking at Morena through his fingers. “Is that bad?”

Morena shook her head, dumbstruck. “I've never seen it before with my own eyes, nonetheless from a child who hasn't even hit puberty. You have amazing potential, Victor. You're a protege.”

Victor blushed, unsure what to say. “Thank you, Miss Morena. I had no idea.”

“Does it hurt anywhere? When kids like you have this much power, it doesn't fair well for your health. Do you have seizures, nosebleeds, anything?”

“No ma’am, other than my anemia I think I'm okay. Is that bad?”

“Not bad, it's just...incredible that your body is able to handle that level of magic,” Morena murmured, taking a step back. She stared at Victor like he was something foreign, and then shook her head again.

“Maybe…” she breathed.

“What?” Victor squeaked, seeking her approval for his appearent amazing magical potential.

“Nothing. It's nothing,” Morena blinked, returning her gaze back to Victor, “Hey kiddo, I have something that may help you.”

Author's Note- sorry for the delay! i really likes this chapter! victor learns an interesting fact :000

and whats morena up to??

and thank yall so much for the votes and comments!! i really appreciate all of my fans and im glad you enjoy the story :)