The clubroom was silent as the last rays of sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting long, dancing shadows across the wooden floor. The dust motes, illuminated by the golden light, seemed to freeze in mid-air as I stared at the book in front of me.
"Servitude?" I repeated, the word tasting strange on my tongue.
Elara nodded, her grey eyes scanning the page. "Yes. It’s a lesser-known path, created by an Archmage who specialized in using servitude."
She turned the book so I could see the diagram. It depicted a complex circle with multiple nodes. The nodes were connected by lines that flowed toward a central point.
"The Path of the Bonded Vessel," Elara read aloud. "The mage forms a magical contract with a powerful entity, spirit, beast, or even another mage, and channels their power through their own body."
I leaned closer, my eyes widening. "A contract? You mean like summoning?"
"Similar, but deeper," Elara explained. "This isn't just summoning a temporary ally. It’s a binding agreement that allows the mage to borrow the entity’s mana and abilities directly."
I sat back, processing this. "Why isn't this path used as much as others? It sounds incredibly powerful."
Elara’s expression darkened slightly. "It is powerful, but it comes with severe risks."
She turned the page, revealing a list of disadvantages written in elegant, archaic script.
"First," she said, pointing to the text, "if the entity you made a contract with suddenly dies, your power goes out with it. Your power is inherently dependent on others. You are only as strong as your bond."
I nodded slowly. That made sense. It was a vulnerability.
"Second," Elara continued, "if the power you receive from them is too great for your vessel, your body, to handle, you likely die or receive permanent injuries. The mana of a powerful entity can be overwhelming."
I swallowed hard. "That’s... terrifying."
"Third," Elara said, her voice softening, "to even make a contract with an entity, your bond with them needs to be exceptional."
"Exceptional?" I asked.
Elara nodded. "Yes. It’s a vague term, but from the book’s description, only those who go on this path understand its meaning. It’s not just about liking each other; it’s about a deep, unbreakable connection."
I looked at the diagram again. The central vessel was surrounded by protective runes, but the lines connecting to the nodes were fragile, like threads of light.
"Can I try it?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
Elara looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "You’re sure? There are other paths we could explore. We haven’t exhausted all the books yet, I can get some more from outside the clubroom."
I shook my head. "No. This... this feels right. I don’t know why, but it does."
Elara smiled faintly. "Then let’s test your affinity."
She placed the open book in front of me. "Place your hand on the diagram and channel your mana. Don’t force it; let it flow naturally."
I took a deep breath and placed my palm over the intricate circle. The paper was cool beneath my touch. I closed my eyes and focused on the mana inside me, visualizing it as a gentle stream flowing from my core, down my arm, and into the book.
For a moment, nothing happened. The silence stretched, heavy with anticipation.
Then, a soft warmth spread from the book into my hand. I opened my eyes and gasped.
The diagram was glowing. Not with the blinding light of the Sun path, nor the dim flicker of the Void, but with a steady, radiant silver glow that pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat. The lines of the circle shimmered, the runes dancing with light.
"It accepted!" Elara whispered, her eyes wide with surprise and joy.
The glow intensified, spreading across the page like liquid starlight, wrapping around my fingers before fading back into the paper.
I pulled my hand back, my heart racing. "It... worked."
Elara didn’t hesitate. She threw her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. "You did! Bell, you have an affinity for the Path of the Bonded Vessel!"
I hugged her back, a wide grin spreading across my face.
Elara pulled back, her expression turning serious. "Just because you have an affinity doesn’t mean you can slack off. This path requires discipline and control."
I nodded vigorously. "I understand. I’ll work as hard as I can."
She handed me the book, its weight comforting in my hands. "This book only covers the basics. One of the disadvantages of learning Singular Magic is that it’s unique per individual. You’ll discover things that might be specific to you, not written in any text."
I flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the descriptions. The Path of the Bonded Vessel was about creating a contract, but as I read, a question formed in my mind.
"Elara," I said, looking up. "What does this have to do with servitude?"
Elara spoke. "The Archmage who used this path made contracts with his servants. He didn’t force them; he formed bonds with them, but the relationship was one of master and servant. The power flowed from them to him, and he directed it."
She paused, her gaze intense. "So, the question is, Bell. On what path will you choose? Will you follow the Archmage’s example and use servants? Or will you forge a different path?"
I thought about it for a second. Servants. The word felt cold, impersonal. I didn’t want to command people or beasts as mere tools. I wanted connection, trust, and equality.
I smiled proudly. "I will use partners!"
The moment the words left my mouth, Elara’s face turned a deep shade of red. I blinked, confused, then realized what I had said.
Partners.
My own face heated up, burning with embarrassment.
"W-wait!" I stammered, waving my hands frantically. "Not those kinds of 'partners'! I meant partners as in the contract of being equals with one another! Not... not romantic partners!"
Elara cleared her throat, her cheeks still flushed. "I... I understood what you meant. It’s just... the phrasing was ambiguous."
I buried my face in my hands, groaning. "This is so embarrassing."
Elara laughed softly, the tension breaking. "It’s fine. I get it. Partners as equals. That’s a noble goal, but it will be harder to achieve than a master-servant dynamic."
I looked up, my determination returning. "I don’t care. I’ll make it work."
Elara smiled and nodded. "I believe you will. Now, take the book and study it. Understand the basic incantation and the diagram of the spell. We’ll test it out tomorrow."
I hugged the book to my chest. "Thank you, Elara. For everything."
She waved a hand dismissively. "Just get stronger. That’s all the thanks I need."
I returned to my dorm room, the book clutched tightly in my hands. The room was small and simple, with a single bed, a desk, and a window overlooking the courtyard.
I sat at the desk and opened the book, flipping to the section on the basic incantation. The words were written in a flowing script, accompanied by diagrams of hand gestures and mana circulation patterns.
I read aloud, practicing the pronunciation of the ancient words. "By the bond of souls, by the weave of fate, I call upon thee, partner of my path..."
The incantation was long and complex, requiring precise control of mana flow. I traced the diagrams with my finger, memorizing the lines and curves.
Hours passed. The moon rose high in the sky, casting a silver glow through the window. My eyes grew heavy, my head nodding as I struggled to stay awake.
I rested my head on the desk, the book still open in front of me. Just for a moment, I told myself. I’ll rest just for a moment.
But sleep claimed me quickly, and as I drifted off, a smile lingered on my lips. The book was right next to me, its presence a comforting weight.
The next morning, I woke up with a start, my neck stiff from sleeping at the desk. Sunlight streamed through the window, bright and cheerful.
I quickly changed into my fitness clothes and headed to the Physical Conditioning Class. The class was already in session, and I realized with a pang that Kaelen wasn’t here. He was still recovering in the infirmary.
Without him, the class felt different. I trained on my own, pushing through the exercises with determination, but it didn’t feel the same. The camaraderie, the silent encouragement, it was missing.
Still, I didn’t give up. I pushed harder, imagining Kaelen’s voice in my head, telling me to keep going.
The rest of the classes went by in a blur.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. I grabbed my satchel and rushed to the clubroom, arriving before Elara for once.
I laid the book on the table, smoothing the pages I had memorized. A few minutes later, the door opened, and Elara walked in.
She was carrying a small, ornate cage.
I greeted her with a smile. "Elara! I memorized the diagram and the incantation."
She smiled back, setting the cage on the table. "Good. I knew you would."
I looked at the cage, curiosity piqued. "What is that?"
Elara didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she unlocked the cage and opened the door.
"Meow!"
A figure sprang out, landing gracefully on the table. It was a cat, but not an ordinary cat.
It was pure white, its fur as soft as snow, with large, expressive blue eyes that seemed to hold a depth of intelligence. Its tail was long and fluffy, swishing gently as it looked around the room.
I stared at it, my heart melting. "It’s... it’s so cute."
Elara nodded. "This is a Celestial Lynx. They are a rare magical race known for their affinity with light and spatial magic."
I reached out tentatively, and the cat nuzzled my hand, purring softly.
"Is this your cat?" I asked.
Elara shook her head. "No. I just bought it from a reputable breeder. I thought... since you’re going down the Path of the Bonded Vessel, you might need a partner to start with."
She gently pushed the cat toward me. "Celestial Lynxes are highly intelligent and possess unique magical elements. If you can make a magical contract with it, you would be able to gain its magical element power."
I looked from Elara’s face to the cat’s cute face. The cat looked back at me, its blue eyes locking onto mine.
"Meow," it said again, this time with a tone that sounded almost like a question.
I felt a strange pull in my chest, like a warm light in the darkness.