I'm The Devil - Chapter 232

Chapter 232: Acranum

Across the Omniverse, in a realm known as Arcanum, a world brimming with magic and wonder, a young boy named Elandor stood on the cusp of his own extraordinary journey. Arcanum was a realm where magic was the very fabric of existence. Mana flowed through every living thing, from the towering mountains to the deepest oceans, and even the air itself shimmered with arcane energy. The landscape was a tapestry of enchantment, with floating islands, crystal-clear lakes, and forests filled with luminescent flora. The skies were often painted with brilliant hues of blue, purple, and gold, reflecting the ever-present magic that permeated the atmosphere.

The society of Arcanum was structured around the mastery of mana and the practice of magic. From a young age, individuals were introduced to the fundamentals of mana manipulation, learning to harness the energy that flowed through their world. Magical academies dotted the landscape, each one a fortress of knowledge and power, where students honed their skills under the guidance of wise and experienced mages.

The magical hierarchy of Arcanum was divided into several distinct levels, each representing a different degree of mastery and power:

1. **Novices:** The beginners, young and eager, who had just started their journey into the world of magic. They focused on basic spells and mana control.

2. **Adept Practitioners:** Those who had a firm grasp of fundamental magic, capable of casting more complex spells and performing enchantments. They were often apprentices to more powerful mages.

3. **Mages:** Skilled practitioners who had mastered a significant portion of the magical arts. They were respected members of society, often serving as teachers, healers, and protectors.

4. **Sorcerers:** Highly advanced mages who could manipulate mana with great precision and power. They were capable of casting powerful spells that could shape the very fabric of reality.

5. **Archmages:** The pinnacle of magical mastery. These individuals possessed near-limitless control over mana, their powers rivaling that of the gods themselves. They were the leaders and protectors of Arcanum, guiding their world with wisdom and strength.

Elandor was a slender lad of sixteen, with bright blue eyes that sparkled with curiosity and determination. His dark hair fell in loose waves around his face, framing his youthful features. Despite his humble beginnings in a small village, Elandor harbored grand ambitions of becoming a powerful mage.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast a warm, golden glow over the landscape, Elandor clutched a worn, leather-bound book to his chest. The title, “How to Gain Magic,” was embossed in faded gold letters on the cover. He had discovered the book in a dusty corner of his village’s tiny library, and it had ignited a spark of hope within him.

Elandor glanced around nervously, ensuring that no one was following him. He had heard whispers of a secluded location deep within the forest, a place where mana was said to be particularly potent. It was there, he hoped, that he might find the key to unlocking his latent magical potential.

With a deep breath, he began to run, his feet pounding against the earth as he made his way through the dense underbrush. The forest loomed around him, its ancient trees casting long shadows in the fading light. As he ran, Elandor muttered to himself, “I hope this works. I hope this works.”

The path grew narrower and more treacherous, but Elandor pressed on, driven by a fierce determination. He dodged low-hanging branches and leaped over gnarled roots, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. After what felt like an eternity, he finally arrived at a clearing. The moon had risen high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the area. In the center of the clearing stood a large, ancient stone altar, its surface etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly with residual magic.

Elandor approached the altar, his heart pounding in his chest. He set the book down carefully and opened it to the first page. The text was written in an archaic script, but Elandor had always had a knack for languages, and he deciphered the words with relative ease.

The book began with a simple introduction to mana and its significance in Arcanum. It spoke of the ancient magics that once ruled the world and the great sorcerers who had wielded power beyond comprehension. Elandor’s eyes widened as he read, his excitement mounting with each passing moment. He eagerly turned the pages, seeking the knowledge that would transform him from a mere novice into a true magic practitioner.

As he delved deeper into the book, however, Elandor realized that it wasn’t simply a manual on gaining magic. The text hinted at something far greater, a power that transcended ordinary mana manipulation. It spoke of summoning ancient beings, entities of immense power that could bestow unparalleled strength upon those who dared to call upon them.

Elandor’s heart skipped a beat. He had heard tales of summoning magic, but it was considered highly dangerous and forbidden in most magical circles. The beings that could be summoned were often unpredictable, their motives inscrutable. Yet, the promise of such power was tantalizing, and Elandor couldn’t help but feel drawn to it.

“I need this,” he whispered to himself. “This is my chance.”

He flipped to the next chapter, which detailed the preparation required for a summoning ritual. The instructions were meticulous, requiring specific herbs, crystals, and a precise arrangement of runes. Elandor’s mind raced as he took in the information. He had some of the ingredients in his modest collection of magical supplies, but he would need to gather the rest from the forest.

Determined, Elandor closed the book and tucked it safely under his arm. He surveyed the clearing, committing its features to memory. He would need to return here once he had everything he needed for the ritual. With a final, resolute glance at the altar, Elandor turned and made his way back through the forest, the excitement of the discovery fueling his every step.

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Elandor spent every spare moment gathering the necessary components for the ritual. He foraged for rare herbs in the forest, bartered for crystals with the village traders, and painstakingly carved intricate runes into small stones. Each task brought him one step closer to his goal, and his anticipation grew with every passing hour.

One evening, as he sat by the fire in his small cottage, Elandor spread out his collection of ritual components. He double-checked each item against the list in the book, ensuring that everything was in order. Satisfied, he leaned back in his chair and allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection.

“Tomorrow,” he murmured to himself. “Tomorrow, I will perform the ritual.”

The following night, under the light of a full moon, Elandor returned to the clearing. He felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as he set up the ritual. The ancient stone altar stood as a silent witness to his preparations. He carefully placed the herbs and crystals in the specified positions and arranged the rune stones in a precise pattern around the altar.

With everything in place, Elandor took a deep breath and opened the book to the summoning incantation. The words were written in a language he barely understood, but he pronounced them with as much accuracy as he could muster. As he spoke, the runes on the altar began to glow more brightly, and the air around him crackled with energy.

The clearing was bathed in an otherworldly light, and a faint hum resonated through the air. Elandor continued the incantation, his voice growing stronger and more confident with each syllable. The runes pulsed with a rhythmic intensity, and the ground beneath him seemed to vibrate in response.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the clearing, and the energy in the air coalesced into a swirling vortex above the altar. Elandor’s heart raced as he watched the spectacle unfold before his eyes. The vortex grew larger and more intense, its center a swirling mass of light and shadow.

For a moment, Elandor feared that he had made a terrible mistake, that the power he had sought was beyond his control. But he steeled himself, focusing on the words of the incantation and the purpose that had driven him to this point.

As he finished the final words of the incantation, the vortex suddenly contracted, imploding in a burst of light. Elandor shielded his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest. When he dared to look again, he saw a figure standing on the altar, its form shrouded in a shimmering aura.

The being was tall and imposing, its features both beautiful and terrifying. Its eyes glowed with an inner light, and its presence radiated a power that made Elandor feel small and insignificant.

“Bloody Hell”