I'm The Devil - Chapter 235

Chapter 235: Celestial Mage – Elandor Evolution

The light finally began to die down, the intense brilliance ebbing into a gentle glow that enveloped Elandor like a celestial cocoon. As the last remnants of the radiant energy dissipated, Elandor found himself transformed in ways he had never imagined.

He looked down at his hands, which were no longer the calloused, rough hands of a village wastrel. Instead, they were now smooth and radiant, faintly shimmering with a celestial aura. The veins beneath his skin pulsed with a gentle blue light, a testament to the potent magic now coursing through him.

Elandor’s physique had changed dramatically. He was taller, his frame more athletic and graceful, exuding an aura of strength and agility. His once brown hair had turned a striking shade of white, like freshly fallen snow under the moonlight. The change was not just in color; his hair now possessed a silken texture, flowing with an almost ethereal quality. It cascaded down to his shoulders, framing his face in a way that made him look otherworldly.

His eyes, once a dull, ordinary blue, were now a vivid, piercing blue. They glowed with an inner light, like twin sapphires lit from within. They reflected the cosmos itself, a swirling mix of blues and whites that seemed to dance with an otherworldly energy. These eyes were not just windows to his soul but portals to the vast celestial power he now possessed.

As Elandor adjusted to his new form, he could feel the celestial magic within him, a living, breathing force that flowed through his veins like liquid starlight. It filled him with a warmth and vitality he had never known, a sense of boundless energy and potential. He could sense the arcane energies of the world around him, feel the ebb and flow of magic in the air. It was as if the very fabric of the universe had opened up to him, revealing its secrets and its power.

His clothing had also transformed. The simple, worn garments he had worn for years were now replaced by robes of shimmering white and silver. The fabric was impossibly light, yet strong, and it moved with him as if it were a part of his very being. Intricate patterns of stars and constellations adorned the robes, glowing faintly with the same celestial light that infused his body.

Lucifer stepped back, admiring his handiwork with a satisfied smile. “You have been reborn, Elandor,” he said, his voice resonating with power. “No longer are you a mundane, cast aside by your peers. You are now a celestial, a being of immense potential and power. You carry the magic of the heavens within you.”

Elandor took a deep breath, the reality of his transformation sinking in. He felt a profound sense of gratitude and determination. He had been given a second chance, a chance to rewrite his destiny. The hardships of his past, the scorn and ridicule, all seemed like distant memories now. He was no longer the boy who had been mocked and outcast; he was a celestial, a wielder of magic that could change the world.

“Thank you,” Elandor said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “Thank you for giving me this chance.”

Lucifer nodded, his expression serious. “Remember, Elandor, this power comes with great responsibility. You must learn to control it, to harness it for good. The path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but I believe you have the strength to overcome them.”

Lucifer’s serious expression softened as he looked at Elandor, now transformed and brimming with celestial energy. “Elandor, the power you now possess is immense, and with it comes an equally immense responsibility. But know this: you will not be alone on this journey. I will guide you, help you master this magic, and be with you every step of the way.”

Elandor’s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. “You will stay with me?”

Lucifer nodded. “Indeed. Celestial magic is not something that can be learned overnight. It requires discipline, wisdom, and an understanding of the cosmos itself. I will teach you what you need to know.”

Elandor felt a surge of hope. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t facing the unknown alone. He had a powerful mentor, someone who believed in him and was willing to invest in his growth. “Thank you,” he said again, his voice thick with emotion. “I won’t let you down.”

Lucifer’s smile turned thoughtful as he considered the next steps. “Before we delve deeper into your training, Elandor, there are other matters to attend to. You have a life to return to. But for now, I must blend in with the people of Arcanum. I will take on a disguise to avoid unnecessary attention.”

Elandor nodded, understanding the wisdom in Lucifer’s words. The villagers were not accustomed to celestial beings or their immense power. It would be best to approach this new chapter carefully. “What disguise will you take, Lucifer?”

Lucifer raised his hands, and his form shimmered, the air around him rippling like water. In moments, the fearsome celestial being was gone, replaced by a man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties. He had shoulder-length dark hair, sharp but kind features, and wore simple yet elegant clothing befitting a scholar or a healer. He still exuded a certain charisma, but it was muted, more approachable.

“I will be known as Lucian,” he said, his voice still carrying a faint echo of his true self. “A traveling healer and scholar. This should allow me to move about without drawing too much attention.”

Elandor smiled, impressed by the seamless transformation. “Lucian it is. We should head back to the village. There are people there who need to see that I haven’t disappeared into the forest for good.”

Lucifer—now Lucian—nodded. “Indeed. Lead the way, Elandor. And remember, you are no longer the boy who was shunned and mocked. You are a mage, with your mana pathways restored.”

Together, they began the journey back to the village. The path through the forest was familiar to Elandor, yet everything felt different now. He moved with a new grace and confidence, the celestial energy within him making every step lighter. As they walked, Lucian shared stories and wisdom, his presence a comforting and constant source of guidance.

When they finally reached the outskirts of the village, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a warm golden light over the simple cottages and cobbled streets. The village was just beginning to stir, the early risers going about their morning routines.

Elandor took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was his home, the place where he had experienced both love and heartache. Now, he would return as someone new, someone powerful.

As they approached the village square, a few villagers noticed them and stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening in surprise. Whispers began to spread, and soon a small crowd had gathered, their curiosity piqued by the return of the boy they had once dismissed.

“Elandor?” one of the elders, a stern but fair woman named Maren, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she took in his transformed appearance. “Is that really you?”

Elandor nodded, standing tall. “Yes, Elder Maren, it is me. I’ve undergone a significant transformation, thanks to the help of this traveling healer, Lucian.”

Lucian inclined his head respectfully. “Greetings, Elder Maren. I found Elandor during my travels and saw the potential within him. With my help, I was able to restore his mana pathways.”

The crowd murmured in amazement, their skepticism mingling with awe. Maren studied Elandor closely, her eyes filled with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. “Restored your mana pathways? That is no small feat. Can you prove it, Elandor?”

Elandor took a deep breath and raised his hands. He focused on the energy within him, feeling the stars’ power surge through his veins. A soft, radiant glow emanated from his hands, and with a gentle motion, he created a small, shimmering orb of light. The orb floated above his palms, casting a warm, soothing light over the gathered villagers.

The villagers gasped in awe, their skepticism dissolving into admiration. Maren stepped closer, her eyes reflecting a deep, heartfelt pride. “Elandor,” she said softly, “you’ve finally found your path. I remember those difficult years when you first discovered you couldn’t practice magic. It was a dark time for you, and for the village too. We failed to support you as we should have.”

Elandor lowered his hands, the orb of light dissolving into the air. “Thank you, Elder Maren. Your words mean a lot to me. I’ve been given a second chance, and I want to make the most of it.”

Maren nodded, her stern demeanor softening. “We are happy for you, Elandor. The village has always needed every bit of help it can get, and your newfound abilities will be a great boon. We owe you an apology for how we treated you in the past.”

Elandor felt a wave of emotion wash over him. The acceptance and pride in Maren’s eyes were healing a part of him that had been wounded for years. “Thank you,” he repeated, his voice steady.

But not everyone in the crowd shared Maren’s sentiment. As the villagers murmured amongst themselves, Elandor could feel a few skeptical and envious gazes. The atmosphere subtly shifted, a few whispers of doubt and resentment snaking through the assembly. Elandor could see some of the younger villagers, those who had mocked him most viciously in the past, looking on with narrowed eyes and folded arms.

Lucian, standing just behind Elandor, sensed the undercurrent of negativity. His keen eyes swept over the crowd, noting the discontent simmering beneath the surface. A faint smirk touched his lips. “Time for the fun to begin,” he murmured under his breath, the words barely audible.