However, the Master of the Moduran is the exception for this.
[ Contessa ]
She remained still in a realm of pure white where a plethora of metallic cables jutted out from all directions, like a computer in human form. Yet, not in the slightest was she rid of any human beauty.
The benevolent woman wore a robe, the fabric of white carrying a luster unparalleled, the sleeves flowing like angelic wings. Covering her legs were loose trousers of the same color, and for her feet were simple, red soles.
She contained long, cascading crimson hair, each stand pulsing with depictions of the galaxies beyond the world. Her light, shining blue eyes flashed its colors continuously as she received information from all over the world.
And then…
MODURAN ENTRY REQUEST: SPRIGGAN SUNREAPER!
* ACCEPT?
* DECLINE?
“I see.”
“YO!”
Helios Sunreaper, the Moduran Sorcerer of the Blue Flame, stepped into the realm devoid of color. He had made sure to not fall—and even more so to maintain the warm nostalgia of his classic outfit: A blue robe with sleeves that dangled off of his forearms. It was tied loosely around his waist—intentional to show off his favorite baggy pants of the same color.
As fashionable as he looked… his long and wild blue hair was still disheveled from a severe lack of sleep!
Not from disappointment or stress, but from…
“Is it true?” He asked, his black eyes etched in intensity, “My old man… finally kicked the bucket?!” His sharp teeth showed with that one!
“...Yes.”
The excitement he felt from the rumors of “black smoke” could finally be released upon knowing that they were no longer rumors. Helios hopped—or practically soared into the air, holding up a fist of victory! “About damn time!!!” He shouted, a blue flame escaping his mouth.
Land!
“Out of all the times you’ve brought me here, this has to be the best reason! Now, I gotta go tell big bro Morton about this!”
“You’re forgetting something.”
Suddenly, his excitement came to a halt, and he turned. “Huh?”
“Your little brother, Spriggan Sunreaper.” Contessa mentioned, the name enough to send a chill down Helios’ spine, “He’s requesting to be accepted into Moduran High Kamerlot.”
“WHAT?!” He asked that to both Contessa and himself. How could he have forgotten about his little brother?
Soon enough, the reason came to him, and his shock was replaced with anger.
That dumb old man…
“Well, since the old man’s dead, that makes sense.” Helios admitted, scratching the back of his head. “Are we gonna let him in?”
“I can.” Contessa answered, “But due to his reputation of rejecting letters, alongside his rude comments towards the Moduran system, the Moduran Schools scattered throughout Kamerlot will not accept his invitation—and in his case, he would need to complete three years at a Moduran School.”
“Hm…” Helios put on his thinking cap.
…Hypothetically, I could transfer the amount of Points I’ve gathered during my years at Moduran High and they’ll have no choice but to accept him.
But I don’t even know what his favorite food is, or if he would like that or not. What if he’s trying to get in because of his grief?
And plus, there’s that Witch he used to have. Witches are infamous for abusing the Moduran System so they’ll probably just take my points back anyway.
Damn it, old man! Why’dja have to be such a jerk!
But suddenly, an idea came to him, lighting up his features. “What If I could get a Sorcerer from Moduran High—a Third Year, to be straight—to capture him? All the other Sorcerers are busy because of the holidays, but the Third Years always have some time to burn!”
“That would mean he’d have to face a trial by combat.” Contessa said, “Are you sure?”
“Well,” Helios stared at his palm, a blue flame spiraling into existence before dispersing when he closed it into a fist. “Children are usually mini versions of their parents, right? I don’t know what kind of person my brother is, but I’m the kind of guy that would fight no matter what!” …. “So there’s no doubt in my mind that he would feel the same!”
And I know just the person to help!
MODURA-HATTEN (KAMERLOT)
The urban sprawl where each building could be considered a masterpiece of architecture. Houses and commercial areas alike carrying soaring roofs and symmetry that looked like a painting in motion. That feeling was amplified by the snow at this beautiful time of year.
At the threshold of a new year, a joyful past returned to fill the world with light. Through a luminous dust colored in white, crafted by those who mastered the Way of Storms, the weak and the strong below were relieved of their worries. In the sky, it was a rarity to catch a glimpse of them polishing the clouds.
The young children with delusions of grandeur finally succumbed to their foolishness, and took an imaginary flight high into the sky. The elderly who once had no intention of clinging onto life were trying their best to withstand the test of time. The blessed, wielding the magic that defined them as miracles coated in human flesh, shot through the thoughts and hearts of the consumers who had no care for tomorrow.
They were the masterminds who pulled the strings of an unseen world, and crafted miracles out of thin air.
But miracles alone couldn’t reside in the weak who taunted their talents to soothe the discordant bug that proved to be their isolation—and so, those descending from the Origins of this vast world built on the unintended bravado of those from long ago took on the burden of an unequal life.
The Moduran Sorcerers...
Helios stumbled angrily through town, the snow a major detriment to his mood. People carried carriages filled with their belongings through the streets, some daring enough to do so on the sidewalk. Sloppiness was a normality at this time of year, so Helios didn’t mind. Who did mind, however, was a Moduran Sorcerer, yielding long, black hair, allowing people to cross over to the next street, draped in heavy crimson armor that exposed only his covered arms—and of course, a black cape.
“HAVE YOU PEOPLE HOLD NO SENSE OF ORDER?!” He shouted.
“Heh.” Helios chuckled, unfortunately catching the attention of the people around him.
“No way… it’s Helios!”
“Oh really?! Where—oh! Can you sign an autograph?”
“Omigosh! This is a true miracle!”
“Ladies, ladies,” Helios held up a dismissive gesture, stringing a smug face. Now, most people on the streets were looking at him—and this attention extended over to the Moduran Sorcerer on the street. “You know how busy the Moduran Sorcerers are this time of year.”
His glare showed nothing but anger. “...You……”
“Omigosh! He’s so cool!”
“Wish I was employed so I could say stuff like that.”
Another Moduran Sorcerer bearing practically the same armor of a different color saluted the streetwatcher, and soon, took his position. People seemed to be extremely happy about this decision.
With a sigh, the Moduran Sorcerer made his way over to the sidewalk.
“Well, if it isn’t my good ole pal Dinaden?” Helios shouted, patting him on the back the most he stepped foot on the sidewalk. “Everyone, meet Didaden Zahra—the lawful Moduran Sorcerer who got me outta limbo!”
And he was met with poor reception.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
“...I guess that makes you cool.”
“He looks like a girl…”
Mostly from the girls.
“Tch!” A vein appeared over his forehead, but stowed his anger, releasing what was left with a sigh. “What do you want?” He asked Helios. “This better not be another deal…”
“C’mon, Didaden! We’re friends, right?”
“No.”
“We’ve known each other since middle school!”
“I didn’t “know” you at all back then. You were merely one of the scoundrels my father put in prison… you and your brother.”
“But you know me now, so you already know what I’m gonna ask.” Helios smiled, throwing an arm over the sorcerer’s shoulder. Thereafter, he turned his gaze back to his small crowd and winked, somehow giving his fans… Heart eyes?
Finally, he leaned close to Didaden’s ear, his tone shifting. “I’m sure… you’d wanna hear this deal.”
That caught Didaden’s interest. Rarely did he hear Helios’ voice bear such seriousness. “...I suppose.”
“Alright, let’s go get a bite!”
EASTSIDE - MODUNALDS!
Didaden hated everything about this building, from its structure, which despite holding the feeling of the other important buildings, was painted in the colors he depised—a red roof and badge walls. This was made even worse by the fact that the building stood out to signify its importance—and the measly decorations like the festive lights on the roof. The only part he admired was the giant, chocolate donut built on the top.
Inside, the colors extended to evenly spaced out circular tables.
Helios, as always, sat in the seat that connected with the outside. And another common occurrence was that he wouldn’t pay for any of his food, and chowed down as if Didaden’s wallet was infinite.
At least we’re the only ones here today.
Chomp!
His sharp teeth effortlessly shredded through the Gemstone burger! “Man, I gotta come here more often!”
“And by more often,” Didaden bit the end of a single, red (spicy) fry. “You mean with me, right?”
“Nah, I got enough money for that kinda stuff.”
“Please chew before talking.”
“Right.” Despite the burger being half-eaten, Helios jammed it into his mouth, chewed it apart in seconds, and swallowed it. Gulp! Didaden was absolutely astounded.
Helios wiped the gemstones off his face. “Alright, I guess I should cut to the chase, then.” He took a single white fry (super spicy) out of the bag, “So, my old man’s dead.”
Didaden’s eyes widened. “...My condolences.”
“No need for sympathy,” Helios said, compressing himself back in the seat and crossing his arms. He’d then suddenly jolt forward again, shouting: “I REALLY DON’T GIVE A DAMN!”
“...Um, right.” Didaden said, “If so, then I can cut to the chase and ask: Is this about allowing your brother into the Moduran System?”
“Spot on.” Helios nodded, holding up a finger of approval. “But, I don’t want you to take him in since I want your holiday to be easy.”
How generous. Didaden thought, leaning forward. “So what?”
“The Sorcerers at Moduran High in the Shigeru District.” Helios leaned forward with that statement, “I could outplay the law and transfer the Points I’ve gathered during my years there to him to prevent a trial by combat—but I know for a fact my little brother won’t accept that. We’re different variations of Sorcerers. Your kind deals with the legal system of this kingdom—and like you always say…”
“Article 8, Section 3 of the Kamerlot Constitution states: “Moduran Sorcerers who choose to be a part of the Princess’ royal army shall not make deals with Sorcerers who are in a guild. Conversely, a Sorcerer from a Guild has the ability to defend themselves against unfair use of legislation from those Moduran Sorcerers”.”
Didaden only now realized just how nerdy he sounded every time he said it. “Correct.”
“But… this isn’t really a deal.” Helios assured, “I’m not like my father, so I’m not gonna charge you any money or give it to you. This is a request. You’re free to decline.” The essence of a silent plea crept into his eyes. The remembrance of his brother reflected a shadowed face. “If my brother turns out to be more like my father than me, do everything you can to ban him from the Moduran System.”
“...Really?”
“Yes,” Helios nodded, “And if he’s not… Well, that goes back to me mentioning my old Moduran school. There’s three things. One, I can just get my principal to transfer my points to the Moduran Department of Education, and if they don’t accept, I want you to ask the princess if you can start his years at Moduran High after a trial by combat. Of course, I could try and get the Third Years to capture him, too.”
Didaden was shocked by the emotion the young Sorcerer showed.
The persona had completely shattered.
And in the face of a difficult time, the fire within Didaden, fueled by witnessing injustice, wouldn’t refute it.
“Well, you know how hard the Moduran Sorcerers work at this time of year. The people roaming the street now are just trying to satisfy either themselves or their family members in time.” Didaden said, “It’s a Moduran Sorcerer's job to protect them from the world they don’t know… and if your brother is a threat to that, the objective stays the same.”
Helios turned to the window, watching as the children frolicked in the snow with their parents. “Yeah…”
“But… I’m not going to limit myself to one possibility.” Didaden said, “So, I strongly advise you to go to Moduran High with your brother, and convince the principal. If that doesn’t work, we can fall back on another plan.”
Helios’ eyes lit up. “For real?”
“Yeah.” and for the first time today, Didaden cracked a smile. “I got your back.”
“Ha, thanks.”
“...Good,” Didaden nodded, standing up, “Which means you pay this time.”
“WHAAAATTTT?!”
“To return the favor for my help.”
“BUT I DON’T WANNA!”
“So I should call off the deal?”
“THE MONEY PART!”
MODURAN HIGH, SHIGERU!
The apex of the luscious white hills and mountains, unending to the human gaze, possessed large, purple temples with stone pillars on each end. Red talesmans connecting each of these structures, and the darkness the outsider perceived. From the inside, students stood within a candle lit room, carrying a calm, clear mind in the face of their mentors, unable to bear the thought of losing where their gifts—their shared blessing—their ambition—remained.
Those within the largest temple of the metropolitan landscape—descending from tales of victory, roamed the halls illuminated only by the snow—and at this time of day, the sun would’ve pierced through the tattered windows just perfectly. The snow’s influence was so immense that no matter what floor one was on—whether it was the one-hundredth or the first—a surge of peace naturally calmed the souls.
But since today was a holiday, attendance was optional.
And on the empty fifty eighth floor…
Tmp! Tmp! Tmp!
A Moduran High Third Year bolted through the hall, his curly blond hair being pulled by the wind.
“Hey! No running!”
He heard the terrifying command shrill throughout the entire floor from an unknown place, but he kept his impenetrable grin and continued full throttle towards the twirling L-shaped stairs with a shining exterior that marked the hall’s end. “Sorry, Ms. Alma—but this is a request from the principal! Plus, it’s Miracle Week! You should be home!”
“Well ‘cause of you, I’m not!”
“I’ll tell that to the Principal!”
Zooom!
The exact second his black soles touched the first step, he became a hypnotic, black blur of motion—crossing the intermediate landings and their opportunities of overviewing the beautiful snow outside. He couldn’t bear to look outside right now, since he wasn’t dressed for the occasion. His style, considered too modern by many of his elders and cool by his peers, resembled that of a juvenile.
It’s a little hard to move around in this white and black jumpsuit… it ain’t got Snow Immunity… maybe I should’ve worn black after all.
He reached the one-hundredth floor in a span of ten seconds. Wiping the sweat off his brow, he slid open the tattered door, and leapt dramatically into the center of the hallway. The apex of the one-hundredth floor claimed its individuality by not only its length but its structure. It was an enchanting corridor, a tad bit of shadow shrouding the scenery as a red plate overlapped the windows. At the end was the door to the principal’s office. The largest tattered door in the building besides the entrance.
“...Am I really the only one who came here today?” He asked himself, “Eh, that’s cool. I guess there really is no care for hard work!”
“Wrong!”
A cheery voice from behind—and this time, the source was identifiable. Not by the body, but also by memory.
There, a Moduran High Second Year student cartwheeled out of the music room, the black pigtails on the side of her head fluttering. When she touched the ground, her bubbly red eyes fell upon her superior. “I’m here too, Puck!”
“...Robin?” Puck examined her outfit. “Were you called here by the principal, too? And where’d ya get those overalls?”
Robin looked at her attire stupidly from any direction her head could logically commit to. With her white colored mittens, she analyzed the red fabric of the long sleeves of her simplistic shirt. It was layered by black overalls, and there, she tugged on the two golden buttons holding them together.
“Welp—” She brung her eyes back to Puck, “—Being in the manufacturing club has a lot of perks!”
Puck frowned, sighing and turning away. “You guys are freeloaders every year, huh?” I still remember the time I lost a pair of shoes to some Sorcerer in the west."
“Aw, shuddup and let’s see what the principal thinks!” Robin chuckled, cheerfully skipping her way down the hall.
“Why are you here anyway?”
Tmp!
She paused, and turned back to him with a warm smile, “...You really want to know?” An ill alluring question… “It’s why you’re here too, and it’s truly… a 'miracle.'”
Puck entertained her, crossing his arms and smirking. “Spill the beans, kiddo.”
“Hehe!”
A few flips back, and she was at the perfect distance for silent gossip.
Whisper!
And the answer… truly was a miracle.
Moduran High Principal's Office.
By far the most luxurious of all of the rooms, yet the most simplistic. The oval windows were relieved of a red shell—the view below was vast and beautiful. However, for the principal, that was only a distant dream. The amount of paper work filled with diverse magical languages he had learned as a boy, but resented as an adult.
But today, where usually his short brown bangs that outlined his head would usually be disheveled, and his tired eyes hidden beneath “special” frames would be burdened by dark circles, a look of content was on the man’s face. He dressed more formally than any other staff in the building. All black attire, with his suit being buttoned by four golden buttons that carried a sound only he could hear.
Ting!
Ting!
Ting!
“..Those at the North Pole have quite the unique way of wording things. I can only wonder how they’re not overworked.”
“PRINCIPAL GANJI!”
His moment of peace came to an end with the door bursting open, revealing the two students with a glow in their eyes only a child would have. Typical of the Day of Miracles. Despite its loudness, he remained unfazed, now putting on a look of displeasure.
“You’re going to be a guest… at the Sky Workshop Academy?!”
Principal Ganji smiled confidently, “That indeed, Puck. If I had known Robin would keep it a secret between me and her, I would’ve let her stay home.”
“Oh no! I forgot!” Robin exclaimed, hands running down her hair, “I didn’t mean to, teach! The cold has been getting to me lately!”
“It’s awesome either way, teach. Not many Moduran Sorcerers get a chance to enter such a rich area.” Puck added, a hand under his chin, “...I wonder how much gold you had to pay.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Oh—right!” Puck straightened himself immediately. “Moduran Sorcerer rulebook, Page One: ‘One should never succumb to greed’!”
Robin pouted, rolling her eyes and catching a glimpse of the snow. What a dork…
Then, she focused her gaze back on the principal. “So, is this all you had to tell us, principal?”
“Not entirely.” Ganji confirmed, holding up two, wrinkly fingers, “You see… there’s something I’ve assigned you two involving this new position. Two things, actually.”
In light of this, the eyes of the two students twinkled like stars—one of the few times the principal had seen them share admiration of an idea. “You mean… we’re gonna…?”
“Yes,” Ganji nodded, adjusting his glasses, “You will be helpers of the festival.”
“YES!”
“I’m not finishing talking.”
“Yes sir!” Said the two students.
Ganji straightened his posture, eyes more serious than ever. He brought them back to the beautiful winter wonderland outside, and immediately, the tone shifted in the room of the two. “This day is where us Moduran Sorcerers have the most time on our hands—but that doesn’t mean we are devoid of responsibility. We can do, go, or see things that other people can’t see. The day you registered yourself as a player in the Moduran System, you were made into a mental image. A miracle worker.” ….. “Puck, what was your name before you became a player?”
“...Finn.”
“Right,” Then he turned to Robin, “And you?”
“Tara.”
The principal rose from his seat, both hands on the table, supporting his upper body. Besides his right hand was a paper that differentiated itself from the rest with its glimmering gold color—and of course, the fancy writing of the Elves from the North Pole. “Everyone who enters this system can become the warrior who slays the dragon, the knight in shining armor, or a master of magic. All of this is only possible because of Grandmaster Contessa.” He said, “So today, you two are gonna make miracles happen.”
The paper read…
…POLAR EXPRESS MEMBER LIST…
“No, no way…” Puck’s eyes widened, “We’ll be helping with the festivities… and the Polar Express?”
“All you need to do is find those on this list. We’ll assign you a Witch as a guide.” Ganji explained, “Do take this seriously, students. Remember, this can be beneficial for your future as well.”
Puck accepted the paper, Robin eagerly leaning over to see all of the names. For a moment, the paper was blank—but upon the hearing of a bell, the names appeared in a magical flash. “...Woooaaaahhhh….”
“Take this as well.” Ganji tossed two, small golden bells at the two students. “Only the people on this list can hear a “different sound” from this bell. Ring it when you arrive at the doorsteps of these children tonight.”
“You got it, principal!” Puck exclaimed, turning around while keeping his determined gaze at the teacher. “We’ll be sure to work our butts off!”
“Hm,” Ganji nodded with a smile, “Do your best.”
“HEY! NO RUNNNIINNNGGGGG!”
Puck’s body jolted, but he settled when he realized that the voice wasn’t directed toward him. Robin scouted the entire school, and no one else but the four staff members were here.
“...Who is that?”
Tmp…
Tmp….
TMP!
TMP!
TMP!
BOOOOOMMM!
THE DOOR SHOT OPEN, SCARING THE SOUL OUT OF THE TWO STUDENTS!
Ganji merely stared angrily…
“..You two…”
Helios…
And his brother, Morton, whose attire was much less flashy. He possessed an even more bulkier build than his brother, causing his buttoned up, white suit to strain—and even his black pants. He completed this attire with a red tie and black, khaki shoes.
His hair was just as disheveled as his brother, each strain of hair a spike that cascaded down over his shoulders and also to the lower half of his back.
“Been a while, Ganji No Retsuden Meikyou Enmonton Kaito.”
Helios shook his head, “Do you even know him that way?”
“NO WAY!” Puck shot back up, “My cooking teacher?!”
“...Puck?” Morton asked, red eyes flaring up with happiness. “Dang! You’ve gotten way taller!”
“You bet!”
“So, you’re a Third year now, huh?” Morton leaned forward, analyzing the boy, “Still scrawny as ever, hahahaha!”
“T—teach!”
“Yo, Robin.” Helios waved, “I see you’re still a scoundrel when it comes to sales.”
“Well, you know me!” Robin chuckled, “The manufacturing club must bolster Moduran High forward!”
“Well, Helios,” Morton turned, “Should we?”
“Don’t even think about it.” Ganji remarked, “They’ve been assigned to the festivities and gathering children for the Polar Express. You can’t borrow them. Speaking of, you two—off you go!”
“Um, right!” Puck said with a salute. Thereafter, he saluted to Helios and Morton before ZOOOMING out of the room.
Robin bowed, and exited with a smile.
And with the door closed…
“I guess from that little remark… you know exactly why we’re back here.” Morton said with a smirk.
“Yes,” Ganji nodded, standing up. His hand moved over to the wall, and when he touched it, a magical pulse spread throughout the entire room. The false “wall” slid open like a door, unveiling the truth behind every Moduran Academy. A thousand lights that illuminated a void…
“Let’s discuss.”
A feeling of nostalgia rushed across the two brothers, their unbearable smirks practically the same.
“Right!”
Chapter End!
"Mayday, faint affection, love and hate in words!"