Masteria Online: Shattering the Dark God's Grand Scheme

Merath felt a surge of respect for his old acquaintance. In life, Henry had been a better mage than him. Even in death, the Phoenix Master’s plans were still working against the Dark One.

The ancient magician’s mind raced ahead to the implications. Eden would need training, guidance, resources. He’d need teachers who understood phoenix bonds and could help him develop properly.

Merath’s gaze towards Eden changed. "Young Eden, would you like to become my di-"

"No." Lumi suddenly interrupted, sharply.

Merath paused. "What?"

Lumi shook his head. "I know what you’re thinking. The answer is no. He’s already my my disciple."

"But..." Merath looked on in disbelief. He understood, logically, that he was being extremely rude by attempting to poach someone else’s disciple. However, this was someone who was chosen by Henry’s post-death contingency! Surely, he, who had known Henry, and is a great mage in his own right, could lead Eden better?

"Lumi, be reasonable," Merath spoke, softly. "I have centuries of experience teaching magicians. I knew Henry personally."

"Maybe," Lumi acknowledged. "But I got here first. He’s my disciple. I’m not handing him over."

Merath’s eye twitched. "I understand how my request must sound. I apologize for my haste. I must explain myself. This isn’t about possession. This is the one Henry chose, he will change the world! I merely wanted what’s best for the boy."

"Ahh." Lumi inclined his head. "Now I understand. In that case, I must also apologize for my rudeness. Of course, you can help teach Eden. I hope you can understand my reaction, thinking my first disciple would be forcefully taken."

"Really now..." Merath shook his head. "Do you really take me for that type of man?"

"No." Lumi replied. "Though, you did say it."

Merath gave a short nod. "True." He looked Eden up and down. "Hm. Equipment for young Eden. I’m unsure if I have everything needed. Phoenix Masters have quite a few differences from a regular magician. I’ll check and get the equipment needed." With that, he turned and left.

Eden watched the entire exchange with wide eyes, holding the phoenix close. He had no idea what half of that conversation had meant, but he understood enough that there was some sort of a small conflict about whose disciple he was.

He was confused, though. Lumi talked to him first, and he got to know Lumi. He accepted the proposal Lumi had given him. How could he just randomly become this other man’s disciple? It didn’t matter if Lumi had agreed or not. They didn’t even ask him! He wasn’t just a... commodity, was he?

He hoped that wasn’t how he was seen.

While Merath was gone, Eden took the opportunity to speak with Lumi directly. "Can I ask you something?" Though he spoke, his tone clearly revealed his uncertainty.

Lumi took note of it, but didn’t comment on it for now. "Of course."

Eden hesitated at first, but then the words came out in a rush. "What exactly am I getting into? You said I need to learn magic, that I’m in danger, that I’m descended from some legendary hero. But I don’t understand any of it. What does being your disciple actually mean?"

Lumi considered how to answer. He needed to be honest enough that Eden trusted him, but frame things in a way that kept the boy motivated.

"It means you’ll follow in Henry’s footsteps." Lumi started with a tie into the boy’s ancestry, then subtly increased the scope beyond what Eden agreed to. "He rose up when there was evil. You’ll do the same."

"But..." Eden sighed. He just didn’t know. "Why me? I’m just a farmer. I don’t know anything about magic or fighting or any of this."

"You weren’t just a farmer the moment that phoenix bonded with you." Lumi corrected. "That creature chose you specifically. Imperial Phoenixes don’t make mistakes. It saw something in you worth bonding with."

Eden looked down at the phoenix in his arms. The creature chirped softly. "What if I’m not good enough? What if I can’t live up to whatever my ancestor was? I mean, I’m not gonna do as good as him. Didn’t he like, save the world?"

Lumi shook his head. "Henry wasn’t born great. He became great through training and effort. You have the same potential he did."

Eden looked unsure. "Really?"

Lumi nodded. "Really. I mean it. I’m not just telling you that. Think of it this way..." He began explaining. "Henry lived centuries ago. Imagine just how many descendents he has. Yet, out of all of them, you were chosen. You must be the best one, then."

Eden took a deep breath, and considered Lumi’s words. "When you put it like that..." He trailed off, not knowing what to say.

Lumi continued explaining. "But potential means nothing without work. That’s what being my disciple means. I’ll teach you, guide you, help you survive the dangers coming. But you have to put in the effort to actually learn."

Eden nodded slowly. "What kind of dangers are we talking about?"

Lumi chose his words carefully. "There are forces in this world that want power. An Imperial Phoenix represents immense power. People will try to take it from you to use it themselves, or kill it to stop a future threat."

Eden lightly opened his mouth in realization. "And that’s what we talked about back at the farm. Getting strong enough to protect my life. To..."

He held the phoenix a bit tighter to his chest. "To protect this little one." He looked back up at Lumi. "And you’ll teach me how?"

"Of course." Lumi nodded. "If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be a very good master, would I?"

"Hah." Eden was getting more comfortable with Lumi. "I suppose not, no."

They shared a small moment in silence, before Eden started again. "Say, there was one thing on my mind. What you were talking about with Merath...?"

Lumi’s expression didn’t change, but something in his eyes sharpened ever so slightly. "Yes?"

Eden shifted the phoenix in his arms, clearly choosing his words carefully. "You two were talking like... I belonged to someone. Like I was property or something." He frowned. "Is that normal? In magic?"

Lumi let the silence stretch for a moment before answering. "In a way, yes."

Eden didn’t look reassured by that. "That sounds... wrong."

"It can be." Lumi admitted without hesitation. "But it depends on intent."

Eden glanced down. "So what were you both actually arguing about? Who gets to train me?"

Lumi exhaled lightly. "Merath is a very old and capable mage. He knew your ancestor. Because of various reasons, when he sees you, he doesn’t see a boy. He sees a future demigod."

Eden visibly reacted. "Demigod!?"

Lumi nodded. "One that will protect humanity."

"W-wow..." Eden couldn’t help but stumble over his words. "What...?"

"Indeed." Lumi affirmed. "Therefore, he just wanted to make sure you grow to that level safely and efficiently. That’s why he jumped to trying to have you as his disciple. He didn’t mean anything bad by it, I promise."

Before Eden could respond, the door to the back room opened. Merath returned, various pieces of equipment floating around him.

Merath announced to the two. "I’ve gathered what you’ll need."

He laid everything out on a nearby table. The collection was substantial, far more than Lumi had received from Merath when he’d first started.

But to be fair, Lumi had only been a curious variable back then. Someone with potential, sure, but unproven. Eden was already a legend in the making, a phoenix master descended from Henry himself.

Lumi gave the equipment a quick scan. They had a level requirement of thirteen.

The equipment was still relatively weak in absolute terms, but it solved all the immediate problems Eden would face.

First, a set of robes. It consisted of deep blue fabric with silver threading along the edges. It came with a hat, top, and bottom.

Second, various extra pieces to wear. A pair of gloves, a cape, shoes, and even shoulder pads.

"These will increase the potency of your magic and shield you from damage." Merath explained. "Still, for the most part, operate under the assumption that any and all damage will kill you. Especially now, before you have learned a form of mana guard."

"Mana guard..." Eden slowly repeated, internalizing the information.

Seeing his confusion, Lumi explained for the boy. "Mana guard is one of the two essentials for a magician. It converts a majority of the damage you take to damage to your mana instead."

Eden silently hung his moth open. He seemed like he wanted to speak, yet decided against it. They moved on.

Third, a leather belt with several pouches attached. Each pouch was bigger on the inside than on the outside, allowing him to store in sufficient quantities.

Merath explained it. "For storing materials, potions, and other necessities. The enchantments will keep perishables fresh and prevent volatile substances from reacting. However, you cannot put living things inside."