The birth of a Villain. Part 1

"You have the mark of a wizard, youngster," said the alchemist while searching for a plant that only appears early in the morning. A plant worked as medicine for people in the town.

"What does that mean?" - Said teenager Arkham.

"Normal people like me can create potions or manipulate certain spells. But you... You possess some magical energy. Do not put all your trust in that, though." - Said the alchemist as they climbed the mountain with great effort.

"What happens if I work only on that part?"

"A mediocre wizard. There are many ways to achieve more than magical power. Places on earth in which, if you meditate there, you can increase your power. Also, there are magical relics, you can track them, distinguish real ones from falsifications, and find the right people to advance in your journey. It takes patience, I can assure you that."

Then, the alchemist smiled and pulled a plant from the ground, roots and all.

"Arkham. Take a look at that plant over here. It seems almost identical to the one we are looking for, but its roots are white. The one that we need has black roots."

The old man took the plant and put it into his bag and continued walking. A few feet of walking later, he raised his eyes and saw a big, thick, and rounded tree full of spikes and red leaves.

"He, he! It is our lucky day, youngster! This tree can be really useful to create potions to protect many youngsters, such as yourself, from succubi. But I need the fruit from this tree, it is right over... there!"

"Young Arkham followed the old man's finger upward and saw the fruit—yes—but it was at least 70 feet above, well out of reach."

"How am I supposed to reach that? The tree is full of spikes. I cannot climb that. By the way, what is a succubi?" - Said Arkham, curious.

"They are the children of Lilith. According to Jewish Kabbalah, succubi obtain their energy from intercourse and children. Generally, they attack while youngsters like you sleep." - Said the alchemist with a mischievous smile.

"And this potion that you mentioned, repels them?" - Sais Arkham with a raised eyebrow.

"In the world of magic, things are never that easy, kid. I'll need some of that magical energy of yours to prepare it. Remember, I'm not a wizard — you are."

"But still, I cannot reach the fruit." - Remarked Arkham.

"That is where you help, kid. You are my backup plan! Close your eyes, concentrate on the fruit. Only the fruit must be in your mind."

Arkham closed his eyes and hoped for the best. But the best didn't happen.

"I can't." - Said Arkham, frustrated with his eyes tightly shut.

"You must relax first, kid. Close your eyes carefully and don't listen to anything else. Don't even think. Just... the... fruit."

Arkham nodded and closed his eyes. This time, he saw the fruit in his mind, just the fruit. Then, he heard a thud on the ground. It was the fruit.

Once he opened his eyes and saw the result of his effort, Arkham smiled and screamed: "I DID IT! I FUCKING DID IT!" - Arkham said, his clenched fist raised, pointing at the sky

"Thank you for helping this decrepit old man, Arkham. Let's get going. I will make you your favorite breakfast as a reward!"

Then, he expressed.

"You know, wizards exist because nature needs to compensate."

"Compensate what?" - Asked Arkham, confused.

"If we do our job correctly, there won't be magical creatures able to destroy humans. Once that happens, wizards will disappear as well. I have learned this from old texts that I read when I was an alchemist."

After they arrived home, Arkham practiced and practiced. Explored his magic and tested his limits. He learned to levitate heavier and heavier objects each time.

"You are doing it wrong, kid. Let me assist you."

The old man gave him a collar and said:

"This will amplify your powers, Arkham. Use it wisely."

Thanks, old man! - His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Listen, kid. Do not fall in love with your magical power. Learn about spells, conspiracies, and books! I have hundreds of those for you to read. You can even make deals with powerful entities to achieve more power... But do not let it become an obsession for you. Remember why we do what we do. And please, I beg of you! If you become a powerful wizard, do not let arrogance consume you... Or that will be the end of you."

"Yeah, yeah. Help others and stuff," Said Arkham as he rolled his eyes.

Days passed, and Arkham learned little by little about his magic. Slowly getting stronger through meditation. Sometimes, the old man worried about young Arkham's destiny. And soon enough, those worries were proved right.

"I had a nightmare... I have seen fire and destruction. I could even smell the burned flesh and hear the horrifying screams of despair from the town."

He didn't even mention all the details so as not to disturb his master. Such as the burned land and bodies. It was so burned that even plants were obliterated. How he saw a small irregular circle of light as a shield close to the destruction. Only a survivor there. And, last but not least, some red eyes as blazes looking at the destruction.

The mood immediately shifted. The old man sat on a big rock with dark eyes full of worry and then covered his face with his hands.

"A wizard's dream, huh? Uhh, you... You can see unconnected pieces of the future. But they are always bad news and not only that, they are useless!" - Said the old man with frustration in his voice.

"Is it inevitable?" - Asked Arkham.

The old man didn't answer. He just stared at Arkham and shook his head. That answer made Arkham feel pure sadness. That silence was the worst possible answer.

I didn't want to ovelwerm you with too much text haha. So, I divided this chapter into two parts. I hope you enjoy!

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