Accidental Ascendance

Chapter 21 21: The Capital?

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Visions of his time fused with Megna, his days as the enigmatic Dark Cedric, flashed before his eyes in a whirlwind of vivid dreams and recent memories. The sensations felt so real that he could almost taste the crackling energy of powerful magic in the air and smell the musty scent of ancient tomes. The memories were still fresh, as if he had just experienced them moments ago.

In his mind's eye, he saw the battles he fought as Dark Cedric, wielding forbidden spells that defied the laws of nature. He recalled the surge of power he felt coursing through his veins, the weight of knowledge and raw mana mingling in a potent dance. The echoes of sinister laughter and desperate cries reverberated in his ears, a haunting symphony of his past.

But just as he was submerged in this maelstrom of memories, as if to jolt him awake from this introspective slumber, the ground beneath him gave a violent jolt. A large bump in the path sent him sprawling, his head smacking against the rocky surface. The physical impact coincided with the abrupt end of the haunting memories, snapping him back to the present.

Dazed and disoriented, he shook his head, trying to clear the lingering fragments of visions. The world around him spun momentarily, the damp earthy smell of the cave filling his nostrils. As he pushed himself up, he could feel a throbbing ache in his head where it had collided with the rock. The pain served as a stark reminder that he was still very much in the real world. "Where am I?" Cedric asked surveying his surroundings.

As he finished his survey he found himself in the cab of a wagon slowly traveling down a dirt road. An oddly familiar voice rang from the front of the wagon. "You're up, huh?" said Elena.

Cedric stared at her for a moment, before his memories came to volition. "Elena? Where are we? Where is Oliver, and Lily?"

Cedric spoke as if his memories were clear but it was an automatic response, similar to when someone says good morning and you instinctively respond the same. "They went to deliver that Night Shallow, you were searching for," Elena replied.

Cedric let out a sigh of relief. "Thank Mana, I hope Lyla can get better now."

Elena, with general curiosity asked. "So, what was that all about earlier?"

Cedric still jumbling through his half memories asked. "What part exactly?"

Elena turned around slightly agitated as if the anticipation of waiting to ask Cedric a million questions was eating away at her for hours. "You know what! That spell you were casting earlier!" Elena leaned into the back of the wagon, getting closer and closer to Cedric, continuing curiously. "What language was that? What was that spell!? You were draining mana from all around you! How did you do that?"

Cedric tried to focus on the flash of the hazy memories. "It's hard to explain...." His thoughts tipped from his own faded memories to Megna's. He could almost remember hers as his own. Very distant and broken.

"That's dumb.... But I guess I'm not the future strongest mage." Elena pouted while heading back to the head of the wagon.

Cerdic sat silently lost in thought. "That was weird. I feel like I'm not whole." Cedric then placed his hand on his chest where he could feel Megna's presence. "Megna, are you there?"

After a moment of silence, Megna responded. "I'm here, Cedric."

Cedric let out a sigh of relief, before a bolt of realization hit him. In the 11 years of knowing Megna, she has not once called him Cedric. "What did you just say, Megna?"

"I understand you're not Merlin now. I am so tired I can barely stay awake. I'm sorry.... I-I'm passing o-out...."

Cedric worriedly put his hand on his chest. "Do you still want to be with me?"

Megna was silent for a moment before answering. "Always....."

Cedric softly smiled, tightly grasping his chest before letting out a soft. "Thank you…"

"We're here!" Elena exclaimed.

Cedric pulled himself to the front of the wagon. "And where is here?" Cedric questioned.

As he approached the front of the wagon, a grand sight caused him to gasp in awe. "The royal capital Dragon's Breath city!" Elena gleefully announced.

Cedric and Elena's arrival at the capital was nothing short of awe-inspiring. As they approached the city gates, they were met with the sight of colossal stone walls, adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary battles and mythical creatures. The gates were imposing, guarded by armored soldiers who eyed the newcomers with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

The city streets bustled with activity as merchants, townsfolk, and adventurers moved about, their vibrant clothing and diverse appearances creating a tapestry of cultures. The scent of freshly baked bread and the sweet aroma of exotic spices filled the air, tempting the duo's senses.

Staying comfortably in the wagon, Cedric peered out of the window in amazement, taking in the sights as Elena guided them through the city. She was on an official mission to escort Cedric to meet the Wizard King, Lucian Fell, who ruled over the realm with unparalleled magical prowess.

As they passed through the heart of the city, a grand sight came into view. A giant castle stood majestically on a hill, overlooking the entire city. It was an architectural marvel, its towering spires and intricate designs leaving Cedric in awe.

Elena smiled at Cedric's amazement and pointed to a giant dragon skull that adorned the city's entrance. "You see that dragon skull? Legend has it that Dragon's Breath city was built around the remains of a colossal dragon that once roamed these lands," she explained.

"That's where the name comes from," Cedric said with fascination, peering at the skull with wonder. "This city has such a rich history. It's incredible!"

Elena nodded, her eyes sparkling with pride for her home city. "Indeed, it does. Dragon's Breath has been a center of magic and power for centuries, and you can feel the ancient energy lingering in every corner."

As the wagon continued its journey, Cedric couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. Meeting the powerful Wizard King was a significant moment for him, as he hoped to gain valuable insights and knowledge from such a renowned mage.

With the sun setting on the horizon, the giant castle and the dragon skull were bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a breathtaking sight. Cedric and Elena sat in the wagon, taking in the magical ambiance of Dragon's Breath city as they made their way through the bustling streets.

Finally, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Cedric turned to Elena and asked, "Elena, do you have any idea why the Wizard King requested me specifically?"

Elena looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm not entirely sure, Cedric. The king's request came as a surprise to me too. All I know is that he made it seem like a matter of life or death, something urgent that requires your presence. We'll find out more when we meet him."

Cedric nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "The Wizard king huh?"

As the wagon continued its journey through the enchanting city of Dragon's Breath, Cedric's curiosity about the Wizard King, Lucian Fell, grew stronger. Elena sensed his eagerness to know more and decided to share a story from her own experiences.

"Cedric," she began with a thoughtful smile, "let me tell you about the first time I saw the Wizard King in battle. It was a moment that left a lasting impression on me, and it speaks volumes about his strength and leadership."

Cedric leaned in attentively, eager to hear the tale.

"It was a day when the kingdom faced a formidable threat from a horde of ogres, b-rank monsters that outnumbered our army by a great margin. Fear gripped the soldiers, and the prospect of facing such a massive force overwhelmed them."

Elena's eyes sparkled with admiration as she continued. "But then, King Lucian Fell emerged on the battlefield. He had a calm yet commanding presence that inspired confidence in everyone around him. He ordered the army to stand back, his voice unwavering despite the dire situation."

Cedric could almost picture the scene, envisioning the brave king taking charge.

"And with a single swing of his fist, he unleashed an extraordinary spell," Elena recounted, gesturing with her hands as if she could feel the magic in the air. "The sheer force from his strike obliterated half of the ogre horde. It was a display of raw power, and the ground shook with the impact."

Cedric's eyes widened in awe, envisioning the scene as if he were there himself.

"But what happened next was even more remarkable," Elena continued. "The act of the Wizard King inspired the entire army. The soldiers, once paralyzed by fear, were invigorated with a newfound courage. They didn't need the order to charge; they ran willingly to fight at their king's side."

Cedric's admiration for the Wizard King grew as he listened to the tale. "He must be a remarkable leader to command such loyalty and bravery," he remarked.

Elena nodded with a proud smile. "Indeed, he is. King Lucian Fell possesses not only immense magical power but also the ability to lead and inspire those around him. His wisdom and courage have earned him the respect and loyalty of the kingdom's people."

As the story settled in Cedric's mind, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the upcoming meeting with the Wizard King. He knew he was about to encounter a man of great significance in the world of magic.

With the grand castle of the Wizard King in sight, Cedric's heart pounded with anticipation. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that he would soon meet the legendary Lucian Fell, the ruler whose strength and leadership were as awe-inspiring as the city of Dragon's Breath itself.