Viktor was now fifteen, he, Eric, and Rose had grown even closer as a makeshift family. Viktor and Cade still regularly trained and Viktor learned. Fritz had primarily taken over, with the more malevolent Kirchner not revealing himself.
Cade himself had not once spoken about the encounter with Sataneal, not wanting to put more on Viktor's plate.
However, as it happened, Viktor seemed to be faring better than Cade himself. The boy had grown into a fine young mage under his tutelage; he was quick to grasp concepts and had an instinctive connection with magic that Cade couldn't help but be envious of.
Cade often found himself dwelling on his encounter with Sataneal. The god's cryptic words left him in a constant state of unease. 'More valuable than you can imagine'... What could those words mean?
Despite his concerns, life in the makeshift family carried on. Rose quickly adapted to their ways and became an essential part of their lives. She treated Viktor like a son now more than ever and often accompanied them on their training sessions, her keen eyes missing nothing.
Eric had grown even more into a fine warrior with the help of the Magus. His skills with a sword were extraordinary, and his guidance was crucial in honing Viktor's combat skills. Despite the age gap, a camaraderie had formed between the two of them. He also grew into the mold of a father figure for the boy.
As for Viktor, he seemed unaware of the looming danger Cade felt. He continued growing stronger, and more confident in his magic, and more importantly, he was happy.
Cade couldn't stand to ruin that happiness. He'd seen too much sadness in the young boy's eyes from a life he had no control over, and he would not be the one to bring it back. So he swallowed his fears and concerns, burying them deep within him and plastering a smile on his face every day.
Over time, Cade found himself looking forward to their practice sessions, despite the lingering fear in the back of his mind. They became moments of tranquility amidst the storm of uncertainty that threatened to take over him.
One day, during a particularly grueling training session, Viktor managed to cast an incredibly complex spell that Cade himself had trouble with. He watched in awe as Viktor stood there, a look of shock on his face before bursting into a wide grin.
"Cade! Did you see that? Did you see what I did?" He shouted in excitement, turning to Cade for approval.
Cade nodded, clapping Viktor on the shoulder with a proud smile. "You've done well, Viktor," he praised, unable to keep the pride out of his voice.
Moments like these gave Cade hope. Perhaps Viktor could handle whatever Sataneal planned for him; maybe he was more prepared than anyone else could be. But even as he thought this, a small voice in his mind whispered doubts that refused to be silenced.
The days turned into weeks and then months. The peaceful routine they had established continued uninterrupted until one summer evening when everything shattered.
On a plain cloudless night just like many others, a knock had been heard at Cade's door. Cade being the town of Hoff's biggest attraction had quite the 'luxurious' home. Cade groggily stumbled his way to the door only to be greeted to a man with a white and black theatrical mask covering his face.
The man, tall and slim, wore an elaborate crimson cloak that swished around his ankles. His gloved hand held a gnarled staff, topped with what seemed to be a large obsidian stone. The mask on his face was chilling to behold; half of it was black as night, the other stark white, and etched onto the surface were deep lines of sorrow on one side and joy on the other.
"Who are you?" Cade asked, furrowing his brows at the stranger. There was something about this man that set off alarm bells ringing in his head.
"Tsk, tsk. That's not all that important. I know what you desire Cade Turner."
But in front of him stood an enigma wrapped in mystery, standing at his threshold at the fall of night. "I am not in the business of dealing with strangers who wear masks," Cade retorted, struggling to keep his voice steady.
The masked man chuckled, but there was no humor in it. Instead, it was a sound as cold and cruel as the winter wind. "Is that so?" He asked, leaning on his gnarled staff with a nonchalance. "I thought you had more courage than that."
The insult stung and Cade clenched his fists at his sides. "Your assumptions are your own," he shot back, refusing to be drawn into a war of words with this stranger.
The man uncurled his fingers and revealed a fiery portrait of Cade's mother, the colors dancing and flickering like flames. He grinned mischievously behind his mask, his eyes sparkling with secrets and knowledge. The image seemed to come alive in his palm, pulsing with energy and vitality.
Cade's lips parted, revealing his clenched teeth as his gaze dropped to the ground. He inhaled deeply, his ears straining to catch every sound around him.
A sly grin crept across the man's face as he spoke, his voice dripping with confidence and cunning.
"Well, it seems I've caught your attention." He chuckled, the sound low and sinister. "Continue to train the boy as you have been. And I promise you this, Cade Turner...I will give you everything your heart desires, and more, much more." His words hung in the air, a tempting offer that seemed almost too good to be true.
Cade couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the man's smooth words and promises. The air was thick with tension and uncertainty as if something dark and dangerous lurked just beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent conversation. But still, Cade couldn't deny the allure of the man's proposal, and he found himself considering it despite his better judgment.
And since that day regardless of whether he wanted to accept or not Cade found himself treating Viktor differently. In just a year, it was as if his life was now devoted to this barely teenage boy, not to mention the fact he was a champion for an Elder God.
Cade was… Jealous? A Magus such as him? Son to a Grand Magus who perhaps in due time would step down and allow him to rise?
No, it couldn't be jealousy. He kept telling himself it was his sense of duty and protection. But with every passing day, Viktor was becoming more proficient, more powerful. And therein lay the problem; the very thing that made Viktor a hope for their world also made him a threat.
His uncertainty mixed with envy festered into an insidious emotion that gnawed at Cade's conscience. Unable to vent his feelings or seek counsel, he became increasingly solitary, withdrawing even from Rose and Eric.
His days of observing Viktor's training became nights filled with restless contemplation. His sleep was plagued by nightmares, vivid images of Sataneal, the masked man, and an all too-powerful Viktor; all of them intertwined in a reality Cade dreaded.
His interactions with the boy became stilted, his gaze often lingering a moment too long or his words coming out harsher than intended. Viktor noticed but remained silent, his bright eyes filling with confusion and concern.
One such incident happened during another of their usual training sessions. The sun had dipped beneath the horizon, painting the world in hues of orange and red when Cade lost control of his emotions.
"Viktor! You're not focusing! Is this a joke to you?" Cade's voice echoed through the open field.
Viktor stood there, chest heaving from exertion, sweat trickling down his young face. He bit back a retort and merely shook his head.
"No... I..." He began but faltered under Cade's intense gaze.
"Then act like it!" Cade retorted curtly before storming off the training field leaving behind a trail of dust in the wind.
Viktor truly couldn't understand where this random wave of animosity had sprung from. Perhaps it was from Viktor's shortcomings? In truth for the past few months, Kirchner had not shown his face at all, Cade's words and advanced magic teachings falling short on the boy's ears.
Fritz was a second-rate mage at best. Only able to complete an ounce of the spell, however, it was a fact that in theory, the boy could perform it.
Viktor sat on the cold, rocky ground, his breath hitching in his chest. He felt the first sting of tears prickling at the corners of his eyes. He brushed them away angrily, mentally chastising himself for feeling so weak. Fritz may have been a second-rate mage, but he was a fast learner with a strong will. He had to prove Cade wrong.
In his secluded corner of Hoff, Cade had collapsed in his study chair, rubbing his temples in frustration and guilt. What had he done? His unwarranted outburst had been unprofessional and cruel - not to mention unworthy of his position as a Magus. He slumped in his chair, the heavy weight of regret settling onto his shoulders.
The following day was awkward and tense. Viktor approached training with trepidation, his movements hesitant under Cade's watchful eye. But Cade's demeanor had changed. He was quiet and distant, his harsh words from the previous evening replaced with curt instructions and brief corrections.
Cade was no fool; he knew that envy was destructive. It could lead even the most powerful magi astray, cloud their judgment, and poison their minds. And yet here he was, succumbing to that very same vice as he watched Viktor's power grow exponentially with each passing day.
Viktor tried to shake off the negativity that surrounded him, his heart heavy within his chest. He stood there alone on the training field with the setting sun as his only companion, a sense of loneliness wrapping around him like an unwanted shroud. But he was stubborn, more so than anyone had given him credit for. With a determined glimmer in his eyes, he picked up his staff and resumed his training.
Meanwhile, Cade found himself at the tavern, searching for the solace at the bottom of his ale mug. The cacophony of drunken laughter and clinking mugs all around him seemed to fade into a distant murmur as thoughts of Viktor consumed him. He kept seeing the boy's face—haunted, confused—and it filled him with regret. It was not Viktor's fault that circumstances had made him a pawn in this power play.
As the tavern door creaked open, Cade looked up from his drink to see Eric sauntering in. His new friend's eyes met his across the room—an unspoken understanding passed between them. Carefully placing his mug on the table, Eric moved toward Cade.
Eric was an enigma himself—a near-expert swordsman who had seen many battles, yet carried an air of serenity about him. His eyes held wisdom far beyond his years and now looked at Cade with understanding and concern. Eric was nearly forty while Cade was only now twenty-seven.
"Cade," he greeted softly. He knew better than to raise his voice when Cade was in one of his moods.
"Eric," Cade grunted by way of reply. His gaze shifted from Eric back to his half-empty mug.
Eric, tolerant as ever, pulled up a chair opposite Cade and settled down. He studied Cade for a moment, his eyes squinting slightly in the dim light of the tavern. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were brooding," he commented dryly.
"Your powers of observation are astounding," replied Cade, rolling his eyes before returning his gaze to his mug. His voice was heavy with sarcasm but devoid of its usual spark.
"Drink's not going to solve it, you know," Eric stated lightly.
Cade scoffed and downed the rest of his ale in one gulp, grimacing at the bitter taste. "It helps," he muttered, avoiding Eric's penetrating gaze.
"I messed up," Cade admitted finally after a long silence. His voice was barely above a whisper, the words more to himself than Eric.
"We all do," replied Eric, trying to keep the conversation going. "What happened?"
Cade let out a bitter laugh. "I let myself be jealous of a kid for being stronger than me. It's pathetic."
Something in Eric's eyes softened at his admission. "Is this about Viktor?"
Cade didn't respond, instead, he took another drink from his mug, finishing the ale that remained. He waved to the barmaid for another one and turned his gaze back to Eric.
"Listen," Eric said, leaning forward slightly in his chair. "You're a magus and you've been given a responsibility that most of us can't even fathom. It's only natural that you'd feel some sort of resentment or envy towards Viktor."
"And what am I supposed to do with that? Let it influence how I treat him. That's not fair to him."
"You're right," acknowledged Eric. "But you know as well as I do that feelings aren't always rational."
Cade stared into his empty mug, his mind whirling. He was aware that Eric was right. Emotions were messy, unpredictable, and often irrational. And yet, he did not want to accept it. Accepting it meant confronting his insecurities and jealousies—a task far more daunting than any spell he had ever cast.
Eric leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "Let me tell you something, Cade," he started, his voice imbued with a wisdom born of many battles fought and many lives lived. "You're not the only one who's felt this way. I've seen it a thousand times on the battlefield. Soldiers resenting their comrades for being braver, stronger... better. But ultimately what makes you a man is not how strong you are—it's how you choose to address your weaknesses."
Cade considered this for a moment before looking up at Eric with questioning eyes. "And how do you propose I do that?"
"Start by apologizing to Viktor," replied Eric simply, as if the answer were obvious.
"And then?" Cade asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Eric shrugged nonchalantly. "Then you help him become the best mage he can be. Use your envy as motivation—to better yourself and to better him."
Cade was silent again, lost in thought as he processed everything Eric had said. The arrogance and pride that usually held him captive suddenly seemed insignificant compared to the weight of his responsibility towards Viktor.
Meanwhile, the young mage had spent the day pushing his limits to prove himself—to Cade, to Eric and Rose, but most importantly, to himself. He'd learned the hard way that power was not simply bestowed upon someone; it had to be earned, nurtured, and mastered.
And so he trained, pouring his heart and soul into each spell he cast, each barrier he crafted. His weary muscles screamed for respite, but he pressed on, desperate to prove that he was more than just a pawn in a game of power.
As the sky darkened and the stars began their nightly dance, Viktor found himself near exhaustion. He sank onto the cold, damp ground, finally allowing his body the rest it so desperately needed. His mind was awash with thoughts of Cade - of his quiet disappointment and harsh words.
Each memory stung like an open wound and Viktor couldn't help but wonder if he would ever be able to live up to Cade's expectations.
Viktor raised his tired eyes to the heavens, seeking solace amidst the constellations that painted the night sky. The weight of loneliness and disappointment felt almost unbearable as he closed his eyes against the sharp sting of unshed tears. The silence of the night wrapped around him like a thick blanket, making him acutely aware of his solitude.
Despite Viktor's outward strength and power, he was still just a scared child deep down. His demeanor could switch from vicious and ruthless to gentle and kind in an instant, as he was constantly battling between two sides of himself.
He often found himself pondering why his alter ego, Kirchner, couldn't fully change his ways and embrace the person that killer always wanted to be. And yet, no matter what obstacles came their way, his other half Fritz remained relentlessly positive, never faltering in the face of adversity.
Viktor sighed deeply, letting the cold air fill his lungs before exhaling a cloud of misty breath. His gaze fell to his hands, still tingling from the magic he'd exhausted during his practice. With every spell cast, he was reminded of Cade's words—taunting his insecurities, fueling his determination to rival the seasoned magus.
In the distance, a wolf howled mournfully, its lonesome cry echoing through the still night air. Viktor shivered and pulled his cloak tighter around him. He turned his gaze back towards the tavern, a warm glow peeking through the small slits in the wooden shutters.
Inside that cozy haven, Cade was wrestling with guilt and envy while he watched Eric's calm demeanor. He admired Eric's ability to effortlessly navigate through life's storms without losing sight of what truly mattered—to grow, to learn, to understand oneself to thrive in an ever-changing world.
"Tomorrow," Cade vowed quietly to himself as he watched his friend rise and head toward the bar for another round of drink. "Tomorrow I will face Viktor."
Eric returned with two mugs of ale, sliding one across the table towards Cade who accepted gratefully. "To tomorrow," Eric proposed raising his mug.
"To tomorrow," echoed Cade. Together they clinked their mugs in a solemn toast.
As the night deepened and both men found solace in their shared silence, Viktor lay on the cold ground, gazing up at the stars. His heart was heavy but somewhere within him sparked a tiny flame of hope.
"I can do this," he whispered into the night, his voice barely audible over the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. "I will prove him wrong."
His eyes fell onto one star in particular, one that shone a little brighter than those around it. It was the North Star—steady, unchanging, a beacon for those who were lost. Viktor traced its shape with his fingers as if he could capture its light and hold it within himself.
He remembered Cade's words and his harsh tone. How he'd looked at him not with anger but with this slicing disappointment that had cut through him more deeply than any sword ever could. Deep down, he knew that Cade was pushing him hard because he saw potential in him. But knowing that didn't make it any easier to bear.
A sudden chill ran down Viktor's spine and his heart pounded against his chest. He felt an odd sensation as if someone or something was watching him. He scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting around the dark forest but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
With a sigh, he brushed off the feeling as nerves played tricks on him and decided to head back to the tavern. As he trudged back towards the warm heat of the Fritz Home, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation at seeing Cade again despite their earlier confrontation.
Next Chapter: 45-Rising Above