The man took them deeper into the forest, and Jay was shocked to find a wooden house there. If this were possible, why would they need to ask the village heads for permission? They could very well live here by themselves, right?
"Come in, we can talk in detail here."
The inside of the house was more luxurious than the ones shown in wealthy family dramas. Jay wondered if this guy was some big shot in exile. That happened a lot more than it was expected in real life.
"Do you drink any physical juice?" The guy asked the ghost.
Jay's ghost familiar shook his head, and Jay thought about the milk that had disappeared in their house, but he kept quiet.
"And you, little boy, orange juice?"
Jay nodded. The juice box was surprisingly not the only thing that stood out. There were celebrity magazines on the table with idols smiling on the front page, and Jay wondered if this guy had connected with some bookstore in the human world.
"So, what do you need from us?"
After being seated, the ghost asked the guy.
The guy tapped the rim of his glass and nodded.
"I need you to get me a red stone from someone. Don't worry, you wouldn't be stealing, as it rightfully belongs to me."
"But it would be stealing it that guy has it in his possession, and stealing wouldn't do our stay here wonders."
"Hmm, I can get you IDs, how about it?"
Jay felt excited, if they got IDs, wasn't everything done? He could find his family, and everything would be alright.
"No, I'm afraid we can't do this, sir."
Jay looked at the Ghost with surprise, evident on his face.
"You are rejecting my proposal."
"Yes!
"Why?"
"Your proposal guarantees danger. And I can't put my kid anywhere near it."
The walk out was less awkward than the time they spent inside. Jay finished the juice in record time to escape from there. The guy had watched them leave, and Jay couldn't see any expressions on his face. He was worried whether this formidable guy was angry with them.
"Will he take revenge on us?"
"No, big guys don't care for fish fry like us, Jay. And always remember, nothing is simple in the Magical World. Also, you have not even started learning the basics of magic. I don't think you would be able to steal from someone who has good control over their magic." The ghost kept gliding and then spoke again, "Don't resent me, kid. I just want to keep you safe. If your head is fine, you can use it to think of options, but the other way doesn't work."
Jay nodded. Haste brings waste, and he had to tread this place carefully.
"Where are we going?"
The ghost took him to a place somewhat far from the guy's home and then spoke in a languid manner, "We will live here from now on."
"Isn't this close to that guy? Won't he mind?"
"It's not his land anyway, and again, no one will bother us as long as he is here. Where can you find such good conditions? There's security, there's intimidation, and best of all, no animals will bother us."
That was a really good idea.
So, it was decided, and their home was placed at the place that was only a ten-minute walk from the guy's wooden home.
The ghost then floated and installed charms all around the house. Jay could only see the colors swirling away from the paper, and he felt astounded at the magical effect.
"Okay, okay, a quick breakfast, and we will start your magic initiation."
A quick breakfast consisted of pudding and toast, and Jay was ready to step into the world of magic.
The ghost brought Jay to the backyard and then spoke reverently.
"I pray to the God of Wisdom and Prosperity, I pray to the God of Success, I pray to the Mother Goddess, I pray to bless everyone, I pray to start this initiation."
A solemn atmosphere rose, and Jay stood straight, watching the fluttering ghost. He felt the power the words radiated, and he felt the power wash over him.
The ghost opened his eyes and stared at Jay. It felt like he was staring into the depths of his soul.
"I, Nim, the first of house Shadow, take you, Jay, the seventh born of Life Witch Malow, as my apprentice."
Jay bowed to him with his palms clasped. He had never seen such an occasion, so he only did what he felt was right.
He kneeled at the ghost's feet, but the ghost raised him up.
"You are my apprentice, no need for such appearances. Let's start with your first spell."
"Magic is energy that radiates from everything, be it living or nonliving. It's just the way you use it that makes you different from others."
Jay nodded as if understanding.
"Do you know who can harness the power of magic in our world?"
"No!"
"It's Wizards, Witches, Elementals, Vampires, Shifters, demons, and spirits."
"What's the difference between them?"
"Wizards and witches have the same source power, but witches prefer to connect with nature. Elementals can only connect with a specific element, Vampires can enhance their physical qualities with their elemental magic, Shifters are Elementals with animal forms, Demons are animals with human forms, and Spirits have no form, but everyone can use magic."
It sounded cool to Jay.
"Then what am I?"
The ghost paused and then answered slowly.
"You are half-witch and half-vampire. I presume you will get wizard powers."
Oh oh oh.
"That's why I don't like sunlight?"
The ghost rolled his eyes.
"You can survive sunlight. All your vampire family members avoid sunlight. Half breeds like you have the best of both lineages, but you are rather peculiar. You have the weakness of your vampire side."
Jay felt irritated.
"Let's do this simple spell. I'll give you the Magic beam, try to interact with it."
A pink light beam shot from the ghost's hand, and Jay could see the dust particles in it. He tried to interact with it, but nothing happened. Seeing this happen, the ghost sighed.
"You indeed have the weaknesses of both your lineages, you have the sunlight allergy and weak magic intuition too!"
Jay gaped like a fish.