Golden: Prodigy and Omen

Chapter 5: Cursed Fire

"Is it okay with you if you sleep here in my room for now? I'm sorry, I'll only start cleaning the vacant room tomorrow to make it your own," Beau asked Aelia.

"I have no right to complain, Beau," Aelia replied.

Beau was left in awe as the girl unexpectedly embraced him.

"Thank you so much, Beau. For the help and for taking me in. I'm so lucky to have met you," Aelia said while tightly holding onto the young man. "Someday, I'll repay your kindness."

"As we mentioned earlier, we're not asking or expecting anything in return from you, Aelia," Beau reminded her, and Aelia let go of the embrace.

"It's late, and I know we're all tired from everything that happened today. Before I leave, I'd like to heal your wounds, especially the reddened part on your neck caused by the chain." Aelia nodded in agreement.

"Your magic is truly amazing. And it's very rare. I'm sure many would be interested in your power, especially those who witnessed it," she expressed concern.

"Don't think negatively. While it's possible that someone might try to exploit me for their own interests, I won't easily be persuaded," Beau replied.

After a few minutes, he finished healing the girl. All the bruises and wounds she had earlier were now gone from her body.

"Thank you again, Beau."

"You're welcome, Aelia. I'll leave you now. I hope you have a restful sleep."

Beau stood up, taking his second step. He felt an intense weakness, and luckily, Aelia immediately supported him.

"What's happening to you, Beau?" she asked, concerned.

Beau quickly held onto the wall to stand and avoid falling.

"I'm sorry. My body is just really tired for today. I need to rest, and you should too," he explained.

"Do you need my help to walk?"

"No, it's not necessary. Rest, Aelia. I can still walk," Beau declined.

Aelia nodded in agreement but still worriedly watched him. Beau left the room, walking while holding onto the wall to maintain his balance, heading towards his father's room.

***

Three weeks have passed, and Aelia has been under Dew's care for the same duration.

Aelia has regained her joyful demeanor because of the people who embraced her, treating her as family. She has become truly free, able to make decisions for herself, with no chains limiting her movements.

They are now reassured since, until today, no one has attempted to find Beau for the power he possesses. So, to some extent, they no longer worry, especially Dew for his son.

"Aelia! Hebrew! Let's go home!" Dew shouted to the two.

"Coming!" both of them replied in unison, quickly running towards Dew to help him carry their belongings.

"I can't wait to get home. I'm sure Beau has finished creating the weapon for you, Aelia," Hebrew excitedly said.

"Me too! What kind of weapon could it be?" Aelia wondered, unable to contain her excitement.

Beau didn't help with their farmland this time as he stayed back at their house to finish what he was working on, new inventions.

In their continent, they value four talents. First, the crafters, people with the ability to make weapons and various tools like Beau.

Second are the fixers, those who can repair things that has been contaminated. Third, the alchemists, individuals capable of making medicines and potions.

And the last group is the makers, those with the ability to create spells. Beau isn't just a crafter and a fixer; he is also a maker. As he has successfully created a spell.

Beau stayed behind to finish his invention, a weapon for Aelia. He has completed the weapons for himself and Hebrew, but he hasn't given them to Hebrew yet because he wants to present them together.

Their farmland isn't far, so they quickly arrived home. Hebrew and Aelia couldn't wait to see what Beau had created.

"Beau!" they both shouted, and Beau greeted them just after finishing cooking their dinner.

"Have you finished mine, Beau?" Aelia asked, and she screamed in delight upon seeing him nod.

"Can we see it?" Hebrew asked.

Smiling, Beau nodded at the two, and Hebrew and Aelia couldn't wait. They immediately pulled Beau towards their storage room.

There were three boxes placed on the table, and Beau approached them. The two couldn't contain their eagerness to see what was in the boxes.

"This is what I made for you, Hebrew," Beau said before opening the first box.

The two gasped as they saw something they had never seen in their entire lives. But it was truly wondrous.

It was black, not sharp like a sword or a knife, but a seven-shaped weapon with a circular tip and a hole.

"It's beautiful. But... What kind of weapon is this? What is its name? How do you use it?" Hebrew bombarded Beau with questions.

Beau scratched his head. "I don't know its name yet because it's a product of my imagination. And as for how to use it, it's not like a sword; it's more akin to a bow and arrow."

"Think of it as the bow, and this will be its arrow," he pointed to the seven-shaped weapon and the numerous round stones. "Let me show you how to use it."

Beau took the weapon from the box and also took a bullet, placing it in its compartment. He aimed it at a can placed on the other table.

And in a few moments, a loud bang echoed, startling Hebrew and Aelia. What surprised them even more was seeing the can flying and pierced in the middle.

"H-How?" Hebrew asked in astonishment.

"W-What happened?" Aelia questioned.

"This is the ability of this weapon. It's very dangerous, but it can be a huge help when we're in danger. And please, never use it carelessly, Hebrew," Beau warned him.

"But... This isn't its real capability," Beau said, further surprising the two. "These round things have the ability to store power. And when used, it won't just penetrate; it will explode, unlike before when it just pierced."

"B-But? Beau, you seem to forget that I am a caster. I am not a channeler to infuse my power into a weapon," Hebrew said.

There are four classes of magic knights: Caster, Channeler, Summoner, and Healer. Casters are individuals who can release their powers directly from their bodies.

Channelers are those who cannot release their powers but can transfer them to objects. They are the most numerous among the classes.

Summoners have the ability to summon spirits. Spirits choose them, and they don't have the liberty to choose their spirits.

Lastly, the smallest population belongs to the healers. However, it depends on a healer what they can heal.

"I know, Hebrew. You don't need to be a channeler to use this. These small crystal balls are made of quartz, crystals with the ability to store magic. It's one of the cheapest crystals because people think it's useless. But, it's very valuable if they only know how to use it," Beau explained extensively, leaving Aelia and Hebrew with open mouths, amazed at what he said.

"But the damage it can cause still depends on the power stored into it. So, it suits your ability," Beau explained further. "Give it a try."

"B-But..."

"Don't worry; I'm here to guide you. Just direct your power into this small ball." Despite his hesitation, Hebrew followed Beau's instruction and focused his power on the small white ball.

In just a few seconds, the round rock glowed red, indicating it was charged and ready for use.

Trembling, Hebrew placed the bullet into his weapon, just like Beau did earlier. Afterwards, the three approached the window, and Hebrew aimed.

"It's better to hold it with both hands and ensure it's properly aimed at your target." Hebrew followed Beau's advice, concentrating on targeting a tree in the distance.

Hebrew tapped his weapon, causing him to step back in surprise due to the force of the shot. What surprised them even more was how the tree exploded and was engulfed in blue flames.

Even Beau was astonished at the effect it had on the tree. Indeed, Hebrew's cursed fire ability was perfectly suited for the invention he created.

***

[1] Gun - A long-range weapon. Casters use quartz for it to function. While channelers do not need quartz for it to work.