Magnulfker: Rise of Doom

A killer is typically either driven by psychosis or a desire for revenge, Magnulfker was driven by none. The Pulcher family was widely recognized as the most prominent family in the magical world. They possessed the two essential elements of the time: capability and wealth. The family consisted of four members: Mr. Axel Pulcher, the patriarch; his two daughters, Aminah and Lucinda; and Aminah's son, Acel. Acel's father had passed away when he was still quite young, leaving him with little knowledge of his father beyond what Axel and his 33-year old daughter Aminah had shared with him. Aminah was renowned for her exceptional beauty, with many describing her as a "capable goddess." She was the object of desire for many young adults. Acel, at the age of 16, was highly skilled and handsome, leading many to regard his family as the most powerful wizarding family of all time. Acel learned numerous spells and skills from his maternal grandfather, who was also the greatest Lux wizard ever known. Lux referred to those who employed their magical abilities and spells solely for virtuous purposes. Not much was known about the Caligos, who were likely those who harnessed their dark abilities to gain power. They were believed to have been eradicated during the Battle of Hythin, though no one was entirely sure, as a balance could not be detected. On a dark and stormy evening, lightning illuminated the sky, and thunder reverberated across the wizarding world. The sight was both awe-inspiring and frightening. "Say, Aminah, how is Acel adjusting to his new academy?" inquired Mr. Axel. Aminah, while holding a cup of tea, replied, "Good. Apparently, his instructors have informed me that the boy possesses exceptional potential and could become a great wizard." Axel smiled softly. "Where is he anyway?" he asked. "He is in his room, searching for a project he was assigned," Aminah replied. Axel scratched his long white beard and remarked, "Curious." Aminah merely gazed at him and said nothing. Acel sat in his chair, staring at a piece of paper that read, "tenebrae facta sunt." He had no idea what it meant, but he knew it was significant. "Knock, knock," Acel heard at the door. He hastily concealed the paper and opened the door. "You haven't finished your lunch," Aminah said as she entered his room. "What's the matter, honey?" Aminah inquired. "Nothing, Mum, just trying out some spells I've recently learned." "Well, you'd better use a protection potion, darling, and yes, we're going to Hasburg tomorrow," Aminah said cheerfully. "Hasburg? Why are we going to Hasburg?" Acel asked with curiosity. "Have you forgotten about the Best Wizard ceremony tomorrow?" Aminah reminded him. "Oh yeah, I totally forgot. I'll be ready tomorrow, Mum," Acel replied. The Best Wizard ceremony was much more than a mere ceremony; it was of profound significance to every wizard, and therefore, the results were determined by an unknown force rather than a being. It was shrouded in mystery and nothing more. Mr. Axel Pulcher won the Best Wizard of the Year award every year from 2008 to 2022, and everyone expected him to win it again this year. As the Pulchers arrived at the hall in a flying unicorn cart, they were greeted by numerous famous wizards, particularly those who had participated in the Battle of Hythin. As the grand ceremony began, a diminutive, pallid goblin garbed in a three-piece suit ascended to the stage to greet the assembled guests. Following a succinct recapitulation of the year's most notable occurrences in the Magical World, the goblin proceeded to extract the piece of gilt paper that bore the name of the year's finest wizard. All eyes were fixed upon Mr. Axel, as the goblin, deftly opened the parchment. Mr. Axel even gave a sly wink to the diminutive figure. However, as the goblin perused the paper with a puzzled expression, he read aloud the following words: "The recipient of the Best Wizard of the Year Award is L-l-Lord Magnulfker?" The crowd exchanged befuddled glances, including the eminent Mr. Axel himself, was utterly perplexed. Only Acel, who looked on with a blend of apprehension and dread, remained unconfused. His mother, noticing his countenance, queried, "What's the matter, dear? You seem frightened." Acel ignored her and proceeded to march off towards the men's lavatory. The emcee of the ceremony, Mr. Pahtak, took to the podium and requested, "Mr. Magnulfker, if you are present, please make yourself known." Alas, no one stepped forward. In the end, the award was presented to Axel, but not without a profound sense of bewilderment and uncertainty. "I have never heard of this Magnulfker. Have you?" queried Lucinda. "I haven't a clue," replied Aminah. "Whoever he is, he's clearly aligned with the dark side." The sisters gazed at their father with abject astonishment. "I believed they had been eradicated," exclaimed Axel, until he heard the title, Lord. Only a powerful Caligo is granted the appellation Lord. When Acel's father heard the name, he seemed exceptionally troubled and withdrew from the gathering without explanation. "I shall speak with him. Perhaps he possesses knowledge we lack." "Are you referring to the night he was working on the project?" "Indeed," replied Axel with a heavy sigh. . "Leave it to me, I will talk to him," Aminah said with a concerned expression. She knocked on her son's bedroom door and asked, "Dear, are you in there?" Acel opened the door and his mother entered. "We need to talk," said Aminah. "Yes, Mum. What is it?" Acel sat down and his mother took a chair too. "The night we departed for Hasburg to attend the ceremony, you were behaving strangely. You weren't surprised when the winner was someone other than your grandfather. I believe something is troubling you, dear. Please feel free to tell me." Acel's fearful expression was clearly visible, and he looked quite agitated as he began to speak. "Mother, when we visited the site of Hythin on an educational trip, I discovered an unusual piece of parchment. There was a mysterious old house that I visited, and the name 'Magnulfker' was written on it. You know I don't like surprises, especially creepy ones, which is why I freaked out when I heard that name. Aminah was lost in deep thought. It looked as if she didn't want to get involved in these matters, especially after decades of war. Her glowing face suddenly turned sad and she mouthed, " I will talk to you later, honey". She walked out of the room leaving Acel lost in his thoughts.