Immortal Creed

The sun rose gently over Oakhaven, casting a warm golden light across the town. It was early spring, and the air held the softness of the season, a hint of fresh earth mingling with the sweetness of blooming flowers.

The trees lining the streets were just beginning to bud, their branches clothed in soft green leaves, their roots deep in the rich soil of the land.

Birds fluttered between them, singing lively songs that filled the morning air with music. Robins, sparrows, and a few bright red finches hopped from branch to branch, eager to greet the day, their voices blending into a cheerful chorus.

The town itself was waking up, the soft murmur of life beginning to stir. Oakhaven was small but vibrant, a place where simple stone cottages with thatched roofs lined the cobbled streets.

Smoke rose lazily from chimneys, a sign that breakfast was being prepared inside. The town square, still quiet, would soon come alive with the clatter of vendors setting up their stalls and the bustle of townsfolks greeting each other.

The scent of fresh bread wafted from the bakery, mingling with the earthy smell of the nearby forest that bordered Oakhaven on one side. On the other, the distant peaks of the Stonereach Mountains loomed, their snow-capped tops shimmering in the early light. The town was peaceful.

The breeze played with the flowers in the fields just beyond the town, pushing tall grasses that swayed and danced.

The stone bridge crossing the nearby river, its waters still cool from the winter melt, reflected the soft light of the morning, creating ripples that caught the sun's rays. It was a tranquil morning in Oakhaven, the kind that made you forget time and allowed you to simply breathe in the beauty of the world.

North woke up early, the sunlight filtering through the small window of his cottage. He stretched, feeling the familiar creaks in his bones. The scent of fresh earth and damp wood filled the air, reminding him that it was a new day in Oakhaven.

He rubbed his eyes and slowly pushed himself out of bed, feet meeting the cold stone floor. The small, humble cottage was cozy, with just enough space for a simple life.

Outside, he could hear the chirping of birds and the soft rustle of leaves. His gaze turned toward the backyard, where his small herb garden awaited. It was a ritual of sorts—taking care of the plants before the rest of the world awoke. He pulled on his boots and grabbed a small woven basket, making his way out the back door.

The garden was nestled behind the cottage, a patch of earth that had been carefully tended to. Rows of green leaves and delicate flowers filled the space—chamomile, valerian, and healing herbs he'd learned to cultivate over time. He knelt down, brushing the soil with his fingers as he began his work, plucking leaves and making sure the plants were well-watered.

His thoughts drifted, as they often did in the quiet of the morning. Noir... the name lingered in his mind. His best friend, the one with the untapped potential. Yesterday, Noir had gone through the magic assessment with Mage Victor, and the results had been unexpected. The storm circuits.

North shook his head, working steadily as he recalled the moment. Noir had always been special—smart, driven, but never one to flaunt his abilities. No one had expected the discovery of the storm circuits, ancient and powerful magical pathways, lying dormant inside him. A rare, almost mythical aptitude for magic.

"I wonder what it feels like," North muttered under his breath, glancing at the plants before him. "To be chosen for something like that."

He sighed, pushing the thought aside as he reached for a bundle of herbs. His gaze wandered to the distant hills, where a faint glow of sunlight touched the peaks. Noir would be leaving with Mage Victor today, embarking on a path North couldn't follow. It was hard to imagine his friend—his quiet, humble friend—becoming a mage.

Then there was Joe Krasinski. North's frown deepened as he recalled the boy's actions during the assessment. Joe had somehow managed to cheat his way into Mage Victor's favor by handing over a 500-year-old night bloom. A rare flower, one that could only be found deep in the forest, and something Victor had immediately recognized.

The fact that Joe didn't even know what he had given was laughable, but Victor had decided to take him in as an assistant, nonetheless.

'Cheating his way to the top...' North thought, shaking his head. "I guess that's how things work around here."

He stood up, brushing dirt off his knees, and surveyed his garden. The morning sunbathed everything in golden light. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy, mixed with something darker.

Noir was on his way to something great, while North remained here, tending herbs and living a quiet life in the shadow of those destined for more.

Still, he couldn't shake the thought of the storm circuits, of the immense potential Noir now held. Maybe one day their paths would cross again. But for now, North had his own work to do.

He could only tend to his garden, keep his thoughts in check, and try not to dwell on what was out of his reach. Besides, there were other ways to gain power, that thought at least gave him some form of comfort

****

At this time, the town square buzzed with life as the townsfolk gathered to bid farewell to Noir and Joe Krasinski. Children darted between the adults, their laughter echoing against the walls of the surrounding cottages, while elders leaned on their walking sticks, speaking in hushed tones about the rare honor of having one of their own chosen by the Immortal Mage Victor.

North stood near the edge of the square, his hands in his pockets, watching the crowd. Beside him, Granny Willow adjusted the basket of herbs she carried on her arm.

"Well, boy, you must be proud," she said, her voice gravelly but kind. "Your friend Noir is going places, isn't he?"

North nodded, though he didn't look up. "Yeah, he is. Guess he deserves it."

Granny Willow chuckled. "And Joe Krasinski too. That boy's luckier than a rabbit with three feet. But Noir—he's got the makings of something special. You take care of those herbs now, you hear? If you slack off, how am I supposed to keep my shelves stocked?"

"I won't slack off, Granny," North replied, managing a small smile.

Abbie, Granny Willow's granddaughter, appeared at North's side, her cheeks flushed. "You're staying here, right, North? You're not thinking of running off on some adventures too, are you?"

North blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, no. I'm not going anywhere."

Abbie smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good. Someone has to look after the garden."

Before North could reply, Noir approached, his expression steady but his eyes uncertain. "Morning," he said, giving North a small nod.

"Morning," North replied. There was a pause before he added, "Big day."

"Yeah," Noir said, his voice quiet. "Doesn't feel real yet."

Granny Willow patted Noir's shoulder. "You've earned this, lad. Just remember where you came from. Don't let those fancy mages fill your head with nonsense."

Noir smiled faintly. "I won't, Granny. Promise."

The chatter of the crowd hushed as a tall figure appeared at the edge of the square. The Immortal Mage Victor walked toward them, his flowing white robes swaying with each step. His long hair glowed in the sunlight, and in his hand, he carried a gnarled staff crowned with a glowing crystal. His presence alone seemed to command silence.

Mayor Lundy cleared his throat, stepping forward with a practiced smile. "Friends, today marks a momentous occasion for Oakhaven. Noir and Joe Krasinski will leave with the esteemed Immortal Mage Victor, traveling to heights few of us could ever dream of. Let us—"

Victor raised a hand, and the mayor's words trailed off into silence. Without addressing the crowd, Victor strode toward Noir, his gaze like a hawk's, sharp and unrelenting.

"Noir," Victor called, his tone even.

"Yes, sir," Noir replied, straightening.

Victor studied him for a moment, then said, "The storm circuits are rare. With proper guidance, you may unlock their full potential. Do not squander this opportunity."

Noir nodded firmly. "I will not waste it."

Victor's gaze lingered on Noir before he inclined his head slightly. He turned to Joe Krasinski, who had been standing awkwardly to the side. The mage said nothing, merely gesturing for him to step forward. Joe hesitated, then shuffled closer, his nervousness almost palpable.

Victor raised his staff high, the crystal atop it glowing brighter. "Ascend," he intoned, his voice resonating like a chime struck in an empty hall.

A circular sigil burst into existence beneath Noir and Joe, spinning rapidly as runes etched themselves into the air around it. The sigil expanded, rising like a luminous cage, and within moments, the two boys began to lift off the ground, their feet leaving the cobblestones.

The villagers gasped, some murmuring prayers or blessings, while others simply watched in awe. North's eyes locked with Noir's as his friend rose higher. Noir's lips moved, his voice carrying over the stunned silence.

"Take care of yourself, North, remember what we talked about, I'll be waiting for you. Fare thee well" Noir called out.

"I'll do my best. You too," North said, raising a hand in farewell.

Victor, his staff glowing brighter, ascended with them, the mana ring controlling their speed as they rose higher. The crowd watched in awe as the trio disappeared into the sky, leaving only silence and the faint vibration of magic behind.

Granny Willow sighed, her voice breaking the silence. "Well, that's that. And life in Oakhaven goes on."

North stared at the empty sky for a moment longer, his hands clenching at his sides. "Yeah. It does."

It's safe to say that their views of the world had been expanded. The oakhavians were happy finally their little town would make a name for themselves in the grand stage known as the world.

This was a cause for celebration, so the previously opened stores that wanted to leverage the situation, suddenly became laxed under the urgent pressure from Mayor Lundy. Ale was bought in abundance and the smell of pipe weed accosted the town.

North didn't mind it all but he really was not in the mode for a celebration. His friend slash sworn brother was gone. Reality was finally sinking in, he can't just start slacking, however their limited choices for him for what he can do.

At the very least he needs to sit and think things through, he's always been slow on the uptake on things but he wasn't dumb. It's just that he got caught up in the peace is all.

He escorted Granny and Abbie to the Apothecary while he himself made his way to his little thinking cottage. It was time for some changes, otherwise he would be a failure to all his previous predecessors who reincarnated and became great figures in history.