ALISTER (Tales of evolution)

a flash of the past

Elian stumbled backward, his mind reeling from the visions that had assaulted his senses. He felt like he’d been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.

“What…what was that?” Elian stammered, his eyes fixed on Tharros.

Tharros’s smile never wavered. “The truth, Alister,” he said, his voice low and mysterious. “A glimpse of your past, of who you truly are.”

Elian shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs. “No,” he said, his voice firm. “That’s not me. I’m Elian Vale, a detective from Tokyo.”

Tharros chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Elian’s spine. “You’re more than that, Elian,” he said. “Much more.”

Elian’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. “What do you mean, I’m more than that?” he demanded, his voice low and even.

Tharros’s smile grew wider, his fangs glinting in the dim light. “You have a… complicated history, Elian,” he said, his voice dripping with understatement. “One that involves magic, power, and a great deal of bloodshed.”

Elian’s eyes flashed with anger, but Tharros continued, his voice relentless. “You were a sorcerer, Alister. A powerful one. And you were involved in something that changed the course of history.”

Elian’s mind reeled as he tried to process Tharros’s words. A sorcerer? Involved in something that changed history? It sounded like a wild fantasy, but the visions he'd seen... they felt real.

Suddenly, Elian’s head spun, and he stumbled forward, catching himself on the table. Tharros’s eyes gleamed with interest, but he didn’t move to help.

Elian’s anger and confusion slowly gave way to a glimmer of curiosity. He looked at Tharros, really looked at him, and saw something there that gave him pause.

Tharros’s smile was still unsettling, but his eyes seemed to hold a deep sincerity. “You’re telling me I’m not who I think I am,” Elian said, his voice a little softer.

Tharros nodded. “You’re so much more than that, Alister. You’re a sorcerer, a being of great power and potential. And you’ve been living a lie, a life that’s not truly yours.”

Elian felt a shiver run down his spine as he considered Tharros’s words. Could it be true? Was he really living a life that wasn’t his own?

He thought back to his memories, his experiences as a detective in Tokyo. They seemed real, but…but what if they weren’t?

Elian’s mind was reeling, but he felt a spark of determination ignite within him. He needed to know the truth.

“What do you want from me, Tharros?” Elian asked, his voice firm.

Tharros’s smile grew wider. “I’m here to assist you, Alister, to help you find that which you seek, and aid you in becoming the strongest.”

“Help me? Find what I seek? Becoming the strongest? What are you talking about?” Elian asked, his distrust for Tharros speaking out.

Tharros rested his finger on his lips, as if ordering for silence “Only, time shall tell.”

As the distortion cleared, Elian stumbled slightly, his mind reeling from the sudden shift. Tharros caught his arm, steadying him.

“It’s late, Alister,” Tharros said, his voice low and soothing. “We’ll continue in the morning. For now, let’s get you settled.”

Tharros led Elian through the darkened halls, the only sound the creaking of old wooden floorboards beneath their feet. They stopped in front of a door, and Tharros pushed it open, revealing a cozy bedroom.

“Get some rest, Alister,” Tharros said, his eyes glinting in the dim light. “We’ll begin again at dawn.”

Elian nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He stepped into the room, and Tharros closed the door behind him, leaving him alone in the darkness.

Elian’s eyes adjusted slowly to the darkness, and he made out the shapes of furniture in the room. He saw a bed, a dresser, and a small desk in the corner. A single window let in a sliver of moonlight, casting an eerie glow over the space.

Elian’s curiosity got the better of him, and he began to explore the room. He walked over to the dresser and opened the drawers, finding them empty except for a few fresh towels and a change of clothes.

He moved on to the desk, where he found a small, leather-bound book. As he opened it, he saw that it was filled with handwritten notes and diagrams. The writing was unfamiliar, but the diagrams seemed to be some sort of mystical symbols.

Elian’s eyes widened as he realized that this might be a clue to his past. He tucked the book into his pocket, deciding to study it further later.

As he turned to leave the desk, he noticed something strange. The window, which had been closed when he entered the room, was now open a crack. Elian felt a shiver run down his spine as he wondered if someone had been in the room while he was exploring.

Elian’s hand instinctively went to the window, and he pushed it shut, the wooden frame creaking softly as it closed. He turned the latch, ensuring it was secure, before turning back to the bed.

He lay down, feeling the softness of the mattress beneath him. He pulled the blanket up to his chest, the fabric rough against his skin. As he settled in, his mind began to race with questions. Who was Tharros? What did he want from Elian? And what was the truth about Elian’s past?

Alister yawned, his hand stretched high in the air as he yawned. “well, I think I’ll just rest my eyes for a bit”.

Slowly closing his eyes, his mind went adrift, casting him into a great slumber.

……..

Hours later.

……..

……..

As morning’s warm rays pierced the library’s stained glass windows, the room transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors. Golden light danced across the polished wooden shelves, casting a gentle glow on the leather-bound tomes. The air was alive with the scent of old parchment and the soft whisper of pages rustling in the morning breeze.

Alister stirred, his head lifting from the table where he had fallen asleep. He stretched out his arms, arching his back in a languid yawn. A piece of paper, presumably a bookmark, slipped from his face, drifting lazily to the floor.

His eyes, still husky from sleep, blinked open, revealing a fleeting moment of disorientation. Alister’s gaze wandered, taking in the familiar surroundings of the library. The soft morning light highlighted the gentle curves of his features, accentuating the dark circles under his eyes.

As he sat up, his raven-black hair fell across his forehead, mussed from sleep. Alister’s fingers absently swept the strands back, revealing a crease on his cheek from the table’s edge.

With another yawn, Alister picked up the book from the table, its cover creaking softly as he stood. The title, “Magic for Amateurs,” seemed to gleam in the morning light, as if beckoning him to continue his journey.

As he walked out of the library, the soft creak of the door echoed through the hallway. Alister’s footsteps, still heavy with sleep, echoed off the walls. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the dust motes dancing in the air, casting an ethereal glow around him.

His facial expressions shifted from sleepy bewilderment to curiosity, his eyes narrowing slightly as he clutched the book to his chest. The morning light illuminated the contours of his face, emphasizing the sharp jawline and the faintest hint of determination in his gaze.

The hallway, lined with ancient tapestries and flickering candelabras, seemed to stretch out before him like an uncharted path. Alister’s footsteps slowed, his eyes drifting to the book in his hands, as if seeking answers to the mysteries that lay within.

Elian woke up to the enticing aroma of something delicious cooking. His stomach growled in response, and he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and planted his feet firmly on the ground.

Groggily, he made his way to the dining area, his eyes still husky from sleep. The savory scent grew stronger, making his mouth water in anticipation.

As he entered the dining area, he saw Tharros standing by the stove, expertly flipping what looked like pancakes. The table was set with fine china and utensils, and a steaming teapot sat at the center.

Elian’s confusion deepened. What was going on? Why was Tharros cooking breakfast? And why did the table look like it was set for a fancy dinner party?

Tharros looked up and caught Elian’s gaze. “Good morning Master,” he said, his voice warm and inviting. “I hope you’re hungry. I made your favorite breakfast.”

Elian’s eyes narrowed. “How did you know what my favorite breakfast is?”

Tharros smiled. “because, years ago, I use to make this meal for you every morning.”

Elian’s mind whirled with questions, but his stomach protested the delay. He sat down at the table, and Tharros served him a fluffy pancake, crispy bacon, and a fried egg.

The first bite was heavenly, and Elian’s eyes widened in surprise. How did Tharros know exactly what he liked?

As he ate, Elian’s mind was clouded by a single question he was itching to ask, and he intended to do so.

As Elian savored his breakfast, he couldn't help but steal glances at Tharros. The man seemed to be enjoying his own breakfast, but his eyes kept darting towards Elian, as if monitoring his reactions.

Elian's curiosity got the better of him. "Tharros, can I ask you something?" he said, his voice casual.

Tharros looked up, his expression neutral. "Of course, Alister. What's on your mind?"

Elian's eyes locked onto Tharros, his mind racing with questions. "Tharros, if what you said yesterday is true...and I'm some sort of powerful Sorcerer...how did I end up on Earth?"

Tharros's hands paused, hovering over the dishes he was clearing. His gaze met Elian's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

Then, Tharros's expression shifted, his eyes never leaving Elian's face. "I guess that's a story worth telling, Alister," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "But are you prepared to hear the truth?"

“I am” Elian replied.

Tharros expression turned grave, like he revived an unpleasant memory. “He appeared out of nowhere, you seemed to have known him, his presence was overwhelming, his aura deadly.

For the first time, I saw a look of worry on your face. You looked at me and told me not to interfere with whatever came next.”

IN A BLUR THE SCENE THEN SHIFTED TO A FLASHBACK

Two men stood before each other, both with overwhelming intensity. The first, a tall, handsome light skinned man, with raven black hair and ocean blue eyes. He had a smirk of confidence on his face, his eyes gleaming with power, this man was none other than Alister.

The other, a tall, handsome man with white Hair and emerald green eyes. He too had a grin on his face with an aura of confidence.

Their lips began to move, they were saying something that Tharros couldn’t make out from the distance.

Suddenly, a fight broke out.

In seconds, the plain erupted into chaos as Alister and the man collided fist’s. Their movements were lightning-fast, their blows causing shockwaves that shook the surrounding area.

The man, with the wave of an arm, unleashed a flurry of lightning, striking the earth, but Alister dodged it, like it was child’s play.

With precision, Alister teleported behind the man, landing a one inch punch that sent him crashing into a mountain.

The man emerged from the rubble’s of earth that buried him, he was slightly wounded, but not for long. Smoke quickly erupted out of the man’s wounds, he’s regeneration ability kicking in.

“Come on Alister!!, is that the best you’ve got?, show me what you can do” the man yelled, Alister’s determination fueling his strength, he dashed at Alister with lightning speed.

Alister’s arms spread out wide, his face edged with excitement, a malevolent grim on his face. “You think you are strong enough to rival me!! Come then!!...Come and dance with the Devil!!”. Alister yelled, rushing towards him, his speed overwhelming.

Their punches, collided in midair sending shockwaves that demolished mountains, sending debris flying.

Tharros, trying not to get swept off his feet by the shockwaves stood at a far distance, his mouth open in amazement and disbelief “ so this is the type of power Alister poseses” “incredible! Truly terrifying ” he said, overwhelmed.

Breathing heavily, the man stood a distance from Alister“ you’re beginning to make this interesting, how ever, it’s all over for you”.

“SEVER!!” he panted .

“what did he just do?” Alister pondered, swiftly looking left and right, unsure of what to expect.

Suddenly, blood splattered into the air, we see Alister’s left hand bleeding from a long, deep flesh would.

“Grr!, I see now” he said softly, his face folding from the pain.

The man’s eyes narrowed. “You’re stronger than expected, the amount of manner I put into that attack was suppose to cut your arm clean off.”

Alister smiled. “ honestly, I wasn’t expecting an attack like that.”

“oh you ain’t seen nothing yet” with a smile, the man unleashed a flurry of slashes, one’s more powerful than the last, his invisible blades slicing through the air with deadly precision, slashing down trees, mountains, and even animals around.

Alister dodged and weaved, his agility and Chronomancy allowing him to evade the attacks by mere inches, limiting his injuries to just mare grazes.

But the man was relentless, his strength and speed seemingly unmatched. Alister stumbled back, his chest heaving, as the man’s “SEVER skill” bit deep into his flesh in multiple places. Indeed, evading an attack he couldn’t see, proved to be difficult.

Alister retaliated with an outburst of manna, his right fist coated with manna.

Alister, demonstrated his unmatched speed by appearing behind the man, covering a distance from fifty kilometers before 0.00mili second.

“HEAVENLY IMPACT!!!!” he yelled, unleashing a punch that sent him crashing down like a meteorite, which was accompanied by a powerful shockwave that demolished the entire landscape.

The environment was reshaped, a once blossoming forest, now a disorientated wasteland.