The Academy’s Rejected Mage

Vazaroth, the demon god.

Kai’s POV

I clutch my chest, unable to breathe. Those eyes, I know them. I’ve seen them before. It wasn’t in person but in books and paintings. My heart pounds harder.

“No…”

The creature gives me a small smile. “You know who I am?”

My mouth goes dry. I want to get up and run but I know it’s useless. My legs are basically paralyzed from shock.

“No. That’s impossible.”

Its smile disappears. “Impossible? Why is that?”

I shake my head. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

It lets out a quiet laugh, the sound echoing throughout the dungeon. “Where did they tell you they kept me?”

I don’t answer but I know what he means because I know who he is.

The horns, the black skin covered with binding markings, the huge wings folded behind his back and the chains wrapped around his body. There is no mistaking it.

He’s Vazaroth, the demon god. The first and most powerful ruler of the demons. Everyone in the kingdom knows about him and his long list of crimes.

Eight hundred years ago, he had supposedly gathered an army of monsters and tried to wipe humanity from existence but the greatest human mages joined forces against him and after a long battle, defeated him.

They couldn’t kill him so they sealed him beneath the earth, hoping he would die from natural causes. Since then, he has only existed in stories. A creature every child grew up learning about. The one we had to stay away from.

And now…I’m basically at his mercy. How unfortunate can I be? Me, the child with no single magic. How can I even attempt to fight him and escape? My fists tighten on the ground. Orin! I’m gonna kill him if I ever leave here alive

I swallow. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

His eyebrow rises. “Dead? Come on, you know better than that.”

Why is he talking so calmly to me? “You were defeated and locked away to die.”

“And yet, I live.”

“Then why are you here?”

He looks around the dungeon. “Where else would I be? This is where the humans put me.”

“So you couldn’t leave?” I know my question sounds stupid but I can’t help myself. If he’s as strong as they said, strong enough to remain alive after all these years, why couldn’t he break from the chains and escape?

He stares at me with a calmness I don’t expect in his eyes.

“That’s a good question. But what would have been the point?”

I squint. “What? So you prefer to be locked here or do you just feel guilty for the crimes you’re committed and want to atone for them?”

He suddenly let out a laugh. “Crimes? Oh, is that what they taught you?”

“Taught me? Everyone knows what you did.”

“Which is what exactly? Tell me what they taught you.”

I hesitate. I don’t want to answer because it feels like I’m giving out my own people but then I figure there’s nothing he can do about it anyway. The only person in trouble is me. It’s not like he can get out and attack anyone. If he could, he would’ve done it a long time ago.

“Well, you tried to destroy humanity, didn’t you?” I accuse him flatly but his expression doesn’t change and I continue.

“They said you corrupted magic and created dangerous and abominable demon breeds. All so you can destroy humanity and turn the world into a dark place.”

I pause, letting that sink in and hoping he would give a reaction. Any kind at all. He doesn’t so I lay the final blow.

“They said you were defeated by the Seven Great Mages of Astakh.”

That finally seems to move something in him and he gives an amused smile.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“But you're smiling. Aren’t you supposed to feel remorseful?”

His eyes blink slowly at me. “But I have nothing to feel remorseful for.

”I frown. “What does that mean?”

“It means you shouldn’t easily believe everything you’re taught.”

“So were the stories lies?”

He says nothing.

“Did you really try to destroy humanity?”

Silence.

“Fine. What was the deal about calling me your heir. What did you mean by that?”

A faint smile crosses his face. “Because it’s the truth. I've been waiting for you.”

I frown. “For what?”

“You’ll understand when it’s time.”

I grit my teeth. “You’re not making any sense.”

“And you’re yet to awaken.” This one hits me even though he doesn’t really sound condescending.

I look away, Jaw tight. “I don’t have magic.”

“That’s because you’re not like them.”

His response catches me off guard. “What?”

He gestures me towards him. “Come here.”

I hesitate but for some reason, I push towards him. But as I get closer, I see the markings on his body start to glow.

“What is that?”

“A beginning…for you.”

He suddenly grabs my neck and pulls me forward until our foreheads meet and our eyes lock.

“What are you doin—?” Before I can finish, he widens his eyes, and the yellow in them suddenly starts turning blood red and piercing into my soul. A sharp pain rocks through my body, knocking the air out of me.

He lets go and I collapse. The next moment, something powerful and ancient starts surging through my veins followed by strange images flashing through my mind. A black throne, an army kneeling, a woman with familiar eyes. Then everything disappears.

I stare at my trembling hands. “What is this? What did you do?”

“Nothing that wasn’t already yours. Power.”

I stare at him in disbelief. “You gave me your power?"

“Wrong. It’s yours and it’s just a fraction. Enough to awaken what has been sleeping inside you.”

“Why?”

“Because this is who you are. Their master.”

I freeze.