Chapter Text
A Crow Story
A Child’s History of Genesis Magic
by
Lord Eret Brine
With illustrations by
Foolish Games
An Eternal Life Publishing Book
Green
XXXX
Copyright, XXXX, by
Eternal Life Inc
[There is a signature of the writer on the left side of the book. Childish drawings are sprawled all over it too. One, in particular, has very big, very bold, clumsily written letters that spell out “FUUDY LOVヨS PAPA.” It seems to be written with only a finger dipped in ink, making it messy.]
THIS INDENTURE, Made the Fourth Day of February in the Second Year of the Reign of our Supreme Sovereign Lord, Eric the First, King of Genesis, &c. Af. Tom. XXXX Between the Learned Society of Synderford Magicians of the one Part, and Techno Blade of Cabin Abbey of the other Part witnesseth, That the, said Learned Society of Synderford Magicians hath, and by these Presents, doth repudiate the study of magic if said Techno Blade should demonstrate his practical mastery of magic. And, if said Techno Blade fails in the demonstration of his practical mastery of magic, he shall be the one repudiate the study of magic, leaving the said Learned Society of Synderford Magicians to their own devices for evermore.
In Witness whereof, the said Parties have to these present Indentures interchangeably set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year above written.
signed,
Learned Society of Synderford Magicians:
Bartholomew Haley
Anthony Frost
Zechariah Putnam
Derrick Pond
Happy Royce
Piers Skeates
Purdie Fitzroy
Aldous Quackity
signed,
Techno Blade
[The names listed under the Learned Society of Synderford Magicians all have a signature to them, except Aldous Quackity’s.]
DIVORCE IS GRANTED
GEORGE L HYPER
George L. Hyper was granted a divorce from Ninja S. Hyper by Judge Avery S. Drake in Kinoko City court yesterday. The couple married 25th of September XXXX.
Extraordinary Happenings in Synderford: A Call to the Friends of Magic
by Aldous Quackity
On the twentieth day of February of this year, a most marvellous thing happened. The stone statues of Synderford Cathedral came to life. I—and a handful of others who were former members of the Learned Society of Synderford Magicians—saw and heard them with our own eyes and ears. Magic, indeed, still exists. The stones talked and told us of events they have witnessed since they have first been created. It lasted for an hour. These stones were brought to life by the magician of Cabin Abbey, Mr Techno Blade.
But I am getting ahead of myself.
My name is Aldous Quackity. For a long time I have wondered about the existence of magic, as, no doubt, you have been too. There were stories—there always have been stories—of magic all around us. From the western druids to the eastern mingli shis, one should theoretically understand that magic do exist. And yet for too long we have called for its destruction, and now all that was left were the stories of them. Most do not even believe that magic do exist.
Before I moved here, to Synderford, I was a vagabond of sorts. Searching every nook and cranny for magic. And that is when I met him. I was almost at my wit’s end at that time, truthfully. I have been travelling for years, at this point, but all I have are books, theoreticals, nothing of actual, practical magic. But that evening, I met an odd man, with green skin. It was the middle of the afternoon, and the street was busting with activity. Yet, despite his certainly odd appearance, no one seemed to be acknowledging him, as if, for some reason, this man was invisible to everyone, except me. He was smiling jovially, and he beckoned me over. Intrigued, I began walking towards him. “I tell fortunes, Quackity of Las Nevadas.” I was surprised. He knew my name and where I came from without me ever telling him. I was about to ask him about it, but he shook his head. “You do not get to ask questions, Quackity of Las Nevadas. You only get to listen. You only get to do as you are told.” Here he paused, to look me up and down, before continuing. “Not long from now, there will be two magicians. They will bring back magic in this world again. And you will be their guide, Quackity of Las Nevadas.”
And so I resumed my search, invigorated by this fortune. Not everyone around me believed, but I did. My search eventually brought me here where I now reside: Synderford. It is here I met distinguished gentlemen who study the texts of magic. But all we do is sit and discuss, and most of them laughed at me, at the suggestion that doable magic exists and we can find a way to do it. They even thought my story with the green man ridiculous, and was thrown out for being unserious. Which, I suppose was a good thing. I would never have gone to the bookstore that day had they not thrown me out. I would not have found out that the only copy of Exercitatio Magica Nobilissima was already bought by one Mr Blade. With a bit of questioning here and there, it is how I found the Abbey where he resides at.
Cabin Abbey is an old place, almost abandoned, if not for Mr Blade, his apprentices, Tommy Innit and Tubbo Underscore, and Mr Blade’s substantial amount of pets. His apprentices led me to his library, which also functions as Mr Blade’s office. It is a massive place, filled wall to wall by countless of books. From first editions difficult to find, to new ones that have just recently been published, Mr Blade has them all. He introduced himself as a practical magician. Naturally, I requested he demonstrate to me, magic. Perhaps with a little less grace and tact, but what was I to do? I was excited! At first, Mr Blade was dismissive, even hostile towards me, asking me to simply get a book I needed and leave. But with a little bit of prodding and goading from his apprentices, Mr Blade eventually agreed to demonstrate magic, but in a specific time and day, which then I relayed to the Learned Society, who, although laughed and ridiculed me, agreed to go to the meeting place.
There at the snow, stood young Tommy Innit, with a scroll in hand: sign, and you will see magic, but you will have to give up on your life as a magician, be it practical or theoretical. All of them signed, except for me. Magic is the only thing I hold dear to me, and I will not letting go of it anytime soon. Tommy, good chap, merely grinned and allowed me in.
When we entered the cathedral that fateful night, it was dead silent. Truth be told, my spirits were dampened. I did not know exactly what I was expecting, but I was expecting Mr Blade to be at least there. But he was not. And just as I was expecting the dismissal I was so used to, the stone statue of a woman with a flower began speaking to us. And it’s not just her - all of them, including the rather frightening gargoyles overhead. From dead silent to a sudden cacophony of noises. It was wild and brilliant and wonderful.
This story I relayed to you because of one thing and one thing only: to announce the return of magic in our land. It can be said that nowadays, they can only be found in our stories and books, in our folklores and fairytales. But I and a handful others witnessed it: magic still exists. And it is time for us to harbour it again, and make it grow.
Mister Techno Blade
IS REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE BALL ,
AT CAPT PRYOR’S HALL on TUESDAY,
30th of May current at 1 o’clock P.M.
Managers
B.B. Haight
A. Freemant
SOCIAL COLUMN for the month of June
—After the party at Mr Pryor's, it would seem that Mr Schlatt of Manberg Corner has taken to Mr Techno Blade of Synderford, and has even offered him a place to stay. Mr Schlatt has been seen taking Mr Blade around Green to different houses and acquaintances, presumably to help Mr Blade find a good place to settle down in.
—Recently divorced Mr George Hyper (née Lore) of Kinoulton Lane once again visited Prime Minister Soot at 10 Loandhu Street. Rumours have it that Mr Hyper and PM Soot were former paramours in their youth.
THE Company of Mister Techno Blade
is requested at Mr Mill’s Hall, at the Lower
Falls, in Newton, on Thursday Evening, 23 July.
XXXX at 5 o’clock.
My dearest Captain,
I have received your letter with utmost gratitude, though its contents have been less than favourable. My anxious heart cannot help but worry about you, my love. However, I trust in the providence of our Almighty God, and I know that you will return to me safely, come what may.
The war, which rages on so brutally, has kept you from my arms. Alas, I do not expect to see you anytime soon. My soul is heavy with sorrow, for I long to be with you. May this senseless conflict come to an end soon!
In addition to my concerns about you, my beloved, Fundy's illness has worsened. I continue to pray fervently for his recovery, but he grows thinner and weaker with each passing day. With his son Fundy gravely ill, the Prime Minister spends his days and nights at the child's bedside. Even the work that I should be doing as the boy's nurse falls to him. It is truly heartbreaking to witness his pain and anguish, and I fear for his health. Only the visits of Mr. Lore (formerly Hyper, he has reverted to his pre-marriage name after his divorce) bring any cheer to him, but even then, his eyes are ringed with dark circles, and his once-youthful face is now marked by age and worry. Fortunately, our butler, Ranboo, is a great help in managing the household. He is a bright and capable young man, and I am grateful for his assistance.
My dearest, have you received the books that I sent along with a letter to Qustela? I fear that you may not have, since they were dispatched only yesterday, and it may be some time before they reach you in Atrye. If my letter never reaches you, do not fret, for it was not very long or witty, and it matters little if it goes unread. I wrote to you mainly to inform you that I may be spending the holidays in the countryside, but it all depends on whether or not you will be able to return home.
When will you be coming home, my love? I eagerly await your reply, as my heart yearns for your presence.
With all my love and devotion,
Your one and only,
Niki
PS: Fundy sends his greetings and asks if he can have a shell when you return.
SOCIAL COLUMN for the month of September
—Lord Vonnegut held a party at his estate. Prime Minister Soot is one of the attendees. In addition to him, there is also Mr Lore, Mr Schlatt (&co.), Ms Roscoe, and Mr and Mrs Belmont.
A MIRACLE IN 10 LOANDHU STREET
Sunday, 13 October XXXX — A wondrous event has come to pass on the ninth day of the week at 10 Loandhu Street. The four-year-old offspring of PM Soot, named Fundy, has been restored to life after his demise on the preceding day, which left all in mourning. His return was most timely, occurring on the very eve of his fifth natal day. Though it was rumoured that he did suffer the loss of a toe, it signifies little in comparison to his miraculous resurrection. PM Soot has now made his reappearance in congress. The credit for this miracle goes to none other than the great magician, Mr. Techno Blade. His prodigious skill has earned him a summons to assist in the ongoing war effort against the Republic.
Sunday, 29 November XXXX
Most Extraordinary News
In the midst of the conflict between the kingdoms, a new ally has emerged to aid in the war efforts. The magician, Mr. Techno Blade, has answered the call to service and has demonstrated his formidable abilities in the field of battle.
Witnesses report that Mr. Blade conjured illusions of many-a-ship, leaving the Republic's naval forces confused and terrified for a whole eleven days. The sight of a mighty fleet bearing down upon them was enough to send them fleeing in disarray, convinced that their defeat was all but certain. From the comfort of congress, in front of the secretaries of state, Mr. Blade masterfully controlled his illusions, causing the Republic to believe that their navy was outnumbered and outgunned.
As the enemy ships scattered, the armies of the kingdom advanced, taking advantage of the confusion and panic to gain ground. Mr. Blade's illusions proved to be a crucial factor in the success of these manoeuvrers, and his name is now held in high esteem by all who serve the crown.
The magician's abilities have also earned him admiration among the people, who have flocked to see his shows and marvel at his feats. His performances are known to draw crowds from far and wide, and his reputation as a master of illusion and mystery is unmatched.
Though some may question the role of a magician in the war efforts, it cannot be denied that Mr. Blade's contributions have been invaluable. His illusions have turned the tide of battle in favour of the kingdom, and his skills have brought hope and inspiration to those who fight for the realm.
It remains to be seen what further feats Mr. Blade will perform in the coming days, but one thing is certain: his name will go down in history as a hero of the realm, a master of magic, and a true champion of the people.
My Lord Eret Brine,
With the utmost respect, I write to you today to request your assistance as the editor of a journal about Genesis magic. Allow me to introduce myself as Aldous Quackity, and I am honoured to make your acquaintance.
As one of the foremost authorities on magic academics, it is widely known that your wisdom and knowledge in this field are unparalleled. My colleagues Mr. Blade and Mr. Schlatt and I are endeavouring to create a journal that will disseminate knowledge about magic and its many wonders to the masses. We firmly believe that with your guidance and expertise, this journal could become an influential tool for advancing the study of Genesis magic.
We would be extremely grateful if you could lend us your invaluable knowledge as the editor of this journal. Your esteemed reputation and extensive experience in this field would undoubtedly be an asset to the publication.
We humbly request your consideration and eagerly await your response.
Yours sincerely,
Aldous Quackity