107Revisited 27.12.2021: The usual fixes. Typos, Etc. This isn't perfect, and "Show, not tell" died a gruesome death in those few chapters, but it would take way too much time to rewrite every chapter from the ground.
Chapter 3. First Lessons
Going to sleep Hary didn't expect anything to change. He was prepared to face another dream of countless battles and bloodshed, but to his relief, it didn't happen this time. This single event made Harry remember that Rigna said something about lessons that he should have seen for a long time.
Obviously, this was the case as currently, Harry was dreaming of a big room with a dozen students' desks, though they look like something taken straight from ancient times. The room was filled with kids that were probably no older than ten. With their grins and excited chatter, Harry couldn't help but wonder, what was going on.
The answer to this question came in the form of an adult man. He was pretty tall and possessed strong muscles. All in all, he looked like one of the men from television that his Aunt Petunia liked to talk about when his uncle wasn't home. Though the numerous scars covering his face might have turned even his aunt away.
The man then took a position behind his own desk and started the class. "So it seems that this year we have a bit bigger number of students than usual, huh? Good, very good. Every Akiari is needed in those times... Let's begin with the introduction. My Akiari name is Titan. As you all know we of the Akiari race possess two sets of names. The first set is given to us when we are born, just like with humans and other magicals. We gain the second set when we go through our Ascension. This name is usually more important for Akiari as it shows that we are matured and are ready to start our work as hunters of Demons."
Titan paused for a bit so the kids could ask their questions if they had any, but after a minute of silence, he continued. "Today you start your education to become the newest generation of hunters. In this academy, you will learn about our history, magic, demons, and perfect your fighting styles. By the time the Ceremony of Ascension comes, you will be all ready for the missions that all Akiari can receive. Now to begin, I would like for one of you to tell me, what we as Akiari really are?"
For the first few seconds, no one volunteered to answer, but thankfully before the teacher could choose someone himself, one hand slowly raised into the air.
"Yes, Layla, and don't act surprised, even if you don't know me, it is my job to know all of you. Now do you know the answer?" Titan said with a bit of amusement in his tone when he saw the surprised faces of his students.
"I think so," the girl, Layla, ducked her head a bit. "My mother taught me that we are a race that was created a long time ago with a single purpose in mind. To destroy every demon that dared to enter the realm of Earth. The knowledge of who created us was lost in time and will probably remain a mystery until the end of time."
Titan nodded. "Good general answer, but let me expand it a bit with the knowledge that all of you should have. The job of Akiari doesn't stop at killing demons. We are also meant to close all of the rifts between the demon world and Earth. Unfortunately, after the Great War, our numbers were greatly reduced, and due to Akiari's low birth rates, we never recovered, especially when with every year more of our people die. Be it to demons or monsters of the numerous pantheons that exist in the world."
"I know that what I just said might sound disconcerting, but this is the reason why you all must give everything in your future training. With more strength and knowledge you will be able to survive longer.."
"The last thing I should add to our definition of Akiari, are the abilities we possess. We are masters of battle and elemental magic. We strive in the air and every member of our race has unlimited potential to grow stronger. This is the only reason why every pantheon leaves us alone. Apart from the fact that we deal with most of the demons, some of us are just too strong for them to risk their lives in a fight."
Titan smiled a bit when he saw that the kids are listening. "Now with that topic done, can anybody tell me what the Ceremony of Ascension is?"
This time a few more hands appeared in the air. "Kreon, your answer please."
The mentioned boy grinned. "The Ceremony of Ascension is the most important event in the Akiari culture. Every year after the newest batch of students completes their training, they can undergo a special ritual during the ceremony. The ritual partially awakens the soul creature that every Akiari possesses and transforms their power into wings that will finally unlock their full potential in the air. They are also awarded their Akiari names at the end of the Ceremony."
Titan clapped. "Perfect answer, but please tell me, what is the earliest that an Akiari can go through the Ceremony?"
"Normally it is done after we finish our training, but our bodies can withstand the power influx after the fourteenth birthday. If anybody tried to do the ritual earlier, there is a possible risk of death," Kreon answered again.
"I see that you came prepared Kreon. I hope that you will keep your performance in the future lessons... I think that we went over almost everything that I planned for today when it comes to theory. The next subject on the list is the beginning of your combat and then magic training. I will give you a few minutes to make some notes before we begin. Remember every bit of knowledge is important, no matter how useless it sounds."
During this whole lesson, Harry listened with rapt attention. Rigna really didn't lie to him and if Titan's words were to be believed, then Harry would be able to learn how to wield magic. Unfortunately, before Titan could speak again, Harry noticed the dream break apart in front of his eyes. Knowing what was happening, Harry accepted that he would need to wait for another lesson and finally woke up.
Waking up in the cupboard under the stair wasn't the best thing in Harry's life, but after so many years he learned to just accept it and push through. There was no reason to argue about his situation as who knew what his relatives would do next.
Any thoughts that were in Harry's mind quickly disappeared when the system gave him a short notification.
[The assimilation of your new powers was successful. A new trait has been added to the skill menu. Warning: Due to the change of your race, your appearance might have changed.]
What do you mean my appearance might have changed?! Harry shouted internally, barely stopping himself from screaming. Dursleys would have his hide if there was anything unnatural about him. Harry liked his full meals that he began getting some time ago and a magical change to his appearance screamed a reduced amount of food. He quickly needed to find out what changed and if there was a way to hide it.
With the decision made, Harry decided to ask about the trait later and for now, he just wanted to rush to the bathroom before his relatives woke up.
Thankfully Harry managed to silently slip out of his cupboard and then slowly sneak to the bathroom. There he quickly stood before the mirror and checked himself. He still had his mostly lanky, but not that short build, so his body remained the same. Next, Harry looked at his face and hair and there he saw the changes.
The first one was almost unnoticeable as his previously black as night hair, became a bit lighter in color. Hopefully, his relatives would just ignore it and let it be. Unfortunately, the second change was very visible. His right eye that was green the previous day now was of a violet color. It was exactly the same as Rigna's and while Harry was thankful to have something to remember her by, the change could really mess his life.
"System, is there a way to hide the color of my eye? Please," Harry begged.
[Unfortunetely the system can't give you an instant fix to your problem. Instead, it can set you on the path so you can accomplish your goal.]
"Okay, if there is a way I will take it," Harry muttered at once. If it didn't take too long, then he would only need to find a way to hide it for a few days and thanks to his somewhat often injuries, he already knew how.
[New Quest]
Master the first step of controlling your magic. Maybe then your 'eye' problem will disappear.
Requirements: Gain 'Novice' mastery of skill: Magic Control
Rewards: Magical Power and Mind EXP, Magic Mastery: Illusions, 50 Power
YES/NO
The teacher said something about the beginning of magical training, maybe I will only need to wait for the next lesson, Harry sighed. If he was right then his problem would disappear really soon. Now to apply a temporary solution.
With practiced ease, Harry took out a roll of bandage from the shelf and created a makeshift dressing over his eye. It wasn't uncomfortable but looked quite weird and any professional doctor would know that it didn't help with anything. Still, it should be enough to fool his relatives. They didn't pay much attention to him anyway so it might just work.
The lack of vision from one eye made Harry almost fall a few times but after a few minutes of getting used to his new condition, he could move without a problem. With the sudden emergency resolved, Harry finally could ask what the system meant by 'trait'.
[Traits are rare passive skills you can obtain during your life. Unlike normal skills traits are ranked in the same style as the basic stats. They grow in rank and strength with time and use. They also have their own section in the skill menu.]
So it is just another skill? Okay, let's check it out.
[Akiari's Senses (Passive) Rank: D+
Due to your inheritance, you gained improved senses. They grow as you grow and with time nothing will be able to match them. Be careful though, too strong senses can overwhelm you and lead to injury. Control them before they control you.
Current Effects: You possess slightly improved senses, but your control over them is average]
Awesome! I thought that the improvement of my sight was only a one-time thing, but now it can get even stronger. Rigna really changed his life with the addition of the system. Without it, he would be so lost.
"Boy, get out of the bathroom now!" A muffled voice came from behind the doors that Harry instantly recognized as his uncle Vernon.
Harry steeled himself and prepared for the upcoming confrontation. "Just a second Uncle."
When he opened the doors he was met with the walrus that he called his uncle. The adult looked at the small boy and furrowed his brow when he saw the bandage. "What did you do to yourself now boy! I hope that it is nothing dangerous, we won't take you to a doctor again because you are clumsy."
Harry quickly shook his head. "No uncle. It will heal by itself, that's what the person who helped me said. I only need to keep the bandage on."
Vernon got a bit red in the face. "I told you to not talk to any strangers boy! Now go help your aunt with breakfast. Don't think that your injury will get you out from your chores."
Harry nodded and quickly walked away. No reason to anger the man anymore.
Far away from Harry's position and more precisely in the Grand Canyon of Arizona two people sat on a tree stump watching as in the distance a group of girls dressed in silver parkas trained.
The first one was a tall and beautiful woman who looked to be 16 years old, she had dark brown eyes, a slightly upturned nose, copper-colored skin, and a silver circlet braided into the top of her long, dark hair.
The second one was a girl of around thirteen years, but even then her face possessed an unnatural beauty to it. She had cold, silver eyes and auburn hair gathered back in a ponytail. The two were chatting quietly when suddenly, the younger girl stopped without any reason and closed her eyes.
"Something wrong Lady Artemis?" The older-looking girl asked when she saw that her companion lost her focus.
"I am not sure Zoe," the now identified Artemis replied with a frown on her face. "Almost a day ago I felt a distortion in one of my domains. At first, it was strong and I almost lost my connection momentarily. Thankfully, whatever happened, stopped very fast and now I can only feel echoes of whatever did it."
"Is it gonna be a problem, my Lady?" Zoe asked concerned about her mistress.
Artemis shook her head. "No. Not really. Now that I know something like this can happen, I will expect it. I am more concerned about what could cause a reaction like that. From what I know most of the other gods of the Hunt faded a long time ago, so it couldn't be an enemy god who tried to take all of the control from me."
Seeing that her mistress was getting distracted, Zoe asked. "So what are you gonna do about this my lady?"
Artemis snapped out of her thoughts and narrowed her eyes. "Gather the girls Zoe, we are going to Europe."
"The art of controlling your magic starts from your mind and this is exactly what you will need to train first. The Mind Arts," A man with a wrinkly face and gray hair explained. Even with the visible signs of aging, the man never showed any signs of weakness.
"My given Akiari name is Odin, from now on, you will how to control and bring out your magic. We of the Akiari race don't need a magical focus for most of our magic thanks to a special process that makes our connection with magic stronger. But remember that in the beginning, you will struggle with the simplest spells, and even your own elemental magic might not work like it's supposed to," Odin explained.
Then he walked to the middle of the room and with a quick wave of his hand ice spread through the entire building. "With time you will gain more control, and one day you will be able to perform feats like this without even breaking a sweat. But for now, let us begin with the mind arts."
"The arts of mind magic can be separated into two categories. Offensive and defensive. We will be focusing on the defensive part as here lies the method to connect with your magic on a deeper level. Let's start with some simple exercises," Odin finished before he presented the class with the next steps of their training.
Meanwhile, Harry tried to remember everything that the teacher said. After all, he wanted to do magic and become strong just like Rigna said.
"Demons," Titan muttered. "Creatures that invaded the realm of Earth thousands of years ago. Their goal of conquering the Earth for themselves was stopped by our ancestors, but due to the heavy losses during the war, our numbers dwindled. Can anybody tell me what you already know about demons?"
A few hands rose up and the teacher quickly choose a girl that sat in the back. "Yes, Mia. Your answer."
Mia sat straight and replied with as much seriousness as she could muster. "My dad told me that every demon is divided into types and ranks. That way, an Akiari would have an easier time fighting a demon that was already encountered by others."
"Exactly," Titan exclaimed. "We segregate every demon into one of three basic types and seven ranks. This type of segregation is quite simple as every demon is limited to one or two of them. Ground, air, underground, or a very rare, water type. The rank system is more complicated. Going from S to F, with rank F being the weakest.
Rank F demons are very weak. A normal adult human should be able to defeat one of those without a problem. They are small, slow, and lack any intelligence. By the end of the first year of your training, you will be able to defeat a large group of them without breaking a sweat.
Next, we have E-ranked demons. Those are a bit more powerful than the previous rank, but they also lack any advanced intelligence. The only reason they are ranked higher is due to their ability to use their demonic energy. While they can't use it for any powerful attack, it gives them an edge in a fight. This rank and the next one belong to the most numerous group of demons that walk the Earth even now.
With rank D there is only one problem. They are powerhouses. Much stronger than the last two ranks, and a lot of inexperienced hunters fall to them due to underestimating their strength. Thankfully they are stupid and can't use their power to its full potential.
After that, we have the C rank. Here things get more dangerous. Unlike the lower ranks, demons of rank C are capable of intelligent thoughts. Not at the level of an adult human, but still a lot better than rank F, E, and D. Demons of this sometimes resemble humanoids, but they are still easily recognizable. Their power levels are sometimes lower than D ranks but they make up for it with their intelligence.
And the last rank that I will tell you about is of course B rank. They are many times more powerful than any C rank and possess our levels of intelligence. From the records we have about them, demons of this rank are capable of destroying buildings without breaking a sweat. There is also the fact that demons from this rank and higher, possess two forms. Something akin to a human form and their true demon form. They are powerful in each of them, but their demonic body is much more dangerous.
I will not tell you about the last two ranks as I pray that you will never meet one of them. This is not a subject for the beginning of your training and you will be able to learn about them on your own after you complete your training. Tomorrow we will start on some of the most known types of demons, for now, let us move onto the combat part of this class."
When Harry saw the dream starting to disappear, he frowned. That was a lot of information and while it was useful in the long run, it still didn't explain everything that he would like to know. Besides the teacher refused to explain anything about demons that ranked higher than B, that alone made Harry a bit wary. If a teacher didn't want to talk about them then how bad could they be.
Hopefully, he would learn more during the next lesson about demons.
"Charlus," Paul called out as he entered the room. "Someone is here to visit."
It had been almost two weeks since Charlus woke up and thankfully the recovery was going a lot better than anyone expected. Paul wouldn't be surprised if after another two weeks Charlus would be ready to get out into the world again.
"Who?" the Potter said as she moved himself up a bit so he could see the entrance to the room.
"Someone who you wanted to talk to anyway so it might be good that he came here," Paul answered.
Charlus raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment. "Dumbledore?"
Paul nodded. "Aye. Even I was surprised when another healer came to me with this. You would think that the old goat would wait for you to get out of the hospital or for you to come to him."
Charlus shrugged. "It doesn't really matter. I wanted to talk with him anyway, so please let him in. I have a few questions."
"Alright, I will call for him," Nodding, Paul walked out.
It took a few minutes before the long-bearded old man finally came into the room. The elder Potter didn't waste even a second. "Dumbledore, where is my grandson?"
"Charlus," Dumbledore nodded to him before he sat down in a chair next to the bed. "I see that you are getting better, I am glad to hear that. And like always you go straight to the point."
Charlus narrowed his eyes at the older man. "Listen Dumbledore, I know that we didn't always see eye to eye, but don't make me lose the last bits of respect I have for you. Where is my grandson? I know that you hid him from all the enemies he could have and while I am grateful, I still want to know. He is the last of my family."
Dumbledore sighed and ran a hand through his beard. "Of course, I will tell you, you deserve that information more than anyone, but before that. Tell me, what will you do next?"
Charlus snorted. "You fear that I will rush out of here and go straight to him? I am old, not stupid."
"I am sorry for assuming, but I know what the loss of family can do to a man," explained Dumbledore. "Even then, if you could tell ma what you are planning, I would appreciate this."
The elder Potter frowned lightly. "I guess I can, you are more familiar with the current ongoings in the wizarding world and I have a few questions of my own. For now, I plan to get properly healed and then see what happened to the wizarding world with my own eyes. Next, I will need to prepare everything so I will be able to take care of Harry."
Dumbledore released a breath of relief, "I am glad to hear that. Harry will have a lot of enemies once he enters the wizarding world again. Many of the higher ranking Death Eaters managed to prove their innocence and while I doubt that they would act against Harry directly, an indirect attack is very possible."
"So a heavy warded house will be the first thing I will need to get," Charlus said quietly to himself and even though Dumbledore heard it, the old man knew that he could talk about this subject later. "Now tell me where is my grandson currently living."
"You might not agree with my decision, but I put him with his muggle relatives," Dumbledore said after he erected a privacy ward around them.
"Muggle relatives? Why would you give him to them when he should go to his godparents? What happened to them?"
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately Harry's godmother was attacked a few days after Voldemort invaded your family. She is alive, but Alice was permanently damaged by the exposure of Cruciatus. His godfather is another story. Like you probably expected, Sirius Black was chosen for this position. I don't know everything, but after Lily and James went into hiding under the Fidelius Charm, their secret keeper betrayed them to Voldemort. Black was caught soon after the attack and tossed into Azkaban."
"Sirius did that?" Charlus muttered, face paling. He and Dorea took the boy in like he was their own and that was how he repaid them?
"While it is the most likely possibility, I am not one hundred percent sure," Dumbledore said. "He never got a trail, but all of the evidence points to him. I don't know if he was the sworn godfather of Harry's as the goblins won't give out such information to someone who is not a member of the family so you will need to check it out for yourself once you get out."
Charlus nodded, Dumbledore's words calming him a bit. A sworn godfather wouldn't be able to act against his godson so it was very possible that something happened that night that no one knew about. He would reserve his judgment about Sirius until he contacted the goblins. Still, there was one thing that was wrong there.
"What about James' and Lily's wills? Wasn't there anybody in it that should take Harry in?"
Dumbledore again shook his head, "They didn't have one or if they did they never passed it to the ministry and Gringotts. I needed to use the power of all my titles to force ministry into giving up on finding where Harry was."
Charlus nodded, it was somehow understandable. "Last two questions, is Arcturus still alive, and is Hunter guild still active? I don't think that he would let the heir of his family go to Azkaban without a trial and I will need the guild's help in warding my new house."
"No. Arcturus Black died by natural means a few months after you went into a coma. Don't ask me about the house of Black as I don't know much. As for Hunter guild. You know they mostly work outside of Ministry's influence and keep to themselves, but even though the number of demons increased, they are still active," Dumbledore responded.
Shortly after, Dumbledore received a note that he was needed in the ministry, so with a quick farewell he departed and Charlus was left alone with his thoughts.
The process of fully connecting your mind and body with magic was harder than Harry expected. Almost a month passed since the first lesson about the process and even though the lessons still continued in Harry's dream, only now did he manage to accomplish what Odin was trying to teach.
For the now ten-year-old boy, the art of meditation was hard. He really wanted to finally be able to do magic, but the process was too boring. First, he needed to learn the art of meditation to gain a better connection with his mind and body. Then and only then Harry was shown the next lesson where Odin taught him how to access what was called a mindscape.
Odin explained that the mindscape is divided into three tiers. The first one was where all of the thoughts and memories were stored. It was a place that everyone needed to defend if they wanted to be safe from offensive mind magic.
To complete the process of merging your mind, body with magic fully, one needed to be able to enter the second tier of the mindscape. It was where all the magical power of the user was stationed.
It was very hard to reach this place but with enough determination, Harry managed to accomplish this feat and after he submerged himself within all of his magical power inside his tier two mindscape, the process was complete. Odin didn't inform them what the third tier of the mindscape was for, but for now, Harry didn't really care. He could do magic now... when he learned some spells.
Thankfully the answer to that came in the form of the completed quest.
[Quest Completed]
Master the first step of controlling your magic. Maybe then your 'eye' problem will disappear.
Requirements: Gain 'Novice' mastery of skill: Magic Control
Rewards: Magical Power and Mind EXP, Magic Mastery: Illusions, 50 Power
[Illusion magic has been added to the magic menu.]
With the quest completed, he now had three new masteries. One in general skill menu.
[Magic control (Passive) Mastery: Novice
This skill shows you the current control of your magic. With higher mastery, you will be able to perform harder feats of magic without magical focus. This skill also makes your use of magic faster and more controlled. Depending on the magical art, it might lower the required Power to perform some spells or skills.
Current effects: Mastered low-powered spells no longer need a magical focus. Weak elemental magic no longer needs a focus. You learn magic a bit faster than usual.]
And two in the Magic menu that became available after he got a mastery in the first magical art.
[Mind Arts (Passive) Mastery: Apprentice
The two magical skills of the mind. The defense used to protect your mind from the enemy and to be more in tune with your mind. And the offense that will let you master your enemy's mind. Higher mastery gives you better control of the skills and some spells related to the mind.
Current effects: Second tier of the mindscape available. Average defense of your mind ready]
[Illusion magic (Passive) Mastery: Novice
The art of creating illusions with your magic. The higher the mastery, the stronger the illusion will be. As a reward, the system gifted you the required knowledge to start your journey as an illusionist. The rest you will need to learn on your own.
Current effects: Knowledge of very simple visual illusions. Your illusions will last a bit longer.]
The knowledge of some simple illusion magic rushed into Harry's mind and the boy couldn't wait to test them out and finally get rid of the bandage covering his eye. Even his relatives were becoming suspicious of it.
Just when Harry wanted to try out his first spell a rift began to appear in the forest clearing that Harry sat in. In hindsight, he probably should have found a new place to practice.
"And the system tells me that my luck is good..." Harry mumbled as he hid in the distance and prepared for either his first true fight or a very fast escape.
In one of the many rooms inside Children's home in London, a beautiful woman stood. She was a pretty tall person by human standards and had long, raven-colored hair that reached her waist. She was clothed in extravagant kimono that hugged her body.
Currently, she was looking with her amber-colored eyes at a child of ten years old that slept in the bed before her. The child was almost a carbon copy of the woman, just younger. Her gaze was full of warmth, but if one was to look closer, they would see the longing her eyes held.
"Soon my child," she spoke softly. "Soon you will be back where you belong, but I fear, I won't be there to meet you."
With that, the woman placed a gentle kiss on the child's forehead and she jumped out of the window, transforming into a pure white wolf with crimson markings all over its body. Soon the wolf disappeared into the darkness of the night and not a sign was left of its presence.
Have a good day/night.