Accidental Ascendance
Chapter 2 2: The Contract Forged From Misunderstandings

At the tender age of four, Cedric, with his raven-black hair and sparkling blue eyes, possessed a charm that belied his lack of magical abilities. However, there was one peculiar trait that had developed within him—a smile that seemed to evoke an unsettling aura. It wasn't intentional, but the way his lips curved upward appeared oddly unnerving to those who observed him.

One sunny afternoon, Cedric ventured into the lush gardens of Castle Montclair, his curiosity guiding his every step. Amidst the vibrant foliage, a glimmer of light caught his attention, drawing him further into the enchanting landscape. With each playful leap and hop, he found himself in a hidden grove, a secret haven veiled from the prying eyes of the world.

Within this sanctuary, Cedric's innocent gaze fell upon a mesmerizing figure—the Fairy Queen of the South. With delicate wings shimmering in iridescent hues, she regarded Cedric with a curious gaze, her presence ethereal and captivating. To fairies, who couldn't perceive human features, Cedric's lack of discernible magical presence led to a wondrous assumption.

The Fairy Queen, Megna, her voice melodic and gentle, approached Cedric with a flutter of wings. "Merlin, is it truly you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Confusion danced across Cedric's face as he blinked in bewilderment. "I'm not Merlin," he replied softly, his voice carrying a hint of perplexity. "I'm Cedric."

Megna tilted her head, her delicate features betraying a hint of doubt. "You cannot fool me, Merlin. Only those who are extremely powerful, so powerful that they can make themselves appear magic-less, can see me. That being said, you can see me, and only Merlin is strong enough to pull that off. Therefore, you must be Merlin! I have waited centuries for this moment."

Cedric's eyes showed unmistakable confusion. "I am Cedric, and my mama said I shouldn't talk to strangers, pretty lady." Cedric said as he turned around to walk away.

Megna grew agitated as she looked at Cedric beginning to walk away. "What the hell! Do you not recognize me, Merlin? It's me, Megna! The Fairy Queen of the South!"

Cedric turned around and simply said, "Nope."

Megna's face began to fill with tears. "It's been so long, and you really forgot about me?" She said as sadness overwhelmed her. Her mind then wandered back to the past.

In the beautiful grove, Megna played with her fairy children, shooting off all kinds of magic in their jubilant game of fun. "Take that!" One fairy named Lily exclaimed as she shot a beam of blue magic at Megna.

Megna's wings fluttered, and she moved with graceful elegance, avoiding the magical beam. "Nice try, foolish child. You need to be much better to hit me," Megna said, her voice filled with playful jest.

"Oh no!" Another fairy named Jasper exclaimed, observing the beam of magic. The attack was heading towards a man with long blond hair, wearing a blue and white robe, who was entering the grove. The man swiftly raised his hand, and the magic seemed to dissipate in his grasp.

Megna laughed heartily as she flew around the handsome man. "Hahaha! You could've been toast, Merlin!" She said, playfully poking him.

Merlin smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You finally recognize me, Megna?"

Megna nodded eagerly. "Yes, your magic essence has become quite familiar to me. So, what brings you here today?"

Merlin kneeled down next to Megna, a smile playing on his lips. "Listen, Megna, we need to talk."

Megna looked at him with a hint of confusion. "About what?"

Merlin sighed, his gaze distant. "I have been chosen as the new Archmage."

Megna's eyes widened in surprise. "Arch what?"

Merlin shook his head, his expression serious. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that I will be gone for a while."

Megna's face contorted with worry. "Why? Where are you going?"

Merlin's expression softened as he placed a gentle hand on Megna's tiny shoulder. "I have an important duty to fulfill. I will be away, protecting the realm."

Megna's eyes filled with tears, and her voice trembled. "Then I'll go with you. I can protect myself, and if it's dangerous, I can protect you too."

Merlin's brow furrowed with concern. "The role of the Archmage is one of defense, not protection. I cannot put you in harm's way."

Megna sobbed, her wings quivering with emotion. "I don't understand why I can't come with you."

Merlin sighed, his voice filled with reassurance. "Listen, Megna, I promise you this. I will become even stronger, so strong that my magic will be undetectable, even by you. Once I can protect you, I will return and we can form a contract."

Megna wiped away her tears, her voice filled with hope. "What if you can never get that strong?"

Merlin's gaze softened, his eyes reflecting unwavering determination. "Then I will train for a thousand years if I have to. But I promise you, Megna, I will never forget you."

Megna's tear-streaked face brightened with a small smile, her voice filled with trust. "You promise?"

Merlin's smile matched hers, his voice filled with sincerity. "I promise."

The memories flooded Megna's mind as she looked at Cedric, the boy before her. "You promised you'd never forget me."

Cedric looked at her small, crying face and felt compelled through empathy to help her. "I'll be your friend."

Megna looked up at Cedric, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Really?"

Cedric nodded, his voice gentle. "Yes, I'll be your friend."

Megna's wings fluttered with excitement, and she reached out her tiny hand. "Then let us form a contract, just like the one I had with Merlin."

Cedric, still confused but eager to please, placed his hand in Megna's. As their hands touched, a surge of magical energy pulsed through Cedric. A vibrant magical circle appeared on his hand, symbolizing their bond.

With a flash of light, Megna disappeared, her essence merging with Cedric's empty mana reservoir. Cedric blinked in surprise. "Pretty lady, where did you go?"

Then, suddenly, a voice resonated in Cedric's mind. "I'm here now, Merlin. If you ever need me, just call, and I'll come to help you. From now on, we will be together."

Cedric's brows furrowed, his young mind grappling to make sense of the situation. The Fairy Queen would inhabit Cedric's empty mana reservoir, staying together for the rest of his life.

Unbeknownst to Cedric, this unexpected union would be the catalyst for more misunderstandings. As Cedric's apparent lack of magical ability continued to be misconstrued as the pinnacle of power, his encounter with this ancient fairy would be a boon. Their bond, forged in innocence and misunderstanding, now formed a contract that intertwined their destinies.

Cedric's days became filled with newfound wonder as he discovered the realm of magic through Megna's guidance. She taught him about the intricacies of spells, the delicate balance of elements, and the hidden secrets of the enchanted world. With each lesson, Cedric's understanding grew, even though he himself could not wield magic.