Endless Horde: Through the Eyes of a Godking

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Phew! Boom!

A streak of blue flew at the speed of light, hitting a solid and immovable film of green light. It didn't take long before more blue struck the greens.

The blue projectiles were coming from a humanoid creature that looked like a ghost. It was a male with a semi-transparent body; he seemed to be wearing clothes that had the same color as he did, blue. His eyes were a clearer and brighter shade of blue, and his hair flared like its flames. He held a long wooden staff, which he aimed at his enemy, using it as a medium to launch these blue projectiles with surprising speed, cunning angles, and impressive punching power.

Opposite him was a taller man with a fiendishly handsome face. He had black hair that brightened up with a verdant shade under the glare of light. He's wearing a loose green cloak with a tank top underneath, a pair of brown slacks, and leather boots. He looked older than his enemy, but only age- and height-wise; his appearance made him look younger than he actually was.

Instead of retaliating, though, the black-haired man just conjured these green hexagram barriers that protected him from the barrage of blue projectiles sent by his enemy. He wasn't aggrieved or mad; in fact, he looked impressed and proud as he continued taking on the attacks.

These people were none other than the master and disciple facing each other in a spar: Lennon, the crystal sprite, and his master, the human Gilderoy Stormrider.

'Oh, my dear student has come a long way.' Gilderoy felt emotional as he effortlessly took on the attacks of his young student.

Gone was the naive and weak little Lennon. What replaced him was a budding magister with grit, determination, and a wealth of experience.

Lennon has followed him and Allura, traveling the entire realm. They lived like nomads, visiting far-off and distant planets; both developed and underdeveloped civilizations; saw mystical vistas; participated in and embraced cultures; and broadened their horizons greatly. All while Gilderoy taught Lennon everything he knew, allowing the little guy to slowly grow up to who he is now.

And the results were nothing short of impressive.

"Alright, let's call it a day." Gilderoy released a pulse along with his declaration.

The projectiles Lennon was about to fire off fizzled into nothingness once he heard that, and he released a relieved sigh, smiling wryly afterwards.

'Still can't make him sweat...' he thought to himself.

It's this thought that kept him humble, because no matter how far he's come as a spellcaster, it still feels like the gap between him and his master was an unbridgeable chasm that he'd never be able to cross even if he were to dedicate his entire life to it.

This wasn't him looking down on himself. Throughout his journey in learning his master's skills and wisdom, along with their adventures all over the alliance, there had been many times when Gilderoy sent him on missions to test his skills.

In these missions, Lennon had to fight, sometimes to solve some problems, other times for his life because Gilderoy wouldn't save him. Lennon's skills were tested in these battles; he learned his strengths and weaknesses the hard way, he realized what he really wants his magic to do, and so on, thanks to these battles. And every time he finished a lesson, Lennon would feel his skills grow, something that even his master confirmed.

Yet even with all of his experience, his master's realm still felt too far away from him. It feels like he'd never be able to surpass him, ever. And that's both comforting and aggravating at the same time for Lennon.

Lennon took out a canteen from his inventory, taking a large gulp as he felt parched. As usual, sparring with his master was always a workout. Even though his master did nothing but defend, Lennon still felt immense pressure. It never gets old.

"Come," Gilderoy called to him, asking him to join him in front of a bonfire.

Lennon went over and sat down next to him. He then felt Gilderoy stroking his head dotingly, causing the young sprite to close his eyes in comfort. With this, all negativity he still felt dissipated like snow under direct sunlight.

"I'm proud of you."

This wasn't the first time that Lennon heard this from him, but it never fails to make him feel emotional. These simple words meant so much to him, always. It's a direct acknowledgement of his growth and dedication.

"And it's time for you to fly away from this nest."

Lennon stilled after hearing that, but only for a bit before a relenting sigh escaped from his lips.

"It's that time already?" he asked, his voice soft and sounding unwilling.

"Yes," Gilderoy replied, just as gentle as always. "You've learned the majority of what I can teach you, and the rest is up to you."

"I always tell you that my path is mine to walk, and yours is yours. You can learn from me, but you could never imitate me, because at the end of the day, we're two completely different people."

A brief silence descended for a while before Gilderoy continued.

"You've followed me all this time." He sighed, "You lived under my wing and were practically safe all along, even when I sent you on dangerous missions, telling you that I won't interfere."

"I've nurtured you long enough, longer than what I intended to, not because you're slow or lacking, but because I, too, am reluctant to part with you. But keeping you with me longer means delaying you from reaching your full potential, and I, as your master, can't do that. It betrays the very foundation of our relationship, after all."

"Besides, I want to see just how far you can go on your own."

Gilderoy wore a smile, the same smile that never failed to make Lennon feel better. The one that always made him feel that everything will be alright.

"I understand, Master." Lennon's voice quivered. There's so much he wanted to say, but right now, he doesn't trust his voice at all. He's too overwhelmed.

"Oh, don't look like that." Gilderoy chuckled. "This isn't a permanent parting, just a temporary one."

"Think of it like an extended mission from me." He continued, "I want you to discover what you truly want. I want you to achieve your dreams. And I want to see how far you can go on your own."

"You can send me letters every now and then. Maybe I'll send one back, maybe I won't. Still, I want you to focus on yourself. See the world with your eyes, be free."

"And one day, when you've grown to your full potential and achieved what you truly wanted, we will see each other again. And who knows, maybe by then, we won't be master and student anymore, but equals."

"Mn!"

A small hum of agreement was all he could muster in reply.

Lennon truly felt unwilling. He wanted to say that he already knew what he wanted to do, and that was to accompany him for as long as he lived. Yet he knew that his master wouldn't agree to that because that's not what he really wants. He just feels this way because of this moment.

In the future, he'd look back on this moment and thank Gilderoy for making it happen. But right now, he allowed himself to feel the ache of parting.

Gilderoy ruffled his head and returned to his cabin. Lennon felt him walking away and was tempted to call out to him, yet in the end, he didn't. Instead, he silently let his emotions flow out.

After what felt like days, Lennon finally dried up his tears. He then wore a smile, faced the cabin where his master and his wife were staying, prostrated and knocked his head on the ground three times as a means of bidding farewell before disappearing.

Lennon never planned for this moment. But he always wanted to return to his birthplace, so that's his first stop. As for where he'd go next, he'd think about it later.

Meanwhile, in the cabin, Gilderoy wore a sad smile. He wouldn't deny that this parting hurts, but it's necessary. He couldn't always shelter Lennon from the storm. He needs to go out there and explore, reach his full potential, and become the person he's destined to be.

"He's gone." He heard Allura's voice behind him.

He didn't turn around; he kept looking at the spot where his student was before he left and said, "Yes. He's gone."

Silence came after that. There's really not much to say.

Taking a deep breath and accepting everything, Gilderoy faced his wife and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Bittersweet," she replied with a sad smile. "That kid's no different from our son, after all."

That is true. Lennon had been with them for a long time, and their closeness was no different from a real family at this point.

Gilderoy didn't deny this either. Instead, he walked up to his wife and embraced her a bit, his hand lingering on the small bump on her stomach.

"It's a pity he won't be here for the birth of his brother."