Ascension Of The Failed Mage

Bloodline Magic: Null

An ability that would be considered the very antithesis to Magic with its ability to interfere with and nullify Magic.

In its base state, [Null] cancels Magic, so long as the particular type and type is known to Noir. However... that is only the surface.

[Break] forcibly destroys all magic at its root, whether it is chanted or not.

[Bend] allows me to interact with their properties and functions. This allows Noir reengineer the nature of such magic, as he does with Code.

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"It seems you intended to teleport the remains of the Doll, or rather, its core to you, after the Self-Destruct Magic Sequence was activated." Noir appeared in a new location, a swirling red glow hovering around him.

"By using [Bend], I transported myself to you instead. How do you like the surprise, Trevor Netherlore?"

Noir was currently facing a man who sat in front of him. To say he was flustered would have been an understatement.

Trevor could not believe his eyes. His surprise was written all over his face, and he clung to his chair in shock at Noir's presence.

This wasn't what he expected!

Noir's smiling face, Trevor's nervous and surprised look, the awkward silence that reverberated throughout the office... the tension caused by these events was so livid that one could cut it with a knife.

Noir stood while Trevor sat and looked, for a few seconds, before he was able to process everything.

"S-Sir Noir...?" He said with a sheepish smile, pulling himself together.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and then opened his eyes, generating his usual cheerful expression.

"Please, have your seat..." He said, offering Noir the seat opposite his in his office, with only his office table separating them.

Trevor formed a smile, attempting his best at his signature look.

"It's a surprise to see you here... What can I do for you?"

"Hmmn? I don't believe we've met before. How do you know my name?" Noir answered cooly.

'Shit!' Trevor cursed within himself.

Thanks to the panic that came with Noir's surprising entry, he had already made a blunder. One he had to correct quickly.

"Your apprentice, or rather, student... Miss Ciara. She told me a bit about you when we talked." Trevor said, trying to mask his mistake.

For him to cover up his initial blunder, he would have to lie!

"Oh? I didn't know Ciara was fond of revealing my identity to just anyone. Besides, even if she did... we've never met before. Plus I'm wearing a different attire, compared to what I wore while Ciara was still around. So, how did you manage to recognize me?" Noir asked.

"Well, your personality I guess. Seems a lot like she described it." Trevor said.

Noir paused a bit, then suddenly burst into laughter. Trevor, not knowing what else to do, joined in the laughter too.

For a moment, the two kept laughing, and the room was bustling with cheerfulness. Then—

"You fool."

Trevor looked at Noir, and immediately a shiver ran down his spine. Noir's icy cold eyes gazed deeply into Trevor's, causing an effect akin to paralysis.

"You're a terrible liar, you know that, right? I guess you're one of those guys who needs prep time for everything. They seem so smart and all-knowing initially, but as soon as they are caught off guard and cornered, they're like jelly..." Noir mused.

Trevor sighed. He cleaned the sweat which had already formed on his face with his handkerchief, one he took from his breast pocket.

"Good grief. It seems you have me all figured out, don't you?"

"...And when they've been pushed to the corner, they reveal their true selves," Noir finished his statement.

He looked at the chair Trevor offered him. It wasn't much different from the one Trevor sat on, but Trevor's quality was definitely better.

Noir smiled. He brushed his hand against the chair, and then it got Transmuted to that of an exquisite brand. The quality was far more superior than any furniture Trevor had in his office. Trevor maintained his poker face.

Noir eventually sat down.

"So, let's get down to business... What is it you truly want?" Noir asked Trevor.

"I can't tell you... not right now." Trevor answered hesitantly.

"And why is that?" Noir asked.

"Because I don't trust you... yet." Trevor answered.

"I believe you don't understand what kind of predicament you're in. This isn't a negotiation, this isn't an inspection. This is an interrogation. I ask, you answer... truthfully." Noir replied.

"Oh, I think it's still you who doesn't understand the situation you're in," Trevor said with a smile.

"Your lovely student Ciara, The maid Lorna, the Mage Galand. I intentionally ensured the three made a suitable spot in the Institute's inner place. These areas are one of the places where my reach and influence is nearly matched with The Archmage." Trevor replied with a sly grin.

"What's your point?" Noir said.

"If anything happens to me, then the three of them all die."

Noir sat, his head bowed. He remained silent for a while.

"You get it now? This deal is on equal footing." Trevor emphasized.

Suddenly, a small chuckle was heard, then following a big laugh. The laughter was from none other than Noir.

"What makes you think I would care about that?" Noir said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

"You can keep bluffing, but I know the attachment you have toward them. I've been watching you for a while now remember?" Trevor said.

"Oh, you're talking about the other Noir. That guy is a total softie. Even though he's the one who shows the least emotion—at least facially—he's the one most in touch with them."

"I won't pretend to understand what you're saying, and quite frankly I don't care. Still, I know you won't let them die." Trevor narrowed his eyes.

"Maybe I haven't made myself clear yet. I don't care if they're dead. It might actually be a good thing for me, since I'll have to continue my journey and find what I'm looking for."

Trevor's eyes widened in surprise to see that Noir meant every word he said. It was beyond belief.

"Let them die... the other guy will thank me later."