The future Theo returned to the desk once more, retrieving another book from the endless shelves. Its cover was darker and blacker than the first he had browsed, seeming to hold dark and profound secrets that transcended the limits of human understanding and related to the very essence of existence itself.
He began to open it slowly and cautiously, as if handling a living entity. His terrifying black eyes, that bottomless abyss, scrutinized the first pages, which appeared to be written in a mysterious language, as if he were preparing to reveal the secrets of darkness itself, aspects of power whose existence Theo had never dreamed of.
Theo stood watching him in profound silence, his heart still pounding strongly and violently in his chest, struggling to comprehend the terrifying magnitude of the future that awaited him, the immense challenges he had to face alone or nearly alone, and the enormous responsibility resting on his shoulders as still a young boy.
"Now, let's move on to the second and final part of my explanation to you, Theo," the future Theo said, his voice returning to fill the silence of the library that seemed to press down on his breath, carrying a serious tone and invaluable knowledge, knowledge he had acquired with difficulty and at a high cost. "I will teach you about magic, about how to develop your magical abilities to new levels that go beyond merely casting simple spells or controlling a small amount of mana, and about a spell... a very special spell that will be your secret and most lethal and powerful weapon in facing what is to come, a weapon that may tip the scales in crucial moments between life and death."
The future Theo began to explain the complexities of magic at advanced levels, levels beyond what Theo had learned from his aunt Celia. He spoke of how mana was deeply and fundamentally intertwined with blood and soul, and how the magical rings that appeared around a mage's heart were not just symbols of power or indicators of level, but true and permanent points of connection between the mage and the magical element he controlled.
He explained how mages at lower levels treated mana as an external energy, gathering it and shaping it to cast simple spells, but at higher levels, mana became an integral part of the mage's being, flowing in his veins in the same way as blood, and his heart itself became a source of immense and inexhaustible magical power.
"Breaking through to higher levels in magic requires more than just accumulating larger quantities of mana or memorizing a greater number of complex spells," the future Theo said. "It requires a deep understanding of your element, darkness, and an even deeper understanding of yourself, of your essence. It requires complete control over your inner energy, and over the emotions that drive it."
Then, he reached the part Theo was awaiting with anticipation mixed with fear, fear of the power of this spell that the future Theo had described. A secret spell, a lethal weapon.
"The spell I will grant you through this place is called 'The Dark Mind'," the future Theo said, his black eyes gleaming with a mysterious and dark light at the mention of its name, as if the name itself evoked a latent power. "It is a high-rank spell, and extremely powerful, so much so that most mages in your world don't even realize its existence, or believe it's just an ancient legend, a fairy tale."
The future Theo explained the mechanism of this complex and mysterious spell. "The Dark Mind does not consume a large amount of mana when activated, and this is one of its secrets and advantages. But it works on a much deeper level than the physical body, it works on the level of consciousness and the mind itself. Upon its first activation, you will feel as if a thick, dark mist completely covers your mind, but this mist is not for concealment or hiding, but for intensification and acceleration."
"This spell will increase your thinking speed abnormally, beyond the limits of ordinary humans, perhaps ten times your normal speed or much more," the future Theo said, his voice becoming more exciting. "You will be able to analyze complex situations in a fraction of a second, to think of several solutions to one problem at the same moment, to anticipate your opponents' movements many steps ahead, as if time slows around you while your mind works at maximum speed. It will give you a decisive advantage in difficult battles and in situations that require quick wit and strategic planning."
But this was not the only amazing ability of 'The Dark Mind' spell.
"In addition to the superhuman thinking speed, this spell will grant you another ability related to your element, the element of darkness of which you are a part," the future Theo continued. "It will make you able to sense the dark emotions of others around you from a distance. The fear that grips someone, the hatred that burns in someone's heart, envy, anger, despair... all these emotions have their own dark aura, and The Dark Mind spell will make you able to sense them clearly, pinpoint their source accurately, and perhaps even influence them in some way."
Theo listened in utter astonishment, hardly believing what he was hearing. Ten times faster thinking speed? Sensing others' dark emotions? These abilities surpassed anything he had learned about magic from his aunt Celia, and anything he had read about in the books he had found. This spell seemed to open a door to an entirely new world of magic.
He just realized he said 'high-rank' and not 'exceptional-rank,' and he felt shock and fear at the same time this thought appeared.
'If that's only a high-rank spell, then what would an exceptional one be like?!'
"This spell seems very powerful... amazing... Is there a price for it? Is it dangerous?" Theo asked, remembering the future Theo's previous words about the price of power and sacrifice.
The future Theo smiled a smile that carried caution and very bitter experience, as if remembering pain he himself had endured. "Certainly there is a great price for it, Theo, especially for you at your current level. Your mind is not yet accustomed to this level of hyper-activity, it has not been sufficiently refined to withstand the power of 'The Dark Mind'. Using it intensely or for long periods before your mind reaches a certain level of development and resilience can lead to very severe damage. Unbearable headaches, nosebleeds and earbleeds, and in extreme and more terrifying cases... complete loss of consciousness or even permanent and irreparable brain damage."
"That's why you must use it with extreme caution at first, like a double-edged sword," the future Theo emphasized in a firm tone that allowed no argument, as if giving a military order. "Use it only when absolutely necessary, when you have no other option, and for the shortest possible period you can endure. Slowly train your mind to withstand its energy, like training muscles. As you progress in magic, as you build new magic rings, your mind will become stronger and more capable of handling it safely. When you reach the Sixth Rank as a mage, you will be able to use 'The Dark Mind' naturally, without great fear of harming yourself."
The Sixth Rank as a mage. This was a very distant goal for Theo, who was still at the First Rank, barely beginning to understand the basics of magic. But it was a goal worth striving for, a goal that gave him hope, for the ability to use this powerful spell with complete safety.
The future Theo stopped talking about the spell and began to wander among the library's shelves filled with ancient books again, as if searching for something or recalling its location. He reached out to touch the covers of some old books, as if remembering reading them long ago.
"Progress in magic and combat go hand in hand on your path, Theo," the future Theo said, his voice returning to a teaching tone. "Both are absolutely necessary to face the coming catastrophes that await you. We've talked about breaking through to the Fourth Rank as a fighter by absorbing aura. But what about higher levels in both? What awaits you after that?"
The future Theo explained about breaking through to the Fifth Rank as a fighter, the stage after the Fourth Rank. "When you reach the Fifth Rank as a fighter, a level of power most fighters don't reach, your body will undergo a radical and significant change. It won't just be an increase in physical strength, speed, or endurance. Your body will completely reshape itself at the basic cellular level. Your flesh, your blood, and your bones... everything in your physical being will change to become stronger, denser, and more capable of withstanding the immense powers you will possess and will face."
This change seemed astounding, almost fantastical to Theo. His body changing at the level of flesh, blood, and bone. It seemed as if the future Theo was talking about a complete transformation, not just evolution.
"And what about magic? Breaking through to the Sixth Rank? What distinguishes this stage?" Theo asked with curiosity and eagerness to learn more about his magical path.
"Breaking through to the Sixth Rank as a mage is another crucial and pivotal turning point in a mage's power progression," the future Theo said. "At lower levels, mana concentrates around your heart in the form of visible or invisible rings. But when you reach the Sixth Rank, mana will permanently and continuously spread throughout your blood. Your blood will become saturated with mana, like a current of liquid energy, giving you much greater control over your magical energy and the ability to cast spells much faster and more powerfully, often without the need for prior mana accumulation."
"The six rings that appear around your heart," the future Theo continued, gesturing towards Theo's chest as if he saw the invisible rings before him. "When you successfully reach the Sixth Rank, these rings will actually become clearer and more apparent, and a strong and clear connection will begin to emerge between them. This connection is what allows the heart to pump mana to spread into your blood and become an integral part of you."
"And once you successfully reach the Sixth Rank, and the process of mana spreading and stabilizing in your blood is complete, you will acquire something unique to you alone, something that reflects your essence," the future Theo said, his black eyes holding a deep gaze and knowledge of the secrets of magical power. "A unique spell. A spell that every powerful mage who reaches this advanced rank possesses, and it is linked to their primary element and to their personality and life experiences. A spell that no one else can use or even fully understand, and it is an expression of the core of your magical power and the pinnacle of your development in your element."
The idea of possessing a unique spell was very exciting for Theo, and amazing at the same time. A spell belonging only to him, that no one else could use, reflecting who he was. It seemed like a culmination of the magical journey.
"And this unique spell... will it be the same spell you possess in your future?" Theo asked, looking at his future self with curiosity and anticipation.
The future Theo smiled mysteriously, a smile that held something of uncertainty, and something of hope for change. "Perhaps, and perhaps not, Theo. Much has changed since the time I came from to here. Our meeting, all this knowledge I am imparting to you, all this change you will cause in the course of your life... all of this can affect the unique spell you will acquire when you reach the Sixth Rank. It may be completely different from what I possessed in my time. And this... this is actually a good thing, something that gives me hope."
The idea of having a different spell than the future Theo's seemed a bit strange, but the future Theo's last words, "this is a good thing," made Theo feel some hope. Perhaps change isn't always bad, perhaps change means a better path, a path that avoids some of the pain the future Theo went through.
The future Theo stopped pacing and returned to stand directly in front of Theo. The tone of his voice changed again, becoming more serious and firm, as if preparing to give him the most important advice of his life, advice that might determine his destiny.
"The power you will seek, and the immense abilities you will acquire... all of this is absolutely necessary and important to face the seven catastrophes that await you, but it is not enough on its own. There is something else far more important, something that cannot be acquired through physical or magical training," the future Theo said, his black eyes fixed on Theo's, as if trying to engrave his last words into his soul, like a will. "The people around you, Theo. Your companions. Family and friends. They are a part of your strength."
"In your long and difficult journey, in facing catastrophes whose nature you do not know, you will need people you trust implicitly, people who stand by you in the darkest moments, people who share your heavy burden. Do not try to carry everything alone, Theo. True strength is not only in oneself, in individual abilities, but in the bonds you form with others, in the support you receive and give."
"Choose your companions very carefully, Theo," the future Theo emphasized again, his voice carrying a clear warning stemming from bitter experience. "Some people may appear as loyal allies at first, they may show you support and help, but their true intentions may never be pure. Learn how to trust your instincts, the dark instinct you possess, and how to distinguish between a true friend and an enemy disguised in the cloak of friendship. There are those who will try to exploit your power for their own interests, and there are those who will try to stop you out of fear or hatred. Be very vigilant."
Theo remembered his mother Elena, Rayn, Aunt Celia, and Kyle. These were the people he trusted. But the future Theo's words sowed a seed of worry in his young heart. Would other people appear in his life? Would they be trustworthy? Could he lose trust in one of his current loved ones?
"Did you find someone you trust?" Theo asked with a little hope in his heart.
"I killed them."
Theo smiled bitterly. He knew he wouldn't kill them for nothing, for his current self already felt happy having someone like Rayn.
The future Theo was silent for a moment, then let out a faint sigh that Theo could barely hear, a sigh that carried the weight of time, experience, and pain. He looked exhausted, as if his presence in this place and the use of his energy to communicate across time were draining his remaining strength.
"I have taught you what I can convey to you at this moment, Theo," the future Theo said, his voice beginning to weaken slightly, as if he were already fading. "I have passed on to you the knowledge you will need to begin your true journey towards power, to understand the inherent nature of darkness, and to be ready to face the first catastrophes that will shape your future."
"The matter is entirely up to you now, Theo," the future Theo said, and a look of hope mixed with deep sadness and despair appeared in his black eyes for the last time. "I hope... I hope with all my heart, my other self, that you will endure what is to come of pain and challenges. That you will be strong enough to face them. That you will make the right choices in difficult times. And that you will ultimately be able to live your life well, despite all the challenges you will face, despite all the pain you will go through."
The future Theo's body began to shimmer again, faster this time, as if his image was dissolving into the air like black smoke. The library itself trembled slightly, and the floating candles flickered intermittently, as if the place itself rejected his presence or indicated the end of his allotted time.
"Time... my time here is over, Theo," the future Theo said, his voice growing fainter and fainter, almost a whisper. "Remember what I told you. Use knowledge wisely... and don't trust... don't trust everyone... not everyone who smiles at you is your friend..."
"I hope... you endure what is... to come... Theo."
His last words faded into the air with his vanishing image, as if swallowed by the surrounding darkness. Theo struggled to hold onto them, to ask more questions flooding his mind, but the words were lost in nothingness, and the future Theo's image blurred and vanished with unstoppable speed.
"Wait! Don't go! I have more questions! Who is the time mage?!" Theo screamed, but his voice was lost in the void, unheard by anyone, or perhaps heard by the future Theo but he could not answer.
The future Theo disappeared completely, leaving Theo alone again in the vast library filled with books and secrets. Only the echo of his last words lingered in his mind, and the description of his black eyes etched into his memory, as if they were portals to a dark future. The library calmed, the candles stopped flickering, and silence returned to erase any physical trace of the future Theo's presence.
Theo found himself alone again, but he was no longer the same person who had entered this place. He carried with him a new burden, the burden of knowing the dark future that awaited him, and the burden of responsibility for his destiny.
Most importantly, he carried with him a glimmer of hope that he would become strong enough to face everything, thanks to the gift the future Theo had bestowed upon him, the gift of knowledge and power.
Theo suddenly felt an invisible force pulling him down intensely, as if the ground had returned to draw him after he had been floating in the void for an unknown amount of time. He closed his eyes, and felt as if he was falling into a dark abyss, returning to the reality he had left behind.