CHRONICLES OF THE MAGIC USER'S THE AWAKENING

In the heart of Grassland, a country renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, lay the bustling capital, Celestian. The streets were alive with the sounds of laughter, the scent of fresh pastries wafting through the air, and the chatter of people engaging in their daily lives. However, amidst the daily hustle and bustle, James Wolfect—known to his friends as Jay—was just another face in the crowd. Working as a security guard, his life was as ordinary as the flickering streetlights illuminating the cobblestone streets.

Jay's routine was predictable. He spent his days patrolling the sprawling mall, keeping a watchful eye on the shoppers, and occasionally chasing down feisty teenagers who dared to shoplift. It was a job that many would find unremarkable, but to Jay, it was a source of comfort. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of his work: the friendly banter with store clerks, the smiles exchanged with families, and the satisfaction of knowing he was keeping the peace. However, deep down, he often felt like he was meant for something more.

One fateful afternoon, as dark clouds began to roll in, Jay decided to take a break and head out for lunch. He stepped outside, feeling the first drops of rain on his skin. He chuckled to himself, drenched by the downpour that quickly followed. The sky rumbled ominously, and before Jay could seek shelter, a blinding bolt of lightning struck him down.

In an instant, the world around him faded to black, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

When Jay regained consciousness, he found himself in a dreamlike realm. The air was thick with an electric charge, and colors swirled around him like a painter's palette. Before him stood a magnificent blue dragon, its fierce red eyes piercing through the haze.

"James Wolfect," it spoke, its voice resonating like thunder. "You have been chosen to become the new master of lightning. Do you accept this task?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with significance. Jay felt a pulse of excitement surge through him. Without a second thought, he replied, "Yes."

"Very well, then," the dragon said, its tone both commanding and wise. "You have a long road ahead." With a snap of its fingers, Jay awoke on the pavement, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him. The pain from the lightning strike was sharp, but as it subsided, he realized he was different. He could feel the crackling energy at his fingertips; the power of lightning had awakened within him.

---

"Jay! Are you okay?" A voice pulled him from his reverie. It was Maxwell Campina, his best friend, rushing toward him with concern etched on his face. Beside him was his wife, Tanya Blood-fallen, her striking red hair glistening even in the dim light.

"I think so," Jay replied, still disoriented. He sneezed out a bolt of lightning, shocking both his friends. "What just happened?"

"I think you were hit by lightning," Tanya said, her green-red eyes scanning him. "By the way, did you just sneeze out lightning?"

Maxwell's expression turned grave. "Jay, we need to talk…"

"Not now, my love," Tanya interjected. "Tell him later."

"Yeah, you're right. James, after you get off work, come over to our place," Maxwell insisted.

"Okay, I will see you then," Jay replied, his mind racing.

Later that day, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the city lights flickered to life, Jay arrived at Maxwell and Tanya's penthouse. The atmosphere was tense, and he could sense that whatever they had to discuss was serious.

"Okay, I'm here. What was it you needed to talk to me about?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.

"It's about the Combat Magic Core," Maxwell said, his voice low.

"What's the Combat Magic Core?" Jay asked, furrowing his brow.

"A secret organization that governs all magical practices," Tanya explained, her tone grave. "They enforce strict laws, and they won't take kindly to someone like you who has gained power without their approval. You need to stay under the radar."

"Why should I be afraid of them?" Jay challenged, crossing his arms defiantly.

"Because they imprison those who threaten their authority," Maxwell said, his voice unwavering. "Your parents were taken by them. They're trapped in a dimension, and if they find out about your powers, they'll come after you next."

The weight of Maxwell's words sank in like a stone in his stomach. Jay's heart raced as he processed the information. He had heard whispers about his parents' fate but had never known the truth. "How do I free them?" he demanded, his voice rising.

Tanya stepped closer, her voice soft yet firm. "You'll need to gather allies. However, there is another organization you should be aware of: Trefectaus."

" Tri, What now?" Jay asked, bewildered.

"It's pronounced Trifectaus

and it's an assassin's guild determined to overthrow the Combat Magic Core. I heard their leader is named Alexi Centry, and he calls himself the Demon King," Tanya said.

"Great, just what I need—more enemies," Jay muttered sarcastically.

"You might be wondering how we know all this stuff. The truth is we have had run-ins with the Combat Magic Core before. We are what you would call vampires," Maxwell said with a smile.

"Huh! Really now? That's cool, I guess," Jay responded, not really paying attention to what Maxwell said.

Maxwell just looked at Tanya in confusion. "See, I told you, he wouldn't get it if we broke it to him slowly."

"Give him a minute, so he can catch what you said," Tanya said, then she held up her hand to count backward from five. In (5), (4), (3), (2), (1), "Now."

"Wait! What's that about vampires again?" Jay asked, confusion thick in his voice.

"Ah! There he is," Maxwell and Tanya said in unison. "James, we are vampires. But now is not the time for questions. It's time to train."

The gravity of their revelation began to dawn on him. He had always thought of vampires as mere folklore, but here were two living, breathing examples standing right before him. "Train for what?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"To harness your new powers, of course," Tanya said, her eyes sparkling with determination. "You can't just sneeze lightning without knowing how to control it. The Combat Magic Core will sense your power, and if they do, they won't hesitate to come after you."

Jay felt a jolt of fear mixed with exhilaration. He had always felt like an outsider in his own life, and now, he was being thrust into a world of magic, danger, and adventure. "What do I need to do?" he asked, his voice steadier than he felt.

"First, we'll start with the basics. You need to learn how to channel your lightning," Maxwell explained. "Follow me."

The three of them moved to the rooftop of the penthouse, where the city skyline stretched out before them. The storm clouds still loomed overhead, crackling with energy. Jay felt the air vibrate around him, and for the first time, he sensed the power within himself.

"Now, focus on your hands," Maxwell instructed. "Feel the energy building. Let it flow through you."

Jay closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Images of the blue dragon flickered in his mind, and he felt the energy pulsating at his fingertips. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a small bolt of lightning into the air. It crackled and danced, illuminating the darkness around them.

"Good! You're a natural!" Tanya cheered, clapping her hands.

"Now, let's try to control it," Maxwell said. "You need to learn to direct your energy, or it could become a danger to yourself and others."

Under their guidance, Jay practiced for hours, learning to harness his powers. He felt alive, invigorated by the potential within him. But amid the excitement, the weight of his parents' fate lingered in the back of his mind. He knew that each moment spent training was one step closer to freeing them.

As the moon rose high in the sky, Jay collapsed onto the rooftop, panting from exertion. "I can't believe how much I've learned already," he said, a grin spreading across his face.

"You've made incredible progress," Tanya said, her voice warm. "But this is just the beginning. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges, and you'll need to be ready."

"Yeah, I get that," Jay replied, his confidence wavering slightly. "But we'll find a way, right?"

Maxwell and Tanya exchanged glances, their expressions serious. "We will," Maxwell finally said. "But it won't be easy. The Combat Magic Core won't sit idly by while you grow stronger."

Jay nodded, determination flooding his veins. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had been given a second chance at life—a bolt of destiny had struck him, and he would not let it go to waste.

As he looked out over the city, the lights twinkling like stars below, he felt a sense of purpose rising within him. He was no longer just a security guard; he was a master of lightning, and he would do whatever it took to save his parents and uncover the secrets surrounding his newfound powers.

And thus began his journey into a world filled with magic, danger, and the promise of adventure. Little did he know that this was only the beginning of an epic saga that would change his life—and the fate of Grassland—forever.