Fiona stared at Tyrus curiously. “Something the matter? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
He formed a thin line with his lips while lowering his arms. “You… don’t see them?”
“Them? Oh, you mean your ears? I must say, they're quite lovely.”
“Lovely?” Tyrus repeated just in time for Ivy's entrance. She took a quick glance at his ears and joined Fiona without making any odd faces. The response he received differed from what he had in mind. Where's the name-calling and disgusted looks? Tyrus would get it if they were pretending to not give away their actual thoughts. But when he gazed into her eyes, he saw nothing of the kind. Their shoulders were at ease and their faces were kind as they looked at him.
Maybe not everyone hates Beastfolk hybrids, Tyrus wondered. To prevent disappointment, he had to double-check. “Now you know I’m a Beastfolk, you guys don’t feel disgust or hatred?”
Fiona let out an exasperated snort and crossed her arms. “Why would I have that kind of feeling towards you? Did you do something deserving of such emotions?”
“No, but I thought everyone hated Beastfolk. When I traveled from town to town, I heard some adults speak poorly of them. They were called barbarians and blamed for ravaging the land. I even witnessed hybrids like me being mistreated, which was one of the reasons that led me to live in Valier Forest.”
Her face softened, and she directed her gaze to Selena. The branch leader shrugged and motioned at Tyrus. Fiona turned after nodding. "The Beastfolk aren't hated by everyone. People who lost their friends and families to them are the ones that do. Tensions are rising throughout the land, and it won't be long before things take a drastic turn.”
“The King of Beastfolk has been acting strange as of late,” Selena cut in, brushing aside a lock of hair. “The non-aggression pact signed between Lethos and The Beastfolk Kingdom many years ago appears to be deteriorating. Hostilities are ongoing at the border, and Lethos are mustering more soldiers. As a result of that, I had to ascertain that you were not an assassin sent to infiltrate our kingdom.”
Selena sauntered to the foot of the bed and bent her head suddenly. “I acknowledge your hatred towards me and do not expect your forgiveness, but I wish to express my deepest apologies. In an effort to ease my skepticism, I sent you on a mission that was potentially life-threatening. Although it may not be substantial, I will adhere to Fiona's suggestion and grant you entry into the Explorer Guild with a recommendation. I'll also forge records about your background. I will do my best to get anything else you need if it's possible.”
Her apology caught Tyrus off guard, resulting in his mouth splitting open. Selena was capable of apologizing and showing empathy? The world must be ending. Accepting her apology was harmless, either way. Well, only because he didn’t want to make Fiona sad. She had done a lot for him, and he still had a lot to repay.
“I accept your apology. And thank you for accepting me into the guild despite my age."
Raising her head, she smirked before returning to the doorway. Ivy, who was standing nearby and looking meek, came forward and wiped the corner of her eyes. “Thank you for saving me, Tyrus. You took on a beast that even most solo coppers struggle with! I want you to know that I will forever be grateful for everything you've done for me. If there's anything you need help with, I'll be there for you, just like you've been for me.”
Another wave of tears came, and Ivy took off her spectacles to wipe them away. Once she composed herself, she stepped into a corner. Tyrus didn't know what to say and examined his palm. Previous battle images danced in his thoughts, making him smirk. He could finally savor his success now that he was alive and well.
His heart swelled with pride when he thought of Ivy's words. Taking down a spider beast single-handedly would mean he’s at the level of a copper. Although he almost died due to a lack of mana, it can be prevented in the future. To increase his mana heart, he needed to keep meditating and explore alternative methods.
“I'm sorry to bring you down, but you shouldn't let it get to your head.”
Tyrus lifted his head gradually and stared at the person who spoke their thoughts. He mistook Selena for the one who said it, but it turned out to be Fiona. He gave her a perplexed look as she frowned directly at him.
“It may sound harsh, but you haven't reached that level yet. Luck was the main reason you took down the rock spider.”
He narrowed his eyes and said, “…I don’t see how I got lucky. I defeated it with my own two hands.”
“Rock spiders typically group together with other rock spiders. The defeated creature's solitude indicates recent completion of its egg-laying process. Rock spiders experience a momentary weakening afterward. The rock spider you defeated was alone and weakened. To put it simply, the situation was heavily in your direction. There's no guarantee that such luck will happen again in the future.”
In the wake of Fiona’s candid assessment, the room fell into an uneasy silence. The weight of her words bore down on Tyrus, deflating the pride that had momentarily swelled within him after his victory over the rock spider. He understood that Fiona’s intentions were not malicious; she was genuinely concerned about his safety and well-being.
However, despite her good intentions, the words had struck a chord, stirring a mix of emotions within Tyrus. The notion that his success might have been merely a product of luck and the spider’s weakened state left him feeling vulnerable. He couldn’t help but interpret her words as a suggestion that he still had much to learn and that he might not be as skilled or capable as he had hoped.
It was true, all of it. There was so much he had yet to find out about the world. The world was vast and filled with countless creatures, each with their unique traits and behaviors. The rock spider was just one example of the many mysteries that lay before him.
The realization that he had encountered a weakened and solitary rock spider made him ponder what might have occurred had the circumstances been different. The thought of facing multiple fully powered rock spiders within the confined space of a cave sent a shiver down his spine. Escaping their onslaught of webs and attacks would undoubtedly be a daunting and perilous task.
“Luck or not, he still defeated a beast,” Selena cut in. “Even in a weakened state, coppers should not underestimate a rock spider. One must possess the necessary skills and battle sense to avoid their webs and penetrate their defenses effectively. Tyrus, I believe you have performed satisfactorily with the resources that were available to you, particularly considering your young age.”
The praise from Selena had indeed warmed Tyrus’ heart, and he savored the moment before turning his attention to the food on the table. Despite its lack of exquisite taste, the meal served its purpose in satiating his hunger and restoring some of his energy. He gulped down the bread and cheese, savoring each morsel, even if they were kind of stale. With his stomach satisfied, Tyrus released a contented sigh and rose from his bed.
Tyrus momentarily lost his balance and almost fell over, but he regained his footing and stood. During a stretch break for his sore muscles, he faced the others. “What happens now that I’m able to become a member? I am very new to this type of stuff.”
Selena gestured at Ivy and pointed at the door. Tyrus observed Ivy’s actions curiously as she rushed out of the room and then returned with a clenched fist. When she placed a white crystal shard into his hand, he felt an immediate surge of warmth and power emanating from the object. His eyes widened with surprise, and he looked up at Selena, seeking an explanation.
“Is this mana I’m feeling? Tyrus asked. “It looks and feels like it.”
“What you are looking at is a Mana Core. It’s a crystal of condensed magical energy a beast has accumulated over time. The beast that you killed luckily had one forming in its body. I merely extracted it. As you have been successful in hunting it, it is your prerogative to decide its fate. Upon discovering such an item, individuals typically sell it for financial gain. If you don't want to keep it, you have two choices: consume it to make your mana heart bigger or use it in potions.”
At hearing the benefits, Tyrus had thought he found treasure. The prospect of increasing his mana heart and unlocking greater magical potential was undeniably enticing. With a larger mana heart, he could cast more powerful spells and withstand longer battles. On the flip side, the enticement of gaining money was just as tempting. Money could provide him with the means to acquire better equipment, secure resources for his journey, and fund his duties as a member of the Explorer Guild. It could also offer him a sense of security, knowing he had a financial cushion in case of emergencies. Tyrus knew that money comes and goes. At the tavern, he witnessed Fiona and her friends spending a lot of sil.
“Is it safe for consumption?” Tyrus said, squinting at the shard.
“I sense no impurities, so it is safe,” Selena reassured.
Tyrus's attention was drawn to the shard and the branch leader. With trust in the woman's words, Tyrus ate the crystal by popping it into his mouth. As he was about to swallow the crystal, Fiona intervened and tilted his head downwards. She forcibly opened his mouth and took the wet crystal.
With a stern expression, Fiona scolded him gently, “Tyrus, you can’t just swallow a Mana Core like that! It’s not meant to be ingested directly.”
“Sorry,” Tyrus mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed by his hasty action. “My first thought of consumption was to eat.”
“Placing your hand over the crystal is all it takes to absorb the mana. Picture the crystal's power fusing with yours.”
He nodded at her explanation and did as she instructed. He gripped the item and imagined the mana flowing from the crystal and into his hands. The power immediately obeyed his wishes and slowly transferred into his own body. The pristine light from the Mana Core was losing its luster, and a few moments later, became a dull gray.
Tyrus felt the new mana flowing through his vessels and making its way to his mana heart. At first, he felt a constricting sensation in his chest, a momentary tightness that made him hold his breath. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, and he wondered if something had gone wrong. But as quickly as it came, the feeling subsided, and he exhaled a breath of relief.
He glanced at Selena, who was observing the process with an approving smile. “Well done, Tyrus,” she said. “You’ve successfully integrated the mana from the core. Your mana heart has expanded, which means you can now hold more magical energy. With this newfound capacity, your spells will become more potent, and you’ll be able to perform more complex magic.”
In order to check the results, he got into a meditation pose. Entering the Sorcerer Plane was a quick process for him. The fire element’s lack of progression didn’t surprise him, considering he hadn’t used it in quite some time. However, he made a mental note to practice with it more regularly to keep his skills sharp. There might be a time when he’d need the fire element.
His attention shifted to the lightning element, and he was pleased to sense its increased power. The additional arcs that appeared and flickered indicated that his continuous use of the Dual Shot spell had indeed contributed to its development. Tyrus understood the importance of practice and repetition in honing his magical abilities. The more he used an element or spell, the better his control and mastery over it would become. Before long, he’d be able to figure out how to cast spells without uttering a chant…
When those thoughts drifted away, he let out an exasperated gasp and opened his eyes. “Branch Leader Selena, do you know how to cast certain spells without saying them out loud?”
The tapping of Selena's foot followed a rhythm. “Such simple tasks are easily doable by me. Holding this position is not my right if I, as a branch leader, cannot do such a thing.”
“If it’s not too much to ask, can you give me a demonstration?”
She examined his face with an expression that was impossible to read. “I am able to, I suppose. This is the least I can do to make up for what I did to you. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until tomorrow. Regarding your circumstances, I’m afraid I’ll be busy from here on out. Unless you intend to retract your proposed course of action.”
“No, I would very much like for you to continue,” Tyrus said nonchalantly. “The sooner the better. I want to start earning money as fast as possible.”
The branch leader smiled wryly and turned. “I request your presence at my office tomorrow at noon. Following a conversation, I will lead you to the training center. I will deliver a demonstration that will remain unforgettable, courtesy of a Lockhart. Ivy, come along.”
Selena exited the room, swishing her luscious hair. Prior to her departure, Ivy bowed to Tyrus and hurried after her teacher. They walked, their footsteps echoing until they disappeared. Once they were gone, Fiona faced Tyrus.
“You need more rest, so I'll leave you alone. I'm going to Grant and Reo to distribute their portion of the rewards. Let me give you this before I forget.”
Fiona unstrapped a small pouch from her belt. It jingled as she set it in Tyrus's hands. “Enjoy the 10 sil, Tyrus. It might seem little now, but as we accept harder contracts, the money will skyrocket. Together, we can reach the pinnacle of the Explorer Guild and attain the most coveted rank - adamantine. I’ll make sure of it.”
She left the room with a graceful heel turn and shut the door, leaving behind her prideful claims lingering in the air. With an intense stare, Tyrus opened the pouch by pulling apart the string. Chuckling, he climbed into bed and gazed at the ceiling. “You count this as little? And here I thought it was a lot…”
Left to his thoughts, Tyrus repeatedly threw and caught the pouch of coins while whistling.
Fiona stared at Tyrus curiously. “Something the matter? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
He formed a thin line with his lips while lowering his arms. “You… don’t see them?”
“Them? Oh, you mean your ears? I must say, they're quite lovely.”
“Lovely?” Tyrus repeated just in time for Ivy's entrance. She took a quick glance at his ears and joined Fiona without making any odd faces. The response he received differed from what he had in mind. Where's the name-calling and disgusted looks? Tyrus would get it if they were pretending to not give away their actual thoughts. But when he gazed into her eyes, he saw nothing of the kind. Their shoulders were at ease and their faces were kind as they looked at him.
Maybe not everyone hates Beastfolk hybrids, Tyrus wondered. To prevent disappointment, he had to double-check. “Now you know I’m a Beastfolk, you guys don’t feel disgust or hatred?”
Fiona let out an exasperated snort and crossed her arms. “Why would I have that kind of feeling towards you? Did you do something deserving of such emotions?”
“No, but I thought everyone hated Beastfolk. When I traveled from town to town, I heard some adults speak poorly of them. They were called barbarians and blamed for ravaging the land. I even witnessed hybrids like me being mistreated, which was one of the reasons that led me to live in Valier Forest.”
Her face softened, and she directed her gaze to Selena. The branch leader shrugged and motioned at Tyrus. Fiona turned after nodding. "The Beastfolk aren't hated by everyone. People who lost their friends and families to them are the ones that do. Tensions are rising throughout the land, and it won't be long before things take a drastic turn.”
“The King of Beastfolk has been acting strange as of late,” Selena cut in, brushing aside a lock of hair. “The non-aggression pact signed between Lethos and The Beastfolk Kingdom many years ago appears to be deteriorating. Hostilities are ongoing at the border, and Lethos are mustering more soldiers. As a result of that, I had to ascertain that you were not an assassin sent to infiltrate our kingdom.”
Selena sauntered to the foot of the bed and bent her head suddenly. “I acknowledge your hatred towards me and do not expect your forgiveness, but I wish to express my deepest apologies. In an effort to ease my skepticism, I sent you on a mission that was potentially life-threatening. Although it may not be substantial, I will adhere to Fiona's suggestion and grant you entry into the Explorer Guild with a recommendation. I'll also forge records about your background. I will do my best to get anything else you need if it's possible.”
Her apology caught Tyrus off guard, resulting in his mouth splitting open. Selena was capable of apologizing and showing empathy? The world must be ending. Accepting her apology was harmless, either way. Well, only because he didn’t want to make Fiona sad. She had done a lot for him, and he still had a lot to repay.
“I accept your apology. And thank you for accepting me into the guild despite my age."
Raising her head, she smirked before returning to the doorway. Ivy, who was standing nearby and looking meek, came forward and wiped the corner of her eyes. “Thank you for saving me, Tyrus. You took on a beast that even most solo coppers struggle with! I want you to know that I will forever be grateful for everything you've done for me. If there's anything you need help with, I'll be there for you, just like you've been for me.”
Another wave of tears came, and Ivy took off her spectacles to wipe them away. Once she composed herself, she stepped into a corner. Tyrus didn't know what to say and examined his palm. Previous battle images danced in his thoughts, making him smirk. He could finally savor his success now that he was alive and well.
His heart swelled with pride when he thought of Ivy's words. Taking down a spider beast single-handedly would mean he’s at the level of a copper. Although he almost died due to a lack of mana, it can be prevented in the future. To increase his mana heart, he needed to keep meditating and explore alternative methods.
“I'm sorry to bring you down, but you shouldn't let it get to your head.”
Tyrus lifted his head gradually and stared at the person who spoke their thoughts. He mistook Selena for the one who said it, but it turned out to be Fiona. He gave her a perplexed look as she frowned directly at him.
“It may sound harsh, but you haven't reached that level yet. Luck was the main reason you took down the rock spider.”
He narrowed his eyes and said, “…I don’t see how I got lucky. I defeated it with my own two hands.”
“Rock spiders typically group together with other rock spiders. The defeated creature's solitude indicates recent completion of its egg-laying process. Rock spiders experience a momentary weakening afterward. The rock spider you defeated was alone and weakened. To put it simply, the situation was heavily in your direction. There's no guarantee that such luck will happen again in the future.”
In the wake of Fiona’s candid assessment, the room fell into an uneasy silence. The weight of her words bore down on Tyrus, deflating the pride that had momentarily swelled within him after his victory over the rock spider. He understood that Fiona’s intentions were not malicious; she was genuinely concerned about his safety and well-being.
However, despite her good intentions, the words had struck a chord, stirring a mix of emotions within Tyrus. The notion that his success might have been merely a product of luck and the spider’s weakened state left him feeling vulnerable. He couldn’t help but interpret her words as a suggestion that he still had much to learn and that he might not be as skilled or capable as he had hoped.
It was true, all of it. There was so much he had yet to find out about the world. The world was vast and filled with countless creatures, each with their unique traits and behaviors. The rock spider was just one example of the many mysteries that lay before him.
The realization that he had encountered a weakened and solitary rock spider made him ponder what might have occurred had the circumstances been different. The thought of facing multiple fully powered rock spiders within the confined space of a cave sent a shiver down his spine. Escaping their onslaught of webs and attacks would undoubtedly be a daunting and perilous task.
“Luck or not, he still defeated a beast,” Selena cut in. “Even in a weakened state, coppers should not underestimate a rock spider. One must possess the necessary skills and battle sense to avoid their webs and penetrate their defenses effectively. Tyrus, I believe you have performed satisfactorily with the resources that were available to you, particularly considering your young age.”
The praise from Selena had indeed warmed Tyrus’ heart, and he savored the moment before turning his attention to the food on the table. Despite its lack of exquisite taste, the meal served its purpose in satiating his hunger and restoring some of his energy. He gulped down the bread and cheese, savoring each morsel, even if they were kind of stale. With his stomach satisfied, Tyrus released a contented sigh and rose from his bed.
Tyrus momentarily lost his balance and almost fell over, but he regained his footing and stood. During a stretch break for his sore muscles, he faced the others. “What happens now that I’m able to become a member? I am very new to this type of stuff.”
Selena gestured at Ivy and pointed at the door. Tyrus observed Ivy’s actions curiously as she rushed out of the room and then returned with a clenched fist. When she placed a white crystal shard into his hand, he felt an immediate surge of warmth and power emanating from the object. His eyes widened with surprise, and he looked up at Selena, seeking an explanation.
“Is this mana I’m feeling? Tyrus asked. “It looks and feels like it.”
“What you are looking at is a Mana Core. It’s a crystal of condensed magical energy a beast has accumulated over time. The beast that you killed luckily had one forming in its body. I merely extracted it. As you have been successful in hunting it, it is your prerogative to decide its fate. Upon discovering such an item, individuals typically sell it for financial gain. If you don't want to keep it, you have two choices: consume it to make your mana heart bigger or use it in potions.”
At hearing the benefits, Tyrus had thought he found treasure. The prospect of increasing his mana heart and unlocking greater magical potential was undeniably enticing. With a larger mana heart, he could cast more powerful spells and withstand longer battles. On the flip side, the enticement of gaining money was just as tempting. Money could provide him with the means to acquire better equipment, secure resources for his journey, and fund his duties as a member of the Explorer Guild. It could also offer him a sense of security, knowing he had a financial cushion in case of emergencies. Tyrus knew that money comes and goes. At the tavern, he witnessed Fiona and her friends spending a lot of sil.
“Is it safe for consumption?” Tyrus said, squinting at the shard.
“I sense no impurities, so it is safe,” Selena reassured.
Tyrus's attention was drawn to the shard and the branch leader. With trust in the woman's words, Tyrus ate the crystal by popping it into his mouth. As he was about to swallow the crystal, Fiona intervened and tilted his head downwards. She forcibly opened his mouth and took the wet crystal.
With a stern expression, Fiona scolded him gently, “Tyrus, you can’t just swallow a Mana Core like that! It’s not meant to be ingested directly.”
“Sorry,” Tyrus mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed by his hasty action. “My first thought of consumption was to eat.”
“Placing your hand over the crystal is all it takes to absorb the mana. Picture the crystal's power fusing with yours.”
He nodded at her explanation and did as she instructed. He gripped the item and imagined the mana flowing from the crystal and into his hands. The power immediately obeyed his wishes and slowly transferred into his own body. The pristine light from the Mana Core was losing its luster, and a few moments later, became a dull gray.
Tyrus felt the new mana flowing through his vessels and making its way to his mana heart. At first, he felt a constricting sensation in his chest, a momentary tightness that made him hold his breath. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, and he wondered if something had gone wrong. But as quickly as it came, the feeling subsided, and he exhaled a breath of relief.
He glanced at Selena, who was observing the process with an approving smile. “Well done, Tyrus,” she said. “You’ve successfully integrated the mana from the core. Your mana heart has expanded, which means you can now hold more magical energy. With this newfound capacity, your spells will become more potent, and you’ll be able to perform more complex magic.”
In order to check the results, he got into a meditation pose. Entering the Sorcerer Plane was a quick process for him. The fire element’s lack of progression didn’t surprise him, considering he hadn’t used it in quite some time. However, he made a mental note to practice with it more regularly to keep his skills sharp. There might be a time when he’d need the fire element.
His attention shifted to the lightning element, and he was pleased to sense its increased power. The additional arcs that appeared and flickered indicated that his continuous use of the Dual Shot spell had indeed contributed to its development. Tyrus understood the importance of practice and repetition in honing his magical abilities. The more he used an element or spell, the better his control and mastery over it would become. Before long, he’d be able to figure out how to cast spells without uttering a chant…
When those thoughts drifted away, he let out an exasperated gasp and opened his eyes. “Branch Leader Selena, do you know how to cast certain spells without saying them out loud?”
The tapping of Selena's foot followed a rhythm. “Such simple tasks are easily doable by me. Holding this position is not my right if I, as a branch leader, cannot do such a thing.”
“If it’s not too much to ask, can you give me a demonstration?”
She examined his face with an expression that was impossible to read. “I am able to, I suppose. This is the least I can do to make up for what I did to you. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until tomorrow. Regarding your circumstances, I’m afraid I’ll be busy from here on out. Unless you intend to retract your proposed course of action.”
“No, I would very much like for you to continue,” Tyrus said nonchalantly. “The sooner the better. I want to start earning money as fast as possible.”
The branch leader smiled wryly and turned. “I request your presence at my office tomorrow at noon. Following a conversation, I will lead you to the training center. I will deliver a demonstration that will remain unforgettable, courtesy of a Lockhart. Ivy, come along.”
Selena exited the room, swishing her luscious hair. Prior to her departure, Ivy bowed to Tyrus and hurried after her teacher. They walked, their footsteps echoing until they disappeared. Once they were gone, Fiona faced Tyrus.
“You need more rest, so I'll leave you alone. I'm going to Grant and Reo to distribute their portion of the rewards. Let me give you this before I forget.”
Fiona unstrapped a small pouch from her belt. It jingled as she set it in Tyrus's hands. “Enjoy the 10 sil, Tyrus. It might seem little now, but as we accept harder contracts, the money will skyrocket. Together, we can reach the pinnacle of the Explorer Guild and attain the most coveted rank - adamantine. I’ll make sure of it.”
She left the room with a graceful heel turn and shut the door, leaving behind her prideful claims lingering in the air. With an intense stare, Tyrus opened the pouch by pulling apart the string. Chuckling, he climbed into bed and gazed at the ceiling. “You count this as little? And here I thought it was a lot…”
Left to his thoughts, Tyrus repeatedly threw and caught the pouch of coins while whistling.
