A silence as cold as death enveloped the practice grounds, with Tyrus standing over Igneal. The sudden change from loud cheers and howls to a sound as soft as a mouse’s scamper was unsettling. Tyrus felt the weight of twelve sets of eyes locked onto him, as a sensation similar to an army of ants traversing his body overwhelmed him. He brushed it off as best as he could and refocused on Igneal.
Just as Tyrus was about to execute the finishing blow with yet another Thunder Stun, a shiver traveled down his spine. He felt a menacing weight press onto his shoulders, and soon after, a gust of wind swept over his skin. When he regained awareness and tried to turn, he experienced the sensation of something cold and solid pressing on his neck.
“If you have any sense, you’ll lower that rotten hand.”
Sir Wayne stood next to Tyrus, his blade poised a mere finger’s length away, glaring at him intensely. Beads of sweat trickled down Tyrus’s cheek as he cautiously distanced himself from Igneal. By waving his hand, he ended the spells.
Sir Wayne sheathed his sword in a slow manner. “As Young Master Igneal can no longer duel, Tyrus is declared the winner.”
Right after that, he hurried to the fallen Lockhart. After listening to the verdict, Tyrus donned the enchanted cloak and snorted at the rising Igneal. The soothing garment effortlessly embraced him, and the magical essence within appeared to appease his raging heart. Before long, Tyrus was breathing steadily. His breathing must’ve been harsh during the fight.
Not much time passed before Tyrus heard swift, but soft footsteps coming from his right. At the perfect moment, he turned and witnessed Fiona practically skipping to him, followed by Reo and Grant approaching him casually. Once close, she brought him into a bear hug, beaming with joy.
“I knew Tyrus was going to win! And you guys didn’t believe in him!”
Reo reacted with an eye roll. “We made it clear that we had faith in him, repeatedly. Grant and I didn’t wanna bet ‘cause we thought that guy might cheat. Surprisingly, it didn’t happen.”
“Yeah, yeah, keep coming up with excuses. Thanks to my smarts and Tyrus’ skills, we made four times our money! Grant, show him the pouches.”
Grant obliged and pulled out a few bags brimming with sil. “Despite my dislike for gambling, I’ll overlook it this time. It’s better to avoid getting used to such activities. Like an alcoholic drinking a barrel of wine, Fiona’s gambling could exhaust the rest of our funds.”
“That idiot would be the most likely to be an unhealthy gambler,” Reo added.
Before releasing her hug, Fiona gave them a death stare. "I have more restraint than you sad bunch. Am I right, Tyrus?”
He gave her no answer. In fact, his attention was elsewhere; once he was freed, he was already jogging toward Igneal. In one glance, Tyrus could see that his ‘calm demeanor’ had shattered. His eyes had hardened, and his hands were balled into fists. If he didn’t know better, it looked as if he was on the verge of strangling anyone that came near him–Sir Wayne or not. Tyrus, however, couldn’t care less about the clear hostility and faced Igneal.
“I really liked our fight,” Tyrus admitted. “If we stuck to swords, I definitely would’ve lost.”
“Don’t patronize me,” Igneal snapped. “Your victory was merely a result of catching me off guard. Had we had a rematch, I would have learned not to take it easy on you and completely defeat you.”
“…Okay, but I still won. That counts for something, right?”
“Please, I practically let you win. I accept defeat, but realistically, you could never overcome me in a real fight. A commoner with little to no skills would never surpass someone of my status, let alone catch up.”
Tyrus sighed. “Still speaking like that even after a loss… I’m trying to say thank you for the fight. I learned a lot in this duel because of–“
“It’s Branch Leader Selena!” a spectator shouted. Heads turned as the branch leader emerged from the building, bringing Celeste along. With a playful smile, she began clapping slowly as she approached the two boys. Tyrus couldn’t suppress a groan as the woman came closer. Even her nonchalant smile continued to unsettle him, a feeling that would never fade.
“Celeste, could you be so kind as to round up our delightful spectators and lead them inside?”
“As you wish, Branch Leader Selena,” the receptionist said with a bow. After Celeste rushed on over to the explorers and began asking them to leave the practice field, Selena winked at Tyrus. A shiver ran down his spine as he took a step back.
“I’d like to extend a personal thank you to you boys for bringing entertainment to this place. Sthito knows that this place can occasionally be a bit dull. You’ve shown great skill in this friendly duel, especially considering you’re Fledging Sorcerers.”
Igneal clicked his tongue. “Whatever. I went easy on him to avoid injuring him for the monthly exam. He ought to express gratitude for my courtesy.”
Selena arched an eyebrow. “How nice of you, nephew. Was the moment of your shocked expression and magical display also a lenient action towards him? In my view, it seemed like you were really regretting the fight.”
“Your eyesight is getting worse, Aunt Selena. I wasn’t even breaking a sweat.”
“Aren’t you just full of excuses,” she murmured. Behind Igneal, Sir Wayne stood tall, drawing her lingering gaze. “I hope you weren’t too burdened by watching over this duel. Had I known, I would’ve brought someone else instead.”
He shook his head. “There is no cause for concern, Branch Leader Selena. I will fulfill any request related to Young Master Igneal. I was merely carrying out my responsibilities as his servant.”
“That is delightful to hear. I trust that you will unwaveringly safeguard Igneal with your life. Since neither I nor many others can be constantly by his side, it is only natural for you to assume responsibility now that he is distant from Lockhart territory. Who knows when an assassin may suddenly emerge and endanger his life?”
In a fleeting moment, Tyrus noticed the disdainful gaze that Sir Wayne directed towards him. He gestured back at him with the same look but stuck out his tongue to one-up him. It seemed to work as Sir Wayne looked elsewhere. Regarding the members of Blue Dawn, they had been nearby, listening to the conversation.
Fiona approached her aunt with Grant and Reo by her side. “I thought you would be in your office until it was time to accept exam applicants. If you’re present, does that mean it’s time to sign up?”
“Precisely, Fiona. However, before my entrance, I need to have a confidential chat with the boys. I am sorry to say that you and your friends must withdraw from our presence for the time being. Sir Wayne, this also applies to you, too.”
Fiona sulked. “Fine… I’ll leave you three alone if it’s that important. Just make it quick, alright? Tyrus shouldn’t be kept from applying.”
“Rest assured, it will be brief. Now, move along, or else you’ll be the reason he misses it.”
Fiona didn’t need to be told twice; she shuffled away, sparing Tyrus a single glance before she entered the building. Before following her, Grant rested a hand on Tyrus's shoulder.
“It is heartening to see you back in excellent health, Tyrus. Should you require any assistance with the sword, do not hesitate to ask for help. I will be more than happy to engage in a sparring session with you.”
Tyrus nodded his head slowly. “Really? I’ll take you up on that offer.”
Grant gave him a curt smile and brushed past him. As Tyrus watched him leave, Reo came up to him. “Welcome back, just like Grant said. Swords aren’t really my thing, but I’m decent with the dagger. Not sure if you’re gonna switch to a sword, but if you need help with the dagger, don’t be a stranger.”
Before Tyrus could answer, Reo was already jogging toward Grant. Shortly after, they disappeared quickly, leaving him with the remaining three. Well, he thought he was with three people, but he hadn’t noticed that Sir Wayne had already left, so it was just him, Selena, and Igneal. How did he leave so swiftly without making a sound?
Selena cleared her throat, grabbing their attention. “Finally, a break from the noise and commotion. Tyrus, I want to let you know that I have successfully accomplished the required tasks to confirm your identity. You are now a full-fledged citizen of Lethos, no longer a ghost. I had to leverage some connections, but it was minor. Just be aware that most of your time was spent in Stonepath Orphanage, a location near Valier Forest and Valiedge. In the case of someone asking about the director, the name is Greyson.”
Initially, Tyrus was oblivious to her topic until she broached the subject of identity. He lacked a true comprehension of the process and its significance, yet he expressed gratitude. Selena made an extra effort to aid a young boy with a minor problem that seemed inconsequential to her. She had the power to ignore him, despite Fiona’s kind gesture.
“Gaining an identity entails that if someone were to delve into your being, only your false origins would be shown. If they investigated further for Sthito knows what, they’d be out of luck. Additionally, possessing an identity will grant you access to institutions such as the Explorer Guild, various academies, and potentially hidden organizations.”
She said that last part with a wink, yet received no reaction from Igneal. In contrast, Tyrus was vigorously nodding his head. If he desired, he could join an academy similar to Fiona and her friends. He was curious about what it was like inside a school.
The way they talked about Valis Academy of Sorcery suggested they had broad resources to learn about the world. Such a life was something Tyrus would give almost anything to have. What kind of things would they teach him? Moreover, just what kind of sorcerers were lingering in the academy? There were so many things hidden from him that he wanted to rush things and experience them all at once.
Alas, he was just a year under the age requirement to join such a thing. He would turn ten in the upcoming winter, so it was only a matter of time until he was eligible. Until then, he would have to be patient and focus on other things. Maybe along the way, he could figure out if it was possible to join the academy a year earlier. The prospect of grasping extensive knowledge was just as sweet as nepora.
“...If that’s what you want, then you’ll need to be cautious now that you’ll be alone for the first time ever,” Selena finished.
Tyrus snapped out of his daydream with a flinch. Glancing around, it seemed as if Selena had just finished her conversation with Igneal. His face had somewhat softened from his previous scowl. What’s even weirder was that instead of looking at her, he was eyeing Tyrus with his lips formed into a tight line.
Contrary to his face, his eyes exhibited an uncommon expression, one that bordered on determination and his usual cockiness. A suspicion linked to him slowly emerged, but he was unsure about asking.
“I think that’s enough conversation for the day,” Selena announced. “The time to receive applicants is approaching, and I’ll have to be there to conduct a sort of speech. You two should best get going now.”
Paying no attention to a reply, she swiftly grasped the shoulders of both boys and directed them back into the building. For someone who was supposed to be an Elemental Sorcerer, she was quite strong! While her hands looked as delicate as a flower and her body didn’t seem all that muscular, her grip was the opposite. The formal attire she usually wore must be hiding a muscled body.
During the walk, Igneal kept sneaking glances at Tyrus. There was no doubt that he was hiding something. Tyrus would prefer the eerie silence to continue, given that he didn’t want to hear another word from Igneal, but he was at his wit’s end in guessing what it could be. He was either plotting his revenge or was hesitant to ask him something.
Selena opened the doors, unveiling a long line stretching from the receptionist’s desk to spilling out of the building’s entrance doors. “Oh my! This is a record number of applicants for the Valis branch. I wonder why so many people are itching to become explorers this time around?”
“Money and prestige,” Igneal grumbled. “They desire to change their sad and impoverished lives into something more captivating and meaningful. Rising through the ranks in the Explorer Guild won’t be as easy as these people think. Those at the bottom of the ladder are there for a reason; their goals are just mere dreams and will continue to be just that.”
Tyrus rolled his eyes. “So, all I have to do is join the long line? Is there a limit to the number of applicants that can be accepted?”
A dangerous glint flashed across Selena’s eyes. “You don’t have to worry about that; remember our little agreement a while ago? About how I will recommend you to the guild?”
“Yes, I remember. What does a recommendation mean, anyway? I didn’t really ask for the specifics.”
The grip she had on him tightened. Selena's lips curled into a sinister smile as she shoved not only Tyrus but Igneal as well to the front of the desk. A wave of confusion washed over Tyrus's face as Selena faced the crowd.
“Attention aspiring explorers! I’m sure you know of me already, but I’ll introduce myself. I am Selena, a branch leader who oversees the operations of the Explorer Guild in Valis. I would like to express gratitude to every applicant for selecting this branch as their starting point in their journey.”
A chorus of claps reverberated across the guild, each one sending a sharp vibration across his bones. A hard lump formed in his throat, making it extremely difficult to breathe or even speak. If he had known that Selena was going to outright place him in the spotlight like that, he would’ve known to prepare himself mentally!
Also, why was Igneal brought along to the front too? Tyrus figured he would watch from the sidelines, waiting for Selena to finish her business in the guild. There was something off about the situation, but he couldn’t place his finger on it.
“In this guild, our pursuits extend beyond mere treasure or glory. We yearn for the mysterious, the uncharted, and the untamed. We explore territories that intimidate others, confronting peril with bravery and unraveling enigmas with grit and intelligence.”
“Valor, sacrifice, and victories are woven into the guild’s rich history. We pay tribute to our predecessors and approach the future with hope. Today, you begin a journey that will challenge you, shape who you are, and ultimately determine your future. For those who pass the exam, expect an abundance of adventures and a range of challenges!”
Another surge of applause resonated from the newcomers. Smiling faces and joyful shouts filled the room, creating an atmosphere buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The smell of metal and sweat hung in the air, giving the surroundings an adventurous yet unnerving feeling. A certain fire had been lit in the eyes of the joyous folks; however, that fire died down somewhat by Selena’s barrage of information.
“Regarding the exam, I’m certain you anticipated something straightforward like hunting lesser hounds, a precise count of goblins, or even obtaining a roster of items from the wilderness! Today, that will not be the case; the contents of this special monthly exam will be survival!”
Some expressions turned gloomy upon hearing the unexpected news. Selena flawlessly maintained her momentum and carried on with her speech.
“Come now, why the sullen faces? You haven’t even listened to the rest of my words. In particular, the applicants will need to survive in the Wasteful Wetlands for no more than three hours. I’m certain you know the location and the types of creatures there, so I won’t go into specifics.”
“Given the presence of beasts in the exam, we have implemented safety protocols to protect you. I, together with a select group of renowned sorcerers, will supervise the examination. We will ensure that the applicants do not fall victim to mortality or sustain severe harm.”
“Naturally, should you remain doubtful about this month’s exam, you have the option to depart and attempt the next one. But know this–those who succeed in this special exam will receive benefits that perfectly correlate with the difficulty. If that still fails to tempt you, the door is right there. Being an explorer is a challenging profession, and this exam will function as a reality check for those harboring impractical aspirations.”
The room had fallen into an oppressive silence as the words lingered in the air. As the seconds slowly elapsed, Tyrus studied several individuals departing from the line and promptly making their way out the door. In the beginning, it was a small amount, but it rapidly increased to double digits. A few grumbles and curses rang out from the retreating individuals, yet none had spoken up about the sudden change. Even more left the line, yet occupied the corners of the room, as if waiting to hear more.
Even in the face of appalling news, Tyrus kept his silence. As for Igneal, he watched the sullen folks with a smile on his face. Ultimately, the line had been reduced by more than half. The queue, once extending outside, was now indoors. Tyrus took a quick head count and ended up with sixteen people remaining. There were still a lot of people in the building, yet they watched from afar.
After a second survey of the area, he had just become conscious of Blue Dawn and a small group of other explorers observing from the second floor. Fiona noticed him staring and gave him a little wave, which he accepted with a nod. Tyrus then shifted his attention back to the front.
Selena gave a nod of recognition to the remaining people. “It’s a pity they lacked the courage to confront this new experience. An explorer should not avoid challenges but embrace them in order to gain knowledge and develop. If you lack self-awareness of your limitations and flaws, how else would you prevail over them? Recognizing your own limitations and faults is the initial stage of personal growth.”
That is true, Tyrus acknowledged. In his short journey in Wildwood, he had come face to face with many of his limitations and flaws. But, in due time, he learned and devised new ways of overcoming them. His fight with the drake and his talk with Elder Treant was extremely helpful on his path as a sorcerer.
“I have one more announcement to share. Through the power granted to branch leaders, we have the power to suggest individuals who possess the capability to greatly contribute to the Explorer Guild. You see these two boys by my side? I hereby put forth Tyrus and Igneal Lockhart’s names for consideration by the Explorer Guild! They too will participate in this monthly exam.”
Tyrus jerked his head to the side. “You’re joining the exam? But why? You don’t need the money or prestige.”
Igneal folded his arms and scoffed. “It’s none of your business. All you need to know is I will show no mercy to those who stand in my way of winning.”
“As if I’d let you,” Tyrus mumbled, setting his eyes on the stairs.
Selena gave them both a friendly pat on the shoulder and smiled. “Do I detect a hint of a rivalry between you two? I do hope you will push each other’s limits in a healthy manner. Can’t have you crippled or tossed in a ditch. The possibility of my recommendations failing is embarrassing to think about.”
When none of them replied to her words, she shrugged and faced the others. “As there are no grievances voiced regarding the issue, I will presume you are content with it. Now that we've addressed that, it's time to conclude and begin the registration process. It’s time for you all to meet the other overseers of the exam.”
In perfect synchrony, the weighty pounding noise penetrated the premises. Following soon after was a quiet, yet smothering pressure that had every hair on Tyrus’ body standing. He instinctively hovered a hand over his ring, ready to pull out a weapon at a moment’s notice.
Where did this dense mana come from? I felt nothing like this when I walked in…
The source of the powerful pressure was coming from the second floor. All eyes were affixed to a shadow drawing near the hallway. With every stomp that shook the floorboards themselves came another rhythmic click.
After an agonizing amount of time had passed, the figure turned the corner. What appeared first was a white sleeve, and finally a face. A tall and burly man with a beard as thick as a bush came strolling in, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him.
He wore white military attire that looked to be on the verge of bursting apart; hanging around the neck was a dangling ornament blue in color. On a small part of his chest was the emblem of dual swords, and strapped to his hip was a scabbard with a blue hilt poking out.
“There are a lot fewer applicants than I imagined,” he said in a husky voice. “The people of Lethos have gone soft over the years if they’re deterred by that playground of a swamp!”
The man stopped after he looked across from the second floor. His line of sight was directly focused on Grant, who had already begun moving forward. In no time at all, the two men clasped hands together.
“Son! I didn’t expect to see ya again so soon! Are ya perhaps about to accept another contract?”
Grant shook his head. “Not this time, father. I am here to support my friend before their exam.”
“Hoh? And who would that be?”
Grant tilted his head toward the alert Tyrus. When his father glanced at him, his eyes widened for a moment. Unexpectedly, a hearty laugh erupted, as loud as a hound's howl.
“How amusing! If Selena is allowing you to participate, then there must be a good reason! You really are full of surprises, aren’t ya?” He released another roar of laughter as he steadily climbed down the stairs. The man wiped away a tear as he stood in front of the slack-jawed audience.
“One of the supervisors will be the reputable Royal Knight Geroth, a member of His Majesty’s Imperial Court,” Selena said. “He kindly accepted my offer to supervise the next batch. Rest assured he will give his best effort. Isn’t that right, Sir Geroth?”
“I pledge to put in 200% effort to keep ya folks safe.”
Selena nodded. “Thank you for the assurance, Sir Geroth. Now, will the final supervisor hiding in the corner show themselves? We need to get this over with quickly and send them off.”
The branch leader motioned over to a corner near the entrance. In the beginning, it was an empty space with cobwebs and dust, but immediately the air shimmered; a tornado-like swirl of potent mana scattered in opposite directions. The once desolate corner now held a person. A few gasps from the sidelines rang out.
“Who is that?” one of them mumbled.
“I don’t recognize them at all. Is that person well known at all?”
Tyrus squinted at the newcomer. He didn’t know who was well known or not in Lethos, so he was mostly playing by ear. Compared to Sir Geroth, the person didn’t look all that intimidating. All they had on was a loose, sand-colored robe that completely hid their physique. A shawl draped over their face, revealing only their brown eyes, tanned skin, and nose.
The mysterious figure gracefully moved towards Selena by gliding and simply nodded. Tyrus was in disbelief until he realized their feet were hovering above the ground. They seemed to be floating as if by magic.
“Unlike Sir Geroth, this supervisor sees no justification for revealing themselves. If you lack knowledge of his identity, then that is your concern, not his. In any case, he will fulfill his responsibilities. You may address him as Zephyr. Are there any lingering questions or preparations before we proceed?”
Selena gave the room one last look over before clasping her hands together. “Great! All seems to be well. Keep in mind, the exam will be held in the Wasteful Wetlands and you must endure for three hours. If you choose to leave or give up, we'll find out when you use this tool. Zephyr, if you will.”
Under her orders, Zephyr waved his hand across the air. Many objects from where the overseers came from went flying like swift arrows. Gradually, the objects descended upon each person in line, including Tyrus and Igneal. When Tyrus took a more in-depth look at the object, he discovered it to be a silver ring. Like his enchanted coat, this one pulsed with mana as well, although severely weaker.
“For those new, that right there is a magical tool called Tracer. As implied by its name, it functions as a surveillance tool with constant monitoring. Tracer periodically emits mana signals that are discernible only by us.”
“Not only does it possess a tracking feature, but uttering the word 'Yield' will render you ineligible, preventing you from proceeding with the examination. Oh, and finally, your health vitals are continuously sent to us! Don't concern yourself with the mechanics, simply understand that safety is of utmost importance to us.”
Tyrus had to cover his mouth to suppress a chuckle. Despite her emphasis on safety, Tyrus completely remembered the rock spider incident. He found it a little funny that the Selena back then and the Selena now sounded entirely different.
“Selena, don’t ya think it’s about time for the transport? I have a schedule to maintain, and I’m already pushing it by doing you a favor.”
“Yes, I suppose it is time for the exam to begin. I've expressed all the pertinent information and there are no queries regarding the exam. Without any more delay, we will now commence the monthly exam, as we don't want to remain here all day. Zephyr, if you would kindly start.”
Silently, Zephyr drifted forward. Beginning with Tyrus and Igneal, he extended his arm to rest a slender hand on their shoulders. A pinch of mana emanated from his palm, and it quickly disappeared. Once he was finished with them, he proceeded and did the same thing with everyone in possession of the magical tool. Afterward, he went back to his original position and took out a white crystal from his clothes.
In a voice as steady as the rustling wind, he said, "Transport those chosen through the veils of time and space to my envisioned destination."
Out of nowhere, Tyrus felt nauseous and his head started swimming. His vision turned blurry, and the corners of his eyesight blackened. Unable to contain himself, he dropped to one knee, his sight fading to darkness. But just as quickly as the nauseous feeling came, it vanished. Slowly, he opened his eyes and rose.
The stench of rotten eggs baked in the sun for hours assailed his nostrils. Right away, he held his nose and observed the daunting setting around him. Naked trees with thin, lifeless branches covered the area, while a multitude of boulders and rocks took over the scenery. Of course, a thick fog made it almost impossible to see over the horizon, but Tyrus caught wind of muddy trails and discarded refuse.
“This is definitely the Wasteful Wetlands,” Tyrus mumbled. “It’s kind of hard to believe that magic could be this amazing. What should’ve been a few days to travel to the Wasteful Wetlands was cut to a few seconds! I have got to figure out how to do that later. Pretty sure he said something about marking in his incantation and used a crystal…”
Tyrus glanced at the magical tool nestled right on top of the storage ring. “If they can track where I am, then I shouldn’t have to worry about getting lost. Surviving in the Wasteful Wetlands should be easy, right? I’ve fought rock spiders, a drake, and a few goblins before. I’m also quite used to living out in the wild, so this shouldn’t be any different.”
Surviving for three hours in the Wasteful Wetlands sounded like a workable feat to Tyrus, so long as he was careful and watched his step. Even though he didn't know the place well, the beasts couldn't be that strong. Furthermore, he had become much stronger and had gained new weapons. He was well protected, with a bunch of supervisors keeping a close watch on him. By this point, he was an explorer.
“Yet, what is the reason behind this uncomfortable feeling? It’s faint, but I feel corrupted mana deep inside the swamp. It wasn’t there before when I followed Blue Dawn.” Tyrus stared off into the distance briefly before shaking his head. “No, everything will be okay. I’ll just ignore it and focus on completing the exam. It’s none of my business.”
He delved into his storage ring and extracted his newly acquired sword. He clenched the grip made of leather and glanced about. The sun had already reached its highest point and was gradually veering in a different direction. If Tyrus had to make an educated guess, it was already past noon.
“Okay, let’s get this thing over with. First priority is shelter, and I've got the perfect location in mind.”
Armed with a well-devised plan, Tyrus began his course to Salithia's general location. Ignoring the squishing beneath his feet, he remained focused on his objective.
No obstacle would stand in his way of acing the exam. If he had to fight a few beasts, then so be it; If someone like Igneal were to stand in his way, then he wouldn’t hesitate in crossing blades. Only by reaching the next stage would he achieve his goals.
One step at a time.
A silence as cold as death enveloped the practice grounds, with Tyrus standing over Igneal. The sudden change from loud cheers and howls to a sound as soft as a mouse’s scamper was unsettling. Tyrus felt the weight of twelve sets of eyes locked onto him, as a sensation similar to an army of ants traversing his body overwhelmed him. He brushed it off as best as he could and refocused on Igneal.
Just as Tyrus was about to execute the finishing blow with yet another Thunder Stun, a shiver traveled down his spine. He felt a menacing weight press onto his shoulders, and soon after, a gust of wind swept over his skin. When he regained awareness and tried to turn, he experienced the sensation of something cold and solid pressing on his neck.
“If you have any sense, you’ll lower that rotten hand.”
Sir Wayne stood next to Tyrus, his blade poised a mere finger’s length away, glaring at him intensely. Beads of sweat trickled down Tyrus’s cheek as he cautiously distanced himself from Igneal. By waving his hand, he ended the spells.
Sir Wayne sheathed his sword in a slow manner. “As Young Master Igneal can no longer duel, Tyrus is declared the winner.”
Right after that, he hurried to the fallen Lockhart. After listening to the verdict, Tyrus donned the enchanted cloak and snorted at the rising Igneal. The soothing garment effortlessly embraced him, and the magical essence within appeared to appease his raging heart. Before long, Tyrus was breathing steadily. His breathing must’ve been harsh during the fight.
Not much time passed before Tyrus heard swift, but soft footsteps coming from his right. At the perfect moment, he turned and witnessed Fiona practically skipping to him, followed by Reo and Grant approaching him casually. Once close, she brought him into a bear hug, beaming with joy.
“I knew Tyrus was going to win! And you guys didn’t believe in him!”
Reo reacted with an eye roll. “We made it clear that we had faith in him, repeatedly. Grant and I didn’t wanna bet ‘cause we thought that guy might cheat. Surprisingly, it didn’t happen.”
“Yeah, yeah, keep coming up with excuses. Thanks to my smarts and Tyrus’ skills, we made four times our money! Grant, show him the pouches.”
Grant obliged and pulled out a few bags brimming with sil. “Despite my dislike for gambling, I’ll overlook it this time. It’s better to avoid getting used to such activities. Like an alcoholic drinking a barrel of wine, Fiona’s gambling could exhaust the rest of our funds.”
“That idiot would be the most likely to be an unhealthy gambler,” Reo added.
Before releasing her hug, Fiona gave them a death stare. "I have more restraint than you sad bunch. Am I right, Tyrus?”
He gave her no answer. In fact, his attention was elsewhere; once he was freed, he was already jogging toward Igneal. In one glance, Tyrus could see that his ‘calm demeanor’ had shattered. His eyes had hardened, and his hands were balled into fists. If he didn’t know better, it looked as if he was on the verge of strangling anyone that came near him–Sir Wayne or not. Tyrus, however, couldn’t care less about the clear hostility and faced Igneal.
“I really liked our fight,” Tyrus admitted. “If we stuck to swords, I definitely would’ve lost.”
“Don’t patronize me,” Igneal snapped. “Your victory was merely a result of catching me off guard. Had we had a rematch, I would have learned not to take it easy on you and completely defeat you.”
“…Okay, but I still won. That counts for something, right?”
“Please, I practically let you win. I accept defeat, but realistically, you could never overcome me in a real fight. A commoner with little to no skills would never surpass someone of my status, let alone catch up.”
Tyrus sighed. “Still speaking like that even after a loss… I’m trying to say thank you for the fight. I learned a lot in this duel because of–“
“It’s Branch Leader Selena!” a spectator shouted. Heads turned as the branch leader emerged from the building, bringing Celeste along. With a playful smile, she began clapping slowly as she approached the two boys. Tyrus couldn’t suppress a groan as the woman came closer. Even her nonchalant smile continued to unsettle him, a feeling that would never fade.
“Celeste, could you be so kind as to round up our delightful spectators and lead them inside?”
“As you wish, Branch Leader Selena,” the receptionist said with a bow. After Celeste rushed on over to the explorers and began asking them to leave the practice field, Selena winked at Tyrus. A shiver ran down his spine as he took a step back.
“I’d like to extend a personal thank you to you boys for bringing entertainment to this place. Sthito knows that this place can occasionally be a bit dull. You’ve shown great skill in this friendly duel, especially considering you’re Fledging Sorcerers.”
Igneal clicked his tongue. “Whatever. I went easy on him to avoid injuring him for the monthly exam. He ought to express gratitude for my courtesy.”
Selena arched an eyebrow. “How nice of you, nephew. Was the moment of your shocked expression and magical display also a lenient action towards him? In my view, it seemed like you were really regretting the fight.”
“Your eyesight is getting worse, Aunt Selena. I wasn’t even breaking a sweat.”
“Aren’t you just full of excuses,” she murmured. Behind Igneal, Sir Wayne stood tall, drawing her lingering gaze. “I hope you weren’t too burdened by watching over this duel. Had I known, I would’ve brought someone else instead.”
He shook his head. “There is no cause for concern, Branch Leader Selena. I will fulfill any request related to Young Master Igneal. I was merely carrying out my responsibilities as his servant.”
“That is delightful to hear. I trust that you will unwaveringly safeguard Igneal with your life. Since neither I nor many others can be constantly by his side, it is only natural for you to assume responsibility now that he is distant from Lockhart territory. Who knows when an assassin may suddenly emerge and endanger his life?”
In a fleeting moment, Tyrus noticed the disdainful gaze that Sir Wayne directed towards him. He gestured back at him with the same look but stuck out his tongue to one-up him. It seemed to work as Sir Wayne looked elsewhere. Regarding the members of Blue Dawn, they had been nearby, listening to the conversation.
Fiona approached her aunt with Grant and Reo by her side. “I thought you would be in your office until it was time to accept exam applicants. If you’re present, does that mean it’s time to sign up?”
“Precisely, Fiona. However, before my entrance, I need to have a confidential chat with the boys. I am sorry to say that you and your friends must withdraw from our presence for the time being. Sir Wayne, this also applies to you, too.”
Fiona sulked. “Fine… I’ll leave you three alone if it’s that important. Just make it quick, alright? Tyrus shouldn’t be kept from applying.”
“Rest assured, it will be brief. Now, move along, or else you’ll be the reason he misses it.”
Fiona didn’t need to be told twice; she shuffled away, sparing Tyrus a single glance before she entered the building. Before following her, Grant rested a hand on Tyrus's shoulder.
“It is heartening to see you back in excellent health, Tyrus. Should you require any assistance with the sword, do not hesitate to ask for help. I will be more than happy to engage in a sparring session with you.”
Tyrus nodded his head slowly. “Really? I’ll take you up on that offer.”
Grant gave him a curt smile and brushed past him. As Tyrus watched him leave, Reo came up to him. “Welcome back, just like Grant said. Swords aren’t really my thing, but I’m decent with the dagger. Not sure if you’re gonna switch to a sword, but if you need help with the dagger, don’t be a stranger.”
Before Tyrus could answer, Reo was already jogging toward Grant. Shortly after, they disappeared quickly, leaving him with the remaining three. Well, he thought he was with three people, but he hadn’t noticed that Sir Wayne had already left, so it was just him, Selena, and Igneal. How did he leave so swiftly without making a sound?
Selena cleared her throat, grabbing their attention. “Finally, a break from the noise and commotion. Tyrus, I want to let you know that I have successfully accomplished the required tasks to confirm your identity. You are now a full-fledged citizen of Lethos, no longer a ghost. I had to leverage some connections, but it was minor. Just be aware that most of your time was spent in Stonepath Orphanage, a location near Valier Forest and Valiedge. In the case of someone asking about the director, the name is Greyson.”
Initially, Tyrus was oblivious to her topic until she broached the subject of identity. He lacked a true comprehension of the process and its significance, yet he expressed gratitude. Selena made an extra effort to aid a young boy with a minor problem that seemed inconsequential to her. She had the power to ignore him, despite Fiona’s kind gesture.
“Gaining an identity entails that if someone were to delve into your being, only your false origins would be shown. If they investigated further for Sthito knows what, they’d be out of luck. Additionally, possessing an identity will grant you access to institutions such as the Explorer Guild, various academies, and potentially hidden organizations.”
She said that last part with a wink, yet received no reaction from Igneal. In contrast, Tyrus was vigorously nodding his head. If he desired, he could join an academy similar to Fiona and her friends. He was curious about what it was like inside a school.
The way they talked about Valis Academy of Sorcery suggested they had broad resources to learn about the world. Such a life was something Tyrus would give almost anything to have. What kind of things would they teach him? Moreover, just what kind of sorcerers were lingering in the academy? There were so many things hidden from him that he wanted to rush things and experience them all at once.
Alas, he was just a year under the age requirement to join such a thing. He would turn ten in the upcoming winter, so it was only a matter of time until he was eligible. Until then, he would have to be patient and focus on other things. Maybe along the way, he could figure out if it was possible to join the academy a year earlier. The prospect of grasping extensive knowledge was just as sweet as nepora.
“...If that’s what you want, then you’ll need to be cautious now that you’ll be alone for the first time ever,” Selena finished.
Tyrus snapped out of his daydream with a flinch. Glancing around, it seemed as if Selena had just finished her conversation with Igneal. His face had somewhat softened from his previous scowl. What’s even weirder was that instead of looking at her, he was eyeing Tyrus with his lips formed into a tight line.
Contrary to his face, his eyes exhibited an uncommon expression, one that bordered on determination and his usual cockiness. A suspicion linked to him slowly emerged, but he was unsure about asking.
“I think that’s enough conversation for the day,” Selena announced. “The time to receive applicants is approaching, and I’ll have to be there to conduct a sort of speech. You two should best get going now.”
Paying no attention to a reply, she swiftly grasped the shoulders of both boys and directed them back into the building. For someone who was supposed to be an Elemental Sorcerer, she was quite strong! While her hands looked as delicate as a flower and her body didn’t seem all that muscular, her grip was the opposite. The formal attire she usually wore must be hiding a muscled body.
During the walk, Igneal kept sneaking glances at Tyrus. There was no doubt that he was hiding something. Tyrus would prefer the eerie silence to continue, given that he didn’t want to hear another word from Igneal, but he was at his wit’s end in guessing what it could be. He was either plotting his revenge or was hesitant to ask him something.
Selena opened the doors, unveiling a long line stretching from the receptionist’s desk to spilling out of the building’s entrance doors. “Oh my! This is a record number of applicants for the Valis branch. I wonder why so many people are itching to become explorers this time around?”
“Money and prestige,” Igneal grumbled. “They desire to change their sad and impoverished lives into something more captivating and meaningful. Rising through the ranks in the Explorer Guild won’t be as easy as these people think. Those at the bottom of the ladder are there for a reason; their goals are just mere dreams and will continue to be just that.”
Tyrus rolled his eyes. “So, all I have to do is join the long line? Is there a limit to the number of applicants that can be accepted?”
A dangerous glint flashed across Selena’s eyes. “You don’t have to worry about that; remember our little agreement a while ago? About how I will recommend you to the guild?”
“Yes, I remember. What does a recommendation mean, anyway? I didn’t really ask for the specifics.”
The grip she had on him tightened. Selena's lips curled into a sinister smile as she shoved not only Tyrus but Igneal as well to the front of the desk. A wave of confusion washed over Tyrus's face as Selena faced the crowd.
“Attention aspiring explorers! I’m sure you know of me already, but I’ll introduce myself. I am Selena, a branch leader who oversees the operations of the Explorer Guild in Valis. I would like to express gratitude to every applicant for selecting this branch as their starting point in their journey.”
A chorus of claps reverberated across the guild, each one sending a sharp vibration across his bones. A hard lump formed in his throat, making it extremely difficult to breathe or even speak. If he had known that Selena was going to outright place him in the spotlight like that, he would’ve known to prepare himself mentally!
Also, why was Igneal brought along to the front too? Tyrus figured he would watch from the sidelines, waiting for Selena to finish her business in the guild. There was something off about the situation, but he couldn’t place his finger on it.
“In this guild, our pursuits extend beyond mere treasure or glory. We yearn for the mysterious, the uncharted, and the untamed. We explore territories that intimidate others, confronting peril with bravery and unraveling enigmas with grit and intelligence.”
“Valor, sacrifice, and victories are woven into the guild’s rich history. We pay tribute to our predecessors and approach the future with hope. Today, you begin a journey that will challenge you, shape who you are, and ultimately determine your future. For those who pass the exam, expect an abundance of adventures and a range of challenges!”
Another surge of applause resonated from the newcomers. Smiling faces and joyful shouts filled the room, creating an atmosphere buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The smell of metal and sweat hung in the air, giving the surroundings an adventurous yet unnerving feeling. A certain fire had been lit in the eyes of the joyous folks; however, that fire died down somewhat by Selena’s barrage of information.
“Regarding the exam, I’m certain you anticipated something straightforward like hunting lesser hounds, a precise count of goblins, or even obtaining a roster of items from the wilderness! Today, that will not be the case; the contents of this special monthly exam will be survival!”
Some expressions turned gloomy upon hearing the unexpected news. Selena flawlessly maintained her momentum and carried on with her speech.
“Come now, why the sullen faces? You haven’t even listened to the rest of my words. In particular, the applicants will need to survive in the Wasteful Wetlands for no more than three hours. I’m certain you know the location and the types of creatures there, so I won’t go into specifics.”
“Given the presence of beasts in the exam, we have implemented safety protocols to protect you. I, together with a select group of renowned sorcerers, will supervise the examination. We will ensure that the applicants do not fall victim to mortality or sustain severe harm.”
“Naturally, should you remain doubtful about this month’s exam, you have the option to depart and attempt the next one. But know this–those who succeed in this special exam will receive benefits that perfectly correlate with the difficulty. If that still fails to tempt you, the door is right there. Being an explorer is a challenging profession, and this exam will function as a reality check for those harboring impractical aspirations.”
The room had fallen into an oppressive silence as the words lingered in the air. As the seconds slowly elapsed, Tyrus studied several individuals departing from the line and promptly making their way out the door. In the beginning, it was a small amount, but it rapidly increased to double digits. A few grumbles and curses rang out from the retreating individuals, yet none had spoken up about the sudden change. Even more left the line, yet occupied the corners of the room, as if waiting to hear more.
Even in the face of appalling news, Tyrus kept his silence. As for Igneal, he watched the sullen folks with a smile on his face. Ultimately, the line had been reduced by more than half. The queue, once extending outside, was now indoors. Tyrus took a quick head count and ended up with sixteen people remaining. There were still a lot of people in the building, yet they watched from afar.
After a second survey of the area, he had just become conscious of Blue Dawn and a small group of other explorers observing from the second floor. Fiona noticed him staring and gave him a little wave, which he accepted with a nod. Tyrus then shifted his attention back to the front.
Selena gave a nod of recognition to the remaining people. “It’s a pity they lacked the courage to confront this new experience. An explorer should not avoid challenges but embrace them in order to gain knowledge and develop. If you lack self-awareness of your limitations and flaws, how else would you prevail over them? Recognizing your own limitations and faults is the initial stage of personal growth.”
That is true, Tyrus acknowledged. In his short journey in Wildwood, he had come face to face with many of his limitations and flaws. But, in due time, he learned and devised new ways of overcoming them. His fight with the drake and his talk with Elder Treant was extremely helpful on his path as a sorcerer.
“I have one more announcement to share. Through the power granted to branch leaders, we have the power to suggest individuals who possess the capability to greatly contribute to the Explorer Guild. You see these two boys by my side? I hereby put forth Tyrus and Igneal Lockhart’s names for consideration by the Explorer Guild! They too will participate in this monthly exam.”
Tyrus jerked his head to the side. “You’re joining the exam? But why? You don’t need the money or prestige.”
Igneal folded his arms and scoffed. “It’s none of your business. All you need to know is I will show no mercy to those who stand in my way of winning.”
“As if I’d let you,” Tyrus mumbled, setting his eyes on the stairs.
Selena gave them both a friendly pat on the shoulder and smiled. “Do I detect a hint of a rivalry between you two? I do hope you will push each other’s limits in a healthy manner. Can’t have you crippled or tossed in a ditch. The possibility of my recommendations failing is embarrassing to think about.”
When none of them replied to her words, she shrugged and faced the others. “As there are no grievances voiced regarding the issue, I will presume you are content with it. Now that we've addressed that, it's time to conclude and begin the registration process. It’s time for you all to meet the other overseers of the exam.”
In perfect synchrony, the weighty pounding noise penetrated the premises. Following soon after was a quiet, yet smothering pressure that had every hair on Tyrus’ body standing. He instinctively hovered a hand over his ring, ready to pull out a weapon at a moment’s notice.
Where did this dense mana come from? I felt nothing like this when I walked in…
The source of the powerful pressure was coming from the second floor. All eyes were affixed to a shadow drawing near the hallway. With every stomp that shook the floorboards themselves came another rhythmic click.
After an agonizing amount of time had passed, the figure turned the corner. What appeared first was a white sleeve, and finally a face. A tall and burly man with a beard as thick as a bush came strolling in, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him.
He wore white military attire that looked to be on the verge of bursting apart; hanging around the neck was a dangling ornament blue in color. On a small part of his chest was the emblem of dual swords, and strapped to his hip was a scabbard with a blue hilt poking out.
“There are a lot fewer applicants than I imagined,” he said in a husky voice. “The people of Lethos have gone soft over the years if they’re deterred by that playground of a swamp!”
The man stopped after he looked across from the second floor. His line of sight was directly focused on Grant, who had already begun moving forward. In no time at all, the two men clasped hands together.
“Son! I didn’t expect to see ya again so soon! Are ya perhaps about to accept another contract?”
Grant shook his head. “Not this time, father. I am here to support my friend before their exam.”
“Hoh? And who would that be?”
Grant tilted his head toward the alert Tyrus. When his father glanced at him, his eyes widened for a moment. Unexpectedly, a hearty laugh erupted, as loud as a hound's howl.
“How amusing! If Selena is allowing you to participate, then there must be a good reason! You really are full of surprises, aren’t ya?” He released another roar of laughter as he steadily climbed down the stairs. The man wiped away a tear as he stood in front of the slack-jawed audience.
“One of the supervisors will be the reputable Royal Knight Geroth, a member of His Majesty’s Imperial Court,” Selena said. “He kindly accepted my offer to supervise the next batch. Rest assured he will give his best effort. Isn’t that right, Sir Geroth?”
“I pledge to put in 200% effort to keep ya folks safe.”
Selena nodded. “Thank you for the assurance, Sir Geroth. Now, will the final supervisor hiding in the corner show themselves? We need to get this over with quickly and send them off.”
The branch leader motioned over to a corner near the entrance. In the beginning, it was an empty space with cobwebs and dust, but immediately the air shimmered; a tornado-like swirl of potent mana scattered in opposite directions. The once desolate corner now held a person. A few gasps from the sidelines rang out.
“Who is that?” one of them mumbled.
“I don’t recognize them at all. Is that person well known at all?”
Tyrus squinted at the newcomer. He didn’t know who was well known or not in Lethos, so he was mostly playing by ear. Compared to Sir Geroth, the person didn’t look all that intimidating. All they had on was a loose, sand-colored robe that completely hid their physique. A shawl draped over their face, revealing only their brown eyes, tanned skin, and nose.
The mysterious figure gracefully moved towards Selena by gliding and simply nodded. Tyrus was in disbelief until he realized their feet were hovering above the ground. They seemed to be floating as if by magic.
“Unlike Sir Geroth, this supervisor sees no justification for revealing themselves. If you lack knowledge of his identity, then that is your concern, not his. In any case, he will fulfill his responsibilities. You may address him as Zephyr. Are there any lingering questions or preparations before we proceed?”
Selena gave the room one last look over before clasping her hands together. “Great! All seems to be well. Keep in mind, the exam will be held in the Wasteful Wetlands and you must endure for three hours. If you choose to leave or give up, we'll find out when you use this tool. Zephyr, if you will.”
Under her orders, Zephyr waved his hand across the air. Many objects from where the overseers came from went flying like swift arrows. Gradually, the objects descended upon each person in line, including Tyrus and Igneal. When Tyrus took a more in-depth look at the object, he discovered it to be a silver ring. Like his enchanted coat, this one pulsed with mana as well, although severely weaker.
“For those new, that right there is a magical tool called Tracer. As implied by its name, it functions as a surveillance tool with constant monitoring. Tracer periodically emits mana signals that are discernible only by us.”
“Not only does it possess a tracking feature, but uttering the word 'Yield' will render you ineligible, preventing you from proceeding with the examination. Oh, and finally, your health vitals are continuously sent to us! Don't concern yourself with the mechanics, simply understand that safety is of utmost importance to us.”
Tyrus had to cover his mouth to suppress a chuckle. Despite her emphasis on safety, Tyrus completely remembered the rock spider incident. He found it a little funny that the Selena back then and the Selena now sounded entirely different.
“Selena, don’t ya think it’s about time for the transport? I have a schedule to maintain, and I’m already pushing it by doing you a favor.”
“Yes, I suppose it is time for the exam to begin. I've expressed all the pertinent information and there are no queries regarding the exam. Without any more delay, we will now commence the monthly exam, as we don't want to remain here all day. Zephyr, if you would kindly start.”
Silently, Zephyr drifted forward. Beginning with Tyrus and Igneal, he extended his arm to rest a slender hand on their shoulders. A pinch of mana emanated from his palm, and it quickly disappeared. Once he was finished with them, he proceeded and did the same thing with everyone in possession of the magical tool. Afterward, he went back to his original position and took out a white crystal from his clothes.
In a voice as steady as the rustling wind, he said, "Transport those chosen through the veils of time and space to my envisioned destination."
Out of nowhere, Tyrus felt nauseous and his head started swimming. His vision turned blurry, and the corners of his eyesight blackened. Unable to contain himself, he dropped to one knee, his sight fading to darkness. But just as quickly as the nauseous feeling came, it vanished. Slowly, he opened his eyes and rose.
The stench of rotten eggs baked in the sun for hours assailed his nostrils. Right away, he held his nose and observed the daunting setting around him. Naked trees with thin, lifeless branches covered the area, while a multitude of boulders and rocks took over the scenery. Of course, a thick fog made it almost impossible to see over the horizon, but Tyrus caught wind of muddy trails and discarded refuse.
“This is definitely the Wasteful Wetlands,” Tyrus mumbled. “It’s kind of hard to believe that magic could be this amazing. What should’ve been a few days to travel to the Wasteful Wetlands was cut to a few seconds! I have got to figure out how to do that later. Pretty sure he said something about marking in his incantation and used a crystal…”
Tyrus glanced at the magical tool nestled right on top of the storage ring. “If they can track where I am, then I shouldn’t have to worry about getting lost. Surviving in the Wasteful Wetlands should be easy, right? I’ve fought rock spiders, a drake, and a few goblins before. I’m also quite used to living out in the wild, so this shouldn’t be any different.”
Surviving for three hours in the Wasteful Wetlands sounded like a workable feat to Tyrus, so long as he was careful and watched his step. Even though he didn't know the place well, the beasts couldn't be that strong. Furthermore, he had become much stronger and had gained new weapons. He was well protected, with a bunch of supervisors keeping a close watch on him. By this point, he was an explorer.
“Yet, what is the reason behind this uncomfortable feeling? It’s faint, but I feel corrupted mana deep inside the swamp. It wasn’t there before when I followed Blue Dawn.” Tyrus stared off into the distance briefly before shaking his head. “No, everything will be okay. I’ll just ignore it and focus on completing the exam. It’s none of my business.”
He delved into his storage ring and extracted his newly acquired sword. He clenched the grip made of leather and glanced about. The sun had already reached its highest point and was gradually veering in a different direction. If Tyrus had to make an educated guess, it was already past noon.
“Okay, let’s get this thing over with. First priority is shelter, and I've got the perfect location in mind.”
Armed with a well-devised plan, Tyrus began his course to Salithia's general location. Ignoring the squishing beneath his feet, he remained focused on his objective.
No obstacle would stand in his way of acing the exam. If he had to fight a few beasts, then so be it; If someone like Igneal were to stand in his way, then he wouldn’t hesitate in crossing blades. Only by reaching the next stage would he achieve his goals.
One step at a time.
