In a ruined home, Tyrus sat on a chair, feeling as stiff as a corpse and screaming internally. He stared at the floor, feeling the adventurers' eyes piercing through his skin. They concluded that taking a break was necessary to regain their strength and energy. More beasts were lurking within the Wasteful Wetlands, making it unwise to return at the moment. Tyrus assumed they were avoiding the possibility of encountering more creatures on the path.
Occupying a creaking chair, Fiona crossed her legs. “I still cannot believe this kid is an Elemental Sorcerer at the age of nine. Although not rare, most children blessed with Sthito awaken to mana at eleven years old!”
“Also, he has told us he’s an orphan,” Reo added. Leaning against a wooden post, he stood in the far room with a nonchalant demeanor. “I don’t know about you guys, but have you heard of an orphan who’s already at the stage where he can cast spells? That would mean he’s developed enough to be a Fledgling Sorcerer.”
Grant, who had been standing at the entrance, added his voice. “Orphan or not, he has shown considerable skill and mettle. Throughout the journey, he has evaded detection, is an Elemental Sorcerer, and has displayed a certain level of proficiency in wielding a dagger. In the presence of danger, he valiantly fought the goblins toe-to-toe rather than succumbing to fear. Additionally, he emanates an aura that suggests he's accustomed to slaying beasts.”
Silence ensued after Grant made his observation. When the volume dropped, Tyrus didn't dare to raise his head. He theatrically counted the dust settled on the mangled planks. Crates and vases were strewn everywhere in the building, which had crumbling stone walls. It was a grim place that matched his situation. He fidgeted with the ring as his lips remained closed.
Fiona's sudden gasp broke the silence in the house. “He’s the one I sensed back in Valier Forest!”
“So you did feel something was amiss,” Reo muttered.
“I’m still getting used to Mana Sense, alright? Cut me some slack. Anyway, I felt a person’s mana only for a split second. When I found nothing, I shrugged it off. It was you, wasn’t it?”
Tyrus slowly nodded. There was another short period of silence before the sound of shuffling broke it. A pair of leather boots entered his view. Fiona was there when he looked up. “If you don’t mind, can you show me your primary element again?”
He regarded her skeptically. What's the reason behind her desire to witness his magic? What was she scheming? Tyus initially considered refusing, as he didn't want to reveal more than necessary, but he changed his mind. Even if she asked nicely, he couldn't refuse. Due to his actions, they found themselves in a dangerous predicament that could have turned fatal in an instant. Tyrus was quick to realize that these three carried a power that might cause him to be seized.
From the snippets of information he garnered when he traveled, villagers would often speak of adventurers–or their official title: explorers. It was a profession that accepted commissions from all over the land. In addition, he learned they receive many job benefits because of the job's hazardous nature. One of the advantages was the ability to connect with those in power, including members of the nobility. Tyrus had no exact understanding of what it meant, but he knew it could be harmful to him.
Without words, Tyrus channeled his mana and materialized his magic. A dance of blue light lit up the already dreary shack. With wonder in her eyes, Fiona gazed at it. “It really is the lightning element! I never thought I’d see such a rare element in these conditions.”
After locking himself mentally, Tyrus finally found the courage to speak. “You said this is lightning? What is that exactly…?”
When he locked eyes with Fiona, he detected glee in those brown eyes of hers. “People consider it to be a more potent element than fire. Actually, I think it’s better to say lightning is a higher version of fire. You probably already know this, having defeated the two-tusked boar and all, but infusing enough mana into the lightning element can scorch your enemies like fire!”
Tyrus’ body went rigid at the mention of a boar. Their sudden mention of the creature implies they stumbled upon it! “H-How do you know I killed the boar?”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh please. It had burn marks on a section of its skin and shallow stab wounds around the neck. You are an Elemental Sorcerer who carries a dagger.”
“…That doesn’t mean it was me. Someone else could be responsible.”
A sigh escaped Fiona's lips as she rested her hand on her hip. “Aren’t you cautious… Look, there’s no need to keep denying it. What’s your problem, anyway? It’s not like we’re going to hurt you or do anything nefarious.”
“You should always be careful of your surroundings,” Tyrus said with a frown. Her words had triggered painful memories that he wished to erase. Although she comes across as brash, Tyrus was still thankful for the information that led to solving another mystery. On two occasions, she called his element lightning. It never occurred to him that he held a power that came from storms. To his knowledge, lightning was white, but the power he wielded was blue. Tyrus doubted her words for a moment, wondering if she was lying to him.
Fiona noticed his facial expressions and sighed again. “I can see you’re having trouble believing me. Frankly, I have no reason to lie. Back to the topic of elements. Lightning is considered a superior form of fire because its spells possess more raw power. Lightning and fire result from the immense heat they create. Sorcerers have concluded that it is one of the rare elements. So basically, your primary element is incredibly powerful!”
Tyrus was completely engrossed, with his jaw almost touching the floor. He made an effort to process each set of information individually before reaching the end. Fiona's use of straightforward language helped Tyrus understand it quickly. When he repeated it slowly in his head, a question had arisen. “You said primary element twice. What do you mean by that?”
Weirdly enough, Fiona smirked at the question. “Man, your knowledge of sorcery is very limited. Well, it can’t be helped. You should be thankful I, Fiona Lockhart, will impart to you my immense wisdom–“
“Fiona…” Grant warned.
“Okay, maybe I got carried away–“
“Not that,” he interrupted. Gathering his weapons, he marched out of the home. “We have guests.”
“What?!”
The three left the house, leaving Tyrus all by himself. He wondered what had gotten their attention and scratched his head. The idea of escaping crossed his mind for a moment. He was treading on thin ice, and it was only a matter of time until they discovered his secret. He heard two different voices inside him, one urging him to leave and the other whispering sweet nothings. The words were mostly about listening to the sorcerer. He was eager to learn more about sorcery and what she meant by primary element. Tyrus had just gotten a taste of casting his very first spell, and he needed another. One sip of water from the barrel wasn't sufficient. He desired to consume it entirely.
With his mind made up, he summoned his dagger and sprinted right outside. Immediately after, he stopped in his tracks and almost dropped his weapon. The explorers were standing near the damaged wagon, facing the front of the gate. Stomping inside the front gates of Salithia was a goblin much bigger than the rest. It had the same external features but was a head taller than Grant's already tall build. Their body was lean and muscular rather than skinny. A sword that no ordinary man could lift was carried by them, with a loincloth strapped to their hips. Its piercing yellow eyes were filled with rage as it scanned the bloodied field. Soon, it released a guttural roar that had Tyrus’ ears throbbing.
“These monsters had a hobgoblin leading them?” Reo said.
After regaining his composure, Tyrus saw the trio were ready to fight. The hobgoblin snarled as it took a menacing step toward them. When Grant and Reo were about to initiate an attack, Fiona stopped them. She then whispered into their ears, and both men nodded along as they kept his eyes on the approaching creature. When Fiona finished, Grant and Reo separated and charged at opposite ends of the hobgoblin, catching its attention. Tyrus watched the attackers battle against the hobgoblin in amazement.
Each time the hobgoblin swung their greatsword down at Grant, he would meet it head-on and force them back. Reo, with his swift agility and nimble footwork, evaded the hobgoblin’s onslaught with ease. He moved in and out of its range, delivering precise strikes that landed with deadly accuracy. When he retreated, the wounds on the hobgoblin had healed incredibly quickly. It growled as it swung at Reo, who dodged gracefully.
The confrontation had Tyrus so absorbed that he only now sensed a rush of mana. He whipped his head to see Fiona in deep concentration. A swirling vortex of orange flames formed around the tip of her staff, growing brighter and larger with each surge. Tyrus felt drawn towards the astonishing raw power emanating from her. Time seemed to stand still as the buildup of mana reached its peak, and Fiona’s focused expression gradually softened. She opened her eyes, revealing a determined glint within them.
“Move it!”
Grant deflected another slash from the hobgoblin and ran in the other direction. Reo stepped back and nodded in Fiona’s direction. As soon as the coast was clear, she released the magic that brimming with energy.
“Flame Breath!”
Astonishing in its power and ferocity, a pillar of flames erupted from Fiona’s staff, hurtling toward the unsuspecting hobgoblin. The searing heat and blazing intensity of the spell swallowed the lifeless bodies of the fallen goblins, reducing them to ash in an instant. The puddles of muck that had tainted the ground hissed and evaporated, transforming into tendrils of steam that mingled with the already dense fog.
The hobgoblin, caught off guard and unable to escape the inferno, was engulfed entirely by Fiona’s spell. A gut-wrenching wail pierced the air, a desperate cry of pain and anguish as the creature flailed its arms in a futile attempt to extinguish the consuming flames. With each passing moment, its cries grew weaker, and its strength faltered. The hobgoblin sank to one knee, its body wracked with the torment of the scorching fire.
As the flames licked at its flesh, the hobgoblin relinquished its grip on the greatsword it had wielded; the weapon clattered to the ground. Weakened and overwhelmed, it ultimately succumbed to the relentless blaze, tumbling onto the dirt with a final, feeble gasp. The fire continued to burn, consuming everything in its path until nothing remained.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of burned meat and charred debris, assaulting Tyrus’ senses as he watched the scene unfold. Fiona's spell unleashed such sheer power that his eyes widened with a mix of awe and admiration. In just one spell, she had left an indelible impression on both him and the surroundings. As Fiona wiped the sweat from her brow, she turned toward Tyrus and, with a playful wink, waved.
“Pretty cool, right?”
Tyrus, in his shock, once again felt grateful for witnessing such spells. Even with its dangerous potential, fire magic had an enchanting attraction, seizing the focus of all who saw its fiery performance. The magic performed by Fiona was as beautiful as the ice shower.
To create a reenactment or mimic the spells, Tyrus would need to learn the incantations to summon their power. He couldn't accomplish much by himself. To truly learn about his element and its capabilities, he must search for sources that are linked to it. Fiona gave the impression of being knowledgeable on the matter during her lecture. Since she seemed like a powerful and educated Elemental Sorcerer, maybe she could help him with his troubles.
As he approached Fiona, Tyrus clung to his cap. He knew he was walking on a rope over a cliff. He had no choice but to push his luck, or he'd have regrets forever. Tyrus had resolved himself to learn as much as he could so that he could rise from the bottom. With a sorcerer in front of him, he planned to use her as a stepping stone to success. Tyrus believed he could do it as long as he concealed his true identity. Fiona had expressed interest in his abilities, so he decided to test the waters and see if he could push it even further.
What’s the worst that could happen?
In a ruined home, Tyrus sat on a chair, feeling as stiff as a corpse and screaming internally. He stared at the floor, feeling the adventurers' eyes piercing through his skin. They concluded that taking a break was necessary to regain their strength and energy. More beasts were lurking within the Wasteful Wetlands, making it unwise to return at the moment. Tyrus assumed they were avoiding the possibility of encountering more creatures on the path.
Occupying a creaking chair, Fiona crossed her legs. “I still cannot believe this kid is an Elemental Sorcerer at the age of nine. Although not rare, most children blessed with Sthito awaken to mana at eleven years old!”
“Also, he has told us he’s an orphan,” Reo added. Leaning against a wooden post, he stood in the far room with a nonchalant demeanor. “I don’t know about you guys, but have you heard of an orphan who’s already at the stage where he can cast spells? That would mean he’s developed enough to be a Fledgling Sorcerer.”
Grant, who had been standing at the entrance, added his voice. “Orphan or not, he has shown considerable skill and mettle. Throughout the journey, he has evaded detection, is an Elemental Sorcerer, and has displayed a certain level of proficiency in wielding a dagger. In the presence of danger, he valiantly fought the goblins toe-to-toe rather than succumbing to fear. Additionally, he emanates an aura that suggests he's accustomed to slaying beasts.”
Silence ensued after Grant made his observation. When the volume dropped, Tyrus didn't dare to raise his head. He theatrically counted the dust settled on the mangled planks. Crates and vases were strewn everywhere in the building, which had crumbling stone walls. It was a grim place that matched his situation. He fidgeted with the ring as his lips remained closed.
Fiona's sudden gasp broke the silence in the house. “He’s the one I sensed back in Valier Forest!”
“So you did feel something was amiss,” Reo muttered.
“I’m still getting used to Mana Sense, alright? Cut me some slack. Anyway, I felt a person’s mana only for a split second. When I found nothing, I shrugged it off. It was you, wasn’t it?”
Tyrus slowly nodded. There was another short period of silence before the sound of shuffling broke it. A pair of leather boots entered his view. Fiona was there when he looked up. “If you don’t mind, can you show me your primary element again?”
He regarded her skeptically. What's the reason behind her desire to witness his magic? What was she scheming? Tyus initially considered refusing, as he didn't want to reveal more than necessary, but he changed his mind. Even if she asked nicely, he couldn't refuse. Due to his actions, they found themselves in a dangerous predicament that could have turned fatal in an instant. Tyrus was quick to realize that these three carried a power that might cause him to be seized.
From the snippets of information he garnered when he traveled, villagers would often speak of adventurers–or their official title: explorers. It was a profession that accepted commissions from all over the land. In addition, he learned they receive many job benefits because of the job's hazardous nature. One of the advantages was the ability to connect with those in power, including members of the nobility. Tyrus had no exact understanding of what it meant, but he knew it could be harmful to him.
Without words, Tyrus channeled his mana and materialized his magic. A dance of blue light lit up the already dreary shack. With wonder in her eyes, Fiona gazed at it. “It really is the lightning element! I never thought I’d see such a rare element in these conditions.”
After locking himself mentally, Tyrus finally found the courage to speak. “You said this is lightning? What is that exactly…?”
When he locked eyes with Fiona, he detected glee in those brown eyes of hers. “People consider it to be a more potent element than fire. Actually, I think it’s better to say lightning is a higher version of fire. You probably already know this, having defeated the two-tusked boar and all, but infusing enough mana into the lightning element can scorch your enemies like fire!”
Tyrus’ body went rigid at the mention of a boar. Their sudden mention of the creature implies they stumbled upon it! “H-How do you know I killed the boar?”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh please. It had burn marks on a section of its skin and shallow stab wounds around the neck. You are an Elemental Sorcerer who carries a dagger.”
“…That doesn’t mean it was me. Someone else could be responsible.”
A sigh escaped Fiona's lips as she rested her hand on her hip. “Aren’t you cautious… Look, there’s no need to keep denying it. What’s your problem, anyway? It’s not like we’re going to hurt you or do anything nefarious.”
“You should always be careful of your surroundings,” Tyrus said with a frown. Her words had triggered painful memories that he wished to erase. Although she comes across as brash, Tyrus was still thankful for the information that led to solving another mystery. On two occasions, she called his element lightning. It never occurred to him that he held a power that came from storms. To his knowledge, lightning was white, but the power he wielded was blue. Tyrus doubted her words for a moment, wondering if she was lying to him.
Fiona noticed his facial expressions and sighed again. “I can see you’re having trouble believing me. Frankly, I have no reason to lie. Back to the topic of elements. Lightning is considered a superior form of fire because its spells possess more raw power. Lightning and fire result from the immense heat they create. Sorcerers have concluded that it is one of the rare elements. So basically, your primary element is incredibly powerful!”
Tyrus was completely engrossed, with his jaw almost touching the floor. He made an effort to process each set of information individually before reaching the end. Fiona's use of straightforward language helped Tyrus understand it quickly. When he repeated it slowly in his head, a question had arisen. “You said primary element twice. What do you mean by that?”
Weirdly enough, Fiona smirked at the question. “Man, your knowledge of sorcery is very limited. Well, it can’t be helped. You should be thankful I, Fiona Lockhart, will impart to you my immense wisdom–“
“Fiona…” Grant warned.
“Okay, maybe I got carried away–“
“Not that,” he interrupted. Gathering his weapons, he marched out of the home. “We have guests.”
“What?!”
The three left the house, leaving Tyrus all by himself. He wondered what had gotten their attention and scratched his head. The idea of escaping crossed his mind for a moment. He was treading on thin ice, and it was only a matter of time until they discovered his secret. He heard two different voices inside him, one urging him to leave and the other whispering sweet nothings. The words were mostly about listening to the sorcerer. He was eager to learn more about sorcery and what she meant by primary element. Tyrus had just gotten a taste of casting his very first spell, and he needed another. One sip of water from the barrel wasn't sufficient. He desired to consume it entirely.
With his mind made up, he summoned his dagger and sprinted right outside. Immediately after, he stopped in his tracks and almost dropped his weapon. The explorers were standing near the damaged wagon, facing the front of the gate. Stomping inside the front gates of Salithia was a goblin much bigger than the rest. It had the same external features but was a head taller than Grant's already tall build. Their body was lean and muscular rather than skinny. A sword that no ordinary man could lift was carried by them, with a loincloth strapped to their hips. Its piercing yellow eyes were filled with rage as it scanned the bloodied field. Soon, it released a guttural roar that had Tyrus’ ears throbbing.
“These monsters had a hobgoblin leading them?” Reo said.
After regaining his composure, Tyrus saw the trio were ready to fight. The hobgoblin snarled as it took a menacing step toward them. When Grant and Reo were about to initiate an attack, Fiona stopped them. She then whispered into their ears, and both men nodded along as they kept his eyes on the approaching creature. When Fiona finished, Grant and Reo separated and charged at opposite ends of the hobgoblin, catching its attention. Tyrus watched the attackers battle against the hobgoblin in amazement.
Each time the hobgoblin swung their greatsword down at Grant, he would meet it head-on and force them back. Reo, with his swift agility and nimble footwork, evaded the hobgoblin’s onslaught with ease. He moved in and out of its range, delivering precise strikes that landed with deadly accuracy. When he retreated, the wounds on the hobgoblin had healed incredibly quickly. It growled as it swung at Reo, who dodged gracefully.
The confrontation had Tyrus so absorbed that he only now sensed a rush of mana. He whipped his head to see Fiona in deep concentration. A swirling vortex of orange flames formed around the tip of her staff, growing brighter and larger with each surge. Tyrus felt drawn towards the astonishing raw power emanating from her. Time seemed to stand still as the buildup of mana reached its peak, and Fiona’s focused expression gradually softened. She opened her eyes, revealing a determined glint within them.
“Move it!”
Grant deflected another slash from the hobgoblin and ran in the other direction. Reo stepped back and nodded in Fiona’s direction. As soon as the coast was clear, she released the magic that brimming with energy.
“Flame Breath!”
Astonishing in its power and ferocity, a pillar of flames erupted from Fiona’s staff, hurtling toward the unsuspecting hobgoblin. The searing heat and blazing intensity of the spell swallowed the lifeless bodies of the fallen goblins, reducing them to ash in an instant. The puddles of muck that had tainted the ground hissed and evaporated, transforming into tendrils of steam that mingled with the already dense fog.
The hobgoblin, caught off guard and unable to escape the inferno, was engulfed entirely by Fiona’s spell. A gut-wrenching wail pierced the air, a desperate cry of pain and anguish as the creature flailed its arms in a futile attempt to extinguish the consuming flames. With each passing moment, its cries grew weaker, and its strength faltered. The hobgoblin sank to one knee, its body wracked with the torment of the scorching fire.
As the flames licked at its flesh, the hobgoblin relinquished its grip on the greatsword it had wielded; the weapon clattered to the ground. Weakened and overwhelmed, it ultimately succumbed to the relentless blaze, tumbling onto the dirt with a final, feeble gasp. The fire continued to burn, consuming everything in its path until nothing remained.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of burned meat and charred debris, assaulting Tyrus’ senses as he watched the scene unfold. Fiona's spell unleashed such sheer power that his eyes widened with a mix of awe and admiration. In just one spell, she had left an indelible impression on both him and the surroundings. As Fiona wiped the sweat from her brow, she turned toward Tyrus and, with a playful wink, waved.
“Pretty cool, right?”
Tyrus, in his shock, once again felt grateful for witnessing such spells. Even with its dangerous potential, fire magic had an enchanting attraction, seizing the focus of all who saw its fiery performance. The magic performed by Fiona was as beautiful as the ice shower.
To create a reenactment or mimic the spells, Tyrus would need to learn the incantations to summon their power. He couldn't accomplish much by himself. To truly learn about his element and its capabilities, he must search for sources that are linked to it. Fiona gave the impression of being knowledgeable on the matter during her lecture. Since she seemed like a powerful and educated Elemental Sorcerer, maybe she could help him with his troubles.
As he approached Fiona, Tyrus clung to his cap. He knew he was walking on a rope over a cliff. He had no choice but to push his luck, or he'd have regrets forever. Tyrus had resolved himself to learn as much as he could so that he could rise from the bottom. With a sorcerer in front of him, he planned to use her as a stepping stone to success. Tyrus believed he could do it as long as he concealed his true identity. Fiona had expressed interest in his abilities, so he decided to test the waters and see if he could push it even further.
What’s the worst that could happen?
