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Chapter 13: The Masterpiece

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On top a white tower, violent wind was howling.

The tower was high up in the sky, with tranquil clouds passing through below and above it. The structure was glittering blue-white, with walls made up with blue-white marbles. On its top, was an empty space with only an obelisk; carved with ancient signs and symbols. Six doorless openings were on the top of the tower, giving free passage for the wind to trespass without restraint.

His blue robe fluttering, an old man was sitting outside one of the door. His face full of wrinkles, yet his blue eyes vibrant, gazing on the earth below. It was as if he was overlooking the whole earth under his seat. A little to his right was the morning sun, shining its glory onto his being.

His white hair fluttered as the wind rushed in. The obelisk behind him shined with blue light. A figure started to emerge.

“Ah, I see. Keep me updated.”

“What did you see, old man?”

A sturdy man in dark green robe appeared behind him. Under his robe, armors were evident, while a silvery sword was by his side. Middle-aged, he had the image of a veteran commander, eyes sharp.

The old man smiled, yet did not even turn back.

“You’ve come.”

“…I was just about to depart, so don’t waste my time. What did you see?”

“…Not me, Sirius… Little Ist sensed something…”

“That little bitch? What did she say?”

His eyes rolled, seemingly not caring.

“A mana fluctuation, East from her position. Quite near, but coordinate, not quite clear.”

“So? Just send someone then, what’s the fuss?”

“No, she went there already. Found nothing. Most likely, already escape, but I’ve told her to keep searching.”

“She must be tardy. So incompetent, hmph... Wait, what kind of mana fluctuation we’re talking about? How strong?”

“Just a weak mana fluctuation, not even twenty Korr… Nineteen, she said.”

“Not even twenty Korr? You’re fucking kidding me. Do you even need to waste my time? That’s why I’ve told the council they’re just shit so fucking wasteful of resource—”

“Weak, but similar, to three years ago.”

The old man interrupted. Sirius had his eyes wide open. Veins bulged on his forehead, his eyes knitted. He looked as if he was about to explode.

“…When did this happen?”

His voice deeper, finally taking this seriously.

“…Two days ago.”

“And you only tell me now?”

“I’ve told the Council. They told me to just let Ist deal with it, and don’t bother you.”

“Don’t bother me? That’s good! Those old farts are so considerate, once in a hundred years! What did they expect a mere little girl do?!”

“The area…It’s within her jurisdiction.”

“That’s why, I’ve told you old bags not to let such an area monitored by a greenhorn.”

“I agree Sirius, she’s a bit, hm, screw loose. But you can’t deny her ability. Besides, the council made the call—”

“—The Queen. The Queen made the call.”

They both went silent. It was quite a sensitive subject, but the man Sirius had just mocked the Queen. Seemingly, he did not care.

“Regardless, we cannot go against the council.”

“Aren’t you part of it, Seymond? You’re speaking as if—”

“I’m still just one, Sirius. Can’t go against the will of others.”

“Fine. So, you’re letting little Ist handle whatever the heaven they sent over there. Not even twenty Korr, yeah. Low, weak, pathetic. So pathetic that little bitch can crush it with just her pinkie. But letting her search? Did any of you old jellies even think it might escape, later become a threat?”

“…Actually, we just did. As ridiculous as that sound, hmph. That’s why I call you here.”

“Oh? So when she failed to find it, you get me to cover for her? It’s okay, I absolutely understand.”

“The search still ongoing Sirius. But in case she fails to find the target, have your Cantus keep a lookout. Whatever they send over, it’s likely human. They always assign human to deal with human matter.”

“…That’s the Law. Fine, I’ll tell them to keep their eyes peeled, even when they’re so busy already…”

“If they find it, they must not take action themselves; have human deal with it.”

“I know, I know… No direct involvement… Shh— What else? You wouldn’t call me here just to say this?”

“Yes, I need to give this to you, directly.”

He turned around, taking his hand out of his robe. He handed him something. Sirius took a serious look on what he handed him; a sharp seed-like crystal, fitting his fist.

“Going senile? You gave me one three days ago.”

“Ha, would be great if I can. Too much to think, really. We decide to speed things up.”

“You mean, another work? Coordinate?”

“Yes, work. No need. It’s north your mission area, two hundred kilometres. You should be able to notice the suitable site when you get there.”

“North, two hundred kilometres? That’s a fucking frozen sea, old man!”

“I know. That’s why we send you over.”

“As tough as this body is, the cold still sting. Half a night, not enough.”

Seymond smiled, laughing a little.

“That’s why we agreed to give you the whole night.”

“…The whole night? Fuck it. You’re not talking about the throne? You’re speaking about some prostitutes, right? I’ll be damned if I’m trolled by you old snakes again.”

“Absolutely, it’s the throne, for the whole night. Don’t think so poorly of us. We valued your work, after all…”

Sirius looked at him, noting his seriousness. He beamed, seemingly satisfied. He put the seed into his spatial ring.

“Consider it done. Keep it clean and warm for me.”

“We await your good work…”

The old man nodded. Sirius turned, left hand touched the obelisk. Shining blue light came, engulfing him.

He disappeared along with the light.

Silence ensued. The old man Seymond turned and walked pass the opening. Stopping, he remained still, only his robe kept being fluttered by the wind. His clear blue eyes gazed below; towards the wide green earth.

“Twenty, not even twenty Korr. Not a threat at all. What were they planning? They never twist the Law, doesn’t make sense…”

The old man shook his head, assuring himself he was simply thinking too much.

============

Antolich Naval Base.

A part of the base, which was quite noisy a while ago, turned into complete eerie silence.

“Ahh…”

Sir Medron sighed out loud.

The sound took the other judges back to reality.

“This…”

To his right, Sir Kent was baffled. To his left, Natalia slapped her cheek with her hands, gaining her composure. The other knights also began to calm down, restarting their mind.

To all of them, it was as if they were dreaming.

The candidates and the audience were still under the spell, but some of the sharper ones managed to return to reality. They shook their family and friends off the daze.

Julia shook her head, her hand on her eyes.

Ryan and Ron, among the candidates, held their head, tapping it a bit.

The twins still had their mouth open, snapping back to reality as a fly landed on Thiana’s lip. Chaotically waving it away, her action broke the spell on those around her, Liliana included. Letting go of Krone’s spear, Thiana caught it back into her hands before it fell.

Big boy Doran, his mind unaccustomed with logic anyway, recovered faster than others. He was excited for his new brother.

The red girl, Athea, had her hair blown by the wind, prompting the one next to her to sneeze. That brought her mind back online.

'When did I walk all over here?'

She was captivated by Krone's performance before, walking nearer right beside the crowd.

At the finishing line, Krone raised his eyebrows.

‘What happened…? Did someone cast wide-area hypnosis or something? Wait, don’t tell me—’

He was surprised; he turned to look up around in the air. If that thing was around, he had to take action, fast.

“Weird? Big Eye’s not here…”

He searched the air, several times yet failed to notice any.

“Eh, still nothing? Oh yeah, no rift opens yet.”

He seriously thought the mass trance was the work of one of High-level Beast, the one-eyed floating beast. It was an eye as large as an elephant, with large veins moving outside like octopus. Due to the eye having power, they simply called it Big Eye.

It was not an offensive type beast, but its presence was terrible. It was enough to merit as first priority target should it appear in any battlefield. Its ability to put soldiers under spell had done terrible damage during its early emergence into the war. Fortunately, knights and mage in general could resist its ability to a significant extent.

“A little early, but let’s stop for a tea break.”

He heard the deep, old voice coming from behind him. It was Sir Medron, leading the other judges off their seat. They walked right towards him, with the old knight turning to the time keeper.

The time keeper, noticing this, snapped back to reality. He looked at his time watch. Eyes wide, his finger tapped its top button.

“Err… Apologies Sir! I forgot to turn it off back then…”

“…Understandable. What’s the time there?”

“Two minutes, nineteen seconds…”

“…You’re in a daze for around thirty five second, I believe. Have that recorded.”

“Sir, yes Sir!”

The other knights, hearing this, had a headache…

“Under two minutes…”

“…Possible?”

“Makes no sense…”

“Uhh…”

“Let’s not think too much now…”

They murmured among themselves, but stopped as Sir Medron raised his open hand to the side. Approaching Krone, he stopped in front of him. Hearing the time, Krone finally got a clue as to who the culprit behind the mass stupor was.

“What’s your name, boy?”

“…Krone, Krone Kozak, Sir.”

“Krone Kozak… Worthy Brave Man… A good name. Who taught you martial art?”

“My Master, Sir… An old knight. About my name, he said its more to The Top among Relentless Warrior. I like the definition better.”

‘Well, I love the meaning Top Badass the most, but I can’t say that…’

Medron blinked, but soon laughed. The boy’s confidence was beyond his age, but relating it to his performance just now; it was nothing.

“Master’s a fellow knight, I see… We have a few things to ask you. Appreciate it if you’ll join us for some tea.”

“Sure, I love tea… But no sugar. That stuff kills.”

“Hah… Perfect. It’s tea prepared for old-timers like me anyway.”

It was an invitation for a morning tea, but he knew it would be an actual questioning session. Sir Medron was just being polite. Within the old man, he was actually burning with curiosity, yet he suppressed it well. He told the staff member to let the four still frozen on the course to redo it after the break.

‘This old man, that calmness fits his role.’

Krone took back his white tunic from a staff member. With a wet cloth, a staff member helped him cleaned up and put his tunic back.

He then walked with the old Knight Commander to the building Julia entered before. The four knights followed suit.

Soon, the caterers entered, providing ready tea with apples and bread for everyone.

====

“I believe it’s private enough now… Would you tell me your master’s name?”

In a similar room as Julia before, they were sitting in a round table with some breads and fruits – not too luxurious, but enough. His four knights sat around him, while he was invited to sit opposite of them. Medron knew Krone was reluctant to say his master’s name, since he was being vague before. After letting him sip the tea and had a bite, he asked.

Krone however, shook his head in regret.

“…Apologies, Sir. I should not. I promised my master.”

In a way, Krone was not lying. He indeed should not tell, at the same time he never specified what promise. Hearing this, the old knight frowned. His knights seemed a little upset, but they kept their mouth shut.

“…For what reason, may I ask?”

“I need to protect his identity, and mine too. Should the Union of Lords knew, I would be targeted for assassination.”

Again, he was not lying. He kept things as vague as possible, but good enough for the knights to consider. Being a knight, he vowed against lying. Thus, keeping things vague was his choice as a compromise.

Well, sometimes he did lie; A white lie, or simply just forgot.

Listening to this, Medron had some revelation. If what he said was true, then his master must be someone really important in the government or private sector.

“I see. He must be someone important enough to merit such. Admirable he did not use his power to channel you directly in…”

“That’s just the way master does his job. Never abuse power, no matter how little… or power will abuse you, was what he said.”

“Indeed, a wise principle. However, you must understand this, my boy Krone. It’s not possible to accept you as an apprentice knight, if you cannot be clear with your identity.”

“I’m just a simple village boy from Lithia. Just had a lucky encounter with my master, that’s all.”

“If he was a knight, he should know it’s not possible for you to become one, unless you tell us your full background. Then…”

“…Actually, I’ve a mission here.”

“Mission?”

“Yes, to test myself… Also to seek potential seeds. You know what I mean.”

Medron and the knights exchanged gaze. They knew well what seeds mean. What they were pondering was…

“…For what reason?”

“For Kharlussia. Future of Kharlussia.”

“…We cannot approve any suspicious activity, my boy. Unless, you’re clear with your identity.”

“I understand. I won’t break any law, or cause any commotion. I’ll cooperate with you fully Sir – I’ll just ask you for a favour tomorrow, if you don’t mind.”

“A favour?”

“Yes, a favour. It’s up to you Sir to accept or deny… I’ll only ask to continue the test like others for now. As for the favour, I’ll inform you tomorrow… And about my master…”

“Yes?”

Medron lit up. He could not tell him directly, but perhaps he would be willing enough to give some hints?

“…I can tell you after three years, I believe.”

“Three years? Why?”

“When the time comes, I might need your help.”

“Ah, I see…”

Telling them now that his master was Shurran, the Minister of Defense, would be inviting trouble. However, after three years, it might be possible.

He sipped the hot tea, relishing its taste and rosy aroma.

“…Anything else?”

Medron turned to his left, to Natalia. Understanding, she nodded. She was the most sensitive to mana there, second only to the mage before. Since he told them many times the boy did not, there was no reason to bother him anymore.

“Krone, my name’s Natalia. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Natalia.”

“I’ve a question. About the course before, you really didn’t use any Mana?”

“No I didn’t. I did leak a little, but that was an accident, and I managed to stop. I believe that was not breaking any rule?”

“…Of course not. We’re just curious, how come your speed…”

She hesitated, looking at the others. She wondered whether telling him that he was too good to be true would establish them as being narrow-minded.

“What about my speed?”

“…I had to tell you. It’s too fast. At least, too fast without mana.”

“Ah, I see… So you suspect I cheat?”

“Frankly so. But don’t let us come out as accusing you, Krone. We just wish for confirmation; to rid us from doubt.”

“…I understand. Please wait then.”

He took some more strawberries and blueberries in. It was free delicacies in front of him. Not taking advantage of it now would be a waste!

The nerves of him, making us knights wait!

The knights tried to stay patient. Understanding his intent, they relented, taking their share of the meal. While waiting for him to finish, they kept on observing. He looked just like any ordinary boy, relishing the good fruits and bread in front of him.

However, looks can be deceiving. This boy was no ordinary. Natalia recalled Julia’s remark…

‘Did she… perhaps saw something?’

At the time, Medron's squire came in. Medron got up, walking a little further from the table. The squire handed him two pieces of paper. The old knight read it silently, frowning.

He spoke in a hush.

“His father fell in the Grandia Conflict… Mother passed away due to grief… Padre, verify this with the Ministry.”

“I’ll ask our friends from the Ministry for verification. They should still be around.”

“Alright. His sister Kristine is here too, his uncle and aunt stayed in the Northern District, running a small resort called White Swan. Send someone to verify this as well. Take note of every detail.”

“Yes Sir.”

“And invite the three of them here for lunch during the third test. I wish to meet them.”

“It will be done.”

With Medron’s nod, he went out. The old knight read on. As he neared the end of the document, he had a surprised look. With a gesture, he called Natalia over.

“The record says he’s White Affinity. Is this true? I remember there’s one but…”

“Yes, I remembered. It’s him alright. That girl Julia had interest in him before, so I paid him some attention.”

“My goodness…”

Finally satisfied, Krone stood up.

“Apologies Sirs, Lady… Making all of you wait. I’ll answer Lady Natalia’s question before… outside.”

“Outside?”

Noticing he was turning to the door, the rest stood up as well. Natalia followed behind him.

“Wait, why outside?”

“Well, actions speak louder than words…”

They went out to the corridor. It was the second floor, with a square inner compound next to it. It was the middle of massive building, with white marble floor and light blue wall.

“…My Master told me many times; God is fair.”

“…Meaning?”

She frowned.

“You know my Mana Affinity, yes?”

“We’re aware.”

Looking out, Krone pointed to the opposite side of the corridor, about fifty metres across all the way to the corridor of an adjacent building.

“What are you…?”

“You’re suspicious, since I’m too fast without mana. That is, too fast without using any Arte. To get rid of it, I’ll just show you my Air Sliding. I’m going to the next building.”

“You’re kidding, right? That’s fifty metre… give or take.”

Natalia turned to her Commander. Medron nodded, then called out Kent and pointed to the ground. Understanding his intent, he and the two knights took position around the compound in case he failed. Actually, they knew he was going to fail, or so they thought.

Fifty metres was a distance not a mere practitioner can cover with Air Sliding. You must at least already took a step in Master level; a veteran knight’s level. Even Natalia and most knights there could barely do so.

Nevertheless, since their logic were beaten up so badly before, they dare not ruled out the possibility without giving him a chance. Seeing he already made his mind, Natalia just took a position in the middle of the compound, expecting him to fall there.

Medron stood there with him.

“You sure you can, boy?”

“I’m sure. If I can do this, will you rid me of the suspicion that I cheat?”

“Sure, if you can, that is.”

Medron still had his doubt, but he was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Krone closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, then let it out quick.

Fifty-metre Air Sliding… Back then knight who could not do this did not exist. Heck, even soldiers could do this. Due to beast cores, their physical limitation was broken, through and through.

In his peak, he could slide over almost half a kilometre, not a problem. He had reached Grandmaster, and had a physique surpassing anyone right now.

However, that was then. Now, his current body was weak.

Thus, he had to make preparation.

He did the breathing thirty four times, before opening his eyes.

He hopped on the corridor’s railing. Mana started to circulate within him. Medron sensed it clearly; vibrant mana filled his feet, soon gathered under. Some then concentrated in his hands. On right hand, on top of his fingers, mana formed into white, sharp needles.

“Here I go.”

He pressed his feet, bringing his whole body up. The mana under his feet propelled him up further. When he reached the apex of his jump, only then white light on his hands and feet collided with air.

He waved his hand down.

Slight piercing sounds.

Five needle-like mana pierced through the air in his front; opening a space lacking air resistance. Using that as the spearhead, mana below his feet sparked as his body fast forward. The precision was eerie; it happened in a blink.

SHIII—

A sliding sound reached everyone’s ear. The boy slid forward, as if the air had an invisible rail guiding his movement. His left foot and hand to his front, right foot and hand to his back; all in one line.

One second.

A line of white light filled their vision. The boy reached the destination.

Medron opened his eyes wide.

‘What did he just do?’

Though it was a mere second, the knights below witnessed his movement. When he jumped, his movement was ordinary, nothing special. As soon as he threw the mana needles, mana under his feet activated, propelling him forward in extreme speed.

While they were no stranger to such speed, it was usually done among them. Done, by knights acknowledged by the empire, with at least ten years of service experience.

They gulped.

Why?

Heavens, this boy was a mere fourteen!

How much further can he reach, should he keep pushing forward?

How much more can he achieve in ten, twenty years?

And…

‘What’s the needles for?’

Medron had it occupied in his mind. Usually one would just gather mana under their feet, and for practitioner level and above, they would also use their hands to guide the Air Sliding.

He had used Air Sliding for forty years. However, he had heard nothing about using mana needles to aid sliding.

‘Seeing it once, is not enough. Regardless, we can conclude his master is already a top Grandmaster. For one his age to achieve such a result on his own…’

He acknowledged now that there ought to be some truth in what he had said. Suddenly, what the boy mentioned before flashed in his mind. A slight smile, he hopped onto the railing. He tried imitating similar mana needles, yet its blue form was a bit unstable.

The knights turned to him, wondering if he was about to do the same.

Sharp sounds passed through, he performed Air Sliding following it. However, the blue mana dissipated in the middle of the course.

Shii—

He landed next to the boy.

“It’s harder than I thought… The efficiency increase only slightly.”

“For a starter, that’s really good.”

Krone had a pleasant smile on him.

“Ha. I’m too old for this… It seemed your master is a lot better than I thought.”

“Appreciate your compliment. Did this clear me of suspicion, Sir?”

“Yes, of course. It’s really hard to believe someone so young to be so capable, but…”

He turned to the knights, eyes as if having encountered revelation. Soon, they slid through the air, joining him. Natalia, Kent and the two others had deep look in their eyes, as if realizing something as well. Remembering him quoting his master, they started to delve its meaning.

God is fair, eh…

Krone had White Affinity.

Naturally, using any elemental mana would be disadvantageous to him. While most basic Artes was neutral such as Air Sliding, the most powerful Artes were related to elemental mana.

Aside from basic Artes, an Apprentice Knights would choose an Arte fitting their affinity to practice, as one can advance it better than a neutral Arte. Most would choose a powerful Arte, as it can become their trump card to advance as knight, as well as to do well in battlefield. Every knight had one destructive Arte as their Ultimate Move.

In Krone’s situation, he had no Arte he could advance faster than others. Without specialization, generally others would think he could not advance far. That was natural.

In simple words, he would have difficulty mastering destructive Elemental Arte.

Now, they can relate as to why his master told him as such.

His body reaction speed and perception were better than others!

To reach such mastery, he’s likely to train the technique like crazy!

How long did he train everyday? How much effort did he put in? How much tears, and pain?

It’ll be really hard for him to master an elemental Arte, so he focused on neutral Artes.

They realized this. They could observe this.

It was hard even for a veteran such as Medron to follow his similar action. Granted, he had no prior practice, but to make it hard for even him to follow right away; it was testament to how good his natural endowment was, and how much time he had put into practice.

People would always admire genius, prodigy, the talented; saying things like they were lucky, blessed by the heavens, God was not fair and such. Most of them however, failed to realize the amount of effort they put forth behind the scene, the pain and tears they invested when others were not looking, what they did when others were sleeping and relaxing.

So we really were narrow-minded…

Each knights had a sober look, sharp eyes. Natalia almost had tears filled her eyes, realizing how cruel she was, doubting someone who had put so much hard work all by himself.

With her thumb, she wiped the tears from her eyes. In her view, the boy now had brilliant stars glittering around.

To reach his level now, no way on earth it was done so casually. Instead, it would involve all kinds of hardship.

Having thought of this, the dissatisfaction within each knight dissipated. Those who hated one who works hard, even enduring weakness all along, enduring psychological pain others could not even imagine… Those who hated one such as him, could only be said as heartless.

Hate? Envy? Denying his effort? We’re better than that…

They had such thought, thus they held no contempt for him. Medron put his hand on his shoulder, an assuring smile on him. His old eyes comforting, as if a father looking at his very own son.

“Like your master said, God is fair…”

Surrounded by the good will of the knights, Krone also smiled.

An honest, pure smile.

Witnessing such a smile, their hearts softened.

He's just a child, after all...

A boy in a white tunic; surrounded by five white knights with red cape, with gentle expression as if they were his patrons.

In front of a master artist, this serene scene could very well be immortalized as a Masterpiece, becoming an eternal legacy of Kharlussia.

An eternal legacy for the future generation, as inspiration, hoping the best for the future.

…

…

Charming process, complete!

Krone knew very well how knights of Kharlussia think. Not so many of them were like Shurran, plus he had the advantage of being a child right now. That advantage was huge.

Within him, he was hurrahing, rolling. The mental him even had a stomachache from too much laughing.

‘I got you, suckers!’

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