After a while, the two got out of the forest, reminiscing and debating trying to find an angle for this social game that the young master must attend. "In the end, Tarphus, I believe that you must take care; your father is a mere magi knight; he is strong, to be certain. However, he has only a two-star job, that is not on the level of a summoner that is at least four stars or above depending on the reality they gain favor with."

Tarphus raised an eyebrow, "Then how come my father was able to kill a juggernaut? Are they not four-star existences, was that juggernaut weak, or was my father just too powerful?" Udera chuckled, joy glittering in his eyes, "Your father is more robust than average. This is due to the training and skills that his class allowed him to pick up.

But more than that, it was his experience that won him most of his battles; he has warred over thirty of his years against the other powers. This is created and molded by your father. But know that such a thing was hard for your father, but he would still hold you near and dear to his heart even if you get a one-star class."

Tarphus says nothing, feeling embarrassed by the sudden change of tone from the older man. "Then I pray to get a three-star class or better so that I can aid him." Udera guffaws at that smirking, he says. "Boy, your father will not care about the class as long as you can grow stronger. He will make it happen, I have found mountains less stubborn than him, but your reaction has been noted."

The silence was soft and comfortable between them; however, this was determined not to last as Udera broke the silence again. "I am speaking on such matters as to allow the young master peace of mind when the awakening occurs. It will be fine if you get a low star class; you can take pride in that; however, you must

never

allow the other brats to get under your skin. Now out of that mindset, we are away from the twisting glade." Udera takes out a small pocket watch, then chuckles without mirth.

"Looks like we spent five minutes in there, another reason I hate it there. Anyway, this allows us to go about our day unimpeded; it gives us enough time for us to arrive early. What good fortune, now allow me to call a carriage." Udera then locks eyes with Tarphus. "I can understand your rage, boy but know that this day is more important than that. After you can vent your rage with some shield work, remember 'A barrier of the mind shields the soul."'

Both master and apprentice uttered the saying together, even matching the cadence and tone perfectly. Udera smiled at his charge, then turned and left for the carriage. Tarphus's expression turned dark, his fist clenched, and he started pacing. "Do nothing? So Whiloghast would die in vain? So, she was going to give us information on how to create better hearing aids, she gave us better farming equipment, hell she even."

Tarphus paused his erratic pacing and whispered as if giving voice to the event would manifest it. "She even saved me." Tarphus felt a cold rage, wrath that did not burn like regular anger. It felt as though someone threw a bucket of ice onto him. He tensed as he felt something eye him up. Tarphus looked around, then winced as he felt a burning sensation on the back of his hand. It was a reminder of how he was cursed by his own mother's magic. He hoped that he could be fixed by the awakening ritual though he knew that was just false hope.

The carriage arrives shortly after the outburst, and Tarphus gets into the vehicle without any fuss. Udera smiles at him softly. "We are going to the church. We should be there in half an hour. A short nap would do you well; I shall wake you when we get there." Tarphus wanted to remark on how it should be Udera that needs a nap as an old man. Then again, he was rather tired, so Tarphus nodded then took a nap.

"Young Master Tarphus, we are five minutes away; this is the perfect time for you to perform upkeep." Udera removes a mirror from his pocket and holds it so that his charge may use it to freshen up, realigning his hair, righting his clothes.

Tarphus nodded gratefully at his advisor; the carriage continued its approach to the second largest building in town; outside the said building, a small crowd had formed. It was the noble children. However, standing tall (2.3 meters) in full plate, with the royal crest emblazoned on his breastplate, a knight was looking over the pack of children. "

It would seem that the war up north is not going as well as first thought." Udera said worriedly, eyeing up the armored individual; Tarphus looked at his mentor, curiosity written into his features. "What war, there is nothing in the north old man, besides was there not a ceasefire between all parties?" Udera chuckles solemnly, looking at his feet, shaking his head.

"Tarphus the north is a band of colonies built by our kingdom, it is there that we are now facing the green skins, but also there we got into contact with the elves." Tarphus's eyes narrowed at the thought of the Green-skins to think that they were all the way up north as well. Indeed, they are a blight on this world.

But it was the elves that interested Tarphus; he remembered the one that 'helped' his mother, his stomach turned with raw anger, it was then he felt a hand on his shoulder. "I understand, believe me, your old man will talk to you about it later… trust me." Udera smiled with pain gripping his heart as he stared at his charge. He knew the boy; just as he knew his Lord, they were so similar it was remarkable.

Both wanted to charge the black-hearted demon, but they were constrained by tradition but there out in the wilds, there would be nothing that could hinder them. But, alas, the father was restrained by his responsibilities of governorship. But the son, ah the son, if only he could go and find the one who hurt the Cullivan family. This was the plan, and it had its merits, but that would be for another time.

"Greetings, youngster Tarphus, it is good to see you in such… good health. It is my hope that you continue to stay in such a state." A boy no older than sixteen smiled coldly as he spoke. He was on the small side. Sickly frail-looking, his ashen skin made some uncomfortable being around him. It looked like he was a porcelain doll, and this person is called Christapher.

Tarphus ignored him, favoring to look at the Knight and forming a perfect salute. "Tarphus ready and waiting, sir." This caused the young Christapher to grit his teeth in anger. Finally, however, the Knight looked at the boy and nodded. "Tarphus, you say, I served with your father. He was a determined man; I hope I will see another Cullivan on the field."

Christapher just scoffed and turned away from the two; the other noble children followed him. The Knight then spoke, "We are to wait until noon, which is only half an hour from now. If you wish, you may converse with each other. However, it is on you all to keep it civil; thank you." The Knight then turned to Tarphus again and chuckled

"Where is your father? I would love to speak with him, it has been some time, and he owes me a drink." Tarphus nodded and replied, "My father is usually in his office at this time; I will take you to him after this event." The Knight pats Tarphus on the back after this.