“Wow!” Mika spoke looking at the group of warriors excitedly. It seemed the group was doing one on one combat- one defending- another attacking- while a couple instructors seemed to be watching each of the matches.

Venu noticed Mika’s enthusiasm but then looked at the group more carefully, “hey- wait up!”

Their practice seemed pretty technical as he noticed them using advanced set of movements- even enforcement magic for their weapons and shields.

As soon as Mika got within thirty or so feet- he noticed a bolt of energy head towards Mika’s direction.

Venu rushed towards the attack and held up his hand. Thankfully the magic wasn’t too intense and it only pushed Venu away with a superficial burst of energy.

“Sorry, he’s with me…” Venu spoke panting after getting up. Mika went to Venu to check up on him.

“Venu! Are you ok?” Mika spoke.

Venu of course had already gotten back up. He knew it hadn’t been a kill shot- but a warning for getting close.

The instructor halted the combat.

“This is no place for children,” the instructor held a domineering tone.

Venu held a hand up to Mika to keep him quiet.

“Sorry about that,” Venu replied, “I was excited about seeing the barracks- and thought it would be cool to get a closer look… Mika and I wanted to be knights someday.”

The instructor raised an eyebrow.

“Knights huh?” The instructor spoke. “It takes heavy training for the most capable just to be considered…”

Mika whispered to Venu, “it was me that wanted to…”

Venu smiled, “let me take care of this.”

Rather than argue, Venu just replied.

“I really think that Mika here has what it takes…” Venu said to the instructor.

“And how about you then?” the instructor replied.

“Haha,” Venu laughed, “I’m an Aqayan- beating- much less being- a knight would be easy.”

At the statement, he grabbed all of their attention. Even if it were a joke, the mockery was a little too much for the knights to stand.

“How about this,” the instructor, who seemed a little less emotional to the comment, responded, “If you and your friend think it’s so easy to be a knight- how about you two see what it takes by fighting us. If either of you can beat us, they will instantly be accepted as a trainee guardian in guardian school…”

Venu pondered for just a moment and then shrugged, “Yeah, sure… nothing better to do today.”

The knights once again seemed irked by Venu’s comment and ready for a fight. The instructor actually held a hand up this time to stop them from becoming aggressive.

“Sanmat!” He yelled.

A young person from the end rushed towards the instructor. He looked to be perhaps sixteen- but was fit and seemed to emanate with a powerful energy.

“I think it’s only fair for the youngest knight to challenge you and your friend…” “After passing guardian exam - Sanmat here has shown a lot of promise in school and was finally accepted into the knights at sixteen…”

Venu shrugged, “Rules?”

The instructor guided them around the barracks to a platform for them to compete. He also instructed the other knights that this break in training wouldn’t cause them to diminish their training time: if they wanted to watch- they would have to stay later to complete the day. After that- a majority of them went back to their training- probably because they assumed Sanmat would easily defeat the two wannabe knights.

“This is an exercise in technical skill, so we will use markers as indicators of ability,” the instructor spoke.

The rules went as such:

‘Hitting’ certain spots counted as points… some spots were vitals: if those were hit, then the match was won. No lethal weapons could be used- but pain was acceptable.

The instructor gave them light garments that were worn on the body and would indicate where and when something was hit in the match using color markers that changed after being hit.

Sanmat and Mika faced off.

As they looked at each other- Mika noticed that Sanmat seemed intense and powerful- muscular but it didn’t seem to slow down his movements. His opponent wore leather armor around certain spots as well as held a sword in sheath behind his back.

Mika understood his abilities well, but not his opponents’.

He knew his limitations- despite the training given him by Narika, he couldn’t say that he was an expert in the sword. After having seen Sanmat among the warriors- he had no doubt that Sanmat would be more skilled than himself.

“Good!” he reflected on the monk speak, “It seems that you’re capable of doing what you can to achieve victory, keep fighting, that will be your way to win.”

Possibly his only advantage was his experience in real combat situations and the ability to think outside of the box to achieve victory.

He had secretly tucked a few golden coins from the coin case into one hand. He had two abilities that Sanmat could have trouble with. One came from his magic ‘dimensions’ - the other came from his race.

Mika’s ‘dimension’ had developed a bit more now…

The instructor started a countdown:

“3…”

“2!”

“1!”

Not knowing what to expect Mika put up his arms as the instructor lowered his arm.

Mika instantly transformed… and not a moment too soon.

In response to the countdown- Sanmat had already accelerated himself with Enhancement. The fifteen foot gap that separated the two had closed in a split second as Sanmat rushed at him in one fell swoop.

Right where Sanmat stood- Mika vanished from sight. Instead- three coins had been thrown in the air and accelerated downward with heavy force. He deflected two and was hit by one. Unfortunately, rather than strictly a point gain, the coin that hit him had hit where a vital spot was.

Two seconds later, a foxform Mika jumped out from behind Sanmat.

The instructor held his hand up to the right, where Mika had started, “Victory- Mika!”

----

Sanmat was confused to say the least. He looked at the instructor for verification- but the instructor simply held a hand out to Mika.

“It seems you aren’t all talk,” the instructor spoke. The instructor of course was aware of everything that transpired. Mika had taken advantage of his Canjun form. The nature of Canjun was to escape- hence their foxlike figures. This youth then took advantage of a unique magic which allowed him to enter into an alternate dimension. Dimensions were nothing new- but it seemed that the Canjun boy had both magic and an affinity for dimension which was unique to him alone. The instructor realized that unlike most dimensional rifts, the boy could summon it quickly and then move the exit as he moved. While not the same as ‘port’- which simply moved the person from one location to another- it had its own strengths.

The older boy’s confidence in the young one was not misplaced.

From the instructor’s perspective, had Sanmat been aware of the ability the Canjun possessed he most likely would have won 9/10 of the matches- as Sanmat was definitely stronger on paper. Sanmat could use ‘enhancement’ which allowed him to enhance any attribute of himself- his strength, speed, senses. However… true combat layed not with the ability themselves but was determined simply by victory itself. Sanmat had to learn that every fight was important and not simply having more muscles or magic.

“You are the winner according to the rules,” the instructor spoke solemnly- understanding the implication.

Mika looked excitedly at Venu… “I’m going to be a knight!” he replied.

Venu responded with a contained enthusiasm, “Good job- Mika!”

Seeing that Sanmat has taken an unexpected loss- the instructor felt the need to change the rules.

“If you are as strong as you say… then perhaps I should be your opponent…” the instructor spoke. “I am Allu- a water Aqayan.”

Venu laughed- his words contradicting the competitive twinkle in his eye, “Honestly- I just wanted to build hype. I’m not as good as you think... If you can let Mika join the knights as soon as he’s of age- that should suffice…”

The instructor felt that Venu was hiding something and also sensed that Venu was strong. Water Aqayans had the ability to distinguish such things… motives and the like.

Rather than let him leave, the instructor felt he should make Venu pay for the insult to both Aqayans and the Knights.

Allu- was now fifty nine. Aqayans lived for around four-hundred years. The prime age for Aqayans was probably around two hundred. Allu still had much potential- however, as of now he had already been promoted to an instructor.

He had always been strong- dominating the opponents within Aqayan City in the north. Eventually he moved to Elondra to advance his own training and was trained by some of the best more capable warriors in the land.

His ability had been battle tested against numerous opponents.

Already the knights from before began to gather by word of mouth, one of those who’d watched the previous match rushed to tell the others.

“I think we ought to choose different rules however, don’t you?” Allu spoke. He really wanted to put this boy in his place for the earlier comments.

Venu surmised the reasoning… but he actually felt inclined to fight after all, so he didn’t mind the change.

---

The rules were simple: a healer was nearby.

Unconscious or incapacitated = loss. To the death was pretty much the goal without killing the other… However – both agreed, if they ended up killing the other- it was understandable and wouldn’t be repaid with revenge.

The instructor planned on teaching Venu a lesson – not kill him. Only train him.

“Begin!” the other instructor said.

---

Narika and Elera continued walking from the courtyard while Venu and Mika broke apart.

While there had been a section for barracks located next in the courtyard, it seemed an entire schoolhouse was dedicated to the castle. Narika assumed that prior to training guardians, they had to get educated.

“What are you going to do with your share?” Elera asked Narika.

They walked past the castle gates which were open and guarded by two guards. Narika nodded his head to the guard.

Narika thought about it in response and then looked at their clothes. Having mostly camped for the past couple months – it seemed he would definitely need a new set of clothes. At this point he was grateful that they had money to spend.

“Uh- I’m getting new clothes,” Narika responded and looked at Elera. She hadn’t travelled as much as he had- also- camping- she would usually take care of hanging out and washing clothes more than the boys. Even still- they looked a bit worn out.

“Me too…” she said, looking downwards.

---

As they passed the threshold between a drawbridge and the town- the gate completely vanished behind him. It seemed there was a barrier inside of the castle walls separating it from the outside.

They continued walking downwards- as the town lay in a valley below where the castle stood behind them.

Looking behind them – the castle really had been massive, including many large buildings connecting inside of it.

(Narika and Elera are attacked or something by a beast, monster- which turns out to be a test given them by the Aqayan king- to see their abilities for himself.)

-

They approached the edge of the town from the mountainside where the castle stood.

As they approached- they noticed that the town was surrounded by large buildings, many stories high. There was a large variety- and they certainly gave off the appearance of grandeur, especially for the time that they were in.

Alongside the entrance to the city from the castle side stood two guards- rather than ask anything however- they simply nodded as the two entered into the city. It must have been that they were there to guard people from going towards the castle rather than into the town.

--

As they walked around, they got a closer look. The town was certainly flourishing. The streets were paved and made with bricks, every intersection of roads had a fountain or some décor. Fruit trees were part of the culture. Even along the roads –there were plenty of gardens with trees and benches- actually, gardening seemed to be a major part of the culture. Also the water flowed through the town.

Narika looked at a fountain flowing water wondering if it was clean. It sparkled- but he wondered if they could drink it.

After thinking that- he saw a couple kids drinking from a water fountain somewhere nearby…

“Do you think it’s clean?” Narika asked.

“Eh…” Elera responded looking at a fountain – she held her hand out to touch the water.

A few people standing by the fountain looked local as they talked.

“It’s clean,” a friendly person spoke, “waste goes down a completely different path,” he pointed towards the ground underneath-

Narika shrugged and decided to take a sip in his hands and Elera followed suit too.

Initially Narika wondered if they’d stand out too much with their garments – but looking around, it seemed that everyone here was from different places. It seems the most it did was a slight raise of the eyebrow before returning to a conversation.

It was definitely a luxury to be here- Narika noticed that there seemed to be a good structure to the city. Magic also seemed to help with that.

“Where to first?” Narika asked Elera. It was different having money- instead of scrounging for food with the bare minimum – a world of stores and restaurants opened up to them.

“Let’s go eat first…”

They went around visiting stores after a delicious bite of food. Restaurants seemed to be of high quality- especially in the major districts of the city.

The land was a big source of commerce it seemed – and trade seemed vibrant amongst the people. The shops were competitive- but also successful- It seemed that any successful business held the main roads- but also small shops would take up an entire clearing with a small cover and different stalls.

Narice seemed to have an eye for good wares - between Narice’s frugal attitude and Elera’s knowledge of quality in certain objects, they were able to pick up clothing for decent prices as well as some equipment.

Dusk was finally approaching, so the two of the decided to walk along the main road back.

Overall, the perspective of the city was pretty grand – it was nice to have a home front. It would take many days to see even one section of it as opposed to many of the other villages they’d seen- but they had plenty of time… and it had been a long day...

Nearing the main road- they passed by a fountain and a junction… this one was a bit more open a little bit of distance from the main square.

“Wanna eat some gabbon?” a voice came from the side inside of the park holding out some food.

A boy handed them two sticks. It looked like a sort of sweet on two sticks, and it seemed good, so they took a few and paid the person.

As they took it, they chose to sit next to the fountain as they ate.

----

---

As Elera and Narika got up from a fountain in the central of the city, however suddenly they were

attacked. A wild beast in the form of a giant dog charged straight towards Narika- Narika deflected the strike it made at him- however- the dog was relentless, and swept at him again- The dog was taller than him and seemed to be filled with magic. On the second charge, Narika made a slash and it cut straight through. Two parts lay on either side of him, however- he didn’t have much time to watch the dog disappear as he was attacked by two more coming from midair- in response Elera froze them completely and they too vanished completely.

As the three wild dogs vanished- another beast came too – this time- it was the form of a monster rather than an animal, Two feet and four arms- and three times their own height.

Narika looked around, there were people in a circle watching everything unfold. Perhaps they thought it was a show, but couldn’t they tell that it was dangerous? He wish that he could tell them his movements weren’t part of an act. He wondered why they would stick around.

Elera cast a freeze on it, however even though it got stuck for a moment- it simply broke through the ice afterwards.

Narika looked around as the monster thrashed about- while it was focused on them, it seemed to get close to others around it. While Narika used his sword to deflect a lot of attacks, the monster’s tail almost hit a young child.

Narika rushed towards the tail.

“Elera!”

It wouldn’t be soon enough for the tail to stop by himself alone.

Elera cast a time spell and Narika moved to attack the tail of the creature, however- by the time he got there to stop it – the tail had already vanished. But to anyone else, it would have looked like Narika dashed quicker than the eye could see and slashed it.

Either way after the slash, the monster vanished.

“What happened?” Elera spoke.

Narika sensed a presence coming from a building. He looked in the direction of the building- however, that figure disappeared from view the instant he looked up. Another presence approached them- this one seemed to hold an air of regality.

“You must excuse me,” a different presence approached them gliding down from above on a building to in front of them.

“Who are you?” Elera spoke first as they both put up their guard to the newcomer.

“I am the Aqayan lord’s guardian, Sevanah,”

Narika didn’t put down the sword this, the man looked at it suspectingly as Narice held it up to his neck.

“Sevanah,” Narice responded, “I doubt an Aqayan lord would want you attacking innocent people,”

“Ah- I was in control- don’t worry,” Sevanah held out his hand and there appeared a great beast beside him snarling, “my magic is called ‘form’- It takes the shape of a figure and the figure my magic as a means to behave a certain way and within whatever parameters I set.”

“Isn’t it still dangerous?”

“Imagine a line,” This time Sevan directed the beast outside of a perimeter- whatever part of the beast entered past the line vanished.

That resolved the question- but still Narice had another, “Why would you attack us?”

“I wanted to test you,” Sevanah responded, “My lord- Karo- has asked me to test your abilities and your nature. He’s weary of you being Aqayans- as all the known Aqayans live in the north- but it must be true.”

Elera seemed a bit more relaxed about the whole thing, but Narice was still angry at how Sevanah had gone about things.

Still- if Elera was able to get over it so easily- then he’d at least tolerate it.

“Fine.” he replied.

“From the looks of it, you seem to be everything that was spoken of in the letter,” Sevanah replied he spoke and then turned around with a wave of his cape, and began to walk off.

“Wait… that’s it?” Elera was surpised.

“We’ll see each other soon,” Sevanah replied, “the lord of Aqayans will be coming down soon for a meeting of the lords…”

And with that he was gone.

---

Venu figured that he’s try to use Merth’s magic against Alluc.

As soon as they made eye contact, Venu held a hand out to him.

Suddenly - Alluc became stationary.

Venu walked up to the figure as Alluc stood still… he walked around Alluc in a complete circle- surprised at his own ability to stop Alluc.

“So… do I win?”

The Knights around the two were flabbergasted.

The healer went up to Alluc, “What exactly did you do?”

“I placed his consciousness somewhere else.”

“How do you break it?”

“It would require the body to alert the mind or the mind to break the dimension it’s in…”

“Technically…” the healer began to speak, “I guess-“

“Not so fast…” Alluc spoke as he reawoke from the stasis.

Venu was impressed, even still he felt like he’d won. A minute of time and he could have done a lot of harm – even though the first hit would awaken Alluc, with the right spell, the first hit was all that was needed.

“So- what are the rules then?”

Alluc responded, “like I said, I have to lose consciousness or surrender … my consciousness was intact- just somewhere else…. and it won’t be easy to do that again.”

“I would have beaten you if I attacked you…”

“Perhaps…” Alluc spoke, “but you didn’t- and I broke your spell. Try that again- and it won’t take three seconds to break through next time.”

Venu’s mother was a water Aqayan- so he knew how Alluc broke the spell – “Flow…”

Water had the ability to repair, rejuvenate, restore. Flow would work as a reset button if the user was under some sort of stressors. In this way poisons, instabilities, even kinks could get worked out. Sadly ‘flow’ worked for the user and not for others… only earth Aqayans had the ability to heal others- while water Aqayans protected themselves. The moment Venu trapped Alluc with ‘Port’ – Alluc used flow to escape the dimension… it took some time, because it wasn’t consciously working- thus it was more difficult.

Alluc began to assimilate the moisture in the air into his hand and a large circle of water appeared in front of him.

Level one water magic, but in the hands of a master, Venu thought. He didn’t doubt that Allluc was skilled and that he would have to try hard to fight him in a physical combat. His mother had level one and some abilities of level two - however, hers wasn’t masterful- she mostly used it for daily chores in the similitude to most Aqayans- while the original Aqayans were warriors- many wanted peace.

Venu had limited resources at his own disposal… Even now he was unsure whether he would be able to duplicate the abilities he’d used earlier. Actually, the earlier confidence from before was simply from the light feeling he’d received from having his darkness controlled by Erya, however the conflict from before him brought him to reality.

Unfortunately, Venu had only recently realized his own magic- and it was definitely limited. Other than the passive ability to tell what the right direction would be- he wasn’t sure if he could always control any other powers. It’s possible it was just a temporary fluke and he’d only have access to it immediately after having seen it.

But he had to try. His opponent would have immense water magic at the very least- enough to have made him an instructor. He thought about all the abilities at his disposal.

One- the right path… seemed somewhat weak at the moment- maybe more of a luck factor than a real fighting ability- with Merth’s port ability, perhaps he could get closer and stop Alluc from finishing any sort of spells- if he couldn’t port consciousness for the win.

Rather than the small platform the other two were using- Alluc had led him to a field to fight.

The fighting grounds were much more open now. Between the two was a bigger distance then the platform.

He remembered another ability that Merth had brought to fight him and broke apart the staff that hid two blades and followed by running with the dual swords at Alluc. Then he cast port in front of him and dove into it.

Venu expected that Alluc would be better than him at hand to hand combat too, so he could only try to think about the best method to approach him and depend on ‘right path’ to get him there.

Alluc guarded in front of him, expecting an attack from the front- but as soon as Venu jumped to attack, he ported to Alluc from behind.

His strike with the dual swords was met with a ‘clink’. Alluc’s hand along held a barrier of water which had taken the form of a spear. Alluc, despite having fought forward – was capable of bringing weapons to his hand in an instant with his awareness and abilities.

Venu jumped backwards after his attack was deflected. However Alluc already had a counter ready- throwing out a pulse of water around Venu-

‘water snake’ an ability which initially hit him square in the chest, then it burst around him, then it began to encircle him.

Venu sensed a venom coming from the snake and he slashed at the water which had taken the form of a snake attempting to constrict him. The snake fell apart and the venom dissipated into the floor.

“Ah, where did your weapons gain the ability to cut magic I wonder…I believe those belonged to Merth- did you really defeat him then?” Alluc spoke looking at the weapon in Venu’s hands… “It seems I’ll have to be more creative then…”

Venu watched as Alluc pulled out a vial from a belt stretching across his chest He dump what seemed to be some sort of metallic dust from the vial out into suspended air, and then enforced it with water that merged around it. The water suddenly seemed to take on a reaction and the shape of another weapon.

A spear head formed the tip of a water made staff. Venu could gather that the metallic dust had merged to form the tip of the water spear.

It seemed Alluc could do more than manipulate water- Venu sensed that he could use the water as a blunt instrument or to carry poisons.

Venu attempted to stop the strikes thrown by Allucs spear- watching the footwork and hand movements carefully- however he was severely lacking. He was stabbed in the side once, and unable to catch up with the onslaught of attacks, received minor cuts quickly after that. His footwork grew progressively better, but the damage was done.

Venu prepared himself for more strikes- steading his feet, but Alluc stepped back and the spear dissipated into the air- while the metallic head turned into dust and went back into a vial.

“Shall we stop?” the doctor spoke.

Venu looked from Alluc to the doctor and back. After looking at his side he then realized that the spear tip had been laced with poison.

Rather than give up to the poison, Venu responded by casting another port- one to gain distance. Maybe if he could gain some ground he could think of something else- however, upon noticing this- it seemed Alluc had a different plan- Alluc threw the spear into the portal before Venu closed it behind him- to which Venu felt the spear pierce into his leg and then vanish- Where the spear was a bloody gash remained.

Rather than lose in his ability to attack Venu – Alluc used this distance as an opportunity.

Alluc this time made a crossbow using water- shooting it at Venu- Venu once again tried to port away. While Venu kept trying to make space, Alluc kept adapting!

Venu tried but was outmatched once again.

Venu tried his best to gain an understanding of his opponent, but Alluc was versatile- his ‘flow’ seemed to stem across the battlefield itself- the ability to adapt the battle.

Venu forged the two swords together and it made the magic staff- to which he threw out a pulse of energy back at Alluc’s attacks- dispersing the water.

He looked down at his leg – realizing that the side stab and gash would wear him down eventually- however adrenaline kicked in and now he was hyper-active.

While Merth’s staff seemed to defend well- it wasn’t for attack, Venu realized he would have to take the offensive somehow- a complete onslaught of attacks was really his only option.

Venu charged into port and dove at Alluc again with the staff once again breaking into two swords. Alluc dodged barely and Venu kept up his offensive.

Alluc noticed that Venu’s footwork was not haphazard- but instead matched his own abilities.

“How?” Did the boy pretend not to know how to fight when they started? That was the only explanation for Venu’s ability now.

Suddenly Alluc was on the defensive as Venu kept throwing swords in his direction. Alluc decided to pull out level two in response- and a flow of energy exerted itself from his barrier to an attack. A hundred water snakes threw themselves out at Venu and Venu had to run backwards. Two got close and opened fangs - biting him.

Alluc realized that the kid had potential, but that he was still a kid. He’d pushed himself too hard he felt.

“The snake venom is sure to drain you within a minute- surrender now.”

Rather than respond however, Venu became stationary.

“Ah you lose!” Allu spoke, seeing Venu’s eyes go blank and lose his consciousness. Instead of responding to the cry however- Venu remained stilled

Alluc noticed a strange look in Venu’s appearance. His eyes grew darker and a dark wind began to envelop him. It seemed as if the boy couldn’t hear him at all- rather he seemed to have lost his awareness.

Alluc couldn’t see through the fog which surrounded the boy, but something was certainly strange inside.

While the fog obscured the world from seeing inside – Venu unconsciously began to emit ‘Flow’. It began to move around Venu… the venom which had pierced into Venu’s skin was pushed away from him. While the gash and stab wound was still there, a barrier held in the blood that had been seeming through Venu’s skin.

Another form of energy began to enter Venu’s form- one which seemed to enhance him – Venu’s body became like steel- enhancing his agility and strength and enlarging him and the items attached.

He grew about ten feet tall and the magic swords too, grew. The mist continued to grow.

Upon noticing the dark atmosphere that began to take place… Alluc realized that Venu was no longer in control- instead- there was something else.

I’d better end this. Alluc thought. Alluc used water to propel him forward as he made a wave under foot. Surrounding him he circled ‘flow’ – a means of defense if he did get hit- it could distribute the energy around him rather than a specific point. He opened a vial and with it – magic metal came out, metal that would interact with water and help it takes it form- He formed a battleaxe and shield as he moved in to Venu’s area.

Inside of the mist – a shape came at him and struck while he held out the shield. The force knocked him back a few feet but the shape had already sped off again.

“Fast…”

Onslaught after onslaught of attacks came in his direction. He blocked one at a time- feeling that each one was shaking apart his water barrier. He would have to go all-out now.

Alluc had a trump card – one which he’d never planned on using, but in this situation – he could sense that something serious was occurring.

Alluc closed his eyes and felt the water overcome him- In his place- the shape of a Water beast took his place – Leviathan.

The beast that stood in Alluc’s place felt the pressure of an aggressive monster. Each of his heads fought against the attacks that came from it-

Leviathan used its water wings to raise above the mist, forcing Venu underneath. The attacks came, but Leviathan used its heads to subdue the attacker.

Every once in a while a strike got through, but that was within Leviathan’s calculations.

The attacks lessened.

Leviathan dove upon the dark figure, surrounding it with water completely in its belly.

Where the giant dark figure was- the mist dispersed around. Alluc couldn’t show the Knights his trump card- and he merged back into a human form.

The figure he placed onto the ground. Where the giant force had been, a barely breathing boy remained. He’d taken it too far…

“Heal him…” he spoke to the healer- who looked as flabbergasted as the rest of the group, “Now!”

---

After ensuring that Venu was no longer critical, Alluc sighed out relief. He didn’t want to feel responsible for a boy’s life like this.

After the immediate threat to the boy’s safety was covered a more important issue came to his mind.

This boy was too powerful… Unconsciously- he was much too powerful. Who could he talk to? Alluc didn’t trust anyone else about this. aAfter dismissing the knights for an early day- he rushed towards the castle. He wanted to find out what Aarock knew- why did Aarock give Venu free reign about the castle? Was he aware of the danger the boy posed?

---

“What news?” Sardon asked his liaison- the Wind Aqayan – Tarth.

Tarth had been away for a week or so now -

Tarth had been tracking Aarock’s whereabouts for some time now. First he went to the south – thinking that he would be there, but it turned out that he went to the dragon instead- then he tracked the wake left by Aarock’s storm- defeating a dark wizard in the lawless territory- meeting a dragon- defeating Merth and installing a new government. Tarth had an ability that was capable of quick transport- He was wind Aqayan- level three. As long as he could see a place in space- he could blink there. In moments he could travel a hundred miles across the skies.

“I don’t know how, but the boy noticed me…” Along with the ability to transport himself- Tarth’s wind magic allowed him to disguise himself- the wind would circulate him and keep others from sensing his presence. While it wasn’t invisibility- it redirected the path that people looked (or even took for that matter) - and should have protected him from the boy.

Tarth bowed before Sardon- his master- however, in truth –he was less-than enthused about his lord.

Sardon was a diplomat. He worked between the east and the castle as a liaison between wizard’s kingdom and Everdawn. In such- he had high placing, but he was just a puppet for the wizard king. Tarth felt no attachments to his lord- but he did his duty regardless. Sardon was aware of course- Tarth didn’t keep it a secret. Sardon attempted to get Tarth’s friendship by being likeable, but Tarth would always respond simply.

“What do you know about their abilities?”

“already, it seems that they are capable of at least competing against

---

From the fountain in the center of the town, they left ot

The looming figure of an impressive presence stood in the shadows. In front of the presence light glowed from the tubes that held his creations.

A woman bowed in front of him, “My lord.”

The woman was of no importance- just one of many of his liaisons to the outside world. His own purpose was to stay in the shadows- and his identity remained secret – even from his own liaisons.

“What news do you have for me?” he spoke while focusing on the upkeep of his creations.

“The group that you had us follow…” she replied, “Three Aqayans- but one is linked to dark magic…and seems to be able to use it also. He just got out of a fight against Alluc- Alluc had to use Leviathan to subdue him, and it seems Venu has a unique gift to absorb the powers of others.

The Canjun boy is no one of consequence- but the girl… she seems to be the granddaughter of Aarock.”

“Mmm,” came the reply, “It’s as I thought then, I’ll have to be cautious…there will be no confrontations for now. Even the boy of no consequence- keep an eye on him. The first magician from a purebred Canjun does hold some merit. The Aqayan with dark magic… What was his name?”

“Venu,” she replied.

“I see, Venu is it?” the figure thought about the matter, “I think he would serve our purposes nicely…Where is he now?”

“Venu is in the hospital now, and Alluc just left from there to the queen. Alluc may tell the queen more about the boy’s powers and ask her to specifically keep a close eye on him.”

“Well now, we can’t have that can we?”

---

From the edge of a building, a man stood, as he moved, so did the creature- he moved his arm forwards and the creature advanced.

---

Narika then sensed two entities. One in the distance who looked as if to be casting the spell- and another on a rooftop. He looked towards the rooftop, but the entity had already vanished by the time he looked.

---

“I must apologize…”

However… Suddenly from the friendly atmosphere around them-it seemed a giant fire monster looked straight at them.

---

Alluc walked towards the throne room. Talk to no one else about what transpired... he thought, until…

“Hello Alluc,” a voice from the past came behind him.

“Jarrod?!” Alluc spoke. Jarrod was an older guardian- who’d been away on a trip for decades now. He could have been considered dead- except there were no leads as to how he’d disappeared and he was so powerful it was bound to make some sort of waves.

Alluc’s magic showed no threat coming from Jarrod.

“Where have you been?” Alluc spoke.

“Oh,” Jarrod replied, “I’ve been around- I had to work on something secret for the king over the past few decades and couldn’t make an appearance until now.”

Jarrod was well known and well loved by the kingdom- but for some reason he was barely ever seen or remembered until he showed.

Jarrod continued, “Alluc- there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

If Jarrod had returned just to speak with him, Alluc would at least make an effort to listen.

As soon as they got in a private area, Jarrod turned around, “You will forget about Venu’s powers and never remember or consider anything strange about it. You’re simply asking for an audience from the queen to offer Venu and Mika a position to train in the school. After you leave this room- you will forget that you saw me as well.”

Alluc looked at Jarrod for a moment. Anything he’d heard under Jarrod’s magic would simply work as a spell, but he wouldn’t remember hearing it as well.

“Yes, lord,” he bowed.

---

Alluc found himself before the queen. How he’d gotten here had been a bit hazy. He must have been in such a rush that he hadn’t even paid attention to his surroundings.

“What is it Alluc?” the soft grace filled voice of a beautiful Elfa woman spoke.

Alluc looked up at the queen sitting high in the throne room. For some reason he’d come here in such a hurry.

The queen- whose elegance was unmatched in the land. But it was not only her beauty, but her generous heart and regal nature that truly made her elegant. Even with that- she could hold a firm hand- only matched by Aarock himself.

He tried to remember why he’d come in such a rush, and decided to stall for time, “Um, what did Aarock mention about when he would come back?”

“Aarock will be back in a few days, Alluc” Sardis spoke, looking from the throne down to the instructor that bowed before her.

Amongst the throne room- were two guardians and the treasurer/lieutenant- Kane. Kane was weak, but very well spoken.

“Ah if that’s the case, I have something to discuss privately if possible…” the man bowed looking at Kane and the soldiers.

“Oh?” the queen spoke. “May Kane stay as well?”

Alluc looked at Kane. For some reason he’d felt the need to discuss something privately, but upon remember what it was- he saw no need as to why Kane should leave. Kane was the

Kane lifted a hand, “It’s quite alright- Alluc- if you feel it should be strictly between the Queen and yourself- I will take my leave.”

While Kane privately walked off- Alluc stood respectfully until even the guards had left. In this kingdom- Alluc would have been no threat whatsoever to queen Sardis- so while being granted a private audience was atypical, it was still possible.

“What seems to trouble you?” the queen spoke to him.

Now that Alluc thought about it, was it really so important that he had to rush here?

Even still, he decided to finish his report, “I was impressed by two of the warriors...”

---