I also made a picture it will under spoiler somewhere in the middle, but don't expect much, since I didn't put in so much time and effort as in the other pictures.

Anyway I hope you will like this chapter.

Chapter 26.The day of the test.

“Haaa…” I make a small sigh.

“So, this is it?” I say turning my head to the horizon, where the last rays of sun are painting the sky in a beautiful crimson red.

“Well nothing more can be done …” And on these words I release ropes which I have been holding in my hands.

*Thump*

Immediately a low sound comes from behind my back as a heavy rock hits the ground.

“Ropes…” I only say while turning around.

Lately I started using an old tactic from the TV. To carry weights as I am training my body. And even thought I was doing this for only a short time I believe strength points have been increasing a tad bit faster.

“Now… Home… Supper… Bed… A perfect plan to end the day.” I say with a cheerful smile on my face.

And without waiting any longer I start to head back.

Since today I didn’t train my magic, I stayed quite close to our house. So it takes only about ten minutes before I set foot in our yard.

The first thing what I notice is a young girl with short brown hair carrying chopped wood from the pile, and stacking them neatly near the barn.

As she notices me a small smile creeps on her face. “Oh you are already back, brother?”

“Ingvil, what are you doing?” I’m a bit puzzled since she really hates doing anything except playing around.

Suddenly my still cute little sister puffs up her cheeks a bit, as if trying to look angry but before she can say anything to me we are interupted.

“You better start moving! Just because Asger is back doesn’t mean you are finished. Sun is almost gone and you still got a lot of logs left…” Suddenly a strong voice of my mother reaches my ears.

To my amusement this makes my dear little sister jump a bit as she starts running with logs in her arms.

I turn my attention towards the voice and notice our mother sitting on the bench near the house with her arms crossed.

“What happened? What did she do to get this punishment?” I have to admit I’m really interested.

“Punishment? No…” My mother answers shaking her head a bit. And then continues: “This is training. Normally all kids need a little push at the beginning… A little…”

“Haaa…” Suddenly out of nowhere she makes a deep sigh.

“I prayed to all spirits of the North that Ingvil would be atleast a bit like you…” Mother says looking at my little sister while having a distant look.

“Huh? What do you mean by that?” I ask her.

She turns her attention towards me and after staying silent for a few moments, starts to talk.

“Well even thought you did so many things backwards and made me at times really worried about your future, you always moved forward by your own strength…” At this moment she nods a bit. “No matter whatever the obstacles you met they were always overcome with sweat and gritted teeth. And that is a really commendable trait, which makes us both, your father and me, proud to be your parents.”

After saying this she suddenly turns away from me and looks at Ingvil: “Unlike this little miss, who needs to be kicked in the ass at every turn. What’s more I got to babysit her all day, because if I turn my eyes away she immediately starts slacking…”

As I look at our mother‘s expression I can clearly see that she is tired.

‘Dealing with stupid kids is definitely a pain in the ass.’ I think with a small grin on my face as I looked at Ingvil.

“Anyway Asger you are a bit early today. Normally you come back when it’s already dark.” She turns her attention back on me.

“Huh? Ah!” A bit surprised I think what to say.

I scratch my head and with the best smile I can make on my face, I say: “Well since tomorrow is already the day of a summer festival. So I thought that today I will take it a bit easier.”

After listening to me my mother doesn't say anything. She just slowly scans me from head to toe with her eyes and turns back to the direction of Ingvil.

Finally after a few moments of silence she heavily sighs and says quietly: "Tomorrow... Time sure flies by..."

“Either way I guess you are hungry? Right?” Suddenly as if awoken up from a deep thought she asks me.

I say nothing and only give her another big smile.

“Ha, ha, ha…As always. But I think you will have to wait for a while. Since your dad occupied the kitchen not too long ago.”

“Oh! So he went fishing?” I immediately ask.

Fishing is kind of my dad's hobby, but he can do it only when the ice is gone. So every summer he spends quite a lot of time near the river. Normally the caught fish are smoked or dried for winter, but if a catch is big enough he prepares a delicious dinner out of it.

“Yeah… Today he came back home with a smile from ear to ear while holding a full bag… He’s still the same little boy deep inside. Ha, ha, ha…” As mother remembers what happened today she laughts lightly.

“Hmm… Well then. I guess I will go and check how is he doing.” I speak with a hope in my voice that it won’t take long before the supper is served.

As I am opening our house‘s wooden door, I hear my sister‘s voice from behind me.

“If bro is taking easy today, then so do I!” She states this almost as if it’s a fact.

“Huh? You what?! You lazy…” I decide it’s better for my health to not get involved in their chat, so I immediately close the door once I’m inside.

‘I wonder who she takes after…’ A thought runs through my mind as I’m walking to the kitchen.

“Hey, dad! How long till it’s done?” I say loudly, as I get closer to the room.

The moment I walk inside, I notice him standing near a table, covered in plates and knifes, while holding a fish coated in flour in his hands.

‘What a mess… It’s like a tornado went through here…’ I hold my tongue not daring to say anything. Man has to eat, only then he can joke.

“Huh? Asger? Back already?” Asks my father with a few white patches of flour covering his face.

“Yeah…” Is the only word that comes out of my mouth, while my eyes are running all around the room, which could be called the kitchen once.

“Sorry but you will have to wait a bit.” He says with a warm smile to me.

“I see... I will be upstairs. Call me when it’s done.”

As I'm turning around I hear my fathers cheerfull: “OK!“

'God... One day I come home earlier and I learn so many new things.' While thinking about what I saw, I climb up the stairs.

The rest of the evening went like any other.

We ate together, laughed and talked about almost everything.

My parents once more asked me about my progress, but I avoided answering it and only said to wait for tomorrow with a grin on my face.

Anyway in the end, after all those ups and downs of the day, I find myself back in my bed. Looking through our little window at the starry sky, while feeling excited and nervous at the same time.

****

“Mmmm…” I let out this sound while stretching my body.

The moment I open my eyes, I’m immediately attacked by bright sun rays. Not being able to overcome the flood of light and colors I close them again.

‘Ugh… I wonder what time is it?’

It takes me a few seconds before I try to open my eyes a second time.

“Huh? Looks like Ingvil is already up.” I say as I notice her bed is empty, while looking around the room.

“Well it appears I have overslept.” I begin to wonder loudly, as I notice the rays of sun pouring through the window.

“This is what you get for staying up almost until morning… Dammit getting nervous like a little kid... God I really hate this part of myself…*Yawnnn* ” The self criticism is interrupted by a loud yawn.

“Haa. Whatever the case I should try to get up.”

“The test will be taking place a bit after the noon. So judging from what I see behind the window, I don't have much time to spare.” I say while slowly crawling out of my bed.

“Hah...”

*Slap*

I make a sharp sound slapping my face with both of my hands.

“Ok, Asger! It's your day!” I say loudly trying to give a motivation boost to myself.

It's hard to tell whether it helps or not, but I immediately get up and put on my summer clothes, which means my short woolen trousers, hardened leather boots and dark brown leather vest.

After taking a few more glances around the room, I went out.

It took me about one and a half hour until I finally stepped out through the door and into the yard. Of course not alone but followed by my whole family.

“Come on, witnesses of my greatness! Stop dragging your feet, because the star can’t be late to his own show.“ I say in a somewhat anxious voice.

"Pfff... Witnesses of what? Stupidity and ignorance?" Says my dear sister and shows her tongue.

'That little...' As I curse her in my head and shoot murderous glances from my eyes, our father just laughs and says: “Ah that’s what I call family bonds.”

“Enough playing around. We should start moving.” Finally says mother after closing the door.

Our journey to the town was quite short since our farm is close. But even in this short span of time I still managed to piss off my sister. Apparently she really dislikes being ignored. Ha, ha, ha.

Anyway as we get closer to the gate. I try to put my sister out of my mind and concentrate completely on what is ahead of me.

The moment we step in through the gate we are swept away by the smells of roasting meat, by the sounds of music and by the masses of people walking all around.

Well I’m somewhat used to this by now, since smaller festivals happen quite often. But Ingvil…

‘Ha, ha, ha’ I start laughing inside as I notice my little sisters ‘wow’ expression.

‘I guess I had the same stupid look years ago… Ah… Youth…’ I start to feel like an old man.

Suddenly a shout awakes me from my train of thought.

I look at the source and notice a carriage, pulled by two grey horses, coming in to town. It is stacked full of barrels. Since the road is crawling with people going one way or the other, it is hard to move forward especially with such a big cart.

I stop paying attention toward an angry driver and turn to my parents.

“Ok people. I got no time to spare so I will be taking my leave now.” I say this giving a look to them.

“I hope you won’t disappoint me, boy.” Says my father with a grin on his face.

“We will try to stay as close to the stage as we can.” Adds my mother.

With a nod of a head I turn around and walk away.

Each step I take the sound of music becomes louder and the smells more intoxicating. But I hardly pay attention to anything and keep on moving towards where the stage is.

Once I reach the center of town. The number of people increases drastically.

“Ahh…” I express my annoyance, since the stage is on the other side of the plaza.

‘Well going straight is clearly shorter, but going around is faster.’ So I decide to avoid the main mass and walk around, while keeping my fast pace.

Even though the number of people is les, I still need a great deal of concentration to not run into anybody.

It takes me more than a few minutes of fast walking before I get close to my destination.

“Asger!” Suddenly my concentration is broken as I hear someone shouting my name.

I immediately look around trying to find a source. It doesn’t take long before I notice Hege looking at me and waving. She is standing closer to the buildings and a bit away from the main body of the crowd with the three of our classmates.

Even though in the beginning she had a rough start, but in the last years she got quite close with most of them. In reality a whole class is getting along pretty well, of course if we don’t count me. But that is to be expected since I’m much older (at least spiritually) and smarter than them.

‘I guess I’m the biggest loner in our class, since I hardly talk with others. Yep, please call me the Lone Ranger.’ I think, while walking towards them.

“Asger, it’s been some time. For the last few weeks you didn’t even come to class.” She greets me by giving a simple hug.

“Yeah. I have been busy training.” I say while looking at the group consisted of one boy and three girls.

‘But damn… It’s really hard to believe that they are just over eight years old.’ Since there is a lack of mirrors I don't have much of the opportunity to evaluate myself. So meeting people of the same age is quite an eye opener.

'I know I should be used to this by now, but never less it still amazes me how a 8 – 9 years old kids can look like high schoolers or even close to the college students. What’s more girls are already taller than boys and Hege is no exception. To look her directly in the eyes I already need to look up...'

“Haaa…” I sighed knowing the bleak future. Even though we are still somewhat like a lightly trained group, from this point on we are on a macho road.

“What’s wrong? You got so silent and your face starts to look a bit pale.” Suddenly I’m asked by Anna, one of my classmates.

“Ah, sorry… Don’t worry I just thought about my future. Ha, ha, ha.” The laughter at the end was more like a desperate try to hide my fears.

“More importantly. Have you heard about Elise?” For some reason in a serious voice asks Hege.

“No. What about her?” I inquire.

She looks to others then back at me and says: “Asger, she is a white witch…” After a few moment of silence and making a really worried face she continues: “Elise told that herself in the last class.”

“Yeah, it was a huge shock to us all.” Adds Svarn, while shaking his head.

“What’s more from that day on nobody knows what to say to her. Also she herself began to keep a distance from everybody.” Says Anna frowning a bit.

“So…?” I ask getting the feeling that they want to say something but are beating around the bush.

“Well we thought you could go and talk with her.” Says Hege with a smile on her face.

“Huh?” For some reason I’m beginning to feel a huge pain in my butt.

“Well you know... You two have some kind of relationship, so... Go and talk with her.” Suddenly the smiling face of Hege changes to a determined one and she starts pushing me forward with both of her hands.

‘Yeah... We tend to talk, but that's it... Moreover Hege got quite strong. Well I don’t really resist but it also doesn’t look like she is giving it her all.’ I praise her a bit in my head.

“Ok! Ok! I got it. I will go just stop this nonsense.” I say in a tired voice, finally giving in to her request.

After hearing me Hege immediately smiles again and points toward the other side of the stage. “She is over there. Good luck.”

‘Ahhh... This is annoying.’ I think starting to walk.

‘The worst thing is I don't know what to say… Haa… Being bad at keeping a conversation sometimes really sucks.’ As I’m walking past the stage, I begin to worry what to tell or do in such a situation.

Finally as I turn over the corner behind the stage I notice her. Standing there all alone as she leans against one of the few trees growing in the plaza.

Her hair is tied back in a ponytail with a few loose strands, which from my point of view almost cover her expressionless face and a distant look.

Her slim figure is covered by a simple white dress made from a wool. It has short sleeves and ends just above the knees.

But what catches my attention the most is a red tattoo climbing up on one of her legs like a ferocious snake.

Spoiler :

‘Huh? I never noticed that before. But now that I think back, I have never seen her with a skirt...’ I nod a bit to myself.

‘Anyway even if I can’t tell what is sexy, I can still appreciate a true beauty of the Northen flower.’

“Haaa…” I sigh again.

'For some reason I just can't stop doing that today.' I add it in my mind.

Immediately after that I say loudly enough for her to hear me: “Elise!”

She turns towards me and instantly her whole face brightens up as a smile begins to form.

‘God. I think my heart just skipped a beat.’ I think while being mesmerized by a goddess in front of me.

“Asger…” I hear Elise say in her angel like voice, which sounds nothing like your average woman of the North. Since their voice is harsher and much closer to a man’s.

Not saying anything more. She starts walking towards me with her hips swaying from side to side and her ample breast dancing to the rhythm of the movement.

‘… In past, if such a woman, who stepped out from a cover of the magazines, walked towards me like that, without a bra… Let’s just say I would have had a really hard time dealing with a situation and a big embarrassment to hide. But here and now I almost don’t notice anything else other than that charming smile of hers…’ I wonder in my head.

“So I heard you told everybody your little secret.” I say as she gets closer.

“What can I say?” She speaks still walking and once she takes her place by my side, Elise immediately hooks our arms and says looking straight at me with those deep blue eyes of hers: “I couldn‘t put it of any longer.”

“I see.” Is all I’m able to mumble, while being stunned by her action.

As I’m still thinking what to say, her face suddenly become darker, a complete opposite of which she had a few moments ago.

‘What happened now?’ As I’m starting to panic, I notice that the force with which she holds my arm is increasing. And at this point it looks more like she is hugging it with all of her strength.

‘Yeah… Still nothing!’ I state in my mind while noticing that my arm isn’t just touching but rather it is being completely buried in one of her soft mountains.

“Asger…” Suddenly I hear her somewhat trembling voice, trying to tell me something.

“I want you to stand in lines by groups.” Out of nowhere I’m awoken by a grumpy voice of a teacher.

As I turn around I see that others are already gathering around. Between them I also notice Hege, looking at us with a big smile, while showing me a thumbs up.

‘OMG! Don’t tell me I was in that promised land, in that couples world?’ I’m surprised since this was the first time something like that happened to me. Of course if we don’t count times between my old self and PC.

“Anyway what did you want to say?” I focus back on the girl by my side.

“Maybe later.” But she says to me with a smile once more on her face.

‘… She really looks like my little sister, who tries to smile after crying for some time.’ A thought runs through my mind, but I hold my tongue and simply nod.

While around us people are already starting to form four lines. And from what I see other groups are somewhat bigger than ours, having even around 20 members.

“Asger, in last class teacher told us that our group will be the last one to go on the stage. Also people confident in their abilities should stay more at the end of the line. In other words I will be the dead last. But you should go and ask levels of others to find your place.” Says Elise in a somewhat tired voice as we walk to our classmates.

Once the first line is formed teacher walks to them and starts writing each person's name in order.

“Hmm…” I think for a few seconds and move to a place right behind Elise.

“Asger, what are you doing?” She whispers with a worry showing on her face and it’s not just her. Quite a number of others turns back, toward me, with a questioning looks.

But I simply laugh and say: “Ha, ha, ha… I will be the last one.”

“Ahhh… I think you don’t understand. My stats are quite high plus I’m a witch, so if you go after me, you might get overshadowed.” She desperately tries to explain this, but once more I simply laugh and say: “Don’t worry. I made my choice.”

I think she wanted to say something more, but it was finally our classes turn.

Teacher walks to the first person, which is a Svarn from earlier. More over from what I see around pretty much all boys are standing in the front of each line.

‘Well I guess girls are already overpowering us…’ I think shaking my head on how unnatural this is.

“Mister… Asger?” Suddenly I’m awoken by the teacher, who is standing already near the second boy.

“Yes, sir!” I say with energy in my voice looking at him.

“Are you comfortable there, in the back?” Old man says still focusing on the paper while writing the name.

“Yes. I like it very much. More over nobody breathes on my back, which I really hate.” I say as I shrug my shoulders.

'Well it's a habit from my old self to always keep people in my field of vision.' I add in my mind.

As I say this, quite a number of boys and girls start laughing, but teacher doesn’t say anything and only continues on taking the names.

Once it is my turn he looks at me, shakes his head and mumbles: “Kids these days.” Then walks away.

“You really are an idiot…” Says Elise silently.

“Don’t say that. On the contrary I’m really smart.” I shot back at her.

“Ha, ha, ha. Maybe, but at best you are still a smart idiot.” She laughs looking at me.

While thinking what to say, I hear a loud, strong voice: “It’s been already one year and once more it is time for our little kids to show what have they been doing up until now. Wherever they have been slacking or working hard it is time to reveal it all. So I call forth the first one: Askell Javardson.”

With these words the first boy runs up the stairs and onto the stage.

Once he put his hand on the magical tablet a huge blue screen appears over the stage.

Status WindowLevel81RaceNorthmenStrength819Defense692Vitality146Intelligence49Stamina302Vigor281Agility91Presence47ResistanceWater0%Earth0%Ice10%Fire0%Lightning0%Darkness0%Nature0%Wind0%Poison0%Alcohol0%*Titles*

‘At least he made past level 80. But his stats aren’t anything impressive.’ I think as I look at the screen.

Like that people went one after another showing their stats and titles.

A small number of people had other resistances like few present in fire and one had a 1 percent in earth. ‘I wonder how he got that?’ But other than that they had nothing more interesting to show.

From the first group strongest was with a 98 level. From the second group with a 99.

At the moment the third group is almost done as there only two girls left waiting for their turn.

Suddenly a chief’s voice rings: “Hilda Bergdottir” and one of the two walks on the stage.

Per chiefs instructions she puts her hand on the tablet and immediately the blue screen flashes over them.

Status WindowLevel94RaceNorthmenStrength963Defense788Vitality174Intelligence58Stamina347Vigor326Agility107Presence53ResistanceWater0%Earth0%Ice12%Fire0%Lightning0%Darkness0%Nature0%Wind0%Poison0%Alcohol0%*Titles*

‘Well her stats are on the high side, but still nothing too impressive…’

“Show us your titles.” Says the chief the screen changes into the smaller one.

*Titles*The Defender

“Oh… The first title!” He says in a happy voice.

As the words of chief ring in the plaza, I can hear that sounds of shouting and laughter, coming from the crowd, are calming down to the minimum.

‘Well finally this is getting interesting’ I think to myself.

The DefenderYou bravely stand your ground and protect those, who are behind you.

+35 Defense.

Finally chief with a nod of approval says: “You can go now.”

And as she walks of the stage, she is followed by the voices of people cheering for her.

“Let’s continue. The last member from her class Danica Ormardottir.” As the chief on the stage says loudly the other girl starts walking.

When she gets on the stage I can hear some from the crowd shouting ‘That’s our Danica!’

‘Looks like someone is popular.’ I think hearing that.

She puts her hand on the tablet and the blue screen shows.

Status WindowLevel103RaceNorthmenStrength1066Defense864Vitality189Intelligence64Stamina381Vigor339Agility121Presence58ResistanceWater0%Earth0%Ice12%Fire4%Lightning0%Darkness0%Nature0%Wind1%Poison0%Alcohol1%*Titles*

“Oh… Level 103.” I murmur loudly.

After hearing me Elise adds: “Yeah… She must have worked hard.”

“Seeing kids like you I already feel assured that the future of North is in good hands.” Says the elder in a very happy tone.

As the girl shows that she has no titles and turn around to walk back. The crowd explodes into a huge wave of applause, shouts and whistles.

‘Looks like some people are getting into the party mood with all the alcohol.’ I deduce, while listening to the crowd.

“Finally we are left with the last class which consists of 13 kids. Now let's see what they have to show to us.” Roars the chief’s voice.

And so it is time for my classmates to start climbing the stairs.

First is Svarn. His level is 83.

Boy after him is also 83.

Well all the rest show these levels: 85; 86; 89; 88; 91; 89; 93; 97; 98. Pretty similar to what the other three classes showed.

‘But Hege really surprised me there. She was such a shy and meek person… Now she is one of the top with the level 97… I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover.’ As I was thinking about Hege’s level, chief announced Elise's name.

She turns towards me and while giving a wink says: “It’s my turn. Till later.”

As Elise walks to the stage, her carefree expression changes, and from her few glances back I can see a look of determination.

The moment she walks on the stage chief says: “Well... Elise, come and put your hand on the tablet.”

Then suddenly he adds: “Wait... You are not the last one?”

Elise only shakes her head lightly and walks without a stop until she reaches the elder.

Suddenly she gives a fast glance back at me and then puts her hand on the tablet.

Once more a blue screen lights up in the air.

Status WindowLevel103RaceNorthmenStrength467Defense421Vitality141Intelligence1338Stamina198Vigor299Agility191Presence43ResistanceWater0%Earth1%Ice25%Fire4%Lightning1%Darkness1%Nature0%Wind1%Poison0%Alcohol0%*Titles*

“This generations is truly a surprise. A second person with such an outstanding level and what's more a white witch.” He says this quite silently, but I'm able to hear that because the crowd is reacting differently from how they were as a person with the same level was on stage.

Unlike before, when a cheer filled the town’s center, as Danica walked on the stage, now people murmured silently and pointed at Elise.

“Show us your titles.” Says town chief with a loud voice, which fills the hushed plaza.

*Titles*White Witch

White WitchReduces all racial special traits. Intelligence increases by x3. High affiliation with ice magic.

As the screen changes and a single title appears 'White witch', the murmuring intensifies greatly.

'I kind of get them. They see witches with respect, but at the same time they pity those women...' I shake my head in annoyance. 'But can't they see how hurtful this can be for a person in question.'

“Thank you girl. Now you can go.” Says the elder in a really warm voice.

When Elise turns around and starts walking back, I notice her solemn expression. Not being able to bear it anymore I start clapping with all my might.

As if something unexpected happened, everyone attention focuses directly on me.

'Shit... I don't care anymore. Even if I look like an idiot...' This situation is quite hard for me, since I don't like to be noticed, but never less with my ears burning from embarrassment I keep on clapping.

Just a few moments later I hear someone joining me and I don't even need to look to know that it's Hege.

It doesn't take much time before others start to join in and by the time Elise reaches stairs leading from the stage, almost half of the gathered people in the plaza are applauding for her. Of course no huge cheer or anything of the sort, just a simple applause.

‘Phew… May nobody dare say that I don’t help my friends.’ I think still clapping with a few beads of sweat on my forehead.

“Now I call the last person, Asger Haraldson.” Suddenly the chief’s voice roars in the air.

'Finally...' Is the only thing I think, while starting to run towards the stage.

The moment I get close to the returning Elise, she out of nowhere grabs my arm with one hand, pulls me closer and while holding my head gently with the other, kisses me on the cheek.

‘…’ I got nothing. I’m just standing frozen in her arms with those warm lips pressed at my cheek.

It’s hard to tell how long we have been like this, since my mind simply shut down.

But I doubt the moment lasted longer than a few seconds, before I stopped feeling the burning heat on my cheek.

As my mind is starting to reboot, I find myself still being held by her with our heads pressed together.

“Asger, you silly boy… Once I really start to want something, I can become quite aggressive. Ha, ha…” She slowly whispers in my ear but this time for some reason her voice sounds more devilish than before.

Finally Elise releases me and not saying anything more walks away.

“Um…” Is the only sound that leaves my mouth as I follow hear with my eyes.

“Right!... Stage!” It takes a few seconds before I remember where I am and what’s going on.

With my thoughts back on track I rush to the chief.

“Is everything alright?” Asks chief noticing that I’m a bit lost.

“I’m not sure… But I got a feeling that one day I will find out.” While saying this I shot a few sideway glances back towards where Elise is.

“Well then there is no need to drag this any longer.” He says pointing to the tablet.

“You are right.” I say confidently, while putting my hand on the tablet.

‘’

Immediately like all ways a blue screen appears over our heads.

Status WindowLevel136RaceNorthmenStrength1259Defense878Vitality226Intelligence445Stamina509Vigor485Agility374Presence68ResistanceWater1%Earth0%Ice15%Fire0%Lightning9%Darkness0%Nature0%Wind1%Poison0%Alcohol1%*Titles*

Just a few seconds ago I was surrounded by the noise of a festival, the shouts of anger here and there accompanied by loud laughter were heard, while people partied with mugs of beer in their hands.

Now those mugs are frozen in mid air and dead silence is ruling the place, as the entire crowd is looking at the table above me with their mouths open.

‘Ha, ha.. Feast your eyes for an amazing me is in front of you.’ At the moment I’m having a huge ego boost.

“T-titles… Show us your titles…” Says the chief in a silent voice. Clearly still surprised by what he sees at the screen.

“Yes, sir!” I say loudly.

‘’

*Titles*Blessed; The last one standing; Son of Thunder; Magical knight; Shadow killer; The Grand Archmage of Northmen; Lucky person

‘Ahh… The feeling of superiority… I like it.’ I think looking at all people still stopped in their track while reading what’s written over my head.

Well there are a few little children running around hardly paying attention to what’s happening but I’m not bothered by them.

‘Those idiots wouldn’t be amazed even if god himself descended right here.’

“Shadow…” Mumbles the elder. Then he looks at me and says: “Oh! So it’s you.”

“So the elder still remembers me.” I say with the smile, while trying to hold myself from saying something stupid like: ‘You bet it’s the great me.’ At least out loud.

“How can I forget you, when every time you stand in front of me you say or show pretty much impossible things.” As he was saying this his eyes drifted back to the screen.

“Such number… Some I know, some I don’t. Well then don’t waste time any longer and show them all.” Somehow the chief regained his composure. Even though the crowd is still pretty much gaping at the screen.

‘Hmm…’ I think for a moment in what order to show them and then I start.

‘First let’s start with…’

‘’

BlessedIncreases every stat by +10%

“Hmm…” Is the only thing I hear from elder. After all he already knows this one.

‘Then let’s go with…’

‘’

Shadow killerArmies will march, battles will be fought and innocents will die. For darkness is coming. So pick your weapons and fight for all that’s good.

+15 to all stats; +0.25% Darkness resistance

Only more of a ‘Hmm…’ I hear from him, but a crowd started to get rowdy as I started to hear whispers and murmurs.

‘Moving on…’

‘’

Lucky personThere are always people, born under the lucky star, and who are called a Lucky Bastards by others. So congratulations on becoming one.

Increases every stat by + 5

“I have heard about it. But never met anyone having this title.” Says chief with a shake of his head.

‘Next one…’

‘’

The last one standingEven if your enemies are coming at you in hordes, in the end through sheer willpower you stand tall.

+10 vitality; +30 stamina; +5 presence.

“Well this one is quite common among adults, but how did you manage to get it?” He asks looking at me, but I just shrug my shoulder and say: “I got lucky.”

‘Now let’s show this one…’ I focus back.

‘’

Son of ThunderBe proud since lightning is running through your veins.

+35 intelligence; +20 agility.

Advanced affiliation with lightning magic.

“What’s this?” Asks chief not understanding.

‘And to the next one…’ I move on not letting him to ask too many questions before the right time.

‘’

Magical knightYou are one of the few, who can wield a sword and fire bolts of magic. Even thought you are great at both, you are master at none. But combining them makes you a force to be reckoned with.

+50 strength; +50 intelligence.

“Again! Boy, are you able to use magic?” He now inquires looking at me.

‘And the big finale…’ I ignore him a bit and continue.

‘’

The Grand Archmage of NorthmenStand with dignity for you are the strongest magician of your race.

Vitality +10; Defense +20; Intelligence +60; Presence +5

Attention: if position is lost the title is nullified.

“The grand archmage of northmen… Explain what do these few last titles mean?” Asks elder while looking at me with a serious expression.

And it’s not just him. Apparently the crowd also is looking at me with puzzled expressions.

“What more do you want me to explain? Everything was already written in there.” I say with a grin on my face while moving my arm from the tablet.

“What was written makes no sense, because we unlike humans can’t use magic.” Tries to explain the chief.

“Can’t use? It’s more like we don’t use. Ha, ha, ha…” And as I start laughing electrical discharges appear around both my arms.

“W-what?” Only the elder says noticing my arms.

“This is not the end.” I say as an energy starts to focus in front of my palms.

Immediately two balls of lightning, as big as a tennis ball, forms in each hand. When this happens I move my hands closer to each other, merging them.

Suddenly a small electrical discharges starts to shoot out from between my fingers creating a nice crackling sound.

‘It’s time!’ I think and move my palms away.

As I do this a huge lightning bolt fires to the sky with a loud bang that resound through all town.

‘I hope you liked it. After all I have prepared this especially for today.’ I think with a satisfied expression while looking at the people whose jaws dropped down for a second time today.

I came up with it some time ago. This skill may look badass, but it has almost 0 of destructive power. In other words it’s just a nice light show, perfect to impress this crowd.

‘Ah! Yes this is it. That moment.’ I think and start to raise slowly my both hands with signs of victory, while the crowd in front of me is still astonished by the act before.

Suddenly as I’m still raising my arms, a single sound pierces through the silence that dominates the plaza.

“Boooooooo!”

I stop moving for a second, still hoping that I imagined it. But as the sound doesn’t stop I dart my eyes at the crowd looking for the source.

It doesn’t take long before I notice a young girl shouting from the bottom of her lungs.

‘Ah… Of course… My dear little sister… I’LL KILL YA!’ I think with a smile on my face while looking at her.

Mother is the first to react by giving her a smack upside the head to make her stop.

Anyway this whole situation as if awakens people from a trance and plaza is suddenly filled with a sound of laughter.

“Ahem!” Chief clears his throat quite loudly.

“I don’ know what to say. In my life I saw many talented children, but never to this extent.” Saying this he shakes his head as if still hardly believing in what he saw, while the laughter in the plaza subsided and the crowd is starting to listen to the chief’s words.

“Well there were a few that even managed to reach levels over 120 and get the recognition of everyone around them as the geniuses of their generations. But you… Stand here in front of me with a level that is in a complete different league and with lightning that shot out of your hands, as if it was nothing.” Says the elder looking at me while caressing his beard with his left hand.

‘Well I could have had an even higher level if I didn’t spent so much time playing with magic, but I think I will keep it to myself...’ I think while listening to the elder.

"I cannot say what future has in store for you, but I truly believe you, Asger Haraldson, will become legend of North and a hero of this town." Chief says this with pride in his words, especially the last part.

And immediately the crowd explodes with a shout of congratulation. Some are even saluting me with their mugs before drinking.

‘Um… I think this is the best moment to leave.’ I think this noticing the atmosphere in the plaza.

And as I walk off the stage I give a few waves to the people cheering for me.

== End of chapter 26 ==

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