A/N : Hey all, thanks for the patience.

this year has been a bit of a bumpy ride so far and thanks to all those who responded to my announcements.

next is i am still open to all of you who have character submitions here so if u wanna be apart of this story with me, please feel free.

Also total word count is 3838 . slightly shorter than normal but oh well.

Ch. – 13 To The Mountainof Dragons

Q’talo and Wraithas reentered the small wooden house as the bodies of the attackers became consumed by the earth. Inside they sat down as Wraithas poured another drink for them. Before drinking they toasted and laughed again.

“Now why do you think a dark god or deity is after the young boy?” Q’talo asked.

“Ah! That’s right you don’t know. After I took Christian under my wing and he became a good warrior he and he took that knowledge and began combating them. He almost succeeded in preventing the [Fall of Kimala].” Wraithas said.

“I see. So he began targeting them and in response his family is not being hunted. No wonder they want their son to train in the mountain. Although I don’t know which is more dangerous, the mountain hasn’t had the best track record with someone so young in a long time. The training will be intense not counting the magic I will make him study. Think he’ll be able to handle it?” Q’talo questioned.

“I don’t know but if he wants to become a man of strength and to be able met his family again then he’d better be able to. I heard that for his graduation he must become at least a . Basically he won’t be leaving until his mid-20’s I think.” Wraithas confessed.

“Mid 20’s? Hahaha” Q’talo laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Wraithas asked with a puzzled look.

“Well I didn’t want to say it earlier but there are some famous people who were secretly arcane magicians and some abilities that I didn’t mention.” Q’talo said.

“Like?” Wraithas questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Well one was Jason the Lightsword. Remember the legend of the [Light Swordsman] who could blind all who looked at him, even when their eyes were closed? Light so bright not even the night could stop him. My grandfather’s records showed that his power and ability to create the [Flash Spell] is in line with some people who didn’t know it at the time.” Q’talo revealed.

“The legendary [Light Swordsman] of the first age was an arcane mage? Legend has it that he was the first warrior to ever combine magic and swordsmanship. Amazing, what else do these arcane mages have the ability to do?” Q’talo pondered.

“Well besides that they are able to channel their mana into vitality, in short they can convert mana into stamina but of course there are some drawbacks. Normally their natural mana storage begins to grow slower and also it puts them up for attack through magic since they use up their magic. Now do you see?” Q’talo asked with a grin.

“I see, on the mountain of Dragons there are no mages to attack him, so he can focus on turning his mana into stamina without problems. Maybe he will see his family sooner than he thinks.” Wraithas said as they drank the rest of the night in silence as they fell asleep later.

As morning came around Kaiden woke up feeling invigorated. Last night he learned that he was to become an [Arcane Mage] and having Q’talo explain about being able to cast magic up to the [Fourth Tier] was amazing to him. From what he could can remember magic of that level could kill a few men with a single blast or heal a serious injury. He became motivated to not neglect his magic training, being strong was necessary for his future survival as well as his families. To let others fight his battles and to die for him is not how he wanted to live.

Preparing for his day he gathered his belongings and went downstairs to see a passed out Wraithas and Q’talo on the floor. Not sure what to do he went outside and did some exercise. After about two hours the two hungover men came out to see a sweating and panting Kaiden.

“Oh? Not many so young like to train so hard, keep that attitude up and you’ll become as strong as me one day!” Wraithas exclaimed.

“Ignore him Kaiden, this oaf is nothing you want to be, fifty-eight years old and still no heir to his skill or name.” Q’talo jested.

“Bah whatever lets hurry up.” Wraithas fumed.

“Sure thing, do you have everything packed up?” Q’talo checked.

“Yes, Master” Kaiden responded

Q’talo raised his hand and chanted a spell and slowly Kaiden could see the tree house begin to shrink. Slowly unraveling itself and becoming smaller and smaller.

“Wow, how’d you do that?” Kaiden asked.

“This? This is a magic home, it allows me to change its size so that I may transport it anywhere I desire. No worries about it at all!” Q’talo said smugly as Kaiden’s eyes were filled with awe.

“Get that look off your face Kaiden, your jaw might go missing.” Wraithas jested.

“Uhh...” Kaiden moaned with a dumbfounded expression, trying to recompose himself.

“Haha lets go.” Q’talo said as he whistled and the two horses they came on appeared out of nowhere.

Together the three of them rode all the way back to Morthall, with nothing extraordinary happening but Kaiden felt like the reason being that the beast, monsters or other things around the area wouldn’t dare attack some people as strong as Wraithas and Q’talo. Animals, of course were creatures of survival and they could obviously sense that attacking the little group of theirs would result in one thing, death.

As a day past by they finally reached Morthall at night and headed immediately to Bull’s home just outside of it. However when they arrived there the home was in tatters. Outside with a very pissed off expression Bull was boarding his home up with wood. While inside his wife was making food but from what could be seen from outside, there was very little food to be made.

“What happened Bull?” Wraithas asked.

“Some of your ‘friends’ stopped by demanded your location but not until they destroyed half my home and threatened my kids. I take it you handled them?” Bull said.

“Yes, we did. Do you need help?” Q’talo asked.

“And who are you?” Bull asked.

“An Earth Mage with experience in homes and their importance.”

“Then by all means, please.” Bull said dully.

Q’talo chanted his magic as he made clay come out the ground, slowly it covered the holes with clay in his home as well as repaired any cracks in the walls, and the home had now been in better condition than before.

“Many thanks mage.” Bull said as he made a motion with his hand.

“You’re welcome, Keeper” Q’talo gestured in return.

“You may leave whenever you are ready, the circle hasn’t been used since you came.”

“Great, allow me to contact the mountain first as I will need them not to kill you where you stand and to also disable the traps.” Wraithas said.

Wraithas took out a communication control and activated it as Q’talo took Kaiden to a side.

“Before we go Kaiden, I must let you know something, you will be training both in Magic and Swordsmanship together. Your master will be someone I wasn’t expecting but I have your letter of introduction from Wraithas so I hope you’ll be ready for a hell of a time” Q’talo said as he placed his hand on Kaiden’s shoulder as to comfort him.

Unbeknownst to Kaiden that he was going to be mentored under the most difficult master of the sword the mountain of dragons had to offer. The master who has only had only five students graduate with his blessings.

Mato sat in his room meditating with his sword, as suddenly he felt the effects of a communicate scroll coming to him. This one in particular was one of the Grandmasters; Wraithas! He did not dare reject a connection with a Grandmaster.

‘Lord Wraithas! How may I be of service?’

‘Mato, how many students do you currently have?’

‘None, sir. The last group went on an expedition and did not return. I am meditating on whether or not to go in search of new disciples, sir.’

‘Perfect, I have a new student for you to test.’

‘I will give him a chance my lord. May I ask the age of this new pupil? What rank has he attained? Master second-rank? Or is he a bit weaker at just master?’ Mato asked.

Silence for several moments before Mato could sense something was wrong.

‘He is I believe still a trainee… maybe a novice.’

Mato had no response, as an instructor he had not ever admitted a single novice or trainee under his tutelage. Those who came before normally died on their first expeditions, not counting the fact many couldn’t handle the battle aura the mountain emanated.

‘Is there a joke lord? Or is the something else you’re not saying?’ Mato asked hoping it was all just a joke.

‘Oh yes he will be studying under you in the way of the sword but also magic under a mage who will be with you on the mountain. Also he will have two others with him, train them well. Arthur is currently looking after them. ’ Wraithas said if realization of the information.

Again another silent moment came to pass. Mato was sure now that Wraithas was serious but to his memory no mage had ever been granted entry to the mountain before.

‘I see… well I hope these students will be able to handle the training sir.’ Mato said but deep down he knew the boy would not last a month on the mountain.

‘Mato I can’t see you but I can tell you don't have high expectations for the young ones and I don't blame you, but I am asking you for something peculiar and for such I will reward you greatly with one of my personal relics with your pick of any one of them.’ Wraithas said in a serious him.

Mato could hardly believe it! Everyone knew that grandmasters had their own treasure trove of relics, artifacts, and crafting materials of highest quality. Also that grandmasters would never give them away easily.

‘I will do my very best my lord. When will they be arriving?’

‘Soon, maybe twenty minutes?’

So soon! Mato began immediately preparing training regiments but not too many due to the magic training the boy would require as well.

‘Also let it be known I will be arriving as well with a friend.’ Wraithas said. Mato stopped everything he was doing and immediately ran towards the teleportation gate. He had to immediately drop the barrier preventing access as well as traps. Wraithas himself wouldn’t have any issues but his new student would most likely die.

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

Wraithas while still connected to the mountain had finally received the go ahead. The barrier had been lowered and the traps disabled. Wraithas motioned for the other two to step into the circle as they prepared to go. After several seconds the circle activated and then off they went.

The first time Kaiden had been teleported had been an awkward experience to say the least. The feeling was similar to being stretched on every part of your body and then having a momentary numbing sensation. As Kaiden opened his eyes at the room around him he discovered that they were surrounded a row ten men kneeling and behind each man was another ten men kneeling as well.

The man on the left stood spoke to Wraithas with a resounding tone of respect. He was dressed in a red with a sword on his waist. He was a human with long brown hair that was tied shortly into a ponytail. Neither muscular nor thin he still emanated a presence although not as intense as Wraithas.

“Lord Wraithas! We welcome you!” the man said.

“Greetings Mato, and greetings to the Mountain. I would like to introduce two people here today, they are here with my blessing and as such with the permission of the Elder grandmaster.” Wraithas declared.

Kaiden could clearly see the room tense up to the mention of this ‘Elder’.

Wraithas motioned to Kaiden and continued his announcement.

“This is Kaiden and he will now become the disciple of Master Mato. He is of rank of sword novice and as such shall skip his first expedition although after he shall be apart like everyone else. Second he is also a [Mage], which brings me to our next guest.

This is Q’talo, an old friend of mine who had been on many journeys with me, he is also the creator of the [Cave of Weight]. So obviously pay your respects and he will not kill you. Are we clear?” Wraithas asked with a wicked smile.

All the people present simply bowed their heads slightly lower in acknowledgement.

“Good that will be all! I must return to meet the Elder Grandmaster, train hard!” Wraithas said as Kaiden and Q’talo stepped out of the circle and Wraithas bid them farewell.

As Wraithas disappeared the others began to leave as Mato came up to greet them.

“Greetings Q’talo, I am Mato Quidelos. If you would please guide him with me to our residence?”

“Sure thing, Kaiden stick with me ok? After we leave those doors you will be affected by the [Mountain’s fever].” Q’talo explained as they headed to the main doors.

“Master Q’talo!” A voice behind them yelled. As they turned around Q’talo laughed.

“Arthur! How are you my boy? Still using what I gave you?” Q’talo jested.

“Haha of course! Master Mato, how are you?” Arthur said in a calmer voice.

“I am pleased to have new students, how are you Master Arthur? Lord Wraithas said that the other two students I would have are currently under your care.” Mato greeted.

“Ah they are currently at my residence, shall I bring them over tonight?” Arthur asked.

“No, tomorrow morning would be better since I must converse with Master Q’talo about our scheduling of training.” Mato responded.

“Very well, Master Q’talo please come to my residence sometime so we may catch up.” Arthur invited.

“Of course Arthur. Farewell” Q’talo responded.

“Farewell, until tomorrow Master Mato” Arthur said as he bid them farewell.

Together the three of them began moving towards the door, once outside Kaiden could see people vanishing in front of him.

“Can you carry him? I fear I might frighten the boy.” Mato said.

“Sure thing.” Q’talo said as he scooped Kaiden up before he knew it and about thirty seconds later they had ran through a dense forest area and had come out to a clearing. Kaiden had never felt like he’d moved that fast before in his life. As they stopped and Kaiden was put on his feet again he surveyed his new surroundings. In front of him there was a small residence surrounded by walls.

“Welcome to your new home, this is my section of the mountain. Now if you’d please follow me to our courtyard I’d like to ascertain your rank of the sword before I decide on my training methods.” Mato said as he led them through the doors and led them to the courtyard.

“WOW” Kaiden said as he walked through the doors and went to the courtyard. In the court yard it was filled with many training dummies, practice swords, spears, and bows.

Mato walked around to a cabinet to the side and pulled out a sword. Behind Kaiden, Q’talo let out a slight chuckle. Mato motioned for Kaiden to join in in the center of the practice field. Kaiden dropped his things and walked over to Mato expecting some sort of test.

“Take this sword and hold it in any stance you want and hold it as long as you possibly can.” Mato said as he passed the sword to Kaiden.

Kaiden grasped the sword and decided to go into the sword form he was best with, the first form of the Iron-sword style. With his legs at waist length, holding his hands sword in front of him and corrected his breathing. He held this form for about ten seconds until slowly the sword in his hand started shifting, not becoming heavier but lighter, then suddenly becoming heavier. This fluctuation in weight was shifting constantly causing his balance to shift but it was manageable. This went on for about a minute until something else started to happen. The sword now began to sway, shifting in weight and now in direction. Moving around in different directions and varying in weight Kaiden now could only hold on for a several seconds until her had to give up.

As the sword fell to the ground, Mato frowned thinking to himself what to do.

‘He is almost a sword student but his endurance, dexterity, and strength is severely lacking.” Mato thought to himself.

“Master Mato, perhaps we can discuss the training of this young one together. I have some ideas that we can incorporate to increase his growth rate.”

Mato looked at Q’talo and could sense something that was being kept from him.

“Very well, Kaiden come with me and I shall show you your room.” Mato said as he led them to his room. The room was very small, it had a bunk as well clearly meant for four people in this room.

“Rest here, I shall speak to Master Q’talo about what’s best for your training. We shall call you for breakfast.” Mato said as he walked away with Q’talo.

Kaiden sat his things down on the floor and sat on the bed and fell asleep. Outside Q’talo followed Mato to a room where there was a pot of hot water boiling in the center and a table where they could sit at.

“Tea?” Mato offered.

“Please.”

Mato grabbed the tea pot and a two cups and brought it to the table where they sat down together. As Mato poured the tea for them they began chatting on the proper way to train Kaiden. Although they had just met they quickly allowed their brilliant minds to create training methods for all of them. This would soon be known as the ‘Torture Training of Dragon Mountain’ in the future.

The next morning Kaiden woke up feeling refreshed, the last few days had worn him our completely. Wanting to stretch his legs he decided to walk around Master Mato’s home. He explored round the complex and found himself back at the courtyard and began exercising. After several minutes he heard call for him to eat breakfast. Following the voice he heard and following his nose he found where the dining room was. Inside the dining room was a simple meal on the table and the two masters sitting down waiting for him. There was also another three seats ready for others who he assumed were for the Rako, Athola, and Arthur.

Just as he was about to ask when they would arrive the door slid open and the three walked in. Rako and Athola looked depressed while Arthur’s face is indifferent. As they Saw Kaiden they smiled and gave him a wave.

“Great! You’re here. Sit and I will explain to you what will be happening.” Mato said.

Everyone sat down and began eating as Mato started by explaining a change of plans. Originally they were all going to be training together but since Kaiden was going to be training both Magic and Sword he would require twice as much training. Rako and Athola on the other hand were not training magic and would be focusing on the combat arts. So the solution was for them to all be trained separately. Kaiden would stay here as Rako would train with Arthur and Athola would be training with Dragon Daika, the best bow master on the mountain. Rako and Athola were both ecstatic with the good news, Kaiden on the other hand was starting to feel a bit lonely.

The three would train separately but once they were all at a second rank or above they would all undergo a trial for graduation. Not graduating meant they were not allowed to leave the mountain, and leaving the mountain meant being disowned and would become a subject of distain across the continent.

Lastly they would all be taught battle tactics by Q’talo and their respective masters together respectively. This would make it so that when they were done they would still know and operate efficiently.

As they finished their meal everyone was excited, Rako cause of the opportunity of training with Arthur, Athola because she wouldn’t have to train with the boys and would be with a powerful woman, and Kaiden because he would not be alone.

With the new knowledge that everyone would be getting what they wanted, they figured that things were starting to look up. How sadly they were mistaken because Arthur was a weapon master who forced his students to practice with every weapon. Dragon Daika could hit a target at almost any distance within reason as well as was one of the fastest people on the mountain. Lastly Dragon Mato was one of the strictest Dragons on the mountain and not a single sword trainee had ever made it past the fourth rank of swordsman... alive. Then there was Q’talo who had cultivated some of the greatest mages in history from the shadows.

Life was about to get interesting for them, as well as insanely difficult but back to the present day where they were still eating. The only time the three would have together is with Q’talo but seeing how it would be more discussion and discussing situations and theory it wouldn’t be that difficult until the second year. Thus everyone prepared to get ready with training and the new life on the mountain.

-Unknown Location-

In a secluded castle in the north-western region of Zerte, a man dressed in dark battle armor with his hood up approached the main hall, in the throne room sat a man dressed in all white. The man in white looked like a young noble, except for the fact his eyes glowed red.

“Master, the boy has been sent to the [Mountain of Dragons]. What should we do?” a man said.

The master in his all white robe, looked up and replied, “Leave him, the mountain, has enchantments that would take too many people to break through. What of the parents?”

“The [Twin Daggers] have hidden them, but we know they are rebuilding forces in order to fight us.”

“I know that you fool!” the master roared.

“Apologies”, the man in armor quickly replied.

After several moments of pondering the master decided on what to do, stick close to the friends, protect them and get close. When one day he leaves the mountain he will find them, then we will act accordingly. Now go!” the man roared.

As the man left the master in white quietly spoke to himself, “The goddess’ envoy will be destroyed.”

te quietly spoke to himself, “The goddess’ envoy will be destroyed.”