(A/N:Okay, a bit of an info dumping chapter. I think I am going to start adding in some trivia at the end or in the beginning of the chapter like I did here. In fact i am thinking of adding sections to past chapters with information about the world and how things function. Things the MC will not uncover for himself for a while... but maybe i shouldn't and let you experience it with the MC? Let me know! : )

The sun was nice and warm on my back while I walked around the garden for a bit. I discovered a fruit tree filled with some fruit I tasted at dinner before, though I didn’t know what kind of fruit it really was. I picked a couple since I liked their taste and made my way to my favorite spot.

As I was about to enter circle of flowers when I hear someone humming. A girl is there, poking around among the flowers. I recognized her from before, it is that girl who bothered me last time I was resting here. I thought to leave when she saw me.

“Oh, hello. I didn’t see you there.”

“I didn’t mean to intrude.” I say while giving a tiny bow. She was annoying last time so I wanted to avoid her, though not to the point of being rude.

“Oh it’s no problem. I rather enjoyed your company last time we met. It is not every day that I can have a conversation with one of you heroes.” She says with an inviting smile.

Ah well it’s not as if it will do any harm, I think and join her.

“Are you the one who grew these?” I ask and gesture to the rainbow ring of flowers surrounding us.

“Haha, no. taking care of them is just a hobby of mine, it helps me think. Normally there are hired gardeners who grow and care for the garden.” She removes a pair of leather gloves and leans against sits down on the raised stone garden bed. I toss her one of the fruits and join her.

“Oh, thank you! I was just getting a little peckish.”

We sit there and eat for a little bit in silence. I was just starting to enjoy myself in the sun and then the questions started.

“So how goes the training? I heard that some of you have already reached the third level of magic. A feat that normally would take at least a year, if you had the talent for it.”

“I have yet to really start my magic training. The teacher pissed me of so I have been wondering if I should switch. The problem is that by now all the others are far ahead of me so I would probably only hold them back if I joined them.”

“I see, who was it that you wanted to study under? I have seen that the teachers in fire and ice magic are very popular among the heroes. Were you perhaps one of those?”

Nosy…

“No, I instead had interest in learning earth magic, because of its wide applications. However as the mage in charge was a lazy pig who would rather sleep then help prepare me for the war; I more or less gave up on it.”

“I see…” She goes quiet for a little while, chewing on the fruit.

“So you have been focusing on fighting then? The knight commander has been very pleased with the progress you heroes have made since arriving. What is your weapon of choice? I bet it is something like a sword or a spear, right?”

…it would probably be bad if I told her that I was currently about to start my training from a drunk bar fighting dwarf.

“I have yet to choose a weapon for myself. The one I was interested in was recently taken away by the dark elves.”

“Oh, that was a sword was it not? Mother told me about it once, the weapons of the dark elves that are said to contain their soul. Apparently they believe that when a child is born, it is incomplete. That is why their parents make a wooden weapon or tool for the child, in order to impart their knowledge to them. As the child grows up they are thought the use of the weapon or tool and over time they will improve on the wooden tool, slowly they will start to change its appearance, adding metal and removing wood, until only a small piece of the original wooden version remains. That wooden piece is there to represent where they came from, just like our names. After such a long time with a single weapon or tool it becomes like an extension of themselves and therefore the elves believe that they start to share their soul with it. After all they have spent their entire life with it, working on how to best use it, how its function can be improved. Constant improvement that is the way of the dark elves. An admirable way of life, don’t you agree? Unfortunately it makes them look down on those that lack their sense of devotion. As if they are beneath them and not worthy of their time. It is a shame that they did not become out allies.”

Her mouth finally stopped talking. While it was nice to get some insight in to the world of the dark elves, which really seem to be like the old samurais who would spend a life time devoted to a single task, something about her speaking made the words she said go right over my head. She almost sounded like a teacher who was far to invested in her subject. I had to really concentrate on the words she spoke in order to retain what she was actually saying. I could feel the strain on my brain…

“So, you have not been learning magic, nor have you been training with a weapon. What have you been doing then?” She suddenly squints and looks at me suspiciously.

“I have been preparing in my own way…” I say vaguely.

“Does that involve traveling in to the city at night only to return the next day with tattered clothes still dripping of blood and sweat? I have heard the rumors you know. They say that one of the heroes tend to leave the city at night and hunt the thieves and bandits in the city, bringing justice to those that are too weak to fend for themselves. They say that he is always hiding his identity so that the bandits can’t retaliate against him and that he already have gained the respect of the soldiers and guards of the castle for his deeds. Well, that is at least what the maids are saying so I bet not all of it is true…” She trails of and stares at me.

Where the hell did that come from!? Is this really what they are saying about me? Well, it is better than the truth I guess. I can’t imagine what they would say if they knew all I had been doing in the city was getting drunk and being beaten up.

I try to erase the look of surprise from my face and look serious but I am obviously too late as a smile of victory spreads on her lips.

“Haha, don’t worry I will not tell anyone of your identity, Mr. Lone Hero.”

“Wait what did you just call me?”

“The Lone Hero. That is what the maids are calling you.”

“I am just going in to town to drink, not act like some vigilante. And that is such a terrible name.” I grasp my face in despair.

What have I done!? I knew I should have chosen a decent name for people to call me by. I knew I had dragged it out too long, but I wanted to at least have done something to represent it. But this was too horrible. I mean come on, The Lone Hero? Can you get anymore cheesy? No, no you can’t, that is as cheesy as it gets.

“Uhu, of course you were. And if anyone asks then that is what I will tell them.” She didn’t buy it. “Well let’s talk about something more else then. Are you looking forward to the tournament? It is the talk of the town. The fact that anyone can come compete have already spread outside the walls of the city, and there are a lot of speculation as to who would do well in the competition. Several noble sons are talking about competing in order to show off their dueling skills. But I think most of us are excited to finally be able to see how the heroes will fare. Especially the girls, they never talk about anything else. Who do you think will do well in the tournament?”

“…I really can’t say. I have yet to see what the others can do. I have heard that Hank, one of the castle guards, is favored to do well, however I am unable to say for sure. All I know is that if Millie were to compete then the rest of us would probably be better off avoiding fighting her.”

“Millie… Hmm do you mean the assistant commander? The one whom the knight commander recommended? I never knew she was someone to look out for.”

“Trust me, I have firsthand experience.” I say and rub my back, remembering how she tossed. “Other than her I guess if Bryn or Sam were to compete then they would be rather good.”

“By Sam, do you perhaps mean Samuel Whitewing? The noble son of Barras Whitewing?”

“I doubt it. Unless that guy is a huge muscle mountain who works as a bouncer at one of the inns in the city.”

“Oh then no, Samuel is rather frail looking. Who was the other one you mentioned?”

“Bryn, he is a dwarf.”

“Hmm, not too many of their kind around here, I am surprised to say I don’t know who that is.”

“Well I’d say he most likely travels in very different circles from yourself so it’s no surprise you do not know of him.”

At this time I was finally saved as a voice called out.

“My lady? It’s time.” As I turn to look at the origin of the voice I see a woman in plate armor and a giant two handed sword on her back.

“Ah, I guess so. Well I have to go now; perchance we will meet here again sometime?”

“If I have the notion.” I think she enjoyed the vagueness of my reply as she smiled knowingly before taking her leave.

If only she was my type…

The next day I receive a letter where the earth mage asks me to join him in his study. Judging by the timing I figured that the girl had something to do with it. I did as I was asked and went to his study. Asking a maid for directions along the way of course.

Knocking on the doors to his study a voice I didn’t recognize called for me to enter. Inside there was a mess. Stacks of books placed on where ever they could fit. Paper and scroll cases littered the floor and what I could only think of as random junk was mixed with it all. Sitting behind his desk was the mage, who had a very unhappy look. He almost looked like he wore a sad mask, as if he was using all his strength to look as unhappy as possible. I could clearly see that the reason for his unhappiness was not my own appearance at his study but rather the old woman who was sitting in a chair and sipping a cup of what I guessed was tea. Her hair was gray as stone and she wore half-moon glasses on her nose and a small black hat, pinned to her hair. She was dressed in a black and violet dress, filled with enough lace to not really show any real fabric. It was the kind of dress that covered her entirely, showing only the skin on her face and hands. In my mind she looked like a stern teacher from old movies, or perhaps like a mean Mary Poppins.

“You wanted to see me…?” I ask carefully. I was thinking of coming in and start berating this guy once more, telling him that if he wanted to meet with me he could get of his fat ass and come himself. But the presence of this woman got me curious.

“Haaaa…” The mage sighed with force. “I was not the one who wanted to meet you but rather madam Gray here. Apparently she had heard of our little scuffle the other day and was inclined to, as they say, butt in. I really don’t want to do this but she insisted. So much so that she has been sitting there, staring at me for the better part of the day. It’s starting to drive me nuts. I can’t work unless she goes away, and she won’t go away until I called you so now that I have I pray I will be rid of her.”

“Oh, hush, Theodore. You make it sound like I came here only to pester you.”

“Please, don’t call me that…”

“Why ever should I not call you by your name?” The madam Gray said while hiding a smile behind her cup as she took another sip. The mage could sigh some more before she turned her attention to me.

“My name is Mrs. Aubrey Gray, duchess of Westriver. You can call me Mrs. Gray. And you, I assume are one of the heroes, yes? Yes, of course you are. Theodore here, oh don’t glare at me like that Theodore, has told me that you have shown interest in learning from him, is that correct?”

I don’t know how to handle this woman. I can honestly say that I have only ever seen anyone close to her character in books and on TV, and even there I was unsure of how you should best react to them. Since I was feeling insecure I decided to take the safe route. Short and polite.

“Yes, mam.”

“May I ask as to why you wish to learn from him?”

I think for a few seconds before I answer her.

“Earth magic is in my opinion one of the most versatile and useful magic’s to know. With it you can create things that last and as such you can build houses, construct walls and such, but it can also tear them down. I imagine that I would be able to get out of almost any situation using earth magic and the applications for earth magic in war should be more useful than any of the other elemental magic’s. Of course I am only speaking from my own experience and imagination so I might be wrong.”

“I can hear that you have put quite a bit of thought in to it. From what I have seen and heard most of the other heroes have chosen more, shall we say, flashy types of magic. So I am a little curious as to your opinion on the other types.”

“I simply believe that there are uses for them all, but learning only one of them would only limit me. I do intend to learn at least a basic amount of the other types of magic eventually. Being able to light a fire or to conjure up water would greatly help me survive on my own. Also having the ability to heal wounds will be invaluable. Then there are the more obscure types that I know too little about to have an opinion right now. I might want to learn some shape shifting, if it’s not too hard. Being able to fly like a bird or breath under water like a fish would probably be useful at some point.”

“Oh, so you do have an interest in the other types of magic. How intriguing. I was just having a conversation with the knight commander, a week or so ago, about this. Whether having a high knowledge in one type of magic would be more beneficial than having lesser knowledge in several types of magic. The knight commander is a firm believer in destructive magic, and if he was able to choose he would probably have everyone learn how to cast [firestorm] and [lightning strike], and nothing else. Thankfully magic of that magnitude require a higher knowledge in their respective elements so he had to give up his ambition to a certain degree.

Contrary to him, I am of the standpoint that it would be better if you heroes learned a broader spectrum of magic. Not only would it help you to survive longer, but it would also give you more, as you said before, versatility.” She stops and looks pointedly at the mage who grimaces and looks away.

“I am of the same mind Mrs. Gray.”

“Excellent, then it’s settled.” She puts her cup down and stands up as if everything has been decided.

…?

“Wait, what…?”

“I shall expect you at my room after dinner in the morrow. Do take care to come with a full stomach, for we will be at it for quite some time.”

“Stop, hold on for a moment. What are you talking about? What’s decided? I don’t remember agreeing to anything.” I say confused over the sudden turn of events.

“Oh don’t be silly. Did you not say that you were of the same mind as me?”

“Well, yes but…”

“Good, then there is nothing more to talk about. I shall see you tomorrow after lunch. And please be on time, I do not enjoy waiting.” With that she left, not hearing any further questions.

I stand there dumbfounded. What was it I had agreed to? And who was this duchess really?

“Eh’hem!” I hear a firm cough from the mage. “Don’t tell me you are going to start hanging around here too.” He points out.

“Wouldn’t dream on it.” I say and leave.

Thinking that I might as well get some exercise while I wait for tomorrow to come I go to the training yard. On my way out of the castle I see the other heroes gathering. Judging from their conversation, they have been invited by one of the nobles to join in a hunt. Trying to ignore them I walk passed but before I managed to get out I ear tiny feet running before feeling a tug on my sleeve. I look down behind me and see a little girl standing there.

“Hey, aren’t you one of us? Where are you going?” She looked tinier then she sounded. I guess at that age we all try to sound older then we are.

“I have things to do so I am going outside. And, what are you doing?”

“We are going outside the city with Mr. Whitewing. He asked us to come and hunt with him.”

“Well… have fun I guess.” I say and I turn to leave again.

“Shouldn’t you come with us?” She asks me confused.

“Why should I do that? He didn’t ask me to come.”

“But I’m sure he wouldn’t mind…”

“…Don’t worry about it, little one. To hunt you probably have to ride a horse, and I don’t know how so I would rather not come, ok?”

“Fatima!? What are you doing over there?” Some older girl called out to her. She frowns and looks back at me.

“Go on.” I shoo her away.

“I’m not a dog…” She mutters and walks back to the group.

Strange kid…

The rest of the day I spent marveling at my own progress and training. I was now able to work out for around 2 hours before falling to the ground exhausted. By now I really had to push myself to get to the limit, rather than just train until I was tiered. I could feel myself quickly getting to the state of mind where I was happy with my progress and didn’t need more. Of course I know such thoughts are destructive, but they are getting harder and harder to ignore.

When I finally decide to stop I see that I am being watched.

“You’re here already? I didn’t expect you until sometime tomorrow.” I say while washing my neck with cold water from one of the water barrels.

“Well I got done early so I figured we might as well start. You want to begin as soon as possible right?” Bryn answered.

“I guess…”

“Hehe I thought so. I heard about the tournament. I bet that’s why you want to get in to shape.” He smiles knowingly.

You don’t know shit.

“Think what you want. I need to get changed before we go.” I shrug.

“Okay, just hurry it up. I don’t want to be here too long. I’m allergic.” He rubs his nose.

“Huh, to fresh air and clean clothes maybe.” I laugh and go to change.

Once I got back down I found Bryn chatting with a maid.

That damn dwarf may be a drunk and a mean fighter but, from the look of it, he sure knows how to woe a woman. Although he was only half her size she still looked down at him all big eyed and red cheeked.

I thought to myself as I approached them

“With eyes like yours I bet even the king, who has the entire country under his belt, can hardly keep himself from pulling you in to his chamber.”

*SLAP* The sound of it echoed out in the courtyard.

I guess he wasn’t as good as I thought.

“I’m a respectable person! No damn whore of the king you stinking dwarf!” With that she stomps off. Her face showing anger rather than the cute embarrassment I thought I had seen before.

Bryn rubs is face with a sour look as he see me coming.

“The hell you smiling for? Do you enjoy another man’s misery?”

“One man’s misery, another man’s joy. You of all people should know that.” I tell him still smiling as I think of how he made me fight Sam.

“Oh shut up and let’s go.”

------------------------------------------------

Magic theory class #1: Basic history and the application of magic circles.

Magic is commonly thought of as the ability to cast spells, summon creatures or things and to cure ailments. This is false. Magic is not destruction, creation or healing. Magic is the ability to gather and manipulate mana.

In the early days of magic in order to store mana and then use it for casting spells mages would keep a pet animal or a slave and force mana in to their body. This would eventually form an opening inside their soul where the mana could be stored. Unfortunately the process was very painful and as such mages was feared as monsters. The fact that the subject, or familiar as they are called nowadays, had to be sacrificed and their soul had to leave their bodies before the mage could access the mana didn’t exactly help their reputation. In those days mages were few and far between, many traveling the world never settling down in fear of getting hunted.

Around 2300 years ago the first change in this method happened after the discovery of a cave, hidden behind a waterfall. Inside was a stone monument depicting the way to use magic circles. This marked a massive change among the mages who before this had only been able to cause small types of influence based magic like calling rain, manipulating basic feelings, curing illness or cursing a target. Most of which could be explained away by the common folk on superstition and luck. But due to the discovery of the magic circle and its uses, mages turned in to a formidable force. The reason lays in the way magic forms spells.

First, what is a spell? A spell is a predetermined effect using a set amount of materials, preparation and mana in order to achieve that effect. A magic circle simply increases the amount you can add to your spell. Using a magic circle allows you to have several mages cast a single spell, thereby increasing the amount of mana you can pour in to the spell. Likewise you can add in detailed instructions having your spell do more things. The materials mentioned are material things that can increase a spells power or affinity. It first became relevant after several other discoveries but for now let’s just say that using magic circles they could use the mana from more familiars.

As mages became able to use magic circles they became able to radically change their spell and increase both their power and their usage. From being able to summon a small drizzle of rain to being able to drown a region, the view of mages quickly changed to the public. Suddenly mages became more than just an object of fear and loathing, and was looked upon like something closer to the gods. Cults or worship were started, dedicated to mages and their powers. This sudden attention made the mages mad with power and eventually it lead to ‘The Great Witch Hunt’. Men in the kingdom gathered together and on the kings order they began to hunt down and burn all those who used magic. From then on mages was looked at evil and they gained the title of witches. Mages all over the continent had to go in to hiding. It was the darkest of times for magic users and serves as a reminder to us all not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

----------------------------------------

(A/N:Time skipping will now commence! don't worry you will only miss a few broken noses, arms, legs, gouged eyes, crushed groins and even a few stick ups, highway robbery, purse snatching and one or two enforcer jobs. Oh and most of the MC's magic training. Because from what i have heard you guys all say: fuck that shit! :)

Back to Main Page