Finally! After much studying, trial and error, I had finally perfected the magic tool that would enable me to travel the world with no problems whatsoever. I would be almost tempted to call myself a genius over this, but I know how much I have worked my entire life. This is no fruit of genius, but instead a steady, constant and difficult mental labor. It has been so long since I have felt such satisfaction, I think the only other moment in my life that can compare was when I finally finished my magnum opus on the most efficient way to cast a fireball. Shortly after I was done, I could hear a knock on my door.

How eerie, almost scary I say! For some reason, I am being invited to a dinner at the president's house. Does he know what I have just accomplished? No, that would be impossible. But then, why? When I try to ask for more information from the messenger, he just shrugs and tells me that I am invited. The best he can tell, is that there was some kind of trouble with the president's daughter, but she was saved by a group of travelers, who are also invited. Travelers, huh. This dinner just became that much more interesting. I have prepared enough, so I should prepare myself earnestly for my departure from this city.

I choose one of my formal robes, the kind which I would wear to my pupils' graduation at the university. For some reason, there's a sense a nostalgia coming over me, even though it hasn't been that long since I stopped teaching there. This will be a good opportunity to meet fellow travelers. Who knows, I might even accompany them for a while. This will really happen. I will be able to shove it in the face of the people who made fun of me, talking as if I had gone senile. Fools, all of them. This head works as well as ever! I know that I will come back with stories fantastic enough to make even a sailor's eyes shine with admiration!

Ahem. Instead of letting my mind run too wild, I suppose I should just prepare myself accordingly. Of course, I will take my newest invention with me. I wonder how impressed everyone present will be. Of course, very, this thing here is just astonishing. Anyways, better prepare myself mentally to meet those valiant travelers who saved the president's daughter.

When I arrived at the event, imagine my shock at learning about them. I must admit that I was slightly incredulous when they presented themselves to me and we talked about their backgrounds. Alexius Magnar, a young man that has barely entered adulthood, Helena Gracie, who is even younger than her fiancee Alexius. The eldest among them is Kardenon Therynia, the dwarf, who at least seems to have a more advanced education, even if it is just a dwarven university... I guess I should keep a more open mind, but then again, where do they have the experience to deal with the situation they claimed to have dealt with? I guess travels and fighting is a young man's game in the end. As they talk about their experience in the dungeon of Probium, I find myself losing more and more of my fire towards traveling. Maybe I am already too old...

No! I refuse to believe that! I am not too old! I won't be outdone by a bunch of snot-nosed brats, if it is battle experience, I have plenty of from my youth, when I used to participate in tournaments in the local arena. Ah yes, those were the days. I start talking about them around the table. My pupil Milina, who has heard the story quite a few times sighs, but the others are enthralled by it. The dwarf is surprised when I talk about my many victories using just the fireball spell. It seems he is familiar with my magnum opus, but unfortunately he prefers not to comment on it. Either way, the conversation turns to me wondering about whether or not I've lost my touch.

Milina, such a good and understanding girl, cheers me on, talking about her certainty that I can still fight like in the good old days and that I can still go on an incredible adventure. At this point, my fire is completely lit once again! I burn with the passion of proving my skills!

But when, and where? Against who? The president offers the use of the main arena, as this is during the offseason. Hmm, a special event, to finally send me off. That does sound charming. But still, who would I be going up against? Alexius shows his interest by asking about how exactly do these bouts work. Apparently, he has heard of them, but was unfamiliar with the details. I happily explain to him about the defensive barrier that envelops all combatants, generated from an estimation of their body's own endurance, added to by any armor that they might be wearing. It protects against any attack to a certain point. Although it is actually really safe, as the barrier gives clear signal well before breaking, but after a point that would have meant near-death had it not been present. Thus do gnomes enjoy a variety of bloodsports without really, well, all the blood.

After they were assured of its safety, both Kardenon and Alexius agreed to fight me. Although, for some reason, Alexius' fiancee, Helena wasn't quite happy with it. Fortunately, after a brief discussion, Alexius confirmed his participation, though apparently the condition was that she would participate too. I don't mind. I will show the three of them what this old man is capable of!

Wait, how did this turn into a bout again? I thought this was just for meeting the three of them... Oh well, whatever. Now I just feel really excited. It has been years, decades even, since I stepped into the arena, this should be fun.