《Vincent's Trials (Placeholder Name)》 Notice: Read this before you start the novel. Please bear with the story for the first few chapters. Vincent starts off as a smart young boy, but the story will quickly and smoothly transition to an age where it is both easier for me to write and more enjoyable for the reader. This story is told from a third person perspective and narrated in past tense. There is no set chapter length as I am going with what feels right for each scene. At the same time there is no set release schedule either. I cannot promise this novel will ever be finished as I have been known to be difficult when it comes to long term projects. However, I hope that the interactions between you the reader, and me through comments and reviews ¨C both good and bad ¨C will serve to drive me towards finishing the story.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. This story is not planned out, as such, I have do idea what direction it¡¯ll take. I do have a few moments I want to see happen but things can change. For example, the events in chapter 4 were not planned and they came about due to an idea that I thought a character from chapter 3 might have had an I ran with it. This story will contain some light gore elements during fight scenes. I do not see myself using excessive profanity during any point of the story. This is my first story to release publicly, an as such I appreciate all feedback. I wish for you to have enjoyable time. Thank you. Prologue ¡°Vincent, come here.¡± In the corner of the bedroom near the headboard of the bed sat a woman with blonde hair and green eyes in her mid thirties sporting a sensible night gown with a dark blue trim beckoning over her son to read him one of his favorite stories. ¡®The Hero¡¯s Trials¡¯. In it, the gallant story of the hero overcoming obstacles and gaining allies on his path to defeat the tyrannical Devra King. The boy of six years had brown hair that was a touch overgrown and green eyes showing a hint of wisdom beyond his young years, responded and went over to the bed and sat in her lap as she regaled him with the story he¡¯d heard many times now. When it was over she closed the book and got up from the bed as she turned and tucked Vincent in for the night. As she left she pulled the door to when she was confronted by her eldest child Elizabeth in the dimly lit hallway of the Count¡¯s mansion. Dressed in a robe for mages even at night the twelve year old with a soft face blonde hair and green eyes like her mother and gave off an air of duty as she stood waiting. ¡°Why do you coddle him so?¡± ¡°He¡¯s my child, as are you. Do I need a reason?¡± ¡°No, but you¡¯ve even gone so far as to get him a Space Magic tutor. Father will not be happy.¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. When Vincent was born, it was found that he had no magical talent besides that of space magic much to his fathers displeasure. As a Count and a water mage of a distinguished lineage Tobias Hart dearly wanted a son he could share his knowledge and experience with. Elizabeth being born first caused his desire to grow only to have it shattered years later upon the birth and subsequent status check of his second child. Furthermore, complications from the birth assaulted his already depressed condition as it was stated that the next time Maria were to give birth, it would be her last, as it would likely kill her. ¡°I¡¯ve already discussed it with him, not that it should be any of your concern.¡± Sighing Maria continued, ¡°I wish you would be more lady like, wearing those robes does nothing for your figure and acting so serious all the time turns away any suitors. Now, it¡¯s time you head to bed as well.¡± Exhausted, and not wanting to deal with her daughters attitude so late at night, she finished her thoughts quickly and turned to leave towards her bedroom, her thoughts wondering on her children. Elizabeth growing up had some freedom in what she could decide to do, but after Vincent''s birth, her father had pushed her more and more towards being a water mage and in turn she started to change from a cheerful little girl who''s smile could brighten a room into her current state. As a wind mage herself, Maria would¡¯ve wanted a daughter to nurture much like her husband had wanted but fate didn¡¯t allow for such a thing and she was unable to conceive again and her husband had taken to Elizabeth. Adoption might have proven a solution but she decided against it to give more attention to Vincent lest her husbands attitude turn him away and he starts to despise his family. She knows her husband doesn¡¯t have any ill intentions toward Vincent, but that doesn¡¯t stop her worry, and it¡¯s too soon to tell if her concerns are unfounded. Chapter 1: Knock, Knock, Knock... A maid tapped at the door before opening it and allowing herself into the room with a food tray filled with a few different fruits and a hearty breakfast. Moving the cart next to the bed she walked over to the double wide window and pulled the drapes to let the light in. It was the morning of the next day and the tutor his mother had called for was due to arrive. Vincent started to wake and upon noticing the smell of breakfast opened his eyes and stared at the maid who just finished tying up the drapes. The maid walked back over to the covered tray before opening the lid revealing its contents. ¡°For this morning it¡¯s an orange with grapes, two sausages, a slice of toast, and a thick mushroom soup. Will you take it in bed or should I move it to the table?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need, I¡¯ll take it in bed.¡± The maid nodded and moved the tray onto the bed as Vincent sat up and readied himself to eat before leaving as quickly and efficiently as she had come. Vincent who was eager to begin the day and learn magic started eating as the door opened once more and his mother entered before closing it behind her, moving to sit in a chair near the table watching her son eat. As he finished his mother started to speak. ¡°It¡¯s good your eager but the tutor isn¡¯t expected for another hour or so. In the mean time I expect you to brush up on your basic knowledge of magic while you wait for him to arrive.¡± As she left Vincent got up to get dressed before pulling a few books off the shelves in the corner of the room before moving to sit down at the table his mother was at moments before. He started reading while skipping around some due to his excitement. It it stated that there are six elemental magics (light, dark, earth, fire, wind, and water) and any number unique magics most of which were lost to time. Furthermore¡­This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. On the subject of racial magic there are four known of the civilized races; Humans have Space Magic, the Elves Nature Magic, the Dwarves Gravity Magic, and finally the Devra Illusion Magic. It is speculated that the Scalefolk also have a racial magic but it is either a well kept secret or nonexistent as there is no evidence support such theories. Should such a thing prove to be true it would set precedent and give fuel to the theories that all races have an inborn racial magic¡­ While not considered magic it should be mentioned that the warrior born usage of Aura does have unique properties that can be attributed to magic in its applications. How it works without Mana is a question that has troubled mages for centuries as Aura and Mana are mutually exclusive and trying to combine these two combative forces has yielded no results... Vincent flinched abruptly as his fascination with the book was interrupted when a maid knocked at the door an entered to notify him that the tutor has arrived. Putting down the book he swiftly left the room to go see the tutor as the maid gave a small chuckle and put the books back on the shelves before exiting the room to follow the boy. Arriving at the foyer Vincent slowed his pace to a walk before downing the stairs to see his mother conversing with an old man who had a bald head and sparse beard dressed in a dark robe with a brown trim. As he finished his descent his mother had apparently concluded her conversation as both her and the man turned to Vincent and he decided to introduce himself. ¡°I am Vincent Hart, and you are?¡± ¡®Hmm, manners, good.¡¯ The old man thought, as he eyed Vincent and slowly appraised him. Though he was brought to teach a child the man started to feel this boy was worth his time as his manners were appropriate and there was an intelligent ¨C if naive ¨C glint to the boys eye that made him feel as if he was more than willing to learn. ¡°I am Charles Owen, an I¡¯m to be your tutor.¡± Vincent was excited that the day has come where he finally starts to learn magic. Fire and Light spells ¨C not to mention swordsmanship ¨C were the specialty of Tiberius the hero of ¡®The Hero¡¯s Trials¡¯ and he was ready to follow in his footsteps. Maria raised her gaze from her sons obviously excitement and looked at the maid who followed after Vincent and was waiting near the staircase. ¡°Lead them outside to the pavilion, and stay with them should they need anything.¡± ¡°Yes, milady¡± Vincent and Charles followed the maid through the mansion and outside the back of the house as the pavilion modestly spaced pillars lead them down a small path ending at an area with a few large benches, and some tables situation under the pavilion next to a small pond on the property. Chapter 2: Magic! ¡°Now I¡¯m going to start with a few questions about magic and I want you to answer them. What is mana, why does space magic not require mana, and finally, what is space?¡± Wanting to know the boys foundations he asked three questions each with a varying degree of difficulty. ¡°Mana is the energy that is inherent in everything and exists everywhere, our ability to manipulate and shape it is what is considered magic.¡± Charles nodded as the boy continued. ¡°Space Magic doesn¡¯t require mana as it focuses on our ability to control space itself with our mind rather than interfering with it by the usage of mana. As for what space is, I don¡¯t know.¡± Vincent slowly lowered his head as he finished speaking embarrassed he didn¡¯t study hard enough. Charles listened as the boy finished repeating almost word for word what can be found in any basic magic textbook. He didn¡¯t expect him to know what space is so his inability to answer was acceptable. ¡°Not knowing something is fine. Being able to say it proudly is how you learn what you didn¡¯t know before. Don''t be ashamed about something you don¡¯t understand. We all know nothing the moment we are born and there is no shame in that.¡± Vincent nodded happily as his embarrassment cleared and Charles continued on. ¡°Space is exactly that, space. Between you and me what is there? Not knowing how to reply he said the only thing that came to mind ¡°Nothing?¡± ¡°No, there is something, there is air, there is light, there is space. Imagine a cup full of water now make the cup disappear, what happens to the water? It falls, disperses, or whatever you want to call it. With nothing there to hold it, it simply goes away. How can there be air or light between us with nothing holding it there? Space is holding it there, and space magic is your ability to manipulate that invisible ¡®cup¡¯.¡± Amazement filled Vincent''s¡¯ face his face as he slowly came to understand the profound knowledge, but soon he got nervous and was perplexed. ¡°Master I appreciate the knowledge but why are we focusing on space magic so much? What about fire or even light magic?¡± This time it was Charles¡¯ face who was confused. ¡°Do you not know? No, you wouldn¡¯t have asked if you did.¡± Looking to the maid behind them who still had not left and stood patiently waiting at distance not to far or too close the maid nodded. It would seem as if the lady of the house had left it to him to tell the boy of his condition. Taking out a small card he handed it to the boy and told him to channel his mana through it. It was a special card that could display everything where as most status cards would only show the basics like their name, age, mana capacity, acquired skills and if they were so lucky, their ability, but this card also showed if the individual had any inclinations towards magic and with what aptitude it may be. The boy did as told and what was displayed on the card was shocking.
Vincent Hart
Human: (6 Years)
Mana Capacity: Low
Talents: Space Magic (Exceptional)
His only talent was towards the racial magic humans have, while its aptitude was favorable, with his mana capacity being low and having no talent in other magics of even mediocre aptitude, it meant that it would take him years to learn even the most basics of spells only to be able to barely use them anyway. Space Magic, while being the human racial magic, didn¡¯t mean every human could use it, like everything else it had to be taught, but it did mean that every human has the talent for it no matter how poor, and since it wasn''t as flashy a magic as the other forms of magic, most passed it over. Unfortunately, Vincent did not have such luxury. If he wanted to use magic like his hero Tiberius, he would have to learn space magic. ¡°I¡­ I see.¡± ¡°We can take a break if you need a moment.¡± Charles looked at the distraught child with sympathy. As he was in a similar situation in the past, but he was lucky. While his aptitude for space magic was high, he also had an average rating in earth magic allowing him to specialize in it and use space magic on the side when he had the time or need. ¡°No, let¡¯s continue.¡± Impressed with his resolve Charles decided he would do his absolute best not to waste this child''s perseverance.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°I¡¯m going to teach you two skills today and I will come back once a month to see your progress.¡± ¡°Skills? Not spells?¡± ¡°No spells require mana, skills do not. However, the reason that space magic is considered magic even though it uses neither spells nor mana is because its skills also have a proficiency rating like spells of other schools of magic. As such once I teach you these, I expect you to learn them and use them often to raise their proficiency and thereby their strength.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°The first thing I am going to teach you is Telekinesis, it allows you to manipulate the space around an object and thereby manipulate the object itself.¡± Charles demonstrated this by lifting the tea cup off the saucer next to the snacks the maid provided a few minutes before during the time when Vincent was coming to understand his limits and brought it to his mouth for a sip before placing it back down on the saucer without touching tea cup at all. Awe filled Vincent''s face. It may not have been as flashy or as powerful as the magic Tiberius used but it was still impressive none the less. ¡°Now I want you to try as well, the trick to beginning is understanding what space is and how you imagine space itself. As I¡¯ve already taught you about the concept of space, next I¡¯ll explain how to imagine it. Since I can also use earth magic; I think of space as a clay ¨C as that is what is familiar to me ¨C in that way it is quite easy for me to mold it and move it about. To lift the cup I imagined a hand made of clay lifting the tea cup and moving it for me.¡± Charles demonstrated once again by taking another drink of the tea. It really was a fabulous tea. He wondered if he could get some leaves of it after he left. In his thoughts Charles almost missed Vincent lifting up the croissant to his mouth before it fell just as he was about to take a bite out it. ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t lose concentration or that will happen. Best be glad it was with the croissant and not the tea ah-hahaha.¡± As he laughed, Vincent started to pout, but truthfully Charles was more than impressed, he was amazed at how fast Vincent was able to grasp Telekinesis. Even if his aptitude was exceptional, what he just accomplished was well beyond that. Normally it would¡¯ve taken a week or more for someone with such a high talent to accomplish what Vincent just did in mere moments. As he continued to laugh Vincent suddenly drooped forward only to be caught by Charles he was coming down from his exhilaration at having such a gifted student. When Vincent came to he looked around only to see the maid with a slightly worried look and Charles calmly sipping his tea the normal way this time around. ¡°Don¡¯t worry it was just a few seconds. That can happen when you over exert yourself with space magic or try to do things beyond your current means. So, what did you try to move?¡± Looking away, Vincent responded. ¡°Your chair.¡± ¡°Why you cheeky little, no, after that laugh I might have deserved a little something. In any case, you knocked yourself out for a few moments by trying that so I¡¯ll leave it at that, let it be a lesson for you. However you should know that that is a good way to train your proficiency. By trying to lift more and more objects of different size, shape and weight and interacting with them your proficiency will increase a good rate. The strain it puts on your mind will also allow it to grow letting you do more complex things like moving multiple objects in tandem in the future. Do be careful not to let yourself get knocked out at inopportune times as it can be very dangerous for obvious reasons, and space magic puts quite the strain one ones mind. Make sure to know your limits in the future. Now, moving on. The next skill I¡¯ll show you is called Storage, it will be much harder to grasp an I don¡¯t expect you to learn in for a while.¡± Charles started to use the skill but paused as he realized he forgot to ask an important question. ¡°Out of curiosity, what did you imagine space to be?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t, instead I visualized myself moving the object and space seemed to conform to achieve what I wanted.¡± ¡°Fascinating.¡± Charles noted that he would have to think on that revelation further later. He then activated his Storage skill and a black spot appeared next to him as he pulled out a small jar of honey with a spoon in it and put some honey in his tea ¨C not that it needed it he thought ¨C and moved the honey back to the black spot before it quickly dissipated leaving no trace it was ever there. While Vincent was still processing what he saw, Charles started to explain. ¡°Items in Storage do not experience the passage of time so storing food in there is a good option especially if you are on an extended trip where dry rations would be the norm. You can keep other items inside but it would be wise to think upon what you might need in the future before you do so as the space inside of the Storage is limited. If your proficiency rises the amount of space you¡¯ll have access to will increase and could become comparable to a small carriage. However that is far from the norm as raising the proficiency of Storage is quite difficult as it is reliant on your understanding of space and how capable your control of it is. Different people with this ability will store different things depending on their needs. A ranger might store a second string, a few quiverswith extra arrows as well as some food and water. A scout might have items to help disarm traps as well as set them, and a warrior might carry some a rag, some oil, and a stone to take care of their armor and weapons. Do not assume that everyone will keep the same things or that the items stored will even make sense. I once came across a merchant who went out of his way to learn the skill only to keep his absolutely full of cabbages. When asked about it, the crazy fool would go on and on about some youth breaking his cart and such. So don¡¯t rely on others to carry the things you need.¡± ¡°I understand, master.¡± Vincent nodded and yawned as he thought about what his master had said. Noticing his tired pupil and that the day was coming to a close Charles stood up from his seat and motioned for Vincent to do the same. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, let us go see what is for dinner and I¡¯ll tell you the method for Storage next time I visit. Until then, practice more with Telekinesis and think over what I¡¯ve taught you so far.¡± As they walked towards the house the maid started to pick up the tray along with the dropped croissant and headed back into the house while she amused herself thinking about circumstances might have led the merchant Charles mentioned to such an extreme. At some point during her journey she swore she could hear somebody cry out,¡°My Cabbages!¡± Chapter 3: Indulgence In a well lit study at a dark wooden table filled with papers and surrounded by shelves sat Tobias Hart, the lord of the mansion and Count of the Sunderland Kingdom. He was currently busy dealing with tax reports from Wear that had come in late yesterday, but as he has been swamped with other work he was only just getting to them now. Wear was an important trade city as it sat next to the mouth of a river of the same name as it exits into the sea nearby. The Wear river being a strong life line for the kingdom meant that it was well protected and brought in lots of funds through tax and trade. Such funds had to be dealt with as fast an appropriately as possible to keep things running smoothly throughout the rest of the kingdom. Some time went by an as Tobias was moving onto the next troublesome sheet a knock at the door halted his thoughts while he paused to see who it was. ¡°Enter.¡± When the door opened he noticed a charming young lady with blonde hair and green eyes of fifteen years wearing a dark robe with a blue trim that hugged close to her body. His daughter seemed to develop more and more into a mature young woman every time he saw her rather than the small young girl he used bounce on his knee. How time has gone by, he mused. ¡°It¡¯s rare occurrence as of late to see you Elizabeth. To what do I owe this pleasure?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve come back home for Vincent¡¯s birthday in a few days. A letter was sent a week ago, did it not arrive or have you forgotten?¡± ¡°No, no, now that you mention it I do remember, it¡¯s just been so busy lately as the expense reports and taxes from the territory have come in this season.¡± Deciding to take a break he stood up from his seat and gave his daughter a hug before leading her out into the hall and towards the dining room. It was about time for the chef to prepare the mid day refreshments and they would take the opportunity to have them together in the dining room while they talk. While walking through the halls they saw maids and butlers scurrying about as they were setting up for Vincent''s birthday. Since his father would be coming around Tobias wanted to make the event a little more special as he was planning to ask his father for a favor. When they got to the dining room they found tea and fruit juice prepared for them with some small sandwiches and pastries. Sitting down he immediately asked his daughter how her life was going. ¡°I trust your doing well at the at the academy; making friends and studying appropriately?¡± ¡°Yes father, I¡¯m an apprentice Water Mage at the moment and I¡¯ve been told that I should reach Adept in the next few years.¡± Mages have a classification system with seven ranks ranging from beginner to absolute with the ranks being; beginner, novice, apprentice, adept, expert, master, and absolute where absolute represented the mage in question having absolute control over an element. Warriors who use aura also use a similar system where saint replaces absolute in the terminology. Satisfied with is daughters progress he smiled and took a drink of tea before continuing the conversation. ¡°That¡¯s good, be sure to keep working hard as you¡¯ll have to succeed me one day.¡± As he finished speaking Elizabeth started to relax from the journey an enjoy the refreshments provided, nibbling on a pastry and savoring her tea as a calm silence set about the room.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. In the Sunderland Kingdom succession of nobility was not determined by gender, but by merit, and no matter how proficient one may be at running their territory, the nobility always had be someone capable of war potential due to the kingdoms unique circumstances. The mountains to the north that wrap around eastward and the sea to the south along with the Kingdom¡¯s policy of quality over quantity are the only reasons why the relatively small Kingdom has been able to maintain its sovereignty and not be annexed by the larger powers that surround them. The policy in question, dictates that every able-bodied persons who could fight, must be trained to at least apprentice rank before fifteen years of age, and that restriction was only stronger for nobles as it further required them to reach adept before twenty to maintain their status. Stewards and attendants could help run the respective territories on a day to day basis, but a nobles primary duty was to protect the people within their territory. As he was reminded of the kingdoms troubles he thought to his son Vincent as he continued to receive tutelage from Charles. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve enabled him too much.¡± In his thought he was unaware that he voiced his opinion. ¡°Who, Vincent? It is about time he starts to take things more seriously.¡± Elizabeth stated as she continued to nibble on her pastry looking more like a squirrel than the dignified young woman who met him in his study earlier. Looking back, it seems some things do remain the same. He thought as he smiled inwardly and decided to continue the conversation he unwittingly started as she was old enough to participate in these types of discussions. ¡°Yes, I think you are right.¡± He looked to one of the maids by the door and motioned for her to come near, and told her to tell his wife that he wanted to speak before going back to talking leisurely while waiting for Maria to arrive. Sometime later after they finished with the refreshments Maria entered the dining room wearing a warm dark blue sundress that covered her alluring figure and did nothing to diminish her standing as the matron of the house. ¡°I¡¯m told you wish to speak to me?¡± Maria spoke as she sat into the chair across from her husband and next to her daughter while a nod to the maid meant some tea would be delivered soon. The servants of the house were all well trained and simple gestures could be used to communicated without the need to command them. They were a great boon to the household an as such, well paid. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we get Vincent a proper teacher and start him on the path to becoming a knight.¡± Tobias knew this might not go over well as Maria still had a soft spot for the boy, but it was in his own best interest as if they began too late he would miss out on the policy deadline and have his nobility stripped from him. Even now it was going to be hard to make it. ¡°He loves magic dear, can we not let him continue his current training as he goes forward?¡± Knowing he needed to be strong lest he get enticed by his wife¡¯s charm and guile he pushed on with a slightly more pressing an exasperated tone to try and persuade her. ¡°Enough is enough Maria. I¡¯ve allowed you to indulge his dream of being a mage, but it has to come to an end. These fanciful notions he has has limits. You must know this is for his own good.¡± Taking a drink of the tea provided he cleared his throat and continued. ¡°I plan to ask my father during Vincent''s birthday to introduce him to one of his old friends, he¡¯ll get the best training, I assure you.¡± Maria was visibly surprised at her husbands insistence and declaration, but knew that he was right, and the time for fantasy was over. Still, it was news to her that her father in law would be making an appearance. ¡°Adrian is going to be there?¡± ¡°It was a surprise for me as well when I first heard it but it¡¯s good that he is getting out again after Estelle passed. I¡¯m hoping that the fact he has decided to attend means that he his shifting his attention to Vincent as it will be good for the both of them.¡± When his mother died Tobias, as well as everyone else were shocked, but it was especially difficult for his father. With no warning she passed in her sleep and he didn¡¯t even get a chance to say good bye. Adrian has since been in his home the last four years withering away and Tobias hopes his interest in Vincent''s party is a sign for the better. Hearing him out, Maria nodded, relenting that everything he said was right. Perhaps I indulged him too much. Not a chapter, just a small notice. Chapter 4 is taking longer than expected. It''s length is about the same as chapter 2 (~2k words), but the different perspectives an narratorial imputs changed the flow from how I think it should be. I hope to have it by next week. However, no matter how much I rephrase and edit, something still feels off. While my battle with chapter 4 has been going on I''ve had some thoughts on what is to occur from chapter 5 on through about 12 and they shouldn'' be as difficult nor time consuming to write. I''m not as creative as other people, and my ability to write isn''t hindered by a writers block but by an inibility to focus due to reasons.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Thank you for your time. Edit: Got distracted by a game that I''m fond of. Chapter 4: Birthday (Draft) Chapter 4 Birthday (Vincent''s PoV) Vincent entered the ballroom of the mansion dressed in his finery while being escorted by his mother. His father was off talking to his grandfather whom he could barely remember and his sister was near the pastries gathering some on her plate to take back to her table of friends. ¡°Vincent it is important that you go around and present yourself to everyone here. This can be considered your introduction into noble society and you¡¯ll want to make a good impression.¡± Nodding, Vincent left his mothers side to do what she suggested, by going from table to table and receiving everyone before appearing in front of his grandfather. Adrian who was getting on in his years still retained some of his youthful charm. With gray hair, blue eyes, and a wide bearing he was a striking figure in the room. ¡°Oh, this must be the young lad now, let me get another look at you. You¡¯ve grown much since I¡¯ve last saw you.¡± Adrian smiled as he appraised the young man before him. Seeing as how his assumptions were proving to be true Tobias who was standing nearby smiled as well. ¡°I¡¯m happy to see you¡¯re smiling again. It¡¯s healthy for you.¡± ¡°Mmm, I¡¯ve come to realize that Estelle wouldn¡¯t have liked the person I was becoming. It¡¯s about time I concern myself with family once more. After all, I don¡¯t know how much longer I have left.¡± Adrian laughed at his seemingly innocent joke, but he was wholly unaware of just how much his family have been worried about him. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that you old fool, you¡¯re only seventy. You¡¯ve got many years ahead of you.¡± Tobias laughed along after giving his father a light verbal jab, but he wasn¡¯t happy at the thought of his fathers inevitable passing. He decided he needed to change the subject to lighten the mood, but didn¡¯t get a chance as Maria arrived joining their little group. ¡°Adrian, you should be more mindful of the ears around us. Besides, you¡¯ve great-grandchildren to look forward to in the future. Now, enough of this silly talk. I take it you¡¯ve discussed what you needed to with my husband?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Adrian glanced at Vincent before turning before turning his attention back to Maria. ¡°I¡¯ve got someone in mind. Assuming he hasn¡¯t kicked the bucket yet, I see if I can send him around.¡± As Maria was giving her thanks, a disturbance appeared near the main door of the ballroom. Two young men had abruptly entered followed closely by a distressed maid who turned towards their group upon noticing them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry milady I could not stop them, they were extremely insistent and...¡± ¡°Calm yourself, there wasn¡¯t much you could have done without one of us there anyway. Head back, we¡¯ll handle it from here.¡± Maria calmed the maid down before sending her off. It wasn¡¯t a surprise she unable stop them as both of the boys that entered were part of nobility. What Maria didn¡¯t understand is why they would suddenly appear at time this time. However, her confusion would be short-lived as the taller of the two boys made a brash declaration. ¡°Elizabeth Hart, I challenge you to a duel for your hand in marriage! What is your answer?¡± With the distinctive black hair of the Spade family, Sylus Spade, proudly announced his intentions as his green eyes darted around the room before settling on his target. At sixteen years of age he was much too old to be doing these kinds things, yet he cared not for what everyone else thought, as the woman he loved was right before him. ¡°I accept.¡± Elizabeth accepted the offer and got up from her seat before motioning for him to follow.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Elizabeth!¡± Maria, shocked at her daughters decision shouted out her name in surprise. ¡°It¡¯s fine mother. Going along with his attempts is the quickest way to shut him up.¡± Elizabeth responded calmly to her mother as she continued to walk outside. Soon everyone at the party realized what was about to take place, and they moved to follow, wishing to see the duel and its outcome. During this time the younger of the two intruders took the opportunity to make his way over to the members of the Hart family to apologize for his siblings actions. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, once he gets it in his mind to do something he cannot be stopped. I¡¯m not sure how, but he learned Elizabeth was here and headed straight over before I could prevent it.¡± Mortimer Spade was a handsome young man with black hair and black eyes who was known for his calm demeanor as well as his talents in both conjuration and dark magic. Due to these attributes, he was set to succeed the Spade family even though he was younger than his brother by two years. Currently he has been tasked with trying to reign in his brothers antics. Seeing as how her daughter acted as if this was normal occurrence, Maria proposed a question to Mortimer. ¡±Does this happen often?¡± Giving an exasperated sigh, Mortimer responded. ¡°Like you wouldn¡¯t believe.¡± Around the time Elizabeth had first entered the academy, Sylus has become infatuated with her. He made many attempts to get her attention and never succeeded. At some point he decided to try the direct approach, and challenged her to a duel. Elizabeth being curious about the Spade family¡¯s usage of conjuration magic agreed, only to win and quickly lose interest. However, unbeknownst to Elizabeth, her initial acceptance of the duel only served to solidify the thought that was beginning to form in Slyus¡¯s head, that if he was to have a chance at her heart, he had to be able to defeat her. As such it almost became routine for Sylus to appear out of the blue and challenge Elizabeth, which is what has led to the current situation. There was a small tension in the air as the match was about to start. Sylus was standing on the far side of the lawn with the two harpies that he was bonded with through conjuration magic. The harpies had the upper body of a human woman along with a modest waist, reasonable bust, an a soft face with silky long hair that flowed down from their heads. However that is where the similarities ended. The hands of the harpies had razor sharp talons and their backs sported two large white wings while their legs below the knees resembled a predatory bird. Truly they were beasts of prey. On the other side, Elizabeth was calm and didn¡¯t seem worried about the outcome of the duel. She hadn¡¯t made any special preparations and instead stood there waiting patiently. One of the other nobles at the party stepped up to officiate. ¡°This is a duel for Elizabeth¡¯s hand in marriage. As such no lethal moves will be allowed and the winner will be decided when one participant is unable to continue. All agreed?¡± Both Elizabeth and Slyus nodded as the noble looked towards them. ¡°Then¡­ Begin.¡± At once the harpies by Sylus swept towards Elizabeth with one coming at her high from left and the other from the lower right trying to pincer her in. Sylus in an attempt to add pressure started casting Wind Blades as fast as possible to pin her down so his harpies could land their attack. Elizabeth was unfazed as she responded. A shell of ice formed around her while a snake like tentacle of water emerged from the ground to swat one of the harpies out of the air before the Ice Shell blocked both the wind blades coming at her as well as the harpy that managed to reach her. Elizabeth then used a Shatter spell to send pieces of the ice shell in every direction as an attack. During the exchange the observations of the crowd could be heard. ¡°His attack was rather simplistic, but it well well coordinated. A fine opening move I¡¯d say.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°I¡¯m more interested in Elizabeth, she used Ice Shell.¡± ¡°Are you sure? That¡¯s advanced water magic.¡± ¡°I¡¯m certain.¡± ¡°What a scary adaptation she has, casting a Shatter spell to use the Ice Shell as an attack when it was no longer needed.¡± ¡°Enough about that, what is with her skill in using Water Whip?¡± ¡°Aye, I heard that if it was in that skill alone she could be considered an adept water mage.¡± While the voices continued so did the fight. Sylus used Wind Wall to create a barrier of directional wind to deflect the shards of the now broken Ice Shell. At the same time recalled the injured harpy using his conjuration magic to let it heal. Down to only one harpy he decided for a combination attack as he commanded the harpy to grasp him by the legs to take him up in the air while he started to throw down different spells from just out of reach in a manner that seemed extensively practiced. Elizabeth used Ice Pillar at her feet which raised up quickly launching her into the air before a Water Whip formed in her hands as she threw it to wrap around the harpies torso and wings forcing it to plummet. Just before the three of them crashed into the ground Slyus created a gust of wind to cushion their fall, but was unable to continue the fight as Elizabeth held a piece of ice that formed into dagger from her use of Ice Armament during the fall at his throat. Noticing that the duel has ended, the noble officiating declared it to be over, and turned to the crowed. ¡°Does anyone object to the results of the match?¡± With no opposition voiced, he officially proclaimed the winner of the duel. ¡°Elizabeth Hart has won the duel.¡± Clapping and a few cheers could be heard as Elizabeth helped Slyus to his feet before moving to join her family who had started conversing with Mortimer Spade again after the end of the duel. As she approached her mother turned to her to speak. ¡°Were going to have a talk about all this later.¡± After few seconds of silence, Adrian spoke up. ¡°Well today was a little more exciting than expected.¡± As the others turned to look at him he continued. ¡°Vincent you¡¯re nine now, and your father an I think it¡¯s time you got yourself a proper instructor. I plan to have someone sent for you within a month.¡± Vincent was confused as he thought his current growth under Charles was adequate. ¡°What about Charles?¡± ¡°He was teaching you at your mothers request as she thought you would enjoy it, but it is time you move on and start your training in earnest. The kingdom does not view space magic as a viable combat option, as such, if you wish to remain a noble, you will need to work hard under the new teacher. He¡¯s an old friend of mine an I think you two will get along great¡± Vincent being as pragmatic as ever decided that he has been a bit selfish lately, always going on about magic and decided that they were right. It was time he started on the path he would walk for the rest of his life. However, he promised himself that the knowledge imparted to him by Charles go to waste, as he was fond of the time he spent with him.