《Lustrous Odyssey》


 Chapter 1: Starting All Over

    Chapter 1: Starting All Over


    -


    I, my name is, well, there¡¯s no real point in using that name anymore. Maybe I should just rename myself? Haha, I don¡¯t care.


    I¡¯ll just call myself Cleo. As for my former name, I want to forget it, my former clan, my former family, and my former life, everything, I¡¯ll just forget it. Sadly... Haaaa.


    I was really a sheltered brat. I¡¯ve studied hard since the day I acquired the ability to read and write. My clan said I was a genius. I was even the heir!


    But who would¡¯ve thought that in a twist of fate, someone will steal every praise that my clan had for me.


    ¡°Hey! Let¡¯s fight! I don¡¯t think this clan needs two prodigies, so, let¡¯s fight! The loser will be banished from this clan!¡±


    Ah, and as na?ve as I was, I accepted.


    To think that I herald myself as a prodigy, a genius incomparable to anyone. Yeah, it was funny. We fought, and in just one strike, I lost.


    And after that, it was decided.


    You are not a part of this clan anymore.


    My father, or should I say, my former father announced it.


    I was given my clothes, my possessions. They even stored it in a storage ring!


    I was kicked out of the clan. I was given enough money to live on my own. I had nothing to say anymore.


    As soon as everything was prepared, my former father dropped another bomb, I was to be banished somewhere, another country, somewhere as far as another border!


    Well luckily, I got to choose where, but all in all, it looks like they really don¡¯t want to see me anymore.


    After the day that I was banished from the clan, I started to travel.


    They gave me 10,000 gold coins. It¡¯s actually the first time I had this much gold on me.


    Maybe it¡¯s a parting gift. I don¡¯t know, but one of my teacher said that a commoner only needs 5 gold coins to survive for a year. Ah, perhaps I¡¯m rich for a commoner.


    But actually, I was just naive.


    I intended to go as far away as I can. I decided to go north. I decided to leave this country just like how they told me.


    It was all simply because I noticed, it wasn¡¯t just her, it wasn¡¯t just my family, but actually, it was everything that was connected to that clan. I hated everything.


    But still, I was grateful. Even though I hated all of them from the bottom of my heart, at least they were once a part of my life. I realized that everything happened because I was weak. She had more talent than me, that¡¯s why this happened to me.


    And so I decided, I want to live anew. Start my life once again in another country. Ah, I almost forgot I was nothing but a 13-year-old boy. But it doesn¡¯t matter anymore, at least because of her I was cured of my naivet¨¦.


    One month passed by and I reached the borders of my would-be former country. I¡¯ve been living a modest life during the past month.


    As I travelled, I observed the commoners. I observed their lives, I observed everything that was happening in my surroundings. I realized my plans were actually harder than I thought.


    In this world, there are actually many dangers. For me who has lived a sheltered life, I never thought that people you know can die even an hour after you meet them.


    While observing the commoners I noticed that life was actually hard, some of them were sick but they were still working, some of them even have disabilities!


    Yet, even after all their hardships¡­ all of them were still striving.


    The past month has opened my eyes towards a lot of things that I was unaccustomed to.


    There¡¯s actually so much more than living inside a mansion, than being protected all the time, than studying and living for myself.


    I soon realized that the world is actually big, and¡­ the world is actually a really sad place to live in.


    As of today, I¡¯ve only spent 2 gold coins since I journeyed from my former home. I don¡¯t even know why.


    It was funny how just a month ago, I was spending money left and right without even a care in the world, but right now, I became frugal.


    Maybe, I¡¯ve changed. But I know it¡¯s still not enough. I need to learn more about this world. I need to become someone better.


    As soon as I arrived at the borders, I decided to enter the [Sylvan Kingdom]. But somehow, something felt unnatural.


    It wasn¡¯t until today that I noticed, everything about my journey was easy. It¡¯s been a smooth month-long journey, I thought maybe someone out there noticed my identity. I was even prepared that bandits might attack me yet nothing happened.


    While I was pondering of what to do to cross the borders, someone tipped me to visit the public office.


    I also had another problem; I needed to change my identity. And somehow, out of nowhere, I overheard a conversation about legally changing your identity in the [Guild Alliance Office].


    Well, actually, during my journey, there were a lot of these coincidences. It wasn¡¯t only up to until now that I noticed that perhaps, somebody is helping me behind my back.


    But who?


    I reluctantly proceeded to the Guild Alliance Office, and they were somehow ready about my appointment. Weird, am I over-worrying or is my intuition really correct?


    I was interviewed by the receptionist. She asked me about my current identity and I proceeded to give her my [Identity Card].


    She asked me the reason why I wanted to change my identity, and I didn¡¯t really lied when I said, I stopped being a noble and I want to leave this country and proceed my life anew.


    Somehow, everything went by smoothly. I was perplexed. I was interviewed once again about the change that I will make and so, after a few hours of waiting, I got a new Identity Card.


    Identity Card


    Name: Cleo Aeris


    Age: 13


    Affiliation: None


    Records: None


    So right now, my name is Cleo Aeris. This is nice, I don¡¯t really know where to proceed so I asked the receptionist for tips.


    She told me that I should make a bank account so I can receive a personal card that can safely store all the money that I have and it can also be used in other countries.


    She also told me to stay here for a week before crossing the borders since there will be a platoon of soldiers that will be transferred to the Sylvan Kingdom and I should join them so my journey would become safer.


    Since I think she could be trusted, I proceeded to the bank. Well, actually, there are things she didn¡¯t tell me.


    I actually needed to pay a sum of gold coins to get a personal card. This is actually extravagant.


    Well, she knows I¡¯m a former noble, perhaps she thought that I can pay it.


    Once I reached the receptionist, I learned that there are 2 types of cards; (1) Silver Card, (2) Gold Card.


    Each card has its own pros and cons. A person can only receive one of each card under their name.


    The silver card can be bought for 1000 gold coins and can be used to store up to a million gold coins. After all, the silver card is primarily held by all minority nobles and it can be used to withdraw money from any bank anywhere.


    The gold card is the one that only powerful nobles can use, I actually saw one, the one my former mother had. I learned that a person actually needs to pay 100,000 gold coins to acquire one and it can store an unlimited amount of money.


    Well I¡¯m a bit surprised. My family, rather, my former family is really rich if we have a gold card. I somehow just realized it. 10,000 gold coins is actually a very meager amount for them.


    Since I still have 9990 gold coins, I decided to buy a silver card and store all the money that I have in the bank apart from the money I might need for my daily necessities.


    All in all I got 8,500 gold coins in my silver card and 490 gold coins remaining in my bag. Well this should be enough to proceed to the border.


    Since I decided to follow the advice of the receptionist in the Guild Alliance Office, I decided to get an inn and relax for the next few days.


    ¨C


    A week passed by in the blink of an eye. I didn¡¯t really do anything but stay in the inn, meditate, and get food from time to time.


    It felt fast. It¡¯s been a long time since I have trained my mind to such a degree.


    Anyways, I started to ready myself as I am about to embark on a journey towards the Sylvan Kingdom.


    Night before my departure, I have already visited the public office and procured everything that I needed for my journey.


    I proceeded to vacating the inn where I¡¯ve been staying by putting all my possessions in my storage ring. What a convenient tool.


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    Afterwards, I ventured towards the gate, and as soon as the soldiers arrived, I entered one of the carriages and finally, I am done with [Emerxia Kingdom].


    Ah, the world. I haven¡¯t travelled far and wide in this world and in the future, I hope I can do it.


    I don¡¯t know if I will ever have a chance to do it, but it¡¯s definitely one of my dreams. A journey across the world I live in, a journey across the [Emerald Continent].


    The Emerald Continent is also called the [Human Realm]. I don¡¯t really know why. But some books say that there are more continents far away from the Emerald Continent.


    Beyond the borders of the continent are gigantic oceans where no one has been said to venture into.


    The thought of visiting other continents, it¡¯s really quite thrilling. But thinking about it, even Emerald Continent itself is so vast that my lifetime probably wouldn¡¯t be enough to traverse it.


    The Emerald Continent is currently home to 9 countries. This includes 4 empires and 5 kingdoms


    A hundred years ago, these 9 countries have been constantly at war and chaos. According to the books I¡¯ve read, the war has spanned over 400 years and was only stopped when the leaders of the 9 countries decided to make a treaty.


    It wasn¡¯t even clear how the war started or how the treaty was formed. As far as I¡¯ve read, it¡¯s been a hundred years of peace and as of now, the countries are prospering in one way or another.


    ¨C


    It¡¯s been four days since my venture towards the Sylvan Kingdom has started. The people from the public office said that the journey will take at least 2 months before we can arrive.


    Now I find myself becoming more and more thankful from the tips of the guild receptionist. If I actually travelled with some random people or alone in this lawless area, I would¡¯ve probably been killed a day or two in my journey.


    The past few days were pretty much uneventful. No bandits dared to attack a platoon of soldiers. It was peaceful. And now I¡¯m left pondering, I¡¯m left to think about everything that happened in the past.


    I was but a child back then. I learned to read during a very early age. It was even addicting.


    My former family thought me everything about the world, everything about being a noble, and even everything about becoming a splendid fighter.


    Although Emerald Continent has its fair share of riches, the Emerald Continent is actually ruled by those who have power.


    Those who have extreme potentials are continuously being scouted by their respective countries. Once a child has been confirmed to have a ridiculous potential, the child is forced to become a part of royalty.


    It was a roundabout manner where the royalty will always keep for themselves those who have talent. Perhaps, she is already part of the royalty by now. Haha, it¡¯s funny how talent and potential can suddenly pull you to the top.


    Ever since I was young, I was groomed to become the heir of the clan. I was supposed to be the greatest genius that arrived in the history of my clan.


    Once a child is born, the child is subjected to [Destiny Rites].


    The Destiny Rites is actually a peculiar way of determining the potential of a person. Once a child is born, they are to touch a semi-transparent crystal sphere called [Destiny Sphere] which will then proceed to determine how a child¡¯s future will unfold.


    Once a child has touched the Destiny Sphere it will begin to glow. The greater its glow, the greater the future the child will have.


    My father once told me that during my Destiny Rites, the Destiny Sphere glowed so bright that everyone had to close their eyes for a few minutes before they can see again. It was during that time when they thought of me as the greatest prodigy of the clan.


    When I was six, I¡¯ve learned more and more about the world. My teachers told me that I can become more and more powerful through training my body and mind.


    Those who have trained their body and minds to a certain degree will acquire the innate ability to feel and absorb essences.


    At first I never really understand it. I was just reading and exercising for fun. I was doing all of these things for the sake of being praised.


    I was loved, I was praised, I was enchanted by everything they were telling me. And I grew conceited, I grew arrogant. I thought I was the best, I thought I was the most talented.


    But a year after I¡¯ve acquired the innate talent to feel essences, a 10-year-old girl achieved what I achieved when I was 12.


    She was my cousin, well, my former cousin. And as soon as I found out that there was someone more prodigious than me, I instantly felt envious.


    I felt outrageous. Slowly, I felt that the praises and love I¡¯ve been receiving were all turning over to my cousin. I was angry and sad, I was frustrated.


    I eventually trained harder and harder. I even felt that I was becoming more and more powerful with each passing day.


    I didn¡¯t even understand it. I just treated her as my rival, I was just drunk with envy and I wanted to prove to everyone else that I¡¯m better than her.


    And then, after a year, I didn¡¯t even notice. I changed. My jealousy was actually the poison that slowly killed me.


    Day by day, I wanted to ridicule her. My friends have tried to bully her. I even instigated some of it by spreading rumors that her mother was a whore.


    I was enraged by the fame and praises that she was receiving. I was blinded with all the frustrations that her appearance brought me.


    How dare her take away everything that I¡¯ve worked for all my life. How fucking dare her?!


    With these thoughts, I acted rashly. I made stupid actions, made stupid decisions. All of it just because she was better than me. But then when I realized it, sadly, it was all too late.


    It was probably a few months ago, when I saw her crying. It was then that the cute and kind child praised by everyone around me changed.


    The rumors I started have spread all throughout the clan and it caused her mother to be banished from the clan. And some day after that, she challenged me to a duel.


    She challenged me to a fight that will decide our fates. And I¡­ I willingly accepted thinking that finally, I can get rid of the pest that took everything away from me.


    And then, I lost-


    I actually knew that I was inferior to her. I knew that I was weak. And of course, I knew that everything that happened was actually my fault.


    But it was only right now that I felt sorry for myself. I was a child, and because of that, I didn¡¯t think that it¡¯s a reason good enough to apologize to her.


    I hated her so much but, I knew, deep inside of me, I was wrong and probably, this is the price I must pay for the things that I¡¯ve done.


    ¨C


    Alas!


    I have finally arrived in Sylvan Kingdom. I wonder, then what of it? What kind of life will I lead from now on?


    I¡¯m excited, I¡¯m nervous, and, I¡¯m sad. So I¡¯m finally saying goodbye to the past. Finally, I can start all over again.


    After 2 months of such an uneventful journey, somehow,  I¡¯ve grown. I think about the past a lot. For now, my only regret is that I have never apologized to her.


    Ah, yeah, I should write her a letter. For the last time, I should write a letter using that name. Using my old name, Altheous Impervia Aegus.


    ¨C


    ¡°Please show your Identity Card.¡±


    A soldier clad in full plate armor was in front of me. Wow, so this is a knight. Sylvan Kingdom really stands up to where it¡¯s famous.


    ¡°H-here sir!¡± (Cleo)


    ¡°Cleo, from Emerxia Kingdom. What are you doing here brat?¡± (Knight)


    ¡°U-uhm, I¡¯m h-here t-to t-travel a-and live. Ah- I mean, I want to live here, I¡¯ve been dreaming of going to Sylvan Kingdom ever since I was small!¡± (Cleo)


    ¡°But you¡¯re still small! Hahahaha! What a funny child! Well, as long as you don¡¯t do anything bad, please enjoy your stay in Sylvan Kingdom.¡± (Knight)


    ¡°T-thank you!¡± (Cleo)


    What I was saying was actually more of an excuse. But still it¡¯s one of my dreams. To travel across the Emerald Continent, perhaps one day I really can do it.


    As soon as I entered the borders of the Sylvan Kingdom, I was mesmerized.


    The border of Emerxia Kingdom is nothing compared to this place. This place is almost as beautiful as the Tirade City in Emerxia Kingdom, which is said to be the third most beautiful place in Emerxia Kingdom.


    I¡¯ve only been there once but I know, this place just feels like that place. It¡¯s eye-catching and yeah, it feels serene while looking around it.


    As my eyes kept going left and right, a sudden realization dawned upon me, if the border is already as beautiful as what my eyes are currently viewing, then what about the other cities? What about the capital? This is just making me more and more excited.


    Since my 2 month journey has just ended, I decided to rest in an inn and treat myself with good food.


    Tomorrow, I will need to learn more about Sylvan Kingdom and proceed from there. This reminds me, ah, this is really the start of my new life!


    -

 Chapter 2: Sylvan Kingdom

    Chapter 2: Sylvan Kingdom


    -


    As the first rays of the sun entered my room, I slowly felt my consciousness returning.


    I unhurriedly got up from my bed while stretching my arms. Entering the bathroom, I proceeded to prepare myself and relieve my body from everything that needs to be relieved.


    Looking at the lone mirror hanging at the side of the bathroom, a lone figure of a boy can be seen reflecting.


    Black eyes, black hair, pointed nose, pale white skin, and a small mole at the edge of his forehead, everything that could be described as a splitting image of a person inside my mind.


    A person I¡¯ve always looked up to ever since I was young.


    A person whom I¡¯ve dreamt of becoming one in the future¡­


    My father¡­


    Now that the thought of him crossed my mind, questions after questions entered my mind.


    How are they now? Have they received my letter? Did he really want to never see me again?


    Ugh, I think I should simply go on and forget about it then think of something else. Ahh, last night huh...


    Last night, I¡¯ve pretty much enjoyed some nice steak from one of the renowned restaurant in this city and decided to just rent a room in some nearby inn.


    Now that I think about it, I¡¯ve actually wasted about 10 gold coins in just one day. Damn, during my journey, the most I¡¯ve spent is a little over 4 gold coins for food and accommodation.


    Other than that, the 10 gold coins that I needed to pay the bank in order to acquire a silver card.


    Wow, this is too much. The way I splurged money yesterday shouldn¡¯t happen ever¡­ again.


    I mean, I don¡¯t want to become a beggar. If that ever happened, I don¡¯t even know nor do I want to think about it and right now, I don¡¯t even have a single idea about how I should earn money.


    I might have way too much on my hands but money is really easy to spend once you get lost in the moment. Sometimes, when money is just there and entirely reachable by your hands, you can¡¯t help but use it.


    Like at first, you would hesitate to buy anything to preserve money, then once you start buying something, it simply becomes a splurge. You¡¯d literally forgot all the hesitations and warnings that you stapled in your mind to conserve money.


    Sigh¡­ I need to become more thrifty.


    I think, perhaps I should break down 5 gold coins into silver coins and store the rest of my on-hand gold coins in my silver card.


    Yeah, that would be safer and more reassuring. For the future, this sounds a good plan.


    Now that the thought crossed my mind, gold coins aren¡¯t the only thing that could be used to buy something. There are also silver coins, and lastly, copper coins.


    To make it simple, 100 copper coins are equal to 1 silver coin, and 100 silver coins are equal to 1 gold coin. Convenient, right?


    Well, during my journey towards the Sylvan kingdom, most of the things that I bought costed very minimal.


    Most food and drinks to let me get by with each passing day only costed me a few silver coins or so.


    Even the accumulated cost of renting an inn during my journey only costed a little over 40 silver coins.


    Thinking about it, I might be rich right now, but who knows what the future holds?


    Aside from the clothes and some other important stuff that were stored in the spatial ring given to me by family, there¡¯s just nothing else that could be treated as ¡®possessions¡¯.


    No weapons, no armors, there¡¯s just only the gold and the spatial ring.


    While it is true that these two are like, worth something big, it¡¯s still different from the kind of possessions that I had in mind.


    I want my own stuff like my own furnitures, my own weaponry, my own set of clothes, my own collection of gems, there are just too much that I want as a possession.


    Also, I don¡¯t think that I would like to live the rest of my life renting a room inside an inn.


    I mean, one day, I also hope to have a place that I can call home.


    Nevermind that, enough of these stuffs. Maybe I should just go on and start the day and do something.


    There¡¯s a lot to prepare and from today onwards, there are many decisions to be made..


    -


    After visiting the bank and storing everything else aside from five gold coins that I converted into 500 silver coins, I decided to visit the nearby library.


    I should gather some much needed information before deciding about anything.


    Like one of my teachers said, information is the key. Be it a real life and death battle, or a problem that many things are at stake, information will always be useful.


    Now that the things I¡¯m about to decide are something that might as well affect my future, then gathering information should be the first step.


    Information about the Sylvan Kingdom.


    While pondering about the things that I will do in the future, I finally arrived at the library.


    As I entered, the smell of books entered my nose. A sensation that tells me about how this place is filled with antiques that were passed on for countless of years.


    Inside, countless books in a number of shelves were arranged neatly.


    Looking at it more closely, somehow, I feel that these books are¡­ alive? Probing more about, I discovered how all, if not, most of the books brought forth a feeling as if they are living.


    When I touched one, it was as if the air around me changed and a serene feeling overwhelmed. Just what is this...


    ¡°Oh, you can already feel the essences?¡±


    While I was lost in thought, the voice of an old woman resounded in my ears.


    Looking at the direction where the voice came from, I instantly stumbled a few steps backwards when I noticed that she was just two or three steps behind me.


    When I entered the library, I felt like it was as if a desolate place and thinking back, I never saw anyone or anything that hinted towards a ¡®person¡¯ being here.


    I mean, of course, there should be someone manning this place but, you know, it was strange how I didn¡¯t see nor feel a single presence when I entered and now, suddenly, someone appeared out of nowhere?


    Is she that thing that is called¡­ a ghost? I shuddered with this thought as I hesitantly looked at the person that is now in front of me.


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    Looking at her, her white hair and her somehow sickly stature were the most noticeable. She has a certain smile on her face that makes me think that she¡¯s just not normal.


    Even with her back a little bit bent and the cane on her right hand make it so that she looked a little too fragile, there¡¯s just something different about her. Hmmm¡­ It¡¯s like she¡¯s person whom I should respect utmostly and deal with carefully.


    Oh¡­ now that I think about it, didn¡¯t she just ask me a question? Essences?


    With a blank look, thoughts about what essences are appeared inside my mind.


    I remembered, essences are something that is naturally forming in the world. As my teachers in the past said, it¡¯s something that can be absorbed by mages as something called ¡®mana¡¯ which can be used to command the elements to your bidding.


    Well, that¡¯s all that I know about it. I¡¯ve only just recently discovered its existence and I still don¡¯t have a single idea about how to absorb it nor how to cast spells.


    There are many steps in doing this but you know, my education was cut off when I was banished from the clan and right now, I¡¯m in a bottleneck.


    Ah, let¡¯s talk about this later on. Yeah, I should really go on and answer the old woman. Thinking about her question, I slowly nodded my head.


    Definitely I know I can feel essences and I know it exists. But somehow, that¡¯s all I can do about it. Whenever I try to meditate, there¡¯s like a fine line separating me from these essences. Forget it, I don¡¯t even know how it works.


    Now that I think about it, how does essences relate to the books?


    While these thoughts appeared in my mind, she suddenly said, ¡°Good, good, how old are you boy?¡±


    Hearing her, I immediately answered, ¡°13.¡±


    As I said that, something felt off about her expression. While it didn¡¯t seem to change at all, there¡¯s just something about her¡­ state, that seemed different.


    At that moment, the old woman turned her back as her left hand reached for her chin. I couldn¡¯t see her expression anymore but something tells me that it¡¯s something inconceivable.


    ¡°Hoho, a bit talented huh. What¡¯s your name boy? It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen you in this place. Are you perhaps, from another country?¡± The old woman asked.


    ¡°A-Al-... Cleo Aeris, I came from Emerxia Kingdom and¡­ I just arrived here yesterday.¡±


    Damn, I almost blurted out that name. I almost forgot, I¡¯m not that person anymore.


    ¡°Oh, seems like some you have some certain circumstances. By the way you can just call me Grandma Meng. I¡¯ve been the overseer of this library for over four decades. Hoho¡­ well, what do you seek by coming in this old place?¡±


    As she spoke, she once again turned around and her expression from a while ago never even changed. What a scary woman¡­


    Leaving that aside, I really need to focus about what I need to do right now. Judging from her words, I guess she should be the right person to ask about the books I need to find.


    With that thought in mind, I answered, ¡°I¡¯m here to read books about Sylvan Kingdom. I still don¡¯t know that much about this place and I thought that getting information from the library would be good.¡±


    ¡°Not bad. It¡¯s true that the library should give you what you need so anyways, would you tell me exactly the things you want to learn?¡±


    ¡°Uhm¡­ general information about the Sylvan Kingdom and¡­ I think the best place where I can live?¡±


    The things I knew about the Sylvan Kingdom were very minimal. I didn¡¯t know its norms, its rules and regulations, and its general geography. As a person who will probably live here for a long time, of course I naturally need to know everything important.


    ¡°Planning ahead huh¡­ go to that corner and then turn left. In the rightmost shelf, books that could satiate the things you want to learn are there.¡±


    With a smile on her face, she pointed towards a corner of the library and proceeded to give me directions. Once she was done speaking, I only gave her a slight smile and some thanks before leaving.


    Going through the direction where she told me, I saw a few books with titles, ¡°Sylvan Kingdom¡±, ¡°Church of Gaea¡±, ¡°Great Cities of the Sylvan Kingdom¡±, and ¡°Kingdom of Nature¡±.


    Looking at these books, I immediately took the book entitled ¡®Sylvan Kingdom¡¯.


    As I took the book and opened it, that certain sensation from a while ago once again overwhelmed me. I was meaning to ask this to the old woman but I guess¡­ not now.


    With the information laid before me, I need to maintain my focus and learn more about the Sylvan Kingdom as much as possible.


    The Sylvan Kingdom, also known as, Gaea¡¯s Abode, is the third ranked country within the Emerald Continent. By ranking, what I meant is its strength as a country in terms of economy and military.


    My former country, the Emerxia Kingdom, ranks fifth within the Emerald Continent. Meaning, the overall strength of Sylvan Kingdom is definitely above my former country and perhaps that should be something to be happy about. Not that it matters¡­ right¡­ damn, forget it.


    The Sylvan Kingdom¡¯s main feature lies on the fact that it is where the Holy Capital of the Church of Gaea is found. Because of this, most of the people born of the Sylvan Kingdom are followers of the Church of Gaea.


    Through the power and reputation of the Church of Gaea, the Sylvan Kingdom has flourished. With an advocacy that the world should be one with nature, everywhere within the Sylvan Kingdom is filled with terrific scenery of lush and green.


    A place where trees and plants, more than anything else, filled the surroundings.


    Now that I think about it, perhaps it¡¯s the reason why even the border city of the Sylvan Kingdom is this beautiful.


    I¡¯m really starting to wonder more about the Church of Gaea. Thinking about it, my former country didn¡¯t really have a religion to follow. There were also churches of different kinds within my former country and among them, the Church of Gaea is something that has almost always crossed my ears.


    Now that I¡¯m a place where it¡¯s prominent, maybe I should learn more about it. But, that entirely is for later. Right now, the first thing I should think about is making a plan about what¡¯s next.


    After reading this much, I¡¯ve decided that the next step I should take is deciding for a place where I can settle. If i will live in the Sylvan Kingdom for a long time, then I need to get a place that I can call home.


    Living in inns won¡¯t do. I still have a lot money but I don¡¯t think it will last if I kept spending on unnecessary stuff. Finding a place where I can live then finding a school for mages should be the next step.


    There¡¯s so much more to it than just deciding but I guess, for now, I need to go over the cities of the Sylvan Kingdom.


    -

 Chapter 3: Choosing a City

    Chapter 3: Choosing a City


    -


    The Sylvan Kingdom is divided into 9 cities; 3 border cities, 4 commercial cities, the royal capital, and lastly, the religious capital.


    All of these cities are governed by Dukes who are directly under the command of the royal clan, [Emillia], and his eminence, King Ishmael Emillia.


    There¡¯s not much to know about the governance of the Sylvan Kingdom since after I¡¯ve read more about the basic rules and regulation within the Sylvan Kingdom, I¡¯ve pretty much realized that people are less restricted while living in this place.


    Compared to Emerxia Kingdom whose rules require for a certain amount of tax based on your status monthly, the Sylvan Kingdom only requires tax every six months.


    In Emerxia Kingdom, if you fail to pay the amount of tax that was put in your head, certainly, you¡¯ll be either jailed or exiled. Once jailed, you¡¯re going to do some necessary work for the prison until you¡¯ve accumulated the amount of tax that you failed to pay.


    But that¡¯s just simply impossible. Once in jail, your tax piles up every month and there¡¯s just no such thing as acquiring enough money to pay out your tax unless someone else helps you. Meaning, you¡¯ll just spend your life in jail forever.


    As for being exiled, well, it¡¯s certain death. Once outside the borders, it¡¯s either you join some bandits or some sort of mercenary groups or you¡¯re just going to get killed by magical beasts or other exiled criminals.


    The reason I know many things about this is simply because my former family had something to do with the ¡®treasury¡¯ of Emerxia Kingdom and of course, as an ¡®heir¡¯, I naturally needed to learn more about it.


    But all of these things compared to Sylvan Kingdom, it¡¯s really quite amazing how different they are. Within the Sylvan Kingdom, if you ever fail to pay up your tax, you can just go loan some money from the church and you can work for them in order to pay your debts.


    From what I¡¯ve read, it¡¯s naturally impossible to get jailed in the Sylvan Kingdom unless you do some horrendous crimes such as stealing, murder, and rape.


    It¡¯s quite awesome. The way the Sylvan Kingdom treats all the people under its domain is just simply superb. There¡¯s actually more to it but I think I should discuss it later. For now, let¡¯s talk more about my plan and the cities of the Sylvan Kingdom.


    Based from what I¡¯ve learned, the best cities to live in would be the two capitals; the Royal Capital, Aurum, and the Religious Capital, Silmeria. But, these two places aren¡¯t really the best choice for me right now.


    As of today, I¡¯m just a rich commoner. I don¡¯t have neither status nor reputation and I would easily fell down to dire straits if I ever dared to live in those places.


    Living there meant very high living expenses and I think that with my current status as a jobless commoner who doesn¡¯t really have any idea about how to earn money, I would eventually become a beggar in a month or two once I live there.


    In other words, these two are crossed out.


    As for the border cities, well, I don¡¯t really like to live there at all. I mean the Emerald Continent has been at peace for over a century but, you never know.


    If war ever happens just like those of the stories that I¡¯ve read during my days in the Emerxia Kingdom, the border cities aren¡¯t really a safe place.


    I want to live my life as something filled with adventures but I want to remain on the safe side and never risk it.


    Which means, I¡¯m currently left with the remaining four commercial cities to choose from. Fair enough.


    Of the four commercial I immediately crossed out two which doesn¡¯t really suit my tastes and right now, I¡¯m left with two cities; Lantia City and Reigis City.


    The Lantia City is said to be the most beautiful city within the Sylvan Kingdom aside from the two capitals. It¡¯s even said to be comparable to that of the capital of Emerxia Kingdom.


    It¡¯s found between the Western Border City and the Royal Capital and is more famously known for being found within the middle of a really big lake known as the Great Lake of Lantia.


    The living conditions within Lantia City is described as something like living near a shore. It¡¯s cozy, calm, windy, and serene. With this descriptions alone, I¡¯m somehow really inclined in choosing this city but hey, I think I should ponder more about these things more deeply.


    As for the Reigis City, its main feature lies on the fact that it is between the two capitals. It¡¯s basically the city where the center of Sylvan Kingdom¡¯s economy resides.


    The descriptions about it that I¡¯ve read aren¡¯t really that vivid. It¡¯s mostly filled with huge buildings and many of the main branch of the guilds and stores found throughout the Sylvan Kingdom could be found there.


    And oh, I almost forgot, there¡¯s also one more thing about it that actually piqued my interest. The [Reigis Academy], infamous throughout the Emerald Continent, is found there.


    It¡¯s a school for mages which is famously known for producing many powerful figures who have stapled themselves in the annals of history of the Emerald Continent.


    Also, it¡¯s rumored that a powerful mage who has lived for thousands of years is its Grandmaster. I wonder if that¡¯s true.


    Well, anyways, that¡¯s something that really caught my eye. Among the plans that I have in the future, one is to continue my studies about magic. I¡¯ve really wanted to become a mage in the future.


    I mean if I were to think about it, I¡¯ve always dreamt of entering the prestigious school, ¡®Reius Academy¡¯, from the Emerxia Kingdom and continue to learn magic there.


    I¡¯ve also dreamt of becoming so famous that girls would easily fawn over me¡­ oh, I mean many people would admire me because of my talents. Haha.


    And while it is true that perhaps there is no more hope in doing that, another opportunity just came in front of me. If I were to try and live within the Reigis City, maybe I can enroll myself as a student of Reigis Academy and relive those things that I¡¯ve dreamt of.


    Ugh¡­ just imagining it really felt good. If just... erm, if I do it, I wonder if I¡¯ll succeed.


    So¡­ right now, I¡¯m really lost between these two cities. I wonder which of the two should I choose, Lantia City or Reigis City?


    Oh now that the thought crossed my mind, yeah, that old woman from a while ago can maybe help me. I think she¡¯s worth trusting and somehow dependable¡­ it seems.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°I suggest you choose Reigis City.¡±


    At that moment, while I was thinking about the old woman, her familiar voice suddenly resounded making me shiver from my seat.


    Turning my head towards my back, just like a while ago, she¡¯s suddenly there with that same smile and same expression she had from a while ago.


    Where the hell did she come from? I¡¯m way beyond serious that I never felt a single presence ever since I started reading these books. Damn, is she really a ¡®ghost¡¯? Holy shit¡­


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not a ghost, stupid child. That aside, like I said, go to Reigis City.¡±


    Is she really a ghost?


    No, I¡¯m not a ghost.


    Did I speak that too loudly? Did I even voiced a single word? O-Or¡­ D-Did she just read my mind?


    A terrifying sensation struck me. Just what kind of person is this old woman¡­ Ugh, maybe I should just think about all these things and¡­


    Oh yeah, she just said to go to Reigis City¡­ I-I guess I should just put aside the mind reading stuff and go with the more important thing at hand¡­


    ¡°C-Can I ask why?¡± I asked while stuttering.


    Her unchanging expression somehow had some hints of change when she said, ¡°It¡¯s the best place there is within the Sylvan Kingdom aside from the two capitals. You¡¯ll know once you arrive there.¡±


    I¡¯ll know once I arrive there? What does she mean?


    With her words, many questions appeared in my mind. Will the amount of money that I have right now enough to live there for a long time? Is settling there easy? What will I do when I arrive there?


    As I was thinking about these questions she suddenly said, ¡°Boy, just listen to me. You¡¯ll know when you get there. With the amount that you have right now, that¡¯s more than enough to live there for a few years even if you entered the Reigis Academy. Surely, you can trust this old woman¡¯s words.¡±


    Yeah, she can really read my mind.


    After she answered, one of my former questions was answered. Although I don¡¯t really know who she is, I still think that I can really trust her words.


    I mean while she was speaking, there¡¯s a certain feeling that tells me that if I do what she¡¯s telling me, then I will never regret it. What is this?


    ¡­ I really don¡¯t know. But I guess I should somehow get more information and ponder more about it.


    I nodded towards her as I said, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll get more information later erm¡­¡± What¡¯s her name¡­ ah yeah, ¡°Grandma Meng.¡±


    As I said that, she nodded towards me, turned around and left. She¡¯s really some sort of a mystical person huh. Maybe she¡¯s a mage, a really powerful mage.


    I mean I¡¯ve read in books that powerful mages have some sort of a charm or a certain feel to them they are all dependable. Their words are entirely persuading and most of the time, their words will lead to the success of people.


    Well, that¡¯s what the books said. Although I¡¯m still skeptical with the sensation I¡¯ve felt from her words, maybe, just maybe I could really trust her and for now, I should focus on learning more about the Reigis City.


    -


    It was already afternoon when I¡¯ve finished reading about Reigis City and everything else that could help me in deciding which city I should choose.


    Right now, I¡¯m currently inside my room in the inn where I¡¯m staying and waiting for some waitress or staff of the inn to deliver my dinner.


    Today¡¯s been tiring but somehow, at the very least, I¡¯ve managed to achieve some of my goals. With the new plans I¡¯ve formulated, I¡¯ve somehow succeeded in deciding more about my future.


    During the rest of the time I¡¯ve spent in the library, I¡¯ve learned many advantages of living in Reigis City and somehow, after finishing reading, I was already decided that I should settle in that place.


    In Reigis City, I can easily acquire a decent home with a hundred gold coins. Aside from that, the living expenses aren¡¯t that big.


    As a commoner, the tax I need to pay is only about 10 silvers every six months. As long as I don¡¯t waste too much money, I can probably live well for a decade without the thought of becoming a beggar anytime soon.


    To put it simply, I have a decade to find a job in order to earn money.


    As for the Reigis Academy, it¡¯s entirely free to enroll in it but there¡¯s a requirement. An aspiring student should know how to use cast spells or use magic before the age of 15.


    Meaning, I have one year and four months to learn magic before I became ineligible to join it. I still have time¡­ but, somehow, it really feels rather worrying.


    What if I fail to learn magic by that time? Won¡¯t it be too bad?


    Ugh¡­ actually that¡¯s not really the problem. I think I have some sort of talent with magic just like what those people from my former clan said.


    But right now, I just don¡¯t have a single idea about what¡¯s next after my current state.


    In the past, while I was studying under the teachers hired by my former clan, I¡¯ve learned that magic can be used by becoming aware of the existence of essences.


    After knowing the existence of essences, the stage that I¡¯m at, I was kicked out of the clan and I never had any chance to discover what in the world is the next step. Ugh...


    Oh¡­ wait, isn¡¯t it possible to self-study this if I have books? Aren¡¯t there books in the library that could help me with this stuff?


    Why the hell did I realize this just now¡­ damn. Even during my journey, there might be perhaps some books that will talk about it in the libraries or stores that could be found in those places.


    Did I really just waste a few months before realizing this?


    Ugh¡­ tomorrow I¡¯ll visit the library again. Even with that rather creepy mind-reading old woman, I¡¯m more than encouraged to learn magic.


    -

 Chapter 4: Room of Essentials

    Chapter 4: Room of Essentials


    AN: I sort of chopped this chapter for a poll and I hope you guys will answer it. Poll will end later at midnight and I¡¯ll await for your suggestions. :D


    -


    ¡°You want to self-study magic?¡±


    The old woman said with a rather indifferent expression. Although this shouldn¡¯t matter that much, it¡¯s just¡­ it''s the first time I saw her expression changed from that of the expression she had when I first met her.


    Today, when I woke up, I hurriedly did everything to prepare myself; stretch my body, bath, and eat breakfast. I wanted to be as ready as I can be in order to pursue what I¡¯ve been planning since yesterday.


    Last night, because of these thoughts, because of the ideas that I might perhaps find some sort of progress in becoming a mage, I almost couldn¡¯t fall asleep.


    It¡¯s way too exciting until the moment I arrived in the library. At that time, which was just moments ago, I immediately saw a familiar old woman sitting around one of the corners of the library.


    When I saw her, I hurriedly asked her, ¡°Where can I find books about learning how to use magic?¡±


    The question which started the conversation and also the question that made it so that at the very first time, her expression changed in a much obvious manner.


    Did I say something wrong? I don¡¯t understand it at all. As ideas about why her expression changed popped out in my mind, I slowly nodded towards her.


    As of this very moment, that¡¯s the only plan I could think of. Find some books about magic, read it, and perhaps learn its processes and become a mage in the process.


    I don¡¯t have a single idea if I¡¯ll ever succeed but you know, learning magic and knowing how to cast spells is like the most exciting thing in this world¡­ Who wouldn¡¯t want to become a mage anyways?


    As I have these thoughts in mind, I noticed how the old woman has her eyes closed and is somehow deep in thought and perhaps something along the lines took her attention.


    I wonder what she¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± She said as she suddenly opened her eyes and stood with her really frail body.


    Perplexed with her words and her actions, it took me a little over a few seconds before I could react. At that moment, she was walking towards a corner of the library when suddenly¡­


    Swoosh


    She waved her hands and suddenly, just directly in front of us, a wooden door appeared on the wall.


    What?


    I rubbed my eyes and pinched my cheeks to see if I was dreaming or hallucinating. After feeling the subtle pain of reality, I realized¡­ yeah, a door just appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Enter.¡±


    While I was still lost in confusion, the old woman¡¯s voice resounded. She weakly walked towards the door and as she got nearer and nearer, the door also opened.


    I mean, this is probably magic¡­ but within my clan I have never, none at all, seen a scene such as this.


    Today and yesterday, there¡¯s so many things about this old woman that have surprised me. Are there more in store for me?


    I followed the old woman towards the door. As I get nearer, a strong aroma that was completely unfamiliar to me bombarded my nose.


    Looking inside, the first thing I noticed were a number of vials sitting on top of various tables. Inside these vials, liquids of different color could be seen either calmly being stored or boiling.


    Just what is this place?


    ¡°G-Grandma Meng, where are we?¡± Unable to bottle up my curiosity, I voiced out the question inside my mind.


    ¡°We¡¯re inside my laboratory. No need to ask further. Just follow me.¡± She answered.


    My eyes were glued to the different kinds of apparatus that I couldn¡¯t recognized  A big pot over the side emitting a ghastly smoke, a small metallic crane that has chains on each side, a wooden chopping board with razors on its edges¡­ just what are these things?


    While I was both terrified and fascinated of everything my eyes were seeing, I suddenly realized that the old woman has already walked to a far away corner of the room.


    There, another door could be found. But compared to the indistinct door from where we entered, the door where she is currently standing in front of, is of golden color and emitting a bright shade of light that somehow makes me think of the sun.


    When looking at it, I couldn¡¯t help but slightly close my eyes because it was a little bit blinding. Aside from that, it reeks of a certain sensation that is similar to that of the books of the library but more powerful.


    This door¡­ does it also have something to do with essences?


    Walking towards the door, I saw how the old woman pressed her hands towards the golden door as if opening it slightly. At that moment, I was already behind her anxiously waiting for what was about to happen.


    As the golden door opened, the golden light slowly diminished and I was greeted with a sight of darkness. The old woman stepped in but the moment she did, she suddenly vanished as if she was swallowed by darkness.


    Shocked by what I was seeing, I was stunned and unable to move. Many thoughts about maybe going the other way and forgetting this place altogether appeared on my mind.


    Did I fuck up or something?


    I look towards the direction from where we came from but then I realized, the door¡­ where we passed through to enter the room isn¡¯t there. That certain door¡­ is gone and is now a block of wall.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    As I grew tenser and tenser with each passing second, sweat dripped on my forehead. I don¡¯t what is happening and I have some sort of nervousness that thoughts about being in danger entered my mind.


    ¡°Fool, why are you so afraid?¡±


    While I was lost in fear, the voice of the old woman resounded and a hand suddenly grabbed my arm then pulled me towards room of darkness where the old woman just entered.


    Without having the time nor the chance to think about what was happening, I was pulled into a place of eternal darkness. I don¡¯t know what happened, and I don¡¯t know what will happen but sooner after that, I realized, I lost my consciousness.


    -


    When I came to be, I felt my body lying on a stone cold ground. When I opened my eyes, I was greeted with¡­ nothing.


    Yeah, I mean nothing. I couldn¡¯t see anything at all and it was as if everything is just pure unadulterated darkness. Did I become blind or what?


    As thoughts about becoming blind overwhelmed me, I suddenly heard a familiar voice saying, ¡°This is the Room of Essentials. You¡¯re lucky that this old woman have one. Hoho, but I find you interesting so it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡±


    Room of Essentials?


    As I heard of the probable name of this place, I racked up my mind in order to see if I have ever heard of such a place. Well, after a minute or so of thinking, nope, none at all.


    Seeing that I know nothing about this place, I just spoke, ¡°Grandma Meng, what¡¯s the Room of Essentials? Why did you bring me here?¡±


    Although I couldn¡¯t see anything, I know she¡¯s probably here and I know she could probably hear me. Heck, even the events that happened yesterday tells me that she could even read my mind.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know soon. First do what I will tell you¡­ meditate and once you feel the essences, open your eyes.¡±


    Hearing her, I simply did like what she said. I sat upright, placed my feet on my opposing thighs then entered the lotus position.


    When I closed my eyes, a sudden sensation struck me. Essences¡­ there¡¯s just too many of it.


    During the time when I learned of the existence of essences, I could vaguely feel any of it in the surroundings. It was so small  and very few that even though I know it¡¯s there, it feels like it¡¯s just an illusion.


    Even today, a year and a few months after I¡¯ve learned of its existence, the amount of the essences that I could feel has only improved a little and is still very miniscule.


    But at this moment, just as I closed my eyes, it was like a surge of Essences surrounded my body and a certain heavenly feeling as if I was floating enveloped my body.


    This¡­ this is just incredible. As I was enjoying the fleeting feeling brought by the huge amount of essences that were surrounding my body, I suddenly remembered the words of the old woman.


    Once you feel the essences, open your eyes.


    Cautiously, I slightly opened my eyes and as I did, my sight was bombarded by flickering lights of different colors.


    Seconds after seconds, I slowly opened more of my eyes until it was completely open. At that moment, I was both shocked and mesmerized with the scene before me.


    The once desolate room of eternal darkness¡­ is now filled with floating balls of light made up of different colors!


    Red, Green, Blue, Yellow¡­ and some other colors that were somehow a different shade of the more distinct colors. Not far away, I could also see bright black and white balls of light of varying intensity.


    Just what are these balls of lights? Oh¡­ are these the essences?


    As the thought that these balls of light were the essences occurred in my mind, an instant affirmation came from the old woman as she said, ¡°As you can see, these are the essences. To become a mage, one must absorb these essences towards his body and it shall be a fuel of magic. It shall become mana!¡±


    When she finished speaking, feelings of thrill and excitement surge forth from my body. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s next nor do I have any idea about what¡¯s about to happen but somehow, something deep inside me tells me that this moment might as well be that next step of my stagnated progress in becoming a mage.


    If it is so, if I became successful¡­ then¡­ then all my goals and aspirations would become easier. It¡¯ll all definitely become better!


    ¡°Grandma Meng, what should I do next? How can I absorb these essences?¡± As my own feelings of excitement grew bigger and bigger, I couldn¡¯t help but just ask her.


    She brought me here and with showing this much, perhaps she¡¯s trying to help me become a mage. Perhaps she¡¯s helping achieve my goals¡­


    ¡°Choose.¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    Choose? What?


    -


    AN: Again, thank you for reading! Please rate, comment and tell me whatever you think about these introductory chapters. More to come this weekend and yeah¡­ that¡¯s all. :D Also if you guys like Empyrean Ascent, check out my other poll here</a>.


    I await your answers and stuff guys. ^ And if you want to be updated with the stuff that I¡¯m writing, please do follow me on twitter: @archrequiem


    Check out my website: archrequiem.wordpress.com

 Chapter 5: The Right Choice?

    Chapter 5: The Right Choice?


    AN: Well, the polls are done and it¡¯ll be¡­ dun dun dun dun! Exposed in the next chapter. Haha! Some theory-crafting here and more about the world in this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it. :D


    Have fun reading!


    -


    ¡°Grandma Meng, what do you mean by choose?¡± I asked.


    Knowing that pondering over it wouldn¡¯t do me any good, I just voiced out my question.


    ¡°To become a mage, one will need to attune himself with a certain element. For normal aspirants, it would be something that they will naturally grasp when the right time comes. But for you, since I gave you the chance to enter the Room of Essentials, then of course, you can choose which element you would like to be attuned to.¡±


    Once she was done speaking, a sudden realization dawned upon me.


    I can choose my own element?!


    As that thought appeared in my mind, my eyes hurriedly turned left and right as I observed the countless balls of light around me.


    As I observed more of these balls of light, I understood that choosing an elemental attunement meant that choosing among these things.


    But, what are the limitations? How many could I choose? How do I choose? How do I even know which element is which? What are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing among these essences?


    Many questions appeared in my mind. Perhaps Grandma Meng has already read it or learned of it but right now, she doesn¡¯t seem to be too keen on answering me.


    With each passing moment, my heart grew even more frantic. Even with this golden opportunity in front of me, a certain feeling about how I might regret it if I decided rashly continued to warn me.


    Thinking about it, doesn¡¯t this concern my future? Doesn¡¯t this entail that once I choose one, it¡¯ll be something that will stick with me for the rest of my life?


    If I made a wrong decision, then I might become unable to do anything about it in the future¡­ I mean, I don¡¯t have that much of an aspiration as a mage but, I still want to try and become the best of whatever I can be.


    Insights¡­ Information¡­ Yeah, for now, these are things that I really need to collect before deciding. I shouldn¡¯t be rash and I shouldn¡¯t do anything that I could regret for the rest of my life.


    This is already my new start and I have definitely decided to live it to the fullest without regretting anything.


    ¡°Grandma Meng, can you give me more time to decide? I¡¯m in need of information and¡­¡±


    Plop


    While I was speaking, I suddenly felt my body falling and in the next moment, I hit the ground.


    What? What the hell just happened?


    When I came to be, I realized that I was once again inside the library. I was directly sitting in front of that certain wall which suddenly turned into a wooden door that lead to the room which Grandma Meng called as her ¡®laboratory¡¯.


    Did she kick me out of the room? Did I say anything bad?


    At that moment, while I was pondering over what is currently happening, I suddenly heard footsteps that came from behind me.


    As I did, I turned my head and my sight immediately fell on Grandma Meng who has a very large brown book tucked between her body and her left arm.


    Looking at her frail body and that book that seemed to be so heavy, I instinctively stood up and hurriedly took the book away from her arms.


    But when I did, I once again met with the ground when I suddenly felt the enormous weight of the book that Grandma Meng was just carrying¡­


    Damn¡­ this¡­ this is heavy!


    While lying on the ground, I looked at the book being held in my hands. As soon as I saw it, I couldn¡¯t help but gasp in shock when I saw that there¡¯s certain distance between the book and the floor.


    To put it simply, the book is floating!


    Looking up, I saw Grandma Meng¡¯s face still with her rather indifferent expression. That calm and serene smile once again took up her face as she said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you two days to decide. You can read this book for everything that you need to know about essences.¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, I was yet again shocked when I suddenly felt that¡­ the once really heavy book that made me fall to the ground suddenly felt weightless.


    Compared to the moment I tried to take it from the arms of Grandma Meng, right now, it¡¯s as if it doesn¡¯t have weight at all.


    Again¡­ magic?


    As I curiously looked at the book that Grandma Meng gave me, she slowly walked away and left towards the opposite direction.


    But before she could completely go away, she suddenly stopped on her tracks as her voice resounded, ¡°If a mage¡¯s possession was forcibly taken away from their grasp, then the proprietor will definitely have a price to pay for it. It¡¯s lenient of me to give you just that so please do be careful in the future.¡±


    Leaving those words for me, her silhouette completely vanished and all that was left was me and the weightless brown book held by both of my hands.


    Sighing, I slowly stood up and walked towards a corner where a table for reading could be found. Today, I¡¯ve been surprised a lot¡­ but right now, I just need to once again leave all of those things aside and focus on the task at hand.


    Choosing the right magic!


    -


    ¡°Sigh¡­ I still can¡¯t choose¡­¡±


    With a heavy sigh, I couldn¡¯t help but mutter these words.


    After ten hours or so of vigorous reading and comparison, I still failed to comprehend which is which and how advantageous or disadvantageous the pros and cons of each kind of essences.


    Actually, it¡¯s more of everything became a little bit too complicated.


    As I realized this¡­ yeah, I¡¯m opening more of my eyes about the probability that I was just so stupid to think that only information and insights are what I need in order to decide about this ¡®elemental attunement¡¯.


    For starters, yeah, it¡¯s true that we need information. It¡¯s true that we need insights. But¡­ a really big but, too much wouldn¡¯t help at all.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    It¡¯ll actually give you a certain headache that deciding about something becomes even more of a chore than that of when you know so little about it.


    During the time I¡¯ve spent reading, I¡¯ve learned the basics about essences and the general knowledge that mages should have about elemental attunement.


    Essences aren¡¯t actually as simple as what I¡¯ve learned in the past.


    In fact, it¡¯s so damn complicated that there are so many theories and so many things to learn about it that perhaps even if I spend my life researching it, I wouldn¡¯t even scratch ten percent of its surface.


    Right now, I just want it to simply become something like food so I can somehow at least puke it. The overload of information in my mind is just¡­ making me regret of everything that I did today.


    Ugh¡­ fuck my life, really¡­


    Anyways, from what I¡¯ve learned from the brown book, Essences are something like raw energy. It is always there, never to be lost nor created.


    Whenever mages absorbs it, these essences turns into mana. Once they used it to cast a spell, it¡¯ll perform its duties and return to its original raw form.


    Well, that¡¯s what the book told me¡­ Although I¡¯m not really at the point where I completely understand everything that I just said, the idea is still something that I could grasp.


    Raw Energy (Essences) > Mana > Spell > Raw Energy (Essences)


    Just like a repeated process, it¡¯s something that is constant and will never change.


    These essences can be found in various forms. Well, this is where it gets so damn complicated.


    Starting from the six [Origin Elements]; Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, and Darkness, variations of different kinds of elements can also be found.


    Some of these variations can be a combination of two or more Origin Elements, and for some, these variations are those of a different kind or an evolved form of the Origin Elements.


    For example, the Origin Element, water can become ice which can be considered as an evolved form. For combinations, if a mage have two different Origin Elements residing in his body, then it can be combined. For example, Fire and Earth can become Magma.


    To put it simply, there are so many other elements that came from this Origin Elements that learning about each and everyone of it will take up an unimaginable amount of time which I would never dare to think about.


    And when I learned of this, well, it¡¯s the point of no return. I¡¯m stuck and I don¡¯t even have a single idea about where to go or where to start.


    The Origin Elements and its variations can be distinguished by its color. When I entered the Room of Essentials, I¡¯ve pretty much saw all and if not, then most of the colors of each of these elements.


    Red is to fire, blue is to water, green is to wind, yellow is to earth, white is to light, and black is to darkness.


    As for the variations, its appearance could be described by the difference in shade or intensity of the color of the Origin Element where it came from. Some might be a combination of two colors, while some might be just a lighter or darker shade of the six original colors.


    For example, a variation of water to ice can be described with the color of its essence turning from blue to light blue. The variation that came from the combination of fire and earth, magma, will have the color of its essence as red plus yellow.


    These colors signify which is which and all of them have their own pros and cons that right now, I just couldn¡¯t help but become even more confused with what I should choose.


    When one acquires an Origin Element, basically, he¡¯ll be able to access all kinds of variations that is under that Origin Element. There''s only a need for comprehension and understanding if a mage would like to learn to use each and every variation of an Origin element.


    Aside from that, there¡¯s always a rare chance of acquiring a secondary Origin Element and then having the combination of the first and the secondary Origin Element as a personal variation.


    As for choosing an Origin Element like Grandma Meng said, there¡¯s no real limit to it as long as your body can handle it. But¡­ that isn¡¯t really right¡­


    I mean there¡¯s no such thing as a body that could withstand three or more kinds of essences occurring in their own bodies.


    As explained in the brown book, once you have your own Origin Element, it¡¯s better to not try to attune yourself with another Origin Element because if you do, there are only two possibilities.


    Either it complements with your current Origin Element, which happens one in ten thousand of aspiring mages, or, it gets into a fight with your current element then your body wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it and... you will simply just go and self-destruct¡­ to death.


    Because of this, I¡¯m thinking of limiting myself to choosing only one among these Origin Elements. Even there might be a heathen chance that I could gain two, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to face the consequences if it ever failed.


    And again, because of this¡­ I¡¯m lost. Choosing one among the six, it¡¯s just something that needs more time to ponder about.


    Once I choose one, it¡¯ll be my own Origin Element for the rest of my life and the only magic that I can use are everything about it and each and every possible variation of that lone Origin Element.


    Haaa... I wonder¡­ what should I choose? What path should I take?


    Ugh¡­ this is really¡­ father?


    While I was lost in thought, a certain person appeared in my mind. Yeah, my father.


    Now that I think about it, I¡¯ve always wanted to become someone like him. I¡¯ve always wanted him to be proud of me.


    Well, I know that there¡¯s no more chance with making him proud of me but, about becoming someone like him¡­ yeah, certainly, I might actually get close to that.


    Ah¡­ I think, for now¡­ I should follow his footsteps.


    -


    AN: What kind of person is Cleo¡¯s father that even though he was the one that kicked Cleo, Cleo still admired him this much¡­ Well, find out in the future chapters of¡­ Lustrous Odyssey! LMAO


    As a sidenote, please do rate, comment and tell me whatever your thoughts about my story and suggest whatever you guys would like to change or whatever you guys would like to happen and I¡¯ll think about it. It¡¯s still underway and I¡¯d be more glad to have you guys help me create a much more interesting story.


    Anyways, thank you so much for reading!

 Chapter 6: Acquiring an Element (Part 1)

    Chapter 6: Acquiring an Element (Part 1)


    AN: Next chapter will be on wednesday~ that¡¯s all I can say¡­ and also, for the next few chapters¡­ one or two chapter after¡­ we¡¯ll finally move on from this introductory stuff. Well, much earlier than EA which spent over 8 chapters just for introduction. Haha¡­


    Anyways¡­ Have fun reading!


    -


    Waking up once again bathed in the light of the sun, I hurriedly prepared myself of everything that I need in order to be as ready as I can for whatever¡¯s about to come.


    Today marks the second day since I¡¯ve entered the Room of Essentials and also, today marks the time when I should choose an Origin Element for myself.


    During the last two days, I¡¯ve spent my time learning more about these essences or elements. I did all that I can in order to familiarize myself with all the necessary information that I might need in order to become successful in the path I¡¯m about to tread on.


    Two days ago, when the thought about my father struck me like a thunderbolt, I¡¯ve realized¡­


    I still want to become like him.


    Admired and respected by everyone in my clan, my father was someone I¡¯ve always looked up to.


    Many people, kin and commoners alike, like him to a point that I could even imagine that these people are worshiping him.


    It was as if he was a gift from the gods to humanity whenever I ask more about him from the people around me.


    A person that helps who are in need.


    A person that protects his people and his country.


    A person who have uncountable merits yet still humble.


    Yeah, he¡¯s just like a saint¡­ perhaps he is a saint.


    Even as a father to me, I knew that he was the best I could ever hope for.


    Well, it was something that I¡¯ve grown accustomed to as I grew up within the confinement of my former home.


    With the songs of praises, stories of greatness, and my own interactions with him, I¡¯ve learned to live my life as someone who always dreamed to be someone like him.


    It was even to a point that¡­ even if I hated him or hated my whole clan for kicking me out, I still knew that he was still a person worthy to admire.


    Perhaps the reason why I¡¯m at this point¡­ perhaps the reason that I could still live through while accepting that everything was my fault.


    Well yeah, that might perhaps be it. Influence? I¡¯m not really sure. But still his effect in my life is something that I could never deny.


    Leaving all of the things about my father aside, many questions about my future, about my talent, and about my potential as a mage occurred in my mind.


    As an aspirant, I¡¯ve always dreamed to wield magic, bending the elements to my will and become as powerful as I can ever possibly be.


    I¡¯ve always hoped to become a prominent figure and show everyone how genius myself is.


    Well, that¡¯s all in the past. I mean, those things, those ambitions, all of them were about the time when I was still in my former home.


    Seeing that I¡¯ve been kicked from that clan, a thought that all of those things were all pointless occurred to me during my journey.


    But now that I¡¯m once again presented with this kind of¡­ chance to perhaps once again pursue some of those ambitions, I realized that I still really want to do my best.


    Even without having the chance to prove myself to those people who were once around me, I still wanted to implore myself to become someone I could be proud of.


    I still want to achieve my goals, I still want to have a name whom people would admire, and of course, I still want to be someone who¡¯ll be acknowledged as a person who has achieved something.


    I mean, it all comes down to this. You know, dreams are never lost and dreams are never forgotten.


    There are just some that find themselves as something that will never happen but all in all, these dreams will still continue to live on and exist within our minds fueling our desire to live even more stronger.


    And with a decision to live my life to the fullest, yeah, all of it once again reappeared in my mind and as of this moment, I found myself even more prepared to face the future ahead of me with everything that I got.


    -


    While pondering about these dreams and aspirations, I have once again arrived in the library. Greeted by that same serene sensation every time I came here, I hurriedly walked towards the counter.


    Once I arrived, Grandma Meng looked at me once again with that same familiar expression she had since we first met. Well, right now, I¡¯m more than used to it.


    Putting the brown book that I¡¯ve been holding on for the past two days on top of the counter, I greeted, ¡°Goodmorning Grandma Meng.¡±


    As I finished speaking, I noticed how she looked at me from head to toe as if inspecting my body. Naturally, I didn¡¯t mind it that much but somehow, I still felt a little bit edgy.


    It was like she was not looking at my body but looking at something deeper¡­ as if she was staring directly at my soul...


    ...


    After moments of a rather uneasy silence, she suddenly spoke, ¡°More than ready eh? Follow me.¡±


    As she finished speaking, she immediately left and walked towards that certain part of the library where the Room of Essentials could be found.


    Once we arrived at that place, she once again waved her hand and just like that of two days ago, a wooden door appeared on the wall and we entered her laboratory.


    Once inside, she instantly pushed open the golden door which perhaps leads to the Room of Essentials.


    At this very moment, I have already steeled myself so as to be as prepared as possible for whatever is about to come.


    I was about to step inside the Room of Essentials when her voice suddenly resounded, ¡°Sit.¡±


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    As I heard her voice, a look of confusion clouded my face. What did she mean by sit?


    Sit here? Or enter inside and sit?


    ¡°Sit right where you¡¯re standing. I¡¯ll give you a brief description of the Room of Essentials.¡±


    While I was lost in thought, her voice once again resounded and once I understood what her words meant, I hurriedly sat on the ground prepared to listen to whatever she will talk about.


    After ten or so seconds of silence and anticipation, I finally heard once again speak, ¡°The Room of Essentials is a special place for aspirants. As for the reason why, it¡¯s simply because instead of having nature decide an aspirant¡¯s elemental attunement, the aspirant can choose his own element for himself..¡±


    Listening to her, I started to vaguely understood more about this Room of Essentials. It¡¯s true¡­ being in this situation, the only thing I could think of is that I¡¯m lucky.


    Well, there''s still that question about why she''s doing this for me but nevertheless, this situation is still very good no matter how I look at it.


    ¡°Within the Room of Essentials, the essences of the six Origin Elements will appear once an aspirant enters. With the appearance of these essences, an aspirant can try to acquire the essence of the Origin Element that he wants to be attuned to. Once acquired, this essence will then be absorbed by the aspirant into his body and afterwards, the aspirant will enter the second phase of becoming a mage which is something for later. For now, you should first succeed in choosing your primary Origin Element.¡±


    As she finished speaking, my mind was filled with instances and situations telling me of what I need to do later on once I entered the Room of Essentials.


    As explained by Grandma Meng, everything seemed so simple but some of her words, mainly those ¡®can¡¯ words, tells me that this isn¡¯t really as simple as that.


    Maybe there¡¯s a catch. Maybe there¡¯s something that I still don¡¯t know about it. Damn, right now, I¡¯m getting really nervous.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll know soon. Enter.¡±


    After a long pause, her voice once again echoed in my ears. As she said enter, I hurriedly stood up, took a deep breath, then stepped one of my feet inside the Room of Essentials.


    As nervous as I was, it took me another moment or two before I could place my other feet and my whole body towards the Room of Essentials.


    At that moment, a certain sensation of being pulled towards something I couldn¡¯t really understand enveloped my body.


    In the next moment, I once again find myself lying on the ground and having nothing to see but darkness.


    Remembering the last time I entered this place, I once again entered the Lotus position and in the next moment, I could feel again the essences surrounding my body.


    Opening my eyes, I was once again filled with a fleeting sensation just like the last time¡­


    Ah¡­ this place is truly beautiful.


    Once the full view of the flickering colors of the different Origin Elements appeared in my eyes, I started to search for a certain element.


    Looking left and right, the myriad of the colors of each balls of light continuously fill my vision.


    RIght now, there¡¯s only one thing I need to see and there¡¯s only one kind among these balls of light that could tell me that it¡¯s what I want.


    No¡­ not this. Nope, not that either. Searching for that certain color, I immediately stood up from my lotus position and started to walk.


    There¡­


    Towards a certain direction, two familiar balls of light colored black and white flickered incessantly.


    White for light, black for darkness...


    Walking towards it, thoughts about my decision entered my mind.


    Looking back from two days ago, yes, I have finally decided about the Origin Element that I will stick with for the rest of my life¡­


    It was the same element or as I¡¯ve heard, being used by my father.


    An Origin Element that is famously known for its capabilities to bring forth chaos and entropy¡­


    The Origin Element represented by the black ball of light...


    Darkness...


    Heading towards the direction of the both the white and black balls of light, I recalled of the instructions or perhaps, just the words given to me by Grandma Meng¡­


    I can try to acquire huh¡­


    As her words resounded in my mind, I have finally arrived directly in front of these two balls of light.


    Without any hesitation, I reached for the black ball of light.


    But the moment when my hand was about to grasp it, suddenly, it moved towards the direction of the white ball of light and in the next moment, the white ball of light was suddenly the one that my hand grasped.


    Looking at the white ball of light being held by my hand, my expression grew a little bit odd. Looking at it more closely, the only thing I could mutter was...


    What the hell just happened?


    Well, to my surprise¡­ at the very next moment after muttering that certain question echoing in my mind¡­ everything turned white...


    -


    AN: Please do rate, comment and¡­ well that¡¯s all. Just tell me what you like and please do tell me about the points and stuff where I can improve on. And¡­. that¡¯s all! I¡¯m out folks, thank you so much for reading!


    PS: Naiintindihan niyo ba ang linggwaheng ito? hahahaha, comment if yes :P


    Also~ I ALWAYS read the comments even for the previous chapters and if I deem it necessary to reply, then I will definitely reply. So please don''t be shy to tell me your thoughts.