ã€ŠAldernohã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Black Sheep

    Chapter 1 ¨C Black sheep

    Deep in the south for the Albras empire, lay a major city of one of several kingdoms in servitude to the empire, Darabas. As with many cities, the royal family rules supreme, and under lay households with power only second to them which they support the ruler with. And the story begins within a major household.

    A young adolescent boy can be seen seated in a small house, cross legged on the bed. His eyes closed, hands rested on his knees, his brows furrowed as sweat seep into his clothing. If an outsider were to come in, they would find the scenery odd. From the looks of the exterior of the house, one could guess that it belonged to a medium household. Not too fancy, nor too cheap. However, once you stepped inside, you¡¯d notice it was unkempt, runned down.

    Apart from a wooden table and bed, no other furniture could be seen. The boy was the biggest contrast of all. His clothing, if one had a good eye, were of good material. Expensive material. But it was old, a little too small for his body and if looked closely enough, patches were sewn back expertly.

    The boy in question goes by the name of Redius Ip. A main family child to one of the main households in Darabas, the Ip household.

    ¡°¡­ why won¡¯t it work¡­ god damit¡­¡± he said as he opened his eyes and let out a sigh as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

    Redius was performing what was known as cognia. A state where one sits and concentrates to gather the energy around them to become one with the elements. In this world, people are separated into normals, and gifted individuals. They are further divided into Knights/swordsman and Magicians. These gifted people are able to command the elements to their will, and as accordance to the ways of the world, the powerful rules.

    The ability to sense these elements are most often passed through blood, enabling the powerful households to stay powerful. Though some individuals can still awaken to this ability without bloodline but is often weaker than the former.

    ¡°Maybe I really should give up¡­¡± he mumbled under his breath. He was now 14 years of age and still unable to channel the elements through himself.

    In every case, at the age of 5, individuals are checked to see their ability in sensing and channelling these elements. Most knights/mages are able to sense 1 elemental particle in the air, depending how many different elements one can sense, the more gifted they are. But the ability to channel them is what makes the difference between Knights and Magicians.

    Magicians are rarer than knights, on the account that Magicians learn to channel and command these elements to their will, creating magic. Whereas Knights who are less gifted, can only channel them through their body, creating aura.

    Every child in a major household of the powerful bloodlines would be expected to awaken to sense these elements. Even if their channelling prowess is less than desired, with the households power, they could obtain certain pills to create a swordsmen. But Redius, when he was 5, was tested to have no sensory ability despite being a family of the Ip household.

    Apparently brought back by his father just when he was a baby to the care of his grandfather, his father immediately left and was never seen again. Though the family cared for him in the beginning, when it was found that he had could not sense anything, they began questioning him, doubting him. That he wasn¡¯t actually a part of the family, that he was a shame to the family. He was the black sheep of the family.

    His status dropped immediately, the younger generation immediately treated him like dirt, they beat him, ostracized him, stripped him of all the maids and helpers. In the end, he was left with a small abandoned house right at the border of the household grounds. Even though he was only 14, he had suffered a lifetime of abuse, his mentality was no longer that of a child¡¯s.

    Suddenly the door creaked open to his house, and a figure emerged into the house carrying a tray of food. The figure was a girl around 20, she continued to the table as Redius smiled at her. He recognized her immediately, she was the maid assigned to taking care of Redius ever since he was a child.

    ¡°Young master, I brought you food.¡± She said as she laid down a tray of simple food on the table.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s just in name only Claire¡­¡± Redius replied as he got off his bed.

    ¡°None the less I cannot drop the formalities.¡± Redius chuckled to himself as he heard the reply.

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    ¡°REDIUS, GET YOURSELF OUT HERE NOW!¡± A loud voice resounded through the house, it was a shout filled with aura. Claire collapsed on the ground and Redius just managed to hold on without falling.

    He stumbled over to Claire and helped her up and made his way outside. What greeted him were 2 elders of the household, guards and several children of his age. James, Bran and Steven. All cousins around the same age as Redius, the 3 were the main assailants of the abuse that Redius had suffered for the past few years.

    ¡°And what¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this? You know what this is.¡± James replied with a smirk on his face. The other children all had sly smiles on their faces.

    Redius furrowed his brows, he could sense something was wrong.

    ¡°Search the house, and him.¡± One of the elders said as the guards moved to follow the command.

    ¡°What is going on?!¡± he retaliated, but Redius who had no training in Knighthood could not resist the 3 guards searching him. One of the guards pulled something out of Redius¡¯ jacket, examined it and immediately handed to the Elders.

    ¡°Take him to the hall, we¡¯re holding a family meeting for the head to decide his punishment.¡±

    The elder replied after having looked at the received item, his expression turned furious.

    They dragged a confused Redius away, though he could already sense what was going on.

    All the main family members were gathered in the great hall of the Ip household. The head of the house sat on a seat overlooking everyone as the elder handed him the item. He immediately frown and his eyes locked onto Redius.

    ¡°The evidence is clear. What have you to say Redius?¡± his deep voice echoed through the hall, power emanating from it. As expected of a initiate knight.

    ¡°To what exactly?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb. This is evidence that you tried to poison James and Bran. It¡¯s the same poison used, and it was found only on you.¡±

    ¡°What?...¡±

    ¡°Do not¡­¡± The sound of the Head¡¯s voice faded away, Redius was no longer paying attention. His mind was swimming, obviously they framed me. But how? What was the poison doing in my clothing? I obviously didn¡¯t have it this morning¡­ plus they wouldn¡¯t have had the opportunity to come near me. Unless¡­

    Redius lifted his head and turned it ever so slowly towards the culprit. Her eyes were apologetic, but it showed no remorse. Claire. When Redius helped her up, she must¡¯ve slipped it onto him. But why? And immediately he knew as he saw James¡¯ hand grabbing her butt, her face flushed.

    Redius chuckled self loathingly. The only one ever on his side all these years, betrayed him. The weak really are preyed on by the strong.

    ¡°For the crime of attempting to kill a member of the family, your sentence¡­ is death.¡± He finished as silence followed. To the dissatisfaction of a few, Redius face showed no emotion. It was one who had clearly seen through death. He tilted his head towards the ceiling, he knew, that the previous head of the household would be watching. His grandfather. If anyone could save him now, it was him.

    But as he was dragged out of the hall and off to the fohlorne forest, no voice came, no one came. He was well and truly alone.

    Because this was seen as a disgrace to the family, he was to be killed at the fohlorne forest and dumped into the large ravine and told to all that he went ¡®missing¡¯. Though obviously people would know the truth, it¡¯s necessary to put up a front.

    As they neared the ravine, 2 guards stood side by side by Redius urging him closer to the edge. They stopped only a few steps away from the edge.

    ¡°Turn him around, I want to see his face when he dies.¡± James said. He and claire had come with the others to witness this.

    As the guards turned him around, his eyes connected with Claire, she flinched and turned away. He then looked at James and the others, and smiled.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny huh?! Who do you think you are?...¡± he spouted crap at Redius. He was angry, he had thought Redius would¡¯ve broke, but instead he mocked him. And as he was yelling angrily at Redius, he found out why he was smiling. Because he jumped.

    Redius jumped backwards into the ravine. He was not going to give them the satisfaction of killing him. He took the opportunity that the guards would not dare kill him when James was still speaking. He was their young master after all.

    Redius smiled as he fell into darkness.

 Chapter 2 - The Ravine

    Chapter 2 ¨C The Ravine

    Darkness engulfed him as the light from the sky slowly faded away. He couldn¡¯t remember how long he had been falling for, everywhere around him darkness followed. Strangely, he felt at peace. As he closed his eyes and accepted death to come, a sudden wind flushed past his face. He immediately looked around but realized he could not see. Suddenly something hit him from the side and he was dragged side to side mid-air, his sense of direction lost until finally he hit something, hard.

    He groaned as he tried to adjust, and realized he was no longer falling. He had arrived at the bottom of the ravine. He sat up after great effort. His entire body sore and bruised. He felt a little wet, but didn¡¯t know if he was bleeding or what.

    Something rustled a little distance away from him. He sat rock still. The lack of vision made his fear worse. The rustling came closer and closer towards him. He swallowed hard, fear gripped him as he felt a slight pressure on his thigh. He closed his eyes and waited for the beast to finish him. But it didn¡¯t.

    It sniffed him and slowly made it¡¯s way sniffing his head. Redius feeling the pressure became confused. The weight of the paw and the pressure on him, the creature was small. It made its way onto his shoulders and Redius could roughly guess the size of this thing. It was like a dog, but lighter.

    Just as he was thinking what it could be, his thoughts was broken when it jumped off his shoulder.

    ¡°ji ji¡±

    He turned towards the direction of the noise.

    ¡°ji ji¡± this time the noise got further away. Redius sat as he tried to figure out what was going on. Then again,

    ¡°ji ji¡± the voice returned but it was closer this time. ¡°ji ji¡­ ji ji¡­¡± Redius knew that if he could see right now, this creature

    was only a few feet away from him. Suddenly his sleeve was pulled and he lost his balance and collapsed onto his side.

    ¡°ji ji¡± Redius got back up and thought to himself ¡®it can¡¯t be¡­¡¯

    ¡°You¡­ want me to follow you?¡± he asked hesitantly.

    ¡°ji ji! Ji ji!¡± the voice called upbeat. As if understanding Redius¡¯ question. Slowly Redius sat up and then stood up, slightly limping, followed the voice of the creature.

    He made his way slowly, limping and fondling in the dark. After a while he saw a small sparkle of light in the distance and slowly began to pick his speed up. And soon he saw the origin of the light, a cave. He shielded his eyes as he waited to adjust to the light, just as he was about to enter,

    ¡°ji ji¡± Redius stopped in his tracks. ¡®Oh right, the dog.¡¯ As he looked around for it, finally he found it perching itself next to the entrance of the cave. A white furred, long slender body, flat, resembling a ferret.

    ¡°You¡¯re not a dog.¡± Redius said off the top of his head, a little shocked.

    ¡°ji ji!!¡± it replied bearing it¡¯s claws at him showing it¡¯s dissatisfaction.

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    ¡°Should I go in?¡± He asked after a little moment of silence.

    ¡°Ji ji.¡± It said as it landed on the ground and led the way into the cave.

    After heading into the cave, a long tunnel transpired and after a while it opened up to a large space inside it. As Redius looked around, there wasn¡¯t much. Most of the space was empty, a pool of water lay at the left of the cave. On the right, a few shelfs of books and in the middle, nothing.

    ¡°ji ji¡± Redius looked at the little guy across the inner cave, and saw what he had missed. A skeleton sat on the wall at the end. He made his way over to the skeleton hoping to find a way out.

    He sat opposite the skeleton, and examined it. Its position was strange. It was sat upright, as if its body was still supporting itself. He then noticed a ring on the finger and reached out to it.

    ¡°Is it you again little fellow?¡± a humongous deep voice shook the cave. If Redius wasn¡¯t in a cave, he would¡¯ve guessed there was a giant with him. The pressure and power forced Redius flying across the cave.

    That power, not even his so called grandfather could¡¯ve done it and he was initiate knight. Is this person even stronger?

    He spited out blood from his mouth and looked around for the person. But no one was there.

    ¡°What did I tell you? I don¡¯t have much time left¡­ you can¡¯t keep waking me¡­¡± The voice spoke once more. More blood came from Redius¡¯ mouth.

    ¡°ji ji! Ji ji ji¡± ji!¡± The ferret, or whatever it was, stood on its legs and looked towards the skeleton speaking whilst pointing towards Redius.

    ¡°Oh? How long has it been since a human came here.¡±

    ¡°ji ji!¡±

    ¡°Him?¡±

    ¡®Dude¡­ do you mind?¡¯ Redius thought to himself as he spat out more blood. Every time the voice spoke, the pressure it exerted crushes him. Suddenly a wave came across him and he felt like he couldn¡¯t control himself anymore. Just as it had come in a flash, it was gone.

    ¡°He isn¡¯t even a magician or a knight.¡± The voice spoke again but this time with less force, sounding as if it was fading.

    ¡°ji ji!!¡± it replied in a hurry knowing that the voice was going back to where it came from.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Then once again Redius was engulfed in a powerful wave. Only this time, it felt gentle.

    ¡°It¡­ it can¡¯t be. Natural affinity?¡± The voice shook again, but this time from excitement. Not knowing if it was on purpose or not, the voice once again made Redius spat out blood.

    ¡°ji ji!!¡± it spoke with a tone as if to say ¡®aren¡¯t I smart!¡¯

    ¡°Ho ho. Young one, what is your name?¡±

    ¡°R¡­ Redius.¡± Not sure how but Redius had the feeling the voice was directed at him. Then a warm wave covered him and he could feel his cracked bones and injuries fading and healing. His entire body swept into the air slowly and sat him opposite the skeleton.

    ¡°Redius. Would you like to become my disciple?¡±

 Chapter 3 - Disciple

    Chapter 3 ¨C Disciple

    ¡°Di¡­disciple?¡± Redius stumbled the words at the lifeless skeleton.

    ¡°Yes¡­ I am but a part of my soul, I have waited here for millenniums to pass on my life¡¯s knowledge and power. To find a successor.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t even sense or channel the elements¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ You can¡¯t sense or channel? What?¡± The voice raised questioningly.

    ¡®I knew it¡­¡¯ Redius thought slumped and proceeded to tell the voice that on the day of his testing, the stone did not light up at all. It would light up a colour according to the element the person was affiliated with. Just when Redius was down in grief the voice laughed.

    ¡°HAHAHA¡­ As if that kind of stone could possibly measure your ability. Tell me, do you see tiny lights flying around?¡±

    ¡°How did you¡­¡± Redius never told anyone. When it was found that he had no sensing ability, he had thought it was his imagination.

    ¡°Just tell me.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°Exactly how many colours do you see?¡±

    ¡°A few¡­ but its vague. They come and go.¡±

    ¡°Close your eyes, I¡¯m going to open your mind¡¯s eye. Open up a whole new world to you.¡±

    For some reason Redius felt like he could trust this voice. He was sure if the owner of the voice wanted to kill him, he could with a snap of his finger. And so he followed his instruction and closed his eyes.

    ¡°Good. Now feel the air around you. Brushing your face, your body¡­¡± As the voice became hypnotic, unseen by Redius, a colourless energy shot into his forehead.

    Redius shook a little as the energy entered him and suddenly he could feel, no, he could see in the darkness, numerous floating tiny light particles of different colours. He slowly opened his eyes and although he couldn¡¯t see it, he knew it was there. He closed his eyes again and there they were. He reopened his eyes and tears began to flow down his face. He knew what this meant. It meant he could sense the elements.

    ¡°Now tell me¡­ how many colours do you see?¡± The voice unwavering at the sight of the crying boy. Redius readily did what he asked, trusting him ever so much.

    ¡°1¡­2¡­5¡­¡± Redius steadily counted with his eyes closed. He opened them and looked towards the skeleton. ¡°10.¡± He replied with a little confusion in his voice.

    ¡°HAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAH¡± The voice boomed and echoed through the entire ravine. Straight above the ravine in the forest, birds and monsters ran amok at the sheer force of the laugh. Finally after some time the voice settled.

    ¡°To think it would be real... That I would meet a Propheti.¡± The voice shaking from excitement.

    ¡°What¡¯s a Propheti?¡±

    ¡°It is none of your concern right now.¡± The voice said sternly. ¡°Now¡­ I¡¯m sure you understand what it means. Yes, they are the elements.¡±

    Even though Redius guessed what it was, having it confirmed shocked him. Normally if you had one element, you were considered special by the world. Maybe not by major households but none the less, you could make a name for yourself in normal citizens. If you had 2 ¨C 4 you were considered extremely gifted even in major families. And above that is genius level, where even the four major families in Darabas have not witnessed anyone of that level.

    But now, Redius had 10.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get too happy just yet. This just means that you have to train and work 10 times¡­ no¡­ at least 15 times harder than everyone.¡± The voice soiled his moment of happiness. But none the less, it was amazing.

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    ¡°But I can¡¯t channel anything. I¡¯ve tried thousands of times¡­¡± He raised the only concern bothering him.

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ Let me see¡­¡± The familiar warm air embraced him and it felt like it went through him. ¡°Try channelling now.¡± And Redius did so.

    ¡°I see¡­ I see¡­ No wonder. Your body is not ready for all these elements just yet. People who are born with specific elements are able to adapt to them and command them much easier than people who aren¡¯t. Though it does not mean that people that aren¡¯t born with the element cannot channel them. Using certain techniques or artefacts, one can learn to channel them.¡±

    ¡°However for you, who are adapted to all elements, when you channel them inside you, it is too much for you to handle right now. Although I have never seen anyone of your calibre, it seems that you must only train in a few to begin them. Until your body can handle more.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ I would say¡­ 3 for now. And you will slowly know the time to learn more. Hmm.. it seems that this is more troubling than I thought¡­¡± He paused as the energy examined Redius. ¡°Looks like it would require even more¡­ yes¡­ seems it is the only way.¡±

    Redius sat listening intently when he stopped. A whirlpool of air gathered and at it¡¯s centre was the skeleton. Suddenly a transparent figure could be seen seated in the same way, an old face began forming. An old, ancient look. His eyes opened and stared at Redius. Redius could feel himself bearing at the figure, as if he was naked in front of him, never could escape the gaze. The eyes shone a wisdom that could transpire the universe. Redius knew the figure, it was the owner of the voice.

    ¡°Now then¡­ it seems that your body cannot handle so many elements at once. By my estimate, it would take you at least being an Archmage to learn other elements. However, if you go down the path of a Knight as well, each advancement should entitle you to a new element.¡± The figure smiled warmly and explained.

    Redius looked a little confused and asked why.

    ¡°Your body is a container. Right now, it¡¯s a bowl. And your elements are like an ocean of water, your body cannot handle it. However, by training your body and mind, that container can become a jug, a bucket, and even a world to host that water. Normally people tend to focus on one path as it takes twice the effort to train in Knighthood and in becoming a Magician. But this is the only way for your body to properly handle that power you have.¡±

    Redius listened intently and nodded his understanding.

    ¡°Good¡­ Now, do you wish to become my disciple?¡± The figure smiled and sheepish grin.

    Redius stunned for a second but came back to his sense. He switched his position till he was kneeling infront of the figure, and bowed his head on the ground three times. A tradition to becoming Disciple and master.

    ¡°Good good.¡± A warm caring smile as he looked at Redius. ¡°Now then, if my theory is correct, you will only be able to choose 3 elements to begin with. I will help you start off in both paths with all that I can. Now¡­ choose, which 3 elements would you want?¡±

    Redius sat thinking deeply. Because he had the opportunity, he could choose elements suited for battle. It was a dangerous world after all.

    Finally he decided.

    ¡°Ice. Darkness. Fire.¡±

 Chapter 4 - Ice. Darkness. Fire.

    Chapter 4 ¨C Ice. Darkness. Fire.

    ¡°Interesting interesting¡­ Ice is good at both offense and defense. Darkness¡­ a little tough to handle and also dangerous. It is mostly viewed as the element of the demon tribe. Fire, good offensive and also a great building block for becoming a Meditro. Yes¡­ that¡¯s not bad. Although fire and ice could conflict¡­ hm¡­.¡± The figure quietly muttered to himself.

    ¡°Now then, do you know why Magicians are rarer than knights?¡± The master asked after a short while.

    ¡°Er¡­ because they can control the elements?¡±

    ¡°Yes but you¡¯re only half right. The means to control that element, Knights are not capable of it. It is an ability called diatis. The ability to extend one¡¯s mental power and with that, bend the elements to their will. This ability is also essential to becoming a Meditro, but firstly they must have a strong and powerful diatis. And also be extremely proficient and in sync with the fire element. For you that should be no problem.¡± The master said.

    ¡®Meditro!?¡¯ Redius shocked at the words. Not only would he be trained in the way of the Magician and Knight, while both were exceptional, the former was far more looked upon. And now a Meditro?! A master of the medicine, creating pills for class advancement, healing etc.

    ¡°Are you ready to embark on this journey young one? Know that this path will be difficult. Far more than the average person.¡± He asked with a sly grin on his face. To which Redius nodded with certainty. He had had enough of being weak. Strength ruled the world.

    ¡°Good, now we shall begin. Now head into cognia and I will guide you to establish your first 3 elements.¡±

    Redius readily closed his eyes and he suddenly grew tense as in his mind he could suddenly feel a foreign entity.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it is me. By training your diatis, eventually you¡¯ll open up a world inside your mind. The bigger it is, the more powerful it is. It will represent the elements you carry, and once powerful enough, can even save your life.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re not at that stage yet, it is for another time¡­ Now, focus on the fire, ice and darkness element before you. Barricade the other elements out and feel the ones you need.¡±

    Redius responded, after several seconds, as if a filter was placed before him all the elements dimmed down except for fire, ice and darkness.

    ¡°Good¡­ now first, will the fire element through you. The others will be difficult as they contain much more raw power. Yes¡­ good.¡± He said as red sparkles flew into Redius.

    A power within Redius controlled these elements and guided them through his body, he knew it was his master¡¯s doing.

    Everywhere the element went, through his torso, legs it opened up closed channels within his body. He could feel sudden pops inside his body, as if something was released.

    ¡°Remember well the way I showed you¡­ Now will that element into your stomach. The elemental centre.¡±

    Redius concentrated even more, sweat seeping through his entire body as he slowly gathered more and more particles into his elemental centre situated in the area around his stomach. Slowly he could feel the particles coursing through the centre, giving it life. From the previous dull grey colour of his centre, it was now a light red. And in the middle, a small red crystal hexagonal crystal formed.

    Redius opened his eyes, joy written all over his face as he stopped and checked his centre. The redness didn¡¯t fade, the crystal was a sign. That he was on his step to becoming a magician.

    ¡°Hoho¡­ What I just did, channelling it through your elemental channels within your body, that¡¯s how the Knights channel their aura and retain that into their centre. And in the elemental centre, the crystal signifies that¡¯s where magicians control the elements. You are now both a Magician and knight.¡±

    Determination etched in Redius¡¯ eyes. Thinking back at the past, never did he once dream he could be where he is now. But his master gave him everything, he swore to himself to repay him. And of course, he would show his ¡®family¡¯ their place.

    ¡°Now gather more and channel it into your ele channels too. (Elemental channels shortened to ele channels) Until you

    can no longer contain anymore. Remember, that in order for you to advance, now only will you have to bring all your elements to the same strength. But your magician and knight power must also be in sync. Otherwise you will not be able to advance.¡± To which Redius nodded his understanding. He then closed his eyes and continued.

    Soon, both the centre and crystal was of a darker red colour than it had been previous and he could no longer gather anymore.

    ¡°Good. Now hold out your hand, close your eyes and imagine a flame. Will the elements to that flame.¡±

    And within seconds Redius had a flame in his hand.

    ¡®Hoho¡­ what a monster¡­ to learn to conjure a flame so easily and steadily. As expected of the Propheti¡­¡¯ The master thought to himself with a glint in his eyes. ¡®He will walk further than I have done¡­ maybe he will reach that place¡­maybe¡­¡¯

    ¡°Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself just yet.¡± Seeing the grin on Redius¡¯ face the master said dampening his excitement. ¡°You¡¯re not even an Apprentice yet. For you, you must gather 3 elements into yourself to reach that stage. Like I said, it will be tough for you.¡±

    Redius looked confounded as if he already feel the power surging through him. He thought he was already at least an apprentice, but guess not¡­ In this world, Magicians and knights are separated into advancements. The first few stages were in the order of Apprentice, Disciple, and Initiate. The rest, Redius did not know about. As the 4 major families in this city, their most powerful were only Initiates. The 3 advancements are broken down into stages. 5, 3 and 5 respectively.

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    Each stage is a hurdle, and each advancement is a mountain to cross. But the power gained through each is incomparable. If normal people were ants to Apprentices, then Apprentices were ants to disciples. Simple as that. It would be like taking candy from a baby for a higher advancement to fight a lower one.

    ¡°Now the following will be much harder and you must be careful. Ice is a mutated element and a powerful at that. Darkness is an extremely rare, really only ever possessed by the demon tribe¡¯s bloodline. Therefore ice will have to be next in your endeavour.¡±

    ¡°Ji ji!¡± A voice suddenly rang out next to Redius. He was so concentrated he had forgotten the little creature. As if sensing he was forgotten he pointed menacingly at Redius. ¡°ji ji ji!!¡±

    Redius smiled and picked him up whilst stroking him. Now that he could get a better look, the creature was fairly small. About the size of his forearm in length with a tail matching the length of it¡¯s torso. Its fur was pure white. It was just like a ferret.

    The creature laid comfortably in Redius¡¯ arms as if it enjoyed his stroking which made Redius chuckle at the sight. It was cute he thought.

    ¡°Hoho¡­ seems like he has taken a liking to you¡­¡± His master laughed.

    ¡°What is he master?¡± Redius asked curiously.

    ¡°Hoho¡­ I¡¯ve seen a lot in my time¡­ but not even I know what he is. But¡­ I do have an idea¡­ he resembles an ancient monster I have heard about. They were extremely aligned with the elements. Perhaps¡­ perhaps that¡¯s why he likes you.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Redius looked down at the ferret like thing meaningfully.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough resting. Head over to the pond over there.¡± His master pointed to the left of the cave where Redius had spotted a body of water earlier. ¡°Get in it, it will help you contain the power as you gather the ice elements.¡±

    Redius nodded, he placed the ferret on the floor and walked towards the pond. He slowly let himself down and a cool feeling spread throughout his body. Immediately his elements inside him circulated on its own and what he thought was a limit to his fire elements capacity suddenly increased. He looked quickly at his master and saw him smile and nodded.

    Redius quickly sat down in cognia and gathered the fire elements until he couldn¡¯t anymore.

    Several hours passed and when he opened his eyes and checked his centre and crystal, they had grown in size. And the colour darkened dramatically. He knew that the pond was definitely filled with some enhanced medicine of a high grade.

    None of which he had heard before had this power. And he was from one of the 4 major families. He was even more grateful to his master now.

    ¡°Now ready yourself and begin gathering the ice element. It will be extremely painful, but you must endure it.¡± His master¡¯s voice called to him. He steadied himself and began.

    The ice element gathered at a much faster rate than the fire element did. But he knew that it was because of the medicine he was in. Soon he channels the element through his ele channels which caused his body to shiver. He could feel his body turning into ice, freezing his channels. But he did not stop, he continued through great pain. After a long battle finally the elements had circulated within his channels and he was now ready to contain it within his centre.

    Just as the ice element entered, the fire in his crystal and centre flew out and pushed the ice element away. Suddenly

    Redius was drenched in sweat. His brows furrowed as his internal battle raged on. The surrounding of the centre was damaged by the battle as the ice and fire attempted to push each other out. To occupy the centre.

    Redius with determination forced his will unto the elements and separated the two, ending the battle. He slowly, bit by bit channelled both the elements into the centre. This process took hours but Redius did not rush. Eventually both the elements gathered together inside his centre and another crystal had formed, a crystal of ice. His centre was now half red, half light blue. And in the middle was a red and ice crystal. He opened his eyes, he had succeeded. He looked at his master who had a face of acknowledgement on his face.

    ¡°Now you know what to do.¡± Redius nodded and began gathering the ice element to its full capacity. Hours flew by and finally he could feel that it was full. He opened his eyes and looked at his hand. He could feel the power surging through him ever so strongly. As if one swipe of his hand and he could incinerate or encase people in fire or ice. He clenched his fist, fiery in his eyes.

    ¡°Now the next one should take you a little less time since you now have an understanding of what to do. But be extremely careful¡­ darkness is not a thing to be trifled with¡­¡±

    Redius nodded and began his final element. This time knowing what he had to go through made it easier for him though the pain was more than twice as bad. The dark elements were much more powerful and unforgiving. It tried to engulf the other two elements. After a long time had passed, he finally finished. His centre was now split into 3 colours, black, light blue and red. A slight grey aura covered the centre. It was part of the Knights classification, Grey ¨C Apprentice, light blue ¨C Disciple and Initiate ¨C Dark blue.

    The crystals moved themselves out around the centre, an ice crystal, a red fire crystal and a black smoky crystal. He opened his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. In his forehead now, was a clear crystal. It meant that his diatis had formed and he was finally a 1st stage Apprentice Magician/Knight.

 Chapter 5 - Power Up

    Chapter 5 ¨C Power Up

    ¡°Hoho¡­¡± his masters voice called out which attracted his attention. ¡°You are now an Apprentice.¡± He smiled warmly. ¡°Let me see your diatis¡­¡± He finished as a wave of warm power went into Redius forehead.

    ¡°¡­¡± He looked at Redius intently after a while. ¡°Your diatis materialized already?¡± As if to confirm it.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Redius replied hesistantly.

    ¡°¡­ Normally¡­¡± his master went on to say after a moment of silence. ¡°Diatis materializes when reaching the disciple advancement. At the Apprentice stage, it is usually just a puff of smoke.¡± He paused again. Then smiled the biggest grin anyone could see. His eyes shone whilst looking at Redius as if he discovered a treasure. ¡°When a diatis materializes, its colour determines the potential it has. The clearer it is, the more potential. And yours¡­ even mine wasn¡¯t as clear as your¡­¡± He finished and laughed for a good few minutes.

    ¡°YES! Finally! A befitting student to carry on my Meditro skills! I will teach you the ways of the Meditro HAHAHHA¡± Soon, his laughing finally stopped. And he said sternly ¡°Do not let others know or see your diatis. Not even your family. People will harm you, your talent is too great to ignore. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes master.¡± He replied. Not like he had anyone to tell he thought.

    ¡°HaHa good good¡­ now let¡¯s begin¡­¡±

    And thus, not knowing how long time had passed, weeks, months, years... Redius trained and trained in both the arts of the Magician and Knight. Although his master, who told him once that others referred to him as The Hermit, was only a Magician, he had good friends who were Knights and understood a little of how they worked. At least in the lower advancements, the rest, Redius had to figure out for himself.

    So the time Redius spent was mostly training, making pills and messing around with Ji the little creature. Redius named him Ji because of the sound he made.

    Having consumed numerous pills and drying up the entire pond of medicine, Redius sat after some time in the middle of the cave. His face expressionless. His master stared at him intently across the cave.

    Suddenly Redius¡¯ eyes opened, whilst remaining seated he stuck out his left hand, 10 ice lances began forming at an extremely fast rate. If others were able to see, they would be surprised as that speed and amount would require someone to be at the 3rd stage of Disciple and also an extremely accurate control of the elements.

    He closed his fists and the ice lances flew across the room and smashed into the wall creating 10 circles of ice. Then suddenly a wall of fire erupted and smashed itself into the wall melting the ice. Whilst that was happening, smoky tendrils came from Redius¡¯ body as he held his hand out at the fire lit wall. A black smoky ball appeared and sucked all the fire away. After it was done, Redius collapsed on the ground, exhaustion on his face.

    ¡®Seems like attacking with darkness uses a lot of my power¡­ I can realistically only hold that attack for 2 seconds before my power drains completely¡­¡¯ He thought as he regained his power through cognia. ¡®It must be my last resort.

    Otherwise I¡¯d die in a battle if I started off with that¡¯

    After recuperating, dark smoke covered him and he vanished. Though to Ji and his master, they were accurately tracking his movement. He appeared again where he stood before, it would be a good recon tool. Then lastly, a light blue aura covered as a white flash came at him. He punched, kicked and manuvered as the white flash seemingly bounced on and off with him. Then the pace of the flash increased and hit him hard in the stomach causing him to fly and hit against the cave wall.

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    ¡°Ji ji!¡± The white flash immediately stopped next to Redius and asked as if in concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay¡± Redius replied as he made his up.

    ¡°Ji ji!¡± Redius smiled as he picked Ji up and placed him on his shoulders. It was Ji¡¯s favourite spot.

    ¡°Master.¡± Redius said as he approached him. Counting back, the figure of his master was much faded as compared to the first time Redius had saw him. He knew that his master didn¡¯t have much time left.

    ¡°Good good.¡± He said with a proud face. ¡°In just 3 years time you were able to advance to the 1st stage of Disciple. Even though the time is never special, considering the amount of elements you had, it should¡¯ve taken you 2-3 times the normal time, around 8 years. But you did it in 3, well done.¡± He smiled as he finished.

    ¡°It seems my time is nearly over¡­¡± He said as he looked at Redius face which remained emotionless. For the past 3 years, Redius¡¯ personality turned colder and colder. He concluded it was an effect of going into ice and dark elements so soon. But he could tell from his eyes that there was a warm side that was upset at the news. ¡°I am a mere fragment of my soul. Perhaps my main body is still alive somewhere. We might be able to meet again.¡± He said smiling.

    Then he waved his hand, a ring appeared and floated towards Redius.

    ¡°Inside this ring are the collections and recipes of everything I have gathered from my life time. As you are my sole carrier, I entrust them to you. Your meditro skills and your efficiency at using fire is already unrivalled at your stage. With my techniques and your talent, soon you will rise above the world.¡± He paused to let it sink in.

    ¡°But do not be over yourself in pride. There are always people who are better and stronger. More talented. Be careful out there, strength is the law. Even if sense if on your side, strength would crush that sense.¡± He finished saying. Though what he didn¡¯t say was that he highly doubted anyone could be more talented. Stronger, sure, there are many people out there who has lived hundreds and even thousands of years, reached heights only a few could have. But if Redius had the same time, no, half the time, he knew that Redius could reach the same or even higher.

    As the figure began to fade, Redius kneeled and bowed his head on the ground 3 times.

    ¡°Ji ji!¡± Ji called as if not wanting the figure to go.

    ¡°In the ring is a way to get out of this place. Go. See the world. And stand atop it. We will meet again my student.¡± He said as he smiled at the young man and creature. And finally faded into the air.

    The young man and creature looked up towards the ceiling for a few moments. Redius then looked towards Ji and stroked him. Ji nudged his hand and licked it as if to say, I won¡¯t leave. Then proceeded to climb up his arm and rested upon Redius¡¯ shoulder.

    Redius placed the ring on his finger and dripped a drop of blood onto the ring which absorbed it. This marks the ring with the owner. He then waved his hand and a trigram appeared on the floor, a transporting device. He stepped into it.

    The next second he appeared in a forest. Right above the ravine. He was back.

 Chapter 6 - A Chance Encounter

    Chapter 6 - A Chance Encounter

    In the middle of the fohlorne forest, on top a large tree stood a young man. His long jet black hair contrasted against his fair white skin. His eyes black as night. The features of this man was a perfect match together. He is no doubt the protagonist, Redius. In becoming a knight, each advancement goes through a process of cleansing. This process cleanses the body¡¯s inner ¡®dirt¡¯ allowing the body to function and increases it¡¯s limit. Redius¡¯ turned out far better than expected, his skin was stronger than previously. But on appearance, it soft and tender unlike someone who trained.

    A black cloak wavered in the wind on Redius. A white ferret lay atop his shoulder. His face showed an expression of calmness. Though if one were to look closely, his eyes told a different story. Cold and unyielding. As if even the end of the world would mean nothing before him. Finally, he moved, jumping from trees to trees in a fast pace. It was a technique channelling aura in your feet allowing faster and greater movement, known to all knights.

    Having travelled for a short while he came to a sudden halt. He tilted his head slightly. Having become a knight, one¡¯s senses increase beyond a normal person¡¯s.

    Redius could hear a faint sound of weapons clashing and explosions. His eyes narrowed slightly, if any 3rd stage disciple magician were present, they would be shocked because Redius was using what could normally only be activated at their level. Sense field. Using the power of their diatis, they could expand it outside their body and sense their surroundings down to every detail. The skill is required for one to advance into becoming an initiate. On very rare occasions, only really gifted or geniuses could activate the ability early. Redius was no doubt in that category.

    His sense field expanded to a distance of 20m in all direction with him as the centre. He could just about make out the tracks of a battle. He immediately changed his direction and headed towards there. The fohlorne forest hosted numerous monsters, creatures of great strength. It was often a place for magicians and knights alike to train themselves. Only through a battle to the death can one reach a higher height.

    As he got closer to the scene, the battle was still continuing. He landed on a branch with a view to the battle. His dark element automatically blended him in with the shadows. His master had told him that darkness was one of the most powerful elements, especially in hiding. He concluded that in the disciple stage and even an average 1st stage initiate magician would not be able to find him if he put all his mind into hiding.

    The battle raged on as he observed. Two 1st stage disciple knights and one 5th stage apprentice magician. They were fighting a giant rock lizard, Redius estimated it to be a G monster. Monsters were categorized starting from H upwards corresponding to the class advancements. The higher they went, the stronger. And the one that they were facing was of a high level G monster, equivalent to a 2nd disciple. And it being a monster, it¡¯s raw power was much higher than an average 2nd disciple human. No wonder they were having difficulty.

    Redius still stood observing. For him, killing the monster was simple. Because he had full control of 3 elements, it basically meant that he had 2 more ¡®containers¡¯ for his power. Whereas the average person only had 1. His actual strength currently, although he wasn¡¯t sure, could definitely rival a 3rd stage disciple. Whether or not he could manage with a 1st stage initiate was still to be seen.

    He quietly watched as he analysed the battle. The knights were tanking and drawing the monster away from the magician as she placed her water spell on the monster. Perhaps they would have a chance of winning if the magician were of the disciple advancement, but currently, her control of water could not penetrate the monsters armour, Redius thought as he watched two giant water balls fly towards the monster which did nothing but drench and anger it even more.

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    The two knights were having a tough time, both wielded a sword to which their attacks were being bounced off by the rock hard armour. Redius shook his head, they were slashing the armour which by the power that they now had couldn¡¯t do much. They could change the tide if they focused on one spot with their power, concentrated their aura into the tip of their sword and thrusted into it¡¯s softer spots. But fear gripped their hearts and discourse ran through their mind. Soon, the monster would take them out.

    Just as Redius was about to turn, a thought hit him. That girl magician looks familiar. He looked at her in detail now, a young woman around the age of 17, brown hair with a face that could attract most males. He thought hard for a second took a glance at the other two knights and he realized who they were. They were children of his generation in the Plenio family, one of the three major families in Darabas. He had seen them around when he was still in the family.

    He then remembered an incident when there was a major family meeting, all 3 major families were in discussion on the running of the city. The younger children were playing around and that was one of the times when some of them found him and beat him. He remembered they were there. Though they didn¡¯t participate, he remembered the look of pain and pity in her eyes as she looked at him.

    ¡®How the situation has change¡¯ he thought to himself as he allowed a smile on his smile. Ji as if sensing it licked and nudged his face. Redius stroked him as if to say it¡¯s okay. As they were doing that, his attention was drawn again when the monster broke free of the two knights by smashing one away with it¡¯s tail. The other couldn¡¯t keep him away from the magician as it barged the knight out of the way. It charged straight for the magician. She was as good as dead.

    Magicians were weak physically, that is the reason why most hang back to fight. Until they reach the advancement where they could fly, they would normally hang back and cast spells.

    ¡°PHOEBE!!¡± One of the knights yelled as he looked up to see the monster charging at her.

    Two more water balls flew at the monster, this time is was significantly smaller. Her magic was running out. Her eyes fell into despair as she watched her spell do nothing. She regretted now. She convinced her cousins to bring her along on one of their training hunts despite the fact she was only an apprentice. And most of all, she convinced them to see this rock lizard who noticed their spying. As fear embraced her, tears rolled down her eyes. She closed her eyes, ready for death.

    Am I dead? She thought to herself after several seconds. She could feel no pain, only the wind brushing against her. She allowed herself the courage and opened her eyes. What she saw in front of her was the rock lizard. Except it laid on the ground dead, blood spewing from its head. Two ice spikes could be seen penetrating it. She looked around the see her two cousins looking in another direction, both with bewilderment on their face. She followed their gaze and saw a young man, clad in black standing there. His face emotionless to the world.

    Her mind began to slowly piece everything together. He must have saved her. She wanted to thank him but no words could come out of her mouth. Next she caught him staring at her, she could feel that gaze piercing her. As if it could read all her secrets and thoughts. Then what happened next added to her shock. He glanced at her two cousins briefly then turned around and walked away.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m Pheo of the Plenio family. May we have your name for saving our lives?¡± One of the knights recovered from the shock of everything, stood with one of his fist held in the other at chest height. (The formal greeting, shortened to ¡®greeted¡¯) But despite his question, no one answered. Only Ji turned his head to take one last look at them and went back to resting his head on Redius¡¯ shoulder as the 3 watched him slowly fade away back into the forest.

 Chapter 7 - Magician

    Chapter 7 ¨C Magician

    At last Redius made it to the edge of the forest, and in the distance stood a city wall. Darabas. He was back. He clenched his fist as he thought of the suffering he had withstood. He would show them as he looked down upon them now. With that he took his steps and headed towards the city.

    Inside the city he immediately headed to the Magician¡¯s headquarters in order to test and receive his rank. Every magician and knight could apply for their respective guilds to gain proper classification as to their advancements.

    Magicians are often identified by the colours of their cloaks, apprentice ¨Cgrey, disciple ¨C black and initiate ¨C dark blue.

    Magicians are regarded highly as unlike knights, they are able to help the normal people as well. With crops as they could conjure water, heal or set up barriers to protect people. And they were very protective of both their knowledge and secrets. If you were not a part of them, they would not allow you the entry to their library of spells and notes of other magicians.

    As he was nearing the headquarters, a decorated carriage came charging through the streets.

    ¡°Out of the way peasants!!¡± The driver yelled as the carriage sped past people who parted for the carriage. That was the way of the world, the rich and powerful ruled.

    It was clear that the carriage was headed for the magicians headquarters, Redius¡¯ eyes glinted as he saw the insignia of the carriage. A leaf with a sword resting below it. The Ip family. He was right at the entrance of the headquarters, but he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to get in. He was going to wait, if they dared to attack him, they would feel his power.

    As the carriage got nearer and nearer to the headquarters, suddenly a figure came out of the crowd opposite the magicians headquarters right in the path of the carriage heading. The carriage stopped at an erupt halt. Redius smiled as he took a glance at the person¡¯s clothing and proceeded to walk inside the headquarters and see how it played out.

    ¡°What is going on?! Who dares block the path of the Ip family? Do you want to die?¡± A voice rang out from inside of the

    carriage.

    Soon two people emerged from the inside, a middle aged man and a young child. It was obvious the man was bringing the child to test for magician capabilities. The man froze as soon as he saw the man standing in the middle of the street looking at them. The man in question was wearing a black cloak with an insignia of a gold wand on the chest of the cloak.

    It was a disciple magician.

    He immediately realized his mistake and apologized, but before he could get his words out he was interrupted.

    ¡°Are you saying you¡¯ll kill me?¡± The man asked curiously with no change in his expression.

    ¡°No..no¡­ course not sir. It was my mistake¡­ my mistake¡­¡± The man from the carriage replied immediately.

    ¡°heh¡­¡± The magician smirked and then glanced at the child. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, he has no talent.¡± And walked towards the headquarters.

    The man from the carriage stood frozen. The Ip family had the capabilities to test sensing and channelling abilities to become knights since it was a knight family. Even though his son was tested to be a knight he had hoped that he would also be able to become a magician. That would make his standing in the family higher. To be able to introduce a new magician into the family. But what the disciple magician said shattered his dreams. But he wouldn¡¯t give up, he wanted to see for himself as he carried his son down and led him towards the headquarters.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say not to bother...?¡± A voice rang out with power as the father and son were on the steps. Even though the man was a 2nd stage disciple knight, he found the power to bind him. At once he realized, the owner of the voice was a 3rd stage disciple earth magician. The force was strong and absolute. It was the earth element. He could only clench his teeth as sweat pour from his face.

    ¡°Yes¡­ yes sir¡­¡± He muttered and reluctantly led his son back to his carriage. He knew that his hope had passed. One of the worst things one can do, he angered a magician.

    Redius watched from inside the headquarters and smiled. He knew the man from the Ip family. It was his uncle. Youngest brother to the head of the Ip family. He grinned as he could also tell from his diatis that the boy had no talent for becoming a magician. He glanced at the magician at the door who was also looking at him. Their eyes met quickly and disconnected just as fast. Redius headed towards the reception.

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    ¡®Was it just my imagination?¡¯ the magician at the door thought to himself as he headed inside. Just then he felt a diatis power that was comparable to his own. Magicians wouldn¡¯t bother themselves to check what was going on, so it was all left to the young man who observed the whole situation. But just now, he tried to sense his power but he couldn¡¯t see through Redius. Perhaps¡­ he was more powerful than me? He thought. But shook his head at the absurdity of the idea.

    No young man could be that powerful at such a young age.

    In fact, under normal circumstances one would be able to sense the power from someone lower or the same advancement as them. But let¡¯s not forget that Redius controls the dark element. The element most proficient in hiding.

    That was why the magician could not detect anything traces of power even though he was two stages higher than Redius.

    ¡°How can I help you?¡± A receptionist said with a warm smile as Redius approached.

    ¡°I would like a magician test.¡± Redius replied nonchalantly.

    ¡°Of course. What is your current rank and what rank test would you like?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a rank. A disciple rank test.¡±

    ¡°Er¡­ No rank¡­¡± The receptionist hesitated, she took a good look at the young man, she estimated him to be about 17 or 18. That was well beyond the age of recognizing one¡¯s abilities. If he had no rank then why now? And even a disciple rank test at that? Maybe¡­

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t mess around here. If you anger the people here, it would go really bad.¡± She whispered in concern for him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. I would like the disciple rank test.¡± He replied coldly.

    Seeing that her warning had no effect, she gave up. ¡°It¡¯s your funeral. Follow me.¡± She finished and led the way behind the reception.

    Eventually they ended up at a door to which the receptionist turned around and said

    ¡°Behind this door is one of three disciple examiners. Are you sure you want to go through with this?¡± To which Redius nodded.

    She sighed and knocked on the door, then opened it and walked in.

    Inside sat a middle aged man on a desk, he wore glasses, a grey beard, and a dark blue cloak with a gold wand insignia on the chest. An initiate magician.

    ¡°Examiner, I have brought you an examinee sir.¡± The receptionist said, to which the man looked up from his desk.

    ¡°Him?¡± The examiner said, curious as he could not sense any magic power from Redius.

    ¡°Yes sir.¡± The receptionist bowed slightly.

    ¡°Very well¡­¡± he finally said after a lengthy look at Redius. ¡°Follow me.¡± And proceeded to walk out of the room and guided Redius down several corridors and at last enter a large open area.

    There they stood in the middle, face to face, a few metres apart. Redius could tell that this man was an initiate magician. Which meant that the 3 examiners were all initiate magicians, to think that for the major families it was difficult to come up with 2 initiate advancements and here we have 3. And this is just the examiners. How powerful they are¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how you hid your powers or if you have any¡­ but if this is a joke to you¡­ then be prepared for the consequences¡­¡± the examiner finally said after a long pause. ¡°I will create a shield of 1st stage disciple level, you just need to penetrate it with whatever magic you use. You may begin.¡±

    And immediately after he said so, an ice lance appeared to the side of Redius and flew straight at the examiners head.

    This happened in under 2 seconds, the examiner was caught off guard. One because he thought he would take more time casting the spell and second, that it wouldn¡¯t be that fast.

    What¡¯s more the ice lance penetrated the barrier easily and was about to hit him when he erected another barrier, a stronger one. Only this time, it didn¡¯t penetrate, but left a large crack on the barrier.

    The examiner stood motionless, shock over his face. From that exchange and the power released when casting, he could clearly tell that Redius was a 1st stage disciple. But to penetrate his barrier so easily and crack his last barrier. Although he didn¡¯t put in 100% of his power, it was very close to it. Sweat poured down his face as he thought of the possibilities.

    ¡°Did I pass?¡± Redius said calmly as if nothing occurred.

    ¡°¡­ yes¡­.¡± The examiner finally replied after regaining his composure.

    Redius turned around and walked away from the stunned man.

 Chapter 8 - Re-encounter

    Chapter 8 ¨C Re-encounter

    Redius left the training room in which he was tested by the examiner with a slip of acknowledgement for a disciple magician classification. He headed back to the reception and found the girl who had brought him to the exam.

    ¡°Not good huh?¡± she said as she saw Redius approach with no expression on his face. She would¡¯ve thought that anyone who passed as a magician who be beyond happy, let alone a disciple magician.

    Redius made no comment and merely handed her the slip of paper from the examiner. She took it, a slight confusion on her face then turned into an expression of shock as she looked down at the slip, then to Redius, then back and forth.

    ¡°So?¡± Redius asked, he didn¡¯t have all day.

    ¡°Er..er¡­ yes¡­ I mean, yes sir. I¡¯ll go get your identification now¡­¡± She said regaining her composure. She knew that their standing was now different, he was a magician afterall. And so she hurriedly went to fetch him the items.

    A sudden hurry of footsteps caused Redius to turn only to be greeted by the sight of the previous examiner, a rush of urgency on his face. He scanned the room and found what he was looking for, Redius. He rushed over and grabbed Redius hand.

    ¡°I found you, finally!¡± he said at long last. Straight after Redius left the room, his mind took a little while to process what had happened. A 1st stage disciple magician, demonstrated such a powerful and fast casting as well as breaking through his barriers. Phenomenal. And then he realized the biggest discovery, he had used ice. ICE! It was such a rare element to be affiliated with and here he had found one. He knew he had to convince him to stay or find a way to contact him.

    Redius¡¯ furrowed his brows, not at the examiner¡¯s expression of joy but rather his action of holding his arms. Small light blue mists began to emerge from Redius¡¯ arms and the examiner immediately backed away. He could feel that if he didn¡¯t, his arms would¡¯ve frozen in a matter of seconds.

    Redius turned back around to face the receptionist as she approached. She glanced at the examiner, curious as to why he appeared here, but then returned her attention to Redius.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your cloak and badge.¡± She handed a black cloak to him with a gold wand insignia. ¡°What is your name?¡± she then asked. This was a process to inscribe one¡¯s name onto a magician¡¯s badge to keep anyone from misusing it.

    ¡°Redius.¡± He replied. She then placed the badge onto a specific machine and a light covered it up. It was an equipment specific to the guild to inscribe an identity onto it. After it was done, she handed it over to him.

    Redius then took off his cloak and packed it and proceeded to put on the black magician¡¯s cloak. As soon as he put it on, the receptionists gasped at the sight. It seemed to fit him perfectly, not just the measurements but the atmosphere it brought out. His cold feature matched the black outfit whilst the gold insignia brought out a certain air of royalty in him.

    The examiner could not help but be taken aback by the atmosphere too. Just as some powerful people exerted a pressure onto others, he could tell that Redius had it. Although it wasn¡¯t prominent now, but someday¡­

    As Redius began to leave, the examiner called out to him.

    ¡°Re¡­Redius¡± he called. ¡°How would you like to live in the magician¡¯s dormitory?¡±

    Redius stopped in his track. A thought ran through his mind, right now he had nowhere to stay, this may prove to be a good idea. The examiner guessed that Redius wasn¡¯t from here, as someone with such a rare element would not have been unheard of, and so he took the chance. He was right. Well, half right.

    ¡°We¡¯ll even open up the first 3 floors of the library to you. What do you say?¡± The examiner urged. He desperately wanted him to stay, he would be a great asset to the guild.

    Redius thought for a moment then turned and nodded. The examiner joyful sorted everything out as he got Redius a room and updated his badge to access the library.

    Several days later, he had learned that the examiner¡¯s name was Jael as he explained, one of 3 disciple examiners in the guild. Above him was the head and assistant head of the guild. So he had quite a lot of authority here. For the past few days he would stay at the library and read about the basics of the elements. Because of his diatis, he could now read and remember everything. Though he found most of the knowledge lacking, as his master taught him far more than what these books provided. He was obviously a greater magician than the writers of these books he thought.

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    One afternoon, as Redius was about to leave the guild, a girl entered just as he was about to walk out.

    ¡°Ah!¡± she voice leaked out as she pointed to Redius. A part from the receptionists and some guards, there were only a few other magicians present, all of whom stared at the two. Then seeing nothing was happening, returned their attention elsewhere.

    The girl on the other hand, seeing Redius ignoring her and heading out, stood in his way.

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m talking to you.¡± She said pointing at Redius. She, was the girl who Redius had saved in the forest. Phoebe Plenio, the only daughter to the head of the Plenio household.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Redius asked coldly, a slight annoyance built up in him.

    Phoebe taken aback was speechless. In all life, everyone adored her. Especially guys. She was talented and pretty and every boy would try to woo her. But here was a young man who was the opposite. Not only was he not fawning over her, she could feel the annoyance in his voice. As if she was a hindrance.

    ¡°I¡­I¡­ You¡¯re coming back with me!¡± She finally managed to say. She had come to the guild because a few days passed and she had advanced to 1st stage disciple. She was here to receive her new identification. But seeing Redius, the person who saved her, and his attitude made Phoebe annoyed as well. No one had ever treated her that well before, so she was going to bring him home and show him her might.

    ¡°Get out of my way.¡± Redius replied calm as a wave-less sea.

    ¡°N..No¡­ You¡¯re... you¡¯re coming back with me. My father would like to see you¡­¡± She said in a hurry. Which was true, because when she and her cousins returned they were scolded badly. But after hearing the incident, the family¡¯s higher ups wanted to meet Redius if possible.

    ¡°Out. Of. My. Way.¡± Redius uttered the words sounds each syllable. A strong mist emitted from his body as ice began forming around where he stood. The temperature of the hall dramatically lowered and everyone¡¯s attention was once again on the two standing in the middle.

    The guards were about to spring into action when they saw the two in question and refrained. It was one disciple magician and one apprentice magician. They thought the disciple emitting the power was reprimanding the apprentice for disrespect or something. So they refrained from bugging in. The train of thought appeared in everyone¡¯s mind in the hall.

    Even if they had known she was now a disciple, they still wouldn¡¯t have butted in. As long as they were magicians and they didn¡¯t make too much damage, a little threat here and there were acceptable.

    This was the way of the world. If you were powerful, you were right. And a higher advancement was obviously right regardless, unless you had the strength to back it up.

    Phoebe shivered as the temperature dropped further and further, she wanted to get out of the way but her legs would not move. So she did what her instinct told her. She casted her spell.

    Five giant water balls floated around her, only this time it was significantly larger and better controlled as the last time Redius saw her. But he did not care. To him, they were nothing.

    Then despair fell on Phoebe¡¯s face as 6 lances appeared around Redius and flew at her. 5 of which targeted her spell and froze them with the last one stopping right in front of her. It was to tell her that he could take her life as easily as that. The magic rescinded and all but the shattered ice on the floor was the evidence of the remains of a battle.

    Redius then walked pass her who slumped onto the ground as he headed for the door.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡±

 Chapter 9 - Conflict

    Chapter 9 ¨C Conflict

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± A voice rang across the central hall. Redius stopped in his tracks as the power of the voice was directed to him. It was a 3rd stage disciple magician.

    Redius turned to face the on-comer. It was middle aged man, in his early 30s perhaps. Dark hair, a tall but wrinkled browed man who wore a black cloak. He stopped as he reached beside Phoebe.

    ¡°Uncle¡­¡± she said as she looked up at him.

    ¡°Phoebe are you okay?¡± He asked caringly. She was the beloved daughter of the head of the family, god only knows what would happen if harm came to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay¡­¡± she replied and then looked at Redius with a smirk. Now that she had her uncle on her side, she had confidence.

    Her uncle caught her glare and understood immediately that she wanted trouble with the young man.

    ¡°I am junior examiner of the magician¡¯s guild, Srote Plenio. You will answer for your inappropriate conflict in the hall of the guild.¡± He said as he looked down upon Redius. It was the only reason he could get him on. Since Redius was actually a disciple magician and Phoebe was merely an apprentice. It placed the odds in Redius¡¯ favour. He had to take him soon.

    But who was Redius? A cold eyed genius with pride and a suppressed anger for the revenge of the families. Would he just go like that? Even if the person was way more powerful than Redius, he would not go easily. And here we have someone weaker than him in combat prowess.

    Srote seeing Redius with no response made one of his own. He reached out his hand with gathered power upon it hoping to crush his will to succumb.

    As his hands reached out to Redius and nearly upon contact, his pupils contract, he could suddenly feel a sense of danger. A killing intent. He immediately retracted his hands but it was too late, for when he did so, his hand was encased in ice. His looks of shock could not be covered as he once again gazed at Redius, now with a different light.

    He had thought the killing intent was from someone else, since he sensed it dangerous so the person must be more powerful than him. But never did he expect a 1st stage disciple to be capable of making him feel danger. And to break his power and freeze his hand¡­ Then his attention drew to his hand¡­ ICE?!

    Horror creeped up his mind once again. A rare elemental magician, and I¡¯ve just managed to piss him off¡­ what have I done¡­ he thought as he looked over to his niece. What have you done¡­

    But he could spare no time for thought as four ice lances were already headed his way. He immediately waved his hand and conjured an earth wall before him which stopped the lances in it¡¯s tracks.

    ¡°Wait!...Wait!¡± he called desperately. But Redius did not care.

    He moved quickly towards the uncovered side of the two, his speed fast to the eyes of the magicians. Because of Redius¡¯ knight training, his body was that of a knight¡¯s and obviously more adapted to fighting than a magician¡¯s would.

    Srote seeing that Redus was not about to stop, held his ground but he was weary because his niece could get hurt in the conflict.

    ¡°Freeze.¡± Redius muttered under his breath as he pointed his arm to the ground and the ground before him froze.

    As expected of a 3rd stage disciple magician as Scote immediately summoned the earth to secure his own feet. But Phoebe was not so lucky. She let out a scream as she fell to the ground from the ice. Concerned, Srote turned around. The greatest mistake of a battle, to turn your back against your opponent.

    This gave Redius a couple of seconds, it was enough as three ice walls formed around the earth wall forming a closed cubed around the two.

    ¡°Phoebe!¡± he shouted, afraid that something could have happen to her. But his view was obstructed, he clenched his teeth, he knew he had to win first. He returned his attention only to see death in the face.

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    Of the three ice walls around him, ice spears began slowly forming out of the wall. And he knew once they formed, they would only have one destination, him. He tried to cast a spell to protect himself, but he was caught off guard when the ice on his hand suddenly grew larger spreading to his forearm. He recovered half a second later, but it was too late. The spears had already formed. He was as good as dead.

    Just as the spears were about to fly towards him, three wave of fire of considerable heat erupted between the spears and Srote. The spears melted as they came in contact. Soon, after a few seconds the ice walls seemingly melted down as well.

    An older man appeared this time, his face stern and angry with a slight expression of shock and dismay.

    The people around who saw him bowed and greeted him.

    ¡°Assistant Head.¡±

    ¡°Assistant Head.¡±

    They each said as he walked past.

    Finally he stopped near the battle as he took a look at Phoebe on the ground, then at Srote and lastly a good long look at Redius whose expression had not changed. Silence followed.

    Then what broke the silence was not a voice, but footsteps. They were from Redius as he broke eye contact with the elder and left the guild. Only this time he was not stopped. Just when he left, another man joined the assistant head. If

    Redius had seen him, he would have recognized him as the man who gave him the test, Jael.

    ¡°Clear this mess.¡± The assistant head said to no one in particular. But the guards hurriedly went to work. He then turned to the two battle tired people. ¡°Scram. If I ever see you abusing your power again¡­¡± He left his sentence unfinished but Srote knew the consequence. He helped his niece up and left towards the inner part of the guild.

    ¡°If you cause trouble for the boy¡­¡± his voice said calmly which stopped Srote in his tracks. ¡°Then your family will have the guild to deal with.¡± He finished. Sweat poured on Srote¡¯s face as he realized the gravity of the situation. The magician¡¯s guild, was ready to stand up to the family for a boy. Without any more thought he finally left.

    ¡°What do you think? Talented isn¡¯t he?¡± Jael said as the two looked pass the front entrance to where the boy had been.

    ¡°Yes¡­ far more than you think¡­¡± he replied, to which Jael didn¡¯t quite understand but none the less it was good news for the guild.

    As Jael left, the assist. Head was left staring. He was thinking about that fight, the way Redius made use of Srote¡¯s wall, it wasn¡¯t special. But it was a battle instinct, to use the surroundings to your advantage. In a real battle, saving power could mean life or death.

    The wall Redius¡¯ conjured had multiple uses, to surround him and send urgency because of his niece, to create the multiple spears and most of all, the hidden use. He dropped the temperature drastically inside the cube and through that extended his diatis and increased the ice on Srote¡¯s hand. The degree of thinking and magic control was not of someone from the disciple class.

    Then most of all, in the slight conflict between himself and Redius. Although his fire melted the spears, the walls also started melting, but not as fast. The walls were retracted into puddles of water on the ground to ensure much easier and faster conjuring if needed. Redius had planned it all, plus his entrance did not cause surprise. It meant that he knew he was coming.

    The battle instinct¡­

    ¡®What a monster¡­¡¯ he thought to himself.

 Chapter 10 - Meditro

    Chapter 10 ¨C Meditro

    ¡°Hey, did you hear about the inter-family tournament?¡± Some guy on the street said to another.

    ¡°Yeah, of course, who hasn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°I wonder who¡¯s going to win... maybe the Plenio? Actually¡­¡± He was stopped before he could continue as his partner buzzed at him.

    ¡°What?¡± He said as he turned around to look at the direction his eyes were looking. A shadow appeared, as his eyes adjusted he could clearly see a young man. Just that the atmosphere the figure gave off was dark and eerie. The young man had stopped right before him, he was about to ask why when he noticed his cloak. A magician¡¯s cloak. His eyes widened in shock as his partner dragged him to the side of the road to where the rest of the citizen¡¯s stood watching. Praying that the magician would not get angry.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry sir. I¡¯m sorry.¡± The two bowed their heads as they kept saying.

    To be honest, Redius would have avoided them, but everyone else seemed to part as he walked on the street which obstructed the sides. Only allowing him to walk in the middle, he really didn¡¯t have much of a choice. He ignored the two and thought as he walked down the street.

    Unbeknownst to him, at the other side of the street the same happened with two carriages parked on the side whilst two figures exited. They faced to see the commotion and just about caught a glimpse of the side of Redius¡¯ face. If Redius could see the insignia on the carriage, he would recognize it from the Ip¡¯s family.

    ¡®Is it¡­?¡¯ a young man thought to himself as he looked towards Redius. He thought he looked familiar but couldn¡¯t quite recognize him.

    ¡°What is it brother?¡± The second one to exit from the carriage was a girl. They both wore green gowns with their family¡¯s insignia on their clothing.

    ¡°Nothing. Just thought I recognized him¡­¡±

    ¡°Who? The magician?¡± She said after looking at the direction her brother was looking at and recognizing the cloak.

    ¡°No¡­ my mistake.¡± He brushed it aside and walked in. ¡®Not possible¡¯ he thought. Even the Ip family would have difficulty coming up with a disciple magician, and so the thought quickly left his mind.

    On the other side, Redius disappeared into an alley and making sure no one was looking, put on a black hood underneath his magician¡¯s cloak. He was now covered in black head to toe, the shadow of the cowl over his face. Surely if anyone were to see him in the alley, or even on the street, they¡¯d take a good few steps back at the menacing figure.

    He exited the alley causing a stir as people gasped slightly at his sudden appearance and even more so when they recognize his cloak. Once again, he made his way with people parting at his side. At last, he stopped before a grand building, only this one was more luxurious than the magician¡¯s guild. This was the meditro¡¯s guild, the profession, just like magicians were regarded highly. Perhaps even higher as they were the answer to curing illness, disease, wounds and providing certain pills to enhance abilities. Any meditro was a good source of wealth and high recognition.

    Redius ascended the stairs into the guild, as he walked past the guards, he made note of their advancement. 1st stage disciple knight. Impressive¡­ Using even what the major families didn¡¯t have many of as simple guards.

    As he entered the guild, some people lifted their heads but only briefing. It was very normal for people of this guild to hide their faces. One, because many meditro would spend ages in their rooms experimenting, they did not particularly like seeing sunlight after such a long time. They would cover themselves for them to adapt slowly.

    Second, their identity. Some didn¡¯t want people to know, lest they be targeted for the pills they made or the money they had. Even though meditros had the power of diatis, they didn¡¯t want to be bothered much.

    Finally, Redius made it to the counter.

    ¡°Can I help you sir?¡± A young girl from behind the counter asked in a professional manner. She immediately recognized the cloak he was wearing and knew she had to be respectful to the magician.

    ¡°A Meditro test.¡± Redius simply replied.

    ¡°Right away sir.¡± She finally said after looking into the hood to spot anything only to barely see a face under.

    ¡°Please follow me.¡± As she led the way up the staircase. It was a simple hallway with rooms opposite one another.

    ¡°These are the meditro¡¯s workplace. One may rent it to use if qualified as a meditro.¡± She explained as she brought

    Redius down the hall. They finally entered one and he was instructed to wait.

    Inside Redius examined the room, it was a clean tidy room. With low level herbs on a table to the side of the room, sound was obviously barred. No one could hear inside or outside for privacy. Then the door was once again opened and a middle aged man walked in with the previous receptionist.

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    Normally only the middle aged man would enter as he was the examiner, but hearing that the person was a disciple magician, he thought that Redius would pass without a doubt. So to speed things quickly he asked the receptionist to stay and prepare the items straight away as every meditro was a high priority.

    The examiner eyed Redius up and down trying to catch a glimpse of his face and sizing him up, but to his dismay, he could see nothing. Not even his power.

    ¡°I¡¯m Ian one of the examiners in the guild.¡± The man explained. He was in a slight hurry as he was actually a senior examiner. The juniors were all away. He wanted to hurry back into his experiments.

    ¡°Apprentice class Meditro test then. Make three 1st class pills.¡± He said impatiently.

    In the magician¡¯s and meditro profession, they share one thing in common, diatis. However, comparing them on the same advancement, a meditro¡¯s diatis would be needed to be stronger. Plus the fact that the diatis would need to be attuned to a fire element. This could only be determined at birth. Thus it was difficult to become a meditro. Also the reason why many magicians were a class above their meditro class. Simply because it required more diatis to become the latter.

    ¡°Disciple test.¡± Redius replied bluntly.

    The examiner took a second to register what he said. Although he couldn¡¯t tell Redius¡¯ actual power, which was strange but he thought that he had some sort of artefact cloaking himself, he estimated him to be in the early stages of disciple magician since he voice was young.

    ¡°¡­Okay. Three 2nd class pills.¡± He finally said. He wanted to see if this young man had it in him.

    The pills were divided starting from 1st class to 3rd class, corresponding with apprentice, disciple and initiate meditro. Same pills could be made, but depending on different advancements, the pill¡¯s power would be greater.

    Immediately Redius took out a porti, a pot like item that meditro uses to create pills. His porti was of a low level that he had found inside his master¡¯s item ring. An item ring contain a space in the ring to store items inside. His master, being a high level meditro, left him with dozens of powerful porti but he couldn¡¯t bring it out, it would shock people. Plus he couldn¡¯t use them quite yet.

    But Redius miscalculated. Although he avoided the eye of the examiner with the low level porti, by taking it out with his item ring, the examiner¡¯s eye glinted. It was difficult to obtain an item ring in such a small city. Only the head¡¯s of the major families each had one or two. Either that or they were incredibly expensive.

    Two hours passed by. The room they were in was filled with the smell of medicine. Finally Redius gathered his belongings and presented 3 vials, each containing a different pill. The examiner took them and checked.

    His eyes widened with shock each time he checked a vial. They were all simple 1st/2nd class pills. Simple healing, Restoration and strengthen. Their functions were healing minor wounds, increase restoring power and increase physical abilities of the user respectively. But he could sense that the power the pills contained were all of 2nd stage disciple meditro.

    And most of all, each vial contain 3-4 of the pills. The more powerful the diatis, the more control one has and therefore could separate the herbs ratio better. This could in turn create more pills from the same amount of medicine. But this technique required a high degree of both power and control. One that a simple disciple couldn¡¯t have had. That was the reason he was shocked.

    ¡°Give him the items.¡± Finally he said to the girl to which she handed Redius a badge she imprinted with his name.

    ¡°This badge is an identification. It allows you to be able to seek protection, and use any facilities inside the guild.¡± The girl explained unaware of the examiners shock.

    Redius examined the badge, one side held the insignia of the guild. A porti surrounded by fire. And on the back were two stars, signifying his advancement. He walked out of the room and headed for the exit.

    ¡®I¡¯ll keep an eye of him¡­¡¯ the examiner thought as he gave instructions to the receptionist to notify him if Redius comes in again.

    Once outside, Redius gazed down the street, as if he could see through to the other side of the city.

    His next destination, one of three major households, the Losrenos family.

 Chapter 11 - Losrenos family

    Chapter 11 - Losrenos Family

    Redius didn¡¯t really know much of the Losrenos family, just that like the other two major families, they were a knight¡¯s lineage. The only reason Redius was making his way there was because of a boy.

    Back when he was still at the Ip family, he had no one. As it turned out that the one maid who he thought cared, left. But he had a so called friend. They communicated a few times over the years, because they had something in common. They were the shame in the family.

    The boy¡¯s name was Kiol. When he was 5, he had the talents to become a knight. He reached 1st stage apprentice pretty quickly, but unfortunately no further. When he had met Redius, he was 10 and Redius was 11. One who couldn¡¯t advance at all and one who couldn¡¯t train. They got along well both having experienced degrading remarks.

    Redius could still remember when Kiol called him ¡®boss¡¯ everywhere. Kiol had looked up to him for never giving up.

    Redius waited until nightfall and changed his outfit back to his original black cloak. Dark elements swarmed around him and gathered into him. He was one with the darkness.

    Gathering aura at his feet, he jumped and ran from his magician dormitory rooftop to another, then to another. Till finally he had arrived at a vantage point with a clear view to the big manor of the Losrenos family. It covered massive grounds with several buildings in different parts. The main hall, the training block, individual areas, maids quarters etc.

    His eyes averted to a living area, compared to the others around it, it was of medium size. Kiol¡¯s parents were both alive, but because of their son¡¯s condition, they spent all their fortune on trying to heal him. They quit from the family business and dedicated their lives to helping him causing their family status to drop.

    Redius landed silently on the rooftop of Kiol¡¯s room. He activated his sense field and could see Kiol in cognia and his parents asleep in the next room.

    Sweat poured from Kiol as he attempted to channel the elements through him. He was having much difficulty when he spat out blood from excessive channelling. Redius could sense him heaving as he steadied himself and tried to regain his breath.

    ¡°I will avenge you boss¡­¡± he muttered under his breath, determination filled his eyes as he slammed his fist on the bed.

    Redius let out a smile at his determination. Soon, the lights next door opened and his parents rushed into his room awoken by his smash.

    ¡°Kiol¡­ my dear Kiol, are you okay?¡± His mother asked rushing to his side holding him.

    His father stood in the doorway and quickly scanned the room, blood spatter on the floor and Kiol drenched in sweat. He was already used to it, but it still pained him to see his son suffer.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay mum¡­ thanks.¡± Kiol replied allowing himself a smile. To which his mum could only force a smile in return. His son was too stubborn she knew.

    Redius watched above at the scene, his heart tinged as he watched Kiol surrounded by love. Parents that gave up their all for their son¡­ Redius¡¯ lips curled in a smile as ice covered his heart once more. As if¡­ he thought.

    After more comforting they left and headed back to bed. Redius entered the room and stood in the corner as he watched the maids clear the mess up. Even though the lamp was lit, they could not see him. After they had finished, Kiol was left alone laying on his bed.

    ¡°Kiol¡­¡± Redius whispered.

    Kiol jumped up from his bed, still a little weakened by what just happened. His head jumping from side to side trying to determine the owner of the voice.

    Redius stepped outside his darkness and revealed himself dressed in a hooded cloak.

    ¡°Who¡­ who are you?!¡± Kiol asked cautiously. To which Redius removed his hood to reveal a smiling face reflected by the moonlight. It was a rare occasion for Redius to smile so openly.

    ¡°B..boss?¡± Kiol asked hesitantly after staring at Redius for a while. It was strange, when looking at Redius, Kiol could feel a sense of closeness towards him. Like he knew him, and upon a closer look, the features of the face that Kiol remembered so well could be seen. Just slightly matured and¡­ colder.

    ¡°I¡¯m back Kiol¡± Redius said as he grabbed a chair and moved it next to the bed and sat down.

    ¡°¡­Is¡­is it really you?¡± Kiol asked his voice shaking. Redius was like a brother to him, he showed him to never give up even when others were looking down on you.

    Redius nodded. Kiol threw himself at Redius in a hug with tears falling down his face. Finally he let go.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. Aren¡¯t you¡­dead?¡± He asked after regaining his composure.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story¡­ I¡¯ll tell you another time. But for now, let me help you.¡± Redius smiled as he spoke.

    ¡°Help me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I can help you clear the blockage so you can finally advance.¡± Redius said as he opened his hand. A vial appeared to which he opened and the room was immediately filled with a sweet smell of medicine. Compared to the pills Redius made in the afternoon, this pill was 20, no, at least 30 times more powerful. When training with his master, he had told him of Kiol¡¯s condition, and his master said that the pill inside the ring could help him.

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    ¡°Take it and channel the elements through you. I¡¯ll help you in the process.¡± Redius said and not allowing him to interrupt further, popped it into his mouth.

    As soon as it went in, Kiol did as he was told, after all he trusted Redius completely. Soon sweat and pain could be seen on Kiol¡¯s face. Apparently his condition was a blockage in several places of his channels rendering his aura unable to accumulate. But with the power of the pill called the cleansing pill, it could power through them and open the blockages.

    Because it was too powerful for Kiol¡¯s body to handle, Redius placed his hand on Kiol¡¯s back and his dark element slowly seeped into Kiol¡¯s body and absorbed the extra energy it gave. Kiol¡¯s face relaxed a little when Redius did so.

    4 hours had passed by, several times, the grey aura around Kiol¡¯s body increased and got more potent, until finally as if a pop occurred, it diminished. And arose in a light blue colour. Finally, Kiol opened his eyes and Redius was standing before him.

    A smile spread on both of their faces. Tears welled in Kiol¡¯s eyes as he looked at the light blue aura around him. He could see his channels now, no blockages, and his power accumulation was now of a 1st stage disciple. He had jumped from a 1st stage apprentice to a 1st stage disciple.

    ¡°Over the years you¡¯ve channelled the elements through you but yet could not unblock the channels. Some elements were left inside you making your groundwork and basics strong.¡± Redius explained. ¡°As soon as you unblocked it, it was like a dam being lifted. Everything flooded in and here you are.¡±

    ¡°Thank you¡­thank you boss¡­¡± Kiol sobbed as he thanked Redius. For so many years he had suffered, his parents had suffered with him. Now he was finally able to show them, to show the world.

    ¡°Are you¡­ what are you now?¡± Kiol asked having realized that Redius must have been able to train.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ complicated. But I¡¯m a magician for now.¡± Redius replied. Although Kiol thought there was a deeper meaning to it, he didn¡¯t pry. He knew Redius would tell him if he wanted to.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get stronger.¡± Redius said with a fierceness in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to stand at the top of the world.¡± His gaze fell onto Kiol. ¡°Will you come?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Kiol said without a moment of hesistation.

    ¡°Good.¡± He smiled. ¡°But for now¡­ keep it a secret. I¡¯ll be back.¡± He said as he disappeared from the room. ¡°I¡¯m at the magician¡¯s dormitory if you need me. And¡­ you can share the news with your parents.¡± His voice rang in Kiol¡¯s head.

    Kiol was amazed that Redius could just disappear in front of him. He was now a 1st stage disciple and still could not track him. His admiration for Redius grew. ¡®He¡¯s powerful!¡¯ he thought. He jumped off the bed and immediately ran to his parents room to spread the news.

    It would be a hell of a night for his family. But not for every family.

    At another part of the city, in the Plenio family.

    A middle aged man stood in front of a desk at a study, facing a man behind a desk, with several others sat in chairs around the middle.

    If Redius was here, he¡¯d recongize that man standing as Srote.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you fought with this magician and lost?¡± The man behind the desk said. The atmosphere he emitted was one of power. He was the Head of the Plenio family.

    ¡°Yes brother. Even though he was a 1st stage disciple, he was powerful. And of a rare element too.¡± Srote explained.

    ¡°Then why did you anger him?! You know full well what it means to anger a magician, especially of a rare ability!¡± The Head yelled across the room, everyone in the room tensed up.

    ¡°¡­.Well¡­¡± Srote told him the situation including Phoebe¡¯s. Having mentioned Phoebe, who was seated to the side, she also tensed up. She knew it was her fault. Angering a magician was bad enough. But angering a talented magician with a bright future could bring doom to the family.

    After explaining, the Head looked sternly at his only daughter and let out a sigh.

    ¡°So he¡¯s the young man who saved you three from the other day?¡± he asked directed to the 3 who Redius saved.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Phoebe confirmed.

    ¡°Then why did you try to get him? Did I not tell you to invite him as a guest? INVITE!¡± The voice raised once more caused her back to shiver.

    ¡°I¡­¡± She said as tears welled in her eyes. She could not bring herself to say that the only reason she was a rude and forceful was because unlike the others, in all her life she was always treated specially. And seeing Redius not treating her that way, made her angry.

    The Head sighed again, he could never stand it when she cried.

    ¡°The family¡¯s pride must also be held.¡± He said after a long silence. ¡°Do not anger him further. But if he is against the family, then we will not be afraid to retaliate. Now go¡­¡±

 Chapter 12 - 2nd stage disciple

    Chapter 12 ¨C 2nd Stage Disciple

    Several days had passed, Redius and Kiol had met several times. He had explained to Kiol that he had met a master who saved him and taught him everything he knows. But didn¡¯t tell him specifics on the situation.

    Currently Redius was inside his room in the magician¡¯s guild, Ji was perched in the middle of the bed asleep. Ever since arriving, Ji ate most of the pills that Redius had made, his master had told him that¡¯s how monsters evolve. By absorbing energy. And Ji having slept for so long, was in fact accumulating energy to advance. And so Redius left several barriers around the room to protect and not disturb him. By estimation, Ji should wake up some time soon.

    Redius himself was actually at his peak, he too was about to advance into 2nd stage disciple. Even with all the testing and things he did, he never once let go of his training. Every night he would spend all of his time in cognia, training both his aura and magic power. It had been a while since they were at it¡¯s peak, and just recently Redius felt that the breach was coming.

    The breach to the next advancement.

    He steadied himself as he sat and slowly went into cognia. A whirlpool of elements swarmed around him as it was being gathered into his elemental centre and crystals. More and more gathered and finally, the colour of the centre and crystals were darker than they were. He opened his eyes, he could feel his power surging.

    He looked out the window, it was already the next day, close to night. He had been breaching the advancement for a whole day. If people knew that it took a whole day at disciple level, they¡¯d be calling him a monster. Or an idiot.

    Redius washed up, he could feel he had grown taller. As he dressed himself, he felt refreshed.

    ¡°Ji Ji!¡± A voice called just as he was about to leave. He turned as Ji jumped towards his shoulder and nudged himself against him.

    ¡°Hey Ji.¡± Redius said as he held him in his arms and stroked him caringly.

    ¡°jijiji!¡± it replied with an excited voice. After having not seen Redius for a couple days, it was happy to see him.

    Redius notice that the Ji was no different than before, only his fur was a little whiter in colour. Redius shrugged as he played around with Ji for a while and then left together with him.

    In a restaurant, Redius entered with Ji in it¡¯s usual spot, his shoulder.

    ¡°How can I help you sir?¡± A waiter approached Redius at the door.

    ¡°I want a room.¡±

    ¡°Right away sir.¡± The waiter gestured towards the staircase as Redius followed him up. While entering the room, they passed by a couple of other young people.

    One of which, a girl followed Redius with her eyes. More accurately, followed Ji. Her eyes sparkled as she quickly turned towards one of the others and whispered.

    Redius caught her sight with his sense field as he walked, but he didn¡¯t pay particular attention to them. They were mostly 1st and 2nd stage disciple knights. None of whom posed a threat to Redius.

    Having entered the room, Redius gave a tip to the waiter and ordered food. He waited patiently, and when the food arrived, began eating with Ji.

    ¡°Sir, you can¡¯t go inside.¡± A voice cried at the other side of the door. Redius¡¯ eyes furrowed as he heard the scuffle outside his door. He didn¡¯t like being disturbed.

    ¡°I¡¯m from the Ip family. Do you want this restaurant burnt to the ground?!¡± Another voice yelled.

    ¡°Bu..But¡­¡± A desperate plea, but to no avail as the door to Redius¡¯ room was burst open.

    Four people walked in dressed in light green gowns with the Ip insignia on them. Three guys, two girls. Redius did not recognize any of them, not that he knew a lot of people from the Ip family anyway.

    ¡°Hey, you!¡± One of the boys called out to him. Redius merely looked up and stared at him with an expressionless face. Ji however, looked up then immediately back to devouring the food.

    The girl with them looked at Ji with eyes sparkling. Obviously she wanted it. She shook one of the boys hand harder as she saw how cute Ji was.

    ¡°That creature. I¡¯m taking it.¡± The boy whose hand was shook said. Redius merely smiled slyly.

    ¡°Hey I¡¯m talking to you!¡± He yelled as he saw Redius not paying him any attention. They were from the Ip family, no one could ignore them. That was their thought.

    Still Redius paid them no attention. Angry, the boy stepped forward and was about to grab Redius, when Ji snapped his head back and growled at the boy. The force sent him flying across the room.

    Who were they kidding? Even Redius currently didn¡¯t know how strong Ji was, and he could probably take on a 2nd stage initiate, maybe not win but it¡¯ll be difficult for the latter to kill him. The others looked in shock as they tried to understand what just happened.

    Ji on the other hand went back to eating. To be fair, if Redius had kept his magician¡¯s cloak on, they would not have dared to disrespect him. But such is fate.

    ¡°You¡­ you¡­ How dare you? Do you know we¡¯re from the Ip family?¡± The other boy shouted at Redius. To which he simply shook his head, pitiful he thought. Bringing out a family name, such pity.

    At last the boy who was flung across the room returned, clothes in tatters. He looked at Redius angrily, his aura built up.

    Without a word he flew across the room aura focused on his hand, his fist raised at Redius¡¯ face.

    ¡°AHHHHH¡± A scream broke out. The boy¡¯s arm penetrated with an ice lance, blood dripping as he screamed in agony.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    The others seeing that he was hurt, all got out their weapons in anger. Light blue aura covered all of them, disciple class. A sword, a scimitar and a whip. As they spread themselves to attack Redius, Ji turned around and growled once more. Only this time it wasn¡¯t with power.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Redius said as he stroked Ji. To which he nudged his hand as if to say okay and returned to the table and sat down and watched.

    The others who were weary of Ji were glad to see him back down. They could now focus on Redius. They charged at him at the same time.

    Two aura slashes came at Redius and one whip bound his leg. Classic, restricting enemy¡¯s movement. It would¡¯ve worked if the opponent was weak, but this was Redius. Even with the girl¡¯s aura covering her feet to stand strong, Redius pulled his leg and the girl went with it. She was surprised that he was so strong.

    As Redius dodged the aura slashes, he was already casting spells. First of all the whip was already frozen, if the girl had let go of it seconds later, her hand would have suffered the same consequences.

    4 ice lances flew at the two boys which the deflected and dodged. But as soon as they regained their feet, more flew at them. It was continuous. As the boys were busy deflecting and dodging, Redius approached the girl who got into a combative stance. An Ip family fist technique.

    She moved first and an aura tiger emitted from her arm towards Redius, but their speed was no much. Redius seemed to disappear and reappear beside her.

    ¡°Game¡¯s over.¡± Redius said. As the girl wondered what he meant, the boys yelled in pain. She quickly looked at them to see four lances penetrating their four limbs.

    ¡®Was¡­was he¡­ playing with us?...¡¯ she thought as Redius grabbed her arm.

    ¡°No¡­no¡­ please¡­ let go¡­ no!!¡± She yelled as ice began to spread from Redius to her. Her whole arm was covered in ice now.

    Redius suddenly let go and jumped a few metres backwards, and a split second later an aura slash the spot where he had been in. Only this time, it was much more powerful than the two boys, it slashed the room in half.

    A middle aged man jumped in from the window, with similarly clothing, the Ip family. He looked around at the devastated scene, all four of them with ice sticking out here and there.

    He face turned dark as he looked at Redius furiously.

    ¡°Who are you?!¡± He said with fury in his voice.

    ¡°Me to know. You to find out.¡± Redius replied with a smirk on his face. He knew who this man was. The assist. Head of the Ip family. One of three initiate class knights in the entire family. He was a 1st stage initiate. Redius was itching to fight him, he was curious to know how powerful he himself was.

    ¡°Very well¡­¡± the man¡¯s face darkened even more, to have someone challenge the Ip family was unacceptable. He flew at Redius at an incredible speed.

    ¡®Fast!¡¯ Redius thought as he barely dodged the oncoming attacks with aura infused on his feet. Redius immediately understood that he was overestimating himself. He was more powerful than him, yes. But that was only when he could use his aura, and all his elements openly. But he didn¡¯t want to let that secret out just yet. So a part from his

    overwhelming amount of magic power, his speed and power was decreased.

    As Redius managed to dodge, he still had a few scratches here and there on his body that landed. But he was not doing nothing, the temperature in the room decreased drastically as the man noticed the whole room encased in ice. Suddenly, even the ice he breathed out got frozen in a second.

    ¡®Damit!¡¯ he thought. ¡®This is the best place for him, a closed space for him to control the temperature.¡¯ He needed to get out. But would Redius let him? The answer is no.

    More than thirty ice lances formed in thin air, at an alarming speed which surprised the man. How could he form such lances in that speed? Impossible! But before he could think of an answer, they were already flying at him.

    Even with his aura covering him and him trying his hardest to deflect them, the lances kept forming and forming. Till at last a pained cry called out and he was left pinned to the wall, his limbs pierced by four lances.

    ¡°¡­you¡­ you¡¯ll pay for this¡­¡± he said looking at Redius who was walking closer and closer to him. He looked over at the four 18 year olds, all frozen from the drastic temperature in the room. He regretted not bringing them and running. Who knew he¡¯d be so powerful.

    Redius didn¡¯t come out unharmed, but it was very minor. Even though he couldn¡¯t use anything else openly, his aura was infused in his feet for speed. Even though his speed was slightly slower, it was only slightly, the man beat him in technique, but Redius had more raw power.

    As Redius looked him in the eye, he smiled. Then gathered magic power in his palm and palm hit him in the stomach, right where the elemental centre was, shattering it.

    The man¡¯s eye was shocked, when he saw Redius¡¯ hand hitting his centre. He knew Redius was going to shatter it but didn¡¯t believe it until it did. Shattering the centre meant that he could no longer be a knight. No longer channel aura. He was left speechless.

    ¡°Goodbye Riji Ip.¡± Redius said as he looked at him. Riji was the name of the assistant head of the Ip family, second highest in power.

    ¡°Tell them¡­ I¡¯ve come to right the wrong.¡± He said as he left the scene of five bodies each with icicles in them.

 Chapter 13 - Fury

    Chapter 13 ¨C Fury

    In a hall at a manor gathered a lot of people, all important looking stood around the middle. On the ground lay four frozen bodies of three young men and one young lady. Another middle aged man kneeled beside them, his eyes void of emotion.

    This was the Ip family, every top member was gathered here today. Amongst the top members were their children. They each gazed upon the scene, a small flare of fear ignited within their hearts. They knew too well that the assistant head of the family was one of three initiate knights. And if the culprit could beat him¡­

    The Head of the family, out of his chair stood close to the middle looking at the scene with a mixed expression. Fear? Confusion? Anger?

    ¡°Riji¡­ What happened?...¡± The Head finally said after a while. He had already heard from bystanders but he wanted to know the exact details of the event.

    Riji looked up to meet the gaze of the Head, shame, anger and guilt flashed on his eyes. But most of all pain. He was no more than a normal person now, the higher you climb, the bigger the fall¡­

    In a slow manner, he explained what happened. How he had heard that someone was causing trouble from a restaurant with children of the Ip family. How at first, he paid it no mind but when the news of them fighting came across, he left to see what happened. And that when he arrived, they were all pretty close to dying. And how the enemy overpowered him and how finally¡­ his centre got shattered.

    As if finished his story, people gathered around unintentionally gasped. Hearing the events, it showed how the magician was able to dispatch of him with relative ease. A disciple against an initiate¡­ with such ease? The tiny spark of fear ignited into a flame within their hearts.

    The Head¡¯s face darkened with anger. How could he let the Ip family¡¯s pride we trampled on like that?

    ¡°He had a message¡­¡± The assistant head interrupted his thoughts. ¡°That he was going to right the wrong.¡± A puzzled expression appeared on everyone¡¯s face. What did it mean? Nobody knew.

    ¡°We must find the culprit.¡± An old, raspy voice rang across the hall. Everyone turned towards the origin of the voice to find an elderly man standing.

    ¡°Father.¡± The Head greeted and called out.

    ¡°Grandfather.¡± Several others greeted and called out.

    It was the previous Head of the family, the most powerful man in the Ip household.

    ¡°Contact the magician¡¯s guild. Find the man. The Ip family will not allow our pride to be trampled on.¡± He ordered. A family¡¯s pride was very important in this world.

    ¡°Put out a bounty on him. Any information will be rewarded. Let the city know what it means to anger the Ip family.¡±

    ¡°Yes Father.¡± The Head replied. This matter was significant enough to bring out even his father, which meant he was angry. Immediately he began relaying orders to everyone to look out for someone of Redius¡¯ description. And to send word to the magician¡¯s guild for the identity of the culprit.

    Soon another elderly man came out, everyone bowed and greeted him as he walked towards the frozen figures. He commanded the same authoritative air about him, everyone in the family knew he was the one and only Meditro of the house, an outsider but in service to the family.

    He knelt beside the frozen figures, his brows furrowed as he could feel the icy cold air resonating from the bodies.

    Unseen his diatis expanded to check the bodies of the four frozen boy and girl. After a while, his brows furrowed even further.

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Old friend¡­ can they be saved?¡± The old head asked.

    ¡°¡­yes¡­¡± he replied, bringing light and hope to the parents of the children. ¡°and¡­ no¡­¡± to which everyone got confused. He stood up and explained.

    ¡°Right now, they are alive.¡± Smiles came up, but they realized that there was a ¡®but¡¯. ¡°But¡­ the ice is special. It¡¯s very potent. Even now it radiates power. I suspect thawing the ice would require a high quality flame. At least a 2nd stage initiate magician.¡± He continued explaining.

    ¡°What¡¯s more is that there¡¯s something special in the ice. I think he infused it in so that only he could unfreeze them.

    Unless a powerful flame magician came along, I don¡¯t think we would be able to save them.¡± He finished bringing another silence to the room.

    ¡°Send for the people who went to the magician¡¯s guild now!¡± The old Head¡¯s voice ordered loudly, his voice filled with power. Even though he knew the magician¡¯s guild were powerful, he could risk going to an extreme length of asking them to hand over the magician because his family¡¯s pride was on the line. Plus the guild wouldn¡¯t go into all-out war for something so small.

    But now that he knew a magician would be required to save them, he couldn¡¯t risk even angering any magician. He needed them now.

    As he laid down the orders, people began to hurry to stop the people they had sent to the magician¡¯s guild.

    Whilst the Ip family was in a frenzy, the rest of the city was in a rowdy state.

    ¡°Did you hear? The Ip family¡¯s children angered a magician and got their arses kicked!¡± Some people discussed on the streets.

    ¡°Yeah. And most of all, an ICE magician. Ice magician.¡±

    ¡°Damn. If I had half his power¡­¡±

    ¡°You wish¡­¡±

    As people all over the town discussed this, so did the other major families.

    Plenio Household.

    ¡°Is it the same magician?¡± The Head asked the person in front of him. An intelligence officer.

    ¡°The description of him appears to be the same sir. What¡¯s more, I would not suspect that there are any other ice magicians in town.¡±

    ¡°Very well. Dismissed.¡± He said as the officer left. He sat back in his chair.

    ¡®The city¡¯s going through a lot¡­¡¯ he thought to himself. ¡®It won¡¯t be peaceful these days¡­¡¯

    The Losrenos family¡¯s reaction was different. As they hadn¡¯t heard about Redius before, they were on full blown investigation to find out who he was. And it was ordered throughout the entire family to never anger him.

    But deep inside the household, a small family sat eating. Smiles across their faces.

    The woman lovingly kept placing a lot of food onto their sons place.

    ¡°Mum¡­ I can¡¯t finish that much.¡± Kiol half complained.

    ¡°You¡¯re a growing boy, eat more.¡± His mother smiled warmly.

    ¡°You must be dedicated to your training son. Don¡¯t let success overcome your hard work.¡± His dad said to which he nodded.

    Their family were a lot happier now, especially seeing their son able to train. A disciple class at the age of 16. That is already quite an accomplishment. He would be considered very talented. Even though they did not understand his reason of not telling the rest of the family, they did not mind.

    Kiol ate as he looked out the window. He had heard about the fight in the afternoon, and he allowed himself a sly smile.

    He knew it was his boss. Ip family¡­ you better be careful. We¡¯re coming.

 Thanks + Happy New Year

    Hi everybody,

    Author here.

    First off, just wanted to say a happy new year to every reader. And to finish the year off, I''ll post a few chapters at the same time after this. :)

    Secondly, thank you for the support and interest in my story. I didn''t think it''d attract this many people to read it and follow it, especially since it hasn''t been up that long, so thank you.

    Since I''m here anyway, might as well say that I really appreciate the comments and reviews you guys give. I always take my time reading it. It thrills me when people offer views on my story and characters, it gives me a drive to write more. So please do continue.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Hopefully this story will get more popular as the story continues. And I hope that you have all enjoyed it as much as I have when reading it.

    Thanks again, and have a happy new year.

    Kiroe ¦¸

 Chapter 14 - The Might of the Magicians Guild

    Chapter 14 ¨C The might of the magician¡¯s guild

    The whole city is in uproar on the news of the ice magician going up against one of the major families. Some saw him as a hero of sorts, others think he¡¯s just another bully in town. But none the less, apart from the major families, mercenaries were also hunting Redius down for the bounty.

    Redius at this point was back at the magician¡¯s dorm, unaware of the fuss around the city about him.

    At this time, the arrival of three elders caused a slight stir in the hall in the guild.

    ¡°We request an audience with the Head of the Magician¡¯s guild now.¡± One of the elderly demanded, his voice reinforced with aura causing stirs within the guild.

    The three were the group that had been sent by the Ip family to demand the culprit¡¯s location and identity. Even if they angered the guild, they could still fair well. Only they didn¡¯t know what happened in the household after they had left¡­

    Soon after the slight commotion, the assistant head of the guild Aldos walked out.

    ¡°What is this?¡± he spoke as he walked towards the three in question, emitting his magic power. The three elders were only at the peak of 3rd stage disciple class, they could not help but tremble at the power of a 2nd stage initiate magician.

    ¡°We¡­ We are from the Ip family.¡± An elder said after gathering the courage. ¡°We demand to know the identity of the culprit ice magician.¡±

    ¡°Demand?¡± Aldos¡¯ eye narrowed as he repeated the word back to them. How many years had it been since anyone challenged the guild¡­

    ¡°Yes. The damage to our family, our children are near death. He must be punished.¡± Another chimed in.

    ¡°And just what do you think gives you the right to walk in here, into our guild and DEMAND anything?!¡± Aldos bellowed with the full might of his power directed to the three, sending all of them sliding across the floor. Blood dripped from the corners of the mouth.

    ¡°You¡­¡± they didn¡¯t think that he would attack them so openly. They had yet to fully understand the power of the guild.

    ¡°Scram! Before you stay here forever.¡± His voice seemingly at spoken loudly at their ear caused them to flinch. They got up with their clenched teeth and fist, and reluctantly walked out. On their way back home, they would meet the second group sent to stop them. Regret would fill their hearts.

    Back in Redius¡¯ room, he sat in cognia. His eyes opened as he looked around the room, a puzzled look on his face.

    ¡°ji!¡± Ji made a noise as he jumped onto Redius¡¯ lap and looked at him as if to say what¡¯s wrong?

    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Redius muttered as he stroked him. For a second, Redius could feel that someone was watching him, but when he expanded his sense field, he couldn¡¯t find anyone who was. Though he did detect tiny traces of another diatis, but he still couldn¡¯t tell who it was from.

    In a completely different part of the guild, in the top level of the highest tower, sat a man who also in cognia opened his eyes with a wry smile.

    *knock knock*

    ¡°Come in¡­¡± his voice rasped out. And Aldos came in through the door and shut it behind him.

    If anyone was here, they¡¯d be shocked and ask who is this man that requires the greeting of the assistant head of the guild? Must he be¡­?

    ¡°Head Morgan.¡± Aldos said as he greeted him politely. To which the Head merely nodded in return.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.¡°I have done what you asked and sent the Ip family members away.¡±

    ¡°Good¡­¡± the Head¡¯s old voice replied. A slight silence followed as the two remained still, then he began again. ¡°The boy you mentioned¡­ he truly has potential¡­¡±

    Aldos nodded as he knew that the Head was talking about Redius.

    ¡°He could achieve even greater heights. This city is too small for him¡­ It will do us good to befriend him whilst he is still growing¡­¡± The Head explained as if it was simple facts.

    Aldos a little shocked that the Head would give such praise and expectations to Redius, maybe he really is special¡­ finally he bided the Head goodbye and left the room. The Head merely closed back his eyes as if a statue would and sat unmoving. Silence returned to the room once again.

    The person in discussion was currently at the great hall entrance of the guild. He stood before a massive pin board with pages upon pages of notes stuck on it. It was called the Mission Board. It was separated into the categories of the advancements gauging the difficulty of the mission. Some were as simple as helping farmers improve their earth quality, to placing barriers in rich people¡¯s home and lastly for monster gems.

    Monsters from level G develops a gem mostly in their forehead which stores their magical power. They can be compared to magician¡¯s crystal inside their body which houses their elements. The monsters were the same. But unlike people, you could extract these gems from their bodies.

    These gems proves to be very useful and high in demand, as they could enhance a magician¡¯s power greatly and maintain barriers through the power inside.

    Redius looked steadily on the board and finally took down a few notes, most of which was the hide of certain level G monsters. Redius knew that his training had come to a stop, that in order to grow stronger he needed combat, a chance through which he could discover what he was lacking. That was the way it worked, you couldn¡¯t merely advance through all the classes just because you trained. Sometimes, you needed luck. To break through that special blockage in your training. And that was what Redius seeked.

    With his missions in hand, he headed outside of the city for the Fohlorne forest, the forest which was divided into the outer rim, inner rim and epicentre. As you went further in, the stronger the monster out. There were rumours that at the epicentre, you could find monsters even stronger than an initiate class magician/knight. But only rumours, no one had returned to confirm it.

    The ravine was alongside the edge of the outer and inner rim which housed level H and G monsters respectively.

    And so man and ferret, headed together into the monster filled forest.

    Unbeknownst to the both of them, the major families and mercenaries from the mercenary guild had informants at every exit of the city. And they had noted the description of Redius and informed all their heads of his departure.

    And alongside Redius and ji who left, many followed after their orders were relayed to them. Each had their goals, some wanted him dead, some wanted him alive and some wanted his favour.

    The sun slowly crept up behind the hill as different parties travelled towards the fohlorne forest with their own agendas. It was going to be a long, bloody day.

    *Author''s note - shorter chapter, but the fights coming :)

 Chapter 15 - Battle

    Chapter 15 ¨C Battle

    In the inner rim of the fohlorne forest, a man in a magician¡¯s cloak pulls out a gem from the forehead of a level G monster. He tosses it in the air as he walks away from the three corpses, blood and meat will attract more monsters.

    Even he couldn¡¯t handle a horde, Redius thought as he made his way deeper into the forest.

    He stopped on a tall tree as he expanded his sense field, looking for his next target. Upon seeing a group of Kitas, he headed toward them. Kitas were a hamster like creatures, but large. Their skin made of tough hide, impenetrable by an average disciple class.

    Redius got close as he observed the group, five in total. Area attacks were a magician¡¯s favourite, especially if you gave them time to prepare for it. Though not many magicians could get close to the monsters without the help of knights to block their paths. However, Redius was no ordinary magician. His dark elements cloaked him and masked him as one with the shadows.

    Slowly he channelled his fire element, Kitas were weak to fire you see. The temperature in the area rose as Redius prepared his attack.

    Soon, the Kitas raised their heads, they sensed a disturbance in the surroundings, but they were too late. As they were about to head off, a ring of fire rose around them. Screams and screeches came from their mouths as they scrambled to stay in the middle.

    While they were distracted, numerous tiny fire balls appeared from above them, hurling towards the ground, wherever it landed, grass or monster, ashes followed.

    Redius dropped down from his position and headed towards the middle of battle as the flames disappeared leaving a charred and burnt ground with five monsters in the burnt in the middle. He flipped his wrist as 5 gems flew into his hand.

    If anyone saw the fight, they would¡¯ve been in awe at Redius. Taking advantage of the confusion with the above fire attack was no easy feat without the abundant of magic which Redius commanded. An average disciple flame would¡¯ve taken longer to completely burn the Kitas, but Redius¡¯ was much stronger.

    ¡°Ji ji!¡± Ji called from the shoulder.

    Redius could do nothing but shake his head slightly as he tossed a monster gem to Ji who swallowed it whole.

    Apparently, Redius found that Ji likes eating these gems. Each gem worth quite an amount as well¡­ Looks like this was going to be one expensive companion¡­

    Meanwhile, not too far away from where Redius was, in his previous battle, arrived a ground of ten people.

    They landed in formation side by side at the edge of the battle as one stepped forward, crouched and examined the ground.

    ¡°Boss, looks like the battle ended not too long ago. Around 3 hours.¡± The man concluded to another man in the middle, a big burly bearded man who was obviously the leader.

    ¡°We¡¯re catching up, we should be on to him soon. Stay cautious.¡± The leader said in his rough voice.

    The team nodded as they followed the tracks of Redius and headed towards where he was now. Not long after they left, several other groups arrived.

    Three groups of 4-5 people arrived nearly at the same time, as they looked at each other over the scarred place Redius had left.

    ¡°Well¡­ look who it is¡­ if it isn¡¯t the cowardly Ip family, lost your assistant head to someone I heard?¡± A man in a pale blue cloak said, his cloak meant that he was from the Plenio family.

    ¡°Heh¡­ unlike someone who attacked the person who saved their family¡¯s life once. Ever heard of, karma?¡± Another man from the Ip family stepped forward and replied in a snickering tone.

    Both groups held their fangs at each other, clenching their weapons as if to fight any time.

    Meanwhile the last group, dressed in pale yellow from the Losrenos family merely watched the interaction as they waited for information on the tracking.

    ¡°Why are you here then Losrenos?¡± Finally after an intense stare at one another, the Ip family turned their attention elsewhere.

    ¡°Well, we just wanted to see this special magician.¡± A man replied with a sly smile. Both the other families snickered at that remark. As if they¡¯d believe him. They were obviously trying to recruit him since Redius had already offended two of the major families, logically he had one place to turn to.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get in our way.¡± The Ip family said as he began to leave.

    ¡°Oh? Is that a threat?¡± The Losrenos family replied.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find out.¡± A voice answered as the family left one by one.

    Deep into the inner rim of the forest, Redius just finished another group of monsters. As he was collecting the gems, he face contorted as he sensed people coming to his direction. It wasn¡¯t uncommon to see people in the forest, as a matter of fact, he had already seen a couple of groups as they trained by killing monsters.

    But this time, Redius¡¯ instincts told him otherwise. He expanded his sense field and found the group to be of 10 and coming at an extremely fast rate. They would reach him within seconds. He immediately summoned his dark elements and jumped back into the shadow of the forest, blending in.

    Soon after he did that, the group arrived as they landed in formation, weapon at the ready scanning the area.

    There were ten knights. Four 1st stage disciple, three 2nd stage disciple, two 3rd stage disciple and one initiate knight. This would be tricky.

    Redius could take on an initiate knight sure, but he needed a bit of time. He wasn¡¯t so obnoxious to think he could take them all on at the same time even with his jump in power. But he didn¡¯t leave, he wanted to find out as much as possible, they were clearly after him.

    ¡°Where is he? We should have caught up by now.¡± One of the men asked to the group.

    ¡°Maybe he saw us coming?¡± Another guessed as they all surveyed the surrounding.

    ¡°How? Sense field?¡±

    ¡°Impossible. The information says he¡¯s a 1st stage disciple magician. Sense fields are only activated in the 3rd stage.¡± Another explained.

    ¡°He must be here somewhere. Spread out. Find him.¡± Lastly the leader said and the group, well trained, immediately dispersed in groups of two.

    Perfect, Redius thought as he watched. Better for me that you¡¯re separated¡­ as he slowly backed away into the shadows of the forest, in the direction of one of the two.

    He caught up to them easily but didn¡¯t want to fight immediately. They were still close to the others and anything could attract their attention. So he waited patiently, until he thought there was enough distance from the others, he made his move.

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    Three ice lances flew straight at the two from their blind spot, immediately killing one of them and disabling the other.

    They were 1st and 2nd stage disciples, they stood no chance against Redius. And the fact that his dark element hid him perfectly from them. Well, they were as good as dead.

    Redius walked out from his hiding and immediately covered the small area with his dark element. Any sound inside could not be heard from the outside. He could not keep it long.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± The man said as he coughed out blood.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who asks the questions.¡± Redius said as he pulled out the impaled ice inside him causing more blood to spill.

    ¡°Who are you? Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°¡­ heh¡­ I¡¯m not telling you anything¡­¡± The man replied snickering.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that¡­¡± Then agonized screams came from the man as Redius cauterized his wounds with a flame in his hand.

    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re¡­ a flame magician?... two elements?...¡± The man replied feebly. His answer was his scream as Redius stabbed his arm with another ice lance.

    He quickly broke under the pain and told Redius everything. After, Redius cleaning sliced his throat with a thin ice blade and burnt the corpses. He retracted the dark shroud around them and headed for another group of two.

    From the information he got, the group was a mercenary group called The Bloody Tigers. The group took the bounty of Redius to kill/capture him. Their employers was unknown as its never shown. But word had it, and it was pretty accurate, that the major families were making a move on him.

    Redius pondered the information as he made his way to another group. With what he did to some of the major families, he believed the information. He knew they¡¯d come for him some time. He smiled devilishly as he jumped from tree to tree, group to group.

    Within an hour or two, he had already dispatched 4 groups, leaving only the leader and another member. It wasn¡¯t hard for Redius, without the need to keep anyone alive, he merely stayed in the shadows waiting for a right time and killed him cleanly.

    At last, he arrived near the leader of the group.

    ¡°Something doesn¡¯t feel right¡­¡± The leader muttered as he eyed his surrounding cautiously. ¡°Call back the others¡­¡± He said to the other member.

    The other member obeyed and shoot a flame into the sky, Redius guessed it was a signal to group. But only he knew, no one was coming.

    Just as the last member shot the signal, Redius made his move and sent 10 ice lances at the two of them. He had to finish the last member quickly to go 1 on 1 with the leader, making it easier for him.

    He purposely sent 4 ice lances at the leader to occupy him and as an insurance sent 6 lances at the member. The latter blocked a few but in vain as the rest pierced him ending his life.

    The leader, as expected, came out unscathed. Only an angry look as he looked Redius with red blooded eyes.

    ¡°Where are my men?!¡± He bellowed at Redius, when he couldn''t see the reply signal.

    ¡°I think you already know the answer.¡± Redius replied calmly as if he was stating a trivial fact.

    ¡°AHHH!!!¡± The leader shouted as he charged at Redius, a full dark blue aura covered him. The sign of an initiate knight.

    Redius dodged swiftly to the side, but before he could concentrate on a spell, the leader was already on him again.

    ¡°Tsk¡­¡± As Redius summoned a shield but was knocked back by the force. He was at the peak of 1st stage, the leader was nearing the 2nd stage, that was why he was more powerful than Redius had anticipated.

    Redius gathered aura on his foot to increase his speed as he battled the leader.

    Redius circled him as the leader kept chasing him, ice lanses appeared and flew into the ground as the leader dodged or parried them. Ice shields summoned and broken as the leader smashed them down with his aura slashes.

    Soon Redius retreated a few metres away from the fight. He may have taken more than he could chew he thought. But Redius was not undeterred, he still had tricks up his sleeve. Especially his dark element, and he had yet to use his aura fully.

    Then, the leader sent a whirlwind of aura slashes at Redius and charged right after following the slashes. But he soon noticed the inconsistency, his speed was slower. He looked down below him and realized, the whole ground was covered with a thin layer of ice.

    Redius¡¯ ice lances which missed wasn¡¯t for nothing, he controlled it so that when they came in contact with the ground, it would explode outward creating ice patches on the ground. It was his strategy to bring his surroundings to his advantage.

    Redius had the speed advantage on ice now as he quickly dodged and parried the aura slashes. He bought his hand in front of his chest toward the large area covered with ice.

    The leaders face turned white as he could feel a tremendous magical energy gathering towards Redius. He knew he was going for the killing blow, he had to get out of the ice quickly.

    He was too late.

    Redius had already finished gathering the power needed, as a soft blanket of icy mist covered the floor of their battleground.

    ¡°Ice¡­grave¡­¡± Redius muttered under his breath as the mist coverged quickly into the middle to where the icy ground lay. And almost in a split second, hundreds upon hundreds of ice spikes erupted from the ground piercing everything in its wake.

    Redius steadied himself, the spell had cost him most of his magical power, and he would need some time to recover. He lifted his head and saw the lifeless body of the leader impale by several large ice spikes from the ground.

    Redius had done it. He knew if he used aura he could¡¯ve fought the battle much easier, but he wanted to see if he could win by magic alone. Though he did use some aura, he was able to pull it off. It was worth it as he could feel a breakthrough in his power. He knew that soon, he¡¯d be able to advance into 3rd stage disciple with his magic power. All that he needed was to do the same with his aura.

    A small smile came on his face as he scavenged the belongings of the leader. He placed the found item ring in his own.

    But suddenly he turned his head to meet an aura slash comparable to the leaders and a voice that cried,

    ¡°DIE!¡±

 Chapter 16 - Escape

    Chapter 16 ¨C Escape

    ¡°DIE!¡± A voice bellowed as Redius looked at the on-coming aura slash in shock. He didn¡¯t have time to conjure a shield, nor could he escape completely in game.

    With his teeth clenched, his muscle tightened, he dodged to the side and concentrated a layer of aura under his cloak to the area where the aura slash was going to hit. It was a risk he had to take, if he exposed his aura now, he would lose a trump card against this new enemy.

    Even though he protected himself, the aura slash still hit him like truck and carried him for a good few metres until it stopped, but Redius didn¡¯t. He got flung away even further until he smashed through two trees. He was in a bad condition. Several bones in his body was broken, his chest down to his thigh was cut by the aura slash, small pieces of wood pierced his skin into his body.

    He sat under a tree from where he stopped, as he slowly got himself up, the people he assumed was responsible started gathering. It was 3 different groups of people, and he knew them, or at least where they were from. The 3 major families.

    Redius stared them down, as did they.

    ¡°HAHA! Now you understand the consequences of going up against the Ip family!¡± An older middle aged man bellowed. It was the voice which called out earlier, Redius pegged him as the attacker.

    ¡®Strange¡­¡¯ Redius thought as he looked the person up and down. There were 3 initiate knights in the Ip family, the Old Head, the Head and the Assistant Head. So who¡¯s this guy?

    The only conclusion Redius could come up with was that he advanced in the 3 years that Redius was gone. But now, he had no time to think about such things.

    ¡°Now prepare to face death for defying us.¡± The man said, his teeth clenching in disgust.

    ¡°Young man¡­¡± A voice called out, drawing the attention of everyone. It was the leader on the group from the Losrenos family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get involved in this Losrenos!¡± The man from the Ip family shouted to the Losrenos group, only to be completely ignored by them

    ¡°We can help you.¡± He said to the dismay of some. ¡°But with a price¡­ to serve us.¡± The man finished and let the silence descend upon the group. All were interested to hear Redius¡¯ answer. But no answer followed.

    ¡°HAHHAHA! Looks like he doesn¡¯t want your help!¡± The man from the Ip family laughed as he walked closer and closer to

    Redius. His sword rested on his shoulder, capable of swinging at any time.

    ¡°You¡¯re coming back with me!¡± he said as his hand reached out.

    ¡°Wait a second Ips¡­¡± Another voice called out stopping the man¡¯s hand. This time, it was someone from the Plenio family.

    ¡°He needs to answer to our family too.¡±

    ¡°Your family?! My family is dying because of this brat!¡± He yelled back in anger at the other. And back forth they started arguing.

    Redius quickly analysed the situation, one initate knight from each family, and the rest disciples. He could never fight his way out. He took notice of their positions and quickly planned an escape route.

    Because of his strong affinity to the elements, his rate of gathering magic was higher than anyone of his class. What little time he had when they were busy arguing, allowed him to recover enough to cast one spell.

    His head tilted as his eyes met with Ji¡¯s. His eyes shone as if to say he understood. Redius never really knew the extent of Ji¡¯s power, maybe this time, he¡¯d find out. Everything had to be perfectly timed.

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    ¡°ENOUGH! He¡¯s coming with the Ip family! We do not mind starting a household war!¡± the ip¡¯s family man yelled in frustration. The other families furrowed their brows at the displeasure of the declaration. But they didn¡¯t move, they would not start a household war just because of one magician.

    The man from the Ip family, seeing no responses walked slowly towards Redius. One step¡­ two steps¡­ three steps¡­ NOW!

    Redius¡¯ hand waved across his chest and an ice ball flew from it towards the man coming towards him. He, being an initiate knight, deflected it easily. He smirked at the lame attempt, only to see Redius was smirking too. His head quickly turned as he saw the ice ball flying in the air behind him and suddenly explode.

    Hundreds of tiny icicles flew in all direction, even at the other families. As some were caught off guard and others busy defending, Ji and Redius made their move.

    Redius retreated by jumping a few metres, creating a distance between him and the three groups. Ji, jumping off Redius shoulder dashed at the man from the Ip family who was deflecting the tiny icicles in frustration. With one jump off the group, a white flashed in front of the man and next, an angry scream cried.

    ¡°AHHH!¡± The man screamed as he held his hand to his eye. Ji had cut a deep gash just above his eye, obstructing his vision. ¡°I¡¯LL KILL YOU! I¡¯LL KILL YOU!¡± he repeated like a mad hound.

    Ji quickly jumped back and instead of going to Redius made a sudden turn, and to the shock of everyone, right into the path of the Plenio initiate who was in mid-air towards Redius. Ji smashed into the knight causing him to deviate in the air and landing at another place. Then three slashes followed causing him to dodge and leading him away from Redius. They were all alarmed at the power of Ji.

    Finally after a good distance was established, Ji was back in a flash on Redius shoulder.

    ¡°Ji Ji!¡± as he called out to Redius who smiled and patted him lightly on the head. Redius then looked at the three groups in turn and gave a smile as if to say, I¡¯ll be back.

    A strong burst of light blue aura covered Redius¡¯ entire body, causing everyone to look at him in shock. Redius jumped back before anyone could react and with the help of the dark elements, quickly vanished into the forest.

    By the time the initiate knights came to focus, they had already lost Redius. Not that their speed was any slower, in fact, they were currently faster with his injuries. But Redius didn¡¯t run too long, he merely ran out of sight of them and quickly activated his dark element and hid in the shadows, merging as one with the darkness.

    All three families quickly reacted as they sent the huge news to their household. The young man they were finding, was both a magician and a knight. And he was proficient in both too. It was big news.

    Normally it would not be advised to take on two professions at once, it was already difficult enough to advance in one, but both? It would take multiple times the work. Why become a jack of trades but master of none?

    Though some people did pursue this path, rarely did they succeed much in both. But this young man obviously is a force to recon with. This news could change the attitude of the household. He was too powerful left alone.

    Most likely, either Redius would join them, or they would have to rid him off his powerful future.

 Chapter 17 - Escape 2

    Chapter 17 ¨C Escape 2

    On a hill in the inner rim of the forest, a young man sat in a cave in cognia. A white creature sat next to the entrance cautiously as it guarded the young man.

    Soon, the young man coughed out some blood as the creature hurriedly went to his side. They were of course, our protagonist.

    ¡°Ji!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Redius replied lightly patting on Ji¡¯s head.

    He had stayed in the cave for a few days after fleeing from the household groups chasing him. He immediately ate some of the healing pills he had made and after spending the whole time resting, his magic power was nearly completely back.

    Most of his wound was healed apart from the deep cut on his chest. It would take a little more time to get that fully healed.

    During the past few days, Ji had gone out and handled the food situation with killing monsters and bringing parts back for Redius to cook. Even though knights and magicians were powerful, they still had to eat.

    Redius got up as he applied a healing paste on his chest and covering his wound. The tissues were growing back but still needed time. But he couldn¡¯t wait longer. The longer he stayed in one place, the more dangerous.

    ¡°ji!¡± Ji said as he climbed back onto Redius shoulder, happy that he was better. Ji was a smart creature, and through their bond, Redius was able to tell completely what Ji wanted or said.

    Redius walked out of the cave as he surveyed his surroundings. He had switched a couple of places during the last few days, but now he was on a mountain. He determined the direction and headed for the outside of the forest, to make his way back into the city. He could only be safe in the magician¡¯s headquarters.

    And so he steadily and cautiously made his way to the outer rims of the forest but he didn¡¯t make it far. Everywhere he went, as if surrounding the forest, there were people of the major households. All either searching or resting and standing guard.

    Redius clenched his teeth as he tried to think of a solution. He was anxious. There were far too many of them, and in his state, if he fought too much, his wound would reopen. He needed time. Time to heal at least.

    At last Redius decided. If he couldn¡¯t go out, he would go in. Further into the forest.

    ¡°Risks are what separates the successful, and the nobody.¡± He recalled his master¡¯s voice in his head.

    So, with a flame lit in his eyes, he turned around and headed deeper into the forest. Even one of the initiate level didn¡¯t dare venture in too deep.

    With a light blue aura on his feet, he jumped quickly from tree to tree until after a while, he came to a halt. He looked at the forest in front of him seemingly unending, but he could feel the air around him change. He knew that if he took a few more steps, he would be at the epicentre of the forest. It¡¯s dark and mysterious air seem to hang heavily like a blanket of mist on the forest. Redius swallowed hard and continued. It took courage to take that final step into the unknown.

    Right now, a far way back, in the middle of the inner rim, people were discussing Redius.

    ¡°Where is he? Did we miss him?¡± A man in green asked.

    ¡°Send more people. He has to be hiding around here.¡± A man ordered with a bandage around his eye. He was the one who was fighting Redius from the Ip family.

    ¡°What if¡­ he went into the epicentre?...¡± The man standing next to him asked.

    ¡°Epicentre? Heh¡­¡± he laughed cynically. ¡°Only a fool of an initiate would enter the epicentre. Let alone a disciple. He¡¯s powerful, but he¡¯s in over his head. He¡¯ll be as good as dead.¡±

    All three families were discussing about the same possibility, and each denied it. Even they feared what was inside the epicentre.

    On the other hand, Redius had finally arrived at the epicentre. His stance ever so cautious, his eyes darting back and forth. He had to expect the unexpected.

    ¡°ROWRR!¡± A deafening roar resounded in the air. Redius head immediately snapped towards the direction of the roar.

    Feeling it¡¯s power, he immediately knew that it was of an initiate level. He had had his sense field up, anything within 40 metres he would¡¯ve known. That meant, the monster was further away.

    Suddenly, a blur entered his sense field, it was fast. Traversing his sense field in a matter of seconds. When it entered the field, he could finally see it. A light green furred, sabretooth. A beast capable of matching against a 2nd stage initiate knight. The light green signified it was attuned to the air element. That was why it was so quick, making it difficult even for a 2nd stage initiate to fight against.

    ¡°Damit!¡± Redius muttered his breath as he faced the oncoming threat. The beast was too quick to outrun. He must¡¯ve entered into it¡¯s territory. Each high levelled monster had their own territory, the stronger they were, the bigger their territory.

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    The sabretooth opened its mighty jaw revealing sharp teeth with two massive overbearing one at Redius as he was charging towards him. Within a second its mouth was on Redius, but he was not unprepared.

    A massive block of ice appeared right in-between the sabretooth¡¯s mouth as he bit down on it, releasing an agonized scream as he did so. A small icicle protruded from the corner of his mouth.

    Redius, within the block had casted a much stronger version of the ice lance, so that when the sabretooth crushed the block, he would bit into the lance too. Only he underestimated the force of the beast as it crushed parts of the lance too reducing it significantly by size.

    Redius knew he had no time to waste. The beast was pissed, and a pissed powerful beast is never a good thing. Ji and Redius made a move each in sync with each other.

    Fire balls, ice lances and aura attacks came in intervals between the slashes that Ji made, the coordination between the two allowed no room for retaliation.

    ¡°ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!¡± Another massive roar came from it¡¯s mouth and with it, multiple wind blades. Redius had forgotten that initiate level monsters, level F, could summon magic. This caught the two off guard as the dodged and parried the spell. But alas, a few got to them.

    Blood spilled down Ji¡¯s fur as the force of the wind blade carried him into mid air. Almost in a second, the sabretooth was on him, its huge fangs bearing down at Ji, surely taking Ji apart with its sharp and powerful jaw.

    ¡°NOO!¡± Redius shouted as he raised his hand as if to reach Ji. Only he was too far away.

    Despair flooded Redius eyes, moments flashed before his mind. The first meeting of him and Ji. Training, playing around together. They could only find trust in each other. But that was all about to disappear. His only friend.

    Suddenly Redius eyes which were blank with despair were filled with a black mist that covered his entire eye. Within a split second, a darkness fell upon the epicentre of the forest. The other monsters within the epicentre all shivered slightly as they stopped what they were doing and lifted their heads. Each wondering what power could make them so uneasy, furthermore¡­ it instilled fear into their hearts.

    Just as the sabretooth was jumping in mid-air, his mouth snapped closed, only to find itself biting into nothing. A look of confusion spread on it¡¯s face as it watched Ji land on the ground and quickly get back into a defensive stance. Blood dripped from Ji, it wasn¡¯t too serious, but just now, he couldn¡¯t escape because he could not manoeuvre in mid-air. Ji turned its head towards the mane of the sabretooth to see a dark tendril from a tree holding tightly onto it. Ji then looked at Redius, concerned as his eyes were pitch black.

    As the sabretooth was about to fall back onto the ground, another tendril came from another tree and wrapped itself around it¡¯s torso.

    ¡°ROARR!¡± It struggled against it and sent magic flying towards the tendrils, but in vain as the magic seemingly disappeared upon contact.

    Then more and more tendrils erupted, wrapping the beast¡¯s limbs and neck. Till finally he was suspended in mid-air.

    Then after a moment of silence, everything changed.

    As if out of thin air, needle like smoky spikes shot from the ground piercing the sabretooth. Its scream echoed across the epicentre. But it wasn¡¯t enough to kill him. It¡¯s eyes met with Redius¡¯. Only the sabretooth knew that it wasn¡¯t because it wasn¡¯t powerful enough, it was only because Redius¡¯ didn¡¯t want to kill him. Just yet.

    As if answering to it¡¯s realization, one by one other dark spikes came from the ground and penetrated it¡¯s body. The screams were agonizing, it even reached the ears of the household members searching for Redius, causing sweat to pour from their face.

    Finally it stopped, their eyes met again, only this time, the sabretooth¡¯s showed fear. Yes. A powerful beast showed fear towards one that was weaker. Because it realized what Redius was doing, it could feel the dark smoky tendrils wrapped around this limps and body pulling. He struggled harder and harder but alas¡­

    A sudden pull and the sky rained down with droplets of blood. The grounds dyed bright red. It was the scene of a massacre.

    Ji shook itself but the blood still stained it¡¯s fur. He looked at Redius who was standing, oblivious to the blood on his body, to the blood dripping down his hair and unto his face.

    His dark filled eyes with his complexion and the blood slowly dripping from his drenched hair even gave Ji a slight shiver.

    He stood, unmoving, like a grim reaper watching over the world. As if life before him, meant nothing.

 Chapter 18 - Fortune

    Chapter 18 ¨C Fortune

    ¡°When you stare too long into the abyss¡­ it reaches out to you¡­¡± A voice rang in the cold distant darkness.

    ¡°Redius¡­¡±

    ¡°Every relationship is reciprocal¡­ even with the elements¡­¡± The voice continued to echo as a blinding light invaded and fought back the darkness.

    Redius opened his eyes to a dimly lit place, rock stagnates protruded from the ceiling he was looking at. He tried to recall what had happened, his last sight was the sabretooth nearly killing Ji. Ji? Where was he?! He attempted to get up, only to be greeted by an incredibly sore pain from all over his body. His head raised and fell twice as hard.

    ¡°Urgg¡­¡± he groaned in pain as he tried to turn his head to look around.

    ¡°Ji ji!¡± A noise soon came from a distance not too far away. A white figure appeared in the corner of Redius¡¯ eye and soon licked his face continuously. He smiled as relief fell into his heard, Ji was alive and well.

    After a long time of nudging and licking Ji sat next to Redius¡¯ head, gesturing and making noises as he played out what happened.

    ¡°Ji ji ji!¡± he said as he stood on his hind legs and waved his arms about.

    ¡°Ji ji, ji! Ji¡­ ji!¡± He continued as he got into various stances and jumped about. At first, Redius¡¯ found it hilarious at the sight, then as Ji continued, his expression darkened slowly, and soon he was left pondering as silence once again returned.

    Apparently, Redius¡¯ went into a frenzy and miraculously defeated the sabretooth, but with a great price. According to Ji,

    dark elements engulfed him and he was able to summon immense power. But his consciousness couldn¡¯t handle it and he was fighting instinctively. After the fight, Ji couldn¡¯t even get near Redius as every time he did, dark tendrils would appear from the thin layer of dark element around Redius and attack him.

    It wasn¡¯t able to distinguish from friend or foe, until finally, after some time, Redius dropped on the floor. His magical power exhausted. Only then could Ji grab Redius and escape from the place. Luckily their pursuers didn¡¯t even once think that Redius would enter the epicentre.

    Redius looked at Ji and smiled conveying a thank you as Ji proudly smacked his chest before once again guarding the entrance.

    Ji had told him that they were currently in the sabretooth¡¯s cave. His so called lair. It was the safest place to be as no other monster would intrude onto his lair. Although now that the sabretooth was dead, things could change. But Redius didn¡¯t have time to even think about that, he needed to get better.

    He quickly examined his inner body through the elements and couldn¡¯t hide the shock he saw. His diatis crystal, his ice, fire, darkness crystal and his ele centre all were completely discoloured and held a tiny crack in the middle. Panic hit him as he tried to get up. But once again, pain overwhelmed him and sent him back groaning into position.

    Unable to move, he slowly gathered his mind as he attempted to gather the elements, which to his relief worked but far far slower than previously. Even slower than an 1st stage apprentice. But at least it still worked, he had hoped.

    Then he suddenly remembered something, his master. He summoned what little power of diatis he had into his ring. And brought out a vial of pills inside. He remembered back in the ravine as his master explained all of the pills to him. The ones he had taken out, was a pill to heal the damaged centres of a knight and magician.

    Ji almost instinctively came over and brought the vial over to Redius¡¯ head and opened it as a potent smell of medicine filled the cave. He popped one into Redius¡¯ mouth and closed it.

    As soon as Redius swallowed the pill, he could feel a warm trailing down into his stomach and finally towards his ele centre. The heat grew more and more intense, his face contorted with pain as he groaned, turning back and forth only to feel more physical pain.

    This process was not a short one at all. It took a whole day for the heat to dissipate and for Redius to finally relax. If any top initiate class meditros were here, they¡¯d be shocked at the sight of the pill. It was far more powerful than anything they could¡¯ve created. It could not have been found in a city has small as Darabas.

    Redius drenched in his clothing, once again view his ele centre, and to his joy, the crack had mended and a slight colour had returned to it. He smiled as he laid unmoving and gathered the elements into his centre to regain his aura. After a couple of hours, his centre was filled with elements again. His aura was back at his full capacity, but this time, with even more. He deduced that perhaps when his centre was shattered and mended by the pill, the power of the pill was so great that it forced itself into the centre creating a bigger and stronger centre.

    If that¡¯s the case¡­ Redius thought as a plan came to mind. Risks separated the successful and the nobody after all. He smiled as he sat up, his bones cracking having been the first time he was moving for a long time. By channelling the elements through his body and in addition to taking a healing pill, his injuries were healing and he was able to move his body slightly.

    He reached for the vial and popped another pill into his mouth as he channelled the warm energy to his diatis crystal, and endured the familiar pain from the extreme heat it gave off.

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    First, if any high level Meditros or magicians or knights were here, they would call him insane, especially his master. The risk involved in healing a cracked crystal or centre was high enough let alone forcing more power into it and expanding it.

    Secondly, the degree of control over it to not let it explode and kill themselves is tremendously high. Plus the ability to endure the extreme pain for hours. Only someone of fierce determination and will could accomplish it.

    Thirdly, it wouldn¡¯t always work. It included an element of luck. Being ballsy enough to crack your own crystal or centres were needed and the fact that not every advancement was capable of expanding it. There needed to be a perfect time and opportunity. Too high a class or too low would leave you dead. It all depended on the person. Not even his master knew. But Redius had managed to come across it by accident.

    Days passed as Redius continued this process, four days¡­ seven days¡­ two weeks¡­ And then on the 30th day, a huge force burst out from the cave blowing away everything in it¡¯s path. Redius took a deep breath as he opened his eyes, a grin on his face.

    After spending a tremendous time in pain and agony, he finally mended the cracks on the crystals, and after some time, he had filled them back up with power again. All of them were much bigger and powerful than they were previously. And as luck would have it, the battles Redius suffered provided a way that Redius needed to advance into the 3rd stage of disciple class. His crystals and centre again got a little bigger in size and turned a deeper colour than before. He could feel power surging through him, he was at least 50% stronger than he was previously.

    With his body healed and in full condition, he cleaned himself up, donned a new cloak and left for payback.

    ¡°ji ji!!¡± Ji grabbed Redius¡¯ collar as he was about to leave the cave. ¡°Ji ji ji!¡± as he gestured towards the inside of the cave.

    ¡°Stash?¡± Redius asked to which Ji nodded.

    Apparently, the sabretooth¡¯s stash was somewhere inside the cave. Having spent all his time recuperating, Redius hadn¡¯t looked around much.

    He headed back in and quickly expanded his sense field, now at a range of 70 metres. He quickly found a hidden part of the cave and entered seeing a small area with multiple piles of different herbs of different classes. Monsters too required power to advance, but their way of gathering the elements were much slower than humans. Though their physical traits excelled. One of their ways to increase that speed was through herbs, although they could not create pills like meditros, they ate it raw for the power contained.

    That was also a reason why Ji loved Redius¡¯ pills.

    Redius gathered them all into his ring without looking much and headed back out the cave. As he was about to step out, he paused and returned to the middle.

    Now that he was more powerful, he needed to learn more ways to control his magic. More spells. He took out a scroll from his master and placed it in front of him. He read it once, completely memorized it and placed it back into the ring.

    He closed his eyes as he concentrated and gathered ice elements in front of him. They formed quickly together then dissipated. Again and again they continued. It was simple exercises that his master had created to help control the flow of magic. Imagine a magician able to use 1 of his power to create a spell as power as another who used 5 of their power.

    ¡°You are your own building block Redius.¡± His master would say. ¡°Only when your grounds are strong and steady, and your tower rise further into the sky.¡± He would never forget his master¡¯s teaching.

    Soon, he sat and trained in a spells and aura techniques due to his advancement. Some of which he trained were:

    <Marble> tiny ice balls with an immensely strong structure, able to fly at great speed penetrating opponents and exploded from within them into spikes if need be

    <Ice coffin>

    <Fire prism> chains of fire forming a prism and engulfing the inside with fire

    <Ghostly steps> An aura technique his master obtained, a special way of channelling aura into the user¡¯s leg to increase the speed drastically

    <Ten flourishing swords> A sword technique that seemingly creates ten real sword after images

    Spells were easily created by magicians as they commanded the elements. The better one controlled them, the more complex and powerful spells one could command. Thus it was all a matter of the power one had and the degree of control one could use. This is normally increased by advancing into another class or by extreme training.

    Most often, magician¡¯s would create spells and train their muscle memory into creating it for easier use in battle.

    As for Aura techniques, these were certain forms that a knight would practice to better release the aura outside their body for an attack.

    Redius smiled as he trained hard in the cave. He smiled because he thought of the household families.

    What would happen if they knew that it was because of them that allowed him this much progress?

 Early Levels

    A request from some of you.

    The levels currently.

    Weakest to strongest.

    Apprentice Magician/Knight/Meditro - 5 stages

    1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.Disciple Magician/Knight/Meditro - 3 stages

    1st, 2nd, 3rd

    Initiate Magician/Knight/Meditro - 5 stages

    1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

    Kiroe ¦¸

 Chapter 18 - Fortune

    Chapter 18 ¨C Fortune

    ¡°When you stare too long into the abyss¡­ it reaches out to you¡­¡± A voice rang in the cold distant darkness.

    ¡°Redius¡­¡±

    ¡°Every relationship is reciprocal¡­ even with the elements¡­¡± The voice continued to echo as a blinding light invaded and fought back the darkness.

    Redius opened his eyes to a dimly lit place, rock stagnates protruded from the ceiling he was looking at. He tried to recall what had happened, his last sight was the sabretooth nearly killing Ji. Ji? Where was he?! He attempted to get up, only to be greeted by an incredibly sore pain from all over his body. His head raised and fell twice as hard.

    ¡°Urgg¡­¡± he groaned in pain as he tried to turn his head to look around.

    ¡°Ji ji!¡± A noise soon came from a distance not too far away. A white figure appeared in the corner of Redius¡¯ eye and soon licked his face continuously. He smiled as relief fell into his heard, Ji was alive and well.

    After a long time of nudging and licking Ji sat next to Redius¡¯ head, gesturing and making noises as he played out what happened.

    ¡°Ji ji ji!¡± he said as he stood on his hind legs and waved his arms about.

    ¡°Ji ji, ji! Ji¡­ ji!¡± He continued as he got into various stances and jumped about. At first, Redius¡¯ found it hilarious at the sight, then as Ji continued, his expression darkened slowly, and soon he was left pondering as silence once again returned.

    Apparently, Redius¡¯ went into a frenzy and miraculously defeated the sabretooth, but with a great price. According to Ji, dark elements engulfed him and he was able to summon immense power. But his consciousness couldn¡¯t handle it and he was fighting instinctively. After the fight, Ji couldn¡¯t even get near Redius as every time he did, dark tendrils would appear from the thin layer of dark element around Redius and attack him.

    It wasn¡¯t able to distinguish from friend or foe, until finally, after some time, Redius dropped on the floor. His magical power exhausted. Only then could Ji grab Redius and escape from the place. Luckily their pursuers didn¡¯t even once think that Redius would enter the epicentre.

    Redius looked at Ji and smiled conveying a thank you as Ji proudly smacked his chest before once again guarding the entrance.

    Ji had told him that they were currently in the sabretooth¡¯s cave. His so called lair. It was the safest place to be as no other monster would intrude onto his lair. Although now that the sabretooth was dead, things could change. But Redius didn¡¯t have time to even think about that, he needed to get better.

    He quickly examined his inner body through the elements and couldn¡¯t hide the shock he saw. His diatis crystal, his ice,

    fire, darkness crystal and his ele centre all were completely discoloured and held a tiny crack in the middle. Panic hit him as he tried to get up. But once again, pain overwhelmed him and sent him back groaning into position.

    Unable to move, he slowly gathered his mind as he attempted to gather the elements, which to his relief worked but far far slower than previously. Even slower than an 1st stage apprentice. But at least it still worked, he had hoped.

    Then he suddenly remembered something, his master. He summoned what little power of diatis he had into his ring. And brought out a vial of pills inside. He remembered back in the ravine as his master explained all of the pills to him. The ones he had taken out, was a pill to heal the damaged centres of a knight and magician.

    Ji almost instinctively came over and brought the vial over to Redius¡¯ head and opened it as a potent smell of medicine filled the cave. He popped one into Redius¡¯ mouth and closed it.

    As soon as Redius swallowed the pill, he could feel a warm trailing down into his stomach and finally towards his ele centre. The heat grew more and more intense, his face contorted with pain as he groaned, turning back and forth only to feel more physical pain.

    This process was not a short one at all. It took a whole day for the heat to dissipate and for Redius to finally relax. If any top initiate class meditros were here, they¡¯d be shocked at the sight of the pill. It was far more powerful than anything they could¡¯ve created. It could not have been found in a city has small as Darabas.

    Redius drenched in his clothing, once again view his ele centre, and to his joy, the crack had mended and a slight colour had returned to it. He smiled as he laid unmoving and gathered the elements into his centre to regain his aura. After a couple of hours, his centre was filled with elements again. His aura was back at his full capacity, but this time, with even more. He deduced that perhaps when his centre was shattered and mended by the pill, the power of the pill was so great that it forced itself into the centre creating a bigger and stronger centre.

    If that¡¯s the case¡­ Redius thought as a plan came to mind. Risks separated the successful and the nobody after all. He smiled as he sat up, his bones cracking having been the first time he was moving for a long time. By channelling the elements through his body and in addition to taking a healing pill, his injuries were healing and he was able to move his body slightly.

    He reached for the vial and popped another pill into his mouth as he channelled the warm energy to his diatis crystal, and endured the familiar pain from the extreme heat it gave off.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    First, if any high level Meditros or magicians or knights were here, they would call him insane, especially his master. The risk involved in healing a cracked crystal or centre was high enough let alone forcing more power into it and expanding it.

    Secondly, the degree of control over it to not let it explode and kill themselves is tremendously high. Plus the ability to endure the extreme pain for hours. Only someone of fierce determination and will could accomplish it.

    Thirdly, it wouldn¡¯t always work. It included an element of luck. Being ballsy enough to crack your own crystal or centres were needed and the fact that not every advancement was capable of expanding it. There needed to be a perfect time and opportunity. Too high a class or too low would leave you dead. It all depended on the person. Not even his master knew. But Redius had managed to come across it by accident.

    Days passed as Redius continued this process, four days¡­ seven days¡­ two weeks¡­ And then on the 20th day, a huge force burst out from the cave blowing away everything in it¡¯s path. Redius took a deep breath as he opened his eyes, a grin on his face.

    After spending a tremendous time in pain and agony, he finally mended the cracks on the crystals, and after some time, he had filled them back up with power again. All of them were much bigger and powerful than they were previously. And as luck would have it, the battles Redius suffered provided a way that Redius needed to advance into the 3rd stage of disciple class. His crystals and centre again got a little bigger in size and turned a deeper colour than before. He could feel power surging through him, he was at least 50% stronger than he was previously.

    With his body healed and in full condition, he cleaned himself up, donned a new cloak and left for payback.

    ¡°ji ji!!¡± Ji grabbed Redius¡¯ collar as he was about to leave the cave. ¡°Ji ji ji!¡± as he gestured towards the inside of the cave.

    ¡°Stash?¡± Redius asked to which Ji nodded.

    Apparently, the sabretooth¡¯s stash was somewhere inside the cave. Having spent all his time recuperating, Redius hadn¡¯t looked around much.

    He headed back in and quickly expanded his sense field, now at a range of 70 metres. He quickly found a hidden part of the cave and entered seeing a small area with multiple piles of different herbs of different classes. Monsters too required power to advance, but their way of gathering the elements were much slower than humans. Though their physical traits excelled. One of their ways to increase that speed was through herbs, although they could not create pills like meditros, they ate it raw for the power contained.

    That was also a reason why Ji loved Redius¡¯ pills.

    Redius gathered them all into his ring without looking much and headed back out the cave. As he was about to step out, he paused and returned to the middle.

    Now that he was more powerful, he needed to learn more ways to control his magic. More spells. He took out a scroll from his master and placed it in front of him. He read it once, completely memorized it and placed it back into the ring.

    He closed his eyes as he concentrated and gathered ice elements in front of him. They formed quickly together then dissipated. Again and again they continued. It was simple exercises that his master had created to help control the flow of magic. Imagine a magician able to use 1 of his power to create a spell as power as another who used 5 of their power.

    ¡°You are your own building block Redius.¡± His master would say. ¡°Only when your grounds are strong and steady, and your tower rise further into the sky.¡± He would never forget his master¡¯s teaching.

    Soon, he sat and trained in a spells and aura techniques due to his advancement. Some of which he trained were:

    <Marble> tiny ice balls with an immensely strong structure, able to fly at great speed penetrating opponents and exploded from within them into spikes if need be

    <Ice coffin>

    <Fire prism> chains of fire forming a prism and engulfing the inside with fire

    <Ghostly steps> An aura technique his master obtained, a special way of channelling aura into the user¡¯s leg to increase the speed drastically

    <Ten flourishing swords> A sword technique that seemingly creates ten real sword after images

    Spells were easily created by magicians as they commanded the elements. The better one controlled them, the more complex and powerful spells one could command. Thus it was all a matter of the power one had and the degree of control one could use. This is normally increased by advancing into another class or by extreme training.

    Most often, magician¡¯s would create spells and train their muscle memory into creating it for easier use in battle.

    As for Aura techniques, these were certain forms that a knight would practice to better release the aura outside their body for an attack.

    Redius smiled as he trained hard in the cave. He smiled because he thought of the household families.

    What would happen if they knew that it was because of them that allowed him this much progress?

    *Author''s note - I''m a bit busy lately getting back to working for university. Chapters might be coming out slower.

 Chapter 19 - Return

    Chapter 19 ¨C Return

    Redius in top condition escaped from the epicentre of the forest. His master¡¯s voice continued to ring in his head.

    ¡°Redius¡­ I¡¯m sure you have by now noticed the change within yourself¡­¡±

    ¡°It seems like beings on a high affinity towards the elements¡­ will also mimic the element¡¯s traits¡­¡±

    ¡°Be extremely careful¡­ do not lose yourself¡­¡±

    Redius mind pondered on his master¡¯s word. His mind flashed back to what he could vaguely remember happened as he lost himself to despair, anger and helplessness. The darkness took over him¡­

    He shook himself out of it, he was never going to let that happen again. He had to find a way to control the power. Not let the power control him. But first, he needed to get back into the city. Back to the guild.

    He stopped as he stood just outside the reaches of the epicentre. The weight of his shoulders seemingly lifted from the pressure from it. He turned his head as he looked back.

    What could be inside the very centre? He thought. With his current power up, he would be able to kill a 2nd stage initiate, and even fight on par with a 3rd stage initiate. Though killing and fighting are very different things. Something¡­ something way more powerful was inside, he was sure of it.

    But now was not the time, as he switched back and headed outward.

    By Ji¡¯s estimate, he had left for 2 months. That was the time it took him to regain his consciousness, heal and train. He kept travelling in the direction towards the outer rim of the forest, to his surprise, he reached it without seeing any members of the major families.

    He swiftly avoided group or single adventurers training, but noticed no sign of the families. Maybe they retreated? He thought as he continued his way.

    After some time, he was nearing the edge of the forest when he saw the first signs of the major families. Right outside the forest, they had set up camp in the direction of the city. Preventing and checking anyone of a match to Redius.

    He scanned the families quickly, it seemed like the Ip family sent a lot more people, then it was the Plenio family and lastly only a few for the Losrenos family.

    Redius chuckled under his breath as he analysed what was before him. As if that would stop Redius from sneaking in, even when he was a 2nd stage disciple, a 2nd stage initiate couldn¡¯t detect him with his dark elements. Now that he was in his 3rd stage, there was no chance of that happening.

    But Redius wasn¡¯t just going to go back without a present or two. He waited until nightfall and as one with the shadows, sneaked into the Ip family camp.

    The camp was big, hosting a number of young man taking the chance to train in the outer rims of the forest. Redius stood in the shadows as he expanded his sense field. It covered half the area of the camp reveal around a hundred people.

    Young masters, maids and guards. He quickly found his way into a camp with a single man sleeping. The man was of 2nd

    stage disciple knight.

    Even with Redius standing over him, he did not realize at all. Soon, Redius reached out his hand above him. He was trying his new theory, his new spell.

    Dark energy gathered faintly on Redius hand as he slowly placed it on the man¡¯s head. His eyes immediately shot open and wanted to turn, only to be met with resistant. Dark tendrils had bound him on his bed. Suddenly his eyes were in shock as he could feel his aura emptying from his centre towards his forehead then towards the hand on his forehead.

    Someone was sucking out his power!

    Within an hour, the man laid lifeless on the bed, a little shrivelled up as Redius looked at his hands with wonder. It was a trait of darkness to absorb all, but he didn¡¯t realize it could directly absorb people¡¯s powers too. He had a hunch that it could from the fight with the sabretooth, but it still came as a surprise to him.

    He could feel a different energy inside him, he stored it carefully for the time to turn it into his own. He had to be very careful as having a foreign energy inside him could ruin him internally.

    With Redius¡¯ new found skill, he quickly moved about in the camp, taking the lives of more than 20 disciple classes and their energy with them. After, he headed towards the city, but stopped just outside of it. Once again, the Ip family had heavily reinforced the checking point of the city gate. He had to sneak in at night again.

    Redius searched around as he found a small area just outside of the city with caravans of merchants and people trying to enter into the city. He sneaked around as he found a spot under a tree.

    He began to digest and turn the powers into his own, but not before setting several barriers around him. It wasn¡¯t unusual for people to train in places like this, as priority into the city was assigned by the money you paid, if you didn¡¯t want to pay as much, you entered the city near nightfall. So mercenaries or guards would train during that time. If anyone intentionally disturbed them, as it could be dangerous to disturb one in cognia, it would create animosity for that person from everyone. It was an unwritten rule.

    The sun was falling as night began and Redius opened his eyes. His power had risen but not as much as he thought it would. The fact was that the energy he absorbed, was not pure enough as his own. Therefore he had to purify the energy, which meant about 90% of which was gotten rid of after purifying it. He breathed a sigh, it looks like the ability wasn¡¯t that useful after all, since it also took him quite some time to do the purifying.

    What Redius didn¡¯t know, was that because of his immense natural affinity towards the elements, his elemental purity was much higher than anyone else. That was why his power was greater than the people of his class. A greater purity, meant a better command and higher concentration of power. So let¡¯s say using 1 magic power, someone could do 10 damage. But Redius¡¯ 1 magic power, was equal to a normal person¡¯s 5. It meant that he was doing 5x the damage.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Finally, Redius got up with his dark elements surrounding him, and like a ghost, disappeared with the caravans into the city.

    At the same time, news had reached the Ip family.

    20 or so bodies lay in the great hall of the household as the top brass of the family looked uneasy. The head furrowed his brows as he looked at the scene before him.

    ¡°The four children just died¡­ And now this?!¡± His voice raised in anger. The four children who Redius encased in ice had just passed away a couple of days ago. Without help from the caster or a magician, they were helpless. Redius had made the ice special to contract should a fire aura melt the ice. That was why it was so frustrating for the family. But now this?

    As the meditro of the family examined the body, his eyes widened in shock. His head quickly turned towards the Head of the family.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like it¡­¡± He said in shock. ¡°Its¡­its as if they were drained. Sucked dry¡­¡± He finished as a silence filled the hall. They were getting a lot of surprises recently¡­

    ¡°Sucked¡­dry... drained?...¡± His eyes lit up as he remembered something. ¡°Everyone dismiss. None of this is to be leaked. Otherwise family punishment goes.¡± He said as he waved his hand to dismiss the other.

    ¡°Raso.¡± He said to which a glimmer suddenly appeared in front of him. The head of the intelligence of the Ip family, if

    Redius was here, he would be surprised. It was another knight of an initiate class.

    ¡°Investigate the other families. See if they have any deaths like ours¡­¡±

    ¡°Are we suspecting them of being the attacker sir?¡± he replied.

    ¡°No¡­ they do not have this much power¡­ but¡­¡± he trailed as he left his sentence unfinished. ¡°I have to confirm something. Go.¡± To which the other nodded and left.

    The Head quickly went into the hill behind the household, a place where only the Head of the family could enter. Atop the hill was a cave with several high levelled barriers around it. He took out a badge and entered. After walking through tunnels after tunnels, a room lit up by candle light appeared in front of him.

    ¡°Father.¡± He greeted.

    ¡°Why have you come here?...¡± an old raspy voice replied from the man sitting down with his eyes closed. He looked as if he would slowly deteriorate into a skeleton and then into a bunch of ashes.

    For major families, the previous Heads were protectors of the family as they rivalled each other from the other families in power. Only in extreme circumstances did they appear or could be called upon.

    ¡°There were more deaths in the family father.¡± He explained.

    The old head¡¯s eyes opened and a glint of fire burned in his eyes. The last time he came out was because he simply had a bad premonition. That the attacker was a bad sign of the Ip family.

    ¡°Its not him father.¡± The Head derailed his father¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Or at least¡­ I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The bodies¡­ were drained¡­.¡± He stopped. ¡°I remember faintly as a kid that aunt Mira mentioned something about that didn¡¯t she?¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking the old head¡¯s expression had turned.

    ¡°¡­ drained¡­ drained¡­ could it be?...¡± he muttered again and again.

    ¡°F¡­father?...¡±

    ¡°Bring me the body immediately.¡± The old head suddenly bellowed. The Head quickly left and returned soon after carrying multiple bodies.

    The old Head bent down and silently examined the 5 lifeless bodies. Fear and worry grew more and more prominent on his face as he passed each body. Finally he sat up, looking like he aged decades.

    ¡°Father?...¡± The head worried at the sight. What could it be that it was this bad?

    ¡°Send word to every member of the family, return to the city. A high punishment will be sent to those who cause trouble outside. Hold down their pride and foolishness.¡± The old head relayed a few orders. ¡°If this is what it is¡­ it could bring doom to not just our family¡­ but the entire city¡­ or even¡­¡± He did not finish his sentence. The last sentence left the Head wild eyed. What could possibly be so bad?!

    ¡°What¡­ What is it father?¡± He asked curiously only to see him shake his head.

    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time. We must act quickly. I¡¯m going to contact your aunt Mira. Hopefully she is free to come by¡­¡±

    Aunt Mira?! A powerful knight that joined a clan called the Risham clan in the far northern reaches.  Clans were much more powerful than the major families here. They were elite forces that could be joined by talented individuals. Even talented members of the 3 major families would die to join these clans. Having not contacted her for so long, this situation is desperate enough to contact a clan?!

    Sweat poured from his face as he thought about the situation.

    ¡°And also, bring a body to the magician¡¯s tower. They¡¯ll understand.¡± The old head said in a tired voice. As if the last half an hour had taken up years of his life.

    ¡°The magician¡¯s headquarters?¡± Why? The Head thought.

    ¡°Yes¡­ they¡­ are much more powerful than you think.¡± To which he briefed another heavy sigh. ¡°Go.¡±

    And the Head left to carry out his orders.

    The old Head looked up, his gaze seemingly piercing into the sky. Only he knew what was going on.

    A storm was coming.

    *Author''s note - Sorry about the double chapter, thought I hadn''t posted that one :P

 Chapter 20 - Fentisma Auction

    Chapter 20 ¨C Fentisma Auction

    Redius having safely snuck back into the city, not knowing the turmoil currently happening in the Ip family was standing in front of the Fentisma Auction. A large auction for the sale and purchase of any goods across several kingdoms. Redius had heard of it¡¯s background when he was still in the Ip family, that the backing of the auction was from a power even higher than the major families in Darabas.

    Considerable as it had an auction in every major city. Redius walked into the auction after a brief glance at the building. Ji hidden underneath his cloak, he couldn¡¯t afford letting Ji out so people could see. It was one of the ways the households identified him.

    Redius came to the auction because he needed money for herbs to create pills. Although his master left him with mountains and mountains of pills and herbs, they were of a much higher level than he needed currently. And since

    Redius¡¯ centre and crystals were much larger than an average 3rd stage disciple, he needed more elements to fill it up.

    And by going into cognia alone, the process was too slow. He needed pills to provide the extra boost of power to speed up the process. He was facing the major families after all.

    In order for a magician to advance into initiate level, they had to have activated their sense field. The ability to expand their diatis outside their body. Redius had already done so when he had first stepped foot into the disciple class. For him, he had half a foot into the door of initiate class already. All he needed was enough power to break through the veil.

    He stepped into the busy great hall of the auction, his magician¡¯s cloak covering his face. People buzzed around the area heading back and forth as they traded items, had items classified or sent items into counters to be auctioned.

    Some who saw Redius in the way avoided him quickly and left quite a distance between them as they noticed his clothing. Others, were magicians, knights or meditros who were not afraid of another and merely walked by but did not avoid him like the others did.

    After scanning the area, Redius headed into an auction counter.

    ¡°Items for auction sir?¡± A young man behind the counter asked as Redius stood behind the other side. Even though he could not see Redius¡¯ face under the hood, he was used to anonymous characters auctioning things off.

    ¡°Pills.¡± Redius said as he placed down his meditro¡¯s badge first, and then began pulling out vials of pills from within his cloak. He was not about to show everyone his item ring.

    ¡°May¡­ may I ask what pills these are sir?¡± He asked seeing several vials out on the desk. He was just a mere counter boy, he couldn¡¯t tell.

    ¡°Frenzy, healing, restoration, coctis and advancement.¡±

    The young man nodded, he didn¡¯t really know much about pills. He opened one vial and was about to take whiff as he quickly closed it again. But in that split second, a strong spell of medicine had already spread between the space of him and Redius. He looked at Redius wide eyed. Immediately he knew that the medicine were of a high grade and that he could not decide alone.

    ¡°One moment while I get the classifier.¡± He said as he headed off and Redius pocketed back the items he placed out. A classifier was a position granted to a meditro who worked for an auction to determine the prices of pills and herbs.

    Soon, an older middle aged man followed him and led Redius into a guest room on the second floor.

    ¡°May we check your pills?¡± The classifier asked politely, and Redius once again took them out.

    The classifier began opening the vials and examining it. Pills were determined by the veins on them, it tells the quality of the pill. They were classified into poor, mediocre, excel and supreme quality. The first three were determined by the veins of the pill, whilst the last was extremely rare. Said to only happen once in a million even by a high level skilled meditro.

    As the classifier examined the pills, his amazement grew and grew with the number of vials he opened. Finally as he opened the last one, the room had already filled with the smell of a strong medicine.

    ¡°Is¡­ is this a 2nd class advancement pill?! And¡­ and this¡­ the coctis pill that allows one to go without food or water for several days?!¡± He said as he looked at Redius in shock who nodded in turn.

    His amazement was not only that, it was also the fact that most of the pills were of excel quality. Only the advancement pill were of the mediocre quality, but it was at the peak of it. Know that to create a pill of excel quality, usually you needed to be more than a class above the power it contained. So if you had a 1st class pill of excel quality, normally the meditro would be at least a disciple class. Either that, or your skill was immensely well controlled and gifted.

    He looked at the badge and cloak of Redius, although he could not tell his power by sight, the cloak and badge indicated he was a disciple class meditro and magician. To be able to create these pills¡­ and finally the advancement pill.

    Like the name, it¡¯s a pill that advances the person who takes it by a stage automatically. Just from that you could understand the power it contained. An advancement pill¡¯s success rate is normally 10% even when created by someone of a class higher than the pill¡¯s class. And it was extremely difficult to get a good quality.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    But with Redius¡¯ highly pure diatis, he was able to accomplish that. Though the classifier did think that perhaps someone else created it, for example Redius¡¯ teacher or master, it did not matter. It only meant that if Redius was pleased, either way, the auction would benefit.

    ¡°Give me one moment.¡± He got up and said to Redius as he left the room.

    Redius remained alone, they were asking for a lot of moments he thought.

    Soon, the door opened and the classifier entered again. Only he didn¡¯t walk towards the sofas, he merely stood holding the door as a young lady in a red dress walked in.

    She was around Redius¡¯ age, and he was sure her features would captivate any young man who sees her. Her body was slim, full in the right parts, her dress, although hanging loosely, showed off her curves perfectly. She was beautiful.

    But Redius was Redius, he did not lose his composure to the surprise of the classifier and her. The surprise of a lack of reaction caused her steps to halt, but she too quickly regained herself and walked towards Redius. She had faced many powerful people, she was skilled in handling herself. Though her interest sparked when unlike every male who saw her, she could not detect any sense of surprise or amazement from him.

    ¡®Maybe it¡¯s an old man?¡¯ she thought as she walked towards him.

    ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Sophia, assistant head of this auction.¡± She said smiling as she held out her hand.

    Redius¡¯ eyed narrowed slightly as he smiled whilst looking at the hand. ¡®This girl is good¡¯ he thought, but he didn¡¯t shake the hand. His head tilted to meet her eyes, only she couldn¡¯t see his. Redius couldn¡¯t quite tell her power, something was masking it, an artefact. But he was sure that it was of a high stage initiate. His eyes furrowed as he thought, a high stage initiate at the age of 18¡­ incredible. It made him rethink the power of the auction in his head.

    Just as he was doing, Sophia was checking Redius. She couldn¡¯t tell what class Redius was in, but the cloak indicated at least a disciple. Though she could feel a sense of¡­ uneasiness as she approached him. Her instincts told her, he was dangerous, unpredictable.

    Sophia retracted her head with a smile on her face as she sat down opposite him and examined the pills. Her look was an exact copy of the classifier¡¯s.

    ¡°Was this created by you?¡± She asked Redius after settling down the vials.

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Redius replied making his voice deeper than usual.

    ¡°No no¡­ of course not. Just curious, it would be a pleasure to meet the master who created this.¡± She said as she eyed Redius¡¯ reaction to see if the word ¡®master¡¯ had any effect. But to her disappointed, Redius gave off nothing.

    ¡°These are of an excellent quality and we will buy all these pills. We will place the advancement pill in auction next month, we take 10% of what it¡¯s sold at. But we¡¯re willing to take 7% if you could bring us the pills you make next.¡± She explained, and once again tried to get more information by using ¡®you make next¡¯.

    ¡°10% it is.¡± Redius replied not giving her anything.

    ¡°haha¡± she laughed sweetly at the silent battle going on between them. ¡°Just kidding sir, we¡¯ll only take 5% this time. We hope the next time you have something to auction, you think of us first.¡±

    Redius nodded in reply as he took 300 gold off the classifier and left leaving the Sophia staring at the vials intensely.

    ¡°My lady, why did you offer only to take 5%? That is against the rules of the auction. Is it worth it?¡± The classifier asked her.

    ¡°Yes¡­ did you notice our conversation?¡± she asked in return as she looked at where Redius was sitting.

    ¡°Of course my lady. Very well phrased, although he did not give any information away.¡± It was very well phrased, it took a smart mind to gouge for information. As expected of the lady he thought. If Redius was here, he would immediately know that Sophia was not the assistant head of the auction. The classifier was treating her way too differently. She was bigger, more powerful.

    ¡°Yes, but he did give something away.¡± She smiled as she said sheepishly.

    ¡°He did?¡± The man asked trying to think back but couldn¡¯t quite make out what it was.

    ¡°Yes¡­ he didn¡¯t shake my hand¡­¡±

    The classifier stood in silence for a few seconds, and then enlightenment dawned on his face as he understood. The cloak masked Redius¡¯ face and body. Even his voice was changed so they couldn¡¯t tell anything. But what about his hands?

    He didn¡¯t wear gloves. That was the reason he didn¡¯t shake her hand. It would reveal his age to her. And just what age would he not want revealed? If he was an old man, he surely wouldn¡¯t mind. Therefore¡­

    ¡°He¡¯s young.¡± The lady said as she interrupted his thinking. She picked up a vial, and looked at the advancement pill inside.

    ¡°If he¡¯s capable of creating this¡­ then he¡¯s talented. Extremely so¡­ unrivalled even in Ourenos¡­ perhaps¡­ maybe if

    it¡¯s him¡­¡± she muttered the last few lines to herself.

    *Author''s note - haven''t had much time writing lately or even thinking about the story. Too busy with work for uni :( Hope you guys understand

 Chapter 21 - Advancement

    Chapter 21 ¨C Advancement

    Redius approached the counter of the auction, it had been several days since he was first here. And within that period of time, he had come and go everyday selling pills to the auction. And every time¡­

    ¡°Here to sell more?¡± A charming sooth voice called from behind Redius. Every time¡­ she would be here.

    Redius turned to face a beautiful girl clothed in a simple robe, its design was common among the citizens. Although on her, it looked as if it was solely designed for her. It was none other than Sophia. Behind her, walked several middle aged men, their posture was fierce. Well trained and resolute.

    ¡°Please, let¡¯s talk in the meeting room.¡± She gestured to a hallway as she beamed a bright smile towards Redius. He nodded and headed towards the room that he had already been in several times. Every time he would come here, she would appear and invite him. Even though every time their trade was done in a matter of minutes, she still continued.

    ¡®Why?¡¯ Redius thought at times but could not manage an answer.

    As they headed down the hallway, multiple eyes were fixated on Sophia. Wherever she went, men would flock. It was eye candy to see such a beautiful lady. Some looked with admiration at Redius, whilst some were full of curiosity, and a few, were jealousy and anger.

    The one who looked on in anger was none other than Tifus Ip, eldest son of the Ip family to the new generation. He was talented in the way of knighthood and at the age of 20, had reached 3rd stage disciple knight. He knew of the beauty of

    Sophia of the Fentisma Auction, although her identity was clouded, she was a wonder for the eyes and known through the upper families in Darabas. He had tried courting her more times than anyone could count, but either he wouldn¡¯t be able to see her or was unable to talk to her.

    After time, she just looked on from afar, that was why he would come to the auction often. But suddenly seeing this magician being close to her, to even have her invite them, ignited anger and jealousy. He didn¡¯t know why, he wasn¡¯t even sure whether or not it was a male but his instincts told him it was.

    Tifus viewed himself as the most talented person in the city. And he was one of the few. Even among the major families that competed with one another, he was standing at the top 3 of his generation. Tifus thought that if he wasn¡¯t good enough for her, no one was. He would not allow anyone to have her if he couldn¡¯t.

    His eyes shot red and his fists clench when he was taken aback. As if sensing his emotions, Redius had stopped in his track and turned to face him. Although Tifus couldn¡¯t see his face, Tifus knew the eyes under the hood were looking at him. It sent a shiver down his spine. As Redius looked at him, so did the people following him, Sophia and a few middle aged men who walked behind her.

    It wasn¡¯t long before Redius continued his way and as did the others. Redius, having been taught a lesson during the fights with the households, has always kept a bit of his sense field up, to survey his surroundings. Although tiring, he also found every time he recovered his diatis power, it would grow a little stronger. Plus his instincts felt a weak killing intent and he wanted to see who it was from.

    Though Tifus interpreted it differently. He thought the look Redius gave him was a condescending look. His fist held tighter than ever as his fingernails dug into his flesh. His anger made him oblivious to the cold sweat down his back from Redius¡¯ simple glance.

    In the meeting room, Sophia and Redius sat across each other. Some men posted side by side of the sofas whilst some were outside of the door, standing guard.

    ¡°So what can I do for you today?¡± Sophia beamed as she sipped tea across from him.

    Redius placed a few vials on the table as he had done every time for the past few days. Sophia, used to the routine, knew that he was a man of few words. She gave one of the men an eye passing on a message and the man took the vials and left the room.

    They sat in silence after as Sophia happily drank her tea, eyeing Redius up and down every now and then. Soon the man returned and held a note of paper for her. Redius knew it was the prices and the pills. As usual, she nodded and the man held out a bag of coins which clinked onto the tea table. Redius pocketed it without counting.

    ¡°Well, looks like I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡± She smiled once again. For some reason, she enjoyed spending these silent times with Redius. It was strange.

    To her surprise, Redius didn¡¯t get up as he had done before but instead remained seating. Just when she was about to speak once more, he spoke.

    ¡°I need elemental stones.¡± Redius said as he placed the earnings he had made for the past few days onto the table.

    Elemental stones, were like monster gems, but are found in natural rocks that contain elements inside them.

    Adventurers (magicians, knights, meditros etc.) are able to harness this for many uses. Sustaining barriers, implanting into weapons etc. But the biggest use was for adventurers to absorb them. Since cognia had a limit to how fast one absorbed and channelled the elements, an elemental stone was a concentration of power inside a stone allowing rapid and easy absorption. It was also separated into poor, mediocre, excel and supreme. Each housing a different amount of power.

    In this small city, only poor elemental stones were available, but for his level, it was plenty enough. Because even to the major family, the stones were rare and expensive.

    Sophia gestured for one of her men to leave the room, to collect the ele stones. She smiled inwardly at the request. And again, the man returned and handed her a bag which she placed on the table. Which in turn, Redius pocketed.

    ¡°Are you not going to check?¡± She asked. But Redius did not reply, he stood up and headed for the door.

    ¡°Are you still not going to let me know you name?... Redius Ip¡­¡± She said as he was near the door. She could not help but pout a little that Redius was so quiet. She was a beautiful girl, at least give me some attention she thought. So she could not help but want to tease him a little.

    Redius stopped in his tracks, his head snapped back as he stared at Sophia with the corner of her eyes. Sophia was taken aback as she felt a powerful gaze on her, like a predator looking at a prey.

    Then a wave of power erupted from Redius¡¯ spot causing the area where he stood the freeze, and a cold wind flew in all directions of the room, with him at it¡¯s centre.

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    The men immediately backed away from the area and stood surrounding Sophia in battle stance, ready to protect and attack at a moment¡¯s notice. Neither of the party was phased, they stood staring at each other for what seemed like several minutes.

    The four men were 2nd stage initiate knights, even with the current power of Redius, it would still be difficult to kill them all. And most of all, Sophia. Her power was hidden, but Redius knew she was of a high initiate level. Why she had guards weaker than her puzzled him. Maybe as a front? He thought. He retracted his power after a few seconds, he knew he could not win. He was merely surprised that she found out his identity.

    Without a further word from each parties, Redius left the room glancing at the corner before he did so. There was an existence in the room he felt threatened by.

    Silence filled the room after as Sophia sat, her face puffed. She was pouting. She was a little surprised at the reaction, she only wanted to tease him a little. She thought he overreacted.

    Girls eh?...

    As the men cleared up the ice, she left and headed back to her study.

    She sat on her desk, cursing Redius under her breath.

    ¡°Stupid stupid stupid.¡± She said as she ripped up paper on her desk. Finally after some time, she settled down.

    ¡°Uncle Broa.¡± She said seemingly to the empty room. And as if appearing out of thin air, an elderly man was stood opposite the desk.

    ¡°Young miss.¡± Broa said to her with his hands inside the other¡¯s sleeve in front of him.

    ¡°How is the investigation going?¡± she asked as she flipped through paperwork on her desk.

    ¡°The Ip family has recalled most of it¡¯s members and have ordered a lockdown to the household. We haven¡¯t confirmed

    whether the bodies are really from them yet. But they¡¯ve contacted a member from the Risham clan, we suspect one or two of the clan will arrive within 2 months.¡±

    ¡°The magician¡¯s tower were also notified and I believe they are also sending someone.¡± He finished as Sophia sat back on her chair twiddling her thumbs.

    So many things were happening in the city.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± She finally asked.

    ¡°About... the incident?... or the boy?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Redius¡­¡± She said as she gave a sharp glare at Broa who gulped in return. He knew what a devil the young miss was, he had watch her grow up after all.

    ¡°I think¡­ he has potential. Talented. But¡­ dangerous. Unpredictable.¡± Broa managed to say.

    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± was the only reply Sophia gave.

    Broa shook his head, he knew the young miss was already gaining an interest in Redius. He sighed deeply.

    He was worried.

    Redius was powerful but what¡¯s worse, is his unpredictability. He was a man who if you couldn¡¯t kill him on the first try, then you¡¯re as good as dead. You needed to go all in with Redius and not allow him to make a comeback. Because he was a man who would wait, for as long as it took, and surely, retaliate. He was a man who pays his debt. And Redius had the

    talent to back it up.

    Broa knew people like that. If you were their friend, they¡¯d fight for you with everything they had. But if you were their enemy¡­ they¡¯d be your worst nightmare. It was a debt that would last until they died. Those were the most terrifying people to piss off.

    And most of all, Redius¡¯ potential scares him.

    Broa is a personal caretaker to Sophia so he followed her everywhere she went. Including the meeting with Redius.

    When Redius had lost it and released his power, Broa had conjured his up, readied himself to protect Sophia at a moment¡¯s notice. But as soon as he did so, as if noticing, Redius retracted his power. And as he left, he glanced right where he was hiding!

    He couldn¡¯t have known where he was, since Broa was much more powerful than Redius. Meaning the hint of power

    from him alerted Redius. The amount of power Broa conjured was so discreet that without a certain amount of power, one couldn¡¯t notice. Especially from a measly level.

    But Redius did.

    If that tiny change caught his eye¡­ Broa couldn¡¯t imagine what he would be like if he grew up¡­ It was best to either stay completely out of his way, or befriend him¡­

    Redius headed back into the magician¡¯s dormitory after leaving the auction house. He took out the ele stones and handed one to ji who held it in glee as he laid on the bed, cuddling it.

    Redius took out the stones and laid them in front of him. There were 15 in total, 14 now. He had spent 3000 gold on them.

    He knew that with the help of these, he should be able to advance into initiate level for both magician and knight.

    He sat in cognia with a stone in each hand as the power passed rapidly through it into him. Every time the power finished draining from the stone, it would shatter and Redius would replace it with another one.

    Time passed as he could slowly feel each of his crystals and his centre getting fuller and fuller. More power surged through him and at last, when he channelled it, he felt it hit a veil blocking the power from circulating.

    He concentrated harder now as he held the last three stones in his hands, directing all of the power to push through the veil. He could feel it breaking from the force as one of the stones shattered.

    ¡®Come on!¡¯ Redius screamed inside his head as another stone shattered. Was it not enough? He knew it took him much more power to advance but he had underestimated how much.

    Just as the last stone shattered in his hand, the last remaining power channelled from his wrist into the veil. He could feel a large crack as power poured through.

    ¡®More¡­ more¡­ MORE!¡¯ His mind screamed as he pushed through and opened the veil completely as power flooded through it and the power he emitted increased drastically. Soon it died down and became more tamed.

    His crystals shook as it expanded, his centre flowed as it grew. All of them were much bigger now with a deep dark colour that swirled around. He opened his eyes wiping sweat off his face. But with not a hint of fatigue.

    A smile spread on his face.

    His was now an initiate adventurer.

    *Author¡¯s note ¨C you might think it seems easy to level so quickly. But the early levels ain¡¯t exactly the hard. It¡¯s a big world after all.