Early Years
Page 10
What surprised me was that grandpa suddenly clasped his hands together on the table and looked at me with a renewed, eerie interest.
I quickly moved on, telling them how I spotted a carriage from a branch I was sitting on and I observed them carrying a tied up child into the back before going off.
At this, the King slammed both of his hands unto the table, his eyes a menacing glare.
“I should’ve known it was humans…”
Woah woah! Do I sense a hint of racism?
I correct him, saying, “They were slave traders. Them and bandits alike prey on, not just elves, but humans as well, speaking as a victim myself.”
This caused the King to shut his mouth before sitting back down, letting out a soft cough.
“I didn’t ask Tess… *ahem* the Princess this, but I am curious as to how a couple of slave traders even got their hands on the princess of this kingdom.” I ask, almost calling Tessia by her nickname. I don’t think calling her something so informal as Tess would sit right with everyone here.
At this, the King almost looks embarrassed before saying, “My wife and I had a bit of a disagreement with Tessia and she decided to rebel by running away. We decided to let her cool off a bit before fetching her back because we know where she usually stays when she pouts, but unfortunately, she ran into some hu... slave traders.”
Ah… runaway princess. I sneak in a small grin at Tess and she responds with her tongue sticking out, face flushed.
I glaze over the fight with the slave traders.
“Luckily, I caught the slave traders by surprise and managed to dispose of them before untying the princess and escorting her here.”
“So a 4-year-old managed to ‘luckily’ kill off four adults, one being an Augmenter at that, and you simply wave it off like it’s no big deal.” Chimes in the elder seated across from Tessia, leaning back on the chair so only two of the legs are touching the ground.
“Yes. Half of them were asleep and the two were simply not on guard so disposing of them was not too challenging.” I refute.
The elder just responds with a lazy shrug of his shoulder.
After finishing the events, I clear my throat before asking what I came here for.
*Ahem* “As I have mentioned, it has been almost two months since I have seen my parents. I do not plan to intrude on your kingdom for long as I wish to meet them quickly, so I was wondering if you guys have a teleportation gate that could take me to the City of Xyrus or any teleportation gate inside Sapin. “
“!!”
“You’re going to leave already Art?!” Tessia bolts up from her seat, face stricken with panic.
Both her mother and father give a baffled look as they mouth “Art”.
The elder just gives shoots snide grin at this and chuckles.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for a human such as me to be inside this Kingdom for too long princess. Besides, I wish to make sure that my family is safe and tell them I’m okay as well.” I respond, giving a sheepish smile.
*Cough*
The King responds back for Tessia, “It has been a couple hundred years since the last human has stepped foot into the Kingdom of Elenoir and you, Arthur, are the first human to be in the capital of this Kingdom, the City of Zestier. However, saving our daughter and taking the trouble to accompany her all the way back to us entitles you with a proper reward…”
I take a quick peek at Tessia and see her head down, her gunmetal silver hair covering her face.
“…Unfortunately, the teleportation gate linked with the Kingdom of Sapin opens only once every 7 years, for the Summit Conference between the three races. Since the last Summit was 2 years ago, it’ll be another 5 years until the gate will function.” The King continues on.
So much for an easy way back…
“However, we are more than willing to send a group of guards to escort you back home. You are correct that it may not be wise to stay in this kingdom for too long. While some are tolerant, many hold enmities towards humans because of the war long ago.” He flashes a brief, sorrowful smile at this.
I nod in agreement. At least I’ll be able to safely go back home.
“For now, please make yourself at home here. We will have your escorts prepared by tomorrow morning. I do advise you not to wander around outside in the city though, for the reasons mentioned earlier.”
The King snaps his finger and a pretty elf lady in a maid uniform rushes out and leads me to my room.
There’s a lot I don’t get about this city. For one thing, the shower continues to baffle me. It was a simple waterfall that seemed to naturally flow from the roof and drain back out in the floor. However, the constant flow of water that didn’t seem to ever turn off was a surprisingly pleasant temperature, just warm enough to relax my body and pores.
As I finished dressing into a very silky robe just for your top and short pants, I placed the stone Sylvia left me inside the chest pocket inside my robe and once again, tried to study my mana core.
About thirty minutes in and not really getting anywhere, I was about to just call it a night when I hear a knock on my door.
“Coming!”
Opening the door, I’m greeted by a pouting Tessia who throws a light punch at my chest.
“You dummy! Why did you act all unfriendly when you were with my family back there.” Going past me and sitting on my bed.
“Well first of all, you didn’t mention to me that you happened to be the princess of this entire Kingdom!” Shaking my head, I grip Tessia’s hand and drag her out of my room. Kids or not, I don’t think her parents are going to like her being in a boy’s room.
“Come on, show me around the castle! I won’t get the chance to visit this place ever again.”
Ah crap. I shouldn’t have said that.
*Sniff* *Sniff*
Tessia breaks down into tears, trying to talk while sobbing.
“Art! I don’t want you to *Sniff* leave…”
“…You’re the first *Sniff* person I’ve gotten ever close to…”
“…”
I just gently pat her head while she’s rubbing her eyes with the arm not holding unto my hand.
We’re outside now, in the courtyard at the back of the castle. The floating orbs are giving off a dim, luminescent glow, lighting up the well-kept garden in a gentle atmosphere.
Man… If we were at least 10 years older…
Before I even got to finish my thought, I sense a blatantly clear killing intent. Milliseconds later a faint shine gives off the position of a projectile aimed at Tessia. I push the still crying princess out of the way and I prepare to parry the projectile with a mana infused hand.
“Fwish!”
At that instant, a figure in black is facing my back, in a stance to attack. Grabbing the projectile, I immediately spin myself to block the assassin with whatever was thrown at me when…
*Ting*
I’m face to face with the grandpa from earlier!
I jump back out of range from before angrily shouting, “What the hell! Why are you trying to kill us?”
*Chuckle*
“Kid. It may hurt a little but I doubt that toy you’re holding can kill anyone.”
I look down at my hand and see a pencil sized projectile with both ends blunted and coated in a layer of something close to rubber.
I was tricked!
“Haha! Nice reaction, nice reaction! I didn’t think you’d catch my little present and use it to block my next attack! Truly marvelous! However, your usage of mana is mediocre at best!”
He then proceeds to throw me a wooden sword fit for my size and takes out a wooden sword of his own, just a bit bigger.
“Here I come!” Not even giving me the time to get in a stance, he dashes towards me.
This crazy old bat!
“HAA!” I thrust myself low and accelerate my speed, throwing off the timing of his swing. Aiming for the fingers gripping his sword, I swing up, reinforcing my whole body.
Looking back, I see him a couple meters apart from where I’m standing.
What the fuck?
“You’re a scary little brat aren’t you? Looks like I’ll have to go a bit more serious!” The grandpa smirks.
His speed increased even more. With my previous life being a life of only training and battles, I’m able to keep him in my sight, but being able to see him and being able to respond to his attacks are two different things.
This damn body! I feel like a sandbag!
I’m able to block one move of his out of every three he lands on my body.
Screw technique, this old bat is messing with me using just pure speed. The only reason I’m able to somewhat keep up is by using sword techniques and footwork to minimize my movement.
After about 10 minutes of being treated like a wooden training post, I started noticing some patterns in the grandpa’s attacks.
As he flashed behind me about to do a horizontal sweep to my legs, I put all of my strength into my legs and jump back with my sword tucked into my armpit pointing at his head.
*Thump*
With a solid sound coming from the connection, the old bat stumbles a little before gaining balance.
“HAHAHAHA! I guess I deserved that one!” rubbing his swollen forehead.
Tessia was surprised at first but after realizing it was just a spar, she settled down. At this point though, she jumps up and walks towards the elder.
“Grandpa! You hurt Art too much! You should’ve gone easier on him!” Pinching the elder’s side.
“AHH! That hurts little one. Haha I’m afraid if I went easier on Arthur, he’d be the one bullying me!” He says while picking up his granddaughter.
He flashes in front of me and suddenly places his right palm into my sternum.
“Just as I thought. The usage of mana is terrible. Your body is a mess!”
I just stare blankly at him. Whether it was ki or mana, I was utilizing it to the fullest extent. Although the limits of this premature body makes it impossible utilize my full strength, I shouldn’t be hearing that my mana usage is terrible.
The grandpa, noticing my doubtful gaze, takes my hand and places it onto his own sternum. Closing my eyes, I focus on the mana in his body.
T-this… how come I’ve never thought of using mana like this?
“Haha! You humans have such a narrow perspective on mana manipulation. Your sword techniques and fighting experience is frightening though. What kind of life did you have to learn all of this?”
“I just read a lot of books and learned a bit from my father.” I say while scratching my cheek.
“Books eh? Mmm… I’ve decided. Brat! Become my disciple!”
Chapter 13: Q & A
I just stare at him, dumbfounded.
What was this old bat saying?
“What? You can’t be serious right?” I manage to blurt out.
He just tilts his head, “Why not?”
“F-for one thing! I’m a human! Is it even allowed to have humans in this kingdom? Also, I need to make sure my family is okay and tell them I’m still alive.” I refute.
At this, the grandpa ponders a little bit before talking again.
“Living here isn’t a problem as long as you’re under my name. As for your parents… Brat, is it an absolute necessity to meet them in person?”
It was my turn to ponder this time.
“I mean, I guess it isn’t strictly a necessity for me to meet my parents in person. Although I miss them, the most important thing is finding out how they’re doing and letting them know that I’m fine if they are as well.” I answer.
“Then come with me tomorrow morning. I will be outside the manor by 6 A.M.”
Before he turns to leave, I ask, “Wait! I don’t get why you want me as your disciple. Also, you sound awfully hurried. Isn’t it possible for me to go back home and spend a bit of time with my parents before coming back here to train under you?”
“I want you to be my disciple because I want to see your potential. Kid. An uncountable amount of people has asked me to take them in as their disciple. But do you know how many I’ve taken in so far? None! These new generation brats bore me. Just because some of the wealthy nobles’ brats have a little potential, they think they’re qualified to ask me as their teacher…”
I just furrow my brows, not knowing where the grandpa is going with this.
“… You’re different. I know you have exceptional talent in mana manipulation and only God knows how but you possess better technique than even I but that isn’t the reason why I decided on teaching you. Brat…I need to ask you. How are you a Beast Tamer?” Any sort of amusement that was previously on his face was all but gone and his sharp facial feature emitted a deathly gaze.
“Beast Tamer? What are you talking about?” I was really confused. Although it was getting well into the night and the elder already sent Tessia in to sleep, it didn’t seem like this conversation was going to end soon.
“Let’s go back inside and talk.” He says, leading me to a living room with couches and a roaring fireplace.
Sitting down on the couch, he continues on. “Let’s start from the beginning. I assume you know that mana beasts possess mana cores just like humans, elves and dwarves right?”
I nod at this.
“Right. Among the humans, elves and dwarves, each race possesses qualities in their mana core that are distinct to their own race.”
He picks up a piece of paper and begins drawing a chart.
· Water - Ice
- Plant
· Earth - Gravity
- Magma, Metal
· Fire - Lightning
· Wind - Sound
“These are the 4 basic elements and their higher forms. The higher forms (Ice, Metal, Lightning, Sound) can only be controlled by mages especially adept at a particular basic element, i.e. a deviant. This is where the distinct racial qualities lie…”
He writes a couple of brief description under each race
Humans
Human mages possess the ability to manipulate all 4 basic elements and are the only race capable of having deviants that can control the higher form of their adept element. They also have deviants that can even transcend the 4 basic elements like healers (emitters), making their mana cores the most diverse.
Elves
Elf mages can only manipulate water, wind, and earth but with much higher affinity. We also have a special trait distinct to our race that allows very pureblooded elf mages to control plants. However, elves don’t have deviants that can manipulate water, wind, and earth into their higher forms.
Dwarves
Dwarf mages can only manipulate earth and fire but, like elves, they possess a much higher affinity to those two elements. Their distinct trait is that all dwarves are able to manipulate a special form of earth, metal and also possess the special ability to manipulate both earth and fire into magma, something even human deviants are not able to do, much less elves. However, they can only manipulate those two basic elements and, like elves, do not possess the ability to control the higher form of the basic elements.
“Wait I’m not getting all of this. Why can’t humans manipulate plants and magma?” I ask after reading his handy info chart.
“Good question. Only elves can manipulate plant, which is the only form of nature that is alive, because of our lineage being highly affinitive to the nurturing elements. Only the Dwarf race can manipulate magma and metal because, like us elves, their lineage makes them highly adept to the constructing elements.”
I start subconsciously rubbing the bridge of my nose while thinking harder than I have ever before.
“Okay. I get the differences between the 3 three races, but what does that have to do with me being a Beast Tamer? What does that even mean anyway?”
“I’m getting to that brat!” He growls.
&
nbsp; “Mana beasts are different from the three humanoid races because each species have their own special characteristics. Listing all of them would be endless so I’ll give you a simple example. Mages, adventurers or not, are classified: E, D, C, B, A, AA, S, SS class. This classification is the same for mana beasts as well. Take the Sonic Hawk. They are B Class beasts that possess incredible speed while in flight. They all have to affinity for wind and sound. These attributes are innate in their mana cores. If these mana cores are taken out and given to a human or elf mage that specialize in the wind element, their training will go by much faster than just cultivating mana from their surroundings but that’s it.”