I nodded at this.

  “Right. And just like mana beasts, the mana cores of humans, elves, and dwarves possess qualities distinct to their own race,” Virion continued.

  He took paper and pen from a nearby table and began drawing a chart. I peered over his shoulder to see.

  Water—Ice

  Earth—Gravity

  Fire—Lightning

  Wind—Sound

  “These are the four basic elements and their higher forms,” he said, looking at me to see if I understood. “The higher forms—ice, metal, lightning, sound—can only be controlled if a mage is especially adept at a particular basic element—in other words, a deviant. This is where the distinct racial qualities lie.” He wrote a brief description under each race, explaining and elaborating as he went.

  Humans:

  4 basic elements, higher forms

  –deviants (healers/emitters)

  “Human mages,” he said as he scribbled, “possess the ability to manipulate all four basic elements. Humans are the only race whose deviants can control the higher form of their adept element. There are even human deviants who can transcend the four basic elements, like healers, or emitters, making their mana cores the most diverse.”

  He didn’t pause to see if I had questions. His pen continued to fly across the page.

  Elves:

  Water, wind, earth

  –No higher forms

  –Exlusive element: Plants (pure)

  “Elven mages can only manipulate water, wind, and earth, but our natural affinities to these three elements are much higher than humans’. Our race is unique, in that some very pure-blooded mages are able to control plants. However, elves don’t have deviants who can manipulate water, wind, and earth into their higher forms.”

  “Why—” I began, but he was racing ahead, intent on the lesson.

  Dwarves:

  Earth, fire

  –No higher forms

  –Exclusive elements: Metal, magma

  “Dwarven mages can only manipulate earth and fire but, like elves, they possess a much higher affinity to those two elements. Their distinct trait lies in the fact that all dwarves can mold and bend metal. Some deviants also possess the ability to manipulate both earth and fire into magma, something even human deviants are not able to do, much less elves. However, dwarves can only manipulate those two basic elements and, like elves, are unable to control the higher forms of the basic elements.”

  “Wait,” I said, studying his charts. “I’m not getting all of this. Why can’t humans manipulate plants and magma?”

  “Good question. Only elves can manipulate plants—the only living nature form—because of our lineage being highly affinitive to the nurturing elements. And only the dwarf race can manipulate magma and metal because, like us elves, their lineage makes them highly adept with the constructing elements.”

  I started rubbing the bridge of my nose as my brain whirled.

  “Okay. I think I understand the differences between the 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 barked. “Mana beasts are different from the three humanoid races, because each species has its own special characteristics. Listing them all would be endless so I’ll give you a simple example: Mages—whether they are adventurers or not—are classified as E, D, C, B, A, AA, S, or 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 have affinity for wind and sound. These attributes are innate in their mana cores. Regardless of the hawk’s affinity, if the beast’s mana core is taken out and given to a human or elf mage specializing in the wind element, the mage’s training will go by much faster than just cultivating mana from their surroundings. But that’s the only impact it will have on the mage.”

  I waited impatiently while Virion gulped down a glass of water. Then he continued. “However! A mana beast of A-class or higher has the ability to pass on its ‘will’—or ability, to be more precise—to one person. I called you a beast tamer earlier because you have a mana beast’s will in your mana core. By my estimation, it’s the will of an S-class mana beast, if not an SS-class. I’m able to sense this because I’m a beast tamer myself, although the beast I tamed was an AA-class, the shadow panther.”

  So that’s how he was able to be so unusually fast.

  Seeing the look of revelation on my face, Elder Virion chuckled. “Yes, brat, I was able to bully you that badly by utilizing my shadow panther’s will. But I only used about half my speed.” He shot me a wink.

  He could move even more quickly?

  Everything was beginning to make sense: the strange, faint markings that had appeared on my mana core after Sylvia gouged through it; how she had said my future progress would depend on understanding her power…

  My eyes welled up and I lowered my head, trying to keep my tears from falling.

  “You must have been through a lot, child. I’m not going to push you for an answer, but it is urgent that I guide you. You don’t have much time.” His voice was warm but stern.

  “What do you mean?” I sniffled, looking up at him.

  “The power from your mana core is too much for your immature body to handle. Let me ask you this, boy. Have you recently felt a burning pain coming from your mana core?” The look on my face must have given him the answer, because he nodded solemnly. “If you don’t learn to control your new mana core, it’ll destroy your body.” He looked straight at me, dissolving any doubt I may have had.

  “I understand. It seems I have no choice but to be under your guidance,” I said, trying to get my emotions under control. “However, I don’t think I’ll be able to focus on training without making sure that my family is all right and that they know I’m safe too. You mentioned something about that earlier…”

  “What is it?” Elder Virion asked at my hesitation.

  “Just trying to figure out how to best address you. Is ‘Master’ fine?”

  “Just call me Grandpa from now on. My first disciple should at least be able to call me that. And who knows, maybe someday I’ll become your grandpa-in-law.” He shot me another wink.

  My eyes widened in response, and he chuckled as he continued. “We’ll go see an old friend of mine tomorrow who’ll take care of your worries. What I need from you, starting now, is your utmost diligence. Even I am not sure how long it’ll take for you to master the basics of your beast’s will. In all my two hundred years, I’ve never seen such a young mage, let alone a beast tamer. You’re going to bring big changes into this world, brat. I just know it.”

  I was taken aback, not by his praise, but by how casually he’d mentioned that he was over two hundred years old. I’d read that powerful mages were able to live longer, but it was still surprising to hear it in person.

  “Go to sleep now, Arthur. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day. You’ll need the rest.”

  I got up and bowed before leaving the room. “Goodnight… Grandpa.”

  He chuckled, waving me off. I made my way back to my room, where I plopped onto my bed, too tired to even get under the covers.

  Iroused from sleep, grunting at the heavy sensation weighing down on my body.

  Were they my worries? My burdens? The expectations placed on me? Were these things weighing down on me even as I slept?

  “G’morning, Art! Wake up!”

  I opened my eyes to see that my burdens had taken the form of a lovely young lady very similar in appearance to my friend Tess.

  “Come on, sleepyhead! You need to meet Grandpa soon. Hey! Don’t go back to sleep!” She bounced up and down, crushing my ribs.

  Was this how elven princesses acted? I doubted that the king and queen would approve…

  “I get it! I’m up, Tess. Please get off my stomach so I can get up,” I groaned, still half-asleep.

  Tessia giggled. “Art, your hair looks funny. Hey, hey, is it true you’re going to be staying here for a while? Grandpa told me this morning. I’m so happy! You’re really staying, right? Right?” Tess had a wide smile pasted on her face.

  How the hell was she so energetic this early in the morning?

  Trying to tame my hair, I responded, “We’ll know for sure after my trip with Elder Virion, but it seems I’ll most likely be bothering you for a bit longer, Princess.”

  She stabbed my side with her finger. “Not ‘Princess.’ Tess! T-E-S-S! I’m going to get upset if you don’t treat me better.”

  She was cute when she pouted.

  “All right, all right. I have to shower and get ready, so I’ll see you downstairs.”

  “You better hurry!” she chimed as she pranced out of the room.

  Letting out a sigh, I removed my robe, making sure to keep the feather-wrapped stone safely inside, and hopped into the shower. The warm water washed away what was left of my fatigue after being awakened so roughly.

  After drying myself and getting dressed, I made my way down the flight of curved stairs. A butler opened the front door for me as I approached. When I stepped out, I saw a small carriage waiting in front of the castle, with Grandpa Virion and Tess inside. The king and queen stood next to it, their backs to me, talking to Virion.

  “Father, it is not appropriate for a human to be residing within this kingdom.”

  “Alduin is right, Elder Virion. Although saving Tessia is something I will forever be grateful to the child for, having a human stay here goes against all traditions.”

  Virion leaned back lazily inside the carriage.

  “Bah! Screw traditions,” he snorted. “I’ve taken a liking to that boy, and so has Tessia, haven’t you, child?”

  “Grandpa! It’s not like that! He’s just…” Her voice trailed off at the end, face glowing.

  Virion laughed. “Anyway, he’s going to be under my direct guidance from now on. Make sure to let everyone know that he is not to be trifled with.”

  “Father—”

  “Enough! This isn’t a political decision, but a personal wish of mine. I hope you can respect that. Oh, brat! You’re here,” he called, his expression changing to a smile as soon as he saw me. “Come! We should hurry.”

  I nodded, then turned to the king and queen and bowed, pretending not to see their frowns.

  Afew minutes into our journey, I turned to Grandpa Virion. “Hey, Gramps, where are we headed, anyway? You said we were meeting a friend of yours, right?”

  “‘Gramps,’ eh?” he replied with a chuckle. “Well, aren’t you awfully comfortable with me now? Good, good! As for where we’re going, it’s a surprise.” He threw me a wink.

  Tessia must have been tired from waking up so early—she had fallen asleep, her head leaning against my shoulder.

  “Take good care of her, Art. She grew up in a very lonely environment,” Grandpa Virion muttered. A look of compassion filled his eyes as he looked at his sleeping granddaughter.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Growing up as the only princess of an entire kingdom is very stressful—too much for a child to handle. She has no close friends, and it has been hard on her. Tessia has been hurt too many times by people pretending to care about her, only to use her for their personal gains. This has made her often cold and distant to those around her. Imagine how surprised we all were when we saw you two holding hands.”

  “I noticed that when I heard her talk to the guards,” I said.

  “Arthur, Tessia has shown more emotion, more smiles and laughter, than she ever did growing up; around you, she finally seems more like a child. For that, I thank you.” He patted my shoulder.

  The carriage came to a gentle halt, and the driver opened the door to inform us of our arrival.

  “Hey, Tess, we’re here,” I whispered, gently nudging her.

  She eventually stirred awake and we got out of the carriage, finding ourselves in front of what could only be described as a hut.

  Grandpa Virion strode to the door and began pounding on it, yelling, “Hey, you old witch! Come out!”

  The door flew open to reveal a hunched, elderly lady whose gray hair looked as if it had been struck by lightning. Her wrinkled eyes were a strange mixture of colors, all blending together, and she was dressed in a simple brown robe. She barely glanced at Virion before peering down at me with an appraising eye.

  “Took you long enough to get here,” she muttered.

  “Arthur, let me introduce you to Rinia Darcassan. She’s a very special deviant amongst us elves,” Grandpa Virion announced.

  “It’s good seeing you again, Virion. Charming as always, little Tessia.” She smiled, patting Tess’s head.

  Then, looking at me again, she stuck out her hand. “We finally meet, young Arthur. Call me Rinia. I am a diviner.”

  Chapter 14

  What’s to Come

  Grandpa Virion, Tessia, Rinia, and I had situated ourselves around a circular table. A jar of water rested in the middle.

  I stared curiously at the jar of water, then ventured, “Elder Rinia, I’m a little lost as to what it is a diviner does. Gramps said you’d be able to tell me if my parents are okay.”

  One of the ancient elf’s thin white brows rose. “‘Gramps,’ is it, Virion? You’ve really let yourself go if you’re letting youngsters like him call you that.”

  “Bah! He’s an exception,” Virion said with a grin, looking at me. “If any other brat dares to call me something like Gramps, I’ll have them hung upside down and beaten with a cactus.”

  Glaring at me, she barked, “So, you little whelp! You don’t even know where your parents are, but still you want to travel all over Sapin, find them, and then come back to train? You’d be dead by the time you got yourself back here.”

  I looked at Grandpa Virion. Did he tell her…?

  As if he knew what I was thinking, he smiled and said, “I didn’t tell Rinia any of this. There isn’t much you can hide from her, but she doesn’t usually bother looking too deeply into a person.” His smile had faded as he spoke, and now he directed a worried gaze toward the elderly lady. “What’s made you so nosy, Rinia?”

  “You and I both know he’s special. In fact, there are parts of his life that even I can’t see. Arthur, whatever beast it was that passed its will on to you, it was no ordinary creature. Limiting it to an SS-class wouldn’t do it justice.” She pondered for a bit before continuing. “Enough about that, though. Arthur, you’re here to see your parents, so that’s what I’ll help you do. Close your eyes for a moment and picture your parents. Focus on their appearance and their mana signature. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  I closed my eyes and imagined the last time I had seen them both together—my father badly wounded, my mother healing him.

  “You can open your eyes now.”

  I looked at her to see the colors swirling in her eyes. The water had floated out of the jar and formed a spiraling disk in midair. Suddenly, I saw my parents in the water.

  I bolted up, flipping over my chair as I leaned in as close to the table as I could get. I saw my mother and father together, sitting around a dining table. It didn’t seem to be our home in Ashber. My mother’s face was a bit pale, and she was saying something to my father. I could tell that she had lost a bit of weight, but looked healthy otherwise. Her stomach! It was evident now that she was pregnant; her belly had a noticeable bulge. My father looked much the same as ever. He was wearing some kind of uniform, though, and was sporting a beard.

  I could feel hot tears running uncontrollably down my face, but I didn’t dare take my eyes from the image of my parents.

  They’re alive! They’re doing okay! They’re fine.

  “Th-thank you, Elder Rinia,” I managed to say in a sniffled stammer. “Thank you, truly, for showing me this.”

  She looked a little uncomfortable at my emotional display, and just waved me off. “Let me see where they are now.”

  The image zoomed out, and I could see the outside of the building they were in. Just as I had suspected, it was definitely not our home in Ashber. Zooming out even further, I could see the layout of the city they were staying in.

  “It seems they’ve made their home in Xyrus,” Rinia said, a contented look on her face. “That makes things simpler for us.”

  Tess was patting my back, obviously upset to see me crying, but her gaze didn’t leave the swirling water. I faintly heard her mumble, “Art’s parents…”

  But Grandpa Virion clapped his hands together and stood up.

  “All right, Arthur! Let’s let your parents know that you’re alive!”

  According to Grandpa Virion, strict regulations controlled communications between the kingdoms of Elenoir and Sapin. However, Rinia, as a diviner who had not been discovered by the kingdom of Sapin, allowed us a certain freedom from those regulations.

  “I’m going to put your voice directly into your parents’ minds,” Rinia said. “Here’s how it works: I will pour some of my innate mana into you, establishing a temporary link. When I give you the signal, start speaking as if you’re talking to your parents. It’s important to know that they will hear your voice inside their heads, so they may not believe what you’re saying at first. You must get them to believe that it really is you speaking to them, and that they’re not going crazy. Remember, we’re just doing this to let them know you’re still alive. I can’t keep the connection up for long, so think about what you need to say. You’ll have about two minutes.” Her gaze was serious.

  I prepared myself, and nodded to show her I was ready.

  “Begin… now.”

  Her whole body began glowing the same indescribable color as her eyes, and I could see the glow spreading to me as well.

  Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts and concentrated.

 

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