The guildmaster was clapping in the guild hall as Griff, James, Reiner, and Rin entered the guildhall.
"Splendid work as always Reiner."
The guildmaster teased Reiner as he saw he was walking with Rin's help.
"Well... not quite master. I think it's fairly obvious those two were the ones who did most of the work."
The guildmaster chuckled.
"Of course I know, it's obvious by your scowl. You hate losing."
The duo giggled. James, ignoring everything around him like the man he was, walked up to the bar and asked for a mug of beer.
"Well, he'll be out cold by the night. I'm sure of that. Anyways, Griff I'd like to see you in my office. Come now..."
"Yeah sure."
Griff high-fived Reiner, and started walking behind the guildmaster to his office.
"So, what are you gonna say master?"
"Ahahahahah did you just call me master? That's progress at least."
"Yeah yeah, so?"
"Straight to the point... Alright, I know you used magic during your mission Griff. Your magicules are vibrating faster."
"Magicules?"
"Condensed mana, everyone has it. Those that have mana of course. You don't use pure mana for magic, you condense them."
"Kinda makes sense."
"More things will make sense if you listen to me now boy. I think you should study under a magic teacher, a master. I know magic but knowing and teaching are different things, and I have the right person for you: Humbert's teacher lives here."
"So I'll be learning from Humbert's teacher?"
"I already informed the old man, he will be here soon. Remember, your magical attribute is dangerous, it will put you in a lot of danger. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT. Expose it before you have power enough to protect yourself."
"Yeah... I Know. And I definitely don't want that kind of life again. I'm not a masochist."
"Who taught you that word."
"..."
"James? That prickelope. He's corrupting you... He'll get a good spanking for this."
"The hell old man!"
"Kekekekekek. Well, forget about the drunkard for now. Your master's name is Alatar. He is an odd one. You'll see. Kind of like you."
"Yeah alright then. I guess I'll see him soon?"
The master nodded.
"Also master what the hell is your name?! It feels awkward as hell to just call you master."
"Hahahahahahaha! I was waiting for when you'd ask that. It's proof you've developed some kind of common sense. Leebus is my name."
"Alright then, master Leebus it is."
The old man cracked a smile at that.
"Now, run off boy, go talk with your friends before you leave to train. I'm telling you it will take a long time before you grasp your magical abilities."
"So I better have said good bye?"
"Yeah! You're getting it now."
Griff smirked, and left master Leebus's office.
"Hey James!"
James was drinking as always, and his face was beat red already.
"What is it pipsqueak?"
"The master found me a magic teacher!"
James looked at him, looking sleepy as hell. Suddenly he jolted awake, and tossed his beer behind him, hitting an unlucky rookie adventurer in the face.
"He did WHAT?"
"Um... I got a-"
"Yes yes I got that part! But I think you don't know the extremity of such an act! The master wouldn't find anyone a magic teacher. What the hell was written in that mail you brought Griff!"
"Um... dunno, I gave it already."
"Sigh... Look kid, you better make the best out of that opportunity. Most of the adventurers here can't even pay for more than one magic lesson. In your case the master will be the one paying."
"Holy shit I'm freeloading."
"Yes you are and you just understood. Look, you ain't going around telling this to everyone. People in the guild will feel angry because of this, thinking that you are getting special treatment... which you are."
"... Alright then. My teacher will probably he here in a few hours or minutes I guess. I'm not going to be here for a while."
"Well, duh. You'll be learning magic, you can't have a lot of free time."
"So... I'll I guess see you a while later?"
"I'm not going anywhere kid, don't worry. When you come back you'll probably find me here, drinking another mug of beer."
"Yeah I know."
Griff smiled at that.
"Oi why are you smiling?"
"No special reason. Anyways I'll go and say bye to Reiner and Rin."
"Tsk. Those two were pretty worthless if you ask me in the last mission."
"I think they were just caught off guard."
"Think what you want to about it kid. Now run along... I need to spend more time with Margaret."
"Who the hell is Margaret?"
"My beer."
"You drunk fuck..."
James didn't hear any of Griff's curse as he proceeded to drink his beer in ecstasy.
"Man... how did I end up with this dude."
Griff walked away, facepalming.
Just then, the doors to the guild were blown off, and an old man clad in white entered the room. He was wearing robes, and was walking uptight like a nobleman.
"Howdy y'all little fuckers! It's your resident wise old man!"
One adventurer shouted.
"It's the crazy old man! Run for your lives, he knows magic!"
The old man cackled, and started shooting fire balls all around the room.
"Please no..."
Griff was tearing up.
"Please don't tell me that's who I think it is."
"I came here looking for a pipsqueak named Griff you greenhorns! Point him to me kekekekekeke."
Suddenly everyone in the guildhall, without hesitation pointed towards Griff.
Even Reiner and Rin were pointing at him, shacking in fear.
"Who the fuck is this old shit..."
"Good, good. Hey, boy! Did old Leeby tell you who I am?"
'Ah for fucks sake he really is my new master.'
"...yes"
"I don't like you attitude squirt! Shout from the top of your lungs!"
"Yes?"
"LOUDER!"
"YES MASTER!"
"Good."
He walked up to Griff, and chopped on his neck, causing him to faint. Then he started dragging him behind him.
"See you greenhorns later! I got a student to teach."
The old man walked over the shattered doors once more, dragging an unconscious Griff.
James, in the meantime, was spending quality time with his beloved Margaret, and couldn't care less of what happened around him at the moment.
Reiner looked towards his sister and sighed.
"I can't believe he came here to get Griff."
"Yeah... he even rejected me as a disciple. I had to learn on my own you know."
"I know, you never stop boasting about it."
Rin pouted.
"But still! What made that man come down from his mountain to get Griff. There's something with that kid alright."
"Yeah there is... or you just found him cute."
"I don't like guys that keep gazing around like they are oblivious to common sense. He looks like a lost puppy for god's sake."
"Good seeing you warmed up to him."
Rin had a tick mark form on her head , and slowly raised her fist.
Reiner gulped.
"I'm still injured."
"I don't care..."
"...mommy."