The whole family stood outside their house, the fragrant summers wind bringing the scents of Morissas garden with it. A carriage could be seen in the distance decorated with intricate white and black designs of dragon heads battling. Two large horse-like beasts pulling it at a great speed, yet it didn't seem to rock one bit.
Donis was shifting around nervously, the day has finally come and he's about to step into the world of magic for real. He even has a guide to help him along the way!
Morissa then grabbed Donis's shoulders lightly and whispered into his ear, "sweetie, don't be nervous, just do your best and everything will turn out fine. He's the best tutor in the state!" Donis turned to her and smiled sweetly, "I'm not worried Mom!" He puffed out his chest, lifting the light worry from his mother's eyes.
The horse-like beasts were actually called "Droveries" when Donis inspected them. He still couldn't see the stats of any beast yet, but he figured they had high stamina or something cause they were a common danger state and didn't have much of anything else in their status window.
The Droveries stopped with a loud wail, completely different from the horses on earth. The sudden wail spooked the whole family, Korrin on the other hand was expecting this and had already covered his ears. Morissa then slapped Korrin whisper-scolding him for not warning any of them.
The man that stepped out of the carriage was tall, average looking but was accentuated by the beautiful white-black dragon faced scarf and expensive looking suit jacket. A deep royal blue aura covered the man when Donis laid his eyes on him. This wasn't what Donis had expected at all. Where was the beautiful robe, the staff, the grandeur display of magic as he got out. Yes his aura was beautiful, but this guy was nothing like Gandalf.
After walking gracefully towards Korrin, he shook each and every ones hand eventually making his way towards Donis and kneeling down to meet his eyes. "Hello young one, it seems your parents think you're gifted. Tell me, do you think you're special?"
Everyone was taken aback, how could this man ask a five year old if he thinks he's special? Every five year old thinks they're special.
Donis noticing he had a moment before he had to answer decided to inspect this formidable man.
[Name: Corvig Deladare]
[Age: 52 Years]
[Level: 86][? EXP]
[Mana State: Essence]
[Health: ?]
[Mana:?]
[Occupation: College Magistar, Tutor]
?
Donis mused for a bit, making even his mother sweat a little. After finding out that the man was actually over fifty, Donis was pleasantly surprised, he didn't look a day over twenty five. Finally he answered with, "Hmm, old sir, I don't know, probably not?"
"Hahaha, well said young one. No one is special. Being special is a subjective way of thought and I try to deal with only an objective view. Come, come, let's go inside, we'll check out your talent and see if you're worth my efforts," finished the tutor, leaving everyone else outside, still stuck in a bit of shock from hearing their little exchange.
Once inside the tutor sat down and beckoned Donis to come closer. "Now young one, tell me your name and I'll tell you mine," smiled the man. "Donis Laurent, sir," Donis beamed back.
"Sir? Your father and mother have taught you well. Well Donis, my name is Corvig Deladare, a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Corvig smiled back, with a small nod.
"Donis, I have to do some small tests to really determine your talent, do you mind helping me out?" Corvig explained to Donis, trying to keep his age in mind. "Of course Sir Corvig!"
"Haha, no one has called me that in ages, please, either call me Corvig, or tutor if you have to."
"Now Donis, please hold out your hands, I'm going to push some of my mana into you and forcefully circulate it so we can make your mana come out, and it will be easier to see," Corvig said as he held Donis's hands. "Tutor, do you have to? I can make my hands glow already, is that what you mean?" Said Donis, trying to sound annoyed. "Uh, you can? Well then show me my boy," Corvig said with a hint of suspicion.
Donis released himself from Corvigs grip and decided to show off a little, this time spreading the mana quicker around his body, making the golden precipitation come out after just a few moments. 'This time it's going to be bigger and brighter,' thought Donis. Their faces took on a golden hue almost immediately, Corvigs face lighting up with excitement alongside the new light source.
"My boy that's enough, you've proven that you have more than just talent. Sit here for a moment, let me speak to your parents. You've done very well, Donis," Corvig proclaimed with an ever growing excitement.
After exiting the room Korrin and Morissa were already waiting by the kitchen table, Corvig pulled up a chair and sat down with a smile from ear to ear. "You were incredibly quick, Sir Corvig. Is everything alright?" Morissa quickly pointed out. "Alright? Everything is marvellous. Your boy is beyond lucky. I have some wonderful news, firstly I will personally tutor him here once a week," Corvig proclaimed.
"That's wonderful! But, why are you personally tutoring him, I thought we agreed that we'd have one of your students tutor him. We must tell you that we couldn't afford your personal rates," Morissa explained, a painful expression betraying her previous smile.
"Yes, yes. Normally that is the case, but your boy is something else. This time I'll waive my regular fee and substitute it with the one we previously agreed upon. I don't know where in your lineage he got it from, but he has something special within him. I know I said no one is special, but that was before I met him. He's been blessed by the God of Creativity. He has the Golden Manaflow," Corvig stated, clasping his hands.
Korrins face dropped. His eyes wide and his hands began shaking slightly. "Golden Manaflow? C-can that be possible? I thought that was something made up for young mages to look up to?" Morissa looked confused, clearly not versed in this. "May I ask, what that is?"
Korrin quickly regained some composure, turned to his wife and began, "Morissa, I know you're not an adventurer, so you may have never heard of this, you know how there are Gods? Well every person also has a light aura. The auras are based on the blessings of the Gods. My aura is grey because I was blessed by the God of Speed, Maurac. Donis was blessed by the Golden God of Creativity, Formosa. Am I right Corvig?"
Corvig was pleased by the basic explanation, and just nodded in agreement not feeling it necessary to add any more details. "So why is that so special if everyone has a blessing? Sorry, I still don't get it," Morissa looked even more confused now.
This time Corvig decided to continue the rudimentary explanation. "Well, Ms. Laurent, each blessing has different benefits and is useful for different types of people. Korrins blessing is great for melee adventurers that rely on agility. Formosas blessing is the best one overall. With it you can never forget anything once you reach a certain mana state," Corvig briefly stopped to stand up and accentuate his point further. "Never. You can learn any spell, any move, any recipe, any weakness and never forget it. This blessing almost never appears anymore. The last time it had, was during THE Erazar war."
Morissa was shocked. Her mouth slightly agape, uncertainty painting her face. "Our boy.. OUR boy is this blessed?" She turned to Korrin, "Oh my lord, Korrin, I'm so happy," tears beginning to swell. "He has a bright future ahead of him, and with me as his tutor, I'm sure he'll make a wonderful noble," stated Corvig.
"Noble? Surely you can't be serious. That's never even been a wild dream of ours!" This time Korrin was taken aback. "Yes, a noble. As you both know, nobles are decided by their power, their abilities and achievements. This also extends to their family, thereby - you," Corvig said nonchalantly.
Korrin who had been standing beside Morrisa had to take a seat now. This was all too much. He knew his son was special, why wouldn't he be, he's his son. This though, was far beyond what they expected. Even though they were well off, they were nowhere near the nobles. They never had the power to even attempt to speak to them, let alone join them.
After their conversation, Corvig went back to Donis who definitely wasn't listening in on their conversation. Instead of scolding him, Corvig was just slightly amused. He was going to learn all of this eventually anyway, what's the harm in learning a bit earlier.
Corvig sat him down and proceeded to explain to him that he'll have to do his best, even if he cries there won't be any breaks while Corvig is there. He has to truly live up to the image that he painted for his parents. If Corvig can, he will make Donis the greatest mage in the country, maybe the world. Anything is possible with such a blessing as his.
With everything said, there was still more to do. Corvig wasn't planning on finding such a boy out here, but with Donis possessing golden mana, he needed to go to a professional and Inspect him. So with a quick adieu, and a promise to be back before nightfall, they left.
In the carriage that seemed to dwarf Donis, Corvig probed his mind in the hopes of finding out more about his new student. "Donis my boy, tell me, is there anything else you can do outside of making your hands glow? Oh by the way, that's called basic mana emission. Learn it," Corvig both sounded commanding, and compassionate.
With a slight pause, Donis nodded. Corvig not knowing to what he nodded, almost began to ask him if he could be more clear. Etheria flashed into existence. Corvig launched into the air above his seat, so taken aback by this revelation. "You.. you have a soul bond? How, how could you possibly have one at such a young age? That's a spell that usually is taken by experienced tamers! And how in the world did you even find an Ethereal Azure Youngling? They live on the other side of the continent!" Corvig couldn't help but blurt out.
Realising his lack of composure, he collected himself and began anew. Firstly by edging closer to Etheria, caressing her feathers gently. Her soft and regal wings truly befitted her name.
With a new round of questioning, Corvig was unrelenting. Donis not wanting to tell him about his [System]s quest menu, just told him a slightly abridged version of everything.
The carriage ride really flew and they had even arrived into the city of Vernaic without knowing. They only stopped talking when the carriage driver opened the door for them, not noticing the carriage coming to a halt.
With a quick shuffle the two got out and before Donis stood massive double doors that had a beautiful off-gold shine to them. Intricate patterns flowed down the seems, interlocking with the walls and even the handles. Looking around he saw the hustle and bustle of the city. It was chaotic, and nothing like what he had seen before.
Vernaic was only a few hours away from their own town of Vorinar, but the difference was immense. The grandeur of the environment had changed, the clothing of the people had definitely gone up in class. There were no kiosks with merchants shouting out of them to get the attention of the passerby, they were buildings with ornate designs in front of them that grabbed your attention.
He read the name of the shop closest to them, "Arturos Alembic Appliances". It had a small flask filled with purple liquid and a bit of smoke coming from it as the logo on the side. 'A little tacky, but definitely catches your eye,' thought Donis.
Corvig pushed Donis forward whilst opening the door with his other hand, "Welcome young Donis, this is the Inspectorate, ran by the chief inspector of Vernaic. They can analyze your status and tell us what sort of blessings you've gained, and some other basic info too. Of course they could tell us more, but for the sake of privacy towards you and your parents, we chose only what we require today."
An old man with a very clear lack of hair on top, and far too much silver hair on the underside of his chin, was snoring in his chair comfortably behind what looked like a mahogany desk. Corvig slouched slightly with his face falling into his hands, "Yes.. this man is the chief.. Inspectorate Norris," With a sigh, he pushed Donis onwards.