The mid-day sun illuminated the dense green forest, the towering trees shaded the beasts from the blistering heat. Deep within this jungle, two blurs flickered through the forest.
Naturally, it was Jacob and Elijah. As they moved they seemed to be playing a game of tag at blinding speeds.
The two playfully chased each other, one could barely make out their figure. Of course, this speed was just a result of them being magicians.
Elijah was a blademaster, therefore, swiftness was an integral part of his skill set. Whereas Jacob relied solely on his physical reinforcement to rush through.
It was a marvellous sight; their simple game could be seen as proof of their natural ability.
The two budding magicians continued with frightening speed, they had been travelling for almost two hours nonstop, however, no sign of exhaustion was present. It was quite apparent that training with mana over the years strengthened their bodies beyond expectation.
On a side note, Jacob was incognizant of the vast world. Living in the mountains he was oblivious to all news; this had formed a huge disconnect between him and society.
Fortunately, Elijah was aware of his plight and had already explained some basic etiquette and rules during their blitz through the forest...
"Hah.... so when are we gonna reach Reneva?"
Jacob inquired unaware of their route.
"Haa? It's not that simple you know... Reneva is a large duchy, it's also treated as the focal point of wandering magicians. Something like that has many regulations we have to pass through-.."
Just listening to Elijah's long rant about all the formalities had already exhausted Jacob, what kind of place was so hard to get into? Did they give out free food or something? He couldn't understand.
He would much rather learn about the ranking systems and magic principles, these aspects where much more exhilarating than the monotonous bureaucratic requirements.
He still remembered the long lecture Elijah had given him rankings and what the signified.
It was simple, all Magicians were ranked solely on their control and precision. These rankings ranged from F, F+, E, E+, D, D+..... to S+.
This system was naturally developed by scholars. To them, a mage's value could only be measured by his/her exploits in understanding and controlling their magic. Therefore, strength was not an important aspect.
However, the modern Magus world valued combat highly, hence these old rankings were just used to determine the current potential of a mage. In the end, control was a magician's showcase of ability.
Other than this, Jacob had also wanted to discuss magician types, however, Elijah felt his knowledge was inadequate. Hence, he advised him to wait till someone more experienced could teach him.
Jacob was just mentally recalling all this when he saw the forest nearly coming to an end. He sprang upward reaching towards the trees. Within a second he swiftly climbed to the top and was bombarded with a strange salty breeze. As he slowly opened his eyes, he was awestruck.
The town was surrounded by semi-circular cliffs with an opening towards the sea. The vast endless ocean reflected the cloudless horizon as it met the harbour. Colossal ships docked at the coast, as small fishermen lined its beaches, a complex market connected the intricate city roads.
Jacob was mesmerized at first sight. To him this scene was magical. He couldn't help but shout in glee.
"Oi, I See it! It's Amazing is that it?"
Elijah who had followed him to the trees was very amused by his reactions and couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahah, yeah, that's it. Welcome to port Linvedia."
Jacob struggled to look away, still dazzled by its beauty,
"Come on, we will just be killing time until our ship departs anyways, so let me show you around town"
Elijah poked Jacob as he struggled to regain his senses.
As they both entered the town, Jacob was again shocked by the sheer number of merchants lining the streets. In the mountains, he would only get to see them once or twice a year!
"Woahhh I can barely see the end of this market"
"Don't worry there's still a lot for you to see hehhehe"
Elijah chuckled; Jacob acted as If he was a kid visiting the circus for the first time. His reactions were just too childish and innocent.
A few moments later, they slowly made their way to the main street. The large roads were mainly reserved for carriages and other vehicles, so pedestrians used the sidewalks instead. It was a typical arrangement in major cities.
Jacob carefully analyzed every carriage as it passed by, he could tell these were extravagant compared to the one's he had seen at home. However, what surprised him was that Elijah showed almost no reaction whatsoever, was everyone from the cities used to such a lifestyle?
"Hmm, we can go book a room later and we have to wait for the ferry anyways... So Let's roam around the marketplace and waste some time."
Elijah suggested. He was also quite bored and thought looking around wouldn't be a bad idea. Not to mention that this was the perfect opportunity to teach Jacob about some common items. The markets were sure to possess some daily necessities he could show.
As such, Jacob and Elijah scampered around the crowded Bazaar. As they browsed the massive collections of items, Jacob began to realise the potential of magic for convenience was much higher than he ever expected.
There were loads of trinkets and equipment that were just bedazzled with enchantments he had never even considered! He felt as if these guys had too much time on their hands...Especially after seeing a noise suppression and unbreaking enchantment on the same bed! What kind of shit were they doing to need that...?
The list didn't end here! A glove with fast hands, rings with higher vitality, necklaces with charm and most of all, A whip with euphoria... Was this the magician's junkyard or something? Because all he could see was garbage like this littered everywhere...
Jacob had a shocked expression... were all magicians just massive perverts?
Elijah and Jacob continued browsing various shops until the duo came across one selling magic crystals, they were rhombic in structure and a staple for magicians.
The jewels were very versatile, different coloured crystals had completely different uses. Jacob picked a red one and examined it carefully. It was a scarlet ruby with meticulous runes inscribed inside.
Elijah felt this was a good chance and thus started explaining some basic features of these gems.
"Ok generally the red ones are used for heating, blue for cooling, white for light, and the black ones are for storage. The price depends on the quality, of course, the higher the quality the better the function. Ah, also these transparent ones can be programmed but they aren't really easy to work with".
Heating? As he held the ruby in his hand it felt quite cool, how could this produce heat? He wanted to understand but quickly gave up considering he barely knew basic magic principles. Instead, Jacob opted for testing these out to see how they functioned.
The instructions were simple, infusing mana would trigger their purpose, he slowly injected some energy into the gem, after a few seconds he could feel it vibrating in his hands followed by a sudden jolt of warmth
He could feel the heat fluctuating as he changed his mana, it was easily possible to start a small ember if given enough. These would be valuable for adventurers. A portable source of heat was necessary to survive cold lands and given their ease, one could carry 20 easily.
However, to his surprise, they weren't awfully expensive. One cost around 5 silver. A moderate price for its utility. As his eyes scanned the other goods, he felt excited, if these kind of things were possible using magic.... then he wanted to learn more.
Jacob then spotted some colourful marbles, which were also not common. Called spell beads. Each held a one-time spell within. Once cracked, it would execute. It wasn't a very precise form of attack since the magician had no control over the spell, but it was very useful considering you did not spend any of your mana and it was quick.
Elijah had also seen these and readily forked some silver coins for some containing a grey smoke. Jacob wondered what the spell was, but the possibilities were endless. Obviously, only high-quality marbles contained high-rank spells. These cheap ones would only have some basic spells for utility or attack at most.
As the duo kept progressing further in the street market, Jacob had examined various magic tools and their functions hence increasing his basic knowledge. Although he couldn't hope to understand how they worked, He was now confident in using them easily.
Jacob was very happy with all he had learned; in a single day, he had viewed around a hundred items and also learned their uses. This was crucial knowledge for novice wizards, therefore, he felt good knowing he was at least catching up in one way. Jacob hopped around joyously.
Elijah smiled, seeing Jacob happy was also a nice form of entertainment for him. However, this stroll didn't last long. Suddenly, an eerie feeling crept closer...
Elijah reacted instantly.... but it had vanished without a trace! A pursuer? Surely not. The market was very crowded so it would be difficult to pinpoint someone's location. In this scenario....how could someone hope to follow them?
Elijah's instincts as a blademaster were refined through real experience. Only if someone was clearly stronger, would they be able to trick his gaze. Although there were plenty of high ranked magicians in the city, why would they bother following him? He had nothing valuable...
Unless... Could it be... Had his past finally come to haunt him? If that was really the case, then he really didn't wish for Jacob to get involved. However, he knew if Jacob found out he would never leave. That guy was way too headstrong in these matters.
Elijah was anxious if the opponent could observe him effortlessly then he was vastly outranked. Jacob was still clueless and had kept moving forward. Elijah's only choice was to subtly observe for now and then figure out a stealthy escape.
There was no room for mistakes. If he was discovered... Their lives would be at risk.
Elijah nonchalantly followed Jacob, however, under this calm facade his senses roared. Blood rushed through his veins as he focused through his eyes. Within a radius of 10 metres, nothing escaped his attention.
He could see every step, every gesture, every breath. Almost as if the world had slowed down for him. His eyes darted frantically; his gaze scrutinized everything! A blademaster's real ability lied in his observation!
His instincts screamed pointing towards a strange ring on the finger of an old woman. He scanned it thoroughly. A golden signet ring with an inscription usually worn by nobles for fashion.
It was not the ring that was strange... but the frequency of its appearance! He had seen the same ring about 10 times now. A coincidence? Impossible.
The market was jam-packed with customers, there was absolutely no way he would always encounter it. Not only that, but it was also the same design every time. A coiling dragon with flowers inscribed in gold.
As Jacob kept wandering, Elijah had noted its appearance on different individuals. This was way too strange. A new fashion trend? No... An organisation? he could not tell.
The ring wearers had certainly caught his attention. However, he could not sense any malicious intent. Was he mistaken?
Assuming that they were all stronger than him, he decided to move to a secluded space. If his opponent could disguise himself within crowds then he simply had to go to a more enclosed area.
Elijah subtly gestured Jacob towards a small bar. If they could hide in there then the stalkers would definitely have to give up or risk revealing themselves.
However, Elijah had not taken into account the fact that they were both kids. As they entered the bar, various people glared their way. It was a strange sight to see two kids in this place.
The rowdy atmosphere had dissolved into an unsettling stare down.
In reality, most of these customers were mercenaries enjoying their downtime. They had not expected two brats to disturb them. Fortunately, Jacob's bright smile and polite actions had eased the tension.
He had lived his life surrounded by ruffians and skeezy merchants, so he was quite skilled in blending in. Within a few minutes, the rough group of drinkers had warmed up to them even offering them some food and making a few jokes.
Elijah was thoroughly impressed by his skills, as someone with a posh upbringing, he could not hope to appease these war-hardened mercenaries.
A few hours later......
They had spent quite a lot of time in the bar, Elijah had already shared the plan with Jacob. They were already on high alert.
Both exited the bar and headed towards an inn. Camping out in the safety of their room was their best chance. Assuming they had lost the tail, their location shouldn't be compromised too early.
Jacob was unnervingly calm in this difficult situation. Although he had never faced people in combat he knew being anxious wouldn't make a difference.
According to Elijah, all he had to do was land a hit, his strength would definitely shine through. As long as he could dodge and land at least one hit it was doable.
The plan was simple, wait and survey the surroundings and then sneak out towards the ferries at night. No matter how high-rank the pursuers, the night gave them the excellent advantage of stealth.
Elijah had covered the entrance by the window, whereas Jacob was going to exit from the back. By splitting up they ensured greater success. During their wait, Snow had also woken up from its deep slumber. It had instantly grasped the situation, truly deserving of its companion status.
Elijah instructed Snow to go ahead and make sure no one could ambush them. Surveying and hunting was a Falcon's second nature. With its vicious speed, Snow could definitely sneak in and out without detection.
The plan was a go, with Snow scouting ahead they had significantly reduced the risk of discovery
"Get ready."
A faint whisper slipped from Elijah's lips.
Jacob was prepared... He awaited the signal and as soon as he saw the gesture from Elijah, both parties had instantly flickered away.
Jacob had utilized his full speed, almost seeming a blur at night. His footwork was agile, and he zoomed through the city. Elijah was the same, almost seeming a ghost as not even his shadow could be seen.
However, midway a strange presence had locked onto them. This was not ordinary. Elijah had instantly understood, this could only be an enemy mage...
As they both almost reached the docks, five shadows had appeared out of the darkness. The enemy were assassins!
Furthermore, their only opportunity of escape was over, Jacob could sense they had already found them. It was futile to try.
As such both of them rapidly stopped close together. Their only hope of fighting was together.
The five men encircled them quickly, not allowing any openings. It seemed Elijah was right; they really were being followed...
With a five-way deadlock trapping them, the two boys faced imminent danger!
As one assassin stepped forward he slowly took off his hood. A sly smile on his face, he approached Elijah. Jacob could sense that the two had some history.
"'Well well, what do he have here? Did you miss me, your highness?. "....