The squad of four walks behind the shed, where they see a middle aged man chopping down a tree:
- Oh, hello. Are you travelers? - Asks the mysterious man
- Yes we are, we saw your house from a distance and wanted to check it out. - Says Inkuto
- I hope you all are ok, something set off a huge avalanche! - Says the mysterious man
- Yeah were fine. - Says Nozomi
- Okay, if you need shelter you guys can stay in my shed, theres a fireplace and blankets if you get cold. My names Shikei, nice to meet you. - Says Shikei
- Nice to meet you too, Im Nozomi, this is Asa, Janpure and Inkuto. - Says Nozomi
They head into the shed and start unpacking their bags, knowing that they need a break from hiking up the mountain:
- Hey, are you guys hungry? - Asks Shikei
- No, we ate about 20 minutes ago. Also Shikei, can i ask you a question? - Says Inkuto
- Yeah, go for it. - Says Shikei
- Why did you take us in, you gain nothing for having us here. - Says Inkuto
- You're all survivors from the attack on Necrodemia in Fenelarden, correct? - Says Shikei
- Oh, so thats why. Im guessing you were an archmage too. - Says Asa
- Correct, i am the son of Hinokagu, the fire deity, and one of the 6 celestial beings. - Says Shikei
- Woah seriously? Thats awesome! - Says Nozomi
They continue talking, and they bring up runes:
- Hey, Shikei. What rune do you have? - Asks Janpure
- My rune is called Kaen, it allows me to summon schorching flames wherever i please. Its an elder rune, just like yours Nozomi. - Says Shikei
- Just like mine? - Says Nozomi confused
- Yes, i can tell by the color, and the placement of your rune that you possess the speed deities rune, Tempo. You four are no normal group of archmages, each of you are talented, with powerful runes. You all have the potential to become immensely powerful mages. - Says Shikei
- Thank you, Shikei. - Say the four proud of what they've become
- I will train you four, under one circumstance.
- What is it, Shikei? - Asks Nozomi
- I need each of you four to promise to me that you will never betray the archmages, me, and all of the innocent people that were killed in the Thonses incident. - Says Shikei
- We promise! - Say the four, as Asa bows to Shikei:
- Please, master, teach me the ways of the flame. - Says Asa
- Of course, young swordsman. - Says Shikei, as he unsheathes the legendary sword Uriel, it starts to glow a bright red color. Suddenly, Excalibur starts to glow a bright golden orange color with an intense aura around it:
- For me to be able to train you, ill have to see how strong you really are with Excalibur. - Says Shikei
- I understand, we will have a legendary duel! - Says Asa