As Ludas emanated the warm red aura Maric was entranced, He had never seen a true mage flare his aura before. Typically only mages of Rank B and above can weaponize or form an aura but when utilized it can be a true threat in combat.
"I told you to run! Move your asses!"
Ludas shouted but as his last words echoed in the wind a shadow bolted out from the brush, The shadow was on all fours and had a ghastly black mist emanating from every inch of its body it seemed to be a Wolf type magical beast but one wielding the Darkness affinity.
As the shadow landed near the rock Ludas crouched on, it launched ethereal black chains towards him.
Ludas smirked and whispered "Too weak." as his body was ignited into golden flames the flames repelled the chains but it continued on to oppress the wolf itself making it whine and retreat back towards the brush it had come from so valiantly.
The wolf stood its ground betraying the emotion it showed, it's feet trembling in the water it managed to give out a low growl. Ludas stood up, body, hair and even eyes ignited in this flame.
He raised his hand and shouted
"Flame Magic: Majestic Onslaught"
Instantly a barrage of flaming arrows aimed at the wolf taking flight instantly and skewering the creature. As the steam rose from the fire that had come in contact with the shallow water a screen of mist blocked Maric and Ludo's vision but in that instant Maric had seen the power before impact he had seen what a true mage was capable of doing to those who invoked their wrath. He was terrified but exhilarated for he could only imagine what power he would wield in the future.
"So cool.." Maric said to himself under his breath
Ludo chimed in "Yup, this is the power of the Isenhilt family. I will one day be just like my pop."
Maric looked toward the boy, Ludo was similar to his dad but without the blonde streaks. He was Maric's height and muscular for his age, his chipped tooth and demeanor pointed to his rough attitude but he seemed to be alright. When he peered deeper with his mysterious proficiency in sensing emotions he saw that his heart only felt like Courage & Pureness. As the steam cleared Ludas came to the shore and up to the boys
"Now that was a foolish beast, I wonder why it didn't back down after I exuded my aura? Typically creatures will take note of a predator.." Ludas questioned these things under his breath and genuinely looked puzzled this is when a voice chimed in.
Before Ludas could finish his thoughts he was interrupted by another voice.
"Sgt. Isenhilt we both can guess why the beast was imbued with such reckless courage, there is an alpha magical beast nearby giving orders and imbuing power."
This voice belonged to Varys, and although the assumption may have seemed pompous he was a veteran and had lived in these woods years prior to Maric even being born. Ludas looked stunned as he quickly bowed and gave his respects to Varys.
"Father! I didn't expect you to return today, I took a stroll and ended up in quite the predicament. But rest assured I am fine thanks to Mr. Isenhilt." Maric exclaimed as he pointed to the Sergeant.
"Don't fret, child, I am glad to see you have met our distant neighbors. Ludas is a good man and I was the one who helped him get the grant for building in this area all those years ago." Varys smiled as he said this as if he were reminiscing on a pleasant past.
"But nonetheless I am glad he protected you. Ludas, you should bring your boy to Arelle Manor. We will have dinner and catch up." Varys proposed, both Varys and Ludas knew Ludas would say yes. First because this is technically an order from a superior and two Varys was a truly good man and incredible mage.
"Of course my Lord. We will come near dusk and dine with you and your family, I assume this will be the first time I meet the Madame of the Arelle family?" Ludas inquisitively chirped. Silence befell the group.. Maric looked at Varys and that happy look was replaced with a familiar deep sadness but only for a second before Varys replied.
"She's dead, Ludas. Has been for years." as Varys turned to guide Maric by the shoulder with a soft hand Maric felt an echo of the past pang inside his heart. A pain that felt all too familiar but alas he could not articulate to his father the things he feels or how he feels them.
When Varys & Maric arrived at the manor Varys turned to him and said "Do you think you alone could have handled that beast?"
Maric became nervous and replied "No, I froze just witnessing. I didn't expect-" but was interrupted by Varys.
"That's right. You didn't expect something that dangerous lurking about. Against all the things I have taught you. Before you venture alone at least be aware of those with more skill around you perhaps they would have come along" as Varys finished speaking he waved his hand, at his signal three of the main servants appeared.
"Seraph, Ishmael & Artmeris. These three are Squires under my tutelage at the Lords Hall and are currently residing with us in exchange for stay in order for us to be close for training and missions as a squad. But after today I will have them give you tips in my absence to accelerate your training." As Varys finished he gathered the cooking staff to cook extra meals and he retired to his study.
Maric was left with mixed feelings, he was ashamed that his father had scolded him but he was also angry because it wasn't his fault. A childlike thought but this situation was commonplace for parents and children. After this Maric went to meditate to cool off before dinner, while activating the elemental sutra he began absorbing and converting energy until he was drenched in sweat. He had no idea what his rank or affinity may be but he never kept that in mind instead Maric always focused on being productive and being well rounded in his training. Maric was well aware of his time coming to leave for the academy, there was always a chance he could end up off planet since the scarlet alliance had built an academy for each planet inhabited by humans. Suddenly a knock disrupted Maric's deep thoughts so he decided to deal with those stray thoughts later.
"Young Master Arelle, Dinner is nearing completion please come take a seat" a cooking staff servant said beyond the door. Maric made his way to the dining hall and met with Ludas, Varys, Ludo and a brown haired woman next to Ludas.
"Ah son, take a seat. I assume you hadn't met Loraine Cadus, wife of Ludas & excellent alchemist." Varys said. The dining hall table was full of various foods, since Maric had never seen guests visit the Manor he had also never seen this amount of food prepared. He took his seat and looked towards Loraine.
"Nice to meet you my lady and good to see you Lord Ludas & Young Master Ludo." Maric said respectfully.
"Ah! Such impeccable manners for a boy. Ludo needs to take lessons from you! Haha." Loraine replied as she chuckled under her hand.
Ludo shot her a glance, just by appearance you could tell that this wasn't his biological mother and he wasn't exactly fond of her. With a stuffed mouth he exclaimed
"Eh? Training hard as a warrior isn't enough? I also need to train in etiquette? Nope. I won't. Not interested!" He exclaimed then folded his arms and harrumphed.
Both fathers at the table looked at each other and erupted into laughter. They knew all too well the nature of a boy with dreams of being the greatest mage, they knew because they once had been naive boys with dreams of adventuring the stars and triumphing over foes.
"Well said my boy. Focus on what is important to you and always reach for your goals!" Ludas chimed in with a fiery look in his eyes fist raised in the air. Loraine simply sighed and continued to eat. The rest of the night was fairly civil and when dinner was finished the Cadus family took their leave. Before heading out Ludas suggested the boys should train together and Varys agreed whole-heartedly.