After the auction, we all went our separate ways.
Vincent seemed to find everything I asked him for, and even a cloak made out of a shadow panther, minimizing my presence whenever I was wearing it.
at the auction house
"Well, this is the storage room. I myself don't know what all is there, but I hope you can find a suitable sword. Don't worry about the cost." said Vincent
"Alright, thanks again."
After testing a myriad of swords and finding them all unfit, Sylvie suddenly dove under a table and came out with a black stick in hand.
"Kyu, kyu!"
"What is this? A stick?"
Sylvie continued gazing at the rod in my hands, her golden eyes twinkling as if she had found a national treasure.
Finding nothing remarkable about it, I tried swinging it.
It felt good.
The weight was distributed in a way where it was balanced like a sword, even more so than the short sword I picked out as a backup. Taking another swing made me confident that this rod's balance was too purposeful for it to be just used as a walking stick or a staff.
Excitement growing inside me once more, I willed mana into my eyes. I had hoped to notice something with enhanced vision and my hopes came to light. t was so faint that I only noticed it after reinforced mana into my eyes; even then, I was only able to spot it because I was looking for it.
Even more faint than the indentation markings over the pole, was a small line that seemed to separate two parts of the stick.
"..."
This was a sword!
I immediately tried to pry the sword out of its scabbard, but it wouldn't budge. Even with my body reinforced with mana, I wasn't able to muster the strength to pull it out.
Don't tell me this was some sort of Excalibur that I had to be worthy of...
Pushing away the silly though, I infused fire attribute mana into the sword, but still, no use.
After half an hour had passed, I realize that elemental attribute mana was not the answer.
...No way... what if...
I activated Dragon Will. I didn't use its power but simply infused the Will into the sword. And, despite all of the previous struggle to pry the sword out, a light tug was all it took for the sword to glide out of its sheath.
The sword slid soundlessly from its sheath to reveal the flat blade.
I couldn't help but swallow back a lump of air as I fell into a trance, staring at the weapon much too beautiful to be considered an ordinary weapon.
The narrow blade was straight and thin like a rapier's but had a double edge, making it fit for slashing as well as thrusting. As the keen edge of the blade curved smoothly into a sharp tip, I couldn't help but notice that there were no markings—that the blade had been sharpened. The weight and balance of the sword was a bit off in my opinion but it was still much better than the crude tools I had picked up before. However, even this flaw was overshadowed by the breathtaking quality and color of the blade.
The translucent teal hue of the blade seemed to almost generate a luster of its own, even inside the dim storage room. There was a stark contrast to the matte-black scabbard and handle, making the color of the blade all the more radiant. Despite the fact that the blade was so narrow and thin, a few tests on a nearby iron container confirmed its durability and strength.
I could say with confidence that, even in my old world, there wasn't a blade as well-forged as this. Was this sword truly meant for beast tamers or was its criteria even more particular? I thought as I looked down at Sylvie.
Titling her tiny head, Sylvie let out a happy chirp in response.
Studying the blade more closely, I spotted a small engraving inscribed on the blade near the grip.
Dawn's Ballad W.K. IV
As soon as those words left my lips, a searing pain abruptly shot out from where I was gripping the sword, making me drop the weapon.
There was a gash that had already been cauterized across my palm. I was hesitant to pick the sword back up again, but when I did, I could see the faint remains of my blood getting absorbed into the handle of the blade.
"Kuu!" Are you okay, Papa? Sylvie trotted next to me, pawing my leg, concerned.
I'm fine, Sylv. After scratching the underside of my bond's chin, I gave the sword another swing. This time, the point of balance of the sword aligned perfectly to match with my undeveloped body. Even the handle of the blade seemed to have grown smaller to fit in my hand, as if it was made for me.
Picking up the sword, I pondered over the man, whose initial was "W.K. IV." Who was this person and how was he capable of forging such a sword?
I realized how much time had passed as my father's faint voice snapped me out of infatuated trance. Quickly sheathing my new sword, I made my way back to where my father was, Sylvie hitching a ride on top of my head. On the way back, I made sure to pick up the short sword I chose for back up.
"Well? Did you see anything you liked?" Vincent, who had been talking with my father, asked.
I nodded, holding up the short sword to him, "I found this sword and, after a few swings, I've grown to like it. Is it okay for me to take this one?"
Vincent took the weapon from my hand, drawing the sword from its scabbard. "Hmmm, not the best quality sword but it is solid and won't break easily. Rey, what do you think?"
My father accepted the sword, studying its blade, grip and guard before taking a several swings and thrusts. "The balance isn't the best but I think it'll be good as a first sword. What's that stick you're holding onto, though?"
Trying not to make a big deal out of it, I gave casual shrug. "I tripped over this really sturdy stick on my way back here. Do you mind if I take this back home to practice with, Uncle Vincent?"
"Ah that old thing! I remember one of my merchants telling me how some senile old man just handed it to him, mumbling something about finding a worthy master. We had a few of our inspectors check if there was anything special about it, but for all they were able to find out, it was just a sturdy, hard cane. It's been gathering dust here so if you think it'll do you some good, go ahead and take it," Vincent answered, lightly squeezing my shoulder.
...
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTHUR!"
After the celebrations, we relocated to the living room where a fire was dimly burning in the fireplace, because it was time to give gifts.
"Happy Birthday again, Son. This present is from your mother and I, and of course, Ellie as well." My father handed me a package wrapped in cloth while Mother was holding back Ellie, who's fidgeting fingers were eager to unwrap the present.
Opening it, I saw a fingerless glove meant only for my left hand. It was black and simple but embedded on the top of the glove were 3 white stones.
"Your father hunted the material for the glove and I imbued my healing spells unto those three white stones. Each of the stones carries a single-use spell. I'm sure it'll be useful to have some safety measures while you go out on missions." My mother looked at me with sad smile. I could tell she still wasn't ready to send me off.
"Thanks Mom, Dad, Ellie, I love it. This'll be really useful for me." I gave each of my family members a big hug. Putting on the glove, I could tell how sturdy the material was, not to mention that the three healing spells would be extremely useful in a tight situation.
"Ahem! Next is us!" Vincent pulled out a small box. He dramatically got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing two silver rings, one plain, and one with a small clear gem.
"..."
Uhh.... Where was he going with this?
"Honey! Stop teasing the boy!" Tabitha smacked Vincent's shoulder while he held in his laughter.
"Okay, okay! Arthur, this is more of a present for your family than you but I'm sure you'll appreciate it as well."
"This ring," Vincent pulled out the plain ring, "Is what you will be wearing, while this ring," he handed the gemmed ring to my mother, "Is what your mother will be wearing."
Tabitha continued on for him, "Alice, while Arthur is wearing the ring, you'll be able to tell whether he's okay or not. The plain ring is able to keep tabs on the mana circulation that naturally flows in a mage's body. If the natural mana flow stops, the ring you're holding, Alice, will glow red and emit a high-pitched sound."
"Well how are we going to beat that, guys?" Adam chimed in. My guardian angel Durden walked towards me, handing me a roll of parchment.
"You see, we also thought along the same lines as the Helstea family. We couldn't really think of what to give the little monster so we decided on this!" Adam waved his arm in a dramatic manner.
"Those two scrolls are sound transmission scrolls! I'm not going to elaborate on how expensive these were, because they were extremely expen—ouch!" Jasmine smacked Adam on the head.
"Cough! Anyways! With this, you now have a one-time source of communication. Just infuse mana into the scroll, Arthur, and you'll be able to send a message to the other scroll. After the holder of the other scroll receives it, Mama Leywin, she can then send the reply! After the reply is sent and the other person listens to it, the parchment will then turn to ashes! TADA! You're welcome!" Adam gave a dramatic bow.
The members of the Twin Horns were all taking turns talking smack about Adam's egotistical performance, but they gave my family a warm smile.
"Tomorrow is the big day, Son. Are you excited?" My father clasped my shoulders. My father's eyes were lined red as I could see him holding back some tears.
My mother had given up on holding back her emotions and kneeled down to give me a big, bear hug, her face buried in my chest as she sniffled.
"I'll be fine Mom, Dad. I promise I'll try to be back home every chance I get. If anything happens, you'll be able to know."
...
After I said my goodbyes to my family, me and Jasmine left straight for the adventurers guild.
"Welcome! How may I help the two of you?" The female receptionist's rehearsed smile gleamed a pearly white.
Before I had the chance to reply, Jasmine slid a piece of parchment towards the woman.
"I would like to sponsor him for a rank examination." Her face remained expressionless as she said curtly.
"Y-Yes! I understand," the receptionist answered, nodding her head fervently as she handed back the piece of paper. "Please, come over this way."
Getting up from her seat, the women opened the door beside us from the other side. As we entered, I couldn't help but notice the hushed murmurs around us.
"Oy, there's someone taking a rank examination," someone whispered.
"It's just a girl and some masked dude, though," another hoarse voice mocked blatantly.
I held in any questions I had and simply followed the clerk in silence. Passing through the door, we were led past the row of seats behind the glass counter where the receptionists were stationed and into a small room.
At this point, my core was something akin to an overfilled cup, in which if you dropped a single drop of water it would overflow. A white core is something that everyone desires - and I would achieve it when I was just barely nine years old. I sometimes wonder what stage I would be at if I had a normal mortal body instead of this one. Would it be orange? or still red? But that doesn't matter. I am what I am, no time to dwell on stray thoughts.
"A-Class Adventurer, Jasmine Flamesworth has requested this..." the clerk's voice trailed off as she eyed me cautiously. "...gentleman to be taken in for a rank examination."
"Yes, I'm quite aware of who Miss Flamesworth is. You may wait outside, Mary." The slender man waved her away as he stood up from his seat. "Miss Flamesworth, how are you these days? I met with your father not too long ago."
"Anyway, it is a pleasure to meet you." The man shifted his attention to me, finally acknowledging my presence. "My name is Kaspian Bladeheart, and I am in charge of this branch. I take it that you must have some sort of close relationship with Miss Flamesworth. Is there a name I can address you by?" His gaze darted up and down as he quickly assessed me.
"Kuu!" Sylvie answered in my stead.
I had made Sylvie transform back into her original form during my time as an adventurer so her horns protruded and her red spikes were visible.
"I go by Note," I answered gruffly. The name didn't mean much and was made fairly mindlessly based on the blue streak that went through the left eye slit; it had reminded me of a single half note.
Kaspian's eyes widened in surprise but he quickly recovered, responding with a casual smile. Other than that, seeing a mana beast didn't seem to surprise him, which I assumed was because of his line of work. "Yes! Well... Mr. Note, we will proceed with Miss Flamesworth here as your sponsor. Do you know how this will work?"
Shaking my head, I let him explain. "An Adventurer of B-class or higher has the right to sponsor a new adventurer for an examination. Depending on how well you do, this exam will give you the opportunity to be placed into a suitable rank. This way, you can avoid the needless struggles of starting from the very beginning. The rank exam will consist of only a practical portion. Now, judging by your weapons, I can assume that you are either a fighter or augmenter, yes?" He looked quizzically at the black stick tied to my waist below my short sword.
"Yes."
"Okay! Usually, there would be a quick application along with an inspection of your mana core before the exam but since it is Miss Flamesworth here sponsoring you, I will waive that," he continued as he opened another door at the far end of his office. "Mary, take these two to the examination hall."
"Y-Yes!" The receptionist, who had been waiting outside the room, entered hastily and led us toward the back door. "Please, Mr. Note, Miss Flamesworth, right this way."
We arrived at a large indoor arena with a floor made of dirt and seats along the sides. Most of them were empty, apart from a group of ten or so people.
"Please, follow me to your seats. There are quite a number of examinees today so if you would remain seated until the examiner calls your name, it'll really help speed up the process." The receptionist gave us one last, quick, bow before scurrying back down the rows of stone seats.
After some fights, there were two peculiar individuals I could notice. First was Elijah Knight, a child who didn't have to take the exam and was instantly placed in B-rank due to 'special status'.
The second was a boy named Lucas Wykes. He had a scary amount of power for a child and had a fire affinity, which he could control well. He was also already at the light orange stage.
"Next examinee, Note!"
"It seems you're here to be tested under special conditions, seeing as there isn't any information here written about you. Okay! Let's see what you're made of." George regarded me with a curious stare, trying to look through my mask's eye slit to see who I was.
The examiner smoothly unsheathed his sword, as did I.
"Begin!" he announced while lunging at me. The thrust was aimed directly at my head, most likely intended to scare me.
I decided to show off a little, unsheathing my sword and shooting a wind blade each swing. This ensured that my instructor couldn't outrange my small hands. A swing came from the left, so I moved in close, ducked under his arm and grabbed his leg, yanking it from below him, and threw my instructor over my shoulder on the ground.
Just as he slowly got up, obviously very dazed,
"Enough," a voice interrupted. "Stand down, George. I'll be the one to test this particular examinee."
Turning my head, I saw the thin, bespectacled man named Kaspian walking toward us from the corridor Jasmine and I had come in from.
"S-Sir? You will be personally examining this participant?" George backed away from my blade as casually as possible, but a bead of blood rolled down his neck.
"I apologize if this sounds presumptuous, but is there really a need for an AA-class to lower himself to test an examinee? I will be more than enough to assess this applicant!" he continued, quickly wiping the blood off with his hand.
Kaspian's gaze lowered to George's neck, silencing the examiner. The man, regardless of what he assumed was a simple blunder on his part, was visibly baffled by the fact that the head of this branch would be the one to test me.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't surprised as well. Someone classified as an AA-class adventurer was at a much higher level of strength compared to an A-class. As the class ranks increased, each jump was exponential, meaning that compared to D-class to C-class, the jump from A-class to AA-class was incomparable. Being an AA-class adventurer signified that you had the strength of ten A-class adventurers, and that was just a rough estimate.
He should be on a whole other tier of strength compared to other humans. I was curious as to what stage his mana core was, but there was no way for me to see without him finding out.
"His sponsor has deep ties with me so I feel obligated to test him personally," he chuckled as his right hand reached towards a thin rapier on his waist.
Waving away George, the two of us stood at the center of the dirt arena.
"Let us begin."
Author's note: I copied quite a bit of this from the original novel, as I deemed it important information to keep in the story so it retains some integrity. I will make the fight with Kaspian long, and It should come out today, which means within the next six to seven hours. Thx for all the support yall, feel free to ask/leave your opinion in the comments.