"A long time ago, just after the world came to be, it is said that apart from Humans, the Great Creator had also created five races to live alongside them on Midgard.
"Giants, Dwarves, Elves, Dryads, and Pixies. Each race was able to live in peace for several thousand years. Unfortunately, The War for Supremacy began and everything was thrown into chaos.
"With the invasion from other realms, Humanity banded together with the other races and resisted their attackers… unfortunately, even their combined strength was only able to ensure that they were not immediately annihilated.
"At a critical point of the war, the leaders of the six races banded together and decided that they needed even more power to survive the onslaught of the dimensions. Thus a vote was passed."
Lloyd paused as he took a sip from his cup with Max listening attentively.
"What did they vote on?"
Lloyd took a deep breath and dropped his cup in a stately manner before he continued. "They voted to pick a champion that would carry the wishes of all six tribes.
"Each leader chose a candidate from their ranks and held a competition to choose who would pick up the mantle as the strongest. The one that would lead them to victory.
"Of course, humanity's champion won, that is how the Samsara Sage came to be. He was imparted with the law techniques of all six races and ascended to the peak of power.
"Using his newly acquired power, he was able to put an end to the War for Supremacy by defeating the leaders of the dimensions at that time and then forcing them to sign a contract with him to ensure that Midgard would be safe even after his passing.
"He was a great man," Lloyd said.
Max felt his blood boil at the thought of the Samsara Sage. He had heard part of the story from Regard and even then, his blood boiled with a desire.
A desire to acquire such power. He thought. "With such awesome power, I would be able to do whatever I want… I will no longer be held down by fate or destiny… what's more, I can kill that damn fox!"
Reigning in his thoughts, he looked up to find Lloyd staring at him with a curious gaze.
"So what happened to the races after the war ended?" Max asked.
"... Several years after the war ended, magic became a thing amongst humanity and slowly, we began to lose our original way as Sages. Of course, such change was met with firm opposition by the other races as they felt that practicing magic would only end up backfiring at us someday.
"Unfortunately, the human leaders did not listen and instead took their words as a provocation for war and that was how yet another war broke out, it was known as the Hundred-year war.
"Humanity turned away from the path of the Hermit and used their newly acquired power as Summoners to subjugate the other races."
Max frowned. "Did humanity win that war?"
Lloyd shook his head. "Not at all. But we were able to force the others to hide away forever, with the other races swearing to never again ally with humanity. Since then, Giants, Dwarves, Elves, Dryads and Pixies… they simply vanished, never to be seen again."
"Do you think they are still out there?" Max inquired.
Lloyd pursed his lips. "I'm not sure, after all, this tale was recorded from several thousands of years ago and it's not like I've come across one of them before."
"What about Ryuk?... Do you think that he could be non-human?"
Lloyd did not respond, instead sending a knowing glance at Max to say, 'I have no idea, so don't ask'.
Max got the message and chose not to pry anymore. "I guess I'll be going now."
"Uhmm, Max…" Lloyd called out. "I can tell that you seek to reach the heights of the Samsara Sage, but know that with great power comes great responsibility. Even if you don't want to, you can't continue with a vague goal like wanting to change your fate.
"Becoming a hero or turning into a villain, are two paths that could effectively change your fate. I look forward to the choices you make."
They remained silent as they stared into each other's eyes. Without saying another word, Max turned and left Lloyd alone in the garden.
Lloyd watched his retreating back as he reached down and picked up his teacup before taking a sip from it.
With a satisfactory smile, he nodded. "Ah…Good stuff."
***
The days quickly went by as Max spent quality time with his mother while also making out enough time to practice.
Added to that were the requests by Lara to spend time with Laura which Max could not refuse with her method of blackmail. In the end, Lara's actions helped Max gain a new friend.
Soon enough, a week passed and it was soon time for the Magic tournament to commence.
With a parade, the governor ushered in the beginning of the tournament, with acrobatics, pyromancy, and firework as well as good music and dance.
The start of the tournament was quite eye-catching indeed.
Even Max had to confess that he was interested in watching the proceedings of the tournament.
As they watched the parade move past their location, Laura and Max watched in silence as they stood side by side before the former broke the ice.
"Are you going to join in the fun?"
Max shook his head. "Nah, it would be fun but I don't like bullying the weak."
Laura harrumphed as she nudged him. "Who are you calling weak?"
"Sensitive much?" Max chuckled. "Anyway, the prize for winning the tournament is not for me so it would just end up being a waste of time."
"So you'd stay at home and train?... Honestly, what's fun in that?... You should try and enjoy things, even for a little while. You are still young, Max. No need to act like the world's responsibilities are on your shoulders." Laura said as she reached out and gently squeezed his arm.
After spending time with each other, Laura had come to know about his past. There was a difference between hearing rumors and getting the real deal from the affected party.
She could not say she didn't feel bad for the young boy that was forced to leave home as a cripple.
Even though she could not relate to what he experienced on that fateful day, she could at least empathize with him. Which was why she hoped for Max to take it easy on himself.
Max turned to look into her eyes which held pity for him and for a moment, felt warm inside.
He reached out and placed his palm over her hand. "Don't worry, I'll take it easy. Also, I won't be staying at home to train, I plan on watching the tournament."
Laura's eyes glowed as she asked. "Oh really, so you are going to support me, right?"
Max pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Ehmm... I don't think so."
"Screw you!"