" Do you know why you were so lucky?" The old master said wearily. He sat beside his bed and opened the book for Bijan to see.
The young man was curious, he had been with his master for some time now and had seen him in serious situations but his hardened expression right now was something he never witnessed before.
" No, I don't know." Bijan shook his head and started to get serious. He might act out as a defensive measure to protect himself from getting too close to his master but he also knew how to act humble.
Without his teachings, he would be in that hell hole rotting away like others. In many ways, he was at least living a worthy life.
There were many horror stories about that Orphanage acting as a front for some nefarious activities. Even Royal family had some dark sheeps who liked to indulge in taboo pleasures. He wasn't that naive to worship the powers on top thinking everything was bright and sunny when there were many obvious cracks in their high and mighty persona.
" This book could be deemed as a kind of heirloom. My master gave it to me before he died. It records findings of our ancestors only passed down to the worthy apprentice." Flame emperor paused for a second to let his words sink in. What he was telling him was important.
" Magic Guild is one such entity who deals with knowledge about various abilities and islamd topography along with demographics of monsters. You must have heard that they sell this information and it is illegal to spread said information without their consent. Do you know around thirty percent of their income comes from these information sharing schemes?"
" I saw many sorcerers and hunter use their services but I never knew they charge this much money. Wasn't potion making their main source of income?" Bijan asked.
" Potions may be expensive items but they don't control it like their knowledge banks. Potions need ingredients but information only had to be repeated, there could be some sneaky dealers passing these things under the table but with the help of Merchant Guild and their private army, no one could make a business out of this especially when they need to haul such information out of the island."
Bijan nodded. He had seen how much these guilds influenced their area. The islands might be under the Royal family but even they didn't dare to go against a behemoth like Major Guilds.
They were like a giant chain-link connecting different islands keeping local powers in check but at the same time if a profitable business caught their eye, no one would be able to help that victim not even the so called rulers of the island.
" This is why this book is so important. The Guilds have information but it is essentially a watered down version of authors experience. Those that actually fought the monsters wouldn't divulge their findings easily. They would either keep it in the family or pass the information out to trusted subordinates or apprentices."
" Are you passing me the book then?" Bijan eyes gleamed with excitement but the old man immediately shut him down with a light smack on his head.
" No, but I think you should know there are many dangerous monsters out there. They vary from island to island which is why a sorcerer's job is so dangerous." He sighed before continuing.
" This book has information on various monsters especially those that showed great resistance against master and his ancestors." He carefully slid the book toward the young boy.
" There are illustration and written accounts of their abilities. If they manage to defeat it, they would also carefully study the body taking measurements. I read it thousands of times but even then, I would find some new information. What you showed today was courage and compassion for others but I want to remind you, a fight is never won using one's body when your opponent is obviously stronger. Only after careful observation and a sea of knowledge would you be able to call yourself a competent sorcerer."
"But-"
" I know you don't like to study but it's important. The Canis varient that you fought is the weakest among the mutated wolves genealogy. If you see a similar looking species, you would think you can defeat it but it would only lead to your death." The old man slowly explained.
He wanted to get angry and hit him but it would probably do more harm than good.
Sometimes, he could ever become as good as his late master.
Bijan was silent, it was true the words made his head hurt but since his master told him to do it, he would have to reluctantly follow his wishes.
" Mutated wolves have a large heritage, with a total of twelve brach with Canis at the lowest in the gene pool. But why do you think these people would go above and beyond to exterminate such a insignificant threat?" Old man pointed toward the book.
Bijan was utterly confused, is it some kind of a trick questions? How was he suppose to know the answer?
" It's simple. Canis has a two step evolution. While other varients stop evolving after one mutation from the general bunch and are powerful, they could be taken down by a small private army so why do you think the country invited so many well known sorcerers here?"
" I don't know." Bijan shook his head.
" That's because if it was the second evolution type, we all would be fighting tooth and nail just to defeat it. We were the backups in case this thing turn out to be Alpha Canis."
" Alpha Canis?" Bijan tilted his head not knowing what to say.
What the old man told him next shocked him to his core. Such a monster was unreal in his reality, if such beast really existed wouldn't it be the end of few towns and more.
Old man told him everything and even showed him few pictures to go along with his explanation. He also firmly told him if he ever find himself face to face with this monster, he should run away without looking back. Either leave the island or contact the Guilds!
This was the reason why Bijan was so shocked and scared seeing the real thing. The deep red eyes was tantamount to seeing the gates of hell!