Three months had passed since Shu had first donned the Mask of Sinkon. Through tireless training and unwavering determination, he had made remarkable progress. Now, he could maintain his connection with the mask for a continuous period of 30 minutes, harnessing the power and wisdom bestowed upon him by Sinkon.
As Shu reveled in his achievement, a sense of fulfillment washed over him. The once overwhelming pain and chaos that accompanied the mask's activation had gradually subsided, replaced by a growing familiarity and control. He had begun to tap into the true potential of the mask, unlocking its secrets and harnessing its immense power.
Sinkon, witnessing Shu's remarkable growth, could not help but feel a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. He had chosen his master well. Shu's innate talent, combined with his unwavering dedication and quick progress, had proven him to be a true genius. Sinkon knew that Shu was indeed worthy of being Glenn's successor, carrying the legacy forward with grace and strength.
---
19 Descim 1112
It was time to return. Sinkon created a teleportation circle, and Shu stood at its center. Suddenly, Shu found himself being whisked away in a burst of energy, and in an instant, he was back in the familiar depths of the cave. Taking a step forward, Shu emerged from the cave's entrance and found himself standing on the outskirts of a lush jungle.
As Shu emerged from the cave, he was greeted by the vibrant sights and sounds of the jungle. The lush greenery and the gentle whispers of the wind filled him with a sense of rejuvenation. The air felt crisp and pure, and the sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting a warm glow on everything it touched.
---
Shu ventured through the dense jungle, making his way towards the territory of the Rowan Alliance. As he arrived at a nearby village, he sought the assistance of the locals, asking for directions to Rowan City. Grateful for their help, Shu also purchased some clothing from the villagers to blend in with the locals and disguise his appearance.
Boarding a horse-drawn carriage, Shu embarked on his journey towards Rowan City. He donned a cape with a hoodie, concealing his features to avoid detection by any potential spies from Alvestia. With a determined resolve, Shu continued his march, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings as he made his way towards his destination.
---
"Why can't they see you, Sinkon?" Shu asked curiously. Sinkon replied, "Don't worry, I exist in a spirit form that is only visible to you. Others cannot see me unless I choose to materialize." Sinkon reassured Shu that his presence remained hidden from the villagers, allowing them to carry on with their daily lives without any knowledge of Sinkon's existence.
---
After a long and eventful day, Shu and Sinkon finally arrived at Rowan City. Unlike the centralized rule of the Alvestia Kingdom, Rowan Alliance was formed by a coalition of merchants and governed by a mage. Rowan City, often referred to as the Magic City of the East Continent, was known for its vibrant magical atmosphere and bustling trade. Shu couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as they entered the city, surrounded by towering mage towers and the bustling energy of the marketplace.
---
"Lets find an inn first," Shu suggested, his gaze shifting between the vibrant marketplace and the people going about their trades. The city seemed incredibly prosperous. With that in mind, Shu began searching for an inn. As he walked, his eyes caught sight of a wanted poster plastered on a wall outside one of the inns. The poster displayed his own face, accompanied by the words "Shu Wastle," "the traitor," and "wanted: dead or alive." A rush of shock and concern surged through Shu as he realized he was being hunted.
"It's that you?" Sinkon sarcastically remarked, a mischievous smile playing on his face. Ignoring Sinkon's comment, Shu entered the inn and approached the innkeeper. "One night, please," he requested. The innkeeper looked up and asked for a name. Shu paused for a moment, realizing he needed to use a new name to avoid detection. "Oliver," he quickly responded. The innkeeper nodded and quoted the price of 100 coins. Shu couldn't help but feel a shock at the price, 3 times expensive than in Alvestia.
---
The innkeeper noticed Shu not a local, "Are you also interested in entering the Magic Institute?" Shu's interest was piqued, as he hadn't considered such an opportunity before. The innkeeper handed Shu a pamphlet that read, "Rowan Magic Institute: Recruiting New Students." It specified that applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 20 and possess a minimum level of the Newbie Mage stage. Shu's mind started to contemplate the possibilities and advantages of joining the institute.
To be continue...