Memories surged the moment Arlo laid eyes on the elven soldiers' armor. His body tensed with fear, instincts replaced by a chilling recall of King Arvi's visage. Vivid images unfolded, replaying a past where the king's golden fist threatened his life, and Malek sacrificed himself to protect Arlo.
"Not... Again," Arlo mumbled, the scene morphing, and Lady Helia now bore the brunt of the king's attack. A sudden droplet on his face snapped him back to reality. His gaze shifted to the present, where two elven soldiers, poised to strike, found themselves restrained by a water chain linked to Lady Helia's weapon—a radiant blue fan she brandished with expertise.
"Finally, you're back! NOW HELP!" Nico shouted, blocking the assaults from two other elves. She vanished momentarily, leaving the elves perplexed, only for Nico's blade to reappear, swiftly ending one soldier's life. Another fell victim to Nico's quick reflexes as her ephemeral blade materialized, piercing the air and the soldier's head.
Five elven soldiers remained, focusing on Lady Helia. The two who had targeted Arlo redirected their attention, creating a pincer movement. Unfazed, Lady Helia gracefully dodged their attacks, using her fan to unleash waves of water. A subtle smile passed between her and Arlo, who had snapped back to attention.
Arlo, now serious, released his mana into the air, drawing the attention of the five soldiers. "The insolent!" one of them exclaimed as they charged at Arlo. Raising both hands, Arlo intoned, "The past experience brings life," leaving Lady Helia intrigued. "Burial ground!" Arlo completed his incantation, causing the earth beneath the soldiers to quake. The ground climbed up their bodies, petrifying them alive.
"Urgh!" the elven warriors cried out in pain as the rock melded with their bodies. Arlo lowered his hands, and the elven soldiers were swallowed by the earth—a burial for those who dared oppose him.
"That was a bit brutal," Nico commented, glancing at Arlo before collecting the knives from the throats and heads of the fallen elven soldiers.
Arlo found himself utterly exhausted after using the combination of magic, a feeling as if all his energy had dissipated. Meanwhile, Nico nonchalantly kicked the lifeless bodies she had dispatched into the river to clear the path. Lady Helia strolled over to Arlo.
"That was a combination magic?" she inquired. Arlo nodded affirmatively.
"Yes, I've been practicing it for a while," he admitted, scratching his head sheepishly.
"You did well," Lady Helia praised with a smile, patting Arlo's head, enough to bring a blush from him. "But, be cautious. Those who let their emotions fuel combination magic can be perilous," she cautioned.
With a gesture, Lady Helia led them inside the caravan. Without hesitation, both Nico and Arlo followed suit, although Arlo harbored a question. As they settled in, Nico wasted no time in resting her head and closing her eyes to sleep. The caravan resumed its journey as if nothing had occurred, guided by the moonlight toward their next destination. Arlo, however, couldn't find peace in sleep, haunted by Lady Helia's cautionary words.
"Trouble sleeping?" Lady Helia suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
"You mentioned the danger of using emotions in combination magic," Arlo hesitated, avoiding Lady Helia's gaze.
Lady Helia gently held Arlo's hand. "Combination magic is rare and challenging. I've talked to you about it before. When we use magic, we draw upon the mana flowing through our bodies—the life magic. Experience magic requires actions and emotions to activate. So, what happens when we combine the two?" she inquired.
"We have to concentrate on both mana and emotions?" Arlo ventured.
"No, casting is already concentration; what we need is control," Lady Helia clarified. "Controlling both mana and emotions is difficult because it requires balance. Lose control, and the magic can harm the caster. What you did earlier was commendable, but finding your unique way to use combination magic is crucial," she advised.
"Do I need to explore alternative methods?" Arlo asked. Lady Helia chuckled.
"No, everyone has their unique approach. I want you to focus on control. What you did earlier was good. But do not let your emotions eat you." she reassured him.
After their conversation, Arlo gradually succumbed to drowsiness, drifting off to sleep. Lady Helia gently rested his head on her shoulder as the three of them slumbered beneath the serene moonlight. Five hours passed before the caravan came to a halt, gradually stirring Arlo awake amidst the growing commotion outside. He opened his eyes to find Lady Helia and Nico already alert, the latter peering out the window. Curious, Arlo joined them in observing the bustling scene outside.
The sight was mesmerizing, unlike anything he'd seen in his hometown. The streets were teeming with activity, people of diverse races strolling by, vendors peddling everything from fruits to weaponry, and numerous wagons carrying an array of goods. The buildings stood close together, creating a vibrant and bustling cityscape.
"Wow..." gasped both Nico and Arlo, awestruck not only by the lively surroundings but also by the diverse mix of people, uniting various races like beasts, elves, orcs, and humans in one bustling location.
Lady Helia peered out as she noticed the caravan slowing down. "Welcome to the Capital of Crownguilds," she announced, prompting the caravan to veer off the main road, revealing a massive wall in the distance that seemed to divide the area.
"Where are we headed?" Arlo suddenly inquired, a hint of disappointment in his voice. However, the scenery changed abruptly. The shops and houses gave way to a wall that connected to the colossal barrier. Arlo glanced upward, realizing they were approaching a gate.
The atmosphere shifted noticeably, a surge of mana seemingly washing over them, though it didn't affect them significantly. Confusion etched on their faces, Nico and Arlo exchanged glances, but Lady Helia wore a knowing smirk.
"You've both passed the first test," she declared cheerfully.
"What...?" Nico asked, perplexed.
"That surge of mana wasn't accidental; it was part of the examination?" Arlo sought clarification.
"That wasn't just mana—it was a barrier," Lady Helia corrected, positioning herself in front of them and unfolding her fan. "The wall you saw is a blend of wall and barrier. Only selected individuals can enter, capable of acclimating to the density of mana in the air. Your adaptability was as expected," she explained, her smirk growing.
"This sensation... it's similar to our forest back home," Nico realized, leaning back in her seat. Arlo nodded, reminiscing about their hunting grounds where they undertook quests for Lady Helia.
The curtains suddenly sealed off the view outside, prompting neither Nico nor Arlo to inquire further, sensing Lady Helia intended it to be a surprise. Nico relaxed, but Arlo couldn't, his anxiety preventing him from focusing.
Arlo's fingers fidgeted nervously as the caravan came to a halt. The door swung open, and Lady Helia stepped out first. She gestured for both Nico and Arlo to join her. While Nico didn't hesitate, Arlo took a deep breath, almost as if he'd never breathed before. Stepping onto the grassy ground, he noticed an old butler waiting for them, carrying an envelope. As he glanced around, awe painted his face. They stood in a grassy field facing a massive gate, its silver material shimmering intensely under the sun's glare. What struck Arlo most were the numerous people around his age, a diverse mix of humans, elves, orcs, and beastkin, gathered in front of the gate, seemingly waiting for something. Some glanced their way, but it didn't rattle Arlo much.
"Lady Helia, we were expecting you," the old butler bowed, presenting her the envelope. Lady Helia accepted it without opening it, already knowing it was an invitation letter but choosing not to see who sent it. Her expression changed as she observed hundreds of young students awaiting examination. With a quick glance, she seemed to assess who might succeed and who might not, although she remained open to surprises. She smiled at her students, Nico and Arlo, who looked somewhat lost, yet she harbored confidence in their abilities to excel.
"I'll be waiting inside," Lady Helia said to them, waving before teleporting into the academy. Accompanied by the butler, teleporting into a room where other alumni awaited. Some faces were familiar, while others were strangers to her.
"Helia, it's been a while..." greeted a man with long, vibrant green hair, big glasses, and books on his belt, a clear sign of a mage. His cheerful demeanor masked his scholarly appearance.
"Gram, it's been a decade! How's your research?" Lady Helia inquired. Gram gestured for her to take a seat at an empty table.
"Still in progress. Magic takes time," he replied happily. "What brings you back to the academy? It's rare to see you here," Gram observed, his slim yet tall frame making his robe look loose.
"Yes, can't believe I'm back here, again," she sarcastically replied, a hint of laughter escaping her.
"Are those two your students?" Gram asked, referring to Nico and Arlo.
"Your eyes are as sharp as ever," Lady Helia nodded, acknowledging his keen observation.
"Well, my eyes are everywhere, especially in the academy," Gram quipped, as the old butler arrived with two hot beverages, one of which Gram picked up, blowing on it before taking a sip.
"What a character," Lady Helia joked. "How about you? Any apprentices taking the examination?" she asked, to which Gram simply shrugged.
"I don't have any apprentices yet. Just letting you know in case one of them becomes mine," Gram said with a smile.
Lady Helia sighed, laughing. She wasn't concerned about Gram; they had known each other for a long time, maintaining communication through long-distance magic despite rarely meeting in person. Suddenly, the sound of a horn resonated throughout the academy.
"It's begun... good luck to both of you," Lady Helia's voice lingered in the air as she glanced at Gram, still engrossed in discussing his work at the academy.
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The parked caravans in the field vanished as the horn echoed. Arlo and the other students were caught off guard but readied themselves.
"I won't help you," Nico suddenly declared to him. Arlo anticipated those words. He understood it was a competition, not just with her, but with everyone.
Arlo nodded, feeling the ground tremble briefly before a hole appeared, pulling every examinee into the earth. Arlo realized instantly that they were all separated. He closed his eyes and focused his magic on his feet, controlling the wind as he sensed the solid ground beneath him. Successfully landing, he found himself in a dark chamber with no visible path. He raised his right hand.
"Bring life, bloom, and grant me light," he cast. Vines emerged, encircling the area, blooming into flowers that emitted a faint glow, casting enough light to illuminate the room.
"A dungeon?" he muttered, cautiously advancing toward the door on the opposite side. His footsteps echoed, but nothing occurred as he reached the door. It awaited him, and though skeptical, he had no other choice.
"This is unusual," he remarked, summoning vines from the ground to open the door. As soon as it did, a surge of mana, made of fire, surged toward him.
Shielding himself with a thick wall of vines, the fire blast was blocked, and Arlo's anxiety vanished, replaced by intense focus. As the smoke cleared, a woman in her forties emerged, a well-trained physique evident from the muscles in her biceps, her grayish hair, and a cocky smile playing on her lips.
"Tsk. I thought I had already disqualified someone," she grumbled, smiling smugly as she aimed her fingers toward Arlo.
"Burn," she commanded, conjuring another fireball aimed at Arlo. Swiftly, he dashed toward the fireball, surprising the woman. With a swift swipe, he dispersed the fireball just as she appeared in front of him, ready to strike with her fists.
"As I expected..." Arlo thought, casting "Experience, Body Enhancement" silently in his mind. His body momentarily glowed as he dodged her fist, surprising her further.
"A caster who can fight?!" she thought, her smile remaining smug. She cast an experience spell, though Arlo wasn't sure of its type; he was too busy blocking her attacks.
The woman launched a flurry of jabs and kicks, Arlo using both his hands and quick magic to evade and block. However, her attacks were powerful enough to cut through the vines.
"Not bad," she acknowledged, flames suddenly engulfing her feet. Arlo recognized the sensation, the concentration of mana and her body's form.
"Burning of Life with Experience, Magma Stomp," she chanted—a slow, unexpected combination spell. Arlo quickly darted away, but as her foot stomped the ground, magma flowed into the chamber, the heat rising rapidly. She seemed immune to it.
Amidst the rising magma, the woman stood unaffected by the scorching heat, a calm smile playing on her lips as Arlo scanned the room for an escape route.
"Can I freeze it? Strengthen my vines? Forge my own path?" Arlo's thoughts raced, grappling with potential solutions. The woman observed his contemplation, her smile growing faintly.
"What confidence," she murmured, watching the magma surge upward. Sweat cascaded down Arlo's face, the heavy air threatening to suffocate him. Their eyes met, and a resolute determination took hold of Arlo.
"This is better than doing nothing," he declared, pressing both hands against the wall behind him, gathering mana. The woman observed, a warning on her lips as she rushed toward Arlo, sensing the imminent danger.
In that critical moment, Arlo's mind blanked, replaced by an unexpected surge of creative impulses. Time seemed to slow, and a voice echoed in his head—an image of a woman, familiar from his distant memories.
"Ice. Embrace it," the voice urged as Arlo processed the words, culminating in the incantation: "Breath of Life, Vital Surge." Mana surged around him, drawing upon an unknown force, while the woman, realizing the impending cataclysm, readied herself with an experience spell, diving beneath the ground, invoking the 'Almighty of Fire' to shield herself in the molten lava.
Arlo mouthed 'Glacial Embrace,' releasing an overwhelming surge of mana, freezing everything in sight—air, ground, lava, even the grassy terrain above. Disoriented, Arlo collapsed onto the icy floor, witnessing a shifting ground and burgeoning light.
Emerging from the icy prison, the woman beheld the chamber transformed into a frozen vista. "I'd surely die if get hit by that," she conceded, approaching Arlo, lifting him onto her back, her warmth providing comfort.
Returning to the grassy ground by the imposing gate, Arlo, revived by the sun's warmth, found himself seated amidst frozen grass. "I'm Professor Ellisa. Congratulations on passing," she announced, vanishing almost as swiftly as she had appeared, leaving Arlo with unanswered questions swirling in his mind.
Arlo's weariness mingled with confusion as a familiar voice echoed in his mind. "I know her," he mused, scanning the deserted surroundings. Finding solace near the gate, dissatisfaction clouded his thoughts. The power surges remained beyond his control, a relentless force imposing itself upon him.
Closing his eyes for a moment's respite, a torrent of memories flooded his mind, transporting him to his former haven—the treehouse that was once his cherished home. Shocked, he grappled with the sudden rush of recollections, his heart racing.
"What's happening?" Arlo muttered, disoriented. He glanced up to find an elven woman before him, a face from his haunting past. Her expression was inscrutable, yet her gaze bore into him, as if peering into his very soul. Her silent whisper, "Embrace it," hung in the air.
Struggling against an inexplicable force, Arlo attempted to summon magic, but his efforts were futile. Desperation surged within him, and he cried out for release, feeling trapped within himself.
A sudden touch on his head startled him, jolting him back to the present. A young girl with long, golden hair stood before him, an awkward smile on her lips. Beside her stood a beastkin man, observing the situation.
"S-sorry to disturb you," the girl stammered, casting her eyes aside, her voice hesitant. Arlo, shaken by the recent experience, tried to collect himself, uncertain of the reality he had just witnessed.