Chapter 6: Sharpening
As Darius let the warmth of the morning sun touch his face, he gazed out of the small carriage window, captivated by the vast vista before him.
The Valdene Estate, a symbol of his grand heritage and lineage, stood proudly at the edge of the shadowy Fang Root Forest. The intricate network of hedges, gardens, and natural beauty sprawled across 500-acres of land, showcasing his family's enduring prestige.
Nestled near the southernmost tip, where the calm waters of the Lake Ponversay kissed the shore, was the quaint village of Sandbrook Point. Home to thirteen tight-knit families, this charming hamlet thrived on its deep-rooted connections to the estate, dedicated to serving and tilling the fertile lands that surrounded it.
Lake Ponversay was a defining feature of the estate. Its serene surface masked unknown depths, giving it an air of mystery. The lake was the lifeblood of the estate and the village, hosting community gatherings, picnics, and moments of solitary reflection along its shores.
As Darius observed, he could almost hear the rhythmic clanging of hammer on metal, echoing across the tranquil waters. The sounds of laughter, the creaking of old wooden doors, the soft murmur of the villagers as they went about their day – these formed a symphony of life that filled his heart with a sense of belonging and peace.
The estate, the lake, the village, and its people – they were all threads in the grand narrative of his new life. And as he delved deeper into this world, Darius felt a connection with the land, the wildlife, and his lineage like never before. These were new ties for him, something he never cared for in his life as a immortal cultivator.
As the carriage journeyed onward, Darius watched the landscape unfold through the window. Rolling hills gave way to dense forests, alive with Gaia's unique wildlife. Ember foxes darted between the trees, their black fur highlighted by white-tipped tails and feet adorned with harmless blue flames. Glitterwing Hummingbirds zipped through the foliage, their iridescent wings catching the sunlight and casting tiny rainbows around them. Vine Serpents, composed entirely of living flora, slithered silently by, their movements rustling like dried leaves. These forests served as sanctuaries, each creature adding its own enchantment to Gaia's diverse tapestry of life.
As Darius sat beside his parents, secure in their presence, he found himself mulling over their eventful journey. It was their twelfth day of travel, and a tinge of disappointment lingered in his mind. He thought back to their earlier encounter with a Blaze Cat, his first mana beast. 'Father had slain the beast too quickly,' Darius sighed, 'it didnt even get to use a beast abiltity.'
Mana Beasts are not merely another form of wildlife in Gaia. Having studied them extensively he knew their existence is interwoven with the world's essence, manifesting a profound bond with the raw magic that circulates the globe.
From a distance, they may be mistaken for typical animals, yet close observation swiftly eradicates any thought of typical. For every Mana Beast, regardless of its size or species, shimmers with an ethereal glow, a reflection of the raw mana they've harnessed and absorbed.
However, the appearance of these magical creatures is not uniform. Their forms can range from the minute to the colossal, evoking images of earthly creatures or ones that only reside in the realm of myth. Some may appear as gargantuan serpents, wreathed in torrents of flame, while others resemble fabled leviathans, traversing the world's oceans.
Abruptly, Darius was shaken out of his reverie by the sound of carriage wheels bumping against the gravel road. His eyes found his parents, who sat across from him. His father, Jarek, his highly-trained physique relaxed as he leaned back comfortably in his seat, appeared the epitome of tranquility. His mother, Amara, her silver hair glowing as it caught the sun's rays, was quietly observing the scenery as it flew by.
His thoughts drifted to three days ago when their journey had taken an unexpected turn. A surprisingly well equipped group of bandits had dared to halt their carriage, clearly unaware of who they were dealing with. His father had risen in his wrath, ready to step outside and teach the fools a lesson they wouldn't need to remember.
But Amara had intervened, laying a calming hand on her husband's arm, "let me, we should at least give them a chance to live." She stepped outside, her words filled with a gentleness that seemed almost out of place amidst the threat.
She tried reasoning with the bandits, to dissuade them from a course of action that would undoubtedly lead to their ruin.
Yet, the bandits only responded with crude gestures and insults, waving their mana-imbued weapons, their crass laughter echoing in the quiet forest. From inside the carriage, Darius heard a soft snicker escape his father's lips.
But then, his mother's aura flared, an intense surge of energy swirling around her. In her eyes flashed a fury as sharp as ice. Swiftly, she cast a 2nd-tier spell, her voice resounding through the air as she pronounced the incantation, "Aig Claidheamh!"
Multiple ice blades materialized from her aura, shooting forward with lethal precision. Each blade found its mark, impaling the unsuspecting bandits. Their shrieks of surprise were cut short as they were pinned to the ground, rendered helpless by the sudden icy assault.
When she returned to the carriage, her face wore an expression of indignant serenity, a strange contradiction. Jarek's mirth was gone, replaced by a stoic mask as he met her gaze. "I gave them a choice," she said nonchalantly.
Darius had watched the whole scene unfold, wide-eyed and shocked. Now, he couldn't help but stare at his mother in silent awe. He had always known she was a formidable mage, but seeing her in action was something entirely different.
Darius's gaze met Amara's, and he quickly looked away, blushing at being caught staring. "What?" she teased, her voice light. "Don't worry. They won't be bothering anyone else anytime soon."
Darius could only quickly nod, still in a state of shock, 'I didn't know she had it in her.' His mother was not just a mage, but a decisive one. And as the carriage continued its journey, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of respect for his parents. They were his protectors in this strange new life.
His attention drifted back to the present, his mind preoccupied with the looming test. For six years, he had lived as Darius Valdene, yet the memories of his past life as Xue Feng still dominated him, 'This reminds me of the first time I infiltrated a sect,' Darius smiled, his eyes drifting across the horizon, 'I wonder if they have gambling dens?'
Darius was roused from his inner thoughts by an imposing silhouette forming on the horizon. A rapid heartbeat echoed in his ears as a towering monolith began to rise from the horizon, challenging the heavens with its monumental height.
His small hands curled into fists. As the heir to the Valdene family, he stood on the cusp of his destiny.
As the carriage advanced, the tower's silhouette rose like a bright spear thrusting against the sky, its monolithic shape sharpening with each passing minute. 'This is it. Once I pass the assessment, a new chapter will begin.' His thoughts drifted back to Penglai, recalling the throngs of mortals who would gather at the gates of Linx Xu Sect each year. 'I should have paid them more attention,' he mused. Lost in reminiscence, his train of thought was abruptly severed by the full, imposing view of his destination—the Mage Tower of Rancito Cordoba.