As the sun's light flooded the room, Sebastian stirred from his slumber to the sound of a gentle knock on the door, the warmth of his cozy bed clinging to him as he rose and slowly walked toward the door. Standing before him is a maid, her attire immaculate and her presence exuding an air of grace and formality. Upon opening the door, the maid's voice fills the room.
"Please wash yourself, Princess Rayal will be waiting in the dining hall."
With a courteous bow, she glided away, leaving Sebastian to rouse the other boys and hasten them to prepare for the day. After ensuring they were presentable, they made their way to the dining hall, anticipating meeting Princess Rayal and adding an extra bounce to their steps. Along the way, they crossed paths with the girls.
"How's your sleep?" Jack asked
"It's one of the best nights I could ever have in my life." Elsa answered.
"I too, will never forget this comfort." Lumi added.
As they strive to have more conversations with each other. They arrive at a big door.
"Please come in, Princess Rayal is waiting." a maid said
As the door opened, they were greeted by a sight to behold - a long table adorned with elegant chairs, set against the backdrop of high ceilings and spacious surroundings. Weapons were proudly displayed on both sides of the walls, adding a sense of grandeur to the room. The expansive windows offered a breathtaking view of the mountain range and the sea beyond. However, the true centerpiece of the room was the majestic, floor-to-ceiling red curtains. Their intricate patterns exuded a sense of royalty and enchantment, perfectly complementing the dining set in the center of the room - a red table and chairs, adorned with silver spoons and forks, each embellished with a striking red jewel. As the guests marveled at the curtains, Princess Rayal spoke.
"These curtains were crafted from the silk of a giant red spider by one of the finest craftsmen on the continent. Please, take a seat. Food will be served shortly."
The heroes rush to their seats, their stomachs grumbling from oversleeping and missing breakfast. As they take their places, a line of maids enters, each bearing grand platters heaped with a tantalizing array of dishes. The aroma of freshly baked bread, piping hot soup, and a diverse selection of savory meats fills the air, promising a delightful and satisfying meal for the heroes.
"Are we not waiting for the king?" Elsa asked.
"The king is feeling unwell." Princess Beatrice answered
"We all hope that King Rayal will get better soon." Ashbell said
Princess Beatrice gave a nod, signaling the beginning of the meal. The heroes eagerly tucked into their food, savoring every bite. Despite it not being the meat of ordinary animals found on Earth, it was delectable and tender, akin to the finest cuts of meat. As the main course concluded, the dessert promptly made its appearance. While indulging in the sweet treats, Princess Rayal initiated a conversation.
"After this, you guys will be meeting your instructor. We have arranged for you the best instructors in our kingdom. Grandmaster Alaric Faelon, the sword saint in this era and Grandmaster Vernon Basilus, an archmage. Later in the day, we will discuss the current situation on the continent and your future mission."
The seven heroes nod and quickly we finish dessert. They all look worried because they will soon be drawn to a life-and-death mission.
***
In a secluded wing of the castle, a sunlit training hall stands open to the sky, surrounded by stone arches and ivy-covered walls, the space features a sand-covered floor, worn smooth by years of practice. Sunlight streams through tall, narrow windows and open sections in the vaulted ceiling, illuminating the smooth stone floor and casting long, warm beams across the hall. Training dummies, weapon racks, and sparring circles are scattered throughout.
Standing in the center waiting are two figures with extraordinary energy. One with a chiselled physique that speaks of years of rigorous training and combat. His skin is lightly tanned, hinting at days spent under the sun, sharpening his skills. His hair is a rich chestnut brown, worn slightly longer, falling just past his shoulders and tied back in a simple leather cord. This gives him a warrior-like aura while still maintaining nobility. His piercing blue eyes reflect both intensity and wisdom, with a glimmer that suggests a formidable intellect behind his swordplay. At his side, he wields the family's heirloom sword, a masterpiece of craftsmanship forged with an intricate hilt, adorned with the Valenrot family crest—a majestic owl, symbolizing strength and precision. His left hand is resting on the sword handle and the right hand is a leather gauntlet with worn evidence of countless duels. The other person was the opposite, tall as a figure both commanding and enigmatic. His deep-set eyes glimmer with an unusual light that contrasts strangely with the darkness that surrounds him showing the wisdom and knowledge amassed over decades of study into the arcane arts. His hair, long and wavy, cascades down to his shoulders, jet black with strands of silver streaking through, revealing the toll that his mastery of dark magic has exacted on him. A well-groomed black beard meticulously cared for, frames his angular jawline, giving him an air of gravitas and authority. He is garbed in flowing robes made of midnight-black fabric, the material shimmering subtly as though made from shadows themselves. Intricate silver embroidery runs along the edges, forming arcane sigils that pulse faintly with power. The sleeves are wide, trailing slightly beyond his hands, a few rings adorned on his fingers.
"Greeting heroes, I'm Grandmaster Vernon Basilus and this is Grandmaster Alaric Faelon." Grandmaster Vernon introduced
"Here we will test your potential energy type. Purple will be mana which you will become mages and training with me. White is aura, Grandmaster Alaric will help you become a great warrior." Grandmaster Vernon continued
"Step forward introduce yourself and then put your hand on this orb, heroes." Grandmaster Vernon insisted.
"My name is Snyder." Snyder said.
He is a remarkably versatile individual, possessing not only a range of talents but also striking good looks, with his lustrous black hair reminiscent of a Korean actor. This is perhaps why he exudes confidence in every action he takes and is always the first to step forward. When he places his hand on the orb, the white energy shrine decrees that he will become a valiant warrior.
"My name is Ashbell." Ashbell said.
Ashbell stands tall in the group, his glasses giving him an air of intelligence. Despite his height, he lacked a muscular build, and his round face gave him a somewhat chubby appearance. As he places his hand on the orb in the purple light shrine, it was evident that he would be a mage.
"As I expected, on the day your skill shows, I already know you have potential in magic," praised Grandmaster Vernon.
Thank you, Grandmaster Vernon." Ashbell bowed and said.
Amid ordinary surroundings stands Jack, a seemingly unremarkable figure with an easygoing and uncomplicated demeanor. Yet, a little subtle air of athleticism distinguishes him from the crowd. As he lays his hand upon the orb, his destiny as a warrior which the white light shrine.
Next in line is Shan, exuding an aura of effortless coolness with his neatly styled, short hair elegantly swept to one side. Despite his slender frame, he possesses a noticeable level of fitness. Like Jack, his touch upon the orb designates him as another warrior.
Elsa steps forward, her hand also resting upon the orb, her fate sealed as a warrior because of the white light. With her striking black hair and a petite stature of around 5'2", she exudes an endearing charm despite her slightly plump physique.
"I think I remember you have the specialty name 'imbue', you should be an archer since it can enhance objects which normal warriors are hard to do. Only Master-level warriors can imbue aura to objects and Grandmaster-level warriors can release an aura far away from themselves. I may have to find you another teacher." Grandmaster Vernon said.
Lumi is the next in line. She stands slightly taller than Elsa, with lustrous blonde hair and striking Asian features that set her apart. Different to Elsa, Lumi is a mage which decide by the purple light shrine from the orb.
Sebastian is the final person in the line. Possessing a lean physique and tousled, wavy hair, he exudes an undeniable charm, although not quite on par with Snyder. As he places his hand on the orb, a white orb that represents the path of a warrior.
"Only two mages, it is good enough. Will it be hard training four, Alaric" Grandmaster Vernon said.
"That can be manageable." Alaric nodded while saying.
"Then mages stay here with me to test attributes and warriors come with Alaric to choose your weapon. I advise you to choose Sword since Alaric here is the sword saint." Grandmaster Vernon said.
Snyder, Jack, Shan, Elsa and Sebastian all nod, along with Alaric they arrive at the weapon storage. The weapon storage is an impressive stone structure, the air is cool and tinged with the scent of leather and oil, mingling with the faint metallic tang of steel. Long wooden racks line the walls, meticulously organized to display an array of weapons. On one side, a collection of gleaming swords glimmers under flickering torchlight—broad-bladed longswords, elegant sabers, and intricate daggers. Nearby, a row of sturdy shields showcases heraldic designs, their surfaces polished to a shine. Further into the storage, heavy racks hold various polearms: halberds with wickedly sharp heads, spears with barbed tips, and fearsome glaives, their long shafts ending in a deadly curve. In one corner, a set of range weapons like bows and crossbows is meticulously arranged, alongside a wooden cart filled with bolts, each one crafted for precision and power. A large chest assortment of throwing weapons—daggers, axes, and even a few elegantly crafted throwing stars. Adjacent to this, barrels filled with arrows stand ready for swift action, their fletching vibrant against the aged wood. Amazing by the shiny weapon they stand frozen for a few seconds and they all walk in. They all look around for a suitable weapon that suits them the most. Jack is the fastest, he simply picks a long sword, and balances in every way. Snyder chose a sword that looked like a kriegmesser and Sebastian chose a gladius sword and a small shield. While Shan chose a bigger sword that resembled a buster sword, in comparison with the buster sword it is shorter but has a thicker blade. Pondering long enough, Elsa finally takes a short bow fs to choose their weapon, it is time to return the the training ground. At the same time in the training ground, Grandmaster Vernon takes out another orb.
"This orb can find the attributes that affinity you the most. In this world there are the four guardians, the four guardian represent the four element. The Fire guardian Emyr appeared as a phoenix with six wings. The Earth guardian Eamon appeared as an Armadillo with rocky armor. The water guardian Elrik appeared as a transparent jellyfish that was made of water. The wind guardian Eilidh appeared as a butterfly with sparkle falling from her wings. There also Dark attributes like mine and light attributes. But these attributes are almost can never be seen."
Grandmaster Vernon explained.
"Doesn't that mean you are the gold in the dust, Grandmaster Vernon?" Ashbell praised.
"Oh…HoHo! thank you, Ashbell. But gold in the dust is a little too much." Grandmaster Vernon laughed
"Now, Ashbell, Lumi put your hand on the Ord please." Grandmaster Vernon continued.
As Lumi put her hand on the orb, a red fiery energy appeared. Look at it, everyone would know that her element is fire attributes. But it then turns to a yellow light. Seeing that Grandmaster Vernon speaks
"Amazing, a variant, it is also a rare case like mine too. Not only do you have the fire attribute but also the variant of it, thunder."
Following that is Ashbell, not losing to Lumi, the orb that Ashbell touched shrines the color of red and light green. The green changes its color to a s color to even light. Ashbell looks at Grandmaster Vernon expecting something special praise from him.
"Indeed another special case!" Grandmaster Vernon said.
"Double attribute mana is not that rare but a variant in wind magic is rare." Vernon continued.
"Thank you, Grandmaster Vernon."Ashbell bowed and he seemed happy and satisfied about it.
As Lumi and Ashbell were done, the warriors also came back to the training hall. Grandmaster Vernon speaks
"Have a quick rest now. We will meet again in the hall to have some planning to do."
As the heroes were guided out of the training ground, Grandmaster Vernon spoke with a solemn tone.
"Poor kids, they have so much potential and innocence. They don't know what awaits them."
"Indeed," Grandmaster Alaric replied, his voice may tinge with concern but not in his eyes.