Leni, after a full seven days of travel, finally reached the capital of the country Ero, Inormi. Choosing the route through the Misty Forest turned out to be a perfect decision. Thanks to this shortcut, she managed to save a significant amount of time. The Misty Forest, however, was infamous for its dense fog that easily disoriented travelers and for the lurking creatures best avoided.
Arriving at the eastern gate of the capital did not mean the end of her troubles. The guards stationed at the entrance reacted with evident skepticism, seeing a demon holding a wand. Their faces displayed distrust, and suspicion lingered in their eyes. Leni knew she had to act quickly before they started asking difficult questions. She tried to convince them with her admittedly poor acting skills. Fortunately, after a brief and awkward exchange, the guards—though clearly unconvinced—decided to let her pass.
Despite its prejudices, Ero was considered a relatively tolerant place. This attitude stemmed from past events, specifically the tragic war between demons and humans that left a scar on the entire continent. The people of Ero had learned that fear and hatred often led to even greater losses. Thus, with some exceptions, they now strived to coexist peacefully with other races.
When Leni finally reached the guild, exhaustion began to catch up with her. The building, located in the eastern part of the capital, immediately drew her attention with its unusual architecture. It stood out among the other structures with its massive and austere appearance. The guild, however, was more than just a place of business—it also served as a refuge for travelers seeking rest after long journeys.
As she stepped inside, she was hit by a characteristic smell—a mix of smoke, alcohol, and mustiness, the result of years of neglect. The guild's interior was connected to a bar, making the atmosphere even more chaotic. The walls bore the marks of countless brawls that occurred almost daily, and most of the furniture was broken or severely damaged. Tables were unevenly spaced, and some looked like they might collapse at any moment.
Everyone in the room, mostly adventurers and travelers, immediately turned their attention to her. Their gazes were filled with surprise and disbelief. It seemed none of them had ever seen a demon with a wand before. Leni felt uneasy under their scrutiny but refused to show it. She straightened her back and walked confidently toward the bar, determined to ignore their persistent stares.
Behind the counter stood a tall man dressed in an elegant outfit that seemed out of place in the otherwise chaotic surroundings. His blond hair was neatly combed, and his dark, almost black eyes exuded an air of mystery. The bartender looked at her, his face showing neither fear nor prejudice.
– How can I help you, miss? – the bartender asked politely.
His voice was low and calm, and the way he spoke suggested that he had seen his fair share of the world. He stood behind the bar in his perfectly tailored attire, a stark contrast to the disordered and neglected environment around him.
Leni remained silent for a moment, studying the man. Without a word, she reached into her robe and pulled out a small stone with the name "Nolan" etched into it. She placed it on the counter with a soft tap, deliberately drawing his attention.
The bartender glanced at the stone, his expression shifting slightly. His eyes narrowed briefly as if analyzing something, then he nodded, seemingly understanding the message.
"I see" he said calmly " Welcome, Leni. Your room is upstairs, the first door on the left on the second floor. Nolan was here four days ago. He told me to expect you."
At those words, Leni's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Wait... four days ago?"she finally said."That's impossible! The journey from Serot to Ero took me seven days, even taking the fastest route. How could he have gotten here so quickly?"
The bartender sighed, as if dealing with someone who had questioned his words many times before.
"Listen, I'm just telling you what happened"he replied patiently, though there was a faint hint of weariness in his tone. "Nolan was here four days ago, and he said you'd come. That's all."
Leni was at a loss for words.
"How is that even possible? I traveled the fastest route available… Horses struggle in the Misty Forest because the paths are unpredictable and treacherous, slowing them down. That's why I avoided using one. And bypassing the forest to get to Inormi would have taken me at least a month. Is he really that fast?"
Her thoughts were interrupted by the bartender's voice, his expression now showing mild impatience.
" Girl, you still with us? You look like you've seen a ghost. Here, take this it's the key to your room. Don't lose it, or you'll have to deal with me" he said with unexpected sternness, holding out a brass key.
Leni quickly took the key, sensing from his tone that he wasn't joking.
"Thank you"she replied softly before stepping away from the bar.
As she walked through the crowded room, she felt the weight of stares following her. The people in the guild observed her with a mixture of contempt and caution. She was fully aware that her wand, combined with her distinctive hair, drew attention—especially in a place like this.
"Ugh, next time I need to remember not to bring my wand to places like this. I look like some sort of spectacle…" she thought with resignation.
Soon, she found herself at the staircase leading to the upper floor. The steps creaked beneath her feet, each sound unusually loud compared to the chatter below. On the second floor, she located her room—a small space that, despite its modest size, had everything she needed.
Inside was a bed with simple but clean bedding, a bookshelf, a small desk, and a chair. In the corner, she noticed a door leading to a bathroom. The room felt cozy.
She locked the door behind her, then set her backpack on one of the shelves. She leaned her wand carefully in the corner of the room. With a soft sigh, she removed her white robe and hung it on a hook. She then took off her shirt and long skirt, neatly folding them and placing them on the desk.
Left in just her underwear, she felt the exhaustion catching up with her. She threw herself onto the bed, allowing herself a moment of relaxation.
" Eh, that was a bad idea… Traveling for seven days straight without rest..."she mumbled under her breath, a faint smile forming as she reflected on her own foolishness. – Demons are supposed to endure long periods without sleep... Well, maybe Aron is an exception, hehe.
She tried to summon the energy to get up and head to the bathroom, but her body refused to cooperate.
" I don't even have the strength to change into pajamas anymore… "she sighed softly."Never mind… It's warm… It's..."
Before she could finish the thought, her eyes closed, and her exhausted body fell into a deep sleep.
***
Leni spent two intense years working in Inormi as an adventurer. She always worked solo—she could no longer trust others after the traumatic experience with a certain team that nearly got her killed. Despite this, she fared well. Even after abandoning her wand, which had drawn too much unwanted attention, she efficiently completed her assignments.
Her work was demanding but gave her a sense of fulfillment. During the day, she handled simpler tasks requiring dexterity and experience. But at night, when darkness blanketed the city, she would retrieve her wand and take on more challenging jobs. Only then, in the quiet of the night, could she focus on fire magic training, venturing outside the capital to practice in the empty fields. This training became her primary goal.
However, the money she earned seemed to vanish. Leni wasn't sure why. She had planned to save for a fire-element wand—a crucial tool to help her better master the magic. Yet, instead of accumulating funds, her bookshelf inexplicably filled with more and more books. Some of them were useless, filled with dusty legends and outdated theories. Still, Leni, a lover of reading, couldn't resist buying them.
After two years of sacrifices, she finally managed to save enough money. She set out for the shop of Emil—a respected but equally controversial mage who ran his store in the heart of Inormi. Emil was renowned for his products and wands. Leni had overpaid for useless items and artifacts in the past, which turned out to be nonfunctional. But finally, she acquired what she desired: a fire-element wand for an exorbitant price.
The wand was simple, made of black wood with a red core at its tip. It was designed to help control fire and facilitate mastering its nature. Now, Leni could fully dedicate herself to her training, using the wand during her nightly assignments and exercises, which significantly improved her effectiveness.
Fire magic was a challenge for Leni, but she didn't aim for mastery. She only wanted to reach Level II, enough to qualify as a court mage.
Elemental magic consisted of five levels. The first two were basic:
- **Level I** allowed the creation of an element, such as a flame, a stream of water, a stone, or a gust of wind.
- **Level II** focused on controlling the element. At this stage, water could be used to heal minor injuries, making it unique among the elements.
Only **Level III** opened the door to more advanced abilities that gave magic its true power:
- Air magic allowed for increased speed and reflexes.
- Water magic enabled the healing of fractures and more severe injuries.
- Earth magic granted the ability to create complex structures and objects.
- Fire magic at this level allowed the generation of flames as hot as magma.
Levels IV and V were beyond her reach for now, so she focused on fire.
Leni was already advanced in three elements—water, earth, and air—all at Level III. However, she decided to master fire only up to Level II. She didn't need more, as her goal was simply to control this challenging element.
The wand, though expensive and paid for with years of sacrifices, was the key to fulfilling her ambitions. Every night, under the moonlight, Leni practiced creating and controlling fire, feeling herself grow stronger. She knew her efforts would one day lead her to the royal court.
***
Leni continued to work as an adventurer during three years of intensive wand training. In that time, she managed to master the fire element at Level II. The process was physically and mentally exhausting, but through determination and perseverance, she achieved her goal. The wand training not only helped her control fire with the tool but also enabled her to use the element freely without it—a significant achievement for her. Each practice session brought her closer to perfection, and her growing skills earned admiration and respect from other adventurers.
On the day she felt ready for the next step in her career, she wrote a letter to the Castle, specifically addressed to the Council of Elders. In it, she expressed her readiness to assume the role of a court mage. With confidence, she emphasized that, despite being a demon, she possessed Level III mastery in earth, water, and air magic, as well as Level II in fire. She also revealed that she was born with the air element—a rarity for demons, who typically excel in fire. She signed the letter, carefully sealed it, and headed to the post office to send it to the castle.
To her surprise, a response arrived the very next day. The letter contained an invitation to meet the Council of Elders, along with the Commander and Vice-Commander of the Guard. A special pass was included, which she needed to present at the castle gate. Without delay, Leni set off for the castle, located in the western part of the city atop a high mountain. The castle resembled a formidable fortress more than a traditional royal residence.
When she arrived, she was met with an impressive sight. Through the castle gate, she could see knights and warriors training, smoking forges, barracks, living quarters, and various workshops. At the heart of the fortress stood an elegant, ornate castle—the primary residence of the rulers. Upon presenting her letter to the guards, Leni was granted entry. The sheer scale and grandeur of the fortress overwhelmed her, filling her with awe.
Suddenly, a young man emerged from the main building. He was tall, with short brown hair, and looked about sixteen years old. His black robe bore the emblem of the Kingdom of Ero and the number "5" etched on his left shoulder. Leni quickly realized he was one of the court knights. As the boy approached, he bowed slightly and said,
"Good day, Leni. I am Klein Ardeb, the fourth court knight of the Kingdom of Ero. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Leni noticed a hint of hesitation in Klein's voice, as if speaking to her was difficult for him. After a brief silence, he added with a faltering tone,
"I've been asked to escort you to the Council of Elders. If you're accepted as a court mage, I'll also give you a tour of the castle. Please, follow me."
He spoke quickly, then almost immediately turned away, avoiding eye contact with Leni. She expected such a reaction. As a demon, she was accustomed to the disdain humans often showed her. However, the boy's emotions didn't seem like disdain. Nevertheless, she followed him toward the castle entrance.
As they walked, Klein suddenly spoke in a calm voice, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor, as if seeing Leni unsettled him.
"Normally, the selection of a court mage is conducted in the presence of the king. However, he, along with the first, second, third, and fourth court knights, their troops, and the first court mage, is currently attending an important meeting in the country of Satop. Today's meeting will proceed without him."
Leni was silent for a moment, pondering the implications of his words. She had never met the king personally but had heard of his wisdom and power. Finally, she asked,
"So Nolan isn't here either?"
Klein nodded.
- "No, he's with the king."
"I see," Leni replied calmly.
When they entered the castle, Leni was awestruck by its incredible architecture. The spacious rooms, ornate furniture, and intricate details on the walls were breathtaking. For Leni, who had spent most of her life in cramped, modest quarters, the scale and splendor of the castle's interiors were nearly overwhelming. She followed Klein, marveling at her surroundings, waiting for the moment she would face the Council of Elders.
Turning right and passing numerous richly decorated chambers, Leni and Klein arrived in front of massive black doors with an impressive appearance. Their surface was covered with delicate, almost mystical patterns that seemed to pulse with a faint glow. There was something both monumental and unsettling about them. Klein stopped and looked at Leni.
"This is where my role ends by now" he said, gesturing toward the doors. "Beyond them, you will find the Council of Elders, the Commander, and the Vice-Commander of the Guard. Good luck, Leni."
He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on her as if he wanted to say something more, but then he quickly turned on his heel and walked away in the opposite direction, almost fleeing. Leni noticed his strange behavior but decided not to dwell on it. She had more pressing matters to attend to.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly pushed open the heavy doors. Their weight forced her to use all her strength to move them. Beyond the threshold, she found herself in a spacious, dimly lit room shrouded in semi-darkness. There were no windows, and the only source of light came from large, hanging lamps that cast faint, flickering beams. The entire atmosphere was somber and somewhat oppressive.
In the center of the room stood a long table, behind which sat seven elderly men and three elderly women—the members of the Council. Their faces were stern, their gazes scrutinizing. To the left of the table stood two figures clad in full armor, who immediately caught Leni's attention. They had to be the Commander and Vice-Commander of the Guard. They looked like highly experienced warriors, their posture exuding strength and determination.
Although her heart was beating faster, Leni lifted her head and walked to the center of the room, where a spot clearly meant for her awaited. She stood confidently, trying to hide her nervousness. One of the men seated in the middle of the table, the eldest of the Council, spoke in a deep, resonant voice:
"Leni. Demon. Magic proficiency:
Level III in wind magic,
Level III in earth magic,
Level III in water magic,
Level II in fire magic.
Is that correct?"
Leni swallowed hard, trying not to betray her emotions. She had expected this meeting to be formal, but she hadn't anticipated such a tense atmosphere.
"Yes, that's correct," she replied quietly but firmly.
The elder narrowed his eyes and continued:
"Well, I have never seen a demon using magic, and I've lived for over eighty-five years. In all those years, demons who displayed magical abilities instilled fear. And it's no wonder. It's hard to forget what *that* person did during the war…"
His words hung in the air like a heavy, invisible weight. Leni had anticipated this topic would come up, but even so, she felt a knot in her stomach.
"I understand that my origins may cause concern," she began, trying to speak with a calm and persuasive tone. "But you must know that I have no ill intentions. I'm.... I'm different"
She didn't get to finish, as one of the women on the Council, an older lady with a gentle smile, interrupted her.
"We know that," the woman said warmly yet firmly. "Nolan spoke of you. He said you're exceptional. What's more, you're the black-haired mage everyone has been talking about lately. The rumors about you are nothing but positive."
The older woman's smile widened, and her words brought a glimmer of hope to the somber room. Leni felt the atmosphere gradually becoming a bit less tense, though she knew she still had much to prove to gain the full trust of those present.
After a moment of silence, one of the men seated at the table spoke in a gentle, calm voice:
"Could we see your skills in the four basic elements?"
Leni nodded without hesitation, although she felt the piercing gazes of everyone present. She took a deep breath to steady her emotions and then began the demonstration.
First, she raised her hand, focusing on earth magic. After a moment, a solid stone sword began to form in her palm. The blade was smooth, and its edges gleamed as if they had been meticulously crafted by a master blacksmith. Leni lifted the sword high, showing everyone her ability to shape objects from the earth—a clear demonstration of her Level III earth magic.
Once she was sure everyone had taken a good look at her creation, she lowered the sword. Next, she turned her attention to air magic. A gentle breeze swirled around her, gradually gaining strength. Leni rose slightly off the ground and then began moving across the room at incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, she zipped around the gathering multiple times, creating delicate air currents that scattered the parchments on the table. This was a clear demonstration of her Level III air magic, which allowed her to enhance speed and precisely control the wind.
Next came her display of water magic. Leni stood in the center of the room and, to everyone's surprise, grasped one of her fingers. With a decisive motion, she broke it. Pain flickered across her face, but she made no sound. Everyone held their breath, watching her next move. She raised her hand, focusing all her energy on the injury. A moment later, the broken finger glowed softly with a blue light, and the bone shifted back into place. This was her demonstration of Level III water magic, showcasing her ability to heal injuries.
Finally, Leni focused on the most challenging element for her—fire. She stood still, spinning slowly on her axis. As she turned, flames burst from her hands, spiraling around her body. The fire was neither wild nor chaotic—Leni controlled it with precision, shaping it into various forms. After a moment, the flames formed a ring that hovered above her head. This was a demonstration of her Level II fire magic, emphasizing control and manipulation of flames.
When she finished her display, the flames vanished, and Leni lowered her hands. A faint smile appeared on her face. She had succeeded. The demonstration was complete and flawless, and she felt she had done everything possible to showcase her abilities.
Suddenly, the man sitting at the center of the table—the leader of the Council of Elders—spoke again.
"Well, I believe it is time for us to gradually move past the tragedy that occurred nearly two hundred years ago. Leni, as a court mage, can contribute to changing the perception of magic practiced by demons. This is the first step toward making it something normal, rather than a cause for fear."
His voice was calm but firm, as if he wanted to emphasize the importance of his decision. After a brief pause, during which he glanced at the other council members, he continued:
"The position of the tenth court mage is already filled by our healer, Adam. However, since the ninth position is vacant... I hereby declare Leni the ninth court mag..."
"STOP!" shouted one of the men in the room.
It wasn't a member of the Council of Elders but one of the commanders of the guard. Clearly outraged, he cast angry glances at everyone around him. He was tall, dressed in light armor, with dark brown hair and sharp facial features that gave him a menacing appearance.
"Hey, hey, hey... HEY! Are you all serious?!" he began yelling. "A demon using magic in the ranks of the army?! Have you all completely lost your minds?! A bunch of old fools! It's bad enough that Nolan has a unit full of that black-haired scum!"
His words dripped with contempt, and the tension in the room thickened. Suddenly, the man next to him, much taller, with green hair and a calm, composed expression, addressed him in a cold tone:
"Calm yourself, Frank," he said warningly. "Such behavior is unbecoming of the vice-commander of the guard."
Frank scoffed in disdain, refusing to back down.
"Sir Ardeb, can't you see it?! A demon using magic! It's insane!"
"Rost Ardeb is right. Your behavior is unacceptable, Frank," interjected one of the women from the Council of Elders, her voice sharp as a blade. "We will not tolerate such racist views in this building."
Seeing that he would find no support, Frank sighed contemptuously and fell silent, though anger still smoldered in his gaze.
Leni, watching the entire scene, was in shock. She hadn't expected the Council of Elders and the guard commander to defend her so firmly.
"Alright, let's return to the matter at hand," said the Council leader, ignoring further protests. "I hereby declare Leni the ninth court mage."
Leni felt the tension drain from her body. She exhaled deeply and, unable to contain her emotions, began jumping with joy.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Hehe!" she exclaimed, leaping into the air several times.
The Council of Elders stared at her with a mixture of disbelief. It took Leni a moment to realize that she had just been appointed as a court mage and should behave more seriously. Her face turned bright red with embarrassment.
"Umm... I mean... I am... to you... the Council... of grandpas... I mean, the Council of Elders, immensely grateful," she stammered. "I promise to give it my all!"
She tried to bow to show respect, but her clumsy movements caused her to lose balance and fall face-first onto the floor.
Quickly standing up, embarrassed, she bolted out of the room, leaving the astonished council members behind. Silence fell in the room before one of the older men sighed heavily and said:
"Well... this is going to be an interesting court mage."
***
As Leni left the chamber, Klein Ardeb was already waiting, standing against the wall with his arms crossed. Upon seeing her, he straightened, his face taking on a slight blush.
"Judging by your reaction, it went well," he said, trying to appear composed, though he clearly avoided her gaze.
Leni could barely contain her growing excitement. Unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself at Klein and hugged him tightly.
"Yes, yes, yes! Hehe, I did it! I'm a court mage!" she shouted, holding him tightly and almost jumping with joy.
Klein stood frozen, his face bright red. His voice was halting and filled with awkwardness.
"Uh-uh, what are you... I get that you're happy and all... but... but..." His words trailed off as Leni continued to hug him tightly.
After a moment, she let go, noticing his flustered expression.
"Alright, so now you'll give me a tour of the castle, right?" she asked with a broad smile.
Still dazed, Klein mumbled,
"Y-yeah... I'm supposed to take you to your quarters. That's where my role ends."
Leni looked at him with amusement and delight.
"Thanks! But first, I'll need your help moving my stuff here. Will you help me? Pretty please? I need a strong man!" she joked, laughing lightly.
Those words seemed to give Klein a boost of confidence.
"Of course... I'll help you," he said, straightening up, though still slightly flustered.
Leni smiled warmly.
- Thanks!
***
Not long after, Klein quickly began to regret his decision. He was hauling a massive box on his back that seemed to be packed with enough books to start a small library. Every step was a struggle, and the castle was located atop a hill.
"Why so slow, Fifth Court Knight? We're almost there!" Leni called out impatiently, holding a wind wand in one hand and a fire wand in the other, as if ready to help at any moment—though it was clear she had no intention of doing so.
Klein, drenched in sweat, groaned but didn't respond. Eventually, Leni, apparently bored by the silence, asked,
"By the way, is it just a coincidence that your last name, Ardeb, is the same as the guard commander's? Or are you related?"
Klein sighed heavily, trying to catch his breath.
- Yes, he's my father.
Leni smiled, as if confirming her suspicions. Such a rare surname left little doubt—it was a mark of noble families.
When they finally arrived, Klein led Leni to her chamber at the topmost floor of the castle. It was spacious and elegant, with tall windows that offered a breathtaking view of the entire capital.
"Alright..." Klein panted, barely able to stand. "This is where my role ends. I wish you... a productive tenure. For now, you shouldn't receive any orders. Unlike Court Knights and their units, who get orders from the Guard Commanders, you Court Mages take your instructions directly from the King. But he's currently out of the country and likely won't return for the next year. Oh, and here—this is your Court Mage robe."
Klein tossed a white robe onto Leni's bed. It was embroidered with the number 9 on the left sleeve and the Ero kingdom's emblem on the right.
"Thanks," Leni replied nonchalantly, throwing herself onto the bed. "Mmm, so comfy!" she murmured, wriggling with delight.
Klein just stared, blushing again.
"W-well... I'll be going now. Goodbye, Leni," he muttered, his voice still shaky with nerves.
"Thank you, Klein. You're alright," Leni said with a sincere smile.
Those words seemed to strike a chord in Klein, who quickly shut the door behind him.
*"Why is he acting so weird?"* Leni wondered to herself.
***
Leni spent a year as a Court Mage, mostly relaxing and reading. After more than 46 years of hard work, she could finally enjoy a well-deserved break, especially since the King was abroad and she wasn't receiving any orders. She felt a bit guilty for not helping Nolan recruit more demons for his unit, but she knew rest was important too. Most of her time was spent in the royal library, where she often encountered Klein. Although he seemed interested in the books he held, Leni suspected he wasn't really reading them very carefully. She also met other Court Mages and knights but avoided forming close relationships, feeling no need to engage in new connections for now.
One day, Leni finally decided to speak with one of the Court Mages—Adam, the tenth in the hierarchy. He was an unusual case, as he only had Level V Water Magic, which broke all the rules. Typically, becoming a Court Mage required Level II proficiency in all four basic elements, but Adam made up for his shortcomings with his specialization. His exceptional skill in Water Magic—the most challenging element to master at such a level—and his knowledge of rare elemental spells, like Level I Light Magic, earned him his position. His abilities as a healer were invaluable to the royal ranks.
Leni had hesitated for a long time, not wanting to disturb Adam, who always seemed busy. However, when she learned he had some free time, she decided to visit his chamber to seek advice on a matter that had been bothering her for a while.
"Good morning, am I interrupting?" Leni asked softly as she gently opened the door.
In the corner of the chamber, at a desk covered in books, sat a man in the white robe of a Court Mage. Even seated, it was clear he was tall, like most people from Ero. He wore a hood, and his face was lit by the sunlight streaming through the window. At the sound of Leni's voice, he turned toward her.
"Oh, hello. You must be the new Court Mage, Leni. I haven't seen you around here before," he said, standing up. As he looked at her closely, Leni noticed his youthful face with a gentle expression... and an unusually large forehead that immediately caught her attention. Despite talking to her, he kept his hood on.
"I have a favor to ask, Adam... They say you're the best healer in the kingdom. Is that true?" she asked, trying not to show her awkwardness.
Adam made a few odd hand twitches, which seemed to be part of his personality, then replied,
"Yes, you could say that."
Leni glanced around the chamber filled with books. Before she could say anything else, Adam noticed her gaze and smiled.
"I see you like books. So do I! Want to hear a joke?"
Before Leni could protest, he continued,
"What do you call a book about laziness? *'Still waiting to be published!'* Funny, right? Admit it, it's good!"
Leni gave him a visibly embarrassed look, but Adam, pleased with his own humor, eventually adopted a more serious expression.
"Alright, let's get to the point. What do you need?" he asked.
Leni took a deep breath and answered,
"Can you remove scars or burns that have been on someone's body for a really long time? I have a few, and I'd like to get rid of them. I'd be very grateful..."
Adam looked at her seriously, his hands twitching again.
"Well, it depends. If a scar is less than five years old, I can remove it completely. For older ones, I can make them almost invisible. It's the same with burns."
Leni's eyes lit up.
"Really?!" she asked, her voice full of hope.
Adam gave her a faint smile.
"Yes, really. If that's why you're here, lie down on the couch. I'll take care of it."
Leni immediately walked over to the couch, removing her long robe, blouse, and skirt that covered her body. Standing before Adam, her body was covered in numerous scars and burn marks. Adam looked at her in disbelief.
"What have you been through, girl...?" he said quietly, taking in the extent of her injuries.
The process of removing the scars took over six hours. When it was finished, Leni's body looked almost new, though faint white marks remained where the scars and burns had been. When she looked in the mirror, her eyes filled with tears. Overcome with joy, she threw her arms around Adam, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I don't know how I can repay you. Tell me, what can I do for you?"
Adam smiled at her.
Leni released him, still full of gratitude for his help.
"Well, for starters, you might want to put some clothes on," Adam said with a gentle smile.
Leni nodded, quickly reaching for her clothes and beginning to dress.
Once she was done, she sighed in relief and, recalling her debt of gratitude, asked,
"How can I repay you, Adam?"
Adam paused for a moment, made a few of his characteristic hand twitches, then smiled broadly.
"Well, there is something I could use your help with. I recently signed up for a tournament, but for some reason, no one wants to assist me. I think you'd make excellent support."
Leni looked at him with curiosity.
"Sure, I'll help you! But... what kind of tournament is it?" she asked with a hint of excitement.
Adam straightened up proudly, as if his answer was something truly extraordinary.
"A comedy tournament!" he announced, his face lighting up with satisfaction.
***
After three hours of listening to Adam's corny jokes, Leni returned to her chamber, exhausted. It was already late at night, but her mind was racing with thoughts that suppressed her fatigue. She opened her wardrobe, pulled out a short skirt, and quickly changed out of the long one she had been wearing to hide her scars and burns.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Leni began to jump with excitement. Finally, she could wear what she liked without worrying about covering her scars. She felt as if she had regained a part of herself that had been lost for years.
However, her joyful jumping quickly caused trouble. One of the wands carelessly left in the corner of the room slid and struck the corner of the desk with its green core. A sound resembling shattering glass echoed through the room. Leni froze, her gaze immediately darting to the wand. The core was slightly cracked, and energy was slowly leaking from it.
"Oh no... What have I done?!" she exclaimed, covering her mouth with her hand.
She quickly ran to the wand and inspected the crack. Fortunately, it wasn't too large.
"Okay, it's small! That means I can still fix it, but I'll need magical crystals..." she began talking to herself. Then she frowned. "But... I don't have enough money to buy them from Emil."
She thought for a moment, trying to come up with a solution. After a moment, a smile appeared on her face.
"I can commission someone at the guild! That's a great idea!"
Without wasting any time, Leni dashed out of her chamber, taking a small wand that she hid under her robe, and headed for the guild where she had spent over five years as an adventurer. As she entered, a wave of memories washed over her. The people in the guild knew her well, but most looked at her with disdain—a reaction Leni ignored, confident in her decision.
She approached the bartender behind the counter and asked,
"Is there anyone in the guild right now who's taking commissions?" Her tone was serious.
The bartender looked at her and then nodded toward a massive, bald man sitting in the corner of the room.
"He can help you."
Leni immediately walked over to the man. She sat down at his table, surprising him.
"How much do you charge for fetching me a pouch of magical crystals?" she asked firmly.
The man raised an eyebrow, looking at her with curiosity, then replied with a slight smirk,
"And how much time are you giving me, missy?" he asked, a hint of humor in his voice.
"A week," she answered without hesitation.
The bald man observed her for a moment before nodding.
"Reasonable time. Hmm... 20 gold coins. I think that's a fair price."
Leni's eyes widened. In Emil's shop, she usually paid 100 gold coins for a pouch of magical crystals.
"Yes... fair," she said, trying to hide her smile.
The man sighed, noticing her reaction.
"I don't know what you're so happy about... Never mind. We'll meet here in a week. I'll be waiting with the goods in the morning. Understood?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, thank you! Doing business with you is a pleasure," Leni said before quickly leaving the bar.
Barely out the door, the man muttered under his breath,
"Foolish girl. A pouch of crystals usually costs 10 gold coins..."
***
A week later, Leni left her chamber dressed in a short skirt, a black shirt, and the white robe of a Court Mage. She also carried a small wand hidden under her robe. Once ready, she headed toward the eastern part of the city where the guild was located.
As she walked, her thoughts began to wander. Was the meeting place a good choice? She knew such places often saw fights and unpleasant incidents. The man she was meeting could also try to raise the price, which made her slightly uneasy. Nevertheless, she continued forward, trying to calm her concerns.
As she neared the guild, she heard raised voices and shouting from behind the heavy wooden doors. Her heart raced, but she wasn't surprised. Fights were commonplace here. She gently pushed the door ajar to see what was happening.
Inside, she saw a black-haired boy fighting three burly men. He moved with incredible agility, but the numerical advantage of his opponents was evident. Leni watched them for a moment. Suddenly, everything changed.
The world began to break apart. The scene of the fight disappeared as if it were only a reflection in a pane of glass that had just shattered into countless fragments. Chaos gave way to a black, endless void that seemed to consume everything around it.
In this emptiness, mysterious words echoed:
~| You have just glimpsed the life of someone important to you. |~
~| The existence of this person may influence your destiny. |~
~| A life you desire to save. |~