By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the pair had reached a small clearing. Ronan set up a modest camp with the ease of someone who had done so a thousand times before. Lucian mirrored his movements, eager to prove himself useful, even in small ways.
The fire crackled warmly, its glow illuminating the edges of the dark forest. As they ate their modest rations, a comfortable silence settled between them, until Ronan broke it.
"You've got potential, Lucian," Ronan said, his tone carrying a weight that immediately drew Lucian's attention.
Lucian blinked, caught off guard. "Potential? For what?"
"For greatness," Ronan replied, staring into the fire as if seeing something beyond it. "But potential alone is like raw iron. It needs heat, shaping, tempering, or it shatters at the first blow."
Lucian frowned, trying to absorb the metaphor. "How do I… temper myself?"
Ronan glanced at him, his eyes sharp. "By understanding the tools you've been given. Tell me, what do you really know about Arcanum?"
Lucian shifted uncomfortably. "I know it's the source of magic. Humans store it in circles, and with each circle, their power grows. Angels and demons have more circles, twelve instead of nine, and they store theirs in their wings. That's about it."
Ronan nodded slowly. "That's the surface of it. You're right about the circles, they're reservoirs of power. But Arcanum isn't just energy. It's connected to everything in this world: the elements, the seasons, even life and death. Each circle represents a deeper connection to that flow, and how you wield it depends on your understanding of its nature."
Lucian leaned forward, intrigued. "So, it's not just about getting stronger?"
"No," Ronan said, his voice firm. "Strength means nothing without control. Take the elements, for example: fire, water, earth, air. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, its balance. A great warrior knows how to use all of them, not just rely on one. And more importantly, they know when not to use them at all."
Lucian furrowed his brow. "How can I learn all of that?"
Ronan chuckled. "Patience. You're twelve, you've got time. But listen well, the academy will teach you the foundations if you choose to go at fifteen. Until then, you'll learn from experience. And that starts now."
Ronan shifted his weight and drew a small stone from his pouch. It shimmered faintly in the firelight, a swirling mix of colors that seemed almost alive.
"This is an Arcanite crystal," he said, holding it up for Lucian to see. "Raw, unrefined Arcanum. Found deep in the earth, where the flow of power is strongest."
Lucian's eyes widened. "It's beautiful. What does it do?"
"It's a conduit," Ronan explained. "Mages and warriors alike use it to amplify their power. But if you're not careful, it can overwhelm you. That's why understanding your own limits is so important."
He handed the crystal to Lucian, who turned it over in his hands, feeling the faint hum of energy beneath its surface.
"Why give this to me?" Lucian asked.
"Because you need to feel it," Ronan said. "Not just see it. Feel the pulse of Arcanum within it. That's the same energy that flows through you. And one day, when you've learned enough, you'll be able to draw on that power without relying on a crystal."
Lucian held the stone tightly, closing his eyes and focusing. At first, he felt nothing, but then, faintly, a warmth spread through his hand, up his arm, and into his chest.
"Good," Ronan said, his voice softer now. "You're already more attuned than most your age. But don't let that go to your head. The path to mastery is long and full of challenges. And remember: the world is bigger than you can imagine. The academy is just one part of it."
Lucian opened his eyes, determination burning within them. "I'll be ready."
Lucian followed Ronan deeper into the forest, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The dense canopy above seemed to close them off from the outside world, casting long, eerie shadows across the forest floor. Ronan walked ahead, his movements precise and silent, while Lucian tried to emulate his mentor's grace.
The mission was clear: track down and eliminate a pack of Shadowfang Wolves that had been preying on travelers near the forest's edge. Lucian's hand hovered near the hilt of his blade, a basic iron short sword, as he scanned their surroundings.
"Wolves are cunning," Ronan said in a low voice. "They'll test you before attacking. Watch for the signs, disturbed soil, claw marks on trees, anything that feels... off."
Lucian nodded, trying to suppress the butterflies in his stomach. This was his first real mission, his chance to prove himself.
The forest grew quieter as they moved deeper, the usual hum of insects and rustling leaves replaced by an eerie stillness. Ronan stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal Lucian to halt.
"Do you feel that?" Ronan whispered.
Lucian furrowed his brow, focusing. A chill ran down his spine. There was something wrong with the air, a strange tension that made his skin crawl.
Before he could respond, a low growl echoed through the trees. Lucian's grip tightened on his sword as three massive wolves emerged from the shadows, their fur black as night and their eyes glowing an unnatural crimson.
"Shadowfangs," Ronan muttered. "Stay behind me."
The largest wolf lunged, its teeth bared and claws outstretched. Ronan moved like lightning, drawing his blade and meeting the beast mid-air. Sparks flew as metal clashed against supernatural fangs.
The other two wolves circled, their movements coordinated. Ronan shouted back at Lucian, "Focus! Watch their patterns!"
Lucian's adrenaline surged. When one of the wolves lunged at him, he barely managed to dodge, stumbling slightly but keeping his footing. He countered with a swing of his sword, grazing the beast's flank.
Ronan, meanwhile, dispatched the alpha wolf with a powerful strike, its body collapsing into dark mist. He turned to see Lucian standing his ground, holding off one of the remaining wolves.
With a calculated move, Ronan intervened, his blade slicing through the air and cutting down the second wolf. Lucian managed to land a decisive blow on the third, his blade plunging into its side. The creature howled before dissolving into shadow.
Lucian stood panting, his chest heaving. His first real fight.
"You did well," Ronan said, clapping him on the shoulder. "But don't let your guard down. There's always more to learn."
The journey back to the Adventurer's Guild felt shorter, though Lucian was keenly aware of the aches in his muscles and the weight of his sword. When they arrived, the familiar bustle of the guild greeted them: adventurers boasting of their exploits, clerks processing missions, and the faint smell of ale and roasted meat wafting from the nearby tavern.
Ronan led Lucian to the counter, where a stern-looking clerk with sharp eyes raised an eyebrow.
"Shadowfang Wolves in Eastwood," Ronan said, placing a small pouch of shadowy mist on the counter as proof of their success.
The clerk inspected the pouch, nodded, and handed over a bag of coins. "Efficient work as always, Ronan. And the boy?"
Ronan glanced at Lucian, then back at the clerk. "He's learning. Keep an eye on him, he's got potential."
Lucian straightened, pride swelling in his chest as the clerk gave him an approving nod.
As Lucian and Ronan stepped away from the counter after handing in their mission report, Lucian's eyes were once again drawn to the large board at the far end of the guild hall. The Yearly Quests were posted there, missions that only the most experienced adventurers dared to attempt.
"What's that?" Lucian asked, his voice low but curious, as he looked at the gilded frame surrounding the parchment.
Ronan followed his gaze, a knowing sigh escaping his lips. "The Yearly Quests. Those are reserved for the guild's strongest, Lucian. You're not ready for those. They're too dangerous."
Lucian's heart skipped a beat. He had only just begun his journey, but something deep within him stirred. The Vanishing Peaks was the one that caught his eye, a daunting task to investigate the disappearance of entire villages in the Northern Range. It promised a reward of 10,000 gold coins.
He turned toward Ronan, his expression determined. "I want to take it."
Ronan's eyes hardened as he followed Lucian's gaze, then shook his head. "You're not hearing me, Lucian. This isn't some simple bandit raid. Those who take on Yearly Quests either fail miserably or... they don't return. And you're still learning. You're not ready."
But Lucian stood firm. He felt a surge of something inside him, a calling, maybe, or a need to prove himself. His voice was steady when he spoke again, a quiet defiance in his tone. "I can handle it. I have to do this. If I wait until I'm older, the chance will pass. I'm not going to stand by and let others do what I can do myself."
Ronan's eyes softened for a moment, a flicker of understanding in them, but he didn't relent. "I know you want to prove yourself, Lucian. But this is too much, even for someone with your talent. You're not invincible, and you have to understand the risks."
Lucian's jaw clenched, but his resolve only strengthened. "I don't care about the risks. I can handle it. I've been training for years, and I'm not going to let fear decide my fate."
Ronan studied him closely, his gaze unwavering. There was no fear in Lucian's eyes, just a burning determination. After a long pause, Ronan let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping as though he'd already accepted the inevitable. "If you insist on this, then you'll need to be prepared. But you're on your own if you go through with it. I won't be there to pull you out of trouble. You'll need every ounce of strength and wit you have."
Lucian's face lit up with determination. "I won't fail. I promise you that, Ronan."
Ronan shook his head slowly, but there was a faint trace of a smile on his lips. "Just don't be stupid about it. And take care of yourself. I'd hate to bury a student this early."
Lucian nodded, he approached the guild clerk with his chest puffed out. He could feel Ronan's eyes on him from a distance, a silent warning in his gaze, but Lucian was unshaken. He wasn't backing down.
"I'd like to sign up for the Vanishing Peaks mission," Lucian said, his voice firm.
The clerk raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by his confidence. "The Vanishing Peaks? You do know that's a Yearly Quest, right? It's... not something to take lightly. You'd be the youngest person to ever take it. Are you sure about this?"
Lucian nodded without hesitation, a fire in his eyes. "I'm sure. I'm ready for this."
The clerk glanced over his shoulder at Ronan, who stood silently nearby, arms crossed. Ronan's gaze was unreadable, but there was no arguing that he had given Lucian his blessing, albeit reluctantly.
With a heavy sigh, the clerk slid the quest parchment over to Lucian. "Sign here. But remember, the guild won't be held responsible if you fail."
Lucian took the pen, his hand steady as he signed his mercenary name: Raven
The clerk handed him a small token to mark his acceptance of the quest, then pushed a map toward him. "This will guide you to the Northern Range. It's not a place for the faint-hearted, so be careful."
Lucian nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. As he turned to leave, he could feel Ronan's eyes on his back.
Lucian stood at the edge of the guild hall, his resolve unshaken despite Ronan's continued objections. He had signed up for the Vanishing Peaks quest, but Ronan wasn't finished.
"Alright," Ronan said, his voice serious as he approached Lucian. "I see you're not going to back down. But I'm not letting you go until you've trained properly. If you want to face a Yearly Quest, then you'll need to be prepared, more than you are now."
Lucian's eyes lit up, but his excitement quickly mixed with a hint of confusion. "You'll train me?"
Ronan gave him a look that said everything. "Yes. I'm going to push you harder than you've ever been pushed. I'll teach you everything you need to know about the world, your Arcanum, and how to survive in it. After that, then you can go on your quest. But no sooner."
Lucian hesitated for a brief moment, sensing the weight of Ronan's words. The months of intense training would not be easy. Yet, his determination remained. "I'll do it. I'll train, and I'll be ready."
Ronan nodded, a faint trace of a smile on his face. "Good. You have spirit, Lucian. But spirit alone won't win battles. You'll learn to use your power and mind together. I won't be easy on you, but if you're serious about this, you'll thank me later."