Chapter 11: Departure Through the Gate
The crowd still buzzed, voices overlapping in disbelief.
"Who finished that despicable elder off?" one man whispered, his face pale.
"To think this was an assassination attempt and not a trial," another muttered, realization dawning.
"Mumu, did you not see the drama acted out before your own eyes?" a rude voice mocked.
"In the end, true strength destroys all schemes. Mak was doomed the moment the Great Elder jumped in," someone asserted, trying to make sense of the carnage.
Their words rippled through the square, a chorus of awe and fear.
Tor, meanwhile, scanned the map in his hand. It shimmered, then vanished.
"Uncle Ter, the map ends at the gates of each of the magic schools. Isn't this just a ruse to make sure I go to the damn school?" he asked, irritation plain.
"Not at all. You're a smart boy — you know what kind of map it is," the Great Elder replied, his tone deliberately mysterious.
"Fine. I'm bored anyway," Tor said, feigning indifference.
"Since you seem so submissive, might I suggest the United States branch?" Ter offered.
"Why there?" Tor asked, curiosity flickering.
"I went there. And that's also where May is. Beat up any boys touching my little princess," Ter said, his true intentions slipping out.
"And what if it's girls?" Tor asked mischievously.
"No, my little girl doesn't swing that way," Ter muttered, rubbing his temple as a headache threatened.
"Well, I'll consider it if you let me roam alone until I have to enrol," Tor bargained, unwilling to compromise.
"You do need a chaperone. I know the mayhem that follows in your wake," Ter said, trying to find middle ground.
"I get to pick the chaperone," Tor countered.
"On the condition that the chaperone is older than you," Ter replied, knowing Tor had no peers he trusted.
"Fine. I choose Jin," Tor said quickly, smirking.
Jin, masked and composed, had arrived with the Rift guards but stood aside, watching. Unlike the crowd, she wasn't shaken — she had seen her young master in action many times.
"Ha? Can she even protect you?" Ter asked, eyeing the thirteen‑year‑old elite guard. Jin ducked shyly, causing Tor to laugh.
"Well, you did say a chaperone. And you've praised her talent many times," Tor said, justifying his choice.
"Fine. But in three years you meet Mike at the school gate, or I'll send people to drag you there," Ter said, resigned.
"Deal. Do you want to shake on it?" Tor asked, feeling victorious.
"Just go, please," Ter sighed, shooing him away.
Macha stepped forward, unease in his voice.
"Are you sure it's okay to leave him unsupervised, Great Ter? I noticed the silver power‑restraint bracelets on his legs. Someone who can cause so much destruction while sealed by two… unfathomable."
"Did you say two? He wears four. And this display was nothing for him," Ter said, almost complacent.
"Then why did you let—" Macha began, but Ter cut him off sharply.
"As I've said before, he needs to decide what kind of king he wishes to be. Then everything will be revealed."
Macha fell silent, bowing his head. He turned to order the guards and workers, directing them to clear the battlefield.
The Great Elder watched Tor's back as he swaggered toward the gate, Jin trailing behind. At the threshold, Tor turned abruptly, bumping his right fist against his chest. His eyes met Ter's, a flicker of sadness breaking through his irreverence.
The Great Elder smiled faintly and saluted him back.
Tor leapt into the gate, vanishing in a flash of light. Jin followed swiftly.
"What an intense way to start your journey," Ter murmured, before turning toward his carriage as the carnage was slowly cleaned up.