"Vertus is the greatest kingdom in all of Lumia!"
Nobles would preach this declaration often, reminiscent of long ago. Back then, the king ruled with an iron fist, dominating in every facet. No one held a candle to the kingdom's militia, gold nearly spilled out the pockets of mere citizens. It was truly a golden-age for a war bent nation. Now however, Vertus is a mere shadow of its former glory. Previous competitors scoff at the idea of them rising back to power. Those that trembled at the mere mention of their name, now rule over them. Their last hope is war.
Outside a rundown market soldiers marched the streets, followed by a knight. The soldiers wore black combat uniforms and marched the city of Versol in unison. The knight was donned with a thick silver armor that covered his upper and lower body respectively. His skin was pale and his eyes were a stark deep blue. His hair was gray, thinned by age. He also had a long sword attached to his belt, with a sun insignia inscribed on the hilt of the blade. A small bell with runes etched into it hung loosely from his neck.
From inside the market, I watched as they marched chanting; "May the great Vertus Kingdom Thrive!"
I signed in exasperation.
'What is the point of this?'
I glanced to the side, seeing an irritated expression on my mothers face.
"Such fools…"
Behind us, the owner of the market cleared his throat.
"That'll be three silver coins, ma'am."
My eyebrows rose, giving the owner a speculative glance.
'It was only a pound of rabbit with some vegetables, that can't be worth three silver coins?!'
My mother's expression turned sour, she reluctantly fished out the three silver coins, not willing to bargain.
The owner smiled gleefully, rubbing his hands together.
"Pleasure doing business with ya."
Soon after we exited the store, entering the bustling streets. Vendors were filled to the brim, street rats and con-artists scammed for money, while the various taverns boomed with energy.
'Business as usual it seems.'
Versol is hailed as the city of disaster. Long ago in broad daylight, a meteor shower rained down, decimating a third of the city. Not long after a massive beast emerged from the forest, reeking havoc among the populist. Only three days after that, a storm raged on for a week straight. Safe to say that name holds true.
…
While leaving for the outskirts of the city the knight from earlier stopped us.
"Excuse me ma'am, have you considered joining the military?"
The knight stood at a staggering 195 centimeters, towering over us. His frame was large, resembling that of a gladiator.
My mothers eyes darkened, glaring daggers into him.
"No I haven't, and I don't plan to either."
The knight bellowed with laughter, wiping a tear from his eye.
"You make it sound as if you had a choice…"
His gaze became stern, as a faint yellow light flickered on his fingertip.
"I can turn this city upside down in an instant, I'll let you leave for now. Wicked mage…"
"Commander Kez!"
The knight turned around, noticing a soldier calling him.
"What is it?!"
"Sir Julius requests a meeting with you at his manor."
"That brat again?! I'll head over now."
Before leaving, the knight glared at my mother making sure his point came across.
'He called her a wicked mage, I already had speculations of her being an awakened or having ties with someone that is. But I wonder, how did he know off a single glance?'
Looking over, my mothers fists were clenched and she had an ominous gaze.
"Let's go… Roy."
"Yea…"
…
3 hours earlier…
Outside a prestigious mansion, soldiers were lined in perfect rows awaiting orders. In front of them was commander Kez, formally known as Kez Von Agnus. Adopted by the Agnus family due to his monstrous talent.
'I hate getting old, I'm already in my late 40s,
47 to be exact.'
The doors of the mansion swung open, revealing a young noble. Kez glanced over, sighing with faint exhaustion.
"What, not happy to see me?"
'This brat Julius. Snobby as ever I see."
Julius was the young heir of the Ranor family, the main noble family in the city of Versol. He had an air of superiority to him, looking down on others often. His hair was long and brown flowing like a river, his eyes mirrored that of gold, and his skin was fair. His guise boasted of his prestige, wearing a rose gold robe donned with a gemstone necklace.
Kez couldn't help but scoff.
"Of course not, your father ordered my squad and I to march around the city since you didn't like my training methods!"
Julius bursts out in laughter, seeing Kez's angered expression.
"It's not my fault your barbaric training methods are being punished. You should learn some class, fake noble! Haha!"
"Why you little…"
Kez exhaled, regaining his composure.
"I'll make you a great warrior, Julius."
Kez had an eerie smile, giving a silent promise of pain.
'Damn, I've done it now. But my father isn't as petty as I am, what's the true motive behind this aimless task?'
Kez watched his squad march around the city, half monitoring them.
'I'm bored out of my mind, I'll make sure that Julius will pay!'
He steeled his mind relishing in the various "training methods" he's come up with. Suddenly, he senses picked up on a faint trail of mana.
"Hm? What's this mana I'm sensing?"
Kez glanced around the bustling street, cautiously walking towards the energy.
'There you are…'
He stopped a pair from exiting the main city and entering the outskirts.
'This kid… Something's weird about him. But this woman, she's the one that my senses picked up. What is a mage doing in Versol?'
…
"Hey mother…"
She glanced at me, not uttering a word.
"Actually it's not important."
"No, what's your question?"
I swallowed nervously, averting my gaze.
"I was just curious, that's all."
"Curious about what?"
"Why did that knight back there call you a wicked mage?"
She let out a small sigh, before turning around and staring deep into my eyes.
"Let no one know what I'm going to tell you."
"Alright."
"I am a mystic, and I was exiled from the mages association."
'The information didn't surprise me much. We live on the outskirts of the city far from civilization. It's rare for her to step outside without concealing her face with a hood, and we never have company over.'
"The mages association? You mean the one in the capital?"
"Yes."
"How'd you get exiled? I thought achieving that was nearly impossible."
She let out a bitter chuckle, gazing at the sky with distant eyes.
"Roy, in this world you must not trust anyone, not even me."
"Why?"
I couldn't help but get an ominous feeling, her words held a level of guilt I couldn't begin to understand.
"You'll understand once you walk your own journey."
'Seems like mother won't answer anymore. Becoming an awakened gives you power, status, and opportunities ordinary people couldn't dream of. Yet, why do I hesitate?'
…
We made the trek back home, it was silent, yet peaceful. Once in the house, my mother quickly began preparing dinner.
'Once again it was her rabbit stew, I'm slowly starting to despise it. Sure, we can't afford anything else but, I don't think I can eat another bowl of it. Just the thought made me want to puke.'
Leaving the kitchen, I entered my room sighing.
"Finally back home."
I glanced around the room, eyes locking on to an assortment of books on a shelf.
'It's strange, ever since I tried interacting with mana, I've had an intense desire for knowledge. I have yet to acquire the ability to sense it though. Maybe this is a byproduct of trying? What's the harm in doing it again?'
Before heading out, I bring the book that started this mess; "Guide to the Strongest."
Outside, I entered into a meditative position, and opened the book.
"….For awakened, one's class is predetermined by birth. To find out what that class may be, we have to look at their first interaction with mana. For example, a conqueror. From various studies and heroic tales, those of the conqueror class experience grand dreams or memories of previous rulers…."
"flip"
My eyebrows rose dramatically as I processed the information.
'Their first interaction? How fascinating! I wonder, does this interaction have any lasting effects? Why does mana exist? How does it function? Exactly what is this mysterious energy that fuels our world? I must learn more.'
"….Mages far and wide have told similar or nearly identical stories of their first interaction. They've experienced being swallowed up in darkness, then flickers of varying lights depicting every color flashed around them, creating a spectacle unlike any other. Most high ranking mages recall this as the greatest scene they've ever witnessed, others depict it as a flashy dream…."
"flip"
"….Mystics however, tell a grim story. According to historians and mystics themselves, shadows cling to them as their very being feels as if it's distorting. Blurred memories flash as violent screeching can be heard all around them. Many have testified saying that experience has been etched into their memory, haunting them…."
'Is this why mother had that reaction? Her eyes held a strange hint of pity, perhaps I'm overthinking it.'
"flip"
"….Wanderers aren't too far off from haunting experiences. Though interactions with them are rare, those that have shed light on this anomaly have said; wanderers share similar stories, they've all seen fragmented shards varying in color, but they differ from what occurs next. Many have told tales of hearing strange voices, words they couldn't make out or hearing blood curling screams that struck them to their core…."
"flip"
My interest peaked and my mind raced.
'That sounds quite similar to me, could I potentially be a wanderer? There's certainly a high possibility for this, considering my ever present hunger for knowledge amplified after that horrid experience.'
"….Knights are straightforward, they all have the same experience. Their world changes to a raging battlefield as they spectate knights of old fighting for their countries. Many have said this inspired them to train harder than ever and become someone worthy of the title…."
"flip"
'I wonder, could this be one of the reasons that knight Kaz had such an oppressive air to him?'
"….Ravagers are destructive in nature and inquiring about their experiences are difficult to say the least. One brave soul managed to uncover this secret however, he wrote; potential awakened, particularly the ravaged class, dream about utter chaos and immense destruction. Some do it with their bare hands while others witness it from a far…."
"flip"
"…. Lastly we have seeker, the most illusive class. Those that have encountered them in search for answers have said; When a pre-awakened seeker first interacts with mana they're plunged into darkness, flashes of white and purple streaks flow, creating a vivid explosion. Afterwards the scene fades, showing a dimly lit hallway where shadowy figures reside…."
After finishing the page I shut the book, processing the information.
'So that's how it is, every class has a different reaction to this mysterious energy. One day I promise, I'll uncover its secrets!'
For the rest of the day, I continued the sensing process, failing every time.
…
In the heart of Versol city there's a grand library, built hundreds of years ago. In this anthem, one can find information on anyone and anything. Kaz, found himself in this building, seeking answers.
'Hm, mages are typically stationed in the capital or attended high end magic universities. They follow a code, well it's more a restriction. Mages must reside in either the capital or university. Otherwise it could be ruled as treason due to the knowledge one holds. I should ask Liam, he knows everything.'
Kez took out the bell he carried with him and rang it.
Duuunn
Its chime was soothing, calming any worries.
A moment later, a disheveled man appeared out of nowhere. His hair resembled that of a homeless man, dark brown and unkept. His dark brown eyes held a sharp gaze. His guise was no better, wearing a tattered black trench coat, with a wrinkled dress shirt underneath. He wore black trousers that had patches of dirt smeared onto them. He also wore black dress shoes and dirt splotches covered them.
"What brings you here, Kaz?"
Liam is a wanderer, one of the most knowledgeable in history. Some say his knowledge spans back to the beginning of time itself. Little is known about him, pretty much all wanderers are like that. One thing's for certain though, his power knows very little bounds.
"I need information on someone."
Liam's ears perked up, giving his full attention.
"Who is it? What clues can you provide me?"
Kaz mulled over his words, pondering.
"While I was in the market area my senses picked up on a faint trail of mana. Following it, I found a mage."
Liam's eyebrows rose considerably.
'A mage? How strange.'
"I couldn't get a good look at her, she had a hood over her face. But she looked to be on the older side… Probably in her mid 50s. She also had a kid with her and they were headed to the outskirts of the city."
"Hm… Outskirts…!"
Liam's eyes visibly widened as a thought came to him.
"Perhaps this individual you're gathering information on isn't a mage at all."
"What do you think then, Liam?"
Liam opened his hand as a book materialized.
"I believe this woman is a mystic."
Kaz's expression darkened, turning deadly serious.
"What led you to that conclusion?"
The book in Liam's hand opened, turning pages rapidly, and floating upward slightly.
"Well about 20 years ago, all mystics were banished from the mages association. The council of magic ruled them as national risks, and a kill on sight order was announced. This occurred due to rouge mystics killing civilians and using their corpses as fuel for necromancy. This of course didn't include all mystics, so they fought back. Fighting back was their downfall, arch mages from all over the world gathered and eradicated them. Over the years mystics divulged themselves in dark arts and killed many over this short period of time. So, I believe a mystic is hiding in the outskirts of Versol."
"What should we do then?"
"We contact the mages association, this is not our responsibility."
Kaz clicked his teeth in annoyance.
"You're always no fun Liam."
Liam chuckled with a blank expression.
"No, you're just a brute."