A full day had passed since our journey began. By some miracle, we hadn't encountered a single monster so far. Lady Lyla was currently asleep inside the carriage, utterly exhausted from using her mana to practice combat magic. She pushed herself too hard—again—but I didn't mind. It showed determination. Still, I had to remain alert.
Then I felt it.
No... not just one... Three... five... ten. Ten faint presences, trailing us through the woods. Their killing intent was muted but distinct—trained assassins. They must have been sent by rival nobles, hoping to prevent Lady Lyla from safely reaching the academy. How predictable. I sighed.
[They're getting closer. I'll handle this quietly. I won't allow them to disturb her sleep.]
The carriage slowed slightly as the trail curved through a patch of overgrown forest. In the dim light of dusk, shadows stretched long across the trail, and that's when I heard the faintest whisper—voices carried on the wind.
"Quietly get on the carriage and seize the girl. I'll take care of her escort," came the hushed command from their leader. "He looks like a brat."
The leader blinked. "Wait… where did everybody go?"
[He didn't even notice.]
From beneath his feet, his shadow twisted unnaturally, then erupted with lethal intent. A black spike burst forth, skewering him from toe to skull.
"[Shadow Arts: Dark Pierce]," I muttered.
His body hit the forest floor without a sound.
"With me, Lady Lyla is the safest in the world," I said calmly.
"Hm? Who are you talking to?" came a soft voice.
Lyla rubbed her eyes as she sat up, her blonde hair tousled from sleep.
"Oh, I didn't mean to wake you. You can rest again—I promise I'll be quiet," I whispered gently.
She nodded groggily and leaned back, falling asleep once more.
[To think those nobles would go so far as to hire assassins… disgusting.]
Night fell, and we made camp to let the driver rest. He slumped over beside the fire, snoring loudly. I remained on watch, seated atop the carriage roof. It wasn't long before I sensed another disturbance.
"Angel… I'm scared," Lyla called out softly from inside. "I can feel something… a dark, murky energy. It's coming from the woods."
She hugged my arm tightly as I climbed down.
"Don't worry, Lady Lyla. With me here, you're safe. I'll deal with it—just a moment."
I stepped away from the carriage, drawing my cloak around me. Just as I reached the edge of the clearing, a monstrous figure lunged out from the shadows—a demon, its twisted horns gleaming and claws crackling with corrupted mana.
"Inferno Arts: [Fire Blaze]," I incanted.
Black fire erupted from my hand, engulfing the creature. These weren't ordinary flames—they were the black flames of oblivion, which devoured the soul as well as the flesh. I had orange flames, standard and controllable. Blue flames—hotter and deadlier. But black flames… they consumed without mercy.
This was the first time I used them outside the game. I wanted to see their power in real life—and they didn't disappoint. The demon screeched until nothing remained but ash.
Inside the carriage, Lyla peeked through the window, her eyes wide with awe.
To be safe, I cast a protective ward around the carriage—one strong enough to repel low-grade demons, just like the in-game formation I'd used before.
We resumed our journey with the first light of dawn.
---
Three Days Later
We finally reached the outskirts of the EverGlades Forest. Verdant and alive with magic, it was a place teeming with monsters. Yet it was also ideal for magicians, since mana flowed freely here, amplifying spellcasting abilities.
The carriage slowed to a halt.
"Lady Lyla, Sir Angel," the driver said, bowing slightly. "This is as far as I go."
"What? But we haven't reached the academy yet," I said, frowning.
"These were the headmaster's instructions. Once inside the EverGlades, all noble candidates are to proceed on foot. No exceptions."
"It's alright," Lyla said calmly. "Thank you, kind sir, for bringing us this far."
"My pleasure, young miss. May the gods watch over your steps."
The driver turned back with the carriage, leaving us alone at the forest's edge.
"The academy lies deep in the center of the forest," I said. "We should hurry—this place isn't forgiving."
We moved quickly. I sprinted, easily clearing roots and underbrush, while Lyla used wind magic to keep pace. We made good time—until the monsters began to appear.
A massive ogre blocked our path, roaring as it lifted a tree trunk like a club.
"Lady Lyla," I said, stepping aside. "Show me what you've learned."
She nodded confidently.
"[Fire Magic: Flame Arrow]!" she called out.
The blast hit the ogre in the chest, leaving a burn mark—but not nearly enough.
"Again! Stronger!" I urged.
She grit her teeth. "Take this! [Fire Magic: Fire Lance]!"
A blazing spear of fire flew from her hand, striking the ogre directly between the eyes. It roared in pain before falling, dead.
She panted, visibly drained.
"Here," I said, offering her a mana potion. "You did well."
"Thank you, Sir Angel," she replied with a smile.
We pressed forward, dodging more monsters, and after what felt like an eternity, the academy's massive gates came into view. Ancient spires rose from the treetops, glowing with enchantments.
[We made it—but I know this was all part of the entrance test. I can sense the latent mana threads scattered throughout the forest, and feel the eyes watching us from afar. Observers.]
We approached the gate.
"Lady Lyla, you've arrived safely. I'll be returning to the city now," I said.
"Angel, wait! Can we meet again… after I graduate?" she asked, eyes hopeful. "I want to keep learning from you."
"Of course," I replied with a smile. "If that's what you wish."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
With that, I turned and summoned a portal—my shortcut back to town.
[The escort quest was far more exciting than I thought. More importantly, I've earned the favor of a noble family.]
---
Astallon Mansion
Inside the grand study of the Astallon estate, Lord Griass sat behind his ornate desk as Lancelot approached.
"My lord, the adventurer has returned," he announced.
"Let him in."
I entered and bowed respectfully. "Marquis Griass. I've returned."
"You're quicker than expected. Did you complete the escort mission?" he asked.
"Yes. Lady Lyla reached the academy safely and on time."
"Excellent. As promised, here is your reward—five carved platinum coins."
My eyes widened slightly. I had learned from townsfolk that one carved platinum coin could purchase three mansions. Ordinary coins couldn't compare.
"And for your second reward… my noble rune."
Lancelot gasped. "My lord! That's too much for an escort quest!"
[Noble rune...?]
Lord Griass raised a hand. "Lancelot, this is a token of my gratitude. You know how dangerous the journey was with rival nobles interfering. And getting Lyla safely to the academy… means everything."
"But granting the Astallon family's rune means he'll be under our protection. It may draw attention—hostile attention."
"I'm aware. But my decision stands."
He turned to me. "Angel, place your hand upon the rune."
"Y-Yes, my lord."
I touched the glowing rune. It pulsed once, binding the crest of the Astallon family to my mana signature.
[This… might change everything.]