Master and I sat in the grand hall of the manor, the echoes of my parents' reluctant approval still lingering in the air. I had finally gained permission to become an adventurer, but it didn't feel as victorious as I had expected. Master leaned back, arms crossed, his usual sharp gaze scanning me like he was assessing a broken sword. "Ah, brat. Now that you've got permission, start preparing. We'll leave in six days."
I raised an eyebrow. "Six days is plenty of time. I'll pack everything the night before." Master clicked his tongue. "Oye, brainless fool. Do you think you can just throw things into a bag and leave? You need supplies—rations, potions, spare clothes, and most importantly, equipment." Aurora snickered in my mind, 'Oh, congratulations, Papa. You got a promotion! Now you're a "brainless fool." I'd say undead, but even they might have more common sense than you.' I ignored her nonsense and turned to Master. "I have a sword. I have armor. What else do I need?"
Master exhaled like he was dealing with an idiot. "You need to cover your face or change your appearance. Do you intend to attract attention? Also, you'll need a new sword. You can't use your current one—it'll only bring unnecessary trouble. Same with your armor. Do you want every noble and knight in the city eyeing you the moment you step outside?"
I frowned. He had a point. "Alright, I'll ask Dad for a sword and some materials. But I hate masks. I'll find another way to hide my identity." Master nodded. "Good. Don't worry about face if you don't want mask to wear than. I have something else to change your appearance. I'll take care of the rest. I need to buy materials for your training during your adventurer period."
I tilted my head. "Wait—so I'm not going to be an adventurer permanently? Just for a while?" Master shrugged, "Depends on you and Aurora. Once you both reach the level, I expect, we'll move to the next phase of training." Aurora groaned. 'This man doesn't believe in breaks, does he?'
I sighed, "Fine."
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...
By noon, I made my way to the training grounds, where my father was drilling the capital guards.
The rhythmic clashing of swords and the sharp barks of commands filled the air. Father's piercing blue eyes scrutinized every movement, his stance firm and unwavering. The soldiers moved with precise coordination, their footwork almost mechanical. The training was strict, intense—just like everything my father did.
I watched for a while before calling out, "Dad!" He turned toward me with a smirk, "Oh? When did you get here?" "A little while ago," I replied. His gaze flicked to my shoulder. "Where's Aur?"
"She's playing with everyone," I said. Father chuckled but didn't push further, "So? What brings you here?" I stepped forward. "I need a sword, something to conceal myself like armor." Father raised an eyebrow but didn't seem surprised. "Alright. I know just the place." Without further delay, we left the training grounds and headed toward the marketplace.
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...
We stopped in front of a massive artifact shop, its entrance adorned with intricate carvings of ancient symbols. The doors were decorated with artifacts, and outside, various enchanted items were displayed for all to see—glowing rings, shimmering cloaks, and weapons radiating faint magical auras. A grand fountain stood in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by eager customers browsing the wares. I hesitated, "Dad, this is a royal artifact shop. Everything here will be expensive."
He smirked, "Don't worry about that. I know someone who'll help with the pricing." We entered the building, where bright chandeliers cast a golden glow over rows upon rows of artifacts. The shelves sparkled with treasures, from enchanted daggers to levitating tomes. Many customers were haggling over items, but my father didn't stop at any of the stalls. Instead, he led me up a staircase to the upper floor.
At the far end of the hall, we reached a store tucked away in the corner. Unlike the others, it was almost empty—no customers, no bright decorations, and not even the owner in sight. I frowned, 'Huh… not even the shopkeeper? What kind of place is this?' Father didn't hesitate and stepped inside. A wooden door at the back of the store creaked open as he knocked.
A woman emerged, her rich chocolate-colored skin glowing under the dim lighting. Her sharp eyes were the same color as her skin, deep and warm yet piercing. She wore a dark apron over her loose dress, her hands covered in fine magical residue, likely from her latest project.
She glanced at my father before sighing, "Robert, What do you want?" Father grinned, "Siria, always so welcoming." She rolled her eyes, "I don't have time for your nonsense. Why are you here?" Father placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "I need a sword for my son." Her eyes flickered toward me. "Your son?"
I straightened up. "My name is Rayon Kratar." Siria leaned back, arms crossed. "And why should I care?"Father chuckled. "Because you're the best artifact forger in the kingdom." She snorted. "I'm not a blacksmith." I grinned teasingly, "You sure look like one." She glared daggers at me, and I immediately shut up. Father cracked his voice, "Oye, he needs a sword, and I thought of you first. You wouldn't refuse an old friend, would you?"
Siria smirked. "Oh? So, now I'm an old friend?" Father coughed. "N-Not that. You're the most talented artificer in the kingdom, and only you can make what I need." I thought, 'She's not going to fall for that cheap flattery, right?'
…She fell for it. Siria huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph, Fine. But this is the last favor I do for you." I blinked, 'That worked?' She led us through a hidden passage, pressing a loose brick on the wall. A concealed door slid open, revealing a chamber filled with dozens of powerful artifacts. She gestured toward a table stacked with weapons. "Pick one." I tried the first sword, Too heavy. The second? That was balanced. After testing several, only one sword felt right.
It was an Aura Blade, looking like an ordinary steel sword at first glance, but its balance was flawless. When I swung it, the air around it vibrated slightly. Father took the sword and tested it, nodding in approval. "Good choice." Siria traced a finger along the blade. "This sword neutralizes Tier-Four fire magic while you hold it. It's also an aura weapon."
I frowned, "But it doesn't have the silver glow most aura blades do." She smirked, "That's because I enchanted it to conceal its true nature." My eyes widened, 'So that's why Dad brought me here…' Father asked, "Do you have armor?" Siria scoffed. "This is an artifact shop, not a blacksmith's forge. But I do have something better." She pulled out a black cloak lined with blue edges and some arcane designs. "This will nullify spells up to a Tier-Four mage's level."
I ran my fingers over the fabric. It was light yet sturdy, almost weightless. Satisfied, we bought both items and left.
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...
Back at the manor, Liam sat in the hall, arms crossed, his sharp gaze locking onto me the moment I entered. He looked… irritated, but more than that, concerned. I barely had time to sit before he spoke. "Rayon, are you seriously going through with this?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. I met his gaze and nodded, "Yeah."
Liam sighed, rubbing his temple. His expression was unreadable, but I could tell he wasn't entirely pleased, "Your father and I spoke to the Ester Academy Headmaster." He paused. "She's willing to accept you next year." I blinked, 'Ester Academy? The most prestigious magic academy in the kingdom? The academy that only accepted noble-born prodigies or those with exceptional talent?'
My surprise quickly turned to skepticism, "But… isn't the entry age 12? I'm only 8." Liam leaned forward, his expression serious. "She made an exception for you." I frowned. 'That was unheard of. Ester Academy was strict—no one entered before 12, no matter how talented. Yet, the Headmaster herself had decided I could attend four years early?'
Aurora, who had been lazily lounging on my shoulder, suddenly perked up, 'Papa, did I hear that right? Four years early? Sounds suspicious~'
I shared unease. "…Why?" Liam's gaze didn't waver. "The Headmaster is personally interested in you." That didn't make me feel any better. "She believes you have potential," Liam continued, "You can start early—if you accept." I crossed my arms, my thoughts racing, 'Why me? What did she see that made her change the academy's ironclad rules?'
Master, who had been sitting nearby in silence, finally let out a scoff. "Tch. He's just going to be an adventurer for now." His voice carried finality, as if that was the only path for me. Liam sighed and leaned back, looking to my father. "Alright. I'll speak to the Headmaster then." I exhaled, my mind still processing everything. Aurora, ever the troublemaker, snickered, 'Hahaha! Poor Papa. First, your parents, then Liam, and now the entire academy wants you! You're quite the popular guy!'
I groaned internally, 'What a pain….'