Dusk followed the faint red thread that glimmered at the edge of his vision.
It stretched beyond the narrow streets, across rooftops, and outside the city.
He paused, frowning slightly. "It's… going outside the city?"
He thought about following it, but he still had work to do. With a small sigh, he decided against it.
"I'll check it later," he murmured.
And as if hearing his decision, the red thread flickered once and disappeared like mist in sunlight.
Dusk stared at the empty air for a few moments.
He still couldn't control this mysterious power—these threads appeared when they wanted and vanished just as suddenly. Sometimes they warned him, sometimes they brought luck, and sometimes… they did nothing at all.
"Better not to think too much about it," he muttered, brushing the dust off his sleeve. "I've got more important things to do."
---
He reached Hector's office not long after. The place looked busier than usual today.
A shiny carriage waited in front of the house. The horses were well-groomed, their harnesses lined with gold thread— definitely noble property.
Dusk slowed down, glancing curiously at the carriage. A brown-haired young man sat inside, lazily eating grapes while glancing out the window.
The moment his eyes landed on Dusk, his expression twisted into one of pure disgust. He scoffed loudly, muttered something under his breath, and pulled the window curtain shut.
"Commoners," Dusk heard him say.
Dusk blinked once, expression flat. Then he simply shrugged and walked past. He had long since learned that people like that weren't worth the effort of getting angry at.
He pushed open the office door. The faint smell of parchment and ink greeted him.
Inside, the silver-haired deerfolk sat behind his desk, his horns faintly catching the light from the window. His quill moved quickly, writing graceful lines across a sheet of paper. Beside him stood a tall butler in black uniform, waiting respectfully.
Dusk waited quietly until Hector finished his letter. The deerfolk finally leaned back, examining his work with satisfaction.
"There," Hector said, handing the paper to the butler. "I added a romantic poem near the end. Young Master should definitely capture that maiden's heart now."
The butler smiled gratefully. "As expected from Mr. Hector." He placed a few coins on the table, bowed politely, and left.
When the door closed, Hector grinned and turned toward Dusk, winking. "That was a love letter."
"Love letter?" Dusk tilted his head.
A girl sitting nearby— one of Hector's students— looked up from her notes and giggled softly.
"Yes, a love letter," Hector said, resting his chin on his hand. "A letter to tell someone you like them very much. You're already at that age, Little Dusk… maybe you should try writing one too."
Dusk blinked twice, genuinely confused. "But why?"
Then, after a short pause, his eyes lit up. "Will I get paid for it?"
The girl burst into laughter, covering her mouth.
Hector froze for a second, then sighed deeply. "So you're that kind of person…"
"I just thought it might be like writing jobs," Dusk said honestly. "If it pays, I can buy new pots for Dawn."
Hector couldn't help but smile at that. "You really are something, Little Dusk."
He put away his pen, then looked more serious. "Actually, I called you here for another reason."
Dusk straightened up.
"There are no more classes for you starting today," Hector said kindly. "You've completed everything I can teach."
"Eh?"
"In truth, your sister finished months ago," Hector continued, chuckling. "She's one of the most gifted students I've ever had. As for you… well, you're slower, but diligent. You never gave up. That's worth more than talent."
Dusk smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, Teacher."
Hector nodded. "Remember this, Dusk—knowledge is a kind of wealth. No one can steal it from you, no matter what happens."
"I'll remember that," Dusk said, bowing deeply.
"Good boy." Hector patted his shoulder, then added with a grin, "By the way, my offer still stands. If your sister wants, she can become my assistant here. I could use someone like her."
Dusk hesitated for a moment, then shook his head gently. "I don't want her to work yet. Maybe later, when she grows up."
Hector sighed, amused. "You're really protective, aren't you?"
"Of course," Dusk replied simply. "She's my sister."
Hector laughed softly. "Fair enough."
When Dusk left the office, the sunlight outside felt especially warm. His heart felt light. He couldn't wait to tell Dawn the news.
---
That evening, the house smelled faintly of stew and herbs.
Dusk opened the door and called out, "Dawn?"
A voice came from the kitchen. "I'm here!"
He peeked in. "Did you break the pot again?"
"Teehee." Dawn turned around, her cheeks dusted with flour, and made a cute pose with both hands on her face.
Dusk mimicked Hector's sigh, then smiled helplessly. "My sister is too cute for her own good."
He reached out and gently pinched her cheeks. "Alright, we'll buy better pots later. Maybe iron ones this time."
"Yay!" Dawn cheered, hopping a little.
"Anyway," Dusk said, sitting down, "I finished my last class today."
Dawn's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yep." He smiled. "That means we can finally read his letter together."
At that, the air in the room grew still for a moment. Both siblings looked at each other, and the same memory passed between them— the day before their teacher, Lock, left.
They had promised him one thing before he disappeared:
They would only read his letter after they both finished learning to read and write properly.
Dawn had completed her studies six months ago. Dusk, slower but steady, had finally caught up.
And now, at last, the time had come. Though they already started reading the books left by Lock.
---
They sat together at the small wooden table.
The wax candle flickered softly, its light spilling over the neatly folded letter and the sealed document Lock had left behind.
Dusk broke the seal carefully. The parchment inside was still clean and crisp, written in Lock's familiar sharp handwriting.
They read aloud together.
---
Dear Little Dusk and Little Dawn,
When you are reading this letter, I'm sure you've already become Sorcerer Apprentices by now.
I don't like being emotional, so I'll keep this short and logical. Becoming a Sorcerer is not an easy path —especially here in the Divine Region.
If life ever becomes too hard, remember: there's no shame in taking another road. You can always choose to activate your blessing and become a Knight instead. That path is safer, more accepted. A Knight can live in peace, even if a Sorcerer cannot.
A Sorcerer Apprentice can only sense Mana, not use it. But once you truly become Sorcerers, the flow of Mana within you will awaken —and that is when you'll be noticed.
People with Divine Power can sense Mana like scent in the air. Until you find a way to block that, do not advance further. Think of it as a test.
If you cannot pass it, you're not ready to walk the deeper path of Mysteries.
The document I left is the deed to my mansion in Timberlake Town. Use it if you ever decide to travel. It's safe enough— mostly.
Also, I've sensed a few other Sorcerers hiding within Ram City. If you wish to contact them, do it in disguise. Never show your faces. Not your age. Not your name. Use a made up name.
And finally— if Fate allows, we'll meet again, my students.
P.S. Don't forget the next Blue Moon.
— Lock