Volume 2 - Chapter 19 - Trial in the Courtyard

The group entered their room at the inn and looked around. Karna’s eyes widened in wonder as she took in the lavish interior—the polished wooden floors, the velvet curtains that swayed faintly from the evening breeze, and the soft golden glow from the crystal lanterns embedded in the ceiling.

“Wow,” she said, spinning slowly to take it all in. “He didn’t hold back giving you the best room. I wonder how much it would’ve cost to rent this place.”

Ash set down their supplies beside the table, the faint clatter of metal and leather filling the quiet room. “Well,” he said with a tired sigh, glancing around, “they must be that desperate for help.”

Karna flopped down on her bed with an exhausted groan. “Finally, the day is over. My feet are killing me,” she muttered, tugging off her boots and stretching her legs. The scent of worn leather and dust filled the air, mixing with the faint fragrance of polished wood.

Ash drifted toward the balcony, pushing open the door and stepping into the cool night air. The city stretched below—a patchwork of roofs and lamplight, the distant hum of voices and footsteps rising like a low tide. He leaned on the railing, watching as one of the massive night stones in the sky drifted slowly overhead, casting dim shadows across the streets.

Behind him, the others were settling in, their quiet murmurs fading as blankets rustled and armor was set aside. Xanathis soon stepped beside him, her presence calm and silent until she finally spoke. “You’re not going to sleep yet?”

Ash didn’t answer at first, his gaze still fixed on the moving night stone. “No,” he said softly. “I want to practice magic. I think my other affinity might be darkness… so I want to give it a try.”

Xanathis folded her arms, the faint reflection of the night stone glinting in her sapphire eyes. “I think you’re correct,” she said. “And if you can learn it, then you might be able to attempt something far greater—combination magic. Light and darkness together.”

Ash turned to her, catching the shimmer of her eyes in the dim light. “And what does light and dark make?” he asked.

Xanathis’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Shadow magic,” she replied softly. “It’s like my blood magic—fluid and adaptable. Shadow magic is very versatile, but if you master both light and dark perfectly… there’s something even beyond that.”

Ash raised a brow. “Beyond shadow magic?”

She nodded, her voice dropping to a reverent whisper. “Twilight magic. It’s the union of both—neither light nor dark, but balance. A rare, powerful force that very few can ever achieve. Shadow magic is the first step, but before that, you must learn to control the darkness within yourself.”

“It should be a bit easier to learn now that you’ve improved with your light magic,” Xanathis said softly, her tone calm but encouraging. “Now you just need to imagine a simple dark spell—feel it, shape it.”

Ash nodded and closed his eyes. The world around him dimmed, the sounds of the city fading into the distance. He could feel it—the darkness—like a cool mist weaving between the air and the faint flicker of his own energy. He focused on it, listening to Xanathis’s voice echo gently in his thoughts.

He remembered the beastman mage they had faced—the way that light magic had wrapped around his allies, strengthening them. Maybe I can do something like that… he thought.

He inhaled deeply, then gathered the darkness around him, drawing it inward. A chill coursed through his body as the energy penetrated his skin, his veins pulsing with a strange, heavy power. The sensation was alien—like the weight of the night itself filling his muscles.

“Blessing of Darkness,” he whispered.

The shadows rippled faintly around his body, and a surge of strength burst through his limbs. He looked down at his hands, opening and closing them as his skin tingled with energy. The power reminded him of the surge from his soul capacitor—raw, potent, alive.

“You did it!” Xanathis said, her voice bright with approval. “Now practice it until you run out of mana, then get some rest.” She turned with a soft laugh, her grin flashing in the lantern light before she disappeared back into the room. The faint sound of her steps and the rustle of sheets followed as she settled into her bed.

Ash smiled faintly and released the spell, watching the shadows fade from his arms. The fatigue crept in, but curiosity drove him to try something else. He raised a hand, gathering mana once more, and tried to form a dark beam—mirroring his light magic. It resisted at first, unstable and heavy, the energies clashing within him. But with patience and steady breathing, he began to mold it, coaxing the darkness into a narrow, concentrated stream. The effort drained him quickly.

He practiced again and again until his mana ran dry. Sweat beaded his forehead, his body trembling with exhaustion. Finally, he stumbled back inside, collapsing onto his bed. The mattress felt impossibly soft, his mind fading into the haze of sleep almost instantly.

And then—without warning—the sheets shifted. Someone quietly, almost stealthily, crawled into bed beside him, the warmth of another body brushing against his arm in the darkness.

The next day, Ash woke with his eyes blurry and mind still fogged from exhaustion. Something warm pressed against him. Blinking, he tugged the covers down—and froze. Xanathis lay beside him, still fast asleep, her arms wrapped tightly around his chest as if unwilling to let go. Her light blue hair spilled across the pillow, glowing faintly in the morning light that crept through the curtains.

Ash exhaled in disbelief and looked toward Karna for help, hoping she’d intervene. But Karna was already awake, brushing out her hair near the dresser. When she caught his desperate glance, she just smirked and shrugged. “Not my problem,” she said casually before turning back to her morning routine.

Ash sighed quietly, trying not to wake Xanathis as he shifted slightly under her grip.

Moments later, a soft knock came at the door. Room service entered, bowing politely before setting a tray of steaming food and tea on the table. The scent of roasted meat and warm bread filled the air. Without a word, the attendant left, closing the door gently behind them.

Ash stared helplessly at the breakfast and then back down at the sleeping mage clinging to him, wondering how in the world he was supposed to get out of this situation.

But then that all changed when Xanathis began to stir—the scent of freshly cooked food filling the air, rich with roasted meat and warm bread. The aroma drifted through the room, gradually waking her from her deep sleep. Her light blue hair shifted slightly against his chest as her eyes fluttered open. For a moment, confusion lingered on her face—then amusement. She looked up at Ash, who was staring back at her with an irritated expression.

Xanathis’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Good morning,” she said teasingly, tightening her grip on him for a brief moment before rolling out of bed. Without hesitation, she stretched the stiffness from her limbs, stifled a yawn, and made a straight line for the table, drawn by the aroma of the freshly prepared food.

Ash sighed and finally freed himself from the tangled sheets. He rose, brushed himself off, and made his way toward the table, taking a seat across from her. Xanathis was already devouring her food with surprising enthusiasm until she paused, glancing up at him between bites.

“So,” she began, swallowing another mouthful, “how did your training go last night? Were you able to successfully cast that spell again?”

Ash shook his head slightly, resting an elbow on the table. “No. I didn’t exactly follow your instructions. I tried to copy the light beam spell and just… replace the element with darkness. But it didn’t work.”

Xanathis chuckled softly, taking a drink before replying. “Try to master one spell at a time. You’re just starting out—don’t overdo it. Take baby steps until you get more proficient at casting darkness magic.”

“I understand,” Ash replied, tilting his head. “But then why did you make me learn the light beam first?”

Xanathis finished chewing her food, swallowed, and leaned back in her chair. “Because we had time to kill,” she said simply. “And you needed a skill like that for the situation we were in at the time.”

Ash nodded slowly as her words sank in. He finally understood her reasoning and gave a faint smile. “I won’t disregard your teachings from now on,” he said sincerely.

Turning his attention back to the table, he picked up his utensils and began his breakfast. The rich flavor of the roasted meat and soft, buttery bread helped ease the last traces of fatigue from his body. A few moments later, Karna finally joined them, sliding into a chair and immediately digging into her meal with a content sigh.

The three shared a quiet, relaxed moment, exchanging bits of light conversation—small jokes, idle comments about the city, and the plans ahead. For the first time in days, the air around them felt calm.

When they had finished eating, they gathered their belongings, tightening straps and adjusting cloaks before heading out of the inn. The core’s radiant light shimmered faintly through the fractured sky, casting an amber glow across the streets as vendors began setting up their stalls and distant chatter filled the air. Their boots echoed softly against the cobblestone road as they made their way north, toward the towering gated mansion that loomed over the upper part of the city.

The towering gates opened to reveal a wide courtyard filled with marble pillars and trimmed hedges. As they entered, two soldiers emerged, dragging a wounded girl. Karna froze. “Kris…?” she whispered.

Bernard, a broad-shouldered man with dark hair and twin daggers at his waist, stood nearby, watching the defeated girl coldly. “Pathetic,” he muttered, turning away.

Karna quickly stepped forward, blocking the path of the guards as they dragged the battered girl away. “Wait,” she said firmly. “She’s hurt.” Her metal gauntlet gently touched Kris’s shoulder as she knelt beside her, summoning a faint glow from her palms as streams of water formed and spiraled around her hands. The liquid shimmered with a gentle blue hue—her Healing Waters spell—flowing over Kris’s wounds as the light dimmed and the bruises eased.

Kris’s eyes fluttered open slightly, her voice weak but clear. “I attempted the test,” she murmured, “but I failed.”

Karna frowned and helped her steady herself. “You pushed yourself too hard,” she said quietly. “Just rest—”

Before she could say more, one of the guards stepped forward impatiently. “Move along,” he ordered. “She’s not to stay here.”

Karna glared at them but reluctantly stepped back as they resumed dragging Kris toward the manor gates. The girl managed a faint nod of gratitude before disappearing beyond the courtyard.

Clive approached Bernard and bowed slightly. “We have another group ready to take the test.”

Bernard’s gaze turned to Ash and his companions, assessing them with a sharp glint in his eye. “Alright. Get ready—I’m not going to go soft on you. Men, join me.”

The guards stepped forward, weapons raised—two carrying long polearms and two more drawing curved swords. Bernard spun his daggers expertly, his stance low and ready.

Ash shifted his footing, hand resting on his weapon. “Looks like this is our test.”

Karna cracked her knuckles, her metal gauntlets gleaming under the corelight. “Finally, something fun.”

Xanathis drew her sword, her expression calm and focused.

Bernard rushed forward with his daggers, slashing at Ash in a blur of motion. Ash intercepted the strike with the haft of his polearm, the clash ringing sharply through the courtyard. With a swift pivot, he twisted the weapon, throwing Bernard off balance, then drove his boot hard into Bernard’s side. The man stumbled but recovered quickly, eyes narrowing.

With a flick of his wrist, Bernard tossed a smoke orbis at the ground. The sphere burst open in a thick gray cloud that swallowed the area. Ash stepped back, coughing, scanning the shifting haze for movement—but Bernard struck first, emerging from the smoke like a phantom. His dagger sliced toward Ash’s arm, barely missing as Ash jerked away, retreating to gain distance.

Bernard pressed forward, blades flashing in rapid succession. Ash parried each one, the rhythm of the strikes echoing against the stone until Bernard leapt back into the cloud again, disappearing from sight. The smoke curled and twisted, silent for only a heartbeat.

Ash steadied his breathing, eyes narrowed. The faintest rustle of movement reached his ear. He spun and swung instinctively—only to find Bernard’s coat flying toward him. It hit him in the face, blinding him for a moment. Before he could react, Bernard was already upon him, his dagger slicing downward and tearing through the fabric of Ash’s new jacket.

Ash turned sharply, forcing his body into motion before Bernard could follow through. As Bernard lunged again, Ash met him halfway, slipping past the blades with a sidestep. In a single motion, he drove the butt of his polearm into the ground directly before Bernard’s path. The sudden barrier caught Bernard mid-step, sending him tumbling over it and crashing hard onto the courtyard stones.

Karna took her stance as glowing runes flared to life on her gloves and boots. From them, her massive gauntlets and greaves materialized in a burst of light—their metallic surfaces catching the core’s radiance. She exhaled slowly, grounding herself as two guards approached—one wielding a sword, the other a polearm.

The swordsman struck first, his blade cutting through the air. Karna raised her gauntlet to meet it, the impact ringing like thunder as sparks scattered between them. With a shove of raw strength, she forced him backward, his boots scraping against the courtyard stone as he stumbled back.

The polearm guard charged in next, sweeping his polearm. Karna caught the haft mid-swing, locking it in her grip. With a short chant, she invoked her earth magic—stone and soil converging around the weapon’s shaft, weighing it down until it crashed against the ground. She released her hold and spun as the swordsman lunged at her again from behind.

The hiss of metal cut through the air just above her head as she ducked, the sword grazing her hair. Karna’s hand shot back, seizing the man’s arm mid-swing. Using his momentum, she pulled herself up, driving a knee into his gut. The breath left him in a pained gasp as his sword fell from his grasp and clattered to the ground. He collapsed to one knee, clutching his stomach.

The second guard abandoned his polearm and rushed her with a clenched fist, throwing a punch toward her back. Karna twisted sharply, her gauntleted hand swinging in a backhand strike. The guard barely dodged, but Karna’s motion didn’t stop—her body spun fully as she followed through with a powerful kick. Her metal greave slammed into his side with a deafening clang, sending him sprawling into the nearby fountain in a spray of water.

Xanathis stood at the ready as two swordsmen faced her, blades drawn and glinting under the corelight. They charged simultaneously, their movements coordinated and fierce. Yet Xanathis merely regarded them with a calm, uninterested gaze. She tapped the tip of her boot against the stone, and frost instantly spread outward. Ice climbed up the legs of the furthest swordsman, encasing his boots and trapping him in place. He stumbled and crashed to the ground with a startled shout.

The closer swordsman swung downward with force. Xanathis raised her sword to meet his, the clash ringing out sharply. Her blade caught his weapon perfectly within one of the grooves carved along its edge, locking it in place. Without hesitation, she raised her left hand, forming a solid club of ice in her hand. The weapon gleamed a cold blue as she slammed it hard into the man’s side. The impact sent him sprawling onto the ground, air bursting from his lungs.

The other swordsman slammed the pommel of his weapon against the frozen ground, shattering the ice around his feet. He broke free and rushed her, fury flashing in his eyes. Xanathis stepped back, easily avoiding the first strike, though he pressed on relentlessly. Steel hissed through the air with each swing, the rhythm growing faster, more desperate. She finally parried one of his attacks cleanly, twisting her wrist to send his sword wide. In the same fluid motion, she delivered a swift, punishing kick to his groin. The guard gasped and collapsed to his knees with a strangled grunt before falling backwards in extreme pain.

Bernard, seeing his men defeated, threw both of his daggers toward Ash. Ash blocked the first dagger with his polearm, the ringing impact echoing across the courtyard. The second dagger came flying fast, too close to block in time. With no other option, Ash pointed his hand forward and shouted, “Light Beam!”

A bright flash erupted from his finger as the beam struck the spinning dagger midair, deflecting it harmlessly aside. The weapon clattered against the stone and skidded to a stop. When the light faded, Bernard glanced around at his fallen men, all groaning and defeated on the ground.

He took a step back, chest heaving, and finally shouted, “Stop! This is enough! You have passed the test!”

Ash lowered his weapon. “If that’s it, we’ll take our leave.”

Bernard raised a hand. “Wait. I need to inform the mayor. Stay here.”

He entered the manor, the heavy doors closing behind him. Inside, the marble halls glowed faintly under the corelight. Evergreen stood near the window, her ornate dress shimmering softly.

“You were watching?” Bernard asked.

“Yes,” Evergreen replied. “Were they strong?”

“I held back,” Bernard said, “but they were strong—promising and can use magic.”

“Good,” Evergreen said with a smile on her face, retrieving a small pouch filled with shards that chimed softly. “Give them this as a bonus—and encourage them to leave quickly.”

Bernard bowed. “Understood.”

He returned to the courtyard and handed Ash the pouch. “Ms. Evergreen asks that you take this. She wishes for you to leave today due to the urgency of your mission.”

Ash accepted it, feeling the weight of the shards. “That’s generous. We’ll depart soon.”

Bernard nodded, glancing at his men. “Fetch healing orbs for your injuries before returning to duty.”

The guards saluted and stepped away. Bernard turned back to Ash. “Good luck.”

They were led out of the mansion grounds as the gate shut behind them with a heavy metallic clang that echoed down the quiet morning streets. The city was still waking; faint light from the core shimmered through the cracks between the buildings, painting long shadows across the cobblestone road. A cold breeze drifted past, carrying the scent of wet stone and distant cooking fires.

Ash walked in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable, until he muttered under his breath, “Hmm.”

Xanathis glanced sideways, one hand casually brushing the hilt of the sword strapped across her back. “Ahh, so you noticed as well.”

Karna blinked, looking between them. “What are you two talking about?”

Ash stopped walking and turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing toward a narrow alleyway. “You hiding in the shadows—come out. We know you’re there.”

There was a faint shuffle of movement before Kris stepped out, her posture hesitant but determined. “I’m sorry for following you,” she said softly, lowering her head. “But I have a request for you.”

Ash frowned. “Why didn’t you just ask instead of creeping behind us?”

“I was going to ask when you left town,” Kris replied quickly. “I meant no harm.”

Xanathis crossed her arms, her tone sharp but amused. “Ahh, it’s you—the weak girl that got beat by Bernard.”

Kris’s eyes dropped to the ground. “I gave it my all,” she said, voice trembling slightly, “but they were just too strong.”

Ash exhaled quietly, not out of pity but blunt truth. “That should tell you—you’re too weak to try and rescue anybody.”

Karna stepped forward, her voice softer. “So what is it you want from us, Kris?”

Kris straightened her back, trying to find her courage. “I would like to come with you. The mayor has forsaken the group and the townsfolk—but I will not. I really want to help.”

Ash turned away, shoulders stiff. “I don’t have time to babysit a kid. Just go home.”

“Please,” Kris pleaded, taking a step forward. “I want to help.”

Xanathis looked at Ash with a sly grin. “Ash, can I shut her up?”

Ash sighed. “Go ahead. We need to get supplies from the adventurers guild. Can’t have her slowing us down any longer.”

Without hesitation, Xanathis drew her hand through the air, her sword glowing faintly with frosty light as thin streams of ice formed in the air. They spiraled outward, weaving like a net before snapping forward and pinning Kris against the nearest stone wall. The frost spread in delicate patterns across the surface, locking her in place.

Kris struggled, teeth clenched. “Err—you can’t do this! When I get out, I’ll follow you anyway!”

Ash didn’t even glance back. “Well, it’s your funeral. If you get killed, don’t go haunting us.”

Xanathis smirked. “Bye.”

Karna lingered for a moment, guilt flickering in her eyes. She looked at Kris and said softly, “Sorry… but leave this to us.”

As they walked away, Kris’s frustrated voice echoed behind them, muffled by the sound of cracking frost. Her kicking and shouting faded gradually into the distance as the three of them headed down the street, their footsteps echoing through the empty, misty morning toward the adventurers guild.

As they reached the adventurers guild, a large wagon stood out front, pulled by a treaded sphere attached to its front. The strange device hummed with power, glowing faintly as the embedded core shards rotated within its housing. Helen waited beside it, her uniform catching the faint glow of the corelight reflecting off the polished metal. When she spotted them, she smiled. “Wait one moment, let me go get Garm.”

Ash took the opportunity to check the wagon. Inside were bundles of supplies—extra food, camping gear, water containers, and a variety of core orbs neatly packed away. Everything seemed ready for travel. A few minutes later, Garm exited the guild doors and greeted the group warmly.

“Now, be careful out there,” he said firmly. “By the time you return, I should have some information from the Seekers for you.”

Ash nodded. “I’ll be fine as long as I stay cautious. The abominations shouldn’t be a problem.”

Garm’s expression hardened. “Don’t underestimate them—especially the female abomination. She’s the one people speak of… the intelligent one. She’s strong, Ash. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating yourself.”

Karna glanced at him curiously. “So it’s actually true? That one has intelligence?”

Both Garm and Helen exchanged a grim look. Their faces carried the weight of old scars, both visible and hidden. “Yes,” Garm said quietly. “You saw the scars me and Helen and Lina bear. That abomination is the reason we’re no longer adventurers and now run this guild. We encountered her once. My second wife sacrificed herself by collapsing the cave to save us.” He looked down briefly, voice heavy with memory. “Be careful out there—or you might end up like us.”

Ash bowed his head slightly. “Alright. I’ll keep an eye out for any abnormalities when we encounter them.”

Garm managed a faint, approving nod. “Good. I’ll await your return—and hopefully, with good news.”

Ash gave a small wave as he climbed onto the wagon, taking the front seat beside Xanathis. Helen watched as the group set off, the mechanical hum of the treaded sphere growing louder as the vehicle began to move. They rolled through the awakening streets, passing vendors and quiet alleys, before the road opened to reveal vast plains and dark green forests stretching toward the horizon.

As the city’s walls faded behind them, the wind grew cooler, carrying the scent of pine and distant rain. Ahead stretched the untamed eastern wilds—no roads, no villages, only open plains and twisted forests crawling with mutants and abominations. Beyond that, the faint silhouettes of the distant mountains loomed through the mist, marking the edge of the unknown.