The others didn’t believe when he told them that he was chased by a giant lizard. Even Darrion was frowning but didn’t comment on it. But Jai didn’t try to convince them about it. He let them believe what they wanted to believe. But all in all, it was a pretty good story while waiting for breakfast.
After some pancakes with pinecones and honey, also a few servings of minty milk later, the participants headed for their next class. Serio told them that Teacher Anna would be waiting for them in the garden, right before the bridge like their refinement class yesterday. Now they had arrived on the spot, but the said teacher was nowhere to be seen. Instead, some nuns and a group of smaller version of nuns and monks were there. Jai recognized the three of the nuns very well.
They were Matron Theresa and Kefara, and they looked like they were teaching the children. Nasha the tiny nun was also there, among the children.“Good morning, participants,” the Matron greeted them
“That is very good, Jai!” Teacher Anna complimented.A skinny man with ashen dark hair, smokey eyes, and piercings on his ears observed Jai with his chin on his hand. The man didn’t look old or young due to the make up, but if Jai had to guess, the man should be around his twenties. He is Teacher Grenner, the one who was paired up with Teacher Anna today for magic control class.“I thought you said he was the one needed teaching the most? Yet I don’t see him having trouble with his magic at all,” the man said.“That’s because his trouble is differentiating his physical and magical energy. Since he’s used to his magic, he has trouble pinpointing his physical one,” Teacher Anna replied the man while holding on Jai’s shoulder.They were currently in the bank of a river located in the northeast of the mausoleum.Yesterday, they were working on raw energy, or physical energy, as Teacher Grenner had corrected. But this time, they were working on their
So it seemed that Jai's problem was that he didn't feel anything different in his array of energies.He discussed it with Teacher Grenner as he focused on his magic control. Teacher Grenner was at first also confused when he consulted him about it."So my lightning–""Thunder," the teacher corrected, patting Jai's right shoulder. "It's way cooler. Next."Jai almost lost his control on his magic, but he managed to get back. "So my thunder, is sparky. It bites. It's warm. I focused on it, trying to get what is different in it, but I don't seem to find it."Teacher Grenner hummed. "Anything?" he asked."Yes," Jai answered. "I don't understand. It's either I can't differentiate it, or it's not there.""I don't think it's not there, it should be there," Teacher Grenner said. And then he explained some more. "Everyone has two energies inside of them. There are only a few cases of people having one energy, and those people are mostly those who only h
Jai stood up straight and observed the water wall in front of him, he had to make sure to step back a little to make space for the others to see. Also because he didn't want to be counter eleThe others did the same and their attentions were glued to the wall.Every few seconds, there were small strands of white swimming in the water.Grenner hummed and nodded his head. Then he turned to the boys."Now what do you think of the wall? What did you see from their interaction?" Grenner asked."You mean when the thunder hits the water?" Bara asked, and the teacher nodded his head in affirmation.Jai already knew the answer, as it was very common. But he didn't want to step the others way of learning.Ruhan was the first to raise his hand. "The thunder dispersed into the water.""Yes, that is a good answer, Ruhan. But I was looking for some uhh, simpl
Torfo blasted his flame right after Teacher Grenner had finished talking. But that wasn't that surprising to Jai. They might have only fought once, but he had watched the young soldier fought a couple times in the tournament. So he was a bit familiar with the soldier's movements.He instinctively dodged to the side so the flame shot missed him completely. But that didn't seem to stop Torfo at all, because he fired more flame shots.Jai dodged some of them too, but he shot his lightning right towards the next flame shot. It went straight through the shot and Jai had to dodge again to avoid the fire coming right at him. But the shots had stopped.Jai turned his head to look at Torfo, and saw the guy was touching his right upper arm. Jai didn't know what happened so he turned to the others in hope anyone would say anything.The first to speak was of course, the teacher."Are you okay, fire guy?" Grenner asked.Torfo's adam's
A very adorable meow that is cute and adorable came from the one and only, Usha, the small white kitten and Jai's only connection with the previous world. This little kitten should've been a very good battle pet if it wasn't small and vulnerable. Also the fact that it's under age.The adorable feline gave a long meow, rubbing its head towards Miria who was currently sitting on her bed and knitting."Nyaaaww~" Usha said, the edge of his jade blue eyes glimmering as if he was up to something."What is it Usha?" Miria asked without turning her attention away from knitting. She didn't want to be distracted or she would have to undo all the way if there's even a single knot fail."Nyaro?" Usha said again. This time, he climbed up to Miria's folded legs and looked up at her."Yes, Usha... I'm here," Miria said, still not looking at his direction.Usha raised his ri
"Once upon a time," a voice started in the darkness. "The people from the ancient times depended on the sun to give them light, only moving when the sun is out. But after dusk... Moon was their only friend," the voice told. Loneliness and sadness pitched from the tone to make the atmosphere slightly weary.Suddenly, there was a faint white light making the shape of a crescent. The audiences expressed their 'ooh's and 'aah's, entertained from the sudden cinematic effect.And then the voice continued. "The moon shone their way and kept them alert from all the dangers that the night time has... It was their only friend in the dark."One of the small orphan girls leaned to her friends beside her. "Why is there only one moon?" she whispered.Her friends shook their head. "I don't know. I thought our moon is two?""Maybe they forgot the other one," one of the girls joined in.The girl who asked before didn't seem satisfied with the answe
Darrion rubbed his stomach and sighed satisfyingly. "I'm full!"Some boys imitated him and also said. "I'm full!"Some of the participants chuckled and Jai smiled at their behavior.They just finished having dinner with the kids. The original long table did not fit for everyone, so they had to sit on the ground. The monks had moved the tables and benches to the side to make room, and everyone had dinner on the floor. Of course the nuns had prepared some wide carpets for their seat.The participants and the children sat in a big circle in the middle, joined by the Minister, the Abbess, the Abbot, Matron Theresa, the teachers, also some older monks and nuns. It was a big dinner.Jai commended the mausoleum people for doing this, because he sort of noticed they did this for the kids and also the participants. They saw how the participants interacted with the kids, and they deemed it would be okay for a big dinner.
Awaiting is not very comfortable, especially if you're in a bunch of kids that's as scared as you are of what's about to happen."What should I do, Gito? I've only drank seven cups of water," whispered Piko, the timing boy with glasses.He stood closer to his brother and held onto his brother's upper arm.Gito turned to him and took his brother's hand in his. He managed a smile towards his brother."It's alright. At least you drink seven already. That's a good thing," Gito said. His tone was calm, although there was a slight change in the middle that reflected his actual feelings.Piko frowned and pouted, just like the other kids around him. "But Brother Jai said to drink eight glasses..."Gito gulped and didn't know how to respond. He was actually also a bit weary. But he got his brother to depend on him, so he shouldn't feel the same thing as his brother. Him and Hans had been the one th
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But