After the familiar sensation of compression, Lian emerged from the Gate. This time, thanks to his newfound power as a Mage, he was not the last to exit but followed closely behind Patrick and Sera.
"Phew, finally," he murmured, taking a few steps forward before turning to watch the others emerge. "I could not stand that place any longer…"
One by one, the Knights stepped out of the portal.
Lian, along with the Dustwall Knights, took a moment to admire the grandeur of the Gate before it vanished completely from view, its swirling energies dissolving like a dream at dawn. They had spent several hours inside, mostly resting and traveling, and outside, dusk was settling in. After all, they had entered the Gate in the afternoon.
"Good. Now we return," Patrick said in a gentle tone. "Lian, tomorrow at dawn, we will depart for Grimreach. Make sure to say goodbye to your parents and anyone else you wish, understood?"
The smile on Lian's face faded. He had not expected so little time. But immediately after, an unprecedented resolve surged within him.
"Understood, Mage Patrick." With eyes gleaming with determination and a rebellious lock of hair falling over his forehead, Lian was ready for the journey ahead.
"What? The peasant is coming with us? You are not joking, are you, Patrick?" Sera was stunned. She had not anticipated that some random boy would be taken under Patrick's wing like this. Even her father had had to bow slightly to secure her position as Patrick's apprentice.
Patrick did not respond, merely nodding as he observed Sera's reaction.
Lian, on the other hand, was furious with Sera. "Why does she not mind her own business? Why does she hate me so much? What did I do to her? And to think she is… such a beautiful girl…"
He swallowed hard, his gaze lingering on Sera's back and her long red hair, flowing like a cascade of fire in the fading light.
"What am I thinking?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Stay focused, do not listen to old Uncle Jonny… that pervert!"
"Hey, Mage Lian," a voice snapped him out of his thoughts, bringing him back to reality.
Lian flinched from the surprise but quickly composed himself.
"Hey, Dax! How many times must I tell you? Just call me Lian. I feel uncomfortable being called Mage, especially by someone as strong as you."
Dax grinned, placing a hand on Lian's shoulder. "Do not worry. By the way, say hi to Torren for me when you get home. He and I were comrades back in the day. You have his same eyes—determined and… cunning!"
Lian's smile froze for a moment. "Cunning?" he repeated, not expecting to be described that way. "What do you mean?"
Dax leaned closer to his ear, careful not to be overheard. Lian was tall, about 175 cm, but Dax towered over him by half a head. "You used the same trick back there. 'Play dead.' Torren used it all the time."
Lian froze for a second, unsure how to respond, his mind racing like a startled deer.
Then Dax's laughter broke through the unnecessary thoughts swirling in his head. "Relax, Lian. You were not the best, but it was not a bad move. Next time, try rolling your eyes back and banging your head on the ground. Do not worry—you will not die, but it will look more convincing!"
The two continued chatting as they made their way back to Dustwall. The return journey was shorter than the trip to the Gate. Patrick, eager to waste no more time, swiftly dispatched the remaining Shadow Wolves lingering in the area, his wind spells cutting through them like a scythe through wheat.
---
"Look, they are back!"
"They already destroyed all the monsters? They were gone for such a short time!"
"There are three Mages among them—it is normal!"
Whispers filled the square as the townsfolk welcomed the returning group.
"Our work here is done. We will stay the night to rest. Tomorrow, we depart. If another Gate should appear, do not hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to assist," Patrick's strong voice echoed across the square, prompting cheers from the crowd.
He was the strongest, so it was only natural for him to take credit for the Raid's success, his presence a beacon of triumph.
Torren, who had been in the square talking with Jonny the entire time, had misty eyes. "Lian, I am here!" he shouted, rushing toward his son.
Seeing an old man with white hair charging at him, all the excitement Lian felt from being hailed as a victor vanished, replaced by profound embarrassment.
"Damn it, not in front of everyone, old man!" Lian yelled as Torren enveloped him in a bear hug.
After three agonizingly long seconds, Lian managed to break free from his father's embrace.
"So, Lian? How did it go? Come with us, tell us everything, alright?"
"Old man, do not treat me like a kid! I will tell you everything, but let us go home first," Lian replied, averting his gaze from his father, only to notice two figures behind him.
"Lian, it has been a while!"
The voice belonged to a figure next to Jonny, extending a hand in greeting.
"Roland, it is great to see you!" Lian responded with a smile, shaking Roland's hand.
"So, you have become a Mage, huh? Sigh, now I have no hope of surpassing you…" Roland said, feigning frustration.
The two were close friends, and though Roland was a year younger than Lian, he had already reached Iron 1. He had more talent than Lian.
"No way, with your talent, I am sure you will become very strong—" Lian paused, looking closely at his friend. "What?! You have already reached Iron 2? Man, are you sure you are not the one who will leave me behind?"
The two continued laughing and joking as they headed home. Tonight, they would all dine together—Jonny, his wife, Roland, and Lian's family. After all, they had to celebrate the successful Raid. Moreover, Lian still had to break the news that he would leave the next day…
He did not know how his family would take it, especially Mira.
"That little pest," he sighed, thinking of her. "I just hope she lets me go without making me cry…"
Once home, after greeting Elysa and Mira, Lian sat down. The table was laden with delicious food, and he began recounting everything: the appearance of the Shadow Wolves, their strength, the coordination of their attacks, the formidable Grimreach Knights and their flawless formation, Dax sending greetings to Torren, the powerful spells unleashed by Mage Patrick, but above all…
"Are you ready?" Lian said, his gaze sweeping over everyone, lingering on little Mira. Her eyes sparkling with anticipation while murmuring boom!
Nods and whispers of agreement echoed in response.
"Good—" he replied, focusing intently.
Then—
"Geometric Spell, Circle!"
The familiar circle appeared in his mind. By now, Lian barely needed to focus to trace it. Drawing a perfect circle was not easy, but even an imperfect one sufficed.
He did not want to chant the arcane formula, fearing the enhanced spell might destroy the ground outside their home.
As the circle neared completion, he recalled his sister's words.
"Boom!"
[Accuracy: 55%]
From his hands, a small, delicate fireball appeared for a moment before he launched it into the air.
"Wow, brother, you made Boom!!" Mira was ecstatic, her eyes wide with childish wonder.
The others watched the scene with amazement, particularly Roland, whose face betrayed a hint of jealousy, a shadow flickering across his expression.
"Tch, lucky…" he muttered.
Lian began talking about magic and other matters before addressing the main topic. "Tomorrow morning, at dawn, I will leave with the Grimreach group. I will join the academy and study magic!" he blurted out in one breath.
But no one was surprised—they had expected it. Lian had prepared a long speech, but it seemed unnecessary.
With an embarrassed smile, the celebration continued.
Lian went to bed late that night, exhaustion enveloping his entire body. He did not even bother cultivating.
And so, time passed, and the dawn of the next morning arrived...
---
Author's Note!
Wait a minute, Roland… what is that jealous look? You are not the villain of this story, are you?! No way—your name does not sound like a villain's. It is definitely not you…