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From outside the window, Kai could see the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the rolling plains.

He was getting restless after a day spent bouncing on hard seats. Occasionally peeking out from the window, his gaze swept across multiple landscapes he knew existed from the map.

Here and there, copses of trees offered respite from the sun’s intensity, their branches providing temporary places for chirping birds.

The air hummed with the lazy drone of insects as the evening crept in, it was a peaceful counter to the continuous rumble of the carriages that seemed to get annoying to the ears.

Slowly, the twilight descended.

The sky was painted pink and orange.

The rolling plains gave way to a clearing, the terrain changing completely.

As the carriages started to slow down, Kai’s eyes went from the window to Malden, who woke up from his nap due to a small jolt that erupted from the carriage. He almost laughed at Malden’s face when he woke up, but quickly stopped himself as it was inappropriate to do so.

Malden wiped his sleepy face as Kai looked outside to see a circular patch of ground that was in the middle of a ring of towering oaks.

The carriages lurched to a halt.

"Did I sleep for the rest of the day, Lord Arzan?" Malden’s voice came raspy.

"Yes, let’s get out. We need to set up camp."

A guard was quick to come around and open the door for Kai as he stepped outside.

He was the first to get down after a few guards, and as soon as he did, he stretched his stiff muscles, letting the cool night air hit his skin.

He looked around the clearing, his eyes adjusting to the fading light.

A stream gurgled close by, its noise bringing peace to Kai’s ears as its surface reflected the last light of the setting sun.

It was a good area to set up camp and there didn’t seem to be any beasts around.

In the background, Killian barked orders.

Tents were brought to the clearing, while some guards got in task to set them. Other guards started lighting up the fire pits.

Kai gave an approving nod at Killian who walked towards him with what looked like a plan in his mind as his eyes kept darting back and forth between the trees and him.

"I believe I should go and hunt for tonight’s meal. I saw some fat boars when we entered the area."

***

Two hours later, a fat boar meat sizzled over the fire.

The chilly air filled with the mouthwatering meat aroma.

After two hours of search, Killian and the mercenaries had managed to trail around the boar. Raven’s arrow had done half the job, making it easier for Killian to jump in and kill it completely.

Now, they all had satisfied, relieved looks on their faces, and seated next to one another around the fire.

The guards were talking with hushed voices as stories, embarrassing tales and jokes flew around. At times, Kai could hear guards gasping at the talker’s words, or laughing at what was shared.

Regardless, they all seemed to be enjoying being on the run.

Even the mercenaries who had fought with the guards in the larvae nest and became familiar joined taking turns sharing stories and talking about anything and everything to add to the laughter.

Malden, bustled about with his staff, tending to the people and making sure everyone had a full belly and a warm drink for the night. They all needed energy for the week’s journey and any bandits that might pop up, and one of the best ways to prepare for a fight was to rest.

The two Archine Tower mages, however, stood out like sore thumbs. Klan and Jacks were standing behind the circle of guards, fidgeting their fingers and looking at the people talking awkwardly. Even their finely woven robes looked out of place among the worn leather and roughspun tunics of other guards.

Soon, Kai felt a stare at him as Klan turned his head towards him. Both of them walked where he was standing as he tilted his head.

"Lord Arzan," Jacks gave a respective nod and Klan followed soon after.

"Yes?"

"We wish to take our meals in our tents. Rest for the night, if that’s alright," Jacks said as his eyes went to the plate in his hand.

"Okay." Kai nodded, having no reason to hold them back.

"Excuse us," Klan said and gave a final half-bow, walking inside one of the tents.

It was amusing to see these two men so awkward and uncomfortable in the presence of his guards. The demeanour from the first day they entered his estate was nowhere to be seen. Kai watched them leave with a slight smile tugging at his lips.

He then turned his attention to the feast the people were having— the roasted boar.

Without another word, he settled down on a makeshift log seat. One of Malden’s staff, an old man, walked towards him with a plate. It seemed as if they had already prepared his serving and soon, a glass of ale was also served.

Some men who were too close to him stood up and gave a respective bow before walking away and taking seats with the other guards.

Only Killian and the mercenary group dared to sit near him.

Kai didn’t need time to think as he dug into the meat. The roasted meat was chewy but tender in his mouth and the smell was quick to fill his nostrils, making him hungrier than before.

As soon as the second and third pieces of meat hit his tongue, he was a goner. The meat was too good in taste not to devour it whole. The ale was just the cherry on top.

His attention went to Gorak, who chewed on a large piece of meat. The man whose plate was now empty, was quick to raise his hand for a second piece.

He really acts without any care in the world. Though, it’s not only him. His whole group is similar.

He had thought about it before, the reasons they acted as such.

Gorak’s group was a motley crew of fighters with a keen eye for coin and a blunt disregard for nobility. They were quite a welcome change from the usual courtly sycophants Kai met every day.

They treated him not as a Baron, but as a Mage who had proven himself worthy in a fight. There was a refreshing lack of pretence or fawning in how they behaved around him, a visible contrast from how Malden behaved. Other than that, they knew Kai was approachable.

It all made sense, and he wasn’t about to complain about it.

Kai took a bite of the tender meat, distracting his thoughts and entertaining his taste buds.

After a while, he felt like the fire crackling in front of them welcomed a conversation now that his surroundings were suddenly too quiet to his liking.

Kai, a half-eaten boar leg in hand, turned towards the mercenaries group and looked at Raven.

"How is your spirit doing?" he asked softly, his voice barely a murmur.

A wisp of cool air brushed against his cheek instantly, a silent response. Kai noticed the faint green light that brushed against him.

Thinking back, he remembered how the wisp first reacted to him. It seemed comfortable around Kai and that was probably because of the mana it felt from him.

"It’s good. A little bit scared with all the people around," Raven cleared her throat. Probably taken back due to how the spirit reacted to him.

"A little overwhelmed, I take it?" Kai asked.

Another wisp of air, followed by a faint feeling of anxiety. Kai smiled reassuringly. It was rather odd how he could feel it.

"Don’t worry," he said, his voice low and calming. "You’re safe here."

He paused for a moment, then changed the subject. "Did it manage to sense any… dangers around here?"

Raven nodded. "The wisp did notice a couple of monsters in the vicinity, and apart from that— it informed me a while ago about some people who came to scout the area."

The blue glow swirled and rested on top of Raven’s shoulder, soon becoming invisible to the naked eye.

He grunted and nodded, a frown creasing his brow.

Killian’s voice came rather alarmed from next to Kai. "Scouts?" he asked, his voice gruff.

Gorak, who had been listening intently, chuckled and thumped his meaty fist on the log beside him. "Yes, I believe Lord Arzan already knows and I was just about to mention it myself. Raven informed me about it an hour ago."

"I just used a spell to sense anyone around in the clearing when we were setting up tents. You think they are bandits?" Kai inquired, his gaze roaming towards the treeline.

Gorak nodded. "Must be a group from the Barbarians. I heard about them making rounds far into their territory to capture more of it, so guess it makes sense for them to scout around here."

"Oh?" Kai pushed further, leaning forward.

Gorak cleared his throat and elaborated for Kai’s benefit. "I’m sure Malden informed you about them— the large bandit group, but we call them barbarians. These ’Barbarians’ are a ragtag bunch of fighters from ancient clans and tribes. They used to live autonomously in the mountains, a mineral-rich region bordering several kingdoms, including Lancephil. Both Lancephil and its neighbours tried to claim the land and enslave the warriors for how strong they are, and to acquire the unique fighting styles they have been using for decades, but the Barbarians wouldn’t submit."

Killian took a swig from his drink before continuing. "They fought back, fierce as a trapped tiger. But they were outnumbered. Eventually, they were forced to flee, pushing south and crossing the border into Lancephil. Now, they roam the fringes, raiding settlements and causing trouble. Eh, I’d say quite the annoying tribe."

Kai digested the information slowly.

Bandits, it seemed, were a constant threat in this land. But something about these Barbarians piqued his curiosity. After all, unlike actual bandits, they were simply refugees who were forced to leave their lands due to selfish interests.

Even if they tried to assimilate into Lancephil, he knew it wouldn’t be easy if the country wanted to enslave them.

"These Barbarians, they’re not your typical cutthroats," Gorak said, wiping his scarred head with his calloused palm. "They let most merchants pass unscathed past Sylvan Enclave territory, where we are right now, just take a bit of coin or food as a ’tax’ for not killing us. It’s the nobles they hate, the ones who tried to enslave them in the mountains. They’d torture them, that’s the rumour, never seen first hand."

He gave a look at Kai who struggled. "So, they’re more of a resistance movement, operating under the guise of banditry?"

Gorak nodded. "Yes, Lord Arzan, that’s the gist of it. They torture those with noble connections, send a message, you see. Since they have no real power, that’s the only thing they could do."

The mercenary leader repeated the word ’torture’ putting weight on it.

Kai leaned back. It was an interesting dynamic. These Barbarians, forced from their homes, were striking back in the only way they knew how. But why weren’t the nobles taking action?

"It seems no noble house has tried to eradicate them," he finally said, voicing his curiosity.

Gorak snorted. "Eradicate? These Barbarians are no ordinary bandits, Lord Arzan. They’re fierce fighters, honed by years in the mountains. And they know the terrain like the back of their hand. Any large force sent against them would just get lost in a chase. They’d run away if the force was too large though. Mostly, nobles are letting them be as they haven’t caused any big problem yet for them to take immediate deathly action. Either way, the bandits had only managed to target the smaller nobles."

Killian nodded and continued Gorak’s explanation. "It’s not that the nobles haven’t considered it. The former Duke wanted to deal with them, but they were wiping out the smaller bandit groups that plagued the outlying villages, so he let them be. But in the past year, they’ve grown bolder, sneaking further into our territory."

Kai finished chewing a bite of boar meat. He nodded slowly, but thoughtfully, "I see."

It seemed like the classic case of Arzan’s father using them to keep the bandit groups in check, but now, they have become the big bad of the region and were trying to gain more power and control by spreading their reputation.

"Lord Arzan, should I act as a guard with a few others? You can head inside the tent and get some rest," Killian said, his eyes boring into Kai’s as the latter finished his meal.

Kai shook his head slightly. "No need, I’ll take the first watch myself."

"We can’t let you do that, Lord Arzan." He looked at him as if he was saying something ominous. "With so many guards here, you should rest. If any bandit comes, we can deal with them."

Kai met his gaze steadily. "Don’t worry, Killian. I just want to sit under the night sky for a while, so I will take the first watch. Besides, these Barbarians, if they are indeed scouting, wouldn’t strike until the dead of night in a few hours. We have a long journey ahead tomorrow, and the guards— mercs included — need their rest."

The logic was sound, but Killian still hesitated. "Perhaps I could –"

Kai cut him off with a raised hand. "No, Killian. It’s not up for an argument. It’s been a while since I’ve had a moment to myself."

Killian sighed but composed himself quickly. He nodded and stepped back.

"Very well, Lord Arzan. But if anything feels amiss, call out and I’ll be here."

All of them sat around there for a while longer before growing too tired to continue.

One by one, the guards, Malden, his staff and mercenaries, weary from the day’s travel bid him their farewell and retreated to their tents.

Kai watched them disappear before taking a deep breath and looking at the sky.

In the moment, it was just him, alone, under the vast expanse of the night sky, with millions of stars looking down upon him. His master had told him that thousands of years back, the mana in the night was vibrant, and as he breathed in it, he agreed with them.

I had never seen so many stars in my entire life before.

From the era he had come from, dark clouds would mostly cover the sky always as if the air itself was polluted and he had lived most of his life in the tower, barely going until it was a quest or exploring. So, the stars were things he had never been able to gaze upon like this before.

After acting tireless for weeks, preparing for one thing or another, he knew he needed this.

Therefore, he let himself be in silence while seconds poured into minutes. Then, he looked down at his hands and felt a chilling cold in the core of his being, one that was never there before.

Unlike his fire or wind affinity, it was one he wasn’t as familiar with, nor did he know any major spells in it.

For fire, he knew most of them till the fourth circle and even a few beyond that. For ice, it was completely different and other than frost breath and ice shards— first circle spells he had hurriedly learned because his master insisted on knowing spells from every element.

Though they’d add more intensity to the battle if combined with his other affinities, his ice affinity wasn’t going to do much if he didn’t manage to get more spells.

It was frustrating.

Even if he knew two or three spells, he had never spent more than a moment practising them, so using them in battle was going to be beyond him till he got their casting time to an appropriate level.

The spell structure, though.

It was completely different than wind or fire, and that made things tenfold harder to learn and master.

Spells using ice, he vaguely recalled, relied heavily on manipulating atmospheric moisture, calculating precise structures to coerce the water molecules into freezing.

But, thankfully, he was determined.

This was his affinity. Therefore, he will make it work — he should make it work.

Kai inhaled deeply and exhaled, letting all the air out of his lungs. He inhaled once again and opened his eyes, focusing on his palm for the spell structure he recalled.

The imaginary lines drew one after another, connecting itself into a proper [Ice shard] spell structure.

It was much more level than a fire spell structure, feeling cold to his palms with glowing white lines and much harder than land properly.

As the structure came to a close end, Kai started pushing mana from his core to his palms, curious about the result.

A little bit more… And the last line-

As soon as the structure was completed and mana poured out, he felt his hands go cold for a brief moment. The spell structure broke from his palms and only a hint of used mana was left in the air.

Wait, what? That’s it?

Kai’s hands tugged on the hair that was on his neckline as he squinted his eyes.

The spell structure came to his mind once again. He had done it all right, the lines must have—

He couldn’t give up. He tried again. The frustration was turning into a focused determination as he drew the structure back again from scratch, mana flowed, he felt the ice affinity in his body and then… Coldness.

No shard, nothing visible, only a feeling of failure in his hands.

It broke once again, vanishing in the air.

The structure was what seemed to be the problem. Maybe he was getting it all wrong. But there was only one way to find it out, experiment.

Kai continued.

After every failed try, he tried harder. The very air refused to mould into icy submission.

An hour passed with his grunts and exasperated sighs.

He shook his hands, flickering the wrist and forming a small orb of light, warming his palms from the coldness.

Although he had expected to fail early on, ice was coming across as much harder to grasp than fire or wind. He knew it wasn’t his affinity since he felt his connection to ice clearly, but the structure wasn’t working as expected. Maybe he remembered it wrong or he was hurrying too much.

Whatever it was, he needed to give it time.

"For now, I guess I could get busy with the intruders," he muttered, looking towards the oak trees beyond the stream.

For a moment, his eyes glowed and he smiled.

Dusting his hand off the light ball, he stood up. He had heard about the barbarians from Killian and Gorak but hadn’t gotten a good idea of their strength, so this would be a good exercise.