Sakura was sitting on the chair, doing her daily writing exercises.
The past week had certainly been an eye-opening experience for her. It reminded her of when she had been taught to weave back at the village. Except, everything was more difficult with Garamm. But it was still manageable.
Her lessons were separated according to category.
Education was in the morning. Reading, mathematics, and language. Although language was only limited to oral practice for now. Garamm had been teaching her English, and to a light extent, Anglo-Saxon, the ancestor of that language.
Apparently, many texts and magic required very old languages to be understood. Since the Archibalds were of English descent, Sakura needed to be taught those two first.
Magic training and penmanship training took up the afternoon. Garamm read to Sakura several methods from the books to practice. So far, no progress on that front. Sakura was worried she was disappointing the expectations he had, but Garamm explained that it was fine. Beginning to learn magic was a slow and tedious process. Especially when the wand was needed for Sakura to reach the first step of manifesting her mana.
Finally, the last session of the day was her favourite.
Culinary Arts. Or at least, the basics.
Garamm had asked the tavern if they were willing to teach Sakura how to cook. It was troublesome he believed, not many people were inclined to allow children in the kitchen.
Only to be surprised when they returned with compliments, stating that Sakura already had a developing talent for cooking. They were very eager to teach the young girl their dishes.
At around 6 pm, Sakura would happily run off to the kitchens to learn.
It was consoling for Garamm.
The poor girl had been nervous around him ever since he bought her from the Black Fortune Guild. She would try her best to follow his words, even if they weren't orders. Obviously, out of fear from punishment. Which normal slaves would experience everday.
Garamm took note of the time, the bell tower should start ringing any moment now.
He allocated a total of 8 hours for Sakura's lessons. 9-12 in the morning for education, since it was considered the best time to absorb information. A break of 2 hours for lunch and her nap, followed by her magic and writing session from 3-6 in the afternoon. Then, 2 hours of culinary training after sunset.
At first, he wanted to give Sakura a break between her penmanship and culinary training, but learned that Sakura enjoyed cooking after the third day. So he gave her permission to skip the half hour break after sunset.
A bell in the distance tolled, echoing its loud clangs across the streets.
It was the signal that 6pm had arrived.
Then Sakura was off. Neatly organizing the handwritten sheets of letters before running out the door eagerly for her cooking lessons.
At least Garamm found something to keep the girl happy. She was still a child and children are easily shaken. Especially after all the life-changing events she experienced.
He moved from his side of the table to check Sakura's penmanship, only to see messy scribbles barely resembling the phonetic writing system.
Yes, it looked like it was going to be a long road ahead for the young girl before she could write clearly.
Tomorrow was going to be the day Sakura would receive her wand. Then, Garamm would bring her south with him. Leaving the far northern Sapo city behind.
The jingle of a bell, notifying the establishment's owner of an arrival.
Garamm and Sakura entered the wand shop at the scheduled date. The wandmaker had sent a letter that her merchandise was ready the day before.
The wizened crafter appeared from behind the counter to receive the pair.
"Welcome back Sir Garamm, if you would follow me to the wand…"
He led them towards the backroom where the wand was located. It was contained in a small thin wooden case, crafted to safely contain wands.
"It took some help from other wand stores, but I managed to find some people who had contacts with special tree breeders."
The container was opened and a dark purple wand with shades of pink interspersed throughout greeted the duo.
It was beautiful, Sakura thought. Although it might have been coloring applied with magic, it was still a unique product in itself.
"The core comprises a single strand of Unicorn hair from one living in the fae forests. Already very hard to find any suppliers of. Luckily, manufacturers of magical items like us get first priority in the market."
"The base frame is made up of Purple Heart wood bred with Pink Ivory. Purple Heart wood has special characteristics that are brought out under special circumstances. Originally brown, Purple Heart wood under significantly condensed magic exposure from a natural mana source changes to purple as the dormant mana within awakens. Only a small amount, but the mana is able to add extra power into any spell."
"I did not know such a wood existed. I am surprised." Garamm commended the crafter of wands.
"But we are not finished sir, I have yet to discuss the noteworthy effects of Pink Ivory. Pink Ivory has medicinal properties, which are used to create potions and other healing items. In this case, a specific ratio of the wood was bred with Purple Heart. The result kept its medicinal abilities while also enhancing the "effect" status that it can produce."
"Enhancing the "effect" status? How so?"
"Its medicinal properties are considered an "effect" of its special qualities. Purple Heart wood's ability to slightly add mana to any spell also acts on the Pink Ivory blended with it. Therefore increasing the Pink Ivory's ability to apply an effect."
If Garamm was surprised before, then he was now impressed.
He had heard of special fields related to matters of wood and trees, but wasn't quite informed on those subjects. To think magical wood with special characteristics such as these existed. It wasn't too improbable, yet still considerably powerful if you combine effects between types of magical wood.
"So not only does this wand boost power, but it further enhances the effect of a spell?"
Power and Effect were two different categories when it came to casting spells.
You could increase the power of a spell, making it stronger. But many spells don't work based on power alone. Take enchantments for example, some enchantment circles break down after a certain threshold of power is reached by the caster. In that case, the only way to operate the enchantment circle without pumping too much energy into it would be to enhance the result. Either by refining or changing the materials used for the enchantment circle, or improving the array itself.
"Correct, I believe that this wand is to your liking? I am confident that it suits your student quite well."
This wand did not disappoint.
Garamm pulled a small pouch of gold coins and placed them in front of the exceptional wand crafter.
"Take this additional fee as a compliment to your craftsmanship. May I know your name? A maestro of wands such as you should be renowned. I cannot imagine the work you've put into crafting this wand."
The wand's receptacle was closed, then placed in Garamm's spatial ring for safekeeping.
"My name is Kuyama Toshio, it was my pleasure to craft the wand of your student Sir Garamm."
"The pleasure was all mine. To think I was in the presence of a masterful artisan. Your work is impressive. I wonder why I have never heard of you before?"
"Reputation doesn't matter to me. I have my own reasons for avoiding the limelight. Too much hassle creating masterpieces for every mage in this city who thinks their children deserve my best works."
Garamm could understand Mr. Toshio's answer. It was definitely better to avoid attracting attention if you wanted to work in peace. Something he couldn't replicate, due to his status.
"Once again, you have my gratitude for making this masterpiece Mr. Toshio."
Garamm nudged Sakura to follow him and the pair left the store.
On the way back to the tavern, Garamm pondered on how he would break the news to Sakura. It was obvious that the girl wouldn't want to stray further away from home, but he would be bringing her far far away after he was finished with his mission in the country of Nihonn.
The distance from Nihonn to his destination was vast. The country of Nihonn resided in the far east of the world. It was the furthest point east, as any journeys further risked disappearing from the world's borders, into realms unknown.
It was rumored that sailing past the limits of the world could lead you to bordering worlds, the Land of Demons being the most renowned myth. After all, they were easily one of the most common races to visit the world of men. Where else could they have come from? It was assumed that the reason they were the second most populous race in their world was due to the close range of the Land of Demons.
But Garamm's destination was towards another land far west.
Specifically, to the Albion Isle, where the head branch of the El Melloi family resided.
The Albion Isle was an anomaly, a land born from an ancient conflict between the Fae and Albion. The Isle was originally under the ownership of the great Albion, the only dragon from the dawn of the First Age to remain in the world of men. The others have long since left for other realms. Realms that no man had set foot on.
Dragons still existed in the land, others arriving later on. Albion was just known to have stayed the longest.
In that sense, Albion should have been the lord and master of the isles. Since he had staked claim over the isles during The First Age. The First Age, being the birth of the world of men. Which the dragon Albion had been present to witness.
Albion took the isles, molding them into his desired home within the domain of Man. For ages, his magic protected the isles from the ravages of time, keeping them pristine and unchanged even after the world around it changed.
That was until the realm of the Fae intersected with the realm of Man.
Particularly in the region of the Albion Isles.
The intersection produced an anomaly, wherein the Albion Isles saturated with the energy of a dragon slipped into the realm of Fairies.
The fairy realm had been against opening their borders, preferring to keep to themselves instead of meeting other races.
The Albion Isles breached the edges of the closed world and landed in the Sea of Aodh.
The Sea of Aodh was the human name given for it, as the inhabitants of the Albion Isles replicated the vocal name from the fairies. In truth, the Fae language went deeper. The Sea of Aodh's true fairy name was expressed in both a vocal and magical expression, which humans could not comprehend.
The fairies saw the breach as an attack from external parties, and mustered an assault on the isles.
The people living in the Albion Isles were the descendants of the first humans who Albion befriended. As such, they were also under his protection. After sensing the invading energies on his land, Albion transported himself into the fairy realm using his isles as a portal.
Thus began the ancient war.
Fairy King Oberon and his wife Titania appeared to fight off Albion. But when they failed to push him and the isle out of their realm, they resorted to discussing a ceasefire.
By that point, the fairy realm had already repaired the fracture in its world. Which meant incorporating Albion's Isles into itself.
It was a mess of dimensional proportions.
Thus, both sides tried to hash out an agreement. The fairies wanted Albion and his lands out of the realm, and Albion wanted to return the isles back to the world of men.
After some collaboration, the fairies reopened the border temporarily to allow Albion to carry his lands back.
Except, the Fae world had incorporated the Albion Isles.
Albion was about to restore his isles' proper position in the lands of men. Only to find another copy of the isles already in place there.
Even worse, this isle was the fairy realm's version of his Albion Isles.
Reopening the fracture had triggered an event wherein the fairy version of the isles established itself into the world of men. Since the original Albion Isles took up the space where the fairy duplicate was supposed to be, the fairy isles used the revived connection to establish itself into the land's human origins.
Albion and the Fae found themselves another problem.
A piece of the Fae realm had rooted itself in the realm of Man.
Unlike Albion's Isles, the Fairy Isles proved harder to move. Its base concept was as a land in the realm of men, with a magical foundation of that from the Fae.
Albion's Isle was easier to return, due to its singular origin as a physical land of Man. The Fairy Isles had a dual-origin consisting of a physical form in the realm of Man with a magical form in the Fae realm.
Even if they closed the breach, the Fairy Isles would become a gateway into the world of fairies. Furthermore, the Fairy Isles' metaphysical base was situated in the perfect position: the intersection between the Fae and Man realm.
It was practically impossible to move the fairy isle with a dual Man-Fae origin, which anchored both realms together.
The worst case scenario had happened. There now existed a permanent gateway into the fairy realm.
Oberon and his fairies were quick to invade the Fairy Isles and lock down the land to avoid any humans from entering it, hindering any chances of humans reaching their world.
Albion was forced to relocate his isle further south of the newly created Fairy Isles. He wasn't going to move his land anywhere else due to his fondness of the weather within that region.
Thus we reach today's current situation.
Two identical isles existed near the central continent in the world of men.
Since the Fairy Isles had a human counterpart existing in the lands of Man, it was given the human name Britain by the fairies.
The Albion Isles were neighbours to the Fairy Isles further north. Due to its location in lands ruled by men, it was inevitable for the Fae race to avoid dealing with Man.
Similar to Albion, some fairies soon started befriending humans and allowing them entrance into Britain if they passed the challenges prepared by King Oberon and Queen Titania.
Only the most worthy of men earned the glory to settle in the Fairy Isles with permission to travel beyond the Fae borders. Their descendants, automatically accepted as subjects under fairy law.
Trade and commerce slowly picked up between the Albion and Fairy Isles while the mainland lacked the proper presence of any race to interact with the two magical lands. Slowly, a healthy relationship between Albion's people and the fairy lands bloomed.
It is important to note that this healthy relationship helped plant the seeds of the families that would one day grow into the New World Association. Primarily because a large portion of the New World Association's 13 families came from these two isles. The British Isles contributed 2 families, while the Albion Isles had 6, and the mainland brought up the remaining 5.
The Albion Isles, considered to be one of the most important regions in the entire history of man.
Garamm was going to bring Sakura to the Albion Isles, home of the El Mellois.
Sakura was excited. Something was different when she performed the magic exercises that afternoon. Garamm had instructed her to hold the wand to the center of her chest during the exercises.
She felt something new. It was unlike anything she had experienced before.
The past few days had been uneventful. Sakura could not see any progress compared to the other lessons Garamm had been giving her. She worked hard on them, afraid to disappoint Garamm.
Garamm had been good to her. Sakura didn't want to be returned to the auction and be sold to another master.
"Is the wand working to your liking Sakura?"
Garamm had wanted her to test the wand in their room at the inn. Using it in the master crafter's workshop didn't seem like a good idea. Especially with all the other expensive materials stored within.
"I can feel something with the wand sir."
Sakura was trying to replicate the sensation she felt earlier. Something had moved inside her, she was sure of it.
"Something? Elaborate."
"It moved inside my body…but I can't tell what it is."
It was an honest reply. Sakura couldn't explain exactly how it moved.
"Alright. Keep continuing your exercises. Once you can push that feeling into the wand, then we will check using a testing orb from the adventurer's guild."
Garamm didn't have a testing orb. There was no point for him to carry one. But they needed to check if she could start using magic.
Her awakened mana circuits had accelerated her progress much faster than what was considered the norm. If it was really magic that she could feel…then he could start training her.
But for now, his attention needed to be diverted to other matters.
Garamm stood up from his seat. Watching Sakura practice was all well and good, but he had scheduled a meeting with a contact that afternoon.
He left for the tavern rooftop, the only place that was suitably private for him to conduct his affairs. The bathroom was an option, but it wouldn't pass as a meeting place for Garamm.
The veranda was empty when Garamm arrived. A few spells later, he was certain that the area was safe. You could never be too sure about privacy. He had casted a fair number of warding spells on his room accommodation. A couple more spells joined his previous ones and Garamm's preparations were finished.
A large scrying mirror was pulled out of his inventory. Convenient and handy, it was one of the tools that Garamm used. He wasn't an expert in the field of mystery, and the ability to contact a person on the other side of the world was beyond the reach of his specialties.
Garamm injected his prana into the mirror and prepared to input a magical code to contact his target.
The mirror's surface wavered, starting from the center towards the outer edges. The magical device seeking to establish a connection with another mirror in a different part of the world.
It was 3pm in his timezone, the time at which they agreed to meet.
A man in his early 20s appeared after the surface cleared.
Waver Velvet, a student of the El Melloi family's current head.
Out of the promising batch, he had the greatest achievement: the summoning of a Legend.
The details of the event were known to the public.
Lord Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald had organized a summoning competition for his students, the reward being extra private lessons from him. His students competed on who could perform the best summoning ritual. The results were assessed based on the summoned entity or object.
Summoning was a common magic. It was done on objects, animals, and even people.
There were several different types of summoning rituals.
The summoning of familiars, also known as bond rituals, were used to find the entity that could best link with the caster. Sometimes, this ritual goes haywire because the caster does not have any life form to link with. Even worse, if the mage summons the creature at the wrong time and permanently fails to bond. Mostly due to having a powerful summon, but due to their lack of power, has failed. The stronger the summon, the more power a mage needed.
Contractual summonings, like those done to call demons for service or power. Although highly dangerous due to the nature of such magics.
There were more, but they were lesser known.
Catalysts ranging from dragon scales to ancient artifacts could assist people in the rituals. It was a common notion to use an object related to your field of specialty as a catalyst for summoning, as that object is related to your talent.
Waver Velvet had stolen Lord Kayneth's sample catalyst for the event and used a different version of the summoning ritual that he developed, one that was designed to perfectly solve his shortcomings as a mage.
It was after another one of Lord Kayneth's projects for his students. They were instructed to prepare a thesis to present in class, and Waver presented a thesis on manipulating magical potential. Lord Kayneth found the paper insulting to the traditionalist view of magical bloodlines and ripped the work apart while humiliating Waver in class.
Everyone assumed that Waver did it to exact spiteful revenge by using Lord Kayneth's legendary artifact as his catalyst, along with a different summoning circle.
Only, it worked. The opposite of what everyone had expected. The spectators of the class' summoning event had found that Waver's circle and Lord Kayneth's catalyst had miraculously summoned a Legend.
A contractual summoning between a student and a Legend.
The King of Conquerors, Alexander the Great from Macedon.
Legends are spirits of ancient and powerful individuals from the past. Individuals who have reached the rank of Legend for their strengths and famous exploits.
Waver, considered to be the most useless among Lord Kayneth's students, had managed to summon a Legend.
Few people were known to have accomplished such a feat.
With that achievement, Waver had elevated his standing to become a worthy student of Lord Kayneth in the eyes of the other people in the New World Association.
His lowly status in the El Melloi family's eyes still remained the same.
Except for Garamm and a few others.
"Waver Velvet." Garamm acknowledged the young man in front of him.
"L-Lord Garamm." Waver nearly yawned during his greeting.
It was still early in the morning for the people living near the Albion Isles, Waver included. Garamm noticed the heavy eyebags the student had, followed by the cup of coffee on the desk behind him. The table was full of magical codes and sheets of paper with abandoned formalcraft circles.
"While I approve of the drive to keep working on your projects, your lack of rest will hinder any progress you wish to achieve."
Waver blinked, the words slowly being interpreted in his tired mind.
"I had an idea last night, I needed to put all of it into paper before I missed anything."
Garamm raised a brow. Lord Kayneth's students were always quite self-destructive when it came to studies. Maybe it was part of why they survived learning under the El Melloi family head. Especially when they earned those seats.
One of the traditions that the New World Association created was the mentorship of promising students. Students would compete for positions under desired professors and teachers to learn underneath them. A limited number of seats were handed out yearly for each class. This would filter the talent for each class until only the best remained for that professor. The advantage was that the professor could share his knowledge with the best students.
As most professors have responsibilities to each family, the classes were scheduled depending on the professor's availability. The minimum number of classes mandated by the association was twelve classes per year. Though it was common for professors to hold more classes instead.
Lord Kayneth was one such example, juggling his duties as the head of the El Melloi family and as the lead professor for the Mineralogy Studies Department. He only held one class each month, but the students were available to approach him at any time for assistance.
As such, the seats of his class were highly coveted by young up and coming hopefuls. It was one of the hardest classes to compete for. So each seat was taken by the best of the best.
The professors could pick promising students, but it was frowned upon to kick them out. After all, those students proved themselves to earn those spots. It was the responsibility of the professor to guide those students, even if they made mistakes.
Thus, Waver Velvet and Lord Kayneth had a very aggravating relationship.
Although Waver's research and results were very radical compared to his classmates, not to mention disliked by his professor. They were still very much within the quality range produced by his class.
So nobody was surprised that the student and teacher still retained their academic relationship despite all the problems.
It was just another one of those strange events that occurred frequently.
"Sir Garamm, what did you need from me? I'll do my best to accomplish it."
Let it be said that Waver was very much aware of his reputation amongst the El Melloi. So he concluded that the only reason someone as prestigious as Garamm needed something only he could execute.
Because why him if not other more well established mages?
Then Waver would do the request with his best efforts. It was rare for people to give him an opportunity to prove himself. He had to be the one to do outrageous and radical measures to gain reputation.
Bad reputation was still a reputation. At least it managed to get people to start digging into his achievements. That was definitely one way to be recognized.
"I heard you took on an apprentice."
Waver's eyebrows knitted together. His newfound apprentice wasn't a topic people discussed. They were more interested in the next big drama that would unfold from him or his projects.
And he planned to keep it that way.
Not after discovering the secrets she kept.
It was only a matter of protecting the young girl. Everyone's eyes would be on him, they would only pity the poor girl for being dragged around with his reputation. Which would easily hide her from public scrutiny.
"She's nothing special. I took her on because she reminded me of myself. Weak, unknown, but with a drive to work hard for a dream."
A dream to be more than what she was created to be.
"Do not worry, you have my word that I have no plans to harm her. Rather, I wish to know how much you've taught the girl."
That was a first. Waver knew Garamm was digging for information, but what for exactly? He decided it would be safer to hide the girl's true progress in magecraft. It was too dangerous to tell everything.
"I've just started with her. She's young and her pathways have yet to be unlocked. So I've only begun with simple basics on magical knowledge. She can read but struggles to understand big words and harder context."
Garamm nodded. It was reasonable, since Waver's apprentice was as young as Sakura if he remembered correctly. He could work with this.
A student of Waver Velvet would grow up to be as innovative and resourceful as the young man. Not to mention starting from a young age would prove advantageous for her. Both were good factors for his decision to reach out to them.
Garamm had checked some of Waver's public projects out of interest. He did the same for all of Lord Kayneth's pupils. Any promising projects found received indirect sponsorship from him.
Public projects were a standard curriculum for the students from the best classes in the Association. They allowed students to work with peers and older mages who wished to join said projects. Research, studies, reviews, all of them were important for the students to master so that they could develop magical fields later on in life. This was also an opportunity for students from other classes to learn from their betters.
Waver had already proved to be outstanding if you considered his situation. He had the least funding and support among all the students in Lord Kayneth's class, yet he managed to produce equally impressive results with his limited resources. Other students had the backing of families. He didn't.
"I have an idea. A proposal of mutual cooperation. Something that could benefit the both of us, including your student. Should you accept, that is. Of course, everything we discuss now must remain a secret between us both."
Waver's eyes widened. This was big, bigger than he expected. Mutual cooperation? With Garamm El-Melloi Archisorte of all people? He came looking for a request, not a collaboration.
He needed to know more before making a decision.
"I need more details, Lord Garamm, before I can make any decisions that would include my own student in it. I assume this also includes her cooperation judging from your words?"
It was dangerous.
Garamm was focused on his student. Waver was walking a tight ledge here. If he accepted, Garamm would have more reasons to be in contact with his student. Risking higher chances of suspicion and discovery. If he declined, Garamm would begin speculating on possible motives. Which would include her.
"As a matter of fact, I have adopted a student of my own. News that would later reach the public. I will not discuss specifics now, but I am willing to offer you access to more New World Association archives. In exchange, you will assist me in planning out an education for my student. Obviously, there are more things to be considered but we can discuss those after you accept my invitation."
A student? And Garamm was asking for his assistance to teach her. The fact that he approached Waver instead of established professors was extremely unusual. But the chance to have the assistance of Garamm was too big to ignore. Mutual cooperation no less. If he accepted, information would go both ways.
Except, Garamm's side benefitted less here. Access to more archives would help Waver and his apprentice more than Garamm's new student. Which meant he was planning something big in return.
"Are you sure this wouldn't bring harm to my student Lord Garamm? Or anything distasteful that would harm me as well?"
"Yes, I am sure. You already have my word."
"Give me a day to make a decision. Tomorrow at the same time perhaps?"
"That would be fine."
The following day.
The orb sat on its pedestal on the table.
Sakura peered into its dark depths, awaiting for the handler to return with her application papers. Garamm had filled them out for her because she couldn't read or write yet. The papers connected her identity to Garamm's adventurer record, so that if she was ever lost, or if her slave brand's connection to the master seal was obstructed, people could check with the adventurer guild who her guardian was.
She tapped her foot on the floor in a rhythm until Garamm and the applicant handler returned.
"Alright Sir Garamm! Everything is all set, we can now start documenting her for the record."
The written records would further prove Garamm's objective. He could send those records to the El Melloi archives so that the family could see proof of the prodigy he found.
"It is safe to assume that she has had little training, therefore no skills or talents to include in the portfolio sir?"
"Correct, for now we can only test her magical ability." Garamm confirmed.
He had in his hands a magical copy of the original paper which the handler carried. Anything that was recorded in the guild's document of Sakura's adventurer record would immediately replicate itself on the other magical copies. So that only the guild's document needed to be changed whenever Sakura finished a mission, adding it to her completed records.
Of course, guild documents are highly safeguarded with spells and enchantments to keep it from being modified by non-guild parties. The guild held the magical code to unlock each adventurer document, which was provided to trusted recorders.
The recorders themselves had to apply to join the guild management. They were required to have been employed by the guild in any shape or form for 10 years at the minimum. Each person needed a clean track record. So as to prove loyalty. Lastly, they undergo special training from other guild management personnel in local branches.
This applied to all other positions in the adventurer guild. The only open positions available for non-adventurer newcomers were service personnel like cleaners, messengers and similar duties.
They were provided promotions accordingly. Once a decade of service was finished, these employees could apply for managerial positions similar to those of loyal veteran adventurers.
"Alright Miss Sakura, please place your hands on this orb and inject your magic into it."
The handler eagerly watched Sakura reach out for the orb. If her ability was true, then this would be big news.
Garamm watched Sakura concentrate on the orb. Her tiny hands wrapped around the sides, trying to inject mana into the magical object.
"Focus on your magical exercises Sakura. The orb is similar to another wand, it is a conduit for your magic."
Sakura followed Garamm's instructions. Breathing slowly, calming her mind, entering a meditative state to find the small pool of energy within her.
It took a few minutes before she found her mana bubbling deep inside. Slowly, she used the magnetic pull of the testing orb to draw out a tiny stream of mana towards it.
A tiny glow appeared from the orb, which Garamm and the handler caught sight of.
Quickly, the recorder scribbled Sakura's magical ability on her adventurer document.
X===X
Sakura, protege of Garamm El-Melloi Archisorte.
Rank: E-
Class: Mage
Abilities:
Magical Power: E-
X===X
"Well done Sakura." Garamm congratulated the little girl.
Sakura was surprised at the praise and lost control of her mana stream. The light emanating from the orb dimmed and disappeared in front of her blinking eyes.
"Was it really magic sir?" Sakura excitedly ran up to him. The stars in her eyes showed her happiness at being complimented.
It was the first time Garamm had shown satisfaction at her.
She knew that if she completed his instructions, that she wouldn't be returned back.
"Yes Sakura, that was really magic."
As a reward, Garamm allowed Sakura to have a day off from training.
During which he spent thinking of a way to convince the girl to follow him. This was the difficult part. If he wanted Sakura to learn properly, then he couldn't force the girl using the slave brand. It would only destroy the trust he was building up with her.
The only way would be to convince Sakura that coming with him would help her village more than staying behind. She was attracted to magic, but Garamm knew that was only because of him. Magic alone wouldn't persuade her. Even her culinary classes were questionable in its effectiveness. Sakura still spent her nights watching the cityscape and the northern mountains.
Garamm had noticed the little details.
At least today was filled with good news. Sakura had learned to produce mana, and Waver had agreed to his conditions for the cooperation.
The conditions were heavy. Even Waver was dumbfounded at his idea. But in the end, even he found it too good of an opportunity to ignore both for him and his student.
Now, Garamm had to make his part work.
***BGM: Hiroyuki Sawano / Project【emU】 "MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM UNICORN" suite (13:02 until the end)***
"Sakura, now that you have learned how to draw out your magic, we can start travelling. Tomorrow, we will be leaving the city behind."
Sakura, who had been eagerly practicing with her wand, paused. She had jumped into her exercises after preparing dinner with the tavern's cooks. This time, with more enthusiasm compared to the previous days.
"L-leaving sir?"
Garamm caught the hesitation and uneasiness in Sakura's voice.
"Yes, I have stayed longer in this city than I anticipated. It is about time we proceeded to our next destination."
It took Sakura a few moments to process his words.
They were leaving.
It was something she didn't consider. The past week has been like an adventure for her. Visiting new places, buying books and clothes, learning magic, and cooking in the tavern's kitchens.
It was like a dream compared to her life during the two months with the slave caravan.
But now that Garamm planned to leave, everything clicked into place for Sakura.
There was never a possibility where she would stay here to continue living the dream.
"C-can we stay? I-I don't want to leave…I don't want to go further!" Sakura murmured before her voice increased at the end.
Leaving…meant going further away. Away from home.
"Sakura, we were never going to stay here forever. I have places to be, people to meet, and I also have to return home. Just like you."
"T-then y-you can leave me! I-I'll give everything back!" Sakura's voice was starting to shake, panic and fear appearing on her face.
"1000 gold, do you have it then?" Garamm needed to unsettle Sakura, once she was on the brink of despair, he would throw out a lifeline. She didn't have money and it was obvious she could never earn that amount of money as she is now.
Let her sink a little, then offer an escape.
What a cruel method to use on the girl.
But if he wanted to change her mind, then this was the only way he could.
"P-please…" Sakura was beginning to sob. She was pulling on his clothes, begging.
"I'm afraid I cannot. Even that much money is hard to come across Sakura. You have to understand."
A thud resounded in front of Garamm. Sakura had fallen on her knees, shaking in despair.
Taiga, Shirou, everyone. She was getting further and further away from them. The northern mountains could still be seen, but Sakura was going the opposite direction that she wanted to.
Home…the memories of sleeping in the orphanage, her days playing with friends, cooking with Shirou and Taiga…it hurts to remember them.
Tears flowed down her face, dripping on the carpet below.
"I can bring you back. Maybe not now, but in the future."
Sakura's breath hitched for a moment.
"I still intend to train you. There is more to the world out there, would you at least consider that much? I cannot say that I plan to return you, but I can at least allow you to visit."
Garamm watched her face rise to look at him. It was the face of a heartbroken child. A child taken away from her home, and thrust into a world she was alone in.
"Think about it, Sakura. You could do so much more for your village if you follow me. Once you return, you could bring money, food, and clothes, enough to support everyone you love."
"All I need is your cooperation."
Cooperation.
What a cruel word it was for Sakura.
"Unless you wish to be sold to another master? I will have to find someone who would buy you for a thousand gold…if there is even any. Though I cannot assure that they would be as kind as I have been."
There was no other choice. None that would provide a better chance for Sakura to see her home again. Not without the power of a slave brand on her.
The morning was cold.
The pair walked outside the city gates early at dawn. The sky was still a dark shade of blue and purple, though not for long.
Sakura had cried herself to sleep the night before. Now, her eyes were heavy from the lack of sleep. But that was nothing compared to the heavy feeling inside her.
Betrayal. Abandonment.
She was going to leave home.
Garamm had told her that it would be years before she could even dream of visiting. Even then, it was only a temporary visit.
What would Taiga and Shirou think of her decision?
The sunrise peaked on the horizon, the time Garamm had announced their departure from the city.
They walked a small distance from the city for a few minutes before Garamm stopped in front of a medium stone boulder. It was elongated with a flat edge on one side, perfect for his needs.
"Sakura, get on and stand in front of me. You will fall off if you do not."
She slowly shuffled into position while looking behind them.
Looking at the Northern Barrier Mountains of her home.
The home that she was leaving behind.
Then, under Garamm's control, the rock slowly floated from the ground.
And they were off, to lands unknown.
Author's Note
I had to push my imagine a little when it came to describing Albion Isle and the British/Fairy Isle. Everyone is free to start predicting where I'm going with those two isles. Hehehe.
The end of this chapter feels scuffed and I struggled to really put it into words. I just hope the music carries it a little better. Although I second guess myself if the music actually fit in.
Another late chapter, I'll try to rush the next one! Happy late weekend to everyone!
