Chapter 6

“Did you know that there’s a new baker in town who is selling burnberri pies? They’re really good, you know?”

“No, really? Are they good?”

“Mhm. They’re sweet and tasty and they’re the best if they’re warm. Have you never had one?”

“Never been out of the castle.”

“What a boring life. I would die.”

“Hey! Leave me alone.”

Reyna laughed.

Lucas smiled. What an interesting start to a conversation. He sat down on the bench, in the alcove that he had found the last time.

He was relieved that he could find his way back. It was so secluded and hidden that he had trouble finding it, but he did eventually.

And coincidentally, Reyna was sitting there too, with a small book and pencil.

“I’ll bring some next time for you.” She said.

“That would be great. What’s with the book?”

“I draw in it sometimes. Just pictures of stuff I see and like.”

“Like pie?” He said.

“No, I’ve never drawn that. That’s a good idea! Next time daddy brings me a pie I’ll bring it here and draw it.”

“I don’t know when I’ll come here next though.” Said Lucas.

Reyna’s smile melted.

“I’ll come every time I can from now on okay? So please bring me the pie.”

“Tomorrow then” She said.

“Fine, fine. I’ll be here tomorrow.” He said. The sat there on the bench for the next few hours, talking about different foods on the planet. Lucas was fascinated with the descriptions of the foods that Reyna gave him. They sounded really good, and were quite different than he expected.

As expected, the spices that she named and the foods that she gave off were completely different than the ones on earth. Meat from monsters could be detoxified and eaten by people, and meat from strong monsters was considered a delicacy, though Lucas had no idea why.

There were some similarities between the two cultures. Salt was used frequently in many foods, through it had to be traded from other countries as Ruistia was an inland country, and owned no sea ports. Cow, chicken, eggs, dairy products, and other familiar meats were used as well, and were the staple diet of the country. Grain was not grown much, as the soil in the countries which bordered the battlefield against the monsters to the south was not fertile in any way.

As they talked, the sun began to set, and the 6 o’clock bell rang.

“I have to get back! Mama will skin me. Bye Lucas!” Reyna said, jumping to her feet.

“Bye!” he said, his voice trailing off as she had already disappeared.

Lucas let out a breath of air and breathed in the fresh sent of the garden. The entire garden was lit up, and all the paths had different sources of light which somehow automatically lit themselves, but it was still hard to walk the garden at night without the full light of the moon.

Lucas stood up and stretched, and walked back to his room.

He still had to finish reading three books. They were all on magic and how it was used on this continent. Although Lucas had been interested in them at first, he quickly realized that they were geared toward people who had great talent in the art.

They began with the basic idea of magic, which were shifted into different attributes. Fire, water, earth, and wind were the three basic types of magic. Higher level magics such as ice, lightning, sound, metal and some others were derivatives of those basic magics. Mages could choose different types, but it was recommended that they try all of them out before they made a choice because they might have an easier time understanding one type of magic over another.

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The derivative magics were a higher level of a basic type of magic, and often a combination of two or more magics.

And then there were the two outliers. Holy magic and Dark magic. Although they were called different things, they were essentially the same combination of the four basic magics.

The only difference was appearance.

Dark magic was feared. It was magic which could be used more effectively in combat. Draining mana, healing souls, and some parts of summoning magic were considered dark magic.

Holy magic was magic which was supported by the several different religions on the continent, and Dark magic was considered the magic of demons and monsters.

And the first step in practicing the art of magic was mastery over mind and body. Meditation and control over the user’s body were essential in control over mana and magic.

Lucas found it odd that he was being required to learn about magic when he was becoming a knight, but he thought that stronger knights could use magic, like Darius, which was why he was being made to learn about it.

It was dark when Lucas put away the books. The servants had delivered his dinner to his room, and he ate with while reading.

It was summer and it was cool outside. Lucas opened the window to his room and laid on his bed.

He could hear the wind running through the castle and the trees outside the courtyard. Various insects chirped songs, and the moon was faintly covered by clouds.

He fell asleep.

Darius watched in dissatisfaction as his student practiced the 10 basic spear katas he had assigned him. 

It had been 2 month since Lucas arrived in this world. Darius had seen him slowly make his way into learning combat. He could see the anger on Lucas’s face as he once again failed the fourth kata.

Katas were a set of spear moves which allowed the wielder to hone their technique. Basic physical fitness was required to learn the katas. Thrusting, blocking, spinning, slashing, and footwork, all of them were incorporated into the katas, carefully placed and tweaked to strengthen certain muscles and reinforce certain movements. But in order to actually do those things, the wielder had to have a strong body.

Lucas was someone who did not have that kind of physical strength yet.

Darius could tell that Lucas’s motivation to learn how to fight and become a knight had disappeared. It died the first week that Darius forced him past his normal limits.

Any sort of childish view of knights vanished. He had no more drive to actually learn how to defend himself.

Darius understood that Lucas was still a child. But if Lucas didn’t understand that this world was a cruel, unforgiving one, and if he couldn’t harden his heart, he would die.

That was Darius’s dilemma.

He shifted in his seat, resting the front of his fist on his lips.

What could he do to make him realize? What did he need to do to make sure that Lucas could survive here?

Darius also had other duties to attend too.

He was an ambassador in times of “peace” to other countries. As a powerful knight who was recognized beyond his home country, he could help relations with other countries and get his country the things they needed.

As a result, he could be sent away from the country on peace missions or to negotiate on behalf of the king.

And he had a sinking feeling that a few people in the capital didn’t want him there, because the king had sent him a letter saying that he was to leave to the neighboring county of Amanria to negotiate a newer trade deal. He wouldn’t be actually negotiating; he would escort the official who would do it. He would be there to remind them of the power of the kingdom. A threat.

The afternoon wind blew into his face. It was getting colder, moving into the next season. Most people would begin to store up food and prepare for the winter by now.

Life would get harder as it got colder. Lucas could be relatively safe in the castle.

Darius made a decision. He would soon send Lucas on a few tasks along with several knights. Subjugating bandits would be first. Then probably clearing out monster dens.

He knew that Lucas hadn’t killed anyone before. It would be something which Lucas would have to get over. It wouldn’t weigh as much as hurting someone who was innocent. The bandits would at least deserve it.

Darius stood up. A breeze lifted the hair on his forehead, and sent the scent of summer into his face.

“Lucas! Come here.” Darius shouted.

Lucas looked up, panting from exhaustion. There was a look of anger and frustration on his face. He walked over.

“Don’t worry about your progress. Next week, I’ll be going to the neighboring country on a mission issued by the king. I can’t refuse a royal order. Meanwhile, you need experience. There will be some subjugation missions happening soon. You will accompany the group of knights and soldiers who are going, and will be fighting with them. Learn as much as you can.” Darius said.

“Yes, Master.” Said Lucas.

“Good.” Replied Darius. “Go and take a bath, and get something to eat. You can take the rest of the day off.”

“Really?” Asked Lucas.

“If you wait for another minute, I’ll make you run around the fortress ten times.” Threatened Darius.

“Bye!” shouted Lucas.

He was gone in a second.