Year 1, Summer, First Month, Third Week.

The tension in the room was tangible as Kanin's voice, imbued with fear and frustration, filled the small hut. The wooden walls, usually a source of comfort, now seemed to press in on them, aggravating the severity of their conversation.

"No, Kanin, you can't destroy our son's future just because you're scared of a little magic!" Reyna's voice was sharp, her protective instincts for Karl surfacing. She glared at her husband, but seeing his unwavering stance, she turned her gaze towards Karl. "He should have told us, yes... but maybe he kept it hidden knowing how you'd react!"

Kanin, initially fuming, found his anger subsiding, replaced by a creeping sense of guilt. Chief Omero seized the moment to intervene with a calm, authoritative tone. "I understand your fears, Kanin, but we are all in danger with the increasing tributes. If we don't meet the quota, you know the consequences."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the grim realization settled in. The specter of starvation and the horrifying prospect of losing children to slavery hung over them like a dark cloud.

Chief Omero, sensing the need to withdraw, spoke softly before exiting. "Discuss this among yourselves. I'll take my leave now."

Karl, feeling the weight of his parents' gaze, finally broke the silence. "Dad, for the thousandth time, I found the book on the Path. It was magical and it vanished after I read it. It chose me because of my strong desire to learn magic. Now, I can help the village. Why is it so hard for you to accept?"

Kanin's face was painted with worry. "Son, you're dealing with forces beyond our stand. What if the Kingdom finds out? They'd take you away, or worse..."

Reyna hurriedly interjected. "Stop being foolish! After the registration ceremony, they won't give him a second glance. We just need to keep this hidden. Our son is meant for greater things than farming. He's special, I've always known."

***

The evening in the small village was quiet, save for the simmering pot over the fire where Karl carefully prepared the burdock leaves and stalks. The humble kitchen, illuminated by the flickering flames, was filled with the earthy aroma of the boiling herbs.

"Boil the leaves and save the roots for when we really need them," Karl reminded himself, his voice echoing the advice of Master AI. His hands, skilled from practice, gently stirred the concoction, ensuring an even cook. The bitterness of the burdock was unpleasant, but Karl knew its purifying properties were essential, especially after their recent exposure to higher concentrations of magic energy.

As he divided the cooked leaves and stalks among small bowls, Karl thought about magic poisoning. He had learned about its dangers – discomfort, nausea, even damage to spiritual channels. Fortunately, the burdock would help them mitigate these risks.

After setting aside a portion for the team, Karl sat down with his own bowl, ready to endure the bitter taste for the sake of health.

The next morning, after breaking fast and seeing his parents off to the magic fields, Karl sat in deep contemplation, listening to Master AI’s lesson about Arrays.

"-- Runes are inherently more complex than Arrays. They possess the power to alter the fabric of reality itself. In contrast, magic Arrays serve as conduits – mechanisms to channel and manipulate magic energy. --"

"-- Consider the realm of Arrays as comprising two distinct categories: basic and complex. Basic Arrays are akin to the fundamental laws governing magic energy's behavior. Complex Arrays, meanwhile, emerge from the interplay and alteration of these basic structures. Much like the immutable laws of nature, basic Arrays are finite in their number and scope. The boundaries of complex Arrays, however, are confined only by an Alchemist's ingenuity and understanding. --"

"-- To master the Array crafting, one must first internalize the essence of its shape and purpose, imprinting it with spiritual energy, mirroring the process employed in Runes. The cornerstone of all Arrays is the Execution Array. This fundamental form is the most basic form because it activates the functions of the Array. Essentially, every Array you will encounter or create is built upon this foundational Execution Array. --"

As Master AI conveyed these concepts, a vivid image of the Execution Array materialized in Karl's mind.

[https://i.imgur.com/dcKuB0W.jpg]

"-- The concept of the circle is execution. It has two aspects: Origin and Space. Like the Origin, the circle is the beginning and the end at the same time. Additionally, the circle delineates a magical space within its bounds, containing all that is essential to the Array's purpose. --"

To enhance Karl's understanding, Master AI transmitted the essence of this concept directly into Karl’s consciousness, enabling a deeper, more intuitive grasp of the Array's nature.

After several hours of diligent practice, Karl's proficiency in inscribing the Array had remarkably improved, surpassing his earlier attempts with Runes. Following a restful sleep, he noticed a significant enhancement in both his physical well-being and his spiritual energy, thanks to his body processing the surplus magic energy.

Confident from his rapid progress, Karl now felt capable of drawing the Execution Array multiple times within a single day. Master AI then introduced him to the Absorption Array, a design that would be key moving forward.

[https://i.imgur.com/s6ciO6h.jpg]

Master AI explained that the hexagonal Array represents 'Concentration', with the aspect of 'Development'. Over time, it accumulates strength. The Absorption Array's role is to gather magic energy from its surroundings, channeling it into the material upon which it is drawn.

Karl devoted two days to mastering this concept, learning that the Absorption Array was indispensable for sustainable magic energy usage. Without it, an endless supply of energy crystals would be necessary. Once depleted, an energy crystal turns redundant. However, the Absorption Array could recharge these crystals by drawing in environmental magic energy. Like Runes, this Array becomes active when exposed to magic energy, initiating its absorption and transference process.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

While Karl initially believed the Absorption Array could make energy crystals a limitless power source, Master AI clarified that every material has its limits. A LQ energy crystal, for instance, would have a maximum lifespan of about a year, with diminishing capacity over repeated uses.

***

In a spacious, well-appointed office in the City Lord's Manor, a worried messenger relayed the grim news to the city official.

"Sir, Lysel Village... it's been destroyed by beasts. Only commoners were victims, but survivors say the beasts were fleeing from something, much like in the previous incident."

The official, a man of middle age with a thoughtful expression, frowned deeply. "This is a mess. We can't alarm the Wind Lord prematurely, but we can't ignore this either. Chief Guard, send word to Hurricane City Lord's Manor about a possible higher tier beast causing these migrations. Also, inform Captain Horacios at the Second Eastern Post – he should be on alert.

"Yes, Sir," the Chief Guard replied with a crisp salute.

Left alone, the official leaned back in his chair, considering something. The City Lord's probable inaction, Captain Horacios' disdainful attitude – these were problems he anticipated. However, he knew his duty; he had to follow protocol, even if it meant being the scapegoat in the end.

"I might need to reach out to the Wind Lord's private forces," he murmured to himself, contemplating his limited options. "It's time to use every connection I have."

The weight of responsibility pressed on him as he gazed out the window at the darkening sky, pondering the safety of his people against the looming threat.

Meanwhile, someone was actually doing something to solve the problem. Captain Lew barked orders to his guards ignoring the chaos. The air became stagnant with tension as the group of merchants and guards, encircled by prowling wolves, braced for the imminent attack.

"Stay in formation! Protect the merchants at all costs!" Lew's voice was firm, cutting through the fearful murmurs and growls around him.

He moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior, his sword blurring as it met the attacking beasts. One hyena fell swiftly, but the wolves, agile and cunning, presented a greater challenge. A grey wolf, its fur like a shadow in the dim light, lunged with a speed that contradicted its size.

Lew's reflexes were quick; he parried, his sword clashing against the wolf's claws. The metallic ring echoed, revealing the Captain's skill and the quality of his weapon. But the situation was dire - more wolves joined the fray, their eyes glinting with a primal hunger.

Lew's mind raced. Retreat was necessary, but it had to be strategic. He couldn't abandon the merchants and commoners; his duty as Captain was to safeguard all lives within his jurisdiction, regardless of their status.

"Slowly move south, keep the line tight!" he commanded, his voice steady despite the rising panic. "I'll cover the rear. We move as one!"

The guards nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. Their movements were cautious, each step taken with purpose, forming a protective barrier around the merchants. Lew's gaze never wavered from the encircling wolves, ready to strike at any that dared breach their defense.

In his heart, Lew knew the gravity of their predicament. The beasts, no longer driven by fear but by the opportunity to hunt, were relentless. He had to get everyone to safety, a challenging task under the watchful, predatory eyes of the wolves.

But Captain Lew was resolute. His sense of honor and duty outweighed the fear, and he was prepared to make any sacrifice to ensure the safety of those under his protection. As the group edged slowly towards safety, Lew was preparing to make his last stand. Despite the odds, he maintained a stoic demeanor, his father's teachings on honor and duty guiding his every move.

With a swift, decisive motion, Lew engaged the wolves once more. He managed to inflict a shallow cut on one of the beasts, hoping to intimidate them into retreat. Yet, the wolves, driven by their primal instincts, maintained their menacing encirclement, undeterred by his efforts.

"Retreat now! Head for safety and send for reinforcements!" Lew's command cut through the tension. "Inform the vice-captain of the urgency – this is no ordinary attack. We must protect the other villages!"

The guards, understanding the Captain’s plan, hastened away without hesitation, leaving Lew to face the wolves alone. He knew the nature of these creatures – cautious and opportunistic. They kept their distance, wary of his prowess, but ready to exploit any weakness.

Abandoned, Lew's thoughts turned to his escape; his mount was his only chance. But as he glanced towards the trees where he had tied his horse, his heart sank. The mount was gone, likely taken by one of his own men in their panic-stricken flight.

'Betrayed by my own, for upholding my principles...' Lew's thoughts were bitter, but he did not let despair overtake him. With a resigned sigh, his hand reached into his pouch, touching the object that was his last resort – a treasured, imbued with powerful magic.

His hand emerged empty; the decision made. He couldn't part with it, not yet. Gathering his resolve and channeling the magic energy within him, Lew prepared for a final, desperate dash. The surge of energy propelled him forward with extraordinary speed, outpacing the surprised wolves.

But soon, the wolves reached him again and they fought. With each wolf that leaped towards him, Lew's sword danced in a deadly arc, fueled by a combination of sheer willpower and absorbed magic energy. His movements, though burdened by fatigue, were precise and lethal. The wolves, sensing the ferocity and resolve of their adversary, hesitated, and gave him a window to breath.

Until a wolf lunged at him, its jaws aiming for his calf, Lew reacted just a second too late. The pain of the bite was intense, but he pushed it aside, rolling away and delivering a swift, decisive slash to the wolf's neck. His next move was just as swift, his sword plunging into the belly of another attacker.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on Lew as he struggled to his feet, limping on his injured leg. With a mighty roar, he brandished his sword, an unspoken challenge to any remaining foes. It was only after a few tense moments that he realized the surviving wolves had retreated, leaving him alone in the aftermath of the bloody battle.

Lew stood there, panting, the realization of his victory coming slowly. Despite the odds, he had prevailed, his honor and duty upheld. The battle was over.

Not so far, in the dense underbrush of the Eastern Forest, Darla's desperate escapade unfolded. The forest, a labyrinth of ancient trees and shadowy paths, had witnessed many a tale, but few as fleeting and tragic as hers.

“Why did I ever think I could outsmart a Medium Tier beast?” Darla gasped, her breath ragged as she stumbled through the thick foliage carrying a heavy salamander egg. Her expertise in stealth magic, once her pride, now seemed woefully inadequate against the primal ferocity of the forest.

Her mind raced back to the moment she had agreed to this suicidal mission. Desperation had clouded her judgment, luring her into this deadly gamble. The promise of wealth, the lure of rare shadow materials, had been too tempting for a mage cast aside by her own kin.

“I was a fool... blinded by greed and pride,” she murmured, wincing as a sharp pain shot through her bruised body.

Her thoughts turned bitter as she recalled the reason why she was in an impossible situation in the first place, her family’s abandonment. “They praised me, pushed me, then discarded me like I was nothing,” she seethed, the resentment burning as fiercely as the pain from her injuries. “If I survive this, I swear I’ll make them pay. The Wind Lord, my so-called father, will regret the day he turned his back on me.”

But fate had other plans. The wind beast, a relentless predator, had finally caught up. Darla's attempt to blind it with a veil of shadows was a mere inconvenience for the creature. Its keen instincts locked on her presence, and in a blind rage, it pounced.

The impact was brutal. Darla's body, already battered and bruised, could not withstand the onslaught. Her bones cracked under the beast's paws, her magic flickered and died like a snuffed-out candle. In those final moments, her thoughts were a chaotic mix of regret, anger, and unfulfilled vengeance.

As the beast tore through her remains, reducing her to nothing, the forest reclaimed its silence. The shadows, once her cloak, now served as her tomb, enveloping her in an eternal embrace.