- Seven Years Later -

On a warm summer's morning just after dawn, in a grassy meadow filled with a plethora of smells and sounds was a group, approximately 120 people strong, a banner waving with the gentle breeze, it shows that this is the camp of the Vantall corps. The Vantall corps is somewhat of a local hegemon, technically a mercenary group; however in the rural surroundings, it was an elite force that could easily man-handle the other local settlements. The Vantall corps was actually quite infamous throughout the kingdom, while they terrorised the local inhabitants, their leader, Nervil, was smart enough to keep everything legal, making the other village pay for the 'protection' they offered.

While it was still morning the sound of people training could be heard; wood hitting against wood, wood hitting against flesh, the occasional groan, and even Nervil's screams. He wasn't hurt, upset or even angry, no he was whipping the worthless 'recruits' he had into useable pawns, into strong enough soldiers to strengthen his force or replace those lost in battle. These 'recruits' were actually orphans that he picked up, with no family or friends; he coerced them, making them into the loyal servants like some of his younger warriors. He wasn't discriminant either, from Beast-men to demon Halflings, even Humans, Nervil didn't mind, he raised a group of about 24 boys, ages ranging from six all the way to twelve.

Among these kids was one particular troublemaker, Nova. Nova was a baby he decided to pick up seven years ago, Nervil named Nova himself, after he witnessed a supernova occurring on the night he picked him up, he found it fitting anyway. While at first glance Nova might seem your average seven year old, he was incomparably tougher than those in his age group, Nervil originally thought that he could be a Beast-man but there weren’t the distinct features other Beast-men had so he soon dropped the idea. Nervil first noticed this when Nova was four, he fell off of a horse and while it wouldn't be a problem for his men, a mere child was expected to die, however Nova only cried and not because it hurt but because he didn't like heights, crazy. Not only that in training he would easily beat ten year olds with just strength, a three year difference in the amount of training and he not only manages to put up a fight but wins, and he doesn't even take his training seriously.

'NOVA, damn you, you better start training seriously' - Nervil

'I am, can't you see, I'm doing as much as the other kids.' - Nova

'You little, urrrgh, fine then from now on you train with the eleven year olds. Not only that, for talking back you have to finish your routine and the eleven year olds this morning.' - Nervil

'Pfft', the other warriors watching the little spectacle couldn't help but burst out laughing, it's a scene they have often seen ever since Nova started his training last year, 'serves you right, haha good luck Nova'.

This sort of thing happened every now and then and over the next few years with Nervil and Nova continuing their bickering, eventually Nervil had to take over and give Nova one on one training. While the next few years continued uneventfully it abruptly changed when they received a request to hunt down a pair of mages accused of practising blood magic. While there were various common magic systems, from the seven prime elements; Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Lightning, Light and Dark, there are also more unique systems like, spatial magic, necromancy and even enslavement magic, however only blood magic was forbidden. While most aspects of it were hidden from the public, everyone knew one thing, it used fresh blood to terrorise enemies, a truly powerful and evil magic, and it has been responsible for the downfall of more than one kingdom.

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While the danger from one blood mage was extreme the danger from a pair was ridiculous, nevertheless, Nervil made a gamble, all or nothing and took every single Vantall member along, even the kids. It was a drawn out battle, it took a whole two months and over half his forces had died but finally Nervil managed to gain the upper hand over the blood mages, even managing to slit their throats before they turned into lesser devils. While he was sorting through their gear he came across a fair bit of mage gear which obviously made him quite pleased, however what he saw next made him tremble in happiness.

'Testing equipment, haha they actual had testing equipment with them.' - Nervil

'So are we going to raise mages from now on boss, would you like me to test and train them?' - Gordon (The only mage that Nervil had employed in his ranks)

'Yeah with this you can expect to have your hands full, but don't worry I'll personally test each one myself, haha what luck. Alright everyone line up at me, we are going to perform mage tests, anyone who passes will immediately be promoted one rank and will have reduced duties for the next year.' - Nervil

With this everyone left were overjoyed, it could mean more money for less work, and not only that if they were lucky enough they could become mysterious and powerful mages, with an opportunity like this how could one not be happy. It wasn't hard either, just place your hand on a crystal ball and it will find out how much spiritual energy you have, not only that it shines brighter the more spiritual energy you have so it was quite fast, testing this many people would only take a few minutes at most. After a few minutes the results were clear, three men and the demon Halfling had passed, it was a surprise to find three men had passed even though two of them barely scraped in, and of course the half-blood of the demon race, which prided itself on their magic prowess obviously passed, actually he had the most spiritual energy of all four.

'What a great harvest, in a few years the Vantall corps will become huge. Alright has everyone finished the examination, no one was left out, call out if you were.' - Nervil

'Uh boss where is Nova, I don't think I saw him.' - Gordon

'That little bastard, if I find him napping again he's going to get it. NOOOVVAAAAA' - Nervil

'…Hmm, yeah what boss, what do you want?' - Nova

'Were you sleeping, get your arse over here.' - Nervil

'No boss I was only resting my eyes, I swear.' - Nova

Nervil clenched his teeth trying to slow his breathing, ‘this little punk, was he actually trying to pull the wool over my eyes, did he think that I am stupid’ Nervil muttered to himself, he was so angry a thick vein was bulging out of his forehead, ready to explode.

‘Hurry up and place your damn hand on this and focus on it.' - Nervil

'Alright.' - Nova

In the instant that Nova placed his hand on the crystal ball a dazzlingly bright light surged from the ball, making both Nervil and Gordon who were standing close shut their eyes, and turn their heads. While Nova would only have a small fraction of Gordon's spiritual energy it was at least twice as bright as the demon Halflings, a demon for crying out loud.

'Hot damn!' - Nervil