Chapter 21: Bound Together

Unknown to Uzman, the Headmaster, Master Jalid, Master Jones, and Instructor Zubiya had closely watched all of his fights.

“What did you make of his affinities?" Madame Zubiya asked.

“I noticed three different affinities. He used a fire shield, earth shield, and air shield. What surprised me was that they were all of comparable strength,” Master Jalid answered while looking at the Headmaster who just nodded his head in agreement.

“Does this mean he is a portal mage? Damn! Those are rare. When this information gets out, all the Great Houses will be clamoring to recruit him,” Master Jones said grimacing as if he had smelled some dead animal.

The headmaster took some time as he contemplated this outcome.

“I think we need to keep him safe and dissuade him from his foolish quests in the forest. There has been no other portal mage in my recent memory. However improbable the thought, what if he can also channel water? We should at least test him again to decide how best he should be trained,” The Headmaster stated.

“I think he should be situated in the first cohort where we can monitor him properly,” Master Jones.

“Thank you all for your input in this matter. I know you are all raring to go. I will not forbid you from informing your houses. However, we should all consider the benefits of having such a powerful mage and we should expend our efforts in nurturing him.” The Headmaster concluded.

The Masters raced to their offices and homes and promptly informed their houses of the student who could potentially change their fortunes.

The next day, Uzman visited the first cohort aiming to talk with his friends and inform them about his plans for training. He wanted to leave quickly to his training grounds in the forest. The training dungeon had helped him improve rapidly, and he needed to try out a lot of ideas in the privacy of the forest.

“No, no, no, no. This time you are not leaving without me,” Shouted Jurdur. "I am now strong enough to go with you. I promise not to stand in the way or inhibit your training in any way.”

As Uzman argued with Jurdur, Kenzo sat quietly watching Uzman. She had received instructions to keep him close at all costs. She knew that Uzman could be mule-headed at times. However, this time she had purposed to accompany him and watch over him.

“Ok. Enough on the issue, we are going with you. It is also past time we behave as warriors of the Clans and get blooded in the forest. Additionally we are bound together as clan and should support each other,” Kenzo stated with authority.

“If you guys want to join me, I will not object. But I am leaving tomorrow before noon. I will pass by for whoever will be ready. I will use today to prepare provisions since I am planning to stay for some time. I suggest you do the same,” Uzman informed them.

Uzman followed his well-established routine of ordering enough food to last for at least three months. He was planning to use this time mastering the advanced fighting forms to prepare for his blood awakening ritual. He also used all of his accumulated points to purchase healing and tempering pills that would enable him advance to the late Rank 2 stage. When he finished making all of his preparations, he settled down to speak with his master about his progress on the martial path.

‘Master Khalid, I took part in a training dungeon run and ascended to Mid-Rank 2. Additionally, I managed to project shields successfully. I wanted to discuss with you about the shields and what else can do at my level to improve,' Uzman inquired.

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‘I suppose I should congratulate you for every crawling step you make forward,’ Master Khalid said sarcastically. ‘I want you to make preparations to awaken your bloodline as soon as possible. I could have performed the ritual for you if I had been in this realm. However, you will need to go to the dragon realm for the ritual. Their trials will be brutal to prove you are worthy of their blood.

‘About the capabilities of the shields, they may differ for each person. Experiment and find the approach that works best for you. I created the training golem for such eventualities.’

‘My friends from the Clans have requested that I train with them. Do you have any objection to them using the golem or interacting with you?’ Uzman asked. ‘No. However, I do not see why my existence should be disclosed. In case they need any information, I will oblige if the request is routed through you. Every time you use this book, a part of my power is consumed. Without any means to regenerate the used power, my interactions with you will be finite. But I believe we have enough time to turn you into a Soulcrafter.’

The next day, Uzman packed all of the provisions he needed into his pendant and made his way to the first cohort. Inside, he found the students who had advanced training in the pavilion under the watchful eyes of Master Jones. Lady Tameria and Ishraq were currently in the ring, testing the limits of their Rank 2 power.

“I had hoped that you would pass by when I was still here,” Master Jones said indicating for Uzman to move closer to the training pavilion.

Uzman was intrigued as he had not been on the best of terms with the physical conditioning instructor.

“It has been decided that you should permanently be situated in the first cohort. The 16th house is free for you to occupy when you are ready. Your rate of growth has impressed the Academy and you will be offered a specialized trainer to guide you,” Master Jones informed Uzman.

“That will not be necessary. I will soon be leaving to train and forage in the forest,” Uzman replied.

He noticed that Lady Tameria, Ishraq, Prazard, and Divash were listening keenly to the conversation.

“That will not do young man. The Headmaster himself told me to inform you not to venture into the forest again before he speaks with you. Rules are there for a reason, you know. Even prodigies should follow those who know better,” Master Jones said, his lips curling.

“I will consider your words before I make a decision on how to proceed. Thank you for your consideration of my welfare,” Uzman retorted sarcastically.”

He knew that Master Jones was bitter about his accomplishments. The time Uzman had stayed at the Academy had proved that Master Jones was prejudiced and cared more about a person’s birth and station instead of their ability to cultivate.

Uzman had realized that his rapid advancement on the Martial path had been noted by the nobles who would want to exploit him. He was not going to change his training schedule for the Academy since none of them could train him.

As he moved towards Kenzo’s house, Lady Tameria excused herself and hurried to join him. She seemed upset for some reason. “So you were going to sneak away again without a by the way to me? Is that how much you think of me? She queried angrily. ““I had come to specifically inform you that I was leaving again. I also wanted to see how your training is progressing after achieving Rank 2.” Uzman answered. “In that case I forgive you.” She smiled, linking her arm with his and accompanying him to Kenzo’s house

Uzman and Lady Tameria arrived at Kenzo’s house to find the Northerners preparing for the training camp. Lady Tameria looked from one person to the other before asking.

“Are you guys going somewhere?”

“I had told them that I would pass by and would not object to their company,” Uzman answered.

Lady Tameria turned to Uzman; her blue eyes blazing “Why wasn’t I invited?”

“I didn’t think you would be interested in forest camping. Additionally, it is quite risky,” he retorted.

“So it is not risky for them but only for me. Right? Jeez, I did not know you had such a low opinion of me,” Lady Tameria stated angrily as she stormed out.

“Sometimes I just do not understand her,” Uzman noted to his remaining friends.

Fatima burst out laughing while Kenzo snorted in amusement.

“You know she is sweet on you right?” Fatima asked in her characteristic straightforward manner as she continued laughing.

Uzman looked at the laughing girls bewildered.

“No, we are only good friends,” Uzman stated.

Kenzo just rolled her eyes and continued packing her provisions.

“Guys something strange happened to me before I came here. Apparently, I have been reinstated to the first cohort, and I will be given a special trainer to guide my path. I have also been cautioned against going to the forest. What do you guys think?”

“Ignore them; they are looking for ways to tie their fortunes to yours. I also do not think they have your best interests at heart. Each house seeks to recruit retainers and put them under its thumb. Us in the north prefer freedom over all else,” Jurdur answered emphatically.