“Elemental magic is punishable by death,” Killian answered. “Centuries ago, the continents reached an agreement deeming all elementalists enemies of the state. Possessing an elemental core carries an automatic death sentence.”

F**k me.

And f**k the system!

And f**k this game!

My eyes darkened as I asked the next question, anger coiled tight within me “And. How. Do. You. Know. That I have an elemental core?”

“Let me go, Killian!” Nichola demanded from above, his voice contained a mix of anger and desperation.

If he can know, then other people can know too.

“My core can sense any energy, and I haven’t sensed your kind in the last 300 years. I deduced it must be elemental,” Killian explained, as he unrolled a dusty, ancient scroll. The tiny palms of his hand brushed away the specs of dust that coated it. “Try this spell. If it works, I’m correct,” he said, trying to hand me the scroll.

“I don’t trust you,” I said, backing away, moving toward the door to exit.

“If not me, then someone else will find out, and they sure as hell won’t think twice before selling you out!” Killian yelled from behind, making me stop in my tracks. He paused, a calculating gleam suddenly made its way to his eyes, “Your kind goes for 1,000 Elmarst Crowns"

I froze as horror creeped up my spine,

He’s a money-hungry fox; I saw it in his eyes before.

With a sigh, I approached Killian and snatched ted the the scroll from his hands. The specs of dust clung to the pads of my fingers as I held the sides of the scroll to keep it from folding.

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Clearing my throat, I started. “Ignis, si verum est.”

Nothing happened.

Killian’s face dropped. “Maybe I was wro—” Before he could finish, all the lamps in his cottage went out.

“What the hell!?” Nichola’s voice echoed inside the cottage.

Suddenly, the lamps blazed back to life, the flames no longer tame and small, as they consumed the wick of the lamp, casting distorted shadows across the room, before they plunged back into darkness,

“I knew it!” I could almost hear Killian clenching his fists with conviction in the dark.

“Killian! Ouch! Where did you land me!?” Nichola’s voice came from somewhere near the floor, followed by the sound of books and metal falling.

“That’s not my hand, dear!” Killian yelped.

“AHHHHHHH!” That was Nichola, and I honestly didn’t want to know what he grabbed.

“Wait, dear!” I heard the sound of two hands clapping, which made the large curtain around the window move aside, letting sunlight flood in.

Nichola sat on the floor with his hand on his face, wearing a look of shock and defeat as he replayed what happened.

Killian summoned another scroll and handed it to me. Seeing my confused expression, he explained, “Make this your mission, Elio.” Killian’s eyes shone ominously as he spoke. “And take Nichola with you. He’s young and has a lot to learn from this world.”

“Are you not putting Nichola’s life in danger by making him follow me?” I asked, looking at him suspiciously.

Killian Scoffed “I sensed your core because you don't know how to mask it, If you can learn that, you will become unstoppable, I can see that.” He looked me at me with conviction.

“And why are you helping me? I know you love money. You could easily sell me and make a commission,” I said, making sure he knew the edge of distrust in my voice,

“There is a time for everything,” he stated, handing me another scroll. It looked brand new, tied shut with a red string that seemed freshly knotted. I tucked the other scroll behind the band of my trousers.

I tugged on the end of the string, pulling it open. The scroll unrolled itself melodiously, revealing a map—of Elmarst. Its design reflected the finest craftsmanship. Every line looked precise, every curve seemed to dance with life, crafted with the utmost care, as if it were woven by gods themself.

“Woah,” I breathed in admiration. “I can see why there’s only one Cartographer. How could anyone compete with you?” I continued, still admiring the map.

“Hah! Told you so,” he said, smirking cockily.

I closed the map and looked at him again. “I don’t trust you or that hooligan over there,” I said, pointing to Nichola, who was still sitting on the floor in the same position.

Killian chuckled, his gaze sharp and knowing. “Trust is a luxury in these lands, Elio. But remember this—sometimes, even enemies have a common purpose.”

With that, he turned away, leaving me holding the map and my doubts as I felt the weight of his words sink into the depths of my mind.