"Has he fallen asleep, Fiona?"

Fiona sat herself on the edge of a bed. "The moment his head touched the pillow, he went as limp as a basilisk's victim."

"Good. He will need his rest for tomorrow. The ride to Valis will not be easy on him. I've heard whispers of bandits causing problems nearby."

Reo scoffed. "Nothing he can't handle, I suppose. Bandits and beasts are easy."

"And besides, he's a sorcerer like us," Fiona cut in. "You of all people should know how difficult it is fighting other sorcerers. That doesn't mean I'll let him join the fight. In a battle, beasts and humans are entirely different."

There was no response from Grant, only a shake of his head. He was a man that was too measured for his own good. Although Fiona liked that aspect of his personality, it could become excessively burdensome. From time to time, the guy should unwind. She hoped Grant would take a few days off once he returns. Though it would most likely result in the opposite.

In order to not disturb Tyrus's sleep, the three of them were chatting and relaxing in her room. For a kid like him, ample rest was necessary. Otherwise, his growth would be hindered. From the studies she read, lack of sleep and nutrients during childhood could lead to learning disabilities and other mental issues. With a promising sorcerer like Tyrus in their midst, she would not let such blooming talent wilt.

"What do you think about him?" Fiona said.

Reo scratched his chin. "Tyrus? I think he's hiding a lot of information from us. That much is obvious."

"I'm sure he has his circumstances," Grant said. "From birth, he has lived a tough life. His appearance resembles that of a beggar and he lives in a shabby shack, as he's told us."

"For an orphan, he sure looks healthy. Most beggars I come across look weak and fragile from lack of food. He contradicts that title. Tyrus is small, yes, but he isn't skin and bones. I noticed some muscles in his arms and legs."

"He is a hunter, after all. Hunting a two-tusked boar at his age is an astonishing achievement. Take in the fact he has some skill with the lightning element too. His future is bright."

Fiona chuckled. "That's why I had to take him in. Leaving an Elemental Sorcerer that young and talented all by himself is akin to spitting on Sthito's face. He deserves a proper education in Valis so that he can be cultivated into a fine sorcerer."

And once he blossoms into a powerful sorcerer, he'll become an indispensable ally to the Lockhart's. The Family Head will be quite pleased with the results, I'm sure.

Giggling to herself, Fiona relaxed on her bed. She turned to her friends. "It's too bad, though. He won't be permitted to join the Explorer's Guild."

"And for good reason." Grant said. "The minimum age requirement is eleven. Allowing kids who lack the necessary skills into the guild doesn't feel right to me. Ah, and before I forget. Fiona, will you be responsible for young Tyrus? He hasn't a lick of sil on his name and he cannot join the Explorer's Guild."

"Don't worry about it. I got it all figured out."

"And what is your plan?"

"It's a secret. All I will say is deceit will be involved."

The man squinted at Fiona and just grunted as he rose. She stopped him just as he was about to leave. "You and Reo can sleep on the beds here. I'll sleep in the other room alongside Tyrus. Might as well use all the four beds given to us."

"If you say so," Reo said. "Don't freak him out with your loud presence."

Fiona made a scowling face and left the room to enter the one Tyrus was in. Closing the door gently, she tiptoed and plopped herself onto the sheets. She turned her body and faced Tyrus briefly. He was enveloped by his blanket; a mole in its burrow. There was the unmistakable heaving of soft breaths that filled the room. When she was certain he was asleep, she smirked and looked elsewhere.

An Elemental Sorcerer with a primary affinity for lightning... Fortune has fallen onto my lap. I'll need all the help I can garner on my own. I'll show them I have what it takes.

Stolen story; please report.

With determination coursing through her blood, Fiona tucked the sheets closer to her skin and closed her eyes.

****

Fiona and the rest were waiting in the back of a covered wagon as they were driven towards Valis. A breeze as soft as a cat's paw blew across the path. On the right were grassy plains that seemed to stretch over the horizon, while the left was composed of Valier Forest. Grant was using a cloth to wipe his sword and shield, while Reo was skillfully twirling a dagger on his fingers. As for Tyrus, he had been in a meditation pose for the past hour. Thanks to mana sense, it allowed her to perceive the subtle nuances of energy flow around her.

Typically, sorcerers who did not actively steady their mana would exhibit an erratic pattern, with the white energy flowing aimlessly until it was directed for spell casting. Without sufficient mana to fuel a spell, the resulting firepower would be weakened significantly. However, when the mana was steadied, the spell cast would benefit from the proper allocation of mana, resulting in increased strength and efficacy. Apart from that, meditation had other benefits.

I knew I wasn't mistaken. He figured it out on his own.

By the time she felt giddy, Tyrus opened his eyes. He noticed Fiona watching him and tilted his head. "Did you need something from me?"

"I'm curious about your progression. What have you learned so far?"

"I don't think I learned much," he said. "Ever since I met you, I feel like what I know is a drop of water in a vast sea. All I can do right now is manifest the lightning element with my palms. And to increase my mana reservoir, I would meditate every other day. I recently found out breathing exercises are key to developing mana."

Fiona nodded every so often until Tyrus finished. "Amazing! I'm guessing you learned all of that in a few days?"

"It's been a week since I awakened, so a little longer."

"And you've already learned how to cast one spell with just a glance. It usually takes a Fledging Sorcerer a few days to even see results. The reason being is that they acquire spells during their adjustment period. You need to establish a connection with the ambient mana in your surroundings and from within. A closer connection to your element leads to greater control."

A look of realization crossed Tyrus's face as his mouth hung open. "I see… so that's what it was."

Fiona was curious, but didn't ask for clarification. If he considers it important enough to talk to her about, he'll do it eventually. She had an aversion to making people do things they were not ready for, especially if it harmed them. In fact, she loathed such actions.

Tyrus's sudden manifestation of an element ignited her curiosity. The crackling energy of lightning flowed through his palms, intriguing her. She pondered what he had in mind as he sat there, appearing to be lost in deep concentration.

Minutes passed, and Fiona watched with growing concern as Tyrus's magic faltered. The flickering sparks of lightning grew dimmer, eventually dissipating into nothingness. His breathing became labored, and he clutched his chest in distress.

"Three minutes… and ten seconds this time," he said.

Grant looked up from his polishing. "Diligently training your magic, are you? Fearless and a hard worker. Exceptional qualities to possess at a young age."

"He really is determined to become a powerful sorcerer," Reo said.

"A future like that is imminent for him, given his current state. His resolve dwarfs most kids his age­­­­­­­­­­­–­and dare I say, our seniors at the academy."

Tyrus wiped his forehead and glanced at the group. "Academy? Seniors? You guys go to school?"

Oh right… He doesn't know, Fiona thought. She cleared her throat. "Grant, Reo, and I are students of Valis Academy of Sorcery. We're actually in our sixth year."

"If you're still in school, then how old are you guys?"

"We're sixteen," they said in unison. Tyrus was so shocked by the reveal that he snapped his head back and bumped his head onto the wood. He yelped as he rubbed his head carefully.

"I thought you were way older than that," Tyrus mumbled.

Fiona was unsure whether to laugh or be annoyed by that comment. Did she really look that old for a sixteen-year-old? Compared to others her age, she could say with confidence she was way above average. There wasn't a wrinkle or a blemish in sight because of her youth. Maybe the stress was finally catching up to her!

Amidst her internal dilemma, Tyrus snapped his head directly at the coachman. For a moment, his gaze lingered, and his eyes scanned around as he cupped his ears. Strangely, he even sniffed toward the backend of the carriage a few times.

"I think I hear voices?"

Everyone in the carriage lurched forward as the wagon came to a screeching halt. A horse neighed, and the coachman shouted curses at it afterward. Grant moved his sword aside just in time as the kid collided with him. Reo quickly regained himself and leaped out of the carriage. Grant and Fiona followed along. Tyrus was about to exit also until Fiona stopped him and shook her head. Before he could protest, she had already joined the others.

Their eyes were immediately drawn towards Valier Forest as they spilled out. Like rodents from a sewer, armed men with smirking and detestable faces came out from the area and circled the carriage. Fiona identified the greed spilling out of their eyes and the hostility emanating from them.

"Why is it always bandits?" Fiona grumbled. "Always targeting travelers or merchants. They should get an actual job."

"You know damn well they don't have the brains for another job," Reo sneered.

That comment from him got some bandits riled up. They began inching forward, their smirks replaced by scowls. When Fiona looked back, she noticed an arrow sticking out of the horse's eye socket. The coachman was also lying there with an arrow in his head. She shook her head and focused her attention elsewhere.

"Thanks to them, our trip to Valis will be delayed! Let's deal with them quickly for Tyrus' sake."

At her command, Grant and Reo pushed forward as Fiona prepared a spell, ready to burn her enemies to ashes.