Ezekiel looked up at the building in front of him. He had seen this building before. One similar to it, at least. But even thought it was located within the grounds of the Cathedral, as had the one in Harkem, Ezekiel had never actually been within this building before.
“Oy, Ezekiel, are you coming?” Shari called out from ahead of him as Ezekiel looked back at the entrance to the building.
Next to her was a young man, about twenty years old, who had brown hair and blue eyes. A Tier two Glacier Mage that had a small blue snake wrapped around his neck. Bonnie also stood there, acting as a guard for Shari. Even further ahead, Ellen and Wendy had already entered the building.
Ezekiel currently stood, dressed in a matching set of enchanted armor, although of a much lower quality than he once had. Beside him, a sword floated in a sheath, moving under its own power. Something that Shine had started doing a few weeks ago, as a form of training for himself.
“Sorry. I was just admiring the school. Never got to attend myself. So, this is a first for me.” Ezekiel jogged to catch up as he replied. “I still can’t believe that this is happening. I still don’t get how you managed to do this, Noren. I know you said your sister’s a Scholar, but I thought that only the Grand Scholars could assign teachers for the Cathedral’s school.”
The Glacier Mage just smiled and shook his head as they all entered the building.
“All I did was present a suggestion. From there it was passed on to the Grand Scholars, and they made their own investigations. Your reputation is well known. Especially among the upper echelons of the Church of Ten.” Noren took the lead, guiding Ezekiel and Shari through the building.
“Well, I’m still not sure if this is a good idea. But at least they didn’t try to make me go into teaching theory.” Ezekiel couldn’t stop looking around the halls as they moved.
Once upon a time, he had wanted to attend the Church’s school. But since Count Harkem’s brother created his ridiculous laws against Void Mages, he had been entirely self-taught throughout his life. Even if he was certified by the Church when he was in Sanafalls, he still felt a disconnect when it came to his and most people’s education.
As the small group reached what Ezekiel assumed was the headmaster’s office, he couldn’t help but think back to how the past few weeks had been since arriving in Tollren. To say that a lot had happened in a small-time frame was an understatement.
Pausing in front of the door, his mind drifted back to when he was first presented with the idea.
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Several months ago, Ezekiel had been spending his days at the Alkena’s estate training their guards. It was something that he actually found to be incredibly easy. The relaxation he felt as he fell into a routine of fighting in such a way that wasn’t inherently life threatened was pleasant. As he had been getting anxious just sitting around doing nothing. Though it had taken a few days to really sink in.
During this time, he had also been helping Riley settle in at the estate. She was officially contracted as a guard. Something that she agreed to, since she knew it was hard for people to trust her, thanks to her past. But she was moving forward all the same.
Even if she had to listen to those of a lower Tier than her due to the Alkena family’s views of seniority among their ranks. Still, the somewhat familiar faces from his childhood helped Ezekiel adjust and seemed to help Riley out as well.
However, it was when he was first summoned to Allon's study that things began to shift. He had just finished training with the guards for the day, having noticed a marked improvement in those he was training with.
Even though he wasn’t consciously using his mana, the team of five he had just fought, purely in melee, had managed to make him work up a sweat. Something that smaller groups rarely managed. Especially since they were almost all Apprentice level Mages.
“Hello? Sorry to make you wait. The guards actually managed to make me sweat this time. So, I tried to freshen up before coming here.” Ezekiel said as he entered the room. At his hip, Shine was in their usual place, but was practically dead to the world as they meditated. Doing what they could to grow just a little bit faster.
Within the room had been an assortment of people. Noren, who he hadn’t gotten to meet yet. Shari, who was sitting next to Noren on the couch, and another man who looked like an older Noren, but with blue hair to go with his blue eyes.
Allon sat behind his desk but rose from his seat to come around to the group when Ezekiel entered. To say that Ezekiel was confused was an understatement, as he hadn’t been aware of any guests. Let alone any reason as to why he would need to be introduced to them.
“Ah! Ezekiel, no worries, no worries. I know you’ve taken the training of our guards seriously. I know full well that you’ve helped them improve by leaps and bounds. At least when it comes to their martial prowess.” Ezekiel couldn’t help but internally wince at the unintentional reminder of his current condition. “The reason I’ve called you here was to introduce you to Noren Morse, Shari’s betrothed, I might add, is somewhat of a fan of yours, and his elder brother, Lance, the current heir to the Morse family. Who also runs their family’s operations in Tollren.”
Ezekiel was shocked to hear that this was Shari’s betrothed, and his elder brother. Let alone that the man was a fan of his. The fact that his skills were admired by anyone that he didn’t personally know was shocking.
“Mister Luminance, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Noren rose from his seat, allowing Ezekiel to see that what he had thought was a blue belt was actually a blue snake shaped Spirit. “Shari has told me several tales of your adventures in life. The stories you sent her regarding your time in the Archipelago were of particular interest to me. To know that you’ve reached such heights of power as well... Needless to say, I can’t wait to begin working with you.”
“Now, now, little brother. First, we must express our apologies. Then we can discuss the possibilities of Mister Luminance’s employment.” The heir to the Morse family said as he also rose. Ezekiel shook both the men’s hands before taking a seat himself. “On behalf of my family, I would like to apologize for the events that transpired on your first day in Tollren. It seems like one of our butlers got it in his head that you were a rival for Shari’s affections, and had been trying to subtly encourage support for my brother within the Guards that my family had referred to the Alkena’s. Please, rest assured that the culprits have had their contracts terminated, and none within my family have any poor intentions towards you planned.”
Ezekiel glanced at Allon, who nodded in response.
“It’s true. The Morse family, those with the city at least, had nothing to do with what happened. They’ve signed contracts, made by my family’s sources, and undergone several inquiries, all voluntarily, to prove these facts.” Allon showed Ezekiel several sheets of magically binding contracts that were enough to prove the elder Morse brother’s words.
“... I thank you for your words and feel reassured that the situation has truly been resolved.” Ezekiel’ words seemed to make the Morse brothers relax.
“In that case, perhaps it would be best that we move on to the other reason we are here. Simply put, we would like to, with the aid of the Alkena family, push for you to become a teacher at the Church’s school for prospective Academy students.” Lance’s words brought a look of shock to Ezekiel’s face.
After further elaborating the situation, Ezekiel somewhat understood what they wanted from him. Apparently, after he had been reunited with his family and the Alkena’s, the fact that he had reached the fourth Tier meant that there were still plenty of doors open to him.
Especially thanks to his experience. A soul that could reach the Legendary level would have plenty to teach, even if they were incredibly young like Ezekiel was. At least compared to many of the other teachers. Something that the Alkena’s requested to take advantage of, after Shari implied that they’d be able to get him some work.
Though he still couldn’t help but feel like this was more than just a favor to him. While he wasn’t well versed in the politics of the noble families, he knew that they didn’t do anything unless there was some benefit, personal or otherwise, to be gained.
“I guess I don’t have any particular reason to say no to this. Other than the fact that I’ve never taught what you’re asking me to before.” Ezekiel found the idea intriguing. Though he still had reservations that he wouldn’t be speaking of right now.
While he loved the Alkena’s like his own family at this point, they were still nobles, and that was enough to make him at least curious as to what they gained from this.
The Morse family got back into the Alkena’s good graces, after that debacle regarding the guard’s loyalties. But this still seemed like a big favor.
“Excellent. Then I will inform our sister, and she will pass on our inquiry to the Grand Scholar she was previously the assistant to. You likely won’t start this year, but considering the year is almost at an end, you will likely start a couple months from now. If they approve of you.” Lance's words ended the official meeting, but what came next had been a pleasant conversation in which he could sense no falsehoods in the Morse brother’s words.
The admiration in Noren’s eyes dimmed as time went on. But it just went from a sense of awe to a more subdued admiration that a person might have for a friend who underwent something life threatening and came out stronger. Which is exactly what happened to Ezekiel.
Though, the ease at which Ezekiel and Noren seemed to get along was surprising to all those involved. Ezekiel just figured that the clear declaration that he wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship with Shari helped clear any lingering bad air. Especially since he said it in the middle of the room while Allon, Shari, and Lance were still there.
Somewhat embarrassing, but he figured that it was the right choice, as even Lance seemed to release some tension as the impromptu tea party took place.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
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The weeks that had followed that incident had been a mixture of training with the guards and doing several tests at the Cathedral. While he hadn’t gotten to know the Grand Scholars like he had at Sanafalls and Harkem, it was clear that he had made a good impression on the Church in Tollren.
More than once he had been forced to fight as part of his testing, and had been brought on a couple of short expeditions into the wilderness around Tollren. Mostly to show his prowess as a Hunter and his knowledge of the World as a Scholar.
These two things combined accumulated well in his new capacity as the Church’s survival instructor. Teaching both combat and wilderness knowledge. For when the students eventually either made bonds with a Spirit and became Hunters, or if they wished to attend the Royal Academy here in Tollren. Though, the latter would depend on their Tier when leaving the School.
As it was, Wendy and Ellen were currently still in school. Purely for the final classes for their standard schooling. Entering the Royal Academy was only applicable to those that had reached Tier three by the age of thirteen. Generally impossible for those that didn’t have access to high value resources. Something not even the Alkena’s had an abundance of.
“Oy! Ezekiel. You’re spacing out again.” Shari waved a hand in front of Ezekiel’s face.
Snapping out of his wandering thoughts, he realized that they were nearly at the training area that had been designated as his classroom.
They had just finished a meeting with the current headmaster. Most of the preparations for Ezekiel to teach had already been made. They just needed to see his finalized lesson plan before proceeding. Though his initial draft for a lesson plan had been approved a while ago.
However, since he wasn’t aware of what the Church had access to regarding the schooling of the children he would be teaching, he had to make some last-minute revisions to make the most of what was available.
Entering what would be his classroom, Ezekiel was impressed by the size and layout. The sitting area was elevated like a staircase, with built-in desks that doubled as shields for large scale magic. Something that Ezekiel wasn’t sure would have a great deal of use, but still great to have.
Along with a large chalkboard built into the wall on the far side from the seats. This meant that he would be able to properly display information regarding the survival aspects of his lessons. Not just the combative portions of his lessons.
Along all the other walls were blunted and weighted weapons for training purposes, and right in the middle of the room was a large sparing circle with enchantments for repairing it should it be damaged. Not something that he figured he’d have to worry about. Unless there were a few prodigies that were at or near the peak of Tier two.
“I guess this is where we’ll be splitting off. My father needs me back at home to go over some contracts. While Noren needs to check in with his sister elsewhere. See you later, Ezekiel.” Shari pushed him into his classroom playfully before retreating with Bonnie. At the same time, Noren gave him a pat on the back before heading off to do his own thing.
Looking around for a clock, Ezekiel saw that he had a few minutes left before his students would begin arriving. Deciding not to waste time, he chose to inspect the equipment that was available, rather than simply sit and wait.
During this time, Shine decided to speak up here and there, giving their thoughts on the weapons that were currently available. Noting that he was lucky he had learned the basics of most of these weapons during his time in the Archipelago. Mostly for the sake of getting Shine accustomed to other forms.
It wasn’t long before Scholars began leading students into the room, however, and Ezekiel needed to get to work.
Looking over the preteen students, who couldn’t have been more than ten years old yet, Ezekiel internally sighed. He instinctively knew that this was going to be a pain in the ass.
Worse yet, this wasn’t the only class he would have today.
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The first thing Ezekiel did once he arrived back at the quarters arranged for himself and his family, not long after the war in Harkem ended, was collapse into a heap on a nearby couch. From the other side of the room, his parents watched this happen in amusement.
“So, how was your first day teaching?” Warren smirked as he imagined what Ezekiel must’ve gone through during the day. “Any difficulties?”
Ezekiel just groaned and pulled a pillow to his face. Blocking out the light and sound of the room around him. But Shine began vibrating at his side, having expended a surprising amount of mana as they helped Ezekiel with his lesson. In whatever limited capacity they could.
“It was horrible. I had hoped that my tutoring experience in the Archipelago would’ve helped me out a bit. But this was a completely different experience. Half the classes nearly caused severe injuries. I ended up putting in more effort ensuring no one got hurt than I used to when I was Hunting.” Thinking back to the questions and complaints that were made by the children he’d faced made him shudder.
“Well, you’re not bound by a magical contract. Just a mundane one regarding pay and such. You can quit any time.” Warren’s words soothed Ezekiel’s frustration somewhat. But he knew that he wouldn’t be quitting anytime soon.
“It’s only been one day. Plus, the Alkena’s and Morse’s used their name to get me through the door. It would be disgraceful to just push aside their generosity.” Ezekiel had quite enjoyed his time with the Alkena and Morse families. To simply give up at the first sign of difficulty was something that he refused to do.
“Besides, I’ll be teaching the older classes later this week. I’d like to see how Ellen and Wendy are doing. They are in the combat classes, aren’t they?” Ezekiel hadn’t had too many chances to interact with his sisters, given their own studies at the Cathedral, and his work training guards and doing tests with the Scholars, he’d only shared a few meals with them here and there.
“They are, but I have to say, don’t expect them to be as good as you were at their age.” Evelyn prepared some biscuits and tea as she spoke. Prepping a snack for the twins when they got home.
“Are they not interested in becoming Hunters? There’s nothing wrong with that, but I wonder why they would waste time in a combat class if that was the case. There are numerous fields that they could go into if they wished. But they would need to dedicate themselves fully if so.” Ezekiel had focused mostly on Enchanting and hunting. His skills had actually gotten quite far in both of them.
Other professions that he was aware of, but didn’t focus on, were Healing, Forging, Alchemy, Botany, Weaving, and many, many, others. But the one thing they all had in common was the fact that they all required dedication to succeed.
Evelyn and Warren were a professional Enchantress and Healer, respectively. On top of being Legendary Hunters. Evelyn was also a weaver and tailor, but those were skills she used as a hobby originally. It was only after she retired from Hunting that she focused on it enough to develop her skills to the level that she could make a business from it. Mixing it with her enchanting to make it even better.
“Well, neither one has given up on becoming a Hunter, even though they haven’t bonded with any Spirits yet.” Evelyn finished her preparations, bringing a small plate over to Ezekiel.
This was something that Evelyn and Warren had been somewhat disappointed at. Not at the twins, of course, but at the situation. Radiant and Obscure Spirits were surprisingly rare in the Empire.
In fact, the only significant Spirits of the Radiant and Obscure elements that he could think of were Feynari and Callrond. Two of the Legendary Spirits from atop the Feather Peak Mountain. Those two had been incredibly powerful. Not as strong as Invera, but still strong.
A thought suddenly crossed Ezekiel’s mind as he was reminded of the Legendary bird Spirits.
“Mother.” Evelyn perked up at Ezekiel’s voice. “This might be a strange question, but why do Reya and Theo not speak? I know that, at the lower Tiers, Spirits cannot vocalize their words like humans, but I have heard Legendary Spirits speak before. Is that... strange?”
Evelyn and Warren just laughed a bit. Both were quite happy to still be able to teach Ezekiel a thing or two.
“I’m guessing that they were bird Spirits?” Evelyn asked once she stopped laughing. Ezekiel nodded in confirmation. “Many birds, even mundane ones, can imitate a great deal of sounds. Spirits that have the form of a bird are able to learn human speech more easily. Though they only really gain the ability to speak after reaching Tier four, and a great deal of practice is needed.”
Gesturing to Reya and Theo, who were sunbathing near the window, Evelyn continued.
“Other Spirits have a more difficult time. As you know from your studies. To the point where almost none bother learning it. Instead, they might give impressions via their soul sense. But that is considered rare, and rude, as you are literally touching another person’s soul.” Catching on to the fact that they were being talked about, Reya and Theo got up and jumped onto Ezekiel, who was still laying down.
“Only Mythic Spirits are confirmed as being innately able to speak the human language. Though, rarely any bother to. Bonded ones tend to only speak to their Hunter, and Wild Spirits don’t have much need to. As well as being far rarer.” Ezekiel let his thoughts drift back to the Feather Peak Mountain as Evelyn finished speaking.
He realized that the Legendary Birds that guarded that mountain must’ve had a very close relation to the tribe as a whole, to bother speaking as they did.
At that moment, he heard the door to their family’s quarters open, followed by it closing soon after. A few moments later, Ellen and Wendy entered the room, heading straight for the snacks that their mother laid out for them.
Ezekiel decided to stop pondering things he wasn’t sure even mattered. Instead, he got up, much to Reya and Theo’s displeasure, and spent the night with his family.
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It was several hours later, in the middle of the night, when Ezekiel woke up. His senses were on red alert, and he knew that something was here. Something that wasn’t supposed to be.
Reaching over and grabbing Shine, he faintly felt the echoes of concern in his soul. The faintest of sensations emanating from the blocked off bond between them. Once more, he wished that he could mentally speak with his Spirit. It would make stealth much more convenient.
Instead, Ezekiel quietly drew Shine from their sheath, and made his way to the door. Silently opening and closing is, he made his way outside in his sleep clothes. His body turning invisible as Shine Shrouded them both.
Making his way in the direction he felt the most unsettled by, Ezekiel moved towards a section of the Alkena estate that was just between the Luminance’s quarters, and the main house.
Looking around, the city was somewhat well lit, with a clear sky and a half-moon that illuminated much of the area. But there was nothing he could see that was out of the ordinary. But as he looked around, he felt Shine pulling in a particular direction.
Trusting his Spirit to direct him as needed, Ezekiel moved forward.
Then, with all his might, he swung Shine towards a particularly inconspicuous spot that he had glanced over several times. A wet gurgling sound and a noise like shattering glass was heard. As well as the howl of a hound in pain. A head with golden hair fell next to a toppled body.
The estate immediately went on high alert, with bells and alarms ringing. Ezekiel barely managed to leap out of the way of an enraged Spirit that had aimed to bite his head off. But before the Spirit could get another attack in, a spear of light, and shadowy spikes pierced through the Spirit in an instant.
It slowly dissolved into motes of golden light as Warren and Evelyn appeared in the yard next to Ezekiel. Both were clad in their Spirit armor and looked far more presentable than Ezekiel in his sleep wear.
“Ezekiel! Are you alright?” Evelyn dashed toward her son and checked him over. Seeing that he had no injuries, she calmed down a bit. “What were you thinking? Going out to fight like that? You should’ve warned one of us!”
By now several guards had gathered, and Ezekiel was feeling a bit uncomfortable. Thinking back, he realized that his actions were quite stupid. His sensing abilities were now absolutely horrible, and he had no way of knowing if the enemy was stronger than him or not.
It seemed like there were several bad habits that he needed to get rid of. At least until he figured out how to fix himself.
“... Sorry, mom. I messed up.” Ezekiel hung his head as he apologized. Evelyn’s anger immediately faded, as she knew that Ezekiel was still adjusting to the life that he’d lived without them.
“Just... Please be more careful. Okay?” Ezekiel nodded and gave his mother a hug. Then they both turned to Warren, who was looking at the body in front of him in silence.
“Dad... Is everything okay?” Ezekiel and his mother quietly approached. Upon seeing the body, Evelyn immediately raised a hand to her mouth in shock.
“What?! Who is this? It can’t be anyone important, right? An Imperial citizen wouldn’t be sneaking around a noble’s residence, fully armed, and totally concealed, if they were allowed to be here, right?” Ezekiel was starting to get worried. He knew he hadn’t really thought things through, but any trespassers should be fair game when it came to combat, right?
He hadn’t just killed an imperial enforcer or something, had he?
“This man... he’s not from the Empire.” Warren said as he looked at the headless man in front of him. “He’s my nephew... Your cousin...”
As he stared at the headless man in horror, Ezekiel immediately knew that his quiet life had just escaped his grasp, yet again.