Ray
Ray landed at the entrance to the Boar Canyon Mines. This startled the workers who were coming in and out of the mine. They took a look at him and then continued about their business. A small gnome popped up behind Ray and began walking into the entrance.
“Anyone know what is going on?” Ray asked the nearest worker.
“Bro… I mean Lord Ray. They've been waiting for you to get here for months now. Like a hundred of them went to town to get your ass.” a young man in his mid twenties who may or may not have been smoking the good stuff, said as he passed by.
“Shut up Tony and get back to work. Lord, Please follow that little gnome there and be on your best behavior. They get offended if you don’t do what they want you to.” a woman, mid 40’s said, turning Ray and directing him into the entrance.
Ray followed the gnome through the tunnel and straight down. He passed by many people, dwarves, other gnomes and even goblins as he ventured downward behind the little gnome. Ray finally reached a small hole in the wall and ducked his head to enter. There was a bright light and Ray came into a large dug out room about a hundred feet in diameter and forty feet tall. There in the center was a small village. The houses rose to Ray’s Chest and he had to watch where he stepped so as to not hit anything. There were carts of food, and gnomes walking all around. There was music and laughter and joy all around the small town. Ray reached the center of the town at what appeared to be the town square. There he was directed to sit on a small rug that they had laid out for him. He did as he was told and waited in front of what could only be best described as a small courthouse or city hall. Ray waited and watched as all of the gnomes went about their day. He turned to look behind him and heard a slamming door which made him sit upright and look straight ahead. A gnome with a long gray beard and a red pointy hat walked out. Some smaller gnomes brought out a chair and sat it in front of Ray and the Older Gnome sat and stared at Ray for a long time. This appeared to be the head gnome and Ray made an attempt to speak but the elder gnome snapped his fingers and made a motion to the other gnomes. There was a long silence while they waited and Ray contemplated getting up and leaving. He did not have time for this. He needed to go train for the battle. Ray stayed put though, He was in the wrong for not coming to see them sooner, so he would just need to endure this until something happened.
The Doors to the houses on the left and the right opened and out walked a single file line of dwarves carrying a large burlap sack. Ray said large but it was only large in comparison to the gnomes, Ray was sure he could pick whatever it was up with one hand. The dwarves began setting up these bags in front of the ray in a line from right to left. Once they were done they looked at the head gnome who nodded before they lifted the bags up and walked away. Sitting there in front of Ray were multiple crystal looking objects of all sorts of colors. They glowed very brightly and radiated what Ray finally realized was Pure elemental mana. Ray looked up at the Head Gnome and he smiled before making a motion for Ray to pick one up. Ray moved to touch the red one in front of him and the Gnome stopped him. He then pointed at the white stone to Ray’s left. Ray picked it up.
“System, What are these?” Ray asked. A Pop up window came in front of him
Elemental Dungeon Core Shards
Dungeon Core Shard - Mana
Dungeon Core Shard - Fire
Dungeon Core Shard - Water
Dungeon Core Shard - Earth
Dungeon Core Shard - Air
Dungeon Core Shard - Light
Dungeon Core Shard- Dark
Absorb Shards?
Yes or No
Ray remembered that he had received some new abilities and pulled them on the display. The gnomes just sat there and watched.
Dungeon Creation level 1
-Details unknown. Requires a Dungeon Core to use.
Dungeon Core Creation level 1
-Create a small elemental dungeon core. Use Dungeon Core Shards as materials.
Dungeon Authority level 1
-Details unknown. Requires Dungeon Core and Dungeon to use.
“You want me to absorb these? Ray asked the gnome. The gnome smiled and nodded.
Ray clicked the Yes icon on his system screen. The Shards lifted up in the air and one by one flew into the center of Ray’s chest. Each one completely absorbing before the other. There was a long pause and nothing happened. The Gnome made a motion and the doors to the right and left opened again and more gnomes walked out carrying more bags. They positioned them in front of Ray and pulled the sacks away revealing more shards. These Ray could make out to be the Sub elements such as lightning, Ice, and Nature. The display popped up again asking if he would like to absorb and he hit yes.
This pattern continued for what seemed to Ray like hours. He would absorb 6 or 7 orbs and then more would come out for him to do it again. He kept checking his screen wondering if something would change such as his Dungeon creation level, but nothing happened. Ray even attempted to activate the Dungeon Core Creation skill, but the head gnome swatted at him with a stick. Where did that stick come from? Ray wondered before going back to absorbing shards one after the other. After finishing absorbing the last one left on the ground, Ray looked around in anticipation of more coming out. The Doors did not open. Ray looked at the gnome who was sitting there patiently. One Hundred and Fifteen shards total had been shoved inside of him.
“Do you want me to use this skill now?” Ray asked. The gnome did not say anything. Ray looked down and noticed something was different about his state screen.
New Skill - Mana Communication Level 1
New Skill - Mana Sight level 1
New Skill - Elemental Sight Level 1
New Skill - Dungeon Manipulation Level 1
New Skill - Dungeon Communication level 1
New Skill - Dungeon Defender Creation Level 1
New Skill - Dungeon Trap Creation Level 1
New Skill - Mana Sensory Level 1
New Skill - Mana Conversion Level 1
New Title - Friend of Gnome
New Title - Dungeon Creator Level 1
Ray did not feel any different then how he was before, yet the skills that he had regarding mana and elements were now gone. They were replaced by the titles Complete Mana Mastery and Complete Elemental Mastery. Ray had never heard of these before. He also was not sure about the Dungeon aspect of the abilities either. He had dived into some before when he was young, but he was unaware that there were actually abilities associated with creating them.
“Can you hear me now son?” A voice said. Ray looked up to stare at the gnome in front of him.
“Did you just say that?” Ray asked.
“Good. Good. You understand me now. That is good. We have much to discuss.” The gnome said. “ My name is Gaerick Blaesocket, I am the elder of this tribe. You were supposed to come visit me months ago.“
“I am sorry sir. We have been a bit busy of late with rebuilding the village and activating these beacons..” Ray said
“I know, I know. You do not have to tell me. We have been watching you.” Gaerick said, cutting him off.
“Sir, why did you make me absorb all those shards and how am I able to talk to you? Your lips aren't even moving.” Ray asked
“It was necessary for you to absorb them so that you could obtain the Mana Communication skill which is how we are able to speak. Gnomes do not speak a normal Language. We use Mana to communicate.”
“Why did you want to speak with me?” Ray asked.
“We want to help you train. Us Gnome kind have decided to back you as you become the Baron. We do not like the Duke. He is not nice. You are nice. You are kind to Gnome Kind. We will help you.”
“Thank you sir, but what is this Dungeon Core power and the ability to alter the terrain? I am not sure the King is even able to do these things.” Ray asked,
“I Will explain all of that to you later. We must get to work. You only have 1 month until the battle right? Gaerick asked.
Ray nodded. “Yes, sir..”
“We have no time to talk then. First we need to create a dungeon core and then a dungeon and then we will put you through the ringer. Now I must warn you, you cannot leave this cave until we are done. We put a bit too much into you, and if you were to walk outside without knowing how to control everything and with your mana levels so uneven. Well it would not be good. So you have to stay here and we will train and you will win.” Gaerick said.
“Sir, is there something I can do for you in return? I feel like you are doing an awful lot for me here.” Ray asked. "Also, what about my bond Mace? Can you go get him?”
“Ah Ha! Good Man. Yes! We gnomes want something for all of this. When you leave, we will leave and we will come and live with you in the Goldenleaf Village.” Gaerick said
“Wait what? How will that be possible? There are so many of you. You wouldn't be able to fit in the village” Ray protested.
“We won't be living in the village silly. We are going back home. To the Mountain. That is where we are all from. This was always a temporary spot for us while we guarded the beacon and waited for the right person. You are the right person and we are all going to pack up and move back to our mountain.” Gaerick explained.
“Oh! Well that is fine then. We don’t mine that anymore. You can have it.” Ray said, shaking Gaericks little hand. “But what about Mace?”
“I will send Fil. He will keep him company. Fil is good people. FIL!!!!” Gaerick yelled.
Fil popped into the room. He wore a green hat and had a blond beard to match his blond hair. He walked up and stared at Gaerick for a bit, possibly receiving orders. Ray thought. He then came and shook Ray’s hand. There was a subtle pop! And he was gone.
Ray and Gaerick immediately began working on leveling up his new skills as well as understanding every aspect of making a dungeon core.
Collin
1 month later, 3 days before battle island
Collin woke up with a black ball of fur sitting directly on his face. The bonded but not his bonded pup that is Mace sat there between his face and pillow curled up into a ball. His snoring blared through the small house.
“Sir, I think we need to break up. It's not you, it's me. I'm just not the human for you. Collin said sarcastically as he lifted Mace and placed him back on his bed.
The Pup woke up a couple hours after Ray had been teleported away. To say he was mad was a bit of an understatement. In trying to take him to Ray, He would just teleport away from anyone who tried to catch him. For a bit there, he was semi adopted by Georgie before her parents made her stop. Then he was at Adam and Jane’s house for a time. He even met Annie who had come home to visit her parents. The fact that everyone in the village but Ray had seen Annie was nothing short of hilarious. One hundred percent a coincidence and completely unplanned but hilarious all the same. Eventually the pup started following Collin around which led to him waking up with Mace on his face.
“I kind of wish I had a bond, but it wouldn’t be you bud. I think I would need something less fluffy. Good News though!. Ray should be back tomorrow.” Collin said getting dressed and heading out the door. Mace shook off the sleep and jumped out the window shortly after.
Today was the mid term exams for the under eleven younglings, and the seventeen magically adept. All would have a written and practical exam centered around their age group. Then there would be one vs one matchups in a tournament style format. Even Dayton and Theo were going to get to participate. The Village was already getting a bit crowded in anticipation of the battle in a few days which had everyone on edge. With nothing much to do while they waited, many of the travelers had stuck around and were planning to watch the one vs ones. An open stadium was built just across the river with seating enough for five thousand. Today was a very big day. Collin sent a message to Ray asking for an update. He had been doing this daily with little to no response from him.. A quick check of the system showed that he was still alive and still in the mines. For some reason his abilities and stats were not coming up. Collin went through his morning routine and headed up to the training floor. He was expecting to hear more as he opened the door, however it was dead silent. Collin slowly opened it and peered through.
In the center of the floor, all seventeen magically adept were circled around each other in a meditative position. Theo, as young as he is, was leading them through the different phases. The natural elements around the room were all hovering above their containers. Collin placed his stuff down and joined them. It had been a while since he had performed the different phases and it wasn’t long until he was in sync with them. He was a bit surprised. He was unaware that the nine year old's had been taught mana control. He thought about it for a second and smiled. Dayton and Theo must have been teaching them. This would explain why everyone seemed to disappear in the afternoon. Colling thought they were just being kids. He watched each of them, and though some seemed to struggle a bit, they were grasping the concept and practical applications fairly well. Dimitri and Yugi had advanced so far as to bring their respective elements to them. Fire and Earth orbs were slowly orbiting around Dimitri in a crisscross fashion while a thin ring of shadows circled around Yugi.
“Deep breaths everyone, send the mana throughout the many parts of your body from your fingertips up to the top of your head and down to your tippy toes. Allow your core to solidify and remember to breathe.” Theo said. ”Tommy, stop forcing it, let it happen naturally. Cindy, slow your breathing a bit more, you are going to work yourself into a frenzy.”
“Open System, Contact Ray” Collin whispered and directed the screen above so that it could see everyone collectively. “We miss you buddy, hurry back. Those 2 knuckleheads have been at it again.”
“Few more days, Please let them know how proud I am of them.” Ray answered. “Check the box in the corner once they are done. I have a gift for all of them.”
Collin took a quick look to the far corner and sure enough, where earlier there wasn’t, there now was a large box with a small gnome sitting on top of it. He was sitting in the same position going through the same routine with all of them. His green hat hovering above his head and what appeared to be small star shapes orbiting around him.
“That's Fil. He’s cool. Just don’t feed him.” Ray said before closing the system.
They finished the routine and slowly lowered the elements back into their canisters. They all opened their eyes and noticed Collin and the Fil sitting there with them. Fil waved.
“Was that Lord Ray we heard just a bit ago?” Dayton asked
“Yes, he said he was very proud of you all. He even sent you gifts with this guy. Everyone say hi to Fil.” Collin said
“Hi Fil!” They all said. Fil’s eyes went wide and he smiled before disappearing with a pop.
Collin got up and went to the box. He opened it to reveal a new set of uniforms, gear, and weapons. Each seemed to be customized for the seventeen pledges. There was even a package for Collin. Calling out their names and throwing them a wrapped package, Collin went through the itinerary for the day. He then directed them to the classrooms to begin the written exams.
Mace
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
That morning…
The morning began with Mace jumping out of Collin’s window and heading down to Jane’s store. After a bite to eat, which Ray’s mom spoiled him with. Mace walked around the village and observed all the new people. The village was packed and Mace sat on the very top of his building overlooking them. He heard a faint pop and looked up to see Fil standing next to him. Mace liked Fil. He could pop in and out like Mace. He was also small enough that he could ride on top of Mace’s back while they traveled throughout the village. Fil had showed up a few days after Ray had left and was constantly popping in and out bringing Mace treats.
“Mace!” a small squeaky voice was heard from the middle of the village. Fil hopped on Mace and teleported away.
“Mace! Where are you?” Georgie said looking around the Village square.
Mace and Fil popped up in front of her. All smiles and wagging tails to see her.
“Let's go to the stadium! We have to find good seats!!.” She said excitedly and they ran off up the street to the village gates.
They spent the morning sitting at the top part of the benches watching the workers complete the finishing touches on the arena. There was a large circular pit about fifty feet in diameter with a fifteen foot wall around the edge leading up into the circular benches. The other younglings came out and they all played on the benches and watched as the people came in to find a seat. Annie even came by and said she was reserving a seat for her family. She told Georgie that her cousins Jacie and Akota were testing. There was a man with her, some administrative guy from Manchester named Caleb. Georgie didn’t pay him any mind as she was deep in gossip with Annie about the tournament.
Mace looked up and sniffed in her direction and then went back to sleep in Georgie's lap. Fil got scared at the grown ups and popped to the other side of the stadium. He came back after they walked away. Theo and Dayton even came by hangout. They had finished their exams early and were not old enough to do the practical yet so they hung around talking about possible matchups and what they needed to do to get to the next round. They left a few hours later to go get ready. Around midday the three headed back up to the village. There was a rather large crowd so they teleported to the top of the wall and looked down on what was going on.
“Hey Georgie!” one of the guards said, strolling by them. “Be careful up here, try not to get into any trouble.”
“We will!” She said looking out over the wall.
There was a caravan of people coming down the road. A large golden carriage with beautiful white horses pulled it. A few hundred soldiers walked beside them.
“The King is Here!” Someone yelled from the crowd. Followed by yells of “Long Live the King!”
The three sat there on the wall with the other guards and watched as the King's carriage came up to the stadium. Many important looking people got out of the carriage and walked to the special boxed in sections that were positioned midway up the stadium benches.
“Guys, you'll need to get out of here. This might get a bit too rowdy for little ones like yourselves” the Guard yelled back. Mace Jumped into Georgie’s arms and Fil grabbed her other hand and they teleported into the village to find some food before the battles started.
Collin
“The King is here?” Collin said with a mouthful of sandwich. “Shit, He's early”
Collin was sitting in the conference room going over the last minute details and attempting to eat lunch when he noticed a rather large convoy coming from the north. Further inspection revealed the King's Royal Seal and a troop of about a hundred soldiers. They stopped about a half a mile from the village in one of the fields. The main carriage kept coming however. At least they are willing to camp out in one of the fields and not bring all those people into the village. Oh shit. We need to up our security. We do not need an assassination attempt this week.
Collin got to work calling a last minute meeting with whoever the hell was still in the building. This included most of the Guild Masters and half of the elders and 3 pages. It was determined that the field belonged to Adam and they had just cut hay so it was not an issue. Security was quickly doubled on the walls and in the streets and everyone left to go get ready for the next phase of the Midterm Exams.
The first rounds of one vs ones were for Class B. The ten nine-year old's did very well. The use of mana control was still in need of improving but still a huge feat considering they were nine... Ray should be able to help them along much better next year. The winner of this bracket was a boy named Lucas Davis. He had very good control of the water element and his fighting skills were on par with class A. He was so good that the judges decided to allow him to keep going. His name was thrown in with the 7 from class A and the bracket was decided at random.
“It looks like we will have Jacie vs Yugi, followed by Lucas vs Dayton, Akota vs Theo, and finally Dimitri vs Sasha for the first round of battles.” Guild Master William stated.
Collin made a quick note of the order and flipped through the results of the day. The pledges took a written exam this morning. Class A minus Theo and Dayton were then transported to the nearby forest where a practical test was given by the adventurers guild. This consisted of a five mile obstacle course into a very minor nature dungeon where they fought as a team in order to achieve the objective. In this case, it was to get through the ten rooms and defeat the dungeon boss. It was a ten foot Forest Rat and then they had to return back within the allotted time period. The results of each had just been delivered to Collin and he was in the process of inputting the data for his report.
Jacie Godwin
Written Exam Grade: B
Questions Correct 390/450
Practical Exam Grade: B
Enemies Killed: 15
Team Assists: 5
Yugi Creedmon
Written Exam Grade: S
Questions Correct: 450/450
Practical Exam Grade:: A
Enemies Killed 25
Total Assists 2
Akota Godwin
Written Exam Grade: C
Questions Correct: 315/450
Practical Exam Grade: A
Enemies Killed: 20
Total Assists: 15
Dimitri Boyer
Written Exam Grade: A
Questions Correct 410/450
Practical Exam Grade A
Enemies Killed: 25
Team Assists 10
Sasha Morrison
Written Exam Grade: A
Questions Correct 425/450
Practical Exam Grade B
Enemies Killed 5
Team Assists 40
Theodore Grayscale
Written Exam 350/450, C
Dayton Ryan
Written Exam 351/450 C
“You have done good work here Collin.” King Liam said, peering over at the notes. He had insisted on sitting with them in the middle box to watch the fights. His entire entourage sat around and near. Draconis was also there sitting close by in case he was summoned.
“Thank you sir. This wasn’t me though. Ray has trained these seven very hard the last four months. I just helped with the day to day.” Collin replied.
“Where is Lord Ray? I thought I might get to meet him and his bond today” The king started looking around..
“Ray is training with a small village of Gnomes deep in the Boar Canyon Mines. I think, We haven't seen him in about a month.” Collin said. Looking out as the workers cleaned up the arena for the next round.
“Gnomes? I have never actually met one. Are there any here? The king asked in surprise.
“Sir, I think I see one over there in the stands. There is a little blonde girl playing with a black dog and what I can only assume is a miniature Dwarf looking fellow.: Draconis said, pointing out Georgie in the stands.
“That’s Fil, He has been hanging out here the past couple of weeks.” Collin said, waving at Georgie to come over.
There was a pop! And the three stood in front of Collin. “Hi Mr. Collin. What can we do for you?” Georgie said.
“Georgie, Please say Hello to His Majesty King Liam.” Collin said, introducing her to the King.
Georgie's eyes got really big and she made the best curtsy she could muster. The King bowed his head slightly in approval to her and the gnome. Fil, who was standing on the table with Mace, took his hat off and made a bowing motion also. Mace sat down and stared at the King. He had this unamused look about him.
“It is quite odd that Lord Ray’s bond is here and not with him don’t you think?” The King said
“Mace has a bit of a mind of his own. He does what he wants. Lord Ray is kind of a pushover when it comes to the little punk.” Collin said., staring a hole into Mace. Mace yawned, still unamused.
At that moment there was a ringing of the bells signaling the start of the battles. Georgie said bye to the King and Collin and then with the help of the other 2, Popped back to their seats.
“I need to watch Georgie more closely. She might start developing teleportation if we aren’t careful.” Collin said to himself
“What do you mean?” The king asked.
“The eight year old's you are about to see. Dayton and Theo. They have spent most of their life around Mace. Dayton’s Father and Ray are cousins. I am not sure how but Mace’s ability to Teleport rubbed off on them. They can do it naturally. Never seen, read or heard anything like it.” Collin explained.
“That is very Interesting!” The King said. “Children always seem to be able to learn so much so fast. They are like sponges.”
“Vice Lord Collin, Will Lord Ray be able to make it to the battle island in time. We have a full day's travel tomorrow and he is much further to the southwest isn’t he?” Draconis asked.
“Yeah, I am sure that he will.” Collin said
“Are you ready for the Vice Duke and his Dueling Expertise?” a random court member asked. Collin was unsure of his name.
“I am as ready as anyone can be at this point.” Collin Answered honestly
Yugi vs Jacie ended with Jacie tapping out. Yugi’s Shadow control was top notch compared to the earth manipulation she was attempting to do. Dayton managed a huge upset against Lucas even with a type disadvantage. Theo took out Akota fairly quickly and Dimitri managed to perform a lava blast that nearly killed Byrd and had Sasha crying. Byrd was fine and we moved on to the next round. Yugi and Dayton’s match was by far the best one yet. Yugi was unable to match the sheer number of warp strikes that Dayton was delivering. Between the shadow blasts and the fireballs. Both of them ran out of mana about the same time and it became a fist fight to the end. Yugi took the victory. Being five years older put him at an unfair advantage. Reese was absolutely ballistic yelling and screaming and bragging on and on about his son. His wife finally made him sit down after he had almost bumped into one of the Kings soldiers who was standing guard.
“This Yugi has some potential.” The King said
”He got a perfect score on his written exam. The last match is going to be the one to watch. You have a high IQ Scholar in training with Shadow and Telepathy skills vs a hardened Earth and Fire user. Dimitri spent four years in the mines with the dwarves before his power awakened. He is getting better with his Lava sub element also.
“Do you not think the young Theo will win?” the King asked.
“He might. The last time these two spared it ended in a draw. It will be a good match. The rival is what I am wanting to see though. Yugi and Dimitri have been circling each other for months.” Collin said
The Theo and Dimitri rematch ended with Dimitri catching Theo in a box made of earth. Without a sight line, Theo was unable to teleport out and eventually gave up. It was now time for the final match.
“Are they going to have enough mana for this?” another person in the court asked.
“They each have their own set of mana crystals that they have been embedding over this past week in preparation for the exams.” Collin answered.
“You must be joking. It takes years of mastery before someone can imbue. Do they even teach that sort of thing at the compounds?” someone to the left said.
“Mana manipulation, Mana Control, Mana imbue/ extraction and mana/elemental understanding have all been taught to these pledges. Even the ten in class B. They are all capable of performing the ten meditation exercises by Shin FI Nam. These kids are capable of doing all of this in front of you, without a matrix. Imagine what they will be like when they reach the academy in a few months. That is the entire point of our petition to teach them. Region XI has had decades of children not returning home. The lowest graduation rate in the Kingdom. We had to make some changes in order to give them every possible chance in surviving the compound.” Collin explained.
“Those principles are unnecessary though. The Matrix does all of that for them.” the nobleman to the left stated.
“And what happens when their Matrix is taken from them? What happens when they attempt a skill in the matrix without the proper training in mana manipulation? They burn out? They die? That is unacceptable. Learning and knowing these principles can only help them. There is no downside” Collin retorted.
It was time for the final match. Demitri and Yugi entered onto the floor to a chorus of applause from the entire village. There was not a seat to be found. It was so loud that many of the noblemen got up and left.
“Your Majesty, This is a bit late, but welcome to the Goldenleaf Village. Before you, stands our entire village of over three thousand and growing. Where we sit today is the same spot, where not three years ago, the entire village banded together and fought off a goblin army of thousands. Men, women and children whose homes were completely flattened, worked together to win the day. This is a very special moment for them. I can only imagine how crazy it is going to be during the graduation exams.” Collin said, trying to talk over the crowd.
The King sat there completely awestruck. Never had he experienced something so magnificent. The crowd of people chanting and screaming and enjoying one another. The inability to even hear yourself think. The King thought back to the last time he had experienced something even remotely close to this. He had stood before hundreds of thousands and yet they couldn't hold a candle to the pressure that these people were causing., That his people were displaying for two small teenage boys. The sun had set and the lights had been lit and the bells were ringing. There were people in the crowd playing assorted horns and drums and strumming on wooden instruments. The two boys bowed to each other and the mediator signaled to begin..
Yugi rushed forward, taking a knife from his holster. He made a horizontal slash with his left hand and narrowly missed Dimitri. Dimitri rolled under Yugi’s strike and spun around to throw a left haymaker. Yugi spun in time to catch the strike but dropped his knife in the process. Seeing the knife falling, Dimitri kicked it with his foot and caused it to fly across the floor to the right. The two then began exchanging blow after blow. A right cross barely missing here, and an uppercut failing there. The crowd was absolutely losing their minds at the sight. The two were completely energized from the roars and the cheers. Dimitri jumped backward and used his earth mana to form a giant wall blocking a shadow strike coming from Yugi. A fire blast came curving around the left and right sides of the wall narrowing missing Yugi but catching the ground on fire behind him. More strikes came curving around the wall, Yugi narrowly missing them as he pushed forward. Yugi used his shadows to throw himself up over the structure only to find a hole on the other side. Yugi landed on the top part of the newly created wall and scanned the area waiting for Dimitri to make a move. The fire behind him steadily expanded around the pit.
“He’s going to run out of air if he stays down there too long.” Draconis noted.
“You mentioned that Yugi has a second ability, didn't you?” The King asked.
“Telepathy.” Collin stated, not taking his eyes off the hole in the ground,
“Do you mean to say that he can read minds?” A member of the court said in worry.
“It’s not that easy. Maybe when he is a bit older. Currently, he is able to project his thoughts to an individual. It is very handy for stealth related missions and for disorienting someone. I reckon he is currently firing everything he has to try and confuse Dimitri. Look at his face, His neck and forehead muscles are starting to bulge outward from the strain. Dimitri may be stuck down there. Defending against that kind of mental assault makes it difficult to do anything else, like move or crawl..” Collin explained.
“Sir, I would like to purchase these children. Where could I find their parents?” a voice said. There was a rumble of approval and others started to add their bids in.
“The people of the Goldenleaf Village are not for sale sir. If any of you ever mention something like that again, Not only will you burn, but I will display your burnt carcass at the front gates for everyone to see. Do I make myself clear?” Collin said, turning around and creating a fireball in his hand. For added effect he increased it a couple of stages until it was a radiant blue. The heat alone had people backing away in horror. They all apologized profusely and moved as far away from Collin as they could.. Collin turned back to the fight not paying anyone else there any mind. The King exchanged looks with Draconis before letting out a small chuckle and then returned his attention to the fight.
The wall Yugi was standing on suddenly crumbled to the burning field. With his shadows, he sent a blast downward putting out some of the flames so that he could land. The hole that was there began to rumble and Lava flowed out onto the field. Up arose a figure covered in rocks and mud. He stepped on to the lava and walked through it on his way to Yugi. With a flick of his wrist, the rock figure sent pieces of stone in Yugi's Direction. The shadows deflecting and attacking them as they came nearer. With the last of his mana, Dimitri gave a powerful shout and everything went flying to Yugi’s direction, bouncing off the walls and narrowly missing the spectators at the lower level. Collin made a mental note to install some sort of barrier during future fights to prevent this. The blast was too much for Yugi who covered himself in shadows. Bit by bit, the stone and lava attacked the shadows until they finally broke through hitting Yugi and slamming him against the wall. His body landed with a thud and he lay there unconscious. Dimitri immediately took a knee and placed his hand on the ground. The lava and mud slowly seeps back into the hole he had created returning everything back to normal. The healers got to Yugi almost immediately, they were able to get him breathing and healed up enough for transporting. Dimitri was then named winner and the entire crowd lost their minds again.
“Those two are going to completely shake up the entire dynamic of the compound.” The King said in awe.
“I just hope they are able to make it home,” Collin said, packing up his gear. “Sir, Would you like a tour of the village?”
“I would love to. Everyone please do as you wish, We will be leaving in the morning. Draconis, Please join us.” The King said and everyone went about their way.
Collin escorted Draconis and the King up to the main building where he showed them each floor. They finished in the conference room where the King Manifested some of his best Whiskey and they sat there talking about the day. Mace came in at some point and fell asleep in the middle of the conference table. Collin showed them how he was able to use the Lord system and Draconis put him through a series of questions about what they referred to as the Grand Magifex. Draconis was an expert in this system, and he showed Collin all the many things he could do and would be able to do once they increased in level. When there was no more left to be said and it was in the earlier hours of morning. Collin decided to try his luck at some personal questions.
“Sire, Can you tell me about my mom? What was she like?” Collin asked
“Katrina was a wonderful girl. Beautiful like her mother, Your grandmother and so very smart. She was not adept, many of my children were not adept unfortunately but she was so intelligent and cunning. She loved riddles and solving puzzles. From what I have been able to find out, It was a puzzle that brought her to your father, Kreado. I was deeply upset when I lost her. “The King answered.
Collin nodded at this. He didn’t have it in him to ask anymore. The timing just didn’t feel appropriate anymore.
“Collin, You are the last living grandson of the Queen and I. Everyone from that line is gone. I have to admit that I am very proud of what you have done and are doing here. I regret that I have not known you longer than these past few years. If it were possible, I would declare you my successor and you would immediately be prepped to become the King, but unfortunately the rules that were set forth do not allow for that. I am also forbidden from giving extra help or preferential treatment to one prince or princess over the other. I am unable to directly interfere in what is to come after my death.” The King said out of nowhere.
“Sir, I do not know if I even want to be the King. I only just found out about it and I am sure there are others who are far more ready to take the throne are there not?” Collin said.
“There are some, but I am unsure of who would be the best fit to rule over all of the regions. I just do not know. But that is not the point I am trying to make. Collin, I need you ready for when the time comes. You are very much at a disadvantage which is how I am able to be here and so open with you. It is also how I am able to provide you with a gift. So that you may be on a level footing with the others when this begins.” The King brought out 2 boxes and placed them on the table. “ I wish that Lord Ray was here. I very much need to explain this to the both of you.”
Collin pulled up the system and tried to contact Ray but there was no answer. He looked for his location and could not find him. He resorted to keeping the line open just in case Ray was paying attention. Maybe he was unable to talk, but he could hear and see. “I am sorry Sir, Maybe he will hear and come later.”
“That is fine. We may get to talk again after the battle.” The King replied.
The King opened the two boxes and Collin stood to get a closer look. There were identical silver and black matrixes sitting in the box. No mana was radiated from them. They almost looked like they were duds.
Collin was not sure where this was going. As far as he understood, Once you had your matrix removed, you could not replace it with another.
“These are called Secondary Matrices. They allow you to expand your abilities past the limits of the original matrix that are given to you as pledges. One usually has to hit Major General before they bestow it, however all of the princes and princesses with numbers one through twelve have and will be presented one.”
“Sir, what do the numbers mean?” Collin asked, pulling his shirt to show his Royal insignia.
“The number represents how close you are to the Royal bloodline. There is only one other person who is closer to the original king’s bloodline than you are. They have one on their insignia. Unfortunately, that person ran off to another land. I do not know where my oldest brother's grandson is or what he is doing.” The King said. “These are for you and Ray. They will unlock your military rank and all skills associated with it. They have other benefits also which you will have to learn for yourself. Mostly though, they override the limits of the first matrix and allow you to reach greater heights in your abilities”
“Sir, we do not have our first Matrices.” Collin said.
“I tried to obtain both of your matrices, however it seems that they are locked away. I did manage to pull a few strings and have an idea as to where they are. It might be best for you to procure them yourselves. I am currently ironing out some details but once those are in line, I will let you know. Now these Matrices will not do anything until they are activated. We will need to obtain your first before then.” the King Explained
“Yes sir. Thank you Sir!’ Collin said, his emotions were getting the better of him at the thought of getting his Trixie back.
“Now now. Cheer up. Potential King’s do not cry. We need to show you how to install the second Matrix so you can help Ray. Draconis!! Wake up!!.” The King said. "Oh! One last thing before we move forward, Do you remember earlier what I was saying about being limited in helping a prince or princess?”
“Yes sir?” Collin said.
“I am allowed to help you a total of two times. This, he motioned to the matrix, is my first. The 2nd will be when I call upon you in the future. Today was a very good day. I am very proud to call you my grandson. Your mother and your grandmother would have loved the man that you have become.
Unfortunately due to the rules, I must become distant after today. In Public I will be unable to interfere or show any sort of loving or caring towards you. It will be back to the proper etiquette. Do you understand?”
“These rules kind of suck if I am being honest sir.” Collin said, “Who even made them up?”
“I created them shortly after I lost my wife and kids. I had no idea there would be a you, I needed something to keep all of the women and illegitimate children and grandchildren from coming forth and demanding the crown. This is the way it was decided. I deeply regret that I went a bit mad after she died. A lot of drink, drugs, and fast women.” The king said embarrassingly.
“I understand sir, I know a guy or a Lord who did the same thing. He still ain’t quite back to normal.” Collin admitted.
"Well then, let us move forward!” The King said and they went to work.