When Ieros woke, it was still quite dark out, which allowed him to notice the soft glow emanating from the table. As he sat up, rubbing his eyes sleepily, he turned his focus to the source of the glow, the Absolute Flame. However, unable to notice that it was slightly brighter than before, he didn’t pay it too much attention as he stretched, yawning tiredly as he stood up, stooping down to grab his robes. He pulled them on, wondering what he was going to do today. He thought about making breakfast but seeing as he was back at the Academy, he had a sudden desire to eat food other than fruits and bread. So, taking the Tower’s key and slipping it into his robe’s inner pocket, he made his way down to the elevator.

As he descended, he tried to recall the menu of the Academy’s cafeteria, eventually shrugging as he’d be fine with eating anything other than bread. Reaching the bottom, he stepped off and studied the door briefly to see how he was to open it from the inside. And then, seeing the same keyhole as last time, he just stuck the key in and briefly powered it with his mana, unlocking the door and stepping out. Outside of the tower, he noticed the sudden drop in mana concentration, which reminded him just what a privilege it was to have received a Tower for his very own.

Not even his teacher’s tower had such a thing and she was one of the more well known figures of the school. It reminded just what the Tower meant, although he still wasn’t sure if he was worthy of the position. He knew that he was vastly superior to those in terms of mana concentration but in experience or skill, there were almost certainly those that surpass him. He just couldn’t feel comfortable now that he thought about it, although he soon forgot his worries when he caught the scent of food cooking in the air.

Tracing a path that he vaguely remembered, he eventually found himself at the cafeteria, wondering why people were staring at him until he realized that upon his robes was the Court’s Badge, signifying his rank. Seeing as it was too late to take it off now, he sighed, deciding to just ignore them as he made his way to the serving line, smiling as he remembered the first time he had come here with Meralia. He wondered if the chefs he knew were still there and if they would remember him, not likely since even when he was back at the Academy, he had never really ordered a lot of food.

But, there wasn’t really any other way to get food so he steeled himself, forcing himself to walk smoothly without hesitation. After all, it would be rather awkward if he was to stumble and with everyone staring at him, he really didn’t want to trip. Fortunately, he made his way to the serving line without any issues, people moving out of the way, meaning that he didn’t have to wait. He attempted to tell them that it was fine, that he would wait his turn but the moment he raised his hand, they hurriedly bowed. Sighing inwardly again, he just decided to let it be, instead turning his attention to the nervous man in front of him.

Ieros bowed his head slightly, saying, “I’m sorry but it has been a long time since I’ve last been here, where is the menu?”

The man, unsure if Ieros was joking, said, “Um, the cafeteria provides all manner of foods, you need only ask, my Lord.”

Ieros frowned, although it was hidden by the shadow of his hood.

“Then something with no bread or fruits, it doesn’t matter what.”

The man asked, “Is that all?”

Ieros thought some more and said, “And a drink that is not water.”

Taking this moment to leave Ieros to tell the chefs the new order, the man took a few moments longer than usual before he went out to face Ieros again, just why did he have to deal with a Court Mage? But, he couldn’t keep the Court Mage waiting so he forced himself to go out, saying,

“Your food shall be out momentarily, a golem shall serve it to you.”

Ieros, unaware of the man’s supreme discomfort, just nodded, satisfied that he had successfully ordered some food. He, much to the man’s relief, turned and made his way to an empty table, taking a seat. While he waited, he decided to create a blank book, intending to fill it up with what he had learned of runes so far. Recalling the pieces of runic machinery in his mind, he would recreate them one by one as he dedicated two pages of writing to each, carefully transcribing each rune along with what he believed were to be its properties.

He soon grew so absorbed the task that he didn’t notice the service golem’s approach, blinking in surprise as food was placed beside his book. Nodding to the golem, and then getting embarrassed at nodding at a golem, Ieros quickly turned his attention to the food, closing the book as he placed it to the side. It wasn’t really anything special, just a steak that visually appeared to be perfectly cooked, with strange but delectable sauce poured upon it. And, to its side, there was a goblet of wine, the dark red liquid releasing a pleasing scent. Finally, Ieros decided to taste it, slicing off a piece of the steak and bringing it to his mouth with the fork.

As he bit in, he just closed his eyes in contentment as the taste of the meat spread throughout his mouth, appreciating the meat’s texture which was so different than the bread and fruit he ate back in the forest. This was real food and he was going to enjoy every last bit of it. He then took the cup into his hand and studied that too, taking a small sip. It was slightly sweet, followed by a brief tartness which then gave way to a slightly bitter aftertaste, his throat feeling as if had dried out. Blinking as this was the first time he had tried wine, he took a second sip, this time mulling it around in his mouth, letting the sweet taste permeate his mouth until he swallowed, appreciating the tart taste that was followed with the slight bitterness.

He then sliced off another piece of steak, letting that wash over his tongue again before he took another sip, appreciating the new combination of flavors. After eating a few more bites followed with periodic sips of wine, he stopped again, this time holding up the piece of meat close to his face, studying it with his eyes. He wanted to add this to his menu of food that he could currently make for himself, he didn’t want to subsist off of just bread again.

However, just studying the meat and wine wouldn’t do, he would have to learn exactly what went into the cooking of the meat from the spices added, the type of oil it was cooked in, and just what the condition the meat was before it was cooked. For the wine, he had to know what went in to the making of the wine, what grapes were used, how long were they fermented, in what type of barrel were they stored. After all, if just one piece was missing, then a Creation spell will always go awry. It was not a branch of Magic for everyone, it required one to possess a great imagination, one capable of visualizing the processes of the world around them. They had to understand the rules that their world was bound by, only then could they begin bending those rules to their will.

Ieros resolved to ask the chefs about the recipe of this food next time but for now, he’ll just finish eating it. And so he enjoyed his meal, finishing off the plate cleanly and drinking every last drop of wine, he stood, signaling a golem to come over and take his used dish and cup. He then picked up his book and pen, deciding to stop by the Tower so he could drop off his new book before he did anything else. But on his way, he caught sight of a few people waiting outside his Tower, the Princess with her Knight Alwine and another person. Studying him, Ieros felt like he had seen him somewhere before, although Ieros couldn’t quite recall.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Curious, he got closer, nodding his head to the Princess as he asked, “Your Highness, do you need something?”

She said, “I do but we should converse in a more private location.”

Ieros nodded.

“As you wish, where should we go?”

The Princess glared at him and Ieros thought about it again, not really sure what he did wrong.

Finally, she sighed and said,

“Your tower you idiot, your tower is one of the most secure locations in the Kingdom.”

“Ah, right.” Ieros said, his face heating up with embarrassment. Glad for his hood, Ieros made his way to the Tower doors, doing his best to act as if he wasn’t embarrassed at all, although on the inside he berated himself for being so stupid. It didn’t take long for the doors to open and Ieros strode right on in, greeted with a lack of furniture. He stopped again and turned to the Princess, bowing his head.

“Forgive me but could you please wait a few moments, since I had only moved in yesterday, I hadn’t created furniture for guests.”

The Princess nodded, waving her hand to tell him to get on with it. Ieros nodded and turned to the chamber in front of him, creating 4 simple chairs out of stone, placing three beside each other while the fourth was placed opposite of them. He took the fourth chair, waiting for the group to sit down before he asked,

“So what is it, your Highness?”

The Princess eyed him, finally saying, “Have you already forgotten?”

Ieros blinked, rubbing his chin as he struggled to remember what possible reason the Princess has for visiting him. Eventually he shrugged, much to her consternation.

“Did you forget that in order to be a Court Mage you have to defeat Iveris?”

Ieros struggled to remember the name, although he shrugged yet again, saying, “Who is Iveris?”

This time, Iveris spoke, standing and walking in front of Ieros as he did so, gazing down on him as he said, “I am.”

Wondering why he decided to stand in front of him, Ieros studied Iveris, his eyes widening as he appreciated Iveris’s mana concentration. It was one of the highest mana concentrations that Ieros had ever seen in a person similar to his age, although Ieros’s awe was slightly dampened by the arrogance that exuded off of Iveris. Feeling as if he had to, Ieros stood up as well, although he was slightly shorter so Iveris was still able to look down on him. While it annoyed him, Ieros did his best not to show it as he stretched out a hand, saying,

“Nice to meet you, Iveris.”

Iveris took his hand, giving it a firm shake, staring at Ieros for a long time before he finally let go.

Returning to his seat, he asked, “So Ieros, where have you been all this time?”

Ieros took a seat and said, “Well, I was out in the forest, practicing and experimenting with my magic.”

Iveris, seeking to embarrass Ieros, inquired further, “Oh? Like what?”

Ieros said, “Well, I first began seeing the limits of my abilities, without being restrained by the Academy and-”

He chuckled, “Well, I can still feel the exhilaration of casting the largest Fireball I had ever seen. It was as large as a house and incinerated the forest in a straight line for as far as the eye could see. Although, since it was the first time I had used up all of my mana, I wasn’t able to properly use my mana for a few weeks.”

Iveris snorted.

“You can’t seriously expect me to believe that, come on, tell the truth. You were hiding out in those woods, afraid to come back.”

Ieros directed his gaze towards Iveris, the faceless darkness glaring at him.

“I did hide from all those people that sought to sink their fangs into me, I was too weak back then. I am stronger now, I no longer need to hide.”

Iveris scoffed at him.

“And yet the King managed to sink his fangs into you.”

Ieros fell silent, unable to respond.

As Iveris relished his victory, Ieros stood up, saying, “If this is all you are here for, then I would like for you to leave.”

The Princess was about to speak but Iveris overrode her, standing up as well as he walked right up to Ieros’s face.

“What are you going to do about it?”

Ieros didn’t say a word, the faceless darkness glaring at Iveris as Ieros ignited his mana, prepared to fight. Iveris ignited his mana too and just as the two were about to clash, a blade was suddenly held in between both of their faces.

Alwine’s voice barked, “Sit down the both of you! I will not have you fight so near the Princess!”

Iveris smirked, turning his gaze to Alwine.

“You know, I’ve always been a bit tired of you. You’re always interrupting something fun.”

Alwine didn’t reply, her eyes still glaring at him. Finally, Iveris raised his hands in surrender.

“Fine, fine, I get it. I won’t cause any more problems.”

He took a seat began humming, Alwine turning her attention to Ieros. Ieros too took his seat, directing his attention to the Princess. After nodding to Aliwine who returned to her seat, the Princess looked at Ieros.

“As I said before, you will need to defeat my chosen champion Iveris to become Court Mage. I am here to discuss the date of your duel, are you-”

Ieros said, “I am fine with today. Right now actually.”

Iveris smirked again and was about to retort until the Princess glared at him. He kept his mouth shut and the Princess turned back to Ieros.

“Very well then, three hours from now at midday, meet us at the Conperium’s private training arena. Do not be late.”

Ieros said, “I will not.”

She then stood up.

“Then that is all.”

He just nodded, standing up to unlock the door for them to leave. As they walked out, Iveris smiled at Ieros before he left, leaving Ieros irritated as he shut the door behind them. He began to think of how to defeat Iveris, commanding the shadows to tell him all that they knew. It only took a few moments for the shadows to communicate with one another, transferring the necessary information to Ieros. And as he listened, his thoughts deepened as he wondered just how he was going to crush Iveris.

Iveris was a formidable mage, skilled in all elemental magics and of close-quarter combat, making him a rather difficult opponent to defeat. He was especially fond of using a sword in combat, using his elemental magic to buff his sword while casting at the same time, meaning that Ieros would have to be aware of both magic and physical attacks. And while he didn’t use this in his bouts with his peers, he also used martial arts and secretly trained deep into the night which both maintained and improved his physique.

Although surprised at the skills that Iveris had at his disposal, Ieros was not discouraged, he too was a formidable mage in his own right. He possessed greater magical power than Iveris, he just needed to make sure that it would hit. So, Ieros began to meditate on that, imagining various scenarios of the fight, using the data the shadows had given him to simulate each method of attack that Iveris could start with, starting from a magic spell to sprinting in with the intent to batter Ieros into submission. A contingency was planned for each as Ieros asked himself how he would respond to each of these. He was determined to win but not just win, he wanted to win absolutely. He wanted to show Iveris the difference between their power.

After all, he was only human and he as a human had his pride. He had been insulted and that was an affront that could not be forgotten. Despite all of his power, that did not make him above the emotions of humans, a subject that the Surveyor was keenly aware of. But, for the sake of the experiment, it would not interfere. Ieros had to live his life out as a human for the experiment to remain pure. Once the experiment was complete and the data able to be used as a control group, the Surveyor could tamper with a few details to produce different results. But for now, it would wait and observe.