Worshipper Arc: Chapter 2. An Invitation.

Valoran and Artemsia are close to leaving for the Academy when Aelina stops them both for a favour to ask.

“Please wait before you go, I have a favour to ask of you” She asks kind-heartly asks.

A curiously stunned Valoran then turns around to face her.

“Sure Mother” he responds awaiting the request.

“I would like you to ask all your friends to come here tonight. I wish to meet them, and I am making dinner tonight” she says, fuelled with energy and excitement in her voice.

“Uhm. Sure, I will ask them although this is rather on short notice so you shouldn’t expect everybody to arrive” Valoran declares.

“I hope they can make it. Have a great day at school” Aelina says to both with a usual bright smile on her face.

“Goodbye Mother I wish you a great day yourself” Valoran sincerely responds.

“Goodbye I also wish you a great day” Artemsia responds with sincerity.

Following the conversation, both make their way to the academy with a bright beautiful morning greeting them, opening the door and leaving.

Artemsia is curious as to why Aelina would go through the trouble of making a feast for seven people while simultaneously being curious for Aelina wanting to meet the others.

“Is there any reason why your mother is so interested in meeting the others?” She questions with curiosity dominating the tone.

Valoran faces her with the tiniest smile on his face and then proceeds to answer her while revealing some of his past to her.

“She is just excited to meet my first ever friends you see” He shockingly reveals to her.

“Your first friends? What about as a child didn’t you have anyone when you were a child?” She asks as Artemsia is slightly stunned to hear that Valoran did not have anybody that he can call a friend before he met the others.

“No. As a child people called me “a cursed child” others were afraid of me, not just the other children in my village but adults as well. In fact some of them moved into the capital or in a different village to get away from me. Until I met someone who changed my life for the better” Valoran shares with Artemsia.

Artemsia is visibly saddened while simultaneously being shocked on who this mysterious person was.

“How can someone be afraid of someone who is so kind-hearted and uses his power to protect the ones who cannot protect themselves? Who was this person that changed your life?” She asks with a dominating curious tone of voice.

“I’ll reveal everything later on with the others present until then please be patient” Valoran kindly asks.

“Of course,” Artemsia understanding that the matter is serious for Valoran.

“We also need to be aware of those who follow and spy on us Artemsia, for now let’s let them believe that we do not know of their existence and, perhaps the people who are behind this will either lose interest in me or will reveal themselves to us. Call it a win, win situation.” Valoran explains with caution.

“I agree for now we just refrain from getting ourselves involved in conflict as much as possible, I believe if we do it will further increase the chances of them losing any interest in you.” Artemsia wisely suggests.

“Good thinking, perhaps you have a point not involving myself in too many battles will either lead them to give up on me or perhaps reveal the person behind this circus.” Valoran suggests.

After walking they arrive at the capital close to the academy.

Although people know of the fact that Valoran was involved in saving the missing children incident some of them still fear and call him names that no one deserves to be called.

A demon male adventurer then walks toward Valoran with a giant hammer being carried behind his right shoulder deliberately blocking Valoran’s path.

“Hey, you Monster or that’s what people call you these days, you don’t look so tough to me. I don’t understand why people fear or praise you from time to time. I don’t believe that someone who looks so weak is able to go up against bandits who managed to stay hidden and kidnap children for weeks.” The Demon adventurer says in a condescending and cocky tone while being very close toward Valoran’s face now.

Valoran is expressionless, not showing any reaction by the insults thrown at him just now.

“Would you kindly step aside? We’ll be late for class, and we don’t want that.” Valoran coldly expresses toward the Demon adventurer.

Artemsia also now gets involved in the struggle.

“Step aside you fool- “Artemsia proceeds to speak before being cut off by Valoran.

“Please Artemsia. I can handle this situation by myself, don’t worry about me this fool is no threat that I can’t handle” Valoran mockingly explains directly facing the demon with his red eyes.

Valoran then faces the demon adventurer dead in the eyes with the coldest and yet slightly angered expression on his face, his eyes glowing crimson red.

“Step aside. I won’t ask again. I saved those children since I don’t take funds to help people which fills me with pride only a coward like you takes money to support the weak. Then again, you’re not that strong to begin with. I can easily destroy that puny sword of yours without moving a single muscle.” Valoran warns the adventurer with a slightly intimidating tone.

Stolen novel; please report.

“What’s that you’re saying about me? Do you want me to- “The Demon angrily explains before being cut off by a female voice.

“That’s enough” The Female voice yells out in anger.

The Demon male adventurer turns around seconds after hearing the female voice, Valoran and Artemsia also gaze at the source of the voice to see a female human adventurer carrying a giant, wide and long sword over her shoulder.

The female adventurer makes her way toward Valoran and the demon adventurer.

“How dare you? You're not only bothering and verbally abusing a student, you also disrespect a hero who saved countless children and reunited countless families in the process. You should be ashamed.” The female adventurer lecturing the demon adventurer.

The demon remains silent as the female faces Valoran. “I’m sorry he belongs to my party. He can be a headache sometimes but overall; he is a great adventurer just sometimes his ego gets in the way and causes nothing but trouble. Once again, I do apologise; you should get going or you will be late as a result” The female adventurer kindly instructs them both to get going.

Valoran faces the female adventurer.

“Thank you for your intervention but I assure you that we won’t be late for our class. Also, I hope you don’t mind, keep a closer eye on your party members. An ego like that can become very dangerous in situations where the opponent is not as forgiving as I am.” Valoran says with a smirk on his face.

The demon clings his fists and grinds his teeth hearing Valoran’s words.

“He’s right. Your attitude and ego have become a problem in the past.” The female explains to the demon adventurer.

The Demon faces away and into a different direction.

“I believe we have been held up long enough. Until we meet again” Valoran taking his leave.

Valoran casts Irum (teleportation magic) teleporting Valoran and Artemsia to the academy gates in an instant.

“We arrived with time to spare” Valoran says with a smirk on his face as both Artemsia and Valoran are heading for class where they greet the others who are already waiting for them.

“Did something happen? You’re usually here much earlier.” Atticus asks curiously.

“It’s nothing just ran into some trouble on the way here but nothing I couldn’t handle don’t worry” Valoran reassuring that he and Artemsia were both fine.

“Indeed. Just some random adventurer with a ego too big to handle” Artemsia explain crossing her arms.

“I see. Well, you still made it on time” Biatrix is also sharing her thoughts.

“Speaking of time. Do any of you have any plans after school today? My mother wishes to meet you all after school today. She is preparing a feast later on for all of you” Valoran calmly asks them.

All of them are a little surprised to say the least and face each other in confusion that Valoran of all people would invite them all to his house.

“What. Is that unusual to invite friends over for dinner?” Valoran asks with a smirk.

“It’s not that it’s just that we thought you were the type who would hate that sort of thing” Selina answers in surprise.

“Am I really emitting such vibes?” Valoran questions in curiosity.

“Don’t worry about it. I am in” Selina says with a smile.

“Me too.” Biatrix responds.

“It would be a pleasure” Merial responds, bowing her head in gratitude.

“Count me in” Atticus responds filled with energy.

“Of course, I am accepting an invite from my master” Demonlise responds with a tiny amount of excitement.

“Great. My mother will be pleased to meet you all” Valoran says with a smile.

At that moment Professor Asparata enters the class hall to begin the lecture.

“Good morning students please take your seats and let’s begin the lecture” she says with her usual energetic tone.

After 2 hours about magic and mathematical set theories to support the understanding of laws of the universe, and how these laws deepen the understanding of magic as magic is still bound by laws of the specific dimensionality that they are within their universe.

“Man, that was a long lecture.” Biatrix says, stretching out her arms.

“But an important one: understanding these mathematical theories and understanding how laws connect with magic will strengthen your magic tenfold” Valoran explains.

“Really? How?” Merial asks curiously.

Atticus and Selina also stare at Valoran with curiosity written all over their faces.

“If I am not mistaken, we have a free session after this. Actions speak louder than words perhaps a demonstration would help you to better understand”

Valoran and his group make their way to a section within the arena.

Valoran has the others facing him opposite to begin his demonstration.

“Now then pay attention to what I am about to show you” Valoran says.

Valoran casts izaru (fire elemental magic). An orange flame appears in Valoran’s hand.

“As you can see, I am holding a standard flame in my hand. Now a mathematical question. What happens if I add a balanced amount of oxygen in the form of wind magic?” Valoran asks.

“Will the flame become bigger to cover a wider area?” Selina answers with a hint of doubt in her face.

“No. Remember I said a balanced amount. What you have just described is the result of using more wind magic than fire magic” Valoran kindly answers.

Atticus, Biatrix, Selina and Merial all try to think of the answer but couldn’t come up with it.

“Would you please tell us?” Merial heartfully questions.

Valoran smiles just a little.

“Of course, please pay close attention.” Valoran says.

Valoran while holding the flame simultaneously casts (Lorain) wind elemental magic under the flame he’s holding.

Within a second the once orange flame turned deep blue. “Now then can any of you explain what just happened?” Valoran asks.

“You added just the right amount of oxygen using wind magic to increase the flame's temperature causing it to turn deep blue” Merial responds.

“Yes, I did. Good work Merial. What I try to make you understand is that yes magic is extremely powerful and all of you have incredible potential in power as well as intelligence. However, understanding mathematics and how laws work then, being able to combine them in your own magic will elevate your magic to the next level.” Valoran explains.

“Now try to do what I just did, turning a small flame into a blue flame. Be careful it may sound simple, but it requires a balanced amount of both flame and wind magic it could result in losing control. Make sure you calculate both amounts carefully” Valoran explains with caution.

“Yes, we will” All four of them say with excitement.

While Biatrix, Merial, Selina and Atticus attempt to replicate Valoran’s demonstration Valoran takes Demonlise and Artemsia aside to speak to them.

“I need to tell you both something” Valoran shares with them in a serious tone.

“What is it?” Demonlise carefully questions.

“I’m sure you also felt the presence of beings spying on us. Individuals cloaked in dark robes and dark evil magic hiding in the shadows” Valoran says toward Demonlise.

“I have master also their aura it’s…evil and dark”

“We also did. Something is being plotted here” Artemsia utters.

“I agree. That’s why it’s best to reveal everything about us to them”

“Are you sure isn’t it dangerous?” Artemsia questions the action.

“Keeping them in the dark is much more dangerous. If they understand what’s going on they can defend themselves if need to” Valoran explains.

“Today all secrets will be revealed…” Valoran says with commitment.