Daniel carefully lifted the lid of the small wooden box, revealing a delicate black metal bracelet nestled on a plush cushion inside.
“Wear this around your wrist,” Professor Shadewood instructed, staring at Daniel with a serious look in his eyes. “it will mask your skills, making them unreadable to most. Of course, specialists or those above tier three might pierce through it, but for now, it should serve its purpose.”
As Daniel gingerly took the bracelet in his hands, he felt its cool metal surface and slight weight. The Professor explained how the bracelet works. It could conceal Daniel’s entire status or selectively hide specific skills. Shadewood emphasized the latter’s importance, cautioning, “Hiding everything would be too obvious.”
“I-I-I don’t know if I can take this. This artefact must be expensive, and I don’t have any funds to pay for such an expensive item!” Daniel stammered, holding out the bracelet towards Shadewood as if to return it. Instead of retrieving the bracelet, Shadewood gently folded Daniel’s fingers closed and pushed his hand back.
“Don’t worry about the cost of it. Your safety is more important; if someone were to find out about your language skills and report them to the wrong person, they might even try to extract your skills forcibly. Just don’t lose it, and always keep it on you. If it gets damaged, come see me immediately, and I’ll see if I can get it repaired.”
With the bracelet on his wrist, Daniel couldn’t help but be grateful for the unexpected gift. However, a question that had been lingering in his mind since Alex had read the letter he had received to him.
“Professor Shadewood,” Daniel hesitated, “about the offer you mentioned last time... about me being your representative?”
“Yes, Daniel, what about it?” Professor Shadewood inquired, his eyes behind the glasses holding a glint of curiosity
“Well, you see, some unfortunate circumstances have caused the support I receive from the Baron’s estate to end.” the boy explained with a tinge of shyness.
“Ah, I’ve heard the news about Mark. He awakened as an [Arcane Binder], a rare summoning class. This has earned him a scholarship from the Royal Academy. There are rumours that the founding king had the same class when he awakened.” The Professor said with a smile playing on his lips, but as he noticed the grave expression on Daniel’s face, the smile faded. “Is it because Mark is leaving our academy that they won’t support your studies?”
“I received news from the estate that the baron is ill, and his wife is currently managing the estate. She always disliked me, claiming that I was a leech and that the minimal resources I received would be better off for their real children. The only support I’ve received is attending the public school in the town, and even the food provided was considered too much by her.” he began.
“And now, with the Baron temporarily gone, she has decided to cut all the support I used to receive.” As Daniel spoke, he couldn’t help but twitch his hand slightly, a nervous habit he had developed from a young age.
After taking a short moment to gather his resolve, Daniel spoke, “So, I would like to accept your offer as a representative. If you’re okay with that, Professor.” Professor smiled brightly, responding, “Of course, I’m willing, Daniel. But before we agree, you must know a few things regarding being a professor representative.”
Shadewood then began explaining to Daniel the tasks and expectations a representative could expect. These included competing in annual competitions such as magic duels, sword duels, artefact crafting, rune inscribing, and demonstrating magical knowledge. These were not all competitions Daniel could compete in, but they were the main ones in which representatives competed. In return, the student representatives gained access to the library’s second floor, which typically only fourth-year students could access.
He would also receive monthly academy points, which could be spent on specific items or books. Other students needed to complete chores or go on missions to earn points. However, they had additional responsibilities, such as assisting the Professors in their research and projects.
Daniel also learned that as a representative, he was held to a higher standard than regular students. Failing any grades would impact him and stain Shadewood’s reputation.
In addition to academic expectations, Daniel was granted a private laboratory, albeit a modest one of just a few square meters. This privilege came at no cost to him, while regular students had to either pay for it or earn it through merit.
“So, Daniel, are you up for becoming my representative? Remember, it’s not only your fellow representatives who will view you as competition, trying to bring you down. Fueled by jealousy and greed, regular students may also attempt to undermine you, eager to assert that they would have been a better choice. Be prepared. I have seen this on numerous occasions.”
Fueled by determination, Daniel looked Professor Shadewood in the eyes and nodded. “Professor. I’ll do my best.”
Shadewood smiled, his expression conveying a mix of pride and encouragement. “Good. Now, if you have any further questions, ask them since I have something to attend to.”
Daniel shook his head and said goodbye to the Professor, but before he could leave, Shadewood called out, “Ah, Daniel, come to my office at the end of the first day of the school year, so I can explain your duties.”
….
Daniel leaned against the stables’ wall near the school entrance, idly playing with the bracelet he had received from Shadewood two days ago. As he passed the time, his attention was drawn to the arrival of a grand carriage through the gate. The carriage, crafted from exquisite dark wood with intricate gold lines, proudly bore the logo of Lucia’s prestigious family, the Amberleaf. Accompanying it were eight guards on horseback. Among them, the rider at the forefront, easily discerned as the leader, exuded dominance. His shaved head bore scars multiple intimidating scars.
The grand carriage came to a graceful stop next to Daniel, and with a synchronized motion, the guards dismounted their horses. Daniel observed their interactions. As the guards descended, a low murmur of conversation reached Daniel’s ears.
“Where is the young miss? It’s close to the agreed time, but she isn’t here yet,” inquired one of the guards who dismounted next to Daniel. The guard, with his blonde hair catching the sunrays, looked a few years older, towering over him at six feet four inches, while Daniel stood at five feet eight inches. As he observed the guard’s scrawny build, Daniel couldn’t help but wonder if he could effectively wield a sword.
The response came from another guard, a seasoned veteran among them. His hair boasted a distinguished silver-grey; a notable scar replaced his left ear. “You know how she is. She could barely be on time for breakfast when she was younger. Always overslept. But worry not. She’ll be here soon enough. Otherwise, we’ll just have to find her,” the veteran declared with a hearty laugh that echoed through the courtyard.
The tall guard peered down at Daniel with a curious expression, his blonde hair shining in the morning sun. “And who might you be?” he asked.
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Daniel straightened up, offering a polite smile. “I’m Daniel, the companion Lucia brings along. She mentioned you might be expecting me.”
The guard’s stern expression softened, and he extended a hand. “Ah, Daniel. I’m Reynard. This here is my comrade, Sergeant Garrick.”
Daniel shook Reynard’s hand and nodded to Garrick, who grunted in acknowledgement. “Pleasure to meet you both,” Daniel said. “Lucia told me a lot of amazing stories about you guys.”
Reynard chuckled. “Flattery will get you everywhere, my friend. Now, let’s hope Lucia hurries up. The Captain wants to be at least halfway before it gets dark.”
While Daniel and Reynard continued chatting about their day-to-day lives, the bald man Daniel had spotted earlier finally arrived. “Ah, this is Captain Tristan. Don’t worry, he might look like he would bite, but he’s got a soft spot. He loves to dress up as—”
Before Reynard could finish his sentence, the Captain shot him a serious glance, cutting off the jest. “Enough with the theatrics, Reynard. Save your humour for when we’re not in the presence of guests. We’ve got a reputation to uphold.”
Slightly daunted from the Captain’s rejoinder, Reynard managed a sheepish grin. “My apologies, Captain. Just trying to lighten the mood.”
Captain Tristan, a towering figure with a shaved head adorned with scars, stood head and shoulders above Daniel. Daniel couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in size as he extended his hand in greeting. Tristan’s grip was firm, enveloping Daniel’s hand, making it seem almost minuscule in comparison. “And who might you be?”
“I’m Daniel, the companion Lucia brings along.”
The Captain’s stern expression softened. “Ah, Daniel. Welcome. I hope these troublemakers haven’t scared you off.”
Daniel shook Tristan’s hand, a smile playing on his lips. “Not at all. Reynard here just shared his enthusiasm for your combat skills.”
Captain Tristan chuckled. “Enthusiasm, huh? Well, let’s save the stories for another time. We’ve got a journey ahead, and I’d prefer not to be embarrassed in public because Reynard can’t keep his mouth shut.”
While they were speaking, Daniel heard the voice of his blonde friend in the distance. “Hey, sorry I’m late!”
Captain Tristan and Sergeant Garrick turned their attention towards the approaching figure. Reynard, now standing with the Captain, chuckled, “Well, speak of the devil. Looks like Lucia’s fashionably late, as always.”
Lucia jogged over, her expression a mix of apology and a playful smile. “Sorry, sorry! You know me, always losing track of time.”
Captain Tristan shook his head with a faint smile. “No harm done. We’re still on time. Let’s head out. You ready, Lucia?”
Lucia nodded, her eyes meeting Daniel’s. “Ready when you are.”
Daniel nodded, and the duo made their way to the carriage. Just as they were about to enter, they heard the Captain’s voice from behind, “Oh, young miss, I hope you don’t mind Reynard joining you inside the carriage. There have been sightings of wolves in the nearby mountains, so as an added security measure, I would like one of us inside the carriage, just in case.”
With Lucia’s agreement, they finally embarked on their journey to Ravenholme.
….
Daniel settled next to the crackling campfire as the sun dipped below the horizon. The party decided to set up camp, deeming it too risky to travel through the night. Luckily, they found an open spot next to the road, which carvered through the forest they were in. Across from Daniel stood Lucia who was offering advice to the guards that was preparing the evening meal.
After a few moments, Daniel excused himself as nature called, and he needed to take a leak. The guards warned him not to go too far, emphasizing the potential dangers lurking in the forest. Once Daniel felt he had walked a sufficient distance, he retrieved the egg from his ring. After the system had finished repairing his family's ring, or as the system called it, the monarch ring, it unlocked a spatial feature; though it was limited and unable to hold more than the egg and a few books at most, it proved to be a useful ability. Such artefacts typically cost a small fortune.
“Alright, time to feed you again, you greedy egg,” Daniel mumbled to himself before he sat down at a nearby tree and began channelling mana into the egg. this quickly became a habit for Daniel to feed the egg mana every night before he went to bed since the egg’s insatiable hunger for mana would leave him thoroughly drained. but before he started channeling his mana into the egg he decided to open the system menu as he began calling it.
Name: Daniel von Mios
Rank: Squire
Credits: 35
Actions:
[Daily Reward]
[Upgrade System]
[Quests] [!]
[Store]
[Sign In]
After a quick glance, he noticed that his credits had risen to 35. This increase was thanks to the daily rewards and the completion of two quests, which also contributed to his credits. The other two quests he had received involved casting ten firebolts and running 10 miles. He wondered if the system would only provide him with credits or if there would be additional rewards in the future. He speculated that when he faced more challenging tasks, he might be rewarded with something else. After completing the quest he had started the previous day, a new feature appeared in the system: [Sign In]. The system informed him that using this feature would exchange all his credits for a reward, but he hadn’t decided to use it until now.
[Spending 35 Credits]
[Calculating Reward]
[ you have received Tranquil Myst Incense]
Before Daniel could finish reading the message, a wooden box materialized in front of him. The box was adorned with intricate carvings depicting a flower field with a pagoda.
Daniel lifted the box from the ground and opened it with curiosity. Inside of it were ten sticks of dark brown incense. Surprisingly, the incense bore no discernible scent. “Seriously? No description of what effect this incense gives?” he mumbled to himself. The system refused to give him any further information regarding the incense. Typically, incense serves various purposes, ranging from aiding in calming the mind to inducing sleep. However, there were also more nefarious types used by assassins, designed to be poisonous or capable of inducing hallucinations.
After a few moments, he decided to store the incense in his ring before turning his attention to feeding the egg. Fortunately, the process didn’t take more than a few minutes. Once he was done, he decided to rejoin the rest of the group, hoping to grab a plate of dinner since he could hear his stomach rumble while he sat down earlier.
As Daniel returned to the group, Lucia noticed him and said, “You were gone for quite a bit; I almost sent Reynard to fetch you! Dinner is ready—grab a plate and join us.”
Daniel rubbed his stomach, giving a sheepish smile. “Just practised my magic a little bit, you know, trying to get used to it. I’m sorry for making you worried.”
After dinner, Daniel attempted to set up his tent, a task made challenging by his lack of camping experience. The guards had graciously provided the tent, insisting on him sleeping separately from Lucia in the carriage—an arrangement he accepted without complaint. However, wrestling with the tent’s poles and figuring out its fabric proved frustrating.
Having completed his post-dinner duties, Reynard noticed Daniel’s struggle and approached with an amused smirk. “Having some issues there, huh?”
Daniel sighed, appreciating the offer of help. “I’m not exactly an expert at this camping thing.”
Reynard chuckled, guiding Daniel through the tent setup with a few straightforward instructions. “No worries. Camping’s got its tricks, and setting up a tent is rather easy once you get the hang of it.” With Reynard’s assistance, the tent gradually took shape.
“Thanks for the hand,” Daniel said, genuinely grateful.
Reynard gave him a hearty slap on the back. “We’ve all been rookies at this,” he remarked. You’ll get the hang of it. Now, get some shut-eye. Tomorrow, there will be more travelling.” He turned around and joined two guards seated around the campfire. The crackling flames illuminated their tired but vigilant faces. Daniel had overheard earlier that the guards would take turns keeping watch throughout the night.