Chapter Three: The Sachem Magician's Request
Rex was inside the top floor of the Sachael Magic Tower, waiting for the Elderly Sachem Magician to give him his prize for winning the magic competition. As he waited, he examined the ugliest wallpaper and carpet he had ever seen; however, the material was first class.
'I can't believe they spent so much money on those.' While Rex was making the most distorted face in disgust of what he knew of the prices, the Elder Magician walked in, "Is there something wrong?"
In surprise, Rex's body went rigid, "Umm, no, nothing."
"Is that so?" The Elder Magician walked over to an eastern style lacquered chair, sat down, and motioned for Rex to take a seat, "Let's have a small chat."
Rex sat down opposite of the Elder Magician, and stared directly straight into his eyes. The Magician was amazed at the boldness and determination displayed by the young boy in front of him. The boy was the first of his age to ever look him in the eye. Even when he met up with Earls, Viscounts, and lower nobles, they would often have their head down. The boy reminded him of someone, but he couldn't recall who.
"What would you like to ask me?" Rex asked.
The Elder Magician raised a brow, "Why do you think I wish to ask you something?"
"Your eyes told me." Rex stated, "Please don't stand in ceremony and ask me what you wish to know straightforwardly."
The Elder's interest heightened, "Very well. We might be talking for a while, so if you feel uncomfortable, you should remove your mask."
"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern." Rex was getting impatient, but he knew one shouldn't be rude to an Elder of the Magic Tower.
"I would like to confirm if you're really a Rank C Magician." Before Rex could answer, the Elder raised a hand to stop him and continued, "I didn't ask because I found you deceitful, but rather, you have far surpassed the rank."
When the raised hand was lowered, Rex formulated his words carefully, "It's been about 3 years since I took and passed the examination for a Rank C Magician. I cannot take the examination for Rank B and above because one needs a sponsor, and as you saw, I didn't even have one for the Magic Competition." Rex shrugged.
The Elder meticulously listened to Rex's words, 'So, it wasn't because he couldn't find a sponsor...' The Elder smiled, "How about I become your sponsor?"
Rex was surprised but refrained himself from showing it, "Why?"
The Elder probed, "You do want to get a high rank, don't you?"
Rex thought about it for a moment, "Yes, but why are you offering to become my sponsor?" 'Yes I do, because it'll allow me to do more difficult quest, but what's in it for you?'
"Because I believe you have a promising future." The Elder explained.
Rex wasn't stupid to take the Elder's words at face value. Nothing was free in this world, and everything comes with a price, "What do you want in return?"
The Elder was bewildered, for he had honestly wanted to become the young boy's sponsor without receiving anything in return, "Nothing. Wait, actually there is one. Come with me."
The Elder stood up, and Rex obediently followed him, without forgetting to magnify his senses in case of a surprise attack.
The Elder walked to a grandfather clock, cast a spell Rex was unfamiliar with, and forcefully turned both the hour and minute hand clockwise to 12. Suddenly, a blinding flash emerged and the clock disappeared, revealing a secret door with a long flight of stairs.
Without a word, the Elder descended down the stairs. Rex followed and thought, 'Instead of calling this tower a Magic Tower, wouldn't the name "Tower of Secrets" be more appropriate?'
After walking for minutes that felt like hours, the Elder stopped, "We have arrived."
The Elder clapped his hands twice and medieval looking torches lined up on the wall began to lit up one after another.
The entire room was empty if not for a single egg sitting inside an egg shaped transparent incubator surrounded by soft and fluffy cushions.
The Elder chanted an incantation, releasing a seal, pressed various buttons on the incubator and opened it, revealing an egg covered with an elaborated design.
"Come closer, child." The Elder prompted Rex to stand right beside him, "What I want you to do is to smear a droplet of your blood at the apex of the egg. If you are indeed worthy, the egg will glow in a bright white hue."
Without hearing the continuation of the Elder's explanation, Rex pricked his index finger with his dagger, and smeared the egg with his blood. Within milliseconds, the egg started to glow and bathed the entire room in rainbow coloured hues.
"..." The Elder was shocked to stillness.
Rex took one look at the Elder's face to examine the result of the 'test' he was forced to take. "I presume I'm not worthy?"
"No, it's not what you think. You passed." The Elder began stroking his long beard, "I was surprised by how much it likes you. You know, this egg has been in the possession of the Magic Tower for over a hundred years. It was given to us to protect by the founder of the Kingdom of Erath. He told us to find an owner the egg will find worthy."
Rex suddenly had an extremely unpleasant feeling of what was to happen shortly. The only thing he wanted to do was disappear—forget his prize money, the sponsorship the Elder offered, and the wish he was entitled to. It wasn't worth the trouble.
The Elder continued, "I am honoured to be the High Magician overseeing the crowning of the Master of this special egg. I would like for you to take this egg and, as promised, I will sponsor you to take the S Rank Magician Exam."
Rex's unpleasant feeling had finally been actualised. "What do you suppose I do with the egg?"
"Take the egg with you on your journey, wait for it to hatch, and make it your Eidolon. All Magicians will eventually have their own Eidolon, at this extent, you're lucky to receive one at such a young age. I, myself, didn't get one until I was 16." The Elder confessed to Rex with a twinkle in his eyes. Whether it was from reminiscing the time he received his own Eidolon, or if he had predicted Rex's misfortune, no one will ever know...
The Sachem Elder had given Rex the egg, a letter of recommendation and, received his prize money from the Elder's secretary. However, he wasn't able to leave without delay. Even after he had received everything he wanted, he was forbidden to depart from the premises until he had his mandatory wish granted to him.
Because Rex was too excited of the idea of becoming a higher ranked Magician, thus earning more money despite his winnings, he had eventually settled for the most basic wish, and yet most important to him — the fitness of his family.
Although many have proclaimed wishes to come true, it was not yet proven true when it affects the lifespan of another. Nevertheless, Rex held his family with high regards and expect them to live a long life. During his seven long years of adventure, not once did he receive any news of failed health from his immediate or extended family.
While Rex walked back to the lodgings to pack the minor things he had left behind, he was suddenly plagued with the decision of whether he should take the magic exam first or return to Tyrenas and relieved the shop owner of his black dual daggers.
In the end, the curiosity of the mysterious black daggers had won. After all, it was the reason why he had participated in the competition.
* * *
Compared to the month Rex took to get to Erath's capital city from the Magic Tower of Marron, he arrived in Tyrenas in just 11 days. From the docks, he immediately ran towards the weapon shop, however, while running, he saw the filthiness of his travel in one of the display windows along the way. Taking a small detour to the nearest inn, he took a shower, broke his fast, and then headed to the shop in high spirits.
*Clang, clang, clang*
The store owner, Tibbs, looked up from the counter where his ledgers were open. He thought to catch up on his bookkeeping since his shop was rarely visited during the earlier part of the morn.
Ever since his eldest son had returned from training to become a Blacksmith, just like him, back in the day. Now, his work had been minimalized to observing his son's progress, and he was often bored. Thus, he had learned to manage his own book rather than paying the local Accomptant monthly.
Tibbs squinted, sizing up the person who had just entered his shop. 'He looks familiar... but I can't recall who he is. It must be the age.'
The youthful boy had handsome features; short and shiny ebony black hair, perfectly aligned eyebrows, bright emerald coloured eyes, straight aristocratic nose, and slightly full pinkish lips. The boy could be easily mistaken for a girl, and the two dimples on each side of his cheeks did nothing but amplify his girlish appearance. If he was wearing a dress instead of t-shirts and pants, Tibbs would have thought he was a she.
Rex was smiling excitedly at the prospect of owning the black dual daggers when he suddenly heard the same voices calling out to him when he first entered the shop almost two months prior.
[You... came back for us...]
[Please, release us from this place.]
"Please wait a moment longer, I'll release you soon." Rex whispered to whoever was talking to him.
Tibbs straightened the collar of his shirt and called out to the young boy, "How may I help you, Sir...?"
Tibbs wanted to look his best. He has always considered himself to be a good judge of character and, the young boy had the scent of money reeking all over him.
Rex was, at first, taken aback. Since he had asked the owner to reserve an item for him, he had expected the owner to remember him, or at least, his face.
Rex pushed the thought aside, telling the owner why he came in a forthright manner, "I would like to purchase the black dual dagger on the display, if you please, Mr. Owner."
Tibbs mood sank. Just his luck. The first customer in a long while, who looked like he has money, had to set his eyes upon the same item he promised to hold on to for the House of Merrick.
"Please accept my sincere apologies, kind Sir; however, that particular item has been reserved. If it's any other item in the store, I, Tibbs, would gladly be of service and sell it to you at a discounted price.
Rex ignored Mr. Tibbs' blabbing and said as he surveyed the shop for any other items worth buying. "I understand you priced it at 10 Gold?"
All things considered, Rex did not get a chance to take a good look around the shop. He was too preoccupied thinking of ways to raise the funds in order to obtain the daggers.
"But Sir—..." Tibbs began to protest. Rex sent him a look. He raised an eyebrow with exasperation, silencing the more-than-two-decades-older shop owner Mr. Tibbs. It was a look his father would not have bettered.
"Mister Tibbs. The daggers, if you please."
Tibbs was backed up in a corner. If he sold the daggers to the young boy in front of him, he would most likely incur the Merrick's wrath. However, if he doesn't sell it, he feared today might be the last day he ever woke.
Tibbs calculated his options, and the conclusion he came to was to sell the daggers to the young boy. If and when the servant of the Merrick's returns, he would lie that he was threatened to sell it. 'It's a good plan. If the Merricks want the daggers, it wouldn't be a surprise if it has caught someone else's interest.'
"Please give me a moment. I have to run to my office to get the keys to the display windows. In the meantime, please take a look at the different types of leathers we have available, since the daggers do not have their own scabbard. Pick out the leather you want and my wife can make you the perfect scabbard you desire... for a small price." Tibbs led Rex to the room adjoining the main shop and excused himself.
Rex examined the different types and colours of leathers hung on the walls. Since he knew not a farthing about leathers, he took the thickest one he could find.
[Not that one, soon-to-be Master.]
[I concur, soon-to-be Master.]
"You two can sense me from behind the display windows?"
[[Of course.]] From their reply, Rex could almost picture the two standing proud, hands on their hips, head held up high, with a haughty expression. Rex smirked at the thought.
"So tell me, which leather would you like for your scabbard?"
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[The black leather, placed at the right of the leather you have in your hands, soon-to-be Master.]
[Don't forget the thinnest silver leather, soon-to-be Master]
"Please stop calling me "soon-to-be Master". It feels very uncomfortable, so just call me Rex."
[[Yes, Master Rex.]]
"... Without the "Master" part..."
[[Yes, Rex]]
Rex, who was apathetic towards fashion and design, had no idea what kind of scabbard fitting of the dual daggers. So instead of brooding on it, he decided to ask the beings, "Now tell me, what kind of design would you like?"
[The outer appearance must be black, of course.]
[It also has to have silver lining.]
The two voices exchanged idea back and forth until they were satisfied with the design they had portrayed in Rex's mind. However, Rex noticed that they seem to have forgotten something.
"What about the emblem?" Rex pointed out, "All important looking swords in my father's collection all had an emblem on their scabbard."
[Really? Then we must have one.]
[Because we are important.]
"Hmm... How about having the same black wing insignia with crossed silver twin-daggers?" Rex thought it was the most logical idea, since it was already engraved on their blade. But his idea was quickly shut down.
[No way. It's too over the top.]
[Rex, you need to develop a better sense of style.]
Rex felt a vein popping out of his left temple, 'Well I'm sorry for not having any sense of style!'
"Then, what do you think of twin swords and a dragon on top of it? And of course, they'll be engraved in silver." Because of the design the two had agreed upon, Rex had concluded their favourite colours to be black and silver.
[I stand corrected. As expected of our Master, you have a sense of style.]
[The emblem I picture in my head looks nifty.]
At that moment, the egg inside his haversack chose to wiggle, as though it was agreeing to their comments and decisions. When suddenly, a woman in her mid-forties entered the room, and Rex bowed to her in greeting. Surprised, the woman fumbled to execute a small curtsey.
"I'm Mrs. Tibbs. Please excuse my clumsiness. It's been a long while since someone had bow to a lowly Leather Worker such as I." Mrs. Tibbs managed a smile and continued, "So, what can I do for you, Sir? Have you decided on the scabbard you want?"
"I have a design in mind. If you have a drawing paper, perhaps I can transfer my thoughts?" It didn't take a while for Rex to find out that Mrs. Tibbs came prepared, for she handed to him a roll of drawing paper within mere seconds.
Rex knew immediately that the drawing paper in his hands was no ordinary paper. "Mrs. Tibbs, this is...?"
Mrs. Tibbs smiled, "My husband told me you were a Magician. And since you were able to tell the difference, you must be at least an E Rank one."
Rex has heard of such items but, this was the first time he had ever seen one; a magic paper. "Then, this is really...?"
"You are correct in your assumption. This particular paper allows one to draw with mana. As a result, the contents drawn in can only be seen by Magicians." Mrs. Tibbs explained.
In one minute, Rex transferred the design in his head to the magic paper, including the emblem, and handed it over to Mrs. Tibbs.
"When my husband told me someone was buying those expensive daggers, and I knew it didn't have its own scabbard, I immediately measured them, so it won't take long to make them one. If you come with me, right this way to the sitting room, I'll serve you some cookies and drinks while you wait." Mrs. Tibbs led Rex to a blue and white room, with a very homey feel to it. Right when he was about to think of his family, he appreciated his thoughts being disturbed when Mrs. Tibbs said, "Please make yourself at home. My husband will be with you shortly, along with your daggers."
"Thank you, Mrs. Tibbs." Mrs. Tibbs looked back at the young boy and smiled in response, with sadness in her eyes, for the boy looked lonely. 'His family must have left him early.' She thought and walked towards her workroom.
[Rex, the shop owner is taking us out of the display window.]
"Thank you for telling me." Rex answered, and then recalled not discussing an important matter, "Speaking of which, you guys haven't told me your names."
[We are called "Infinity Aetherius".]
[It is not our complete name. We won't know of it until trust is form between us and our Master.]
Rex shook his head, "I don't mean the name of the dagger, but your individual names."
[We don't have one. You'll be our first and only Master.]
[Then Rex, please give us names. I'd like a cute name.]
"Umm... I'm bad with names..." Rex pondered, "How about Yale and Yuelia?"
[Ohhh, Yuelia. Very cute name. I like it.]
[You're much too humble, Rex. You came up with the perfect names.]
"Here you are, good Sir." Mr. Tibbs walked into the room, cutting off all ongoing conversation, while carrying a large wooden tray wherein lay the daggers. He handed the daggers to Rex, "As you can see, the daggers are sharpen and in good condition."
Rex stretched out his hands and said with conviction, "Mr. Tibbs, there's something with much importance that I would like to talk to you about."
Mr. Tibbs noticed the young boy's mood had changed for the better, and was glad to have the illusionary guillotine hanging on his neck, disappear. He relaxed by a fraction on reflex and asked, "What would you like to talk about?"
Rex at up straight on his chair, and clasp his hands on top of his thighs, "I would like to talk about business, Mr. Tibbs."
Mr. Tibbs feigned confoundment, "Business, you say? What kind?"
"The reproduction of magic paper." When Rex saw Mr. Tibbs was about to open his mouth, he waved a hand to stop him, "I'll do you the courtesy of not asking where you obtain it, so please don't play coy with me, Mr. Tibbs. If you or your wife were not expecting anything from me, you would have never shown the magic paper to me."
Rex was right in his assumption. However, Mr. Tibbs meant for it to be shown to the servant of the Merrick's house, and have him tell his employers, but not to the boy in front of him. He had forgotten to tell his wife that the buyer had changed, and she proceeded with the original plan.
"I... We... Umm..." Mr. Tibbs began to stutter an explanation, but Rex cut him off with another wave of his hand. "Let's move on. Now, you have my interest, so here's my offer. I want a small sample of the magic paper, the edge of the paper will suffice, and of course, I will pay for it. If the mass reproduction of the paper is a success, you will receive 10% of the shares. Even if the item does not sell, you will still have the payment of 1,000 Gold." Rex lifted his gaze to meet Mr. Tibbs' eyes, "And our response?"
At that moment, Mr. Tibbs was calculation the household annual income and expenses in his head:
[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2]
[br][/br]Shop Income: 10-30 Gold
Property Tax: 3 Gold
1 Child's Tuition: 5 Gold (for 3 years)
Misc. Expenses: 5 Gold[br][/br]
[/col][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#7499c4 bgcolor=#d2e4f2]
[br][/br]Total Expenses: 9.7 Gold[br][/br]
[/col][/box]
Mr. Tibbs' eyes began to form gold coins, "Sir... What did you say your name was?"
"Rex Avery. Do you need to see my ID card again?"
Mr. Tibbs suddenly stood up from his chair, "Wai— Mr. Avery from the House of Merrick?!" As he tried to sit back down, he stumbled and almost fell from his chair.
Rex also stood up, prepared to help Mr. Tibbs up. But when he saw that Mr. Tibbs had things under control, he sat back down. "I am from the House of Merrick. I would have thought you would recognise me, considering my request to hold onto the daggers."
Mr. Tibbs settled his initial shock, "You look different from the time I first saw you..." 'You're no servant, are you?' He wanted to ask but couldn't.
Mr. Tibbs wiped his brow, "My wife and I had already decided to take any offer that will allow us to send our children to school, so please allow me to accept your offer."
Rex drew up a contact, exactly the way his mother had taught him. Both he and Mr. Tibbs initialed both copies, and beside his initials, was a stamp; two crossed swords, with a dragon on top of it.
Mrs. Tibbs came in right after Rex had given the copy of the document to Mr. Tibbs, as though everything had went according to how they planned it, "The scabbard for your daggers are done, Mr. ..."
"Mr. Avery." Mr. Tibbs supplied, "Also, give him the sample Betsy."
"I have it ready right here." Mrs. Tibbs handed Rex a paper placed inside a wrapper.
"Mr. and Mrs. Tibbs, thank you for your conducting business with me. I will get the Solicitor of the Merrick Family to legalise the document. If you do not get a copy of that document within a month's time, send a message to the Duchess." With that, Rex left the store.
After 8 months of research, the Duchess was able to reproduce the paper, making the Tibbs' a happy family. Within the two years, the Tibbs accepted the Merrick's family offer to relocate to one of the Merrick's land for easier business dealings and to send their children to Sachael Academy, the best magic school ever built.
* * *
After he left the store, Rex headed to the only Magic Tower in Tyrenas that conducted S-Rank examination, the Magic Tower in Troia Academy City.
[No wonder you can hear us, Rex. Even for your young age, you're already taking the S-Rank exam.]
"Haha..." Rex let out a sheepish laugh. "Hear you? Does that mean there are others who can hear you?"
[Not anymore, since you are now our master.]
When Rex reached the Magic Tower and presented his letter of recommendation, the Tower Magician showed him so much respect that made him feel beyond uncomfortable.
After a few minutes, a High Magician approached him, "I apologize for their behaviour... You see, although we have an examination for S-Rank, you're the first soon-to-be S-Rank Magician to ever come here..."
Rex nodded in understanding, "How is the exam conducted?"
The High Magician did nothing but stared at Rex, "Did you not read the contents of the letter?"
Rex shook his head, "I have yet to learn how to read Mage Script, but the secretary who handed it to me, assured me it's a real sponsorship for the exam."
The High Magician nodded, "It is real, but your test is already being conducted."
Rex was confused, "What do you mean?"
The High Magician explained, "Your letter says, just like any other S-Rank exam, you need to have the capabilities to get your Eidolon to talk. As you might have already known, all Magicians will eventually get an Eidolon. In addition, Magicians and their Eidolon are believed to be destined for each other, but the majority of the Eidolons found in the world do not have the capabilities to talk. Even if you got a rare kind of Eidolon which has the capabilities to talk, getting it to talk solely depended on the Magician's aptitude." The High Magician examined Rex's reaction and continued, "According to your letter, it seems you already have an Eidolon, and when it talks, your rank will be automatically be updated."
Rex was shocked, "So what you meant to say is... the S-Rank exam is based on luck?"
The High Magician scratched his chin, "When you put it that way... I guess it is."
...
...
...
Rex was too aghast for words.
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From the Author
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A new place, a new map.
I apologise if the content seems rushed, I'm still in the process of getting better. I do hope you guys will find the next chapter (Chapter 4), more interesting. I'm very excited in finishing it up :D
- AnmesicCat
PS: You can also read the story in Japtem's FanFic section or Fable Wind for better reading.