Too much work

' This...'

' To think he would have something like this. I can now understand why he is stronger than others of his age, why he can already move after such a wound, and most importantly of all, why he could yield a wisp of ovzgûn.'

I sighed

'This kid has a tattoo graved on his HEART ! This is just insane. ' I yelled in my mind.

So I started to observe the tattoo to know from which tribe it came. It was a complicated design. But a strangled voice reached my ears before I could look at it further.

" Baru... I can't hold on. It became painful," said Yalak with difficulty.

'Of course, my energy must enter in conflict with his since he has a tattoo.'

" Sorry, Yal, I'm finished."

I took back my ovzgûn and looked profoundly at Yalak, who was huffing as if he had just run ten kilometers.

" Is there something wrong with me"

" No, there isn't anything wrong with you. You won't have any side effects. Which means my experience is a success."

" Isn't that great news ? Why are you still making such a dramatic face ? Shouldn't you be jumping around with enthusiasts?"

" It's only the start. True, I achieved what I wanted. But it's a weak and simple mask. Besides, it takes up a lot of place on your face. I need to work hard to improve these points."

'I'm glad, believe me, but what I saw is crazy ! I don't know what to think ! If I wasn't acting, I would lay down stunned for the day.'

' What am I gonna do? If the chief learned it, he could ban Yalak from the tribe. He can be stupid at times. I can't let him go. Who will I talk of my mysterious character with otherwise?'

Yalak was looking at me, pacing back and forth, a hand on my chin.

' Should I reveal it to him? But can he keep a secret? He his a kid, after all.'

'What to do? He has a monstrous potential; it would be a waste if he stayed here. He reminds me a bit of my young self. Should I take him as a student? Let's first ask some questions before deciding.'

"Yalak, you want to know more about tattoos, right ? "

"Yes, I want to"

"Before we continue, I would like to ask you a question out of curiosity, do you think me wanting to create a legend with Cyrin is ridicule ?"

" No, I admire it more. Not everyone can claim to have a goal in their life. Besides wanted to create a character that people will remember for years and be the only one to know who he really is, it is super cool !"

' I like this kid more and more.'

" Another question, are you also interested in tailors and mask making or only in tattoos?"

"Well, I'm a bit curious on this subject, but not as much as tattoos."

' Hmm, it's quite normal for a kid not to know if they are fond of something or not. They don't have many experiences. It'll do for now. Let's try it.'

"Would you like to be my student ?"

'hehe, If you become famous, it will only benefit Cyfrin and be one of his achievements. I will make you the very best of the best. And for that, you will have to go through my hellish training'. I thought with a wide-spread smile.

...

[Yalak POV]

'He wants me to become his student !' I was a bit taken aback. I always thought Baruba wasn't the kind to want to pass down his legacy. 'There is still something fishy. He used his energy to observe me, it wasn't supposed to hurt, but it did. Then you tell me I got nothing to worry whereas you looked stunned for a second. And now you want to make me your student.'

I was unsure what to answer. His reaction made me doubt it. 'He wouldn't be taking advantage of me, is he'

I was hesitating, but deep down, I had already chosen. 'I simply can't let this opportunity go. If I accept, not only will I get the information I wanted, but I will also be able to learn how to make tattoos and magical items like the wolf mask !'

"Alright, I accept" his grin became even wider, making a disturbing and slightly scary face.

"Marvelous, you are officially the first disciple of Cyfrin."

"Disciple of Cyfrin ? What ! You don't need to teach me how to act mysteriously. I'm better at this than you."

'With all the films, series, novels, and manga I read and watch, I surely know more.

Baruba seemed to think it over.

" It's a bit strange, but I feel like you are telling the truth. Well, then, I will be teaching mask-making, the art of tattoos, and how to be a tailor. No negotiation possible."

" it's good with me," I replied excitedly.

" So, where do we start ?"

" You'll first tell me if you come from this tribe or another."

'!?, how did he know I and Zala were coming from another tribe isn't exactly a secret, but no one talks about it. I only know it because Vae told me.'

" How did you know ?"

" I will tell you when you'll have passed your first test. From which tribe are you from ?"

" I don't know. Vaela told me that Zala and I were brought here thanks to a bird. It drops us on the lake."

"Mhmm, Zala too !" he said, surprised.

"that may explain a lot of things," I heard him whisper.

" Explain what ?"

"Nothing, Your task will be to make the mask take his physical form. It will take much more energy to make it happen."

'Great, I wanted to do it anyway.'

Baruba went to fetch some paper, a brush, and a draw that he gave to me.

" You will also need to reproduce this draw perfectly. Restart it as long as it doesn't match perfectly. And for the last task, I give you. You will have to sew a t-shirt and shorts from this snow-white tiger fur."

'All this ! Hopefully, he will give me enough time to do it all !'

"You have a week."

"..."

"And don't think about missing the survival class with the other orphans."

"But I'm wounded !"

"Who said we will fight ?"

'Sigh, it will be a tough week. The most difficult will be the clothes. Not only it's the less attractive, but it will be the longest. I don't even know where to start.'

"Oh, and don't ask me any questions. I won't answer them."

'Even better !'

"But I don't even know where to start for the clothes !"

"You can ask the villagers. They know the basics."

"Fine"

'At least the draw won't be difficult. Thank Mom, for all your drawing class ! I hope you're all well and happy, by the way,' I let out a long regretful sigh. 'I miss them a lot.'

"Alright then, I shall go and start."

" You better," he said with a light chuckle.

'This bastard purposely gave me too much work. I swear...'