Chapter 5: Returning Home

"Let's go"!

Trace was excited now that he got an ally. Moreover, this ally seemed knowledgeable and dependable. He forgot how his ally tired to kill him and loot him a while ago.

"You can start looking for clues from master's castle", Trace proposed.

The more Trace thought about it the more exaggerating Darkseal's image became in this mind. Maybe Darkseal was a detective or a spy because he found about the treasure. And the techniques Darkseal showed so far could only be described by one word in Trace's mind: Awesome.

"Master's Castle"? Darkseal interrupted Trace's thoughts. He was extremely confused since he had never heard of the title 'The Greatest Magician of the Century'. Who would be crazy enough to call himself that?

Darkseal looked at his two rings, then at Trace's three rings. The more you know the less arrogant you become. Perhaps, the master was a Level 4 Sorcerer since his apprentice was Level 3. What were the chances of a Level 5 Sorcerer? Darkseal felt a chill down his spine. Central Holdinberg only had two Level 3 Sorcerer. But if you focused on facts, one of the two Level 3 Sorcerer was currently out of Central for a mission. A single Level 4 Sorcerer could beat tens of Level 3 Sorcerers singlehandedly. Forget about Level 5 and above.

"Yes, it is only a few miles North from here". Trace quickly replied.

Darkseal shook his head, a slight grin escaped his lips.

"Why? Didn't you promise?" Trace mood suddenly hit rock bottom. Before he could speak more rebellious words. Darkseal interrupted.

"Can you not see the fog?" Darkseal pointed towards the Retention Line.

Trace looked around and saw no fog. Hit by a sudden realization he immediately turned to check if Darkseal was still here.

Darkseal did not know whether to laugh or cry. This lunatic's thoughts were easily readable from his actions and face. Level 3 Sorcerer's cannot see the fog. Darkseal concluded.

"I am a Level 2 Sorcerer. I cannot cross the foggy Retention Line to go to North Holdinberg". Darkseal said showing his two rings.

"Retention Line? Fog? I have come to Central Holdinberg when I had two rings... You are lying mister, please keep your promise".

Darkseal's breath quickened. He was hundred percent sure that this kid was not lying. Was there a way to cross the Retention Line as Level 2? It might be possible if your master is Level 5. 'Can I do it too? Can I get out of this place?' What a crazy day!

"Ahem", Darkseal composed himself. Even if a drowning man finds a boat he should be suspicious of what is in it. Presence of the boat itself does not make a drowning man safe.

"Did you master not tell you that normal people cannot travel across regions in Holdinberg? If you can help me cross the regional barrier, I will follow you".

Trace was still suspicious but after seeing Darkseal's solemn expression he calmed down and thought about it. Master taught his a lot of things but rarely mentioned Holdinberg. Folding his right sleeve this time, Trace showed his bracelets to Darkseal.

"I do not know much about Holdinberg. Master gave me this bracelet that time when I first came to Central Holdinberg for shopping", Trace said, pointing towards one of the many bracelets.

Darkseal's jaw dropped on seeing the bracelets on Trace's right hand. Last time he checked Trace's left sleeve. What if he had checked the right sleeve? He tried to take a closer look at the bracelets but Trace hid them away. Maybe he could have stolen one of these but since these bracelets did not show up in the sisters' spell there could not be as impressive as the one that did.

"Listen...ki..Trace, it might be a wearable treasure. Let me touch it while we cross the Retention Line. If it works, I will follow you until we find your master". Darkseal quickly explained.

Trace did not want anyone to touch his precious bracelets. So he put down his sleeves so Darkseal could touch the bracelet only though his shirt.

Darkseal had no other choice so he went with it. He touched the bracelet through he shirt but nothing changed. Still, they walked towards the Retention Line together. Normally, if a person below Level 3 entered the foggy space he would would walk right out of the same spot his entered. Darkseal tried to cross the line on many occasions but the fog always threw his out. For the first time he was nervous while entering the fog. In the past he knew the result would always be the same but this time there was hope. Beyond the fog was the world he dreamt of. Could he cross it?

After walking a certain distance they managed to land at the other side. The bracelet worked about after! But was this the world Darkseal dreamt of?

Darkseal took a step forwards and took a deep breath out of excitement. Only to feel instant regret. North Holdinberg air was suffocating like the rumors said. It was like razor blades washed down is lungs. Only after activating a healing spell, he took the next step in Holdinberg.

On the other hand, Trace was happy after entering North Holdinberg. He felt naturally refreshed. After seven days, finally, he returned with a satisfied expression. Getting an ally could be a major step in his mission to find his master. Without looking at Darkseal, Trace continued to walk towards his master's castle humming a happy tone. Totally lost in his world.

Looking around, he saw the streets were not much different than Central Holdinberg. Staring towards the sky, it was the same old gray. If there was no Yuushine Family, no way he would have spent more than a minute in the North.

Darkseal felt unsettled, this was not the world he dreamt of. Although, he had stabilized himself and was not feeling as much pain in breathing, his mana was depleting at a constant rate. He had to keep activating the healing spell if he wanted to survive in North Holdinberg. With no choice left, he continued to follow Trace. Towards the castle of the so called Greatest Magician of The Century.