Second test passed-Girl gained
A petite, cheerful woman approached me, her smile warm and welcoming. "Congratulations, Ethan Blackwood," she said, her voice like a gentle melody. "You have successfully completed the Dark trail."
She was clearly above my age, but she is short than me. Strange.
I paid no attention to her compliment since she most probably said this to everybody.
Several mages had already arrived, their expressions ranging from smiles to sad faces. Some have visible injuries, their robes torn and their faces full of with exhaustion. One young woman was with her eyes wide with terror, was being comforted.
Just then A tall, curvaceous woman with red hair and striking green eyes stepped forward, her face full of confidence.
She was a wearing a black tank top, with her navel exposed with her big breasts visible from her skin tight figure. Also those navel is very round and perfect circle with smooth, sun-kissed skin.
"Congratulations to those who have made it this far," she announced, her gaze sweeping over the remaining participants. "Now, you will face your second: Mage combat."
It was duel among the participants. The first battle pitted a fire channeler against an earth transmutator. Both of their magic is pretty mediocore or nothing noteworthy
The channeler, with her raw power, initially has the upper hand, but the transmutator quickly adapted to his opponent skills. With a clever spell, he transformed the earth under the channeler's feet with quicksand, trapping him and winning.
That reminds me I should pick up some transmutator in my army. They would be good healers and will nice support.
Finally my turn came. My first match was against a young man with blonde hair. He was a channeler with his specialty in fire elemental, but he seemed hesitant, almost as if he didn't want to be there.
Why do I get these kind of opponents. That creepy girl in last test is very good. Talking about her, she finished her match beating her opponent sadistically while licking her lips while gazing at with a wink.
I created a water whip. The boy raised a wall of flame, but my whip, infused with my water affinity, pierced through it like butter cutting spreading it aside and hit him.
He was knocked out aside. I used my whip again and binded him and tied tightly.
Good thinking. Now I don't have fight to him. I couldn't help but feel a bit sad for him, he really looked like he didn't want to come here.
"Number 199 wins. " The examiner with sexy tanktop top announcing me as winner since he was unable to compete.
I just went to a corner and tried to concentrate more on my conjuration magic, how to create shape and imagine various ways I could create magic. Suddenly I got an idea that I should build up team based on high level mages.
The problem is to how to look for them. I should start with it.
I found the red-haired examiner standing while having completed all the tests. She caught my gaze, she had a thoughtful expression was on her face. I approached her, hoping to gather info from an outsider.
"Excuse me," I began,my voice polite and curiosity. "I was wondering if you could offer some advice to a junior mage like myself."
She turned to me, full of excitement "Advice, you say? What kind of advice" She said with confident smirk.
"I want to look for strong mages. I want them to be my acquainted with them" I bluntly asked.
"Oh! I like that passion. If you're looking for truly powerful mages, You should seek out the rumors and whispers that circulate in the taverns and marketplaces, they are mostly true and could lead you to hidden gems Trust your gut and find them."
Oh! That's true. I guess I am sheltered nobel who missed the point of interacting with new villages. Staying too long at the castle has rot my brain.
Finding best companions is like treasure hunt.
"And what better place to start my search for strong mages when they are it's in front of me " I said teasing her a bit.
"Eh? " She replied oblivious.
She might be an augmenter. Simple minded and pure.
"You?" I answer, surprising her.
"I-I don't know what you are saying but, I am not that good " She said while holding both of her cheeks sideways in embarrassment while shyly smiling
"Will you accept my offer? " I asked, hoping. No making sure she joins with me.
She chuckled, a low, she replied while scratching her head. "My name's Flare, and I'm one of the most sought-after fire mages, why should I accept your offer. I am a very busy woman"
I met her gaze with a confident smile, with my voice being little teasing. "I'm sure you are. But perhaps you could spare some time for a fellow mage who's eager to learn from the best. I'm particularly interested you."
A small smile filled on Flare's face. "Oh?" she thought for a while. "And what makes you think I'd be willing to share my secrets with you. Boy?" And asked the question in her mind."Because I'm not just any boy," I replied, my voice dropping low. "I'm Ethan Blackwood, heir to House Blackwood. And I'm not afraid to use my resources to get what I want."Flare's eyes widened slightly, with amusment on her face. "Well, well, Boy" she said, her voice husky while she was patting and rubbing my hair. "You certainly have a way with words, little prince. Perhaps we could come to an arrangement. I do appreciate a man who knows what he wants.""I like you, boy" She whispered me while She reached into her pocket and shoved it inside my pant pocket. "Come find me at the Coral Caverns, after the sun sets on the third day of the next full moon. We'll have personal talk.""Wait, you agreed to my proposal very quick. You seem to have faith in me " I asked her surprised to see her wanting to join under me quick."I mean...You seem adorable...and you are teen mage who defeated a grown man with single blow. I like to see how you grow up in future... I like you " She said while caressing my faceEmotions are welling inside her, she seeks a outlet. With a indecent cry, she hugged me without warning . She patted my head. That was awkwardI don't know whether she was innocent or suggestive about her words, but I felt the creepiness of women today. What kind of bad luck."Ah! Lost lamb here you are " a very sweet sounding feminine voice is heard by me. I could hear the steps of a girl slowing walking to me.The girl is very familiar. I know who she is. I don't want to deal with her now.