Chapter 11

Translator Note: I am implementing a new writing technique for this novel, incorporating medieval language and themes to enrich the storytelling. Do you like this style? Should I continue with it?

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The boys arrived in Marbas under the shroud of night, a tapestry of pitch-black shadows veiling half of the eastern sky. Their journey to Jido had taken them through the formidable Roman Mountains, the rugged divider between the central and western realms of the continent. Dawn broke as they treaded the Roman Mountain road, an expedition made all the more intriguing by their lack of horses or carts, granting them an unspoken exemption from tolls.

"Should we bypass them?"

"Yeah."

As they delved into the mountainous terrain, winter descended, painting each word they spoke with visible puffs of white breath. Massive rock formations, like colossal screens, enveloped them, concealing the majestic summit views. The boys gazed skyward, enchanted by the breathtaking panorama.

"Aselle, look."

"Not far from there, a group of mountain goats were scaling steep cliffs. Aselle, captivated by his first encounter with mountain goats, exclaimed in awe. Ronan pointed at the goats.

"Give one of them a nudge with your telekinesis."

"Eh, I'd rather not."

"Come on, Aselle. It seems like you're growing some backbone. Levitate the one lagging behind."

"Alright, I'll give it a shot."

Following Ronan's guidance, Aselle extended his staff. The lagging goat ascended and swiftly reached the summit. Ronan chuckled with satisfaction, reveling in Aselle's newfound skills and the elegant spectacle of the levitating goats.

"Marya must have already reached. Don't you think?"

"She's likely faring well. Why, missing her?"

"N-No! It's not like that! I need to return the book, that's all!"

"It's alright, Aselle. I get it. You don't often encounter such a charming little thing. I was taken aback too."

"I'm telling you, no!"

The road exceeded Ronan's expectations, paved with circular stones wide enough for four carriages to traverse simultaneously, guarded ceaselessly by armed sentinels.

"Thank you for your endeavors, travelers."

"Thanks to you too. When military life feels like hell, just think about the misfits in the disciplinary unit. Those kids can't even rust properly."

"Th-Thank you."

Regular rest stops, a joint effort of the empire and the merchant alliance, proved a boon for travelers navigating the mountains.

"Money speaks, as always."

However, given the mountain road's nature, a few strategic disruptions could cripple the empire's trade routes. The Winter Witch, destined to emerge in a few years, wasn't labeled the empire's worst criminal without cause.

Ronan envisioned those who subdued the Winter Witch, savoring their heroic final moments.

"Perhaps… I could meet those two."

Shullifen vanquished the Winter Witch, both hailing from the Philleon lineage. For a fleeting moment, Ronan entertained the idea that encountering them could reshape the future.

"Chances are slim."

But Ronan quickly dismissed the notion. His plate was already full of pressing matters. After four days traversing the Roman Mountains, they bid farewell to winter and embraced the arrival of spring. On the distant horizon, a sprawling city captured their attention.

Jido Barun. The capital of the empire, guardian of the world for a millennium.

The duo arrived at Jido's eastern gate just before noon. With citizen papers obtained in Marbas, the inspection was nearly skipped. Passing rookie soldiers cleaning up, they admired the city's orderly view like a chessboard. The city, crafted by a genius, stood as a masterpiece.

"Wowww..." "Ugh, just write 'country bumpkin' on your forehead and be done with it."

Aselle marveled at Jido like an eager child, spinning around. Ronan, unimpressed, pointed north towards Philleon.

"That's Philleon over there." "The subcity of White Tower... Are we going straight there?" "No. Who wants to get trampled by the crowd?"

Instead, they headed to the market in Philleon, two days ahead of the practical exam. With registration done by mail, there was no need for the chaotic scene in Philleon.

"By the way, what happened to that feather?" "The feather...? Ah, that strange bird. You said it lives in Philleon's noble district, right?"

Ronan took out the blue feather from his backpack. It seemed to pulsate more intensely than usual. Aselle wondered about visiting Marfes but decided against it.

The lush tail feather pointed north, and their casual stroll led them to Philleon. Ronan, used to exploring, grumbled about the bustling city.

"Even to the end, they're making us work."

Squawk! Beep!

"What happened, Marfes?"

Varen Panasir awoke to Marfes' loud calls. He found the dream bird on his shoulder. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed the documents on his desk.

"Sigh… It seems like it won't be easy this time either."

Varen's study, atop Philleon's 13th Tower, provided a view of the northern sector. People were busy registering for the exam below.

Squawk!

"Why does professorial work never seem to get any easier… Should I return to being an explorer?"

Despite being in Philleon for three years, Varen found dealing with humans and bureaucratic affairs exhausting. Marfes nudged him, and Varen spoke to himself.

"Yes, I need to stay strong to meet my benefactor."

He recalled the incident a month ago when Marfes almost got lost. The person who saved Marfes was still a mystery.

"Even though all they did was save one animal… Can you believe someone could be that kind-hearted?"

"Hopefully, they haven't lost their feathers…"

Varen gazed out the window dreamily. Suddenly, two shadows floated up outside. One knocked gently on the window.

"Hey there."

"Whoa!"

Startled, Varen recoiled, stumbling backward. Two boys, one with black hair and another with red, floated mid-air.

"Who are you people?"

The red-haired boy screamed, mistaking Varen's mane for a lion. Marfes nudged Varen's shoulder, and he realized the blue feather he had retrieved was identical to the one the boys had.

"Professor, are you truly alright?"

"Yes. Both of them are guests I invited. Don't worry."

The guards surrounded Ronan and Aselle. Varen, sweating, apologized. The boys apologized too, and Ronan took out a tobacco stick, showing his intent to relax.

"Marfes, how have you been?"

The boys and Varen exchanged pleasantries. Varen offered them spots in his class and apologized for revealing his claws.

"By the way, you might need to improve as the new guardian. Those thieves, they were affiliated with kaliborro."

"Kaliborro… you say?"

"Yes, those bastards are persistently relentless."

Varen, enraged, hid his claws. Ronan reassured him and offered to help. As they chatted, Varen noticed a mysterious sphere in Ronan's pocket.

"What's in your right pocket…?"

"My pocket? …Oh, I was going to ask you the same thing."

Ronan revealed Marfes' egg, and Varen recognized it as the dream bird's. The unique mana emanating from it puzzled him.