To protect those I love.
To seek revenge.
To kill someone without certainty.
Kaelenus' words kept echoing in my mind.
He was right. Completely right.
But the fact that he was right irritated me.
"You think everyone is as good-hearted as you are, kid. That's naive. Not everyone is good, but not everyone is evil either. Still, by the time you figure that out, it might already be too late. All you need to do is protect yourself and the ones you care about. If someone starts attacking, talking things out isn't a solution. This isn't some fantasy world where we solve problems with words."
I never expected Kaelenus to offer advice this sincerely.
"I get it. As hard as it is for me to admit... you're right. But I still believe things can change. There's something we humans don't seem to understand. In other kingdoms, different races live together in peace. But in our kingdom, it's just humans. We use the others as slaves. And you expect me to see those races as evil and kill them? It's not fair."
Kaelenus let out a deep sigh. I could tell I was pushing his patience.
I know I can be annoying, but this world defies everything I understand.
"Whether or not we go to war with the other kingdoms is up to you. You don't have to obey the king. The order mark on your chest only commands you to kill the Demon King. As long as you complete that task, no one will question how you live the rest of your life. You've already absorbed every element in such a short time. If you learn to use them, you'll surpass most people in this kingdom. You won't need to obey anyone."
Damn it, Kaelenus was right again.
"You being right is so damn annoying."
Kaelenus turned around and walked toward the door.
After putting some distance between us, he raised his hand and waved.
"Good luck hanging there. If you're still alive in three hours, I'll come back and cut you down."
Wait—he's not going to untie me?!
I can't hang here for three hours!
Kaelenus closed the door and left.
I was trying to use plant magic with my legs to hold onto the tree, but I sucked at controlling it.
"I should've listened to Miyu and trained in elements besides fire…" I muttered to myself.
Fire magic.
My most mastered element.
But the ropes that bound me were enchanted—I couldn't burn them with fire.
I could try to burn the tree… but then I'd fall straight into the water.
I needed a different solution.
Ice, lightning, plant, earth, water, fire…
Nothing came to mind besides setting the damn tree on fire.
Sweat dripped down my body, making it even harder to hold on.
Maybe I could freeze the water beneath me with ice magic or at least cool it—but that would take too long.
Just as I was thinking of a plan, Luxanna showed up.
"What are you doing, hanging around like that?"
Her face showed a mix of confusion and mild amusement.
"I tied myself up like this. Thought maybe if the blood rushes to my brain, I'd get smarter."
The seriousness on her face gave way to a soft smile.
"So Kaelenus punished you again for talking back, huh?"
"You could say that."
Luxanna lifted the water with magic and freed me.
As I hit the ground, my head was spinning, so I just sat there for a moment.
"I don't get why you two can't get along."
She sat beside me.
"I guess it's just how we see the world. I don't know. He's harsh and ruthless. I'm not like that."
Luxanna looked into my eyes.
Up close, her ocean-blue eyes were even more beautiful.
"I know. I remember what happened on the goblin hunt. After that day, it makes sense that you'd struggle to kill again."
"Yeah… but today he asked me to kill a creature."
Her eyes widened in shock.
"What? Why? What kind of creature?"
"It was called a Succorath. Some demon realm monster."
Luxanna seemed to understand, but her expression made it clear she didn't approve.
"I see. So he brought the Succorath here—the same one from yesterday. You didn't want to kill it, and he punished you."
"Yeah, that's how it went. Though for the first time, he actually gave me advice. Usually, it's just sadistic training. But today… he really tried to teach me something."
"You've been spending every day together for a month now. You two must be like brothers by now."
"That guy could never be my brother. He trains me all day until I pass out. When I get home, I find out I've got bruises and broken bones everywhere."
"Kaelenus is a strict teacher, but I'm sure his training has a purpose. I don't know much about him, but he's supposed to be a legendary warrior. He even received some kind of award."
"What award? 'Most Sadistic Torturer of the Year'?"
Luxanna stood up, smiling, and reached out her hand.
"Come on, it's late. I've got a lot to tell you on the way."
I took her hand and got up. My dizziness had mostly faded.
"I guess not talking for a month gives you a lot to say. Let's see what you've got for me…"
"You missed me a lot this month, didn't you?" she grinned and started laughing. "By the way, did you hear? There's going to be some tests in two days."
"What tests?"
"Think of it like a military exam. If you pass, you become a Seeker."
Seeker? I had no idea what that was.
"What's that?"
Luxanna paused, tapping her finger to her lips as she thought about how to explain.
"Seekers are kind of like special forces for the kingdom. But instead of guarding the kingdom, they mostly explore outside regions. I'm a Seeker myself. That's why I've been gone for the past month."
"Ah, I see. So that's why you weren't around. And you want me to take this test too?"
"Actually, yes. You want to get away from Kaelenus, right? If you get your Seeker license, you can go on missions. You've already got access to all human kingdom magic—you're just lacking technique. Missions will give you experience, and we're usually sent out with someone older or a mentor. Plus… we could go on missions together. Wouldn't that be nice?"
I looked at her face. She seemed really excited.
That usual noble air about her was replaced by something softer, more charming.
But she was still out of my reach.
"Sounds logical. What have I got to lose? Getting away from Kaelenus and going on missions with you? Sounds perfect."
"Great! I'll come get you tomorrow, and we'll go register."
"Alright. Do I need to wear something formal? I hate that."
She laughed and walked ahead, turning back to face me.
"Nope. Wear whatever you like."
She waved.
"Good night, Cael. See you tomorrow."
"Good night, Lux."
She disappeared from view, and I watched her go.
It was much later than I realized.
I headed toward my room and opened the door quietly.
The scene wasn't very cheerful.
Miyu had fallen asleep by the table.
Seraphina was nowhere to be seen.
Elara was cooking.
"Welcome home, Cael. You're late tonight. Did training run long?"
"Thanks. And yeah, something like that. I had a little… disagreement with Kaelenus. But the good news is—I'm done with him."
Elara looked at me in surprise.
"You're done with him? How?"
"There's a Seeker exam tomorrow. If I pass, I won't need to train under Kaelenus anymore."
The confused look on her face didn't go away.
I thought she'd be happy—but she wasn't.
"I thought you'd be glad…"
She looked at me, unsure of what to say.
"Oh… well, yes, I'm glad. You're finally free from that man you hate. It's just… your training isn't finished. Are you sure this won't hurt you in the long run?"
"Well, yeah, it's not complete. But instead of suffering through his methods, I figure I'll gain experience through missions. Doesn't that make sense?"
Elara stayed silent. Usually, she had an answer for everything.
But not now.
"I suppose you're right. Real-life experience is more valuable. But if you become a Seeker, you won't come home often. What if you get hurt? I've always been the one to heal you. What if no one treats you properly and the wound becomes permanent? If you're going to be a Seeker, then I'm going with you."
"Are you sure? It could be dangerous. I don't want you risking your life just because I am."
"I'm sure. I know this world better than you do. I've got combat experience too. I can't let you go alone. Miyu and Seraphina can come with us too. Seekers often travel to places like the Abyssal Forest—Miyu always wanted to go there."
Suddenly, Miyu jumped up from where she was sleeping.
"WHAT?! THE ABYSSAL FOREST? WHEN ARE WE GOING?!"
Elara jumped too.
"Weren't you sleeping?!"
Miyu smirked confidently.
"An elf's ears are always alert—even in sleep. You humans wouldn't understand, but we elves are prepared even while unconscious. If danger comes, we can wake and fight in an instant."
I approached and smacked her on the head.
"Stop talking nonsense, idiot. You were totally faking sleep. And you're the hardest one to wake up."
Holding her head, she came closer with that know-it-all look again.
"Haha! You underestimate me, little human. We elves—"
I hit her in the same spot again.
"Ow! CAEL! That hurts!"
"Then stop calling me 'little human.' I'm 1.4 meters taller than you."
Miyu ran to her room, holding her head, then turned and stuck her tongue out before disappearing inside.
She really acts like a child.
I looked around again, but still didn't see Seraphina.
"Where's Seraphina? I haven't seen her."
Elara placed food on the table.
"She's in her room. Since you were late, everyone else ate and went to bed. Though… Miyu passed out here before she made it to bed."
"Do you think Seraphina would want to become a Seeker too?"
I wasn't sure. I didn't know much about her.
"Seraphina may seem cold, but she cares about you. The reason she trains with you so much is because she doesn't want you to get crushed by Kaelenus. She just doesn't know how to express her emotions."
I wanted to know her better.
I knew so little about her.
Would she want to come with us?
Was there even a real bond between us?
She always kept her distance.
Had she felt alone all this time?
I didn't know.
But tomorrow, Miyu, Elara, and I would apply for the Seeker Exam.
If Seraphina joined us too… I truly believed we'd be unstoppable.
I just hoped that belief wouldn't come back to haunt me.