Chapter 49: Acceptance

To my surprise, Roselia sent me an invitation to become her direct disciple. How can I refuse such an offer? Yet before I could give an answer, I saw Roselia continue to speak, which answered my earlier doubt.

"I solidified my thoughts on you becoming my disciple after I saw your connection to Testa-Rossa. Us Witches often watch over potential Awakeners. I did not initially see you as one until what played out here. We assign a Witch to help guide Awakeners through their trials to obtain the Divine Knight. It will be dependent on your personal effort if you do complete the trials, however.", Roselia said, clearing away any remaining doubts I had.

The question is, should I tell Roselia what I had just seen at the very end before Testa-Rossa kicked me out?

"I see. About that actually...", I began to say. Roselia hadn't learned of this yet, so I figured she should be aware of it. Especially if she becomes my Master.

"Umu. What is it? Having second thoughts already?"

"Heh. Not exactly. This isn't about becoming your disciple. You see, Testa-Rossa left me with some parting words shortly after your Astral Form left my mindscape.", I answered. I didn't expect Roselia to turn wide-eyed from this.

"Testa-Rossa actually spoke to you?"

"Indeed. Testa-Rossa is looking forward to seeing my future growth, and becoming stronger. Testa-Rossa also suggested you to become my Guide, Rose. And if that can't fit the bill, perhaps you can find a Guide to fill in your shoes.", I responded. Hearing that, Roselia laughed.

"Haha! So that was the case. I had my doubts as to why that happened. Testa-Rossa did leave me with a parting gift as well, in the form of excess Mana. My recovery period has shortened, albeit just by a tiny bit. Still, I was able to divert some of this excess Mana to save for Emma and Vita. And well, if you become my disciple, it'll involve you too. Perhaps this was Testa-Rossa's way as a welcome gift for you, Naoto.", Roselia said, letting out a rare laugh.

"You received some Mana from Testa-Rossa? And what is this about being a welcome gift?", I questioned, gaining interest. It looks like Roselia was dead set on me becoming a Witch's disciple. That does sound pretty cool, doesn't it? Father can teach me combat and how Combat Orbments work, and I'll be able to further utilize Magic!

I was pretty curious as to what Roselia was referring to in regard to the welcome gift, so I decided to ask. I saw Roselia nod her head.

"Umu. This Mana I received is not enough to let me fully recover, but I was saving most of my Mana that I can set aside to create a Familiar for Emma and Vita. Familiars are magical constructs created solely to serve a Witch, and assist them in their daily lives, whether it be feeding them additional Mana, or assisting them in battle. And well, Testa-Rossa just so happened to leave me with enough Mana to create a third Familiar. They also help promote the growth of a Witch's Mana, as they share direct links to Zemuria's Spirit Veins. So how about it? Do you have an interest in studying magic?", Roselia asked me.

"I do!", I immediately responded, nodding my head. Anticipation appeared in my eyes. "And with you suggesting that welcome gift, you'd grant me a Familiar right off the bat?"

"I appreciate your eagerness. I would have to perform the incantation to create Familiars once we arrive back at the village. Then, one shall be made for you. Do keep in mind once the incantation starts, it will be directly bound to your soul, just like that system-thingy of yours. I do not know the extent of whatever that system-thingy is. But we can study at our own pace, and this way you'll be able to meet the other Witches too.", Roselia said.

"You're going to bring me into your village? But what about my current matters?", I decided to ask. It's not like I can really drop the ongoing items I have right now.

"Be grateful, boy. I am graceful enough to let you settle your ongoing matters before I bring you into my village. Besides, it looks like that father of yours already has plans to take you someplace else after I depart. It is likely you will be departing Trista later tonight.", Roselia said with a playful grin. As for me, I was surprised again.

"Eh? Father is going to take me somewhere again soon?"

"Indeed. Take this.", Roselia suddenly said, distracting my current surprise. Reaching into her clothing, she grabbed a wooden talisman of sorts. It had the insignia of the Hexen Clan on it, and then tossed it my way.

"I won't be around after today. Once you are ready to tread the path of Magic, use this talisman. It will call upon me. My village, Eryn Village, is currently hidden away from the plain eye, you will not be able to enter it normally. This talisman should be the best method of contact.", Roselia explained.

"Got it. Thank you for everything, Rose. Once I have everything in order, I will use this talisman to call you.", I replied. I didn't understand how it worked. I can't exactly use Mana, so will it just directly respond to me if I say my voice or something?

Roselia saw my doubt, and decided to answer for me. It even served as a little lesson, which surprised me.

"All things contain Mana, Naoto. You, me. The plants and trees around us. Humans. Creatures. Even Monsters and those in the beyond. No matter how miniscule one's Mana Signature is, it can be used. I have already linked this Wooden Talisman to your Mana Signature. It will respond when you are ready. You needn't lift a finger.", Roselia said, explaining how the Wooden Talisman worked. I let out a chuckle.

"Haha! Thanks, Rose. I guess this will be for now, huh?"

"Indeed. Till then, Naoto.", Roselia said, concluding our conversation. It really was enlightening having this entire chat with her. I am not sure if I felt alone prior to this, considering that I'm a reincarnator and all that, but as she said, acceptance is the first step. I think I can safely continue progressing my way forward with what I want to do from here on. My life now resides in Zemuria. If I really want to, I can create a small grave somewhere to honor my family of my previous life. One that no one else but Roselia can honor.

But I did gain interest by one thing Roselia said. And she started to do this shortly after we left my mindscape. She initially addressed me as "boy", but now she's starting to address me as my first name. Naoto.

A smile appeared on my lips. Anticipation filled my eyes, wanting to see where all of this will lead. Will I be able to learn enough Magic by the time I go off-grid and enter the DG Cult?

At the very least, this path has opened up to me. Since Vermillion Eyes unlocked EP Boost I, my EP has already started to skyrocket just merely gaining seven levels from completing that Emergency Quest. I'll have to see if my Status will consume EP when Mana is consumed. Normally it'd be its own parameter called Mana Points, or MP for short. I am not sure if my connection with Testa-Rossa during that brief period has changed anything either, so I'll need to investigate my Status a bit once things settle.

And on top of that, Roselia is even offering me my own Familiar...

In the games, Vita ends up receiving Grianos, which is a nightingale. Emma receives Celine, which is a black cat. I've always wanted a fox-like Familiar of my own, so this might come to fruition.

Either way, I'll have to let my family know I may be away for a period of time. Or perhaps even ask Roselia an exception to travel to and from Eryn Village back to my home here in Trista. I don't want to miss out on any scheduled play dates with Elie, or spend my remaining time with my little brother, Rean. And once Eryn Village opens up, the play dates might increase to include people like Emma. I'm pretty sure she's around my age.

What matters at this very moment though, is what Father has in store for me. From what Roselia had brought up, it looks like I'll be heading somewhere. As I saw Roselia cast another teleportation incantation to leave my room, I began to wonder where it is Father will take me.

Yet little did I know that I would encounter a couple of secret agents sent directly by the Erebonian Imperial Family, who were currently waiting outside for me to greet them...