The Day Before

Months passed quickly after Lucius' test in the woods. His family continued to care for him, but for some reason, he would only regain consciousness every few days to eat, and then he would pass out again.

During this time, he had spoken a lot with the voices in the white void. Though, he wasn't sure if the void was still white where the raspy one was, because it still wouldn't let him turn around to look at it.

While the kind voice seemed to be formless, he knew that the raspy one had a shape. He remembered clearly the hand he had seen placed on his shoulder back in the woods.

Because it was getting tiring referring to them as 'kind voice' and 'raspy voice,' Lucius decided he would just ask them their names. Of course nothing in life was ever easy, so they declined to provide them, saying that they would just go by whatever he wanted to call them.

Since they didn't seem to care, he readily agreed and named the raspy voice, Grimm and the kind voice, Luz. Thankfully, they seemed rather happy to have names given to them. Grimm was particularly fond of his.

"So why have I been asleep for so long." He finally asked the two beings.

Grimm laughed. "Cus, kid, Luz over there gave you the ability to use BEGINNER Rank Beast Arts. And you went and got all power hungry and pulled an Intermediate Rank skill out!"

"What do you mean?"

Luz chimed in, "The cost for using the arts before you were ready was keeping you from using them ever again, however you took more than was offered. As such you paid an additional cost, some of your life energy."

"Yikes…how many years did I shave off?"

"Not sure, but enough!" Grimm laughed. "Though you might earn it back."

"I can?"

"Eh…maybe?"

He couldn't see Grimm, but the tone of voice Lucius just heard told him that it had just shrugged during its response. All that Lucius could do was sigh.

"Will I wake up in time for the trial?"

"Oh yea, don't worry about it, kid. You'll be up in time to run around the woods pissing your pants from monsters in no time!"

"Thanks…" was all that he could say to the being who seemed to derive joy from teasing the boy.

Since he was stuck in this…void for several months, he did take time to learn some things from Luz. Grimm still refused to provide any advice on how to use his power, only ever saying 'it wasn't time yet' or 'you aren't ready for it.'

Luz on the other hand was ready to assist and even helped Lucius figure out how to tap into his power in the real world when under duress.

Both of them hoped that he would never have to use the technique since it was dangerous for others to see, but it was good to have a trump card prepared in advance.

*****

"Rena." A deep, booming voice called out to his daughter.

A cute girl with crimson hair and green eyes quickly stood to attention after hearing her father enter the room. The man was none other than Richard von Petra, lord of the Petra domain.

His entire being was imposing from his facial expressions to his body, to the way he carried himself. Every aspect of his being demanded respect and awe.

"Father, how can I assist you?"

"The trial begins tomorrow. I take it you have prepared appropriately."

"Yes, father."

"Good. Did you learn any magic?"

"No, father."

"Good."

Her father was not a gentle and kind person, and it was hard to know what he was feeling. However, this interaction was his way of showing his worry for his only child.

Going on this trial put her close to death's embrace, so it was natural for even him to be concerned.

Rena had been preparing for a long time on how to survive this, because she knew that it wasn't only beasts that she would be fighting. Everyone knew that she had a target on her back for the children of the Petra branch families who had children participating in this year's trial.

If Rena could be taken out, or somehow failed to leave the forest alive, then one of the branch family's heirs would take the position as head of the house next.

This person would have to pass some sort of test that Richard would provide, but it was a more open path to power than allowing Rena to live.

Warmth began to envelop Rena. The sensation was comforting, but also…unfamiliar. She looked up and saw that her father had approached and hugged her.

"Father…"

"Stay alive Rena…and stay away from Thomas."

"Mmm." Was all she could say to respond. She didn't want to ruin the moment and took in the once in a lifetime opportunity at physical affection from her father.

After a few minutes, he released her and left the room.

Rena continued to pack things and prepare for the trial. One of the first things she did was replace her standard dress that she was required to wear as the young lady of the house.

Instead, she put on a set of breathable clothes; a white shirt and tan pants. Her shoes were replaced by lightweight leather boots. Over the top of her clothes, she donned a set of leather armor that covered most of her vitals, but not much else.

Finally, she placed a shortsword around her hip and then strapped a dagger to her thigh. The goal was to survive, so she wanted to have just enough equipment to fight, but not enough to weigh her down when she ran.

A maid handed her a small satchel that she was able to wrap around one shoulder. Inside of it were a few rations and cloth wraps for bandaging wounds. One of the last things she attached to herself was a water skin.

"I think that about does it…right?" she asked.

Three maids had been in the room helping the young lady, Rena von Petra, prepare for tomorrow's trial. All of them held back tears due to their fear for her safety. Rena knew they enjoyed her company, and she enjoyed theirs in return.

"Don't worry. I will be back in a few days' time. Thank you all for helping me. I suppose I should get going."

Most trial participants showed up the day of, however Rena had already decided that she would be staying at an inn on the edge of town. She did not want to risk being ambushed on her way to the trial from the manor. If something delayed her, then she could end up banished from the domain for failing to complete the trial.

This would be one of the first times she ever stayed outside of her manor and she noticed a hint of excitement beginning to pound in her chest at the thought of experiencing something new.

Even though she was just as equally terrified, she was ready for something interesting to happen in her life that was different than the monotonous days in the manor.