Chapter 19 : The Friends Story

Duke Modrig sat at his desk, sipping his tea as he read the notice that had just arrived. His eyes narrowed as he realized that the knight he had sent to kill Roderick had not returned.

"Interesting," Duke Modrig said to himself. "It seems that Roderick was not as weak as I thought."

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he considered the situation. "Roderick must have been training."

Duke Modrig's eyes gleamed with excitement. "As expected of a former 5-Star Aura Knight of Modrig Family. Roderick was always a Great Commander."

But little did Duke Modrig know, Roderick was actually dead, killed by the knight he had sent. And Paul, the young boy with both aura and mana, was the one who had avenged Roderick's death, killing the knight and the money lender in the process.

Duke Modrig's eyes sparkled with intrigue as he summoned his youngest son, Felix, to his chambers. "Felix, I have a special task for you," he said, his voice filled with excitement.

Felix, a young man with a lean build and piercing blue eyes, bowed respectfully. "Yes, Father. What is it?"

"That 11-year-old trainee I told you about, the one who can use aura at such a young age... I want you to join the trainees for a month and observe him," Duke Modrig instructed.

Felix's eyebrows rose. "Observe him, Father? Why?"

"Because, my son, this boy's talent is unprecedented. I want to know more about him, and I want you to learn from him. Who knows, maybe you'll even surpass him," Duke Modrig said with a sly smile.

Felix nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "I won't disappoint you, Father."

Duke Modrig's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "I know you won't, Felix. Now, go and join the trainees. I want regular reports on this young boy's progress."

Felix bowed and left the chambers.

Next day , Kael stepped down from the carriage and onto the grand driveway of the Modrig Estate, his eyes wide with wonder. He had never seen such a magnificent sight before. The estate's sprawling gardens and towering spires seemed to stretch up to the sky.

As he looked around, a figure emerged from the entrance of the estate. It was Felix Modrig, the duke's youngest son. Felix was dressed in fine clothes, his piercing blue eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Ah, you must be the new trainee," Felix said, his voice smooth as silk. "I am Felix Modrig. Welcome to our estate."

Kael bowed respectfully, trying to hide his awe. "I'm Kael, sir. Thank you for the welcome."

Felix smiled and clapped Kael on the back. "Come, let's get you settled in. You'll be training with us for the next month. I'm sure you'll find it... enlightening."

As Felix led Kael into the estate, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had heard rumors about the Modrig family's ruthless tactics, and he wondered what lay ahead.

Meanwhile, As Kaira stepped into the grand hall of the Red Mage Tower, she was struck by the majestic sight before her. A male mage, clad in a crimson robe with a flowing red cape, stood tall, his presence commanding attention. His piercing eyes and chiseled features seemed to radiate an aura of power and wisdom.

"Welcome, young one," he said, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "I am Mage Ryker, a 6-Circle Mage of the Red Tower. We've been expecting you, Kaira."

Kaira's eyes widened as she took in Mage Ryker's impressive figure. She had heard of 6-Circle Mages, a rank of great power and prestige, and she felt honored to be in his presence. She bowed respectfully, trying to hide her awe.

"Thank you, Mage Ryker. I'm honored to be here," Kaira said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mage Ryker smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're glad to have you, Kaira. You have potential, and we aim to help you unlock it. Come, let us begin your journey."

With that, Mage Ryker gestured for Kaira to follow him, leading her deeper into the mysteries of the Red Mage Tower. Little did Kaira know, her arrival had set off a chain of events that would soon entangle her in a web of magic, politics, and adventure.

Meanwhile, Lyrian sat at his desk, pen in hand, writing a letter to his dear friends Paul, Kael, and Kaira. He had arrived at his family's estate yesterday and was eager to share his news with them.

"Dear friends," he wrote, "I hope this letter finds you all in good health and spirits. I arrived at the capital yesterday and am settling in well. The journey was long, but the scenery was beautiful. I wish you were all here to see it with me."

He paused, thinking about what to write next. "I was thinking about our fun together and couldn't help but smile. I hope you are all doing well and that our separation has not dampened your spirits. I miss you all dearly and look forward to the day we can reunite."

Just as Lyrian finished writing the letter, his mother called out from downstairs. "Lyrian, dinner is ready! Come down at once!"

Lyrian sighed, putting down his pen. He would have to finish the letter later. He folded the parchment and sealed it making a mental note to send it out in the morning.

He made his way downstairs, his stomach growling in anticipation of the meal ahead. His mother had likely prepared something delicious, and he couldn't wait to taste it. Little did he know, his friends were all embarking on their own adventures, and their paths would soon cross again in unexpected ways.