Ascent

"Wow," the older guy exclaimed, eyes glued to the wasted monsters. "What an outstanding strength she has!"***Outside the ruins, in a peculiar chamber in the Magic Sanctuary, two men sat on dark stone seats. Something shining like a diamond made up the wall. It refracted like adamantine steel and glowed with a silvery-blue light like stellarite.Beside one of the men stood Magnus Alaric, arms crossed. His face showed intense focus and respect. He seemed to be on the go, ready to take on any order.The two men, the only Magi Lords in the world, were the heads of the sanctuary. They focused on a large wooden board a safe distance ahead. This particular board glowed with words, displaying ten names and points.One of them, Lord Arkenzie, sat straight and imposing on the obsidian dark stone seat. His blue robe shimmered with an eerie glow, as though woven from the fabric of a dying flame. His molten gold eyes stayed on the board without relent.In his hand was a short staff of blackened wood, crowned with a jagged crystal that crackled with raw magic.The other, Lord Zeydar, sat with the same countenance. But with contrasting features. He wore silver and azure, a kind of attire that rippled like liquid moonlight. He had snow-white hair that flowed past his shoulders. Tattoos marked his face. He carried two twin blades, shimmering as though forged from lightning itself.These two men were the only direct magi descendants in the world. The omnipresent hall sent them to keep balance between magic. And at the same time, help humanity grow higher in magic practice. They might not look it, but they have lived in the world for decades now.Lord Zeydar's tone was calm and gentle. He locked eyes with the candidate in fourth position displayed on the board and said,"This female creature has some potential. She has gained more points in a short period of time. Does this mean she might get to the top?"Magnus glanced at him, about to say something. But the other Magi Lord, Arkenzie, interrupted him without knowing it."Chances are decisive. Also, success is for those who seize certain moments, not the talented or strong. Anyone could turn the tables at any time."After ensuring that it was time to come in, Magnus started, bowing his head."Both of you are right, my lords. I know a few things about the lady. She's from an influential merchant family in Eldengrove: the Kingsleys. Everyone knows her as a spoilt brat. And her only outstanding skill is archery. That's due to her family hunting with the royals at times. Most of the public knows most of the family's information. This is due to their direct royal lineage."Lord Zeydar nodded his head, focus never reverting from the board. "Let's see how someone will soon turn the top ten rankings. After that, will we decide on the top three sets."Magnus Alaric bowed his head. Then, he glanced back at the board. Still, he couldn't forget the genius student. That student who had achieved an excellent result in the last test. Was he among the top ten scorers currently displayed on the board? He didn't know.***Zmey had checked the manual and map over and over again.But something stared inside him.On the 300th page of the manual, the documenter discussed a variety of beasts. They were more threatening than other Elemental Spirits beasts. Their unique powers made them so. Zmey was sitting on a sturdy rock by a lakeside. The Spark Bug stood tall behind him, a guardian on his journey.He rubbed his chin, holding the manual with one hand. He creased his brows as he accessed his thoughts on this."They will rank us at the end of this assessment. That will depend on the number of creatures we are able to defeat. Of course, I must have got points with the bugs I killed earlier. But..." he shifted his weight, adjusting his seating position, "... they're not that much worth mentioning as a threat. Only my brute strength did the work. Why take down lesser ones, getting lesser points, but not the most threatening ones? If I manage to take down three to four riskier beasts, I will get high in the ranking."He nodded his head, sealing the thoughts. He watched the sky for a few moments, the flowing sound of water like a melody in his ears. The sky was unchanging—remaining pitch black.He believed there was neither day nor night here. It was just what it was.He picked up his sword lying on the rock by his side. And he turned around, inching closer to the waiting bug.He thought, looking at it, 'Follow me. I will need your attack roll where I'm headed.''I'm happy to be of help to you,' Spark replied in a tone of neutrality.Zmey chuckled in a soft tone. Somehow, the tame seemed like a reincarnation of him or something. The way it acts and responds... very much like himself.Putting that aside, he strode with care towards the waiting forest heart. He glanced over his shoulder at Spark, who walked at his pace.He faced forward.'It's what it is. Seems we're getting on well after all. But I don't think I will summon it that much. I sense a growing frustration with working alongside anyone.'