Chapter 3 –
After the disaster caused by Sylryk, a rope of light had stopped him before escaping.
As he turned, he recognized the three approaching him.
Two of them were the same ones who had been doing a magic show in the plaza minutes earlier.
Now they were with a fourth member:
A tall young man with very short blond hair, covered by a dark hood.
A beautiful young woman with violet hair tied in a long braid, emerald eyes, and a playful smile.
And a robust man with a soft beard, muscular arms, and a carefree laugh.
—What are you trying to do? —asked the blond, arms crossed, glancing sideways at him.
—You must be a rookie —added the muscular man with a deep yet relaxed voice.
—A talented one, by the way —said the girl, smiling as she approached.
Sylryk, still trapped by the rope, watched them with distrust.
—What exactly am I supposed to do? I don't understand anything —he replied, almost defiantly.
The blond looked at him sideways, as if evaluating him.
—Didn't the old man who brought you say anything?
—Not really. But... my body feels strange.
—It's the magic —said the muscular one, shrugging—. It's strange that you feel it so strongly. Most of the "arrivals" have so little that they barely notice it. You seem... unstable.
The girl looked at him even more closely.
—Hey, Kael —she said to the blond, revealing his name—. If this guy is like us... how about we take him with us?
Kael remained thoughtful.
—Hmm... maybe. I'm not sure yet.
—I just want to understand more of this. I'll make my own path —said Sylryk firmly.
The muscular one laughed.
—I like your attitude! Also, you're pretty attractive...
—I'm not into those sexual preferences —Sylryk replied without looking at him.
—And he's cold too... I love that! —said the muscular man, dramatically placing a hand on his chest.
Sylryk thought silently: This guy is weirder than I imagined...
—Alright —Kael intervened—. But let's go quickly before they charge us for the disasters you caused.
—Ysera! —he called the girl—. Get us out of here.
She snapped her fingers. A magic circle opened beneath their feet and, in a bright flash, they all disappeared.
---
The group appeared in a remote area, under a cloudless blue sky. The wind was gentle and the hills rolled in the distance. It was a clean field, with a few small houses built of white stone and light wood.
—Look! That's our house! Isn't it pretty? —said the muscular one proudly.
—Not really —Sylryk replied without thinking.
The muscular man looked hurt.
—Ouch… how cruel.
—Leave him alone —said Cael, annoyed.
Ysera approached Sylryk again, as if examining him.
She touched his shoulder, then his chest, even his ribs. Sylryk didn't even blink.
—Not a single reaction… interesting.
—This place is calm —explained Cael—. There are no strange creatures or suicide missions here. But in other areas… yes.
—Strange things?
—Of course —said Ysera, crossing her arms—. Creatures, beasts, monsters... isn't it exciting... or are you scared?
—This is how you earn a living if you have magic —added the muscular man—. Not everyone can.
Sylryk: So it's things like that, huh… he thought.
Kael crossed his arms.
—You say you want to forge your own path, right?
—Yeah. Just teach me the basics —said Sylryk—. I'll figure out the rest on my own.
—Then I'll take care of it! —said the muscular one excitedly—. You look like you're good at combat.
—But you've never killed, right? —asked Ysera more seriously—. I think you'd be better off with weapons first, not magic.
—I prefer close combat —affirmed Sylryk.
—Then, Kalven —said Cael, revealing the muscular one's name—, take care of training him. I have other matters... not related to magic tricks.
Cael turned around and left.
Kalven took Sylryk to an open terrain, surrounded by stones and tall trees.