Banquet

"State your names and classes," commanded Aezir.

"Jun Ferren, Black Novice," Jun said while looking at Aezir with admiration.

"Jia Ferren, Black Novice," said Jia, while slightly lowering her head in embarrassment.

"Geth Ferren, Violet Novice," a 17-year-old boy with green hair said.

"Shaia Ferren, Black Novice," said a girl with thick red hair as he respectfully looked at Aezir with her piercing red eyes.

"Heun Ferren, Violet Novice," another boy with black hair and eyes said.

"I am sure that you are aware of what is going on. I need to measure your knowledge about adventurers first. Tell me what you know," Aezir said.

"Adventurers are what we call all creatures who embark on the path of power. There are two main ways to pursue power; one is through the Mystic path, and the other is through the Rune path," Jun started.

"By the law of the universe, each creature, regardless of race, awakens a Mystic that ranges from weapons, beasts, objects, blessings, and even Laws at the age of 20. It was said that the understanding one has of the universe is related to the strength of one's Mystic," Jia continued.

"Furthermore, Mystic can evolve in the sequence, Newborn - Infancy - Manifestation - Transformation - Completion. Each evolution gives birth to another ability; however, it is significantly harder to evolve than advancing in class," Geth added.

"Classes are universal titles given to all creatures based on their strength. It is divided into Novice - Learner - Academic - Scholar - Master - Elder - Expert - Guru - Savant. Each class is further divided into Red - Orange -Yellow - Green - Blue - Violet - Black - White. There are no specific thresholds to meet in order to advance a class; instead, it is a culmination of all of one's ability, including combat proficiency. However, there are norms that have been built through the years. For instance, being able to draw Runes in the air is said to be the hallmark of a Master," Shaia said.

"Runes allow creatures to access the power of the Great Universe. It serves as the vessel to use Laws. In order to draw a Rune, one has to have enough Arcane. The same is true in using Mystic," Heun concluded.

"You seem to understand the basics already, so let us discuss advance principles," Aezir said. "Since you do not have a Mystic yet, it is difficult to enhance your Arcane storage. Therefore, you must train your body to its utmost limit in order to maximize your Arcane capacity. This will also aid you once you unlock your Mystic. It will make it easier for Arcane to flow in your body."

The discussion lasted for a long time. Aezir then proceeded to give them a training regimen that they must complete in the next two months. It included Rune and body training. The training regimen is designed to break down all five teenagers. They are tasked to train themselves to their breaking point.

The five teens did their best in training. They were exhausted beyond belief, and there were plenty of times they wished to quit. However, one death glare from Aezir was enough to keep them going. They feared Aezir more than they feared the training. Finally, after two months, they were awarded two days to rest before departure.

In the meeting hall, all elders and the patriarch had gathered. There, in the high chair, sat Aezir.

"Remember what I said. Seal the entire clan when we leave. It had been two months, so it was very likely for the factions of the spies to take notice of their absence. It would be very dangerous if they attacked the Ferren Clan in my absence," Aezir reminded.

"Yes, Sir Aezir. We would not dare step out of the clan," Jaq answered.

"Good. Just wait for the good news," Aezir said. However, the elders still had wary looks in their eyes.

"Trust me. You may not know who I am, but you can bet for sure that I am strong. Does anyone of you want to try?" Aezir said with a terrifying smile. All elders shook their head know and forced a smile.

Two days quickly passed by. Aezir, together with the five teens, can be seen at the edge of the cliff riding a Flame Blue Jay. It was a giant blue jay with blue flames on the edges of its wings and tail. The bird smoothly sailed in the sky as the six embarked on their journey to The House of Nelpon manor.

"Sir, how are we going to enter?" Geth asked. "I was told that only the four major clans have been invited to attend."

"Through the front door," Aezir answered with a smile.

The five teens were speechless. They knew that Aezir was strong, but they did not think that he was stronger than The House of Nelpon.

"Are we declaring war against them?" Jia asked with slight nervousness.

Aezir looked at Jia meaningfully before answering, "No. I have connections there. Getting in will be easy," Aezir said. 'Surely that nipa hut is still standing. If not, well, let's not resort to that,' he thought.

The journey went smoothly. In just a day, they had already arrived near the manor. There, they saw a giant ship with paddles on the side that was moving in the air. There were gold and red lining on the wooden ship, making it a majestic sight to behold.

"Whose ship is that?" Shaia asked.

"Do you see that symbol of a red tiger eating a dragon? That is the crest of the Megher Empire. They are residing north of Lone Island," Jun answered.

'I still find it unbelievable. An empire in Cynosure! Ridiculous!' Aezir cursed in his mind.

On the boat, a teen wearing a long robe of red and gold was staring at the Flame Blue Jay that was flying beside them. His golden hair was being blown by the wind while he glared at the group with his piercing golden eyes.

"Beruth, what is the background of that group? Who do they think they are to fly alongside our empire?" the teen asked the man wearing a plain white robe behind him while glaring at the group of Aezir.

"I will check, your highness," answered the man.

"If they are ignorant nobodies, make them crash," the teen said before turning around.