The Ice King

I feel energy begin to flow into me, slowly taking away my fatigue and injuries. After some time it slows down and stops, at the same time I get the feeling that I am no longer in the desert. I open my eyes and find myself back in the classroom in my normal clothes. I look around and see that the Teachers are all present, along with the boy Seth who is looking at me curiously. Strangely, Grand Master Zarel is no longer in the classroom. I can't help but wonder if he left in disgust after watching me get beat up by the last golem.

Master Hogan walks towards me, a smile on his face for the first time ever, as well as a slight look of amazement. He holds a black bundle in his hand which he seems to want to give to me. My heart begins to beat faster as I realize that I am passed the exam. I am now an Apprentice.

"This is for you, Apprentice Ian." He says as he hands me the black bundle, his voice containing a little bit of surprise and pride. From up close I can see that it is one of the robes I had seen the other members of the Laen wearing. So black is for Apprentices and white is for Protectors, I wonder what level the other colors I had seen represented.

After giving me the robe the atmosphere seems to relax as Master Hogan begins to give me some information about what is going to happen next. Apparently from tomorrow onwards except Saturdays I will have to come to the Metorium for classes which I will have with the other Apprentices in the Laen. He also mentions other things but I barely pay attention to them.

Once he is done I am dismissed and he immediately turns to the boy Seth.

"Are you ready?" he asks Seth.

Seth nods. "I am."

"Then let's get going."

Seth shoots me one more look before leaving the classroom with Master Hogan and the rest of the teachers, leaving me alone inside.

I turn my focus to the robe in my hand, wondering if I should wear it or not. After some deliberation, I decided to put it on. After wearing it I look down at myself, wondering how I look. Not bad is my final evaluation. The robe is a bit fitted, highlighting my physique. It is mostly plain with the only decorations being some noers around the cuffs and the hem of the robe. Apart from that is the large noer representing the Laen on its back, all the noers are done in white.

After making sure everything is okay I finally leave the classroom.

Unlike before the ATC is not deserted, instead, lots of Laen move around, some in groups and some alone. Most of them are wearing the black Apprentice robes I have on, with a few wearing blue robes.

Almost all the Apprentices look at me curiously when they walk near me, my presence starting more than a few conversations. I wonder if it's that obvious that I am new.

I ignore the unwanted attention and begin to leave the ATC. Drew and his team had expressed their intention to go to the Arena. Two Protectors are supposed to have a duel sometime today and they want to watch it. Since I have nothing to do I decide to go to the Arena and see if I can find them. If I can't, I will just head back home. Or maybe I will do a bit of exploration.

I get to where the Cirport is and am surprised to find Drew and his team there, talking jovially with each other.

Drew is the first to notice me. "Hey, so you finally decided to leave the class."

I nod. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We were waiting for you," Lathia says. "Nice fight by the way."

"Nice… wait, you guys watched my exam?"

Drew nods. For some reason, the first thing that comes to mind is me pathetically curled up on the ground as I receive blow after blow. My face heats up with embarrassment for some reason.

"You didn't do too bad," Drew says noticing my embarrassment, "It's just that you don't have enough skills. And you're obviously not used to real combat. Master Shawn's training doesn't count as combat."

I can't argue with his assessment. The only things I could use during the fight were telekinesis, enhancement, my Uua, and protection. I have no powerful offensive skill, I am too slow and my martial arts aren't even good enough.

"Hopefully I will learn more skills as an Apprentice."

"Hey, are we going to the Arena or not?" David or Daniel interrupts. At this moment I have forgotten which is which.

"Let's go!" Lathia says enthusiastically, throwing a fist in the air.

After that, we leave the ATC and head to the Arena. There is no lack of conversation as we walk, but as I have no idea what or who they are talking about so I mostly keep quiet and listen.

"I heard the Ice King became a Wranth during the holidays," Lathia says.

"So PM's not the only Wranth anymore." One of the twins says.

"Yeah," Lathia replies. "And I talked to Seth, he's taking the last part of the Wranth exam today."

Drew seems a bit down as they say all this. "Everyone's becoming a Wranth and yet I can't even open my third eye."

"Relax, we haven't either." Lathia consoles him.

"Uh, actually, David and I have unlocked the third eye. We did it yesterday." the blonde twin, Daniel says.

Drew nods. "So it's just me and Lathia left. Are you guys ready for the exams?"

"We are but we decided to wait till you and Lathia unlocked it, so we can take the exams together."

"That's stupid. You have no idea how long that's gonna take."

The twins shrug. "We can wait. Just make sure you're prepared for the exam so we can take it once you're ready."

Drew doesn't reply, but anyone could see the look of determination in his eye. Drew had once mentioned the third eye to me but I didn't realize how important it was until now. And from the way they are talking, it seems no one has any idea when they will unlock it.

At that moment a group in front of us catches my eye. It is made up of Protectors, judging by their white robes, and they are led by a boy in a red robe. What strikes me first is his handsomeness, and the second is his long, white hair. He has an expressionless look on his face as he talks to the people near him. Suddenly he looks up and notices us.

"Hey, Drew. How are you?" He asks walking up to us.

Drew's face breaks out in a smile. "Ice King! What's up." They shake each other's hands.

I discreetly check out the Ice King. A Wranth. I wonder how powerful he is?

"Heard you became a Wranth during the holidays," Drew says after the Ice King finishes greeting the rest of the group and completely ignores me. I did not know how to feel about that.

"Yeah," the Ice King says, his face never showing anything but indifference.

"Will it kill you to smile at least once?" David says teasingly.

Lathia elbows him in the ribs. "Shut up."

The Ice King ignores them, as though he is used to it. "Where are you guys going, the Arena?"

Drew nods. "Yeah, Bella and Lucas want to have a duel again."

"I wish I could see that." The Ice King's expression makes me doubt that. "But I have a mission."

"Oh. Good luck with it." Lathia says.

He nods at her and makes to leave when he finally notices me. He looks slightly confused and stares for a moment before nodding at me. I nod back and he leaves.