| The Rise of Loki, The Trickster! (1)|

"What's the level of your core if you don't mind revealing?" The director said, not being able to pry into my core. Well, that's to be expected.

"Light Yellow" I answered truthfully.

"L-Light Yellow!?" Reynold yelled out loudly.

"Well, yes. I'm sure Art would have easily achieve it as well if he wasn't sick during that time period" I honestly voiced out.

It's true, the assimilation process stopped his mana core from progressing.

"Haha maybe. Anyways..." Art chuckled before turning towards Director Cynthia, giving her a stern gaze, a gaze that I knew didn't fit an eight-year-old.

'That's why Tess and I joked that he had a mature vibes' I looked at Art, recalling the past.

"Director Goodsky. There's actually a reason I didn't hide my capabilities today."

Picking up on the seriousness in Art's voice, she nodded in understanding.

"I had a hunch that you weren't just brazenly showing off your skills, Arthur. You seemed too sharp for that."

Agreeing with her, Art responded,

"There are only a few benefits I can gain from attending your school. One is learning how to utilize my Lightning and Ice elements...because Merlin sucked at explaining. However, that is something I can learn on my own with due time. No. The main reason I would attend your academy, if I chose to at all, is for protection. Right now, I'm not strong enough to protect everyone. However, you hold a position of power and influence that can provide safety for my family and I, at least until I can gain the strength to protect them myself."

'So that's the reason he revealed his cards...' i thought.

"Arthur! You're being rude to Director Goodsky! How can you..."

"No, it's fine Alice." Immediately after she said this, the director mumbled a soft chant before speaking again.

"Arthur, I believe you hold the ability to make changes in this world. For that, if you're willing to attend Xyrus Academy and become a rightful citizen that will do anything to protect his land, then I will abide by any criteria you set." Director Goodsky's voice was clear and determined.

"Very well, I will learn what I feel is valuable from the classes your school offers and train my own powers. As long as you give me the tools and freedom to do so, as well as keep my loved ones safe, then I will consider you as an important benefactor," Art promised.

Director Goodsky's lips curve up into a smile as we shook hands.

"What about you young man?" She then redirected her attention towards Merlin.

"...Well, I'm also interested in going to Xyrus as I wanted to know history and how this floating island managed to float." I answered.

"...That's a good. So-"

"But...I will not attend Xyrus for the time being as I have already have plans for something." I continued, but I didn't specify the time on purpose.

"That's fine" She smiled and shook my hand.

At this, We're suddenly able to hear the voices of everyone else again.

"Sound dome is really convenient." I muttered, wanting to learn more about sound deviant.

Clarifying for everyone who couldn't hear, Art said aloud,

"I will abide by our agreement when I enroll in your academy."

"Oh? Were you also not planning on enrolling into my Academy anytime soon?" The Director as well as every other adult had looks of puzzlement on their faces.

"I don't plan on entering Xyrus Academy until I would be of a normal age to actually attend. No. I've decided to enter your academy on my twelfth birthday, a very average age for one to enter your Academy. I assume that will not be a problem?" Art tilted my head.

'...That's around...Three and a half years from now.' I calculated before smiling. 'I hope I will be able to accomplish something by that time'

"Goodness! That's in a little over three years. Arthur, do you have any plans on what to do until then?" Art figured Director Goodsky wouldn't be so accepting on prolonging my education for over three years.

Art turned to face his parents again, since it was up to them to allow him or not.

Art looked up at the night sky, stars shining before turning his gaze back to where his family was, Art announced.

"I'd like to become an adventurer."

"...Called it" I muttered as I had the same thought as soon as I step foot into the tournament yesterday.

'Now that I think about it...There should be no problem regarding me not attending the tournament right? Most of the participants are only between Solid Red stage to Light Orange. They're not worth my time.' I thought.

Director Goodsky had left the manor after Art's announcement. I could tell she still wanted to ask him a lot of questions but he excused himself to have a family talk.

'He should be dealing with the situation in his room right now.' I thought as I could hear Alice yelling from my room which is just next door.

'First, I plan to have fame! And earn tons of money!'

"Muhahahhaha!" I laughed before starting my meditation routine.

An hour later,

>Clack<

"Merl, let's chat for a bit" Art's entered my room and comfortably sat down on my bed while I continued meditating.

"Sure, is it about being an Adventurer?" I asked, still meditating.

"Kinda...You said that you'll enroll in the academy after some time? When?" Art asked.

"I didn't think about it. I just want to have fun here before enrolling there BUT! As you brought up the topic of Adventuring...That's even more exciting."

"What's your plan?"

"Me? I'll first make MONEY! And buy all the cool stuff I saw in the magic shop today! Hahahahah!"

"...Ok...How're you planning to do that then?" Art asked with a blank face, clearly not interested in making money.

"I have my way...HehehehahWHAhahahah! By legally SCAMMING PEOPLE!" I laughed, excited to start earning money.

"Oh right Art. About the Helstea's family, regarding Lilia"

I discussed with Art about Lilia, and the possibility of us quadra-elemental mage being able to awaken her as a mage.

Art pondered and nodded, indicating that it's possible and he'll handle it for me.

"I'll talk to Vincent tomorrow as I also want to make a deal with him."

I thanked him and he left my room.

***

The next day,

As the sun began to peek over the horizon, Merlin, stirred in his bed. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stretched his arms, eager to start the day. Today he planned to register as an adventurer before Art could as it's an efficient to way to earn fame.

He quickly washed and got dressed before heading to the kitchen, where a maid had prepared a quick breakfast for him as it was early in the morning.

After finishing his breakfast, Merlin stood up from the table, gave the maid his thanks, and told her to tell the others that he's going out for a bit today.

With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Merlin began walking towards the main Xyrus Adventurer guild.

He found an alley before entering it and quickly changed himself into...Loki. With black cloak and white half mask that hides his identity.

Yes, he planned to register in the Adventurer as Loki.

Finally, he arrived at the guild, a grand building with towering walls and a large gate. He had a confident smile plastered below the white half mask as the guard opened the door for him.

The grand building filled with prestige and luxury. A marble structure towered over him like a sacred museum. On the inside, it was clear the amount of work that had been put into the intricately designed interior. There were tables made from metal where Merlin could see other adventurers giving him a passing glance. The whole place had an ambience of extravagance, that didn't suit well for some of the barbarian-looking adventurers here.

Merlin or now, Loki, walked past a bustling crowd of people, confidently towards the receptionist, waving at some of the adventurer looking at him.

It's not weird for adventurer around here to look at him as he has a body of a 11 year-old at best even though he's 9.

"Welcome to the Adventurer guild," Said the female receptionist's rehearsed smile gleamed a pearly white.

"How may I help you?"

"I'm here to sign up!" Loki announced his purpose cheerfully, with his identity unknown...he can acts like he want.

The receptionist nodded and handed him a stack of forms to fill out without asking questions even. Loki quickly filled the form out,

As he handed the forms back to the receptionist, he would lie if he said he isn't excited.

However, his excitement was short-lived as a cocky adventurer walked up to him and insulted him.

"What are you doing here, kid? You don't have what it takes to be an adventurer. Go home and play with your toys," A voice deep and booming, with a hint of a sneer that suggests he thinks he is better than everyone else came from a big build adventurer with his armor and weapons being flashy and ornate, with intricate designs and embellishments that highlight his arrogance and self-importance.

Undeterred by the insult, Merlin turned towards the adventurer that insulted him and smiled.

"Thanks for the useless advice 'Mr. Oh so scary Big Boy~'" Merlin taunted him casually. Adventurers who is around laughed at Merlin's taunting response, clearly took a liking to him.

"What did you say you Kid?!" Seeing a kid talking back to the 'oh so great' him, he got furious and is about to throw a punch when the reception chimed in.

"Fighting in the Guild is prohibited B-rank Adventurer Ross. I'm sure you know the penalty." The receptionist professionally handled the situation.

"Tsk! You're dead when we meet outside brat" The adventurer named Ross stomped out but before he could take 5 steps, Merlin opened his mouth and said.

"Is mouth all you've got? I expected more of a challenge. What a let down~" As soon as he finished talking. The hall's sudden silence was so thick, you could have heard a pin drop.

Adventurer Ross flinched before menacingly looked back with an expression that guaranteed 'Instant Death'

"..." The receptionist sweat-dropped knowing that the situation had gotten worst.

"How about this, let's play a Game." Merlin or Loki cheerfully suggested.

"..." Adventurer Ross didn't seem interested.

"Of course. If I lost, I will do anything you asked...For the rest of my life!" Loki's confidence is boundless. This caused the adventurers in the hall to start talking amongst themself.

***

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