Chapter 4 The Magic Knights Ceremony

The statues are really resilient, fighting with them might provide me with some broken limbs. But I keep my focus on them, I want to improve as soon as possible and fight with my sword. After a while, I figure out their attacking strategy. They move in a rhythmic movement. I make good use of my legs and hands, also keeping my balance and posture. It's not like I don't get hit or hurt, but overall I feel more powerful than yesterday, and it boosts my confidence.

"You're impressive for a novice," Cedric comments nonchalantly, as we are walking back to his house.

I only nod in response. My only thought is that I will see my bed and become lost in my sleep kingdom after some time. I would say I did a lot today and my body needs rest.

"Wait," he suddenly stops, glancing here and there with the light of his lamp. "There's someone in the woods."

I become alert too, depending on my nerves to sense someone or something. I hear a distant fluttering sound of wings. It's probably a big bird. But it's not that clear in the darkness.

"I sense killing intent in its blood," he whispers beside me. "Here's your first mission, dear student. Take the falcon down."

"What?" I gasp, only to discover that he disappeared in an instant. "No! Cedric!"

I turn my head, watching the enormous figure appearing ahead of me in the moonlight. It has similarities with a falcon, but it's a literal monster. Its huge red eyes are focused on me, like it's thinking about how to finish me off. I would run away if I got into a situation like this before, but now it is different.

"Egredere," I whisper, holding my sword with all of my might. How am I going to take this monster down? I try to calm my nerves down and think. I can't reach for its head from being on the ground, so my best strategy is to take down its legs swiftly.

I sprint forward, aiming for the right leg. The falcon looks down on me with disgust, like I'm a mere insect. It's obviously underestimating me and take advantage of it, striking a deep cut on its heel.

But my bravery and joy doesn't last long as it screams with its heart out, attacking me through the trees and bushes with its wings. I whimper in pain as my left leg hits a tree. I think it's broken. But I don't let go of the sword, thinking of my next attack. I need to land on its body and strike the head down.

I sprint again and catch one of the wings as it tries to swing me down on the ground. I jump off its back, my nails digging into its skin and the falcon keeps wiggling it's body to throw me out, making its bone-chilling sound.

I shout and wield the sword on its neck, my muscles are fueled by the hard skin. Blood comes out like a fountain from it, causing more screams and whimpers. But I keep cutting and striking its body here and there, like a madman. I don't know exactly when, but the falcon finally collapses on the ground with a loud thump. I fall on the grass too, breathing heavily and sweating profusely.

I did it. I completed my first mission.

A few weeks later

"I thought you'd be bleeding more," Cedric narrows his eyes, watching me up and down, as I just took down a dragon. "At this rate, you're going to outrank me. I don't feel very good about that though."

I chuckle, enjoying the mischief. "That's not going to happen, teacher. You're such a great sorcerer and I can't even cast a spell."

He bursts into laughter. And for the first time, I look at him attentively. He's around six feet tall, his athletic figure and profound muscles speak of handsomeness. I never saw him workout though, he probably does that instead of sleeping at night. His subtle beard only makes his face shine more, his sharp, intense eyes speak of great intelligence. I feel like he has way more to his story, who would live in a deserted area all by himself.

I suddenly blush. I'm not sure why I'm staring at him like that.

"The magic knight selection ceremony is only a week away," he states while examining the dragon's eyes, oblivious to my attention. "Do you feel like you're prepared for it?"

"Yes," I reply confidently. I feel more powerful than ever, my hard work and perseverance for the past month will surely pay off. I came to find out about the knights' troops through books. I'm going to apply for the battle squad.

"Why do you want to be a magic knight? What's your purpose?"

"I seek greater power. I want to be the greatest sorceress of all time."

"Is that greed or ambition? You only want to be great for yourself and for your own desire?"

I think for a moment before I answer. "No, it's not only for myself. To be honest, in my past life, I never considered myself as worthy or neither was someone left to care about me. I want to change that perspective in this life, I want to be worthwhile to myself and to other people."

Cedric gives me a sympathetic gaze, shaking his head like he understands. "But in Niria, in a world where magic is everything, I hope you do realize that it's going to be a hard challenge for you. You haven't conversed with any people other than me, and they won't be the same as me. When they know of your empty aura, they will treat you differently, which isn't always a positive thing."

I understand perfectly what he's saying. It's like playing a video game with no controller. People will obviously pick fights with me and call me names, but I'm not going to give up.

"No worries," I swing my sword in the air dramatically. "I have this. But I'll only use my power for good. I won't harm innocent people."

"I think I have done my job as a teacher," he smiles at me. "For the rest, to know how to cast spells, or to get selected as a knight, I think you have to figure it out yourself. The magic knights work together to protect the people, to keep the peace of the kingdom."

I nod in response. I can't expect him to help me with anything. I have to explore this world and find a way to inject aura through my bloodline. And I have an anti-magic ability. Casting spells isn't everything. I can nullify intermediate spells with my sword already. Who knows what my grimoire will reveal in the future?

When we come back home, there is an old woman standing in front of the building. Cedric steps ahead and greets her. Apparently he's familiar with her. I smile at her politely, not sure that we have to be introduced to each other.

But Cedric stops me, "Hazel, this is Martha. She was my caretaker for a long time."

"Nice to meet you," I reply.

Martha slightly nods in response, then turns to Cedric to talk. I never heard him talk about his family, so I didn't ask much either. I go into my room, to pack my things for leaving. Honestly, there's not anything of mine, everything belongs to Cedric. He said he'd accompany me to the Grain River. From there I'm on my own to the ceremony. I hope I can be safe on the journey and get selected as a knight, but it doesn't feel like it'll be easy.

For the next few days, I train harder till I feel like I can't breathe, giving my all. I'm becoming tense gradually and starting to doubt myself. But whenever I feel my improvement or win any fight against the mythical creatures, I feel confident again.