Episode 6 (intermediate chapter): Desert Boy Arc

  A boy walks through the rocky desert. His face is youthful, gentle in expression.

  From the ground, there is the faint sound of sand scraping, a subtle tremor at his feet.

  The boy tightens his gaze and draws the sword from his back. His sharp, focused expression adds a surprising weight to his already handsome features.

  With a swift leap backward, the ground where he had stood is now occupied by the head of a rge earthworm, emerging from the soil.

  Without hesitation, the boy steps forward and delivers a precise strike, cleaving the worm’s body in two. The severed worm fils momentarily, twisting and writhing before finally going still, drained of life.

  How many earthworms have I defeated now?

  A thought drifts through the boy’s mind.

  Time had passed since his arrival in this nd, and he had become accustomed to the way of life here.

  "I’ll head back to Mofu," the boy murmurs to himself before turning and walking slowly back.

  ...

  Upon his return to the base, a sleepy-eyed boy with honey-coloured hair waits.

  "Welcome back, Lucius. Did you make any progress?" he asks, stretching zily.

  Lucius shakes the sand from his clothes before answering the boy, Mofu, in front of him.

  "Thanks, Mofu. Nothing much today. Just more earthworm corpses piling up."

  Mofu stretches his arms and seems to contempte for a moment.

  "We might need to change our approach soon. With school starting, too."

  "Yeah. The Desert Rose, right? They say it holds the secret to a treasure that comes once every five years, but there’s not a single lead to follow."

  "Yeah, it’s probably just some made-up story from Grandpa. But there’s some merit to it, and it's got a certain romantic appeal, so I still want to figure it out."

  "I know. At first, they asked me to deal with the incense, and I was confused, but if it’s connected to leveling up skills, I couldn’t ignore it."

  "Hah, who would’ve thought we'd end up leaving the Romanus Kingdom and entering the Kemenes Empire's school?"

  Mofu reflects on the journey so far, his eyes distant.

  ...

  Mofu was a clever child. Born as the grandson of a former Cardinal, he was regarded with respect by those around him. Yet, he had no interest in power and had lived his life in accordance with his whims.

  Children of the influential were often sent to receive training from the Church’s Knights before they even gained skills, and though Mofu had the motivation, he swiftly surpassed his peers in talent.

  However, one day he realised that if he continued on his current path, he would inevitably end up within the rigid Church Knight Order. And so, he started to sck off. The order was known for its stern, unyielding warriors, and once someone entered its elite ranks, there was no easy way out.

  Mofu had no desire for lofty ideals or pious devotion; he simply wanted to live a life of interest and excitement. Yet, as carefree as he wanted to be, he knew that in his current situation, he had no pce to belong.

  Even if he left the Church, he needed the strength to survive on his own. But achieving that strength within the confines of the Church Knights would only bind him further.

  So, Mofu began training in secret, away from prying eyes. Some of the higher-ups in the Knights, including the Grand Commander, had noticed Mofu’s true potential, but as he was still just a child, they patiently kept watch over him.

  At the age of ten, Mofu was granted the skill [Cotton Magic]. The ability was simple: he could produce cotton from his hands. Since no record of such a skill existed in the Church’s archives, it was belled a unique skill.

  However, the Church did not hold unique skills in high regard. In the conservative institution, anything that didn’t fit within the established norms was considered troublesome and often ostracised.

  Officially, the Church cimed that all people and skills were equal. Yet, as one moved closer to the core of the Church, bloodline supremacy and skill elitism were far more prevalent. Mofu grew increasingly disgusted by the contradictions, and he was relieved when his skill was deemed unsuitable for the Church.

  For the next year, Mofu secretly honed his skill. Fortunately, his family’s high status shielded him from public scorn, allowing him to focus entirely on his own growth.

  One day, I’ll leave the capital, Mofu thought. Though carefree by nature, he held a deep determination when it came to this goal.

  A year after Mofu received his skill, on the Day of the Moon’s Song, the Church was shaken to its core. After sixty years, a user of [Holy Magic] had appeared. What’s more, the one who identified them was none other than Mofu’s grandfather, Primus, the former Cardinal.

  Primus was known as a rare figure, a man who had ascended to Cardinal not through political machinations, but by virtue of his integrity. Having realised the fleeting nature of political power, he had long since given up his lofty position, travelling as a simple priest throughout the kingdom.

  When Primus decred his intent to serve as the guardian of the new saint, specution began to swirl within the Church. However, after Primus crified that he had no desire for factionalism, the rumours subsided.

  Amidst this, Mofu watched Lucius from afar.

  The Church remained embroiled in a fierce struggle between the Papal faction and the Saint’s faction. Both sides desperately tried to recruit Lucius to their cause, and even attempts at brainwashing occurred, but Lucius stood firm, unwavering in his resolve.

  Lucius soon realised that he was becoming a source of conflict, and so he yearned to leave the centre of these power struggles. Both the Pope and the Saintess treated him as an equal, with no ulterior motives, but those who sought to elevate him had their own agendas.

  With so many traps and schemes circuting, the Church’s operations began to falter.

  In the end, the Pope and the Saintess granted Lucius’ wish to travel. It was to be a pilgrimage of sorts, with his guardian, Primus, accompanying him.

  Thanks to the convergence of various factions’ interests, Lucius was swiftly allowed to venture out into the world.

  ...

  Mofu was selected to accompany Lucius as his aide. The two quickly bonded and, without consulting anyone, registered as adventurers.

  Primus was initially displeased by their independent actions, but upon realising that it would be more convenient for them to accompany Lucius under the guise of guards, he allowed it.

  During their travels, Lucius rapidly improved his swordsmanship, while Mofu, in turn, honed his magical abilities. Lucius was instructed by the Saintess on how to improve his [Holy Magic], and after a year, he reached level 2. However, feeling some doubts, he eventually adopted a different method to increase his proficiency.

  Mofu, though, advanced more quickly, reaching the next level within six months. Having discovered a way to use [Cotton Magic] in combat, he quickly raised his level, developing extraordinary abilities.

  ...

  A year after Lucius had gained his skill, a new controversy arose within the Church.

  This time, the debate centred around Lucius' education. While he had received lessons in manners and etiquette from his grandfather, Primus, it was clear he was not yet fully prepared. As Lucius was approaching the age when he would enter school at twelve, opinions once again became divided.

  Another significant issue emerged: the Desert Rose.

  The Desert Rose was an incense used in ceremonies, known for its sweet and noble fragrance. It was said that using this incense would accumute a special kind of experience, beneficial to those with Holy skills.

  However, the Desert Rose required the permission of a Cardinal to be used. Unfortunately, a certain Cardinal from the Papal faction had misused it for years, depleting the Church's stock.

  When this failure was exposed, the bance of power within the Church shifted, and it became unclear who could be trusted.

  Primus, with his own network of information, had a clear understanding of these events. He decided to send Lucius and Mofu abroad.

  Fortunately, neither of their names were widely known, so they could live in peace, and should they be ready, they could return. If not, they could pursue their talents as adventurers.

  Primus, always concerned for their happiness, set forth one st task for them: Solve the mystery of the Desert Rose.

  ...

  Lucius and Mofu walked back into the city of Padokia.

  Padokia was a city filled with stone buildings, caves that had been carved into homes, and underground districts.

  The two of them lived in a house on the edge of the city. It was said to be over a hundred years old, located within walking distance of the Padokia Magic Academy. Students were numerous, and the area was retively safe. Since Lucius and Mofu were both enrolled in the school, they had rented this home.

  Padokia Magic Academy was one of the most prominent martial schools in the Kemenes Empire. The city's natural fortress-like geography made it of great military value, and it had seen many battles throughout history.

  Though retions with the neighbouring Romanus Kingdom were currently peaceful, the city had always been a hub for soldiers, adventurers, and influential figures from the desert.

  Despite its name, "Magic Academy", nearly anyone could attend, as the Kemenes Empire broadly defined magic to include all forms of magical power.

  Once home, Lucius immediately changed his clothes and began practising his magic.

  "You really love this, don’t you?" Mofu said, also producing cotton and pyfully altering its shape with his magic.

  ...

  For Lucius, who had spent his days wandering, the one unwavering support had been his promise to Seneca.

  He had tried, countless times, to write letters to Seneca and Kito. Yet, he knew it would be unwise to reveal his whereabouts—there was always the risk that such information could lead to harm befalling Seneca and the others. And so, he forced himself to endure in silence.

  Lucius had always enjoyed gazing at the moon. Sometimes, he simply stared at it, lost in thought. Other times, he would look upon it and think of his homend. A wistful hope would cross his mind—that perhaps his quiet prayers, carried through the moonlight, might reach Seneca. Yet, he reminded himself that he could only grow stronger, enduring this solitude, and thus, he continued with his training.

  Today, as he pondered his next exercise, Lucius found himself uncertain. The [Holy Magic] was so versatile that it often made it difficult to devise a clear strategy for growth.

  The current Saintess, known as the Saintess of Healing, had earned fame through her exceptional healing magic, solidifying her status. Before her, there had been the Saintess of Destruction.

  According to the Church’s teachings, the goddess sent saints and holy figures to the world as needed by the times. Thus, the era before had been marked by a shortage of healing, and the one before that, a scarcity of destructive power.

  Devout followers, aware of Lucius’s existence, seemed to believe that by watching his progress, they could discern the kind of power the world would require in this age. However, to Lucius, these expectations felt cold and distant.

  He had met the current Saintess, now seventy years old, on several occasions. Each time, she would tell him, "Live as you wish."

  In the past, the rules surrounding the Saintess had been far stricter. It was said that both the current and the former Saintess had grown weary of such constraints and had acted out violently, which led to the eventual rexation of those rules.

  Primus, who seemed to know the Saintess’s youth well, would often chuckle and remark, “She was quite the wild one back then.”

  In her youth, the Saintess had travelled the world, using the Church's network to help those suffering in every corner of the nd. This had earned her widespread admiration, and even now, she was extremely popur. Though she often treated those who came to the capital, she was also capable of using the [Holy Magic] for both defensive and offensive purposes in times of crisis.

  Lucius, after completing his basic training for the day, y down, holding his greatsword, his thoughts adrift.

  ...

  Today, Lucius and Mofu were to train together.

  "Let’s begin with sword training," Lucius said, unsheathing his greatsword and stepping forward. Thanks to his recent level-up, he moved with surprising speed, his footwork refined and swift.

  Mofu, gathering magical energy into his hands, summoned a dense cotton-like material. Lucius, seizing the opportunity, coated his sword with magical energy, then swung it high with all his strength.

  "Yes!" Lucius excimed, satisfied with the strong impact. Breaking through Mofu’s cotton magic was no easy feat.

  He danced left and right, trying to close the distance to Mofu, but the tter continuously shot cotton barriers at him, preventing any approach.

  Their battles usually reached such a deadlock. Mofu’s [Cotton Magic] was a versatile technique, both offensive and defensive. If Lucius attempted to absorb its impact, he would find the cotton tangling around his body. On the other hand, if he tried to avoid it, Mofu would spread it in a way that trapped him from all sides, making it difficult to judge his next move.

  Today, Lucius decided to approach the situation in a more three-dimensional manner. He reasoned that since Mofu could only generate a limited amount of cotton at once, there might be a way to handle it.

  Summoning the [Holy Magic], Lucius created small ptforms of light and leapt onto them. Though the magic was not efficient, two ptforms at most could exist at the same time.

  As Lucius advanced, Mofu responded by unching more cotton. They exchanged several rounds of attacks, Lucius drawing ever closer, but each time, Mofu repelled him with the cotton.

  After a few such exchanges, Lucius decided to take a more forceful approach.

  "[Armor]"

  A pale green light enveloped Lucius's body. It only sted an instant, but it was a powerful shield capable of nullifying almost all attacks.

  "Take this!" Lucius cried, charging forward, his sword gleaming with magic, determined to break through.

  Mofu, in turn, released a flurry of fine cotton and muttered, "[Cotton Bomb]."

  With a series of sharp cracking sounds, the cotton exploded outward in all directions. Lucius desperately tried to parry and cut his way through, but the cotton overwhelmed him, and soon, he was covered entirely, immobilised and unable to continue.

  "Alright, my turn for training now," Mofu said, turning to the cotton-bound form of Lucius. The cotton glowed blue-white, and as if it had melted away, the bindings disappeared, revealing Lucius beneath.

  Drawing a rge knife, Lucius sheathed his greatsword, preparing for the next round.

  Mofu took a deep breath and unsheathed an estoc, charging at Lucius.

  As Mofu closed in, Lucius was bombarded with several light orbs the size of fists. He dodged expertly, deflecting those he could not avoid with compressed cotton magic.

  "Fighting at range is not in my favour…" Mofu muttered, his voice almost lost in the wind.

  As he ran, Mofu cast his [Cotton Magic], summoning multiple high-rebound cotton walls around him. With a powerful push, he smmed into the nearest wall and began moving at high speed.

  Each time Mofu collided with a cotton wall, a soft "boing" sound would resonate, but Lucius knew better than to take it lightly. Mofu controlled his movements, creating curves and varying the speed as he wielded his estoc.

  Lucius countered by dispelling the cotton walls with magic, using his knife to parry Mofu’s strikes. He had lost to this strategy many times before.

  The csh continued for a while, and eventually, Lucius spoke.

  “I think it’s time,” he said, just as Mofu lunged with a thrust. Lucius swiftly leapt diagonally backward and, with a quick movement of his knife, disarmed Mofu by twisting his estoc out of his grip.

  "Ah!" Mofu cried in surprise as his weapon flew from his hand.

  Lucius, seizing the moment, nded a kick to Mofu's wrist, forcing him to drop the weapon, rendering him unable to continue the fight.

  "Well, I’m impressed. When you wield that greatsword, your technique is both bold and precise. But when you use the knife, your flexibility and wrist control allow you to cut, wind, and parry from unexpected angles. If it’s a sword fight, I’d never stand a chance," Mofu admitted.

  “You’re used to dealing with the high-rebound tactics now. I remember the first time, you nearly had me beaten!” Lucius chuckled.

  “Well, after the second time, it was easy to handle. The thrill is gone now,” Mofu teased.

  And so, the two of them continued their training, sparring and improving, ever determined to grow stronger together.