Gwyneth woke up at the break of dawn, feeling another blanket on her body. She perched up onto her hands, looking down at the empty mattress. She wrapped herself in the blankets, walking outside her quarters, to see one of the handmaidens stitching his frayed Kāṣāya.

“Where is he?” She asked.

The handmaiden bowed. “He left an hour ago, and tried to change his clothes, before he left, but....” She said holding up his frayed Kāṣāya.

“His clothing was more fragile than we thought.” She said with an awkward smile.

“So what did he do?” Gwyneth asked. “He left in a huff, redder than a rose, when he found out he was wearing your clothes.” The handmaiden said with a gleeful smile.

Gwyneth dressed herself with alacrity, striding out of the Keep, walking down towards the Third Ring. Vexgar approached her with a furious scowl, each step he took had a solid thud.

“Butcher!” He barked.

“I believe you're meant to call me Grand Knight Gwyneth, or would you like for my squire to embarrass you again?” She said with conceited smirk.

Vexgar bent down glaring at her, his lips barely containing his snarl. “Your squire broke into my room and stole my war hammers and helmet.” Gwyneth averted her gaze to avoid his hot stinking breath of garlic.

“You said, he should train with the entire set. My squire simply took you up on your offer. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She said walking away.

Vexgar drew his poleaxe from his cape, the behemoth weapon cast a light shadow over Gwyneth, as he brought it down.

She drew her long sword, performing a deft pirouette to face Vexgar, and performed a perfect parry. The deflected poleaxe shattered the ground with a deafening ring.

Gwyneth placed the tip of her weapon on his throat. She gave him a disinterested gaze, and lowered her weapon. Gwyneth sheathed her sword back into her cape walking away. “

What’s wrong Butcher? Lost your touch?” Vexgar called out to her. She was silent and continued to walk away. He bellowed out a scoff. “This is why Hendrik died!”

Gwyneth froze in place planting her sabaton through the ground. She quickly spun around with a furious scowl, breathing heavier and drew her long sword. Vexgar smirked raising his poleaxe again.

“There she is. There’s the Butcher.”

Gwyneth lowered her stance assuming the wrath guard. The long sword rested on her back, the edge sliced the hair touching the nape of her neck.

“Ahhh, now there’s Wrath.” Vexgar said with a confident smile, holding his weapon over his shoulder.

Gwyneth charged in blade cocked behind her. She closed the distance, planting her sabaton into the ground and swung her blade with a primal scream. Vexgar met her call and brought down his poleaxe.

With a blinding flash of light Encara appeared between them, dressed in his magenta cloak. He caught both of their weapons with his hands. A shockwave of force released through their weapons.

Encara let out a yawn, pushing them both away. “If you two are going to kill each other, could you please do it outside the Citadel?” He said rubbing his eyes.

“Stay out of this Encara.” Vexgar growled.

“Look I really don’t care if you two kill each other, but continue your fight, and you’ll have to apologise to her.” Encara said pointing up to the Keep.

Soel gazed at them with a deadpan expression.

“Now, I think we can all agree we like seeing her as Soel, the happy woman who fixes our castle, and rough housing. And not the walking calamity that she really is.” Encara said, pursing his lips, waiting for their response.

Gwyneth and Vexgar sheathed their weapons into their capes, quickly going their separate ways. Encara waved and smiled at Soel. She let out an exasperated sigh walking back inside.

Encara quickly caught up to Gwyneth as she marched towards the third ring with quickness.

“So what’s the training plan for our-“ Gwyneth raised her finger up stopping him.

“You’re about to say something stupid, so I’m going to stop you right now, for your sake.” She said sternly.

Encara paused and continued to follow her in silence. He broke the silence after five short seconds “So what’s the plan for our little love student?” he asked with a grin. Gwyneth let out an exasperated groan, rolling her eyes.

“You get him after dusk that was our agreement. For now he’s going to complete his lap of the third ring.” She said irritated, picking up her pace and trying to gather some distance between them. 

Encara stopped in his tracks stroking his chin pondering deeply. Gwyneth felt a small reprieve, seeing Encara no longer following her.

He clapped his hands together and disappeared in a blinding light, and a sense of worry filled Gwyneth. Yamada was a quarter of the way through the third ring, wearing Vexgar’s full suit of armour.

The lion head shaped helmet was slightly too large for Yamada, and he could barely see through the visor. He marched with the two black war hammers in each hand, each one the size of his torso.

A blinding light appeared behind Yamada, and Encara quickly caught up to him. “Yamada, how are you feeling?” He asked.

“King Encara, I’m doing good...I think? I can’t really see in this thing.” He said continuing to march.

Encara turned around looking at the small trail of cracks. “You’re doing terrible, the third ring is going to break if you keep this up.” He said.

Yamada took a deep breath and took his next step, the sound of his sabaton clinking against the ground, could be mistaken for a needle falling. 

“That’s better! Now, Yamada I wanted to begin your training.” Encara said.

“But I’m already training?” He asked puzzled. “Hmmm, training isn’t the right word. I want you to study.” Encara said.

Yamada responded taking a deep breath between each word. “Study what? I’m not a mage, and no one knows the gate to my affinity.”

Encara clapped his creating the gate to blessing magic, holding the golden turquoise cross in front of Yamada.

“How do you think the gates were discovered in the first place?” Encara asked.

Yamada was silent, he preferred his muscles to ache rather than his mind. “I don’t know?” He said nervously. “They experimented. You affiliate the golden cross with blessing magic first, but not the blessing magic with the golden cross.”   

Yamada was silent. Encara could sense the confusion radiating out from him, even without seeing his face. He let out an exasperated sigh, waving the cross away.

“When the original mages created the gates to the primordial elements, they observed everything about them. Fire dances back and forth like a closed rose, but when it rages wildly, it blooms with brilliance.” Encara said his voice filled with passion.

“The grassy vines that entangles everything opens the gate to earth magic. The swirling vortexes of air open the gate to wind magic. The golden cross blesses us and the pentagram of hands curses others. The outline of item, becomes the gate for Enk magic.” He stopped hearing no response from Yamada, and dropped his head in defeat.

“So the gate to water magic, lies in its shape and how it moves.” Yamada said.

A joyous smile came across Encara’s face. “Yes! You get it! You not only have the water affinity, but have spent your whole life surrounded by water.” Yamada was silent.

Encara paused waiting for him to respond. “Um, if I do manage to open the gate. What magic is there to use anyway?” Yamada asked.

Encara slapped his back with a loud ping, ringing out. He reeled back clutching his hand from the stinging pain. “That’s the beauty of it, once you open the gate, the world is your oyster.” He said. “Create one and perfect it.” Gwyneth said behind them.

Encara gave her an annoyed pout. She gave him a glare. “You want him to be another Master of None?” She said walking past him.

“Master of None?” Yamada asked.

“The boy you sat next to was Encara’s son. The living embodiment of quantity over quality.” Gwyneth said.

“Hey! My boy has quality...not a lot, but he has some!” Encara exclaimed. Gwyneth stopped.

“Yamada, put one of those hammers down and strike Encara.” She ordered.

Encara scoffed. “He’s not going to attack his king-“ His eyes went wide seeing Yamada swinging the hammer high above his head. Encara let out a yelp leaping out of the way.

The hammer smashed through the ground, a large crack splintered through the entirety of the third ring. Encara looked at Gwyneth shocked.

“What’s wrong Encara? You look scared.” She said with a smug smile.

Encara clapped his hands and teleported away. Gwyneth and Yamada shielded their eyes.

“WHAT IN VASHA’S SHIT HEAP!? WHO DID THAT!?” Soel screamed from the base of the third ring.

Gwyneth looked down terrified. Yamada stood up pulling the hammer out of the wall. Soel looked up, locking eyes with the petrified Gwyneth. Soel’s furious scowl made Gwyneth’s skin crawl, and her spine shudder. The gate of earth magic appeared underneath Soel. The ground beneath her raised Soel upwards.

"She looks mad. Who is she?"

“HE DID IT!” Gwyneth said, running away. Yamada looked around confused, as Soel appeared before him. “Did you break this wall?” She growled.

Yamada nodded, his visor flapping up and down. She held her hands around his neck, and he reeled back. Soel let out a sigh, dropping her head in defeat. “I can’t be mad at you. You’re new and young. Go and complete your training.”

Yamada hesitantly turned around grabbing the other hammer, and began to walk again. He felt her hands grab his neck. “If you do it again, however, I’ll feed you dirt till you explode. Do you understand me?” She whispered into his ear. Yamada nodded quickly, feeling a cold sweat run through his body.

Yamada completed his lap in lightning fast speed, before the sun reached its peak. Encara and Gwyneth were bickering at the south entrance.

“That was clearly your fault!” Gwyneth yelled. “I’m not the one who ordered him to swing a Deiridium warhammer!” Encara yelled. “You know damn well how strong that he is.” He added folding his arms.

Yamada awkwardly approached the two of them. “I finished my lap...what’s next?” He asked hesitant to hear their answers.

“Weapon training.” Gwyneth said. “Gate discovery.” Encara said. 

They clashed foreheads hearing each other’s answers, barking their answers again to each other repeatedly. Yamada removed his helm, looking at them both askance. “Would it be possible to find a Draken to kill?” He asked.

The two of them froze and shifted their gaze to him. “Grand Knight Gwyneth wants me to learn a weapon, and get use to wearing armour all the time. The best way to learn a weapon is to use it, and I should train to get use to my actual armour. King Encara wants me to study the shapes of natural elements of the world to open the water gate. The forest and valley is big and I can see a lot of things to help me.” He said.

The two of them gave each other a glance, staring back to Yamada in silence. “Forget I said anything, I’ll just go do another lap.” He said putting on the large oversized helmet.

Encara and Gwyneth gave each other an understanding nod. Encara disappeared in a blinding light, and Gwyneth stopped Yamada from wearing his helmet.

“Take the helmet, keep the hammers and wait for us outside the Third Ring.” Gwyneth said.

She leapt off the third ring to Yamada’s horror and fright. “GWYNETH!” Yamada called out. She plummeted down to the earth. Her descent slowed down and she floated down like a graceful angel, barely disturbing the dust.

Yamada scratched his head at the sight, as she marched off with purpose. “Did she just float?” Yamada said confused.

Jacara was straining on the ground in his personal room to do a push up. He wore nothing but his pants, his skinny body covered in sweat, gnashing his teeth. Jacara’s room was filled with luxurious bed sheets, curtains and ornaments.

A blinding light appeared in front of his door, and Encara rushed in. “Oooonnnneee thousand!” Jacara screamed triumphantly, pushing up. Encara looked at him doubtfully pursing his lips to a line.

“Who are you trying to lie to?” Encara asked, looking around the empty room.

Jacara stood up with a thin layer of sweat and a flushed face. “I did one thousand push ups.” He said wiping himself down. “You mean a thousand push ups, over the span of twenty two years?” Encara asked.

Jacara was silent. “What do you want Father? Come to tell me I’m still the diamond in the shit heap again?” He said putting on his fine silk shirt.

“Are you still on about that? I said it one time.” Encara groaned.  "And it’s not like I was wrong, you’re leagues above the other mages, you’re just not Grand Mage ma-” “What do you want?” Jacara growled cutting him off.

“I want you to come on a field trip to Pest Peak.” Encara said with a giant smile.

Jacara gave him an anxious look. He had seen that look in his father before, and it always led to something bad. “Why are we going there?” Jacara asked, hesitant to hear the answer.

“Friendly competition with Gwyneth. You and Gwyneth’s squire will hunt a Draken, first one to kill it wins.” He said excitedly.

“What do I get for killing a Draken? And why would I have to compete with that simpleton?” Jacara scoffed strapping the leather belt on and tapping on his back pouch.

Encara let out a sigh, slowly walking away. “Well, I guess Gwyneth was right. A Master of None, can’t even compare to her squire of two days. Guess I’ll go tell her to leave without us, because you’re not strong enough.”

Jacara stomped his way to the door, slamming it shut in front of Encara. He stuck his finger into Encara’s face.

“Firstly, I know you’re playing me, but I’ll kill whatever damn Draken appears, and prove her wrong.” He growled.

“Great! Let’s go.” Encara said overjoyed.

Jacara grabbed his sleeve and the two of them disappeared in a blinding flash of light. They appeared at the south entrance, with Yamada at the front gate juggling the two war hammers.

He garnered a small audience, who watched the spectacle in awe. Jacara watched on dumbfounded with bulging eyes and a stutter in his speech.

“Is...is he juggling Deiridium war hammers?” Encara smirked at the sight. “Yes he is.”

The crowd parted, giving way and bowed at Encara and Jacara as they passed through. “Yamada, did someone tell you to juggle those?” Encara asked. “No, my King.” He said continuing to juggle the hammers.  “So why are you juggling them?” Jacara asked.

“Arcane Energy naturally rises. If you put the right amount onto something, it stops being heavy for a little bit. That’s why Gwyneth could float down. I want to learn how to do that, so I’m practicing with these.” Yamada said with a smile across his face.

Encara chuckled at the response. “Where is Gwyneth?” Encara asked. “I’m here.” She said behind them, dragging a large wagon, with an entire armoury on it.

The three of them panned over the; various swords, poleaxes, large hammers, spears, daggers, battle axes, clubs and bows of various sizes. “Did you bring enough weapons?” Encara asked sarcastically.

“I need to know, what weapon best suits him.” She said tossing Yamada the rope.

“Put the hammers down on them.” She ordered.

Yamada looked cautiously at the steel weapons, and then at the two black war hammers in his hands.

“Um...Grand Knight Gwyneth, this wagon doesn’t look like it could hold these.” He said doubtfully, inspecting the wagon.

“She wants you to imbue the wagon with Arcane energy as you drag it.” Jacara said. Yamada nodded at the realisation, and carefully placed them down. “Idiot.” Jacara muttered under his breath, loud enough for Yamada to hear.

Yamada paid him no attention and gleefully dragged the wagon behind, following Gwyneth and Encara. They came to a solid part of the third ring, with two earth mages standing by, and Yamada looked around confused.

“How do we get out? I never noticed the Citadel doesn’t have gates.” He asked.

Jacara rolled his eyes. The earth mages nodded at Encara and Gwyneth, and after a few heartbeats, opened two gates for earth magic. They moulded a large portion of the wall into an arched opening. Yamada gazed in awe as they passed through. “Wow Earth magic is amazing!”

“I suppose something that basic would appear like that to you.” Jacara jabbed, trying to get a rise from Yamada.

“That’s basic!?” He exclaimed. “Wow, I have a lot to learn.” He said scratching his head.

Gwyneth tittered at his response. The four of them journeyed through the vast forest surrounding the Citadel, towards the rocky mountains south west of them.

Yamada sauntered ahead of them, the wagon gently gliding over the rocky terrain. Gwyneth and Encara followed behind the wagon, impressed at how stable it moved. Jacara was lagging behind them, short on breath from the short walk.

“So where are we going?” Yamada asked, gazing around in wonder at the abundant forest.

“Pest Peak.” Jacara said. “What’s that?” Yamada asked. “Do you seriously know nothing? Did your parents teach you nothing?” Jacara said shaking his head in disbelief.

“My parents were killed when I was a child.” Yamada responded nonchalantly, still gazing around in wonder. Gwyneth and Encara turned back looking at Jacara irritated. He threw his hands up, shaking his head and mouthing back to them. ‘How was I supposed to know?’

“Pest Peak is home to many animals and creatures that have begun turning, or have completely turned into a Draken.” Encara said.

“How come you haven’t destroyed them all? The Citadel is strong enough right?” Yamada asked.

“Past Pest Peak, lies the kingdom of Tuskdra. The vast amount of Drakens that roam the area, are a great deterrent from them attacking us.” Gwyneth said.

“So what kind of Draken are you expecting to kill for your armour?” Encara asked. Jacara stared at Yamada with a precarious gaze. He could already tell Yamada was monstrously strong, but was it necessary he sacrifice his humanity for the sake of more power?

“The Drakens of Pest Peak are all low on the hierarchy.” Jacara said. Yamada stopped, and Jacara rolled his eyes. “Oh please tell me that you were at least educated in the Draken Hierarchy.” He pleaded.

“I know the hierarchy. Dragons and Ryūs reside at the top, below them are Wyverns and Drakes, and then below them are Lindworms and Amphitheres, and lastly Wyrms. Creatures halfway through transforming can vary in strength, but will inevitably transform fully into a member of the hierarchy.” Yamada recited.

The three of them were silent, as Yamada pressed on. “And to answer your question my King, I was hoping to kill a Wyvern or Drake, but a Lindworm or Amphithere will do.” He said.

Encara lagged behind to walk beside Jacara. “Have you ever thought of not being a condescending ass? You might actually make friends that way.” He whispered.

“But you’re always a condescending ass.” Jacara whispered back. “

Yes, and as you can I’m loved by everyone.” Encara said sardonically.  

“I don’t need friends anyway.” Jacara scoffed. “Beg to disagree.” Encara said.

Gwyneth slowed her gait meeting with Jacara. “Unless you want another broken arm, and to spend another night with the Blessed. I would suggest showing my squire some more respect.” She growled.

“He’s an idiot and you know it. You’re just being nice to him, because you’re sleeping with him.” Jacara said.

Encara looked at Gwyneth askance with wide eyes. “You’re what now?” He said shaking his head, and leaning his ear in closer.

“He sleeps in my room, there’s nowhere in the barracks for him.” Gwyneth said. Encara and Jacara both nodded mockingly, puckering their lips out. “Suuuurreee.” They both said in sync. Gwyneth rolled her eyes. “Stop being a brat to him.” She said sternly, before catching up to Yamada.

“We’re getting close. Pick a weapon you find the most comfortable. I will teach you in it later.” Gwyneth said.

“How do we find the Draken?” Yamada asked. They reached the base of the valley with the sun starting to set. The large mountains before them had frozen snow covered tips. Encara stepped next to him and clapped his hands together. A loud echo rung throughout the valley.

“That’s enough to get their attention?” Yamada asked. “Yes, it is now get ready. Even if they are low on the Draken Heirarchy, a Lindworm or Amphithere can still kill a hundred men easy.” Gwyneth said. A booming roar echoed through the valley, and a mountain shook violently, destroying the frosted tip.

From a large cave on the side of the mountain, a torrent of fire spewed out. Gwyneth took a step back reaching for her long sword. Jacara reached for his back pouch and Yamada untied the rope around his waist.

From the smouldering mountain side, a giant crimson scaled Dragon emerged. It crawled out of the mountain, its four legs shattered the mountain side, like brittle clay. The crimson dragon’s long thick tail, whipped the top of the mountain, destroying it into dust. It spread its large bat like wings, casting a shadow over the valley, and let out another primal roar, spewing flames.

Gwyneth quickly drew her long sword, when Encara disarmed her, tossing the long sword towards Yamada. With a clap of his hands, the two of them teleported, 50 meters away.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” She shouted running towards them.

Encara yanked her cape back. “Just watch. If they get into trouble, I’ll step in.” He said.

“THAT’S A DAMN FIRE DRAGON!” She yelled, breaking free of his grip.

“THEY NEED TO RUN!” Encara pointed towards the Fire Dragon flying in. Yamada looked back at the wagon, reaching for the war hammers, stopping himself and grabbed Gwyneth’s black long sword.

Jacara pulled a tarot card out, with a drawing of waves. Yamada stood in the high guard position, the blade resting above him. The Fire Dragon swooped in with its beating wings creating hot gale winds. It reeled back blowing a stream of red hot fire.

Jacara raised the tarot card above his head. “Drown.” He growled.

From the card several large crashing waves spawned, surging out and clashed with the fire. A large cloud of steam enveloped the area.

The Fire Dragon landed, its four claws smashing into the ground. Yamada brought the sword down with all his might, lopping off one of the  dragon’s toe. It back reeled in agony bellowing out another stream of fire. Gwyneth watched on speechless as Encara wore a smug smirk. “Let them have this one.”