Golden light burst from Gaiden’s sword, swirling with streaks of every color imaginable. Raw mana flooded out, rippling across the grass like a living tide.Bren took a sharp step back, his eyes locked on the blade.Gaiden turned toward them. His irises shone with that exact same brilliant gold and swirling color.“Again!” Bren’s voice cracked. “His eyes… they changed again!”“Huh?!” Glendo blinked hard, then his grin widened. “Those eyes… that power… it’s nothing like I’ve ever felt before!”Bram stood up slowly, his heavy axe gripped tight in both hands. He planted his feet wide, ready to charge at any moment.Glendo didn’t wait. He lunged forward, closing the distance in a heartbeat, and threw a punch straight at Gaiden’s chest.A shimmering barrier flared up right before impact. Glendo’s fist slammed into it and bounced back.Instead of looking confused or worried, Glendo’s eyes blazed with pure excitement. He threw his head back and laughed loud and sharp.“Ha!!! Let’s see how lo

Five days had passed since Gaiden left Lerin Village. He sat by the edge of a slow river, a small fire crackling in front of him. Two fish on wooden sticks turned slowly over the flames.Fish and wild fruit again, he thought with a sigh. This is what survival feels like, I guess. I’d give anything for a chunk of meat right now. Wonder if there’s any village nearby?He poked at the fire with a stick. It’s boring out here, that’s for sure. But I’ve always been fine with quiet, so I’ll get used to it.Master Long had always forbidden his students from wandering too far beyond the village borders. The villagers themselves rarely traveled this far either. Wild beasts and monsters roamed the woods and hills, and no one wanted to risk running into them alone.Gaiden ran a hand over the fresh bruises and dirt on his arms. In just five days, he had already seen plenty of strange things. Plant-like creatures that lashed out with vines, tiny flying fungi that spat stinging spores, and herds of w

“Are you okay?” Gaiden asked, pushing himself up slowly.“I’m fine. Just a scratch,” Laticia replied, wincing slightly but standing steady.This beast is way too powerful for just the two of us, Gaiden thought, gripping his sword tight. But I know there is always a way to defeat it. Or at least find a way to escape.He looked at her with a sudden spark of idea. “Hey Softy!”Laticia frowned, surprised. “What the hell are you talking about? Softy? I’m not—”“Never mind,” Gaiden cut in quickly. “Not the right time for that right now.”He turned serious. “By the way, how many traps did you set up earlier when you were chasing me?”Laticia paused and thought for a moment. “Hmm… around ten, I guess.”“Ten traps?!” Gaiden’s eyes widened. This girl really wanted me dead earlier. I was lucky I only ran into one.“Alright Laticia,” he said. “How do you hide them so well?”“Why do you need to know?” she asked suspiciously.“Just tell me. We don’t have much time.”“Fine, fine,” she sighed. “You s

Windor Town spread out before them, packed with ships of every kind—passenger vessels, heavy cargo barges, and sleek private crafts bobbing in the harbor. It was one of the busiest places in the whole known world. Everyone knew this was the safest route to the Southern and Central Continents.Traveling straight south by land had been impossible for centuries. Once there had been ports in the Central Continent too, but sea monsters began gathering near its shores, drawn and stirred up by negative mana. Now anyone from Central or Eastern lands had to cross the border and pass through Windor to sail south.Gaiden stared wide-eyed. “Whoa… it’s huge. And so many people everywhere.”Laticia’s eyes shone bright with excitement. “This is what an adventure feels like! Our village was nothing compared to this.”“You said Neguro Kingdom is hidden though,” Gaiden said. “What did you mean by that?”Before she could answer, a group stepped out from behind them and stopped right in their path.“Are

Gaiden’s heart was slamming so hard he could barely breathe. He stood frozen, staring at the shop owner like the old man had just told him he’d grow wings tomorrow.Then the old guy burst out laughing.“Hahaha! Relax, kid! I was just messing with you!” He wiped his eyes. “Truth is, pretty much everyone’s born with mana these days. Most folks just never bother training it—doesn’t help with their job, so why bother?”He leaned in, voice turning serious. “But listen to this part. You’re heading south, right? Everyone thinks it’s all peace and sunshine down there. Yeah… you’re gonna find out soon enough that’s a big fat lie. Watch your back.”He grinned. “And I’m guessing you’re one of those Landon trial people? Good luck out there. Try not to die on day one, yeah?”Gaiden let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Old man… I swear you make it sound like half the people leaving here aren’t coming back. He bowed. “Thanks. Seriously.”“No problem!” The old man waved. “Next time you com