Kingsland Arc: Chapter 11- The Master's Test
The imposing presence of Master Baelish filled the main hall of his secluded mountain abode. Ronin, still reeling from the overwhelming aura that had rooted him to the spot, felt a cold knot of fear in his stomach. The old man's black cloak, so reminiscent of Zorde's, seemed to absorb the very light around him, making his figure appear even more formidable, a silent, ancient shadow.
Rose, ever composed, bowed deeply, her slender frame bending in a gesture of profound respect. "Master," she greeted, her voice soft but clear. She then gently nudged Ronin, whose head was still bowed, prompting him to follow suit. Ronin, feeling a strange mix of dread and awe, awkwardly bent at the waist, his eyes fixed on the rough wooden floor, unable to lift his gaze.
Baelish's voice, deep and resonant like ancient stone, cut through the tension. "Rise, Rose. And you, boy. Come upstairs to my study. We have much to discuss about him." His gaze, sharp and piercing, flickered to Ronin, a silent command that seemed to bore into the boy's very soul.
Without another word, Baelish turned and ascended the creaking wooden stairs, his black cloak swirling around his tall, imposing figure. Rose followed, giving Ronin a fleeting, reassuring glance before disappearing into the shadows of the upper floor. Ronin remained in the hall, his heart pounding, the weight of Baelish's gaze still heavy on him.
Upstairs, Baelish entered a spartan study. The room was sparsely furnished with a heavy wooden desk, a few shelves lined with ancient, leather-bound tomes, and a single, unlit fireplace. The air here was cool, carrying the faint scent of old paper and something else – a subtle, earthy aroma, like deep forest roots, mingled with a hint of something metallic, almost like distant ozone. Baelish moved to stand behind his desk, his hands clasped behind his back, his posture ramrod straight despite his apparent age, a testament to an enduring, perhaps unnatural, vitality.
Rose stepped inside, her movements economical and precise, reflecting years of rigorous Shadow Knight training. She pulled the heavy wooden door shut behind her with a soft thud that seemed to seal them off from the world. She still wore her practical dark travel cloak, its fabric slightly damp from the forest.
Baelish's gaze, sharp and unblinking, fixed on her. His deep-set, dark eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing her face. "How are you, Rose?" he asked, his voice devoid of warmth, yet not unkind. It was the question of a master to a long-absent student, tinged with a history only they shared.
"I am well, Master," Rose replied, her voice steady, her expression carefully composed. "I hope you are also doing well."
A faint, almost imperceptible sigh escaped Baelish. "As you can see, I have gotten a bit old," he murmured, a hint of ancient weariness in his tone that belied his strong, tall frame. His eyes, dark and fathomless, seemed to hold centuries of knowledge and perhaps, sorrow. "Now, tell me, who is that boy, and why are you here with him? I sense a strong demonic presence from him, Rose. Tell me the truth." His voice dropped to a low, demanding growl, a sound that seemed to vibrate with ancient power, stirring a flicker of unease in Rose.
Rose took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering, her face, usually so guarded, holding a raw honesty as she recounted the harrowing tale of the demon invasion of Magnolia. She spoke of Zorde's brutal conquest, the death of King Sayan and his loyal Lieutenant, and the horrifying truth of how Ronin had received the demon blood – a twisted act of 'kindness' from the Demon King himself. She explained the subsequent escape to Finslia, the years of hidden sanctuary, and Ronin's struggle with his E-rank light magic, overshadowed by the volatile, suppressed demonic power. She concluded with the incident at the Royal Academy, the uncontrolled outburst, and the desperate need for Baelish's unique expertise. Her hands clasped tightly, her knuckles white, her face etched with desperate hope.
Baelish listened in silence, his expression unreadable, his eyes never leaving Rose's face. A profound stillness filled the room, broken only by the soft rustle of Rose's cloak. When she finished, a flicker of genuine astonishment, almost awe, crossed Baelish's weathered features. "That child survived the Demonic blood," Baelish finally said, his voice a low, gravelly whisper. "It is... unbelievable. Zorde's blood is not given lightly, nor is it easily contained." He paused, his gaze drifting to the window, lost in thought, a profound weariness settling around his eyes, hinting at a deep, personal understanding of demonic power that went beyond mere academic knowledge. "But I don't think I can train him, Rose. I have gotten old. My methods... they are not for the faint of heart, and I am past the age of taking on such a volatile project." His voice was tinged with a weariness that felt deeper than mere physical age, hinting at battles fought and burdens carried long ago.
"Please, Master," Rose pleaded, her voice laced with desperation, stepping forward. "You are the only hope he has. You are the only person who can train and help him control these powers, to merge the holy light of his mother's lineage with the demon blood. Please, Master, for Vasmos, for the future."
Baelish turned back to her, his gaze sharp and piercing. He studied her for a long moment, his eyes seeming to weigh her resolve. Then he sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of ancient forests. "You two must be tired," he said, his tone softening slightly, a flicker of something almost akin to pity in his eyes. "Rest here today. I will think about it."
The early morning light, pale and cool, filtered through the high windows of Baelish's main hall the next day. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Rose stood by the fireplace, her slender frame taut with a silent tension, her gaze fixed on the unlit hearth.
Freya approached her, her elegant deep blue robes rustling softly, her sharp features softened slightly by a mix of concern and lingering hurt from their previous encounter. "Did Master accept to train Ronin?" she asked, her voice low, a hint of apprehension in her tone.
Rose shook her head slowly, her eyes distant, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face. "Not yet. He said he would think about it."
Freya's expression softened further with sympathy. She placed a comforting hand on Rose's shoulder, her touch gentle. "Don't worry, Rose. I think the Master will change his mind. He always does, eventually, when faced with a truly challenging student."
In the background, Kaelen, Miya, and Lamus were already preparing for their departure to Kingsland town. Kaelen, a figure of athletic grace even in his gleaming golden armor, was checking his sword's hilt with practiced ease. Miya, her slender frame moving with quiet efficiency, adjusted the strap of her staff, her kind eyes scanning the room. Lamus, a veritable mountain of muscle and steel, was securing his massive axe to his back, his broad shoulders filling the doorway.
Just then, Baelish descended the stairs, his black cloak flowing around his tall, imposing figure like a shadow. His expression was stern, unreadable, yet his eyes seemed to hold a new, calculating resolve. He looked towards his three current students, who were already geared for a hunt, their youthful faces eager.
"Chou," Baelish's voice cut through the quiet, addressing the sturdy boy with sharp, intelligent eyes, who wore practical, well-maintained leather armor. "You, Rafaela, and Yue Xin are going on a hunt today, correct?"
"Yes, Master," Chou replied, his voice respectful, his posture straight. Rafaela, in her simple healer's tunic, and Yue Xin, in her earthy-toned mage robes, nodded in agreement, their faces expectant.
"Good," Baelish stated. "But wait. Don't go just yet."
Chou, though curious, simply nodded, his expression unwavering. "As you command, Master."
Baelish then turned and walked directly towards Rose, his gaze unwavering, his dark eyes fixed on her. "Rose," he said, his voice a low murmur, a hint of something unsaid in his tone.
"Master," Rose responded, her posture straightening, a flicker of renewed hope in her eyes.
"I need to talk with you for a moment. Can you step aside?"
Rose nodded, her heart quickening with anticipation. "Yes, Master." She moved away from Freya and the others, granting them privacy.
Baelish's gaze, intense and assessing, fixed on Rose. "It's about the boy, Ronin."
"Yes?" Rose prompted, her voice barely a whisper, her eyes wide with urgency.
"How old is he now?" Baelish asked, his voice thoughtful.
"Thirteen," Rose confirmed, her voice firm.
"And he has received basic combat training, correct? From Shin?"
"Yes, Master. He is proficient with twin blades, and his agility is uncanny, almost supernatural."
Baelish nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his weathered face. "Good. Then, I would like Ronin to go on the hunt with my students today. I send my students to hunt not just for resources, but because it is a crucial part of their training. It helps them develop situational awareness, learn how to use the surroundings to their advantage, and gain vast knowledge about different types of monsters and how to fight them using their powers. And yes, it helps them earn coin from the Adventurers' Guild by selling valuable monster resources. My students are all registered adventurers."
Rose's brow furrowed with concern, a deep crease appearing between her eyebrows. Her gaze flickered to Ronin, who was standing a little distance away, observing them with a curious, hopeful expression. "Is this... a test for him, Master?" she asked, her voice hesitant, a protective instinct rising within her.
"Yes," Baelish confirmed, his eyes unblinking, holding her gaze. "It is a test."
Rose hesitated, her concern for Ronin's safety warring with her desperate hope that Baelish would accept him. He was still so vulnerable, his powers unstable, and the Zevery Forest was known for its dangers.
Baelish seemed to sense her apprehension, a subtle curve appearing at the corner of his lips, almost a ghost of a smile. "He will be safe with my students, Rose. They are capable. But Ronin should never know that this is a test. He must believe it is a normal hunt, a chance to prove himself." His eyes held a flicker of ancient wisdom, a knowing glint that suggested he understood far more about the boy, and the nature of true trials, than he let on.
After a moment of internal struggle, Rose nodded, her resolve hardening. "I understand, Master. He will go."
Rose walked over to Ronin, her expression carefully neutral, masking her lingering apprehension. "Ronin," she said, her voice calm. "Master Baelish wishes for you to join Chou and the others on their hunt today. It's a chance to gain experience."
Ronin's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and excitement bubbling within him. "Why? I thought we were waiting for Master Baelish's decision."
"Don't ask questions," Rose replied, a hint of her usual Shadow Knight firmness in her tone, her gaze unwavering. "Just join them. And be careful, understand?"
Ronin, sensing the underlying seriousness, nodded, his jaw setting with determination. "Okay." He glanced at Chou's group, a mix of apprehension and eager anticipation bubbling within him.
Baelish then approached Chou, his gaze stern. "Chou, Ronin will be joining your group on the hunt today."
Chou's expression tightened almost imperceptibly, a fleeting flicker of displeasure in his sharp eyes. He clearly believed Ronin, an unknown E-rank, would slow them down. But he quickly masked it, bowing his head respectfully. "As you wish, Master."
"He is new here," Baelish continued, his voice low and firm, his gaze sweeping over the young adventurers. "And not as strong as you lot. Keep him safe. Do not let him wander off by himself. And when you return, I want your honest opinion on his performance. Also, do not go deep into the Zevery Forest, and under no circumstances are you to enter the dungeon. The creatures there are... beyond your current capabilities." His last words carried a subtle, almost chilling authority, a tone that hinted at a deep, personal, and perhaps ancient knowledge of the forest's darkest, most primal dangers, a knowledge only someone who had faced such depths, or perhaps even originated from them, could possess.
Chou nodded, his expression serious, though a spark of curiosity about Ronin now mixed with his initial skepticism. "Understood, Master."
Ronin joined the group, feeling the weight of Chou's unspoken judgment. Chou, with a forced, thin smile, introduced Ronin to Rafaela and Yue Xin. "This is Ronin. He'll be joining us."
Chou then turned to Ronin, his sharp eyes assessing Ronin's relatively lean, still-growing frame. "So, Ronin, what is your magic power?"
"I am a light magic user," Ronin replied, his voice a little uncertain, his gaze flickering between Chou and the ground.
A ripple of genuine surprise and interest went through the group. Light magic users were rare and highly valued. "Great!" Chou exclaimed, his tone more genuinely impressed, his eyebrows rising slightly. "What is your magic rank?"
Ronin hesitated, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, the E-rank feeling like a brand of shame. He stammered, his voice barely a whisper, "E... E-rank. My magic rank is E."
The group's initial amazement visibly deflated. Chou's smile faltered, replaced by a look of clear disappointment that tightened his lips. Rafaela and Yue Xin exchanged subtle, knowing glances, a hint of pity in their eyes.
"Okay, Ronin," Chou said, his voice now flat, losing all enthusiasm, his shoulders slumping slightly. "You stay in the back line. Use your supporting magic when we tell you, and do not slow us down."
Ronin's shoulders slumped, the familiar sting of inadequacy returning, a bitter taste in his mouth. "Okay," he mumbled, his gaze falling to his feet. Then, trying to regain some footing and understand his new companions, he asked, "May I know your magic power and rank, if you don't mind?"
The group members, Chou, Rafaela, and Yue Xin, quickly rattled off their impressive stats, their voices regaining a hint of pride. Chou, an A-Rank Ground and Fire Magic user, their leader and fighter. Rafaela, a B+ Rank Healing Magic user, their support. And Yue Xin, a B+ Rank Plant Magic user with a touch of Ground Magic, their mage.
"Great," Ronin said, his voice filled with genuine awe, the disparity between their power and his own starkly apparent.
With a final, silent nod from Baelish, who watched from the doorway, the group left the house, heading towards the Zevery Forest. The morning sun, now higher in the sky, cast long shadows before them, leading them deeper into the ancient woods and towards Ronin's first true test under the watchful, mysterious eye of Master Baelish.
[To Be Continued In Chapter:12 The Zevery Forest's Embrace]