Hmm. What would you say if I refused to gain your enhancement magic, but still offered my services to your cause? It's just that I'm rather cautious when it comes to introducing foreign magic into my body.💧 If you still have doubts about my base skill level, I could perhaps prove myself in a...contest of sorts?❤️
"I see. Suit yourself then." Varjan stood up. "And no need to prove yourself. I just need you to do what I ask."
"Untie her, Anesh." Varjan told his maid who did as he asked. "Call the others. We're going to begin the Transfiguration." He ordered his maid again who dutifully followed. "Congratulations, Hisana. You get to bear witness to my second-most greatest spell I have learned. Follow me."
------
The small group had assembled in a clearing lit up by bright torches surrounding the area. In the center was an empty patch of ground save for a coal-drawn circle containing intersecting lines and inscrutable words within. "My friends, my stalwart allies in the coming fight. Welcome to your greatest change in your life, your Transfiguration." Varjan began.
"The process is not complicated for you. All you need to do is enter the circle and I'll do the rest." Varjan pointed to the shape on the clear ground. "The process will not be painless but it is guaranteed success. So then, who shall go first?" Before anyone could answer, Varjan continued. "On a second thought, why not let our newcomer choose? So she could participate in our little group."
All eyes turned to you, awaiting your answer. "Go on. Pick one of them."
Those presented were the angry blonde called Orne, the beautiful girl in the red dress, and the bespectacled boy with the scarf.
I'm sorry Vitalion-san. Is not something I really wish to speak of, as it is a very private matter. Just know that she'll pay for her crimes in full force! And yes, her bounty is quite high as you would expect."
"
Hey no worries, friend. Sorry for bringing it up." Vitalion apologized. "
Rest assured that the City Guard will help you any way we can."
"So since things went well with Orlov, I imagine Lumina-kun is doing fine? I know she wanted to hunt Hisana down as well, has she decided to stay in the capital and continue the hunt?"
"
Err, I don't know about her. I did hear that she's here for other than Hisana. I don't know the details."
The two of you then reach the Luminous Citadel. Despite the dead of night, the fortress was lit up like a beacon in darkness. The soldiers there stood a vigilant guard, ever ready for anything. Past the great doors that served as the entrance, you and Vitalion entered the central structure of the Luminous Citadel.
The Head Captain led you through the wide, defensible halls of the citadel. The fortress felt like a maze with the amount of halls and corridors within it but Vitalion navigated them without difficulty, as if he was a regular here. Finally, the two of you reach a seemingly normal corridor with a set of double doors at the end of it. Vitalion approached the doors.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
The doors were answered and Athos was revealed on the other side. "
Ah, Sir Vitalion. What brings you here?"
"
Lord Athos, I bring Sir Enishi. He wants to speak to you." Vitalion said. "
Er, are you busy perhaps, my lord?"
"
Oh, uhh, yes actually but we've just finished. Please, come in you two." Athos beckoned you inside the room. It was a simple chamber containing a couple of windows on the side, a warm fireplace burning at the fore with two high-class, velvet chairs facing it and a low, glass table in between the two pieces of furniture.
Athos and another figure, a dark-skinned Elf of red eyes and young age, was inside. The Court Mage spoke to the Elf a bit before sending her away alongside Vitalion. Athos sat on one of the chairs and motioned to the other. "
Please take a seat, Sir Enishi."
"
So, what did you want to talk to me about? Have you caught your target Hisana?"
"...this spear was in my family for generations. A holy relic. Said to have been gifted to us my Lady Aylama. But some generations ago, its power was lost. Some charlatan thought to steal the spear for his own selfish purposes. He was hunted down and dealt with, but the spear lost its luster. He also destroyed many important records in the family, detailing the spears use and its exact origins. It is my hope that...perhaps I can get help returning this relic to its former state."
"
It's a unique relic, eh? Well, our library at Seraph Academy has a ton of books detailing magical relics and artifacts of the known world. Maybe you can find something there about your spear." Vitalion suggested. "
Just talk to the Headmaster. Even if you weren't the winner of the tournament, I'm sure he'll help you out with your spear."
You and Vitalion reach the Radiant Cathedral without incident. And with that, the day has ended.
"
I thank you both for coming with us. It means a lot to know we're not alone." Alicia then looked at
Lisia with uncertainty. "
But uhh, shouldn't you be at the graduation ceremony? We at least can be excused for not being there but you... you're the Princess." The redhead pointed out.
"
She's right. We'll be gone for a week or two, Princess Lisia." Mira piped in. "
Don't get me wrong. I'm glad you want to come with us but how are you going to... you know, not be at the graduation? As the Princess, I'm sure you're going to be a speaker there."
A few days passed without much happening. You were simply informed about the date of the graduation ceremony and you were advised to come up with a speech and a flashy spell demonstration to bedazzle the audience. But those could be at the back of your mind right now for your parents could be arriving any day now. You had to be ready to receive them.
There was also the matter with Varjan. You have not heard anything about him ever since your meeting with Athos, not even from--
"
Seleth? There are two girls who want to see you outside. Alicia and Mira."
A Light Elf priest told you. You went outside to see the two aforementioned girls. Both of whom were dressed more than usual, as if they were going traveling. "
Hello, Seleth! Have you been resting well? Are your injuries healed up?" Alicia greeted you. "
Listen, we're going to Varjan's home which is several days from here so we'll be gone for a while. We're here to ask you to pray to the Twins for blessing in our trip."
"
We're also here to congratulate you properly for your victory in the tournament." Mira said. "
Sooo, congratulations! A lot of people didn't think you could make it this far but you showed them, didn't you?" She chuckled. "
Well, pray for us okay? You have any parting words?"
"
Oh man, I make it sound like we're not coming back from this."
Days passed and Ecthel found a caravan that the group can join to get to Varjan's home of Pinsilpi. The caravan was assembling at the southern gate of Zauberheim, and
Lumina had arrived there only to see Ecthel and no one else from their group. "
Hey, Lumina. What's up?"
"
You might be wondering where the others are. Well, Mira and Alicia went to the Radiant Cathedral first to see Seleth and pray to the Twins for blessing for... whatever we're gonna do." The boy rogue said. "
As for the Princess, well I haven't heard from her yet but if she's coming with us, she'll be here."
Xaltwind