ARTHUR
Four years went by in a flash, and I had finally met all my mother's conditions in that time.
Just yesterday, I celebrated my fifth birthday, and now, at the age of five, I had reached the 'Solid Red' stage—one step beyond what my mother had asked for. My skills with both swords and magic had grown significantly over the past few years, and I had even managed to master a few elements.
When I first awakened my mana core, I was able to use water magic, but only for a short period. After that incident, I couldn't control my water magic quite like I did that day. But after four years of relentless training, I was finally able to control both Water and Fire magic.
Not to brag, but this is an achievement that even the most seasoned adventurers would struggle to match—mastering three elements by the age of five.
And just like that, the promised day of our departure had arrived.
"How are you feeling, Art? Excited?" My dad asked before we departed for our trip.
"Yes", I replied.
I tried to keep my cool, but I was just too excited to calm down. This was finally my time to make my own path in a world of magic.
Throughout our way, me and my parents were making small chats to pass the time until we reached the capital.
"And you know, your mom and I met during--?!" My dad paused talking as his face became tensed.
Shortly after, I understood the reason behind his now tensed face. We were ambushed.
As we made our way out of the cart, we saw men with mask covering half of their faces standing atop of a mountain. They were all very well around 'Solid Red' stage. The same level as me.
"Art, take your mom to somewhere safe quickly", my dad ordered.
It was the first time, I saw my dad so serious.
"Dad, I can fight them too. I've grown strong too in these 4 years too. Let me fight alongside you." I revolted my father's order, I was desperate. I didn't want to lose someone close to me again, just because I wasn't strong enough.
I swore to myself that I'll become strong enough to protect my family this time and that wasn't an empty promise. The only reason why I worked so hard over these 4 years was to grow strong, explore this world more and protect my family.
"I know, so that's why hurry up and get your mom to safety. Join me when you have completed your first mission given by your dad." My father smirked while saying it. It was as if he read my mind.
With those words, my father wore his gauntlets and dashed towards the bandits. Those words of my father were probably the most comforting words I've heard recently. The fact that someone trusted me and was depended on me made me happy beyond what I could express.
While my father distracted the bandits, I took my mom's hands and ran for a shelter. Luckily, I found a broken house in the middle of mountain which was enough for my mom to hide. The only problem is my mom would be defenseless if a mana beast were to attack.
My mother wasn't a combat type mage. The only magic she could cast was healing magic.
I clenched my fist, knowing that I would be leaving my mom in this suspicious and defenseless place and I can't do anything if she were to get attacked.
"Art, I'll be fine here. Go help your dad." My mother pressed my hands as she snapped me back to reality.
"Art, no matter what, be safe. You are a strong boy now and you can protect yourself, but still be safe. And protect your father too." My mom sent me off with mom's worry type line.
No matter which universe, a mother will always be worried for their child.
"Alright," I gave my mom a kiss on the forehead before I departed to assist my dad.
By the time I reached the place, it looked like my dad who was in 'Solid Orange' stage had nearly exerted all his mana and was now getting pushed back.
My father had defeated many bandits in the shirt time, I left. His gauntlets glowing with fiery Orange aura and a vortex of fire surrounded my dad's hand's.
Without giving much thought, I used a new technique which I developed myself in these 4 years.
Lightning Magic: Thunderclap Speed
A technique where I envelop all my muscles with lightning and it boosts my speed by threefold.
This is a technique I first used against my dad during our first friendly spar. Back then, I didn't have complete control over my speed and new body.
Now, with my improved control over my speed and body, I blitzed through all the bandits surrounding my father.
Judging by their expressions, it seemed like they didn't expect a child to possess mana core and use lightning magic like this. Well, I wouldn't blame them, I would be pretty shocked if I were them to. But their surprise didn't come to an end there.
Water Magic: Water Vortex Rainfall
I used my Water magic to create a giant vortex in the air and as soon as it bursted, the droplets of Water fell on everyone like rain.
I used my lightning magic, and everyone on whom the water droplets fell got fried by my lightning magic. It wasn't long before almost every single one of the bandits fell with charcoal skin.
I looked back to check if my father was injured, but a thick fog surrounded my father and he walked out of the mist with few scratches.
"Phew! You really went all out, son. That combo magic could have burned me." My father appreciated my tactic as he walked and and continued to talk.
"If I didn't protect myself with Fire vortex at the last second, I would have had the same fate as them." My father said, as he looked around the fallen bandits.
"Hm? Son, are you all right?" My father asked, tilting his head like an owl.
Maybe, he can't feel this overwhelming energy coming from the bushes.
The presence was too powerful to even think of. I hadn't sensed this much mana residual energy coming from someone from before.
That's when, a figure with dark, rugged skin emerged from the shadows, his white hair and yellow eyes complemented his deep tone of complexion. His skin, almost scaled texture as if shaped by centuries of wars. With each step, he took, the air grew heavy and the fins extended from his forearms grew larger and sharper as if responding to his huge amount of mana which surged inside him.
Ever since my reincarnation, I've never met a person with such intimidating presence and huge amount of mana. It made my mana core, which I poured all my 4 years into seem like a joke. It was difficult to even breathe, just by seeing his way of walking.
He made his way to the unconscious bandits, as a wall of Water surrounded him as if to protect him from any attack we make. But it was impossible. Even if we tried, we couldn't possibly land a fatat hit to him.
Just that thought made my heart excited and any feelings I had before vanished before I knew it.
Fishmen are said to possess incredible physical strength second only to Dwarves when fighting on land but once they start fighting underwater, they are more like invincible. None could hope to match their speed and power under the water.
"What happened here?", the Fishman asked in a soft yet intimidating voice.
"We were just passing by to make our way to the Capital of Essos, Arcia. That's when these scums jumped on us with weapons." My father answered his question not showing a hint of fear.
Despite the level between these 2 adults, my father didn't back down and he very well knew if we were to fight this guy here, we won't make it out alive even if we fight together.
"...I see. I apologise for my foolish comrades behavior," the Fishman bowed his head, his apology sounding genuine.
"And who are you? Boss of these scums?" My father asked, anger completely taking control over him.
"You could say that...I guess. My name is Aegis Leviathan." The Fishman revealed his name in a very calm manner.
"Wait! Aegis Leviathan?! The Head of the Fishmen Royal Army?!" My father was in utter disbelief seeing someone of his caliber in a mountain like this.
Of course, I've heard of his name before but I never expected I would meet him like this.
Aegis Leviathan is the sole successor of Leviathan Household. A family who was famous for being contracted to the 'God of Sea' Leviathan and the power of this Leviathan is passed down to the successors through generations to generations in the form of Beast core.
The reason why this household are the only ones who can contract with Leviathan lies within their perfect Fishman body and their talent both in land and under the water.
Aegis Leviathan was famous for controlling Tydorin ocean and making a giant storm all by himself when humans tried to invade the Fishman Kingdom, before he even received the power of Leviathan.
Tydorin River is said to be the second largest ocean which connects both the Human and Fishman kingdom. He is someone who thinks rationally and doesn't harm anyone without any reason. He is not the type of person who let's other people influence his choices.
"Yes, but it would be better for me if you don't tell anyone about meeting me." Aegis requested as if he didn't want people to know about him.
"That's not a problem but why is a person like you doing with these scums?" My father asked, his face now confused.
Looks like his anger has went away by the big reveal. That's honestly a relief.
"...These people are former bandits who went around stealing any adventurers who passed through here, but am training these crooks to become a part of the special force which am being assigned to by the King." Aegis answered with tint of anger in his words for the bandits and annoyance for the king.
"Looks like we got the wrong people son, hehe." My father looked at Aegis with a 'I apologise' expression.
"...This is your son? Your child seems...special" Aegis looked at me with calculating eyes, pausing for a second before he made a comment.
I tilted my head in confusion. At first, I thought he was referring that despite my young age, I was able to form my mana core and already master 3 of the elements. But it seemed like I was wrong. His dead eyes lightened up for a split second just as he locked his eyes with mine.
"Would it be too much if I ask to speak with your son for a while?" Aegis asked, his eyes still locked with mine.
"...Uh, sure? I need to find my wife now anyway. Arthur, be nice to Aegis." My father left his few words of wisdom before departing.
Just as my father left, Aegis made his way to me. His guard still up. It felt like even if I move a muscle, he would instantly behead me with his sharp fins which was overflowing with mana.
Aegis stopped just inches away from me and kneeled down.
"You have finally returned, my lord." His gaze on the floor.
"Whats is your name, human child?" Aegis asked his eyes now softened.
"It's Arthur Varen....sir." I replied, still confused as to what's going on.
"Arthur, judging from your experience it still seems like you don't know the power which is surging within your core." Aegis commented, his eyes now back to the same.
"Uh, does this have to do something about the weird phenomenon I experienced when I tried to form my mana core?" I asked, hoping this would be a chance to know about the weird phenomenon which took over me during those days.
"I don't exactly know what you are talking about, but from you I sense the presence of Sylphira, the ancestor of all Dragons." Aegis dropped another bomb on my plate.
I know I've been reincarnated in a fantasy world, but this is still too much.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Have you perhaps heard about 'Beast core'?" Aegis asked, his voice steady as usual.
I've read about Beast core in the books my dad often bought. A Beast core is an extremely rare type of core, which can be either only be obtained by those who are naturally born with it or someone who has contracted with the beast. Normally, only an A+ rank beast can form a contract with the vessel.
Those who make contract with it face some kind of side effects. Some face life span drain when using a beast core powers, while some get possessed by the beast and end up getting killed by the Magic council of Essos. In the case of Aegis, he had to put shackles on his emotions, while he can still show emotions to certain level, however, if he crosses that certain line, he'll be taken over by Leviathan for few minutes. Atleast, that's the reason given in the book as to 'Why Aegis Leviathan doesn't show any emotions'.
"Arthur, did you know that Leviathan are one of the branch species of Dragons. They were originally the same, but they evolved differently." Aegis sudden response brought me back to reality.
"Where Dragons took over skies and space, Leviathan took over water earning the title as God of Sea." Aegis continued to speak.
"However, Leviathan consider Dragons to be a superior race because a Dragon is one of the 3 masters of this universe. And you, give off the same presence as Sylphira, The Ancestor of all Dragons and one of the 3 creators. Maybe that's why, my beats core is reacting to you in this way. I feel this instinct to just follow you for all eternity but my pride as a warrior is refusing to just accept anyone as my master, moreover a kid. Prove yourself worthy to be my master."
"Arthur Varen, I, Aegis Leviathan challenge you to a duel."
No!!!!!