"System window."
As Emil grumbled those words, a soft ding suddenly resonated in his head. The familiar, though still bewildering, blue interface materialized before him. His eyes adapted slightly as glowing letters coalesced neatly on the transparent panel
[Name: Emil Valcrest]
[Level: 1]
[Class:???]
[Mana: 50/50]
[Stats]
• Strength: F
•Agility: F
•Vitality: F
•Intelligence: C
•Luck: F
He gazed at the stats for a moment and then thought "Damn. I am weak, this body is so trash" he said sadly under his breath
But then he recalled
"That's not what I'm concerned about right now, I want to know about, The ability. The sealed one, which that entity promised me to unseal"
He scrolled a little further down the interface. His heart was pounding way too fast at that moment, he was in anticipation as a section called [Sealed Abilities] flashed momentarily before opening up one slot
[Unlocked Skill: Soul Insight (Lv. 1)]
Description: It Gives the power to see an individual's potential for growth, present risk factors, and odds of success ratio(if you can win against them or if you can use them in your plans as an ally). On higher levels, even more characteristics and concealed talents are disclosed. Current range: Line of vision Current limit: One individual at a time
Emil's mouth curled into a smile slowly
"This, this is a good thing. I can take advantage of this to the fullest" he breathed "With this, I can determine whom to trust, whom to wager on, and whom to steer clear of. This will make my pathway too easy now"
He turned to Luin, who still sat beside him. The boy looked tired but had his golden eyes brimming with curiosity and an odd sense of unease
"Let me try it on Luin once" Emil grumbled and turned the skill on
[Analyzing target]
[Name: Luin Alderan]
[Growth Potential: S]
[Risk Factor: B]
[Success Probability: A]
Additional information is locked. Level of the user is too low
Emil's eyes went wide in shock and he said to himself "S-rank potential?"
His mind reeled. "So the story was true, then. Luin truly is the golden fire mage. Future 9th-circle beast. I hit the jackpot thing"
He again regarded Luin, but not just as some traveling companion now, but the key to much greater things and one of his loyal companion
He breathed a heavy sigh and slumped back. "Okay. Alright, that is enough for now. I need to be stronger and search for the others. Gather a team. Those people I can trust and rely on in dangerous situations. I'm not doing it by myself if I am meant to save this world from crashing like it is destined to"
The wounded guards grunted and stumbled out to the carriage outside, armor scoured, bloody but still unbroken
Garrick, the old driver, climbed into his seat and glanced over his shoulder. "We're movin'. Hold tight, kids"
The wheels creaked as the carriage began rolling down the dirt road again, it was leaving the chaos behind. Emil and Luin sat quietly for a while, the air was thick with the scent of blood and burnt grass from the earlier fight
Shattering the silence, Emil faced Luin. "Hey, that spell which you just cast. That wasn't a joke"
Luin looked away, nervously scratching the back of his head. "I, I didn't mean to. It just happened by itself"
Emil leaned in, his eyes questioning "What was it?"
Luin lingered. "It was called Blazing Lance. Fire-element. Third Circle, as it turns out but I never learned magic formally"
"You cast a third circle spell without training?" Emil asked in disbelief "That's not normal, you know. You are a prodigy, maybe even more than that"
"I know" Luin whispered, holding his knees to his chest. "But I always felt like something was burning inside me. Not hurting, but restless."
Emil smiled faintly "Well, that restless fire just saved both our lives. So, thanks, my friend, Luin"
Luin surprised him by turning towards him "You're not afraid?"
"Scared? Of what?" Emil chuckled. "I've witnessed worse in life than one who's not very good at keeping his powers under control. And you did fine, anyway. I trust you and I know you will gain the proper hold on your powers"
Luin's cheeks reddened a little, and he cast his eyes down, concealing a tiny smile
The topic returned to softer tones as they discussed small talk, like things about the forest, the capital city, what life at the academy would be like and what they may face. The connection between them was beginning to grow and Luin started to trust Emil
At sundown, they arrived on the edge of a tiny village. The wooden gate creaked open as the carriage pulled in. Travelers and villagers scurried through the streets. The golden illumination of the sun's descent made the cobblestone streets shine like gold
Garrick pulled the carriage alongside an inn named "The Resting Flame"
"This will be your stop for tonight," Garrick said, tapping the reins
Emil threw him a pouch of coins. "Thanks, Garrick. You got us out of it"
"Eh, you paid me" Garrick grinned. "That's good enough, I appreciate it"
Within the inn, the rooms were warm but tidy. Wooden walls, it had comfortable beds, and the aroma of stew wafting from the dining area made it seem practically like home. Emil and Luin shared a room with two beds
Later in the evening, while Luin slept soundly, Emil sat beside the window. The moon was high up, casting a silver glow on the peaceful town
He sighed and opened his system window once more
[System Interface Opened]
The blue light started to glimmer softly in the room
A new notification flashed at the bottom and it showed that
[New Quest Unlocked]
[Main Quest Triggered: Guide the Mage of Golden Flame to his rightful destiny.]
[Reward:???]
Emil gazed at the words, and his heart started. Beating slowly. So it starts now, huh?
He looked at the golden-eyed boy sleeping and fire started burning in Emil's blood
"Luin the Golden Flame Mage," he murmured. "I will safely take you to Empire Academy with me. Whatever happens"