Alex moved along a narrow mountain path, surrounded by a dense forest that stretched as far as the eye could see. It had been several hours since he had left the capital of Shadowfall, and now, before him, stood the Kingdom of Aquaris—a coastal land of stunning beauty and deep mystery.
As he walked, his thoughts drifted back to Lilith-sama's warnings from the previous night. Aquaris was no ordinary kingdom; though its people—the Aquarians—seemed kind and peaceful on the surface, they were beings of extraordinary ability. Lilith had described how, in water, they gained superhuman power, able to command tides and sea creatures. They were to be respected not just for their nature but for their vast influence on the continent's politics and trade.
Aquaris was also a center of knowledge and diplomacy, home to an elite academy where princesses and nobles from many kingdoms studied, including a human princess whose identity remained hidden from all. According to Lilith, the academy drew the elite from every realm, making Aquaris a key piece in the region's power structure.
"They are important allies, Alex," Lilith had told him, her gaze firm yet filled with concern. "But don't be fooled by their gentle demeanor. Aquaris has survived for centuries as an independent power—they won't pledge loyalty easily."
Alex nodded, her words a constant echo in his mind. Although this journey had begun as a mere diplomatic mission, he was beginning to understand the full scope of what was at stake. Aquaris controlled vital trade routes and held resources any wartime kingdom would envy. Earning their respect wouldn't be enough—he had to prove that Shadowfall was worthy of their trust.
As he continued, a subtle sound made his stomach growl, reminding him that he had forgotten his provisions back in Shadowfall. Alex sighed, feeling a bit foolish for having set out so unprepared, and glanced around the thick forest, considering whether he could find anything edible.
---
Days had passed since Alex had ventured into Aquaris's forests in search of resources to hunt for sustenance. He had been practicing techniques he'd learned from Mayuri—particularly those based on critical magic—and felt he was gradually mastering the combat skills he'd need to defend the Kingdom of Shadowfall. But today, he had decided to experiment with something Mayuri had warned him not to attempt.
"Those crystals are unstable together, Alex," Mayuri had said, concerned. "Critical magic requires precision, and combining those two elements could cause a catastrophic reaction."
Still, Alex was determined to test his theory. Using the power of the Memory Echo, he began channeling both elements, trying to fuse their essences into one devastating attack. He felt a powerful surge of energy rushing through his body, but just as the two elements were about to merge, an explosion erupted from his hands and hurled him backward. Unable to control his fall, Alex tumbled over the edge of a ravine.
As he fell, his instincts kicked in. Using his support magic, he slowed his descent enough to avoid a fatal impact. That's when he spotted a runaway carriage barreling down a path below. From inside, a woman's voice cried out for help.
There was no time to think. In one swift motion, Alex dropped down onto the carriage, seized the reins, and stabilized the horses. With a quick glance behind him, he saw a group of rough-looking men—bandits—pursuing the carriage. Their expressions turned from excitement to frustration at the sight of Alex intervening.
"Stay inside! Don't come out, no matter what happens!" Alex called to the woman inside. She nodded, terrified but obedient.
Alex guided the carriage down a safe stretch of road, putting distance between them and the bandits until he spotted a clearing where he could stop and face them. With a sharp tug on the reins, he halted the horses and jumped down, turning to confront the approaching attackers.
The bandits sneered, clearly not taking him seriously. But Alex wasn't about to back down. Remembering Mayuri's warnings, he opted for simpler—but still lethal—spells to deal with his enemies. As they drew their weapons, Alex gave them a cold glare and readied himself for battle.
---
Alex braced himself, knowing that basic attacks wouldn't be enough against these foes. As the bandits advanced, they revealed their true forms: their bodies turned amorphous and sticky—they were slimes in disguise. He knew he had to strike precisely to prevent their rapid regeneration. Drawing from Mayuri's teachings, he began a strategic sequence of critical magic attacks.
First, he extended a hand and channeled Frozen Thorns, an advanced ice-based critical technique. His hand glowed with icy energy, and with a swift motion, he launched multiple hardened ice spikes that pierced the slimes with deadly accuracy. Upon impact, the spikes triggered bursts of freezing cold, immobilizing portions of their bodies. But some of the slimes managed to reform around the ice, returning to their viscous forms.
Seeing their resistance, Alex decided to seal the area. He conjured a Diamond Barrier, trapping the slimes in a nearly impenetrable prison. The barrier shimmered with iridescent hues, reflecting his resolve. It would both contain the enemies and amplify his next spell. It was time to try the forbidden technique.
Recalling Mayuri's warning against combining certain elements, Alex pulled out two magic crystals—one of fire and one of wind. These opposing forces weren't meant to be fused, but he was ready to take the risk. Focusing his power, he tossed them into the barrier and cast Blazing Tempest. Upon contact, the crystals collided in a massive explosion of fire and wind that rebounded off the barrier's walls, unleashing a fiery vortex inside. The flames consumed the slimes, preventing regeneration, while the wind scattered their residual particles, completely destroying their structure.
When the energy finally dissipated, Alex lowered the barrier and surveyed the smoldering remains of the slimes—now inert and fully disintegrated. He had won with a risky combination, and though fatigue crept over him, he was satisfied. He turned back toward the carriage, ready to reassure the passenger still hidden within, hoping everything was finally safe.
---
As Alex approached the carriage, the door slowly opened, and out stepped a woman of remarkable presence. Her elegance and authority radiated from her, with refined features that hinted at maturity and experience—perhaps around thirty-five. Her dark hair was neatly styled, revealing a calm, composed face and sharp eyes that regarded Alex with a mix of curiosity and gratitude.
Her attire resembled that of a high-ranking office executive, infused with the regal touches of local nobility. She wore a dark, form-fitting ensemble with a tailored blazer embroidered in gold thread, buttons bearing symbols of the coastal kingdom, and an elegant pendant resting atop a silk blouse. Despite the rustic setting and the chaos of the attack, she remained immaculate, exuding respect and confidence.
As she stepped down, she turned to Alex with a grateful smile.
"You've done me a great service, young man. I don't know what would've happened out there without you." She gestured for him to follow. "Let me repay you in Aquaris. I'm sure you'll find something to your liking."
Alex nodded, keeping a serious demeanor.
"It was nothing. I was just in the right place. I'm glad you're safe."
After a few days traveling together, they finally arrived at the gates of Aquaris. Alex stared in awe at the massive archways and white stone roads that wound toward the coast. The buildings, adorned with crystal and coral, glistened with an ethereal glow under the sun.
The woman noticed his expression and smiled curiously.
"First time in Aquaris?" she asked in a soft, almost playful tone.
"Yes. I've never seen anything like this," Alex admitted, a hint of wonder in his voice.
She studied him from head to toe, noting his worn clothes and the sword at his side. In her mind, she concluded he was likely a wanderer—poor, perhaps homeless—which surprised her, considering the skill he had shown. A vagabond with crystallized critical magic, she thought, unaware that Alex had merely copied the spell.
As they neared the entrance, two guards eyed Alex suspiciously, especially seeing him beside the woman. One stepped forward, gaze stern, and asked:
"Is everything alright, my lady? Who is this young man?"
The woman lifted her chin and answered with authority.
"We were attacked in the forest. This gentleman saved me. I lost my escorts, so I trust him. Show him the respect he deserves."
The guards exchanged glances and nodded, stepping aside.
"Our apologies, my lady." One of them turned to Alex and bowed slightly. "Thank you for protecting her."
"No need to apologize," Alex replied calmly. "I just did what had to be done."
At last, they passed through the gates and approached the heart of the kingdom. The carriage stopped before a majestic structure that resembled a palace, surrounded by gardens and statues. The woman stepped out and addressed Alex.
"Welcome to the Academy of Aquaris, young man. Here, princesses and nobles from all realms are trained. I'm sure you'll find this place… peculiar."
Alex gazed at the grand entrance, remembering Lilith-sama's words about the academy.
"Lilith-sama told me about this place. She said some of the most important people in the realms study here."
The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"So, you know Lilith-sama?" she asked, a spark of surprise in her eyes. "That explains how you survived that forest."
Alex simply nodded, though his eyes held the steadiness of someone with experience despite his youth.
"Lilith-sama is… my guide in this world. I try to follow her teachings."
The woman smiled again, this time with genuine respect.
"A disciple of Lilith-sama. No wonder you possess such rare skills."
After a pause, her expression grew serious.
"I ask that you accompany me into the academy. Once inside, be sure not to raise your voice or act without my permission. Some of the most important young women in the realms are here, and I wouldn't want your presence to be misunderstood."
Alex nodded, adjusting his cloak as he prepared to enter.
"Understood."