Chapter 8
On a sunny day, the bus rolled down the road leading out of the city, crossing bridges and hills, surrounded by trees and fields bathed in warm sunlight. Inside, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and energy, despite the bus being nearly empty. Only Sbyam, Moryo, Baysal, Kamyo, Veb, and Suero were on board.
Moryo was fast asleep, undisturbed by the loud, pulsing music that filled the bus. Meanwhile, Baysal, Kamyo, and Suero danced to the rhythm, their laughter echoing through the space, blending with their enthusiastic singing. Even Sbyam, despite being their master, joined in, jumping with excitement, a broad smile on his face as he fully enjoyed the moment.
Baysal moved closer to Suero, trying to shout over the blaring music:
"Suero, we're going to the countryside today!"
But Suero couldn't hear her over the noise, so he leaned in and asked loudly:
"What did you say?"
Baysal laughed, then shouted again, matching the lively atmosphere:
"We're going to the countryside! To the Mana Organization!"
Suero froze for a moment, his thoughts racing. The Mana Organization?! Before he could fully process it, the music suddenly stopped. All eyes turned to Moryo, who had shut off the song, speaking in a bored tone:
"Aren't you guys tired yet? You're way too loud."
Moryo slumped back into his seat, closing his eyes to resume his nap. But Baysal and Suero quickly rushed to him, pleading desperately:
"Moryo, please! Let us play the music! Please... please!"
Moryo ignored them, keeping his eyes shut. But suddenly, the music blasted through the bus once again. Baysal and Suero turned in surprise to see Sbyam standing by the music player, grinning with excitement as he shouted:
"Let's enjoy this, everyone!"
His enthusiasm reignited their energy, and soon, they were all in the center of the bus, dancing, laughing, and singing along to the booming music. The bus continued its journey through the breathtaking landscapes, heading toward the Mana Organization—a trip filled with joy and music.
They passed through the mountains and entered the countryside, where the evening shadows crept into the bus, and the moon rose high, illuminating the road ahead. Finally, Sbyam and his students arrived at a massive classical mansion, surrounded by towering walls.
As they stepped off the bus, Suero and Baysal gazed up at the towering estate in awe, exclaiming in unison:
"WOW, this place is huge!"
Veb, wearing a cold smirk, mocked them:
"What's the matter? Haven't you two country folk ever seen a mansion before?"
Baysal scowled, pointing at him in frustration:
"You're so rude! You just don't understand my excitement!"
Suero, attempting to calm the situation, turned to Baysal with an innocent expression and said:
"You know… he's kinda right. This is the first mansion we've seen."
Baysal froze, then shot him a sharp glare, warning:
"SUERO... don't make me teach you a lesson right here!"
Suero stammered, looking flustered:
"S-Sorry…!"
Sbyam burst into laughter before clapping his hands together with enthusiasm:
"Alright, my students! Let's head inside!"
Eager to explore the grand estate, Baysal rushed toward the massive wooden gates. She stood before them, puzzled, and muttered:
"Why won't they open?"
Just as she spoke, the gates slowly creaked open. A bright smile spread across her face.
Beyond the entrance lay a vast, lush garden with a grand fountain at its center, surrounded by vibrant flowers that painted the landscape in a tapestry of colors. Baysal's eyes sparkled as she admired the breathtaking scenery, moving from one flower to another in excitement.
As they made their way toward the grand mansion, Suero marveled at its corridors and gardens. Unable to contain his curiosity, he turned to his teacher, Sbyam, who was walking beside him with a calm smile, and eagerly asked:
"Is this the headquarters of the Mana Organization?"
Sbyam chuckled and shook his head:
"Of course not. This mansion was built as a venue for events and gatherings."
Suero blinked in surprise:
"Oh!"
At that moment, Veb asked with curiosity:
"Is this estate owned by the three clans?"
Sbyam smiled and replied:
"A long time ago, they say the Mana Organization was destroyed, and the three clans were once separated from it."
Moryo, intrigued by the conversation, focused his gaze on Sbyam, eager to learn more.
Sbyam continued:
"In ancient times, the Mana Organization was merely a group of sorcerers. After it was founded, they eventually united with the three clans as if they were a single entity. However, the Mana Organization holds authority over the three clans due to the direct relationship between its leader, Golobet, and the World Sages—or so theysay. I don't know for sure."
Suero, recalling a past conversation, asked:
"Earlier, my mentor Kamasi asked me if I belonged to one of the three clans..."
Sbyam chuckled and clarified:
"Yes, the Mana Organization is now governed by three clans, each possessing a unique hereditary ability passed down through their bloodline. These clans are:
1. The Raimo Clan: to which I belong, and this clan possesses the Kurmo technique.
2. The Raipozi Clan: to which Moryo belongs, and this clan possesses the Time technique.
3. The Silano Clan: which possesses the Unlimited technique.
These three clans rule the world of sorcerers under the leadership of the World Sages."
Suero was stunned and immediately asked:
"But Spailo possesses the Unlimited technique, right? How did he obtain it if it's a hereditary ability exclusive to the clans?"
Sbyam laughed and replied:
"That's a long story from the past. Don't trouble yourself with it."
Suero continued staring at his master in confusion. As they walked forward, they arrived at the palace gates.
Baysal gasped in amazement:
"Oh my God, the garden is enormous! There's no way we can explore all of it!"
Sbyam chuckled and playfully reminded her:
"Don't forget why we're here."
Baysal sighed, grumbling:
"Yeah, yeah... we're here to face Betma's students..."
Just as they were about to enter, the door swung open, revealing a young man named Hambo—one of Betma's students and an A-rank sorcerer. He looked at them with a mocking smile and said:
"Are you really the ones we're supposed to fight?"
Baysal stepped forward, annoyed, and snapped:
"And who are you?"
Before she could say more, Sbyam interrupted with a smile, introducing him to his students:
"This is one of Betma's students—Hambo Gauthen."
Hambo chuckled:
"Master Sbyam...! It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Sbyam returned the smile:
"It has, Hambo."
Hambo gestured for them to enter:
"Everyone's inside. Come on in."
As they stepped into the palace, they were immediately struck by its grandeur—the golden-adorned walls, the shimmering lights, and the luxurious red carpets stretching across the floor. Suero and Baysal's eyes gleamed with admiration as they took in the lavish scenery.
They soon arrived in a spacious lounge furnished with elegant sofas, where Betma's students were already waiting: Alia, Jan, and Rita, along with Hambo. The two groups exchanged wary glances, preparing for the confrontation ahead.
Sbyam looked at Betma's students with a faint smile, thinking to himself:
"They've grown..."
Meanwhile, Rita's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Sbyam. She muttered under her breath:
"Sbyam Brius... he's a living legend!"
Overcome with excitement, she completely ignored the tension in the room and rushed toward him. Without hesitation, she leaped forward and hugged him tightly, exclaiming:
"YOU'RE AMAZING!"
Sbyam was caught off guard, trying to push her away with a grimace:
"Get off me...!"
But Rita clung to him stubbornly, unfazed by his resistance.
At that moment, Betma entered the room through a side door, his broad smile catching everyone's attention. In a loud voice, he called out,
"Oiii!"
All eyes turned to him, and in an instant, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone braced themselves for the battle ahead.
—
End of Chapter.