Paragon of Death

Chapter 21: Chapter 20: Hunting Hosts

“There is no way he can be the death guardian spirit host with that level of mana reserves!” Duke Hail said as they watched Damon gasp for air from a tower not too far from the training ground.

“He can cast shadow spells at full power without preparation. But that is another case altogether” The old archmage said with a frown.

“There are numerous talents... well I won’t say numerous but there are talented people over the years able to cast magic at their full potential without needing to charge. You have lived long enough to see this, Kratos. So why are you still suspicious of him?” Duke Hail asked with a frown.

“You sincerely what to protect this kid? I can see you have made up your mind to pick him right? Don’t worry, I won’t make a move against him unless confirmed. The death aura incident lingering in Daniel Ross room still remains a mystery. He was unconscious so we may assume he is not the one. But there is one more test I would like to conduct...,” The Archmage said with a frown.

“What could that be?” Duke Hail frowned at the thought.

” Every year, teams are formed and they take part in missions. Honestly, the academy just teaches you the basics and throws you into the wild, and hopes you survive. That’s why we have a very low number of graduating mages but those who manage to graduate end up becoming talents that can challenge any race in the face of this continent” The Archmage said.

“What are you trying to say?” Duke Hail frowned at this. He knew what the archmage was trying to say but he still needed to confirm.

.....

“I’m saying I will put him and Cyrus Light in the same team... Light and death guardian spirit hosts have been known to have this natural hatred towards each other. If they are not what we think they are, they will get along well, outside that we may watch two kids killing each other” Arch-Mage Kratos said with a slight frown.

“Is it really necessary? Why must all guardian spirit hosts be killed? Why is the royal family so scared of them? We can use them to take back this continent!” Duke Hail seemed infuriated.

“Careful what you say, Duke Hail, or you may end up committing blasphemy on the Royal family decree which will lead to you losing your head” An old eerie voice echoed from behind an elderly man dressed in white and golden robes emerged from the darkness with a golden holy scepter in his right hand.

He walked towards the balcony where Duke Hail and Archmage Kratos stood and gazed down on Damon with a frown for a short while with blazing golden eyes.

“All the previous guardian spirit hosts were born so I won’t blame you if you feel doubtful towards this kid too” Arch-Mage Kratos said calmly.

After a few seconds of silence, he looked away and shook his head

“The kid has an immense talent for the shadow element, that’s probably why he can use spells without preparation. His talent towards the fire and wind element is also strong but not that strong. His mana reserves are quite low even for a person with noble blood. He has strong points and also shortcomings. A balance for any normal mage. It is almost impossible for me to believe that the world would pick someone this average as its host but we shouldn’t leave any stone unturned. Cyrus and the Kid should be paired together. What about the other suspect?” Pope Light asked with a raised eyebrow.

“That one? He is said to be the strongest of the Chosen, this year. He has a frightening amount of affinity towards the blood element, sadly that is his only element, just like your grandson, Cyrus. His mana reserves are frightening and his mood is always foul, just like a guardian spirit host should be. But he does not possess the power of death. Neither does he lace the power to his abilities. For someone as simple-minded as him, I don’t think he would go the extra mile to hide his strength” Archmage Kratos answered with a frown. It seems he was really having a hard time, trying to determine who the real guardian spirit host may be.

“Put all three on the same team” Pope Light said calmly.

“That’s outrageous! A team must consist of a War mage, Oracle, enchanter, and a warden.... Disrupting the balance of a team can be detrimental to their growth.” Duke Hail complained.

“The kingdom comes first, every other thing comes second. You should know that already Duke Hail. It’s still shocking that the royal family would let a family of dogs still exist in this kingdom. If I had my way, you would all be dead” Pope Light said with a hint of disgust in his eyes

“You are delusional if you think a gathering of fanatic fools has what it takes to bring down my family” Duke Hail sneered coldly.

The two gazed at each other fiercely and took a step forward but Arch Mage Kratos walked between the two.

“Enough!” Arch-Mage Kratos said coldly.

The hunt for the possible guardian spirit hosts will always be considered a priority. Should they allow a guardian spirit host to grow, only cosmic spirit hosts will be able to stop them.

...........

Damon remained on his knees oblivious of what was happening. While death knew, there was a limit to how much he can aid his host according to the rules. Most of the decisions have to be made by the hosts, he can only influence them at best.

Damon on the other hand can be considered the only host who doesn’t ask him for help or anything. He barely listens to him and seems to have everything planned.

“This mana issue will really be a problem. I guess I wasn’t born to be a mage. I have the body of a fighter, limiting my magic powers. I guess my original fighting style should be for the best” Damon sighed