Rise of Tyrus

The journey to Valis had been relatively easy for the group. Well, most of them.

Despite Tyrus, Grant, and Reo being able to walk for hours without stopping, Fiona needed to take breaks every few hours. The constant breaks didn't bother her friends at all. Almost as if it was a daily routine for them. Tyrus didn't care all that much. He took advantage of her rest time to do some training.

Rather than going back on his promise to Fiona, he focused on improvement and reflection. Tyrus had to conserve mana until they reached Valis. If he trained excessively and ran out of mana while facing a pack of beasts, what would be the outcome? He'd have to fight with his dagger in a weakened state. Fighting while sick sounded like a pain to experience.

Before resting, Tyrus would activate augmentation and continue walking until they stopped. Then he would meditate and replenish his mana reservoir–or more specifically, mana heart, as Fiona told him. It was a cycle Tyrus had undergone until sunset arrived. On their journey, they used the same path as the coachman, hoping to come across a passing carriage. Sadly, they encountered none on the way.

With a displeased member of the team calling the shots, everyone stopped and made camp in the forest once again. To avoid an ambush by bandits and beasts, it was unwise to rest by the side of the dirt path. Living in the forest provided more chances to detect them because of the abundance of vegetation. The snapping of a stray branch or the rustling of bushes were common sounds. They were especially louder to Tyrus, making it almost impossible to get snuck up on.

The same routine happened from yesterday, with Grant taking overnight watches and the others sleeping. Tyrus would lean against a tree and train his lightning element and augmentation. After that, some more meditation. What may seem like a tedious routine to others, it was quite the opposite for Tyrus. Every time he made progress, he felt more determined to continue. Sorcery became his burning passion.

While meditating deeply in his mindscape, Tyrus stumbled upon a fascinating revelation. He realized he had the option to alternate between fire and lightning manifestations. It was as if he were manipulating the very essence of the elements within his mind.

In his introspective exploration, he visualized the representation of the elements. A tiny fire burned steadily, emitting warmth and flickering flames, while nearby, arcs of lightning crackled and wriggled with energy. Connecting both manifestations was a network of white mana, resembling the intricate roots of a tree. The mana spread outwards, fading into the dark backdrop of his mental canvas, with the intensity of light diminishing as it extended further.

As Tyrus focused his attention on either the fire or the lightning, he experienced a tingling sensation throughout his entire being, as if the element was resonating within him. Shifting his focus to the other element elicited the same response, demonstrating his ability to switch between the two at will. When Tyrus finally opened his eyes, the vivid images of his mindscape faded, and he returned to the physical world.

He glanced around and found Fiona and Reo slumbering. Grant was busy with his usual duties. Tyrus stood up and walked toward the man.

"Is something the matter, Tyrus?" Grant asked.

"When I was meditating, I saw something weird inside my mind. Fire and lightning stood side-by-side, and connected to the elements was a white light. Like roots, it stretched on into the darkness, and a tree with naked branches was there."

Grant nodded and set his shield to the side. "It sounds like you've made your way into the Sorcerer Plane. In the mind of a sorcerer, there exists a mental plane. Once trained enough, it can be accessed."

"What is it exactly?"

He pondered the question for a few seconds. "My knowledge about it is limited as it's mostly used by the other two specializations, but I learned at the academy that it's akin to having a clear visual of your thoughts. It's not just a clear visual, you can also engage with them. Did you experience a tingling sensation while focusing on one of the elements?"

"Now that you mention it, yes. It was a weird feeling."

"Then you definitely entered the Sorcerer Plane. The progression of your element is reflected in its shape. Relating to fire, if the flames take the appearance of a candle, then it's weak. If it's as big as the campfire in front of us, then it's stronger. Do you understand?"

Tyrus nodded at the simple explanation. Thinking back, the strength and size of the lightning element was much bigger than the other. If he wanted to have a real-time assessment of his progress and understand the extent of his abilities, relying on the Sorcerer Plane would be crucial. It would serve as a guide, offering him a solid measure of his growth and an avenue to monitor his increasing strength.

"Thank you very much for the information. If I stayed back, I really wouldn't have known about it."

"It is my pleasure to be of assistance. Don't be afraid to ask any more questions from now on."

Tyrus gave him a quick nod and stood up. His heart racing, he found a spot on the hard soil to lie down. The endless thoughts and pulsing in his ears kept him awake, but after a while, he felt drowsy. Soon, darkness was the only thing in sight.

****

As the sun ascended and bathed the surroundings in its warm light, the group ventured off the beaten path, finding themselves standing on a small cliff. It was at this moment that something captivating in the distance caught Tyrus' attention. His eyes were drawn to the awe-inspiring sight before him.

There, in the backdrop of scattered clouds, stood a towering white structure, reaching high into the heavens. Overwhelmed by the sight, Tyrus couldn't contain his astonishment as he stepped closer. His gaze fell downward, and he involuntarily let out an audible gasp.

Perched wonderfully on a jutting cliff, a palace exuded a captivating allure, its flawless facade gleaming like polished marble in the gentle sunlight. Its grandeur was only matched by the glistening sea it overlooked. A cascade of smaller, yet similar buildings tumbling down the cliff side.

Looking from his advantageous position, Tyrus watched a lively scene taking shape beneath him, as miniature figures, carriages, and birds navigated the expansive streets crisscrossing the scenery. The entire place was enclosed by a sturdy wall, and the stone bridges extending from the gate entrances were packed. The neighboring landscape exhibited rolling green hills, embellished with patches of verdant grass that swayed like emerald waves in a gentle breeze. Amidst the expanse, one could observe solitary trees scattered, punctuating the scenery, with their gnarled branches extending towards the heavens in a quest to touch the firmament.

In the embrace of nature's abundance, Valis found its place, nestled harmoniously within a luscious valley. The valley gifted the palace and its surroundings with profound stillness and reverence for the thriving land underneath, forming a tranquil and nurturing sanctuary.

While taking in the beauty, he was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder. When he looked up, he saw Fiona smiling at him. A breeze was approaching and her chestnut hair elegantly swayed. "Welcome to the capital of Lethos: Valis. It's also the place where I, Grant, and Reo were raised."

Over her shoulder, Grant and Reo nodded together. Tyrus averted his gaze back to the beauty, unable to keep his mouth closed. Thoughts of finally arriving at Valis consumed him. Tales of towering structures of marble and architecture that would blow a commoner's mind came to mind. To think he would step foot into such an esteemed city so soon…

"Don't start tearing up yet," Reo said with a chuckle. "You haven't even seen it up close."

Fiona giggled and let go of her hand. "Then what are we waiting for? Tyrus must be dying to get a closer look. We can't have him waiting."

As if they had planned it, everyone turned and made a beeline for the path to Valis. Tyrus followed them so as not to be left behind.