Felix stood confused, the only one not kneeling.
Roger murmured under his lips, "Felix, kneel…"
Felix slowly bent down, still unsure why he had to.
Kaelan walked up with a calm look. "No worries, no need for formality. You are pupils of Darian, after all."
He offered a hand to Felix. "Come, don't just stand."
Felix took the hand—it was too delicate, too soft. Maybe nobles have such hands, trained more in technique than toughness, he thought. He stood and muttered, "I'm honored."
"They are the ones," said Darian, pointing at Felix and Sylra.
"Oh?" Kaelan replied, with a small smile, still holding Felix's gaze. "I am intrigued to know more about them."
Felix found himself lost in the warmth of that smile for a moment.
The others exchanged confused glances.
Seeing that, Darian spoke up, "Felix and Sylra, both will travel with Kaelan to the capital."
Sylra frowned. "Why?"
Darian answered, "The Duke ordered that one strong young soldier from each town must accompany Kaelan as a guard, and to fight in the capital's upcoming competition—the Trials to become a Kingdom Protector. It's this month. Fighters from all over will be competing."
"But what about Nox? Dain? Why me and Felix? We don't even know each other that well," Sylra protested.
Darian replied, "Nox is not mature enough. Dain is already training with Orric. As for you, I believe in you. Felix... he's a traveler, a wild card. He said he won't stay long. And don't forget how he humiliated Nox. If anything goes wrong, I want him by your side."
Sylra started to object again, but—
"No ifs or buts," Darian cut in firmly. "The decision is made. At sunrise, you go. Say goodbye to your friends. You might not return for a long while."
Those words hit Sylra hard—not return for a long time—like a sharp blade slicing through his peace. "It's too quick… just a walk with friends turned into leaving everything behind."
"That's life," Darian said softly. "One moment you're happy, the next, everything changes. But I chose you because I believe you'll be special. If you reject this, I'll have to count on Felix alone. No one else from Balmwich will get the chance."
Sylra stood frozen. A memory rushed in—an old woman once told him, "Always dream big. Never let comfort stop your path." And his younger self had once muttered, "I'll be someone special."
He took a deep breath and spoke clearly, "I'll go. I'll represent Balmwich. I'll win the competition."
Roger cheered. "You're really doing it! I knew you'd make us proud I also believe in you!"
Syfa laughed, jumped on him. "Make sure to come back with that crown!"
People began gathering, hearing the noise.
"Enough," Darian warned. "Don't attract a crowd. Keep it secret , keep it quiet. Wait until you're inside the guild to celebrate."
Then he turned to Felix. "Come with me. There's something I need to discuss."
Kaelan watched them, smiling slightly. Before leaving, he said, "Be ready. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow."
Felix nodded. "We'll be there."
Felix began to walk towards Darian asking "so what was it?"
"You wondered why I wanted herbs," Darian began. "My younger sister is a professor at one of the empire's most prestigious academies. She wrote to me asking for rare herbs for a new project."
"So that's why you wanted us to collect them," Felix said. "But can't she just buy them in the capital?"
Darian shook his head. "You can buy potions anywhere. But fresh herbs—whole, unprocessed—are rare and cost twice as much there, with half the quality. She needs them untouched."
"Understood," Felix nodded. "I'll deliver them."
"Good. I'll meet you tomorrow before sunrise," said Darian. "Now go. Motivate Sylra if you can. This journey will test both of you."
Felix gave a confident grin. "Happily."
Said bye to Darian as he went the way to Guild.
Felix found the group cheering for Sylra.
He stepped forward, smirking. "So we'll be traveling together, huh? You hate me, though… this'll be a rough ride for you."
"Just don't make me angry," Sylra replied, trying not to smile.
"Oh really?" Felix raised an eyebrow. "Let's see."
Roger cut in. "Alright, alright! Let's go inform the others at the guild."
Syfa dragged Sylra along playfully. "Come on! Let's go, hero!"
She turned to Felix. "You too!"
"I'll catch up. Need a moment alone," Felix replied. "I know the way."
They left.
In the shadows…
Felix whispered, "You've seen enough, haven't you?"
*disappears*
Then reappears behind a crow perched on a branch.
His sword was at its neck. "Speak, or die."
The crow tilted its head. "Sharp eyes. Impressive. But catching me? You'll need more than that."
A blinding flash flared—Felix stepped back, covering his eyes.
The crow vanished—but as it left, it muttered:
"Close to the throne, you'll see,
A place where forests and stones hold old grief.
Villagers whisper for help in silence.
Your next trial lies where the land keeps…"
Felix gritted his teeth, gripping his sword.
"Close to the capital," he muttered.
His eyes glowed with fire.
Note : Next chapter may or may not come quick so don't ask me in the comments to next chapter when *does it make sense maybe I am autistic talking to my self hehe it's the fun * just joking next chapter will be released after 3 days like always kkkkk.