Immortal Creed

Right in front of everyone's eyes, Noirs body glowed with a respondent purple light, this was due to the stimulation provided by the Athame.

A network of crackling, lightning-like lines could be observed, even by the common folk dancing beneath his skin, generating a constant aura of static electricity.

It's actually one of the Ten founding Circuits! Unbelievable to think a town this small could produce such a talent. Those born with one of the Ten Founding Circuits are guaranteed to become powerful figures…hahaha the stones didn't lie he is the one no doubt about it…. Victor was on cloud nine, this boy, this miraculous boy had exceeded his expectations.

Noir who was the recipient of the crowd's admiration felt his body fill up with power. His eyes which were closed had now been opened, he could see the world for what it truly was, in the air, ground, the surrounding plants, people. He could finally see Mana, tiny particles made up of light it was everywhere. His face was full of surprise.

"You can see them, can't you? The particles floating about." Victor inquired noticing Noir's shocked expression.

"Sir Mage, is this Mana?" Noir asked whilst moving his hand in the air trying to touch Mana.

"It is and please call me Victor. What is your name boy?"

"Noir!" He answered while giving a slight courteous bow.

"Well nice to meet you Noir and I must say you are full of surprises." Victor said as he retrieved the Athame and placed it in its scabbard, in turn the glow radiating from Noir ceased.

The crowd which had now surrounded the two, was amazed. Various expressions could be observed from them, most were happy and a few had envy in their eyes.

"Noir, who knew you were a diamond in the rough."

"That's right lad, you'll accomplish great things in the future."

"Don't forget about us when you become a legendary mage, you hear!!"

Many people flocked to him and showered him with praises as if their actions were not a bit insulting to the Mage in their midst.

That's the problem with Oakhavians, always so ignorant but lucky for them Victor didn't mind their intrusive behaviors

At this moment, North was at the back of the crowd, he grit his teeth and clenched his fist so hard veins were popping out.

However he immediately unclenched them, he understood that it was not anybody's fault that he wasn't chosen, neither the Mages nor his, it was simply a lack of talent.

He was conflicted inside, torn with the fact that he had to accept his mediocrity and his best friend's superiority. Don't misunderstand him, he is completely happy that Noir was able to successfully pass the test, his conflictions stemmed from something different. He was slowly developing a heart demon.

Noir, who was a bit dazed by the whole event soon came back to his senses. He pushed through the crowd trying to reach for North. He might be on the path of strength and he is willing to do anything for it but first and foremost he has to take care of his sworn brother.

He soon reached North, his heart broke finding him occupied with inner conflicts. He gently placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Hey buddy, are you okay?" He asked, his face showing traces of concern.

North who was startled seeing Noir in front of him, lightly collected his bearings and gave a big smile.

"What are you on about, you passed why wouldn't I be okay, hahaha look at you, Great Mage Noir, no you could be both a mage and a knight." North praised as he gave a pat at Noir's shoulder

Noir couldn't tell whether North was really okay or he was just pretending but he chose to believe that he will be fine, afterall he believes North has a strong character.

"Will I now? Well let's just wait and see, kufufu." He said as he reciprocated his friend's cheerful attitude.

Suddenly the Mage Victor lifted his staff slightly and slammed it on the ground, causing a small mana wave that made the people move further away, others even fell on the ground.

The towns people realized their mistake and immediately kowtowed to show sincerity.

Victor then approached the two boys at the far end and said, "You must be his friend. I seem to recall your lack of talent. Do not fret although talent is required to use magic, perseverance is more important if you persevere you might just become a renowned scholar."

North, hearing the words of the Mage immediately cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for your advice sir, I will surely strive to persevere." While inwardly he was contemplating.

Scholar? He doesn't even think I can be a knight?... thought North with slight disappointment.

"Now Noir boy, do you know what's inside your body, I can tell you it's something unique. As your mandated assessor I am obligated to take responsibility of you. Tomorrow, we depart from this place." Victor declared with a slight wave of his hands his robes cooly flowing along.

"Mayor, show me to my quarters!"

"Yes, your Lordship, this way!" The mayor had no choice but to give up his luxury Mansion, such are trials of mortals.

With the mage being escorted by the mayor, the towns people again flocked over to Noir. Joe was slack jawed; he might have won but why does he feel that he lost to this pretty boy?

He couldn't accept it and just left with his father, afterall causing a scene would do him no good but have him humiliated even further. The girls, cast flirtatious gazes on Noir, right now he was the main character.

If they could successfully get on his coattails, then they might have a chance of changing their fates.

They brought him a chair and food and they even tried to massage him. Noir was of course appalled by this behavior, he was mainly all about the grind so he turned down their advances and he together with North, Granny willow and Abbie stormed of.

At Granny willows and Abbie's place, they sat down and had a meal that Abbie prepared. The hearty lunch consisted of roasted pheasant drizzled with a tangy honey-spice glaze, accompanied by a side of golden root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and tubers—slow-roasted over an open flame.

A steaming bowl of lentil and herb stew, infused with the earthy flavors of wild mushrooms and fresh-picked herbs, offers warmth and comfort.

To cleanse the palate, a loaf of freshly baked bread, thick with grains and seeds, is served alongside a wedge of sharp, crumbly cheese made from the milk of mountain goats.

For dessert, a small dish of fruit preserves, made from the sweet berries found deep in the forest, is the perfect end to this midday feast and a good farewell meal for Noir.

After the meal fit for a king, they had a small discussion concerning Noir and his future.

"Now young'un, take care out there, I've heard stories of how dangerous the Mage society can be!" Granny Willow said while giving Noir a sagely Look.

"And how would you know, Granny? As far as I'm concerned, you've never set foot outside of this town." North quipped, whilst Abbie and Noir laughed slightly.

"You mannerless boy, I'll have you know I was once an amazing apothecary master; the years did a number on me but my craft is like none other, Hmph!" Granny willow said as he knocked North on the head with a spoon.

"Alright alright, forgive me, Ouch!" He rubbed his head, the pain making him flinch a little bit.

"North, are you sure you're going to be okay without me? You know I could always ask the Immortal to take you with us, I mean look at Joe, he's going and he still doesn't have the corresponding talent." Noir tried to put forward his suggestion.

"Noir, stop, this path you have to walk alone. You are different from me, you have ambition. Fate has decreed my path isn't going to be one of magic, it's shitty but I am powerless in this case.

If I were to go with you, I would only slow you down, you are like a bird destined to fly freely in the sky." North commented self-deprecatingly.

Noir's gaze widened at his friend's comment, he shook his head as he began, "I may be like a bird destined to fly freely in the sky but you North, are like a volcano waiting to erupt, my eyes don't lie. And sure, at the peak of the mountain I, Noir shall wait for you to find your true meaning of life."

The granny and granddaughter duo watched as the brothers had their moment. It was wonderful to see, a talent heavenly sent by the heavens and a talent abandoned by the heavens, what story would their relationship unfold? Surely it was going to be interesting.