The Four Mages and the Emperor

1161of the Elven Calendar. After the 100-year banishment of Marcus Ash.

"Please, follow me gentlemen and lady". The emperor motioned the four people in another room.

The room was much smaller, like a normal living room with some elaborate chairs and sofa.

On every side of the wall are shelves of books and rolls of paper. Paintings adorned the room. A chandelier lights the whole area.

"Everyone, please sit down" the Emperor sat on a chair facing the sofa.

Marcus and the raccoon beast man, occupied the sofa. The woman sat in the single chair left of the Emperor.

The vampire, looked at a painting.

"Do you happen to recognize that scene?" the emperor asked him.

"Yes your Majesty, this scene is painted by my father Cecil Von Vincent II." He replied without looking at the Emperor, "It's been so long since I've seen this, is this the original?"

The painting shows two people signing a document. Surrounded by many people. The one holding the quill is a Vampire, and the other one pointing at the document is an Elf. You can clearly see the letters on the document, but no one in the room does not recognize the letters or what it says.

"I think that was just a copy, the original was in the possession of the Elder Elves Council in Elvenar, and other one I believe was in your possession, is it not?." The emeperor.

"No, I have never seen this in our place, the last time I have seen it was when father painted it 500 years ago. I was still a child then."

"Oh, excuse my discourtesy I have been talking too much, let me Introduce myself again. My name is Cecil Carl Von Vincent III. I am the oldest son of Cecil Von Vincent II. Just like you, I am a mage too, recently I acquired the title Apprentice Magus Certified by the Council of Mages." He bowed, and sat down on the right side of the emperor.

"Well, while we're having tea and waiting for dinner, why don't we introduce again ourselves to each other?" the emperor sipped his tea.

"Sir Carl here is finished, so.."

The beast man stands up, nervously.

"I...my name's, Lander, as you can see, I am a beast man..a mage. Eh mm.."

"No need to be so stiff, Sir Lander" the emperor quipped.

"Yes, I am sorry. So, as you can see I am a beast man mage. They say I am a rare kind being a beast man as a mage." Lander scratched his cheek, still looking nervously.

Yes indeed, he was a rarity among his kind. Though most beast men have magic affinities, they prefer to become warriors. They think mages as weak, slow and boring. Among adventurers, you can only see beast men as warriors, berserkers or knights. The frontline types, not some "weak mages" they say.

"And recently too, I was granted the rank Apprentice Magus just like Sir Carl" Lander smiled at Sir Carl.

He smiled back, showing his fangs.

"So, if may I ask Sir Lander, what was your specialty as a mage?" The woman mage asked.

"I can cast tier three, healing magic, solo." Lander answered.

"What! Tier three healing magic, solo?!" The mage woman, even standing up refusing to believe. " Sir Lander, if it's not an intrusion to your personal life, may I ask,…how old are you?"

"Based on the Elven calendar, I will be turning 25 next month." Lander answered.

The woman couldn't really believe what he heard. This young man is a genius! A prodigy!

In terms of magic, there are the so-called tiers or levels. Tier one being the lowest, and tier ten the highest. In other kinds of magic, like offensive magic it is common among mages to learn tier five and even tier ten, if you become a grand mage or higher.

But in terms of healing magic, learning and casting tier two is already outstanding. Casting a tier two magic will require at least three Apprentice Magus and tier three needs at least five.

"I can't believe it!" The woman blurted out.

"Ehem!" its the Emperor.

"Oh, I am so sorry your majesty for my excitement. Let me introduce myself, I am, Kristina del Monde. From Peace Island, and just like the other two gentlemen here, I was recently granted the title apprentice magus too. My specialty is water magic."

"Water magic you say, interesting!" Carl smiled at Kristina.

"Yes, among my clan, I was the first one to become the best water mage, I can cast at least tier seven water magic if I can gather enough mana."

"Tier seven you say?" the Emperor.

"Yes, your majesty."

"That was so impressive, you too are rare. I have only met mages who can cast tier six water magic, and they are at least a Full Magus." The emperor cannot contain his excitement.

In ranking a mage they begin at the lowest rank called Fledgelings. If they are considered as fledgeling they may enter a school or get an instructor to become student mages. After passing the requirement, they will transition into junior mage then senior mage. Most mages stopped at senior mage rank and become instructors or adventurers. But with those who has talent and passion, they can pursue the title Magus. Apprentice Magus the lowest, but being Apprentice Magus is already impressive enough. You will become respected by countries, nations, guilds and all institutions all over the world.

After becoming Apprentice Magus, is Full Magus. Having this title is comparable to having a noble title, like a Duke.

And then there's Grand Magus. This title and rank rivals the King or Emperor.

The ones who helped Marcus set up the barrier in the Black Swamp are his fellow Grand Magi. At that time they are only ten people.

The highest is Great Grand Magus. This is the pinnacle of becoming the greatest mage. In all of Ravenal history, only three people reached that. The last one is Great Grand Magus Regal. And that was one hundred years ago.

"How about, you Sir?" Kristina asked Marcus.

"Zzzzzzz,zzzzz"

Perhaps due to exhaustion of traveling, Marcus dozed off.

"Sir, sir" Lander tapped him on the shoulder.

"Oh, I am sorry, where was I?" Marcus wiped his mouth.

"Ha ha ha ha!" The emperor cannot contain his laughter.

"I guess the stories about you were true, sir Grand Marcus Ash!" Still laughing between words.

"Ash?! Marcus Ash?!" It's Kristina almost shouting, "I have read your books! And studied your theories."

"Yes, yes, I remember you Sir, my teacher is a big fan of your work especially in barrier magic, He said you are the pioneer on that field." Lander too couldn't contain his excitement.

"If I am not mistaken, aren't you the one who was stripped off his title and rank because of your brothers' foolishness?" Carl the Vampire smirked, looking unimpressed. "Then, ran away from his homeland like a coward?"

Marcus sighed.

"Sir Carl, if I may intervene." Emperor stopped him.

"Pardon your majesty." Carl bowed, still wearing a sarcastic smile.

"Let's have dinner first gentlemen, lady Kristina."

Marcus sighed his deepest that night.

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