They squeezed in through the crowd, and saw two young men in a heated quarrel. They seemed to be of the same age; one kept long hair, the other short; and both of those brown.

“I’m telling you to apologise, you’re the one who knocked into me!”

“The sinner making the accusations first, is it? It’s obviously you who knocked into me.”

“You’re still trying to deny it?!”

“Like hell I’ll want to waste my time with unreasonable people like you! I didn’t even pursue it when you didn’t apologise, and now you’re trying to climb over my head? I’m going off, so don’t block my way.”

It seemed like the short-haired guy is more aggressive. It was probably him who started the fight, while the long-haired guy had a more indifferent attitude. It displeased him to have everyone crowding around them.

“You’re trying to escape? If we can’t settle this with words, I will be using force…”

“I can’t believe that you would have no shame, and even after I gave you a chance to back down. All right, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

It was as if he was agitated by the man’s nonchalant attitude. The shorted-haired guy raised his hand, calling out:

“Scorching spirit!”

Everyone, including the long-haired man and Ivan was shocked upon hearing those 3 words. The scorching spirit is of a high level than the fire spirit. And a person who can easily summon spirits like that, must be……

Before they had the chance to speak out, red flames burst out of thin air.

The civilians surrounding them backed away in fear. The radiance emanating from those flames penetrated souls, as if it was life itself.

Direct summoning! And not summons through close matter……

Lloyd and Aidric watched intensely, and even Indy watched with great enjoyment.

When the flames were about to close in on him, he softly uttered 3 words.

“Snow spirit.”

Silvery white snowflakes also appeared out of nowhere, flying towards the scorching spirits in huge blankets of snow. The two offset each other’s magic, and their spells vanished.

The short haired guy seemed stunned, and stopped his attacks momentarily.

The snow spirit is a level 2 spirit, higher than water, with the same level as the scorching spirit. This is also representative of his status.

“…… You…… You’re also……”

After stopping his attacks, his front changed from aggressive to seemingly confused, and it was then Lloyd rushed out to intervene.

“My two companions, are you willing to drink tea with us, and have a talk?”

“I’m Bayle Nile.” The long-haired guy spoke.

“…… Xiev Ciernardo.” The short-haired guy also introduced himself.

“Mm, Nile, Ciernardo, since we have all introduced ourselves, we are comrades now. Let’s get along peacefully!”

As Lloyd spoke, the two men who have just fought exchanged glances.

“As a Priest-to-be, picking a fight carelessly is childish, immature behavior. You’ll need to control your own temper more!”

Upon hearing Bayle’s words, the onlookers cursed silently in their hearts, sensing something ominous incoming. Indeed, Xiev slammed the table, yelling furiously.

“Didn’t you just as casually accept the fight? You thought you would win, didn’t you? Arrogance is also a devastating flaw!”

“I accepted it because my pride won’t allow me to run away from a fight. Stop spouting trash when you don’t even know anything.”

“The pot calling the kettle black.”

“Okay, stop quarrelling…”

Aidric couldn’t help but add another line.

“Since you’re comrades, you should stop fighting! Who knows, you may have to sign a covenant with each other in future.”

It was just a casual statement, but it hit a sore spot.

“He started it first!”

“I will never form a covenant with a person like him. Cidelis, Nomunde, do you want to consider establishing one with me?”

“Oh, I will think about it.”

Lloyd brushed him off with a simple insincere reply, while Aidric got dumbfounded once again.

“Why do you guys never consider meeting other people before making requests for covenants?”

“We do. But when you see someone ideal, it’s best to make reservations first, in case there are any problems.”

Reservation? Using this word…… seems a little……

It was at this moment that he noticed Indy lowering his head, with a dejected look on his face.

“Indy, what’s wrong?”

“No…… nothing……”

He doesn’t look too convincing, but since he’s unwilling to say anything, there’s nothing Ivan can do.

Now that no one is speaking, the atmosphere is making him somber.

Maybe…… this group of comrades that he is about to meet for himself, aren’t that easy to get along with.

There’s still three more……

When night came, everyone returned to their rooms to rest. Aidric and Indy walked up the stairs together, and as Aidric observed his expression, it seemed like Indy was still unhappy, like there’s something troubling him.

Walking into the room silently, he opened the windows and gazed outside. A bright moon hung in the night sky, like a gentle orb. It seemed different than when gazing at it at home.

“It’s a full moon today…… Secaaj, do you want to come over and take a look?”

“…. No need……”

Indy was sitting on the bed, seemingly uninterested.

“…… Secaaj.”

Aidric walked over and sat beside him, scrutinizing his delicate face.

“Are you in a bad mood?”

“Judging from the present situation, amongst the four people he had met, in terms of personality, disposition, and way of thinking, the one closest to him, and the most easy-going is Secaaj, a guy who doesn’t look like he’s of the same age.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“…… I have a feeling that there’s definitely no one who would want to form a covenant with me…”

So that’s what he is getting upset about?

Everyone wants to choose someone with the strongest ability……

“That’s not true, you won’t know for certain……”

He tried to console him, but all Indy did was shake his head vigorously.

“It’ll definitely end up this way. I am only good at magic, I have no fighting abilities whatsoever…… Why would you guys pick me then?”

“But there’s still three more people……”

“I’m definitely the weakest!”

Indy closed his eyes, and continued.

“Even if this year’s system has changed, and I’ll have to form a covenant with someone, ultimately the last person who’s forced to sign it with me would not have willingly done it. That’s because I would only be a burden to him!”

His emotions were swaying, seemingly agitated, and even Aidric had no idea how to console him anymore.

“…… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be telling you all these.”

“It’s okay.”

Is that what you’re troubling about……? I think…… I……

“Actually, you don’t have to worry about this, you have a great personality.”

“…… But, ability is everything. There must have been someone who’s asked to form a covenant with Mr Cidelis, isn’t there?”

“Mm, I’ve been asked twice.”

“But I haven’t been asked even once.”

Earlier on, Bayle had asked Lloyd and Aidric, yet he didn’t even ask him. It’s obvious that he thinks nothing of him.

“There’s no one who would consider me……”

He curled up his body, so that the other person would not be able to see his expression.

And then, Aidric patted his shoulder.

“Secaaj, you…… do you want to establish a covenant with me?”

Startled, Indy jolted his head up, as if unable to believe what he just heard.

“You’re willing to?”

“But, why? The others are stronger than me! If it’s only out of sympathy, then I really don’t want to implicate you…”

“I don’t think that a comrade’s ability is important, since I believe that my own strength is enough. What I want to find is a comrade with an easy-going personality, and you’re really ideal! This isn’t sympathy, so don’t worry about it.”

He shouldn’t be a bad choice. At the very least, he won’t make me feel pressurized when we’re together.

Indy Secaaj……

“Then what about Mr Nomunde? He’s also a nice person to get along with, isn’t he?”

He…… has a heart so deep no one could understand. It’s like looking into a bottomless abyss……

“So, will you form a covenant with me?”

“……Okay, thanks.”

Indy smiled at him, even though in his heart, he still felt a little dejected.

I waited, but I still hadn’t found…… that wind.




But, I guess it doesn’t matter…… that was only a meaningless pursuit on my part. If I can’t even make sense of the target I’m after, how can I expect results?

“……Morning.”

“Good morning.”

At daybreak, Indy and Aidric awoke, and exchanged greetings before walking down to the lobby. The comrades they met yesterday were already there, and were sitting at the same table talking to someone they have never met.

“Hey—Cidelis, Secaaj, here!”

Lloyd saw them, and took the initiative to wave at them.

After they walked to their table, Lloyd introduced them to the stranger they’ve just met.

“This person here, is also a Priest-to-be, Bayle Nile. We’ve only met today. Everyone here is a comrade.”

“Mm, Nile, nice to meet you.”

“Mr Nile, please give me your guidance.”

This young man seemed to have a piercing gaze, with eyes the color of ice.

He doesn’t seem easy to get close to.

“Hello, everyone.”

He didn’t say anything else, could it be that he’s shy?

When one’s eyes is swept past by his gaze, it seems like the person is being looked right through.

“Nomunde, where have we stopped at?”

Turning back to question Lloyd, Bayle did not bother much about the others, and resumed his conversation with Lloyd on some profound topic.

“Cough…… Lido, Ciernado, have you slept well last night?”

Aidric directed his question at Cassca and Xiev. The long-haired former nodded his head dismissively, as if trying to ignore him as he pleased. The short-haired latter didn’t seem to be in a good mood. His brows were constantly creased into a frown, and there wasn’t even a reply.

Aidric again turned to look at the cold Bayle Nile, as well as the Lloyd Nomunde who could still cheerfully converse with such a person as him. His heart reached a conclusion.

…… I was right to choose the innocent, cute Secaaj. These people are rather abnormal……

Aidric has no idea how the other two Guardians-to-be, whom they have yet to meet, would be like. Nomunde said everyone would come, and he shouldn’t be wrong. Somehow, he felt that what Nomunde said wouldn’t end up as just a mistake.

“Have you guys thought about the covenant? Cidelis?”

Bayle appeared arrogant, as he turned around to ask Aidric nonchalantly.

“Mm, I have already decided to form one with Secaaj.”

Xiev froze, and even Cassca spun his head around.

“You and… Secaaj?”

“Did something happen between the two of you last night?”

“You can’t just casually establish a covenant, it has to be practical! In a real battle…… You’re not even going to think this through?”

Everyone asserted their opinions, each with an expression of shock.

At this moment, Lloyd leaned over.

“What, what? Cidelis, you’re forming a covenant with Secaaj?...... Forget it, that decision came out of your own free will. But…… you actually didn’t consider me at all. My pride and confidence has taken a big hit……”

“That’s such a pity……” Even the cold Bayle spoke up.

Aidric was starting to doubt the amount of “value” he actually has.

Meanwhile, the ever-neglected Indy sunk into depression.

Even though everyone was stupefied, this has already become the truth, an unchangeable truth.

“Then I’ll think of another partner.”

Lloyd shrugged, as he looked at him.

“As long as you don’t regret it.”

“…… Yeah.”

Upon hearing what he said, Aidric heard the sound of that wind again, despite having not heard it for a long time…… Would he really not regret it?

He sensed Indy’s eyes on him, that unsteady gaze……

Is he worried that he will go back on his word? Since he has promised, he would do it.

“Secaaj, don’t worry. I’ve already said that I wanted to sign a covenant with you. I won’t go back on my word.”

“…… I’m not worried about this, it’s just that I’m afraid that…… Mr Cidelis may have already regretted it, yet because you care about your promise towards me, you can’t make a decision, and this is tormenting you…… You don’t have to care about me, it’s fine, really.”

He is really thoughtful, but Aidric himself wouldn’t go so overboard like this.

“I said I won’t. I think you’re the best choice, so be more confident about yourself.”

Patting his shoulder, Aidric flashed a friendly smile, which could also be considered as encouraging.

“I have no idea how those other two comrades would be like……”

“I know one of them.”

“Ah?”

Upon hearing Indy’s reply, Aidric found himself momentarily unable to respond.

“We know each other…… As our shrines are close to each other, the organization has permitted us contact. Her personality is nice, and I have already acknowledged her as my elder god-sister.”

“Elder god-sister……? Isn’t everyone born on the same year, month and day?

“…… But I just look younger……”

Aidric was speechless. But, having a female comrade is……

“Everyone, how about we discuss about our plans for today?”

Lloyd fired a question, and since he has great charisma, everyone automatically turned their attention to him.

“What can we do?”

Xiev looked at him and questioned.

He stroked that carmine hair of his, as he flashed a wide grin.

“Shall we see if we can find the two remaining companions?!”

“…… We can’t do anything about it, if they just wouldn’t reveal themselves.”

“That’s why I say, just take a look! It’s not like we have anything better to do here.”

The six Priests-to-be walked out of the door together; the atmosphere awkward. Xiev and Cassca refused to look at each other, since they’ll probably start bickering without getting in more than three words. Not only will it be intolerable for the people near them, they themselves wouldn’t want to upset the atmosphere. Lloyd, on the other hand, was chatting with Bayle. To be more precise, he’s the one speaking most of the time, while the other party nodded. Aidric seemed to be deep in thought, and Indy did not wish to disturb him. Hence he remained silent, just like the rest of the group. The only person talking was Lloyd.

He probably wants to form a covenant with Nile, isn’t it? That’s why he’s conversing with him so much……

Aidric’s thoughts were not without basis, even though he himself felt that he didn’t quite understand Lloyd.

“…… So, speaking from this viewpoint, the magical field is still enormous. While summoning spirits simultaneously, with each successive spirit called, twice the energy needed previously is spent. Also, the average person can only use summoning spells of the same level—since they’re unable to summon spirits of a higher level. With the same level summoning spells as an example, three at a time is probably the limit. For Priests-to-be like us, the current record is seven. But, it seems that the people from the shrine were all of the mindset that there’s no one in this generation who can break the record…….”

Indy admired Lloyd for his incessant talking. He hasn’t stopped once, and a majority of the things he mentioned were information Indy has never heard of.

Mr Nomunde is indeed a knowledgeable, well-informed person……

In contrast to Indy, Aidric has his own opinions of Lloyd.

Nomunde, he…… How many books has he memorized? The first dialogue was extracted from page 36 to 39 of ‘Research of the Last Century’, while the second part was taken from page three, line eight to page four, line eight of ‘Feroxal’s Energy Studies’. Meanwhile, the third, fourth, fifth dialogue was taken from…… He’s really not one to be underestimated……

As he flipped through his memory recesses, he seemed to have not realised that one who was able to point out the sources of information so precisely, could also be considered as a freak with photographic memory.

The other three were also listening in, but only felt some of its context familiar. Most of the information mentioned wad unheard of.

“Whoo, I’ve been talking for half the day. Have you guys seen anyone…… who may have been a comrade?”

Lloyd stopped to catch a breath, his throat feeling a little parched. He turned around to interrogate the others.

“Cough…… ah?”

“This……”

“We were listening too attentively, so we weren’t noticing. Let’s walk another round from the start!”

“……”

This is a really exasperating outcome.

There has been no progress…… Or maybe it should be said that, for Aidric and Lloyd, an unprogressive day just went by.

Everyone returned to the inn. After indulging in a feast of food and drinks, everyone was exhausted, and thus, they returned to their respective rooms.

“I feel today’s really enriching!”

Indy was obviously in high spirits, as he reminisced on the knowledge he had gained from listening to Lloyd.

“Is it…… To me, it’s the same, they’re all stuff I already know.”

Aidric felt uninterested. It would have been better if he had spent the time on further studies instead of revision.

“Eh? Cidelis…… Aidric, you’ve heard of them all before?”

Abruptly halting in mid-air to change to calling him by his given name, seems a little forced.

“Well, yeah, I’ve read them all before…… They’re all references from books, I can remember.”

“Amazing…… You’re indeed brilliant!”

Indy, once again, wore an expression of awe. The other party may not think much of it, but in Indy’s case, he may not always remember the things he has come across. Moreover, the things he read are nothing more than what others already have.

“There’s nothing admirable about it. It’s not like a priest’s duty ends here. Reading is only a hobby; a means of entertainment.”

“Reading as a means of entertainment? Is everyone like this? Is it only me who doesn’t think so?”

“To each his own…… then, what do you do in your free time?”

As Indy was shot with this question, he pondered about it seriously.

“When I’m bored, I……”

Before he could finish, he suddenly froze. From the window, a snowy white feather had drifted in.

“Floating Spirit?”

Aidric immediately came to a conclusion. The moment those words left his lips, the candlestick beside him rose.

“Ah, I wasn’t calling for you…… It just slipped out of my mouth. Please return, I’m sorry about that.”

The candlestick landed back on the table, as Indy scanned the direction outside.

“There’s someone on the moon……” To be more precise, it should be said that there were two figures obstructing the moonlight, afloat in midair.

“Are they comrades?”

“Mm…… It’s god-sister, along with another person…...”

The two exchanged glances, before flipping the windowpanes out of the room.

“God’s Decree, Flywings!”

As they uttered the same command words simultaneously, activating the same spells, it seemed as if invisible wings have sprouted from their backs. Using this spell, they soared, and saw that the others have followed suit as well.

The ones at the top also descended to meet with them. As they closed in the distance, they started to get a clearer image of one another.

On the left is a young man wearing a playful smile. He doesn’t seem like the type who would obey orders seriously. His hair is a light chestnut brown, long enough to touch his shoulders, and a little unkempt. His looks are delicate, and there’s a certain mysterious charm about him.

On the right, is a beautiful woman, whose looks can light up one’s eyes, where one can never take his eyes off of her. Her slim figure is adorned with a light, billowing garment. She wore a faint smile on her serene face; her every movement exuberating elegance. That clandescent, golden hair that fell along her back in waves dazzled under the moonlight. Coupled with ash-grey eyes, which held clarity likened to a drop of pure water, she was simply captivating. Everyone’s attention was evidently drawn to her.

“Leanne sis!”

At the sight of her, Indy leapt forward with ecstasy. The two embraced intimately.

“Secaaj knows that beautiful lady?”

Xiev muttered to himself, astonished.

“A beauty is, indeed a treat for sore eyes…… Secaaj and this lady’s alluring features are comparable to the same level.”

Lloyd gazed at them, deep in thought.

That beautiful lady seemed a little taller than Indy, probably because of her hairstyle. She beamed and placed her hand, gloved in white, on Indy’s shoulder.

“Indy, how are you doing these days? I never thought you would arrive earlier than me. Have you taken an interest in anyone for a covenant?”

The beautiful lady’s voice was melodious to the ears. Indy replied.

“Yeah, there is! I’ve already formed one with Aidric.”

“Aidric?” She scrutinized the crowd, and her gaze fell upon the exact person. “Is it you?”

“…… How could you tell?” Filled with surprise once again, Aidric couldn’t help but ask.

“This name seems to fit you better……” While speaking, she laughed pleasantly. “I’ll introduce myself first. Nice to meet everyone, I’m Leanne Paleris. This beside me, is the one accompanying me on my journey.”

“Ah—Paleris, I knew it. If I were to walk alongside you, I would be reduced to an insignificant being……” The young man scratched his head, seemingly exasperated. “My name is Vik Ichta. I don’t mind being neglected. Everyone here is a man; I can understand your feelings of meeting a beauty like this.”

The crowd smiled awkwardly, as if his words had hit the mark.

“Finally, the eight of us have arrived…… Why the hell did we have to patrol the city so early in the morning for then?”

Lloyd sighed inwardly, his eyes flitting to his back. In an instant, a black figure flashed past, and in the forests, night starts to fall.

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