'All correct...'
'Yes!'
Ayman cheered with joy after hearing his teacher's words. It was rare for him to be so happy after doing something right, as it was the norm for him, but the risk of not being able to borrow a book for the next few months had definitely worried him.
'This boy is incredible, he has really managed to learn all the basic magic circles of the six elemental attributes in such a short time. And with absolute precision and elegance of stroke... he really is a prodigy...'
'Listen, boy, are you really sure you want to become a Chosen warrior? With your talent, you could become an excellent magician and reach very high levels.'
Robert was convinced that Ayman, with his talent and the right guidance, could become a wizard of a very high rank. Unfortunately, the boy had other goals in life...
"I'm not the type to stay in the background, you should know that better than me, master. "
"Yes, I know that, but you must be careful or your arrogance will lead you straight to your grave!
'What a waste..."
Ayman's expression became serious.
"Master, I am well aware that a battlefield is not like the academy. Anyone who was born and raised in Mericivis knows how little it takes to lose everything..."
"Good, never forget that. That said, since you've learned the basic circles so quickly, it's time to increase your workload! "
Robert stood up suddenly with a strange smile and a determined look on his face, took a pile of seven or eight books from the bookcase behind him and placed them on the desk in front of Ayman.
'Here, you have three months to study these books! Good luck!'
Ayman stared at the pile of books for a few seconds with a puzzled look on his face before responding to Robert.
"Don't you think that's a bit too much? I also have to train with the sword while I'm at home!"
His voice betrayed a certain reluctance.
"Come on, you'll be fine! They're just a few books on more advanced magic circles, a couple on basic alchemy and a more up-to-date bestiary than the one you use at the military academy. They'll help you if you're chosen by the gods.
'What do I always tell you? Knowledge is...?"
'... power.'
Ayman had this concept firmly ingrained in his mind; it was one of the reasons he loved reading and acquiring new knowledge so much...
"Fine, then take these books and get out of my sight. I have to get back to my reading," said Robert, laughing.
'Yes, but don't forget about tonight if you don't want to get in trouble with Melissa.
"I may be old, but my memory still works fine, kid! And if I come to the party, it will be of my own free will, certainly not out of fear of my beautiful and at the same time frightening granddaughter".
"If you say so... See you tonight then".
Ayman didn't seem at all convinced by his teacher's words, but he had done what he was told. He took the gift for Kadir and the books and went down the steps, heading for the exit.
***
As soon as he got home, Ayman gave the gift to Melissa and immediately put the books in the basket under his bed. Then he helped Melissa with the last preparations; they had decorated the inside of their humble home with some decorations made of coloured fabric. Melissa had found them at a good price from a tailor in the middle zone. As the granddaughter of a fourth-class magician, she was allowed to pass freely through the middle walls, unlike Ayman, who could only do so to get to the academy and back home. It was a privilege reserved for the few...
"Thank you, Ayman, we managed to finish in time. It's almost sunset, the guests should be arriving soon. Kadir will arrive an hour after sunset accompanied by his friends. I really hope he likes this surprise! "
"Of course he'll like it, you've worked so hard to organise everything. Kad will be delighted, I'm sure."
"Yes, big brother will be delighted!" added two clear, cheerful voices in unison. Sophie and Rayan were really happy about the upcoming party. This warmed Ayman's heart. His siblings were the most important thing in the world to him, and he would do anything for them.
**
It was almost an hour after sunset, and there were a few guests in the small house: Ayman's friend Simed; a couple of Melissa's friends, Lina and Mary; and Master Robert, who was only there because his daughter had forced him to come, otherwise he would have gladly stayed at home among his books. The rest of the party guests were with Kadir, his friends, and at that moment they were probably taking Kadir home after distracting him so that Melissa and Ayman could decorate the house.
'They'll be here soon, everyone take your places. Let's blow out the candles. You take care of lighting them quickly when Kad arrives, please.'
Melissa said to those present. She had organised everything down to the smallest detail; she wanted the surprise to be perfect.
"Ah, so that's why you wanted me at the party so much, good to know". Robert said in an almost indignant tone.
"Come on, Grandpa, don't start!" replied Melissa, who knew Robert's argumentative and capricious character perfectly well.
"Yeah, yeah, a fourth-rate magician reduced to lighting candles at a party," the magician continued to mutter, but Melissa ignored him.
It was almost time, everyone took their places and turned off the lights. Ayman, together with Simed, stood near the door.
A few minutes later, they began to hear voices approaching the front door. The door then opened, and three figures of similar height and build stood in the doorway without entering.
"How strange, it's completely dark and there doesn't seem to be anyone here..." said the central figure, his deep voice betraying a certain uncertainty.
But before he could finish his sentence, there was a snap of fingers and the lights suddenly came on.
"Congratulations, Kad!!!"
A chorus of voices suddenly rang out, and the central figure, who was none other than Kadir, Ayman's brother, looked even more confused. He was a young man in his twenties, tall, dark-haired and brown-eyed. He wore armour covering his entire body and had a long sword at his waist.
"What's going on here?" he said in a pleasantly surprised voice.
A delicate female voice replied.
"We want to celebrate your promotion to Worth Rank, love."
Melissa, wearing a long white dress, approached Kadir and wrapped him in a warm embrace.
"Oh, so that's why... but you shouldn't have..."
"On the contrary, your efforts and achievements deserve to be celebrated. You do so much for us and you deserve it."
"We agree with Melissa, it's no small feat to pass the ritual and advance in rank. You should know that well, Kad."
"You are now our superior and deserve the honours that come with it, boss!"
said the two men accompanying Kadir, his two best friends: Mach, Simed's older brother, and Sal. They had known each other for years, since they were mere recruits at the academy. They were a close-knit trio.
"So that's why you two made me take that crazy tour of the city before going home!"
"Yes, that was their role in all this," said Ayman, approaching the group at the entrance.
"Congratulations Kad, you deserve all this."
"Hey little brother, you're making me emotional! Come here!" Kadir hugged Ayman tightly in a brotherly embrace.
"Us too! Us too!" Sophie and Rayan threw themselves at their brothers with joy and energy.
"Yes, come on, you little rascals, give your big brother a hug!" Kadir's voice was truly joyful.
In no time at all after Kadir's arrival, a joyful and festive atmosphere had filled the house. These were the most precious and happy moments of life in Mericivis: time with loved ones was a luxury, the most precious thing one could have.
Ayman knew this very well, but he didn't know that it would be one of the last...