I've arrived at the requester's mansion. It's grand—larger than I expected. Still, compared to the size of my own kingdom, it's modest. But for a noble estate, it more than earns its title.
"Who are you! State your name and purpose!" the guard barked, stepping forward with suspicion in his eyes and his hand on the hilt of his sword.
I raised my hand calmly. "Relax. My name is Angel. I'm here on behalf of the escort request submitted to the Adventurer's Guild."
The guard narrowed his eyes before nodding. "Very well. Follow me."
The mansion's interior was elegant—warm oak floors, ornate chandeliers, paintings of the Astallon lineage, and hallways humming with activity as maids bustled about in perfect coordination. It was a nobleman's world, structured and refined.
The guard knocked once on a large mahogany door, then stepped inside. "My lord, the adventurer who accepted the quest has arrived."
"Let him in," came the response—deep, composed, and commanding.
As I entered, I was met with the sight of an older man, though age hadn't dulled his charm. He had neatly combed blonde hair streaked with silver, sharp blue eyes, and wore a deep navy suit with golden trims. He was the image of refined authority.
"I greet the patriarch of House Astallon," I said, bowing slightly. "I have come to fulfill the escort request."
"Thank you for accepting my quest, young adventurer," he replied, his voice smooth like aged wine. "I require a reliable escort for my daughter's journey."
"It is my honor to serve a nobleman such as yourself, Lord Marquis," I said formally. "Though, if I may ask two questions before we proceed?"
"You may," he allowed with a nod.
"Firstly, what is the destination? And secondly, why request an adventurer for escort when your estate clearly holds capable guards?"
The marquis studied me carefully. "Before I answer, may I know your name and rank?"
"Angel. I'm currently a C-rank adventurer."
"A C-rank… then you're no novice. Very well." He steepled his fingers before continuing. "You will be escorting my daughter, Lyla, to Reias Academy. It's a prestigious magical institution founded by the Reias family, renowned for their mastery of all known magic schools. The academy lies deep within the Everglades Forest—an area rich in mana, but also dangerous and politically... sensitive."
"I see," I said. "That explains the need for protection."
"Indeed. While I have guards, they draw attention. What I need is subtlety. Nobles have been known to sabotage one another's heirs to reduce academic competition. A lone, skilled adventurer raises fewer flags."
"Understood."
"You may rest in one of our guest chambers tonight. A servant will guide you. Tomorrow, you depart."
"I am grateful for your hospitality, Lord Astallon."
The guest room was modest compared to the grandeur of the mansion, but it suited me. I didn't need luxury. I needed silence, and the soft hum of distant wind chimes was enough.
---
"Are you sure about entrusting Lady Lyla to that man?" Lancelot, the Marquis's personal guard, asked in a low tone. He stood beside his master, arms crossed and brow furrowed. "He's only a C-rank."
"There's more to him," the Marquis replied, his gaze fixed on the sealed quest form Angel had stamped earlier. "I tried to sense his mana. Nothing. Either he is mana-less... or he's mastered it so completely that it remains hidden."
Lancelot stiffened. "You believe he has that level of control? At his age?"
"Possibly," the marquis said. "Or perhaps... he is more than what he seems."
---
"This is my daughter, Lyla Astallon," the marquis said as the girl entered the grand hall.
"Greetings," she said, smiling politely. "I am Lyla Astallon, daughter of the great Marquis Astallon."
She was radiant. Her silver-blonde hair shimmered in the morning light, cascading like silk past her shoulders. Her eyes, a vibrant azure, held a spark of curiosity behind their noble poise.
"I greet you, Lady Lyla," I said with a respectful nod.
"I'll be relying on you for protection, Sir Angel," she said. "Please take care of me."
"You have my word."
"Now go, both of you," the marquis instructed. "The carriage awaits."
As we stepped toward the carriage, the Marquis leaned closer to me. "Angel. Protect her at all costs. There are those who would see her fail. You'll find... that some nobles play dirtier games than the law permits."
"You can count on me," I said firmly.
He handed me a storage ring. "There are supplies inside—food, water, medical kits. Be safe."
---
The forest roads were quiet. Birds chirped in harmony with the rumble of the wheels. The sunlight danced through the leaves above, and the air was thick with ambient mana. It would take five days to reach the academy.
"So," Lyla said, breaking the silence. "You're a C-rank adventurer, right? Do you know any magic? Maybe you could teach me something?"
"You can drop the formal speech, we look the same age," she added, grinning.
"A-Alright," I said, slightly caught off guard by her informality. "I specialize in what I call 'combat-type' magic. It's not well-known in most academies."
"Combat-type magic? That wasn't in any of my books," she said, intrigued.
"That's probably because it comes from my hometown. It's a style of enhancing practical spells for use in actual battle."
"Where is this hometown of yours?" she asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"It's... hidden. I can't reveal it. But I can show you how combat magic works."
"Deal!"
"Take light magic, for example. If you amplify the brightness of light magic to blind enemies temporarily, it becomes a combat application. Blinding an enemy mid-fight could mean the difference between life and death."
"Let me try!" she said excitedly. "Illuminate!"
"Wait—!"
Too late. A burst of radiant light exploded from her hands, temporarily blinding us both.
"Ack—! My eyes!" I groaned, rubbing them.
"Oops... maybe that was too much?" Lyla giggled sheepishly.
"Exactly the point. You've now used light magic as a weapon," I said, regaining my sight.
"Show me another one!"
"Alright. [Shock Arts: Lightning Blaze]."
I raised my hand and summoned streaks of blue lightning. They crackled with deadly energy, sparking dangerously around my palm.
"Amazing..." she whispered. "But... what was that incantation?"
"It's part of my hometown's tradition. Every spell has a unique name and signature movement."
"Now I really want to see your home," Lyla said, wide-eyed.
I smiled faintly. "Maybe one day. If you're free, I'll take you."