Chapter 8

  On a bright, sunlit day, the bus rolled out of the city, crossing bridges and winding over gentle hills. Trees and open fields stretched on both sides of the road, soaked in warm sunlight. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy and excitement—even though the bus was almost empty. Only Sbyam, Moryo, Baysal, Kamyo, Veb, and Suero were on board.

  Moryo was fast asleep, completely unfazed by the loud, pounding music shaking the bus. Baysal, Kamyo, and Suero danced to the rhythm, their laughter echoing through the aisle as they sang along at the top of their lungs. Even Sbyam, their instructor, joined in—jumping with enthusiasm, a wide grin on his face as he gave himself over to the moment.

  Baysal leaned toward Suero and shouted over the music,

  “Suero! We’re going to the countryside today!”

  He couldn’t hear her at all. He bent closer and yelled back,

  “What did you say?!”

  Laughing, Baysal shouted again, matching the wild mood,

  “We’re going to the countryside! To the Mana Organization!”

  Suero froze. His thoughts collided all at once. The Mana Organization?!

  Before he could process it, the music cut off abruptly.

  Every head turned to Moryo, who had stopped the song. He spoke with clear irritation,

  “Don’t you ever get tired? You’re way too loud.”

  He leaned back into his seat and closed his eyes, ready to return to sleep.

  But Baysal and Suero rushed over, pleading desperately.

  “Moryo, please!”

  “Just one more song!”

  “Please… please!”

  Moryo ignored them completely.

  Then—suddenly—the music blasted through the bus again.

  Baysal and Suero spun around in surprise to see Sbyam standing beside the music player, grinning with pure excitement as he shouted,

  “Come on, everyone! Let’s enjoy this!”

  His enthusiasm spread instantly. In moments, they were all gathered in the middle of the bus—dancing, laughing, and singing as loudly as they pleased. The bus continued its journey through beautiful landscapes, carrying them toward the Mana Organization on a road filled with music and joy.

  They passed through the mountains and entered the countryside as evening shadows crept inside the bus. The moon rose high, lighting the road ahead. At last, Sbyam and his students arrived before a massive classical palace, surrounded by towering walls.

  Stepping off the bus, Suero and Baysal stared up at the enormous structure in awe, shouting in perfect sync,

  “Wow, this place is huge!”

  Veb scoffed, a cold smile on his face.

  “What’s the big deal? Haven’t you seen a palace before, you country bumpkins?”

  Baysal frowned and pointed at him, clearly annoyed.

  “You’re so rude! You don’t understand why I’m excited!”

  Suero tried to calm things down. He turned to Baysal with an innocent look and muttered,

  “Well… he’s kind of right. This is our first palace.”

  Baysal froze. Slowly, she shot Suero a sharp warning glare.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  “Suero… don’t make me teach you a lesson right here.”

  Suero stiffened and stammered,

  “S-Sorry…!”

  Sbyam burst out laughing, then clapped his hands together with enthusiasm.

  “Alright, my students! Let’s head inside!”

  Eager to explore the grand estate, Baysal rushed toward the massive wooden gates. She stopped in front of them, puzzled, and muttered,

  “Why aren’t they opening?”

  As she spoke, the gates slowly began to swing open.

  A bright smile spread across her face.

  Beyond the entrance stretched a vast, lush garden. At its heart stood a massive fountain, surrounded by vibrant flowers of every color, forming a breathtaking scene like a living painting. Baysal’s eyes sparkled as she took it all in, hopping from one flower to the next with barely contained excitement.

  As they made their way toward the grand palace, Suero found himself overwhelmed by the elegance of the paths and gardens. His curiosity won out. He turned to his instructor, Sbyam, who walked beside him with a calm smile.

  “Is this the main headquarters of the Mana Organization?”

  Sbyam laughed softly and shook his head.

  “Of course not. This palace was built for ceremonies and large gatherings.”

  Suero blinked in surprise.

  “Oh!”

  At that moment, Veb spoke up, his tone curious rather than mocking.

  “Does this estate belong to the Three Clans?”

  Sbyam smiled faintly.

  “Long ago, people claimed the Mana Organization was destroyed, and that the Three Clans separated from it.”

  The conversation caught Moryo’s attention. He opened his eyes and fixed them on Sbyam, clearly interested.

  Sbyam continued,

  “In ancient times, the Mana Organization was nothing more than a group of mages. After its founding, it united with the Three Clans, acting as a single entity. Even so, Mana held authority over the clans—thanks to the direct connection between its leader, Golobet, and the World Sages… or so the stories say. I can’t say how much of it is true.”

  Suero recalled an earlier conversation and spoke carefully,

  “Earlier, my instructor Kamasi asked whether I belonged to one of the Three Clans…”

  Sbyam chuckled.

  “That’s right. Today, the Mana Organization is ruled by three clans, each possessing a unique hereditary ability passed down through their bloodlines.”

  He raised a finger, counting them calmly.

  “First, the Raimo Clan—my clan. We wield the Kurmo Technique.

  Second, the Raipozi Clan, which Moryo belongs to. They possess the Time Technique.

  Third, the Silano Clan, bearers of the Unlimited Technique.

  Together, these three clans govern the world of mages under the guidance of the World Sages.”

  Suero stiffened, shock flashing across his face.

  “But Spailo uses the Unlimited Technique, doesn’t he? If it’s a hereditary power, how does he have it?”

  Sbyam laughed lightly.

  “That’s a long story from the past. Don’t trouble yourself with it.”

  Suero remained silent, confusion lingering in his eyes as they continued walking. Soon, they reached the palace gates.

  Baysal gasped, staring back at the garden.

  “Oh my goodness… the garden alone is enormous! We’ll never explore all of it!”

  Sbyam laughed and teased her,

  “Don’t forget why we’re here.”

  Baysal let out a dramatic sigh.

  “Yeah, yeah… we’re here to face Betma’s students…”

  Just as they were about to enter, the door opened. A young man stepped forward—Hambo Gauthen, a first-rank mage and one of Betma’s students. He looked them over with a mocking smile.

  “These are the ones we’re supposed to fight?”

  Baysal stepped ahead, irritation flashing in her eyes.

  “And who are you?”

  Before she could say more, Sbyam interrupted with a friendly smile.

  “This is one of Betma’s students—Hambo Gauthen.”

  Hambo laughed.

  “Master Sbyam! It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

  Sbyam returned the smile.

  “Hah… yes. It has been a long time, Hambo.”

  Hambo gestured toward the entrance.

  “Everyone’s inside. Please, come in.”

  The moment they entered the palace, its grandeur stole their breath. Gold-trimmed walls, dazzling lights, and a luxurious red carpet stretched across the floor. Suero and Baysal stared in awe, their eyes shining as they took in the splendor.

  They soon arrived at a spacious hall furnished with elegant sofas. Betma’s students were already there—Alia, Jan, Rita, and Hambo. The two groups exchanged cautious looks, the air tightening as they silently prepared for what was to come.

  Sbyam glanced at Betma’s students, a faint smile forming as he thought to himself,

  They’ve grown…

  At the same time, Rita’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at him.

  Sbyam Brius… she thought. A living legend!

  Excitement overwhelmed her. Forgetting all tension, she rushed forward without hesitation and threw her arms around him.

  “You’re incredible!”

  Sbyam froze, then tried to push her away, laughing awkwardly.

  “H-Hey… get off me…!”

  But Rita clung to him stubbornly, completely unfazed.

  At that moment, Betma entered the hall through a side door, his wide grin immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

  “Oi!”

  All eyes turned toward him. In an instant, the atmosphere shifted.

  The calm shattered—everyone braced themselves for the coming clash.

  —

  End of Chapter.