Chapter 43 - Rewards

In the end, Zaos had to wait for a week before he could train his body again. Fortunately, he had plenty of time to meditate and study, so while his body didn't improve, his studies progressed at a decent pace.

Two days after the incident, Laiex and Drian returned. While they had heard that they had fallen for a trap, they only decided to return when they captured their target. When Laiex saw Zaos's wound, he didn't show much surprise since he already knew what happened and how things ended. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to praise Zaos since he used magic to survive.

"Did you learn something after this incident?" Laiex asked.

In the end, the best thing Laiex could do was that. Turn the incident into a lesson. While that was a good sign that he wasn't that unconcerned about his son's well-being, it was really unnerving from Zaos's perspective.

"I learned that I should have trained my magic more. I had done that. I would have defeated the assassin before he could attack," Zaos said.

"Wrong," Laiex said. "You should have learned that you shouldn't go anywhere without a weapon."

In the end, Zaos was too tired to start an argument. He only has a single weapon, and it was a sword that could only be used at a very appropriate time. Not only that, he doubted that the royal guards would let him enter the castle with a weapon.

"His Majesty said that he is going to apologize to you two at a later date," Laiex suddenly said.

"Why and who is the other?" Zaos asked.

"Drannor," Laiex replied. "Drian and I left the capital following the king's orders, and because of that, he feels guilty about what had happened. He is probably going to ask if you want something. You can ask anything, but don't trouble him too much. His Majesty's hands are already full thanks to the princess."

After saying that, Laiex left the room. He just noticed that he was talking more than usual and felt uncomfortable thanks to it. Regardless, while Zaos didn't do anything, he was going to receive a reward. That was nice, but asking for money would be too much. A present would be more suitable for that kind of situation.

"A magic book should be good enough. It isn't expensive or too cheap," Zaos muttered. "Speaking of magic books… I used an altered version of Holy Light when I tried to stop the assassin. I wonder if that variation is known or if I just discovered it."

In the end, Zaos asked Lyra, and she told him that some mages could use such variation. Even though it was fairly simple, not many had tried to draw only the last symbol of the spell. Zaos had planned to suddenly use Holy Light and then blind his father during the spar, which would give him a few seconds, but he didn't imagine such a strategy would save his life one day.

Health: 92/92

Mana: 202/202

Stamina: 102/102

Strength: 46

Magic: 101

Endurance:51

Resistance: 101

Focus: 01+ 01

Sorcery Lv 14, Meditation Lv 05, Swordsmanship Lv 07, Axemanship Lv 01, Spearmanship Lv 01 Shield Mastery Lv 06, Pain Resistance Lv 02

On the same day Zaos resumed his training, the king summoned him and Drannor to give them the presents as an apology. Zaos and Drannor's whole family went with them, even though that was just a simple ceremony with few witnesses. However, much to everyone's surprise, Ameria wasn't there.

"Ameria also feels slightly guilty for what had happened, even though I already told her many times that I was the one at fault," King Dalyor said. "Still, if she wants to learn from a mistake, she didn't. I think that is a sign that she is growing up. Due to my position and I can't do anything aside from this, but I apologize for what happened."

Zaos and Drannor didn't know much about the formalities in that kind of event, and since the king also didn't want to make things too stiff, he decided to let them stand in a relaxed position. After saying that, Queen Loellena got up from her seat and brought the gifts the king gave them with her. He had heard what both boys wanted, and they didn't ask for much, so he had an easy time obtaining them.

"The first is Drannor," The king Dalyor said. "While you are not big enough to wield one, you wished for a common spear that has the symbol of our kingdom. Guard it well until the time comes and you have the chance to wield it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Drannor said.

While Zaos had seen that symbol many times, it was really impressive to see an armored figure raising a sword on the surface of a weapon. According to what Zaos read, that symbol became important because it represented the beginning of the new age… the very moment the demon god was defeated. It was hard to imagine that someone wearing such a massive set of armor would be able to get closer to a magic expert, but people decided to think that was what had happened.

"Zaos asked for a magic book," King Dalyor said. "I saw your magic in action. It is impressive that you managed to disable an assassin of that level alone at your age. I hope you can become an excellent mage while at the same time you strive to reach the same level of strength as your father."

The king passed the magic book for Zaos, and after opening it, he learned that it was magic that would teach him some water-based spells. Zaos just asked for any type of magic book, but it looked like the king wanted him to improve what he was already good at it.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zaos said.

"Ah… these types of situations make my body feel so stiff," King Dalyor said while he was massaging his shoulders. "Let's relax now."