Chapter 25
Promises
Tokiya stared at Karasu with a dumbfounded expression as she continued to smile and hold the advertisement in front of him. Karasu waved the paper for dramatic effect. After an awkward silence, Tokiya sucked his teeth and turned his head.
"I knew you were dumb, but this is a new low for you."
Karasu stood up straight and puffed out her chest, unfazed by Tokiya's insult.
"You shouldn't doubt me. This is all a part of my curriculum for the one who will master the Divine Root Blessing. However, most importantly, you shouldn't doubt your own strength."
Turning his back to put away the book he was holding, Tokiya rudely responded to Karasu.
"This has nothing to do with me doubting my strength. And weren't you the one who was telling me, in great detail, that you'd seen babies with better punches than mine?"
Karasu tapped her chin. She certainly did remember their conversation at the inn last night regarding Tokiya's pitiful display of combat skills at the park. Wiping the memory from her mind, she cast her arm out to the side.
"Yes, but that makes this tournament all the more important. Think about it, Tokiya. This tournament puts a deadline on us, a deadline for you to get strong enough to participate without getting totally humiliated. That's a pretty good motivator if I do say so myself."
Tokiya narrowed his eyes, which only made Karasu try even harder to convince him of her brilliant plan.
"Or you could think about it like a test. You train as hard as you can, which would be you studying, and the tournament will be your test. It would be a great way to prove the results of your effort while getting insight on what you still need to improve on."
When Karasu put it that way, Tokiya became more convinced.
"A way to prove my strength."
He crossed his arms.
"Fine, I'll do it. But how exactly am I supposed to prepare for this? After all, you weren't the most supportive of my training from yesterday."
Karasu jumped into the air and clapped her hands together.
"Yippee!"
Once done with her celebratory gesture, she placed one hand on her puffed-out chest.
"Of course, only the best will do for my little Tokiya, so you will be personally trained by the best mage in Oravell, me."
"..."
"You could at least show some excitement, maybe even a little gratitude!"
Tokiya put his hands out to calm down Karasu.
"Don't get me wrong, Karasu. You're strong and all, but you don't seem like you'd be a great teacher. I mean, all we do is argue. There's no way that's a healthy teacher-student relationship."
Flipping her hair back, Karasu scoffed.
"At least you recognize my strength. And while you do raise a good point, I'm really your only viable option. So, no matter how you may feel about me, I'm going to be your teacher."
Tokiya accepted Karasu putting her foot down. He sighed, for he didn't know how this would go. However, he knew that it certainly wouldn't be boring. Karasu pointed to the advertisement that was still in her hands.
"We have no time to waste. According to the poster, we only have a week before the tournament starts, which isn't a lot of time. But with my expertise, you'll be a real fighter in no time."
She motioned for Tokiya to follow her as she began to leave the library. As he walked beside her, he posed a question.
"How strong would you say the people in this tournament are going to be?"
Karasu made a little, thoughtful hum.
"The last time I watched a tournament like this, about half of the participants were around man-level, and the other half were beginner mage-level."
Tokiya raised an eyebrow.
"Man-level? Is that a ranking of strength?"
"Indeed. There is a set of rankings that are universally accepted as a means for measuring strength. The first rank is man-level, which covers your average person with no magical capabilities. Next is beginner mage and mage-level. By the end of my training, I hope to get you to jump from man-level to high beginner mage-level. I don't think you've met anyone who'd fall within mage-level, but it's sort of a middle ground where most people tend to reach and stay. Mage-level is also the average rank in the Imperial Knights, I'm pretty sure."
Tokiya began to wonder where Berserker would fall within this ranking. He guessed he'd have to be on the higher end of mage-level based on the feats and what he'd seen. Karasu continued.
"The next two ranks are captain and lieutenant. These rank titles are simply derived from the third and second highest positions, respectively. I believe your friend, Berserker, was about low captain-level."
Turns out Tokiya was wrong. His eyes quickly widened with realization.
"Wait, Gremory was a captain! I never knew he was that strong."
Chuckling to herself, Karasu shook her head.
"No, no, no, your Gremory is not captain-level. Despite it still being under the command of the country, local militaries of small towns like yours are pretty independent from the Imperial Knights. Therefore, there are sometimes overlaps in their naming conventions. Gremory is high man-level at best."
Every thought of Gremory hiding some secret magical power instantly disappeared from Tokiya's head.
"Anyway, the next ranks are where things start to get much more interesting. General is pretty self-explanatory. People like General Justina, Zac, and Aigo fall into this rank. You'll notice how I purposely omitted General Leon from that list. That's because he falls into the next rank, which is super-general. I know a few other people who fall into these categories, but they're none you'd know."
Tokiya sucked his teeth as he walked next to Karasu with his usually grumpy posture.
"No surprise there. Only an idiot like me would be stupid enough to still trust you considering how shady you are."
"Haha, my mysterious nature is a part of my appeal, dear Tokiya. Anyway, there are two ranks left, and I think you might want to hear about them. The second highest rank is calamity-rank. It's named after the Four Calamities, who are all in this rank."
Tokiya brought his hand to his chin.
"Wait, so that means Thylleon is in that rank. If Vanguard beat him, then he must be in the final and strongest rank."
Karasu let out a slightly entertained sigh.
"Ah, I forgot that Vanguard is like a god in your mind."
She shook her head.
"These ranks are spectrums with wide ranges, so just because one person beats another doesn't automatically put them in a rank above them. However, in this case Vanguard does belong to the rank above Thylleon, which is called legendary. There's no one in this rank you haven't heard of. Seigel, Noctis, and of course-"
"Noctis?"
Karasu slowly turned her head towards Tokiya. She glared at him.
"What did you say?"
Her voice was shaky as if she was pleading to have misheard Tokiya. However, he just looked at her with a bare expression.
"Who is Noctis? It seems weird to put some random person next to Seigel, the Hero."
In a flash, Karasu lashed out and strangled Tokiya. At least, that's the scene that played in her mind. However, Karasu called upon her retired skill set to set aside her frustration and stay calm.
"A-Are you not familiar with the Four Priestesses?"
Tokiya narrowed his eyes.
"The Four Priestesses? Why the hell is everything in groups of four? The Four Generals, the Four Calamities, the Four-"
Karasu waved her hands in front of him.
"I get it, I get it! It's more important that you learn about these important figures. Oh, and we're going to turn at this corner, by the way."
The two of them turned an upcoming corner as they continued on to wherever Karasu was taking them.
"So, who are these so-called important figures?"
Karasu sighed.
"How do I put this? The Four Priestesses are very controversial figures. They've done some good in the world and some bad. Mostly bad though."
Tokiya scoffed.
"So, what sets them apart from the Calamities? They both sound like groups of evil characters. Why not the Eight Calamities?"
They made another turn at the end of the street.
"Well, despite the two groups forming at about the same time, around 250 years ago, the Four Calamities haven't been active in almost 120 years, with only one of them, Bramzar, confirmed to be alive and unsealed. Meanwhile, three of the four Priestesses are still alive and still having 'influence' throughout the world."
Running his hand through his hair, Tokiya was still skeptical about the Priestesses' reputation.
"Wait, if they're from 250 years ago, how can they still be alive today?"
"They exist as spirits, not humans, which grants them pseudo-immortality. Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't heard of at least one of them. You know about the Kankaran War, right?"
Tokiya glared at Karasu.
"Don't insult me like that. Of course I do. Berserker even fought in it."
"Well, the snow spirit that caused the split between Oravell and Kankara is actually one of the Priestesses, Shizuku. Even to this day, Kankara is trapped in perpetual snow due to her presence. Being that the Priestesses are very secretive figures, her intentions behind this are unknown. Some people, mostly hybrids, swear that the Priestesses are just misunderstood, but I don't buy it."
Tokiya raised an eyebrow.
"Why not?"
Karasu chuckled to herself and smiled at Tokiya.
"One of these days, I'll tell you about all the stuff Memoria has done. Then you'll understand."
Counting on his fingers, Tokiya began listing the names he had been given so far.
"Noctis, Shizuku, and Memoria. That's only three. Who's the fourth one?"
"Oh, Potentia. Unlike the others, she's done nothing particularly evil, at least not that I can think of. However, she's feared just as much as the rest of the Priestesses due to her raw strength. Luckily, she's sealed pretty well, so there's no need to worry."
Tokiya stared straight ahead, thinking hard about something.
"Potentia? I feel like I've heard that name recently. Come on, Tokiya, remember! Mmmmmmmmmm. Eh, nothing. I don't want to just dismiss it. It feels so important."
Tokiya continued to try to remember where he had heard Potentia's name from. However, after a while of thinking and conversing with Karasu at the same time, he gave up and hoped that it would come to him eventually.
*****
After a very informative walk, the group made it to a colosseum. In terms of height, the structure was taller than the other buildings but nothing overwhelming. However, its width was what really captivated Tokiya. It was still only his second day in Ardston, so seeing an entire colosseum up close was still a bit intimidating. The colosseum's old, cracked, beige bricks matched the aesthetic of the rest of the buildings in the historical district, which was where they were.
Somewhere along the way there, Karasune wanted to take her human form, so she was now being carried on Tokiya's back. By the main entrance of the colosseum was a small desk. Behind it sat a middle-aged man who seemed to have the life sucked out of him. He didn't seem physically tired, just more drained of spirit and will. Karasu walked up to the desk, and Tokiya followed.
"Why, hello there, Mr. Gaynes."
The man, now revealed to be named Mr. Gaynes, lethargically cranked his head up to look at Karasu.
"Oh, Karasu. It certainly has been a while."
Karasu's flamboyant attitude directly contrasted Mr. Gaynes' melancholy demeanor. She patted Tokiya on the back and pushed him forward.
"It's been almost ten years, I think. This one right here certainly has kept me busy."
Mr. Gaynes looked Tokiya up and down.
"So, you're married now, Karasu? And you even have a child. Wow, time certainly does fly."
Tokiya stamped his foot forward and scowled at Mr. Gaynes.
"Don't go making assumptions like that, man! I would never marry her, and I certainly would never let her bear my-"
Karasune forcefully kicked his side, causing him to be silenced before he could finish his sentence. As he tried to conceal his pain, Karasu ushered him to the side, reassuming her position in front of the desk.
"Please excuse my friend. He can be quite the jerk, but that's just how he expresses his care for others."
Tokiya had some problem with Karasu saying that out loud, but he thought it'd be best to stay quiet. Karasune hopped off his back and gently caressed the place where she kicked him. She didn't seem remorseful, but it certainly seemed to bother her that Tokiya was in pain. Karasu continued, letting their cute scene play out.
"So, Mr. Gaynes, I hear your monthly tournament is happening in a week. It's been a while since I've seen one, so I certainly can't wait. What makes it even more exciting is that this young man here will be participating."
Mr. Gaynes scoffed, not out of disrespect but out of a more somber feeling.
"Well, this would all be good news, Karasu, if my business weren't dying."
Karasu cocked her head to the side.
"Huh?"
Mr. Gaynes leaned back in his chair and stared up into the sky.
"What used to be one of the jewels of entertainment here in Ardston is now nothing more than an afterthought. People from all over Oravell used to come to watch and participate in my tournaments. Tsk, it's all because of that stupid girl."
As he spoke, his voice had the tone of someone who had already accepted their fate. Tokiya couldn't help feeling a little bad for him. Karasu raised an eyebrow.
"A girl?"
He sighed.
"Yeah, there's some girl who keeps entering every tournament. That act itself isn't a problem. It's her strength that's causing issues. She's so out of the league of all the other participants that people have stopped signing up or coming to watch. It's not fun to see the same person clear the competition every time."
He pointed to a piece of paper on the desk in front of him. The only things written on it were two names. Mr. Gaynes' finger landed on the first name on the sheet. It read, "Nemu."
"She's already signed up."
He slid his finger down to the name below hers.
"And it's idiots like these who keep fanning the flames. Every time this Nemu girl wins, she's just encouraged to sign up again, and there's always some imbecile who thinks they'll be the one to beat her. Ridiculous."
Tokiya stared at the sheet. He began to wonder how much of a threat Nemu really was to him. He had survived two encounters with the Cult of the Black Sword and was about to undergo training with the self-proclaimed strongest mage in Oravell. Was he confident in his strength?
"Oh, and another thing! It annoys me how she's always carrying around that sword, trying to make herself seem more powerful, and it's idiotic that people keep believing her!"
Karasu shrugged.
"What's so wrong with having a sword? They are allowed in the tournament, right?"
Mr. Gaynes grumbled as he stared at the paper with contempt.
"Yes, swords are allowed. However, that girl is always lugging around this giant decorated sword and calling it the regalia of Vanguard."
Slamming his hands on the desk, Tokiya leaned forward with wide eyes.
"She has Vanguard's Sword? But I thought it was missing."
The grumpy man instantly snapped back at Tokiya.
"No, of course not! She's obviously lying."
He grumbled once again.
"How about this? If you guys see a yellow-haired girl with a large red and black sword, give her a hard punch for me."
Tokiya stared at him with a raised eyebrow. He couldn't imagine how one person could hate another so much. Then he remembered Eien, and suddenly sympathized with Mr. Gaynes. Karasu placed her hands on her hips and smiled with pride.
"Fear not, old friend. Your troubles will soon be over, and you'll make more money than ever from it."
Mr. Gaynes looked up at her with no hope or trust in her words. Karasu, beaming with pride, excitedly placed her hands on Tokiya's shoulders.
"I didn't just come here to say hello. My friend, Tokiya, is going to sign up for the tournament."
Mr. Gaynes his eyes.
"Don't you get it already? I don't want people to sign up. Why do I even continue to do this? I should've stopped a long time ago."
Karasu frowned, for this certainly wasn't a part of her plan. However, Tokiya saw the situation differently. He saw a spiritless man who was doubting his passion and giving up on everything.
"But I have the power. I have the power to help him. If I defeat Nemu, I can revitalize Mr. Gaynes' tournaments."
He once again slammed his hands on the desk.
"I'm going to do it! I won't let that girl destroy this tournament that clearly means so much to you. Just leave it to me, Mr. Gaynes. I promise that I will win."
Mr. Gaynes looked up at Tokiya. His eyes were wider than before, and for the first time, Tokiya saw what the man looked like with life in his eyes. Tokiya recognized Gaynes' expression as a hopeful one. Being on the receiving end of this expression filled Tokiya with an undeniable sense of direction and utility. He couldn't help becoming slightly entranced by this feeling. Tokiya desperately wanted more of it.
Mr. Gaynes finally cracked a smile.
"A promise is a big thing, young man. Don't go getting my hopes up like that."
Tokiya's grip on the desk became more resolute.
"I know the weight a promise carries, but that's all the more reason to trust me with this. I can't just sit back and watch someone's passion get taken from them. What kind of useless scumbag would I be if I did that?"
There was a small glint in Gaynes' eye that wasn't coming through just right. The man was right to be suspicious. After all, to him, there was nothing seemingly impressive about Tokiya besides his strong will to help others, which wouldn't be much use in a fight. Karasu wrapped her arm around Tokiya's shoulders.
"Don't be so skeptical, Mr. Gaynes. With me as his mentor, Tokiya won't be losing to anyone. In addition, this could totally revitalize your tournaments. Think about it. We advertise this as the long-awaited defeat of Nemu. By the end of this, the pest will be gone, and you'll be swimming in financial security!"
Mr. Gaynes began to contemplate while Karasu and Tokiya stared at him with pleading eyes, both for different reasons. There seemed to be a war going on behind his eyes, a war that would soon come to a close thanks to the strong effects of Tokiya and Karasu. The man sighed, hoping he wouldn't regret the decision he just came to.
"Fine. But I swear, if you fail this, I honestly don't know what I'll do with myself."
Karasu jumped up in the air and shouted in celebration while Karasune performed a small clap to join in on the festivities. Tokiya raised his fist and clenched it in determination.
"Honestly, if I break another promise, I don't know what I'll do with myself either."
He smiled.
"I guess we're in the same boat, then."
Mr. Gaynes nodded as he returned the gesture of a smile. He turned to Karasu.
"This is quite the spirited young man you've brought my way. He's the exact type of person these tournaments are meant for."
Now, everyone except for Karasune was smiling, but that was normal for her. Karasu patted Tokiya on the back.
"When it comes to helping people, there's no one more willing than him! And although he may not think it, I find him to be quite reliable...most of the time...sometimes...when it counts…"
Tokiya quickly snatched Karasu's collar.
"I think he gets the point!"
Once Tokiya cooled down, Mr. Gaynes handed him a pen and led him through the process of signing up. When the time came to pay the small entry fee for participants, Mr. Gaynes shook his head, refusing to accept their money. In his words, them doing such a big favor was their payment. After they left, Karasu claimed that Tokiya blushed in that moment, but he adamantly denied it.