Chapter 133: Fate (1/2)

The next day, Arthur couldn't go see his goblin followers as well. That's because Master Ronin had asked him to visit his villa, so Arthur had to oblige. Melania opened the door as usual, but she was sweating and breathless.

”Hey Arthur, come in. Grandpa is waiting in the garden as usual.” It seemed that the backyard was Master Ronin's favorite place, as he spent most of his time at home there.

”Are you okay?” Arthur asked as he slipped inside, seeing Melania wiping away her sweat as she tried to breathe.

”Yeah, I was training before you knocked.”

Arthur wondered what kind of training would leave an awakener so breathless, but he didn't pry further. Master Ronin was sitting under the tree like usual with his white robes swaying gently in the wind.

”Greetings, Master.” Arthur bowed his head in respect. He might have had an aggressive attitude after leaving the trial in the past, but he was still grateful for all the things Master Ronin taught him.

”Take a seat,” Master Ronin nodded and gestured. Arthur sat down and felt the runes on the stone make him relax. Master Ronin took another sip from his tea before gazing at Arthur.

”The practical news,” Master Ronin continued. ”Is that the king has invited you again. A ball where you'd receive the Silver Medal of Heroism. He's probably using you to unite the people again and earn their trust, but it's a good thing for you.”

”Heroism?” Arthur asked with shock. It was a medal that was given to people who had contributed greatly to the welfare of the kingdom and the Union.

”Yes. It'll give you a certain privileged treatment in governmental offices and a good recommendation if you apply anywhere. It'll also bestow great honor, the only currency the king can use to guide his subjects.”

Arthur could hear the slight sarcasm in Master Ronin's words. His words were true, as kings always used honor to move their knights. But in the end, what was honor anyway but an intangible sense of self-pride?

”Would it help me get into Jerano College?” Arthur asked with hesitation. He saw Master Ronin's brows rise in surprise and amusement.

”Arthur,” He laughed slightly. ”Jerano is definitely within reach for you. It seems you have yet to realize how much runes are important for awakeners.” Master Ronin picked his cup and looked at the tea inside. ”Even without taking the exam, you'll most likely get admitted. Your scholarship is guaranteed after your display in the competition.”

”Really?” Arthur asked with surprise. Maybe Jerano wasn't that hard to get in. ”I thought I still needed to take the exam even with a scholarship, just having a lower entry-score.”

”Normally, yes. But your achievement so far in runes outweighs any combat ability you may lack. It seems they have yet to reach out for you?”

”Who?”

”Every workshop and guild in the world are now eyeing you. If you get the first place in the Runes Cup, you'll have a hard time keeping those giant corporates away from you.” Master Ronin's words made the realization dawn on Arthur.

”So, I don't need to take the exam?”

”No, it's more important to focus on your current strength. I know that Jerano offers you a wide array of opportunities, but your strength remains the sole deciding factor for your future. Work on getting stronger from now on, Jerano is secondary.”

Arthur nodded as he seriously thought about it. He was going to Jerano to learn, so wasting any more time on this would be inefficient. As Master Ronin said, he needed to grow stronger to quickly achieve his goals.

”Then,” Arthur turned to face the old man. ”What about the Mana-condensing agent?” This was a priority. He needed to evolve.

”Sier will help you with that. Let's leave these things aside for now.” Master Ronin's face turned solemn. He put down his cup before he asked Arthur a question he wasn't expecting.

”Do you believe in fate?”

”Fate?” Arthur was confused. He had never thought about it until now, but he didn't have an opinion.

”Yes,” Master Ronin explained further. ”Fate, aside from folktales and that nonsense, is how much a person would impact the world. It can change by the choices you make and it's certainly not set in stone. However, it's very difficult to avoid your fate. It's how much capacity you hold to change the future.”

”Okay,” Arthur nodded, still confused. ”What does that have to do with me, Master?”

”I've already told you that the royal family's ability is related to seeing things. You've probably realized that I'm a member of that wretched group as well by the way the king addressed me.”