Misarre

Present

Page 1

Current Outfit

Screetch.

The piercing sound of trains reverberates through the air, accompanied by the acrid scent of smoke seeping into my lungs. I nearly choke on the thick haze enveloping us.

"It's not so bad once you've grown accustomed to it," Noro remarks, taking another deep breath.

"Speak for yourself; this can't be good for anyone's health," I retort, hastily covering my mouth and nose with my hand.

Noro simply shrugs as we press on, making our way toward the bustling hub of the train station. He explains that it's called Central - the most convenient and efficient route to wherever one needs to go. These trains are not only magically enhanced for speed but also enveloped in a protective layer of magic.

Central loomed large before us, a testament to lavishness with no expense spared. The sheer magnitude of the place overwhelmed me, as did the throngs of people bustling about. The mere thought of being enclosed within that sea of humanity sends shivers down my spine.

I find it difficult to fathom ever becoming accustomed to the opulent and extravagant lifestyle of the city.

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"Over here," Noro directs, leading us toward a ticket counter. He retrieves a coin from his pocket and hands it to the lady behind the counter.

"Where to?" she asks politely.

"Adeunep," Noro replies.

"Ah, you must be new students. A bit late for the school year aren't you?" she remarks as she prepares the tickets.

"You're mistaken; I'm no student, but she is," Noro says with a smile. The woman looks at him, then at me, confusion evident on her face. I shrug and shake my head.

"Well... um, here you go. Good luck in your endeavors," she says, offering a somewhat awkward smile.

Noro swiftly collects the change and tickets before we proceed toward the awaiting train.

"So-"

"Don't," Noro interrupts, halting me from completing my sentence. We continue our journey until we arrive at our designated platform.

"I don't recall there being any trains in Ctholo," Noro remarks as we wait.

"No, there aren't. In fact, technology and magic are scarcely utilized there," I explain.

"Well, don't fret too much about the journey; you'll hardly notice the sickness after the initial ride," he reassures with a grin.

"Sickness?" I inquire, puzzled.

Cut to on the train

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"Ughhh," I groan, my stomach churning, feeling even worse than the carriage ride. It's not even thirty minutes into the journey.

"I think... I'm gonna be sick," I manage to utter between groans.

"Well, if you do, do it elsewhere" Noro quips, a playful smile on his face.

"Thanks... I'll definitely do that," I retort with a scoff.

"Just kidding," he says, reaching into his pocket and retrieving a small cartridge. Opening it, he reveals what appears to be tiny red pieces of candy and offers one to me.

"I don't think it's a good idea to put anything in my stomach right now," I say, clutching my abdomen.

"Just try it; it'll help," he insists, taking my hand and placing a piece of candy in my palm. I hesitate, feeling uncertain, but eventually relent and eat the small candy. The taste of strawberry floods my mouth, and suddenly, the nausea and dizziness dissipate as if they were never there.

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"Wow... How is that possible?" I exclaim, utterly astonished.

"Obviously magic," Noro replies, nonchalantly closing the cartridge and returning the candy to his pocket.

"Wait... Why didn't you give me that in the first place?" I ask, a hint of irritation in my tone. He simply yawns and leans back against the seat.

"Forgot," he says, yawning once more.

"Sure..." I mutter, crossing my legs and folding my arms across my chest. Glancing out of the window, I notice the dark tunnel we've been traversing and the lights flashing by. My mind drifts back to thoughts of my parents.

I'm sure they're alright... Right? I reassure myself silently.

"Whatever it is you're worried about, it'll all be okay," Noro interjects, now regarding me with a curious expression. I manage a smile at his comforting words and nod in agreement.

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"Maybe this will cheer you up," Noro suggests, turning his attention to the window. I follow suit, peering out eagerly. Suddenly, the train emerges from the tunnel, revealing a breathtaking vista of a vast lake surrounded by miles of lush grassland

I remain silent, utterly amazed by the breathtaking sight before me. It's a stark contrast to the city, just nature in its purest form.

"I wasn't expecting something like this," I finally manage to say, still transfixed by the scenery.

"Most travelers don't, especially coming from such a gaudy city. We should be arriving soon, and from there, we must part ways. So, ask your questions now" Noro surprises me with his abruptness.

"Where are you going?" I blurt out quickly, not quite ready to be alone yet. He looks momentarily puzzled, then offers a smile.

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"As much as I enjoy entertaining you, I do have other clients to attend to" he says, noticing the disappointment on my face. "But... I'll always be around" he adds with a wink, providing some reassurance. "Now, if you keep asking me questions like this, you'll have wasted your chance " he teases, nudging me to ask.

"Right... Where do I go once I get off the train?" I begin, determined to gather useful information.

"There are directional signs everywhere, so, unless you can't read-"

"Alright, I understand" I interject, cutting him off hastily, earning a laugh from him as I shake my head.

"After getting off the train, you should follow the crowd to the school town of Carpenhu. The town has everything you need in case you're missing things for school. The locals are friendly, and they'll help if you get lost or confused."

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"What's the school like?" I inquire with curiosity.

"No idea. I've never attended or been near it. I'm sure they're strict though" Noro replies with a shrug.

"Oh, and here..." Noro begins, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a card, which he hands to me. "This is my contact card. All you have to do is infuse it with a bit of magic and call out my name," he explains.

I examine the card, sensing a slight weight to it as if it were made of metal.

"The Chariot..." I mumble to myself, intrigued by the name.

"Seems like quite an expensive contact card," I remark, my tone laced with curiosity.

"It is, so don't lose it. I rarely give them out" Noro replies sternly.

"Ah... So am I a special client?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

"Indeed you are," he says with a seriousness that catches me off guard.

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The screeching of the train coming to a halt interrupts our conversation, signaling that it's time to depart. I quickly sling my bag over my shoulder and rise from my seat.

"Thank you for everything, Noro" I say with genuine gratitude. He nods, unexpectedly gesturing for me to leave.

"Well... Goodbye to you too" I reply with a huff, turning to make my way towards the train exit.

"Adieu, Missare..."

His voice catches me off guard, and I swiftly turn my head, rushing back to the train cabin.

"Wait, how did you know-" I begin, only to find the cabin empty. Confused, I turn back towards the exit.

I don't recall telling him my name, and how did he leave so quickly? The questions linger in my mind as I step off the train, feeling a sense of mystery lingering in the air.

Ahead I am greeted by a broad path ahead, with a crowd forming in the straight direction.

Follow the crowd. I remind myself, quickly falling in line behind them as I listen to the conversations around me.

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One guy starts, "Did you hear? The students at the academy will definitely thrive this year."

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" the woman next to him asks.

"Because all of the elemental families will be sending their next generation of children this year" he says excitedly.

"Oh, I do remember that. If they're as talented as their predecessors, not just the academy but the whole land will be blessed" she adds.

"All the other students must be grateful to be in the presence of future legends" he nods to himself, crossing his arms.

"I know I would, but also, can you imagine the tournament this year?" she grabs and shakes him.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you're right! I gotta save up some coin so I can go this year" he says, lost in thought.

"You mean we..." the girl looks at him with a stern expression.

"Uh... yeah we" he says, flashing a smile and attempting to calm her by caressing her hand. She shakes him off, clearly unimpressed, and quickens her pace. He hastens to catch up.

"Interesting... the elemental families..." I murmur to myself, memories of Dad's stories flooding back as we sparred.

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Flashback

The clash of wood against wood fills the air, accompanied by heavy breathing. The atmosphere is sweltering, the heat sapping our energy with every movement.

"Dad... It's way... too... hot for this" I gasp between labored breaths. "Can we... get today's lesson over with ?"

"Right... right..." he chuckles. "Alright, one more round."

Bracing myself for his next onslaught, he swings his staff towards my side.

"What are the five main elemental families?" he quickly quizzes.

"Fire, Ice, Earth, Light, and Air" I respond, struggling to block his blow. As he changes direction and swings again, this time from below...

"What are each of the families' strong suits?" he asks, applying more force against my defense.

"Fire is known for their physical strength, Ice for their knowledge..." I manage to push back against his staff and attempt a counterattack to his shoulder.

"Earth is known for resources" he blocks my attack, and we both strain against each other's force. "Light is known for their military."

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"And..." I begin, but Dad's sudden push forces me to regain my composure, causing me to jump backwards. He rushes in again, catching me off guard. I brace for his attack as he spins to the side, swinging his staff towards my legs. I leap over it and launch another attack. He steps back, blocking the blow but struggling with his footing.

"And, Air is known for..." I falter, my mind going blank.

"Known for..." he prompts, still keeping me at bay.

"Known for..." I try again, holding him back. Suddenly, he spins around to my back, knocking me off balance, causing me to fall to the ground as he points his staff down at me.

"Known for community. You keep forgetting that one." He says lending me a hand.

"I know, but it's hard to think under pressure." I say with a huff.

"Of course it is, that's why we practice the way we do. Sometimes in a fight you'll have to give quick commands, or think quick. Not every win will be easy." He says while patting my shoulder.

"But don't worry about it, the way your heading you'll definitely have no problem with that." He encourages.

Flashback end

Chapter 3 End