Everyone in the room gasped. Kori couldn’t believe it. He also had three affinities. Just like Elizabeth. But… Ice, Dark, and Time… one of the Elements of Existence.

Very few people have them, and though time is the most common of the three, still less than 1% of the population have one of them. And that’s only in records. Who knows how many are out there with the abilities of a god? But to have 3 affinities as well is just unheard of.

“Kori…” Oh no. If Elizabeth grew distant from him because of this affinity, Kori wouldn’t know what to do with himself. Kori turned to face her, to try to convince her to not leave him alone.

But he didn’t need to. Elizabeth was crying. Crying tears of joy as she smiled brighter than the sun itself. “Kori… I’m so, so happy for you! I’ll definitely buy dinner tonight, whatever you want.”

Kori was relieved. He wouldn’t trade his friendship with his childhood sweetheart for the world. “You’re not afraid?”

“Why would I? You’re my best friend! Just because you’re strong doesn’t mean I can be terrified of my own friend.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth.” Gods he wanted to hug her right now. But he held himself back.

The priest congratulated them both and considered them prodigies. Especially Kori. Ice, Dark, and Time… He had a lot of training ahead of him.

Finding someone that can teach him time magic or a combination of his other affinities will be difficult. Yes, first, he needs a tutor or mentor that can teach him how to use his powers.

“So, Kori, what do you want for dinner?”

“Um, I’ll let you know before then.”

“Hmmm alright. Can we consider it a date then?”

Kori was delighted. “Of course.” Kori was smiling ear to ear at this point. He really struggled not to hug her now.

News of Kori's affinities spread faster than wildfire in the wind. Most people congratulated him, but some looked at him with disgust and jealousy, and others with awe. He couldn't go anywhere without someone on his tail.

By the time he returned from his, very enjoyable dinner, he was exhausted, and fell asleep instantly when he flopped onto his bed.

Kori stood in a beautiful green forest, brimming with life. It truly felt like a paradise in peace. But a wave of ice suddenly started engulfing the entire forest. Kori wanted it to stop.

The ice destroyed everything, consuming all the life that was once abundant in this forest. Then it suddenly slowed down until it completely stopped. Along with everything else. Everything, the animals, trees, and wind were paused, as if suspended in time.

Kori woke the next morning wondering what that dream was about. It was the most realistic one since the one 8 years ago on the night he was attacked by the Demon Beast.

His father had returned with their food for the day, with breakfast being a batch of Green Pair Pears. A strange but delicious fruit. It always grew in pairs, so harvest is always abundant for this fruit.

During breakfast, Kori's father suddenly suggested something surprising. “You should go to the Imperial Capital.”

Kori stopped chewing on his pear. “What? Why?”

“There’s no in here that can teach you how to use your magic. You can only find those kinds of people in the Capital. They even have a Guild. If you’re strong, you can make lots of money.”

Kori was silent. It makes sense. He could get stronger richer there than ever before. But… “Are you sure there isn’t anyone that can teach me magic? Like, Dr. Hamilton?”

“No, he won’t do. He’s a respectable man, but he can only teach you healing spells and the sort.”

It wasn’t like Kori didn’t want to go to the Capital. But he also didn’t want to leave.

“I used to be an adventurer in the Guild at the capital. I know a retired adventurer there named Hendrickson Gowthry. He’s working as a blacksmith now. Tell him I sent you by the name of Rowan Hyoga. You'll depart next week. Get your things and goodbyes together by then.”

“Yes sir.”

Kori spent the next week packing his things together and his backpack was about to explode. He also had a separate bag for any loot or Demon Beast parts he might find along the way. This was common sense when you’re about to go on an adventure.

The Imperial Capital was a long way from here. About a week's journey in carriage. About a 2 months journey on foot since he doesn’t have a carriage. He'll have to stop along the many towns and cities along the way there.

“Hey Kori! Are you about to depart?” Elizabeth walked over to Kori, wearing a suspiciously large bag and travel outfits instead of her usual dress.

Kori was at the town's exit, indeed ready for departure. “Yeah. What about you? Are you coming with me or something?”

“Well, yeah. Obviously.”

Kori sighed in disbelief. “I can’t believe you are actually doing this.”

“Yep! I talked to my parents about it and everything.”

“Aren’t you supposed to inherit your family’s business?”

“Yeah well, I can do that when I return with or without a huge amount of money from living in the capital, is what I told my parents. Do you not want me to come along? I spent 2 hours convincing my parents you know.”

No, in fact Kori wanted her to come. But she had such a bright future ahead of her. She had the attributes of Earth, Water, and Light. A talented and blessed healer born in a business of medicine. But regardless, Kori was glad for her company.

“No actually. I would’ve asked you to come if you didn’t have such a family business. But looks like you took care of that.”

“Sooo you do want me to come?”

“Yeah sure.”

“Yay!”

“Shall we get going then? We’ve already wasted quite a bit of time.”

“That's not my fault. Okay maybe a little. But yeah let's get going. Oh, and living in the Capital is super expensive because of the amount of money people make there. Getting started in the Capital as a country bumpkin is hard.”

“Then we just need to save up money on our way there. There should be Guilds in other towns and cities on our way there.”

“Roger that!”

“Let’s get going already.”

“Onto adventure!”