Walking out of the Healer's institute, Adrian's mind kept circling back to the same thought of how he was now an apprentice of a paladin. A PALADIN! He still couldn’t believe it. And to think a few days ago he didn’t even have a mana core.

 He remembered Aero’s words, and as much as he didn't want to leave everything behind, that was currently the only real choice he had. Besides, it wasn't as if he was leaving forever. Adrian headed back to the Town Inn to collect his stuff. He had completely forgotten that he left all his belongings at Hilda's when he left for the guardian training grounds with Aero. Considering he was out for nearly a week, who could blame him.

 The sun had just risen a few hours ago and its soft warm rays brushed Adrian's face as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the gentle cool breeze that had just sprung up. It was rare to be able to stop and actually enjoy such a soothing moment for the son of the guild master, always being busy with chores. But considering the size of the Guild for it being the management center for all the hunters of the capital, what else was to be expected.

The breeze died down as Adrian neared the sounds of shouting in the inn. Opening the doors, he saw Hilda at her usual place behind the bar and many of the regulars at their seats, some enjoying a casual drink, some telling tales of bravery, while the waiters and waitresses tended to the tables during the morning rush. Hilda’s eyes followed Adrian as he made his way to the counter. 

“Well look who’s back after having his bones broken. I heard Aero got you bedridden for five days. What were you even trying to do, that you got in such a mess?”

“Sorry Hilda” Adrian apologized, “But hey it didn’t turn out that bad. I can finally use mana and now I’m also the apprentice of a Pa…”

A powerful fist connected with the back of Adrian’s skull before he could finish his sentence. “Shut your trap kid. You really wanna announce your apprenticeship to the whole goddamn universe don’t you?”

“Aero, how nice to stop by. How much more do you wanna hurt my sweetie even after that ‘little’ accident?”, Hilda’s slightly angry voice rang out in a just, soft-enough voice to be heard by only the three of them.

For a moment there Aero could feel daggers glaring at him through Hilda’s eyes. 

“Um, you see…It was really just an accident. I really didn’t mean for it to happen you know? Also this brat was jus….t………too……….”

With the bartender looking at him with cold-blooded eyes, there was little more Aero could do rather than hang his head low silently. Adrian watched awe-struck as the mighty paladin of the church stood there looking like a puppy in front of an unawakened bartender of an inn. 'Is this guy seriously supposed to be my new teacher' he thought to himself.

Hilda gave off a sigh, “I know he is already entangled in this mess and needs to be your apprentice. But please try to make sure he comes back in one piece. Just because he awakened a wind core like you, doesn't mean you can teach him to become as big of a jerk as you are. He is like a sweet little brother to me, and I would appreciate if he remained that way.”

With these words, Hilda grabbed Adrian’s head as she pulled him in for a tight hug. Ruffling his hair as she pinched his cheeks.

Adrian pulled away saying “Owww, hey! Hey! Hilda! I’m fine now.”

His face was red as he tried to hide his embarrassment, being treated like a child not just in front of his new master, but the entire inn.

“Restless as always. Humph. Here you go boys.”, Hilda passed them their room keys. One for the accommodations Aero was staying at and another Hilda had used to store away Adrian's belongings whenever he sneaked out of the city to train.

Both of them silently headed for the rooms at the upper floor, one hanging his head in depression, the other in embarrassment. Adrian noticed that coincidentally their rooms were next to each other and both entered simultaneously. Adrian quickly threw all his stuff in a backpack, going over everything carefully to avoid missing anything. After sorting through all the cupboards and gathering all his belongings in the backpack, he headed out of the room and saw that Aero was already out of his.

He was about to call out to him but Aero entered another room across the hallway facing his own before Adrian could utter a word. Just a few seconds after he had gone in, he came out with two things. A sword, and a good shiny sheath, with an eerie wide grin.

“Um….Aero.. that sword…”

“Yeah, kid?” Aero said with the widest smile he had ever given, “You saw nothing. You heard nothing.”

“Uh ok”, Adrian said. Not wanting to get into any more of the shenanigans.

‘He’s a Paladin. What’s the worst that could happen?’ Adrian thought to himself as they both headed down the stairs.

As they went out through the back door silently avoiding Hilda, Aero told Adrian, “Well I gave you a temporary sword kid, but considering that it’s already in pieces, we gotta get you one worthy of being held by my apprentice.”

“In other words, we are paying a visit to the blacksmith. Don’t fall behind.” Aero said as he started strolling down the dusty path. The sun shone harshly on the crowded streets of the capital city as beads of sweat dripped down Adrian’s face as he tried to keep up with Aero, who apparently, had no luggage whatsoever except for the sword he had taken. 

They made their way to the blacksmiths, and surprisingly, it happened to be the very one that Adrian’s father used to order swords from. Carl’s shop. But for some reason Aero looked excited as they walked towards the entrance, so Adrian decided to keep his mouth shut.

As Adrian and Aero entered the shop the first thing that hit them was the smell of iron and the scorching heat that was even hotter than usual. The flames in the forge had been fanned to such an extent that even Adrian felt a bit queasy even though he had just entered. Aero took a seat at the nearest stone stool. 

“Go and call the owner here kid”

Before Adrian could walk off to call Carl, he appeared before them, cleaning the soot off of his apron and hands as Aero got up to greet him. “Greetings Sir Carl. I have long heard of the splendid swords that you have made and provided the institution of Lux with. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Aero Cero, the 7th paladin of this generation, blessed with an affinity to air, offer you my humblest greetings”

“Ya ya shut yer ranting. Just tell me what yer her…….” as Carl was saying these lines, his eyes fell on Adrian who had been standing at the back this whole time. “Oh! Didn’t see ye there son. Whatcha doin’ over here.”

“Oh, Carl. I’m with Aero here. He has accepted me as his apprentice.”

On hearing this, Carl gave him a queer look, “Didn’t you lack a mana core just a few days ago" he squinted his eyes as he stared into Adrian's chest, "Well I'll be damned, isn't that a mana core! Looks hazy but it's definitely one" Carl exclaimed as he let out an ecstatic chuckle.

"Though I thought you would awaken either Fire or Earth like yer' old man or Farah, to think wind. Oh well, it doesn't matter what happened. I’m glad for ya kid. So lemme guess. Ye’re here for a sword now I assume?”

“Just a second Sir Carl, Adrian come here for a second.” with that Aero pulled Adrian to the side.

“You both know each other?”

“Uh yeah. He makes swords for my guild all the time. Why do you ask though?” Adrian said with a questioning look.

“Hmmm…..kid. For the first time, you might be useful.”

“Wait real………….” Adrian said, questioning his word as he saw a creepy smile on the paladin's face“...... ly?”

“Sure” Aero said, grinning ear to ear “Now, get us a discount.”