THE BOY OF MANY FACES

Lynne was sitting calmly in front of a small pond of clear water, one of his arms flung over his raised knee, as a gourd of wine was hanging between his finger. There was a slight red flush on his cheeks and his eyes appeared slightly muddled. Two weeks have passed since he woke up from coma, and his body was completely healed.

Although some scars remained on his chest and back, considering the state he was in, one would say he was in a perfect condition now. As he was continuously pestered by Anna and Elynal about why he wound up like that, he snuck out of the Principal’s place and ran outside the city, crossing the ravine to the other side and then further beyond the buildings, until he reached a small stretch of trees where he found this pond.

Yesterday, Principal had given him a choice of three Spell Arts from his personal collection. When Lynne saw that collection, he felt a vast array of emotions. There were thousands of little bundles before him, and Lynne finally learned why Immortal Magus Sect was so prosperous. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that every single Spell Art that disciples could study was created by Principal Seed. That amounted to hundreds of years of painstaking efforts and relentless research, and Lynne had truly saw the extent of sacrifice that the old man made.

To say nothing of Spell Arts, he had somehow even managed to make a copy of every single manual for the sub-paths of every Magus Paths save for 7 Origin Paths – that is 42 manuals. Lynne remembered that Academy in Edgemaw barely had one or two for each sub-path. He couldn’t help but sigh in praise. In addition, Principal even personally selected those Spell Arts he believed suited Lynne the best.

In the end, Lynne chose Aqua Blade, Earthen Shell and Emerald Gale.

Aqua Blade was quite similar to his Elemental Blade, with the key difference being – as its name suggests – that he could only summon blades of water property. However, unlike Elemental Blade which could summon only blade-shaped object, Aqua Blade maintained the main property of all water-based Spell Arts: diversity. With deep understanding, Lynne would be able to bend and mince and configure the shape of the blade, transforming it into various objects to accommodate the situation he was in. Spell Art, in total, had nine layers, unlike Elemental Blade which had four. This alone spoke to its depth and quality, and also difficulty in understanding.

Earthen Shell was currently Lynne’s only purely defensive Spell Art. Although he was a Spellweaver, he was also Skyfire Magus, so he couldn’t simply disregard defense. The reason he chose the Spell Art was because it’s relatively easy to learn and master, and even though its defensive prowess isn’t top notch, it could become a life saver at a crucial moment. With full mastery, he’d be able to cover any part of his body with a few layers of solidified earth, granting him temporary defense.

Emerald Gale, much like Fiery Sweeps, was a movement spell. However, its nature was completely in tune with the element of Wind. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Fiery Sweeps wasn’t truly a movement Spell Art, but rather jack-of-all-trades as its nature would change per which flame he cast it with. On the other hand, Emerald Gale was true, pure movement skill; it condensed wind around the caster, allowing him to move at any speed and at any angle at any time. Naturally, that was only with full comprehension. The spell, like Aqua Blade, had nine layers, and was extremely difficult to master, but, nonetheless, it was practically perfect for Lynne, and it was even Principal’s first recommendation.

Although Lynne could easily create his own Spell Arts now, they would undoubtedly be considered trash when compared to anything Principal took out, so he didn’t even bother. Even though he picked them up and read their general descriptions, for the past two days he was on his feet, he didn’t train at all, but rather loitered around, relaxing. After being bombarded with pain he couldn’t even put into words, he held considerable amount of hatred for Magic at the moment, and was waiting for it to dispel before training again.

A sound of muffled footsteps woke him up from a daze. He quickly manipulated Mana and had it surge into his brain, dispelling all effects of the wine. He became alerted and cast his gaze backwards. From behind the bushes, a figure walked out, stumbling lightly. Lynne’s eyes remained calm, and he practically had no reaction, so after a quick glance, he simply turned his head around and took a gulp of the wine.

The figure that walked out was a young woman, not even twenty. She had waist-long black hair, smooth, snow-white skin, and exceedingly seductive body. She wore a knee-high white dress, revealing her slender, long legs with pride, and had a deep, oval cut above her breasts, showing a slight dent in-between. Her eyes were immeasurably deep, emerald in color, and her cheeks brimmed in natural crimson. Although she was slightly surprised when she saw Lynne, what truly ticked her off was his indifferent gaze, after which he completely ignored her.

Naturally, she was well aware of her beauty; she wouldn’t be lying if she said she didn’t admire it herself. Countless guys – and even some girls – within the sect had already confessed their love for her, and that admiration had turned into fuel even when she was a little girl. So, being ignored – especially by a seemingly ordinary guy – caused her no small amounts of anger. As she wouldn’t stand for it, she stomped her feet lightly as she walked over and sat next to Lynne.

However, even as she sat, this seemingly ordinary guy was apparently more interested in the stupid water than her. He looked at this little pond as if it held all the truths in the world, and as if this incomparable beauty sitting next to him was but a speck of dust.

“Hey,” in the end, the girl couldn’t tolerate it anymore and she broke the silence; her voice was rather melodic, and she was smiling as sweetly as she could as she looked at him. “I haven’t seen you around.”

“Hm.” however, Lynne barely released an audible sound before continuing to ignore her. What an arrogant bastard! Wait you little lowlife, you’ll be kneeling before me soon enough!

“Is it truly polite to ignore a person when they are talking to you?” regardless, the girl maintained her composure and proceeded to talk sweetly.

“Isn’t it even ruder to bother a person when they are clearly ignoring you?” Lynne was even fiercer, calmly retorting. I’ll skin you alive, you damned bastard!!! Who the hell do you think you are?! Sparks of fury ignited within the lady’s heart, and her gaze finally turned slightly cold.

“Is there a reason you are ignoring me? Do you hate me?”

“No,” Lynne shook his head lightly as he finally turned towards her. “It’s just that I have absolutely no interest in dealing with you.” his words completely stunned the girl; her eyes widened, jaw agape, unable to process what just happened. D-did he just say he has absolutely no interest in me? IN ME?!!

“Ah, I understand!” she suddenly exclaimed. “You think by ignoring me and annoying me you can get closer to me? Hah, you have another thing coming!”

“Ah,” Lynne sighed softly. “And I was even having a nice day…”

“What’s with that tone, huh?” the girl jumped on her feet suddenly, her hands on her waist, staring daggers at Lynne from above. “Don’t you see that a true beauty is trying to talk to you? Huh? Your pathetic existence isn’t even worth a fart in my eyes, yet you dare ignore ME?!”

“If I’m not worth a fart, then please fart away… as far away from me as possible…” Lynne was not angry; rather, he was extremely elated, as he truly hoped the girl would just go away.

“What did you just say?!!” the girl turned truly furious and angry, her beautiful face distorted and her clear, green eyes dimming with hatred.

“…” Lynne still remained silent, completely ignoring her.

“Hannah! Hannah!” another voice suddenly broke out from the vicinity; the girl’s face suddenly relaxed, and a mocking smile appeared on her face. Heh, just you wait you little bastard…

“Over here!” the girl yelled out.

Soon after, from the bushes around the pond, three figures emerged – all three guys in their early twenties. One was rather tall and muscular, square-jawed, but handsome nonetheless. He wore adorned, white robes and had air of courage in-between his brows. The one on his left was much shorter, with extremely slender body, but the clear air of nobility surrounding him. He had exceptionally sharp features, and his skin was almost whither than the girl’s. The last one was a seemingly ordinary youth – not too handsome, not too ugly – wearing ordinary robes without any garments. He had his arms behind his back and tranquil expression.

“Ah, we’ve finally found you,” the tallest one spoke, sighing in relief as he walked forward. “Didn’t we tell you not to separate from us?”

“Sorry, sorry,” the girl replied coyly, lowering her head slightly. “I just got curious.”

“Doesn’t mater, just let it go Brother Lan,” the short, handsome youth smiled lightly as he spoke, tapping the tall man’s shoulder weakly. “Oh, who’s this?” he then looked at Lynne, who didn’t move an inch since the three of them arrived.

“This?” girl’s countenance immediately changed, and the trio noticed it; their relaxed expressions immediately stiffened. “He not only insulted me, he also cursed everyone I know, and told me he wished ‘all my children are as ugly as I am’. I almost broke out to tears before you three arrived…” and, truly, she immediately began sobbing, her voice weak. When the trio saw her, their faces immediately burned with anger as they looked at the still sitting figure beside the pond.

“You bastard!” the one called Lan shouted out in a deep voice as he approached Lynne. “Apologize immediately and crawl like a dog or I’ll skin you alive!” Eh… what did I do? Lynne suddenly realized that the tall guy was talking to him. In truth, he had completely tuned out as he was gazing into the lake, pondering over what he should do next, when the loud shout woke him up. As he turned around, though, he immediately recognized the situation.

“Ha ha, brothers, brothers,” Lynne immediately leapt backwards, over the pond, creating some distance between himself and others. “This is all but a misunderstanding. Look at me! Am I worthy of anger of three grand Brothers? You are mighty warriors, unmatched in vigor and handsomeness! Why waste your breath on a lowlife like me?”

“Humph, it’s good you know your place!” Lan’s anger obviously diminished as he listened to Lynne, but as he gazed back at Hannah who was still faking a sob, he realized he couldn’t let it go just like that. “As you are a very smart man, I’ll forgive you for insulting Sister Hannah if you choose to follow us and apologize to her. What do you say? It’s a pretty good offer!” Damn your ancestors, I’d rather eat horse shit than apologize to that bitch! Although Lynne’s heart burned in fury when he saw the girl crying, his face exuded absolute innocence of a child.

“Ha ha, handsome Brother, it’s truly not like I don’t wish to follow you, but alas, I’m afraid I like men too much! Especially handsome Brothers like you! I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to hold myself back if we were to ever be alone!”

“Wha---” three young men and even Hannah were absolutely shocked by Lynne’s words as they all took a step back, staring at this seemingly ordinary youth before them. Is he absolutely shameless? How can he proclaim something so outrageous in front of other people?!

“I will, of course, apologize to the lady, but first I must know how I’ve offended such heaven-descending fairy! It is absolutely my honor to even gaze at your perfect features! I’m afraid, that if I were to follow your godly group, I would never be able to control my tent… ah, you put me to shame; I should truly swallow a rock and die…” He’s insane! He’s absolutely insane!

“B-b-brother, don-don’t worry,” Lan suddenly spoke, stuttering, as he took a few steps back. “As you said, it’s all but a misunderstanding, right? F-forgive me for misunderstanding your intentions. W-we’ll be on our way…” and, with that, the group of four disappeared into the wind, as if they were never there.

“Humph, you fair-skinned bastards. You want to play a game of words and shamelessness with me? Grow some hair and come back!” Lynne spat after them, smiling mockingly.

“You truly are a beast in human skin, Lynne,” a familiar voice broke out next to Lynne; as he turned his head, he saw handsome youth adorned in beautiful, white robes. “Your face is thicker than stone…”

“Eh, what can I say Elynal,” Lynne chuckled slightly. “It’s best you keep distance from me, lest I pinch your behind.”

“Ha ha,” Elynal laughed suddenly, his lips curling up in a smile. “What, you suddenly don’t require women with bosoms that stretch to the floor so you can sweep your enemies?”

“Ah, you truly know me best,” Lynne sighed softly. “Alas, let the bygones be bygones. What are you doing here?”

“Came to ask if you’ll be joining the expedition.”

“If I had any saying in it, I damn well wouldn’t. But that old bearded bastard wouldn’t even let me say a word.”

“Eh, you really should show some respect to Master…”

“Humph, I respect him. If I didn’t, I’d already shaven his beard and fed him my ear wax!”

“Ha… ha…” Elynal laughed weakly; Lynne was truly a master in dancing between personalities. Just a few moments ago, he was a youth brimming with vigor, afraid he wouldn’t be able to control the beast inside himself, while innocence splattered his face. Now, he was a cursing old man, with absolutely no elegance to himself whatsoever.

“Regardless, why do you ask?”

“Both Anna and I will go out for the first time,” Elynal said as the two of them sat next to the pond. “And as we’ll be separated in the groups of four, I was wondering whether you’d join us.”

“As long as the forth one is a single mom with bosoms--”

“No.”

“Then just a mature lady with bosoms--”

“No.”

“Damn you, can I at least get a woman that’s--”

“No.”

“I’ll cripple you boy…”

“No.”

“Screw you,” Lynne spat out in anger. “Who the hell is this mysterious forth bastard that’s preventing me from enjoying a beautiful, mature lady with bosoms that stretch to the floor?”

“It’s a beautiful, young lady with adequate bosoms.” Elynal relied, smiling wryly.

“Screw her, I’m out. I’ll just go look for Seniors and join them.”

“Ha ha, don’t worry, I think you’ll like her.”

“Like her?” Lynne arched his brow. “There’s a higher chance of me making love to that damn monkey than liking her.”

“Hey bastard, what the hell are you saying?” low-pitched voice suddenly broke out from the branches of a nearby tree as a shadow leapt out, landing on Lynne’s head, as its two tiny arms began slapping Lynne left and right. “Do you have no shame?! How can you even utter those words you rotten brat? I’ll skin you alive!”

“Heh, I promise you Brother Lynne,” Elynal got up, chuckling lightly as he saw the monkey and the youth bicker. “You won’t be disappointed.”

“Humph, see if I will!”

It was truly a peculiar sight, a monkey and a boy relentlessly cursing at each other while saliva spat out like waterfall from both. Elynal, who was still around, had completely ashened expression as he listened to the two, as he had never heard another human soul speak such foul language in his life. Oi… Lady Yuer will absolutely demolish me… oh, whatever may be…