The training continued from the old wizard.

Amanda was developing larger and fiercer attacks which she lacked. Tom had become flexible with his magic and his attacks more diverse. Derrick was in the middle of developing a trump card based on pure destructive power. David had changed gears from pure power to speed and area of effect spells when not sparring with Alura.

Mary was the only one in the group whose training seemed not to be going to well. She had been reading the book the old wizard gave her on wind magic. It held a lot of interesting information which she was not aware of but she felt it wasn't helping her in her mission to develop attacks and a style of her own. She sat beside a tree by the old man's house in contemplation.

“Something on your mind Ms. Cloud?” The old man strolled up to her with his usual carefree attitude.

“I just don't know what I should be doing. Everyone else seems so certain in their approach while I’m not doing anything to truly move forward.”

The old wizard rubbed his thumb over the short white beard on his chin. “It's hard to do something you've never done before. To decide on the attacks you'll create you must know what your style is. To know your style you must know where you're strong and where you're weak. You train everything and attempt to be well balanced in all areas. That can be good but also bad.”

“How can being balanced everywhere possibly be bad? Shouldn't one strive for balance?”

“Only to the extent where a weakness doesn't become detrimental. You should look for the things you do well and focus on building upon those. Your desperation to be too balanced has started to slow you down. If you put too much time into being balance and raising your weaknesses to equal your strengths it becomes inefficient.

You have to put in 3 times the effort to improve a natural weakness to the same level as a natural strength. In the end you spend the majority of your time training your weaknesses and not your strengths. Then your natural strengths will only be a shadow of what they should be.”

Mary considered his words. She had noticed as she had grown stronger more and more time was being spent on her weaknesses and it was starting to cost her growth in other areas. After all, there were only so many hours in the day to train. “So does that mean Lee has weaknesses too?”

The old man laughed. “Of course he does. Have you noticed that every time you've seen him fight he doesn't tend to use big flashy spells?”

Mary thought back on this. It's true in his fights with The Shame and Peter it was his variety of attacks, control and trickery that made him fearsome. They both used stronger attacks than him in their fights and Lee never used one to match. “I did notice that. Is he perhaps not very good with large scale spells?”

The old wizard nodded. “That is so. When he creates too much mana he has a hard time controlling it all and so his large scale spells are not as strong as they could be. He can do them if he really wants but it's his weakest point as a wizard right now. It will need to be raised up soon but not at the expense of working on areas in which he's strong.”

Mary was happy to hear the old wizard tell her that sometimes Lee struggles too. It made her feel that even though he was human, just like her. Mary was taken out of her thoughts by the old wizard looking into the distance. He motioned to it.

“In any case, Lee will not be back for a while and I have not gotten to have a decent match in a long time. I wonder if you'd like to spar with me. There's no better way to learn about your strengths and weaknesses than to find them in combat.”

Mary looked to the field. “Sure, if you'd be willing I'd be glad to face you. How intense does it tend to get? Is it a full contact spar?”

The old wizard gave her a sly smile. “You may use any attack or spell you wish. Truly attempt with all you have to beat. As for myself, I promise to go no harder on you than I do on Lee.” The way he said it made Her nervous. But she couldn't miss the chance to have a spar with the wizard who taught Lee.

*****

Province 6

Lee made his way closer and closer to the heart of province 6. He had become more use to the culture and now started to pay it little mind. People kissing on the street use to be shocking the first time he saw it but it was now ignored. He passed by brothels still a little embarrassed but giving out polite declines.

The art in the cities were often either sexual or abstract. Province Zero didn't care much for art. They were a people more focused on the matters of the day like work and carrying out one's duty. He found it all rather fascinating. He made a mental note to come back here sometime when he had more of a chance to really explore the culture of this place. Perhaps he should make it a point to visit every province.

Besides his small town which he almost never left and his journey to province zero academy he hadn't seen much this world had to offer. Now he was starting to realize what a pity that was. Along the way he attempted to practice his magic but there was often very little he could do. Most days he used it to help him increase his speed by constantly using wind magic to push himself.

On the occasions he travels in a carriage he practiced a little but those days were mostly spent building his stamina back up. While constantly using magic was a certain training in itself it wasn't the best way to go about things. As the old man taught him, not all effort is equal, but it wasn't like it was entirely useless either.

This is how his journey went day after day. He had started to become anxious. It wasn't until almost 4 weeks that he had reach the area on the map which the old wizard circled. He had hoped to find black roses all over the place but that was not the case. Even though it was grown here it was a wild flower. He would need to spend precious time hunting for it.

There was nothing that could be done about it. He had asked a few passers by and even showed them the picture. Only 1 of them had ever seen the flower before and he had no idea where Lee may be able to pick some. As far as the people knew they served no medical purpose and were hardly the types of flowers prized by women. Often a black rose was seen as bad luck.

He tried to make a systematic search of the area. He knew his time was running short and it seemed less and less likely as each day passed that he would be able to find it before he had to turn back.

Lee awoke at an inn. Right after having breakfast began his search again that was bringing him deeper into province 6. If he didn't find it by tomorrow he would need to turn back empty handed or risk missing the tournament. He hoped he wasn't faced with that choice.

Lee sat down under the shade of a tree to take a break. As he caught his breath and got out of the sun he saw something that looked black on the ground in the distance.

He quickly went over to investigate. He pulled out the paper and examined the image on it with what he was looking at. There was no mistake that these were indeed black roses! He hurriedly grabbed one and felt a prick on his finger. He sucked the blood and was more careful and delicate with the next grab. He pulled 6 up by their roots.

He probably would only need 1 but why go all this way and not take extra? Maybe if he was lucky the old man would be able to grow some of his own.

“Halt! State your business and tell us why you've trespassed on our land!”

Lee turned to see 2 men in their mid 30s and a girl who looked to be about his age. “I'm sorry, I didn't know I was on anyone's land. As for my business I have only come here to sight see a bit. I sincerely apologize for any offense I have caused.”

Lee stuffed the flowers into a pouch and stood up. He felt magic from all 3 of them. He wasn't sure exactly how strong they were but they surely weren't weaklings.

“You think that's good enough? You wonder into the territory of Sun House and believe saying that you're sorry and sight seeing means you can just come any time you please?”

Lee knew province 6 was considered the strong hold of the sun house. He was hoping to avoid stepping onto their lands but he had no clue where they started or ended. That wasn't marked on the map.

“I again apologize. If you wish I'll even go so far as to bow so you know I am truly sincere. I'll immediately leave your lands and never return if you'll forgive my offense this once.”

One of the guards stood more aggressively. “You'll need to come with us and report the to Sun house. Only after we've fully interrogated you and have looked into your background will you be allowed to leave.”

Lee didn't want any trouble. He could probably deal with this situation but if the Sun House gave chase it could make things rather difficult.

The young women spoke for the first time. “Why did you pick those flowers?”

Lee tried to quickly think of the best way out of this situation. “My mother is sick. I thought some flowers would make her feel better. I want to get back to her as soon as possible. Could you please let me go this time if I promise never to trespass on your land again?” She gave him a measured looked and tossed a gold piece on the ground.

“You're free to go. You may use that gold piece to buy your mother some flowers. Put back the ones you took. They are on our land and belong to us.”

The guard spoke up. “Young Miss, we can't just let him go. There are procedures we must follow!”

“Those procedures are decided by the main Sun House are they not?”

“Yes miss.”

“Then never contradict me again.” The guard didn't like it but he kept his tongue and gave the other a look as if for help. He shook his head as if saying 'you're on your own'.

Lee looked over the scene. He wasn't sure of the situation but it seemed this young girl was of some importance in the Sun house and these 2 men were escorts. He moved his gaze away from the guards and to address the young lady.

“My mother's favorite flowers are black roses young miss. If it isn't too much trouble I would rather give these to her. Also, I would feel awful about taking your money. I know these roses are not highly valued and here is the only place I was able to find them.” Lee tried to play it off as innocent.

Lee felt like the young women was trying to examination him. Almost as if to peak into his mind. She dropped 4 more gold coins on the ground.

“That's 5 gold coins now. With that you'll be able to buy your sick mother some medicine. A much better gift than roses don't you think? But you will be putting the flowers back.”

“You're ladyship is so generous offering to buy medicine for my mother. Truly the Sun House is the greatest of all. But I would ask to please let me keep the flowers. They are of no value to you and if you let me go with them I would sing the praises of the sun house until the day I die!”

“No.”

“Why do they matter so much to you Ms. of the Sun house?”

“Why do you want them so much?” Lee didn't want to admit he was lying before but it seemed like it was the best option at this point.

“The young Miss is too clever for me. Indeed I came here solely to find these flowers. In them they have a medicine which can help a friend of mine. That is why I want them. I apologizing for lying earlier. I thought it would be simpler if I did. Please, if you'd allow me, I'd like to leave with the black rose to help my friend.”

The young miss walked closer to him and examined his face as if looking for a lie. “I have never heard of the black rose being a medicine. But it does explain why you want them so much. What does it do exactly?”

“My friend is having an issue with his mana system. These will be able to help him.”

“How do they work?”

“I honestly don't know. I'm bringing them to an old man who says he knows how to prepare them. I didn't ask how he would do so. I was just in a rush to get them. Time is of the essence.”

“You're accent is odd. Where are you from young traveler?”

Lee figured he may as well tell the truth again. He never knew he had an accent though. “I'm from province zero. Frankly, from my perspective I think you all are the ones with the accent.” He hoped the joke would add a certain levity to the situation.

A guard walked up towards Lee “And I guess you trespassed into province 6 without going through the proper channels too. If I'm incorrect let me see your papers.”

“I have none. I am not a noble. Nor does my family have the money to get them for me. It would have taken too long to get them after I knew I had to travel here and my friend needs this medicine now.”

The guard turned to the young women. “He could just be a spy from the Cloud house. We should bring him back for questioning!”

She shook her head. “A spy wouldn't stop to pick flowers and wonder through the open parts of our land were a patrol might see. He also seems a bit young to be a spy.”

She turned her back to Lee “You're free to go. Good luck with your friend. You may take that money as well if you want. Don't let anyone say the Sun house isn't charitable.”

“Thank you miss. If I may ask. what's your name? I just hate to keep calling someone miss and I like to pay back favors. A name makes it easier.”

“Who do you think you are to ask the young miss her name? Be lucky she-” The young miss started to laugh. Truly, a commoner wanting to know her name to pay her back, a women of the most powerful house? This was a very amusing young man indeed.

“My name is Victoria Sun. And what's yours young man?”

“I'm Lee River. Just Lee is fine though.”

“Well, just Victoria is fine for me.”

“I'll remember it, thank you Victoria.” The guards clearly didn't like some commoner calling her by her first name. Something even they didn't dare to do. After seeing the young man ignore the gold on the ground one of the guards picked it up and put it in his pouch and fell in behind Victoria.

Just as they were parting ways all 4 of them turned their heads.

Lee felt there were two... no three people. All of which could use powerful magic. They stepped out from the forest and into view of the group. They looked over to Lee and then losing interest looked to the group of Victoria Sun and here 2 escorts. “Well, it's so nice to see you out and about young miss. So far away from the strong hold of the Sun house too. Very fortunate for us.”

A guard spoke up. “You best be on your way if you don't want any trouble. The Sun house doesn't take offenses laying down. If you turn back now you'll be let off with only a warning.”

“Hush up you 2nd rate wizard trash. We're here for the girl and you will either hand her over or die.”

“I'm not going anywhere with you. Leave now or I will not be forgiving.” Victoria's face was like steel. She didn't betray any sign of fear of lack of confidence.

“Leave now? Are you serious? Do you know how long we've waiting for a Sun house member to step far enough away from the main house so we could act? No, we'll be taking you with us. Now order your men to stand down. If you resist we'll kill them all and that commoner brat too.”

“He has nothing to do with this. You're affairs are with me. Leave civilians out of it.” She knew her guards were reasonably strong and have sworn their lives to defend her. They were paid well and pledged to do such. To drag someone who was not connected with her house into this was a low tactic.

She turned to Lee and gave him a comforting smile. “Threat not young Lee, no one here shall lay a single finger on you. The sun house always keeps it's word.”

Lee honestly was touched by her. She showed him kindness even after he lied to her and now was promising to protect him from these men. A very generous spirit. He didn't want to show off his power but certainly he could not let such a person come to harm. He walked towards her and her guards. She expected him to step behind her but instead of stepped in front.

“I've dealt with rogue wizards in the past. I don't leave them alive. I would offer to let you go but you've already been given that offer twice. I don't plan to give you a 3rd chance.”

Victoria was annoyed. “Now isn't the time for showboating. Let me and my men handle this!”

Lee smiled “I'll be fine Victoria, I plan to pay back that favor right now.”