The crimson armor dissolved into flickering embers, revealing the man inside.
"Uncle?" Alistair stammered, his heart still hammering against his ribs. He had truly thought his journey ended here.
"Surprised? Your observational skills need work. This 'Seed' has been here for ages. If I weren't capable, do you think I could keep the local beasts in check?"
Takai tossed his mana-sword aside, letting it shatter into sparks. The pale blue fire Alistair had unleashed slowly sputtered out without mana to consume.
Alistair realized then how "easy" his climb had been. If this flame had been unguarded for centuries, the mountain would be crawling with monsters far worse than monkeys. Someone had been "weeding" the mountain for a long time.
"If you're the one cleaning up, what about Aoi's father?" Alistair asked.
"The properties of this flame are erratic. Sometimes it burns away my warding spells, allowing people to wander in. Chitose told you, didn't she? She doesn't know the full extent of it—it's a family secret." Takai scratched his messy hair, the terrifying aura of the knight replaced by his usual disheveled uncle vibe.
"But... Chitose doesn't have much mana. Why haven't you taught her?"
"Chitose has talent, but she hates the idea of it. She thinks magic only leads to conflict. Plus, I'm a combat specialist—a warrior. I only know fire-affinity combat arts. Aside from some basic 'Glow' spells, I have nothing to teach a girl who doesn't want to get her hands dirty."
Alistair nodded. Family drama was none of his business.
"Anyway, I was worried about you, but you've got more tricks than I expected. Let's head back. Don't keep Nanaha and Chitose waiting. You idiot, going up here in the dark..." Takai slapped Alistair on the shoulder.
"Uncle, help me up. That stunt of yours nearly gave me a heart attack," Alistair said, his legs feeling like jelly. The residual fear of death was a potent drug.
"Get used to it. You won't always face enemies weaker than you. Starting tomorrow, you're training." Takai flexed his arm and gripped Alistair's shoulder. The pressure was borderline painful.
"Yes, yes... but could you ease up on the grip?"
"So, you're still building your foundation, right? About 50% through the awakening?" Takai asked as they walked.
"Exactly," Alistair replied, rubbing his shoulder.
"Do you want to learn my magic?"
Alistair froze. In this world, magical lineages and techniques were usually guarded like state secrets. He hadn't expected Takai to offer so freely.
"I'd be honored. I've been looking for a teacher."
"You're here for a week, right? You secured the Dragon Seed on day one—I don't care how you did it, everyone has secrets. For the remaining days, I'll transcribe my spells and combat techniques into Mana Crystals for you."
"Mana Crystals?" Alistair asked, picturing the glowing orbs from classic RPGs.
"A basic magical tool. You don't know?"
"My grandfather gave me items and told me how to use them. He skipped the 'Introduction to Magic' lecture," Alistair said, shrugging.
"That old bastard," Takai cursed. "Giving you a Fire Dragon Amulet without a manual. I guess I really am playing teacher."