Agni was a port town. Brick buildings, tiled roofs, and stone-paved roads. Everyone dressed in garments similar to the people in an era that has long passed in Nolan’s world. Bacchus’s boat appeared on the port with a group with signs.

Ashia walked to the rampart where she was greeted by well-dressed men in military uniforms along with maidens in protective dresses holding staffs. Among them was a tall redhead of a man with broad shoulders. Upon seeing Ashia appear this man approached with grace, kissing Ashia’s hands. They barely noticed Nolan who was behind Ashia.

“Master,” said the man. “I see that you’ve finally decided Agni.”

“Gav,” Ashia said softly. “You’ve grown into a fine man. I see that you brought your entourage with you. Are these perhaps the novices?”

Gav spread his arms proudly. “Yes, Master! These are my proud wards and novices! They are here to see the wonderful you!”

“Hmm,” Ashia traveled her gaze on the troop. “They are well-equipped and verse with magic. I see that you have not forgotten my teachings.”

“How could I?”

Nolan deftly shook his head and strolled past them. He waited on the side watching the pedestrian road. Cars shaped differently and creature carriages were passing by. As they talked Nolan disappeared from plain sight. It was only when Ashia cast her gaze around that her eyes finally landed on Nolan.

“Nolan!” Ashia demanded. “Come, meet my students!”

“Hmm?” Gav turned. His eyes scanning Nolan from head to toe. “Who is this?”

“Nolan Salvatore,” Ashia said kindly. “He’s my companion as I travel now.”

“A new students”

“My partner.”

“Your partner? You? A partner?”

Gav stared a hole into Nolan. “Can you introduce yourself, Mister?”

“Nolan Salvatore,” Nolan said briefly.

“Is that all?”

“Yes,” Ashia chimed in. “He is from Concordia.”

“Ah, the island. I heard that the headmaster had sent you around the world. Does this mean the Lady of the Island has made this man into your traveling companion? Pardon me, my Master, but I don’t think anyone in this world can dare to say they can protect you.”

“That is true,” Ashia agreed. “However, Nolan is my partner. I hope that you respect that.”

“That can’t be,” Gav shook his head. “Master, how can I allow you to be with someone weaker than you? I shall test this man’s mettle for myself.

Ashia turned to Nolan. Nolan casts a stare at Ashia. “Do you want me to fight for you?”

“If possible,” Ashia said, then she neared one of his ears. “I would like for you to take it easy on him.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, please do.”

Ashia turned to Gav. “Nolan will be your opponent.”

“Is that right?” Gav asked. “I might break him, Master.”

Ashia smiled. She did not add anything. Gav eyed the two with a raised brow. He turned to one of his troops and ordered for them to take the carriage to them. Nolan followed the group and sat on the same carriage as the two of them.

They travel on the roads of Agni, went past a statue and turned right to a courtyard. The carriages were welcomed with a men and women waiting in life. Gav escorted Ashia while Nolan walked calmly to the courtyard where an oval ground meant for training was located.

As Nolan entered the courtyard he heard whispers and jeers from the people. Even though the world was changed by the world spell that Ashia had cast, the whims of humanity still stayed. Nolan heard the sound of coins being poured as they gathered around the oval.

Nolan entered the ground standing tall like a sharpen sword. Gave entered the ground equipped in training gear. Gav threw the training sword curtly to Nolan and smiled with disdained in his eyes.

“Which nation did you come from?” Gav asked. “My teacher is a free spirit, and she has a heart of glass. She might be the teacher of us heroes, but she is a soft hearted woman that has taught us everything. Even if you are from that island, I will not allow anyone to interfere with her freedom.”

Nolan stayed dully silent. Gav shook his training sword. A red glow around his sword that seem to tremble the air. Nolan saw this energy boiling around his navel. Gav, the young man, thrusts his sword forward leaving after images.

Everyone cheered at that sudden strike. Nolan moved his body and the sword missed him. Gav pulled his sword sideways and tried to strike Nolan in the side of his suit. Nolan strengthened the back of his hand and parried the sword. Gav had the power to blow him away so Nolan did not dare to get careless. So he gently knocked the sword away, grabbed hold of the flat of his sword, and pulled him back before tripping him.

Gav was slammed on the ground with dust blowing everywhere. Gav’s aura burst with power when suddenly he saw Nolan’s eyes warped red. Nolan demanded, “Please, stop, you will get yourself hurt, young man.”

There was a violent aura around Nolan. Gav’s eyes trembled as he stared at Nolan. He raised both of his hands and smiled wearily. “I guess teacher don’t associate herself with just anyone. Where have you been while we were saving the world?”

Nolan pulled him up. “It’s good that she has bright students.”

“What are you to her?”

“You should ask her yourself.”

Nolan patted dust on him, and walked away from the training ground. Nolan saw Ashia walked to him. She looked at Gav, and said. “You didn’t hurt him too badly?”

“I made sure of that. You have good students, Ashia. Still, I find it surprising that I can face a hero like that.”

Ashia folded her arms. “Do you ask yourself how insane your journey has been? A man who faced gods and demons is afraid of heroes?”

Nolan smiled awkwardly at that. “Still, this is quite a welcome. Are your students like this?”

“Hah, wait until you meet Lovell and Orland. Those two are going to ask you a lot.”

Nolan looked forward. From where he standing he could still smell the sea.