Leylin stood beneath the golden sun, basking in the beauty of the palace garden. It was a rare treat for him, a city boy who had grown up in the bustling metropolis. After taking a refreshing shower and changing into clean clothes, he found himself captivated by the magnificent view.

"I never would have thought that such a young guy like yourself had broken through to the Knight Realm," a deep voice resounded behind Leylin, startling him.

Turning around, Leylin saw a man with a white beard and long flowing hair. The man's muscular physique was wrapped in finely tailored silk clothes adorned with intricate embroidery. He appeared older than middle age, but his rosy and healthy complexion made it difficult to guess his true age. The old man's piercing blue eyes locked onto Leylin, radiating curiosity.

Quickly regaining his composure, Leylin performed a curtsy bow, adhering to noble etiquette, and introduced himself. The old man chuckled and began strolling along the pathway of the pergola, and Leylin followed suit, matching the old man's leisurely pace.

"I have always found the tranquillity of this garden to my liking. The pleasant scent of the wind, the radiant sunshine, the verdant greenery that carries the aroma of earth and wood, and the myriad of beautiful flowers. In my youth, I was too restless to appreciate such things even for a few seconds," the old man's eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia and sorrow.

Leylin, too, relished the sensation that accompanied the fresh air and picturesque scenery before him. It was one of the most novel experiences he had encountered in this new world. He took a few seconds to truly appreciate these wonders, allowing his restless mind to find temporary solace. The gentle breeze tousled his hair and clothes, carrying with it the fragrances of various flowers in the garden. At that moment, he felt truly alive and at peace, as if every pore in his body had opened up. The old man smiled at the look of contentment on Leylin's face.

"So, Leylin, what is your impression of this beautiful world of ours?" the old man asked.

"I believe it is like the most captivating and elusive rose in the universe, adorned with equally sharp and treacherous thorns," Leylin replied.

"Haha, indeed! Ah, where are my manners? It seems my old age is catching up with me, muddling my mind," the old man chuckled, his bright eyes shimmering with amusement. In Leylin's heart, he cursed, 'You are anything but a muddle-minded old fool, you cunning old bastard.' The old man's clear, intelligent gaze was a glaring giveaway. Leylin couldn't help but think, 'It seems everyone in this world possesses more shrewdness than those in my old world, or perhaps the people here are simply born more cunning.' He could already sense that the old man's purpose was to probe him right from the beginning.

"My name is Arslan Arstin, and, well, you could say I am the caretaker of this beautiful garden," Arslan said with a twinkle in his eyes.

'Damn! Why are these elderly individuals always speaking in enigmatic terms?' Leylin pondered with a mixture of frustration and curiosity. Trying to decipher the hidden meanings, he contemplated, 'Could 'garden' possibly refers to the kingdom itself? And if this person is referred to as a gardener, could they be the ruling figure? No, that can't be right. I've heard that the king is a middle-aged man who passed away several years ago. So, this individual might be the late king's father, the former ruler of the kingdom. Yes, that seems plausible. However, it's rather peculiar for a gardener to be adorned in such lavish attire and exude such an imposing aura.'

Leylin's intuition told him that the man before him was no ordinary figure. From the insights gleaned through the AI's scanning abilities, Leylin deduced that this person was likely a Grand Knight, distinguished by his regal bearing. Furthermore, the aura he emanated suggested that he was either a Magus of considerable power or a retired acolyte who had once delved into the depths of arcane knowledge.

"Then I must say you are doing a splendid job," Leylin replied with a playful smile, causing Arslan to chuckle at the clever response.

They engaged in conversation, though it felt more like Arslan testing Leylin with his random comments and questions. Arslan's true intentions remained unclear to Leylin.

As the sun began its descent towards the eastern horizon, Arslan suddenly slowed down his relaxed pace and came to a stop. An arched entryway stood before Leylin and him. Leylin could sense a shift in Arslan's demeanour from a kind grandpa to a more serious aura.

Leylin's muscles tensed, but he maintained a relaxed posture. Arslan didn't intensify the moment by prolonging the silence. "I have a grandson who has shown great potential to become a Magus. He will be travelling with your caravan," Arslan paused, his brow furrowing. "Initially, I had planned to accompany him to the rendezvous point, but urgent matters have arisen, and I cannot fulfil that role. He was born weaker than average newborns, and because of his fragility, he wouldn't survive the treacherous Great Plains of Death, even with the protection of the caravan," Arslan explained, allowing the information to sink in.

"So, I ask that you guard my grandson, Olma Arstin, and ensure his safe arrival at the destination point," Arslan sighed. "Rest assured, you will be generously rewarded." Arslan looked at Leylin, his eyes probing for a response.

'Rewards! I do enjoy rewards, but what can this old geezer offer me?' Leylin revealed a hesitant look, scratching his head shyly. "I appreciate the kind offer, but as you can see, I am just a newly advanced Knight. Wouldn't it be better to ask the White Robe Magi or the Black Robe Knights for protection?" Leylin asked, a smirk forming in his mind. 'How does it feel to be on the receiving end of probing questions, huh? This old fellow has been making me use my brain for every answer. I'm starting to feel a little tired.'

Arslan's facial muscles twitched slightly, indicating his vexation. However, the circumstances had forced him to resort to this option, If he hadn't discovered the events of this morning. He would have had no choice but to entrust his grandson's safety to this newly advanced Knight.

**********

{Earlier}

In the Throne Room, Mila was sitting on her throne. She was wearing a formal royal gown which gave her a magnificent appearance. Her big bosom was very appealing and stretched the fabric of the gown to its limit. Her milky thighs and wide curvy hips exude Milf's aura, and her curves will set a flame of desire for any man, as she sat crossing her legs. She was frowning and staring at the men that stood in front of her.

They stood there, clad in long White Robes, emanating a dangerous aura. Fear gnawed at her insides, but she maintained a calm facade on the outside. These three individuals were brazen, barging into her courtroom and boldly demanding she entertains them for the night in front of the entire court. Her cheeks flushed red, adding to the awkwardness of the situation. She didn't know what to say, for she knew that refusing them would bring suffering upon her entire kingdom. And, she shuddered slightly, her dear boy would be in danger as well.

Just then, an old man in a purple silk robe entered the throne room. The courtiers quickly rose to their feet, bowing to him with reverence. With a slight wave of his hand, he signalled for everyone to leave the room, including Mila herself. Though incensed and angry at the audacity of those three individuals who dared to demean their ruler, the courtiers could only swallow their indignation because they lacked the qualifications to act.

"It appears you pups have grown too arrogant in carrying out your menial tasks in the mortal realm. You didn't even show respect to your senior. I'm afraid the magnificent world of Magus has been corrupted to its core," Arslan spoke, his voice laced with a hint of anger.

The three individuals turned their gaze toward the old man, but in the next moment, cold sweat broke out on their backs. The energy surrounding the old man surged, causing them to feel suffocated.

"Since you three seem so eager for entertainment during your stay, I will gladly arrange it for you pups tonight."

One of the White Robe Magi, Crow, gritted his teeth. He couldn't help but curse inwardly. The informant who had informed him about the beauty of this Kingdom had failed to mention that there was an acolyte living in this backwater realm.

Crow wasn't afraid of the old man, for he himself was on par with him in terms of raw power. However, raw power alone didn't determine the outcome of a battle among the Magi. Many factors were at play, deciding the victor and the loser.

"We weren't aware that a fellow Magus resided in this kingdom, and we apologize for our ignorance. However, you should also show respect to the envoys according to Magus etiquette," Crow retorted coldly.

Arslan chuckled, producing black marbles intricately adorned with otherworldly scribbles resembling runes. He flicked his hand, and the marbles spread throughout the corners of the room, forming a circle around them. Arslan's actions were so swift that they couldn't react in time.

Chuckling again, Arslan said, "It's been a while since I've battled against such unfavourable odds. I just hope I haven't gotten too rusty." He removed his robe from his shoulders, revealing a ripped and muscular chest exuding confidence. His broad shoulders rippled with strength, and as the robe fell to his waist, it revealed a katana-like sword on his hip. He tied his long hair into a bun and then rested his hand on the hilt of the katana. The two other Magi watched with trepidation as the aura around the old man intensified with each movement, reaching its peak when he touched the hilt. Arslan locked eyes with them, his sapphire gaze brimming with electricity.

Click~

The other two Magi only heard a click before a blinding white light engulfed them. The deafening curse of Crow echoed through their ears before they lost consciousness.

*****

That attack took out the two Magi, however, Crow was fast enough to conjure a protective barrier.

In an instant, Crow unleashed a surge of power, sending a torrent of energy hurtling towards Arslan. The old man, however, moved with astounding agility, sidestepping the attack with a graceful dodge. As the energy blast crashed into a transparent barrier wall surrounding them, the transparent barrier trembled with the force of the impact.

Not wasting a moment, Arslan retaliated. His hand blurred as he drew his katana, slicing through the air with blinding speed. The blade shimmered, trailing arcs of brilliance electricity as it carved a path toward Crow. The White Robe Magus barely managed to raise his defences in time, conjuring a shield of pulsating energy to deflect the onslaught.

Their clash intensified, the room turning into a battleground of swirling power. Arslan moved with fluid precision, his strikes a dance of deadly elegance. Each swing of his katana left trails of shimmering energy in its wake, slicing through the air with almost ethereal grace. His movements were a testament to years of honed skill, every strike purposeful and efficient.

Crow, on the other hand, relied on his own mastery of elemental forces. He conjured a torrent of shadows, attempting to disrupt Arslan's balance and divert his attacks. Waves of fire erupted from his fingertips, seeking to engulf his opponent. But Arslan was a master of defence as well, seamlessly weaving between Crow's onslaught, his body a testament to agility and finesse.

As the battle raged on, the room filled with the clash of metal, the crackle of energy, and the echoes of their grunts and shouts. Arslan's face contorted with concentration, his eyes gleaming with determination. With each strike, he channelled his inner strength, tapping into reservoirs of power that seemed endless.

Crow, his confidence faltering, fought with desperation. He realized that raw power alone wouldn't be enough to defeat the seasoned warrior-magi before him. His attacks became more erratic, fueled by frustration and a growing sense of defeat. Yet, he refused to surrender.

The battle reached its climax as Arslan unleashed his ultimate technique. With a roar, he channelled his energy into a single devastating blow. The air crackled with powerful electricity as his katana cleaved through space, leaving a trail of blazing lightning in its wake. Crow's eyes widened in realization, but it was too late.

The electric blade connected with a resounding impact, tearing through Crow's defences as if they were paper. The White Robe Magi let out a blood-curdling scream as the force of the strike sent him hurtling backwards, crashing into the wall with bone-crushing force. The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy panting of the victorious Arslan.

He stood there, his chest heaving with exertion, his katana glowing faintly with residual energy. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple as he surveyed the aftermath of the intense battle. Crow lay there moaning in pain, broken and defeated.

He had emerged victorious, preserving the honour of the kingdom and safeguarding its ruler. With a final nod of satisfaction, Arslan sheathed his katana, his breathing gradually returning to normal. However, Arslan's eyes burned with a mix of triumph and weariness.

**********

{Now}

Arslan deftly evaded Leylin's inquiry and redirected the conversation, posing an alternative scenario. "Imagine," he began, "if I were to offer you a comprehensive meditation manual capable of propelling you far ahead of your fellow aspirants on the path to becoming a Magus. How would that affect your decision?"

Leylin's eyes twitched slightly as he listened to the offer from the old Arslan. 'Is this geezer trying to dup me or something, heck, I will get the meditation technique free of charge in whatever academy I choose later on, and now this old geezer is lulling me like it's some kind of big treasure. Furthermore, Al can make anything comprehensive for me better than this geezer,' Leylin grumbled in his mind.

He, of course, acknowledges the fact, the earlier he starts his journey on the Magus path the better it is. Nevertheless, he isn't going to lose this chance to milk this cash cow in front of him fully just for some short-term gain. However, the question remained: What should he ask for?

***************

[Author's Note: Please feel free to share your thoughts and comment below regarding what should he ask Arslan for a reward. Let's ensure that the ideas shared remain within the bounds of logical reasoning, alright?]

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