Summoner's Second Chance

Chapter 24

The sun is starting to rise, and the group finally came back from the expedition, each one of them tired from the outings. The ones who fought were mostly injured, and even though Trace's medicine helped them to get back on their feet, the mental exhaustion from fighting such formidable foe was felt, even by the senior members of the City Guard. Trace however, walked with light steps and bright eyes. His mind wanders to what he should do after completing everything in his agenda for today. Roan, who saw how relaxed his expression is, sighed and rested his hand on Trace's shoulder. "You must have nerves of steel​, for being so relaxed even after such a dangerous expedition."

Trace only smiled at Roan instead of answering. In his past life, he had faced countless Aesir that can easily decimate an army by itself. Facing one or two assassin guild isn't enough to make him break a sweat. Roan chuckled and slapped the young man's back playfully. "You reminded me of Rinea in some ways. In how fearless you are I mean." "Is that so?" Trace was happy that he was compared to such talented individuals. Even though he never met Rinea in his past life, he remembered hearing her effort to guard one of the gate by herself. Even though she fell in battle in the end, she managed to take down three Aesirs with her.

Trace closed his eyes and nodded a few times. "Captain Rinea is someone worth following. Maybe I'll help her every once in a while once I'm done studying at Summoner's Academy." Roan's mouth turned into a huge grin as he heard Trace's words. He nodded a few times and patted Trace's shoulder a few times. "I'm sure Rinea will be happy if she heard that." Trace nodded once, and followed the team back to the City Guard's headquarters. After reporting everything to Rinea, Trace excused himself and headed off to the royal palace. He needed to speak to the king about his meeting with the leader of the Black Moon.

The guards quickly recognized his face, and let him into the castle without any escort. Trace made his way to the throne room, and found the king inside. Seeing Trace, the king's face lit up and he stood from his throne. "Ah, if it isn't the young hero!" Trace bowed to the king, and took out a piece of paper, and a coal. "Your highness. I met the leader of the Black Moon." The king's expression turned stern, and he sat down on his throne once more. After instructing everyone but Trace to leave the room, Trace continued. "I am sure that your highness have known about that name by now. For some reason, the Black Moon didn't try to stop that particular information from leaking out." The king nodded. "Indeed. But aside from the name, we know nothing."

Trace nodded, and began to draw her face on the paper. Only moments later, he was done making the portrait. He gave the portrait to the king, and he rubbed his chin with his thumb and his index finger. "So the leader of the Black Moon is a woman?" Trace nodded confidently. "I am sure of it, your highness." The king sighed, and put the portrait at the small table beside him. "I understand. I will try to look deeper into this case. You have done the kingdom a great service, Trace Redfate." Trace bowed once more, before excusing himself.

As he left the throne room, he was met with a familiar face. "General Oliver." The general smiled, and walked near him. "You are here again, Trace Redfate. What brings you here?" Trace nodded, and explained the reason why he met the king. Oliver had his eyes closed the whole time as he listened. At the end of Trace's explanation, Oliver nodded firmly, and leaned closer to Trace's ear. "Find a man named Dmitri Blackheart. He is your senior in the Summoner's Academy." With those words, Oliver went inside the throne room. Trace immediately understood what he meant by it, and rushed to the Summoner's Academy.

Trace arrived at the academy an hour early before it is time for class. Even though he didn't want to, he decided to come to class. As he opened the door, all eyes went straight towards him. He sighed and walked to an empty chair at the back. His classmates started to whisper among themselves, and Trace could easily listen to what they are talking about. The nobles are starting to mock him under their breath, while others are complimenting him for his bravery at the entrance ceremony. Trace rested his forehead to the table and let out a long sigh.