The Path to Ascension

Chapter 3: Humiliation

Three days later, in Baiyun City.

After the magic test, Vincent knew that he could not become a mage. Before the test, he still held on to a glimmer of hope, but now, it was clear. He would follow his father’s footsteps, learning the art of brewing, and eventually inherit the tavern, living a stable and ordinary life.

However, things didn’t go as planned.

As the saying goes, "Good news never leaves the door, but bad news travels a thousand miles." And Baiyun City, being a small town, was no exception.

The news of Vincent's trip to the Magic Association for testing spread quickly across Baiyun City. His failure was also widely known. Some people sympathized, others lamented, but the majority mocked and ridiculed him. And to make matters worse, the fourteen-year-old Gary had become a junior swordsman.

In the Magic Kingdom, becoming a junior swordsman at the age of fourteen was already considered a remarkable achievement, comparable to that of a prodigy.

Today, Vincent was tasked with helping his father purchase some necessary items from the general store. Uncle Levi, who ran the store, was a kind man. Since Vincent often bought things from him, Uncle Levi would usually offer a discount or give him small gifts. He also expressed his sympathy for Vincent's failure at the magic test.

But today, it seemed that the goddess of fate had turned her back on Vincent. On his way to the store, he unexpectedly ran into someone he did not want to see — Gary.

Gary was whistling, wearing what appeared to be the attire of a junior swordsman, with a sword strapped to his back. Behind him followed a few boys, all around the same age, serving as his followers. They took turns flattering him, handing him drinks, and offering food. Despite being only fourteen, Gary had grown tall and strong over the past four years of training. He now looked nearly as big as an adult, with solid muscles that made him appear far older than his age.

And then Gary saw Vincent.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the fool who bragged about becoming a mage!” Gary sneered as soon as he saw Vincent, laughing loudly.

The boys behind him also joined in the laughter.

Vincent, seeing Gary's smug attitude, felt extremely frustrated. He wanted nothing more than to slap him across the face. But his rational mind told him not to act impulsively.

"Could you move out of the way? I need to buy something," Vincent said, having learned patience over the past few days. No matter how Gary mocked him, he had decided not to act like he did four years ago and get into a fight. Now, confronting Gary would only be asking for trouble.

But Gary had no intention of letting Vincent go. He stood firmly in Vincent's way.

"What’s the matter? Want to run away? Ha! I won’t let you go. Didn’t you say you wanted to become a mage? Come on, show us some magic, Mage Vincent. Maybe if you impress me, I’ll let you go," Gary laughed, then suddenly slapped his forehead, "Oh wait, I almost forgot. You’re a useless failure, unable to ever become a mage. Without magic, you can't entertain me. What should I do with you then?"

Hearing Gary's mocking words, Vincent silently vowed that he would make Gary pay for his insolence one day.

“Gary, I’m not afraid of you. I just don’t want to stoop to your level. So what if you’re a junior swordsman? So what if you come from a family of martial artists? Even though I failed the magic test, that doesn’t mean I will never become a mage. How about a bet?” Vincent took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions.

"A bet? What kind of bet?" Gary asked, intrigued by the challenge.

"You’re fourteen, and I’m fourteen. Four years from now, when we’re both eighteen and it’s time for the adulthood ceremony, we’ll have a public duel. You’ll use your swordsmanship, and I’ll use my magic. The loser will do whatever the winner asks. What do you say?" Vincent proposed.

Gary couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the suggestion.

The adulthood ceremony, held when boys and girls turn eighteen, was an important event in many cultures. It marked the transition into adulthood and allowed them to take on important roles like joining the military or marrying. The ceremony often involved a public display of skill in areas like martial arts, magic, or other professions.

"Alright, you’ve got yourself a deal," Gary agreed, still laughing. "Four years from now, we’ll have our duel in the center of Baiyun City. You can use your magic, and I’ll use my martial arts. I’ll crush you like an ant. It’ll be no fun if I make it too easy. But don’t worry, I’ll give you four years to prepare. I hope you don’t chicken out when the time comes." Gary laughed as he walked away with his lackeys.

Vincent also made a silent vow to defeat Gary one day.

After buying the items and returning to the tavern, Vincent’s father immediately noticed his son’s mood.

“Did you run into Gary again?” his father asked knowingly.

Vincent nodded.

“Don’t worry about it. When I was your age, I was in a similar situation,” his father reassured him.

“Dad, could you tell me more about your past, and about Mom?” Vincent asked. Ever since he was young, he had never seen his mother. His father had told him she died when he was born. But now, at fourteen, Vincent felt that something about that story didn’t add up.

His father then shared stories about his youth.

Finally, Vincent’s father said, “Though Gary bullies you now, it doesn’t mean he’ll always be able to. You have to show him that the Kalichi family can’t be pushed around.”

“I will,” Vincent answered, determined.

"Also, do you remember the waist pendant I gave you? It was left to you by your mother. She told me to make sure you kept it close. She said it would be very important for you in the future. I don’t know exactly what it means, but it’s definitely significant."

Vincent looked down at the pendant hanging from his waist. It wasn’t anything special — not made of diamonds or jade, just an ordinary-looking pendant. But since it had been left to him by his mother, it must be something important. Could it hold some kind of secret?