Dreamlord Asura

Davi was cautious around Russell as he didn't want to be seen spacing out a lot.

Hence, Davi decided to put aside the worries of the Asura System and focus on what was at hand. Besides, he was hungry; with or without the issue of the mission, he would have climbed the tree anyway.

"What does it matter anyway?" he asked himself inwardly.

Davi and Russel talked more about other random stuff until the morning sun was quite high up in the sky. Then Russell said, "It's about time for breakfast, don't you think?"

"Yes!" Davi responded.

As his back was currently leaning against the tree, Davi stood up as he began to feel the tree.

This was a whole new experience because, unlike before, he was taking everything into detail, like the depth and thickness of the bark and branches of the apple tree and whether they were strong enough to support his weight.

The whole new perspective was something that Li Kai, who was a Saint Sage back in the Forsaken Saints World, never thought would ever be possible.

Yet, here he was, working perfectly with precise hand coordination.

After scaling up the tree carefully, as he could not see, he called out to Russel.

"Brother, where is the first apple?" Davi asked, enjoying the new feeling.

"A little to your left on the branch just above where you sit," Russel gave directions as he had promised he would.

Following his directions, Davi was able to retrieve the seven apples.

"That's all the apples. You can come down now," Russel said.

"No!" Davi responded.

"Why?" Russel asked, a bit taken aback.

"I would love to withdraw three more apples to make it ten. There must be some on this tree somewhere," Davi said.

Smiles

"You do not need to worry. If there were more, I would have indeed told you, and besides, these apples will do. 

Now hurry back down, let's eat, and hurry on to town, there is a lot to do," Russel reminded him.

Sigh

Davi, left with nothing else to do, came down carefully, just as he had climbed up.

Russel gave Davi four apples while he was left with three. 

The meal was good, and compared to the stale bread they both had the other day, this felt like heaven, as it was fresh out of Mother Nature.

"What a blessing this is," Russell said.

~Nod~ Davi responded.

Not long after they finished their meal, Russell and Davi proceeded to Blue Wind Town.

Davi, unknowingly, had forgotten about the second task.

What torment would await him?

***

Looking at the familiar gates and walls, Russell knew they had finally arrived in town after an hour of walking.

"Davi, we are here," Russell said, whispering into his ear.

Nod

Davi responded.

After they entered the city, it looked a lot rowdier than the day earlier. All sorts of people he had never seen before were roaming the streets.

The town was in a bustle, and everyone seemed so lively today, talking about something.

"Could it be the birth of the treasure?" Russel thought inwardly.

"Let's go pay Old Man Frank a visit," Russel suddenly said.

"Old man?" Davi questioned as he furrowed his brows.

"My bad, I meant Mr. Frank… Besides, he is old anyway," Russell said.

"Whatever… Lead the way, you're the boss," Davi said.

"Stop that, brother… I thought we agreed on this, stop calling me boss," Russel protested.

"Fine! Let's get moving then. It would be weird if we remained standing in this location, don't you think?" Davi responded.

He wondered when he had agreed to stop referring to Russell as boss. Perhaps it was when the former Davi was alive, he thought.

What does it matter anyway?

Shoving that thought aside, Russell directed Davi as they both proceeded to the alchemist section. Luckily for them, Mr. Frank was open this time around.

And well… someone he had not expected to meet again, the mage at the realm of Magic Acolyte.

Russel was pleasantly surprised. However, the mage failed to recognize Russell and only stared weirdly at Davi, wondering whether Davi was actually blind.

This was because, judging from his outward appearance, nothing seemed to be wrong with Davi.

Davi wore a ragged robe with holes and patches all around it. His long, raven-dark hair was dirty, with twigs and leaves stuck in between.

What was the most striking feature was his deep, dark eyes that complemented his brown skin.

This made him appear quite charming.

If one looked, they would actually think that Davi could see, but unfortunately, that was not the case. 

The staff Davi carried around also made him stand out, making people think twice about whether he could actually see.

Noticing the look the mage directed toward his brother, Russel smiled lightly as he turned towards the old man sitting just behind the counter.

"Good morning, old man," Russel said as his gaze met with Mr. Frank.

"Old man? Huh… Young lad, seems like you're looking for a beating, eh?" Old Man Frank responded, smiling as he looked at Russel.

"Hehe," Russell replied sheepishly.

"Oh… Is that Davi?" Old Man Frank asked as he looked at Russell.

Clearly, he was surprised.

Old Man Frank knew that Russell's twin, Davi, had been very ill.

Davi turned to look towards the source of the voice, but as always, all he saw was darkness.

"Yes! I came two days ago to get a restoration pill from you. Sadly, you were not around… It so happened that on my return home, Davi was hale and hearty, such a miracle… I thought it would be nice to pay you a visit," Russel responded.

"That's my boy! Hahaha!" Old Man Frank laughed, clearly pleased with this development.

~Cough

"My apologies, young Acolyte. Let me quickly retrieve the pills you ordered so as not to keep you waiting," Old Man Frank hurriedly responded.

Both brothers turned towards the Acolyte. Shock, as well as surprise, could be written all over their faces.

An infamous Acolyte was standing in front of them?

Why wouldn't anyone be shocked?

Who hasn't heard of a Magic Acolyte?

Even Old Man Frank, a well-respected figure in Blue Wind Town due to his identity as an alchemist, had to address this Acolyte with respect.

The Magic Acolyte smiled as he saw the look of awe plastered on the twins' faces.

"No need to act reserved, speak freely. What are your names?" the Magic Acolyte asked.

"Russel, and my brother, Davi," Russel responded.

"Oh… That's interesting," Old Man Frank spoke as he returned with the pills in his hand and watched the conversation unfold.

Attracting the Magic Acolyte's attention, Old Man Frank gave him his pills and collected the payment.

Meanwhile, in his wildest dreams, Russel would never have thought he would be speaking to a Magic Acolyte.

Who is a Magic Acolyte?

They are those who have managed to awaken their magic attributes and have stepped into the world of mages.

Amongst commoners, they were like mini gods. 

In a backward town like Blue Wind Town, not only was it rare to see one, but their level of prestige was unparalleled.

Just as the Magic Acolyte collected his pills and was about to depart Old Man Frank's shop, Old Man Frank asked the twins, "How are you preparing for the Magic Awakening Test? You realize it's in two weeks, right?"

"Two weeks?!" Russel asked, a bit shocked by this revelation.

Before Old Man Frank could answer, the Magic Acolyte asked, "Will you both partake in the Magic Awakening Test?"

"Yes, we will!" replied Russell as Davi paid attention to their discussion.

Sigh

"Although this has nothing to do with me, I must let you know to be better prepared for what's to come," the Magic Acolyte said.

"Does this have anything to do with the strange phenomena happening in the kingdom right now?" Old Man Frank asked.

He couldn't help but wonder, Why would an esteemed magic acolyte concern himself with these two brats? Something was definitely at play here.

The magic acolyte narrowed his eyes for a brief moment before sighing.

"I have yet to introduce myself… Call me Jin. I belong to the Red Rock Mercenary Guild.

And while what I'm about to say does not necessarily relate to the strange phenomena, it has played a huge role in what I am about to tell you.

Listen well, young lads, because I will only say this once. What you choose to do afterward is up to you.

The magic awakening test has been moved, but this is not without reason. 

As you already know, strange phenomena have been occurring throughout the Blue Sky Kingdom. 

The king seeks to use this opportunity to curry favor with powerful factions around the world.

But this isn't necessarily a bad thing. 

In fact, it is great news for anyone fortunate enough to be chosen by influential guilds and noble families. 

Not only will those lucky individuals gain powerful backers, but the kingdom itself has the chance to rise from a third-rate power to perhaps even a first-rate one.

So, why am I telling you to be better prepared?" Jin asked as he glanced at Russell and Davi before shifting his gaze to Old Man Frank.

Seeing their curiosity, he continued.

"Because in reality, this will not be a simple magic awakening test like in the past. Instead, it will serve as an exam to win the favor of these influential families, who have gathered in the Blue Sky Kingdom in search of treasure.

Naturally, this means that not only commoners but also mages will participate.

But that's not all. I have heard rumors that the king has sent royal messengers to neighboring kingdoms.

This means that you will not only compete as newly awakened individuals, but you will do so against the younger generation of other kingdoms and noble families. 

And let's not forget, mages like myself, who have already awakened their attributes, will also take part.

This is a golden opportunity for many.

However, don't think I'm telling you this out of kindness. I'm letting you know because, in truth, you don't stand a chance.

Just give up!

Besides, I heard you've already failed once. Don't delude yourself into thinking you're one of those so-called late bloomers.

Hahaha!" Jin laughed as he turned and walked out of the shop.

Davi had initially thought Jin was being generous by sharing this information, but by the end of his speech, anger flashed across his face.

Back in the World of Forsaken Saints, he had loathed those who oppressed the weak, and Jin was a prime example.

Thankfully, he couldn't see the despair written all over Russell's face. If he had, his anger might have reached an all-time high.

Both Old Man Frank and Russell were shaken by this revelation, and Russell's despair deepened by the second.

Organizing his thoughts, Davi spoke.

"That explains why the town is so lively today," he said, snapping everyone back to reality.

"Exactly! I thought it was strange that my stall was the only shop open," Old Man Frank muttered. "Tsk! I can't believe they kept this information from me as well."

He crossed his arms, deep in thought, before suddenly smirking.

"It's high time I set off for the capital. Besides, since there isn't an age requirement, there's no harm in trying. Who knows what luck may befall me?"

Davi and Russell listened intently as Old Man Frank turned toward them.

"I will set off at the break of dawn. Do you care to accompany this old man?"

Without hesitation, the twins responded in unison.

"YES!"