Rise of Tyrus

A dream that felt real again visited Tyrus. Instead of being wrapped in a thick blanket, he found himself standing in a field of purple and white flowers. If he had to guess, he was taller and more able than last time. The flora had grown up to his hips, and the sweet scent was overpowering. His nose started itching, and he sneezed so hard that it felt like a horse had kicked his lungs.

“Bless you,” said a soft voice. Startled by the voice, Tyrus looked over and saw someone standing right beside him. A clump of fog veiled their face, yet their body was clear. The attire included stainless plate armor and a black cape. Why were they wearing armor in an open field? Tyrus found it strange but didn't investigate any further.

“We should continue moving. If I recall correctly, you said you wanted to visit the meadow?”

Tyrus nodded involuntarily. The figure smiled and took a leisurely stroll, holding his hand. Their strong, calloused palms felt like rough leather against his skin. They were obviously holding back their strength; he noticed. In his mind, he could vividly recall the figure's arms wrapping around Tyrus in a bear hug. His body quivered in response.

Tyrus was at a loss for what was happening. He felt like he was reliving a familiar dream, but had no memory of it. Instinctively, he knew that these weren’t fake memories, as his body remembered the sensation all too well. A headache would come up every time he tried to reminisce, and he couldn't remember anything. No matter how hard he tried, the memories would always slip away. They were simply a nuisance in his mind.

The experience felt too real to have been a dream. Was he under an illusion spell so powerful that it made everything seem real? Or were fake memories implanted in his brain? Tyrus didn’t know whether the two outcomes were possible. Since sorcerers have many ways to manipulate the world, it could be true. If it were fake memories, then he would love to know why go through the trouble.

Tyrus wracked his brain, trying to remember what occurred before his dreamlike state. After defeating the spider beast, he lost consciousness because of an empty mana heart. That would mean his body in the real world is experiencing mana deficiency… a condition Fiona had warned him about. Yeah, she was going to give him an earful once he wakes up. Well, that’s if he manages to wake up. According to Fiona, the condition is comparable to poisoning, which poses a risk in itself. There was a chance that his body was in critical condition.

His mind shifted to the focus at hand. Despite the strangeness of it, Tyrus was aware of everything happening around him, from the delicate breeze that felt refreshing on his skin to the flowers that tickled his arms. The sun was at its zenith, however it wasn't too hot. Yet, amidst the sensory awakening, a strange and unsettling feeling settled over him. He could feel each footstep, each movement, but it wasn’t he who was in control. A sense of detachment washed over him, as if he were merely an observer in his own body.

His child-like smile, so incongruent with the gravity of the situation, remained fixed on his face, despite his attempts to regain control and convey his authentic emotions. He tried to frown, to show his frustration and confusion, but the muscles defied his commands.

Even though his current predicament was unsettling, Tyrus found a semblance of calm amidst the chaos. This wasn’t the first time he had experienced such a phenomenon, and he knew from past encounters that it would likely be temporary. It was only a matter of time until he woke up if nothing drastic happened to his actual body. All he could do was watch patiently. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious about how things played out.

As the pair entered the middle of the meadow, the enigmatic figure spoke. “Tyrus, have you been practicing the Beast Transformation like I told you to?”

“Every day!” he said joyfully. “I can now extract two claws out of ten.”

A chuckle slipped out as they playfully ruffled his hair. “Good. Diligent practice is necessary if you want to master the form. Only then will you reach the pinnacle of power a hybrid can grasp.”

“The… pinnacle?” Tyrus asked. “Can I really achieve that?”

“With diligent training, Tyrus. Those who work the hardest can attain power equal to that of the Family Heads or even the King of Beastfolk. You always expressed your desire to meet him in person, despite knowing that he doesn't respect the weak.”

A pouting Tyrus faced the figure. “But I’m not weak! I can hunt animals all on my own, like the white rabbit!”

“I apologize, but you are weak. To move forward in your desired direction, you must first accept yourself. The King of Beastfolk treats hybrids with the same disregard as we treat ants for being inferior.”

“Why hybrids specifically? Does he hate them?”

The figure stopped and let go of Tyrus’ hand. They turned and kneeled, placing a firm hand on his shoulders. “Those answers will come naturally. Your knowledge will increase with age. I wish to share more, but I am bound by an unbreakable oath. Do you get what I'm saying?”

“…Yes,” he said with a head bob. “I’ll stop asking questions. I don’t want my favorite person getting hurt.”

“Good. I’m glad we have reached an agreement.” They stood up and glanced around the field. “It’s about time we head back. You must be hungry after all this walking and talking.”

Just as expected, Tyrus’ stomach growled. Holding out his hand, he smiled shyly. “I really enjoyed that one meal you made. You should make it again. What was it called?”

The figure took his hand and said, “Stew is the name it goes by. I’ll fix one up for you since you’re so fond of it.”

“Thank you very much! The flavor of the juices and meat are delicious.”

“I’m pleased that it meets your expectations. If we hurry now, you’ll be able to finish your meal before your training and studies.”

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

As the pair strolled through the meadow, laughter still lingering in the air, Tyrus’ world began to warp and distort. Encroaching darkness replaced the vibrant colors of the meadow, and a feeling of weightlessness engulfed him. Panic threatened to rise within him as he felt disconnected from his body, as if he were adrift in an abyss. In the midst of his panic, fearing his body had completely given up, a faint light pierced the darkness. Gradually, he regained the feeling in his body and his eyes opened.

The first thing he glimpsed was a bare ceiling. Suddenly, he felt a pounding in his head. Rising took a substantial amount of effort. He groaned and realized he was lying on a bed. Next to it was a stool propped, and a small person was sitting on it. Smooth, blond hair was sprawled on the edges like scattered hay, and their soft exhales soothed his ears. Tyrus recognized them as Selena’s student. If she were here, it would mean they had made it out of the spider beast's lair alive.

Tyrus’ eyes flickered to the table nearby that contained a bowl of water, an empty vial with some drops of blue liquid, and a plate of bread and cheese. His body felt a deep yearning for sustenance, and the sight of the bread and cheese made his mouth water. The journey he had been through had surely taken a toll on his physical strength, and the nourishment before him seemed like a much-needed respite.

However, before he could even make a move, the girl suddenly sprung to her feet, her actions unexpected. A dribble of spit at the corners of her mouth and a dazed gaze gave her a disoriented look. Through her spectacles, she squinted at Tyrus, and a loud gasp escaped her lips. In a flurry of movement, she fled the room.

“T-Teacher! Fiona! He’s awake!”

Tyrus listened to her receding steps until they were no more. Now alone, he sighed and retreated into his blanket. The headache had lessened just enough for him to think. What he experienced was no mere illusion or a dream, but something he actually experienced.

He did not know about his past life, to start with. Obviously, someone had to have taken care of him when he was an infant, or else he wouldn’t be alive. The enigmatic person in his thoughts was likely his caregiver or a person with a comparable role. Their tone was gentle, and it seemed like they had known Tyrus since he was a baby. Considering that they knew he was a Beastfolk and was encouraging his abilities, it's no surprise he was comfortable with Beast Transformation.

In addition, he has tasted stew in the past. No wonder his tongue was so familiar with the meal. Was it a coincidence that Wanderer made a meal that had close ties to his dream? The more he pondered, the weirder Wanderer’s identity became. When they first met, they gave off a familiar scent. And instead of ignoring his wishes, they complied. They had done so much for a stranger that their motives were peculiar. Did they do it out of the kindness of their heart or was there more?

“What if Wanderer was actually the person in that dream?” Tyrus muttered out loud. “They were forbidden to disclose their identity for personal reasons. A sense of familiarity and mysterious air around them? There must be a connection.”

Tyrus wanted to understand such a puzzle, but he knew he’d be wasting his time. Wanderer vanished into thin air, and he had a feeling he wouldn't be seeing them anytime soon. They left no evidence behind except their clothing, a small scar on their cheek, and their remarkable strength. Two men were killed with no physical effort, and a dazzling amount of mana was emanating from them…

“If you scowl harder, wrinkles will form at a young age.”

Standing in the doorway was Selena, her head raised. Sauntering forward, she wore a blatant smirk on her face. “From what I can tell, my treatment was effective. Your ghastly appearance gave us quite the scare. You were practically soaked in your clothes, and your skin felt hot to the touch. Your encounter with Sthito would have been inevitable if I hadn't restored your mana with a potion on time.”

“…You left your student to collect mushrooms near a beast’s lair,” Tyrus growled. “What kind of teacher risks their student’s life like that?”

“Her life wasn’t at risk, though? Ivy has a spell implanted on her that would activate if her life was in danger. Furthermore, an alert is sent to me if she's captured by dangerous men or beasts. Having a safety net is essential for being a responsible teacher. I have a feeling that you have a strong aversion towards me.”

“But–“

A newcomer interrupted him when they skidded past the entranceway and poked their head through the door.

“Tyrus! Oh thank Sthito you’re safe!” Fiona pushed Selena aside and wrapped him in a warm embrace. Tyrus blushed a light shade of red when he tapped her on the shoulder. Fiona backed off and sniffed as she comprehended the meaning. “I felt a sinking feeling in my heart when I saw Selena carrying you to the medical bay of the Explorer Guild. I truly thought you died! Seeing you in good health puts me at ease.”

“Sorry, Fiona. I really tried to avoid using all of my mana, but the situation forced my hand. If I–"

Fiona hugged Tyrus again, leaving him speechless. “That's not relevant right now. Just be happy that you’re alive. You’ll just have to be extra careful from now on. Perhaps this can be a helpful lesson to someone who sends an unprepared sorcerer to a rock spider nest!”

She shot Selena a dagger-like glare before finally freeing Tyrus. “Don’t you have something to say, oh branch leader?”

“I haven’t forgotten,” Selena chuckled. “Your performance exceeded my expectations, and I'm thrilled to accept you into the Explorer Guild. I mean, I was going to do so regardless, as I find it quite difficult to refuse my lovely niece. She's eloquent with her words.”

Tyrus's eyes flitted between the two women while his mouth hung open. Fiona and Selena were related? There was absolutely no similarity in their appearance or behavior. He thought his ears were deceiving him and scratched his head in response. It wasn't a fabric that he touched, rather something furry and soft. He patted his head and unmistakably felt his ears.

He could only manage an "Uh-oh" as he recognized that his identity had been revealed.