The Great Mage

I have to stay with the children, could you go and find out what happened here? The guards outside the palace gates should know the full story.

Aldo, we have to bring Mark back from the Keruri Highroad! I'll finish helping the kids here. You go on ahead.

Aldo, we have to bring Mark back from the Keruri Highroad! I'll finish helping the kids here. You go on ahead.

Ah, Aldo! Am I glad to see you.

What's wrong? You look seriously cheesed off.

That's because the palace soldiers have been frightening the children half to death!

The soldiers did? That doesn't sound like them.

I don't have all the details right now. I've been confined to the classroom and the sentries won't let me leave. I have to stay with the children, could you go and find out what happened here? The guards outside the palace gates should know the full story.

Sure, that won't take long. I'll be back in a minute.

What is it? Move along, will you. Oh, you want to know about the commotion in the Magic Classroom?

Hmm... I suppose you should know the truth of the matter.

We had a report that one of our patrols ran into a powerful group of monsters on the Keruri Highroad. The leader of the pack happens to be the same monster that defeated our royal magician some years ago. We've kicked our defenses up a notch, just in case. You never know, if it attacked the palace once, it could do it again. If you're heading back, you should tell the kids to prepare for evacuation.

Welcome back, Aldo. Did you find out anything?

Yeah. Apparently there's a pack of monsters prowling around the Keruri Highroad. Their leader attacked the palace once before, so everyone's on high alert. They said they may even have to evacuate the kids. You should make sure they're ready.

A monster that attacked the palace before? You mean...

Yeah, they even said it defeated the royal magician...

Oh!

I-It's here again?

Well, uh...

The thing that killed Mum!

Come back! It's too dangerous to go outside!

Sorry, I should've paid more attention to who was listening. So, it's true about this monster?

I'm afraid so. It must be the creature that slaughtered Mark's mother. I'm worried about what the boy may do. Some degree of shock is to be expected, but I hope he won't do anything rash.

Like trying to take revenge on it? I wouldn't put it past him.

We have to bring him back before he gets himself killed. I'll finish helping the kids here. Aldo, you go on ahead.

Got it! I'm not about to let a little kid outrun me.

Take this! That's for my Mum!

Oh no, we're too late! He's already found it.

It looks like Mark hasn't been hurt yet. He was always a good student, but I didn't know he'd gotten this good.

Now have a taste of this!

Kreee!

Got it!

Whoa, there's more of you than I thought... But I won't lose!

Taaake this!

Graaaaaargh!

Huff... Hahhh... It hurts...

This is why I'm always telling you not to rush into things. Your mother wouldn't have made a silly mistake like that.

Grooorgh!

Take five, kid. Your teacher'll look after you. I'll handle the rest!

Phew... Looks like we got rid of them, for now. Let's get back to the palace.

I think that would be best. Mark here is exhausted...

No, wait! I still haven't beaten the boss monster! If I let it get away now, how will I avenge Mum?!

Hey!

Quick, after him!

Kreee!

Urgh... This monster's strong... I'm putting everything I have into my spells, but it's not making any difference. Am I not powerful enough? I have to get revenge, no matter what it takes!

You're relying on brute force too much!

Clear your mind and open your ears. Feel the currents of magic in the earth. If your heart is pure and true, the elementals will lend you their aid.

Clear my mind, open my ears...

Please, give me the power I need!

What's going on now?!

This...this is Mum's magic! She left this power behind for me... Take this!

It's working! Well done, Mark! Let me take the lead. Back me up, okay?

Yeah, you got it!

Mark, now's your chance!

Here I go!

Did it work?

I...I beat it...

Nice work, buddy!

That truly was a fine display of magic.

Teacher...

The earth responded to your plea. "If your heart is pure and true, the elementals will lend you their aid." Your mother taught me that.

I never knew...

But that great power you've obtained may make you the target for people's jealousy, even fear. It was the same for your mother. Not everyone was pleased with her achievements. That's what started all those rumors...

Listen well, Mark. Power like yours requires responsibility and restraint. "Magic should be a last resort, when all other methods fail." That was another of your mother's mottos.

It does sound like Mum...

Teacher, I think I've learned something today.

You can't force magic to do what you want it to do. You need kindness in your heart, too.

Yes. Don't fall into the trap of being blinded by power. I'd hate to see you turn into a bully that everyone's afraid of. I'm sure that's not what your mother would have wanted, either. But I believe in you, Mark. I think you have a very bright future ahead of you.

Yeah, I'll be a great mage someday, just like Mum... No, even better than her!

Think he's past his rebellious phase?

His mother was just as much trouble as him when she was his age.

I guess we can still look forward to a few classroom explosions. Ha ha ha!