First Encounter with a Black Wizard Apprentice

A quiet night passed. As the sun slowly rose, it drove some of the bitter chill from the Pale Forest. Green climbed to his feet and felt the warmth of light filtering through the branches. He felt a little better. How had he slept so soundly? Because of the Chip, of course. It could scan around the clock and keep watch over their surroundings. With someone standing guard as well, Green had no reason to worry about their safety.

Wizards had an excellent sense of time. When Green woke, the other two also stirred.

Green stretched comfortably. His strong constitution meant he hardly had to care about the conditions around him. The others had not fared so well. Even with a fire, the Pale Forest's low nighttime temperature had taken its toll. All four of his companions had dark circles under their eyes.

After greeting everyone, Green took a Test Tube from the pack on his back. It was filled with brown pills. These were stamina pills; one was enough to go a whole day without eating. They were indispensable for apprentices on missions. The others took out the stamina pills they had prepared and swallowed them too.

**Warning! Warning!** Elemental radiation fluctuations detected 652 meters away at one o'clock. Ice attribute. Energy intensity: 3–5 degrees. Preliminary assessment: an apprentice has cast Zero-Level Sorcery.

**Warning! Warning!** Elemental radiation fluctuations detected 678 meters away at one o'clock. Wind attribute. Energy intensity: 3–5 degrees. Preliminary assessment: an apprentice has cast Zero-Level Sorcery.

The Chip's warning instantly cleared the last of Green's grogginess. Apprentices were competitors in this forest. The readings could mean that two sides were fighting.

Green abruptly went on guard, and the rest of the team followed suit.

"What happened, Green?" Bru asked quietly.

Green pointed in the