Rise of Tyrus

Putting on the coat felt natural, like breathing. The sleeves were comfortable, like being enveloped in a cool blanket, without being too tight or too loose. Once he was completely inside, the coat sent out a slight pulse of mana. Before long, the sleeves dwindled down to his wrists, and the hood shrank in size. To test things out, Tyrus took a brief walk. Something felt off to him right away.

Although I like the appearance, I dislike how the hems wrap around my legs. It would surely be a hindrance during hunts or fights, given how much I run. There's also the case for my tail. The waist area feels tight, and the extra pressure doesn't feel comfortable.

As though pushed by a seamstress's hands, the coat changed into an open one, revealing his worn-out tunic and trousers. The pressure around his midriff vanished, and upon turning his head, he noticed an unexpected hole. In no time, he unraveled his tail and let it slip out. It was actively swishing around, unburdened.

The enchanted coat felt much easier to move around in compared to before. By just thinking about it, he made his long coat less restrictive and shortened the hems to reach his hips.

"So, to change the shape, all I need to do is think about what I want it to become?" Tyrus asked.

Erza nodded. "A simple activation that even a toddler can perform. Despite the limitless appearance of the shapeshifting enchantment, it has its limits. The length of the sleeves and legs' hem must not surpass the fingers and toes. Only behind the restriction line can the coat change its shape."

Kind of like how a container can only hold a limited amount of liquids or objects, Tyrus said to himself. Regardless, he knew how it worked and appreciated its uncomplicated and user-friendly nature. Concealing his features was a simple task that only required a thought. But that was irrelevant as he had been uncovered in the guild.

Now that more people were aware, did it make a difference for him to conceal his tail and ears? Considering Valis' size, it's unlikely that many people would know about him so soon. That was also valid for any other location apart from the imperial capital.

Although news travels quickly, he wasn't important enough for such an event. It was possible that he was unnecessarily worrying. His anonymity was a benefit since no one knew who he was.

Of course, that will change once I make a name for myself. Fiona said she wanted to reach the top rank adamantine. To achieve that, that would mean I have to get my name out.

Every possible result led to exposure. The verdict on whether it was good or bad that he was discovered earlier than expected was still out. Until then, he needed to be wary of those around him and keep his guard up.

Based on his observation, there was a mixed reaction to the guild's perception. The negative views were no more than the positive and neutral ones. Which led to another question: what about the people of Valis or Lethos in general? If, or when he becomes an explorer and takes on contracts with Blue Dawn, how would others react to him if he were to head out as he was now?

Concealing his ears and tails was a safety precaution that he took because of his dread of how others viewed him. However, during the past few weeks of interacting with others instead of staying hidden, he had a realization.

Maybe the ongoing tensions with the Beastfolk Kingdom had something to do with the negative views he had received before, like the men who tried to capture him and a few guild members. After his approval to the guild, his days would presumably be spent mostly with Fiona, Grant, and Reo, who were unconcerned with his Beastfolk blood. At least they would have his back if no one else would.

"Tyrus? You okay over there?" Fiona asked. "You've been staring at the ground for a while now."

He blinked slowly. "I was thinking about what happened at the guild earlier. A lot more people know what I am now. Was just thinking about what to do and that hiding my ears and tail may be a waste of time now."

"Yeah, that happened. I wouldn't be worried about it too much. Now, don't get me wrong, you'll get some stares here and there because Beastfolk are rare in Lethos' territory. They are mostly huddled in the Beastfolk Kingdom, some parts of Ethia, and Askalid. You'll be like a beacon of attention if you expose yourself."

"However, the problem lies with your association with the Beastfolk Kingdom, a country that's currently an enemy of Lethos. Depending on how the two proceed, so will the public opinion on Beastfolk entirely. Can't say much about that front since I do not know what's going on at the border or what every person thinks. The choice is entirely up to you, and whatever you choose, I, Grant, and Reo will respect it."

"And so will I," Ivy added in.

For a moment, Tyrus's ears flicked. Despite feeling elated by those words, a persistent sensation lingered in his mind that concealing his features would still be beneficial. He couldn't exactly determine it, as if a voice from his psyche was attempting to lead him.

"I know it's not my business to tell you what you should do, but I advise you not to cower like a rabbit."

Everyone turned, giving Erza a puzzled look. She heaved a sigh and cast a sidelong glance. "Instead of worrying about what halfwits think of you, focus on what's important. Those who regard you with contempt, ignore them. Those who show audacity in opposing you, trample them under your boots like bugs. If you lack the power to do so, then take pains to find the strength to battle such matters."

When she finished, a hush descended upon the room. The occasional voices from outside would shatter the silence inside the store, like the sound of a glass cup being thrown into an empty cave.

"What? That's how I lived my life back then," she snapped. "As sorcerers, strength and intelligence rule all else. Who can stop you if you're too powerful to be trifled with? Cowardice is a deleterious poison that will slowly undermine your resilience. It's unbecoming of you to bow your head now that you're a sorcerer; you have the strength–use it."

Following another extended period of silence, Ivy spoke up. "…I didn't know mother could dish out advice like that."

"Of all times, this is when I least expected to hear that," Fiona said.

Erza didn't let her frown stop her from continuing. "Whether or not you heed it, it's not my business. If you have finished what you sought to do here, then I suggest you head elsewhere. Judging by the kid's attire, you would think he fought one of those damned thorn bears. It's not fashionable to walk around in tatters.”

She came to a halt momentarily, her eyes briefly flickering towards the ceiling before settling on Tyrus. "Unless you desire swift decapitation or brutal eye-gouging, familiarize yourself with the location you are entering.”

At first, Tyrus didn't know what she was referring to until the realization smacked him across the cheek. The only thing she could be alluding to was him breaking into her store and escaping by a knife's edge.

I knew she had some way of figuring out who intruded in her shop! No regular person would have found out since I didn't leave any tracks. How did she find out? Was it through mana analysis? I didn't really leave any traces of mana inside the store…

There was no point in thinking about it since Erza hadn't really exposed him. He was quite surprised that she merely hinted at it. He appeared to be the only one who caught on, which was fortunate for him because Ivy and Fiona looked confused. Would saying something appropriate for the situation be okay? Maybe he should apologize without being blatantly obvious…

Right before he could speak, Erza's expression underwent a drastic transformation. What had previously been a frown, as though she had stumbled upon a heap of dung, had now become a grimace of such severity that it etched lines into her face. Tyrus suppressed his words, sensing that speaking now would be ill-timed.

Initially, he believed her gaze was aimed at him, but upon closer inspection, she was actually peering over his shoulder. Fiona and Ivy also noticed her change in demeanor and followed her gaze towards the front of the store. Following their line of sight, Tyrus immediately understood the commotion.

Igneal loitered beside the plaza fountain, glancing about as if seeking something. Next to him was a person Tyrus hadn't seen, but knew they were together with the way the new person carried themself. A man garbed in a similar outfit as Igneal's stood behind him, his countenance frozen as he observed the boy's actions. Strapped to his hip was a sheathe. Tyrus could more or less guess he was a bodyguard of some kind.

What's he looking for? Tyrus wondered. In a seemingly telepathic moment, Igneal pivoted his body, aligning his vision with Erza's shop. His face twisted into an affirmative smirk as he strode towards the place.

"Um, who is that approaching?" Ivy asked.

Fiona groaned. "...It's my brother, Igneal. Long story short, he'll be staying in Valis for the time being so that he can attend the academy."

"I grow tired of these Lockharts," Erza muttered. "Fiona, lead that whelp somewhere else. He's undoubtedly just as annoying as that bastard father of his."

Fiona nodded, already making her way to the front. Tyrus took one last look at Erza and Ivy before following her. Quickly, he willed the shapeshifting garment to change into its previous form. In time, it transformed just as he and Fiona exited the magical shop.