《Legacy of Ennea》 Prologue On that day I was staying at my home alone with my sister My Father and Mother both work for our family It was 4pm and it was a rainy day "Oniisan, im bored..... lets play something" "Im busy Lily, you know I have to study for tomorrow exam...." Yeah, I have to study for this week of exam so that I have no time to slack off. By the way, my name is Rey, and I''m 16 years old My sister''s name is Lily, she is 4 years old younger than me. Since we are little, we don''t really play together. After school I go immediately to my room and play my games. I feel that I live more in games than in my real life, it is a fact that I have more friend in games than in my real life. Yeah I do sometime hangout with them too My house is quite big, no, it''s actually big. My friend once visit my house and they just can''t stop praising me. And I have to shut them up for being annoyance. My house has 4 floor and its almost as big as soccer field. We have swimming pool and our own bath. When I was small I used to bath with my dad, but since I reach 8, I think he started to be getting more busy so we don''t have the chance. The house I''m staying is always guarded by 10 security every 24 hours and we have at least hmmm maybe 12 maid? I don''t really pay any attention to that I hate being praised, yeah somehow most people like to be praised but I''m not. Because they actually praise only my wealth which actually is my dad and mom''s result of working. I haven''t done anything in my life. My father is too kind, he never scold me and taught me to just study seriously at school. While my mother, is just being a mother. I did wrong and she will be the one that angry to me My father and mother both work in our company, Yes, we own a quite big company that spread in almost entire Japan. Maybe not we, but their company.... And of course our parents work hard for it to grow that big. They also told me that one day I will be the one that will succeed the company. My father sometimes bring me to his own factory to teach me and my mother sometimes bring me to her office and teach me about business. As you can see, my father is a professional engineer and my mother is a businesswoman. And lately they work really hard that they have to stay in hotel and not coming home. They have a lot of meeting to attempt while I actually don''t really care whether they are coming home or not. While my parents work hard, I stayed at home and do nothing but playing computer games and reading some novel on the internet. My mom always scold me to study harder and be a good example for your sister. But yeah, without studying actually I have good score too in school. While my sister is also like me, she seems to be playing a lot. But she had even better score than me, I''m not sure why but it seems we are indeed are genius. But for this time when my parents are away for a business trip me and my sister are left behind. And I try to be a good example for my sister,..maybe......just once. "Why should you study when Okasan and Otousan are gone... Oniisann? I never see you study you know..." Oh damn, I got a direct hit to my heart. I still want to be that kind of cool onisann you know. Just shut up and see my cool part. "No, tomorrow exam is gonna be hard, I should just not underestimate everything" "Hmmm? I never see you got really this serious oniisan" "Yeah but what can I do? I must study hard to make Otousan and Okasan proud..." That was quite a cool act and she started to show a disappointed face "Hmmphh then I will just play alone downstair, come when you have finished your study ok?" Fuhh she finally give up, hmmm? If it''s later I think it''s ok "Fine..." Then finally she leave the my room and start running downstair.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. It is somehow really rare to see her coming to my room and asked me to play with her. I don''t know what game or maybe she had some intention to ask me play with her. Okasan told me once to be more closer with my sister.... Hmmm maybe she told Lily the same and finally she start her initiative first than mine. I continue my study for another 30 minutes and I never thought that studying alone will be this hard. I never study on my own, If it is study in school I could endure it, but when it come to study alone and just read the textbook I cant hold it anymore. Why it is much different with when I read novel. So I decided to go downstair and what happen is... I see my sister fall on the floor. With red liquid around her and knife behind her.. I-Is it blood? My mouth are widely open "hey...HEY!!! ITS NOT FUNNY, WAKE UP LILY!!" Then I come closer to her and realize that the red liquid are indeed blood. "SOMEONE !! PLEASE HELP....!!!" I immediately hold her on my hands and shake her body "Lily please wake up, lets go and play... let''s play all day... wake upp!! Please..!!" My voice are getting weaker.... I never thought this gonna happen, why should it come to me and why now. Why no one reply? Usually without even a shout when I call some maid will come I try to call the security that suppose to watch our house, but no one reply at my shout I take my phone out and started to call mother. After several tries finally she hanged up. "Rey, Okasan is in the middle of meeting, can you hold on for a while, I will call you back in an hour" I have no idea what to say, but I just need to say what I see "MOMMM!! LILY IS STABBED BY KNIFE!!" "WHAT?!?!?!" And after several seconds of silence she break the silence "OK Rey, listen to me......." Mom start with a serious sound "Can you call the police, I will go home right away with Otosan so please wait and please hide in a room, there should be someone danger..... Lock the room and wait for me to come home" Then, I sensed someone behind me..... When I look back, I see a familiar face holding a knife in his right hand and smile watching my pale face. It seems he is watching me since I started to shout His body is big and muscular like a rugby player with their suit on and have a killing eyes directed to me Then I know who stabbed my little sister... I have nothing to hold back and immediately shout at him "WHY DID YOU DO THIS!!!" He is apparently the head of security that watch my house. I think I have talked to him once and just like other security and maids, he talk really politely but I never expect that the culprit is one of the security And he said without any feel of guilt and cheerfully "Hmm? What have we got here? A brat boy that only give order are now trembling?" Trembling? Yeah I never realize that my body shake this much He give a very satisfaction face.... What should I do... where is the other guard and maid? Did they die? This time I should buy some time and wait till someone come With my shaking voice "Youu... Why did you do this? I never done anything wrong...." Anyway it''s weird if no one comes, have they all plan this from a long time...... My handphone is still on and a voice of my mom in panic comes out from the phone His face show no change, with smile on his face... "Turn off your phone" He told me that with flat voice.... It is a scary sound and somehow I do close my handphone I think it is necessary to buy time and play with his game for a while "Good boy" He told me that and start to pat my head "Yeah you never done anything wrong, but you know....." He said.... His smile is just getting wider "I have agreed to someone to take things in your house, there are a lot of precious things and unfortunately that girl comes down. And it cant be help" Can''t be help? My anger rouse I can''t think clearly and I punch his face with all of my might and it seems that he isn''t moving at all. What do you mean by can''t be help? Do you think someone life is just a play for you? I don''t give a fck about it "IF YOU ARE A THIEF GO AND TAKE EVERYTHING YOU WANT BUT WHY DID YOU KILL MY SISTER... YOU MURDERER!!!" I spit out everything I wanted to say and my vein begin to pop up on my face, I lost my fear and release my anger My eyes start to see things blurly and I cannot see clearly He hold his knife as if he wanna thrust me and... and what I feel is knife thrust my body. He thrust his knife on my chest.. I cant feel anything, I cant even feel the pain but I feel blood comes out of my body.... Its hard to breath, I never thought breathing will be this rough I''m barely breathing Why... why this thing happen to me, I should have just play with Lily and this wont happen. Okasan, Otosan please comeback home.... Why this world is so unfair? Is god really do exist? I never feel any miracle happen to me. If god give me another chance then I will live seriously I promise not to disappoint my parents and will keep my sister happy Ahh... in the end I cant make anyone happy. My sister is dead and I guess I follow her. The last thing I see is my sister''s body, and finally, my eyes are too tired to stay awake... I slowly close my eyes I feel cold through my body What will my parents thought about me? Will they be angry because I cant protect my sister... or will they cry for me too... I haven''t done anything to pay their kindness, I''m such a parasite in my family Indeed I''m useless. Then suddenly I woke up and..... I still cry out loud when that happen and I see someone holding me on with her hand? Im not sure what happen but I feel really tired and I go to sleep after several minutes.... Chapter 1 - Parallel World? What''s this? I feel like I''m on a bed... also this feeling... I can''t open my eyes... it feels so heavy... What has happened to me? Shouldn''t I be dead already? And what is this feeling? Why I feel someone touching my cheeks... Where am I?! W-Where is my sister? D-Did we survive? And now, without realizing... I''m crying... I feel the tears flow through my cheeks... "H-Hey Jeremiel! Is he crying?" I heard a female voice nearby.... "What? I didn''t hear anything" A male voice from distance... W-Who are they? I can''t opened my eyes... it feels so heavy.... Then I feel that my body was lifted and now carried.... I feel the warmth from the person that carried me... who is she? Is that you mom? But my mom''s voice isn''t sounds like that... And also... She couldn''t carry me anymore at my age!! "See, he has tears on his cheek!" a woman voice said "Hmmm, but why he didn''t let a sound? I hope he is okay..." the man said I feel that the man was being hit by the woman... "Of course he is okay! He is a healty boy and a smart boy also a handsome boy...." the woman said... She then hugged me passionately After recovering from the hit, the man said... "O-Of course... he is our son after all..." He said while hugging both of us... I feel the warmth from both hugs, the man and the woman.... but I''m sure that he is not my dad and she is not my mom... just who are they? I tried to open my eyes... and it is really shiny... I see two faces that directed on my face.... Both of them look... unfamiliar... My view is still blurry... what happen with my eyes... and more importantly, who are they? "H-Hey, he opened his eyes! Hi Ed..." the woman said and greeted me W-Wait... Ed? I''m not Ed... I should tell them "Awwwawwa..." W-What did I just said?! "W-Wawawaawwwa" I-I can''t talk! W-What happened?!? "I-Is he gonna cry?" the man asked "I-I don''t know too idiot!! This is our first child!" the woman sounds mad... And after several attempt of trying to speak, I feel tired.... Then finally I closed my eyes.... Before I sleep, I hear chaos out there.... like a thousands people were shouting... also a big thunder... I wonder what it is... But I''m too tired to open my eyes, maybe I will check it out next time... While closing my eyes, I still hear some noise from outside.. and finally I heard a door that has been breached... I feel a bit shaky when I am sleeping.... After feeling more fit than before... Hmmm... how long have I been sleeping? I feel like a whole week... I opened my eyes and what I saw first is the ceiling.... It has a great architecture on the ceiling... where am I? I tried to move but I can''t... W-What happened? I raise my hand toward the ceiling when I realize something... M-My hand?!? W-Why it looks really small?! And Smooth?!? A-Am I a baby?!? W-What has happened?! Wait... I thought I died? And my sister.... She was killed... and so do I... T-This is a dream right? I started to cry loudly... so loud until someone come inside the room... I see a woman with blond hair... S-She is pretty... Even I stopped crying... I guess this is the woman I saw yesterday.... I haven''t got to chance to see her yesterday... "Nico... calm down..." she said... N-Nico?! Yesterday she called me with different name... what is it... What did she called me yesterday... I had forgotten already... And of course I can''t talk... I''m a baby... I do believe in reincarnation... But is this what reincarnation feels like? But where am I? She then carried me like a baby... Now, I am a hundred percent sure that I am a baby.... I looked at her... she is the real definition of beautiful... She has blond hair and grey eyes color.... And she wore a dark blue long dress... and a black cape behind her... I-It is a really long cape... like a wedding cape... And above her head, she wore a crown? I-Is she a princess or something?! "Nico... have you calmed down already?" She asked me.... S-She has a really beautiful voice... I feel like everything is a dream... She then put me back on the bed and say "You should take a rest...." She said... After she said that she leave me alone in a room... Also she turned off the lamp.... After several minutes I think about something really important H-Hey... what happened with me?! I actually alive! Then, if this is a new life... I promise to play with my sibling as long as they want! I promise that! I still regret what I have done to her... I believe now she live better somewhere else... maybe not in this world... With better brother for sure... Without realizing it, I passed out and sleep... The next day, I met my new dad... New dad? I feel really weird when I still remember my old dad''s face.... But my new dad looked so different... compared my previous dad... My previous dad is a bussinessman... but now, my new dad is... a warrior perhaps describe him the best Not only a warrior, but also a king? He wears a crown on his head, also he use a shiny plate armor with a cape behind him... He grab his sword on his right hand A really beautiful sword... guess it is pretty expensive... he must love it so much But when he saw me, he immediately drop his sword to the floor and steal me from my mom... I was speechless... but happy at the same time... Unlike my parents in my previous world, they are busy with their own work... even they won''t be back for weeks... While this new dad of mine, throw his looking expensive sword and carried me instead... I think I am too blessed... this world is too kind for me... The three of us walk on the garden of our house... usually, when my dad is home, he carried me while walking... My house is really big, I guess its not even a house anymore... it is a mansion Our mansion has two floor... I sleep on the second floor with my mom and dad in my own baby bed... it is specially design so that I won''t fall... Also, we have a big library... I see there are a lots of book and many genres as well... it is a 2 floored library... also on the second floor, we have a big balcony... On the first floor, we have a throne chamber... it is a really big room, with a red line carpet from the entrance of the room till the end of the carpet, I see 2 throne... 1 is the bigger one for my Dad, and the smaller one is for my Mom... They look pretty cool... looks like expensive as well... I''m lucky enough to be born as a noble... Also, we have a big garden... When you watch movie about prince and princess, and you see the garden... that''s what my garden looks like.... a maze garden! And next to our mansion, we have a training field... once a week, my Dad train with the soldiers... Ah, I haven''t told you, based on my prediction, this is supposed to be a medieval age... the soldier are still fighting with swords and spears... It is a bit sadistic thou... using sword and spear to kill... I hope I won''t touch any of those... And the most important thing is... I hope we don''t need to go on war... it would be problematic right? And there are a lot of thing that I have do... although, mostly I am carried by my Dad or Mom...Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. I have to attend on ceremony... like my Dad create a feast for my birth... There are a lot of people come and pinch my cheeks... That is actually harmful for babies! But, there is also a time, when people hate me... and shouted at me... "Red eyes! He is the decendant of the demon!" someone shouted during the feast.... I was quite shocked with that... but then a guard pull him from the crowd... Red eyes? I actually haven''t seen myself... But, one day... When I reached the age where I can crawl, I crawl to the nearest mirror and see myself on it... M-My eyes are red... not red because of the dust... but my pupils are red... It was during a rainy night... thunders are roaring... I saw a man standing outside of my window... He was wearing a black cloth... and have his face covered... like a ninja... I was looking at him and not moving... but then, he opened the window... I started to cry loudly when he take his sword that he hide from the shadow... And in a second, both my parents rush and open the door to my room... my mom with her spear and dad with his sword... The ninja man looks troubled... so he started to get nervous... "Who give the order?" my Mom asked loudly... she looks really furious And there another thunder heard... "The Gods command me to kill every descandance of demon!" the man in ninja''s outfit said... After saying his sentence, he throw a dagger toward me.. A-Am I going to die again? But then my Dad move forward and he protects me by standing in front of me... He then parried the dagger with his golden sword... And in a second, Mom has pierced the man''s body with her spear without any hesitation... The blood of the man is filling my room... I was in shock and can''t say anything... all I remember is that I peed on my pant... In that moment I realize that Dad and Mom is really strong... I should be strong as well... one day, I have to surpass them and make them proud of me... That night I sleep peacefully... In the morning, both my parents talk about it... "What should we do? The Believer of Mera will keep coming and harm our child..." Dad said in quite worry face... Both of them talking about it in front of me... they thought that I won''t understand, but I do understand... And... Believer of Mera? I guess it is the ninja that come here last night... "Do not worry, they won''t be able to harm him as long I watch over him..." Mom sain calmly... M-Mom is scary... last night, she kills without hesitation... "We should make someone guard him all the time... maybe last night we are lucky..." Dad said... Dad really cared about me... I wonder if my previous Dad will do the same thing... "There is a chance that they will aim for him again..." Dad continue... M-More attack?!? W-Why is that!! And both of my parents eyes are looking at me... D-Did I looked like I understand them? Umm I should be like a baby... I play with the spoon and smash it on my food... And now both of them are smiling... fiuh.. that was close... "That is true... I guess Rueger will fit with the job..." Mom said... Rueger? "Ah... my very best bodyguard... and also my military advisor... that is more than quallified..." Dad said... He then raise his hand and a maid come... "Call Rueger in" Dad said... "As you wish... Clement-sama" the maid said.... (-sama means you call your king or such kind) The maid bow and left the room... In less than a minute, an old man come inside the room... Soo.. this old man is Rueger... I met him everytime I met with my Dad after he finished his work... He come and bow in front of my Dad... "Rueger, we have a new duty for you..." Dad said "What is it... Clement-sama?" he asked while bowing "I want you to-..." before my Dad finish his word... my Mom cut in... "Rueger... do you believe in gods?" she asked... Wow mom... that is pretty harsh... Rueger looked confused... but then he answer... "No Nicole-sama... I only believe in Clement-sama and Nicole-sama''s decision" he said while bowing... I see... I guess Mom afraid that he is one of the Believer of Mera... Mom and Dad looked at each other... Both of them nodded and Dad continue his words... "From now on, you will serve my son... and protect him no matter what..." Dad said seriously... Rueger faced downward and say "That would be a great honor to serve your son.. Clement-sama..." he said without any hesitation... And somehow... I feel that he is happy to serve me... I feel something suspicious... but if both my parent trust this guy... I should trust this guy as well right? Right??? And since then I am guarded by him 24 hours a week... His name is Rueger... I guess he is in his 50s... he is a kind man, and he like to read a story for me... He once told me a story about a tyrant... her name is Navroth... and she tried to control the world, and she almost did it... Navroth cast a magic that could manipulate people... but it was cut off by a hero from Perius Kingdom... his name is Epius Perius... and it is now the name of the capital city of Perius Kingdom... which my Dad serve as an Archduke... I guess that is a fiction right? Magic is not real... Yep... My name is Nicolas Maxwell... and currently I am 8th months old... everyone don''t know that actually I could understand them... but it is fine that way... I live as a son of an Archduke, his name is Clement Maxwell... and I have a really beautiful mom, her name is Nicole Maxwell... I have a red eyes that is believed as the descendants of demon... but my family didn''t believe in such kind and still raise me as their child... My dad use sword.... And my mom use spear... and she knows no mercy... I live in a big city... and a city that is ruled by my dad... this city is called Auxem... known as City of Diplomacy... My dad is called as the Great Strategist by everyone, including mom... He is well respected... and you see... The current king is Ethen Perius... one of the descendent of Epius Perius, the hero that slay the tyrant... My dad and the king is like best friend... the king come to our mansion quite often... and he always went out with dad... When dad return, he is in drunk state... such a pity... The king love to give me presents... like sword.. spears and shield... I hope I won''t use them... but I guess I have to practice for my self-defense... A year has passed after I moved to this world... and I realize that our family will have a guest... Yes... my mom is pregnant... Is it a boy or a girl? No matter what I will protect them.. I love everyone in this house... my mom, my dad, Rueger even every maid inside the house... they all treated me very well... Also, my soon brother or sister... I will be waiting... And the day has come... The three of us were eating our breakfast... but then my mom feel the contraction... Rueger immediately left the room to call the servants and when the servants come, my mom were brought to the nursery room... I was carried by my Dad... After several minutes... Rueger come back with a doctor as well... He is trully reliable... The doctor come inside the room... And after an hour of mom''s struggling... I heard the sound of baby crying... After hearing that my Dad''s grip loosen... he gripped me so hard previously... This Dad of mine.... But I guess I understand why... he was worried and he can''t do anything at this moment... After hearing the baby cried... he rushed inside the room while carrying me as well... But unfortunately the servant asked him to stay outside for a while... they need to do more check up and cleaning as well... Poor dad... After several minutes, he was permitted to enter the room... I see the new born baby was sleeping next to mom... And the baby sleeps peacefully... Dad and I let a sigh... After hearing my sigh... both my parents laughed... And the first topic they discussed is not the baby but me... "I never know that a year old boy could sigh...." Mom said while chuckling... D-Did I make them suspicious now?! I guess I shouldn''t did that... but it can''t be help... I trully worry about both condition, the baby and my mom "Hah! This boy is an exception... Nico is a genius! Somehow I feel like he understand our situation...." Dad said... A-Am I busted? I should looked like I am distracted... I point my hand to the new born baby... Both of them looked at the baby now... "So?" Dad asked... "It''s a boy" Mom said.... The baby is wearing a blanket.. so we don''t know the gender... My dad put me on my mom''s arm... She hugged me while my dad is now carrying the baby... "His name is Nate.... Nate Maxwell..." he said... My mom cried happily... Our new member of family has born... Nate Maxwell... Mom and Dad has high expectation from him... At the age where he could crawl, I could walked already... When he crawl, he always crawls to the training room and watched the soldier practicing... One day, Mom and Dad were practicing... and I watched them with a very intense so that I don''t realize a thing... Nate supposed to be sit here, next to me... but then he was crawling without my notice... But fortunately... Rueger come and stop the match between mom and dad... "Stop!" he said... Mom and Dad stopped... at first both of them looked at Rueger, including me... But then I saw no Nate next to me... Then all of their gazes are on the baby that is sitting behind dad... "NATE!" All of us in unison... including me... Dad immediately drop his sword and carried Nate... Rueger come and retrieve Nate from Dad... But one thing that keeps bothering me... Mom is staring on me... what did I do?! "Is something wrong Nicole?" Dad asked... S-Should I act like baby? But, this is the age that I should grow right? I just keep staring at mom... "You sure are dense Clement" mom said while keep staring at me... Dad suddenly stared at me as well... "Rueger..." mom called him... After placing Nate back to its position, he move toward mom and bow... "Yes... Nicole-sama?" Rueger said "Did you know that Nico is able to talk?" Mom asked... T-Talk?! What did I say?! Wait... I just shouted Nate''s name.... how stupid I am... I hope both my parents won''t notice my act until today... I guess a year old boy could talk is normal right? "So far he just said like ''awwawa'' and ''mama'' also ''papa''" Rueger said while following what I did... I laughed a bit... My mom come toward me and carried me... "You understand our talk don''t you?" Mom asked... "Nicole... he is still one year old... I guess it is still to earl-.." Before Dad finish his word I nodded... And now Dad''s mouth is open real big... Even Rueger looks confuse... "See... he is a genius, like you Clement..." Nicole said while laughing... She patted my head and put me back on my chair... Then I see Nate sit next to me... He looked at me confusely... he is so cute.... I hope he won''t grow older... "So... he did understand us..." Dad said while scratching his head... This useless dad... "Just go and try to talk to him Clement..." Mom said with her uninterested face... My mom then take a new spear from the shelf... While my dad come approached me... And he lower his head to me... At first he don''t know what to ask... but somehow he got an idea... "So, do you know what spear is?" he asked me... This useless dad of mine... His face looked awkward, like he was talking to a tree.... I then pointed at the spear that mom bring... When I return my direction to dad... he is... He looks super happy... "H-He is trully a genius!" he shouted to my mom with joy... Mom shows her distrustful face... "What?! So you don''t believe me until just now?" she said in her quite angry tone... Umm.. you make a big mistake dad... And suddenly she throws her spear to dad... But dad hold by grapping the spear by his bare hand.... H-Hey! Isn''t it dangerous?! My face looks like an idiot now... but Nate is laughing... scary.... This family... is scary... "Hey! That''s dangerous!..." Dad said to mom... "No... you won''t die easily Clement..." Mom said while smiling... Now I am a hundred percent sure that this family is not sane... Rueger also displayed his disbelief face... but then he laugh after seeing Nate laughing... This family is weird... but fun.... But also scary.... After dinner, Rueger told Nate and I another story about 3-Kingdom... It was about the three kingdoms that live peacefully but then mysteriously dissappear... 3 Kingdoms with 3 Kings and 5 Legendary Weapon... a halberd, a double sword, a sword, a trident and a staff? "Staff?" I asked Rueger... I guess he was shocked with me asking... "Yes, the staff, it is the strongest out of all legendary weapon..." Rueger continue... "Why?" I asked him "Because it can cast magic..." He said while smiling... I see... so another fairy tale... I then kept silent and Rueger continue his story... The next month, I see my mom... and there is something I found odd about her... Her tummy is growing again... Mom... Dad... both of you are so productive lately... I almost reach 2 years old, but I can talk fluently... and everyone said that I am a genius... Ah.. I guess I talk a bit too early... I hate being praised too much... it become annoying when you try to interact with other But, more things to be concerned is that why I still remember my life in the previous world... Maybe I am indeed special... or maybe because of this red eyes of mine? I don''t know about anything... By the way, I talk to everyone already, and I replied them with answer... And everyone looks so happy when I talk... is it my way of speaking are weird? There is also this moment where I talk to Nate... I thought Nate would be a reincarnated person as well... "Hey Nate, do you know that spear is an outdated weapon... we use guns right?" I said to him And also, I make sure that there is noone around... But his reply is... "Awawwwawawawa" Did he just act like I did? And then he laughed... Then I am sure that he is just a baby... he didn''t act like I did... I hope so... When I was 2 years old, everyone are used to my voice... and also, I stop acting like babies... I walk around, run around as well... and also hide from Rueger... I could run real fast, and it makes everyone started to praise me even more... Several months after Nate''s first birthday, we got another new member... I was waiting with Dad and Nate outside the surgery room... "Tousan(Dad), do you want a baby girl or baby boy?" I asked... He looks worried so I try to calm him down... "Uhh, everything is okay... I just want to see both of them healthy, your mom and the baby...." He said Wow... I never seen Dad this mature... I always thought that he is a childish man... he is still 30 years old and he hold an important rank in the entire kingdom... "But I hope it''s a girl..." he said out of a sudden... Nevermind Dad, my expectation of you is even lower now... And Nate''s laughed... D-Did he understand our talk? "N-Nate do you understand us?" I asked him... and he laughed again.... Nevermind Nate... After minutes.. We heard a baby crying.... Dad immediately carried Nate and I and rush toward the room... "Tousan... we should not enter immediately..." I said "Don''t wor-.." Before he finished his sentence, a nurse come and ask Dad to leave... "Clement-sama, please wait outside for a moment, we haven''t finish the surgery yet..." She said while bowing... "See..." I said... He looks a bit dissapointed... "Fine!" He said while leaving the room... T-This useless Dad of mine... But, before we left the room, another nurse shouted... "All done here..." she said quite loud And my Dad rushed toward my mom.... Dad looks worry... but also happy.... I see mom and the newborn baby sleeping next to each other... "Hey..." Mom called Dad with a soft voice... then he looked at me... "How are you feeling?" Dad asked my mom... Then mom chuckle... "I won''t die easily you know... you know that more than anyone else..." She said Then we all laughed... I understand their jokes... since I saw mom fighting with Dad... I could say that she is better than Dad... She always win every match against Dad... "Nico... what do you want? A baby girl or a baby boy?" Mom asked me out of a sudden... Ummm.. What should I say... Ah, I should say what Dad said just now.... "Tousan said that he want a baby girl..." I said And Dad''s face looked troubled... I''m sorry Dad... "Y-You know.. The most important thing is that both are safe..." he said Then mom looked at me... like asking... what do you want? I should give a better answer than dad''s answer... "Both are okay..." I said... And mom patted my head... "It is a girl..." she said suddenly... And Dad''s face is showing the most happiest man in the entire world... He then put both Nate and I on my mom''s bed and carried the new born baby.... "Her name will be... Nathalia... Nathalia Maxwell..." he said proudly... I bet he had prepared the name for quite a long time.... "Nathalia... that''s a good name... you sure are good at naming people Clement..." Mom praised Dad... and this is quite a rare moment... "Wanna carried the baby?" Mom offered me... I nodded... Then Tousan put Nathalia on my lap... I carried Nathalia while I was sitting on Mom''s bed... At first I was happy when I carried her... She is so cute and pretty... her hair was just like Mom... blonde hair... But then, suddenly... this sad feeling... I have another sister... it would be my job to protect her... I should learn swordsmanship as well... Suddenly, Nathalia cried... "D-Don''t cry..." I said in panicked voice... W-What did I do wrong? Then Dad take her from me... "N-Nico... are you alright?" he asked me... W-What do you mean? I''m okay... "You are crying...." Mom said while patting me... she looks worried as well I touched my cheek and I feel the tears on it... W-What? Did I just cried? Then I feel dizzy My view is getting darker... and I feel myself sleep on the bed... Did I just passed out? Before I completely unconscious, I heard Mom''s shout... "Nico!" she shouted... What happened to me... Chapter 2 - Introduction... My name is Nicolas Maxwell, and I am 2 years old... I could talk fluently and I understand adult conversation, that''s why every people keep praising me... But not everyone loves me... there are several people, and even most people hate me... It''s not because of jealousy or else... but because of my birth mark... Yes, my eyes... they are red... They said that I am the descendant of demon... and there are several attempts of my murder... at first, mom and dad deal with it... and 5 or more has been taken care of by Rueger... Rueger is a good old man... I like him really much, I always think of him as my second Dad... And also, Nate... he is a year old when Nathalia born... He is lucky enough that he doesn''t have the same eye color like I do... so actually, people likes Nate more than I. Nate loves watching mom and dad practicing... I have this feeling that one day, he will be a great warrior... Nathalia... she is the youngest among us... and I have this feeling that I have to make my sister happy... maybe it is the feeling that I brought from the previous world.... I forgot to tell you, after I passed out for the whole day after mom gives birth to Nathalia And wake up on the next day... When I open my eyes... "Nico!" Mom shouted while hugging me... Dad was behind her... he carried Nate with him... "He is a genius boy, a 2 years old boy that can follow up a conversation... I guess it takes a lot of energy for him to do so... so, let him take a rest..." He said after I awake... The doctor said that I am too tired... is that really the problem? But I guess I did overthink about my little sister... "I''m okay..." I said to her and she still won''t let me go... Aww... mom I don''t know that you care me this much... "Nico... don''t overthink everything..." Dad said with soft voice... I guess he worried as well... And Nate just laughed.... This brother of mine... "Okay, let''s just make him rest a little longer..." The doctor said... "Let''s go..." Dad said to Mom... "Okay... make sure you rest well Nico..." Mom said in worry voice I nodded... After they left the room... I notice that there is one person that isn''t leaving me alone... "Rueger-san?" I called him "Ah, Nicolas-sama... please just take a rest... I will always be here if you need help..." he said H-He is such a kind man... Then I sleep even more... Until I reach 4 years old, Rueger still keep me accompany... he is my guardian after all... At this age I started to read books in library... You see, at the previous world, it would bore me after 10minutes reading... But in this world... I promise to live seriously, and make both my parents proud of me... It took 15 minutes after I start reading and then I got bored... I was reading a book about fiction... but all of them are... too magical... I hate it... When I returned the book... I saw a magic category book... There is no magic... but I still take one of the books... which has a title of ''Basic Element of Magic Training'' It seems that this book really teaches magic... I open the first page and continue reading it from early morning to nearly afternoon... So, magic in this world are differentiate into 5 types of magic... Elemental Magic Elemental Fighter Magic Nullification Magic Barrier Magic Fusion Magic Elemental, Nullification, Barrier Magic has its own tier... from Basic Intermediate Advance Expert Master Legend God Basic Tier is the lowest and God Tier is the highest and impossible one... While Elemental Fighter and Fusion Magic has no tier... Elemental Magic and Elemental Fighter Magic are divided into different element... Fire Water Earth Wind Holy Dark There are 6 types of element... And Fusion Magic is a combination of 2 different Magic Elements... Why this book is really convincing?! D-Does magic truly exist?? I opened the next page... ''How to learn Elemental Magic?'' I read the next step... The only way to use magic is by spell the mantra, Incantation... I see the next step is the incantation of each elements but only the basic level... Fire type... should I try it? It won''t just popped out of nowhere right? I read the incantation from deep of heart... without letting a sound After I finished reading it... Nothing happens... I should have known that magic is not real... But then, I looked above my head and a floating red spherical light appeared... "W-What is this..." I said out loud.... Then a fire summoned... from my hand... "W-Wow..." I said M-Magic... Its Magic!!! I can use magic!! I heard Rueger''s step... and immediately, I grasp my hand to turn of the fire... and the red light on my head was gone as well... I continue reading the book when Rueger come checked me... "I''m sure I did smell something burning... Don''t you?" Rueger asked me... "Ahh, I didn''t smell anything..." I said "Hmmm, maybe I smell something different..." He said while sitting next to me now... I-I can''t continue if you are here! Rueger-san! "Ah.. Magic Book? Finally you are interested in magic Nicolas-sama..." he said while patting my head I nodded and smile.... He then continues his word.... "Only 10% people in this world that are able to use magic..." He said W-What?!?!? Only 10%?!? B-But I just did... and I guess nothing went wrong?! "N-Nicolas-sama? Is there something wrong?" Rueger asked me... I then return to my sense... "N-Nothing..." I said Maybe I should tell Rueger what I am capable of doing... "Rueger-san... I want to show you something... but promise me not to tell anyone..." I said And he looks confused, but then he nodded... I then tried to summon the red shiny sphere back... but what is it the words.... ah I remember... ''Create... Fire'' I said it within my heart while also grasping my hand forward... and a red shiny sphere appeared on my right head... I slowly open my hand and a fire created... Then I looked at Rueger-san''s face... His mouth was opened so big... and his jaw was way too low... "Ummm..." I said And he returned to his sense.... "A-As expected from Nicolas-sama..." He said to me and now he looks happy... "D-Don''t tell anyone about this Rueger-san..." I said I afraid everyone started to praise me too much... I hate that... "Don''t worry Nicolas-sama... you can count on me..." Rueger said while giving me a blink on his eye... Fiuh... I know that I can count on him... "Then, why don''t you try the next element?" Rueger asked me... "Ah.. Sure... wait..." I said and turn to the next page... it''s water... "Create.... Water!" I said it this time.... and... A blue shiny sphere appeared on my head... next to the red one... And from my hand... I can feel water was flowing through my hand... "I-I did it!!" I said to Rueger-san... While Rueger still has his mouth hanged... Hmmm... let''s continue to the next one... ''Create... Earth!'' I said in without speaking it... and I guess it is a success as well? A brown shiny sphere appeared next to the blue one... I feel like a dirt on my hand... did I just use earth magic? I looked back at Rueger and he still looked speechless... Fine... I will continue this without you... And the last one is wind... ''Create..... Wind!!'' I said it inside my heart... and a green light appeared... I didn''t feel anything in my hand... But when I open my hand... I feel the breeze from it... Wow... I guess it is not that hard isn''t it? I opened the next page... and it''s about Holy Element... Holy and Dark are both the special elements... and Fire, Water, Earth and Wind are the normal elements But before I continue... Rueger stopped me... "N-Nicolas-sama... if you continue, I will die from heart attack... and it''s time for lunch, let''s continue after lunch..." He said while controlling his breath... "S-Sure... let''s eat..." I said and both of us walked toward the Dining Room... Before we went outside the library, I deactivated my magic so that the spherical lights are off.. No one know that I am capable of using magic, except Rueger... And he kept his promises by not telling anyone, including my Dad and Mom... After lunch, I returned to the library with Rueger... and continue learning magic... "The next one is ''Holy Element'', if you are able to use this... you will be known globally... everyone in this world will know your name..." Rueger warned me... "F-Fine... I hope it''s not happening..." I said It would be troublesome if everyone knows my name... "I hope it''s happening...." Rueger said and he patted my head T-This is two different prayers.... "H-Here I go..." I said and Rueger nodded... "Light... Create!" I said while closing my eyes.... I looked on my head and... there is a white light shining above my head... "N-Nicolas-sama... it happened!!" He shoutted happily... Nuuuu, please don''t spread my name!! "D-Don''t tell this to anyone! R-Remember that Rueger-san!" I said to make sure he remember his promises... "Ahh... sure... although I wanted to tell everyone in this mansion...but I will keep my promise..." He said I-Is it really a good choice to tell him about all of this? Ah it''s too late either way...This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it I opened the next page... ''Basic Dark Magic'' It sounds so... dark... "Next is the Dark Magic... if one could control light, they could not control the dark..." Rueger said "So you mean I can''t learn Dark Magic?" I asked He looks troubled but then he said "I guess so, but you can try it if you want.." He said I nodded and read the book I said the incantation... and "Dark... Create!" I look for the sphere but nothing appeared... "I guess it is not possible even for you Nicolas-sama..." Rueger said "Yes... I guess that''s enough..." I said And when I stood up from my chair... My view is getting darker... "Nicolas-sama!" Rueger''s voice from distant... D-Did I just passed out again? The next day, Rueger told me that I am run out of mana... but he covered it up and told my parent that I am running all day so that I wore out... and passed out... Thanks Rueger-san... When I reached 6 years old, I was taught swordsmanship for the first time... "Which weapon do you want to learn?" Mom asked... So... there are swords, spears, Axe, and even bow.... "I guess I choose the basic one... swords..." I said "HAHAHAHA" Dad suddenly laughed... And Mom''s face suddenly looks sad... "I win!" Dad said... T-They are betting?! On what?! "I guess I could learn both... sword and spear..." I said "H-Hey! That''s cheating!" Dad said "Okay! Then, it is settled..." Mom said while smiling and she patted my head... I guess they bet on what weapon I choose for the future... since Dad use sword and mom use spear... learning both is not a problem right? I have a lot of free time... Not only swordsmanship, I still learn magic accompanied by Rueger... And both of my parents still don''t know about me using magic... Except Nathalia... she suddenly sneaked inside the library without Rueger and my notice... "D-Don''t tell this to anyone okay Nathalia?" I told her... and she nodded... Fiuh.. Thank god she understands what I am saying... But since then... she always followed me whenever I went to the library... I don''t mind with that as long as she keep her promise... At early morning... I practice my sword with Dad before breakfast, and after breakfast I practice my spear technique with mom... And Nate look at me enviously... "Mom... I guess Nate wants to learn too..." I said to Mom when we are practicing... Mom come and approached Nate Then she looks at Nate... and asked him "Do you want to join?" Mom asked... Nate nodded... "Yes... can I?" Nate asked her back "Of course!" Mom said happily... With that, I learn together with Nate... Mom is a Master Spear Wielder... while Dad is a Expert Sword Wielder... which means, Mom has a higher rank than Dad I started my swordsmanship when I was 6 years old, while Nate started when he was 5 years old... When I reaches 8 years old, I reached Intermediate for both sword and spear... while Nate reached Advance level for spear bearing... He is a genius in swordsmanship... Nathalia also learn both like I do... but she is talented with sword while my brother with spear... How about me? Not both of them... But I guess, I am quite talented in magic... I learned to Manipulate Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Light already since I was 6 years old Manipulating Element is an Intermediate Level... but since then, I have no improvement... One day, we had a really big trouble... There was a big trouble that Mom, Dad and Rueger having a hard time to handle... We were attacked by black clothed man... the same uniform that attacked me when I was 2 years old... but this time, there were 8 of them... We just finished our lunch before they came... They broke the windows of our dining room... and some of them are mages... because they are using staff... Mom, Dad and Rueger immediately protected us by hiding us behind their back... "Please Clement-sama... if you are wise enough, just give the red eye to us... and we won''t bother..." A man with black cloth said... "No! We won''t!" Nate shouted... But then the black clothed man waited for Dad''s answer... "You know my answer... I guess my son just answered it for me... please leave and we won''t kill you" Dad said "Leave? Huh! They won''t be able to leave this place!" Mom said while smiling...and she prepared her spear... S-Scary!! "Then so be it!" the black clothed man that seems to be the leader said... "Prison!" he said... And 3 mages create a wall that surround our right, left and back... so that we cannot run... They have brown spherical light above their head... "T-They brought 3 mages? Just how much they love our son..." Mom said Mom prepared her stance... and... In a second, she stood in front of the leader.... The leader looked surprised with mom''s speed... and before he could run, his head was chopped of by Mom... "Rueger!" Dad shouted... "I understand!" Rueger said... He also rushed forward and killed the 3 mages that cast the prison for us... He stabbed the three of them in really fast ... Then Dad move forward and kill another 3 swordsmans... and only one left... Dad, Mom and Rueger completely surrounded him... but... The last man shouted... "Long Live Mera-sama!" Then he cast Fire Magic toward Me, Nate and Nathalia... "RUN!" Dad shouted while running toward us as well... While Mom try to cut the fire with her spear which is not possible... There is no time... we couldn''t evade this attack... I looked toward Rueger... "DO IT!!" Rueger shouted... I shouldn''t think about hiding it forever... Fine!! I''ll do it!! My brother and sister hide behind my back I won''t let anyone be killed... Then I cast the magic "Create... Water!!!" I shouted A blue spherical light appeared near me... A water flow through my hand and I shot the water toward the fire.... Water is stronger than Fire... I could do this.... After I feel temperature lower, I stop the shot and looked what happen... What happened is that I create a big hole on the wall... after using water magic... And the caster is gone as well... After seeing that I grasp my hand and the blue spherical light is gone.... My mom immediately hugged the three of us... While my Dad looked at me with his surprised eyes... "H-How did you do that?" he asked me... "Umm.. It''s magic..." I said to him... Before telling everything, the soldiers come... All of them looked confused... then Dad scold the soldier, since the assassins could pass through... "You could manipulate water magic?" Mom asked me while the soldier clean the mess... I nodded... Dad still looks surprised... but Mom looks happy... "Our children are truly wonderful!" Mom said happily... "Nico will be the mage, Nate will be the spear bearer, and Nathalia be the sword wielder.." Mom continues... "N-Nisan! Since when you could do that!" Nate asked me in envious way.... "Y-You know... since I was 2 years old..." I said And now Mom and Dad''s mouth are hanged open.... Y-You shouldn''t ask that Nate!! But then Rueger come.... "Clement-sama.... Nicole-sama..." Rueger come and called both of them... and both of them return to their sense... R-Rueger my savior!! "Not only water, but all the basic element, Fire, Wind and Earth" He said while blinking his eye on me... R-Rueger!!! "W-What?!?" Mom, Dad, and Nate in unison.... Nathalia and Rueger smile while facing on me... T-This is betrayal!! "W-Why didn''t you tell us Nico?" Dad asked... Why I didn''t tell them? "Um... I guess it would be annoying if people start to talk about me..." I said "T-That would make me proud! If everyone talks about my son..." Dad said "Let''s hold a feast!!" Dad shouted to one of the maid... "Yes.. Clement-sama..." The maid said... "W-Wait!!" I shouted... And now everyone''s eyes are on me... "Y-You see... this is the one that I''m trying to avoid... I don''t like being the central of attention..." I said while looking downward... And silences rule the room... "Aww.. If that''s what you want... then we don''t need any feast..." Mom said while hugging me... "You sure are a humble boy..." Dad said while walking to our direction... and then he joined mom, hugging me... When almost every problem solved, there will be another problem.... right Nathalia? "But he could use Holy Attribute as well..." Nathalia said "FEAST!!" Mom and Dad said... "NOOO!!!" I shouted but they ignored me... no... Mom and Dad is laughing this time while hugging me... Rueger and Nathalia and even Nate laughed at me... This is betrayal!! A week after the announcement of my talent in magic, my name spread globally... "T-This is ridiculous...!" I said after reading the newspaper "Not only Human Continent''s Newspaper Nisan~" Nathalia said And she gave me a Newspaper from Dragon Continent... ''The Mage that control all four element, Nicolas Maxwell'' "T-This is troublesome..." I said After saying such... Nate come... "Nisan... see this!! You are a star now!!" He said innocently... "Yes! Our Nisan is a star!" Nathalia said while hugging Nate... And both of them dancing happily... T-This is troublesome... "Ah, which continent now broadcasting about my name?" I asked Nate uninterestedly... "Oh yes, it''s the Ocean Kingdom, Beastman Kingdon, Elven Kingdom and Dwarven Kingdom..." he said innocently... T-That''s literally the whole world... "I guess you are now officially known globally..." Nathalia said... "Nisan! You should prepare for tomorrow feast!" Nate remembered me... "W-What?! Is it tomorrow?" I asked And both nodded... I take a long breath.... "Huh.. I should prepare myself mentally..." I said... "Don''t worry nisan! We are always with you!" Nathalia said and she come to hug me... "Yep! If someone want to harm you, they should face me first!" Nate said while punching the air.. Both of them sure are cute... I am thankfull that I have kind brother and sister... I should prepare myself whether there will be or there will be no attack on me or my family... It would risk Nate and Nathalia again if it was a big attack like last week... The next day, at around 4 pm... people start coming... My family including myself is sitting on the throne now... There are 2 big throne for mom and dad and 3 smaller one for Nate, Nathalia and I... The first one came is the King itself... Ethen Perius... He come to the throne while Mom and Dad also the 3 of us giving him a bow... He then hugged both my Mom and Dad one by one... and finally he sees me... "Wow... you sure have grown Nico..." He said to me... "I am 8 years old now..., your highness..." I said to him... He then laughed... "I will looked forward for the main attraction later..." King Ethen said "W-What?! Main attraction?! What''s that?" I asked... I have a bad feeling about this... He then looked confused... and he direct his view toward Mom and Dad... "Ummm you see, we need you to make everyone believe by you performing magic..." Dad said "W-What?! Why didn''t you told me?" I asked... Then both of them showed a sad face... Ah mom.. dad.. please don''t show that kind of face.. "Fine.. fine.., I will do it..." I said And both face are now back happy... T-This parents of mine! Also my brother and sister are laughing! T-This family of mine! "Tousan.... Just how many people have you invited?" I asked him... I see hundreds of people had gathered here... "Hmm every noble from every kingdom..." Dad said with a smile... .... Thanks dad.. The next one is quite a troublesome... "Wow Clement-dono, you sure have such a splendid child..." he said "Metiu-dono... he is still young, and still need to grow even more..." Dad said... H-He is way too different... this Dad of mine... He was keep praising me in front of me.. but in front of other, he kept his face up high... "Ah this is my daughter..." he said while showing his daughter... She then give a bow... "Hello, my name is Marie Gavenhallen... nice to meet you..." she said.. "She is such a beatiful girl... I believe she will be a beatiful woman one day..." Mom said while patting her head... "I am happy to hear that, maybe, we could arrange a marriage between our child!" Metiu said... W-What?! Hey! I am still 8 years old... and now they are talking about marriage? I looked speechless... and both my parents and also my sibling noticed that I am annoyed... They laughed at me but then mom said to him... "I would like to give a freedom for my child to choose his own wife..." mom said "I-I see... then let''s see what happened in the future..." he said and left... T-Thanks mom... And she give a wink at me... guess she knows me more than anyone else... Then, I see many people keep coming... I see the High Elven Race, also the Wood Elven Race... Also! I see a dwarf!! They are as short as I am... Then, I also see which is taller than the human... The beastman race is the tallest one... I see a lion looked human... he stands with his feet, walks like human but his face is looked like lion... Both, my sister and brother looks astonished after seeing it... Not only the lion, but also an elephant-human species... They looked amazing... The dragon race looks the same as human race, only the color of the hair differ us... also ocean race... Dragon race has blonde hair, while ocean race has blue hair... human race... black, grey, white, green, red, every color which is not blonde and blue... Hmmm so, mom is a Dragon Race? How about Nathalia? It is still a mystery.... After every noble and kings greeted us, dad stood up and start his speech... "I thanks everyone for coming... I know that each of you has come across the oceans and lands to see my son... but at first... we must celebrate our unity after long time... this is the first time after the great war, we all have gathered here... every race.. every kingdom...lets celebrate it..." dad said Everyone shouted their own battlecry Then everyone raised their cup up high and drink their wine... And they looked happy... I guess after the great war, they have their own business and have no time to gather... As I know, the Great War 2 happened when Navroth the Tyrant tried to rule every nation... but her attempt failed by the leader of the alliance... Epius Perius... the ancestor of Ethen Perius... our current King After they drink a bit of the wine, my Dad continue... "So, now, the stage is belonged to my son... Nicolas Maxwell" Dad said... C-Can he even introduce me more properly!! But everyone still gave me an applause.... I start walking forward and now everyone watched me... First... I use... ''Create...Fire'' And a red spherical light appeared above my head... "Woaahhh" could be heard everywhere.... It looks like I am an animal for circus... Tschh, but this is for Dad''s pride... I won''t let him down... ''Create.... Water!'' I said it in my heart and a blue spherical light appeared next to the red one... ''clap clap'' heard ''Create.... Earth'' A brown spherical light appeared next to the blue one... ''Create.... Wind..'' The green spherical light appeared next to the brown one.... Everyone didn''t move an inch... Then, I move to the last step... ''Create... Light...'' And a white spherical light appeared... "W-Wow!!" I heard Nate''s voice... At least I know that someone still alive... W-Wait... but why he looks so impressed?! I thought he... Oh.. He never seen me using all of them at once... Wait... even Mom and Dad... I looked at both of them.. And they still looked like an idiot... both of their mouths are fully open... T-This is their first time seeing this as well... D-Did they trust me this much? It would be risky if I lied... Mom, Dad, be more careful okay.... After a minute... I heard some of them had regain their consciousness... And they woke the other up... fiuh... I then created a really flashy light using light magic.... that could almost blind people to wake up the rest... [FLASHBANG] I name it... "Waaahh" could be heard... they looked afraid but amazed at the same time... Then I deactivated my magic... all of them... "My son is truly amazing!" Dad said.... T-That''s not helping!! Tousan!! Then everyone gave me an applause louder than ever... At that day, I was known by everyone in the world, and they have seen it with their own eyes about me... After performing such thing, my Dad promote about something that he hasn''t told me either.... "2 years from now, my son, Nicolas will enter Auxem School... so, let''s tighten our friendship by trusting your son and daughter to our school..." Dad said and he got a big applaud... S-School?! There are schools too in this world?!? When we got down from stage... Dad give me a piggyback... "T-Tousan... you shouldn''t have to do this..." I said shyly... I-I am 8 years old! "Hahaha don''t worry, today, I''m so proud of you..." Dad said while giving me a gentle smile... Somehow that words made me stop struggling... We both move toward the crowd... and we met every nobles and kings from every kingdom... "This is a gift from Dwarven Kingdom!" a dwarf said... He wore his own crown... and I believe, he is the King of the Dwarven Kingdom... He is known as master of armor making... his creation has globally known... and also, as the king of Dwarven Kingdom, Goldrac Godarmor... "T-Thank You...." I said He gave me an armor... and my servant take the armor to be kept... Then, Tousan and I met the king of Qiteron Kingdom... an Ocean Kingdom... the largest military power in the world... The King''s name is Feurius Qiteron, and he is... old? "Ah Clement-dono..." He said after sitting down but when he met us, he stood up... H-He sure is a polite man... knowing his age.. He should be in his 80s "Please, let''s talk in a better place..." Dad said and guided him to an empty table that has just been prepared... Then he sit peacefully, followed by his grandson? He was following him since we met... "Ah, forgive my rudeness... my name is Euclio Qiteron, the son of Feurios Qiteron..." He introduced himself after noticing my suspiciousness... S-Son?!? "H-Hello, I''m Nicolas Maxwell... son of Clement Maxwell" I said to him... "Hahaha, I am surprised that kids these day still could respect each other... don''t you agree Clement-dono?" Feurios asked "Hahaha, I couldn''t be more agree... and may I ask, how old are you Euclio?" Dad asked... "I am 9 already..." Euclio said.. "Ah, so both of you born in the same year... Nico will turn to 9 this June..." Dad said... And I just nodded... "Ah yes... I just remembered what I wanted to talk about..." Feurios said... All of us then listen to him carefully... "I will put my son under your care when he turns to 10..." He said W-What?! "W-What?!" Euclio said in quite sad tone... I guess both of us had an unpredictable dad... "I mean, to study here..." Feurios continue... Then all of us relaxed a bit... "I see, then leave it to us... we will teach everything we can to your son... and also, he will be in the same class with my son..." Dad said... then he looked at me... I guess I should nod... "Great..." he said... and then stood up... "Then, I will be back in two years with my son..." He continue... "You are going home already?" Dad asked... "Yes, my kingdom is in unstable state... but after seeing the news, I guess I have to see it by my own eyes... I never seen anyone could control more than 4 elements..." Feurios said.. "Also, this boy is the key to make everyone united... like old times... look at now..." he continues We all looked around, and see elves talking to dwarves... beastman talking to human... and so on... "Everyone was united here by him..." Feurios said while pointing his hand on me... "T-Thank you..." I said to him... "No don''t thank me... you still have more way to go... and after looking at you, I guess I have to learn to trust the current generation" he said to me and then he looked at Euclio.... Guess, he has trust issues? "Then, we will see in two years..." Dad said and both said their farewell... We accompanied King Feurius and Euclio until they reached their carriage... When they left... "T-That King surely has an aura of a real king..." I said to Dad... "Hmmm? Why?" Dad asked me... "Because I could not talk to him casually..." I said and Dad laughed... "And you never stop entertaining me..." Dad said while laughing... Then we visited our own king... "Your highness..." Dad greeted him... and give him a little bow while still giving me a piggyback... "Ah Clement... what is the minimum age to join Auxem School?" Ethen asked my Dad... "It''s 10 years old... your son could join in 3 more years, with my son, Nate..." Dad said... "Ahh... I see..." Ethen said... "Then... I guess my son could join..." a man said... Who is he? "Ah Vierten-dono... of course... please apply, I believe our son could learn more in the school..." Dad said Vierten? Is he Vierten Staviel? Noticing my confusion, he introduced himself... "Ah, Nicolas... my name is Vierten Staviel... the current king of Staviel Kingdom..." He introduced himself... "S-Sorry for not noticing you..." I said while looking downward... "No problem... this is my first time visiting this place as well... so it is understandable that you don''t know me...." he explained He is a good man isn''t he? "Also, my daughter.... will join the school you build..." Metiu Gavenhallen joined He came with his daughter as well... And her daughter was walking beside her Dad... while me... I''m still on my dad''s back... T-This is embarrassing.... "T-Tousan, you can put me dow-" before I finished my sentence "Nope!" he said while smiling.... H-He is evil inside!! I know right! Hearing our conversation everyone laughed.... T-This dad of mine!! So, at least I have met some of my later friends.... There is a girl name Marie Gavenhallen.... princess from Gavenhallen Kingdom... she looks pretty with her long blue hair... and also, she looks pretty kind as well... the way she talked with me is so polite... Also, a boy name Euclio Qiteron... he looks like... he has the same Dad as mine... a blue haired boy from Ocean Race... the prince of Qiteron Kingdom... the current strongest kingdom in this world... I guess we will be ok later... After talking with the nobles... I search my own way to return to my sibling... but I found them talking to other nobles as well... When Nate found me, he run toward me and he shows his new spear.... "W-Wow... it looks cool..." I complimented the spear... "I know right!!" His eyes are sparkling.... "And look at this too Nisan!" Nathalia called me She shows her sword... "W-Wow, hey you all got a good weapon! That''s cheating!" I said but they only laughed... T-That''s not helping!! "Ah, I got a shiny armor" I try to make them envious! But I received an unexpected answer.... "Let me try it later!" Nate say it with his puppy eyes.... I-I can''t resist this eye... dammitt "F-Fine!" I said With that, the feast ended... and everyone return to their own kingdom.... In that event, only the kingdom of Reudora doesn''t show off... But then I notice that Kingdom of Reudora was the Kingdom where Navroth come from, which is the cause of Great War 2... Chapter 3 - School (Part 1) Two years has passed since the feast my Dad held... "D-Dad... do you think is it a must to go to school?" I asked in the morning where I have to go to school "Of course! You are the star of our school" Dad said while smiling.... "T-Tousan, I would be happier if you told me the plan before you tell your plan to other..." I said to him with serious eyes.... But he ignored me... "I am happier when I see your surprised face..." Dad said while smiling... "H-Hey!!" I said and trying to approached dad... but his body is big enough so that he could hold me only with a single hand... We are in the dining room, and having our breakfast here... "Where is Nate and Nathalia?" I asked Mom and Dad... "Hey, you slept with them... why you ask?" Dad said with his annoying face... "Nisan!" Nate shouted... "H-Hey Nate! You are late!" I said in impatient tone... Then Nathalia appeared behind him as well... Both of them come inside the dining room and give me a present... "W-What is this?" I asked both of them... "Ahh... you see, we made this last night for you... It is a parting gift...." Nate said... "P-Parting gift? W-What do you mean? I will return here every day right?" I asked Tousan... Then Nathalia looked at me in suspicious eyes... What''s with that? "What?! Everyday?!? Of course no! You won''t be able to return for a year! Ah, also, you need to pack your belonging..." Dad said out of a sudden... "T-Tousan!! Why don''t you tell!!" I yelled at him... But then everyone laughed... "See!! His face is so cute when he mad!" Dad said "T-That''s true!" Mom joined... "Onisan is funny!" Nate said "Tousan is right!" Nathalia said T-They all planned this?! H-Hey that''s annoying... "Don''t worry Nico... I packed everything for you..." Mom said with her soft voice... "T-Thank you Kasan..." I thanked her... "Hey! Nisan! Open the box!" Nate said Ah I almost forgot about that... I open the box and... A necklace? "You should use it... like we do" Nate said Nate and Nathalia both showed their necklace... It''s the exact same necklace like both of them It''s a necklace with ring shaped... made of gold... and a writing is on it... ''Maxwell'' it is said... "Y-You made this?" I asked "No... we make the box..." Nate said... still in happy voice.... But the other start to giggle... H-He isn''t maturing.... I guess Nathalia is much more mature.... "T-Thanks Nate... Nathalia..." I said while patting both of them... And both of them smile.... After we eat our breakfast... Rueger come inside the dining room... "Clement-sama... the carriage is ready..." Rueger informed us... "Okay, we will be there in a minute..." Dad said... I am a bit sad leaving this house for a whole year... Dad... you should told me earlier.... But I am still in this city after all... there should be no problem, right? After we finished our breakfast... all of us went to the lobby... I guess they want to see me off for a while... Then I hugged each one of them... From Nathalia to Tousan... After hugging them... they all looked like... holding their laugh? "S-Something wrong?" I asked "N-Nothing.." Dad said... While holding his laugh Now I am a hundred percent suspicious.... Then I enter the carriage... but then, when I want to close the carriage... "Wait!" Dad''s voice... "W-What?" I asked... He then enters the carriage "Who said I''m not going with you!" Dad said... "W-What??! What are you doing?!" I asked... But then everyone entered the carriage... "H-Hey! What happened!" I asked in my confusion but no one answer... "Go to Auxem School please..." Dad said to the driver... "O-Of course Clement-sama!" the driver said while holding his laugh as well... "Y-You don''t need to accompany me you know...." I said "Who said we are going to accompanied you?" Dad said Then mom chuckle a bit.... "T-Then what are you going to do?" I asked "Huh? You don''t know?" He asked... I shook my head from side to side... "I will lead the opening ceremony..." he said "W-What?! T-Then I guess that''s okay..." I said while looking away... "Awww" all of them in unison.... "See! Onisan will miss us!" Nate said They are annoying... Seeing my face looks annoyed they laughed.... They are truly annoying, why they only bother me... After five minutes of traveling... we arrived in front of the school.... W-Wow it is huge... It has a big lobby fit for 10 carriages, and it has like tens of building... and also outdoor field... Those building looks quite tall as well... I can see a building with 5 floor... But I don''t see a single person... Umm where is everyone? When we get down from the carriage... "Ah, Clement-sama... we are waiting for you..." a man come and greeted us "Even the principle welcomed us personally... it would be our honor..." "Please Clement-sama... you are more than worthy... and this is the least I can do for you..." the man said So, this man is currently the principle of the school? He is an old man with long white beard... like santa claus? Seeing my confusion... "Ah, this should be the famous Nicolas Maxwell" He said... "P-Please call me Nico..." I said... "Then, you can call me Santa..." he said ''Pffftt'' could be heard... But, not only me... Nathalia as well... I looked at her and she looked at me... "Do I hear something?" Santa asked... "N-Nothing..." I said "Okay then, please come and follow me..." Santa continues while leading us to a room... We all followed him and enter the building... it has a nice lobby... I see quite a lot of people there... a lot of people from different race... different continent and different kingdom... gather here and talk to each other.... I guess this place has a high diversity.... Then someone poke my shoulder... I looked back and... "Hey!" a boy called me... A blue haired boy with blue eyes... I believe I''ve seen him before... "Ah! Euclio-kun..." I said in panicked voice "Just call me Euclio" He told me with calm tone... "Then, you can call me with Nicolas..." I said "Okay, that would be nice... since we are going to be together for 6 years..." Euclio continued.... "W-What?!?" I said I looked at Dad.... "T-That''s a lie, right?" I asked Dad... "Lie? Of course, no..." Santa looks happy... like Santa supposed to be... Seeing my trouble face, Santa calmed me down.... "You see, time flows really fast... you will miss this place when it''s time for you to leave... so better enjoy every moment..." Santa cheered me up "O-Okay..." I said... Then an old man come from Euclio''s back... "Ah... Feurios-sama..." Santa greeted... "Santa... you are still alive! And still even here?!" Feurios greeted him I guess both of them are in the same age... "Hey.. Look... it''s Nicolas Maxwell" "You mean the mage that can use 4 elements?" "N-Not only 4, but 5 with Holy attribute!" I heard whispers everywhere... "Hey look at you Mr.Popular!" Dad teased me... "I-It''s your fault!" I blamed my Dad and he laughed on me... And also, I heard another whispers... "T-That''s Euclio Qiteron isn''t he?" "W-What?! You mean the Dual Sword wielder?!" "Y-Yes it''s him... so, he is Nicolas''s friends?" "I hear that he can use Elemental Fighter Magic?!" "Y-You must be kidding me!" "This year new students are sure pretty good" D-Dual Sword Wielder?!Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. E-Elemental Fighter Magic?!? I looked at him... and he looked at me, and he threw his face away while whistling... D-Did he just avoided me?!? "Okay, both of you... please proceed to that door..." Santa pointed a door Euclio and I nodded.... and both of us walked together... "I hope everything goes smoothly..." I said "What do you mean... we haven''t even started yet..." he said "I know... but you know... 6 years is quite a long time, right?" I said "You know, just enjoy your time... Santa said that it would be fun... just let''s see what is his real definition of fun..." Euclio said "T-That''s true... hey, let''s find a seat..." I said "I guess there are 2 seats available there..." Euclio said... We both come to the seat... but then, someone blocked us... An elephant? "W-What?!? Elephant?!" I said it out loud.... And now everyone is looking at me... The elephant looked at me and she looks like she wants to punch me... "H-Hey you shouldn''t shout that word..." Euclio whispered me... "A-Ah I''m sorry" I said while bowing a bit and Euclio pulled me... We left the elephant... "Hey! I thought you are hoping for no trouble!" Euclio said... "T-That was a reflect you see..." I said then Euclio let a sigh... "That''s fine... let''s fine seats on the opposite side" Euclio suggested me... "F-Fine" I said... Then both of us found a seat a bit far away from the Elephant and the main stage as well... "Fiuh... If you are alone, you sure are hopeless..." Euclio said "T-That''s true... thanks" I said while thanking me... "Yeah, just buy me a drink later okay..." Euclio said... "Sure!" I said I am truly grateful I had a friend already before entering the school... After waiting for a little longer.... The ceremony begins... at first, Santa gives his speech... "Hey everyone, welcome back to this new school year... there are also some that have this as their last year or even their first year... But then, we must enjoy everything while we could... this life is temporary, so make sure, you learn everything you want, everything you can and always be friend without being discriminating... Remember the rules are only 3.... No fighting... No discrimination... and... Enjoy your time...." After he finished his speech everyone gave him a big applause... He left the stage... and I know whose speech going to be the next... I stood up and... "H-Hey Euclio... I think I need to go to the bath-" Before I finished my word... Euclio hold my hand... "U-Ummm... you see, you don''t know my Tousan..." "Don''t worry, I know him quite well... since our Tousan is actually quite alike..." he said... while laughing... And my Dad enter the stage... I then sit back on my seat... "Hello everyone...." Dad said... "Hello Clement-sama!" Everyone shouted... "As you can see, we are now in the new school year, which mean, new determination, new friend, new study, and new life!" he said while winking on me! No!! He spotted me!!! "All of you are the new generation! That will change your city! Kingdom! Race! Or even world! Study well, and make your parents proud of you... you are the next generation... all of you will surpass me one day... and it might be you who changes my place!" He finished his words.... He is surprisingly.... Normal! In front of other! "Haaa!! I found you Nico!!! HAHAHAHAHA" He then shouted! W-What?!?!??!? He then pointed at me.... N-No!!! "E-Euclio!!" I said but then he only laughed... H-Hey this is another betrayal!! Now everyone is looking at me.... "You should do well in this first year okay!!" Dad shouted from the stage... I won''t answer!! "Do you hear me Nico?!?" Dad asked me again??? W-When will this is ended?!? "F-FINE!!!" I shouted and he laughed again... "AHAHAHAHAHAHA Then! Everything is done! Goodluck everyone!!" he left the stage and everyone is still.... looking at me.... "U-Umm... Nico, what did you do? Why everyone is looking at you?" Euclio asked while laughing... "W-Why you ask!!" I protested... and he laughed even more.... H-He is no different than my Dad!! "Hey, it''s him..." "So, the rumor about the red-eye is true..." "Wow, he is the mage that could use 5 elements..." "He is danger... be careful, don''t get too close with him..." This is what I am trying to avoid... Dad... you sure make the problems bigger... I just let a sigh... "Hey! Nicolas... your eyes looks cool!" Euclio praised me out loud... I then close his mouth during the whole ceremony.... After the ceremony, we are supposed to return to our dorm... My room will be next to Euclio''s room... it is on the third floor of building B which is a building for male dorm... while building C is for female dorm... Then, an elephant blocked our way... "So... you are this Nicolas Maxwell..." The elephant said "Ahhh... see, I told you my Tousan will only give me more trouble! I should have left! And you shouldn''t hold me!" I shouted at Euclio... "You see, even without your Tousan, everyone knows you already..." Euclio said "W-What?! How?" I asked... He then pointed his hand to his eyes... I forgot that my eyes are red... "Hey! Don''t ignore me like that!" the elephant said.... "Ah I forgot about you... sorry..." I said But then she looks even angrier... "D-Did I say something wrong?" I asked Euclio... "Y-You are truly hopeless" Euclio said while laughing... But then the elephant shouted! "I challenge you to a duel!" the elephant said... "W-What?!?" I shouted... H-Hey! I never dueled someone before... Only Mom, Dad, and Rueger... maybe sometimes with Nate... "Go... Beat him..." Euclio whisper through my ear... Then he waved his hand and went away... "W-What?! Hey... Euclio! Don''t leave me!" I shouted But then... Someone blocked Euclio... "And you will be facing me..." A human faced like lion appear.... "W-What?! A Lion!?" I said it out loud... and... Everyone looked at me... G-Guess I did the same mistake... Then I hear Euclio couldn''t hold his laughed... "You sure are the best Nico!" he said! D-Damn... it was all a reflect... "Hey! How about a two on two?" Euclio suggested them... Then, both of them looked at each other... And finally, both of them nodded... "Fine... let''s move to the duel arena..." the elephant said... All of us move toward the duel arena... "Are you sure we can do this?" Euclio asked me... "W-What?!?!" I said it out loud... Even the other start looking at us as well... "I thought you have some plan..." I said it while whispering it... "H-Hey! You are Nicolas Maxwell... you can do it..." Euclio said while hitting my back... I wonder if I choose the wrong friend... When we arrived at the arena, we see a lot of spectator are waiting already... "H-Hey, why there are a lot of people here?" I asked them... "It seems that they want to see your power..." The lion said... "Of course, you are the son of Clement Maxwell... everyone wants to see you fight" Euclio said Son of Clement Maxwell? What''s so important about that... And in the middle of the arena, we found a circle... which will be the arena for the duel... Euclio and I enter the circle... and so does Elephant and Lion... I prepare my stance... "Ahem... so it''s a battle of Nicolas Maxwell against the Elephant and the Lion..." Euclio announced... "W-WHAT!?!?!" Everyone was shocked After the audience surprised... they become silent... and eyes are on me... "H-Hey! You should be helping me!!" I shouted... "You don''t need my help Nico... I trusted everything on you..." Euclio said while hitting my back... N-NOW I AM SURE I CHOOSE A WRONG FRIEND! I looked at the spectator... D-Dad?!? Mom?!? Nate?!? Nathalia?!? And even Santa?!?! Also Rueger?! What is this!! I feel like everything has been planned... "Did you agree on this?" Elephant asked me... "NO!" I shouted... "Don''t worry, he is more than enough to defeat both of you" Euclio continue... And Elephant and Lion looks pissed off.... "Then both of us agree!" Lion said WHY YOU ASKED THEN?!?! "I will act as the judge!" Euclio said "Rules are no killing, and the duel ends until one side can''t fight or surrender... both sides agree?" he asked "Yes!!" Elephant and Lion said "NO!!" I said "THEN GO!!" Euclio shouted... H-He ignores me?! Lion charge at me... He used his four feet this time to charge... H-He is fast... ''Create...Light'' I create light and also summon a bright light... which make everything shiny [FLASHBANG] I named it... Lion stop moving... But Elephant use magic?! She took her staff and... "Create Wind!" S-She could use wind attribute!! "Manipulate Wind!" she shouted and attacked on me... Wind come and pushing me back With that, she disturbed my light casting magic... Lion recovered and start rushing toward me... ''Create Earth!'' I said it within my heart.... and a brown spherical light appeared next to me... I then created a wall between us... it is tall enough that lion shouldn''t be able to jump off... I-I should think how to disable them... I guess it will be another flashbang and I have to lock the elephant first... I then hear the lion hits my wall... it won''t take long until it breached... Just wait for it... ''Booom'' The wall breached... and... "[FLASHBANG]" I shouted and Lion followed by the Elephant closed their eyes... After they close their eyes... I deactivate the light so that I could looked at the elephant''s position and... I found her! She moved a bit closer now... then it would be easier... "[PRISON]" I said and I succeed in trapping her inside the earth magic... PRISON is creating a wall from every side of the target and also the top of the target... which is making it impossible to escape... except by destroying it... or by another Earth Magic... by descending the wall... And... last one is the lion... He recovered from the light blinding attack and saw his friend trapped already... Sad... He then moved much faster... But it won''t affect me... "[PRISON]" I said... And 5 walls are appeared in front of him, behind him, on his right and left... also above him... Since he is moving... I created a big prison... With that, it should be done right? "Nicolas Maxwell WIN!" Euclio shouted... And everyone gives me an applauds... Also I hear some of them praises me.. "T-The rumor is true... he is incredibly strong" "Wow... he is a Maxwell after all..." "As expected from the son of Clement Maxwell" "He even defeated both without moving..." "H-Hey, he only used 2 attributes... what if he uses 5 of them?!" T-That, I can''t stand of... I leave the arena immediately... but... Euclio hold my hand... "W-WHAT AGAIN?!" I shouted at him.... I am a bit pissed off... "Umm.. You see..." Euclio pointed at the prison I made for both of them... "Ahh... okay..." I undone the magic... and both of them are perfectly safe... "G-Guess that''s all..." I said I''m out of here... I returned to my own room... in building B... third floor... room number 1.... seems like special number... I opened my room and... ''PRETTTT'' "WELCOME HOME NICO!!" Mom and Dad shouted... also Nate and Nathalia was there... H-How did they could come faster than me? I thought I see both of them in the arena... Ah, I don''t care... "H-Hey!" I said since suddenly Nate and Nathalia come and hug me... "We will leave you for a year... so, maybe you want to say a word or two, to your brother and sister..." Dad said with serious face... "Don''t trust Dad... especially when he started to smile evilly." I said to both Nate and Nathalia "H-he-" Dad can''t even finished his senteces "You better run before you will be humilliated!! That''s all" I said And they all laughed... "We will miss you Nico..." Mom come and hugged me... "Don''t worry Kasan, I can take care of myself..." I said... "Yeah! You should see how he defeated the lion and the elephant!" Nate said... "H-Hey, so let me teach you some manners... if you see a beastman race, it is not polite to call them like elephant or lion... because they will think that you are comparing them with animal... and they are not animal, but a beastman race..." Mom said... And all of us nodded... "T-That''s why they looked angry..." I said "Yes... so make sure you apologize to them tomorrow okay?" Mom said while patting me... "Okay" I said... But Dad looks troubled... "Hmmm" he mumbled... "W-What is it?" I asked... "But it would be hard if you have defeated them in a duel, which they have challenged" Dad said... "W-Why?!" I asked "Because their pride is number one... especially when they are the son and daughter of the North Beastman Kingdom and South Beastman Kingdom..." Dad said "W-What?!?!" Nate, Nathalia and I shouted.... "T-That''s cool Nisan!!" Nate praised me even more... "T-That''s not" I said... And they all laughed... H-Hey! It''s a problem right? After we all finished talking... they all left my room... "See you next year Nisan!" Nate said... and they all left... And I see Nathalia walked slower... "N-Nathalia?" I called her... "Nisan... can I asked something?" she asked me out of a sudden... She looks serious about it... She then looked around and make sure that there is no one... "Sure.. What is it?" I asked her... "Are you reincarnated?" she asked me... And, with that question... I feel my heartbeat like want to stop... A-Am I found out?! W-Wait?! Or she is a reincarnated person as well? "Y-Yes... and so you are right?" I asked her back... Since she laughed about the Santa''s joke I guess she is reincarnated... Then she nodded... "Nathalia! Where are you!" Mom called her... Nathalia looked panicked... "More importantly... don''t tell anyone about this okay..." I said to her while holding both of her shoulder and she nodded... "Bye nisan!" Nathalia said... "Bye!" I shouted to her as well... When I couldn''t see her again, I close the door... So... there is another reincarnated person like me.... It is a shocking news... but I have already suspecting her from the beginning... Since she was born, she is too smart... maybe she just acted like I did... but I guess she acted better... "Guess I shouldn''t think too much about that..." I said out loud... "Yep you shouldn''t!" W-What?! "Who''s there?" I asked It was from outside my room... "Your dearest friend!" he said... Arghh its him... I opened the door... "Thanks for taking care both of them for me..." Euclio said and he throws a box of food toward me... "Fine... I''ll take it..." I said then I was about to close the door... but he held the door... "P-Please don''t be mad at me... you see, how about I treat you another food for tomorrow as well..." Euclio offered... I actually don''t hate him.... it''s just that, I''m too tired... "Fine..." I said, and let him enter... Both of us eat in my dining room... After both of us finished our food, both of us take a bath... it is like the Japanese public bath... so I don''t mind taking a bath with him... After bath, I immediately returned to my bed... "Hey, sleeping already?" Euclio asked... "Yes, thanks to the fight against two..." I said and he feel bad about it... I guess he really feel bad about it... "You see, I didn''t mean to-" "Yeah I know, just go away, I want to sleep..." I cut his word before he finished his... "That''s what I like about you!" Euclio said After he said such, I sleep in an instance... because I don''t remember anything... I don''t even dream... I sleep so peaceful... The next morning I suddenly feel something moving on my bed... And I feel hot too... When I woke up... "H-HEY! WHY YOU SLEEP ON MY BED!!" I said to Euclio... "W-What?!" He then awakes... "Ah... sorry, you see, yesterday I traveled from Qiteron Kingdom to Auxem... it takes time and tires me a lot..." he said while still closing his eyes... I-I never thought about that... since I just need five minutes to arrive at the school... "I will leave now..." Euclio said... "See you tomorrow..." Euclio continues... W-Wait... something wrong... "E-Euclio! We are late!!" On that day, I met my very first friend Euclio Qiteron... he is weird... annoying... but I guess he is a good friend... I guess... After changing our cloth, both of us run toward the class room... But, there is a problem... "Where is the classroom?" I asked... "D-Do you think I know?!" He answered... "W-Wait, so where are we running to?" I asked "W-What?! I just followed you!!" he answered T-This friend of mine!! "Ahh, both of you looked lost..." Santa suddenly appeared... "S-Santa-san, can you tell us where our class room is?" I asked him... "Hmmm you don''t know? It was written on your room..." Santa said "I-It is?!" Euclio asked him... And Santa nodded... "I think yesterday''s duel tired both of you..." Santa said... "Let me explain... both of you are in the special class... so your class room will be always in building E" Santa continue... "Special?" Both of us in unison... "Yes, both of you are not joining the regular classes... but the special one... it is a class for Nobles and the talented one... talented either in swordsmanship or witchcraft...." he explained... "I-I see..." I said... "W-Wait!" Euclio said... "W-What?!" I asked... "What do you mean by late if you even does not check the schedule?!" Euclio asked me... "W-We are late for..." I can''t finish my words... "I-I thought we should gather for breakfast?" I said while asking in the same time.... "Ah, you can go to the mess hall anytime you like..." Santa said... And Euclio looked at me as if he wanted to eat me... "I-if you excuse me..." Santa walked away and it''s only both of us... "Y-You see, let me treat you breakfast!" I said as an apology... "Deal!" he said and his mood is back... that''s fast! Both of us walk toward the Mess Hall... where people buy and eat their food... We buy our breakfast and eat there... "You said it''s late? It''s even still 8 am... just what time did you usually wake up?" Euclio asked me while he start eating his soup... "I usually wake up at 6 am... and train my sword wielding and spear wielding as well..." I said while eating... "Wow... you learned swordsmanship as well? I thought you only learn magic..." "No... my mom said that it was for safety that I have to learn at least one of them... but when I choose to learn sword wielding, my mom looks unhappy, and it happen the same when I choose to learn spear, my dad looks unhappy... so I ended up learning both of them..." I said while sighing... Euclio then laughed... "You sure are a good boy..." He praised... "N-Not really..." I said "Hey... how about you?" I asked him back... "Me?" "Yep... I heard you use unique weapon... a dual sword wielder?" I asked... "Ah yes, but apparently, I couldn''t test my strength there..." he said "Why?" I asked... "Because I have no teacher...." He said... "W-What?! So how could you learn that by yourself?" I asked him "I don''t know, I guess I improve myself and create my own move... that''s why people keep praising me... and that''s annoying..." he said... Me and him are truly alike... "Fiuh... it''s happy to know someone in the same place as I do..." I said... "Huh? You put yourself as the same level as mine? I guess your level should be at least twice higher..." Euclio started to praise me... Urghh that hurts my ear... "Hey, how about Elemental Fighter Magic?" I asked... "Oh, I actually could use magic too... but unlike you, I could only use one element, which is water..." Euclio explained... "Hey, isn''t it great since you are an Ocean Race..." I said... If you live in the ocean and you control water... that would be very powerful... "Yeah, it is... that''s why there are a lot of people envy me... they even tried to kill me, saying that I am a threat" he explained... "W-What?! They are targeting you too?" I asked him And he looked confuse... "What do you mean? You mean you are being targeted as well?" He asked me back.... "Of course! ... don''t you see my eyes?" I pointed my eyes... "Ahh, of course, sorry, I forgot about that..." Euclio said... "Don''t worry, let''s just tell each other if something happened..." I said "Sure..." After we ate our breakfast... "Hey... Nico.." "What?" I asked Euclio... "Are you sure we have no class today?" He asked me... "Ummm... did I ever say that I checked the schedule?" I asked him back... Then, both of us missed our first class on our very first day.... Chapter 4 - School (Part 2) We missed our first class... will Dad be mad at me? H-Hey will it affect my report later? "H-Hey... Nico! Calm down..." Euclio said... Now it''s 9 am... and the class started at 8 am... and ended at 9.. "W-We shouldn''t have ate our breakfast!" I said.. "C-Calm down... we just missed briefing class.. I believe it is not something important..." Euclio said... he is now sleeping on my bed again... T-This boy... I checked the next class... "The next class is Element Magic class... and it will begin at 4 pm..." I said... "Ah.. then you could just skip the class..." Euclio said... "And why is that?" I asked... "Because you have tested your own magic element... and you could use 5 elements..." Euclio said... "T-That''s true... but will it be only trying magic for the whole class?" I asked... Then he looked trouble... "Hey... your Dad is a smart person, what''s wrong with you? You see, on the first meeting and on the first year, what else could be teach in Element Magic Class if it is not testing your capability..." he told me.. "Fine... Fine, then I would like to see every student''s magic..." I said... "Hmm okay... then I will be sleeping till 4 pm... wake me up okay?" he said and sleep on my bed... T-That''s my bed... "Fine..." I said.. I plan to walk around the school I locked my room and start my trip... People keep staring at me... T-This is annoying... "Demon..." "It''s the red eye..." "Pure evil..." I heard those words... but I just ignore them, since I''m used to it... And when I just about to leave them... someone block me... I looked at her... Who is she? She has a long black hair... and she dressed like a paladin... with her fancy plate armor... and she have a big shield on her back also with her sword... "Hey... you have a beautiful eyes..." she said... "Ahh.. well, you see... I guess everyone says that this is a demon eye... or such thing..." I said Did she say it sarcastically? "No.. I mean it... I like your eyes..." she said... She then looked at my eyes even closer... T-That''s too close! "Hey! Whats your name?" she asked me... "Me? I''m Nicolas Maxwell... and you?" I introduce myself... "W-What? So you are the boy everyone else talk about?" she said... "Ah... am I?" I said while avoiding her... "Ah I forgot to tell my name" she said... She then put her fist on her chest... "My name is Precilla, I''m on my second year... and I''m studying in a special class" she introduced herself... "Oh, and I am Nicolas Maxwell, a first-year student, and also I''m in the special class" I said while bowing a bit, like usually how royalty introduce themselves... Everyone is still watching both of us... "Okay, nice to meet you Nicolas... and what are you going to do today?" she asked me... "Ah, you see, I will have a class on 4 pm, so I have a l-" "Do you want me guide you around?" she asked me "I guess if you don''t mind, then it won''t be a problem..." I said... "Okay... follow me..." she said Then she grabbed my hand and start touring the school... "So... is it true that you defeated both Lex and Gina?" she asked me... Lex and Gina? Are they Lion and Elephant? "You mean Lion and Elephant?" I asked... And she suddenly stopped... "Yes... and you should stop calling them like that...No wonder both of them challenged you to a duel..." Precilla said... "Ah, my bad.., actually I was planning to apologized to them... do you have any idea where they are?" I asked her... "Hmm, as I remember, Gina supposed to be in Barrier Magic Class..." she explained... "Barrier Magic Class? Where is it?" I asked her "It is on the second floor of building E" she said... "Come... let me show you!" she said while still holding my hand... After several minutes, we arrived in front of Building E... I have to take a minute of rest so that I can control my breath.... S-She walked really fast! And also, since she hold my hand... everyone is watching both of us... Who is she by the way? I mean it''s only noble and the talented one that could join the special class... Then, she is supposed to be the talented one... because royalty introduce themselves by using its family name as well... while she doesn''t introduced her family name... "Here we are..." she said... After moving to the second floor of building E, I saw both of them studying... Hey, it looks like Elephant is a hardworker... while Lion... is sleeping... The suddenly Lion''s eyes are open and he looked at my direction... Somehow it gives me a chill... "I guess I''ll be coming back after they finished their class.." I said to Prescilla... After saying such word the bell rang... And I hear a rushing footsteps from the class beside me... The door opened and I see Lion ana Elephant rushing toward me... T-This is going to be a big trouble... But then they stopped in front of me... "What are you doing here Rat!" Lion said to me... "Don''t make yourself high after just a match?" Elephant said... Both of them looks angry at me... I thought usually duel shouldn''t be taken as personal problem right? "Umm.. you see, I come here to apologize... for calling you Elephant and Lion...." I said... Then both of them looked speechless... And I feel their rage are cooling down... Precilla stood in front of me... "He just not use to see beastman race... I thought both of you don''t mind a rat? But it seems you guys do mind him so much..." Precilla defended me... Um.. is that the right word? Gina looked at Precilla... then she looked back at me... "If Precilla said so, I guess we have to forgive you!" Gina said... Gina is the Elephant... "I let you go this time rat!" Lex said... Lex is the Lion... They return to the class and left us alone... I guess one of my problem has been solved... "Thanks Precilla-san... couldn''t do this without you.." I said my gratitude... "Don''t mind me... and you can call me Precilla..." she said.. "Then, call me Nico..." I said and both of us shook our hand again... "Let me treat you lunch..." I said... "A-Are you sure about this?" she asked me... "Of course! I''m in debt to you! You saved my day... so just let me treat you okay?" I pushed her to agree... "Hmm, I guess that''s okay if you don''t mind..." she said Both of us moving downward... Should I call Euclio? He owe me lunch... But he is sleeping... Just how long it takes from Qiteron Kingdom to reach this place... "You have something on your mind?" she asked me... "Ah no... it''s just my friend, I think I should buy him a lunch and let him eat it later..." I said "Oh.. So he is not joining?" She asked again We are now walking toward the mess hall... "No... he came from a far kingdom... so I think we should let him take a rest..." I said... "Hmm okay, then I will accompany you later..." she said while smiling... D-Doesn''t she has things to do?! Both of us arrived in the mess hall... and I can see a lot of people has gathered... "Wow... this is a lot crowder than breakfast..." I said "Y-You eat breakfast?" She asked me... "Y-Yeah... Is it a problem?" I asked her back She looked quite shocked... "Ah, I forgot that you are a royalty... you see, normally people don''t eat breakfast to save their money..." she explained... "R-Really? I just knew that..." I said And she nodded... I see... that''s why she doubt me when I wanted to treat her... But.. Euclio.... he is going to treat me lunch... Nevermind, he is a prince, I forget about it... You see... my Dad give me 50 Perius Gold Coin... and I never actually bought anything by myself in this world until this morning... and I just give them a gold coin and they returned it with like tens of silver... The cost of breakfast food be like 5 silver coins... and lunch... "Hmmm it''s 10 silver coins..." I said... after reading the price displayed on the menu... "How much is the cost for normal dinner?" I asked Precilla... "The cheapest one would be 1 silver, and the expensive one is about 10 silver..." she explained... 5 silvers for breakfast + 10 silvers for lunch + 10 silvers for dinner... it would be 25 silvers a day...This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. 25 silvers a day multiplied by 30 is 750 silvers... which means 7 golds and 50 silvers... D-Dad you gave me too much money... And I remember what Dad said about money last time... "If you got a good score... I will double your money okay!" he said to encourage me... "T-That is too much!" I said out of a sudden... "H-Heh? What?! Um... I mean if you can''t afford it, it''s okay for me..." Precilla said in worried tone... D-Did I just speak what inside my mind?! "N-No! Don''t worry, I mean... you see... My dad gave me too much money..." I said a bit whispering... I afraid I put out too much attention... "A-Ahh I see... then you can treat me!" She said happily... T-This girl change so much after we just even met... After we bought the food, we find a place to sit and eat... The two of us seat like in the middle of the crowd, where there is a bit free space... and only fit for 2 people... "Hoah... this place is so crowded... I almost can''t breathe..." I said to her... "Of course! This is not some royal palace! Oh thanks for the food!" she said... "No problem!" I said to her "Let''s eat!" both of us in unison.... We taste the food... and I feel like it is a normal food... But Precilla has different opinion... "T-This is the most delicious food I ever tasted here!" she said... "I-Is that so?" I asked her She ate without facing away from her plate... like he won''t let anyone still her food... Also... everyone looked at us while we are eating... I can''t eat that while being watched... so I ended up not finishing the food... "Heee! Why don''t you eat your food?" she asked me... "I feel like I am full enough..." I said... while smiling... And after finished the food, she still looks like want to eat the table... S-She ate much doesn''t she?! "Y-You can eat mine, if you are still hungry..." Then she pinched my cheek "A-Awww..." I said in pain... Then she said "You should respect other! There are other people that couldn''t eat because they have no money!" She said like an old wise woman saying... "F-Fine!" I said... and I continue eating till it done... After we finished our lunch, I bought also lunch for Euclio... "I guess, I will be returning to my room..." I said... "Hey Precilla!" someone behind me calling her... I looked back... and... I have no idea who he is... But after looking me, he looked a bit surprised... "Red eye! So now both of you are friend!" the boy said... "Ummm yes? And?" Precilla asked him back... And he looked pissed off... "You better avoided her...." He said to me... I don''t even know his name? And he asked me to avoid her? Just what''s wrong with him... "Who are you?" I asked... "Ah... Glad you asked!" he said and looked happy... "My name is Karl Klorze... a second year special class student..." he explained... Klorze... So, he is the son of Mikhael Klorze... a Grand Duke of Perius Kingdom... still thou, lower in rank compared to Dad... "Klorze... you mean your Tousan is Mikhael Klorze?" I asked him "W-Wow... you are surprisingly smart!" He said proudly... "And my name is Nicolas Maxwell... a first year special class student..." I said Then I raise my hand to shake... but he just watched my hand... "You see, I don''t want to deal neither with a demon or a peasant..." He said... Ah... a trouble child.... is the first thing come out of my mind... "Ah okay..." I said... "Let''s go!" I pull Precilla''s hand and move away from him.... And he looked really pissed off! "H-Hey! I haven''t finish talking! Or else! I will tell my To-" before he finished his word... "My Tousan is the Archduke" I said And he stayed quite... and his face looked a bit pale... "F-Fine! I''m going!" he said... And he turned away and slowly leaving us... "Fiuh... That''s troublesome..." I said... "Just don''t mind him... he just hated losing..." Precilla said... We talked while walking to my room... "You see, he is actually a strongest swordsman around..." Precilla explained... Strongest Swordsman? Wow... his words doesn''t really reflect his skill... "But when I enter this school... and I defeated him in a duel... so he is a bit pissed off..." Precilla explained.... S-She defeated the Strongest Swordsman in school?! Does is mean that now she is the strongest?! "Wow... I guessed not a bit... you totally made him into a mad man..." I said Then she laughed... "Hah... if he braves enough to challenge me back, I will accept it..." she said confidently Without realizing both of us has arrived in front of my room... I-Is it okay for girl to come and visit boy''s dorm?! We passed a lot of people, but I also spotted some girl around here... I guess it is okay as long she didn''t stay like Euclio did.... I unlocked my door and opened it... "I''m home..." I said... But no answer.... I look at the clock... it''s 2 am already.... I invited her to come inside... And when she entered the room.... "I thought your room supposed to be different than mine..." Precilla said... "Hmmm? I guess everyone on the Special Class receive the same treatment..." I said And she nodded... "Euclio..." I called his name... And I looked at my bed... He is sleeping peacefully... T-This boy truly exhausted... I thought he is one of the trouble child in school... but seeing how he slept... I changed my mind... I don''t even dare to wake him up... but it''s for his own good... I shake his body... "Hey Euclio..." I called his name... "So... He is Euclio Qiteron?" she asked me... "Y-Yes..." I said... "And you both have known each other for a long time?" she asked me... "You could say that, actually, both of our Dad is quite close..." I said... "Oooo I see... and..." she suddenly looked bashful... "And?" I asked... "You both sleep together?" she asked and her face turned into a tomato.... "Y-Yeah! But you know! It''s because we are too tired yesterday... I guess he passed out as well, so we ended up sleeping together..." I explained... E-Euclio! You owed me one!! Then Euclio talked in his dream... "Uuhh... Nico, I want more..." he said... W-What?! What more?! And I looked at Precilla... Her face turned to red... She then went away leaving us both.... "T-This is a misunderstanding!!" I shouted when she leaved... After she left... "I want more food..." Euclio said in his dream E-Euclio!! Now, I have no pity on him I kicked him... "W-What happened?! Hey! Why you kicked me...." "Dunno... I just want to..." I said... And he is still in his confusion... "W-What day is it?" He asked... "It''s still our first day... and here... your lunch..." I said while giving the food for him... "H-Hey... thanks! I guess I owe you twice..." he said while laughing... I then showed ''3'' sign by my hand... "T-Three?! Just sinc-" "Just treat me!" I said in loud voice... "F-Fine!" he said in scared voice... I guess he give up easily.... Then he moved to the kitchen in my room... My room is actually pretty big... it has a kitchen that also included the dining room... also a bathroom, like the japanese public bath... also a king size bed... that''s why Euclio is able to stay with me last night... After he ate his lunch... both of us walk toward the classroom... it was 3.40 pm... and we hope we won''t have any problem anymore... It''s on the Field... not on the building... We found someone familiar... "Hey..." I waved my hand... It''s Precilla... And she stood up from the bench... "W-Who is she?" Euclio whipered me... "Let me introduce you to her..." I said... We both come closer toward her... "Uh... sorry for leaving both of you earlier... ah.. You see..." Before she finished her word... I cut in... "He said that we want more food just now..." I said... and then she looked relieved... "H-Huh? What happened?" Euclio asked... He looked pretty dumbed now... "Ah, I haven''t introduced both of you properly.... Euclio... this is Precillia, Precillia, this is Euclio Qiteron..." I said introducing both of them After shaking their hands... Precillia talked first... "I heard you are a unique weapon wielder..." And Euclio looked at me... I just nodded... "Y-Yeah... I am..." Euclio said... "Then, let''s someday, we face each other... I am truly curious about fighting a unique weapon wielder" she said Then Euclio looked at me... "Sure! He accepted!" I said... And he just looked clueless... "You both sure are close..." Precilla said... Then she laughed... I guess I just want revenge! To Euclio... "Ah... are you an adventurer?" Euclio asked her... "Nope, not anymore at least... I have been here for a year... at least I need 3 more years so that I can free from this place...." she said... "3? I thought it is a 6 years school..." I asked her... "Ah of course... but the rest 2 years, you will become an adventurer..." Precillia said A-Adventurer?! You mean fighting monsters?! I-Isn''t it great?! "That''s great!" I said in unison with Euclio... Guess both of us didn''t know anything about that... After our small chat... the teacher come and gather us... I also see Gina and Lex... also... Who is she? I guess I know her... I see a pretty familiar girl "Okay everyone... today, we got a new student from the first year... so we will have them to try magic first... and I would like to introduce you to our special student.... Nicolas Maxwell.. Can you step ahead..." Special Student?! Wait... I thought all of us are special?! I move forward... and I spotted Karl... but I focus on the girl next to him... but then she ignored me... "So... as the news had spread... also from the battle yesterday... we know that Nicolas-san could control Earth and Holy elements... but based on the rumor, he could control Fire, Water and Wind as well... can you demonstrate it to us?" The teacher asked me... "S-Sure..." I said... I take my time and.... ''Create... Fire'' ''Create... Water'' ''Create... Wind'' ''Create... Earth'' ''Create... Light'' And all of the 5 spherical color... red, blue, green, brown and white appeared above my head... Everybody showed a ''Woah'' reaction And everyone gave me an applause... "So.. As you can see here... we will do this test for every each of you... Including the second year and the third year.... Thank you Nicolas-san... you can deactivate your magic..." the teacher said... so I deactivate my magic... I return to my initial position... between Euclio and Precilla... "That was beautiful..." Precilla said to me... "T-Thanks..." I said... "You should have see his duel yesterday! It was much cooler!" Euclio said... "Huh... Sadly I wasn''t around..." Precilla said in sad tone... "Ah, by the way... is the class always combined with other different years student?" I asked to change the topic... "Hmm only some subject... like Elemental Magic... Elemental Fighter Magic... Politic... and Swordsmanship..." she explained... "That''s a lot..." Euclio said.... All of us try one by one... including the second year student... And there is one thing I realize... Everyone was using their wand... or staff... I don''t use anything... and I do it without incantation... like others... Precilla couldn''t use any element... Euclio could only use water element Only both of them I care... but I still interested in looking the other trying it... Lex couldn''t do it... Gina could only use wind element... And she able to manipulate it... Karl could use Fire element... He is pretty good himself... but he couldn''t manipulate it... And now, it is this girl... She looks really familiar... "Hey... Euclio..." I called him... "Hmm?" "Don''t you think she looked familiar?" I asked him... "You don''t remember? She is Marie Gavenhallen..." Euclio said... "O-Ohh!!" I said it loud and everyone direct their eyes on me... "S-Sorry..." I said And they return to their own bussiness... also, Marie looked at me with cold gaze... W-What''s wrong with her? She looks like a different person since we met 2 years ago... "Don''t you think that she is a bit cold?" Euclio asked me... "Y-Yeah, I just thought about that..." I said... "You guys knows her?" Precilla asked... "Yeah, we met him during a feast" Euclio explained... "Ah... I see..." Precilla said... But unfortunately... she can''t do it... And the next face looks familiar as well... "D-Don''t you think you know him too?" I asked Euclio too... "Uhhh he looks familiar... but I don''t know his name..." Euclio looked confused as well... He has a blue hair... like Euclio... means he is an Ocean Race... And apparently, he couldn''t use any magic as well... The rate of person using magic is so little... even among Noble... it doesn''t change... But there is this one guy caught my attention... He could control 3 elements... Fire, Wind, and Earth... Then he show his bloodlust toward me... S-Scary... he also able to manipulate it... I guess he is the champion before I joined the school... "W-Who is he?" I asked Precilla... "Ah, he is Noc Avom... a third-year student..." Precilla explained... "W-Wow... this is the first time I knew a third-year student..." I said "Watch out with your word..." A voice behind me... I feel the chill And the three of us looked back... I see a tall white-haired boy with green eyes which is carrying a spear... and a shield... also he has pointy ears... "Ah sorry... did I surprised the three of you?" he asked while smiling... "My name is Navael... I''m a third year student..." he continued... "M-My name is Nicolas Maxw-" "Ah stop right there... we all know about you... you can just skip the introduction..." He said "And what do you want?" Precilla asked suspiciously... "N-No... I just wanted to know the son of the person I admired the most!" He said happily... H-Huh?! He admired Tousan?! "W-Why do you admired him? He is just an annoying old man..." I said... "W-What?! No... He is a remarkable person! You should see it from different point of view..." He defended my Dad... "And also, you have to see it from my point of view..." I insisted... And both Euclio and Precilla could only watched us... "Calm down Navael..." Another elf calmed him down... Now the three of us looked at them... "L-Let''s go..." I said to both Euclio and Precilla... since the class is almost over too... "Wait..." Navael called me... I looked back and asked... "What?" "I challenge you to a Duel..." he said... A-Another Duel? Nope... I''m out "What? I can''t hear you?" I said while walking away... I think I pissed him off... "Nico, you sure know how to pissed people off..." Euclio said while laughing... "Huh... they think everything can be solved by fighting... stupid..." I said... "Hey, we have time after dinner... do both of you want to practice?" Precilla invited both of us... I looked at Euclio... I never sees him fighting before... maybe I could learn something from him as well... Euclio then looked at me as well... and give a sigh... "Fine... at which field?" Euclio asked... "The field is in front of Building E, it''s for swordsmanship practicing...." Precilla said.. "Okay then, let''s do it after dinner..." I said After we skip the Element Class, we decided to have our dinner... We moved to the mess hall... and as usual, we see the crowd... and Euclio looks confused... He then said... "I think during breakfast, it is not as busy as this..." Precilla then looked at me while smiling... The same question I have asked... "Apparently, only the noble eat breakfast... while other tried to save money so they can eat lunch and dinner..." I said Euclio then gives an O mouth... "A-Ah... since both of you have bought me lunch, let me treat you this time..." Euclio said to both of us... Then, Precilla''s face looked troubled... "You see, it was using Nicolas''s money, not mine..." Precilla said... "No problem... he wanted to say sorry for what he said in my room..." I said to Precilla And Euclio trying to remember what he said... "You see... I believe I didn''t say anything..." he said And both of us laughed... After eating our dinner, we do our practice... using our real weapon... "Hey, do you know a thing about barrier magic?" Precilla asked me... I honestly never read those book, since I read only the Elemental Magic part So, I shook my head... "Then let me tell you, you won''t be able to win against me, if you only use your Elemental Magic..." Precilla said... "And why is that?" I asked since I am pissed off a bit... "Wanna try?" She asked, and I nodded... Euclio become the judge... while Precilla and I set a distance... After we are ready, Euclio said... "This is just a training... be sure not to hurt each other..." Euclio said And both of us nodded... "Okay, then begin..." he said I prepare my magic... ''Create.... Fire'' I create a fire and ''Manipulate... Fire...'' Now, I can control my fire freely... But I see she don''t move an inch... "Are you okay?" I asked her... "Just shoot your fire here... I will be okay..." She said... Just how can she be relaxed... "You sure?" I asked And she nodded... "Okay, here I come!" I shouted... And I throw her my fire ball... and... "BARRIER MAGIC!" she draw a line in front of her horizontally and.... A blue barrier popped out... Then my fireball hit the blue barrier but nothing happened... I didn''t give her a single scratch... and also, the barrier still stood... "W-Wow..." I said with surprised... "I never seen something like that..." I continue... "Don''t worry, you will learn it soon..." She said "But I learn it before I enter here..." She continue... "Are you related to Mera Sect?" Euclio asked... Mera Sect? Isn''t it the religion that believe me as descendant of demon? "W-Wow, you sure are sharp... I was the temple''s guardian..." she said... And I am now on guard... Even Euclio hide me behind his back... "And... shouldn''t you hate Nico?" Euclio asked Yes, even their Sect keeps sending assassins to me... "Hate you? For what? Having a red eyes?" she asked And both of us nodded... She then let a sigh... "You see, we can''t judge people without knowing him first... and so I left the church and join this school..." Precilla explained... "To what? Assassinate Nico?" Euclio asked in quite loud voice... "N-No of course! I could do it earlier if I want to... and if I am an assassin, I think I won''t show you anything about Barrier Magic..." Precilla continues her explanation... After saying such things we let our guard down... I guess she is not an enemy... "That''s true... and you see, I guess he has no relation with demon... I''ve been with him for some time and he still looks innocent..." Euclio said... "That''s what I have been thinking about... why the church dare to kill a boy... isn''t that weird? Because of him having a red eyes doesn''t mean he is evil..." Precilla said... Then she looked at me and touch my shoulder... "Don''t worry, I won''t harm you...Even, I will protect you if the church come to get you... trust me..." She said... And I just nodded... I looked at Euclio... "What''s the relation between Barrier Magic and the Church?" I asked him.... "You see, the church keeps all of the Barrier Magic Book, so no one could learn it... except them..." Euclio said... "S-So, we won''t be able to learn it?" I asked him And he shook his head... "Hey, I told you right" Precilla cut our conversation... Both of us looked at her "You will learn it soon..." She continues... "From..." "You?" I cut Euclio''s word... And she nodded... "Yes, that is as my apologize and my sect to think you as a bad guy...." She continued... "S-So you mean, they won''t come and kill me?" I asked her with hope... "N-No... it''s actually only me, hehe.." she said... T-That''s not solving the problem... "Okay... at least you got a friend from the church..." Euclio said while holding my shoulder... "Yeah..." I said while calming down myself... But, Precilla looked troubled... "What''s wrong?" Euclio asked her "You see... I told you right, I left the church..." she said... "T-That''s true..." I said... I guess that doesn''t solve any problem... "But don''t worry, come here after dinner, and I will teach you Barrier Magic..." she said... "Okay!" Both Euclio and I in unison... And from that day... we learn Barrier Magic, with our new teacher... Precilla... Chapter 5 - Truth Yesterday... we were practicing swordsmanship, also... Precilla told the truth about her... now I feel bad for thinking her as a bad person... When I wake up in the morning... what I see is... "E-Euclio... what are you doing here..." I asked him... "Sleeping..." He said while still closing his eyes and his feet are above my stomach... "Wake up... it''s 6 am already..." I said... "It''s still 6 am..." he said and he turned his body away from me.... "And why are you here in the first place?!" I asked but he ignores me... T-This boy shouldn''t have rent a room... "I''ll be going to practice my sword and spear alone okay..." I said... "W-Wait..." he suddenly woke up... "What?" I asked him I was about to leave the bed... "I wanna join..." he said while still closing his eyes... "Then faster!" I said "Gimme 5 min..." he said "T-Too long!! I''ll be going!! Bye!!" I said but he finally coming with me.... We left my room and go downstairs Both of us walked through buildings... and it is still very quite .... I like it when it is quite... I feel so peaceful "I think there will be no one on the training ground..." I said... "Of course! Who is going to train at 6 am!" Euclio shouted at my ears... "Us..." I said... and he looked speechless... When we arrived at the Training Ground... I see a girl practicing... "Guess there is another one like us..." Euclio said... "Should we greet her?" I asked Euclio... But then she come at us... "Hey!" she greeted us... "Hello" I greeted "Hi" Euclio greeted I looked at her... Her face looks so familiar! She has a short black hair... and black eyes... She wears a brown light armor and a sword on her hand... "Are you a new student? Since normally, no one train at 6 am except me..." She said "Yes, we are a first-year special class student..." Euclio explained... "Wow, special class huh? Then, both of you sure are a great guy!" she praised us... "N-Not really..." Euclio said... His face is a bit red... "My name is Nicolas Maxwell..." I said while bowing a bit... "A-And my name is Euclio! Euclio Qiteron!" He said nervously... Euclio... you are too easy... "My name is Roxane! A second-year regular class" she explained... Finally!!... I met a regular class student.... All of the special class students are weird... "Then, I will continue my practice... see you later..." she said After introducing ourselves, she moved away and practice on her own... "Here!" Euclio throw one of his sword... "W-What is this for..." I asked him "I will train you..." He said while smiling... "Fine... but you see, actually I''m pretty good on it.." I said to make him scare "R-Really? What sword style are you using?" He asked me... "I''m using Maxim Style..." I said "W-Woah? Maxim? Doesn''t it requires agility?" He doubted me There are 3 style to play sword... Maxim Style, where you keep dodging every attack, and make your enemy tired... parrying is not an option... usually, the user uses light armor which is making the movement a lot easier Valeon Style, where you keep parrying every attack, and find a chance to attack when the enemy lose concentration... also, usually the user use shield to help the user parried an attack a defensive play Ares Style, where you keep attacking the enemy and not giving the enemy a single chance to attack... the user usually holds their weapon with their 2 hands, making every attack a heavy attack "Yup... I am quite fast" I said... "Okay... Let''s compare it with my Ares Style..." Euclio said Both of us trained until the time where mess hall open... which is 8 am And it was only both of us when we enter the mess hall... Both of us sit after bought some food... "Y-You are surprisingly fast for a mage!" Euclio praised me... I almost defeated him during practice... it''s just I''m out of stamina... "I think I need to train my stamina more..." I said to him "Yeah, but it can''t be help, since you are a mage... but for a mage you sure have a high agility..." Euclio said... Euclio is pretty good as well when he uses one sword... but I am actually waiting for him to use his dual sword technique... When we are talking... a girl sits next to us... "R-Roxane!" I called her... "Hey! Do you mind if I sit here?" she asked... "T-That would be great!" Euclio said... E-Euclio... you are scaring her... I looked at her meal... she bought the same type of meal like us... which is the 5 silver one... I guess she is rich enough then... I am lucky to be born in a great family... with my dad as an Archduke... "So, what will you do after this?" She asked both of us... "We-" "We have a class at 9 am... that is why we decided to wake up earlier to practice..." Euclio said, cut my words... H-He is in love! "I-I see..." she said a bit scared... "And how about you?" I asked her "Me? I don''t have any classes today... but practicing is my daily activity..." she said I am sure that I have seen her face somewhere... "S-So you mean you are on the field every 6 am?" Euclio asked her.. "Of course!" she said with a smile... "T-Then! Let''s practice together someday!" Euclio asked her out... "That should be fun! ... how about tomorrow morning?" she asked "That''s great!" Euclio said... Then he looked at me... "N-Nico! Make sure to wake me up..." he asked me... "F-Fine..." I said... Then she laughed a bit... We talked about the difference between special and regular class... and she said nothing different... only that special class has fewer student compared to regular class''s students... also, maybe the room for the student to live Regular class student sleep two by two... while special class students receive a room for each person.... But... I looked at Euclio... and he is still eating... "Even we are in the special class... I always sleep with this guy..." I said... I pointed Euclio which is sitting in front of me... And he only smiled... "Wow... both of you sure are close..." she said W-Why did everyone said that... "Of course! We have known each other for quite a long time..." Euclio said D-Did we? "I see..." she said I then looked at the clock in the mess hall ... It was 5 minutes before 9... "I guess, we should be going..." I said while standing up... "Sure... see you tomorrow then..." she said "Bye!" Euclio said... We left Roxane... After we put our dirty dish to its place, we move to building E.... When we arrive... there were only 2 students... Marie Gavenhallen and another boy... The boy that looks familiar... he sits alone in the very back... While Marie sits in front of the board... I guess we should greet her since we know each other... Both of us come closer... and... "Hello..." I greeted Marie.. She looked at me and... She ignored me... T-That''s cold... "L-Let''s just sit here Nico..." Euclio said while pointing the bench a bit further than Marie... After both of us seated... "Whats wrong with her?" I asked Euclio whisperingly "How do I know? Did you do something wrong back there? I mean during the feast..." Euclio asked me "Nope... I don''t remember any mistake..." I said... "Hoam... just don''t mind her then..." Euclio said.. Then a teacher come... Our subject today is Math... I don''t believe we have math in this world... Euclio is smart... and I learn math already in my previous world... It is still a basic math... After an hour of class, we leave the room and move to other room... And we have our Barrier Magic class... And I finally know that boy''s name... He is Daigo Staviel... son of Vierten Staviel... So, everyone in my class is the son or daughter of the king... except me, the son of an archduke... Euclio Qiteron, from Qiteron Kingdom Daigo Staviel, from Staviel Kingdom Marie Gavenhallen, from Gavenhallen Kingdom And me... Nicolas Maxwell, from Perius Kingdom All of them have a blue hair, while mine is black... since the three of them are Ocean Race... The last class was basically taught us about the founder of Barrier Magic... which was discovered around 600 years ago... during the 3-ancient kingdom... the story Rueger told me about... Now I missed Rueger so much... he always stayed by my side until I went to this school... Barrier Magic has the ability to block elemental attack... also, they have their own level... Basic, Intermediate, Advance, Expert, Master, Legend, and God... Basic Level could block Basic Level of Magic... and Intermediate Level could block Intermediate Level of Magic... and so on... But apparently, the teaching of Barrier Magic could only be learnt if you join the Church.... They sure are greedy... It was said that Mera Sect has the book that reached Master Level to study Barrier Magic...Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. But it is pointless... since not everyone couldn''t study that... It''s because it requires a lot of mana... Only the God Race could do it.... "Hey.. What''s a God Race?" I asked Euclio We are currently walking toward the Training Field... "It is said that they are the Descendant of God itself... and they have more than 10x mana compared to human..." Euclio explained... Hmmm God Race... Is there someone I know is a God Race? "Are you thinking about the Master Level Barrier Magic?" Euclio asked me... he sees my trouble... "Y-Yeah... I was thinking that it would be troubling for me if people could use Barrier Magic..." I said "Yeah... Sucks to be mage... but you won''t be fighting them..... right?" Euclio said... but then he remembered that I was one of the target... "Nevermind, it is sucks..." He then continues... And we arrived at the Training Ground... there are a lot of people trains... we are waiting for the field ... "But..." Euclio continues... while we are sitting on the bench... "You heard what sensei taught us right?" he asked me "You mean about the weakeness of Barrier Magic?" I asked him... ''''Yep... number one... it''s physical attack, it won''t work against physical attack... number two, Barrier Magic needs mana... if the spellcaster is out of mana, the barrier will wear out... attacking with magic continously will work...." Euclio explained... W-Wow he truly studied... "And the third one sounds impossible... but if you could learn Fusion Magic... it has a better job in reducing the spellcaster''s mana..." Euclio continues... "Fusion Magic... do you know someone who could?" I asked Euclio... "I know!" someone joined our conversation... "R-Roxane!" both of us in unison... "Someone who knows Fusion Magic... it would be our Fusion Magic teacher..." she explained... I-Is that helping? "Hey, after lunch, we will have Fusion Magic class!" I just remembered... "That''s great! You should ask everything you wanted to know to him... he is the best teacher our school have after all..." Roxane explained... The best teacher?! Wow... sounds great... "Just how great is he?" Euclio asked... "Great enough since he is one of the tenth strongest person..." Roxane said proudly... T-Ten strongest person? "W-What?! You''ve gotta be kidding me?! Wow! This school is awesome!" Euclio said excitedly "I know right! Since I know him, my expectation for this school raised a bit..." Roxane said "But... you see, there is no other school except in this place..." Euclio said... Both of them sure enjoy their chit chat... "Hey! Nico... what''s wrong with you?" Euclio asked me... "Uhh, what is it about the ten strongest?" I asked him "You don''t know? It is all written in the monument in the middle of the city... I guess Auxem has one too..." Euclio said.. Monument? I never seen any... monument... or is it because I always sleep on a journey? "But, is it always the same? I mean, if one of the tenth strongest died... should the monument be replaced?" I asked "Ah nope... it will change by itself... and also, all of the monument has been here for more than 600 years!" Euclio explained... "Wow... how did you know that?" I asked him And he looked a bit proudful "Hehe... I sometimes read during my free time..." he said Wow... I never knew this side of Euclio... he is actually resourceful "Thats cool!!" Roxane praised Euclio... And now his face is red... Not cool! "Hey... an empty space! Let''s practice!" I said after seeing a group of people leaving... The three of us practice together... Roxane is an Advance Sword wielder... She used the Ares Style fighting... which made her looks fierce when fighting... I was thrown by her more than 3x... Euclio was thrown twice more... I guess fighting with the same style but in different level should be hard... since Euclio is still in his Intermediate level... I never seen Euclio fighting with two swords... He is well known because he is a unique weapon wielder... but he never showed it to anyone... including me... "Hey Euclio..." I called him and throw his sword back to him... "What? Tired already?" He said teasing me... "Try to use two swords..." I said... And he looked a bit doubtful... But then he says... "Nah... it will be too easy to fight you" he said annoyingly... T-That makes me want to see even more! "No... I mean, try fight against Roxane..." I said Euclio looked at Roxane and she looked back as well... "I don''t mind fighting against two swords!" Roxane shouted... She even looks happy... "See! She wanted to fight you too! With your two swords!" I said "B-But..." Then I come closer to his ear... "You don''t want to disappoint her, right?" I said while whispering him And his face looks red... "F-Fine!" he said while preparing his stance... "So, I will be the judge here now..." I said Both nodded... "Just do it like we practice okay..." I said And both nodded... The people around us stopped training to watch Euclio''s Dual Sword Style... "Ready? GO!" I shouted And Euclio rushed forward... and so Roxane... But when Euclio start swinging his swords... Roxane couldn''t help but keep defending... "W-Wow.." "T-That is unbelievable..." Everyone was amazed by Euclio... The Ares Sword Style that always keep attacking... are now in defensive position... After a minute full of parrying... Roxane finally able to find a blindspot and kick Euclio further... "As expected from Roxane..." "Yeah! I guess she inherit her Dad''s skill as well..." Some whispering... Her Dad''s skill? Just who is her Dad... After kicking Euclio... it''s time for Roxane to attack Euclio rapidly... but Euclio easily defend himself by parrying each attack... And finally, the battle ended... A sword fly away from Roxane''s hand... and Roxane fell to the ground... she looks speechless... "It''s Euclio''s win!" I said... "Woahhh!!" everyone shouted after seeing the amazing battle... Euclio then offer his hand to help Roxane stand up... and she accepted it... When she stand up... she praise Euclio "Y-You are incredibly strong!" Roxane praised Euclio... "N-No... I guess I won''t be able to win against Nicolas still..." Euclio said... He said loud enough so that I can hear... Not only me... but every audience could hear it as well.. And they all direct their eyes on me... That Euclio! I feel a bit nervous when everyone looked at me... "H-Hey! Euclio... Roxane! Let''s get some lunch!" I said it quite loud... "Okay!" both of them agreed... With that, the crowd dismissed... "Let me treat both of you!" she said... "A-Are you sure?" I asked... "Don''t worry... I am quite a rich girl!" she said... T-That''s quite cocky... And now I am really curious about her Dad''s job... "Fine... If you don''t mind!" I said "Okay!!" Euclio agreed immediately... When the three of us reach the mess hall... "Uhhh, I don''t see any seat left..." I said... "Look! Precilla is alone there..." Euclio said... I saw her eating nothing? Or she has eaten the food? "Okay! Let''s sit next to her!" I said... After buying the food... we come closer toward Precilla... "Hello!" I greeted her And she looks a bit shocked... "A-Ah! Hello!" she said... "Can we sit next to you?" Euclio asked... "Sure! Why not!" Precilla said without thinking... And then I offer her a bread... "W-What''s this for?" she asked me... "Uhhh, I just feel sorry about last night..." I said I tried to make excuses... I know that she have not eaten yet... "What about last night?" she asked and tilted her head... "I thought of you as a bad person..." I said... "so just accept this as my apologize..." I continued I put the bread in front of her and I start eating my meal "F-Fine... thanks..." she said... "And by the way... Precilla... this is.." Before Euclio finished her sentences... "Roxane...." Precilla said... And Roxane looks confused... "H-How did you know my name?" she asked her... "Hmmm? You are quite famous in this school..." Precilla said... I-Is she?! "A-Am I?" she asked... "Of course! First, you are an Advance Sword Wielder.... which make you be the strongest swordsman here..." Precilla said... W-Wait.... I thought Precilla is the strongest one? "No... I think, you are the strongest one... since you are also an Advance Sword Wielder...." Roxane said... "No... you..." "You..." T-This war start while both Euclio and I eat... "How about a duel!" someone behind me shouted... "Y-Yes! A duel could decide!!" another one shouted... Okay... now this is a trouble... "Fine! I will show you that you are stronger!" Precilla said... "Okay! Let see! I know that you will win!" Roxane said... U-Uhh... is this duel necessary? I guess both of them here actually has a good purpose... and now turns into a duel... "WOAHHHH!!" Everyone shouted... T-This place is actually a colosseum! I just don''t see it! "So... when do you have free time?" Precilla asked me... "W-What?! Me? Why me? It''s a duel between both of you right?" I asked in confusion... "Nope! We need you to confirm which one is stronger!" Roxane said... "U-Uh... then after my class... it should be 3 PM" I said "Then... it is settled!" both of them in unison... I-I don''t even know what is happening here... And now the mess hall become more crowded than ever... "Um... why is it become louder here?" Euclio asked... "Of course! Everyone one to see the daughter of the head priest fight!" Roxane said D-Daughter of the head priest?! "Nope! They want to see the daughter of the Tenth Strongest!" Precilla said... D-Daughter of the Tenth Strongest?!? W-What is going on here?! "W-Wait... so you are the daughter of the head priest? You mean the leader of Mera Sect?" I asked Precilla She nodded... "And you? Daughter of the Tenth Strongest?" I asked Roxane... And she let a sigh... "Yes, I am..." she said "W-Wait... so you are the Daughter of Rueger-san?" Euclio asked And she nodded... W-Wait... Rueger.... are we talking the same Rueger? "C-Can I asked something?" I asked Roxane... "W-What is it?" she asked... I think she felt a bit uncomfortable... "Where is your Dad now?" I asked her... Seeing me trying to reveal the truth She let another sigh... "He is your Tousan''s right hand..." She said... And now I am a hundred percent sure that this is the old Rueger we are talking about... the Rueger that always told me stories... S-So he is the number ten strongest person?! Why is he staying with my Dad?! "Hey... Hey! Nico!" Euclio play his hand in front of my eyes... "W-What?!" I asked.. "You are daydreaming!" Euclio said... "O-Of course! I just know that the person that always keep me safe... telling me bedtime stories! And the person I share my secret to, is one of the ten strongest!" I said... "Wow... you are now with my Tousan?" Roxane asked... I nodded... "Yeah... he is always protecting me from the assassins that keeps coming..." I said After knowing the truth about Roxane''s and Precilla''s Dad, Euclio and I just remembered that we have a class to attend... "We will be going first!" I said to both of them... "Sure... see you at 3" Precilla said "Good luck!" Roxane said "Bye!" Euclio waved his hand... After few minutes walking, we arrived in front of the class... When we entered the door... I see another two students... Marie Gavenhallen, and Daigo Staviel... "Hey, should we try to sit next to Daigo?" I asked Euclio... "Let''s try! You first!" Euclio said... T-This boy... I walked to his place and... "Hey!" I called him He looked at me... "Yo..." He greeted me... "Mind if I sit next to you?" I asked... He doesn''t show any response... And I looked his face... waiting for approval... "Fine..." he said... I think I was holding my breath to wait his answer... Then both of us sit on his right... All of us now sitting on the back row... "My name is Nicolas.... and this guy next to me is Euclio..." I introduce myself... since both of us never properly introduce ourselves in front of him... "Hello..." Euclio waved his hand... but with sleepy face... "Yeah... don''t worry, I know you guys... you can call me Daigo..." he said "Okay!" I said... It seems like he is a chill guy... After minutes... the teacher come... And the four of us looked at the teacher with our mouth hanged... H-He is using a mask... The shape of the mask is like a man face but all white... there are some purple color on it too, shaping like an eagle symbol... After preparing his stuff on his table.. "Nicolas Maxwell..." He called my name... I stand up from the bench... "Yes?" I asked "See me after class..." he said And everyone was looking at me... "H-Huh? D-Did I do something wrong?" I asked... "Just come and see me later..." he continued "O-Okay..." I said I then return to my seat... "D-Did you do something wrong?" Euclio asked with worries... "I don''t know! I was even with you all day, right?" I remembered him "T-That''s true..." He said "You see... you better not make any trouble in front of him..." Daigo said... "W-Why?" I asked "Don''t you know he is one of the ten strongest?" Daigo explained... "I-I know..." I said And suddenly... my head was hit... "Ahh!" I shouted a bit.. It was not hurt but actually I''m surprised... The three of us looked above my head and... "A tree?!" The three of us in unison... I hit a branch of a tree... and I''m sure that there is no tree before... "Enough talking?" He asked me... Beyond that mask... I feel that he was staring at me... "Y-Yes!" I said... "Good! Then, let''s start!" He said And the tree above my head was shrinking, slowly... All of us looked at the tree with opened mouth... "First of all... let me ask you... Marie... do you know Fusion Magic?" he asked Marie... And she nodded... "What is Fusion Magic?" he asked again... "A combination between two element and created a new element... and it is called as Fusion Magic" Marie answered... "Correct... and have any of you seen one?" he asked all of us... All of us shook our head... And he laughed... "Nope... you all have seen one..." he said Then he make a small tree in the palm of his hand..... "W-Wow...." I said... "T-That''s awesome!" Euclio said... S-So... the thing that hit me just now is his magic... Then he gripped his hand and deactivate the magic... "My name is Keito-sensei... and I will teach you, the basic of Fusion Magic... and also... is there anyone here that could use more than 2 elements?" the teacher asked... And everyone looked at me... F-Fine... I raised my hand... "Nicolas? Then come here... move forward..." Keito-sensei called me I stand up from my seat and move forward... "Try to activate all of the element that you can use..." he said "Umm. Okay..." I said ''Create... Fire'' ''Create... Water'' ''Create... Wind'' ''Create... Earth'' ''Create... Light'' And 5 orbs behind me with different color appeared... He looked a bit shock... "W-Wait... you can do invocation with voiceless?" he asked... I nodded... He looked speechless at first... "That''s awesome! Then, try to grip you hand hard... and use Water and Earth at the same time..." he continues Everyone is looking at me seriously.... I close my eyes and try to focus... I grip my hand... Using two elements at the same time? Why I never thought anything about that... I feel water is flowing inside my hand... but it should be wood right? Maybe I should add earth element more... But then I feel that I am holding a stone... T-The earth element is too much... let''s decrease it a bit Now, I feel something is in my hand... Not a soil and not a water... I opened it slowly and... "A-A tree!!" I shouted... "T-That''s great!!" Euclio shouted... And the masked teacher looked at me without saying anything... "That''s it... everyone! The class is over!" Keito-sensei said out of sudden... "W-What?!" Everyone in unison... "H-Hey... it''s not even 10 minutes!" Euclio said... "Yep, I forgot that I have something to do..." Keito-sensei said He then looked at me... "See me in my room..." Keito-sensei said "Uhhh.. Which building? And what number?" I asked "Building F, number 301" he said "Okay..." I said And he left the room... "W-What''s wrong with him?" Daigo said with anger... "I don''t know... maybe he has his own reason..." I said I picked up my bag... "Want me to join?" Euclio asked me... "I actually want you to join... since I don''t know anything about him... he is creepy..." I said... "Then I guess I have to join..." Euclio said "Fine..." I said "Then I will be off..." Daigo said... "Oh... what will you do now?" I asked him... "Huh... I have to attend on a meeting for student council..." Daigo said with tired face... "W-What?!" Euclio and I in unison... "What?" Daigo asked... "So you participate those kind of things?" Euclio asked... "Yeah, I need to find more connection... since my Kingdom is the Kingdom of Policy..." Daigo explained... "That is hard..." I said And he let a sigh... "Yeah, it is... I have to go! See you later!" he said and left us... Before he left, Marie has already left... Daigo is a good guy right? "Let''s go!" I said... After both of us finished cleaning our table, we both walked to building F... "This is suspicious... why did he want to meet you in a quite place..." Euclio said... "I-I don''t know... I hope he is not the believer of Mera..." I said... "T-That is actually could happened... and he is one of the ten strongest... you will be dead..." Euclio said Euclio made the situation worse.... "Not me... but us..." I said... "Urghh somehow I feel like wanna change my mind..." Euclio said... I grip his cloth... "Nope... you are coming with me" I said After minutes of walk... we arrived at the third floor of Building F... He prepared both of his swords... while also, I prepared my magic... five of them We walked through the corridor and find his room on the end of the corridor... "I thought number 1 should be on the nearest to the stair?" Euclio said... "Ssstt" I said... I knocked the door... "Come in..." a voice inside the room said... I looked at Euclio and he looked at me back... He then nodded... I open the door with one hand... and the other one is preparing to attack... I can''t see anything... it''s too dark... "T-This is sketchy... should we leave?" Euclio said But then suddenly, the light is on... And I see a masked man inside the room... He is washing his hand... "Ah, you brought a friend..." he said "Y-Yeah... can I?" I asked him... He then give a thought for some times... "Do you trust him?" Keito-sensei asked me... W-What is that question? It''s sounds so abstract... "Of course!" I said "Then, come in..." he said while preparing some drinks... Both of us come in and stand near the front door.. "Don''t be shy, just sit here both of you..." He said while pointing at the sofa "O-Okay..." I said Euclio is nervous... and so do I... "Why both of you looks so nervous? I won''t kill any of my student..." he said "H-How do we know?" I asked... but no immediate answer We haven''t sit yet... but then he finished his preparation and put the drinks on the table... He sit and said "Since I just want to talk with my grandson..." The masked teacher said... G-Grandson?! I look at Euclio... "H-He is your grandpa?" I asked And Euclio shook his head... "I-I though he is yours...." Euclio said But I don''t have any grandparents My Tousan told me that he died... And Keito-sensei suddenly released his mask... After seeing his face... I looked like an idiot "R-Red eyes..." Euclio said... and Euclio look at me as well... "Yep, the same as yours..." He said... "My name is Zerotus, Zerotus Maxwell..." he introduced himself... And both of us couldn''t talk... or even move... I am even more frightened by now... All of my magic is active already but this Zerotus doesn''t even fear me... But then Euclio hold my shoulder from behind me... "I think it is safe..." He said... Really? is it really safe? I looked at Euclio... and he displayed a serious face... I deactivated my magic... And both of us walked closer... and sit "Please, drink..." he said "T-Thanks..." Euclio said... After a long silence... Euclio broke it... "So... both of you never met before?" he asked... "Of course no! I thought you died!" I said to Zerotus... "I died? Hah... who told you that?" He sounds happy... I don''t know why but he sounds happy... "Otousan..." I said... "Clement?" he asked... I nodded... "HAHAHAHAHAHA" he then laughed loudly.... I don''t understand what happened... "Do you even know the history of Maxwell?" He asked me "Uh... Tousan told me that he comes from a poor family, but then with his power he joined the military, and he is a friend with the king... so that now he is an archduke..." I said in short... Zerotus looked confuse... but he explained "You see... let me tell you... My grandfather is Maximus Maxwell, and he has a red eyes as well... and his first son is Megarus Maxwell which is my Dad has the red eyes... and he has a brother... named Beratus Maxwell" he said... S-So he is talking about the ancestors? I still don''t get it... "I am the first son as well, from Megarus... which means, I am the first line blood... and so, I have the red eyes... while my brother''s don''t..." he continued... "S-So... you mean the first line blood of Maxwell always have a Red Eyes?" I asked "Yes... and so you are... but... does your Tousan has red eyes?" he asked me... "No..." I said innocently... "It''s because you are not his son!" he continues... And I looked troubled... I am not Dad''s son? But he protected me from any danger... also treat me like he treats any of my siblings... Can I even trust him? "N-No! You are lying... you are making up the story..." I said... Euclio then asked a question... "Then... if Nicolas is your grandson, who is his real Dad?" Euclio asked... He asked so that I could maybe find the truth I am also interested in hearing the answer.... "Jeremiel... Jeremiel Maxwell, he is my first son... and the true successor of Maxwell House..." Zerotus said... "J-Jeremiel? Then where is he?" I asked... He shook his head... "I don''t know... but you see, have you ever heard the rumor about a sky kingdom?" he asked me I shooked my head... but Euclio answered... "I have heard about it..." Euclio said I looked at Euclio... "And what about it?" Euclio asked Zerotus... "I guess that is now your real Dad''s Kingdom" Zerotus said Chapter 6 - Secret "Have you heard about the story about Navroth the tyrant?" Zerotus asked us... "Yes, she was trying to rule the world... but she was defeated by Epius Perius..." I said Rueger told me the story when I was little... "Yes... that is what all of us believe... I wasn''t there so I couldn''t warn them..." Zerotus said... "W-What do you mean you weren''t there?" Euclio asked... "I mean, I lived for almost 200 years..." Zerotus said... Hearing that, Euclio and I looked like an idiot... B-But how?! Normal human couldn''t live that long After he said that... I asked... "Are you a God Race?" Both of us waited for his answers... "What? Of course! No human could reach my age..." he said... "Let me continue the story... so, Navroth was casting his magic right?" He asked both of us... And both of us nodded... "Do you know what magic is it?" He asked again... And both of us shook our head... "It''s the Manipulation... God Tier Dark Magic..." He said... Euclio seems to believe what Zerotus have said... "How did you know?" I asked... He pointed his eyes... then my eyes... "The Maxwell eyes can''t be deceived..." he said "W-What do you mean deceived?" I asked again... He stood up and move to his room... He held a single book and throw it to us... "Read the title..." he asked us "Maxwell Family Timeline..." both of us said in unison... "Open the first page and read it together..." Euclio and I are confused... but we still did what he wants... Both of us read together... "The First Generation of Maxwell is..." "Auxillium" I said "Clement" Euclio said And both of us looked at each other... "What do you mean? Are we reading the same page?" I asked him "It''s this one right? It''s written there Clement" Euclio said "N-No... It''s Auxillium..." I said And both of us stop debating and looked at Zerotus... "Now you understand right? Who won the Great War 2..." Zerotus said... "Navroth manipulated her death so that she could live..." He continued "D-Don''t you think I should tell my Tousan?" I asked Zerotus... "No! If you tell this to anyone... I swear I will kill you!" He said with his bloodlust... I feel the room a bit shaking... Euclio holds his swords already... I activated my magic... And I feel like want to shot my magic to him... T-This is danger, he is strong... I couldn''t even stand up properly... it is heavy... But then, I feel the bloodlust has gone... And my hand and body feel lighter... "J-Just what is that about!" Euclio complained... But Zerotus laughed... "It means, that if you tell anybody, you are dead... by my hand..." he said He then looked at me... "Including you..." he said T-That is super scary! I just met my grandpa and he won''t hesitate to kill me?! "O-Okay... but why are you telling me the story?" I asked... And he thinks a bit... "You are strong..." he said to me... "What do you mean?" I asked... "Fusion Magic... it took 50 years for me to be able to use it... and you can do it in a single try..." Zerotus said... Euclio looked at me... and I looked at my hand... "You control 5 elements... you can try more fusion beside this..." he said "Create Water...Create Earth..." he activated his magic... And two spherical light appeared behind him... He then created wood around his body, from the ground... like protecting him... "That is the combination of water earth, you can try combining it with light attribute as well..." Zerotus said... "But you see, it will take a lot of mana... so you could passed out in an instance..." he continues.. "And if I am weak, will you tell me this story?" I asked him But he laughed really hard... "No one that possessed the Maxwell Eyes are weak! No one!" he said... I was about to try another combination but stopped... "Y-You don''t want to destroy my room right?" he said T-That''s true... "Now leave! And don''t tell this to anyone! If you meet your Tousan, just assume this doesn''t happened... but you know who is the real enemy?" He asked me "Navroth?" I asked And he nodded... "He used a God Tier Magic... which is should be impossible for any living being..." Zerotus explained... "Also... number 1 strongest person in this world..." he said I gulped... "Come back later, I have things to do... It''s almost 4 PM here..." he said "Okay..." I said "Ummm Zerotus-sensei?" Euclio called Zerotus... "Don''t call me with that... call me with my official teacher name..." he said "Ah, okay... Keito-sensei... can I borrow this book?" Euclio said He took the book that we just read together... "Hmmm, sure... just don''t lost it..." he said "T-Thanks sensei!" Euclio said Then. both of us leave the room and close the door behind us... "That is scary!" I said "T-The room is shaking right? I will not ever make any trouble with him" Euclio said "I never thought about meeting a person like that..." I said "Your grandp-" Before Euclio finished his word I close his mouth... "Ssstt" I said and Euclio understand... "Also... about your Tousan..." Euclio then showed a sad face... "D-Don''t worry about it... but I am quite disappointed knowing the fact as well..." I said in sad face... And Euclio hold my shoulder... "Calm down... whoever you are, I believe your parents will still love you..." Euclio said "And beside that! I am still your best friend!" Euclio said proudly... Yeah, what Euclio just said is true... "Thanks" I said to him... And he return it with a smile... "I think we have to attend something..." Euclio said while we are walking slowly downstair... Then I started to run... Euclio then catch me up... "W-What happened? What did we forget?" he asked me.. "The duel!" I said... Not even a minute, we arrived in front of the duel arena... I opened the door and... "W-What the heck..." Euclio said "H-How can this have happened?" I asked... There are hundreds of people already... "HEY!!! YOU ARE LATE!!!" a girl shouted from the arena... And every eyes are on both of us... The room also become silence... "A-Ahhh... you see, we have something to do... so..." I said... "It''s okay! Come here and be the judge!" Precilla said... I come toward the arena battle and be the judge... "Ehem..." I said But I hear talks behind my back... "Why are we waiting for the demon?" "What''s so special about him?" "You know, he is the son of the archduke..." "Cihh, using his Dad to enter the school..." Then someone poked me... I looked at my back... "Don''t mind them!" Euclio said and he smiled... "Yeah thanks..." I said And since then, I believe that Euclio is my true friend... "So, the rule will be the normal duel rule... no killing, and one side will win if the other side surrender or can''t fight anymore.... both of you agree and ready?" I announced the rule... And both of them looked at me and nodded... Precilla prepared her stance which is more defensive, while Roxane prepared her stance to attack immediately... Precilla used her heavy armor... while Roxane used her light armor, which she uses for her daily activity... "Then... it starts... NOW" I shouted And the audiences make the arena loud... Everyone supports their own team... "Go for it Precilla! Show them the power of Mera!!" "Roxane! You are the Regular Class hope!" Roxane immediately jump toward Precilla with her sword above her... "HIAAA!!" Roxane shouted TENGG The impact sound of her sword and Precilla''s shield... After her attacked got parried... she kicked Precilla''s shield and pushed Precilla backward... And the sounds of the crowd are getting noisier...This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Who do you think will win?" Euclio asked me... "I don''t know... both of them are equal I guess..." I said "Both are in advance level but one using Ares style and the other is using Valeon style... this is like showing which style is better..." Euclio said... Then I direct my view toward the battle again... After directing multiple of attack... Roxane looks a bit exhausted... Not only Roxane... Precilla as well... I guess the sound and the vibration she held from the attacks tire her as well... But then, I see Roxane start moving toward Precilla again... and she play fool on Precilla... And Precilla''s shield were thrown away... "W-Wow... that is a good move..." Euclio praised her... Not only him but everyone else praises Roxane... Roxane just pretend to strike Precilla from above but she is actually not, but she move to Precilla''s right side... With reflect, Precilla swing her sword but then her hand was kicked by Roxane and Roxane''s kicked Precilla''s shield at the same time... she is doing a split on air... With that, now both of them have a sword and a sword... I guess now Precilla has thinner defense... Roxane move forward and start her continuous attack once more... but every attack was parried by Precilla... This battle took more than 15 minutes... The atmosphere in this duel is now tense... S-Should I stop the battle? I looked at Euclio and he looks the battle without even winking his eyes... Everyone is so serious about the result... I guess I have to wait a bit... Then both of them launched their final attack... Roxane come forward and Precilla as well... And when both sword touch each other... both cracked... and broke... I then raised my hand... which make I am making the decision... "T-There is no winner in the game... it''s a draw!" I shouted... And both Precilla and Roxane shake their hands... Everybody give applauses to them... But I know from the applause that they are not satisfied yet.... "That is a wise decision..." Euclio said... "Both of them are strong... their skills are equal..." I said While both of us analyzing the battle, Roxane and Precilla came... "Hey!" Precilla come to me... And Roxane waved her hand... "Both of you are great!" I said complimenting them... "Thanks!" Roxane said... "H-Hey... Roxane! Teach me your Ares Style sword to me!" Euclio asked her... "Sure... 6 AM tomorrow morning okay?" She said "O-Okay!" Euclio agreed and he looks so happy... This boy... "Hey! What''s that book?" Precilla asked She pointed the book Euclio holds... "Ah, t-this book is.... my friends book! Yeah! We were late because of borrowing this book from a friend...!" Euclio said nervously I know the book, which is actually the Family Tree of mine... "C-Can I borrow the keys?" Euclio asked me... "W-What for?" I asked... "J-Just gimme..." he forced me... I give the keys and... "I''ll be back in a minute!" Euclio said while running... He left the three of us... "Your friend is weird..." Precilla said "He is..." I said while sighing... "B-But he is kind!" Roxane defended him... "Yep! Of course! He is actually my first friend!" I tell them my story... "W-Wow... that''s great! That explain why both of you are close!" Precilla said... I nodded... "Hmmm I think I have to visit the store this weekend..." Roxane said... changing the topic Precilla and I looked at Roxane''s hand... The broken sword... "Y-Yeah... I have to buy one too..." Precilla said... "Hmmm tomorrow is saturday right? We can visit the town!" Roxane said... "T-That''s a great idea! Let''s go! Wanna join?" Precilla asked me... "Uhmm... I guess that won''t be a problem... and I will be with Euclio too..." I said "Be with me what?" Euclio asked "WOAH!!" I shocked... He asked that beside my ear.... "W-What are you doing!" I asked "What are you talking about when I am away?" Euclio asked... "Let''s head for the Mess Hall! I will treat the three of you dinner!" Roxane said... "Wow! Thanks!" Euclio said happily... "That will be great! I am starving now!" I said "R-Really?" Precilla asked "Of course! C''mon! Look at Nico! He can eat you if we stay here longer!" Roxane tells her joke... "Run!!" Euclio said and he run "H-Hey!" But no one here anymore... everyone is actually running away from me?! T-That is childish!! I know that we are 10 but... While me? I am 16+10... I am mentally 26 years old... Nevermind! This is a new life now! With a new friend! Then I run to catch them up... After I arrived at the Mess Hall... as usual, I found it really crowd... I am not used to it... but okay... "Nico! Here!" Euclio shouted... Oh, they found a place for us to sit... I come toward them and sit... "Let me and Euclio buy the food... both of you wait here okay?" Roxane said "Yeah, that''s a good idea..." Precilla said Then both of them went for the food... To be honest... both of them make a good couple already... I stayed behind with Precilla... "You see, since I know you guys... I almost never buy my own food..." she said "Hahaha, don''t mind, you see, we are lucky that our parents have a lot of money..." I said "Yeah, but next time, let me treat you guys okay?" She said with serious eyes... I don''t know what to answer... "Y-Yeah... sure..." I said without knowing my answer is right or no... "By the way... can I ask you something?" I asked her... "What is it?" she asked... "How do you manage to survive last year without holding any money?" I asked... And her face looked shy... "You see... I still have the money that I have taken with me after running from the temple..." she said "But now?" I asked... "Nothing left..." she said with sad face... T-That''s too bad... I can''t just give her money, right? Or she will be offended... She is kind... she even want to teach us barrier magic daily... H-Hey! That''s a good idea! "H-Hey! How about this!" I said energetically... "W-What?!" She listened to me carefully... "H-How about you teach Euclio and I barrier magic daily, and we will pay your breakfast, lunch and dinner as the fee!" I said "T-That''s a great idea! But is it okay for you?" she asked... "No problem! And I guess Euclio has no problem as well... he is the prince of the biggest kingdom in this world..." I said "If you have no problem, I guess I don''t need to worry about food anymore!" she said... She is now crying... but a happy cry? I guess? "A-Are you okay?" I asked... She wipe her tears... "I''m okay..." she said and then she take a deep breath... "You see... the sect truly misjudged you... I know right, that you are a good guy..." she said And somehow that makes me happy... "That''s okay... at least you realize right! Never judge person from the outside!" I said proudly... After I said that, Euclio and Roxane come with 4 plates... "Let''s eat guys! Before Nico eat us!" Euclio said "Okay!!" Roxane and Precilla said... "I-I won''t eat you guys!!" I said And they laughed... After dinner... Roxane left, she said she has to do something... I don''t know what, since she didn''t tell us... The three of us trained our new magic... Barrier Magic... "Is it okay for us to learn this?" I asked Precilla... "It''s not... but I guess that''s okay?" She said... W-What does it mean... We learn it quite fast... since both Euclio and I could use Elemental Magic... It takes only an hour and both of us has mastered the basic magic barrier... After we finished practicing, we permit ourselves and leave... since both of us know that she is tired already... she just finished her duel... I arrive in front of my door and search for the keys... But then Euclio opened my door... Ah, I just remember I gave him the key... After he opened my door... he enters the room first before me... T-This boy... "Hey can you read the book for me?" he asked me while taking off his shoes... "Sure... but I want to take a shower first okay?" I said and he nodded... After I clean myself... Euclio cleaned himself Both of us is now on the chair... and I read the book... "So, the first generation of Maxwell is Auxillium Maxwell..." I said "You see... Auxillium is one of the king of the three ancient kingdom..." Euclio said "I-Is it?" I asked and he nodded... S-So.. I am the descendant of the legendary king... wow.... "Then he has a son... Moore Maxwell... which married Maximia Euron..." I said "Euron?! Then she is the daughter of Sparax Euron! The king of Euron Kingdom! One of the three ancient kingdom as well..." Euclio said "T-That''s cool isn''t it?" I said "I really wanted that eyes now Nico..." Euclio said... N-Now I am afraid of him... "So... this Moore Maxwell is the second generation, and the only son... after he married Maximia Euron, they have 3 children... Maxim Maxwell... the oldest one... Alice Maxwell... the second one... and Ares Maxwell... the youngest one..." I said And I looked at Euclio... so, he notice as well... "Hey! Don''t you realize?" he asked me... "Y-Yes..." I said Maxim and Ares... are two of the three sword style... While Alice, is one of the three spear style I continue my reading... "Maxim has one son... Maximus Maxwell" I said... "M-Maximus? The hero of the alliance?!?" Euclio said "W-What? Hero?!" I asked "Y-Yes! He protected Perius Kingdom from extinction... that''s all I know... maybe the book was manipulated too... so that we won''t know a lot..." he said Euclio then shake my shoulder... "Y-Your family are all great people!" Euclio said... "H-Hey let me continue!" I said and Euclio return to his seat... "T-Then... Maximus has two sons... Megarus Maxwell and Beratus Maxwell..." I said... "Megarus Maxwell have two sons... Zerotus Maxwell and Erich Maxwell..." I continue... "Zerotus Maxwell has two sons... Jeremiel Maxwell and Clement Maxwell..." I continue... "Jeremiel Maxwell has two sons?!?" I said in panic voice... "J-Jeremiel is you real Tousan right?" Euclio asked... and I nodded... "Edward Maxwell and Edmund Maxwell..." I said "Ah,... all I see here is Clement Maxwell has 3 child, Nicolas Maxwell, Nate Maxwell and Nathalia Maxwell..." Euclio said... "T-This book is really something... but there is no my name here!" I said "T-That should be a mistake..." I said "Cause your real name is Edward!" A voice behind me... "K-Keito -sensei!!" both of us said in surprise... "H-Hey! Lower your voice!" he said... "My name is Edward?" I asked and he nodded... "Then who is Edmund?" I asked him And he looks sad... "He is your brother..." "W-Why you looked sad?" I asked... "Because he went missing!" Zerotus said in loud voice... I looked at him and see his sad face... I stand up and let him sit... "You see... you are the only Maxwell I can contact..." he said... while sitting down... "W-Why? How about Tousan?" I asked... I mean Clement... "Yes, I can... but he is currently being manipulated too right?" he said and I nodded... "He doesn''t even know if I am alive..." he continues.... "What about Kasan?" I asked... "It''s just the same... everyone in this world were manipulated... except me, Jeremiel, and you..." Zerotus said... T-That''s true... After we finish talking... "Then... I should leave..." Zerotus said... "W-What?! That''s fast..." Euclio said... And Zerotus looked at Euclio... "When you meet your Father... asked him whether he still remember me or not..." Zerotus said to Euclio... "D-Did you guys know each other?" Euclio asked... "Hahaha! Save the fun for later!" he said and left the room... Then silence rule the room... Both of us remain silent... "You see... I swear that I have locked the door... just how could he entered here..." I said I move to the door and try to locked it... but it can''t... "T-The door never been open!" Euclio said while holding the door key... T-That is a mystery as well... After learning such thing... both of us went to bed... The next day... at 6 am... I woke Euclio... which is next to me... And we go trained with Roxane... After that we met Precilla in the Mess Hall... as I promise... I paid the food for Precilla in exchange of her teaching us Barrier Magic... The four of us then prepared ourselves for going to town... When weekend comes... we are allowed to go to town... and I just knew it yesterday... We visited one of the blacksmith there with Roxane as our tour guide... She knows everything in this city... "Wow... you know this city more than the owner..." Euclio teased me... "H-Hey... I just barely went outside my house..." I said... We arrived in front of the shop... and Roxane open the door... I saw a dwarf... and he looks old... "Ah Roxane... So... it''s broken again?" the dwarf asked Roxane... And Roxane let a sigh... "Yep... I guess I need the stronger one...." Roxane said... while giving the broken sword back to the dwarf.... "Just with whom do you fight! It looks pretty heavy!" the dwarf said while examining the broken sword... "This girl..." Roxane said while pointing Precilla... And Precilla waved her hand toward the dwarf... "Ah... a new customer! So what do you need?" the dwarf asked her... Precilla moved forward... "Hmmm I need the strong one... doesn''t have to be sharp but sturdy..." she explained her type of sword... "So... a sword which is sharp and a sword which is strong...and how you sir...." he asked me... But then... "H-HAHHHH?!" he sounds surprised... "A-Ah... no, I just accompanied them..." I said while smiling... "N-Nicolas-sama! S-Sorry for not noticing you!" he said "N-No problem! I just want to accompanied my friend! That''s all!" I said "I-I see! Then! Let me give you both a discount!" the dwarf said... At the end... they bought what they want... and even receive a discount... "T-This is super cheap!" Precilla said... "Yeah! With good quality! Thanks to Nicolas-sama!" Roxane said... she teased me... "H-Hey just call me Nicolas okay... that''s weird when you call me with ¨Csama..." I said and they laughed... We returned to school after eating our lunch in the city... and of course with Roxane''s guide... The owner gives me a discount as well after knowing I am the son of the Archduke.... The four of us are always together in school... in class, we are close with Daigo as well... But he always busy with the student council stuff... And without realizing, the time flew so fast... it was near the end of the semester... We are going to the assembly room for some closing ceremony... I guess Dad will be here again "Hoammm" Euclio yawned at the assembly room... "Don''t missed me okay Eu" I said to Euclio... "Miss you? Of course I will!" he said while hugging me... "T-That tickles!!" I said while pushing him away... "Hoah... both of you are so close! I''m so jealous!" Roxane said... "Yeah... I hope I found a friendship like they have..." Precilla said with sad face... "Here you go! Please take Euclio away from me!" I said while giving Euclio''s hand toward Roxane... And Euclio''s face turned red... "W-What are you doing!" he said while pulling his hand... The three of us laughed.... "You see... next year you should not rent a room..." I said... "W-Why?" He asked "Y-You asked me why?!?! Do you ever touch your room this whole year?!" I asked but he laughed... This whole year, Euclio always sleep next to me... on my bed... or sometimes on my sofa or even in the dining table... Then I see both Lex and Gina passed through us... That brings memory... "Remember your first day?" Euclio asked and I guess we thought the same thing... "The duel?" I asked while laughing... "Yeah... you really are strong!" Euclio praised me... "Compared to you? I guess I have a long way to go!" I said... Until the end of my first year, I never see Euclio practicing seriously... "Ahh it begins!" Precilla said... Also... the doors are now closed... Student are sitting in the front row... while parents sit behind us... But then... "Onisann!!!" I hear a very familiar voice... The four of us turned our head back... not us.... but everyone was looking a girl and a boy running toward me... "N-Nate! Nathalia!!" I stand up but both of them pushed me to the floor... "A-Ahhh..." I said in pain... Both of them hugged me... "Awww" The three of them give me an Awww face... I looked at them with an annoyed face and they laughed.... "H-Hey both of you shouldn''t be here! It''s for the student!" I said "Kasan said that it is okay!" Nate said "B-But there is no more seat here..." I said while showing the full seat... "You can seat on my lap if you want..." Roxane offer Nathalia... "Really?!" she asked me... I let a sigh... "Fine... just be quite okay?" I said And both of them said in unison... "Okay!" "Come here Nate!" I said while give him a lap... "Awww I am jealous now!" Euclio said "W-What do you mean?" I asked... "Look at his face! So cute!" Euclio said while pinching Nate''s face... "awawaww" Nate said... Then someone enter the stage... It is Santa! "Okay everyone! Do you enjoy your entire year?" He asked everyone And all of us give a positive answer... "Yes!" "Absolutely!" "This is my best year!" Something like that... And Nate asked me... "Is it fun?" He asked me... "Yeah it is!" I said... "Hey... Next year, you will enter the school this year, right?" I asked Nate and he nodded... "Wow... we will have another friend!" Euclio said beside me... "My name is Nate Maxwell!" Nate introduce himself... "And my name is Euclio Qiteron! Your brother best friend!" he said I can''t argue anymore... we literally spend our time together for a year... even sleep in the same room... eat in the same time and same menu... I guess our face will be similar by now... "That''s great!" Nate said... "Oh, how''s your Spear practice?" I asked him Since he is the hardest worker between the three of us... I guess he should be in a greater rank..." "Great! I reached Expert Level!" he said "W-Wow! You defeated me again..." I said "But you could use 5 elements!" He said Euclio, Precilla and Roxane looked speechless Then both of us looked at those three... "W-What happened?" I asked Euclio, Precilla, and Roxane... "Y-You never thought any of us that your brother is a genius as well!" Roxane said "Yeah! I thought we share everything!" Euclio said, and he sounds betrayed... "T-That''s insane! Expert Level? And what style do you play?" Precilla asked Nate... "Maxim Style!" Nate answered cheerfully... "MAXIM?!" the three of them in unison... Maxim Style in spear style played by dodging most of the attack, and using one hand only to hold the spear... and keep the enemy really close, not thrusting with the edge of spear but with the body of the spear "T-The Maxwells always make our heart almost stop beating!" Roxane said... "H-How about you Nathalia? Do you play swordsmanship?" Roxane asked... "M-Me? I reached Expert Level in Maxim Sword Style..." she said And this time I dropped my jaw as well with the other three... "T-That''s insane! Do you even practice?" I asked her "Of course! Since you went to school.... I am much more determine! And I will soon catch you up!" Nathalia said with a smile... "Yeah! I will catch up with you soon!" Nate said... T-They both admired me this much? But.. The problem is... "You know! I only reached Advance Level in Swords! Both of you had surpassed me long ago you know!" I said And they all laughed... Without realizing.... my Dad was in stage and is staring at me... Everyone now is doing the same... staring at me... and my brother above my lap... "Nisan... does everyone staring at us?" Nate asked innocently, breaking the silence... "Nico!!!" Dad shouted... "C-Continue your speech!!" I said whisperingly but a bit loud... "Ah... Ahem..." he clears his throat... "Fiuhhh... I am saved..." I said... And five of them laughed... After the speech... we says farewell to each other... "Hmmm you see... I will defeat your brother and sister one day!" Precilla said.. "Yeah! All of us will be stronger when we will meet next 2 months..." I said "I will visit the mansion one day... is it okay?" Roxane asked me... "Of course! You are more than welcome!" I said... "Hey buddy! Don''t miss me okay!" Euclio said to me... And I have the feeling that he will miss me... "Hey! We will meet in 2 months! And spent another 10 months together... so, we have a plenty of time!" I said "T-That''s true!" He said sadly... "W-Why you looked so sad?" I asked him "H-Hey! I need almost a week journey to return to my Kingdom!!" Euclio said with sad face... "Oh... I guess I need 10 minutes..." I said with big smile... "T-That''s cheating! I guess I will buy a house here somewhere..." he said seriously... "N-No please don''t!" I said and Roxane and Precilla laughed... "Then! I will be off first! Bye guys!" Euclio said his farewell... "Oh! And don''t forget to ask your Tousan about ''that'' question" I reminded Euclio... "Ah! Sure! Bye everyone!!" Euclio said from his carriage... He needs to go to the port which takes almost an hour from school... and then use the carriage from Ocean Kingdom to enter Qiteron Kingdom... and it takes almost a week... but I will pray for his butt... good luck on the journey "Then! I will be off!" Roxane said... "Are you going to the city?" Precilla asked... "Yes I am... wanna join?" Roxane offered Precilla... "Okay! I have something to do as well... Bye Nicolas!" Precilla said her farewelll "Bye Precilla! Roxane!" I said my farewell... Now, we are back to the mansion! Chapter 7 - Nate goes to School! "Hey..." Nathalia called me... "Hmm?" I responded... "You see, I lived in Tokyo..." she started the conversation... It is only both of us... and we just finished our training... "R-Really? T-That''s the same city as I am..." I said in surprised... "Wow... that''s great! We were a happy family... until something really bad happened..." she explained... I then hugged her... "D-Don''t worry... this is now your life... Just try to abandon your past, and live in this new world... I know it''s hard to move on... but you will get used to it..." I said "B-But... I still have regrets you know!" She said in sad voice... "A-And so do I! But I promised myself to be a better person here..." I said with full of determination... "I don''t want those things happened again..." I said "Is it bad?" she asked me... "Yeah... the worst" I said "Let''s train for some more time..." I invited her... "Sure... make sure to keep up okay?" she asked me "Okay!!" I said We were training, but also we talk about our past... I am a reincarnated person... and so does Nathalia... Then someone enters the room... "Ah... Nicolas-sama... here you are..." Rueger greeted me... "R-Rueger-san! Why don''t you tell me about it?" I asked him And he looked confused... "A-About what?" He asked confusedly "You are being one of the ten strongest person in this world!" I said And Nathalia''s jaw drop to the floor... "H-How did you know?" he asked me... H-He didn''t have any intention to tell any of us, isn''t he? "I went to the town... and I see this monument..." I said "Ahh, I see..." he said while smiling... T-That''s annoying... "What makes strong Rueger-san? Please teach me!" Nathalia asked... and she hug Rueger as well Rueger carried Nathalia... "Hmmm... I only use my sword..." Rueger said humbly... "And what level?" I asked... He looked nervous and let a sigh... "You see... I am a God Tier Sword Wielder..." Rueger confessed... Both of us are now looks like an idiot... our mouths are wide open... Rueger come to me and waved his hand in front of my eyes... also Nathalia... "H-Hey both of you okay?" He asked us... "Y-Yeah..." I said "H-Huh?" Nathalia looks confused... "T-Then! Teach us!" I said... Rueger put Nathalia back to the floor next to me... "Y-You see... I taught you since you are 6, right?" Rueger reminded me I-I just wanted to be promoted to the higher tier... "That''s true... then can you teach me how to defeat an Ares Style user..." I said to him And Rueger explained everything... He is a good teacher... "Why Ares Style?" He asked me after answering all of my questions and he give some examples of movement... I scratch my head... And answer... "Since Euclio use Ares Style... I never defeated him once in a one on one sword fight!" I said "I see... then let''s move to the dining room... both of you, it''s your lunch time..." Rueger said... A month passed and Rueger grant me the next tier of sword level... I am now an Advance Sword Wielder... the same level as Precilla and Roxane... Roxane came here like once a week... at first, she wasn''t allowed to come here by Rueger... "T-This the place for the Archduke! Go home!" Rueger said to Roxane... "B-But..." She tried to defense herself... "Roxane! You are here! Come in!" I said from Rueger''s behind "A-Are you sure that''s okay?" Roxane asked me... "Of course! You are my friend! Also, Rueger-san''s daughter... you can take some time..." I said to Rueger and Roxane... "T-Then..." Rueger hugged Roxane... I left them both... Since I know that Rueger missed her so much... he works here 24/7 and only went home for a week in the entire year... Rueger is a hard-worker... also strong... and follows the rule... but he is a good friend too... Also, a good Dad... The next meeting, Roxane meet with my Dad... and both of them looks like a friend in a second... I will never be able to do that... And... another month has passed... My relationship with Dad is going well, even I know that he is not my real dad... but his feeling toward me is real... he always treats me like his real son... He once told me during the holiday... "You will inherit this house some days... so make sure to be strong!" he said... He wants me to take over his position one day... and I believe that is a big decision... Thanks Dad... And it''s finally H-1 before my second year starts... "You prepared everything?" I asked Nate... "Yep!" he said T-That confidence is the thing I didn''t have during my H-1 of entering the school... "That''s great! Do you know someone that will enter the same class as yours? "Hmmm I know Leon Aerios, also Ethan Perius..." He said A-Aerios?! Perius?! I dropped my jaw... "N-Nisan? You okay?" He asked me.. "T-That is heavy!" I said "What do you mean?" "Ah, you see, Leon is the prince of Aerios Kingdom... which is the only kingdom of Dragon Race... it''s like he is the biggest star of Dragon Race..." I said "Is it? But he is kind..." Nate said innocently... "Have you met?" I asked... and he nodded... "When?" I asked "When you are in school, there was a feast held in Epius... capital city of Perius Kingdom... and I went there with Tousan..." Nate explained... "I-I see... then it is good for you..." I said "Also... Ethan Perius, prince of Perius Kingdom... You see... Perius Kingdom have almost 70% of Human Continent''s land... so, he is the star of Human Race as well..." I said "Wow! That''s great! But, Ethan Perius is not really a good guy..." Nate said while thinking... "Is it? Why?" I asked... "He always said that you are a bad person... a demon descendant... And I do not agree with him..." Nate said... Nate defended me? Wow... I am touched... I patted his head... "Thanks Nate!" I said And he looks happy The next day we have a guest in the early morning... I was practicing my sword with Nathalia and Rueger... and suddenly the mansion become busy... "What happened?" Nathalia asked... After saying that a guard come... "N-Nicolas-sama, Nathalia-sama... both of you should prepare a good dress... an important guest suddenly came..." And both of us now looked confused... "Okay... Thank you" Rueger said And the guard left us... "Both of you better prepare yourself..." Rueger said We both left the practice room and prepare ourselves... Also, we reminded Nate... Since he practiced with Kasan alone... After the three of us ready... we move to the dining room... The guard opened the door... and the face I see is... "E-Euclio?!" I called him "Nico!" he called me back... We all come closer toward the long table... I see Euclio''s dad as well... and also three other nobles, I guess? Or maybe the bodyguard? "My name is Nicolas Maxwell... nice to meet you..." I introduced myself "My name is Nate Maxwell... Thanks for coming..." Nate introduced "My name is Nathalia Maxwell... Please enjoy our hospitality..." Nathalia introduced And the three of them, including Feurius Qiteron and Euclio itself looked amazed... "The three of you sure has a good teamwork..." Feurius praised us... "Yes, it''s cute to see the three of them said that..." a man with black cape and ''justice'' written on it said... "Ah, we forgot to introduce ourselves!" another man with black cape ''power'' written on it said... "My name is Hercule Erebus, the leader of Power faction in Qiteron Kingdom..." he said... "And my name is Mebus Athen, the leader of Justice faction..." the man with ''justice'' written on his cape said "Hello, I am Abes Terax, the leader of Politic faction in Qiteron Kingdom..." last man said, with ''Politic'' written on his cape... "Okay, everyone! Let''s start eating our food... before we are too late for school!" Tousan said The three of us sit... I sit next to Euclio... He gives me a high five... "How is it going?" he asked me "Hmmm normal..." I said Everyone is talking... Dad talking to Abes... Mebus talk to Feurius and Hercule is talking to Rueger... I guess everyone enjoyed their talk... "You see... I reached Advance level in sword wielding..." Euclio said with pride... "Oh... I reach that level too..." I said with a smile... "T-That''s cheating! If it stayed like this, I won''t beat you..." he said "But you won every duel... ah, in the next duel! I will win!" I said... "What''s with that optimism?" he asked... "Oh... I asked Rueger-san to teach me how to defeat an Ares Style user..." I said with evil laughed... And he jealous a bit.... "T-That''s cheating! I want to be trained by him too!" he said "You can..." Mom intervened... "C-Can I?!" Euclio asked seriously... "Of course! The school ceremony this year held after we had our lunch so you have some free time..." Mom said...If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. And Euclio looks like the happiest man... Currently, Rueger is talking with Hercule, the man with ''power'' written on their cape... "Hey Eu, why there are three faction in your Kingdom..." I asked... "Yeah, because we believe that those are the most important things in our life... and they are the balance of our kingdom..." Euclio explained I give an O face... After we eat our breakfast, we rest for an hour... I give a tour to Euclio around our mansion... "You see, this place to be honest is not that big, compared to my place in Qiteron Kingdom..." he said "Is it?" I asked back "Yeah, my place is a castle, but this place feels much comfy..." Euclio explained... Comparing my Dad and his, his Dad is a King.... a King of the biggest kingdom in the world... while my Dad is only an Archduke... "You should not compare it with me... compare it with Perius''s castle..." I said.... "No... this place is much better... I guess next time I will stay in this place!" Euclio said "No thanks... living with you in the same room for 10 months is enough..." I said "Hehe, don''t worry... it is for safety reason, right?" he said "Yeah Yeah..." I said... At first... we sleep together to protect each other from assassins... But no assassins has ever come... I believe our room number is being kept as secret... "Nisan... both of you live in the same room?" Nate asked me... And I carried Nate behind me... I give him a piggyback "Y-Yeah... you see, last year, he never even touches his room... he always sleeps in my room for the whole ten months!" I said Nate laughed hearing my complaint... T-This boy... "Wanna stay with me Nate? I guess it could fit for 3 people inside the room" Euclio invited Nate... "S-Sure!" Nate said "H-Hey! My room!!" I complaint and both of them laughed already... Oh, this kind of life... it is annoying... but I missed it as well... After an hour of tour, we move to the practice room... and I see Hercule with Rueger is fighting... and Kasan, Tousan, Feurius, Abes, Mebus and Nathalia were watching... We joined and watched the duel... It''s almost 10 minutes, and Rueger doesn''t play his sword but keep evading every attack... And I looked at Hercule... I think he is on his limit... "I-I give up..." Hercule said... And everyone gives an applauds... "T-That''s great!" Euclio praised Rueger... "Really? He always fights like that..." Nate said "Yeah, keep evading until we let our guard down and he strike in a hit..." I said "That is even greater!" Euclio said with amazed eyes... Then Tousan talks in loud voice... "Okay, let the kids train, we move toward the Throne Chamber..." Dad said Mom waved her hand and we waved our hand back... Rueger come to us... "That is a great fight!!" Euclio said to Rueger... "Thank you, Euclio-sama..." Rueger said while bowing a bit... "C-Can I duel you Rueger-san?" Euclio asked him out While Rueger wipe his sweat with a towel "Ah, you can rest a bit..." Euclio said "You sure are a good boy... fit for Nicolas-sama''s friend..." Rueger said... Aww... Rueger... stop praising me... He then sits for some time... "Who have you just been fighting with??" Nate asked... "Ah, he is from the Power Faction... Hercule Erebus... a Legend Sword Wielder..." Rueger said... "I see..." I said But Nate and Euclio looked dumbfounded... And Rueger hold his laughed... "You see... Rueger-san is a God Sword Wielder..." I said And both of them looks like an idiot now... two mouths were opened really big... And Rueger stared at me... Hehe, sorry Rueger-san... it''s just I am proud of having you as my teacher "A God Sword Wielder?! And he is in the tenth position?! How about the higher position?! They must be insane!" Euclio said excitedly... It is a rare moment to see Euclio this excited... "Okay, let''s train!" Rueger said while standing up... Euclio fight Rueger... and lost... Then, the three of us fight against him... 3 vs 1... and we are still losing... After the three of us trained with Rueger, we have our lunch together again... We went to school using the carriage and guarded by like hundreds of men, since we guarded a king and an archduke... When we arrived at school... we see familiar buildings... and familiar faces.... "S-Santa-sensei!" we greeted him "Ah! Euclio, Nicolas... welcome back... and for Nate, welcome to Auxem School... I hope you enjoy everything we have here..." Santa said "Thanks!" Nate said with confidence... The maid from the mansion put our belongings to our own room... And all of us enter Building A... "No difference..." I said "What do you expect?" Euclio asked... "Maybe like a renovation?" I said We say our farewell to Mom and Dad also Nathalia... while Euclio just left his Dad without saying anything... isn''t it a bit cold? "You don''t say bye to your Tousan?" I asked "I have, and I am quite bored staying around him in the same carriage for almost a week..." he complained... "T-That is true..." I said We entered the Assembly Room, where the opening ceremony will be held... Also spotted Gina and Lex sitting... "N-Nate... let me tell you something..." I said while walking... "What is it?" He asked me... "Never calls a beastman race with animal name..." Euclio said.. "H-How did you know what I am going to said?!" I asked Euclio "You see, that things come up on my mind too..." Euclio said while laughing... And then I see another familiar face... "Hey!! Nicolas! Euclio!! Here!" a female voice calling our name We searched for the source and Nate found it first... "There!" Nate pointed out I see Precilla and Roxane stand up while waving their hand... I-It''s quite far... but we approached them... "Hey! Long time no see!" I said to Precilla... She never come to my house... "Umm.. I forget to count Nate here... I just save 2 seats for you..." Precilla said... Hmmm should I find another seat for Nate and I... "That''s okay... nisan can give me a lap..." Nate said... T-This boy know no shame... But he looked at me with an innocent smile... "F-Fine... okay let''s sit..." I said The four of us sit and talk to each other... I sit between Euclio and Precilla... Roxane is talking with Euclio... while Precilla talks with Nate... I feel... like a chair... Santa give an opening sentence... "Hey everyone, welcome back to this new school year... there are also some that have this as their last year or even their first year... But then, we must enjoy everything while we could... this life is temporary, so make sure, you learn everything you want, everything you can and always be friend without being discriminating... Remember the rules are only 3.... No fighting... No discrimination... and... Enjoy your time...." he finished his words And everyone gives him applauds... The next person going to the stage is Tousan... as usual... as the ruler of the city... "Good afternoon everyone!" he said with a lot of spirit... And everyone responded.. "Good afternoon Clement-sama!" they all said in unison... "Welcome to another new year! Make sure you learn well... In this place, there are a lot of thing you can learn... Magic... Swordsmanship, they have great teacher... but it is all depend on yourself... we have great teacher, but it won''t matter if students have no encouragement in study... You all come here... from far way travelling here... also your parents paid for you to enter the school... or maybe some of you pay for yourself... make sure to make them proud... be the new generation that is better than us... our family, house, kingdom, is depend on the next generation!" Tousan said and finished his words.... T-That is a really deep word... Everyone gives him even a louder applauds... "NICO! NATE! Make sure to study well okay!!!" Tousan said from the stage while pointing us... "H-He found us!!" I said... "Okay!!" Nate said... H-He knows no shame!! And I see everyone is talking about us now... "Another Maxwell? But I guess he is normal..." "Yeah, only the first son is defected..." "I believe, the next head of the family will be his second son..." I heard something like that... but I just ignored them... and actually Tousan said to me that he will make me as his next head of the family... I could hold my anger but... not Nate... He stood up and said... "Hey! You better keep your mouth shut! Or I will smack you!" Nate said loudly to another boy.... "N-Nate!! Calm down!" I said while gripping his shoulder back, forcing him to sit on my lap again... "B-But Nisan... he just bad mouthed you..." He said "Nope, they just got jealous!" I said to him... "Yes, jealous of having a cute brother like you!" Roxane said... T-Thanks Roxane... that is helpful... He then sits on my lap again, but I have the feeling that he doesn''t accept what I just said... "But still, thanks Nate..." I said to him... He sits on me with a grumpy face... "You can actually beat them up right?" Nate asked... "Yep, but it will break Tousan''s pride..." I said "What is pride?" He asked me... T-This boy... "Pride is how people sees other... like Tousan''s pride, people sees him as a great person, great leader... but if people heard news about his son fight againts the weak... do you think Tousan will be happy?" I asked him... "N-Noo..." Nate said in sad face... "Yep... That''s why don''t act before thinking..." I said And he nodded... I patted his head and he smiled... I feel someone watching us... Precilla, Euclio and Roxane is watching us... their face looked helpless... "B-Both of you sure are cute..." Precilla said while blushing... "Nate will be a handsome man one day!" Roxane said also with red face... "S-Shut up... just focus on what happen next..." I said... and the three of them laughed... including Nate... you know Nate, they were talking about us... why you laughed?! After the ceremony, we moved to our own room... Everyone is talking with Tousan... that''s why we decided to left him... both of us just waved our hand from a far and he waved his hand back... "Ah, I still got my old room number..." I said after receiving the keys from the authorities... "Mine moved!" Euclio said... "How about yours Nate?" I asked... "Mine is 302..." Nate said "Hey, mine is 301... which means we are next to each other..." I said and he looks happy... I really want him to enjoy the school and get some good friends... but I bet he will be popular soon... with his face, he is super cool! But kind in the same time... which is rare... When we are walking toward building B "Nisan... what is Student Council?" Nate asked me... "Ah, it''s a community of student that creates event... what''s with that?" I asked... "You see, there is this girl from the second year, invited me to join..." He said... "Hmmm, that is a good opportunity for you to find more friends!" I said... "Then, if you say so, maybe I will join the student council..." Nate said.. He stops walking... "W-Why are you stop walking?" I asked... "There will be an instant meeting for student council... I guess I will be joining them..." Nate said while running... "Fine... come to my room when you finished..." I said "Okay!!" He shouted... I let a sigh... this boy has become popular already... "He is definitely the opposite of you..." Euclio said... "What do you mean?" I asked a bit offended... "Ah, you see... I guess everyone will like him, but most people hate you" Euclio said while smiling... That is helping thanks Euclio... but since it is Euclio, I guess I am used to it... I arrived at my door... and was trying to unlock the door.. But... "Euclio... why are you behind me?" I asked... "Umm? I am waiting for my room to be opened?" He said You mean MY room T-This boy never changes... I opened the door and... "Euclio... why are you stuff are inside my room..." I asked "Umm? You mean our room?" He said with a smile... "Ah, fine... just don''t make this house dirty like last year..." I said and he showed a really bright smile... Euclio is hopeless... "What are you going to do?" I asked him... "The same thing what I did last year..." he said and jump to the bed.. "Wake me up when it''s time for dinner..." he said... I let a sigh... but "Okay..." I said Now... what to do... Oh, let''s check the schedule first... "Hmmm... so tomorrow, there will be a class of Elemental Magic..." I said mumbling I want to see Nate''s performance... In this school... I think Nate will be the strongest one... since our teacher for swordsmanship only reach Advance Level... and Nate is an Expert Spear Wielder... But we have this Mysterios Boy, Euclio Qiteron who never shows his real skill in swordsmanship Hmmm where is Nate by the way... should I checked him out? And I hear a knocked... When I opened the door... I am surprised to dead! "N-Nate!? What happened?!?" I asked him He is bleeding on his head... also there is like a burse on his hand and arms... He then passed out... "E-Euclio!!" I shouted I hear Euclio fast footsteps... "W-What happened?!" Euclio asked after seeing Nate... "I-I don''t know!" I said "Let''s bring him to the nursery room!" Euclio said.. I nodded and give Nate a piggyback... "I will talk to Santa..." Euclio said while we are running toward the nursery room... I carried Nate and people start to look at us... They showed a worried face as well... When we arrived, the nurse looked at us in panic... "Put him on the bed!" she commands me... and I do so... "Please, wait outside..." a nurse said... "No! I will wait here until he regains his conscious..." I said "No, just please trust us, Nicolas-sama... we are the nurse from the mansion..." she said... I looked at her face and I notice her as one of the nurses that help my mom''s pregnancy "F-Fine..." I said I left the room... This never happened before... Who could have done this to him? I then moved toward the meeting room of the student council... I breached the door while everyone is in the middle of the meeting... "N-Nicolas-san... this ro-" "Who is the girl that invited my brother?" I asked loudly and clear... Everyone looked shaken... but then a girl raises her hand... "What have you done to Nate?!" I asked her... "I invited him, but I think he refuse the offer, since he isn''t coming..." she said with afraid tone... W-What? Just what have happened?! "So Nate was not here?" I asked and all of them shook their head... But then a boy raises from his seat... "Daigo!" I called his name... "Nicolas... I think I saw him talking with someone..." Daigo said "With whom?" I asked... "Ethan Perius..." Daigo said... "Ethan Perius!" I said again... Of course! I immediately left the room... I return to the nursery room and found Euclio outside... "D-Did you find anything?" Euclio asked me... "Ethan Perius!" I said it... "Yeah... what''s wrong with him?" he asked... "He is the one that doing this to Nate..." I said "You see... I am going to beat him up..." I said... "H-Hey! Nico! Calm down!" Euclio hold me from leaving... "What?" I asked him "Don''t just knocked him... it is not a fair battle..." Euclio said "And so what he did to Nate!" I said with loud voice... People around me started to looked at me... but I don''t mind them "Here... go and challenge him in a duel... you see, you will break his reputation as well..." Euclio said That is a good idea... "And also, that is a fair match!" Euclio said "No one will stop you..." He continues... And my anger has cool down... Euclio really helps me this time... he knows which one is the best for me... "Fine! I just need to find him..." I said and move around... I go to the mess hall and found Precilla and Roxane... "N-Nico? What happened?!" Precilla asked me seeing me in a hurry "You see... this guy Ethan Perius beat up Nate!" I said "W-What?!" both of them in unison... "If both of you sees him, please tell me..." I said and leave both of them... I then checked on the training ground... No one there... "How about lobby?" a voice of man said... I looked behind me... "K-Keito-sensei..." I called him... "Go!" Keito-sensei said I nodded and run toward the lobby... Then I found this crowd... I checked inside the crowd and see a boy at the center of the attention... "So... you are Ethan Perius?" I asked him... "Ah, the famous red eye... Nicolas Maxwell... please, go... I don''t want any interaction with a demon..." he said with disgusted eye... "I challenge you to a duel!" I said loudly... And everyone is looking at me... I don''t have to give a second thought about who is hurting Nate... there is no other person than him... Even some of the teacher is here... Waiting for Ethan''s response... "Fine... after the dinner..." he said... "7 PM... I hope the son of the king won''t run away!" I said that loudly... If I say it out loud, he won''t be able to run... or else, he will break his own reputation... And now he looked a bit pissed off... "I won''t!" he said Then... everything is going according to plan... "Hey! A match between the King''s son and the Archduke''s son!" "The demon against the human!" "Ethan-sama! You are the hope for humanity!" People start cheering at him... Just have your fun for now... and you will embarrass for the next 6 years... After talking to him, I went straight back to the nursery room... In front of it, I see Euclio, Precilla and Roxane... "A duel huh?" Roxane asked... I looked at Euclio... And he shook his head... "You see, the news has spread already..." Precilla said I walk straight toward here and the news has spread? Just how can news spread so fast... But that is a good thing "Then, that''s great... I am gonna beat him and make a trauma for him..." I said "You see, Nico could be scary sometimes..." Euclio said... "Of course! He beat my brother on the very first day? Just what does he want?!" I said And the door to the nursery room opened... The nurse I knew come out from the room... "H-How is Nate?" I asked her.. "He is okay now... but there is someone hurt him, right?" she asked me... I nodded... "Go, check your brother..." the nurse said... "Thanks..." I said and enter the nursery room... I found Nate with Santa... "N-Nate!!" I called him and then I hug him... "A-Are you okay now?" I asked him "N-Nisan! You are heavy!" he complained and I released the hug... I see his forehead is being bandaged... also his hand... "Ethen Perius?" I asked him And he nodded... "Why don''t you fight back?" I asked him I know that he could beat him to pulp if he wants... "You see... I will hurt Tousan''s pride..." he said And now I feel like I am the worst brother in the world... I taught him not to fight back... "Your brother is a good boy..." Santa said... "H-He is..." I said.. I was about to cry... but... "T-Thank you..." Nate said... W-Why does he thanked me... "For worrying me..." Nate said with a smile... T-This boy!! And I believe my tears has dropped already... "When will you be able to leave?" I asked him... While wiping my tears "Maybe before dinner, the nurse said" Nate said... "Then... you will watch my duel against that Ethan!" I said... And Nate''s and Santa''s face showed a surprised reaction... "Y-You challenged him? I thought we shouldn''t fight back..." Nate said "You see, duel is a fair match... so it is okay to challenge someone... just don''t attack him out of a sudden..." I told my brother how to duel... He needs to defend himself... And someone came to the room... It''s the girl that invited him to the student council... "Oh my! What happened to you Nate!" the girl said in surprised... "Ahh... sorry, I couldn''t attempt the meeting..." Nate said... "T-That''s not a problem... there will be a lot of meeting if you want to come!" she said... I truly misjudged her... I thought that she is scheming Nate... "S-Sorry..." I said to her... "Ehh? What for?" she asked... "You know... for misjudging you... I thought you scheme Nate..." I said "Oohh... that''s why you come to the meeting room in rage..." she said... I nodded... "No problem... I can undestand the situation... if my brother is beaten up like that, I would probably did the same thing..." she said S-She is so understanding... "M-My name is Nicolas Maxwell... and I am Nate''s brother..." I said And she chuckled... "Of course,... everyone knows that! I am Serena, a second-year regular student..." she said Another boy came... "Ah, Nate! So here you are! I am looking for you!" a boy said He has a blonde hair... and quite a neat outfit... "L-Leon! I was looking for you too..." Nate said "Are you okay?" he asked... "Y-Yeah... I guess everything is okay now..." Nate said "Yep, everything is under Nicolas control..." Santa said... And the boy looked at me "F-Forgive my rudeness... I am Leon Aerios...a first-year special class student..." he said and sound nervous... So... he is the boy that Nate talked about... Nate keep saying that Leon is a good guy... but I guess he is... "Don''t worry, my name is Nicolas Maxwell... a second-year special class student... I hope we get along..." I said while smiling... "Yes! I will do my best!" he said nervously... Uhh... do what? And why he keeps shaking? Did I look scary? "Ah, and my name is Euclio, Euclio Qiteron... Nicolas''s friend!" Euclio introduced himself... "And I am Precilla... nice to meet both of you! Serena and Leon!" Precilla said "You can call me Roxane! And I am a third-year regular class student... let''s be friend!" Roxane said... Both of them nodded... And all of us talked about stupid things... also I talked about Nate and he looks shy... His shyness makes us laughed... "Thanks Nate..." I said to him... "W-What for?" he asked me... "For defending me all the time..." I said "N-No problem! We are brother after all.." he said while facing away... His face turns red! And everyone laughed... We talked until it''s time for dinner... Chapter 8 - Ethan Perius After Santa left, the six of us went to Mess Hall... I carried Nate behind me... giving him a piggyback... Everyone was watching us... but I don''t care... since I have a lot of friend that keeps me busy, forgetting that people around us is actually judging us... So, the 7 of us are Me, Nate, Euclio, Precilla, Roxane, Leon and Serena... Leon and Serena is not the believer of the Mera Sect... While Leon is actually the believer of other sect.... Tensei Sect... Tensei Sect is a believe where the reincarnated person from other world will come to this world and save this world... Most of Human Race believe in Mera Sect, while Dragon Race believe in Tensei Sect And I am a reincarnated person... so, am I related to Tensei Sect? But I won''t tell anyone except Nathalia... The one who taught us is Leon... so he has no problem of me with having a red eyes... Also, while Mera Sect held every Barrier Magic book... Tensei Sect held every Nullification Magic Book... And unlike Mera Sect, Tensei Sect share their book to the King... since the King hold the absolute order... the church is under the King... While Perius Kingdom have it different... the church stand by itself, also each nobles... but during the war, we should send troops to the king... "So... how''s your plan for the duel?" Precilla asked... We are eating our dinner right now... "Plan? Beat him up until he is traumatize for touching Nate..." I said "T-That''s too much..." Nate said "That''s the least thing I can do..." I said to Nate... "Make him afraid so he won''t find any trouble with you..." Euclio said... "Yep, that''s the plan... I''m gonna be serious this time..." I said Nate, Euclio, Precilla, and Roxane looks afraid of me now... "Uhh... what''s with the face?" I asked them "We never seen you this serious..." Euclio said... D-Did I never been this serious? But I guess so... they can hurt me... but if they hurt my brother, I will fight back... not fight... I''m gonna beat them up... I scratched my head... Then I face Nate... "You should take a rest..." I said to Nate... And he looks troubled... "What? Of course no! I want to see you fight seriously...." Nate said while smiling... "But... you need rest..." I said... "Yeah, after the duel..." Nate said "I think its okay... we will be seating together... if anything happen, we will be there for Nate..." Euclio said He is truly a good friend! "Hmmm I think it is okay if all if you are there..." I said Then a boy come toward our table... he whispered Serena... and "Thanks..." Serena said to the boy... and the boy left... All of us are now looking at Serena... "I received an intel..." Serena said... I-Intel?! Is she an agent or something? All of us with our serious expression are listening her... "Ethan Perius is a swordsman... and he is an Intermediate Tier..." She said... And all of us let a sigh... "H-How can you know?" Roxane asked... "You see... I am in the student council... I have eyes and ears even mouths everywhere..." Serena said with a smile... "What''s your swordsmanship level?" Serena asked me out of a sudden "I am an Advance Sword Wielder..." I said... "Then, you have the advantage in swordsmanship and magic..." she said cheerfully... I nodded... "But don''t let your guard down..." Precilla said... "Okay... let''s just finished our food so that I can prepare myself..." I said We finished our dinner and I still got 30 minutes before the duel... The 7 of us went to the duel arena... And what happened is that we see hundreds of people are ready to watch the duel... "You sure don''t want to lose this duel..." Euclio said worriedly... "Yeah... but all I know is, I am doing the right thing..." I siad I see Ethan Perius was there too... sitting on a bench preparing his armor... "That is a beautiful armor..." Euclio praised Ethan''s armor... "Still... it is useless against me..." I said with quite arrogant way... "Hey hey... don''t underestimating your enemy..." Roxane reminded me... "Y-Yeah... sorry... you see... I am still mad at him..." I said I looked at Nate''s wound... He never get any wound until today... even after practicing, Nate never got hurt this badly... "D-Don''t mind me Nisan..." Nate said while smiling... H-He can even smile... This boy is too kind... I just wanted to protect my brother... that is my promise I made when I enter this new world... I don''t want bad things happen to any of my siblings... "Ah, let me dress up..." I said and move to the toilet... I guess everyone is staring at each other confusedly... "Did you ever seen him using any armor?" Precilla asked Nate... Nate shook his head... "He never use any armor... just his casual cloth and his..." before Nate finished his sentence... I came out... With my pajamas... "Pajamas..." Nate continues "A-Are you insane!?" Precilla said... "What do you mean?" I asked... "You will piss him off! Which is a good idea!" Euclio said "I know right!" I said... with a smile... "Just don''t do more stupid things than this..." Precilla said... "Okay... okay..." I said "Hey... use this sword..." Euclio give me his sword while winking... "You sure?" I asked... "No problem for my mate... just try to make him super pissed off for me... that will be my reward..." Euclio said I nodded And when the long needle pointer of the clock at 12... it is 7 PM... I enter the duel arena... and everyone looked at me with their jaws drop to the floor Including Ethan Perius... he looked speechless... I hear laughed behind me... I looked back and it''s Euclio... He gives me a thumb while laughing... I think he is quite satisfied looking at Ethan''s face... "Hey! I give you another chance to wear your armor" Ethan said... "Armor? What for? You won''t be able to touch me..." I said And everyone ''Boo'' on me... "That is underestimating!" "He is truly a demon!" "Long live man! Defeat the demon!" "Is an Archduke'' son act like that?" When I heard someone talking about my Dad... I am quite pissed off... Then I shouted... "Is a King''s son, the prince can freely do anything in this school? Like bullying my brother?" I said loudly... And everyone went quite... "You see... I am not underestimating... but, I know my own capabilities..." I said Ethan looked super pissed off... he even ready to attack me anytime... A judge come forward... it is not any of my friends... neither his... maybe from the audiences... "The game is over when one side admit surrender, or can''t fight anymore... both of you agree and ready?" he asked both of us... we nodded... "Then... it startss NOW!" he shouted... I activated my magic... ''Create Fire...'' ''Create Wat...'' Before I finish summoning my magic... he come closer to me... and attack my side... Wow... he is pretty smart... Mage should be attacked when they are preparing their magic... But his move is easily read... I was practicing with Rueger... which is 10x faster... He is not an Ares Style user... so his attack is a bit messed up... I found an opportunity and I won''t let go... I kicked him far enough... ''Create Water...'' ''Create Wind..'' ''Cre-'' He come forward me again... When he rush forward toward me, he use his big shield, and was about to knock me using the shield to my head... but I crouched and kicked him far enough... and he fell to the floor... Isn''t it too easy? I guess I don''t even need a sword... I throw my sword to the floor... and I see everyone''s face pissed off... not only Ethan... But Ethan''s face is unexceptional... and I hear Euclio''s laughed behind me... he always be my morale booster ''Create Earth'' ''Create Light...'' Now I am ready... "You see... I won''t move now... if you touch me... I give you a win..." I saidSupport the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The distance between Ethan and I are around 10m And he can''t be more pissed of than he is right now... He rushed toward me... but... [WIND] I pushed him back with the wind I created... It takes a minute before he could move forward a bit... "Ah.. you see... that is only 20% of my Wind power..." I said When he reached closer... I increase the output and bring him to its initial position... I yawned during the match... and everyone is looking at me with their judging eyes... which is I don''t care... "Give up?" I asked... Still no answer... but he is trying hard to fight the wind... I admired his hard work... "You see... we could be friend... but you choose not to... if you do this to my brother or any of my friend... I could do worse..." I said while he is struggling... Somewhat in my heart telling me to stop torturing him... I guess I am torturing him too much... I plan to end this... so I increase the power up to 50% And he flew and knocked the wall... I think the wall cracked... but thankfully, he is still conscious... "T-The winner is Nicolas Maxwell..." the judge said... No applauds... just a judging eyes.., but Euclio is different... "Yeahh! That''s great!" he shouted I walked toward my friend... But before I leave the arena... "Your father is a great man... he is kind... but I am quite disappointed with his son..." I said loudly... "Booo!" a person shouted... And I pointed my hand at him... "Wanna fight?" I asked... with a smile... He trembles... and sit back... I return to my friend... "Ahh... is that too much?" Leon asked me... "That is his punishment for picking a fight againts my brother... and any of you..." I said Leon then looks happy... It seems that he is happy to be one of us... "Hey... I think I told you not to do more stupid thing..." Precilla said "D-Did I do something bad?" I asked... And Euclio laughed... "You see.. I am so proud of you Nico... I have no mistake in borrowing you my sword..." he said while laughing... "You don''t even use your sword!" Serena praised me... "You see... I think he is a Valeon Style user... which is mean, a bad attacker but great defense..." I said... "H-Hey! Not everyone like that! It''s just that he is so bad!" Precilla defended herself... and she forgot that we are still in the duel arena''s room... which makes her voice could be heard by the hundreds of people... And Euclio laughed again... "Uhh this boy never stop laughing!" Roxane said and hit Euclio''s head... And Euclio shout in pain... "Hey! What''s that for?" he asked... "To make you stop..." Roxane said... Everyone laughed... "Hey! Let''s go to the mess hall... I will treat all of you!" Leon said... "W-What? For real?!" I asked... I am quite hungry after the fight... "Yep... but I guess nothing heavy... since we just had our dinner... How about ice cream!" Leon said "Okay!" we all shouted... Then all of us went to the Mess Hall... I carried Nate while we are walking... I was behind the other... so we could talk... "Thanks... Nisan..." Nate said to me... while he put his head on my shoulder... "Sorry Nate... that is the least I can do..." I said to him... "N-No... that is more than enough!" Nate said... "You see... if anyone finds trouble with you... just challenge it in a duel... it is a fair match, you can hit them whenever you want..." I said and he nodded... "I should have been there...I should have accompanied you and this won''t happened to you..." I said... but no response... "N-Nate?" I called him but then he snores... T-This boy... "Hey... I will be meeting you on the Mess Hall... I''ll let Nate sleep first..." I said "Okay..." Euclio said I walk toward my room... which took like 2 minutes... unlock the door, and put Nate on my bed... This Nate sleep like a log... he is not awake when I put him on the bed... I turned all the light off and locked the door... if something happens, he always can open it from the inside... I run and met the other in the mess hall... only view people are there... "Hey Nico! We are here!" Euclio shouted my name... And everyone now is looking at me... That boy... knows no shame... I approached them and Leon give me an ice cream... "Thankss!" I said happily... "No problem!" he said... I sit with them and have a conversation with them... "Nico! How could you be so strong?" Serena asked in envious way... "Uhh... you see, Euclio is actually stronger than me..." I said And Euclio showed a disgusted face... "What? If you give me the same wind like you did to Ethan, I can''t do anything..." Euclio said... "Yeah! The only way to counter that is either using Barrier Magic, Nullification Magic, or Earth Element..." Leon said... All of us looked at Leon... He is pretty smart isn''t he... "Then, Precilla could defeat me... since she knows how to use Barrier Magic..." I said "W-What? Are you insane? I will run out of mana first before I can touch you..." Precilla said... "You mean Nico''s mana is not normal?" Leon asked... And both Roxane and Precilla nodded... "R-Really? I don''t notice that..." I said... "Let me asked something... just how many percent of your power to make Ethan flew?" Precilla asked... "I guess only half?" I said And everyone looked surprised... "You see... that is not normal..." Euclio joined... "I-Is it?" I asked again and this time everyone nodded... "I once saw a mage training in my Kingdom... 5 mages were needed to push someone back..." Leon explained... "And you pushed him using only half of your strength? Just what are you?" Precilla asked me... "Also, Ethan is fully armored and a Valeon Style user, which is great in defense..." Roxane continued "Maybe I am a demon..." I said and everyone laughed... I am happy that no one takes my joke seriously... since I actually doubt myself whether I am human or a real demon... "You see, you are not a demon... a demon who will fight for his brother after his brother got hurt... that is so human right?" Precilla said and everyone nodded... "T-Thanks guys... that means a lot to me..." I said... I believe they are truly are my friends... "Ah, before it is too late... we got a briefing class tomorrow morning at 8! Let''s head back and take a rest..." Roxane said... "That is true... and Nicolas... can you tell Nate that we will have a meeting before lunch in the student council room?" Serena asked me... "Sure... no problem..." I said This time, I''m gonna accompany him until he reached the meeting room... We all split to two... the boys to the boy''s dorm, and the girl to the girl''s dorm... "Hey, Leon... could you do me a favor..." I asked him... "Umm I will do what I can.." he said "Can you be Nate''s friend... I mean like-" "Like Nico and I!" Euclio continues my sentence while putting his hand on my shoulder "Don''t worry... we are pretty close... also, I haven''t known anyone else besides you guys..." Leon said... "Just tell me if you have trouble okay?" I said... "Hey Nico... You are too worrie" Euclio said... "Am I?" I asked "Yeah... Nate is strong you know..." Euclio said... "T-That is true... ah.. please forget what I just said.." I said to Leon... "D-Don''t worry... I actually admired your friendship! I hope I found a friend like you guys..." he said... "I see... also, Nate can protect you if someone find troubles with you... You see, he is an Expert Spear bearer..." I said And Leon looked amazed... "T-That''s makes him a good rival!" he said R-Rival? I looked at Euclio... and he looked at me back... "And what''s your swordsmanship level?" Euclio asked Leon... "I am an Expert Sword Wielder..." Leon said with a smile... And both Nate and I looked speechless... the first-year student which has higher tier than the second year student... that is just sad... "Then both of you makes a good friend!" Euclio said... And he smiled... I patted his head and he even smiled more... I have this feeling when I patted my puppy in my previous world... Without realizing we arrived at our door... "What''s your room number?" I asked Leon... "309" he said... "Mine is 301 and Nate is 302... come to us if you find any trouble..." I said and he nodded... I unlocked the door and enter my room... and of course... with Eu... I turn on the room light... And I just realize that Nate is here... "Ah... I have to sleep with my brother today..." I said... "Don''t worry... I can sleep on the sofa..." Eu said... "Hey! You have a room! Why don''t you try to use it?" I suggested him "You see... the room is too big... it is bothering me when I stayed alone in a big room... It''s okay... I''ll sleep in the living room... like I used to be" Eu said... I gave up in persuading him to leave my room... So, I decided to take a bath... and Euclio joined... After both of us done cleaning ourselves... We heard a knock on the door... "Who is that?" I asked Eu whisperingly "How do I supposed to know?" he answered whisperingly too... I come toward the door... and another knock heard... I opened the door and... "Uhh... you see... I never sleep alone in my life... can I stay here for tonight?" a boy said... It is Leon... I let a sigh... "For tonight? Fine..." I said His face turned to happy when I accepted... Then he sees Euclio as well... "E-Euclio... what are you doing here?" Leon asked Euclio... "Ah, this is my room as well... welcome!" Eu said with a smile... "H-Hey! I thought this is your room?" Leon asked me... "It is my room... but you see, this guy have its own reason and he stayed on my room for the entire year on our first year..." I said And Euclio showed his smile... "I-I see..." Leon said... "Uh... you can sleep with Nate... I will sleep with Euclio in the living room..." I said to him Since he is Nate''s friend, I guess it makes more sense to give him the bedroom... also he is a King''s son... the son of Zeon Aerios... king of Dragon Race... I should give him my utmost respect... "I-If you said so... then I will take it..." he said happily... I have two long sofas in my living room... so it could fit for Euclio and I... I set my position to sleep... "So... we got 2 other new members in this room..." Euclio said happily... "It''s only for today!" I said... "Awww c''mon... it would be fun if we have more member..." Euclio said "A-Are you insane? We can''t sleep on sofas forever..." I said... "I can!" Euclio said... "I can''t!" I said and he laughed... "Let''s sleep... we have a class tomorrow morning..." I said... "Fine... fine..." Euclio said... And our first day in school ended... The same like last year... first day started with a duel... I guess that is becoming a tradition... We then slept like a log... especially Euclio... he traveled from Qiteron Kingdom to this place which takes a lot of time... And it happens again... I woke up the first... and the problem is I woke up by myself, without the help of alarm... I see the clock... "H-Hey wake up! Everyone wake up!" I shouted from the living room... "Uhhh what is it Nisan?" Nate asked me while he is opening the bedroom''s door... "It''s 10 AM now!!" I shouted... And Nate just realized that he must attempt the class since we are in school life... "W-What should we do..." Nate asked in panicked... "Argh... sleep again..." Euclio said... "WHAT!?" both Nate and I in unison... "Hey... the class is over right? Then just check the next schedule..." Euclio asked... Nate left my room to check his own schedule... "Our class will be at 3 PM, elemental magic class..." I said And Nate return to my room... bringing his paper to my room and... stick it next to my schedule... I looked at Nate and he smiled... W-What does it even mean? "I guess we are in the same class..." Leon said from behind us... "Is it the same schedule with last year''s?" Euclio asked me... "I guess only for the first day..." I said... "Okay... then wake me up for lunch okay?" Euclio asked me and return to sleep... "Y-You plan to sleep again?" This time Nate asked the same question like I did last year... "You see... Euclio come from Qiteron Kingdom... which took almost a week travel... and it tired him... just let him take a rest..." I said to Nate... Nate nodded... "How about you Leon?" I asked him... since Dragon continent is further than Qiteron Kingdom... "I am fine... you see, I travelled by ship... so I could enjoy my travel..." Leon said... "Uhhh I hope ship can be used underwater..." Euclio said And we laughed... We left Euclio so he can take a rest... so we are going to... "Where are we going?" Nate asked me... "Let''s have breakfast first..." I said and both of them agreed... We are going to the Mess Hall... On our way to Mess Hall Everyone keep looking at us... did I do something bad? Of course! I just bullied a prince but with a fair duel... so he can''t complain... "Hello!" someone stopped us.. "Serena!" Nate called her... "Don''t forget about the meeting okay Nate..." Serena said... "W-What meeting?" Nate asked her... I forgot to tell Nate!! And Serena stared at me... I waved my hand while smiling She let a sigh... "There will be a student council meeting... and I hope you can participate... it is at 11 AM..." Serena said... "Ah... sure, I''ll be there... on the meeting room right?" Nate asked... "Yep..." Serena said while nodding... "Uhh.. can I have a favor..." I asked Serena... "Hmm, what is it?" Serena asked... "You see... this boy is a shy boy... but he actually really want to join the student council too..." I said while pushing Leon... "W-What..." Leon said in panicked "Sure! We need a lot of people... Then! See you at 11 AM, Nate... Leon..." Serena said and left us... After she left us, Leon complained "W-What? I never want to join the student council?!" Leon said to me in quite angry way... "You see... if I have a class... Euclio will also have a class... and Nate is going on a meeting... what will you do?" I asked him... "Ughhh fine!" Leon said and he understand what I am trying to say... He understands quite fast... or maybe he wanted to join as well... "You see... we will be fine!" Nate said... "Y-Yeah I know... more importantly, let''s eat..." Leon said We arrived at the mess hall... I spotted Ethan... eating alone... T-That is sad... Now I feel really bad... "Nisan... let me order a food for you..." Nate said... "Ah sure..." I said Nate and Leon left me alone... I guess I have my own time... So I decided to... Come closer toward Ethan, and when he noticed me... he looked scared... but he still acts like nothing... So, I sit in front of him... "What?" he asked me... in anger... but also in fear... Huh... I don''t want him to be afraid of me... I just don''t want him to bother my brother and friends... But I guess... his reputation is really drop... A prince that bully and lose to a demon... "You see... I am sorry..." I said And he looked a bit confused... "For?" he asked... "Humiliating you..." I answered... And he stays silent... I went too far yesterday... "I never thought you will apologize after I hurt your brother..." Ethan said while smiling... "You see... it was a 1-1 yesterday... if you search any trouble to my family or my friend... I won''t hold back..." I said And he looks afraid of me again... "O-Okay... so no more problem okay?" Ethan asked So... he wants a truce! "Yep... no problem..." I said I stand up and about to leave... but... "W-Where are you going?" he asked me "Uhh eat?" I said... "Y-You can sit here if you want..." he said shyly... "Where are your friends?" I asked him... He then faced downward but still acting tough... "No one want to be a friend with a loser prince... and a bully..." Ethan said with flat voice... I then sit back... "You see... you think you are the only one having the problem? Everyone.... Almost everyone avoids me because I was born with this stupid eyes..." I said... He then looked at my eyes... "But I got good friend... friends where always be there and accept me the way I am... and a family that supports and keep protecting me from danger..." I said... Then I pointed my hand on him... "You have to find those kinds of friend if you want to survive in this cruel world... the one that still accept you even you are a loser..." I said... "That will be your true friend..." I continued He then faced me... "You are surprisingly a good guy... unlike what people told me..." Ethan said... "You see... that''s why you should never judge people before you even met and know the person..." I said "There you are!" Nate shouted after he found me... "Hey... I never thought you will sit with him..." Leon said in confusion "D-Don''t mind me... I just finished my food..." Ethan said while preparing to leave... But I hold him... "You haven''t finish your food..." I said "I-I am full..." Ethan found for an excuse... "Nope... you should eat your food... there are a lot of hungry person that need food... you shouldn''t throw any food..." I said I learn that from someone last year... He then sit back... Nate sit next to Ethan while Leon sit next to me... "Here you go..." Nate said while giving my food.. "Thanks!" I said... Then the four of us eat our breakfast... While eating... Ethan start the conversation... "Nate..." he called Nate... "Hmmm?" Nate responded while eating... "You see... I''m s-" "No problem..." Nate said and cut his word... "A-Are you sure?" Ethan asked Nate in surprised... "Hmmm? Or you prefer me not to forgive you?" Nate asked while smiling "N-No! That''s not what I mean... you see... I have hurt you so bad..." Ethan said while facing down... "Yeah, but I am okay now... just don''t do it again..." Nate said while put his hand on Ethan''s shoulder Oh Nate... you sure has grown... "Oh my name is Nate... Nate Maxwell... nice to meet you..." Nate said while raise his hand to shake "Uh ummm my name is Ethan, Ethan Perius... I hope we can be friend..." Ethan said shyly... "My name is Leon... Leon Aerios! I am Nate''s friend!" Leon said... Ughh I have a feeling that Leon will be Nate''s Euclio... "Ah okay, nice to meet you both!" Ethan said with a smile... I think he change a bit... Ethan''s face is a bit happier now... "Ah, and this strong guy here is my brother... Nicolas Maxwell..." Nate said with proud... He then raise his hand... like asking for peace... I raise my hand to shake his hand... "Yep... I hope we get along nicely..." I said And he smiled happily.... "N-Nico?" Roxane came... "Roxane! Come here! Meet my new friend!" I said loudly to Roxane.... "F-Friend?! You just dueled him yesterday... and you humiliated him that much!" Roxane said... Ughh did I? I guess I overdid... Roxane come closer to Ethan... and patted his head... "Are you okay now? You see... that guy is just protecting his brother... but I guess he overdid and make things worse... I hope you forgive him..." Roxane said to Ethan and pointing her hand on me... N-Now I look like the bad guy here... "I-It''s okay... some of it are still my mistake..." Ethan said He is actually pretty good guy... and I didn''t do any mistake to approached him... "Okay! Let me treat you guys some ice cream! I will give two scoop for Ethan as my sorry!" I said "Okay!!" everyone shouted... "You sure?" Ethan asked me nervously "Yeah... for our truce and frienship..." I said... "If you don''t mind..." he said and now he is a happy boy... Our declaration of friendship is by treating an ice cream... that would works for 11 years old kids... Chapter 9 - Tournament After I treated all of them ice cream, we have a class on the afternoon... None of our new friend, the first-year special student, which is Nate, Leon and Ethan can use magic... But Leon and Nate have a crazy skill in swordsmanship... Even Precilla and Roxane position, as the best swordsmanship is defeated by both of them... Nate using his spear, and Leon using his sword... Ethan? Is actually just a normal boy, with intermediate tier of swordsman... but lately he trained with Leon and Nate... The three of them are pretty close now... and we found no trouble... Nate sleeps on his own room... but not Leon... I know since the beginning that Leon is Nate''s Euclio... Leon sticks with Nate everyday... Nate is different compared to me... he is a popular boy... I am a popular boy as well... but mostly because people hated me... while Nate... everyone like him... He is an active student, in the student council, also an attractive boy... Leon is pretty cool as well... and an active student as well since I registered him as a student council as well... although at first, he was mad at me, but now he is a popular boy... you should thank me more... And thankfully, they still have time to gather with us, Euclio, Precilla, Roxane and I... so after the classes or a meeting, we usually hanged out together, also we practiced every morning as well with Roxane and Ethan Nate hasn''t known yet about Keito-sensei being our grandfather... I never told him since I still want to be alive... Until one day We were eating our lunch together and Keito-sensei sit next to us... "K-Keito-Sensei!" all of us in unison... It was only Euclio, Nate and I that time... everyone was buying food... "Ah, it''s nice to meet my other grandson..." Keito-sensei said while patting Nate... "G-Grandson ?" Nate in confusion... Then Keito-sensei looked at me... W-What?! He thought I will tell him?! I don''t want to die okay! "H-He hasn''t know..." I said... And Keito-sensei''s smile change to nervous face... "Ah... maybe you should explain it to him..." He said to me while leaving us... T-That is so irresponsible! After he left... Nate looked at me... "What?" I asked him "I am the one that should be asking... just what have happened?" Nate asked me... I look around... and everyone is busy with themselves... so it is safe to tell Nate... Seeing the situation is clear... Euclio told Nate... "You see, actually your grandpa is still alive..." Euclio explained... "W-What? But Tousan said that grandpa has died already..." Nate said... "Apparently... Keito-sensei is our real grandpa... just don''t tell anyone, if you don''t want to be killed by him okay..." I say with a smile And Nate looks afraid... "O-Okay..." he said And at that night Keito-sensei come to our room... and as usual, every night everyone gathered in my room... including Precilla, Roxane and Serena... I hear a door knocked... Everyone becomes quite... "Hey... I think everyone is here already..." Leon said whisperingly I stood up from the sofa... and I come closer to the door My heart beats real fast when I was openning the door... And it was... "K-Keito sensei!" I shouted... "Uhhh so all of you are in a party... can I talk with you and Nate?" He asked me I think he wanted to tell things to Nate... "Nate... come here, we are going out for a while..." I called him "Okay!" he shouted... Both of us went outside with Keito-sensei... We are walking toward his room... We passed several building and also training ground As long as we walk, we see people trained... and also some are still in the mess hall... We then arrive at building F which is for the Teacher dorm... and we move to the third floor.... And we move to the end of the corridor... and see a door... You can see a number written on the door... ''301'' it said... After he unlocked his door, we come inside... "Please sit..." Keito-sensei said And I sit... but Nate looks afraid... "Don''t worry..." I said to Nate... He nodded and sit by my side... Keito served the tea like he always did... and open his mask in front of Nate... And Nate looked surprised... He then looked at my eyes... "T-That is the same eyes!" he said with surprised voice... "Yeah, it is... and he is truly our grandpa..." I said And Keito-sensei nodded... "B-But how could Tousan lied?" Nate asked me... I then tell about the story of Navroth, and the spell she used... the Manipulation... and then he reached a conclusion that we never thought... "Then why Navroth bother our family? Making grandpa died?" Nate asked me I looked at Keito and he shooked his head as well... "You see... we don''t know everything yet... but, one thing to know, is that we can''t tell this to anyone... so far there are You, Euclio and I that knows about this fact..." I said "Yes... and I guess, you all should leave, before everyone turned suspicious on you guys and me..." Keito said We left his room and walk back to my room... And everybody is still inside my room... "Hey... where have you been with Keito-sensei?" Leon asked... "He told us... "That he has an assignment for us..." I continued Nate''s words "Wow... special assignment from the best teacher! That means that he trusted both of you..." Serena said with amazed... "Yeah! Both of you should be proud!" Precilla said "Yep it is... and wait... it''s 10 pm already... why are you guys still in here?" I asked Normally, we just spent our time till 9 PM "Hmmm we are just worried about both of you..." Roxane said "Yeah, she said things like ''What if Keito-sensei is actually an assassin? And he probably paid for killing the Maxwells''" Euclio said while winking on me "N-No... of course no... he give us an assignment, because he is my Tousan''s friend!" I said after thinking for some excuses... I guess that is pretty a good excuse... "Wow... that is great... then, we will be leaving!" Roxane said and she prepared herself... "Okay, I will be going as well.." Precilla joined "Hmmm... I guess I need some rest as well..." Serena said... "Me too..." Ethan said After everyone left, it''s only the four of us... Euclio, Nate, and Leon.... "Hmmm... You see, Euclio has known about Keito-sensei..." I said while looking at Leon... "I guess you can tell Leon... since it''s been more than 5 months... I trusted him..." I said to Nate... And he nodded... Then Nate told everything he knows to Leon... and Leon looks like he didn''t believe... "So... if your Tousan thought that Keito-sensei is dead, why don''t Keito-sensei just meet your Tousan and explain this story to him?" Leon asked... "T-That is..." "There is a probability that Navroth''s spy is among them... since Navroth change the life of Maxwell" Euclio said... "T-That make sense..." Leon said... "Have you told Nat-" "Let''s call it a day... I am too tired..." I said to cut Euclio''s word "Heh? What did you want to say Eu?" Nate asked "Ah... Nothing... maybe next time..." Euclio said "N-No... I want to know it now!" Nate said I let a sigh... "It is bad news..." I said "It''s okay..." Nate said "It will change your life... and mine as well..." I said... "Yeah, but I really want to know..." Nate in curiosity... "But... I can''t say it..." I said... This is really sad... I have been with Nate for ten years... and I treat him as my brother... but knowing that he is actually not my real brother is the saddest thing I''ve heard... "You want me to tell him?" Euclio asked me... "N-No... let me... it must be me..." I said I take a deep breath... "This is the worst news that I got from this whole life..." I said And Nate gulped... I see him hesitating a bit... But then he determinate himself... "I am, not your brother..." I said ..... ..... The clock is ticking... Everyone didn''t move... Leon''s mouth is widely open... While Nate didn''t move at all... But then, Nate hugs me.... "So what?" he said I hugged him back... "You are always be my brother... even if we are not blood related..." Nate said "That is true... I hope nothing will change okay?" I said And he nodded... "I can still call you with ''Onisan'' right?" Nate asked with a smile... "Of course! I am happy with that!" I said while still hugging him... After a while... he released his hug from me... "Nisan! Can I sleep with you tonight?" He asked me "O-Of course..." I said... Now I feel like he is using this chance to sleep with me... This boy... "Okay! I will take the pillows!" Leon said "Wait... let me help you..." Nate said Both then left my room... And I take a deep breath.... Euclio laughed... "What?" I asked... "Nate has grown..." Euclio said "Yes he is... When I know that I am not belong to the family, I feel really down..." I said "Yeah, that''s suck... That family is great... like the ideal family... but you are still a Maxwell..." Euclio said "Yeah, that''s true..." I said We slept together that night... Uhhh I guess we need two bed in this room... And after 8 months, the school decided to held a tournament... "So, it will be a 2v2 battle... and you can team up with anyone... please choose your partner and write it on the paper... I had a box ready in Lobby of building A, submit your name and your partner name inside the paper... the latest is today before 6 PM..." Santa said We are currently gathered in the Assembly Room... "Huh... this is troublesome... is it a must?" I askedIf you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "And this is a mandatory..." Santa said while facing me... Everyone direct their eyes on me... Ughh?! He can listen my complaint?! Then Euclio laughed... After Santa finished talking, we leave the room... "Eu, wanna be my partner?" I asked him out "Nope?" he said "W-What?!" I said with panicked voice Then he laughed... "Y-You are joking, right?" I asked him "Of course! Who else want to paired up with you beside me..." He said... "W-What?! Then! Let me find my own partner!" I said I left Euclio "Hey! If you don''t find any, treat me dinner okay?" He said "Fine! But I will got one...." After an hour... Ughh Nate with Leon, while Roxane is going to do it with Precilla... Ethan also had another friend... Serena is a popular girl, everyone wanted to be her partner as well... I returned to my room and... I see a boy with wicked smile... I let a sigh... "Fine... be my partner..." I said "Of course!" he said We write our name on a piece of paper and we decided to go to the lobby We see everyone busy with the tournament thing... I-Is it really that important? Some of them even discussing their strategy... When we arrived at the lobby We see a box... and we put the paper with our name inside... "I think, we will win the tournament..." Euclio said "Yeah, I leave it to you..." I said... "W-What?! Of course, no! We have to do it together!" Eu said... The next day, we gather in the assembly room back... and the announcement of the matches... the first year, second year, third year, and fourth year joined the tournament... "So... we fight against a fourth-year regular class student..." Euclio said "When?" I asked "2 days from now..." Eu said "H-Hey! We are going to fight today!" Roxane said with sparkling eyes... "Yes! I thought we are going to watch this whole day... that would be boring...." Precilla said "How about you Nate?" I asked Nate... "Tomorrow, Against the first-year regular class student..." He said quite dissapointed... Ugghh if you want, you can take my enemy as well... We moved to the Duel Arena... and watched the fight... It is mostly a fight between swordsmanship... but sometimes, there are some people uses witchcraft... and when they fight using magic, it become a really interesting match... like people began to shout... The next battle... I feel the room is a bit louder... I know that Roxane and Precilla is going to fight... but fight who? "Now.. it''s Roxane and Precilla against Ethan Perius and Ed!" Santa shouted "Hey! It''s Roxane and Precilla''s turn!" Serena said "Hmmm who is that guy..." Euclio said Euclio pointed at the boy next to Ethan... "Ed?" I asked "Yeah, he is pretty close with that guy... he is some kind of bodyguard from the Royal Palace..." Nate explained... "Oooo I see..." I said I looked at Ed... "He looks familiar..." I said "Hmmm? You mean his face?" Nate asked... "Hmmm his face looks like you?" Euclio said in confusion "T-That is actually true... but not his eyes" Nate said "Begin!" Santa shouted And the battle begin... "I guess the winner has been decided then..." Leon said "Hmmm?" I asked... "Yeah, don''t you think Precilla and Roxane would be the winner?" Euclio said "But you see... Ethan is a hardworking boy... he reached advance level in this past few months..." I said "And so does Precilla and Roxane, they are Advance Tier as well... how about the other guy?" Euclio asked and... A white spherical light appeared behind Ed... "He is a mage!?!" we all said in unison "T-That is Holy Element!" I shouted And everyone looked amazed... What surprised me is that he can cast magic without staff nor wand... and it is a voiceless too... So far, the only person who can do that is... me I see both Precilla and Roxane looked surprised But Roxane, without wasting any more time, she moved and attack Ed... when she swung her sword, Ethan block it with his shield... So... Roxane will be fighting Ethan... both are at the same level, Advance Tier... Next is Precilla... she moved and tried to attack Ed... but then he use his Holy Magic... [FLASHBANG] He created a flashbang and make Precilla blind temporarily... And he moved behind Precilla... it was a high agility he has there... since he moved really fast Before directing an attack to Precilla, she had recovered first... After she noticed that Ed was gone, she looked at her back and she use her shield to block the attack launched by Ed... Then Ed moved back a bit... Ethan is still against Roxane... he successfully blocked every attack... "T-This is an intense match for the first round..." Nate said... "That Ed guy is really amazing..." Euclio said with amazed voice Ed move forward to attack Precilla... He then unsheathed his sword... "He is nisan..." Nate said "Yep... he is Nico" Euclio said "No complain here..." Leon said T-These guy... He is a mage, but at the same time, a swordsman... When Precilla swung her sword... he dodged it and give it a counter attack... Based on my observation, he uses the Maxim Style as well... Then he make all of us amazed again... He summons another spherical light... it''s the green one... H-He can use two elements? I know that I can use 5, but two is considered rare as well... [WIND] Ed uses... Ed pushed Precilla back using his wind magic... But, while pushing Precilla back, Roxane jump and swung her sword in the air toward Ed... Ed didn''t see it coming But Ethan greatly fulfill his job... He used his shield to hold Roxane''s attack and knock Roxane to Precilla place... Both of them are now in the same position and about to lose since they almost leave the arena... But then... "BARRIER MAGIC!" Precilla used and the wind effect doesn''t reached them... But I sense that Ed has a lot of mana... he doesn''t look tired at all... He then gives more power to his [WIND], what I did to Ethan... I see a crack on Precilla''s barrier... What can both of them do in this condition... I guess this is it... Roxane and Precilla raised their hand and the match is settled... "Ethan Perius and Ed win!" Santa said deciding the winner... Everyone gives a big applauds on the match... I am entertained... and I believe everyone entertained as well... I see both team handshaked... and Precilla with Roxane left the aren... After a minute, they join us to watch the next battle... Both drop their swords and a sigh... "That is hard!!" Precilla said "Yeah! But it was fun!" Roxane said while smiling... No one here expect they would lose on the first round... "Both of you okay? No wound?" I asked And both of them nodded their head... "That was a great battle! You guys did a great job" Euclio praised them with a smile... "Yeah, it''s just our opponent is stronger than us..." Precilla said That is true... That Ed is strong... Wind Magic... is a continous magic, which is a bit hard for Barrier Magic to hold... if a [WATER SHOT] or [FIREBALL] were shot rather than [WIND], Barrier Magic could stop them... "He looks like nisan..." Nate said Nate keeps saying that words... And now everyone looked at me... "Yeah, a mage and a swordsman as well..." Leon continues... "Hmmm, that is actually true... I get this vibe like I was actually fighting Nico... but he is stronger? Or maybe since he is fighting seriously... Since Nico never fight me seriously..." Precilla said with his suspicious eyes... "Umm you see, if it is a training, I won''t fight seriously okay..." I explained... "Yeah, don''t worry, we get it..." Precilla said while laughing... "But Ethan definitely improved a lot! He is now on the same level with us..." Roxane said after she fought Ethan... "Yeah, both of them actually can fight till the final... I guess it will be our enemy!" Euclio said to me... "Hey! Don''t forget about us!" Nate said with annoyed face "You guys will be facing him soon, right?" I asked Nate and Leon... Both nodded... "Yeah, we are on group B and they are on group A... maybe on the quarter final..." Leon said "Good... then you have times to think about it..." I said "About?" Nate asked... "How to fight the Wind Element..." I said And everyone stay silence... The problem is still unsolved We left the Arena since it is getting boring... It is actually forbidden but we did it with some excuses... A day has passed and it''s Nate and Leon''s turn... But it went too easy... Actually, everyone was waiting for this match, but difference is too much... Nate give a heavy swing with his spear and make one guy lost conscious... while the other one just got kick by Leon and out of the arena''s line... "You see... it''s not even 10 seconds..." I said to Eu while watching... "Urgh I think it will be hard facing them..." Euclio said "You just realized that?!" I said in annoyed voice And we also enjoy a fight of Karl Klorze... the boy who is so proud of his Dad... Seeing his fight, I think he is actually pretty good... but he lost against Precilla right? "Hey Nico..." Precilla called me... "What?" I asked "Shouldn''t you be worried about your match?" Precilla asked... "Hmmm why?" I asked Euclio looks uninterested too... "You guys are going to fight the fourth-year special class champion you know..." Precilla reminded me... "Champion?!" I said in panicked... "Who is it?" Roxane asked... "Noc Avom and Navael..." Precilla said "W-What?!?" Both Euclio and I in unison.... "Umm wait... who are they?" I asked "Ughh I thought you know them..." Euclio said "Ah, I just think that I have heard those name..." I said Precilla and Roxane looked speechless... "B-Both of you sure are hopeless!" Precilla said while hit her own forehead... "They are the last two years winner..." Roxane explained... Now both of us looked speechless... "You remember him? The guy that can use 3 elements is Noc Avom... and the other guy which is the elven race, using a shield and spear is Navael..." Precilla said Navael... isn''t he the guy that admired Tousan really much "I think I remember him, he is the one that admired my Tousan right?" I asked And Precilla nodded... "The freak?" Euclio asked me I nodded... "T-That is rude..." Roxane said and pinched both of our cheeks "Iahm Sohwryy" Both of us in unison And she released both of us... "You should practice more..." Precilla looked at us with worried face... "Okay, okay... we will practice after today''s tournament..." I said "No... we need strategy..." Euclio said with serious face... And all of us looked at him confusedly... "Ughh what''s with that face? You looks scary..." I said... "We need to win! That is why we need good strategy..." Euclio said And all of us looked speechless... Since when he is able to hold his serious face this long... "What are the elements Noc Avom able to use?" Euclio asked Precilla... "Uhh Fire, Wind and Earth..." Precilla said in confused... "Then, Nico, you will counter everything he summon, if he use Fire, counter it with Water... and use your flashbang to disable them..." Euclio said... "O-Okay... Okay" I said and calmed him down... But I can''t calm him down... "Ah, then, he can''t use Water magic? So Fire magic will be Noc''s weakness..." Euclio said "T-That is true..." I said E-Euclio is so excited... While talking, Nate and Leon come to us... "Hello..." Nate greeted us... "Welcome back! Great job you did there!" I praised him... and ignores Euclio "Ah... it was nothing..." Nate said in quite disappointed voice... "Next match should be harder... don''t worry..." I said while patting his head... "Nico! Will you use your secret move?" Euclio asked me... and he make me to be the central attention... "M-Me? Of course! If it is needed..." I said "Then! I will use it too!" Euclio said with a smile... And now everyone looked curious... "What are you guys talking about?" Leon asked... "So... they have been planning how to defeat their enemies tomorrow..." Precilla said "They can just beat him to bulp easily..." Nate said "Nope... they are fighting the last two years champion..." Roxane said... "T-That''s great!!" Both of them in unison... "Ugh... take my opponent if you want..." I said "N-No! We should fight them!" Euclio said seriously I never see Euclio this serious... "Fine... I will win the match... just tell me later okay why is it you want it so badly..." I said And Euclio nodded... "Fighting you is what I really want! Nisan!" Nate said changing the topic... "R-Really? I think you have won multiple of times..." I said "But you aren''t serious right..." he said with suspicious eyes... "T-That is quite serious you know..." I said "And you don''t even use your magic..." Nate complain And I can''t even defend myself... After watching several fights, night comes... I am currently in my room with Euclio... "Why do you want to win so badly?" I asked Euclio... Euclio is laying himself in the sofa... He let a sigh... "I just want to prove that you are strong, so that no one ever hurt you or your brother anymore..." Euclio said Then I looked speechless... H-He do this for me?! "N-Not only that... but people have a high expectation already to both of us... I just don''t like to let people down..." Euclio said "T-That is true..." I agreed with Euclio''s argument... "So... you are going to use it?" Euclio asked... "Yeah, and you will use it too right?" I asked He nodded... "Fighting against a spear wielder... what will you do?" I asked him... "Keep a close range..." Euclio said "But, he used shield..." I said "That''s why I have two swords..." Euclio said "He can knock you back anytime he want..." I said "Don''t worry... I uses my instinct during a fight..." Euclio said "I thought you are the strategy type..." I said Euclio is actually pretty a well organized boy... he plan everything ahead... "Yeah, but situation could changes really fast... that is why we need to develop our instinct as well..." Euclio said "Fine... Let''s do this!" I said in quite excited way... "Okay!" Euclio responded... We discussed some of the strategy before we went to bed... The next day... Both of us do our morning training with Nate, Leon and Roxane as usual... Nate joined since we usually do our morning exercise as well, when we are still in the mansion Then we eat our breakfast with Leon and Precilla... Ethan come to us sometimes... but sometimes he is still practicing... The things that we don''t notice is that he is actually a hard-working boy... He trained with this boy called Ed... and he is actually pretty good... After eating our breakfast... we enter the duel arena... We have to split up with the other, since we are going to fight... "Do your best!" Nate encourage both of us... "Yep! We will!" I said Both of us left them... And we joined the waiting room... "Wow... there are pretty a lot of people today..." Euclio said... "I think there are no difference between today and yesterday..." I said "There is one difference!" a boy voice heard behind me... I turn back and see an elven boy... "Navael..." I said... "Wow... I am surprised you still remember my name..." Navael said happily... "What is the difference?" Euclio asked... "You see... the King is watching..." Navael said "WHAT?!?" Both of us in unison.... "And it seems they are actually waiting for our battle..." Navael said T-This is become troublesome... "Y-You mean King Ethen right?" Euclio asked... And Navael nodded... "And it seems your Dad is here as well" Navael said to me... He looks really... happy... and I believe he will go all out... "....." I can''t say anything... "Then! Let''s do our best!" Euclio said to me and Navael... "Of course! We will do our best as well..." Navael said Then he left us... We waited our turn for around 2 hours... and finally "Finally! The most waited match of the day! Nicolas Maxwell and Euclio Qiteron.... against Noc Avom and Navael!" Santa shouted... And the audience become really loud... "E-Euclio... I feel nervous now..." I said to him "N-Nico! Stay strong! We have to prove to your Tousan that you have grown!" Euclio said "T-That is true... but the crowd is too much..." I said "Ughh!! You are a boy! Let''s go!" Euclio said and pulled my hand... We left the waiting room and enter the arena.... I feel every eyes are on me... It''s a different feeling, usually people are judging me... but this time, they are expecting us... T-That is worse!! I set my stance... also I borrowed Leon''s sword... since he doesn''t mind... also he has the best sword around... I looked at the audience.... "T-There are a lot!" I said "Don''t looked at them! Just keep focus!" Euclio said "O-Okay!" I direct my view to the opponents in front of me... I see Noc Avom... holding his staff... And Navael with his spear and shield I nodded to Santa means we are ready.. "The battle begin!!" Santa shouted... ''Create Earth'' I then created a prison... but the process takes too long so both of them are able to evade it... but my plan is not actually to imprisoned them... but to split them to two... Noc move to the right while Navael move to the left... I created a wall between both of them which is high enough, so that it can''t be climb... And then I hear the audience cheers at our battle... "Now!" I shouted to Euclio and he moved forward... ''Create... Wind...'' Whille Euclio move forward and start getting closer to Noc... while I will push Navael out from the line... I use [WIND] to push Navael back... But Noc use his Wind Magic as well and pushed Euclio back... but Euclio could use Barrier Magic that will buy us some times.. Last night, we revised the plan... I will push Navael out of the line... then both of us will deal with Noc... It is a success... so far.... Navael was almost out of the line by my wind... but then... he suddenly move forward slowly... towards me... "N-Noc is using his wind magic to push Navael as welll!" Euclio shouted... from the other side "Can you go?" I asked Euclio from the other side We can''t see each other because of the wall I created "Not with this wind..." Euclio shouted... "Then... I guess we have to use our second plan..." I said And Euclio nodded... Both of us return to our initial position... While Noc undo my [WALL] so that they could stick together... I used barrier magic for both of us, to hold the wind while also using my wind magic to stop them from advancing... I see Noc has summoned a brown spherical light... He then created a wall to protect both of them from the wind Creating a [WALL] means... They can''t see us, right? "I guess I have another plan..." I said to Euclio I still activate my Wind Magic so they won''t undo their wall... Euclio moved near to Noc''s [WALL] and give me a thumb... I use my earth magic to undo his earth magic... Now the wall is descending.... When the wall is undone... Euclio immediately launch a sneaky attack toward Noc... But Navael blocked his attack and pushed Euclio back... While both of them are fighting... I throw fire toward Noc... He then uses his wind magic... and now the fire is turning to my direction... But then I created a wall... The fires were put out by the wall I created... I undone my [WALL] and prepare for the next attack... I then now shot Water Magic on him... so that he has to summoned a wall like I do... When he summoned the wall... I help Euclio... "Euclio!" I shouted his name and... He faced me... and I created a flashbang in front of Navael''s face.... [FLASHBANG] "AGHH!!" Navael shouted... Noc undone his wall and sees his friend disabled... Euclio was about to attacked him but then blocked by the wall Noc created... But, with that Noc is defenseless... Euclio move and change his target to attack Noc... But Noc summon fire to attack Euclio... "Euclio!!" I shouted... I can use water magic... but it will be too late, since I am more than 10 meters away... But then Euclio''s swords turn to blue and extinguish the fire... I see water flows through his sword... but they are not falling from the sword... like the sword as its central gravity... I-Is that Elemental Fighter Magic? This is my first time seeing it as well... After seeing his magic has been nullified... Noc uses other magic... which is Wind Magic... but I draw a barrier in front of Noc''s face using my hand... and a barrier appeared in front of Noc''s face... Magic has no effect as long you hide behind it... only physical attack does... Euclio then swung his sword toward Noc... but... Euclio was kicked by Navael from behind... He has recovered.... Then Euclio returned to my side... The audience is cheering... "This will be hard..." I said "I didn''t expect it will be this hard..." Euclio said If we attack the Noc... Navael will protect him... But if we attack Navael... can Noc defend Navael? "Let''s try to attack Navael together..." I said And Euclio nodded... Both of us move forward... "Look behind!" I said to Eu... [FLASHBANG] Then I summon another flashbang in front of Noc... so Noc can''t help Navael... Euclio jump up high... and used his blade to attack above Noc''s head... Euclio aim for Noc since he know that Navael will protect Noc... Navael block the attack using his shield... I decided to help Euclio in close combat... But then I push him back by kicking him... And he was almost out of the line.... "One more time!" I shouted and Euclio nodded... But when we run toward Navael... and earth magic was summoned... A wall blocking us... "Now!" Euclio shouted... [PRISON] I created a prison for Navael... And both of us changed our target... A prison made of earth magic... it blocks every side so that Navael can''t help Noc... While Euclio take care of Noc... Noc can''t undo my prison since he is busy with Euclio... And now it''s 2 v 1 I help Euclio... I unsheathed my sword... and while Noc parrying Euclio''s attack with his staff... he did not noticed me... When he noticed me, it was a bit late... I throw his staff using the sword I borrowed from Leon... And Euclio''s sword is beside Noc''s neck... It is finally over... "I-I give up..." Noc said "The winner is Nicolas Maxwell and Euclio Qiteron!" Santa announced And the crowd is cheering us... All of them stood up from the bench and give us a big applauds... I am very happy... I never felt this accepted in my life... I guess I cried a bit... I wipe my tears Euclio surround my shoulder with his arm... while his other hand was raised up to the sky... The crowd become a lot louder now... And Noc come towards me... He extended his hand to me... I grab his hand and we shake our hands... "You are strong..." Noc said to me with a smile... "And so does both of you... I never fight a battle this hard..." I said And he looked surprised... "Yeah, me too... it was the best match I have ever fight..." Noc said He looks happy... "Ummm... can someone let me out..." A voice from behind a wall... "Ups..." I forgot to undone the wall after the fight... I undone the wall and now we can see Navael sitting down on the floor... Euclio come toward him...and help him stand up... "Your attack was so powerful!" Navael praised Euclio... "But still... your defense is impenetrable" Euclio praised Navael... I then direct my view toward the audience... I see Leon, Precilla, Roxane, Ethan, Serena and Nate... and one more girl... "N-Nathalia?" I said it Then I searched for the other of my family member... "Hey! Your Tousan is here! So... he just watched us?!" Navael said excitedly "T-Tousan?!" I asked Navael pointed his hand and I spotted him He is talking with Euclio''s Dad... "Your Tousan is here as well..." I said to Euclio... "Yeah... let''s go.." Euclio asked me to join him I never thought fighting 2v2 is actually a lot more fun than 1v1... We both left the battle arena and I feel the best battle I ever experienced... Chapter 10 - Knowing Ed After we left the Battle Arena... we went to the audiences... I just wanted to sit next to my friends... but it is really hard since everyone keeps praising us... But finally, after 10 minutes... which is actually we only need 2 minutes... we could finally unite with the other... "Nisan!!" Nathalia come and hug me... "That is a great battle! I think that is even the best battle I have seen in my life!" Precilla praised us... "I never see a battle that intense! Both of you equalize the previous champion... which was I think that they are the best..." Roxane praised us... Both of us sit on the bench... And I guess Euclio was too tired to respond... "Thanks... that was the best battle I had ever fight either..." I said "The battle between of spell is intense... also the battle between the swordsmanship" Nate praised us... "Ughh... Navael is formidable... I never thought a Vareos Style would be so hard to be defeated..." Euclio said I think it''s just Euclio never fight a Vareos Style user... the only spear wielder between us is Nate... and he used Maxim Style... which make Nate as a rare spearman... Maxim Style is the rarest among every style, Either Sword Style nor Spear Style "But both of you are pretty good in teamwork!" Serena said... She lost on the first round... I guess she has no interest in swordsmanship nor witchcraft... "That is not pretty good... but excellent!" Roxane said "Did we?" I asked back And all of them nodded... "You see... Wind and Earth elements are the worst enemy you ever fight!" Precilla said "I agree... it change the terrain too much..." I said... "Yeah, if you have no barrier magic... it would be really hard..." Precilla said... That is true... without barrier magic... normal people would be troubled... I looked at Nathalia... she looks so proud at me... She keeps hugging me... "What''s wrong Nathalia?" I asked while patting her head "Nothing... I just missed you..." Nathalia said to me... "H-How about me?" Nate asked jealously... Nate hasn''t changed at all... "Then! Let''s hug nisan!" Nathalia said... And Nate joined hugging me... "H-Hey! T-This is embarassing you know..." I said Some people laughed seeing us... "Hey... let me treat you guys lunch!" I said... "Yeahhh!!!" Nate, Leon, Roxane, Precilla, Serena, Ethan said in unison... I see Tousan and Kasan waving their hand on me... I waved my hand back... "Nathalia... how long will you stayed here?" I asked her "Umm, I guess until your match ended..." she said... Ughh they really come this far only to watch us?! Even Ethen Perius?! And Feurius Qiteron?! Now both King are talking to each other... I guess Perius Kingdom and Qiteron Kingdom has a good relationship... "Euclio..." I called him... "What?" He asked with tired face... He moved a lot during the battle... I guess I could understand if he looks totally tired out... "Have you asked that question to your Tousan..." I asked him whisperingly... Only Nathalia heard... but I trusted her... Since she is one of the reincarnate like me... "Yeah... have I told you?" He asked me in confusion.... I shook my head "T-Then I will tell you later..." Eu said... I nodded... And Nathalia looked at me... "You see... when you enter the school, there will be something I''m going to tell you... and it is really important..." I said to her... She nodded... All of us went to the mess hall and I treated the food for all of them... Since the beginning of the year, I got more gold than my previous year... I got a hundred gold per month... while I only spent 10 gold a month... I save 90 gold a month... I have around 700 golds now... maybe I should buy something... "Hey Nico... you should buy a staff..." Euclio said "S-Staff? What for?" I asked I could do magic without using staff... "You see... Staff actually amplify your magic output... a good staff could amplify it until 10x..." Nathalia explained... And everyone now looked at her... "H-How did you know that?" I asked "Library?" she said "Ah... you still went to the library with Rueger-san?" I asked "Yeah! He told me a lot of stories! And he missed you a lot Nisan!" Nathalia said... Then I looked at Roxane... I think he supposed to miss Roxane not me, right? "Of course he missed you! He is your personal guardian!" Nate said "Yeah, your Tousan is a great person..." I said to Roxane... To make the mood lighten... since we are talking about Roxane''s Tousan, but they relate Rueger more to me than to Roxane... And she nodded... "He is a good Tousan as well..." she said "The school will end in two months... so calm down... you will meet him soon..." I said "Yeah I know..." she said "Hey! How about this weekend we visited Nico''s house!" Euclio suggested... "That is a great idea!" Nate said... "Okay! Then it is settled! I will tell Okasan to prepare everything!" Nathalia said Everyone decided to visit my mansion... I have no objection as well... But, I am now interested in buying a staff... but how much is the price for such expensive thing... I see Leon''s sword... And he noticed my gaze... "Leon... how much is your sword cost?" I asked... "This one? It''s about 1000 Dragon Gold..." Leon explained... And everyone looked surprised... except Ethan... "W-What''s with that expression? I think it''s normal since it is crafted with finest blacksmith..." Ethan said... "And yours?" Euclio asked... "M-Mine? I guess almost 2000 Perius Gold..." Ethan said uncomfortably... And everyone hanged his mouth open except Leon... "H-Hey! Even Euclio''s sword is much more expensive than ours!" Ethan defended himself and Leon... "I-Is it?!" Euclio asked... E-Euclio don''t even know about his own swords... He is useless isn''t he... "Yeah! Those swords can be used by an Elemental Fighter like you... it would probably cost 5000 golds!" Leon said And everyone doesn''t even move an inch... "Each sword..." Leon said... It''s 10 000 golds!! "With that money, I''ll go retired already..." Precilla said seriously... and all of us laughed... "But still, no one can defeated Nate''s spear... it must be more than 10 000 golds..." Leon said "I-Is it?" Nate asked I looked at his spear... it was the spear given by the dwarven kingdom... "It is a gift... from Rodrick Fisherman..." Nate said And everyone looked amazed... "The best spear creator in the world..." Ethan said with amazed face... "C-Can I hold it?" Ethan asked.. "S-Sure..." Nate sounds confused... After we eat our lunch, all of us return to the Arena and watches several matches... Lex and Gina in a team... fighting against 2 people from regular class... They easily defeated them... Also I watched Daigo Staviel fighting.... but I guess, he isn''t really interested in this kind of event... He lost... We sit together with Daigo during classes that is not a mix class between other different year students... And the mysterious Marie Gavenhallen is also fighting... Unexpectedly, she won... she paired up with a boy from regular class... I never seen him before... After the matches end, Tousan asked me to have dinner with them in the mansion... He said that he already asked for permission to Santa... "Tousan... can my friend join our dinner?" I asked He give a thought... "Guess that''s fine... we will put another table for you kids then..." Tousan said "Thanks Tousan!" I said while hugging him... Then Euclio, Ethan, Leon, Roxane, Precilla and Serena joined us for dinner... When it is time for dinner... We ride in our own carriage... Tousan has provided two other carriage for us... he is well-prepared man... We are now moving toward the Mansion from the school... This might be the first time for Precilla and Serena to visit my mansion... When we arrived at the Mansion, we are directed to the dining room... There are two kings during our dinner... Euclio''s Tousan and Ethan''s Tousan also, Tousan... the three of them looked like an old friend... The three of them talk happily Until I heard about war... "Have you heard any more news about Gavenhallen Kingdom?" Tousan asked... "No... but it is confirmed already that they are going to war against Staviel Kingdom..." Ethen Perius said... "That is a stupid move... Just because the politic fight in Staviel Kingdom is not fair, Gavenhallen decided to interrupt..." Feurius Qiteron said "Don''t you think you should be doing something?" Tousan asked Feurius... "That might be true... But Qiteron Kingdom has our own principal... we won''t interrupt other Ocean Kingdom vs Ocean Kingdom fight... we won''t side to anyone as well..." Feurius explained... "Hmm, but what can we do to stop them? People from Staviel Kingdom keep coming to my Kingdom..." Ethen said in troubled face... "Staviel Kingdom... just how corrupted they be? You mean Vierten Staviel is one of the corrupt?" Tousan asked... "No... He is an honest guy... but his ministries are all corrupted" Feurius saidYou might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. "Yeah, the kingdom is getting poorer... I received an intel..." Ethen said "And have you heard another problem in Beastman Kingdom?" Tousan asked And both of them nodded... "I heard that they are fighting against the elf..." Tousan said "Which elf?" Feurius asked... "High Elven Race..." Tousan said... "That will be a great war..." Ethen said "You see... no matter what happened... both of us should never fight..." Tousan said And the three of them raised their cup "For our sons" They said T-They keep peace because of us? Euclio gave me a wink... Is it because of our friendship? That would be great then... "The food here is delicious!" Leon praised the food... He talks since no one talk in our table... But, that is a good move.... Or else, the kings will think that we are listening to their conversation, which is impolite... "Y-Yeah... as expected from you Nico!" Serena said "I-I don''t even cook!" I said and they laughed... We are on the same table with Rueger Rueger is eating between Roxane and I... But he talks to me more than he talks to Roxane... I feel sad for her... I hope she is not mad at me... So... there are wars happening in the world... Just why now... Maybe I should tell Keito-sensei about this... "Leon... you see that weapon my Tousan bring?" Ethan said to Leon whisperingly... But all of us hear what he said... "Yes... what''s wrong with that?" Leon asked "That is one of the legendary weapon..." Ethan said whisperingly... L-Legendary weapon?! "You mean the Auxillium''s Halberd?!?" Leon said with loud voice... I guess I see Ethen Perius smiled a bit... Not only him, but the other two as well... After the dinner, everyone prepared to leave... except me... since tomorrow is a holiday, Tousan also asked permission from Santa for me to stay a night in home and of course, Santa would agree... But then... "Your friend can stay here if you want..." Okasan said to Nate and I We are in the lobby and they are about to leave... "Y-You sure?" I asked "Of course! But we only have your room, Nate''s room, and Nathalia''s room" Kasan said "Hey guys! Why don''t you stay here for a night!" I asked them Without even thinking... Euclio and Leon agreed... "Y-You sure?" Precilla asked... "Ummm, I guess you, Roxane and Serena can stay with Nathalia..." I said to Precilla... I faced Nathalia and she nodded... "I don''t mind" she said cheerfully "While Leon and Ethan with me!" Nate said happily "You can take Euclio if you want..." I said to teased him... "N-No! I am fine with you..." Euclio said to me "Both of you are inseparable!" Serena said... "Yeah, it''s like you won''t be able to invite just one of them, they come in a package..." Roxane said "I-Is that a compliment?" Euclio asked... and we laughed... Thanks Kasan! She truly knows what I want.. I sleep with Euclio in the same bed... "Hey, I forgot to tell you" Euclio said in the middle of the night... He knows that I am not sleeping yet... "Your Tousan?" I asked "Yep, you know what is his relation with your grandpa?" Euclio asked me back... "No..." "He is Keito-sensei''s cousin..." Euclio said And silence rule the room... "You sure?" I asked "Yeah, but he said that he doesn''t know where he is... and Tousan thought he might have died..." Euclio said "Better keep it secret... you didn''t tell him right?" I asked "Of course no!" Euclio said "Okay... doesn''t mean we are actually brother?" I asked "Technically I am your Tousan''s cousin..." He said while laughing... "Y-You are my uncle?" I asked and he nodded while laughing... But I ended laughing as well... "That is good news..." I said "Yeah, it''s time to sleep! Tomorrow, we are going to shopping!" Euclio said happily I planned to buy a staff... The next day, I was woken up by Rueger as usual... And Rueger is smiling as always... "Nicolas-sama, Euclio-sama... it''s 6 AM already..." Rueger woke us up "Okay..." I said while still sleeping... When Euclio looked at Rueger''s face... "What?!" Euclio said in panicked... And I looked confused... "What?" I asked "You are so mean! Making the tenth woke you up!" Euclio said to me... "Ummm but he always wake me up since I am 4 years old..." I said "No problem Euclio-sama... I love my work..." Rueger said while smiling... "I-I see... then I guess that is okay..." Euclio said Hearing Euclio panicked voice wake me up... All of us trained at 6 AM, trained by Rueger, except Nate He trained with Kasan... "Where is Nate?" Leon asked me... "He trained with my Kasan..." I said "Yes, since Nate-sama is the only one here using spear..." Rueger said "I-I see..." Leon said "I bet your Kasan is very strong!" Serena said "W-Why is that?" I asked... "Of course! Nate is very strong! Nate and Leon have the strongest swordsmanship skill in school..." Precilla said "Yes... Nicole-sama is a very strong person... even myself lost against her..." Rueger said And all of us looked speechless... "Are you sure you were fighting seriously?" I asked him And he nodded... "B-But you are one of the 10 strongest..." Euclio said "Yes I am, but Nicole proved that she is stronger than me..." Rueger said Mom is stronger than Rueger? But I actually believed it as well... When I saw her fight the assasssins... I can''t even see her movement... it''s like she is blinking... "R-Rueger-san! Please teach me more!" Leon said seriously... "Hmmm and what is your purpose Leon-sama?" Rueger asked... "I-I want to beat Nate in swordsmanship!" Leon said it He is an ambitious kid... Rueger looked at me... and I nodded... "Okay then, let''s continue our training... this time, I will show you a God Tier looked like..." Rueger said while smiling He taught us for another hour, until all of us run out of stamina "Nicolas-sama... breakfast is ready..." a maid come and said to me "Okay... thank you..." I said And she left... "Let''s prepare ourselves for breakfast..." I said Everyone nodded... We all bathed and prepared ourselves for breakfast... I used my royal uniform... since Euclio''s Tousan and Ethan''s Tousan is here as well... Not only me, but the other of my friends were given a royal uniform as well... "This is cool!" Euclio said "Hey, you look nice in that outfit!" I praised him "I know right! But I just prefer my daily cloth, it is much flexible..." Euclio said Then all of us gather in the Dining Room and everyone is waiting already... We greeted the three of them, Tousan, Ethen Perius, and Feurius QIteron And then we sit on the different table... This time, Rueger is seating with the elder... and of course Kasan as well... We waited for the food to be served... "I can''t stand the royalty attitude... it''s too polite..." Roxane said "That is true... but you will get used to it if you born in royalty family..." Nate said And everyone nodded... I just realized that the boys are all royalty... while the girls, only Nathalia is royalty... But that doesn''t stop me from being their friend... "And the clothes... it doesn''t feel right... I just feel like my armor is much more comfortable..." Precilla said... "Ah! Before we went to the shop! Have you ever seen my armor?" I asked them... And all of them shook their head... "The armor is really beautiful! It is made by the King of the Dwarven itself!" Nathalia said Everyone looked surprised and also speechless... "N-Nathalia! I should be the one saying those words!" I said to her and she smiled on me... "Y-You mean Goldrac Godarmor?!" Ethan asked me "Yep!" I said proudly "Oh! I see it three years ago! When he gave the armor to you!" Euclio remembered... And I just remember as well that Euclio was there as well... "T-That must be cost more than 20 000 golds coin!!!" Leon said in happy voice "Hey! I must see it!!" Ethan asking me "Yeah! I have to see it too!" Precilla looked interested as well... It is a heavy armor, I believe Valeon Style user will like it, since they use heavy armor.... "Okay... it is in the lobby, so before we leave, we can see it first..." I said "Okay!" the three of them, Ethan, Leon and Precilla in unison After we finished our breakfast, We ask permission from Tousan to leave... and we say our farewell to them... Before we head to the town... We looked at the armor that is displayed on the lobby... "T-This is awesome!!" Ethan said "H-Hey! Can I buy it! How about 30 000 golds!" Leon said T-That is a lot of money!! But still... "S-Sorry Leon... it is a gift... I can''t sell it..." I said "I-I see..." he looked a bit disappointed... "But you can borrow it if you want..." I said "Okay... maybe next time...." Leon said and he looks happy again... "This is armor is made of adamantine!" Precilla shouted in panicked "A-Adamantine? What is that..." I asked "That is the hardest thing in the world... It is basically impenetrable!" Ethan said in surprised "Ohh please don''t tell more... it makes me want to buy it even more..." Leon said with suffering face and all of us laughed After we examined the armor I heard a carriage stop... "Guest from Aerios Kingdom!" the soldier announce the incoming guest... A-Aerios Kingdom?! All of us left the armor and see the carriage that just arrived... It has a Pegasus emblem on its door... Then someone come out from the carriage... "Tousan!" Leon shouted and immediately hugged his Dad... "Leon!" He said and hugged his son... He is a big man, with blonde hair... he used an expensive cloak and an expensive crown... "Z-Zeon Aerios...." Tousan shouted in surprised... Zeon then released Leon "Ahh! The Archduke itself greeted me!" Zeon said and hugged Tousan... They are about the same sizes... I wonder if I will be that big one day... After they finished their hugged... Then Tousan looked at my eyes... Means that I have to do something... Zeon then looked at me as well... "My name is Nicolas Maxwell, it''s an honor to meet you..." I introduce myself... "My name is Nate Maxwell, nice to meet you.." Nate said "My name is Nathalia Maxwell, I am happy to meet you..." Nathalia said After saying that, the other looked at us in surprised face... "Yep I know who you are... we''ve met long time ago..." Zeon said to Nate and Nathalia... Then he looked at me... "Sorry, during the feast three years ago, when you showed your magic... I haven''t got the chance to meet you..." Zeon said with sad face "T-That''s okay... at least we meet now..." I said "Wow... that is so friendly of you... I like it!" Zeon praised me and also patted my head... Then he looked at the other.... "My name is Euclio Qiteron..." "And my name is Ethan Perius..." "I am Roxane..." "My name is Precilla..." "And my name is Serena..." Everyone introduced themselves... He then nodded... "Nice to meet you all... I am Zeon Aerios..." he introduced himself... And then another man stand behind him... "My name is Orphamiel Aerios... I am Zeon''s brother..." he said with a smile on his face His name... is a bit familiar... "O-Orphamiel?! The sixth?!" Precilla asked... "Yep... it''s me" Orphamiel said while smiling The sixth?! Does it mean he is number six from the strongest people in the world?! "Okay, let''s talk inside!" Tousan said and convince Zeon to enter the mansion And he nodded... Zeon and Orphamiel entered our mansion... "Okay... now it is the time to head for the town!" Leon said "OKAY!" everyone said in unison... Actually, I didn''t plan to buy anything... I said about buying staff is just a distraction... But 4 days from now is Euclio''s birthday... I just want to give him something... since he is my best buddy... I was thinking about giving him a sword... Not dual swords... just a single sword... that able to resist the Elemental Fighter Magic... I planned to left with Ethan... since he knows a lot about swords... Leon knows a lot too... but he needed to be with Nate... since both of them always stick together... After we arrived at the city... "Hey... I need to buy something for my Tousan... you can go first... we will meet you up..." I said "Then! Let me accompany you!" Euclio asked me "N-No... it is related to kingdom stuff... I guess Ethan can accompanied me..." I refuse him... Ethan understands... so he nodded... I have told already about the plan to everybody else... "Sorry Euclio, it is the Kingdom related..." Ethan said His face looks really sad... And I notice that I always on his side... and almost never separated this past few months... We left the other and go straight to the blacksmith... We got some list from Roxane... so, we planned to visit 3 blacksmiths and 2 shops First, we went to a shop... "R-Red Eye!! LEAVE!!" a shopkeeper shouted... Ugh... we immediately leaved... "That might be me in the future if you had not duel me..." Ethan said while smiling... I looked at him... he has grown mature... "Yep... you should be thankful" I said with a smile... And he nodded... "Actually, I am really grateful that I dueled you..." Ethan said "Thanks..." He continues... "No problem" I said while patting his head... When we are walking to the second shop we crash into someone unexpectedly... "E-Ed!" Ethan said "E-Ethan-sama... what are you doing here?" Ed asked... -sama? So he must be Ethan''s bodyguard... I knew it! Since he is a really strong guy... He then looked at me... "My name is Ed... Prince Ethan''s personal bodyguard..." Ed said with cold gaze "Oh hi there... I am Nicolas Maxwell... nice to meet you..." I said And he nodded... "Please tell me if you need anything..." Ed said and he started to walk away... but... "Wait!" I stopped him... He looked back... "Do you want to join us?" I asked He looks lonely... why no one accompanied him... did they bully him? But he is too strong... "Where are you going?" he asked back... "We are going to a shop... I need to buy a sword for my friend..." I explained... "Fine..." he accepted T-That was fast! Then the three of us visited the shop... "I hope they won''t drive me out..." I said And Ethan laughed... Ed stay silent... I was actually wondering... if Ed hates me because of my Red Eye... I come inside and... "Nicolas-sama! Please what can I help you!" the shopkeeper greeted us... "Can I see the best sword you have?" I asked him... "Ah, please wait for a minute..." the shopkeeper left us... "There are still a good guy around..." Ethan said "Yep..." I said After minutes, he brought us 3 swords... One is a sword made of normal steel... just a good design... The other one is made of pretty good material... but still, not good enough.... And the third one is quite interesting, an Opal Sword... it looked like a glass "Is this all you got?" I asked him "Yes, Nicolas-sama..." The shopkeeper said "We will be back if we found nothing else..." I said Then we left the shop "Those are horrible..." Ethan said... "Yeah..." I said We move to the blacksmith... And we arrived at his shop... "R-Red eye!! Please leave!!!" He said with disgusted face... "S-Sure..." I said and about to leave... but... Ed come inside the shop and put his sword under the blacksmith''s neck... "W-What are you doing!" The blacksmith said in panicked... "I hate this kind of people..." Ed said "E-Ed!" Ethan called him in panicked... Ed directed his view to Ethan... and Ed nodded... He put back his sword... and returned to us... I looked at Ed with an idiot face... "Let''s go..." Ed said... and immediately leave the shop... leaving us in our confusion... "S-Sure..." Ethan said... After we left the blacksmith... "Hmmm let''s check this one..." I said while pointing a red dot I have marked on the map.... We visit the store... and it is the store where Precilla and Roxane bought their sword! We enter the store and a dwarf welcomed us... "Kid! What can I do for you..." the dwarf said... "Can I see your finest sword?" I asked the dwarf.... After saying that he realized that I am not an ordinary kid... and he acted nervously "S-Sure Nicolas-sama..." he said and left us... He then brought us a sword... One single sword... "T-This is!!" Ethan looked amazed "That is a sapphire..." the dwarf said... But the sword is not long enough... it is not even a sword, it''s a dagger... "Can you make a custom sword?" I asked... "Of course! A dwarf can smith everything!" he said proudly... "Then old man, do you have another sapphire left..." I said while teasing him... "Hey! I am not old! I am still in my 60s!" he said "That is old!!" I said and Ethan laughed... Ed is like a robot... he doesn''t laugh... Or my joke is bad? "Then kid! How much you want to pay?" he asked me in casual way... "5000 golds..." I said and show five with my hand... And he looked speechless... "Can you find an adamantine?" I asked And Ethan looked at me with surprised face... Including the dwarf.... "Adamantine is an extremely rare material... and it will be really pricey as well..." the dwarf said I guess it will cost more than 10 000, which is impossible for me... "I-I see... then how about the sapphire?" I asked "It might work... is it a gift?" he asked me... I nodded... "Then, do you want me to write his name and your name on the sword?" He asked me... "I-Is that possible?" I asked him "Hey! Don''t underestimate me... kid!" he said while winking his eye on me... He wants war! "Fine old man! If you can do it in three days... I will give you extra a thousand gold!" I said "Deal!" he said... "Then! Please leave... I will be closing for three days..." he said D-Did he just drive us out? Ugh fine... We left the shop and about to return to the other... "You will got a nice sword there... even my sword here is made of topaz only..." Ethan explained... Then I looked at his sword... and he showed it to me... "So... Sapphire is stronger than Topaz?" I asked "Of course! That is just one level below adamantine..." Ethan said "Probably one of the best... it''s because adamantine is an extremely rare material, so normally, royalty use sapphire..." Ed said H-He is finally talking... "Both of you sure know much about this..." I said "We actually loved to read books together..." Ethan said Ed nodded... Ed is small... I think he is not even 10 years old... "Umm, can I ask something?" I said to Ed... "What is it?" he asked... "How old are you?" I asked him "...." No answer... He faced Ethan... and Ethan nodded... "I am 9..." Ed said Nine? The school allowable age is ten... but I guess it is an exception... "I see..." I said... "Let''s meet the other up..." I said to change the topic... "Then, I will be leaving..." Ed said... "Hey! Let''s hang out together..." I asked him out... He give a thought... but then he answers "I can''t...." Ed said... and he left... His voice sounds a bit.... sad... "I wonder why he sounds so sad..." Ethan said as well... So Ethan realize it as well "Let''s meet up with the other!" I said And he nodded... After 2 hours since we left... we met in a restaurant... "Hey! What took you so long!" Euclio impatiently "Hehe... it took longer than I thought... sorry..." I said "No problem! Let''s order the food!" Precilla said We ordered some food When we order food... I have a lot of thoughts in my mind... This Ed guy, he is cold... but he actually cared for me... He defended me when a shopkeeper that drove me out... and even almost killed him... Maybe, I should buy him a sword as well? I feel bad for not treating him anything... I should have forced him to eat with us together... "Nico?" "Ummm Nico?" "Hey! Nico!!" Euclio shaked my body "W-What?!" I asked "That took a minute!" Roxane said while laughing "What are you thinking Nisan?" Nate asked "N-Nothing, have you guys ordered?" I asked... "Ughhh only you left... what do you order?" Euclio asked... He seems suspicious of me... "Ummm I order the same menu this guy order..." I said to the waitress while pointing at Euclio... After we ordered Nate told us what they have been doing... And the food come... "So, what will we be doing today?" I asked... "Don''t you want to find a staff?" Euclio asked "T-That''s true! But Ethan said that the quality of staff they are making in this town is bad..." I said Euclio looked at Ethan... I sent a wink on Ethan "T-That is true... and staff can''t be made by normal people... they could only buy it from special request to the church..." Ethan continues... "I-Is that true?" Nate asked Now he is not sure that we are joking or is it a real answer... "Yep, that is true... but there might be normal staff... but I guess you don''t want anything normal... then go order some staff for your own..." Precilla said "Where can I order a staff?" I asked her seriously this time "I think you can order it to my company..." Serena said "C-Company?" we all said in unison "Yeah... my Tousan is a merchant! He can order it from Haven..." Serena continues... "Haven?" I asked "That is the city of God... Mera Sect''s main city..." Ethan said "Your worst nightmare..." Euclio said to me... "Yeah... I won''t go there..." I said After knowing where to buy, I guess one day I will order a staff... but not now... "I guess not now... I have to save up some money..." I said "W-Wow... you saved up your money?" Euclio looked surprised... "Of course... I have a lot of unused gold each month, and I saved it monthly..." I said No one knows saving money here besides me? "I give the money back to Kasan!" Nate said T-That is a good boy "I keep it... but I used it to buy swords..." Ethan said Swords freak!! "M-Me too..." Leon said Another swords freak!!! "Hmmm I got a pretty balance money... so I can''t save money..." Roxane said "Yeah me too..." Precilla said And Serena nodded as well... "And you Euclio?" I asked him "Ummm... food?" Euclio said And all of us showed our idiot face Chapter 11 - Ocean Protector The next day is sunday... and we have no activity to do... just keep training with Rueger and Nate trained with Kasan... I have told to Kasan that I ordered a sword for Euclio... so they will be delivering it to the mansion... Also I told Kasan about the cost... which is 6000 golds coin I don''t have the money, but I said that I will pay the money soon... and she looked so proud of me... I know that my parents have the money, since I heard once about the income of Tousan when I am still 2 years old... They thought that I won''t understand... but I understand... Tousan get around 90 000 000 golds a year... At that time, I don''t understand wheteher is it a big money or not But he must pay wages for the soldiers which takes a third of the total income... Also, half of the incomes for the city management... This city is big, which needs a lot of maintenance... Auxem is the city of diplomacy, where every nation come and strengthen their relationship... Also, the city of knowledge... where people gained their knowledge...since this city has a school... and the only school in the world... If Tousan received 90 000 000 golds a year minus the city management and minus the wages for the soldiers... it means he has 15 000 000 golds right? I guess that 6000 golds won''t be a bother for him... On Monday... we returned to school... and we continues our tournament as well... Group A is now fighting for it''s champion... I guess there are 80 duels today... Group B is tomorrow Group C is the day after tomorrow... Group D is the day after Group C And there are some predictions about the champion of each group... Group A''s ace so far is Ethan and Ed Group B''s ace are Nate and Leon Group C''s ace is my team... Group D''s ace are Gina and Lex... Later, after the group stage is over, Group A''s champion will fight Group B''s champion And Group C''s champion vs Group D''s champion... The winner will go through the final... Ethan and Ed fight another 4 battles today... but all of them ended less than a minute... Ed''s magic is truly annoyed regular person... He used [FLASHBANG] which finished the match faster compared you used wind magic... He blinded the enemy and just knock the enemy really hard till he is out of circle... Also, Ed and Ethan have a great teamwork... maybe like Navael and Noc... A mage and a fighter... I am not sure about Nate and Leon''s teamwork... it''s just... Nate take one, and Leon take the other one... It''s like they have divided their own ration... But everyone said that my teamwork with Euclio is a top tier... Yeah, maybe... I just feel that I had a lot of fun... fighting with Euclio... Also... today is the day where Euclio''s sword delivered to my mansion... and tomorrow or even today, they will send it to the school... I am really excited to see the swords... and also afraid... I hope it will beautiful but strong as well... Before dinner... the winner of Group A is settled... It''s Ethan and Ed... They will go through the semi-final match... The three kings watched the battle all day, which boost the morale of the students... We eat our dinner in mess hall with Ethan treating us dinner... But I see no Ed... "Where is Ed?" I asked Ethan... "I don''t know... I asked him to joined us, but he said that he is busy..." Ethan said "I see..." I said "What wrong with him?" Nate asked out of his curiosity... "Ummm, you see, Ethan''s friend is our friend as well right?" I said And Nate nodded... "Next time I will force him if you want..." Ethan said while eating... "N-No, don''t force him if he doesn''t want it" I said while smiling... We ate our food and return to my room.... All of us talked about the tournament also tomorrow''s tournament... Until someone knock our door... "Umm... who is it? Everyone is here..." Ethan said "Maybe Keito-sensei?" Nate said I move toward the door... while everyone is following me... I opened the door and... The most unexpected person show up... "M-Marie!" I said in panicked voice It is a really rare moment to see her visited me... "Can I talk with you and Ethan..." Marie asked... "Hmmm? S-Sure... I guess it won''t be a problem..." I said "Ethan... let''s take a fresh air for a minute..." I called him "Me? S-Sure..." Ethan responded confusedly The three of us left my room and headed for the Mess Hall... She bought us some drinks... "So... what is it?" I asked her after the three of us seated... There are some other people as well since it is still 9 PM "Hmmm... have you heard the news?" she asked us while not facing us... "What news?" Ethan asked... "War..." she said in low voice... I nodded while saying "Yeah..." Ethan also nodded... "C-Can I ask a favor?" She said while looking at us... "W-What is it?" I asked... she was about to cry... and I panicked... "C-Can you convince both of your Tousan to help us in the war!" she asked us She stood up and give a bow to us... Everyone is looking at us now... The loud Mess Hall become quite at once... "H-Hey... you shouldn''t bow!" I said "P-Please raise your head..." Ethan said in panicked as well "N-No! I will bow until you give a yes!" she said with determination... This is troublesome.... "F-Fine... but there is no guarantee that it will succeed..." I said "Thanks" she said with her tears... She then returned to sit "You know... why does your Kingdom started the war?" Ethan asked And she grasped her hand really hard... "It''s because Staviel Kingdom has been corrupted... the people are suffering... the poverty is overwhelming... and we... as the Kingdom of Justice, we will help Staviel Kingdom..." Marie explained And both of us looked confused... "So... you are going to help Staviel Kingdom... but why it becomes a war?" I asked "The government... they didn''t approve our presence in their Kingdom... They said that we are just a rat, trying to spy on the kingdom... although the king has actually approved it..." Marie said "You mean Vierten Staviel has accepted it? Then why can''t you helped them?" Ethan asked "It''s because they used the democracy system... the ministers have agreed that they didn''t need any help from the outsider... but you see, the ministers are the corrupted one... and the King is being useless now... one wrong move, and the King''s Throne could fall..." Marie explained... I wonder why they paid attention to the justice in other kingdom... "We just try to keep justice in every kingdom..." she said like she read my mind... "I-I see... so Gavenhallen Kingdom planned to attack Staviel Kingdom... but does it mean you will increase the poverty of the kingdom?" I asked... "Yes... so that the people of Staviel Kingdom will chose another King and better ministries..." Marie said Another King!? Does it mean Vierten must get off the throne? "T-That will hurt Daigo..." I said "I''ve talked to Daigo already..." Marie said "And?" Ethan asked "At first, he supported me... since it is for the best... we just planned to rid off the ministers..." Marie said "But after the conference... Staviel Kingdom refused to receive any help from Gavenhallen Kingdom... we stopped communicating..." Marie explained... "So we decided to take over the kingdom... and I guess Daigo agreed... but you know... it will be hard for him... the end of Staviel Era..." Marie said Staviel is loved by its people... it''s just they choose the wrong ministries Then silence rules the table... "Why don''t we asked for Daigo opinion..." I asked "I don''t mind..." Marie said... "I''ll call Daigo..." I said and stood up... Then I visited his room for the first time... I knock the door... "Wait..." Daigo''s voice from inside... Then he opened the door... "N-Nicolas?! Can I help you?" Daigo asked... "Hmmm, do you have a free time? I want to talk about something..." I said And he nodded... "Let me change my cloth first... oh and please come in..." he said and offer me to come inside his room... I enter his room... the room is the same shape like my room... it''s just... a lot neater... "Wait here..." he said and we are in the living room... I sat down... After minutes, he changed his pajamas to a casual cloth... "Let''s go..." Daigo said "Okay..." I said and we left the room... While walking to the mess hall he asked me... "So, what is this all about..." he asked... "You see, I''ve heard about Gavenhallen and Staviel Kingdom crisis..." I said And he looked calm... "Yeah, what about it..." he asked... "You see, there are several people here that want to help you..." I said We arrived at mess hall and he looked uninterested... But he sit down with us... "So, have you guys thought any other way beside war?" I asked them "You see... we just need to remove the ministers, right?" Ethan asked We all nodded... except Daigo... "You see, there is a dirty way to do it..." Ethan explain... and we all focus on him... "Assassination..." Ethan said .... Everyone went quite.... I don''t like the way, but actually, that might be the only way, beside killing thousands of people... "You see, I can''t do it... especially to my own kingdom... and people..." Daigo said... He is so... Staviel... "That is a bit risky... and my kingdom is kingdom of justice... Assassination is not justice... unless I pretend not to hear anything..." Marie said "Let''s just keep assassination as our last resort..." I said And all of them nodded... "Is there any other way to choose a new minister? I mean, there must be a period for being a minister, right?" I asked Daigo... "Yes, but they always got elected over and over again..." Daigo explained... "Why?" I asked... "You see, the rich one will always get what they want..." Daigo said... "But the people choose right?" I asked He nodded... "How many minister do the corruption?" I asked... "I can''t tell, but a lot..." Daigo said If we do assassination, that would be really hard... since there are a lot to kill... "Y-You said that you are loved by your people right?" Ethan asked... "Y-Yeah... I think everyone keep saying that I am a good leader someday..." Daigo saidDid you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. "Then why don''t you be the minister..." a voice behind me... All of us looked behind my back... "E-Euclio!" All of us in unison... "Ughh you took so long! I am worried to death... sorry, I listened some of your conversation..." Euclio apologized... And Marie nodded... "That''s what on your thought right?" Euclio asked Ethan... He nodded... That might be true... The only one that can win the election is the son of the king... which is loved by its people... "When is the new election started?" I asked... "Next year... on the first month..." Daigo said... "Then! You still have sometimes to prepare it right?" I asked He nodded... "But..." Daigo said And all of us looked at him Euclio joined us and sit on the bench next to me... "I have no experience at all..." Daigo said... And all of us looked at each other... "But you are smart enough... I mean, at least you know which is right and which is not..." Euclio said "How about this... you talked to our Tousan this weekend... and asked for their help...you see, when you return to you kingdom, you bring Perius Kingdom, Gavenhallen Kingdom, Qiteron Kingdom, and maybe Aerios Kingdom as well..." I said "T-That is actually a good plan..." Daigo said "Also, you have to choose your own minister, the person you trust in the kingdom to help you... since you will be the Prime Minister..." Ethan said "Yeah... I guess I have people I can trust..." Daigo agreed... "Then... this saturday? I believe Euclio''s Tousan, Ethan''s Tousan, and Leon''s Tousan is still in my mansion..." I said "I-If you don''t mind..." Daigo said shyly "There is no time for doubting! You see, a lot of people in your kingdom are dying of hunger!" Marie said S-She is truly speaking of justice... This world is like a fantasy... where people uphold justice... Oh nevermind... I can use magic here... it is fantasy... "Then, I will be visiting your mansion this saturday... I will also prepare things for the discussion..." Daigo said And all of us nodded... "Oh also, can you ask your Tousan not to wage a war until next year..." Daigo said to Marie "Of course... I will send him a letter, and tell our plan to him..." Marie said All of us nodded... "Everyone... thank you.... thank you!! I mean it!" Daigo said while crying... "No problem! Don''t cry Daigo! You have a lot of job to do!" I said to encourage him... "O-Of course... but still... my thanks is not enough..." Daigo said... while wiping his tears... "Hey! We are friends right... that is what friends are for!" I told him And he nodded... "Okay! I will be making some of list for the discussion also prepare my mental... Talking to 3 Kings at once is going to make me nervous..." Daigo said "Yeah, I would pee on my pants..." Ethan said and we laughed... "Okay! Just tell us if you need more help... Marie, Daigo..." I said to both of them... Both of them nodded... "Thanks..." Marie said with a smile... That is the first time I see her smile... Then all of us left the mess hall... When we entered our room... everyone is still waiting... Nate asked me to tell what happened... but I am too tired... So, Ethan explained it for me... "That is a great idea both of you have!" I praised both Ethan and Euclio "Thanks!" Ethan said with a smile... "Of course!" Euclio said Euclio is unexpectedly... smart... No, he is smart... He is a man with strategy... while I usually use my instinct... "So, we have nothing to worried... let''s return everyone... it''s 11 PM already..." Precilla said Everyone returned to their own room.... "Hoahh... I am glad we can help Daigo and Marie..." I said in bed... "Yeah, I was surprised when it was Marie that come to the room..." Euclio said "Yep, she never starts a conversation... but when she does, she asked for our help..." I said And Euclio just laughed... I guess he is tired already.... After several minutes... he sleeps... He sleeps like a log... but with a sound... Then I leave my bed... I left my room... and it''s time to see the sword... It should be on the delivery room... There is a delivery room in the lobby, where you send something to your parents or friend... but also, when you received something... When I was walking... I see Ed... "Yo Ed!" I greeted him... he was sitting on the bench near the lobby alone... "H-Hey..." Ed said in panicked... "What are you doing?" I asked him while sit next to him... "I just need some fresh air..." Ed said in cold way... as usual... "Wanna accompany me?" I asked him while standing up "Where are you going?" He asked me curiously "I''m going to take Euclio''s sword..." I said And he looks curious as well "Okay..." he said and he stood up as well Both of us walk toward the delivery room... When the person see me from a far, he took my package before I had the chance to talk to him... "For Nicolas-sama..." the person said and give a package for me It was on a long wooden crate.... "Thanks!" I said and give him a silver coin for a tip... and he looked delightful... I took the crate... and Ed is helping me, since the crate is quite heavy... Everyone that pass us looked curious on what we are bringing... We went to the mess hall... and opened the crate... There are some people watching as well... A sword.... sheathed with metal but covered by black leather... which make things really expensive... The locket of the scabbard has some gold ornament... (Search in google with the keys ''Part of Swords'') The handle of the sword is black... and also some gold accessories on the cross guard... When I unsheathed the sword... The blade is made of dark blue but shiny material... and it is quite a perfect weight... a bit heavy than the normal one thou... "Wow..." Ed said "This is perfect!" I said happily I bet Euclio will be happy... "Wanna hold it?" I offered Ed... "Sure..." he said and take the sword from my hand... He then play the sword... And everyone around us looked amazed... including me... "This is a good sword..." Ed said... "I know right! I bet Euclio will be happy!" I said I take the sword from Ed... and put it back to its scabbard "And... what will you do?" I asked Ed... And he give some thought... "I think I will return to my room..." Ed said "Okay... don''t stay up too late! You need some sleep..." I said "Y-Yeah, thanks..." he said a bit shy... Then he left... I throw the wooden crate on a trash bin... which is doesn''t fit... so I put next to it... After that, I return to my room with the sword on my hand... Then I open my shoes and return to bed with the sword... since I know that Euclio won''t be awake... I put the sword on the floor, leaning on the table next to him... I return to the bed, next to him... And I feel that he will be really happy with the sword, and he will jump around the room... I just couldn''t sleep thinking how happy he will... The next day... I feel someone knock the door to my room... And I remember that it is Euclio''s birthday... and we planned to surprised him... "Nico... opened the door..." he said while still closing his eyes... "Fine..." I said while smiling... He doesn''t even realize that we are about to surprised him... I opened the door... and see everyone waiting... "Come... but keep quite..." I said whisperingly... After everyone enter my room, we enter the bedroom... and "HAPPY BIRTHDAY EUCLIO!" we shouted together... And what is his respond?! "Huh? Thanks..." he said while still sleeping!! I then kicked him out of the bed "H-Hey! What... just calmed down... okay... I am awake..." he said after seeing my angry face... Then he returned to the bed and sit... He doesn''t realize that his sword is next to him... while everyone already looked amazed with the sword... I let a sigh... I take the sword and give it to him... "This is from me..." I said to him... And he looked at the sword.... His face looks really happy... "T-Thanks..." he said with soft voice... It didn''t go like what I expect... But then he cried... "I am truly... grateful..." he said while looking at me... "I am grateful having a friend like you" he said and hugged me... "Calm down..." I said while patting his head He cried?! I thought he will jump around the room... "Thanks..." he said it again "No problem... you are my best buddy after all..." I said "Hey... can I try it?" Ethan asked... He destroyed the situation... But Euclio wiped his tears... "No! That''s mine!" Euclio said... He then pulled the sword from the scabbard... "Wow..." everyone in unison... "T-That is made of sapphire?!" Leon asked in surprised... I nodded... "That is the best material to combine with Water Elemental Fighting Magic!" Leon continues... "Wow... Nico! You planned everything! That is great!" Precilla praised me... I-I don''t even notice that... "E..u...cli...o.. Qi...te..ron...." Euclio read the writing carved on the sword... "And also, behind it..." I said And he rotate the sword and see the other side... "Ni...co..las..." he read it... "Nicolas Maxwell!" Euclio said it "Yeah, that''s my personal gift..." I said while stretching my hand toward him... I guess he cried a bit... again But he take my hand... "Happy birthday..." I said "Thanks!" he said while wiping his tears again... After that he stood up... And try to swing the sword... "Perfect weight!" Euclio said "Is it? I thought it was a bit heavier..." I said "No... for me it''s perfect..." Euclio said "Can I try it?!" Ethan and Leon said with puppy eyes... After seeing their face... I guess Euclio can''t refuse... "Fine... just don''t break it okay..." Euclio said "Break it? You see, this is the second best material in the world... just one right below adamantine..." Ethan said "I-Is it?!" Euclio looked surprised but happy at the same time... "Yeah! I bet you could break normal sword easily..." Leon said "R-Really?" Euclio asked with happy face... And Ethan and Leon nodded... "Should we try it?" Ethan asked... "Sure! I guess I don''t need this sword anymore..." Euclio said while pointing one of his swords... "This one? Are you sure?" Leon asked... "Yeah... it''s just a sword for training..." Euclio said... "Then... let''s go to the field..." Roxane asked... "Okay!" All of us in unison... Euclio and I prepared ourselves before going down... we change our cloth... after both of us changed, we head to the training field... And same as usual, no one trains in early morning... On the field, Euclio and Ethan prepared themselves... "Let''s use our maximum power..." Ethan said and Euclio nodded... Precilla give the countdown... "Both of you ready?" she asked to both, and they nodded... "Then, 3....2.....1..." Both of them begin to swung their sword... And ''CRANGGG'' The sound of both swords collides... All of us make ''Woahh'' sound It''s not broken immediately But after we examine the normal sword.... "It cracked..." Ethan said "Wow... That''s cool..." Nate said And Euclio touch the blade of the sword that Ethan hold... and... It broke... "You see... if I use this during the tournament... I guess everyone will hate me..." Euclio said "Yeah, that is just a special case... if you really need it..." I said And he nodded... "Let''s go trained for some time, and then we go for breakfast... today is Nate''s and Leon''s day..." Ethan said All of us agreed and train for some time... After we trained for about an hour, we head to Mess Hall to eat our breakfast... And one thing I just realize... Everyone around me always carry their weapon... Ethan with his sword... Leon with a sword, Nate with his halberd, Precilla always fully armored also a sword and a shield on her back... Roxane a sword as well... and Euclio with his three swords... two on his right hips, and another one on his left hips... Only both Serena and I... but Serena is not the fighting type... so it''s only me... I am a swordsman and a mage without sword nor staff... a bit ironic... Maybe I should buy a sword for myself... I keep borrowing Leon''s sword... "Hey Nico..." Euclio called me... "Hmm? What?" I asked "Don''t buy any sword okay, I''m gonna give the best one for you on your birthday!" Euclio said "W-What? S-Sure..." I said Usually, people don''t tell that they want to give a present for the birthday one... but Euclio did... It''s just... Euclio... it''s Euclio after all... After we eat our breakfast... we prepare ourselves to watch the tournament... I took a bath... and so does Euclio... All of us meet up in front of the Duel Arena building... While waiting for Precilla and Roxane, Daigo come... "Hey Daigo!" I called him... "Yo Nico... can you help me with the discussion tonight?" He asked me... "S-Sure... why don''t you come to my room, there will be a lot of us and it will be better..." I said "Sure... you guys have no problem with it?" Daigo asked... "Nope..." Euclio said And the other shook their head as well.. "If you guys have no problem, then it is settled! See you later!" Daigo said and left... He then entered with his friends... And Roxane come with Precilla... "Sorry guys... let''s get inside!" Roxane said to us... All of us entered the duel arena... and we see hundreds of people has come inside... "Hey! I see our Tousan!" Leon said while pointing out his hand... There are Clement Maxwell, Ethen Perius, Zeon Aerios, and Feurius Qiteron The four of them sit on the different stage from the other student... like a stage for them... Also, there are 4 guards guarding them... and one of them is using a golden armor... it''s Rueger... He realized that I am watching him and he gives me a wink from a far... I waved my hand as well... "Should we sit there?" Ethan asked... "Nope... let''s just sit here..." I said We then choose a sit a bit further than Tousan...Or else it will be annoying... "Okay, then, we will be preparing for the battle..." Nate said and left... "Good luck!" I said to Nate... "Be the champion okay?" Ethan said "Sure! Thanks everyone..." Leon said and follow behind Nate''s back... Both of them leave and we watched the match from morning to afternoon... None of them are interesting for me... Everyone was defeated by Nate and Leon in less than 10 seconds... I guess the difference just too far... And they become the champion of the group... When night comes... Daigo enter my room and all of us helped him with the discussion that he will discuss with the kings... He comes with Marie as well... and all of us don''t mind... We have a good result, there are a lot of topic that Leon and Ethan gave and Daigo hasn''t thought about The next day is my day and Euclio''s... we defeated everyone quite fast... Euclio is not using his new sword... since his previous swords are not bad either... His previous sword is made of silver... strong but not as strong as Sapphire... "Euclio! Now!" I said and Euclio start running... I created a stair so that Euclio can raise to the top of the wall easily Euclio attacked and knock one of the swordsmans back till he is out of the line... When the match start, I activated my earth element and create a wall in front of the enemies we are fighting with... They looked surprised and has no chance to dodge Euclio''s sword... And the other guy swung his sword toward Euclio but Euclio parried it with one sword and throw it away... and Euclio put his other sword near the other guy''s neck... "Nicolas and Euclio win!" Santa declared... And everyone cheers on us... Euclio and I give a fist bump afterward... It''s an easy battle compared to me fighting Noc and Navael... The next day, also a battle... and surprisingly... Gina and Lex were defeated... They were defeated by the fourth-year special class student... A boy and a girl.... His name is Edrick and the girl name is Lucy... Edrick is a unique weapon wielder... same like Euclio... but he used a big blade sword, I think it is called as Broadsword... He is strong enough and could throw Lex away from the battlefield... While Lucy, she is a mage... a mage with water element... she just showed one of the elements when they are fighting against Lex and Gina What made her special, is that she used an Advance Water Magic... which I couldn''t do... And we will face them during the semi-final... "Don''t worry! I will think about it..." Euclio said I nodded... It will be very hard... but I trust Euclio... Today is the end of the group stage.... and Monday will be the semifinal... only two matches... Ethan and Ed against Nate and Leon, the other match is my match, Euclio and I against Edrick and Lucy... The next day is Saturday, which mean we can go outside the school... And the first destination we are heading is... my mansion... Along with Daigo and Marie... Yesterday, after the tournament ended... I have talked with my Dad... and he agreed to held a meeting... at 10 AM At 9 AM we prepared ourselves from school... We used our royal cloth... and everyone was staring at us... Two carriages are waiting for us... We are 7 persons now... so we need 2 carriages... Me, Euclio, Ethan, Precilla, Roxane, Daigo and Marie... Serena can''t join us since she has to attend a meeting... including Nate and Leon... They are busy with student council... So, the seven of us went to the mansion... When we arrived, the servant greeted us nicely, like usual... Then, all of us were directed to the throne chamber.... which can also be used for meeting room... A long table has been prepared... and everyone has been seated... Tousan, Feurius, Ethen, and Zeon... All of us give a formal greeting... It''s not all of us... Precilla and Roxane decided not to join, since the pressure is too much for them... At first I said "That''s okay, it''s not a big deal... you will get used to it..." But now... The pressure is too heavy... since we are going to debate a lot of things... But this is for Daigo''s sake After we bowed... we are seated on the table... "So, what are the king''s child going to talk about?" Feurius asked He mean Ethan, Marie, Daigo and Euclio... Me? Umm I''m not a King''s child... Then I give a wink to Daigo and he understand and nodded... I start the conversation... "We heard a news about Staviel Kingdom and Gavenhallen Kingdom war... so we have talked about the problems why it occur..." I said And Tousan asked... "Why?" I feel like he is testing me... since I know that he has talked about it... but maybe he wanted to know more... "It''s because of the corruption of the prime minister..." I said And the kings look unsurprised... That brings my heart to race... "But we have some plan to stop the corruption" I said And they waited for my suggestions... "First, which is only if everything doesn''t work according to plan, is Vierten Staviel has to get off the throne..." I said And everyone looked surprised... "You see... we don''t hate Staviel... he is a good man, and a man with honor as well..." Feurius said praising Daigo''s Tousan... "Yes, that is just the first plan which if everything doesn''t work..." I said "The main thing his, that we want to stop the war... so that is might be one of the option..." I continued... And they nodded... "Second... is an assassination..." I said All of their face looked serious now... "That is a dirty work..." Zeon said with unsatisfied face... "Yes, but it might actually work..." Ethen said King Ethen looked quite agree with this... And based on fact, Human Kingdom actually did a lot of assassination... "But the problem is, we had a lot of people to assassinate... since it is not only the Prime Minister that do the corruption... but there are some ministers..." I said "Then, if the first and second option is almost impossible... what is your third suggestion?" Feurius asked... H-He knows that I have a third suggestion?! What if I don''t?! "The third one is... we waited for a year..." I said "A year?" Tousan asked... "Yes, next year, there will be another election for the new Prime Minister... and we decided to let Daigo Staviel, his own son... to be the Prime Minister..." I said And Daigo stood up... Everyone in the room... including Rueger looked surprised... All of them remains silent Until Tousan laughed... "And?" he asked me in quite interested way... "Staviel is loved by its people... there is a big chance that he could win the election, and he can get rid of the current Prime Minister..." I said And everyone stayed silent... asking me to continue... "First thing first... can I asked something? Do all of you satisfied or unsatisfied with Staviel''s work?" I asked... "Personally, he did a great work... and our relationship is not bad..." Ethen said "Yeah, he has a lot of good relation... since his kingdom is a kingdom of politic..." Feurius said "I don''t know him well, but all I know is that he is loved by his people... means, I am satisfied enough with his work..." Zeon said And Daigo looked happy... "So, we personally asked the three kingdoms, Qiteron Kingdom, Perius Kingdom and Aerios Kingdom to help Daigo Staviel, and we will have a lot of offer from Staviel Kingdom, if you are agreed to help him..." I said And I give a wink to Daigo... giving him the space to talk... "First, Staviel Kingdom has a lot of resources which are currently corrupted by the government... so if you agreed to help me, I will use the corrupted resources used for market... I will sell it globally with a price that later will be set..." Daigo said "What is your main resources?" Zeon asked "Silver...and.." "Bah... Silver can be found in my Kingdom!" Feurius said and cut Daigo''s word... "And Adamantine..." Daigo continues... Then King Feurius can''t talk... "Proceed..." Tousan said and the other kings looked interested as well... "Then, our mine will sell a third of our found to the three kingdom... Qiteron, Dragon, and Perius Kingdom..." Daigo said... And silence ruled the room... "Next... is, we will offer you to open an embassy in my Kingdom..." Daigo said "Embassy?" they all looked confused... Daigo give me a smile... "Embassy is where you have a representative from your kingdom, and stay in Staviel Kingdom... we will treat this person like other high rank of the Staviel Kingdom..." "This person will help your citizen if they have a hard time in Staviel Kingdom... you want to protect every citizens, so that your credibility as a kingdom will increase... there will be more people join your kingdom... which means you got more taxes..." Daigo said "Hmmm... I guess that is a good idea... none of people in this world have ever thought about that..." Feurius said... "But... the only person that could put embassy on your kingdom is only an Ocean Race..." Tousan said Since the Ocean Kingdom lived underwater... "Yeah, that''s why it is better for the three kingdom create an alliance..." Daigo said nervously.... The Kings started to doubt Daigo''s words... "Just an alliance we call as relation... relation so that people can live nicely... and Qiteron Kingdom as the head... since Qiteron Kingdom is an Ocean Kingdom as well... also Qiteron Kingdom will choose a person... and the chosen person will help the citizen of Aerios Kingdom and Perius Kingdom as well..." Daigo explained... Then silence rules the room... "We will think about it..." Tousan said, acting as the representative of the three kingdom... And Daigo nodded... "Is there anything you want to say?" Tousan asked... "T-That is all from me..." Daigo said... "A-Also! An Embassy for my Kingdom..." Marie stood up... Now everyone stared at her... "Gavenhallen Kingdom? That''s not bad..." Feurius said "Then, come back next week, after the tournament''s final... we will ask permission from the head school..." Tousan said All of us nodded... We stood from the chair... and open the door... Roxane and Precilla have waited for us... Before we left... "Euclio..." Feurius called him "Yes?" Euclio asked... King Feurius looked at Euclio''s sword... "Nice sword...." Feurius said... And Euclio smiled happily... "This is a gift from Nico!" Euclio said with proud... Feurius, Ethen and Zeon looked surprised... But Tousan laughed... as usual... "I guess our son''s relation is better than us... why don''t we just agreed with the embassy and help the Staviel boy?" Tousan asked... King Ethen then let a sigh... "I don''t have nothing to worry, since in this agreement I don''t lose anything... also, if the Archduke agree, I guess I have to agree as well..." Ethen said "Yes, I guess I have no problem having an alliance with Perius and Qiteron Kingdom..." Zeon said while thinking And all looked at Feurius... But Feurius then looked at Tousan... "Your son is too kind... I like it... seeing them being friends, looks like old times... I guess I have to agree with it!" Feurius said with a smile... And all of us overjoyed... "YESS!!" everyone in unison... Daigo even cried a bit... But we all hugged him... including Roxane and Precilla which are waiting outside... On that day, Aerios Kingdom, Perius Kingdom and Qiteron Kingdom created an alliance... for an embassy in Staviel Kingdom and Gavenhallen Kingdom... Chapter 12 - Semifinal Ocean Protector, that is the name of Euclio''s sword that he just received from me... He is super happy... even after a week... "Hey... today is the day for semifinal... stop gazing on the sword..." I said "Don''t you think it''s beautiful..." Euclio asked me "Stop gazing it like that! Hey! Let''s practice!" I asked him Now, it is his daily routine to clean his sword... this boy looks really happy with the gift I gave... By the way, about Daigo... Ethen Perius, Feurius Qiteron and Zeon Aerios sign the paper about the agreement... Daigo sent the news to his Dad and he told his Dad not to tell anyone at first... until his return to Staviel Kingdom... Marie Gavenhallen also sign a special contract... which accept embassy between both... and also will stop waging the war if Daigo become the Prime Minister... In total, Daigo will receive supports from Perius Kingdom, Qiteron Kingdom, Aerios Kingdom (Dragon Kingdom), Gavenhallen Kingdom, and the most important thing... the people of Staviel Kingdom... I believe that he will win the election and become the next Prime Minister... but also, it mean that he will leave the school earlier than any of us... Daigo has told Santa already... and he praised Daigo''s action... He will leave after this school year end... which is two months left... And today is the semifinal... and the first match is Ethan and Ed against Nate and Leon... at 10 AM... Currently, it is 8AM... and we are eating our breakfast... Serena is not here... maybe she has some other business... We are eating our breakfast, while Ethan, Nate and Leon sit on the same table... "You know... both of you shouldn''t discuss any strategy here... since both of you are going to fight each other..." Precilla said "Don''t worry, we had planned the strategy..." Leon said "Yup... nothing to worry..." Ethan said I look at Nate... he looks a bit nervous... I patted his head... "Don''t worry... just make sure you have fun..." I said to Nate And he nodded... "Just make sure both of you have fun as well..." I said to Ethan and Leon... "Yeah! Whatever the result, no hard feeling okay?" Ethan said "Of course! It is just a tournament..." Leon said At 10 AM, Euclio and I sit together... Roxane and Precilla joined us later... And the match begin... "Nisan!" Nathalia come toward me... "Hey!" I called her and hug her... "Hello Nathalia!" Euclio greeted her... "Hello Euclio-nisan" Nathalia called Euclio... S-She called him with nisan? We are not even related! Oh wait... we do... "Okay everyone... today is the day to select team for the final battle tomorrow! The semifinal!" Santa shouted and everyone become loud.... "Then, let''s call Ethan Perius and Ed... the champion of group A" Santa said and both of them enter the duel arena.... Cheers are everywhere... "Also... the champion of group B... Leon Aerios and Nate Maxwell!" Santa said And the cheers are louder than ever... I guess more students supported Nate''s team... maybe since they joined the student council... But I hear shouted... "L-Look at that! Nate is so handsome!!" "No! Leon is more handsome!!" "Both of them are handsome! Unlike his brother!" Ughh... That hurt so much... Even Nathalia laughed at me... "Don''t worry... You are handsome too Nico..." Euclio said "Stop!! I don''t want to hear it from you!!" I said And everyone laughed... I see the battle arena... and I see both teams do a handshake to each other... Then both teams walk to their own position... After they prepared their stance... Santa do a countdown... "3........2........1.... begin!!" Santa shouted... Leon immediately attacked Ethan... while Nate in an instant launches an attack toward Ed, before Ed could activate any spell... As a result, both Ethan and Ed were knocked back... "Cre-" Before Ed finish his spell... Nate attacked him again and again... But Ed surprisingly evade every attack... Until one point where he looks tired and unsheathed his sword... Since fighting against Nate is really hard for a Mage... Maxim Style of Spear Wielding is playing with close range... Even I see Ed was knock by the body of the spear multiple of times... And also... Ethan, he is being attack by Leon continuously, and has no chance to recover.... This should be the advantage position for Nate and Leon... but their face looked annoyed... Usually, they could finished this under 10 seconds... but now, it almost a minute, and they couldn''t knock both of them.. Until in one point... Ethan and Ed are back to back... Then I see both of them, Nate and Leon launches an aerial attack... from above their head... And Ethan smile... "Now!" Ethan shouted... Ethan blocked both of the attack with his shield... And "Create... Win-" Before Ed finish casting... he was kicked by Nate... Ed was knocked back pretty far... but not enough... Ed is almost out of the line... And when Nate try to rush toward Ed, which is pretty far, gives Ed time to create magic... "Create.... Wind...." Ed said... And Ed direct the wind toward Nate... I guess this is the end... magic is cheating... unless you fight it with magic as well... Nate was pushed back... but then Nate direct himself toward Ethan... While Leon move quite far from Nate, so that he won''t be pushed back by the wind... Seeing Ethan was pushed back as well by his magic... Ed stop using the wind magic.... "Create... Light" he said Another element... But Leon appeared in front of him out of a sudden and try to kick him... but Ed evade the attack and... A [FLASHBANG] created in front of Leon... Leon current state is blinded by the flashbang Ed created... So that gives a chance for Ed to knock Leon back... When Ed was about to kick Leon... Nate hold Ed''s feet with his spear... And everyone cheers for Nate... I see Ethan... he was out from the line already... So now, it''s a 2 v 1... Seeing Ethan was out already, the cheers become even louder... Ed move to a place further... And so does Nate and Leon, both of them separate so Ed won''t be able to attack both of them at once... And something unexpected happen... Ed''s sword... turning to shiny green... "E-Elemental Fighter..." Euclio said The audiences looked at Ed''s sword without any voice... Ed use Wind Elemental Fighter Magic... and Ed use his left hand to cast wind magic and push Leon back... Leon can''t do anything but hold stand as long as he can... While Ed uses his sword on his right hand... and swing it to the air.... creating an air blade toward Nate... But Nate able to parried it... Then Nate run toward Ed while parrying every air blade created... and when Nate is close enough, he use his spear and swing his spear toward Ed''s head... but then... [FLASHBANG] Ed created a flashbang and Nate is temporary blind... Nate moved back while Leon move forward... Leon move forward but then pushed back by the wind again.... "Nate! Use your eyes!" Leon shouted But he is still disabled.... And slowly... Ed move toward Nate to make a paralel line so that he can pushed both Nate and Leon... But... When Ed is close enough to Nate... Nate stood up and kicked Ed''s face... And he was knocked back... Everyone supported Nate... Cheers are for Nate and Leon... Poor Ed... looks like the bad guy... [FLASHBANG] Ed created a flashbang really big that even make the audiences hurt their eyes... After five seconds... I open my eyes... And when all of us see the field... Leon is out of the line already... "W-What happened?" I asked... Even the crowd is in confuse... "He kicked Leon when all of us are blinded by the flashbang..." Precilla said... Leon is out, and now... only Nate is left... 1v1 Ed against Nate... Nate is currently disabled... he can''t see clearly.... So Ed run straight toward Nate Before Ed be able to hit Nate "Nate!" I shouted... And Nate gain his vision back... Nate grabbed Ed''s feet and throw him away... He fall to the ground But Ed still stood... Before Ed cast his wind magic to push Nate out of the ring... "Stop!" Santa shouted... And both of them stopped... We all looked at Ed... He is out of the line... One of his feet is out of the line... "The winner has been decided... it''s Nate Maxwell and Leon Aerios..." Santa said And everyone give cheers to Nate... "He is so lucky..." I said "Hmm? What do you mean?" Euclio askedThe author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Yeah, he regain his vision before he was about to be kicked out by Ed..." I said "Or maybe... He didn''t actually got blinded by Ed''s flashbang" Euclio said... S-So... Nate act like he got blinded by the light... and bait him to come closer, so that he can reach Ed... "That is a gamble!" I said And Precilla nodded... "What do you mean?" Roxane asked... "Just, what if he used his magic to push him out..." I said "T-That is also possible..." Roxane said "But, to pushed both of them with magic takes time... and the other one could recover... so doing physical contact is much faster..." Euclio said... Euclio has a good analysis... since he can''t use magic, he truly understand how magic work... "Right?" Euclio asked me... And I nodded... But Ed could win after make Leon out of the line and cast magic on Nate... I bet that is depressing for Ed... I see Ed... and he is expressionless as usual... Both team do a handshake... And Nate waved his hand on me... I waved my hand back... He looks happy, also Leon... both of them have a great teamwork... My match will be at 2 PM... which means after lunch... After the match we meet up with Ethan, Nate and Leon... All of us are now heading toward Mess Hall... We bought the food and take a sit... "Ughh... I am a burden for Ed..." Ethan said while leaning his head to the table... "Hey... at least you did your best there..." I said "And Ed is not that kind of guy that will be mad at you..." I continues And Ethan looked at me... "Wow... how could you know him so well?" Ethan said while still leaning on the table... "Ahh, we actually talk more often than you think..." I said to Ethan... "Hey, if you feel bad, you should say sorry to Ed..." Precilla said... Ethan stood up "T-That is true..." Ethan said He then leave us to search for Ed... "That boy is weird..." Euclio said... Everyone here is weird "Everyone here is weird..." I guess I just said what is inside my mine... "H-Hey... I am offended here.." Euclio said "What? You are the weirdest one here..." I said and everyone laughed... After a while, Ethan return with Ed... "Hey Ed..." I greeted him "Hello..." Ed respond... "That was a great battle..." Roxane praised him Both Ed and Ethan sit with us... "Thanks... I never thought that Nate could recover so fast..." Ed said "Actually..." Nate said And Ed looked curious... "The last flashbang didn''t blind me at all... I just predict it that you are going to use it, and used Leon as the key..." Nate explained and Leon nodded... Ed looked speechless... "What do you mean by Leon for being the key?" Ethan asked out of his curiosity "Don''t you realize... that every time Leon got blinded... he will shouted like ''Ahh''?" Nate asked... And all of us shook our head "I see..." Ed and I said in unison... "So... when Leon shouted, it means that the flashbang has been activated... and you will keep your eyes close..." I said to Nate and he nodded... "But, how do you know that I am going to hit you?" Ed asked... Nate opened his eyes when Ed was close enough, it makes no sense for Ed... "First, I hear your footsteps..." Nate said "You can hear my footsteps in the crowd?" Ed asked... "Yes... when you close your eyes, you will focus on your hearing..." Nate explained... "I see... and the second one?" Ed asked seriously... Nate then looked at me... Which make everyone looked at me... "I hear nisan shouted..." Nate said with a smile... And silence rules the table... "W-What?! Hey... what if I don''t shout at all!" I said All what Nate has done are all gambling.... Which is really risky "Of course! It is a gamble... But if you didn''t shout, I was about to open my eyes... it''s just a bit late which is make me lose the game..." Nate said So... I unintentionally helped Nate... "That is insane..." Euclio said speechlessly... "That is awesome!" I said in unison with Ed... Wow... Ed is interested in this kind of things to? At least I know now, that he doesn''t take his defeat seriously... "Hey Ed, why don''t we train together some times... like, I never trained my magic since I enter this school..." I said to make him forget about his lost... "N-No problem... you can come to me anytime..." Ed said "Wow... that would be fun to watch!" Roxane said "Yep! It''s going to be interesting..." Precilla said happily... But then, I remember something... "Hey! Euclio... we should prepare the strategy!" I said Our match will begin in an hour... "Ah... so...." Euclio explained the strategy... Euclio''s strategy that he created was great! Even Ed looked interested... Euclio is a well planned boy, like he planned what he will be doing for the next day... "You see... if this plan don''t work... it will be up to you Nico..." Euclio said... Like the previous match, when it was against Noc and Navael... it was Euclio''s strategy... and it went according to plan... he is a really smart guy... also a weird guy... "Okay... let''s do this..." I said "Okay!" Euclio said We left the mess hall and we are heading to the Duel Arena Building We split up with the other... they enter the building... while Euclio and I enter the waiting room... But... "M-My sword?! I forgot to borrow one from Leon!" I said I left the waiting room and about to enter the Arena Building, where the spectator watches the fight... But before I enter... "Use this sword..." Ed offered me... "E-Ed! You sure?" I asked... Usually I used Leon''s but this time... Ed offer his... "Yeah, this is a family heirloom sword..." Ed said while examining his own sword... "T-Then why do you want me to used it?" I asked... "I-I don''t know... I just always had this feeling, that I have to lend you my sword..." Ed said... "Wow... if you fine with that, then I will take it..." I said I took the sword and unsheathed it... A white blade sword... "Then... I''ll be off..." I said to him... "Goodluck..." Ed said... He always looked cold... but he is actually a kind boy... This swords is lighter than normal sword... I hope I will get used to it... I enter the waiting room, where Euclio has waited for me... "Hey... that was fast!" Euclio said me... I then showed him the sword I held... "Wow... Ed''s sword?" Euclio asked... "Yes... I hope I won''t break it..." I said "Can I see it?" Euclio asked me... I give the sword to him... He unsheathed the sword and examine the sword... "I think this one is sharp... in fact it is sharper than Ocean Protector..." Euclio said "T-Then... this is an expensive sword?" I asked in panicked... And Euclio shook his head "I don''t know about the price... But I know that it can cut everything... that is good for Maxim Style user..." Euclio said "Why?" "Because you don''t parry attacks... if you parry attacks, you need sturdy sword, like Precilla''s and Ethan''s which is using Valeon Style..." "Oooo... how about Ares Style?" I asked... "Depends... facing an enemy like Precilla and Ethan, I need a sturdy weapon too, or else my sword will break first..." Euclio said I see... so, Ed notice my style already... and decided to lent me his sword... "Let''s go..." Euclio said... He wear his light armor... while I wear my robe... I never use armor in my life... And I hear Santa shouted... "And now, the battle of group C''s champion, against group D''s champion... let''s call Nicolas Maxwell and Euclio Qiteron..." Santa shouted And a loud cheering heard from the waiting room... We enter the Duel Arena... and we see people watching us... Ughh... I feel nervous now... "Then, the champion of Group D, Edrick and Lucy!" Santa announced I direct my view toward my opponents... A boy with a silver heavy armor, and he hold a broadsword on his shoulder... and also I see a girl with a robe... she has green hair and green eyes...walking toward the Duel Arena That girl looks suspicious... I hear everyone still mocking me... "Don''t let the Red-Eye win!" "Kill the Red Eye if you can!" "Just disqualified the Demon!" But I ignore them... I actually glad that people has less expectation from me... "Nico... we can do this!" Euclio said whisperingly Aghh, but this boy has a really high expectation from me... and I won''t let him down... "Yeah, we can''t lose here... Nate and Leon is waiting for us..." I said Both of us come closer toward Edrick and Lucy, and we do a handshake... "Let''s have fun!" Euclio said with a smile... And both of them looked annoyed... "Sorry, this guy is a weirdo..." I said Both of them smiled a bit "No problem... have fun too..." Lucy said with a smile "Yeah, no hard feelings okay?" Edrick said while giving me a fist... I give him my fist and bump it to his fist... And everyone stayed silence... We never talked to them... but apparently, they looked friendly... Both of us move back and prepare our weapon... "Remember the strategy?" Euclio asked me... "Of course,... don''t mind me, just do your job" I said And he nodded... Santa looked at us... and we give him a thumb, means we are ready... and also the other team.... "Let the battle begin in 3.......2........1........Now!" Santa shouted... Euclio move in front of me to protect me, so that I can cast magic... ''Create Water...'' ''Create Wind....'' ''Create Earth....'' ''Create Fire......'' ''Create Light....'' I have created the five of the elements... but... "Nico... they don''t even move..." Euclio said... "W-What?!" I said in confusion... I only see that the girl has prepared water magic... since she has a blue spherical ball above her... "Just be ready for surprise attack..." I said A minute pass and no attack... Everyone looked confuse... "Euclio... let me try to attack" I said... I then give a wind magic... so that they were pushed back... until... "Water Magic.... Magic Resistance...." she said And both of them were casted with Magic Resistance... Both of their outfit begin to shine a bit blueish... but then, it''s gone... "W-What happened?" I asked... "I don''t know... but all I know is that Wind Magic has no effect at all..." Euclio said I looked at both of them, and they start running toward us like nothing happened... I created a [WALL] so they can''t come closer... But, Edrick destroyed the wall with his broadsword and came closer... "Water and Fire magic won''t work either..." I said to Euclio... "Then, the only effective way is physical attack..." Euclio said... Euclio start heading toward Edrick... he jumped up high and use both of his sword to attack Edrick''s head... But he blocked it... with his big sword... I come closer to Edrick and try to kick him but... A wall of water is blocking my way toward Edrick... Euclio jumped backward by stepping on Edrick''s broadsword... "Again..." I said And Euclio nodded... Euclio run again and do a face to face battle... But I circle Edrick, and planned to attack Edrick from behind him... And again, the wall of water is protecting him... But... "Barrier Magic!" I used on between Edrick and Lucy... which stop the wall of water... Now I can freely attacked him... But when I faced Edrick... He was ready to attack me... he swung his big sword and... Euclio used his dual sword to protect me... I feel the wind from the impact of both swords... "I-I can''t hold it anymore..." Euclio said And I launched another attack... but Edrick block it with his broad sword... I return to the ground next to Euclio... "Euclio... go straight toward the mage..." I said whisperingly... Our position currently is between Lucy and Edrick... "Now..." I said Euclio run toward Lucy... Before Lucy can cast any magic... Euclio draw a line.... "Barrier Magic..." In front of Lucy... And Euclio launch a fatal attack... Lucy created a wall around her using water magic... which slows the attack... and so the attack fail... She the surround herself with water magic... While I am facing Edrick... I evade every attack he gave me... until a point... I found a space... I thrust the sword towards Edrick''s armor... And it pierced through it... "W-What?" I said in surprised as well... Yes... the sword is sharp enough to pierce the heavy armor... I moved backward... near Euclio... I guess Euclio couldn''t find any spot of weakness... She is completely surrounded by the water... "You see... I hate to say but, you have to use it..." Euclio said I looked at Euclio''s swords... it is cracking already... "Fi-" Before I finished my words... Euclio kicked me away and he hold a big sword with his dual swords... Edrick has attacked us already... And I see the crack is getting worse... and finally one of the swords broke... Euclio moved back... And he used another sword... his third swords... Ocean Protector.... When he unsheathed it... everyone on the bench sounds like ''Woahh''... amazed with the color of the blade... which is dark blue.... And this time... Euclio launched the attack... He used Ocean Protector to attack the broadsword... and now, the condition is swapped... The broadsword used by Edrick began to crack... And everyone cheers on Euclio... After one attack, Euclio launches his second attack... A sound of the swords colide could be heard... also the air pressure... The cracked on Edrick''s broadsword is bigger... Just one more time... Euclio was about to launches his third attack... but a wall of water now is protecting him as well... I think it''s now my turn... I combine both Earth and Water magic... creating a Wood Magic... Both of the sphere began to shine brighter... the blue sphere and brown sphere... Everyone looked at me now... Tousan stand up from his seat... "T-That is?!" And I grip my hand really hard... I feel something growing on my hand... Wood... I aim it on Lucy... "Fusion Magic.... Wood Magic!" I said A wood was coming out after combining water and earth magic from the sphere... and creating wood... The wood is moving in high speed toward Lucy... and pierced the [WATER SHIELD] that surrounded her... It hit Lucy and wrapped Lucy with Wood Magic... Creating a tree with Lucy being part of it... Everyone is in silence... Lucy dropped her staff and I disabled her... She can''t move now... and without her staff, she can''t do anything.... The water wall that protects Edrick was gone as well... Euclio now is able to launched his third attack... Knowing that Edrick''s [WATER SHIELD] has gone, Euclio launched another attack... and Edrick''s trying to protect himself with the broadsword... Unfortunately for Edrick, his broadsword''s giant blade is break... and turned to pieces... After seeing that... he looked speechless... and decided to... "I give up..." Edrick said "Yeah!" I said in unison with Euclio... And Euclio gives me a bump fist... Then I looked at Santa... He still looked speechless... I looked at the audiences... and they stared at us like mad at us... D-Did I do something bad?! "Ehem..." I said toward Santa... But he is still daydreaming... Then Edrick move out of the line... and touch Santa... And Santa woke up from his daydreaming... "U-Uhh... the winner is Nicolas Maxwell and Euclio Qiteron!" Santa said... But no applause... Everyone is still staring at the Duel Arena... Ah yes, before I forgot, I have to undone the Wood Magic... I aim my hand to the wood and begin to undone it The blue sphere and brown sphere are now absorbing the Wood... And slowly... Lucy is able to move... "Thanks?" Lucy said in confusion... "N-No problem?" I said in confusion as well... "That is great nisan!!" Nate shouted... Everyone then looked at Nate... And they regain their consciousness... They begin to clapped their hand... And slowly the crowd becomes loud... Even the kings stood from their seats... "That is my son!!" Tousan shouted proudly... Ugh... Tousan... everyone knows already... The crowds gives us applaud for quite a long time... We decided to enter the waiting room... a room where we can rest... And we can hear the applauses are getting louder now... I guess some people just gained their consciousness after we left the arena... "That is a great fight..." Edrick come toward us in the waiting room... He released his armor... and helmet... so he is a Dragon Race... since he has a blonde hair... He has black eyes... "T-Thanks... you guys did great as well..." Euclio said "I am surprised that you could use Fusion Magic..." Lucy said after she sigh... "T-That was supposed to be a surprised attack for fighting Nate and Leon... but, both of you are formidable... I can''t think any other way besides using Fusion Magic..." I said while praising both of them at the same time... "Wow... that is an honor..." Edrick said while laughing... Edrick then takes my hand and said... "You will be great someday... I believe, one day you will become one of the ten strongest..." Edrick said "T-Thanks..." I said Then he released my hand... "At least I have handshake one of the future ten strongest~ HAHAHAHA" he laughed while leaving us... "Ugh, don''t mind him... he is a weirdo too..." Lucy said while smiling... "Yeah, but we need weirdos to live" I said "I couldn''t agree anymore..." Lucy said And both of us laughed... "I have a feeling that you talked about me?" Euclio asked in confusion And we laughed again... After preparing her stuff.... "I will be on my way... thanks for the good fight..." Lucy said "Bye!" both Euclio and I in unison She then leaved both of us... "Hoah, they are good people..." I said after let a sigh... And Euclio laughed... "You always judge people after you know them Nico..." Euclio said "R-Really?" Maybe because of a lot of people dislike me... so I should know which people are good, and which one is bad... "Yeah... but that''s okay... that is just your nature..." Euclio said while preparing his stuff... "You ready?" Euclio asked me... "Wait... Ed''s sword..." I said and I take it from the bench... "Let''s go..." Euclio said When we left the waiting room... a lot of people was waiting for us... Mostly people which is not Human Race... But my friends are all here... Including the kings... "Nico!" Tousan shouted... I look toward the voice source... and I see he is coming toward me with both hand opens... "T-Tousan?" I said in panicked... And! He hugged me... "T-Tousan... not in public!" I said hardly Everyone around us begin to laugh... H-He hugs me so hard! "He is not a demon at all... he is just a normal boy..." "Yeah, those are stupid sect... accusing a boy for being a demon..." "Only because of his eyes, he is isolated? That''s cruel!" I hear voices that supports me... Then Tousan looked at me face to face... "You always make me proud..." Tousan said And I feel really happy... "Aww... don''t cry..." Tousan said to me... "W-What?! N-No I''m not..." I said while wiping my tears I''m crying?! I''m such a cry baby.... I just received a support and I cried immediately?! "Nisan... don''t cry..." Nathalia said and she joined the hug... "Yeah! We are always here!" Nate said and he joined us as well... "Can I join?" Euclio asked.... "Sure!" Tousan, Nate and Nathalia in unison "No!!" I said Everyone around us laughed... including Euclio''s Tousan... Eventually, Euclio joined our hug... "I-I can''t breathe!" I said And everyone released me... "Let''s eat everyone! Let me treat all of you who are in this place!" Tousan shouted And everyone shouted "YEAHH!!!!" Hearing that some people supported me, I can see that Tousan looks happier than me... and decided to treat all of them... All of us are now heading toward Mess Hall... I talked to view other people... which is not the Mera Sect... and they keep praising me... It is a rare moment for me to talked to other person besides my friends... But now, everyone doesn''t even believe that I am a bad person... they ignore the Mera Sect... When we arrived at the mess hall... Tousan brings hundreds of people and treat them all... "Order what you like! Let me treat all of you!" Tousan shouted... "UWOOOHH!!" everyone shouted like a battle cry.... While everyone ordering a meal... I come toward Ed... I returned the sword to him... "That is a very good sword..." I praised him "Yeah... it is... my parents left me nothing but this sword to me..." Ed said T-That is cruel isn''t it?! But I don''t even know where are my real parents... but at least I have Tousan and Kasan, eventhou they are not my real parents... "I-I see... sorry..." I said "No problem... I just had this feeling that your style of sword really fits with this sword..." Ed said... "R-Really?" He nodded... "Only several people can use this sword..." Ed said "Yeah... I think that fits for people that use Maxim Style... which is rare..." I said And he agreed... "What''s your level in swordsmanship?" I asked Ed... "Advance level..." Ed said "Wow! That is the same level as mine!... do you need a teacher to teach you Maxim Style?" I asked... "I-I would be glad to..." Ed said Then I pointed to a small girl that was carried by a big man... That''s Nathalia... with Tousan... "Are you joking?" Ed looked at me with doubtful eyes... "Nope... she is in the Expert Level Maxim Style..." I said And Ed face shows disbelief... "You can duel her if you want... but you will lose in a minute...." I said "M-Maybe after the meal..." Ed said with curiosity... After all of us eat... Euclio shouted an announcement.... "Hey! Let''s create a Nico support group! To stop the discrimination on Nico!" Euclio said And everyone looked at me in silence... T-This is going to be weird... "I agree!!" Ethan shouted... "I always have a thought about that from the beginning" Leon said "Yeah... that is just the same as bullying right?" "Bullying is forbidden!" "Stop the discrimination!" Now everyone supported me... "N-Nicolas? Why are you crying?" Ed asked me... "N-No... I''m not..." I said while wiping my tears... And Ed hold his laughed... but he can''t so he burst out his laugh... That is the first time I see him laughing.. With Euclio''s announcement, a new organization was created Euclio as the leader... Ughh, Euclio never stop surprises me... Chapter 13 - Final After the organization was created, Euclio talks with a lot of people... he act as the leader... and create rules... Ethan and Leon as the vice... which is the representative of each kingdom... So basically, most Human respect Ethan, and Ethan put respect on me... which means that they have to respect me... And so does Leon for Dragon Race and Euclio for Ocean Race... Beastman, Elven and Dwarven has no representative... since all of them doesn''t discriminate me from the beginning... While Euclio busy, I talked a lot with Ed... about his past and also his current activity... Surprisingly, Ed is an opened person, when I asked something, he will answer... unlike my previous thought... At first, I thought Ed is a very close person and prefer to be alone... but when I talks with him, I feel that he is happy... which means, he prefers to be with us than alone... "So, since when you meet Ethan?" I asked him "I don''t know... since I was born, I grow in the palace, and I learn magic when I was 5 years old... and I tried every element, but only mastered both Holy and Wind elements..." Ed said "So, until this day, you protected Ethan and act as his bodyguard?" I asked and he nodded... There is a lot of guy like Ethan, like sending a bodyguard along his child to the school, so that it will keep the child safe... usually, for royalty... Ethan has Ed... and apparently, I have one too... which is Roxane... Rueger has planned it since the beginning... Rueger be my bodyguard at home and Roxane be my bodyguard in school... We talked a lot... and finished our food... After we ate... I called Nathalia "Nathalia~" I called her... She notice me and come to me... "Nathalia... this guy is Ed..." I said "Hello Ed..." Nathalia called him "H-Hello Nathalia..." Ed greeted her... "So... he is curious with your swordsmanship... maybe, you can teach him a little" I said while winking my eyes... "S-Sure... let''s go!" Nathalia said Ed duel against Nathalia... We left the Mess Hall without noticing other... I just don''t want to create a lot of ruckus... The three of us went to the Training Field... and see no one here... I believe everyone went to the Mess Hall for free food... Ed and Nathalia prepared their stance... I act as the judge and... Begin... Before 30 seconds... Ed got 5 kicks and 3 punches... He then admits defeats... "Y-You are truly strong!" Ed praised Nathalia... "Oh don''t worry, you can still improve... and both of you are on the same age..." I said And Nathalia looked surprised... "D-Don''t tell that to anyone okay..." Ed said to Nathalia and she understands... The three of us headed back to the mess hall... and it is still a mess... Nathalia run to Tousan immediately... But I feel tired out of a sudden... "E-Ed..." I called him "Yes?" He asked... "C-Can you accompany me to my room?" I asked him... "S-Sure... hey! Your face is so pale... should I call Euclio?" Ed asked me... "N-No... he is having fun..." I said Yes, it is a rare moment to see Euclio interact to other... Ed gives me his shoulder... and we are heading back to my room... While we are walking to my room... "Hey... Nicolas?" a voice heard... I can''t look at the face... my vision is blurry... Then, everything becomes dark... and my body feel so light... And I guess I passed out... Ughh... I think Fusion Magic drained too much mana... The next time I awake... a person is waiting for me... "E-Ed?" I said in surprised... He is still waiting for me?! "You okay now?" Ed asked me with worried... "Y-Yeah I am..." I said "I am grateful that you passed out when we meet Keito-sensei..." Ed said And I looked at outside my bedroom... Keito-sensei is on my kitchen? I stood up but... I am not balance yet... "Woah woah... calm down... let me help you..." Ed said and he lend me his shoulder... Both of us arrived at the living room... and he seated me on the sofa... He sit next to me and both of us are waiting for Keito-sensei... "What is he doing?" I asked Ed whisperingly... "I think he is making us a tea?" Ed said without whispering... "Yes... a tea to make you regain your stamina..." Keito-sensei said while preparing the cup... He then joined us and put the tea on the table... "T-Thank you..." I told him "No problem if it''s for my grandsons..." Keito-sensei said At first... I don''t fine any problem... The three of us drink the tea with manner.... But... Grandsons?! Both, Ed and I spit out our drinks... "H-Hey! It tasted good!" Keito-sensei sounds offended... "W-Wait..." I said And I looked at Ed... "Ed... you mean you are Edmund Maxwell?" I asked Ed "W-What? I don''t have any last name..." Ed said "Oh, you do..." Keito-sensei said and slurp his tea... "You are a Maxwell... and Nico''s brother..." Keito-sensei said Then we remain silent "H-How did you know?" I asked him "How do I know? Both of you smells the same..." Keito-sensei said Smells?! He can tell?!? "But, I born without parents..." Ed said "And so do I..." I said Ed looked confused... And I explained from the very beginning... It takes like halve hour I hate to keep explaining people... it is taking too much time... And also... there will be a lot of questions... "S-So... you are not Clement-sama''s son?" Ed asked... "Yes..." I said "And you are the son of Jeremiel Maxwell... which is the real Head of Maxwell House?" Ed asked... "Yes..." "And I am your brother?" "Yes..." Silence rules the room... I looked at his eyes... he is about to cry... And I bet, in any second he could burst out to cry so... I come and hugged him... Then he hugged me back... Also he started to cry... "I-I have a family..." Ed said while crying And he cried even louder... He hugged me really hard I think it feels really sad that you don''t feel any love from anyone... Like Ed... no one actually really love him, since he has no parents... I still have Clement-tousan and Nicole-kasan... Both of them loved me Also Nate and Nathalia... both loved me... But Ed... He took around 10 minutes to recover... "I-I''m sorry for not recognizing you faster..." I said "N-No, that''s okay... We both don''t know about this as well..." Edmund said and he is back to the normal Ed... Then I have to told him that all of this story and Navroth, also what happen in Maxwell House is a secret... "So... only You, Euclio, Nate and Leon know about this..." I said to Ed... "I see... Don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone" he said with his cool calm face... If we are brother... Am I cool like him? "The first time I saw you... I thought I am seeing myself there..." I said Ed laughed... Now his laughed are different... he didn''t hold back... "At first... I have this feeling that you are related to me... that''s why, I avoided you..." Ed said to me... "W-Why you avoided me?" I asked him "S-Somehow... it is sad to think that we are not related... although I feel that we are related... but thankfuly, my feeling is telling the truth! I never thought of having a brother!" Ed said to me I was speechless with his words... No wonder, he looks sad when we invited him to lunch together when we were in the town... "Don''t ever leave me okay?" Ed continues "Yeah... I won''t... you are my only family I got!" I said to him and patted his head... And he looks really happy... Then... to make us closer I think I could recommend Ed to join the Special Class... he is more than qualified to join the Special Class... "Yes... and about the class... you will continue as a Special Student..." I said to Ed "What?! Are you out of your mind?! You want to tell everyone that this boy is actually your brother? And he is a royalty? So that he can join the special class?" Keito-sensei sounds mad... H-He is truly scary... "N-No... hey! Hear me out first..." I said "What?" Keito-sensei asked... He is a bit impatient "First... Ed uses Holy Attributes..." I said And Keito-sensei remain silence "Also, he can uses Elemental Fighter Magic..." I said Keito-sensei still remains silence... He never watches the tournament... which is why he doesn''t know anything... "So, tomorrow, you will move to special class..." Keito sensei said... I displayed an annoyed face... that is why I told him to move Ed to the special class... this old man should hear me first before he starts talking But then, I smiled... Finally! I can stay close with my brother "I-Is that really okay?" Ed asked He looks unsure... "Of course! And also, I will tell this to Euclio, Nate and Leon... both of you have no problem?" I asked to both of them.... "T-That is a problem..." Ed said And both, Keito-sensei and I looked at Ed... "Why?" I asked... "Ummm, I just not use to it... can you delay it until sometime..." Ed begged... I looked at Keito... and Keito nodded... "Okay... let''s not tell to anybody first... until you are ready..." I said "T-Thanks... nisan?" Ed said with confusion And I decided to hug him one more time... He looks happy "No problem!" I said and patted Ed''s head... Ed smiles really bright... He is now a different person... After Keito-sensei left to manage Ed''s transfer from regular class to special class... we are heading toward the Mess Hall... It is 6 PM and Euclio is not back yet, that worries me... When I arrived at the Mess Hall...a lot of people slept...If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "W-What happened?!" I said in panicked... I look for the kings... and I spotted them... Both of us goes toward the King''s table and I see Tousan fell asleep as well... "Hey! Nico! Wanna join?" Feurius asked me... He then lifted up his drinks... "S-Sake?!" both of us in unison... And I look arround... everyone was passed out with drinks on their hand... no wonder... Tousan and Zeon... both has passed out and sleeps with sound... Feurius is already... drunk... but I guess he is about to pass out... Ethen? He is still drinking quitely... "N-No thanks... I don''t drink..." I said "T-That is not fun..." Feurius said and he come closer to me... He lifted up his sake and showed it in front of my face... "Go drink it..." Feurius said... Ed looked at me in confusion and so do I... "That is the King''s order..." Feurius said while sounds mad... "O-Okay..." I said When I was about to take it... A man behind him knocked Feurius''s head... "K-King Ethen?!" both of us in unison... "Hey... your king is me, not him..." King Ethen said with a smile... "Y-Yes King Ethen..." He looked at both of us... Everyone is sleeping in the mess hall besides us... "Both of you truly look alike... I thought both of you are twins!" Ethen said And both of us remain silence... D-Did he know about the secret? But our face is indeed look identical Maybe King Ethen means that we have an identical face... not like brother relationships... But of us show a little laugh... But then..... "Jeremiel would be so proud..." Ethen said while smiling My eyes are now staring at him... and I started to get nervous I remembered what Keito-sensei said... "The only one that knows about Jeremiel is only the people you have told... and me... and Jeremiel itself... besides that... it might be Navroth itself..." Keito-sensei said... I prepared my magic already... Ed notices it as well... he remembered what Keito-sensei told us... Ed held his sword already... After preparing my magic one by one... King Ethen smiled... "You won''t win against me..." King Ethen said... He then sit down and started to drink again... While both of us still in our guard... After a minute... he stood up and take his halberd... The legendary weapon... If I faced Navroth right now... this place... a mage that able to cast God Tier magic... I will lose in an instant... "Ed..." King Ethen called him... "W-What is it?" Ed asked while still holding his sword and pointing toward King Ethen... "Want me to tell you about how you are able to live in the Royal Palace?" King Ethen asked... Both of us let our guard down... "Please tell me..." Ed said seriously... He come closer to us... and we stay on alert... And he come really close... he held both of our shoulders... "Let''s find a place to talk..." King Ethen said... He then released our shoulder and walk away... Both of us looked at to each other... I nodded... means that it is okay... He can kill us just now, but he didn''t... Both of us followed him... And of course, while staying alert... After a minute of walk... we realize that we are walking toward building F... the teacher''s dorm... We walked toward the 3rd floor... And move to the end of the corridor... Grandpa... It is 301... Keito-sensei''s room... King Ethen knocked the door... and... "Who''s there?" a voice from inside the room... D-Did he want to kill Keito-sensei as well?! King Ethen looked at me... "I-If you want to kill me... just kill me... don''t bother Ed and Keito-sensei..." I said with anger... and also loud voice... to asked help... I hope Keito Sensei come with preparation... Then he looked confused... "K-Kill? No... I don''t have any intention to kill both of you..." King Ethan said in confuse... Then the door opened... Keito-sensei with his staff... and even without his mask... "Release both of them... or I can kill you..." Keito-sensei said And King Ethen said in confuse... "W-What? I don''t even hold them?" King Ethen said... And Keito-sensei just realized that as well... So, Keito-sensei deactivated his magic... "Ah... that''s true... want to have a drink?" Keito sensei offer King Ethen... "Sure..." King Ethen said and enter the room... Now both of them looks like friend... just what have happened Ed and I has no idea what is actually happening... "Agh.., let''s just enter the room..." I said to Ed without thinking... I guess I don''t care if I died that day... "A-Are you sure?" Ed asked while hesitating I hold his hand and enter the room... If King Ethen is a threat, Keito-sensei could kill him... I hope... I see King Ethen is sitting on the sofa... Both of us seat on the other sofa... Silence rules the room... Only sounds from the kitchen, where Keito-sensei prepare the drinks... After several minutes, Keito-sensei come and join us... "Here you go..." Keito-sensei said while serving a cup for the king... "Thank you...." King Ethen said... He drinks the tea served in a cup... "You are still the same you... drinking teas, with an antique cup... it looks elegant... Zerotus-san..." King Ethen said... "Wow... look at what we have here... still the old Ethen boy..." Keito-sensei said... "So... you are not manipulated?" King Ethen asked Keito-sensei... "That is actually my question..." Keito-sensei said... "You see... I have powerful eyes with me... I won''t be able to be manipulated..." Keito-sensei said while pointing his red eyes... "So... your eyes are still functional?" King Ethen asked while laughing... "Hey... I am old but still strong... or I won''t be the fourth strongest if I lose my eyes..." Keito-sensei said with a smile... Ed and I looked at them with our mouth hanged... Seeing our confuse King Ethen explain "Your name is Edmund Maxwell... your tousan, Jeremiel asked me to raise you... and at the same time, hide your identity..." King Ethen explained... "Wait, just how you are not manipulated?" I asked him before he explain anything else... He then looked at his weapon... The legendary Halberd... "Ah... Auxillium''s Halberd... the Peace Keeper" Zerotus said "Yes... your ancestor''s weapon..." King Ethen said... "So, Manipulation doesn''t affect the wielder of a Legendary Weapon?" I asked "Yes... and there is one thing that I will tell to Ed..." King Ethen said And Ed listened to King Ethen carefully... "Jeremiel always loves you... he has to leave you to ensure your safety... since he is the target of Navroth..." King Ethen said "I-I know... at least I have my brother..." Ed said while looking at me... And I nodded... "So... Jeremiel-tousan know who is this Navroth?" I asked King Ethen... Keito-sensei also has interest about the talks... "Yes of course... since he is Navroth''s first target... during your birth..." King Ethen said while pointing at me... "M-My birth?" I asked "Jeremiel knows... but I don''t know... he never told me who is Navroth... Jeremiel always said that I am bad in lying... so, if I know the truth, I will be killed by Navroth... and he decided not to tell me... but he left Ed with me..." King Ethen explained... So... Even King Ethen don''t know about the identity of Navroth... "Let''s return to the Mess Hall... before anyone realize I''m here..." King Ethen said "O-Okay..." Ed and I in unison "Just act like never of this has happened okay?" King Ethen said Both of us nodded... The three of us decided to return to the Mess Hall... After walking for few minutes, we arrived... "Ah! There you are!" Euclio shouted and come toward me... King Ethen moved away and sit with the other king... "Where have you been!" Euclio asked me... "I got dizzy, and Ed accompanied me to my room... and I take some rest..." I said "And what is happening here?" Ed asked The three of us looked at the mess hall, and sees a lot of people still sleeps... Ed and I pretend to not knowing anything... "Ah, you see... your Tousan bring a lot of sake for creating this new organization... and he asked us to try the sake... but as you can see..." Euclio said while scratching his head "Everyone fainted?" I asked And he nodded.... "Including you?" I asked "H-Hey I am strong enough! It takes 3 cups before I passed out!" Euclio said "Fine...Fine.... Let''s get some rest for tomorrow''s final..." I said "Ah, we should wake everyone else..." Ed said "T-That''s true... let''s go..." I said The three of us wake the other up... "H-Hey... Ethan... wake up..." I said "Ughh... one more minute please..." Ethan said "You can sleep more in your room..." I said "Okay..." Ethan stood up while his eyes are still closed... We woke the other up as well... when the other has awake... I return to my room with Euclio... Both of us take a bath... and sleep... But, at 9 PM... a knocked on the door... Who comes at 9 PM? I opened the door... "Oh... it''s everybody..." I said Nate, Leon, Precilla, Roxane, Serena, Ethan and Ed?! "Hey! Come in..." I welcome them... "Sure..." Nate said and enter... Everyone enters and Ethan with Ed enters the last... Both of them are talking... "Wow... it''s a rare moment for you to join..." I said to Ed... And Ed smiled a bit... "That''s okay right?" Ed asked me "You are more than welcome..." I said After everyone enter... I close the door... Everyone gathered on my living room... "So... the final will be held tomorrow... both sides ready?" Roxane asked I nodded... also Leon and Nate... "Where is Euclio?" Precilla asked... I pointed on the bedroom... "H-He is sleeping already?" Precilla asked in unbelievable face... "Yeah... it is Euclio after all..." I said and everyone nodded... Euclio is a talkative boy... but he is smart as well... and also sleep a lot... most importantly... he is a good friend... I never have a friend until this close when I was in my previous world... We talked a lot... about the new organization and also about the final tomorrow... And after an hour, everyone decided to return to their own room... Ed is left... "Hmmm Keito-sensei told me about the new room... I will stay on 303..." Ed said "That''s great! You can always visit me every day!" I said happily... And he smiled a bit... "H-Hey... don''t be so cold!" I said "A-Am I?" Ed asked... But I just laughed at him... After a minute of talks... He gives me his sword... "Take this, her name is White Snow ... make sure to practice it tomorrow morning..." Ed said "White Snow? Okay! Thank you my little bro!" I said with big smile And he blushed a bit... "N-No problem Nisan..." Ed said and he leaved me alone... T-That is cold... but we are getting closer to each other... He is just a bit embrassed... The fact that I am Ed''s brother is shocking... it makes me tired... I feel like I can fall asleep anytime... I close the door and sleep next to Euclio... Tomorrow, is gonna be a big day... The next day, I wake up at 6 AM, as usual... no one wake me up... but I always awaken around 6 AM... I wake Euclio up... And both of us wake Nate''s room... The four of us went to the training ground... and as usual, it is quite... But as always as well, we see a girl trained herself... "Boys are slow..." Roxane said from afar.. "W-What?! Did she just insult us?" Euclio asked I ignored what Euclio said and goes to the field... I train my swordsmanship "Euclio... let''s train..." I said "Okay!" Euclio answered happily... I duel against Euclio for practice... and as always, he wins... "You should train your stamina..." Euclio said "Yeah, I''m trying" I said Nate and Leon also do a practice... but of course... they are in a different level... And after we trained... we met with Ethan and Precilla in Mess Hall... "Where is Ed?" I asked Ethan... "Ohhh, he is busy moving stuff to his new room..." Ethan said So... he is moving already... the school has fast response... It''s not even 24 hours... "Should we help him?" Euclio asked... "Hmmm, I think so... how about after breakfast... while you tell me the strategy..." I said to Eu And he nodded... "Then Leon and I will continue practicing..." Nate said We nodded... "I''ll go to the library..." Precilla said "Hey! Can I join?" Roxane asked "Sure..." Precilla said with smile... "Hmmm I guess I will help Ed as well..." Ethan said in confuse "No problem..." Euclio said Everyone has their own plan now... And after eating breakfast, we proceed everything... The three of us come to the lower floor... of building B... Floor 3 is used by special class students, while 1 and 2 used by regular students... "He is on the 108 room" Ethan said We went to the first floor... and the three of us met Ed... Ed is holding his stuff and he is walking toward the stair... "E-Ethan-sama? N-Nico?! Also Euclio? What are you doing here?" Ed looked confuse... "Let us help you..." I said He give a thought... but seeing my smile... Ed nodded... "I will be back, you guys can go to my room first..." Ed said We nodded... And I visited his room for the very first time... "T-This is a bit small..." Ethan said "W-Wait? This is your first time too?" I asked him He nodded... It''s only a single room... With two beds one on the ground and the other one is above it... When we are observing the room... someone enter the room... "Umm..." a boy said in confused All of us looked back "S-Sorry... we didn''t mean to interrupt you, we are currently helping Ed move his stuff..." I said "Oh... that''s okay... I will wait outside for a while..." the boy said He is a Dragon Race.... "N-No... we will wait outside..." I said "Y-You sure?" the boy asked... "Of course! It''s your room!" Euclio said And the two of us nodded... He then extend his hand... asking for a handshake to me... I shaked his hand... "My name is Noah... a first year regular class student..." Noah said "My name is Nicolas... you can call me Nicolas... I''m a second-year special class student..." "And I am Euclio... Nicolas''s friend" "I am Ethan, a first year special class..." "Wow... meeting a lot of special class student at once... that is cool!" Noah said with sparkling eyes... "I''m glad I know more regular class student.... the special class is full of weirdo..." I said whisperingly to Noah And Noah laughed... Ethan and Euclio looked confused When we were talking, Ed arrived... "H-Hey sorry for making all of you wait... Ehh? Noah?" Ed looked at Noah "Hey Ed... so you are moving?" Noah asked "Yeah, you can play to my room anytime... it''s 303..." Ed said "Sure... I will..." Noah said with a smile... With all of us... Ed doesn''t need to go up and go down repeatedly He got the help from the four of us... including Noah... "Thanks for helping us Noah..." I said to him... "N-No problem..." he said And I can hear his stomach''s voice... "Umm..." he said a bit shy... "Let''s have breakfast! I''ll treat you!" I said to Noah and Edmund... "Y-You sure?" Noah hesitate... "Yep!" I said confidently... Then, the five of us went to the Mess Hall... He just helped my bro! Of course I have to thank him... Euclio, Ethan and I just bought some snacks... but I bought the same menu like I usually order, for Ed and Noah... "Hey... any idea on how to defeat Nate and Leon?" I asked everyone... "Oh! The strategy!" Euclio just remembered... And our match start in an hour... "So..." Euclio explained the strategy.... There are also some advices from Ed, Ethan and Noah... "And you hit him! And we win!" Euclio said happily... "If it is working..." I said "It will! We will win this!" Euclio said "Goodluck..." Noah said to us... "Thanks!" I said "Oh, I will be borrowing this okay?" I said to Ed I showed the sword... "Sure..." Ed said and as usual... short answers... "H-Hey! It''s 9.45 AM ! You guys should be in the waiting room by now!" Ethan reminded us... And both of us... Euclio and I left the mess hall and we are heading to the Stadium without saying anything to them Not even a minute... we arrived at the Duel Arena Building... Santa is waiting outside... "B-Both of you! Where have you been?" Santa asked and sounds worried... "Ah... we thought we still have some free time..." Euclio said while trying to breath slowly... "Okay... go wait in the waiting room..." Santa ordered us... Both of us walk toward the waiting room... While we are on our way to the waiting room... "Good luck both of you!" "Make it a great battle okay?" "Hey! Win this for me! I put a bet on you!" "Nicolas is so cool!" "E-Euclio is cooler right?" "I hope you win the game!" T-They are hoping me to win?! W-Wow... this is the first time? I will win! For Euclio... and for me as well... "Don''t cry Nico~" Euclio said to me... "What? I don''t even cry!" I said while wiping my tears... He laughed on me... "Let''s do this! And show everyone what we are able to do!" Euclio said I nodded... Both of us enter the Waiting room... "Hey... you guys are late!" Leon said "Yeah... Santa panicked and send some guards to find both of you..." Nate said T-That seems like a big deal... "Let''s have a fair battle!" I said to both of them... "Yeah! No matter who is the winner, we are still friends right?" Leon asked "Of course! Just make sure we have fun!" Nate said And I nodded... But I looked at Euclio... I know that he want to win so much... "Let''s try our best..." I said to both of them... also looking at Euclio... "Yeah!" Euclio said I guess Euclio is a bit nervous... "Oh... by the way... I will be using this..." Euclio showed Ocean Protector... "T-That''s..." Leon words is unfinished... "I feel bad for my sword..." Leon said Yeah, the sword I gave to Euclio is extremely sturdy... "I guess mine would be no problem..." Nate said Nate using his spear''s body to attack... so it won''t be a great deal... "Sorry Leon... this is my only swords... mine was break in last match by Edrick..." Euclio said "Yeah... no problem! You should not underestimate my sword as well..." Leon said while smiling After Leon says such thing, Santa''s voice could be heard... "Hello Everyone!!" Santa shouted... And the crowds answer.... "Oh... it''s about to begin..." Euclio said I put Ed''s sword on my left hips... Euclio put Ocean Protector on his left... and the other sword on his right hips... Leon on left hips... And Nate brings his halberd... The four of us enter the arena... Everyone gives a big applause... The applause is much louder than yesterday... What can you expect... this is a final match... everyone has been waiting for this... I see Tousan and the other three kings watching as well... After both team handshake to each other... we move further... When we are on our position, we readied our weapon... Both team gives signal to Santa "Let the final battle begin in 3......2.......1......now!" Santa shouted... Leon move toward me with fast speed... and Nate move toward Euclio... Everything is like what Euclio has said when we were in the mess hall... He smiled a bit... "Swap!" Euclio said And I swap place swiftly with Euclio and I move toward Nate.... while Euclio move toward Leon... "You see... Leon will attack you in an instance... since his attack his much brutal compared to Nate... that''s why Leon will attack you and try to remove you from the battle as fast as possible..." Euclio said during our snack time... I will hold Nate''s attack for several seconds... until Euclio come for help... Euclio used his Elemental Fighter Magic... And the swords are glowing blue... without exception, Ocean Protector... it shines beautifully... Euclio attack Leon multiple of times... Personally... I said that Euclio is still better compared to Nate and Leon in swordsmanship... eventhou both of them has reached Expert Level... but fighting Euclio with his Dual Swords is like fighting a Master Level... Then I see Leon parried a lot of attack... same as planned... "SWAP!" Euclio shouted... And I moved back from Nate... also he kicked me... so that is a good opportunity... We change our position... and I fight Leon... And it is true... Leon''s attack is slower... Euclio''s attack when he used Elemental Fighter Magic makes the enemy''s weapon heavier... There are waters on Leon''s sword... "Ugh..." Leon said while swung his sword heavily... I can easily dodge the attack... And I kicked him away... ''Create Light...'' ''Cre-'' Before I create another sphere, Leon come closer and starts attacking... This time... his attacks are getting faster... S-So, it is a temporary effect... [FLASHBANG] I said and "Ughhh" Leon said loudly... That means! He got blinded... But I won''t be reckless... "If Leon shouted like ''Ughh'' or something like that to gives code to Nate... you should be careful, he might be planning to counter you... it is better to use magic..." Ed said I believe he learn from his experience as well... ''Create Wind...'' ''Cre-'' And again, Leon moved forward... "There might be a chance that he wants you to come closer to him, and throw you away, like I was thrown..." Ed said Thanks Ed... And that is the fact... Leon is actually was not blind... He comes and attack me as the proved... While playing the swordsmanship against Leon... I used the wind attribute and pushed Leon... Leon was pushed back... And now... I am not fighting him... I am pushing him back until he almost out of the line... But he used his sword and he pierce his sword to the ground... and hold the wind... Then, he slowly moved toward Nate... which is fighting Euclio... That is a smart move! Should I stop? If I don''t stop my wind pressure... Euclio will be pushed out too... But... actually, that is the plan... "If one of them come closer to me, you can pushed me out of the line... at least I take both enemies with me..." Euclio said during our strategy discussion... But... I''m not that kind of person... I just, can''t sacrifice any of my teammates... I stopped the wind... but I summoned a [FLASHBANG] in front of their face Before summoning, I whistle... as a code to Euclio... And after I deactivate the [FLASHBANG] Euclio are able to see... "You guys could set a timer, like 2 seconds after the flashbang, Nico will deactivate the flashbang... so that Euclio can see, without Nico sending another code to Euclio... or else Nate and Leon could find out the code..." Ethan said in the mess hall... Thanks Ethan... He kicked Nate away... but not far enough... And Euclio returned to me... "Now..." Euclio said... I put my wind pressure... But both of them moved away from each other... and confused me, on which should I follow... ''Create Earth'' Before I create the other thing, Nate attacks me... but Euclio able to pushed him back... So the blind effect has gone... And again... Leon, slowly move behind the fight of Euclio and Nate... which means I have to pushed both of them... But... Sorry Leon... Before Leon move behind Euclio... I created a wall high enough, so that Leon can''t move any closer... And I keep sending a huge output of wind toward Leon... And..... "Leon Aerios is out!" Santa announced... Everyone cheers on us... Only Nate''s left... He is fighting Euclio... Sorry Nate... I whistle... and [FLASHBANG] After two seconds... Euclio opened his eyes... And Euclio swung his swords toward Nate''s spear and Nate was pushed back pretty far... Is he out of the line? "Nate is out of the line!" Santa shouted... Euclio and I remained silence Then... "The champion of the year is Nicolas Maxwell and Euclio Qiteron!" Santa announced... And the arena become really loud... After Nate regained his vision, Nate and Leon come toward both Euclio and I... The four of us shake our hands... "That is fast!" "Wow... Euclio is really something..." "Euclio''s dual swords defeat an Expert Level..." "But magic is truly convenient... I hope I can use one..." Everyone begins talking about the match This is faster than I fought Noc and Edrick... But still, I played my swords a lot in this match compared to the other matches... Especially, I have to hold Nate''s attack... that is scary... but I did it... Euclio''s plan went according to plan this time... But I can''t say that it is a pure idea from Euclio... we received a lot of suggestion from Ed and Ethan as well... Santa then give us a trophy... I-It''s the same trophy like the previous world... With the exact shape... I wonder if Santa is actually a reincarnated man... But nevermind... I hold the trophy up high with Euclio... The trophy is made of pure gold... Also, crafted there a writing... ''Champion of Tournament 621'' 621 is the current year... Euclio looks happy! He smiled while waving his hand to the crowd... I never thought that he is this happy... And the tournament ended... We are the champion! Chapter 14 - Sera King Ethen know the truth about manipulation... He is now one of our ally... The people that knows about this are only Keito-sensei, King Ethen, me, Euclio, Nate, Leon, and Ed... Maybe my real dad knows... But that doesn''t matter... we promised not to tell anyone else... If we told anyone else... that person will be killed immediately by Keitor-sensei... and also the one who told the story... including King Ethen itself... Keito-sensei... or his real name... Zerotus Maxwell... is the fourth strongest in this world... He had lived for almost 200 years... and experienced the Great War 2, where the alliance fight against Navroth... The Alliance is consist of Perius Kigdom, Aerios Kingdom, Qiteron Kingdom, Gavenhallen Kingdom, Garasol Kingdom, Staviel Kingdom, High Elven Kingdom, Wood Elven Kingdom, Northern and Southern Beastman Kingdom and Dwarven Kingdom... Against one kingdom... Reudora Kingdom... At that time, Reudora Kingdom was ruled by a tyrant and her name is Navroth... She conquered every land of every race... and mostly Perius Kingdom''s land... Navroth could use a God Tier witchcraft... which made her as the most dangerous existence in the world... There is no one in this era now, that reach a God Tier of Witchcraft... She became the strongest person in the world as well... But, King Epius Perius, the leader of the Alliance decided to end her... He beheaded the tyrant and end the war... Perius Kingdom become the most powerful kingdom... but after time passed, they become weaker... and Qiteron Kingdom has the strongest army and be the most powerful kingdom in this era... But still, Perius Kingdom has its own history... and has a school or should I say the only school in this world... The school is where everyone from every race could study... At the age of 10, they enter the school... and at the age of 15 they will be trained to survive by the adventure guild... I am 14 and about to turned out to be 15... Euclio and I are on our last year in school... There are a lot of fun we have done in the school... After the Tournament back there, we have a farewell party for Daigo... Daigo returned to his own Kingdom, and now, he become the Prime Minister of his own Kingdom... Gavenhallen Kingdom cancelled their declaration of attacks after seeing the changes of Staviel Kingdom... since Staviel Kingdom has grown after Daigo changed the previous Prime Minister... Staviel Kingdom become richer.... And has less poverty... They sold their Adamantine to the current alliance... PAQ alliance... Perius Aerios Qiteron alliance... It is an alliance to help Daigo, retrieve the position of Prime Minister and punish the corrupt ministers... Daigo did his job well and his fame is now widely known... Beside Daigo... we also become a good friend with Marie... Marie Gavenhallen... she is a good girl, and care about other... Even when we met for the first time in school, she is a bit cold... But now she isn''t... she talks a lot with us... Roxane and Precilla finished the school earlier than us... they are now adventurer... and we are about to join them... Nathalia entered the school... and she jumped to the higher class, since she is a genius... Everyone keep saying that she is a genius.... She is now at the same level as Nate, Leon, Ethan, and Ed... Ed moved to the special class... During my second year, I found out that he is actually my lost brother... Since then, our relationship is getting better... We talked to each other everyday No one knows about this except Keito-sensei and King Ethen... I want to tell it to Euclio... but Ed doesn''t want him or everyone to know... so, I keep it as a secret... It feels so hard to keep a secret from Euclio, since I always tell everything to him... Also... Euclio said that he is going to give me a sword on my 12th birthday, in reality... he never gives me... "S-Sorry Nico... it''s hard to find the material..." he said on my 12th birthday... "That''s okay... let me buy it by myself..." I said "W-Wait... how about next year? Please wait..." Euclio begged... "I guess I can wait..." I said And on my 13th birthday... "You see... the material is really hard to be found..." "Yeah... that''s fine... I can buy my own sword..." I said "W-Wait... give me one last chance..." Euclio begged "Fine..." I said I don''t really expect that much anymore from him... but that is mean... On my 14th birthday "Ummm you see, 15th birthday! Trust me I won''t lie! Give me my second last chance!" Euclio asked Second last chance? Does it even exist? And finally, when I was about to turn 15 So, I waited for this day... "Hey!! Nico!! I bring your sword with me!" Euclio said innocently... I just not used to with the birthday gift in this world... in my previous world, they usually give it in surprise... but Euclio... Or maybe because of he is Euclio? He then showed me the sword... "Happy birthday!" Euclio congratulated me... I took the sword... T-This is... "T-This is the same as yours?" I asked I looked at the handle... it is black and with some gold ornaments... Also, the scabbard is covered by black leather... and also another gold ornaments... exactly the same as the one I gave to Euclio... Ocean Protector... But Euclio shook his head... "Nope... take a look at it..." Euclio asked me... I unsheathed the sword... "R-Red?!" I said With the exact same gemstones... But different color?! Is it even possible to colored a gemstone?! It looks pretty... "That is made of Red Sapphire..." Euclio said proudly... R-Red Sapphire?! That is rarer than the normal sapphire... I think I know why he always delayed the gift... "Red... like your eyes!" Euclio said excitedly "You like it?" Euclio asked me... "I love it!" I said and play the sword... And I name my sword... Oathkeeper... since both of us made a promise... "Friends for eternity..." is our oath... We are on holiday... but about to start our fifth year... Which is in the adventure... But we have to talk to Santa before we start... The PAQ alliances help the school... so there might be a chance you will be deployed to an adventure guild abroad... maybe in the Dragon Continent... but one thing for sure... we won''t be deployed in Qiteron Kingdom... I can''t breathe underwater... It''s a two on two mission, so you will be with your partner... you can even request for which city you want to be deployed... Roxane and Precilla is together as well... At first, we plan to follow both of them... but when I got the news about where they are going... I change my mind... So they are going to Haven... the place where Mera Sect is the majority... Nope, we won''t be going there... Roxane and Precilla don''t take the opportunity to choose since they said to Santa that everywhere is possible... but after Santa decide a random place, which is Haven... they can''t complain We have to walk separately for now... So... I have some discussion with Tousan... "Where should I go?" I asked Tousan... "Hmmm... how about Sera?" Tousan said I ever heard about Sera once... it is the city of military in Perius Kingdom... the city has the most military, which means... the adventure guild there won''t be really active, if the soldiers do the job... "If the soldiers there kill the monster... the adventurer will be useless..." I said And Tousan laughed... "You see, you have a smart thought, but Sera is difference... have you ever heard about Labyrinth?" Tousan asked... Labyrinth? Is it like a maze? I never heard it... I shook my head... "So, Labyrinth is a place where only a high ranker adventurer can come in and out... it is the place where monsters created..." Tousan explained... "The more the labyrinth, the more the monsters appear..." he continues... "And what is the relation with Sera?" I asked... We are currently walking in the mansion''s garden... Tousan gives me a piggyback... He just loves me for being around... "Auxem, has 1 labyrinth..." Tousan said... "S-Should we destroy it?" I asked... And he laughed... "No of course no! Monster are not always bad..." Tousan explained... "They always have something useful, like the fluid of slime, the horn of orcs... it is sold for quite a price..." Tousan continues I see... so things like that can be sold... "How about Sera?" I asked... "Sera has its reason for being the city of military... because they have to defend themselves from three labyrinths..." T-Three?! After noticing my surprise, Tousan continues... "It means they are a very active city... merchant also there... and Sera owns the biggest adventure guild as well..." Tousan said "Who is the feudal lord that rules the city?" I asked... "Lerrich Ezate" Tousan said...This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. "W-Who is he?" I never heard those name... Oh wait... I think a special class student has a family name of Ezate... "He is a smart man... also one of the best lord I have known..." Tousan said and we stopped at the garden''s fountain... Tousan sit down on one of the bench near the fountain... "Then... I think I should check Sera by myself..." I said "Not yourself... you have Euclio..." Tousan said while smiling... That''s true... Right now, Euclio and his Dad is having culinary... Euclio''s Tousan, Feurius... loves human food... he is an Ocean Race, but he hang out with Human more lately... So, Euclio has been here since my birthday... My birthday is on the first of June... and his birthday is on the first of February... During our last year in school, we receive a big farewell party by Nico Support Organization... They planned this without Euclio''s recognition... and both Euclio and I got the surprise... Even thou our school time is over, we make our own community in the town... "Nico Support Organization..." That was the name of the community... We have a place for hanged out as well... which is the adventure guild''s lobby... We met some person when we are invited... even though we are not an adventurer Tomorrow is the day where I have to decide where I will be going... Sera... That is my objective... Euclio will follow me wherever I go... so... I guess he is okay with my decision... The next day, we arrived at school... There are countless of student that are going to go on adventure... "Yo... are you sure about your choice?" Euclio asked me... "Hmmm... I guess that is not a bad option, right?" I asked him back "A city with three labyrinths, that is a very active city... it has a lot of monsters which mean we could loot a lot of things... but on the other hand, the price is of each loot is low as well..." Euclio said W-Wow... he did some research as well... I thought he is too lazy for it... "Y-Yeah, but I can''t think about other city..." I said And he let a sigh... "Nevermind, I will keep following you..." Euclio said Should I be the one that sigh? I let a sigh... Then, we entered Santa''s room after the person inside left... "Nicolas... Euclio... have you decided?" Santa asked... We nodded... "We choose Sera..." I said... And Santa looked surprised "Are you sure? They have a lot of activity there..." Santa said "Yeah, that''s fine... then, we will get a lot of quest! ..." I said with a smile... Santa smiled on us as well... "So... it is the time already... for both of you to leave...I will miss both of you..." Santa said with sad face... "D-Don''t worry, we will be checking out the school some time..." Euclio said "That is great! You can be a teacher in this place if you want" Santa said while laughing... So, we had decided to choose to go to Sera... We will depart on the next day... "Nisan... are you sure you will be okay?" Nate asked... "Of course! Meet us there next year!" I told Nate... "Sure!" Nate said with a big smile... Nate has grown, also Nathalia... Ed will be there as well next year with Ethan... Serena decided to stay in Auxem... Marie returned to her Kingdom... Apparently, there is an Adventure Guild in the Ocean Kingdom... I prepared my stuff for tomorrow... and Okasan looked really busy... Because she is the one that preparing it for me... About the money... Tousan will gives me only 5 golds... That is the rule from the school... Santa said that we should not depend on our parents money... so that is the maximum... Euclio as well... So in total, we have 10 golds... That is a very little of money... especially for both of us... 5 golds is the total for 2 years... Which mean, I won''t be able to receive more money from my parents... This time, we should use our money wisely... The next day... "Everything is ready?" Euclio asked me.. "Yep..." I said Both of us use a carriage from my mansion to take us to Sera... It will be a 3 days journey... Both of us ready, I bring my Oathkeeper and Euclio with his Ocean Protector "We will miss both of you... if you had any problem please tell u-" "There won''t be any problem... I believe both of you can survive..." Tousan said to both Euclio and I... Tousan cut Okasan''s word... "Yeah! Don''t worry about us Kasan... I am quite strong..." I said to her while smiling... And she come to hug both of us, Euclio and I... For her, Euclio is also one of her son... "Make sure to come back safely okay..." she said with teary eyes... "Of course!" I said "We will be going!" Euclio said All of them waved their hand... I did too... "Woah, your family is really the best!" Euclio said "That is too much for a farewell which only takes 2 years..." I said... Okasan bought me this new cloth... I wear it even now... "That is a nice cloth..." Euclio praised my cloth... It''s a black cloth with red pattern Also an eagle emblem which is a the emblem of Maxwell... Kasan bought Euclio a new cloth as well with the same design as mine... The same color, black... but with blue pattern... I am all about black and red, while Euclio is all about black and blue... But, Euclio''s emblem on the cloth is a Kraken... which is Qiteron''s emblem That is a pretty cool emblem... Mine cool as well... We stopped multiple of times during our journey... Also, we were guarded by tens of people... During our second day of journey... we were attacked by bandit... "Give us everything you have... and we will spare your live..." the bandit leader said... Both Euclio and I step out from the carriage to found out what happen "N-Nicolas-sama... please stay inside the carriage... we will protect you..." a guard said... "N-No... I will help to fight too..." I said... "B-But.." "Don''t worry..." I said cutting the soldiers word... I step down... and the bandit leader sees both of us... ''Create... Light'' ''Create....Fire'' ''Create.... Water'' ''Create.... Wind'' ''Create.... Earth'' I activate all of the elements just in case... When the enemy see me... they looked afraid... I have all of the five spheres activated... But... "Don''t be afraid! That''s Nicolas! Son of the Archduke! If we sell him to Mera Sect, we will be rich!" the bandit leader said... And he encourage the bandits There are about 30 to 50 bandits... while I only have 20 guards with me... W-What should I do... I never fight in real life... I hear Euclio and the head guard talking... Then the head guard talks with the other guard... What are they talking about... Then Euclio come to me... "Yo... whistle before you use your [FLASHBANG] and after 2 seconds turn it off... the guards and I will attack... then you wait here!" Euclio said seriously... And I nodded... After a minute of preparation... the head guard nodded to Euclio... And Euclio gives me a thumb... "You see... I give you all one chance to flee..." I said with smile face... I hear every of the enemy starting to ask themselves... whether they attack the wrong people or not... And the bandit leader looked troubles... "Every of you that runs, will be kicked out from the groups! And don''t you ever dare to show your ugly face in front of me!" the bandit leader said, and they become quite... Everyone prepare their stance... "Give up boy!" the bandit leader said... "Poor soul..." Euclio said in loud voice... "Go!!" the bandit leader shouted and they come closer.... And after they are on the right distance... I whistle really loud... And all of the guards shut their eyes off... [FLASHBANG] I summon a really bright light on us... I used it for two seconds... And I hear the enemies in pain... Yeah that will gives you 30 seconds blind... But I create the flashbang larger than I ever did... Maybe a minute of blind... After two seconds... I deactivate the [FLASHBANG] and the guards open their eyes... I found the guards speechless... "CHARGE!" The head guard shouted... And they let a battle cry while rushing toward the bandits... I see Euclio fights with distance... he uses the Elemental Fighter Magic... I believe he doesn''t want to even hurt them actually... And I see the head guards start piercing some bandit... also other guard swung his sword to the hopeless bandit... I feel pity on them... I then see the bandit leader... he looked pissed off... while also blind... At the end... we captured 5 bandits... The leader was killed by the head guard... The guard let a battle cry... and our morale is really high now... During our next stop... "Wow... Nicolas-sama is amazing!" the guards praises me... "Yeah! It is an honor to fight by his side!" the guards said... Okasan selectively choose the guards... She didn''t want any Mera believer is in one of us... in the mansion, and including the guards... "Nicolas-sama! You have a splendid skill! It will be an honor to serve you as the head of family one day..." the head guard said... "H-Hey... don''t give me all of the credits... in fact, Euclio thought the plan!" I said while pointing at him. He is currently eating a chicken... with half of the drumstick inside his mouth... "T-That is true! Without Euclio-sama''s strategy, we won''t live today!" a soldier said And Euclio looked at me with his drumstick in his mouth... he looked annoyed.... The head guard and I laughed... We have no casualties from the fight... and we continue our journey... On the third day, we arrived at lunch time... "Hey! Look!" Euclio shouted in excitement I see a city covered by gigantic wall... that is twice the height of Auxem''s wall... Also, there are some other carriage waiting outside the gate... there will be some checking... but.. We passed all of them, and the head guard showed the gatekeeper a letter... and he nodded... We are allowed to proceed immediately... And I see the city... There are a lot of people... the place is so busy... Merchants are everywhere... also adventurer... We also separate ourselves with the guard... "So, first, you ask the bandit about their hideout... and you can have their loot... then you can put him in jail..." Euclio said to the head guard... "A-Are you sure?" the head guard asked me... He still asked for my permission, since Euclio is actually has no power in Auxem nor Sera... But of course, the soldiers know how close we are, so they also followed Euclio''s order sometimes... I nodded... I don''t mind that they receive the gold... I didn''t do a lot... and they need more than I do... All I do is summon a light... I don''t even need to manipulate them... After we depart from the guard, we look at where we are... "T-This is a lot busier than I expected..." I said "I never see a crowd like this!" Euclio said in excitement "Let''s head to the guild..." I said Both of us head to the guild... We asked several person before we arrived in front of the guild... But, before I enter the guild... I met a guy... Everyone is staring at this man, he is waiting in front of the door''s guild... A tall man with black hair and yellow eyes... He used a heavy armor, made of steel with black color... and a spear in his grip... Also a cape behind him... Everyone can''t come inside because of him... Maybe not because of him... but because they want to see him... So we decided to walk in front of him... But when he saw us... "Ahhh! Nicolas-dono! Euclio-dono!" he shouted... And he hugged both of us immediately Everyone around us stared at us... I tried to free myself, but his grip on me are too strong... "Ummm excuse me... do I know you?" I asked politely He then release me from his hug... "Of course you don''t recognize me... my name is Lerrich Ezate... the feudal lord of this city... " He said And both of us don''t move even an inch... L-Lerrich Ezate himself greeted us?! "Have both of you eaten your lunch?" he asked us... Both of us shook our head... "Perfect!" He said happily... Lerrich whistles... and both of us has no idea what is going on And in a second, his carriage came... Finally, both of were invited to the carriage and we can''t refuse it, or it will be impolite... We went to the other wall inside the city while riding the same carriage with Lerrich... "Wow..." Euclio sounds amazed... "This city has two walls... the inner wall and the outer wall, the inner wall is a place for the richer one... since they are more protected... also, it is much more quite compared to the outer..." Lerrich said That is true... also, the buildings here are similar to Auxem, much neater... And without realizing, we enter a fortress? "A fortress?" I asked... He laughed... "This is my home... welcome to Seraviel" Lerrich introduced... After we entered another gate... "W-Wow..." both Euclio and I in unison... "T-This is a completely different world..." I said Lerrich laughed... I see gardens everywhere after we passed the gate... fields of flower... also, a forest! And in the middle of this knowhere... I see a beautiful mansion... much beautiful compared to mine... "That is pretty..." I said after seeing the mansion Euclio is out of words... When we arrived, the servant open the door of the carriage for us... And we stepped down... "Nicolas!" A boy come forward... "F-Fredrich!" I said I just remembered that he is the boy with Ezate family name... Fredrich Ezate, one of the special class student... When I am on my fourth year, he is on his first year... "Wow! You live in this place?!" Euclio sounds amazed "E-Euclio! Sorry for noticing you!" Fredrich said... "Let''s come inside... we had prepared lunch for both of you..." Lerrich said We come inside the mansion, and I found a really beautiful lobby... The floor is made of granite... also the wall has a really beautiful architecture... And in the middle of the room, there is a sculpture of Lerrich Ezate We were directed to the dining room... The dining room is a room with a long table... The table is really long that it could fits like for more than 20 people Both of us seated near the edge of the table... After few minutes, Lerrich and Fredrich enter the room with different outfit... Lerrich sit on the edge of the table, while Fredrich sit in front of me Then Lerrich clapped his hand... and a lot of servants come and bring different kind of food and put it on the table... They served various kind of food... even a food I never seen... "Then, let''s eat..." Lerrich said and we eat... While we are eating, I talked a lot... "So, Lerrich-dono... what do you think about our current relationship with Aerios Kingdom and Qiteron Kingdom?" I asked him And he gives me a smile... "You mean PAQ alliance? I am very happy and satisfied with it... it is much better to have an alliance, especially with Qiteron Kingdom..." Lerrich said while smiling toward Euclio... Euclio returned him a smile as well... "I believe, you are the one that propose the alliance?" Lerrich said to me I shook my head... "It was Daigo Staviel that proposed it..." I said "No... but it was your idea right?" Euclio interrupted ... "Y-Yeah, but he is the one that making it real..." I said "With your help..." Lerrich continues Euclio''s word... And Euclio nodded... I gave up... "Yes, you could say it like that..." I said while scratching my hair... "So, both of you are going to stay here? In Sera?" Lerrich asked... I nodded... "We have this program, that we should be an adventurer for 2 years... and we decided to choose Sera..." I said Euclio is still eating... "That would be an honor... trust me... Sera won''t be disappointing your expectations!" Lerrich said with proud... "Hmm... then, why don''t both of you stayed here? We had a lot of empty room in this place..." Lerrich offered... That is actually a good offer... Should we accept it... I looked at Euclio... His face looked disagree F-Fine... "That is a really great offer! But, our school want us to experience the real adventure... so we will probably have to live like the adventurer..." I said And Lerrich smiled a bit... "Wow, that is a wise decision... but remember, you are always welcome here... you can asked every soldier in this city to take you to my place..." Lerrich said "That is a very kind of you..." I said "That is the least I can give to you..." Lerrich said... "Oh, and also... you have to find your own house right in the outter wall..." Lerrich continues... We haven''t thought that far... "Y-Yeah, we have too we will think about it later..." I said And he laughed... "You are not prepared for that huh? Then please accept the house I will give to you, it is an old house I never use it anymore, and it is only 10 minutes walk to the Adventure Guild..." Lerrich said... "Bu-" before I can reject... "That''s it! I will prepare the house!" Lerrich said with a smile "B-Bu-" before I can finish my word... Lerrich clapped his hand... and a servant come... "Please prepare the house in the south district..." Lerrich said "B-" "Okay Lerrich-sama..." the servant even cut my words... And Freddrich laughed... I-I can''t even refuse... "Thanks Lerrich-dono... We are in debt" Euclio said "No please, it is a gift... if you have finished your adventure after 2 years and decided to stay in Sera, that house is still yours..." Lerrich said "Are you sure?" I asked... And he drinks his tea... After he drinks.. "Yes... as my gratitude for forming the PAQ alliance..." Lerrich said... "T-That is a very kind of you... then we will accept it..." I said with a smile "Good... then, after you have your lunch, you can directly visit the place..." Lerrich said happily At our first meeting... we were given a house... Lerrich is a very kind man... So, his man will guide us there after we eat our lunch... We talked about several things, and after an hour, we decided to leave... "I guess we will need some rest after the journey..." I said after seeing Euclio''s face... He looks like he can passed out anytime... "That''s true, then... let my man escort you..." Lerrich said "That would be great... thanks for the great hospitality you give..." I said "This is the least we can do for you... please don''t hesitate to tell me, if you need help..." Lerrich said We walked to the lobby, and a carriage has been prepared... I shake his hand... and so does Euclio... Then we entered the carriage... We left the mansion... and while we are leaving, we had a beautiful view of gardens of flower... "I could just see those flower forever..." Euclio said... After we saw the garden for around a minute, we passed a gate... and we are inside the inner wall... Inner wall is the place for the rich, the building here looks alike Auxem... After 10 minutes, we passed another gate... Now, the view is completely a messed... "Where do you want us to drop you Nicolas-sama? Euclio-sama?" the servant asked... "Please take us to the house... and you can leave..." I said "But... Lerrich-sama asked us to accompany you for the whole day..." the servant said with doubt "No, don''t worry, we can take care things..." I said and the servant finally nodded... We are given a house... And we decided to take a look first... After several minutes of ride... we see a house with old design... I see several maids left... I believe they just finished cleaning the house... We arrived and get down from the carriage... Euclio''s face looked so pale... "Hey hey, let''s take a nap..." I said to Euclio while giving him a shoulder... I think Euclio is sick of carriage journey... That would be a big problem... I enter the house... and it looks like a normal house in my previous world... When you enter the house, you have a corridor, and a stair near the entrance... I pass through the corridor, and I found the kitchen and dining room... also a living room... And I found a room in front of the living room... I check it out and it''s a bed room! I put Euclio there... "Go and have some rest... I will be looking around the house..." I said And no answer... After several seconds... "Fine..." Euclio said... He is in a bad shape... Should I call a doctor? But usually, he will recover after taking a nap... So, let''s just decide later... I went to the room next the bed room... "Wow... a bath?" I said It has a warm water as well... Maybe I will take a bath after I check everything... I went to the second floor... and I see another 2 bedrooms... In total, this house has 3 bedrooms... Ugh... if we have another friends that would be fun... The house is cleaned already thanks for the servant... I left the house and met the servants... I thanked them and allowed them to leave... After they left... I take a bath... It feels so great... after a long journey, hot bath is the best... After taking a bath, I feel sleepy... so decided to sleep next to Euclio... Chapter 15 - The White Wolves I woke up at 7 PM... It is still the day where I arrived in Sera... "Hey... Euclio... wake up..." I shake his body "Gimme 5 more minutes..." Euclio said "No! we need to eat and also register ourselves on the Guild..." I said And he woke up... "T-That''s true! Let''s go!" Euclio said Ah, so he is okay now... Before he he slept, he look so pale... I was about to call the doctor... But now, he seems fit... "Let''s eat first... since the guild is open for 24 hours..." Euclio said "Sure!" I said But where to eat? We don''t know any restaurant around... After a walk for 5 minutes, we decided to eat on a restaurant near to the guild... It is crowded... so I assume that it has a good food... We enter the restaurant and ordered a food... And the prices are surprisingly cheap! "Are you new in this town?" the waitress asked... "Y-Yeah, we are about to start our life as an adventurer..." I said She has a pointy ears with yellow eyes... it means that she is an elf... A high elf... since she has a white skin and also golden hair... "I see... if you are an adventurer, we will give you discount, depend on your rank..." the elf said "Wow... that''s great!" I said... I even thing the price is cheap already... a meal is around 80 bronze... I think this is my first time using bronze... After both of us order our meal, we talked... "We have 10 golds... and our meal is 160 bronzes, assume it as 2 silver (200 bronzes), multiply by 3 for breakfast, lunch and dinner... which means it takes 6 silvers a day..." Euclio calculating our expenses... "Hmmm then we should at least receive 6 silvers a day..." I said And Euclio nodded... When the meal come, the elf girl joined us... "So, what are you planning after this?" she asked me... "Umm, we are going to register ourselves as adventurer..." I said "That''s good... did any of you have ever killed a monster?" the elf girl asked... Both of us shook our heads... We are hopeless aren''t we... Then she laughed... "What are both of you? Looks like a noble that never touches any monster..." she said while laughing and drinking... And we fake our laugh... We are a noble! And also, this elf is currently speaking to a prince of the strongest kingdom... If she knows the truth, I will laughed at her surprised face... "Ah, by the way, do you know how to rank up fast?" Euclio asked in this opportunity "Hmmm? Of course... when you enter the guild, you take the higher rank quest..." The elf said "Oh, by the way, my name is Nico..." I said to introduce myself... "Mine is Petra... how about you boy?" Petra asked Euclio... "My name is Euclio..." Euclio said "Hmmm an Ocean Race and Human Race, both of you sure a weird combination..." Petra said "We are actually pretty good..." Euclio said proudly... "Oh by the way, what do you mean by taking a higher rank quest?" I asked her... "Hmmm, when you start as an adventurer, your rank will be bronze... so, try to take a silver rank mission... but if you fail there will be some charge on it..." Petra said... "That is helpful... thanks..." I said "No problem! For you, just make sure to eat here more often..." Petra said... We paid the bill with a gold... and she looked speechless... But then she returned us 98 silvers and 40 bronzes... and in an instance we had hundreds of coins... "I think, we should buy a wallet..." Euclio suggest... "T-That''s true..." Previously, 10 golds is enough in my pocket, but 100 of coins won''t be enough... After we bought a bag, we put our money there... I am the one that bring the bag... Then we visit the adventure guild... But... "Ummm do you think this is a different guild with the guild we saw this morning?" I asked Euclio and he nodded... I just remember, that Sera has 4 Adventure Guilds But we don''t mind which to enter, and enter the guild... And we see the board, and registration counter is on the 3rd floor... The building has 3 floor... the third floor for registration, the second floor for special quest... and the first floor is the normal quest... I don''t understand what it mean by special quest... but I think we need to do it slowly... We lined up, since there are some new people as well... There is only one receptionist here... Which is why it takes some times... After ten minutes, it is finally our turn... I looked at the face of the receptionist and... I see familiar elven... "P-Petra!" I recognized her... "Hey Nico!" she said with a bright smile... "W-What are you doing here?" Euclio asked in confusion... "Hm... I have two jobs... a waitress and a receptionist..." she said with a smile... "So... both of you are going to be a new adventurer right?" Petra asked... Both of us still in our confuion, but we nodded... "So, who is the leader of the party?" Petra asked... I point on Euclio But Euclio pointed at me as well... And she looked troubled... "Nico will be the leader..." Euclio said it... "Okay Nicolas-kun... please tell me your role..." she said And I don''t have a chance to refuse... Role? And I looked confused... "You see, we have Swordsman, Spearman, Support..." she said And she looked at my sword... "You are a swordsman right?" she asked me... I nodded... but... "I believe there is a Mage role..." Euclio asked... And Petra looked at Euclio... She looked at us suspiciously... "Then, which one of you that can control an element?" Petra asked... "Him..." Euclio said while putting his arm around my shoulder... And Petra looked at me... "Fine..." I said Let me prove it... ''Create Wind...'' And a green spherical light appears... everyone behind us looked amazed... Also, Petra... "W-Wow... it''s been a long time since I register a mage..." Petra said... "Is it the rarest class?" Euclio asked... "N-No... there are some other classes... like Elemental Fighter... and Elementalist for those who can control the 4 basic elements... which is impossible" Petra said... T-That is exactly us... "Then, please register him as Elemental Fighter and me as Elementalist..." I said And everyone behind me heard what I just said... "C-Can you prove it?" Petra asked... "Sure..." both of us in unison... I activated all of the element I could use, including Holy Elements... while Euclio activated his Elemental Fighter Magic... I have my 5 spheres above my head... and Euclio has his sword shining blue... All people in this room become quite... but Petra looks happy... "Then... Euclio will be an Elemental Fighter... while Nicolas will be a High Elementalist..." Petra said happily... Everyone in the room are whispering to each other... "Hey... it is the red eye! Nicolas... so he is Nicolas Maxwell..." "Nicolas Maxwell is here!" "Hey the prince of Qiteron Kingdom is here as well..." Now it will be harder when our disguise has been revealed... "Umm... so both of you are a noble..." Petra said Her face changed... and I was about to laugh... But I could control myself... "please, treat us like a normal adventurer" I said And she give it a thought "Okay... then we will give you a gold rank as your starting rank..." Petra said with a smile... B-But... I thought we should start from bronze level? "Gold?!" everyone in unison... That is a high level right? "H-Hey I told you to treat us like the other right..." I said and I deactivate my magic... "Yeah, I judge people from their skill... and from your talent as well... I think both of you deserve a gold rank... or even higher..." Petra said And Euclio hold my shoulder... "F-Fine..." I said "Then, Welcome to the South Adventure Guild.... There are 3 other adventure guild... which is North, West, and East... but you are currently registered as an adventurer from South Sera Adventure Guild, which means you only take a quest and claim your reward here..." Petra said... And I nodded... "Both of you are also able to take labyrinth expedition quest..." Petra saidLove this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Labyrinth Expedition? Seeing our confused face, she explained... "It is when the labyrinth activity is increasing... so we will send an expedition group, consists of adventurer to enter the labyrinth, and kill the some monster boss floor..." she said Boss floor? I really don''t get it... but I really hate to make the line up wait for us... so... "I see, then we will take some quest for tomorrow..." I said... "W-Wait... I will be your personal receptionist..." Petra said... And then another receptionist showed up and take her desk... "Are you sure?" I asked... "Of course... I am the head of the adventure guild here..." Petra said while smiling... And now, it is our turn to be surprised... "Come... follow me..." she asked us to follow her... She move downward to the first floor... And we followed her... I feel that meeting her is an arrangement... The two of us are led by her to the quest board... And everyone''s eyes are looking at us... "So, these board is where you can take normal quest... a quest from bronze level to platinum level..."Petra said... Both of us nodded... The adventurer rank from lowest to highest are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond... And suddenly an old man block our view... "Ehem... please, there are some adventurer here that are looking for a quest..." Petra said to the old man... "Hmmm where is it? I don''t see any..." he said... He is a tall man, and we are quite short compared to him... "Ah... you see, you are blocking us..." Euclio looked a bit annoyed ... And everyone on the first floor become loud... "Fight!" "Duel!" "Hmmm duel sound to be a good idea?" the old man said... "Sure! I''m getting bored!" Euclio said with a smile... And I feel that the old man is pissed off... "Hey stop... he is a new adventurer..." Petra said... "But... rules are rules... he has accepted the challenge..." the old man in heavy armor said... ''YEAH!'' Everyone shouted... Poor old man "Poor old man..." I said what inside my thought And he looked mad at me... "You want a duel too?" the old man asked... I hate this kind of man, that solve every problem by fight... "Okay, how about duel to death?" I asked... And the room become silent... Even Petra couldn''t say anything... but Euclio laughed... "That is your best joke ever!" Euclio said while still laughing... "Hey... old man? Are you still looking at a fight?" Euclio asked... "A-A man won''t take back his words..." the old man said with a bit caution now... "But... if you fight me, you won''t be able to fight for your whole life..." Euclio said And now the room become silent... again... But I laughed... "That is your best joke?" I asked while laughing... But hearing us laughing, the old man looked even more mad... "Okay! Let''s duel!" the old man said... "Ahem... before you get hurt, I suggest you cancel your duel!" Petra told the old man in armor... "Huh? You are on their side?" the old man looked annoyed... "No, I just don''t want to see you die!" Petra said... "W-What? You actually believe them?" the old man asked Petra while laughing... And the other start to laughed as well... Should I kill him for real? "Yep, you will be a dead man, since this boy is an Elemental Fighter and the other one is a High Elementalist..." Petra said... And now they remain silent... Ugh, I will just look at the quest board... Hmmm gold quest is defeating an orc... also ogre... a minotaur... There are actually quite a lot of myth monsters from my previous world... I look back at the fight... and... The man still insist for a duel... Okay... so there will be a duel... All of us move to the duel arena outside the adventure guild... And more people come to watch... "Hey old man... I will break your leg in one move..." Euclio said... Wow, he has a lot of confident... "Huh! You better watch out with your words..." the old man said "Are you sure your friend is going to be okay?" Petra asked me... "Of course, actually, I am worried about the old man... but I guess it is time for him to retired right?" I asked her... And she looked a bit disappointed at me... Now she knew how toxic I am... I just hate people like that... "Make it fast!" I said to Euclio... "One move..." Euclio said to me... Euclio prepared his stance, also the old man... The old man is a swordsman with Valeon Style... He used only a sword... but, body with heavy armor described him as a Valeon style user... "No killing please... and no permanent damage allowed..." Petra said seriously to Euclio... And Euclio looked disappointed... "Then just knock him fast..." I said And Euclio nodded... "Ready.... Go!" Petra start the duel... Euclio hasn''t showed Ocean Protector... And when the battle start, Euclio immediately rush toward the old man... The old man prepare his defense position... If Euclio used his Ocean Protector, I feel pity on his sword... And it did happened... When Euclio is near enough, Euclio unsheathed Ocean Protector... it glows blue... which make everyone looked amazed... And he slash Ocean Protector to the old man''s armor... but the old man decided to parry Euclio''s attacked... which is a big mistake... And, in one slash, the old man''s sword break.... They blade fly away and Euclio put his other sword below the old man''s neck... "I-I give up..." the old man said... Everyone that watch the battle did not move an inch.... "Cih... you are lucky the rules saves you..." Euclio said and left... And Euclio come to me... "Let''s go..." Euclio said "Okay..." I said in confuse... We left the duel arena... but then someone stopped us... "P-Petra-san?" Euclio asked... "I grant you a Platinum Rank!" Petra said and she looks happy... And everyone around us looked at us and give an applause... "Wow! The first day, and they got platinum rank? I bet this is a new record!" "They are too strong! I believe their words now..." "That swords is awesome! I wonder how much it cost..." Everyone gives Euclio praises... "Let''s go..." Euclio said and left the crowd... I just remember that he hates praise from other... And we walked toward the board of quest... Suddenly, a girl and a boy, I guess a beastman race with cloak approached us "Excuse me... are you interested in making a party?" the girl asked Euclio and I looked at each other... "Ummm you see, we are a bronze party and we failed so many quest... we actually need hel-" before the boy finished his words... A voice coming out from their stomach... That is sad... I took 2 silvers out of my bag and give it to them... I heard a lot of story of fail adventurer... like they are so weak that they can''t even fight against easy monster... If they can''t take down the monster, they fail the quest... and if they fail the quest, they have to pay the charge for failing the quest... I heard the story from Rueger... and Euclio was there as well, when Rueger told the story... "Come back here tomorrow morning" Euclio said "Y-You mean, you agree with forming a party with us?!" the boy asked... Euclio nodded... I know from the beginning, that Euclio is a kind-hearted boy... And both faces seems to be really happy... "T-Thank you! We will be here from 6 AM!" the girl said happily, and she really appreciate it... And we nodded... After both of them left... "Are you sure about making party with unknown people?" I asked Euclio "Thats okay... it seems that they need us..." Euclio said If Euclio said so... I guess it is fine... Then we look for a quest... "Let''s reach Diamond Rank!" Euclio said "You mean, we choose a diamond rank quest?" I asked him "Nope! It is better for you to do the gold quest first..." Petra said... "P-Petra-san..." both of us in unison... We never feel her presence, she is scary... "Why gold?" I asked... And Petra hit her own face with her palm... looks like she is disappointed "You never kill a monster, and now you are trying to kill a dragon?" Petra said And both of us were reminded... That we never experience killing a monster... "Okay, let''s hear Petra-san out..." I said And Euclio nodded... "Can you find a perfect quest for us?" I asked her... "Sure... this one...." She said while taking the paper out of the board... "Killing the Orc on the southern village..." I read it... "Southern village?" Euclio asked "Yes, there is a village on the southern of Sera, outside the outer wall" Petra said... "Are you sure, it fits for us?" I asked her... "Yep... it is a simple task for you with great reward..." Petra said I looked at the reward and... "4 golds?!?" Euclio and I in unison... "Yes, you are lucky... you are the first person in history that start adventuring from platinum..." she said happily I always have this feeling, that it has been arranged... "But, you are the one that place us on the high rank..." Euclio said curiously "Of course... since no one ever had taken High Elementalist role since the guild was founded..." Petra said Petra and Euclio stared at me... "Ummm how about Elemental Fighter?" I asked "Oh, we had 2 people in our history..." Petra said That is quite rare as well, right? "But they die during fighting the Great War 2" Petra said Just how long the guild has been established "So, you mean, we are the only Elemental Fighter and High Elementalist in this guild?" I asked And Petra nodded... "Make sure to come back tomorrow..." Petra said O-Of course... she thought we are going to run? "Of course we are going to come back..." Euclio said We left the guild... and we passed the restaurant we just have eaten... Then after 10 minutes of walking, we arrive at our home... "Do you see the house next to our house?" Euclio asked "Hmm? What''s with that?" I asked "It is written that it is for sale..." Euclio said "What? You want to buy a house? We had one already..." I said I don''t planned to stay here longer... 2 to 3 years at max... "How about Nate and friends?" Euclio asked... "We still have 2 other bedrooms..." I said And he looked surprised I just remembered, that he was sleeping when I checked the entire house... He went upstairs and shouted from above... "Don''t you think the bedroom upstairs are bigger?" "Yeah it is... wanna move upstairs?" I asked "Sure..." Eu responded.. We sleep at around 12 PM... since we had a lot of things to do I couldn''t sleep peacefully, since I feel like I just woke up... That nap is making me awake... So I decided to take a walk I use my cloth, and open the bedroom door slowly, to make sure I won''t wake Euclio... I also took my sword... just in case... I leave my house, and I locked thee door from the outside... Hmm... so, this city can be quite at night... There are a lot of dark alley in this town... I feel a bit spooked when I looked at the alley... Unconsciously, I walked toward the guild... I still see some people from different race coming and leaving the guild I enter the guild... and some people notice my presence... I wore the necklace guild, with platinum ornaments on it... The necklace that Nate and Nathalia gave to me is also with me... but i take the ring and use it for my finger... Everyone is staring at me... Why does everyone always stares at me... not in Auxem nor here... everyone is staring at me... But, since I arrived at Sera, I found no one calling me a demon... I move to the bar inside the guild... it is next to the lobby... I ordered a drink... The drink in this world is alike with my previous world... There are juices, wine, alcohol, and even soda... I ordered orange juice.... And I pay 10 bronzes... This place is so lively... I hear everyone laughing, singing, and fighting... Huh... this is like a tavern in my RPG video games... I like the place... Until someone broke it... "I hear this guild has a new platinum member!" a man in his twenties shouted... He used light armor, and a sword on his hip... Then some people directing the man with light armor to me... Ughh why should I left my home... He then stands behind me... I look back and our eyes are having a contact... "So, you are the new platinum adventurer?" he asked me.. "Yes... what can I help?" I asked... "You looked like a kid... but I think you are a kid..." the man said while thinking... I stood up and faced him... "If there is nothing you want to say, I am done here..." I said while preparing myself to leave... I looked at his necklace.. he is a platinum adventurer as well... "W-Wait... how could you be so cold?" the man asked and looked annoyed "Cold?" I asked in confusion I am cold? "Hey, I just want to speak nicely! As the same Platinum Adventurer..." the man said I returned to my sit, and he sit in front of me... "Have you known the privilege of platinum member?" the man said I don''t know his name... He should have introduce himself first before I do... how impolite... "my name is Nicolas..." I said while lifting my hand... He then shake my hand... "The name is Reyner, I am one of the platinum adventurer in this city..." Reyner said while showing his necklace... I''ve seen that... "So, what are the privilege of Platinum Adventurer?" I asked... And he give some thought... "I was planning to attack a labyrinth... so I am thinking of making an expedition..." Reyner said Then I remembered what Tousan said... The adventurer might have a Labyrinth Expedition, if the activity is increasing... "So, the activity is rising?" I asked... And he nodded... "But, creating an expedition needs the approval of half of the platinum adventurer..." Reyner continues... Half... that is pretty hard isn''t it? "Then, how many people have you asked?" I asked him... "You are the first person I asked... you see, there are only 3 party in this city that has reached Platinum Rank..." Reyner said Three?! Is it a bit a small number? "So, if you get my approval, you are able to lead an expedition?" I asked him "Exactly!" Reyner said... I don''t know about the other platinum party... but it is for the safety of the people in town, right? But, this is too sketchy... I don''t trust him... "Nope... I will wait for the other platinum party has to say..." I said... And he looked a bit mad... I know right, he is trying to scheme something... "The lives of people is in grave!" Reyner said "Then, the guild will send a request for Labyrinth Expedition..." I said Previously, Petra-san told me that the second floor is for the Special Quest, like Labyrinth Expedition... Is this man trying to use me? So that he will get the authority to make an expedition? He is a bit tricky... but I won''t fall into a trap... If Euclio with me, he will refuse it at once... "Then, I will asked for the other platinum party... I hope she can understand about the situation better than you..." Reyner said, then he left me alone... After he left... some people come to me and asked what happened... I told them about the Labyrinth Expedition, and told them that Reyner want to create an expedition... "That guy is awful!" a man said I see that he has a silver necklace... "Why?" I asked... "He only wanted to loot the items inside the labyrinth for himself..." he said... "Yeah... I heard that there are a lot of casualties on last year expedition..." another man said... and I looked at his necklace... a gold adventurer... "I see... then refusing is a good choice right?" I asked And all of them nodded... "Nicolas-sama?" the man with silver necklace called my name... "Oh, please call me Nicolas... I am an adventurer now..." I said with a smile And his face looks relieved... "I believe in you... so, during the expedition please take care of us well..." the man with silver necklace said "Ah yes! Since we have a platinum adventurer... you will be our leader if there is a Labyrinth Expedition..." another man come with gold necklace... "I-I will be the leader?" I asked And the three of them nodded... I let a sigh... "You see... I am quite talented in fighting a person one on one... but I never kill a monster before..." I said The three of them become quite... But then the silver necklace guy laughed... "T-That is a nice joke!" he said... And the other two started to laughed as well... Ughh I mean it... but if I tell the truth, I won''t be able to regain their trust... I almost lose their trust... So I just joined the laugh... And then, there are a lot of people coming and talk with me... It is a really different situation I had in Auxem... It''s like talking to the member of Nico Support Organization... Yeah, I really feel like a social being now... And at 2 AM... "I must head back now..." I said to to the other... "Of course! You need to sleep a lot since you are a kid!" an adventurer said jokingly... But I am a kid... "Yeah, that''s why I am going... or else someone will take my hair away...." I said jokingly... since he is a bald man... Everyone laughed... I left the guild... but, On my way to leave the guild... I saw both of the boy and the girl that we promised to make a party with... Both of them are sleeping on the lobby of the guild... "Hello..." a voice behind my back I turned myself and see a human girl... Maybe around my age? "Yes?" I asked... Then, she looked nervous... "I hope you a good luck for today''s quest..." she said while blushing... She has a red hair and she wear the same cloth like Petra... "A-Are you one of the receptionist?" I asked "He''emmm...." She said while nodding... Wow... then, she supposed to know about the boy and the girl I will be partying with... "Excuse me... can I ask something?" I asked the receptionist girl.. "Uhh, I will do my best to answer your question!" she said shyly... "Ummm that''s okay, I just want to asked about them..." I said while pointing my hand to boy and the girl that are currently sleeping... She looked at the point I direct and start explaining... "They are brother and sister... you see, people said that both of their parents are killed... and only both of them survive..." the receptionist girl explained T-That is sad... "And?" I asked her to continue... "The son is hurt... I think he has some disease... so both of them are trying to find money buy becoming an adventurer... but... it didn''t work as they expected..." she said in sad face... "Why?" I asked "The boy always been a burden... and so they decided to join every party asking for help... but, whenever people join a party with both of them, the mission that they will take always fail... so now, no one wanted to join with their party...." The receptionist said... That is hard... First, both of their parents died, and now, the son has suffered an illness... but to find the cure, he must find some money... I walk toward them "Please don''t cancel your quest with them..." the receptionist sounds worry... I looked back, and I see the receptionist girl hold my cape... "No... it is actually the reverse..." I said to her... and the receptionist looked speechless... I walk toward both siblings... And I touched the boy''s shoulder... He is a beastman race... and his shoulder is hairy... When he opened his eye, he looked surprised... Then he stood up... "W-What are you doing here?" he asked me... He is a white-color wolf... his eyes are red... like mine... The same as the girl... "Me? I am visiting the guild..." I said... And the girl woke up "Ah.. is it 6 already?" she asked with sleepy face... I laughed a bit... "N-No, it''s 2 in the morning..." I said And suddenly the boy become imbalance... When he about to fall I hold him... Then I carried him... I planned to bring them to my home... "Ummm, where are you planning to go?" the receptionist ask me... "I will bring them to my home... there are still a free room for them to stay..." I said to the receptionist And I left while carrying the boy, and his sister followed me... They become adventurer when they can''t even fight?! But to find money? That is sad... "A-Are you sure it is fine?" the girl asked... "Of course... we will have an adventure tomorrow, that''s why we need you to have a nice rest..." I said Then she remain silent... I look at the boy I carried... he is so fluffy... But I see his face is sweating... This is bad... should I call a doctor? This is not a time to hesitate... When I arrived at home, I unlock the door and enter my house with the girl I followed... I open the bedroom which is on the first floor... I put the boy on the bed... "T-Thank you..." the girl said "No.. it''s fine... you should sleep with your brother..." I said And she nodded... "Let''s talk tomorrow... good night..." I said and turn the room''s light off... I hope the boy could hold a little bit longer... Chapter 16 - Cure The next day, when I awake... the boy is waiting for me while standing in front of my bed... "WOAHHHH" I said in surprised... "U-Ummm shut up Nico..." a voice next to me... Ughhh even Euclio is still sleeping... If there is a fire in this house... I bet Euclio won''t wake up... "Ummm sorry... and thanks for the night... I will repay you soon..." the boy said "No, I don''t even lost any money, so that''s fine..." I said And his face looked relieved... This boy is a fox! And it is so fluffy... my hand really want to touch the fur... "Oh by the way... how''s your fever?" I asked... "It''s okay now!" he said with a smile... I have a feeling that he is not... He is still a bit shaking now... "You will be coming with me..." I told him... "Where?" he asked "Doctor..." I said And he looked surprised... "N-No... I am okay now, see I can stand already... also I don''t have enough money for that..." he said and suddenly he faced downward... "Don''t worry, we are a party! We should help each other!" I said "B-But... doctor is very expensive..." the boy said "That''s okay! We will do a high level quest and get more reward!" I said And he didn''t say anything else... "What''s your name?" I asked him "Rin..." he said "Okay, so let''s prepare yourself and we will go to find a doctor..." I said I stood up from my bed and prepared to leave the room... But he just stand there... "You want me to carry you?" I asked jokingly... "N-No..." he said while wiping his tears... "Let''s go..." I said and he followed me... I move downstairs and... "W-Wow..." I looked amazed... "Good morning!" the girl greeted me... "Good morning! You clean all of this?" I asked And she nodded with a smile... Wow... I feel bad for not rewarding them... "How about I treat you breakfast for this..." I said And both of them looked surprised... "N-Noo... don''t worry, we are not hung-" before Rin finished his sentences.. A voice coming out from the girl''s stomach... "Ummm..." the girl sounds a bit embarrassed "Let''s go..." I invited both of them... And surprisingly, they are an honest person... I put my bag on the first floor, and there are like 9 golds inside it, they could just take it and run away... Also, the swords of ours... It costs like 5000 golds each... But they didn''t do it... I take my bag and my sword... "Let''s go..." I said and both of them nodded... We left the house and I locked the door... "By the way, my name is Nicolas... how about yours?" I asked the girl "Oh, my name is Erin..." the girl said And I looked at the boy... "So... Rin and Erin... do you know where to find a good food?" I asked Rin nodded... "The adventurer restaurant has the best food with best price!" Rin said And Erin stared at him... Then she say "That''s okay, we will follow every restaurant you choose..." Erin said Hmmm the girl looks much more responsible... "Erin... are you the older one?" I asked her And then she looked surprised... "H-How do you know?" Erin asked... "Hmmm just my instinct... let''s go to the adventurer restaurant..." I said Then we walk toward the restaurant... We walk a bit slower... since Rin walked slower than all of us... "Do you want me to carry you?" I asked... "N-Noo... I said I am okay..." Rin said... and we continue walking toward the restaurant, which took more than 10 minutes... I ordered some food from the menu... and... "What are you going to order?" I asked both of them... "W-Whatever you ordered..." Erin said "Then, make it three..." I said to the waitress... And the waitress left us... "Hmmm, so... I will delay the quest... " I said out of a sudden... "W-What?! But why?" Erin asked... I let a sigh... "You see, I want a fit team... which means I will find a doctor to heal Rin''s disease... that is my first priority..." I said And both of them looked speechless... "B-But..." "No but... this is my decision, I will pay for the doctor fee... and before Rin fully recovered... both of you have to stayed at my house..." I said Both of them looked at me like they want to cry... "D-Don''t cry!" I said But then both of them come and hugged me.... "Uaahhhh" Rin cried... "I-I am not crying!" Erin said while crying... Everyone in the restaurant looked at us... But this is so warm... their fur is so soft... "O-Okay... stop, everyone is looking at us..." I said whisperingly to them... And they returned to their seats... Both of them are still wiping their tears... Then, a girl come to the restaurant... "Ahh! Nicolas-san good morning!" the receptionist girl said "Hello! Good morning!" I greeted her "Wait here okay! Petra-san is waiting for you since 6 AM in front of the guild... I will call her" the receptionist girl said then leave us... Ummm did I have any appointment? "What time is it?" I asked "It was 7 AM when we left the house..." Erin said Then Petra enter the restaurant... She looks mad... "Ummm good morning?" I greeted her in weird face... "I waited for more than an hour!" she said with loud voice... "H-Hey... did I have an appointment with you?" I asked... "No! but with..." Before she could finished her sentences, she looked at Rin and Erin... "with them..." Petra said while lowering her voice.. "W-Wait... how can you meet them? I thought you are going to meet them inside the guild..." Petra asked me... "Ummm you see, last night I see both of them sleep on the lobby of the guild... and I have an empty bedroom in my house... so I invited both of them..." I said Then Petra looked at both of them... She then let a sigh... "So... how about the mission?" Petra asked... "We will delay it for a little longer..." I said "T-That''s okay, I can hold my pain..." Rin said I looked at him... He looked pale... "No... you are my priority..." I said "But..." "No but..." I cut his word... And Petra looked troubled... "But..." "I think, there are quite a lot of gold adventurer that able to take over my quest..." I said and cut her words... She then let a sigh... "You are kind, to save a boy... but, there are other tens of people that needs your help as well..." Petra said "How about the other adventurer?" I asked "Gold Adventurer never take gold quest... since it could risk their lives..." Petra explained... "So, Gold Adventurer took silver quest?" I asked She nodded... I let a sigh... "Then let Euclio do the job... Erin!" I called Erin a bit loud and she looked surprised... "Y-Yes?" she said "After eating your breakfast... can you call Euclio, and both of you go to the Southern Village... to defeat the orc..." I asked Erin... Erin nodded... "I-I can-" "Nope... you are not going anywhere..." I said And he remain silent... Rin try not to be a burden... "All problem clear..." I said to Petra... She looked a bit surprised... "Are you sure? Euclio and the girl is enough?" Petra asked... "Don''t worry, Euclio is strong... stronger than me..." I said to Petra... And the three of them looked surprised, including Rin and Erin... "Okay then, the guild will provide the carriage so that you can reach the destination as fast as possible..." Petra said "Okay..." I said "Thank you..." she said and left... After she left, the food came... We eat our breakfast... and I see both Rin and Erin eat the food really fast... I bet they are so hungry... After Erin finished her breakfast... "I will be returning to home and wake Eulcio-sama..." Erin said "J-Just call him Euclio... and thanks! Asked him to go to the guild for me okay?" I said and she noddedThis story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I give her the key... and she stood up and run to my house... While I was left with Rin... "Thanks..." Rin said out of a sudden "No problem..." I said After we ate our breakfast... I asked several adventurer about the best doctor in Sera... They said that the best doctor is in the north of Sera... which took about 5 hours of walk... I don''t have time for that... Should I ask for Lerrich''s help? No.... I don''t want to depends on them... Seeing my trouble "Hey... you are a platinum adventurer right?" an adventurer asked me... "Yes... and what''s with that?" I asked "You can freely borrow a horse or a carriage from the guild..." he said "A-Are you serious?!" I asked and he nodded... "T-Thanks for the info dude!" I said and give him a silver coin... "Wow! That''s a lot! No problem man!" the adventurer replied happily.. Both Rin and I enters the guild... I give my shoulder to Rin so that he can lean on me... Everyone is staring at us... but I ignored them... I see this special receptionist table for special person I guess... But I don''t care! I walked straight to the receptionist... and... "The nice girl!" I said to the girl receptionist... "Ummm I have my own name..." she said a bit mad She is the girl that I met last night... and she told me the story about Erin and Rin... "Ah sorry..." I apologized... "My name is Miel... and what can I help you?" asked the red hair with black eyes receptionist to me... "I need to borrow a carriage..." I said "Sure... wait..." Miel left the receptionist table Then she talked to someone... and... she returned to me... "You can wait in front of the guild... a carriage will be there in a few minutes..." Miel said... "T-Thanks..." I said "N-No problem..." she said And both of us left the receptionist... "Hey Nico... what are you doing with him?" an adventurer come at me... He is the adventurer that talks with me last night... "Ahh, he is my friend..." I said "H-He is the boy that live in the guild''s lobby right?" he asked me... "Not anymore... he lived with me now..." I said and left them... And the man looked speechless... I just don''t like the idea that they left people like him... Personally, I will help every people I can help... We move to the lobby, and see a carriage has been waiting for us... That is faster than I thought... I help Rin enters the carriage, then I join him... "Where are we going?" the driver asked... "To the doctor in the North of Sera..." I said and the driver nodded... It seems that he understand me instantly... does it mean, the doctor is quite popular? The carriage then move and we are heading to North Sera... While we are on our way, Rin is sleeping while leaning on me... I have a feeling that he hold his pain for a long time... After an hour journey, we finally arrive at the gate of North Sera... We passed West Sera as well, and the view of the city is the same.... And apparently, we aren''t allowed to pass the inner wall... that''s why it takes more time... After traveling a few more minutes, we arrive in front of a house... "Can you wait here for a while?" I asked, and the driver nodded... I don''t want to walk to get back to the guild... I arrived at in front of the house... ''Doctor Frans'' is written in front of the gate... Then a man come to both of us... He was sitting on the terrace of his house "H-Hey... come in!" the man said "Doctor Frans?" I asked and he nodded... "Yes I am..." he said while opening the gate... He is an Ocean Race... with black eyes... When I see him, I immediately feel that he is the doctor... or maybe, because of his cloth... he uses a white cloth... Then he let us in... He open his door''s house and led us to a room... The house is normal house, like our house in South Sera... He led us to a bedroom... "Put him on the bed..." the doctor said... I carried Rin, and put him on the bed... Rin then looked at me... "S-Sorry for troubling you..." Rin said... I shook my head... "Can you please leave both of us?" doctor frans asked me to leave... "Then, I will be waiting for you outside okay?" I said to Rin And he nodded... I left the room and left Rin as well... It took almost an hour until the door to open... Doctor Frans leave the room and talk to me... "His lungs is not in a good condition..." Doctor Frans said "Hmm? What do you mean?" I asked "It is damaged, maybe from externally, since I see a wound on his chest..." Doctor Frans said "S-So, can you heal him?" I asked him... And he looks sad... "I am sorry, but healing an organ is impossible for every doctor... but a High Elementalist might do...." Doctor Frans said "Why?" I asked Doctor Frans... "Why? Of course, Holy Magic Advance Tier... is Healing Magic... but you see, finding a High Elementalist is impo-" Before he finished his sentence I created a white sphere on my head... "I-Impossible!!" he looked at me... "So... do you have any idea on where to find the book of Holy Magic Advance Tier?" I asked doctor frans... And he give a thought... "Maybe, you can find it on the East Sera, there is an old shop, selling book of magic..." Doctor Frans said "T-Then... I will be back!" I said while leave the house... "W-Wait..." Doctor Frans stopped me... "Can you take care of him for a while? I will give you some money..." I said "N-No I don''t need money! More importantly, do you have money to buy the book?" Doctor Frans asked me... "Umm how much will it cost?" I asked him... "Maybe 10 golds to 20 golds..." Doctor Frans said... I am surprised now... I don''t know that a book would be so pricey... "Here..." Doctor Frans said He gives me several golds... "W-What?" I looked surprised... He then smiled... "I-I will repay this... I promise!" I said and enter the carriage... "W-Where are we going?" the driver asked in panicked since I jump to the carriage really fast.. "East Sera... the Magic Book shop" I said The driver understand with what I said and immediately drive toward East Sera... Doctor Frans lend me 10 golds... Which mean, right now I have 19 golds... and several silvers... After a half of hours traveling using the carriage, we arrived... East Sera... no different with the other three... I think all of the outer Sera looked the same, busy, crowd, loud... I run straight to the store... And... when I opened the door... No one is inside... I search every corner of the shop, but I found no one... Until I found this button on a receptionist table... I pressed it and it make a sound, like an alarm... Then suddenly, an old woman come... "Hmmm never see your face around..." the old woman said "Ummm I am looking for an Advance Holy Magic Book..." I said "A-Advance?" she asked... and I nodded... "W-Wait... Holy magic?!" she asked... and I nodded for the second time... "Uhh wait, I forget where I put it..." she said while thinking... Ugh... it will take some times... "Ah, here you go..." she said after taking the book from a big shelf... I read the book "Advance Tier Holy Magic..." I read it out loud... "Yes it is... and it cost for 40 golds..." she said "40?! That is too expensive..." I said And she looks uninterested... "Then, find another shop if you are lucky enough..." she said She take the book from my hand... and about to return it to the shelf... "W-Wait..." I said "What?" she asked... she sounds mad... "C-Can I pay it later? I will pay it for the half of the price first..." I said Then she looked at me... He come closer and hold my head... "So... you are not a book collector?" she asked me... I shook my head... "I want to heal my friend... with this book..." I said She looked at me with unbelievable face... "You can use Holy Attribute?" she asked me I nodded... ''Create... Light...'' And a white spherical light appeared on my head... She looked surprised now... her mouth is open widely... And she looked at the book... the book I want to buy But then she give the book to me... "Then, try to learn it now..." the old granny said "W-What?! Why?!" I asked... "If you can heal my backbone problem, I will give it to you for free..." she said "F-Free?!" I shouted and take the book from her... This book has only 1 page... and it cost for 40 golds?! It is not a book... it is a piece of paper... with cover I read the entire page... After I read the entire page... I close the book... I aim for the old lady, and she panicked at first.... But then she understands... "Holy Magic... Heal!" I said it... And a light from above shine upon her... Her body surrounded by sparkling light which I don''t actually understand what happened... After several seconds... the light is off... She moved her back and she stretched her hand up... "I-It works! Yeayy it works!" she said while jumping... "B-Becareful old woman, you might hurt yourself..." I said "Ah, don''t worry, just leave me and take the book..." she said... "A-Are you sure?" I asked her... "Hmmm? Leave before I change my mind!" she said and I nodded... When I was about to leave... "Oh, wait!" she stopped me... "Hmm?" I asked "Which guild are you from?" she asked me... "South" I said "Okay, just to make sure I know where should I go if I have another backbone problem" she said And I left before she changed her mind... "B-Back to the doctor..." I said to driver in panicked And he also panicked and drive the carriage away from the shop... I put the book inside my bag... After almost half an hour... we arrived at Doctor Frans''s house... I jumped the gate... the gate is not even higher than me... is it really useful? Then I knocked the door... Doctor Frans open the door... and I run toward Rin''s room... I opened the door in panicked and I look at him still laying on the bed... He looked at me as well... "W-What happened?" Rin asked in panicked "I-I found the cure!" I said happily I aim my hand toward Rin... "Holy Magic!.... Heal!!" I said it... And another light shine upon Rin... and a sparkling light shines on him... "W-Wow..." Rin said "T-This is!!" Doctor Frans looked at the magic in amazed... And after several seconds, the light is off... Rin stood up... "H-Hey... I feel no more pain!" Rin said while jumping on the bed... Then, he charge at me and hugged me... "Thank you! T-Thank you so much!" Rin said to me... "Hey... we are friends... that what friends do..." I said to him while patting him... I have this feeling when I pat him... the feeling of patting a puppy... He looks really happy... he even cried... After he finished hugging me, both of us talked to Doctor Frans... "Doctor Frans..." I called him and give him the money back... And a gold additional for him... "N-No I don''t want any tips... I don''t even do anything..." Doctor Frans said... "No! you did a lot! First, you told me how to cure Rin! Second, you told me where to find the book store! And Third, you are a good man..." I said with a smile... He then accepted the money... "Tell me, which guild are you from?" Doctor Frans asked... "We are from the South Guild..." I said.. He then write it on a note... "Next time, I will be the one that visiting you..." Doctor Frans said with a smile... "Oh, you are more than welcome..." I said... Then we said our farewell, and left North Sera and head back to South Sera... During our way to Sera... "I-I feel really healthy... no more pain! I don''t even feel any pain!" Rin said happily... He walk around the carriage and looks really happy... "Hey calm down! We should wait for Euclio and Erin now in the guild..." I said while smiling "O-Okay!" Rin said happily... After an hour, we are back to the guild... I give a tip to the driver and he looked satisfied with it... Then we enter the guild... "You!" a boy approached me... "E-Euclio!" I said in panicked.. He looks mad... but of course he is... "Where have you been?!" Euclio asked... "I was going to the doctor, when you do the quest... oh by the way... how about the quest?" I asked back "It was a piece of chocolate!" Euclio said proudly C-Chocolate?! "Y-You mean cake?!" I asked "Y-Yeah I mean that! Here!" Euclio showed me the reward... 4 golds... I take it from him... and give a gold to Rin and Erin... Erin was behind Euclio all the time... "You have a lot of explanation to do..." Euclio said and sounds mad... "Y-Yeah, calm down... let me explain during lunch..." I said and all of them nodded... The four of us eat in the adventurer restaurant... and with my platinum rank, I get 50% discount... I treated Rin and Erin as well... and this time, they do not reject the offer... I explained what happened, and about during the night I went to the guild and where I found both of them... Also about Rin''s illness... but I have cured it... "You cure it?" Euclio asked me... I nodded... then I showed him a book... "Advance Tier Holy Book" Euclio read it and he looked surprised... "S-So... my brother has been cured already?" Erin asked in worried... "Of course! I can run now!" Rin said proudly... But Erin still looks worried, he look at me... "Yes... I have casted a healing magic on him... he should be fine..." I said to her And Erin looked relieved... "So, what''s your plan after this?" I asked both of them... Both of them looked confused... None of them talks... "Hey, this morning when I saw the room is clean it really makes me feel happy! Why don''t we let them stayed in our house and let them beco-" before Euclio finished his words I hit his head... "Hey, we are not royalty here... and you want them to be our servant?! That is mad!" I said "Can we become your servant?" Rin asked... And now I looked speechless... Is it okay? I don''t know whether it is okay or no... "Deal!" Euclio said representing me... "E-Eu!" Before I finished my sentence, I looked at both of their face... and they looked happy... I guess it is fine... "Can both of you fight?" I asked And Euclio hit my head... "Do not underestimate them... they are strong... at least I know that Erin is strong..." Euclio said T-They can fight?! I looked at Erin... "I am a sword wielder..." she said "What level?" I asked "I am an Advance Sword Wielder..." Erin said... I looked at Rin... "How about you Rin?" I asked... "I am a Fighter..." Rin said with low voice... I don''t know what does fighter mean? With what weapon? "Some of Beastman Race used their fist to fight..." Euclio said to me... "I-Is that so... is there any tier?" I asked "Yes... and my rank is Master Fighter..." Rin said "A-Are you serious?!" I asked... And he nodded... M-Master?!? He can be compared to Tousan... "You see the wound on my chest?" Rin asked me... I nodded "I was fighting 20 elite beastman fighter..." Rin said... Elite Fighter?! Elite Soldier in Auxem has a level of Expert... "So... why are you fighting against elite fighter?" Euclio asked... And Rin faced downward... "The government... they want our skin..." Erin said Skin?! You mean they are skinned? "T-That is cruel! Who did this to you?" I asked "L-Leo the Lion..." Rin said Leo? The king of southern beastman... That is terrible! I should tell my parents about this... But maybe, not now... "But, why?" I asked "They sell it for a high price... that is why he want to annihilate the whole of white wolf tribe..." Rin explained with anger... "I-I see... so both of you ended up by running away, and you arrived here... in Sera?" I asked "Yeah..." Rin said "So, both of you have no place to live?" Euclio asked Both of them nodded... "Then, you can stayed in our house without paying the rent... if..." Euclio said while trying to make a surprise... "If?" I asked... even I am curious... "If you clean the house daily..." Euclio said T-That is mean right? "Deal!" both of them in unison... "Okay!" Euclio looked happy Both foxes looked happy as well Then, all the three of them looked at me... "What?" I asked "You agree?" Euclio asked I let a sigh "If you agree, I have no reason to refuse..." I said and the three of them looks happy... We talked more after we eat our lunch And I just realize that Rin is 14 years old, while Erin is 15... I thought they are younger, since they are small for the size of beastman race They are shorter than me... But, it is actually their own tribes, which is the white wolf tribes has a small body compared to normal Beastman Race The four of us return to the guild... I want to unite our party... which mean, from now on, the four of us are in a party... While we are walking to the receptionist... everyone is staring at us... And a gold adventurer that I met yesterday come to us... "Hey... are you going to party with them?" he asked me... "Yeah, actually, we are going to combine our party..." I said And he looked speechless... "You see, they will be only a burden..." the adventurer said... And Erin looked pissed off... "No... they are an important person for us..." I said And the gold adventurer say... "Hey, you should have combine your party with us..." "Yeah, they are just a bronze adventurer..." another adventurer said I ignore them... I just walk straight ahead... And they are still confuse with my choice... "Then, go for a duel... if you win, you will join my party... but if you lose, I don''t even want to have a friend that only has a big mouth..." I said "D-Duel who?" the gold adventurer asked... Miel is looking us with worried face... "Choose... the boy or the girl..." I said Then, there is a moment of silence But then everyone laughed... "I choose the boy!" the gold adventurer said while laughing "You sure?" I asked him And the gold adventurer nodded... "As long as you promise to accept us in your party..." the gold adventurer said... "What''s your name?" I asked "Ligurd..." the gold adventurer said "Rin... are you ready?" I asked And he smiled really bright... "Of course!" Rin said Ligurd huh... I feel bad for him... I think fighting a Master Level is a whole different level... Even Nate and Leon will lose against him... maybe he is on the same level as Euclio... "Let''s head for the duel room..." I said And they shout a battle cry We all walking straight to the duel room... and someone stopped me... Someone hold my cloth... I looked back... "M-Miel?!" I said in surprised... "Y-You sure about this?" she asked me... "About letting Rin fight?" I asked And she nodded... I put my hand on her shoulder... And she looked a bit red "Don''t worry, he is cured already..." I said "I-I see... then I will conduct the duel..." Miel said... I nodded... When all of us has seated, I hear some talks... "Hey... the burden is fighting..." "Yeah, the winner will join the platinum rank party..." "Don''t you think this is too much different?" "Hey, I heard that he is sick?" "He walked even slower than my granny..." Everyone is mocking at Rin... Rin... showed them what you can do... Both Rin and Ligurd stood on the arena... "So, the rule is no killing, and the winner will be the one that able to disable the other team or knocked them out of the line..." Miel said Rin and Ligurd nodded... "3.....2....1..... Go!" And Rin prepare to punch Ligurd from 10m distance.... "H-He is joking?!" I said it... And a lot of people laughed at him... Suddenly, a green shining sphere appeared on his head... "A-A mage?!" I asked Rin punches the air and... Ligurd was pushed back and he hit the wall... The wind is spreading through the audience as well.. Ligurd is out of the line... And he passed out... Everyone looked at him speechlessly... "T-That is elemental fighter!" Euclio shouted... Ligurd fall to the ground, and we see the crack on the wall That is insane! Even my wall of earth could break... It is like a wind pressure... "T-That is awesome!" Euclio shouted... No... in fact, it is scary... "UWOOOOAHHHHH!!"Everyone let a battle cry... "That is insane!" "No one expected that!" "He defeated a gold adventurer in one hit!" "You should see Nico''s face! He looks like an idiot when he sees what Rin has done!" Even someone is talking about me... That is some insane power... I have no mistake in recruiting him... I think Euclio could even lose against Rin... Rin looked at me happily... and he gives me a thumb I guess I should give him a thumb as well... "The winner is Rin!" Miel shouted... And then silence rules the room... "She is late!" everyone said in unison And all of us laughed Rin come to me and hug me... Everyone is looking at me now... He hide his face on my chest... while hugging me "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou" Rin said to me... He is so happy that he cried... ''Awww'' everyone look at us like watching a drama... "N-No problem... then, you should do something for me, for healing you..." I said... And he faced me... "A-Anything!" Rin said "Join my party..." I said "Sure!!" Rin said in an instant... And the battle cry was heard... "Yeah! South Guild is the best!" "This place is interesting! Maybe we should move to the south guild!" "Our Platinum Adventurer are the strongest!" "Hey... he will be our leader one day! And that fluffy boy as well!" Everyone is now supporting us... I see Rin is still crying on my chest... He is so happy... And with that, we have extra two members... Chapter 17 - Emergency After the duel... Euclio looked interested as well... I could see it from his face... "Nico... can I?" "No..." I said And he looked sad... while Rin laughed after seeing Euclio''s face "Oh by the way, did any of you see Erin?" I asked Euclio shook his head... And someone touch my back... I turned back and... "Erin! Where have you been!" I asked... "I was behind you" she said Hmmm both of us now feel annoyed... I didn''t feel her presence at all... "Let''s head to the receptionist..." I said and the other three answered... "Okay!" in unison... The four of us left the duel arena... We met the receptionist, which I never seen before... "Hello, what can I help you?" she asked me... "Umm we are going to merge party..." I said And she gave a thought... "Ah, wait... what''s your name?" she asked me... "Nicolas..." I said... "Hmmm there are a lot of Nicolas... what''s your class?" she asked me... "Umm High Elementalist..." I said And she didn''t move an inch... "S-So you are that Nicolas... sorry for not noticing you..." she said while bowing... "N-No problem... I don''t really want to be notice..." I said She gave me a form... And I see the maximum limit of a party... "5 is the maximum party member?" I asked her And she nodded... "So... I can still find another member..." I said "Exactly... please be wise when selecting new member... since you are our only platinum party in this guild... we have a high expectation on you..." she said "D-Don''t worry, we will do our best!" I said with a smile... And she blushed? "Oh... my name is Elly..." she said "Hi Elly..." Rin and Erin in unison... And Eu and I laughed a bit... "W-What''s wrong?" Erin asked... "Both of you are truly brother and sister!" I said And Elly laughed as well... "Then, we will find another quest for tomorrow..." I said to Elly... "Let me guide you..." Elly said and left the receptionist table... "A-Are you sure?" I asked I see the line up is quite long... "Don''t worry..." she said And we see other receptionist replaced her already... This guild works well The five of us looked at the quest board... "Hmmm the only gold quest is this one..." Rin pointed on a paper... Elly took the paper and read it for us... "Defeat a Hellhound... a red dog with a size of a wolf... appears only at night... reward, 5 golds..." Elly read it for us... "Hmmm Hellhound? If I''m not mistaken, it is a B rank monster?" I said And Euclio nodded... But Erin, Rin and Elly has no idea with what we are talking about "What are you talking about?" Rin asked me... "Y-You don''t know?" I asked him and he shook his head... "Both of you should be from Auxem School, right?" Elly asked... Both of us nodded... "That is why you know such things... there is a classification of monsters..." Elly said to Rin and Erin... "And from its strength, agility, and intellectual of the monster, we summarized on how threatening is a monster... yesterday, you fought an Orc... which is a B rank monster... and now, you will against a B rank monster..." Elly explained... "And the higher it is, the danger it is... the lowest to the highest are D, C, B, A, and S" Euclio added... I nodded... since I have nothing to explain... "Then... what are the example of S rank monster?" Rin asked... he sounds interested "Medusa..." "Chimera..." "Shade..." "Fire Dragon..." "Wind Dragon..." "Colossus..." The two of us keep mentioning an S rank monster until I said Colossus... "Colossus?" Euclio asked... "Yeah! I read it in a book..." I said "You mean a 20 meters tall monster, with a really thick armor and a giant sword?" Elly asked And I nodded... "I thought it was a legend?" Euclio said... "People said, that one of the three ancient kingdom has the statue of colossus... and it is believed that it was a living colossus but it was frozen..." I said "All I know is that Colossus material is the only material that is as strong as adamantine..." Erin said And everyone become silent... "I-Is it?!" Euclio asked... "Yeay let''s find a colossus!" Rin said happily "Are you crazy, colossus are an S rank monster... also no one has ever found it anymore! Maybe they extinct with the dinosaurs!" I said "Dinosaurs??" all of them asked in unison... "Ummm nevermind..." I said "I take the quest!" I said to Elly... to avoid more questions "Okay, then good luck! We will provided you a carriage..." Elly said "Thanks!" I said After we combine our party and take a quest, we take a rest for a bit... We walk our way back to the house... It took no longer than ten minutes... since Rin is now cured... We let Rin and Erin sleep in the bedroom on the first floor... "Hey, is there any training ground?" I asked Euclio... "Yeah, the guild has one... but we will make a crowd if we practice there..." Euclio said... Currently, Erin and Rin is taking a rest... "Hey Nico..." Euclio called me... "Hmmm?" I asked "Next time... when you left house during night... you should ask me to join!" Euclio said "Umm why?" I asked... "So I won''t missed a lot of things..." Euclio said... with angry face... "Sure... next time okay..." I said and he nodded "Oh, by the way... let''s take a rest... we have a mission tonight..." Euclio said "T-That''s true... I will take a bath first..." I said "Let me join..." Euclio said... "Fine..." Since it is a big bath, I guess I am okay with that... After we took a bath, we take a rest... I sleep like a log... since last night I sleep for only 4 hours... or 5... The next time I awake... "Hey.. Nico! Wake up!" "Is he dead?" "O-Of course not" "Hey! His eyes are open!" I see three faces really close to my face... "WOOAAHHH!" I shouted... "Hey! Nico! Calm down!" Euclio said "W-What are you doing?" I asked... "Wake you up? It is 7 PM already..." Rin said "I-I see... let''s prepare ourselves..." I said "Okay!" the three of them in unison... Rin and Erin left... And Euclio laughed... "What''s wrong?" I asked... "I know since the beginning, that you are a good leader..." Euclio said... "Huh... you should have been the leader..." I said Yeah, Euclio is always been the smartest one... Both of us prepared our cloth... mine and Euclio''s cloth are practically the same... only I have a red patterns, while Euclio has a blue patterns... Also I have an eagle emblem on my left chest, while Euclio has a Kraken on it... When we reached downstairs... we took our own swords... and I put it on my left hip, and Euclio put a sword on his right and the other one on his left... Both Rin and Erin looked at us speechlessly... "S-So cool!!" Rin said after seeing me... Then I looked at them staring at us... "Let''s go..." I called them... And both nodded... We left the house and head to the adventurer restaurant... The city is still busy... and a lot of people is staring on us... "Did we dressed up wrong?" I asked Euclio... "I-I don''t know... I think your Kasan has a nice taste of selecting cloth..." Euclio said... We walked with two foxes behind us... N-Not foxes! I mean wolf... N-Not wolf! They are Rin and Erin... or else I will be smacked by Precilla... I wonder how is she... Haven... my worst nightmare... I planned to eat, then we do our quest... we can''t just do our quest with an empty stomach... When we arrived at the restaurant, everyone is staring at us... "Hey!" someone approached us... "Ah Ligurd..." the gold adventurer that challenged Rin... Ligurd then faced Rin... "S-Sorry for underestimating you..." Ligurd said... "Yeah... no problem..." Rin saidThis book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. THAT WAS FAST! He then faced me... "Your party is full of crazy people..." Ligurd said "Of course... I can''t just choose random person..." I said And he nodded... "Ah, how about let me treat the four of you!" Ligurd said... "That would be great!" I said And we ordered a food... When I ordered a food, I found out that the waiter send a code to Ligurd... What is it all about... After few minutes... the food arrived... "W-Wow... it has more sauce then yesterday''s meal..." I said "Of course! I told the waiter to give you something extra" Ligurd said while smiling... And when I about to eat... Erin threw my spoon away from me... When Euclio about to eat, he stopped as well after seeing what Erin did to me... "Then, how about you taste the food..." Erin said to Ligurd... "Ummm what do you mean? I have eaten already..." Ligurd said while refusing... "Don''t worry, just a single bite won''t make you full" Rin said with his smile... I looked at Ligurd... Oh, wait as I remember silver will show everything... I take a silver coin from my bag, and drop it on my meal... And the color of the food started to changes... I looked at Ligurd... I walked slowly toward him... ''Create Water'' ''Create Wind'' ''Create Earth'' ''Create Fire'' ''Create Light'' I have my 5 spheres ready... Everyone in the restaurant begins trembling... The other adventurers is on guard while staring at me, like about to attack me in any time... Rin and Erin can''t move as well... Even I see Ligurd is peeing on his pant... But someone hold my shoulder... I look back "E-Euclio..." "Let''s just find another restaurant..." Euclio suggested... "B-But.." "You see, the food here bores me... let''s try to find another type of food..." Euclio said I looked at Rin and Erin... even both of them looked afraid of me... A-Am I that scary?! But I was about to be murdered! If we don''t know Rin or Erin, I will be a dead man by now... "Rin, Erin, let''s find another restaurant..." I said And both of them nodded... I left the restaurant and I see Ligurd stand still... I created a prison for him... [PRISON] and a wall from every side, front, back, and side.. also above him start to ascend from the ground... I left him like that... I hear him shouting inside the wall "A-Are you sure to let him be like that?" Erin asked me... I think I should asked advice from my friends... "What do you guys think?" I asked... "Forgive him?" Rin said That is too kind... "Kill him?" Erin said That is scary! But he almost killed me... so I am actually thinking about it... "Nah, let''s stop creating troubles... he is afraid of you now already..." Euclio said... Everyone around me is still not moving... I just don''t want to be hate as well... I let a sigh... I put down my wall... And I see Ligurd is crying... We left them... "Hey Rin... find a good restaurant for me..." I said to him, to bring lively the atmosphere... Rin is the most cheerful person in this party... so I think I know how to lighten the mood... "Ah, how about that place!" Rin pointed out a restaurant... "Steak food?" Euclio and I in unison And both of them nodded... Euclio and I looked at each other... "Why not?" I said And both Rin and Erin looked happy... We open the door to the restaurant and only found this place a quite fancy place... An elf come to us... "Hello and Welcome... how many people are with you?" she asked us... "Four" I said And the she looked at Erin and Rin... "Erin! Rin! It''s been a long time!" she said with a smile... "Ah, it''s only 2 days..." Rin said After seeing me and Euclio, she clear her throat "Okay, please follow me..." the elf said... We followed her and we sit on a quite cool table... "What are you going to order?" the elf asked me... "Ummm what are the specialty of food that you got?" I asked... "We got beef steak, pork steak, chicken steak..." "Beef Steak..." I said "Then I will choose Chicken Steak..." Euclio said "and you two?" she asked Rin and Erin... "You know what we will order!" Rin said with a smile... "Okay! Please wait for around 15 minutes..." she said and leave... Wow... this place is pretty cool... and the price is actually not that expensive... it cost 5 silvers for a steak, but compared to the adventurer restaurant, it is 10x more expensive... "So, you know this restaurant?" I asked both of them... "Yeah! The owner is really kind!" Rin said with a big smile... I wonder why this boy is so happy... "They give us food when we have no money..." Erin explained... "I-I see... that is a good thing that we eat here..." I said "Also, it is not that expensive..." Euclio said Erin and Rin looked at Euclio with surprised... But I agree with him... "Yep it is not... we can actually make a membership here..." I said jokingly.... but "Membership?" the three of them in unison... "N-Nevermind, what I am trying to say is, that we can eat here everyday... since you know the owner, and they don''t want their restaurant to have a bad reputation..." I explained... Rin and Erin looked happy... "I am very grateful to meet a good person like both of you..." Rin said "N-No... we are grateful as well, you know without you... Nico and I won''t be here now..." Euclio said Then Euclio pushed my head downward... "So... thank you for saving us..." Euclio said while bowing... and so do I... "N-No... we owe you too... you save my brother, and so we have to save you..." Erin said... "No! I don''t like with that thought..." I said And Euclio, Rin and Erin looked surprised... "You see, we are now friends... which mean, we should help each other... we share things together, we eat together, and we fight together..." I said "That is true! I like it..." Rin said with happy face... "I don''t mind..." Erin replied... "Oh my oh my... look at our leader''s words... isn''t it cool?!" Euclio sounds happy as well... "Yeah! He fits to become a leader..." Rin said "I know right!" Euclio said And now both of them are best friends... "But... feeling your aura... that is crazy... I can''t even move..." Erin said to me... "Yes! That was super scary! I thought I pee on my pants!" Rin said "Hmmm I feel like you did the same thing like Keito-sensei..." Euclio said T-The scary aura?! I did that?! "Hey... isn''t that cool?!" I said with a smile... "No! in fact, everyone has readied their sword and prepared to attack you!" Erin reminds me... "R-Really?" I asked And the three nodded... That is making myself in trouble right? "I hope I won''t use it again..." I said "You hope?" Euclio asked... "Don''t use it again!" Erin forbid me... "B-But it just happened without my knowledge..." I said And the three of them remain silence... The food came afterwards We eat the food without talking... It''s not that because we have no topic... but the food is delicious... Price talks... After we finished our dinner, the elf sit next to me... "My name is Monica... what''s yours?" the elf asked me... "I am Nicolas... and this is Euclio..." I introduce myself and Euclio... Euclio waved his hand with a smile on his face... And she waved back... "So... these guys are your friends?" Monica asked Rin and Erin... Rin and Erin nodded... "Thanks for becoming their friends!" Monica said to me... Is she their mother or something? "No problem... we are now helping each other..." Euclio said "R-Really?" Monica sounds surprised... "Yeah, just now, before we went to this place, we were about to eat in other restaurant... but the food is poisoned... Rin and Erin stopped us from eating the food..." Euclio said Rin and Erin looked shyly "That is awful... who tried to poisoned you?" Monica asked... "I think some jealous adventurer..." Rin said "Yeah, he is jealous of Nico..." Erin said And Monica looked at me... closely... "Ummm..." I said "You have a beautiful red eyes..." Monica said... "T-Thank you..." I said "Oh! And also! Nico cured me!" Rin said happily... And Monica looked at me with unbelievable face... ''Create Light...'' I summoned a light... "H-Holy attribute..." she said with amazed face... "Yep..." I said Then she looked at my necklace... "So! You are the boy people talking about..." Monica said with surprised... "P-People? Talking about me?!" I asked... "Yes... they said that the member itself is strong already... which is Euclio right?" she asked Euclio... "Me? I am not that strong..." Euclio said "He is extremely strong..." I said... "N-No I am not..." Euclio said "I lose on swordsmanship..." I said "Because you are a mage!" Euclio shouted... Rin, Erin and Monica laughed hearing our fight... "Hey, we should be ready for the quest... the carriage will be ready at 9 PM..." Erin reminded us... "T-That''s true..." I said... I pay the food, which cost 20 silvers 20 silvers is nothing for us, if we got 5 golds each day... We left the restaurant and head for the guild... The city is much more quite now... since it is getting late... After minutes of walk, we arrived in front of the guild... And I see someone waiting for us... "Miel?" I called her... She was running toward me... "A-Are you okay?" she asked me and she put her forehead to my forehead... I blushed a bit... "I-I am fine..." I said with red face... "I heard someone was trying to poisoned you..." Miel said "Yeah, it''s Ligurd...." Erin said And Miel nodded... "Ligurd has been disqualified as adventurer... and his name will be banned for attempting a murder..." Miel said "How about the waiter of the restaurant?" Euclio asked... Euclio as sharp as always... "He has been interrogated, and he said that he was sent by Reyner... but Reyner said that he don''t even know him..." Miel said... "Reyner?" Euclio, Rin and Erin in unison... "He is a Platinum Adventurer... like us..." I said... "Hey, you haven''t told me about that..." Euclio said... "I will tell you during our way to the village..." I said And he nodded... "Oh, by the way, where is Petra?" I asked... "She is investigating your case..." Miel said Wow... she care about me that much? "I see... then, we will be off..." I said to Miel "Okay! Make sure to come back! Good luck!" she said We get in to the carriage... and.. "To the west village..." I said to the driver... and he nodded... I see Euclio''s face... he looks unwell... Carriage is a bad option... "Hey Euclio, try to sit next to the driver... maybe it will be better..." I gave him a suggestion... and he nodded... "What''s wrong with him?" Erin asked... "He got... landsick..." I said Is it even a word... I know about seasick He is an Ocean Race... maybe there is such terms... But Rin and Erin looked confused... "Euclio is an Ocean Race... he is not used to carriage riding..." I said And both showed an O faces... mean they understand... After around two hours... we arrived at the west village... which is out of the village... We meet with the quest maker... and asked for clue... It is an old man, and he said that the wolf always hunt their livestock... So we waited on the tree... near the livestock... We arrived at 11 PM, and we waited on the tree of almost 2 hours... and nothing showed up... Until... Erin starting to sniff... I looked at her and she nodded... I wave my hand to Euclio which is on the other tree... Rin is ready already... since he can smell things quite good... I see a red dog... big enough, like a wolf size... a bit bigger... And it was waiting for its prey... ''Create Wind....'' ''Create Earth...'' ''Create Water'' ''Create Fire...'' ''Create Light'' I activated all of my magic... Then I aim for the hellhound which is still waiting for its prey to come closer... And I launched my wind attack... I pushed him down... so he won''t be able to move... "Now!" I shouted... Euclio, Rin, and Erin jumped from the tree and aimed for its head... It is an overkill... We return to the village while bringing the head of the Hellhound... Rin and Erin took the Hellhound''s teeth... all of them... And they joined us later... Rin give it to me... "W-What is that for?" I asked in disgust... "Hmmm? We can sell this you know!" Rin said to me... "R-Really? How much it cost?!" I asked... "I think it was about 5 silvers per tooth..." And I see that both of them bring tens of teeth... "I think tomorrow we should go shopping..." I said And everyone agreed... After we showed the head of the hellhound to the quest maker, he thanked us... We return to the carriage and drive back to the South Guild... Euclio sits with the driver... And when we enters Sera... It is so peaceful, the crowd city like Sera could be this peaceful some times... But when we arrived in front of the guild... We heard a loud bell ringing above the guild... "W-What''s wrong?" I asked the driver... "It''s an emergency quest" the driver shouted... "W-Where should I go?" I asked the driver "Just wait inside the lobby..." he asked us... "Let''s go..." Euclio said and jumped from the driver seat... "Ughh I am sleepy..." Rin said "Here..." I said and I carried him on my back Then he shut his eyes... H-He is so cute... We entered the guild... and found everybody is waiting for an announcement... Then, a soldier stand on the stage and begin to talk... "We are currently under attacked by a pegasus... it is for an unknown reason, but the pegasus has injured hundreds of the soldiers... so we need every adventurer to help us, for the sake of this city... also, there will be a reward for stopping the mad pegasus... alive or death..." the soldier said "What is the reward?!" some adventurer asked... "5000 golds..." the soldier speak Whispers are everywhere And everyone is preparing themselves... "Should we go?" I asked Euclio... "No... I think this much adventurer is enough..." Euclio said... Then we decided not to join the quest... "Actually, that is not enough..." Euclio said... "H-Huh?" I asked "W-What do you mean?" Erin asked We are currently walking to our home... "I am just too tired... I am talking about the pegasus... the adventurer won''t be enough to stop the pegasus..." Euclio said "What is the rank of pegasus?" Erin asked... And both of us can''t answer... "No... it is not a monster, but a mythical creature..." I said... "Pegasus is the emblem of Aerios Kingdom right?" Euclio asked.. And I nodded... "Based on the myth, those who can tame the Pegasus is a descendant of the god..." I said "That is also part of Tensei Sect''s theory right?" Euclio asked I nodded... "Oh, by the way... how do you know that the adventurer won''t be enough?" I asked "Of course... this is the city of military, if the military can''t stop the creature... how about adventurer..." Euclio said That is true... "Should we helped them?" I asked him "No..." Euclio said "Why?" Erin asked with annoyed face... "You see, if they can''t do it today, there might be a chance that the pegasus come back tomorrow... and the reward might be larger..." Euclio said... "And we take the chance?" I asked He nodded... Euclio... as clever as always... "But what if the pegasus destroyed our house tonight?" Erin asked... "Umm...you see, Sera is a big town... it would be a really small chance for the pegasus destroyed our house..." Euclio explained... I guess that make sense... But I know that Erin don''t want anyone to get hurt... "Erin... let''s just take a rest... we just finished our mission, and I don''t want to see any of you get hurt..." I said And she nodded "If that is the best for us, I guess I should agree..." Erin said And we arrived at home... We take a rest until tomorrow morning... I wake up at 9 AM.... Since I feel a bit hot... I open my eyes and... "Rin!!" I shouted... "Hmmm?" he said while still sleeping on my chest... T-This wolf... Oh, I shouldn''t call him wolf, it is a bad things to say to a beastman race.... "Last night I am quite sure that I put you in your room..." I said to him with sleepy face... "Let''s go on a mission!" Rin said excitedly... "Ah... sure... can you wake Euclio up..." I said to Rin... "Sure!" Rin said and he hugged Euclio chest... After several seconds... Euclio opened his eyes... "Rin?!?" Euclio shouted... And I laughed really hard... Is that how Rin wake someone up? That is just too cute... He used his fur to make the temperature high and then we woke up... After we prepared ourselves... we walked toward the guild... "Hmmm does the steak restaurant serve breakfast?" I asked Rin and Erin... "They do!" Rin said excitedly While Erin just nodded... Seeing Erin, reminded me of Ed... like how cold is he... We walk to the steak restaurant and see Monica is cleaning the table outside the restaurant... "Monicaaa!" Rin shouted... "Rin?!" Monica looked surprised... And she saw us as well... "Hello everyone! Want to try our breakfast?" she offered us... "Yeah please for 4 person..." I said And we sit outside the restaurant this time.... The restaurant is in the middle of a plaza... so it is quite a view to see people passed by After several minutes, she served us the meal... It is french fries?! And also a soup and a bread... also an apple... Also an orange juice... And that is a portion for a people... That is quite a lot isn''t it? We eat it... "I don''t know what is it... but it is delicious!" Euclio complimented the french fries... "It''s a potato right?" I asked Monica which is seating next to me... She keep staring at me... and that annoyed me... "Yup! Do you like it?" she asked me "Y-Yeah it taste good!" I said And she looks happy... After all of us eaten the food... we paid... It cost 2 silvers... for a meal, so it takes 8 silvers for all of us... I am the one that keeps the money... and I am the one that decided to what to buy... "Let''s claim our reward first on the guild..." I said and the other agreed... The four of us walk to the guild... which only takes 10 minutes... Then we found Petra outside the building... When she saw me, she looked angry... "Hey! Where have you been?" she asked me... "Me? Last night we went on a mission... and today we are going to claim the reward..." I said to her... She then let a sigh... "Fine... give me the paper..." she asked me... I took the paper from my bag, which has the signature of the quest maker... and I give it to Petra... She read it and take 5 golds from her pocket and give it to me... "Thanks!" I said happily... And I tried to enter the guild but she hold me... "Where are you going?" she asked me... "To the guild?" I said Even Euclio looked confused as well... "What for?" Petra asked... "Find a quest..." I said And she take a paper out of her pocket and show it to me... "Lead an army of adventurer to find the pegasus... dead or alive, 20 000 golds?!?" I shout it... "T-That if we got the pegasus..." Euclio said to Petra... "Yes, read the next line..." Petra asked me... "Whether you are found or not found the pegasus, you will be rewarded... 100 golds..." I read "Requirement... a platinum party..." Euclio read the next sentence... "Yes... I suggest you prepare your party... and I will gather the adventurer in 2 hours..." Petra said while leaving us... After Petra left us... I don''t have any word to say... "100 golds whether you found or not found the pegasus... that is a good deal..." Euclio said... "Yes... but I must lead an army..." I said "What''s the problem with that?" Erin asked... "I... never done anything like this..." I said "Then you should try it..." Rin said with smile... I-I just can''t refuse when Rin talks... "Fine... I''ll do it... at least I have the three of you..." I said And they smiled... "Let''s check the market... maybe we can buy some important items..." Euclio suggests "Okay!" the three of us in unison The four of us left the guild and we goes to the market... And as usual, the city is a real crowd... "Erin, what is your sword style?" Euclio asked... "Hmmm, I play defensively... so I am a Valeon Style right?" she asked back to Euclio And Euclio nodded... There are a lot of Ares and Valeon style... but no one use Maxim Style besides Nathalia, Ed and I... "So you use heavy armor?" I asked Erin "Yeah! You know! No one can defeated her back in the village!" Rin said proudly... "Rin!" Erin reminded Rin And Rin shut his mouth... Euclio and I looked speechless... When I see Rin fight... I thought he is formidable already... but when Rin said that no one can beat Erin in the village, which mean that Erin is stronger than Rin right? "Wow... that would be really cool! I know from the beginning that Erin is strong!" Euclio said "Yep!" Rin said happily "Don''t worry Erin... we won''t tell anyone..." I said to Erin... "Yes, and if you don''t want to show it to us, it is fine..." Euclio said We walk through the market... "Hey... that is a good armor..." Euclio... "No! This one is better..." I said But Erin looked disappointed... Maybe it is not the right one.... "Hey Erin! How about this one... it looks like your armor back in the village..." Rin said She take a look on it... "Yeah, but it cost for 50 golds..." she said And all of us remain silent... "How about we buy the cheaper one first, and after the quest, we bought this one..." I said She agreed... So we bought a cheaper heavy armor, and another sword for Euclio Euclio has Ocean Protector already... but his other sword is... not that good... So, just in case... After an hour, we decided to return to the guild... Chapter 18 - June We arrived at the guild earlier than the schedule we planned... but we found a hundreds of adventurer has gathered... When the four of us enter the guild, the adventurer immediately make way for us... I''m used to it back in the mansion... but in the guild? I don''t know... A gold adventurer stopped me and talked with me... Also Erin and Rin is busy talking with other adventurer... including Euclio... No one teased Erin or Rin anymore... Every adventurer has seen Rin and Euclio fight... except Erin and Me... Maybe several parties have seen Erin fight... But me... I think they doubt me... "Hey... that''s the leader of the Platinum Party right?" "Yeah, you see Euclio fight already... he must be stronger than him..." "Do you know what happened yesterday?" "You mean in the restaurant?" "Yes! He has this aura that make us all stop moving..." "Even Ligurd peed on his pants.." Nevermind... they don''t doubt me at all... "N-Nicolas-san... we put our lives on your hand..." a bronze and young adventurer said I guess he is around my age... "No... let''s me make it clear... the first important thing is your own life, the second important thing is your party member... and the third is the mission..." I said And everyone become quite... Actually, I talked with the boy only... But I think I talk a bit louder than I expected... "That''s true..." "Yeah! He even think about us..." "Wow, he knows what is the important things really well..." Even some veteran praised me... "Nice word!" Euclio said to me while he put his arm around my shoulder... "Wow, that is a nice start... for someone who said that he never lead an army..." Erin said with a smile... "I know right, that Nico is a good leader!" Euclio continues... I just smiled... And then Petra came... and everyone become quite... She come to talk with me, but everyone is listening as well... "You command a total of 40 parties... 8 gold parties, 12 silver parties and 20 bronze parties... and you have been given a camp, outside from the South Sera..." Petra said "Camp?" I asked "What do you mean?" Euclio asked as well I thought it only for a temporary... "It''s a 5 days quest..." Petra said with a smile... "F-Five days?!" I said quite loud... And she nodded... Euclio, Rin and Erin looked speechless as well... "Oh... you didn''t read it?" Petra said while showing the paper to me... "T-There is no such writing..." I said while searching for the writing... "It''s right he-" she moved her finger "Oh... I blocked it..." then she chuckled... T-That is not funny! "Okay! You should take care of 40 parties... please bring them alive..." Petra said And everyone let a battle cry "Let''s go!" Rin shouted with his hand punching upward... And another battle cry heard "UWOAHH!!" Rin fits more compare to me... I walk outside... and found 20 carriages... No... not carriage... it''s wagon... "So, please two party in a wagon..." Petra shouted... And they decided their pair... "How about us?" Euclio asked Hmmm I don''t know a lot of people... we''ve just got in here for three days... and now I have to lead the whole adventurer... "Umm... excuse me... do you want to have a ride with us?" a boy come... He has the same height as mine... and a sword on his left hip... Also he is a dragon race... since he has a blonde hair He is with his four other teammates... "S-Sure... let''s do it..." I said And he nodded happily We choose a wagon... but... "Wait... your wagon is the front one..." Petra stopped us... We then move to the most front wagon and enter... The nine of us take a seat inside the wagon... "My name is Rick... I''m a swordsman..." the Dragon Race boy said, he has green eyes... They are a bronze party... "Umm, my name is Lisa" a girl come with blonde hair... she has green eyes... like Rick, it looks like both of them are related... "And I am a sword-wielder as well..." she said "My name is Nicolas... I''m a High Elementalist... nice to meet you..." I said with a smile... And everyone looked at me... "Umm, you don''t need to introduce yourself... we know all of you..." Rick said while smiling... "R-Really? I think that is impolite to not introduce ourselves..." I said "I agree... my name is Euclio... an Elemental Fighter..." "And I''m Rin!" Rin said We expected him to say more words... but no words coming out from his mouth... he just smiled back at us... "I am Erin... Rin''s sister... I am a sword wielder..." Erin introduced herself... "My name is Kai! I am a spear bearer..." Kai said "And I am May! I am an archer" May has pointy ears... I believe she is an elf... "And I am Jay, I am a fighter!" Jay said He is a beastman race... a fox like animal... Not like Erin and RIn... I think Erin and Rin is more to wolves... than foxes... "Nice to meet you guys..." Rick said with smile... "Yeah! Nice to meet you..." I said Everyone shakes hand... "All of you ready?" I asked.... "Ready for?" Rick asked "Adventure!" Euclio said happily "Yeah!!" Everyone let a battle cry... I check the other wagon... and I select a leader from each wagon... Also... apparently, one of the adventurers tell me that in each wagon, there are two flags... A red and a green one "Thanks! I appreciate that!" I said I told Euclio about that... and he nodded... It would be useful later... he said "I will plan about our activity there... for now, everyone wagon has ready?" Euclio asked me. I nodded... "Then let''s go..." Euclio said to the wagon driver... Then the driver nodded... Our wagon moved first, and followed by the other wagons... I then lay on the floor... "Hoah... I am tired..." I said "How long does it take to reach the camp?" Rick asked the driver... "An hour..." the driver said And Rick looked at me... I nodded... "Then, I will take a rest for an hour..." I said "Take your time..." May said "By the way, Euclio is my vice... if you need something asked him...." I said And the other party nodded... Euclio is still thinking about the plan... I hear Rin is talking with the other party... also Euclio sometimes... Erin don''t talk really much... Then I fall asleep... I don''t hear any chit chat... The next thing I feel is hot... It''s hot.... I opened my eyes... The first I see is... "Rin?!?" I said it quite loud... And everyone laughed... He is now my alarm.... "We have arrived..." Rick said from outside the carriage... "Ugh... I don''t feel like sleeping..." I said "You sleep like a log..." May said... "Yeah, and I still don''t believe that you are still 15... and you led the entire adventurer..." Kai said H-He knows my age?! "This boy told us everything..." Lisa said while pointing at Rin And Rin just smiled... "Let''s get ready! Euclio is waiting in the meeting room..." Rick said "M-Meeting Room?!" I said in surprised... "Yeah, he thought the whole plan during our journey..." Rick said with amazed face... "Hmmm I see..." I said As expected from Euclio... Everyone get down from the wagon, and I entered the meeting room... While I was walking, everyone gives us the way... And finally, we reached Euclio... "Ah, you''re back!" Euclio said happily... "T-Thanks for covering me..." I said "Don''t worry, but now it''s time for you to speak..." Euclio said And I nodded...Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Euclio explained a little things before I talk so at least I understand a bit... I looked at everyone, and they are expecting me to speak... "So, the plan is, we will do a continuous expedition... 24 hours for these five days... but of course, with shift..." I said while reading Euclio''s writing... "There will be 4 groups... which consist of 10 parties..." I said "The first group will consist of a gold party and my party... the second to the fourth will have two gold party each group..." I said And they nodded... "We will take a rotation on the task, there will be 4 tasks that each group will do... first is exploration, second is watch the camp, third is supply and communication... and the last group will take a rest..." I said They looked amazed with the idea... It''s Euclio''s idea... "Then, for now, please create a group of ten parties..." I said And now, the room become busy... It is a giant tent, fits for hundreds of adventurers... I see Rick''s party is on my group... At least I know someone beside my party in the group... Finally, after several minutes... they have lined up... "The gold party please stand on the front..." I said And the gold party moved to their most front line, which is the closest to me... "From each group, please select a leader... I suggest the gold party member..." I said Then, each group has their own discussion... And they have choose their own leader... But group 1 leader''s will be me... "Then, for now, group 1, which is my group will start our exploration after this meeting..." I said Group 1 nodded... "Group 2 will watch the camp..." I continued Group 2 nodded... "Group 3 will be separated in to four team... The team will go to the North Camp, East Camp, and West Camp, if a report about the pegasus found, return immediately to this camp and tell Euclio... and the last team will return to the guild and ask for food supplies... if they don''t give any supply, you should hunt for food..." I said Group 3 nodded... "And Group 4 will take a rest for now..." I said Group 4 nodded... "Remember, the time is 6 hours only, Group 3 should be able to manage the time... going to the North camp is the furthest... so you should think about the time..." I said And again, group 3 nodded... This is unsurprisingly well coordinated... and they are quite obedient.... "Then, we will start the group''s activity in half an hour..." I said And everyone nodded... "You all dismissed..." I said and everyone starts to talk... When I talked, all of them become really quiet... they are well trained? "That is so great!" Rick come to me... "Yeah! I never thought that it will be so planned!" another gold adventurer come to me... He is the leader of Group B... "It''s Euclio''s strategy... he is a really smart kid..." I said to give Euclio the credit... Several people is still asking to Euclio about the mission... Anyway, Euclio will stay in this place... We need someone to make a decision when I am away... Before the mission start, I have a meeting with the other 3 leader of each group... "You can create sub group within your group and prepare your mental, since 18 hours of working and 6 hours of rest might be really harsh..." I said and they nodded... After we have the meeting, my team start the shift, it''s now our turn to do exploration... The next 6 hours We got nothing And we rotate our job, now it is our time to defend the camp... After 6 hours, we got the hardest job... supply and communication... I go to the north camp, which is the furthest... Erin and Rin goes to the East and the gold party in my group goes to the West... But we got nothing... I see the North Camp looked a bit abandon... then I found out that the leader of the North Camp is Reyner... I met Reyner, and he didn''t say a word... "Hmm? What''s wrong?" Rick asked me... after we are far enough from Reyner Rick''s party is with me, and we are assigned together on the North Camp... "Have you heard about the story of my rage in the adventurer restaurant?" And he nodded... "Is it because someone tried to kill you?" Rick asked "I personally will go angry as well, when I know that my food is poisoned..." Lisa said "Yep, and that guy is the boss..." I said while pointing Reyner which is going to enter a camp... "R-Reyner?!" Rick sounds surprised... And I nodded... "Ligurd is Reyner''s underlings..." I said "I-I see..." Rick said I know everything from Petra... she personally tell me and my party... "Reyner has a really bad reputation as an adventurer..." Jay said He is punching is paw to his other hand... "I just don''t like that guy... but he is strong..." Jay continues... "Really? Just what can he do?" I asked... "He is an Expert Spear Wielder..." Jay said And everyone looked surprised... "Y-You guys just knew it?" Jay even looked surprised that his party just notice it as well... "Y-Yeah, how did you know?" Rick asked him "That is like a common knowledge here in Sera... but he is no match if he fights against you..." Jay said to me... "Hmmm but I should take him seriously... since my brother is also the same level as him..." I said And then everyone looked surprised... "Y-You have a brother?" May asked... I nodded... Then May and Lisa looked happy... Are they betting on something like that...? "H-He is a spear wielder too?" Kai asked I nodded... "He is an Expert Spear Wielder... and he uses Maxim Style..." I said it... And everyone looked at me with unbelievable face... "M-Maxim Style is the hardest..." Rick said "Really? I am an advance sword wielder with Maxim style as well..." I said And now they stared at me... "Y-You are a swordsman?!" Lisa said in surprised... "You don''t know? I think everyone knows already..." I said while showing my sheathed swords... "Everyone thought that it was just a decoration..." May said "H-Hey! That is mean!" I said They laughed... I mean, decoration?! Bringing a sword just for decoration makes things hard when you fight... "Just don''t tell anybody about this okay? I think it is better to keep it that way... knowing it is just for a decoration..." I said And they nodded... "That sword looked so pricey..." Rick said "I never unsheathed here... in Sera... want be the first to see it?" I asked And they nodded real hard... I pull the sword slowly from its scabbard and a glowing red blade is what they see... "Woahh..." May said "That is pretty..." Lisa said "I-Is that a sapphire?" Jay said "That is cool!" Kai said "W-Wow you sure are lucky!" Rick said "Yeah, I am lucky to have a friend like Euclio... he is the one that gives me this..." I said And I put my sword back... "E-Euclio gives the sword?!" Rick sounds surprised... I nodded... "So... you gave the blue sword to him?" Jay asked "Yeah... wow you are sharp..." I said to him... And Jay laughed... "When Euclio duelled a gold adventurer... I was there..." Jay said "Yeah! I thought Euclio had no chance... but he stopped his enemy in a move..." Lisa said sounds amazed... "And that blue sword is really catchy!" Jay said And everyone nodded... "And since then, Euclio was called the blue from south..." Rick said "R-Really?" I asked I don''t even know about that... "Yeah! And you are the red from the south!" May said "W-Wow... is that good?" I asked And they looked at me speechlessly But then they laughed... I am seriously asking... We left the North camp when it was almost the time to change the shift... It took 2 hours more from the south to the north... Then when we arrived at the camp... I talked with Euclio... and he said that there is nothing particular happened... "Do you want to take a rest? I''ll take the job if you want..." I said "Don''t worry about me... I have this girl with me..." Euclio said And yes... I see this person, but I don''t know who she is... She is a woman maybe on his twenties... with long blonde hair... "Hi, my name is Jane... I am a gold adventurer... and Euclio and I take a shift..." Jane said "S-So you are going to take a rest now?" I asked Euclio Euclio stood up from his chair "Yeah..." Euclio said Then, we leave the main camp and goes to our own camp... I see Rin and Erin are sleeping already... I sleep next to Rin... and Euclio next to me... After six hours... the guard that defend the camp wake us up... And this routine keep continues... Until the fourth day... "N-Nicolas-san! We received word from the exploring group that they spotted the Pegasus!" a male adventure reported... I am with Euclio in the main camp since my task is just defending the camp... "Okay... wake the other up... and we should reinforce the exploring group..." Euclio said "Yes!" the adventurer said and left... After the adventurer left... "Do you have any plan to defeat the Pegasus?" I asked Euclio And he shook his head... "Actually, I never thought that we will actually find the pegasus..." Euclio said while smiling... So... we messed up... "Just prepare yourself too..." I said to Euclio while leaving the camp... When I leave the main camp, I see the entire camp become busy... After 10 minutes, everyone has readied... We used the wagon to travel and led by the adventurer from group 1... After halve hour passed... we arrived... The adventurer from the camp including my party is now walking... since we don''t want to wake the Pegasus up... Based on the report... the Pegasus is resting... So we approached the site with caution... After five minutes of walking, we met the exploring group... The leader of the exploring group come to me... "So, you just have to walk straight ahead... and after three minutes of walk, you will see the Pegasus is resting..." the leader of the exploring group said... "Okay, nice job... now I want your group to surround the Pegasus with 10m perimeter... the one that use light armor... so they won''t make noise..." I said And he nodded... I walked toward the Pegasus resting place... and the other follows behind me... And it is true... after three minutes of walk, we found the Pegasus... The Pegasus is not resting... She is in hurt... I see an arrow of ballista... stuck on her feet... Ballista is a siege weapon, has the same principle like bow, but it is a giant bow... and it has a giant arrow as well... it is used during the medieval age war, to break or destroy a gate or tower... I see her bleeding... And she looked at me... The Pegasus looked on my eyes... I looked at her eyes too... Her eyes are so black... I raise my hand and everyone stopped advancing... I come closer to the Pegasus... and she doesn''t even move... Now, I feel really sad, looking at her pain... "N-Nico?! Are you sure?!" Euclio asked I was about to pull the arrow from her feet "Yeah, I feel sad..." I said Everyone was looking at me speechlessly... I pull the arrow from her feet... and it takes a lot of effort... After I pulled the arrow, the Pegasus moan in pain... The bleeding is worse now... "A-Any doctor?!" Euclio asked... And no one answer... Of course! We are an adventurer... "Let me do it..." I said to Euclio... ''Create Light...'' I summoned a white spherical light... Everyone still amazed with my magic... "Holy Magic.... Heal!" I said And a light shine upon the Pegasus... and a sparkling light... also... I hear a sound of thunder... this is rare... I see the wound on her feet is closing... And she healed... The hole on her feet is healed... The Pegasus stood up... The adventurer raised their guard... we have completely surrounded her... But something unexpected happened... This flying horse suddenly bow at me... like she just said thank you to me... Everyone become speechless including me... She come close to me... and lick my face... T-That is dirty! But it tickles as well.. She keep licking me and I laughed... "S-Stoppp" I said and she stopped... Wow... she is surprisingly obedient... I pet her and a thought of riding her is crossing on my mind... "C-Can I ride you?" I asked the Pegasus... And she neighed like a horse... She let her body down so that I can mount her... She is two to three times larger than normal horse... After a minute... I finally success in riding her... I patted her and she looked happy... Then I direct my view to Euclio... He looked at me with his mouth open wide... Not only him, but everyone... "Hey! Can I ride her too?" Rin breaks the silence... "Umm, how about you asked her..." I said to Rin... And Rin really asked her... "Can I ride you?" Rin asked The Pegasus neighed... And Rin looks happy... "She said that I can ride her..." Rin said with certainty... D-Did the Pegasus just talked with Rin? "W-Wait... you understand what she just said?" I asked Rin And he nodded... Is it because of he is a beastman race?! "It is the specialty of my tribes..." Rin said He then jumped high and sit in front of me... Now everyone become more surprised than ever... W-What should I do... "M-Mission success!!!" Euclio shouted... "YEAAHHH!!!!" Everyone let a battle cry... T-Thanks Euclio... Euclio wink on me... Fiuh, I got an understanding friend... All of us return to the camp... And I am riding the Pegasus while everyone used the wagon... Euclio join us and ride on the Pegasus as well... "And what next?" Euclio asked... What next? Hmmm "Will she be okay with the soldiers?" I asked I am wondering... or is she going to be killed? "Don''t know... I guess we had to talk with Lerrich Ezate about this..." Euclio said Yeah, he has the highest power in the city... We returned to the camp and wait for the group that went to other camp to get back... After they get back, they look shocked to death... And apparently, no one actually remember that I am using an Advance Holy Magic... since they still shocked seeing me riding the Pegasus... "Do you have any name?" I asked the Pegasus... And she neighed... "She said that her name is June... since she born in June..." Rin said "W-Wow... June huh? I born in June too..." I said And she neighed... "She said that we are destined to be together" Rin said Hmmm I don''t know how June thinks but I like June... "I hope we can keep her..." Rin said with sad face... "Yeah me too... but we have to give her to the soldier first..." I said We are now going back to the South Guild... and I am still riding June... with Euclio... Rin is sleeping with Erin in the wagon... We ride June in front of our wagon... Rick is sitting next to the driver and we have some chit chat... "Have you heard the story that someone that tamed the Pegasus is actually descendant of god?" Rick asked me... "Yeah, is that Tensei Sect believe?" I asked him And he nodded... "Are you one of the Tensei Sect?" Euclio asked "Yeah..." Rick answered... But Tensei Sect never search troubles... so I think they are okay... compared to Mera Sect... "At least you are not a Mera Sect member..." I said while letting a sigh And Rick laughed... "I would have killed you already..." Rick said jokingly And I laughed... After some times... we arrived at the gate... At first, the gatekeeper surrounded us... But knowing me, he opened the gate... "Did the gatekeeper knows me as Nicolas the Adventurer or Nicolas Maxwell?" I asked Euclio... And he laughed... "I don''t know, both names have grown big already..." Euclio said We ride June to the Guild... While we are walking, there are a lot of people are watching us... "P-Pegasus?!" "L-Look... it''s Nicolas..." "H-Hey! That is a big horse!" "That is a Pegasus idiot!" "H-He tamed a Pegasus?!" Everyone cheers on me... "South Sera is safe!" "We have Nicolas!" Something like that... And after some times... we arrived at the Guild... The crowded and busy Sera open a way for us adventurer to ride our wagons and horses... I see Petra looked at me with her unbelievable face... Including Miel and Elly behind her... But then, suddenly... a man with black armor come to us from inside the guild... He has a black hair and yellow eyes... And a spear on his back... L-Lerrich Ezate?! "L-Lerrich-dono..." I called him "Ah Nicolas-dono... Euclio-dono... thank you for helping our city problem... Not only helping our Kingdom... but also our city... we are in debt to you..." Lerrich give a little bow... We get down from June and give a bow as well... "Can I ask you something Lerrich-dono?" Euclio asked... "Of course! Please..." Lerrich said "What will you do to her?" Euclio asked... Then he give a thought... "I still have to think about it..." Lerrich said Now I am afraid... there might be a chance that he would sell her... "As you can see... Nicolas can tame the Pegasus... can you allow us to take care of the Pegasus?" Euclio said Lerrich give another thought... he seems a bit disagree with our demand... "You don''t have to give us the 20 000 golds, and we will be responsible with the Pegasus..." Euclio said And everyone around us looked surprised... Including I... Lerrich thinks really hard now... Then he gave his final answer... "Then, I agree..." Lerrich said Euclio and I give a bump of fist... as usual... And Rin looks happy as well... Including June herself... "But... where are you going to put her?" Lerrich said And we stopped celebrating... T-That is a hard question... "W-We can think about it later..." I said to Lerrich... And he laughed... "You think you can solve it later? How about this, I have a suggestion..." Lerrich talked to us... Euclio and I is focus on what he is going to say next... "As the change of the reward, I give you the Pegasus and also a house that is still in the South Sera..." Lerrich said Both of us looked surprised... "I-Is it okay? We are troubling you a lot lately" Euclio said "No, no... at least I have to make sure the Pegasus don''t go mad again, so I should give a proper place for her as well... what do you think?" Lerrich said "W-We agree!" Rin said from behind me... And now everyone looked at Rin... "Hmmm? Who is he?" Lerrich asked... "I am Rin..." Rin said We expect to hear something more from him... But... he is Rin... "H-He is our Party Member... and he is also lived with us..." I said "Hmmm, I see... then is he strong?" Lerrich asked me... "Y-Yeah he is very strong!" I said Lerrich give a thought... "How about if I challenge you to a duel..." Lerrich said to Rin... Then everyone starts whispering... "A duel?" Rin asked "Yes... and if you win, you will get the reward... but don''t worry, if you lose... I will still give you the house..." Lerrich said Ugh... I have this feeling that he is bored with life... "We accept!" Euclio said without hesitation... And Rin looked happy as well... "A week from now... in Seraviel, I will open the match for public..." Lerrich said "Okay!" Rin looked interested as well... Everyone that heard our conversation become busy... They are whispering to each other... "Then, I will send a carriage to your current house, and then we will help you to move to your new house..." Lerrich said then he leaves... "T-Thank you so much Lerrich-dono..." I said "Don''t worry... You are the one that makes this city interesting..." Lerrich said with a smile... D-Did I? Then he left with a carriage... I looked at June... Then I hugged her head and she start to lick on me continuously... "S-Stoppp Junee!!" I said and everyone around us laughing.... We got June! And also, a house! Just how kind is Lerrich... I enter the guild to claim my platinum quest reward... which is a hundred golds... that is actually more than enough... We took a hundred golds... and left... But before we left, something surprising happened in front of the guild... The adventurer is waiting for us... Rin is waiting outside with June when we claim our reward... They looked at us... And a single adventurer come forward... a gold adventurer... "Thank you for making this quest a success" he said He is the leader one of the group... "Y-Your welcome... also, thanks for the participation... I''m sorry for my bad leadership... actually this is my first time doing it..." I said And everyone looked surprised... "Then, it is surprisingly good!" Rick shouted from the crowd... "Yeah! We have no casualties! Thanks to your plan!" "We are glad you become the platinum adventurer of this guild..." Everyone keeps praising me... Plan? It is actually Euclio''s plan... "You see, about the strategy, Euclio is the one that give a thought..." I said And everyone now praised Euclio... I left Euclio alone with the crowd... S-Sorry mate... Euclio then get a lot of praises... I ride June back to our house with Rin and Erin... We left the crowd of adventure... Maybe I should treat them something... Ah... it''s too late... maybe next time... After several minutes I see Euclio run toward us... "H-Hey!! Wait!!!" he shouted and we laughed... Even June neighed... "June said that Euclio is funny" Rin said He is! And that is the end of the Pegasus quest... Chapter 19 - New Home It is still 5 PM... When we return to our home, we have this carriage waiting for us... I believe it is the carriage that was sent by Lerrich... "Nicolas-sama... we are sent by Lerrich-sama to help you move to the new house..." the servant said "Yes, please help us..." I said I opened the door, and several servants come inside to help us move out... "I am sleepy..." Euclio said "H-Hey... just don''t sleep until we move out to the new house... then let''s eat..." I said "How about we eat first... and then we move to the new house..." Erin said "I agree..." Euclio said "Let''s eat a steak!!" Rin said "Hmmm, I think that''s a good idea..." I said And I told the servant to go to the guild after they finished moving our stuff... We ride on June to the restaurant... but we should put June on the guild''s stable... So, we visit the guild first... and found Rick''s party... They were outside the guild... "Hey!" I greeted him and he looked surprised... "N-Nicolas! I thought you went home already?" Rick said "Have you eat?" I asked And the five of them shook their head... "Let us treat you! I know a good place to eat!" I said And they looked interested... "Hmm I guess we have a lot of time for food!" Kai said The nine of us is now head to the steak restaurant... When we arrived in front of the restaurant... an elf open the door for us... "Nicolas!" She said "Monica!" Rin said "Rin!" Monica said I don''t really understand this greeting... but okay... "W-Wow... there are a lot of you today..." Monica said "Yeah, for nine people please..." I said And she nodded... She let us to a private room on the second floor, which is more exclusive... Rick and his party hanged his mouth... "A-Are you sure it is okay?" Rick asked me... "No problem! But let me order the food okay?" I said I just don''t want they order a 5 gold''s meal... if there is such thing... Rick nodded... I give some option Beef Steak, Pork Steak, Chicken Steak.... This time I tried the chicken steak... and Euclio still choose the chicken steak as well... Euclio loves chicken, even since we are still in school, he never eats other meat except chicken... After we ordered the food... Monica went downstairs to prepare our meals.... "So, what is your plan for tomorrow?" I asked Rick''s party... "Hmmm, we are going to take it easy for tomorrow... since we got a gold for each of us..." Rick said happily... A-A gold?! Euclio and I looked surprised... T-That is quite a small amount right? "I-I see..." I said Seeing me acting weird... Euclio changed the topic "Why don''t you come visit our place? We haven''t seen it either..." Euclio said "R-Really? Can we?" May asked "Of course! Why not!" I said "W-We will! On which address?" Rick asked... I give a thought... If I am not mistaken, it is in the forest of South Sera... "Forest of South Sera..." I said And the five of them looked surprised... "W-What''s with that face?" I asked "That is the most expensive area in South Sera... I bet you will like it!" Rick said "I-Is it?!" Euclio sounds surprised... "You really make Lerrich-sama happy don''t you..." Jay said "R-Really? I feel like I did nothing..." I said Yeah, I just do what I have to do... like during the quest of June, I followed Euclio''s plan, and it works... "No! You heal me!" Rin said to me... "T-That is... exceptional... it is only for you..." I said And he looks even happier... I-I really want a puppy now... Oh wait... I have Rin... I patted his head and he smiled... Euclio laughed at me... "You really enjoy patting Rin!" Euclio said And I pull my hand back... Everyone now laughed... The food came... and we eat the food... "T-This is the best food I ever taste since I live in Sera!" Jay said "W-Wow... this is so delicious!" Rick said happily And the other eat without speaking... I looked at Monica and she looked really happy... And I smiled on her... Then she blushed... D-Did I do something wrong? "Nico..." Rick called my name while eating "Hmm?" "Just how much do you get from the quest?" Rick asked me... I feel really bad for telling him But it is... "A hundred gold..." I said And now they stop eating "I-It was our first Platinum Quest" I said "T-That is a lot of money! I could stop adventuring for a year!" Rick said "Maybe I go retired already..." May said And we laughed... "We should rank up as fast as we can!" Rick said to his party... "Yeah! We almost reach silver rank... maybe 2 or 3 more silver quest..." Lisa said "H-Hey calm down... we are going to relax a bit right?" Kai said "Nope! How about tomorrow we take a quest and also the day after tomorrow... we will rank up faster..." Rick said "T-That is true!" Lisa said T-They suddenly become so energetic... Then Rick point his hand on me... "We will raise up! And be a gold party... and we will be your right hand! How about that?" Rick offer "T-That is a good idea! But remember the priority..." I said "First..." Euclio said "Your own live..." "Second..." Euclio said "Your party''s lives..." "Third..." Euclio said "The mission..." Everyone said in unison... "H-How can you remember those words?!" I asked to them I actually forgot about it already... "That is the wisest thing you ever said..." Euclio teased me... "Yeah! It becomes the South Sera Adventure Guild''s motto now!" Rick said "I-Is it?!" I asked And Rick''s party nodded... D-Did I really bring a big impact on this city? I hope it is a positive impact... After we eat our dinner, I paid for all of them... and we part after we left the restaurant... Everyone on the street are watching us while we left the restaurant... We decided to return to the guild... and hoping that June is not running away... And... She is still here! "W-Wait... should we give her food?!" I said And she neighed... "She said ''how dare you forgot about me!'' like that..." Rin said "Umm... let us walk home, and we will buy you food whatever you want on our way back..." I said to June... She neighed and I feel that she is interested... "''Are you sure? Everything?''" Rin translated... I nodded... And she neighed once more... "''Agreed!''" Rin said happily... We meet up with the servant that has waited us in front of the guild... On our way to our new home... we spent almost 20 silver for June''s food... We stopped multiple times... even the servant looked surprised with the amount of food June has eaten... And finally, we arrived at our new house... Before we arrived... we passed a lot of trees... like a forest... "W-Wow..." I said It is now a tall house... and in the middle of forest... there is also a river flows near our house... Also, it has a big yard... "W-We can practice here!" I said loudly... "Yeah! Finally!!" Euclio sounds happy as well... Should I make a house for June? Maybe I should... Or else, it is bad for her if it was raining We observed the outside of the house first... The river is nice... I like the environment here... The breeze of the wind feels so good... Aside from the crowd of Sera, there is this peaceful place... "I could stay here for years now!" I said The servants looked happy as well... I enter the house with Euclio... Rin and Erin have entered first... I also paid the driver that drive us here... giving a small tip... "Wow..." is my first word when I entered the house... "T-This is sure a great place to relax..." I said When you enter the house, you will see the living room... and it faced the river outside... The wall that face the river is made of glass... so you can see the outside... but the outside can''t see the inside... it is a special glass... In front of the living room, we have a kitchen... Also a toilet nearby... On the second floor, there are two big bedrooms... and a bath... On the third floor, we have a big bed rooms and two small bedrooms also a bath... And, the fourth floor, there is a big bed room, and a library... There are some books there... maybe I will check it out tomorrow... Also, I put the Advance Tier Holy Magic book on the shelf... In total, this house has 6 bedrooms... which is a lot... The first thing we do is take a bath... "This is heaven..." Euclio said "It is..." I said during bath After we took a bath, we decided to take a rest... And it takes no time for us to sleep... The next day.... Something hot wake me up.... "What time is it Rin?" I asked Rin... without opening my eyes Now, I am getting used to it...Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "It''s 7 AM..." Rin said I opened my eyes and see Rin hugging me... "Now, wake him up..." I said while directing my eyes to Euclio... And he jumped to Euclio... When Euclio opened his eyes... "Rin?!?" Euclio shouted I thought Euclio is a fast learner... He is smart... but also weird... "Let''s practice!" I said to Euclio And Euclio looks excited... It''s been days since we last practice our swordsmanship... The three of us went downstairs... and looked everything has been cleaned by Erin... "E-Erin... thanks for cleaning!" I thanked her... "N-No problem... this is my hobby..." she said I practice my sword with Euclio on the yard... while June is watching us... While we are practicing... Rin is talking with June... that is cute.... At 9 AM... we decided to go and find a meal for our breakfast... It took 20 minutes with June to visit the guild.... I guess it is impossible now to walk from guild to our house... "Let''s eat... then, we buy Erin''s armor..." I said "T-That is unnecesary anymore..." Erin said "Nope... safety first..." I said "I-If you don''t mind, I guess that''s okay..." Erin said shyly We put June near the guild... and walk to the steak restaurant... And as usual, Monica serve us... The menu is different from the last time we eat breakfast... this time... it is a noodle... and it taste like ramen! I missed this kind of food! When I eat the food, I feel like I am crying... And we have some fruit as well, and juices... I was thinking... if we got 5 golds each day 5 golds multiple by 30 days..., we got 150 golds per month, which is actually more than I received from Tousan during school... After we eat our meal, we paid our food, then left to the market... We visited the same merchant, where Erin saw the armor she wanted... and when the merchant noticed me, he gives me discount... It was 50 golds... but now it is 40 golds... I save 10 golds... which is quite a lot... Also, we bought two swords which costed for 10 golds each, which mean, it has a good quality... one for Euclio and the other one for Erin... "Hmmm do you want an armor?" I asked Rin... "Nope... I am fine..." Rin said I never bought anything for Rin... "Do you want something?" I asked Rin... "Food?" Rin asked while tilting his head... Food?! He never thought about anything else huh? "I-I mean, an equipment... you are going to fight Lerrich-dono... remember that!" I reminded him And he nodded... "Then, I need a gauntlet, to make my punch become more powerful..." Rin said excitedly Now, we are looking for a gauntlet... "Hey... how about this?" Euclio suggested... Rin try it on... "No... it is too light..." Rin said "How about this?" Erin suggested... "Hmmm too heavy...." Rin said "Ummm... this?" I give it to Rin... And he looked at me speechlessly "T-This is a knuckle!" Rin said and laughed... Even the merchant laughed at me... I don''t know the difference... "Hey! How about this!" Euclio said and give it to Rin I take a look and it looks like it is made of a strong material... "Yeah, I like it..." Rin said "How much is it?" I asked to the merchant... "For you... the plat adventurer... I give it for 20 golds..." he said "Okay... I take it..." I said It is made of silver... strong enough to block a sword attack... But I doubt that it could hold Lerrich''s spear attack... I don''t know about the spear that he used and also his technique... maybe we should ask some people in the guild... We return to the guild... and hang out there... I talk to several people... even to Petra... "He is a Master Spear Wielder..." someone said from behind me We looked back and... it is Jay... "Jay!" I called his name "That''s me..." Jay smiled "Where are the other?" I asked.... And he pointed out his finger... Hmmm I guess they are claiming their reward for today''s quest... "How''s the quest?" I asked "Killing some slimes... it is sticky! But that is the easiest monster..." Lisa said... She left the line and talk to me... "Hmmm I see, then..." I faced Jay "Do you know what style does Lerrich use?" I asked... "You mean Lerrich? If I am not mistaken, he used Maxim Style..." Jay said Maxim?! It needs agility right? But he used heavy armor... "But he used heavy armor" Lisa said in confused... I nodded as well.. "That is to trick his opponents" Petra said while laughing... Then, we just got tricked?! "T-Then, he is a fast?" I asked "Really fast..." Jay said "I''ve seen him fighting against a Master Spear Wielder, which is using a Vareos Style... and Lerrich-sama win without receiving a single attack..." Petra said with amazed voice... The same master level... but Lerrich win without receiving a single attack... It is because Maxim Style play his or her spear in a really close range... which mean, it counters both Alice and Vareos Style... But Vareos Style is a style where the user keep range within his enemy... Just how can Lerrich win... But, Rin is a Fighter... he play in close combat as well... which is good for him... I think this will be an intense duel... "I think it is because that he used Maxim Style..." Jay said And everyone nodded... "Also, he never loses a match..." Jay said... "Nope! He ever lost once..." Petra said... And everyone become curious as well... "Against the tenth... Rueger the Slayer..." Petra said... Everyone looked amazed... Except me... I laughed... R-Rueger the Slayer?! Is that his title?! "Ummm Nico?" Lisa looks afraid of me... I can''t just hold it... He is a kind man but he got a really badass nickname... "Y-You see... he is just too kind... I think he doesn''t fit with the ''Slayer'' title..." I said... And now all of them are looking at me... Including those who is listening our conversation... "Kind? What do you mean?" Jay asked... Petra and Lisa also showed a curious face... Also everyone around me... "Ummm, because he is my teacher..." I said ........... "H-Hey! Are you okay?" I asked Petra while waving my hand in front of her... Everyone still in silent... Even Rick looked at me speechlessly "Woaahhhh?!?" Everyone shouted in envy... "How can you meet him?" "Is he cool?" "Tell mee his address?!!" Everyone is talking to me now... "H-Hey... calm down..." I said and everyone become quite... Now... I really have to tell his relation with mine... "You see... he is my Tousan''s friend... and also his bodyguard... so he also taught me a lot in swordsmanship..." I explained... And everyone starts whispering... "Who is your Tousan?" Rick asked me... They don''t know?! I thought the news had spread since I am 8 years old... "He is Clement Maxwell''s son..." an adventurer told Rick "The Archduke''s son?" Rick sounds surprised... "R-Really?! So, you mean, he is Nicolas Maxwell? I never hear him using his family name..." "I guess he is just a humble boy..." "Or maybe he is thrown away?" This point of view from different people makes me laugh actually... And Jay asked me... "Are you Nicolas Maxwell?" he asked me... I let a sigh... I guess it is time to showed them my real name... So, I nodded... "See! He has the red eyes! No human race has that..." "Yeah, but the red eyes is kinda cool..." I ignore them and return to Euclio... He let a sigh... "Maybe someday my secret will be revealed as well..." Euclio said In this world, if you introduce yourself without your family name, it means that you are not royalty... and I introduce myself without my family name... So I decided to... "This boy is Euclio Qiteron! The prince of Qiteron Kingdom!" I said and run away... After Nico run away... Everyone in the guild looked at him with their mouth hanged... "Y-You see... that boy is a bit insan-" before Euclio finished his word "Hey! He is! Euclio-sama!" an Ocean Race said "Wow... two royalties become an adventurer..." "N-No wonder that they are so strong!" Royalty was expected to be strong... since they are trained by the professional... When Euclio about to leave... Petra hold his hand... "Wait..." Petra stopped Euclio... Rin and Erin had followed Nico already... "I-I am left behind..." Euclio said "I-I have a platinum quest for you" Petra said... And Euclio look at Petra... "What is it?" Euclio asked... "I need you to train the adventurer..." Petra said while blushing... And wait... Train the adventurer?! "H-Hey... what do you mean by train?" Euclio asked her... "The four of you is above the standard in swordsmanship, also witchcraft... that is why, I want you to train the adventurer... that is a direct request from the south head guild..." Petra said "And what will we get from training them?" Euclio said "20 silver per adventurer... and you should be in the guild at 6 AM..." Petra said... "6.30..." Euclio said... "Okay deal!..." Petra said with happiness... Both of them shake their hand... And Petra announce "From tomorrow until next month, the guild will give you special tutorial from Nicolas Maxwell and also Euclio Qiteron for free! The guild will pay!" Petra announced... "UWOAHHHHH" a battle cry heard... Euclio left the guild... and Nico, Rin and Erin waited on June already... "Hey... what''s with the crowd?" Nico asked... "You see, we got a platinum quest..." Euclio said... "What is it?" Nicolas asked... "I hope it is fun!" Rin said "Train the adventurer for a month..." Euclio said And the four of us remains silent "WHAT?!?" Nico said loudly... "That looks fun!" Rin said I explained the details during our ride home... We ride on June... the four of us... June is strong... She then neighed like she wants to tell us something... "She said that we need a carriage..." Erin said "Carriage?" Both Euclio and I in unison... Hmmm, that is true that we need a carriage... I feel really uncomfortable, when people keep staring at us... We decided to go and find a carriage shop... I asked several people and they answered my question without judging me... It feels much better, living here compared to Auxem... "Feel much better here?" Euclio asked me after I have similar thought... I nodded... "The people here have a lot of respect on you... compared in Auxem, your own town..." Euclio said while smiling It is a bit ironic I agree with him... just how strong is Lerrich in this town, that he can control Mera Sect from spreading... Even Tousan couldn''t... We arrived at a shop that some people has suggested... and when we arrived... a dwarf greeted us... And when he saw June... he knows that I am Nicolas the person in the town has people has been spoken about lately... June apparently has her own taste of carriage... so we let her choose on her own... Her taste is actually pretty good... I like the model of the carriage... it looks like royalty carriage... but also, it is quite big for royalty carriage... It fits for more than 7 people... it is quite massive... "Are you sure you can carry this carriage?" I asked June... And she neighed... I know from her face that she doesn''t want to be underestimated... "Alright alright... I know you can do it..." I said to June Rin looked surprised at me... also June... "Y-You understand her?" Rin asked "Hmm? No... just predicting... hehe" I said while having a small laugh... We bought the carriage... Wait... we don''t buy the carriage... The owner gives it to us freely, but I have to be his sponsor... So, we put the shop''s name on the back of our carriage... Or else... it could cost for more than 50 golds... And we don''t have 50 golds... Right now, we only have 20 golds... I guess we should do some saving... When the carriage is ready, we attached it to June... and she looks happy... There might be a chance that she is jealous with other horse that bring the carriage... "It looks beautiful!" Euclio said "June?" I asked And June neighed... "She said thank you... you can ride me anytime you want Euclio..." Rin translated while laughing... "Ummm... I mean the carriage..." Euclio said We laughed but June looks mad... "S-Sorry June... you are even prettier than the carriage..." Euclio apologize... And it is almost dinner time... We decided to find a person who can make a stable for our house... because, we only have a big yard... but no stable... also, maybe a training ground... We decided to ask help from the soldiers... and they gladly helped us... I bet Lerrich has ordered his men to serve me for good... So, we have 10 soldiers building the stable for June, also... we cut some wild grass on our own yard... "Now... it looks pretty!" I said After three days, June has her own place to sleep... also we have our own training yard... I also train with Erin... since we are at the same level... advance tier sword wielding... While Euclio trained with Rin... both of them are at Master Tier... Euclio with dual sword and Rin with his gauntlet... That is some crazy training... When Erin and I trained ourselves... she never shows her true power... I am actually curious with what Rin have said... Rin said that Erin is stronger than himself... while, when I saw Euclio and Rin fight... both of them are equal... Euclio is extremely talented and strong at the same time... also a genius... He used dual sword and train on his own... and now, he is in the same level with Master Tier... "Euclio is sure strong..." Erin said to me... "Yeah, he is... but Rin could catch up with Euclio''s movement... which is usually impossible for normal people..." I said "Rin is an exceptional as well..." Erin said "But Rin said that you are the strongest..." I said And she looked a bit troubled... I changed the topic... "W-What do you think for breakfast?" I said And she laughed at me... I guess she realize when I panicked... Also, during these days, I train the adventurer... and we received a lot of golds from the guild... At the first day, it was only 60 adventurers... on the second day, the number increase to 90 adventurers and this morning... there are around 140 adventurers... 60 plus 90 plus 140 is 290... and 290 multiplied by 20 silvers is 5400 silvers... which is 54 golds... And it continues even on the day when it''s time for Rin fight against Lerrich... Our name has been really big lately... There are even some people come to our house to only have a chit chat... "Are you ready Rin?" I asked Rin... We are currently in the guild... and the duel start at 2 PM... "Can we eat first?" Rin asked me... "S-Sure... where do you want to eat?" I asked him And as usual, he chooses to eat in the steak restaurant... Monica is waiting for us already... I think she knows already that we are going to come... "Welcome! Let me show your table!" Monica said while smiling... Lately, there are more customer coming to this place... While we are walking to our table... a lot of people staring at us... We arrived at our table and sit... And as usual... it is the VIP room upstairs... "This time... let me treat you!" Monica said happily... "R-Reallyy?!" Rin asked happily And Monica nodded... "Are you sure?" I asked Monica "Don''t worry.... since both of you come here really often, we got more customer than ever... it brings us a lot of profit! So at least, let me treat you guys..." Monica said W-We really bring a big impact... "T-Then! I want two portions of beef steak!" Rin said T-This boy... Monica just laughed... "I order the same thing..." Euclio said "Okay, two beef steak, one chicken steak..." Monica said Euclio as usual... "What is the restaurant specialty?" I asked Monica... "Hmmm... it is a Lamb Steak! Do you want to try it?" Monica asked me "I-Is it okay?" I asked I am afraid that it will be too pricey... "Of course!" Monica said "Then, I will try the Lamb Steak as well..." Erin said Then she nodded... Monica went downstairs to prepare the food we ordered... There are several people in the second floor as well... Some of them come to our table and talks... Also, some of the customer come only to say good luck to Rin... After ten minutes... Monica comes with our food... Rin got two portions... that boy... "Rin! You should win the duel!" Monica said "Of course! I will!" Rin said while eating... T-This boy has no manners at all.... "The Lamb Steak is delicious!" I said And Euclio tried it... "Nah, chicken is the best..." After we ate our lunch, we used June to go inside the inner wall... we are now completely on a different town... I feel like I am back in Auxem... Also, we use the carriage that we got... Five minutes passed, and we finally passed the last gate... The road is cleared by the army when we passed... Lerrich has planned this already... We passed the last gate and arrived in Seraviel... "Woah...." the four of us in unison... The four of us amazed by the fields of flower we passed... Yellow, red, purple... the flowers were arranged properly... and it looks really beautiful... I see the pretty mansion as well... but the soldier direct us to the different place... It is behind the mansion... I see a circular construction... An outdoor circular construction... like a colosseum... We are directed to the main gate... the gate is gigantic... And when we enter... it is exactly looked like the colosseum in my previous world... Cheers are everywhere... The audiences watch us from the bench upstairs while the lower part is where we are right now... the duel arena... There should be more than fifty thousand people here... "R-Rin! D-Don''t panicked!" I said in panicked "Huh? I am not..." Rin said with happy face, as always... "Y-You look pale Nico..." Euclio teased me... "R-Really? S-Seriously?!" I asked him seriously... And Euclio nodded... I never know that I am afraid of crowd... June then stopped walking... And someone open the door... "Nicolas-sama, Euclio-sama, Erin-sama and Rin-sama... please follow me..." A soldier come to greet us... All of us get down from the carriage... When the people see us, the cheers are getting louder... We followed the soldier that greeted us earlier, and we are given a seat near the duel arena... There are four seats... and on the opposite of our direction, we see Lerrich with his black armor and spear on his right hand... He uses no helmet... it makes us easier to recognize him... He enters the circle... the circle is the arena to fight, and it is wider than the Auxem School''s duel area... Lerrich raised his hand and this place change from a very noisy place to a very quiet place. All of us is paying attention to him. "Today, I will have my duel against someone, which is really strong" Lerrich announced... If I became Rin, I would be dead already by his words... "A member of South Guild platinum party''s.... Rin..." Lerrich shouted And the crowd give an applause to Rin... Rin stood up and prepared himself "Good luck!!" I said to Rin "Don''t worry! I will get this twenty thousand gold for you Nico!" Rin said with determination... I looked at his face... and I realize, I never seen him this serious... I believe he is now in pressure... "No, just make sure you have some fun!" I said to him "Yeah, we will always be friend whatever the result is" Euclio said with smile... Rin used his gauntlet... He looked at us and smiled... "Thank you..." Rin said And the three of us looked like an idiot... I never see him like this... he looks so... mature... Rin enteres the circle and the applause from everyone can be heard... And the judge is... Petra? I see Petra walked into the circle... and stood between both of them... "I am Petra from the South Guild... and I will act as the judge..." Petra introduced herself... "Both side please prepare yourself... "Petra said... I see Lerrich prepared his spear and hold it with one hand... one hand means he used Maxim style, since he has no shield... but there might be a chance that he is a Vareos Style user... Vareos Style is like Valeon Style but in spear-wielding... they play ultra-defensive... Also, I see Rin has prepared his stance as well... he is like a Kung Fu master now... "Both sides ready?" Petra asked And both nodded... "Ladies and Gentlemen... we are about to see the greatest fight of the year in Sera... in 3......" I feel that Rin is a bit nervous... "2......" Come on Rin! You should overcome your fear! "1....." B-But I realize it''s not Rin... it''s me now that is nervous!! "Start!" Lerrich in an instant rush toward Rin... But Rin do the same thing like he did in the guild... He is about to punch the air... And I was waiting for it... A green spherical light appeared above his head... And seeing that Lerrich move in zig zag... Rin punches the air and an air pressure is created... The wall on the other side cracked... Seeing Rin''s strength everyone cheers on him even more... If Lerrich got hit by that, it is the end for him already But Lerrich has a really fast reflect... and won''t be down easily... Lerrich is still trying to come closer... but Rin is fighting him already... Rin kick the air and an air pressure was created... then he gives a punch and more punches... creating a lot of air pressure pushing toward Lerrich... And so far, Lerrich is able to dodge the attack... but Lerrich was pushed back... At this rate, Lerrich won''t be able to touch Rin... Rin keep punching the air... and Lerrich dodge every attack... Is this the battle of stamina? But then Rin stopped... "W-What''s wrong with him?" I asked "H-He is bored!" Euclio said I see Rin come closer to Lerrich and Lerrich accept the challenge... Both come closer and now fight in close combat... Rin give a punch to Lerrich''s head but Lerrich dodge it... And when Lerrich use the body of the spears to knock Rin... Rin jumped and moved back... Rin used his kick and jump really fast toward Lerrich... Lerrich can''t dodge it... Lerrich used his spear to block the attack... the pointy blade is now directing to Rin... "R-Rin!!" I shouted But Rin grab the blade and pushed the blade downward... and now he stand on the spear, that Lerrich hold... Lerrich looked surprised... but then he pulled his spear and Rin come closer to give a hit to Lerrich... Lerrich try to kick Rin... but Rin is a fighter... he is the master of martial art... he jump and now he stand on Lerrich''s feet.... Everyone is now cheering for Rin... Lerrich put down his feet and swing his spear... Rin moved back and now, Rin is unable to get closer to Lerrich, since Lerrich keep swinging his spear... Whenever Rin gets closer, Lerrich gives him a warning by swing his spear really close... N-Now... he is an Alice Style user... he was a Maxim Style user but now he is an Alice Style... Rin noticed the difference and now he moved back really far and about to punch the air... Seeing Rin about to give a punch to the air... Lerrich comes closer... But when Lerrich was running toward Rin... Rin jumped forward toward Lerrich as well using his feet and empowered by the wind element, making it more powerful, and fast.... Rin used his fist and Lerrich has no chance to point his spear... Instead of pointing his spear... he used the spear''s body to block the attack... but still... The effect of the air pressure from Rin is too big... Lerrich was pushed really far and about to leave the circle... but he held the knockback by using his spear as a support on his back... Everyone gives a loud applauds on Lerrich "T-That is an intense battle..." I said "Actually, Rin should able to finished it faster..." Euclio said "R-Really?" I asked "Yeah... but Lerrich is just... full of experience... he knows what to do... Rin must outsmart him..." Euclio said Then all of us watched Lerrich... He then takes off the blade of the spear... "W-What?!" I said in surprised... The blade is actually a sword?! Now... he has a pole on right hand and a sword on his left hand Everyone is surprised with the sudden change... Lerrich run toward Rin... Rin prepare for another punch... and he punch the air... Lerrich dodge the attack and throw the bladeless spear toward Rin... Rin parried it with his hand... And when Rin directed his view toward Lerrich... he is exactly in front of him... And Rin stopped moving... Since there is a sword near to his throat... L-Lerrich movement is so fast! Lerrich is a spear wielder with Maxim Style... also Alice Style.... and also, a swordsman.... "The winner is Lerrich Ezate!" Petra announced... And the crowd is getting louder... Lerrich pull his sword from Rin''s throat... "That is a good match!" Lerrich said Rin looked upset... "Yeah, it is... I have to train more..." Rin said And Lerrich looks pity on him... "You are already stronger than me... but you need more experience..." Lerrich said And Rin smiled on him... The three of us come toward Rin and hugged him... "A-Are you okay?" I asked Rin... "Y-Yeah... I''m fine... don''t worry" Rin said and hugged me back... And that is the end of the match... Rin lost... Chapter 20 - Crisis We left the circle, which is the duel arena and sit back on the chairs that they had provided for us... Lerrich is still inside the circle, and open the field for anyone who wants to challenge him... But no one dare to challenge him... "Hey Nico... go and challenge him..." Euclio said "W-What? Why me?" I said in panicked Why not Euclio himself? "Because you are the only one that can win against him..." Euclio said Erin looked at me seriously... also Rin... He looks really sad... Should I jump into the battle? "Anyone?" Lerrich shouted to the crowd... But then the crowd shouted my name... "Nicolas!!" "Nicolas can do it!" Now I feel really uncomfortable Especially when Lerrich looked at me after the people shouted my name... And now, the audience is in rimes... "Nicolas! Nicolas! Nicolas!" they shouted my name... I looked at Euclio and he smiled back... He didn''t plan this right? "N-No... I can''t..." I said "Please win the duel..." Rin said to me with sad face... Rin... Stop the puppy face... "Fine..." I said "I do it only because of you guys..." I said "Yeah! Use your ultimate skill at once! And he won''t be able to dodge... trust me!" Euclio said to me... I looked back at him... "Are you sure he won''t be able to dodge it?" I asked And Euclio nodded... "Okay, if he could dodge it, you owe me..." I said and step forward... I heard Euclio agrees and I faced Lerrich Seeing me walking to the circle, the crowds become loud again... And Lerrich looked at me with surprised... Also sad face... "I should have charge the audience more money if you are the opponent..." Lerrich said with sad face... H-He thinks about money?! "Hehe, I never thought about fighting against you in a duel..." I said "No problem... but I think I have a bad feeling about this match..." Lerrich said "But I won''t back down, since I am the one that open the challenge..." Lerrich said and he prepared his stance... a spear is on his right hand... Petra become the judge... "Both sides ready?" Petra asked... I prepare my distance... also I unsheathed my sword... Everyone looked at the sword of mine... "H-He is a swordsman?!" "I thought he is a High Elementalist..." "Hey, the sword is pretty..." "It looks like Euclio''s sword..." Some adventurer has discussion... I nodded to Petra means I am ready... Also Lerrich... "Then, it will begin in 3......2......1..... now!" Petra said Lerrich in an instant rush toward me... but the distance is quite far, which mean I can cast my magic... ''Create Elements!'' And in an instant, the five spherical spheres were activated... Everyone looked surprised and the cheers are getting louder... I read a book in my library, and apparently, you can summon all of the spheres that you can control at once... I wonder, who left such precious book in our house... I prepare my fusion magic and... I wait for a close range battle... My wood magic would be much accurate when I use it in close range... And when he is close enough, I use the fusion magic... The blue and brown sphere shines ever brighter... Realizing that Lerrich made a mistake, Lerrich close his eyes to prepare the impact... I hit the ground with my sword and transfer my magic to the sword....the wood was summoned The root spread really fast and hit Lerrich... Lerrich was pushed back He tried to hold but the branches and roots spread through his body... Yes... I created a tree... and Lerrich hands and feet are bind with the tree... Everyone is in silence at once... The loud place of colosseum become quite in a second... I created a giant tree in the circle, using a fusion magic... that is the rarest among all type of magic... even compared to Elemental Fighting Magic... Petra looked at Lerrich, and Lerrich can''t even move an inch... so Lerrich smile at Petra... "T-The winner is Nicolas!" Petra announced... "UWOOOOAAHAHHHHHHHHH" the loudest sound I have heard in my entire life... I absorb the wood back to my sword... I don''t even know where does it come from... And now Lerrich is able to move... I come toward him and... "Sorry..." I said while offering my hand to help him stood up I said that, since I know that he feels embarrassed after losing to a 15 years old boy in front of his people, it must be really hard... and also, in a hit... "HAHAHAHAHA" Lerrich laughed... "What is that sorry for? We are doing sport... and there is always a win and a lose..." Lerrich said while smiling... He then took my hand... H-He didn''t really take the duel seriously... That is a good thing... "You are powerful! But, there are a lot of more terrifying people out there... so never let your guard down... always aim to be stronger..." Lerrich said to me... And I nodded... He then patted my head and he announce to the audiences... "This is the end of the duel... and I have a reward for Nicolas..." Lerrich said in loud voice... Lerrich called his guard by using his hand... and two guards come with a big chest... Both of them opened the chest and... "I present, Nicolas a twenty thousand gold!" Lerrich announced... And the battle cry could be heard really loud... Even Rin looks really happy now... Is he a materialistic boy now? I am afraid so... Maybe I should preach him later Euclio just smiled at me... while Erin give me an applauses... "And also, for the very first time in the history of Sera... I grant you..." Lerrich said half of his sentence... Everyone is waiting for the next words he is going to say... Including me, and then Lerrich give me a wink... I wonder what is that... "A Diamond Rank Adventurer...." Lerrich said Petra looked at Lerrich with her unbelievable face, including Erin and Euclio... Rin just keep jumping around... "I am here to grant Nicolas, as the first Diamond Adventurer in Sera!" Lerrich announced... The crowd is now unbelievable... a lot of people cheers on me... Rin run toward me and hugged me... He pushed me really hard till I fell down... Also Euclio and Erin hugged me as well while lying down on the field... "You never stop surprising us..." Erin said to Nico... "Of course! He is Nico!" Euclio said with big grin... I am happy... as long as I am stay with them, that is enough... I hope Nate and Ed come here soon... Nathalia as well... we have a plenty of room in our new house... After the duel between us, we are a sudden billionaires... that is what I feels. The next day, we received a lot of message from the citizen of South Sera... and they congratulated me for my promotion to Diamond Rank...Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. We are the only Diamond Rank Party in the guild, which means we have almost the same level of authority with the Guild Master, which is Petra, for the the South Guild... I can kick out an adventurer, also promote a party. Petra asked me to choose a right hand... and the only party I acknowledged is Rick''s party... But maybe, I will wait for next year... and wait for Nate... Several month has passed and my party still do the Platinum Quest, Diamond Quest is a rare mission and also, we need to travel far away. But the reward is... super... It has around 1000 golds reward if you finished a Diamond Quest... South Guild has become a lot busier these days, the number of adventurer are increasing significantly, since I am promoted to Diamond Adventurer... Previously, there are around 200 adventurer, but currently, there are around 900 adventurer... which makes the guild really full... Rick''s party has been promoted to Gold Rank recently... so they invited us to the steak restaurant, and this time, they treat us... Rick learn a lot from me in swordsmanship... He said to me that he is interested in using Maxim Style... so he asked me to teach him... and so I did, and he is now on the same level as mine... Rick is a diligent boy, and he is only 3 years older than me... He has reached the Advance Swordsmanship Tier with Maxim Style... Waiting for Nate is not a wise thing to do... I believe that Rick''s party suit more than Nate... Rick''s party has tried their best to ranked up as fast as they could so they could become my right hand... So, I talk to Euclio about this as well, and he approved me for choosing Rick over Nate... And so I talked with Petra and told her that Rick''s party will be my right hand... Petra looks really happy when I told my right hand... "Finally, you decided one..." something like that was showed on her face... And several days after deciding our right hand, we received a phenomenal news... I heard the news from the guild... It is when I enter the guild... and as usual, everyone calls me and we have a talk... "Hey Nico! Have you heard a news about Sky Kingdom?" A random adventurer asked me... Sky Kingdom? Hmmm I think I have heard somewhere... but I forget I shook my head... "What''s that?" I asked... "I heard that it is patrolling around human continent, and also, they has their own king..." another adventurer said "R-Really? I heard that it is made by Reudora Kingdom, and they might plan for a war..." So... that is only a rumor But... "Nico!" Euclio looked at me seriously... He is like saying that, I should think harder.. "Sky Kingdom... I think I ever heard about it..." I said it while think really hard Yes! It is my real Dad''s Kingdom... and it is not only a rumor if there are people still talks about it... So, what Keito-sensei has told us is true! "What is wrong with Sky Kingdom?" I asked the adventurer that start the talks... "Yeah, I heard that the sky kingdom helped King Ethen..." he said K-King Ethen?! "W-What do you mean?" another curious adventure asked... "There is an attempt of murder toward King Ethen, but the sky kingdom strikes a lightning from the sky... and it made a really loud voice... and killed the assassins..." the adventurer that start the story said Wow... that is very cool... but I wonder when can I met him... Also, an attempt of murder? King Ethen is loved by his people... I wonder if it was an attempt from other kingdom... When I realize, everyone has looked at me... "What?" I asked And Rick say "Thunder magic... it is one of the Fusion Magic right?" he asked me... Everyone is waiting as well... I nodded... "Can you use it?" Rick asked... "Of course no! I don''t know the combination... also I have to train it first..." I said It would be really cool if I can control thunder... but in fact, I haven''t tried it... And a few months later after the rumor of sky kingdom... it is almost Euclio''s birthday... Hmmm another sword I guess... Previously, I gave him Ocean Protector... Ocean Protector, is the sturdiest blade I have seen... and I guess it is not a mistake to give a sturdy sword... since a dual sword wielder always clashes their sword against their enemy''s I will bought him another blue sword, since it fits him so much... Euclio is now known as the blade breaker... Euclio the Blade Breaker... which is kinda a cool name... While I am known as a sage... Nicolas the Sage... I am sure that Euclio''s name is 10x cooler than mine... He is known to break every his opponent''s sword or spear he duel with The next day, I was planning to visit the blacksmith... Before I went to the blacksmith, my daily routine is to check the guild... so I visit the guild before visiting the blacksmith But.... "Clement Maxwell went missing!" an adventurer said to me in panicked... Everyone become quite at once... Including me... "W-What do you mean?" Euclio asked instead of me... "I heard a news that Auxem is in crisis..." the adventurer said... "What crisis?" I asked while approaching him... "I-I don''t know for sure, but there might be a betrayal inside the Kingdom..." The adventurer continues... I looked at Euclio... and he looked at me as well... Rin and Erin looks worry as well... "I think we should check it out..." Euclio said And I nodded... "I want to join..." Rin said "B-Bu-" "Yes, we are a family here..." Erin said with cold face as usual... I let a sigh... "Okay, okay..." I said And both looks happy... The four of us run and went straight to June... But before I left the guild, I shout... "I will not be back for a while..." I shouted... The four of us enter the carriage... and we asked June to left the city... She understood and moved really fast... I guess she knows that we are in hurry... The journey itself took 3 days... and we have not prepared anything to eat or drink... We stopped in the market to buy some supplies... and after 5 minutes we have return to the carriage... I was waiting inside the carriage with Euclio while Erin and Rin bought some food and drinks When people see us, they looked like they see their idol... Some of them keep staring at us from the outside windows of the carriage... that is creepy... When everything is ready, we continue our travels... "June... it is an important thing I must do, something bad has happened in my city..." I told June and she neighed... "she said that she knew already" Rin translated... And June used his fastest speed.... She knows where we want to go... so I took a rest... Tousan... don''t you dare to leave me... I have only one Tousan... and it is Clement... I don''t know this Jeremiel, and I never met him once... which is I don''t really care... but Tousan is the one that taught me everything... and protects me from dangerous... Without realizing, I have fall asleep... Then... "Nicoo..." "Nicooo!!" I hear a shout... I wake up and... The sun is almost set... "We have arrived..." Euclio said W-What?! I looked at the direction we are heading... and I can see the wall of Auxem City... Then, I looked at June... S-She didn''t take a rest... "Are you okay June?" I asked June and she neighed... "I used to travels thousands of miles everyday.... Don''t underestimate me... she said..." Rin translated... I looked at Rin... and patted his head as a thank for translating for me... "Nico!" Euclio called me from the 2nd floor of the carriage... Our carriage is a two deck carriage... so we have more spaces... I went to the second floor and see Euclio... "What?" I asked him And he pointed out his hand... I looks soldiers are preparing for something... The torch on the wall are not usual... "Are you preparing for war?" Euclio asked... "Hey! I am with you 24/7" I said When the soldiers see June... all of them are on guard... "Stop!" the gatekeeper shouted from the top of the wall... June stop running now... I then looked at the gatekeeper from the 2nd deck of the carriage... which is an open deck So that he can see me... When he looked at me... he looks surprised... "Open the gate! It is Nicolas-sama!" the gatekeeper said Then the gate were opened from the inside... We passed the gate and went straight to the mansion... People looked surprised after seeing a Pegasus running around the city with a carriage... We ignored them, and not even 5 minutes, we have arrived in front of the mansion... The four of us get down from the carriage and went inside the mansion... some servant recognized me and told me the whereabouts of my mother... I went inside the meeting room without knocking... "Kasan!" I shouted and run toward her... "Nico!" she looked surprised and stood up... I hugged her... And she hugged me back... She was in the middle of a meeting... When I release her, I asked her... "Where is Tousan?" I asked her... And she didn''t answer... but only facing downward... Then, someone from the meeting table stood up... "He is missing..." he said... He is Rueger... I am so mad now... I was about to cry... but Kasan hugged me back... And I realize that it is harder even for Kasan... Then another soldier come... "Nicole-sama, we received a word from Clement-sama..." the servant said Mom released the hug and looked confused... Not only mom... but also the other meeting attendance... "Clement-sama is currently on an emergency meeting... and yesterday, he is in a meeting with King Ethen, but suddenly both got ambushed... and both fleed to the direction of Epius the Capital City of Perius Kingdom. They said that Clemenet-sama is on his way back now..." the soldier report Kasan let a sigh... And so do I... Not only both of us, but the entire meeting attendances which is mostly the commander of Auxem city... "Let''s have a dinner with your friends..." Mom said to me... I then looked at Euclio, Rin and Erin... The three of them is waiting for me... "Hmmm okay..." I said And mom called one of the servant, and said to prepared a dinner... Before dinner, I give a tour to Rin and Erin... "Woahh you are so cool Nico!" Rin praised me... "T-This is not my house... this is my Tousan and Kasan''s work result..." I said humbly Erin and Euclio smiled when I said that... We look around the mansion, also, I showed them the throne chamber, and also my armor where I get it from the Dwarven King... and I never used it... "That is made of adamantine..." Euclio told Rin and Erin... "R-Really?! It is a pure adamantine?!" Erin looks interested... And I nodded... Adamantine is the hardest material can be found in nature... also, the most expensive one... It was really expensive, but lately, the price is going down... since the trade from Staviel Kingdom... It is Daigo''s hard work... I haven''t heard any news about him anymore... We were currently in the lobby, where I showed Rin and Erin the armor... then suddenly a carriage come... with the flag of an eagle on the top of the carriage... which is Maxwell''s emblem A soldier open the carriage''s door... and... "T-Tousan?" I called him He looks really tired... "N-Nico?" he said in surprised I come and hug him... "W-What happened?" I asked... Then I see his hand bleed... "N-Nicolas-sama... we should bring Clement-sama to the medical room!" A soldier reminded me "Wait! Hold him tight..." I said And two soldiers carries Tousan... "Holy Magic...." I said And a white spherical light appeared... "Heal!" And the same effect happened, a light shine upon Tousan''s body... and a sparkling of light shines around his body... The wound on his hand close... Tousan then wake up... But he still looks tired... "Thankss Nico..." he said and he closed his eyes... "C-Clement-sama!" a soldier said in panicked... "Don''t worry... he is sleeping..." I said to the panicked soldier... Then we can hear him snores... Just who did this to him... After an hour, I hear another carriage arrived in this mansion... In this mansion, when a carriage enter, the soldier announced about the incoming carriage... "Nate-sama and Nathalia-sama has arrived!" the soldier shouted... I immediately run to the lobby... And a carriage stop moving in the lobby... A soldier open the door of the carriage and Nate and Nathalia comes down from the carriage... And I guess they didn''t expecting me to be here... "N-Nisan?" Nathalia said while looking at me... "Hmm what?" Nate looked at Nathalia... Seeing Nathalia not facing him, Nate direct his view to me... "O-Onisan?!" Nate said in surprised... I just smiled to both of them, but... Nathalian run hugged me... Then Nate as well... The three of us hugging to each other, and when I release their hug... I spotted another person... "E-Ed?" I said "Y-Yeah, Ethan-sama asked me to guard Nate and Nathalia... since Leon and Ethan-sama is in a meeting with the student council..." Ed said... I come toward him and hugged him as well... He is cold as always! Even he knows already that he is my actual brother, but he always act like we are just friends... When I hugged him, he hugged me back... Then I release the hug and patted his head... "Glad you come..." I said "T-That is the order from Ethan-sama..." Ed said with red face... After seeing us, Nathalia gives a comment... "I am pretty sure that if both of you lied about being brother, I will believe it easily..." "Yeah! Both of you sure are look alike!" Nate added... Then Euclio, Rin and Erin came... "Hey Nate! Nathalia! Ed!" Euclio greeted them... "Hello..." Nate and Nathalia in unison... While Ed just smiled... "So... that''s your brother? Both of you sure look alike..." Rin said while get closer to us... "H-Hey Rin! My brother is Nate..." I said while pointing at Nate.... "R-Really?! But both of you look alike..." Rin said to me while looking at Ed closer... Ed, Nate and Nathalia looked confuse... "Ah... both of them are my team in the guild... we are in the same party... this is Rin..." I said while holding both of Rin''s shoulder.... Rin waved his hand with a smile... "And this is Erin... Rin''s sister..." Euclio introduced Erin... "Hello..." Erin said Then, Nate and Nathalia introduced themselves... "I am Nate, Nate Maxwell... nice to meet both of you..." "And I am Nathalia, Nathalia Maxwell, let''s get along!" Then now everyone looked at Ed... "M-My name is Ed..." Ed said nervously... I think he is still blushing a bit after I hug him... you see, I just missed my brother really much... Guess he is not used to it... "Let''s come inside... Kasan is waiting..." I said And they nodded... The seven of us enter the mansion... Rin is sniffing around Ed all the time... and he keep saying... "Both of you smells the same..." Rin said to Ed and I... While Ed ignores Rin... Nate talks with Erin, and as always, Nate is a very sociable person.... He interacts with other immediately Nathalia stick with me and Euclio besides me... We arrived at the dining room and have our dinner with Kasan... While we are eating our dinner... the door suddenly opened... "T-Tousan?!" the three of us in unison... Nate, Nathalia and I And Tousan smiled... I see his hand is okay now... He come toward us and sit next to... Rin... Rin... I hope you don''t do anything stupid... But then, Rin sniffed on Tousan... "You smell like Nate and Nathalia..." Rin said Everyone in the room looked surprised... "R-Rin! That is not poli-" But Tousan laughed... "Of course! Both of them are my son and daughter!" Tousan said to Rin and patted Rin''s head... "So... who are you?" Tousan asked while eating... "My name is Rin!" Rin said And we remain silent... expecting him to tell him more... "H-He is my party member in Sera..." I continued his words... "Wow... that is cool... I hope Nico and Euclio don''t give you any trouble..." Tousan said while looking at Rin... T-Tousan... it is the reverse... "By the way! Nico! I believe you have a new magic to tell..." Tousan said in curious way... "You mean my Holy Magic?" I asked back And Tousan nodded while eating... Nate, Nathalia and Ed looked curious as well... also Kasan... "That is an advance tier of holy magic... a healing magic" I said The healing magic... "W-Wow! That is great! You should change your profession and become a doctor!" Nathalia said "D-Doctor? No... actually, it will be troublesome if a lot of people know about this... so can all of you keep quite about this?" I said Everyone nodded except him... "Tousan?" I called his name... And he let a sigh... "I was about to hold another feast... but okay..." Tousan said A-Another feast?! He is insane! "Oh Tousan! Tell me about the person who attacks you!" Nate said seriously this time... Everyone is looking at Tousan now... "Huh... you see, I think there is someone from the kingdom that want to kill both me and King Ethen..." Tousan said... "Do you have any idea who is it?" I asked And Tousan shook his head... "No, we have no evidence at all..." Tousan said... "How about the assassin''s body?" Nathalia asked... "Burned... struck by lightning..." Tousan said... Everyone looked confused... there is only a small chance of people got struck by thunder... maybe almost impossible... but this time, Tousan survived because of it... But I know who he is... Jeremiel... my real father... Chapter 21 - Navroth We share stories during dinner... And apparently, they already know that I am a Diamond Rank adventurer, I guess the news spread really fast... Also the news about me, defeat Lerrich with my fusion magic, and also, in one hit... I don''t know that the news spread this fast... Also, Tousan talks with Rin a lot... especially about what happened to his tribes... "So, I have heard stories about your tribes, is it true?" Tousan asked Rin... And Rin nodded... "Yeah, only both of us survived... and if I never meets Nico, I would probably have died..." Rin said while looking at me... Then everyone looked at me... I guess I can just smile... "Hmmm so, the reason that Nico can use Healing Magic is because to help you?" Tousan asked Rin... and Rin nodded... Okasan looks really proud of me... We also talks about Nate''s school, and I told him about South Guild... so that they can move to South Guild after they graduate... And also, "All of our party member is strong! Individually, we are strong, also when we are together!" I told them... And my family looks curious... "Really?" Nate said in disbelief I nodded... "Rin is a Master Fighter..."Euclio said And Tousan and Kasan looked at him with surprised... Except Nate, Nathalia and Ed... Ed has been really quite during dinner... also, Tousan keep looking at me and Ed... I bet there is something he has not told us yet... "Fighter?" Nate asked... And Euclio explained... about fighting with fist and technique of fighting in close combat of a Fighter... "And also, he is an Elemental Fighter..." Euclio said And now everyone is staring at Rin with their mouth open... That is my feeling at first... "I bet Nate will lose against him..." I said proudly about my team... And Nate looks a bit offended... and I laughed at him... After having a dinner, Nate challenge Rin in a duel... When Nate challenge him, Euclio and I laughed... Because I know the result already... When the duel start, Rin immediately punch the air creating an air pressure... Even Nate underestimated Rin so much, when Rin about to punch the air, he didn''t move at all since it is awkward to see... like what is he doing? Punching the air? I am not there yet... is he blind? Maybe that thought cross on his mind... And finally he got hit by the air pressure and pushed back and hit the wall... "Nate is out..." Ed said in surprised... Tousan and Kasan looked surprised as well... And now everyone is curious about Erin''s power... But I told them that it is a secret... So they stop questioning... We decided to stay here for a night... I sleep with Euclio as usual, Erin and Rin got a room... while Nate sleeps with Ed... During the night, I am suddenly awakened... And I feel this eerie feeling... There is something coming from outside of our rooms... Then I hear shouted of a soldier from the corridor At once I take my sword... and Euclio is still sleeping... "Ssttt Euclio! Wake up!" I called him while looking at the door... And the door is slowly opened... I see a black clothed man... the same like the assassins that Mera Sect sent to kill me... I unsheathed my sword... But then suddenly, the black cloth around the ninja''s mouth is covered in blood... Then he fall to the floor... And the person behind him is... "Ed?" It is Ed that killed him... "Nico... you should stay alert... there are six other assassins..." Ed warned me and I nodded... I woke Euclio up... and seeing my serious face, and a sword in my hand he wake up easily... After seeing the corpse of the assassins, he took his sword and readied himself... "Let''s check Nathalia''s room..." I said "Don''t worry, Nate went there already..." Ed said "Then, let''s check Rin and Erin..." Euclio sounds worried... The three of us left the room and now we are in the corridor... "It''s dark..." Euclio said... We ignored his words and keep moving forward... until we arrived in front of Rin''s room... And we just realize that the door open... I immediately opened the door and I see nothing... but Erin stood up with her stance... "Emmm Erin?" I called her She faced but nothing... "Yes?" she answered while put her sword back... "What happened?" I asked... "I just take care of 2 assassins..." Erin said in calm voice... But I see no bodies... That doesn''t matter... Euclio looked suspicious about that... "We should wake the other up..." I said And she nodded... We woke Rin up which is still sleeping... "W-What happened?" Rin said loudly... "Ssstttttt" all of us in unison... We walk to my parents room... but... Why the wall here are broken... In the corridor I see some damaged wall... like there was a fight here... I open my parents bedroom and find no one here... The room is dark, but no one inside... then... Ed move toward a wardrobe... He unsheathed his sword... And stabbed the wardrobe... "What are you doing?" I asked Ed... And Ed opened the door of the wardrobe and I see a black clothed man inside it... He is dead already, I see blood flow from his chest... H-How could Ed know? And I just remembered that Ed is a bodyguard... and I believe he receives a lot of education to protect the Ethan... And suddenly, I hear an explosion from the bottom floor... the five of us looked at each other and decided to check downstairs... When we reached downstairs... "W-What in the world is happening!" Euclio said "T-This is..." I can''t continue my words... Blood is everywhere... the guards are all dead... including the maid... "W-What happened?!" Rin sounds afraid and he moved closer to me... I then hear Tousan shouted... "T-Tousan!" I shouted and run toward the voice source... It is inside the throne chamber... I breached the door and I looked at Tousan and Kasan... Tousan is bleeding... and he held his sword I also see Rueger-san... which is bleeding from his stomach... Tousan hold his sword and prepare his stance to attack... Okasan Just what is happening?! "Okasan?" I called her... And she looked at me with bloodlust... "You are still alive?" she said coldly... W-What does it mean by still alive?! "Nico! She is Navroth!" Tousan shouted... And the five of us looked at Kasan... She used her spear... and on her blade, blood flows... "W-What do you mean? S-She is kasan!" I said in afraid... "Of course I am... so.. come here Nico..." Kasan said to me... I can''t move my body... what is this feeling... what happened?! "No! Run!!" Tousan said... and in a second, Kasan charge at Tousan... The blade of Kasan''s spear has reached his neck... "TOUSANNNNN!!" I shouted and suddenly from above... The ceiling above Tousan break and... Someone enter the battle... And deflect the attack... "N-Nate!" I shouted... It is Nate... He used his spear as well... I see he is crying... "What are you doing!" Nate said to kasan... "Me? Do you know who am I?" Mom asked Nate... Nate stays silent "I am the first... and will be the one that rules the entire world... I hope all of you understand why I am doing this..." she said Navroth... My mom is Navroth.... Navroth the tyrant... "Navroth is dead!" Nathalia shouted... She then stepped down from the second floor, from the hole Nate has made... Both of them is standing while defending Tousan... While me... I stood a bit far... "B-Both of you... run away! Find Jeremiel!" Tousan said J-Jeremiel!? He knows already?! Y-You mean!? When he went missing with King Ethen, he told Tousan everything?! Then Kasan laughed... "No...First, I am alive... and Second, Jeremiel is dead already..." Kasan said... "K-Kasan! You can still fix this!" I shouted... Euclio has already prepared his weapon... also Ed, Rin and Erin... And Kasan looked troubled... She pointed her spear to my direction...If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "No turning back, and my goal is the same as 600 years ago... now I will kill all of you, and blame the attack on Qiteron Kingdom and Aerios Kingdom, and so there will be a great war... the beginning of Great War 3!" she said with determination... "Okasan..." I called her... "You are not my son!" Kasan said... And I feel really hurt from what she said... Just, why! "Why!" I shouted And she looked away... and pointed her spear toward Nate and Nathalia... "It is sad, to kill my own blood..." she said to Nate and Nathalia... After I blink my eyes... Kasan was behind Nate already... she use her spear and was about to pierce Nate... but... Rueger stopped her... "Rueger!" Nate shouted... "RUNNN!" Rueger shouted... The seven of us was about to leave the room... but... A wall was created... A wall of earth... Kasan laughed... "You think I didn''t prepare anything? I have already talk with Reudora Kingdom..." she said "Kasan! Stop!" I tried to stop her... I activated all of my magic... ''Create Elements!'' And the whole five spheres were activated... "Or I will harm you!" I said to her... She looked a bit troubled... "Jeremiel''s son... I should have killed you..." she said in a sad way... T-That is hurt Kasan... "For me! You are always be my Kasan! You and Tousan are the one that raises me!" I shouted while crying... And I looked her facing away... I believe that there is a humanity side of Navroth as well... but... "Kasan?" I called her softly... "Shut up!" she shouted... And then I feel the room trembles... Rueger is still holding Kasan''s blade... She pull her spear and give another fatal attack... Kasan then pierced Rueger''s stomach... again... and now he bleed really much... "N-Nico...las...sa-ma..." Rueger looked at me... Then Rueger fall to the ground... Now I cried really hard "RUEGER-SAN!! I use my holy magic and heal Rueger... "Holy Magic! Healll!!" I healed Rueger... A light shine upon him... but nothing happened... "R-Rueger-san!" I shouted and no respond... Nate and Nathalia also Tousan move and come nearby... "Hmmm so you have stick together... it will be easier this way to kill all of you at once..." Kasan said... But then I activated my Fusion Magic... I aimed on her and the blue sphere and brown sphere shines brightly... Then I released my hand... the wood is coming out from it... And hit Kasan... She is now pushed back and disabled... "Stop!" I shouted at her... And she then a red spherical light appears on her head... The trees are now burned... And she walks through the fire and come at us... I healed Tousan at first... "Nico... can you destroy the wall... and run... all of you, I will try my best to delay her..." Tousan said to me... "N-No, I have tried it... it keeps regenerate... the person that cast the magic should be seeing us right now..." "Sorry..." Tousan said to us while still facing Kasan... I feel the sad tone on it... I think he felt responsible about this... Tousan can''t actually fight, it is not his specialty... he is a master in strategy, not a face to face battle... But he still tried his best now... "That''s okay... we will stop her..." Euclio said bravely... He was quite for a long time... but he can move now... Then kasan stopped walking... "Ughh pest keeps coming..." P-Pest?! Coming?! And then the wall behind us break... I looked back... I looked a man comes... A white hair man with his mask... "K-Keito-sensei!" Nate and Nathalia shouted... It is Keito-sensei... "Hah! I never thought that Navroth is marrying my son! Just how dare you!" Keito-sensei said... "Son?!" Tousan looked confused... Also Nathalia... "Fourth! What do you mean!" Tousan asked Keito-sensei released his mask... and... A red eye looks like mine is shown... Nathalia looked at me... I know that she is confuse... "T-Tousan!? You are alive?!" Dad asked And Zerotus looked troubled and hit Tousan''s head... W-What?! He was behind us... but now he is next to Tousan... Even Tousan looked surprised... "Just how stupid you are! Being manipulated by Navroth!" Zerotus said Zerotus then take his sword out of his scabbard... A shiny golden sword... "Go... all of you, all of you has no chance to survive..." Zerotus said to all of us... I nodded and say "Thanks grandpa..." I said and left... the seven of us... We left the throne chamber... "You too clement! You can''t even fight!" Zerotus teased Clement... "Huh... at least let me help you Tousan..." Clement said... Then, Zerotus said.. "Rueger... you can wake up now..." Zerotus said And suddenly Rueger wake up... "Ughh... I am planning to do a surprise attack... you shouldn''t have called me..." Rueger said while standing up... "Huh... you won''t be able to trick her..." Zerotus said... "Have you all finished the discussion?" Navroth said while sitting on the throne... She looks bored... "Oh of course not... you see, it''s been a long time since I talk to my own son!" Zerotus said... And she smiled... Rueger has prepared his stance... "Thanks to Nicolas-sama... my wound is healed..." Rueger said "Nico... he has grown..." Clement said "Of course! And I believe he will be a greater man than you!" Zerotus said to Clement... Navroth stood up from the throne and walk closer... "Just how can you stop the manipulation?" Navroth asked Zerotus... And Zerotus laughed... "That is the pride of Maxwell''s first bloodline... the eyes that see through everything..." Zerotus said And she answers "Hmmm that is something... I should have took Nico''s eye when he is born..." Navroth said... She prepared her spear... "Not that fast!" Zerotus said The three of them has prepare themselves as well... Zerotus the fourth, Rueger the tenth and Tousan the strategist... We were riding June to leave the city... The seven of us... June looked surprised with Nate and Nathalia... But then... "We should ask Leon and Ethan to join us! Or they will be in danger!" Euclio said That is true... they will be used by Navroth if both of them stayed here... We change our destination and head for school... After 2 minutes, we arrived... The guard looked surprised... but then see Nate... "N-Nate-sama!" the guard said But Nate ignores him and run toward the dorm... to call Leon and Ethan... "Hello..." Euclio greeted the guard... "E-Euclio-sama!" the guard looked surprised... "Hey Euclio get down here!" I called him... And the guard look at me in surprise... "N-Nicolas-sama!" he said Euclio and I discussed "Where should we go?" I asked him... "No one else we could trust..." Euclio said... "How about King Ethen?" Ed suggest... "King Ethen? I think he don''t know about thi-" "He knew already..." I cut Euclio''s word... "H-He knew?!" Euclio sounds surprised... Then I direct my view to Nathalia.... She looks mad... "Just tell me what happen?" she said loudly... "N-Nathalia-sama?!" the guard outside said in surprised... Just too much royalty in a carriage... "I-I will... but please wait a little longer..." I told her... "Tell me now!" she said while holding my cloth... "Fine! Fine!" I said and she released her grip... We sat down... and then Leon and Ethan comes with Nate... The three of them enters the carriage and both hugged me and Euclio... They looked happy... "Go June!" I said and she neighed... Everyone looked surprised with June''s intelligence... "Y-You tame a pegasus?!" Leon said in surprised... "No time for that! We should leave directly... let''s stop at the wall and send a messenger to King Ethen..." Euclio suggest... I am now confused... "But why don''t we just go there by ourselves?!" I asked... "It took almost a week, and maybe with June, 3 days... which is not a safe option... there are a lot of possibilities that your Kasan paid for more assassins..." Euclio said... Long journey is not a good option... "Then..." "Sera..." Euclio said.... I nodded... We arrived at the wall around 5 minutes later... And suddenly... a big explosion come from the mansion... The soldiers on the wall looks panicking and about to check the mansion... When they looked at us... they stopped... "N-Nicolas-sama! What happened!?" a guard captain asked me... "No! don''t check the Mansion! My mom is killing everyone!" I said And they showed their disbelief face... "B-But how can Nicole-sama do such thing?" he asked me again... "Just don''t go there! Or you won''t be alive!" Nate warned them and now they looked scared... I give the guard captain a letter... and say... "Give this to King Ethen... make sure it reach to his hand... I don''t mind if you bring hundreds of men to escort this..." I said And he nodded... "Legion one! Deliver this letter!" the guard captain said And a hundred soldiers in unison... "Yes!" They prepared their horse... "Thanks... please stay alive... and I will be going..." I said "Go June!" Rin said and she neighed... The guard captain''s face looked pale... he just realize how serious I am... "Tousan..." Nate said... he looked really worried... I sit next to Nate... we are currently on the first floor... Euclio, Rin, Erin and Leon is on the second floor of the carriage... "Don''t worry... Keito-sensei is with them..." I said to calm him down... "Can you tell me what happened?" Nathalia asked... I looked at her... then I looked at back to Nate... also, I looked at Ed... And Ed nodded... "Who is Keito-sensei? Why does he has the same eyes like you?" Nathalia asked me... She looks really confuse now... "He is our grandpa..." I said After saying that, she remains silent "And do you heard what Tousan said? About Jeremiel?" I asked... Nathalia nodded... "He is actually my real Tousan..." I said while facing Nate and I put my arms around his shoulder... It is to calm him down... I know that he hate the fact that I am not his real brother... "Y-You mean, we are not siblings?!" Nathalia asked... And I shook my head... "We are actually related... both of you are my cousins... and my actual brother is actually..." I looked at Ed... Then Nathalia and Ethan looked at Ed as well... Nathalia stood up and left to the second floor... I bet she is hurt as well... "I''m sorry Nate..." I said to him... "No... that''s okay... I bet it is hard for you too Nisan... in fact you are in the worst situation..." Nate said I looked at Nate in surprised... he has grown up... "Thanks" I said while putting my forehead to his... He looked at me and smile... and so does I... I then stand up... and... "Ethan... Ed... you should tell the other about this as well... since Euclio haven''t knew about this as well..." I said Both nodded... I went upstairs.., I plan to talk to Nathalia... I looked upstairs and saw her sit on the edge of the carriage seeing the scenery, while June run as fast as she can... "Can I have a moment with Nathalia alone?" I said to the other, and everyone nodded... They all went downstairs and only both Nathalia and I on the second floor... I walked toward her and sit next to her... "You see... in my previous life... I have a little sister..." I said and start a story... Nathalia stopped crying and hear my story... "I always wanted to make her proud of her brother, but until one day..." I said "During a rainy day, our parents were out for bussiness..." I continued But Nathalia looked at me with surprised reaction... "R-Rey-nisan?" Nathalia said Rey!? T-That is my name! in previous world... H-How could she know!? Or maybe!? She looked at me with teary eyes... "L-Lily?!" I said and she burst to tear... She hugged me also I hugged her... "I''m really sorry!!" I said to her... I cried really loud... Even the people below us might hear... After a few minutes, we can control our cry... "I-I am really sorry... about-" Before I finish my words she put her finger on my lips... "T-That''s okay... at least we are together now..." Nathalia said "Y-Yeah, I''m sorry still... I am such a useless brother..." I said while facing away... But then she hugged me... She is my sister from the previous world... "You are my best Nisan! And always be my nisan!" Nathalia said "And you are my Imouto!" I said and hugged her... After we relax a bit... "So... reincarnation... that is real..." she said... "Yeah, it is" I said "I thought I got a perfect family... until today happens..." Nathalia said sadly... Kasan... She always treated me like her own child... but now... just what have happened... I think that is not the real Kasan... maybe she is being manipulated?! Is there anyway to bring her back... "Nisan... you are thinking really hard right now aren''t you?" she asked me... "H-How do you know... I am just thinking to change mom back..." I said... "Navroth is alive huh? I never thought that Kasan is Navroth..." she said I explained everything for her since the beginning... the first meeting with Keito-sensei, and also King Ethen... Also about Navroth winning the Great War 2... "Hmmm... you know this much but you never told me anything?!" she looks angry... "I-I''m sorry..." I said while facing downward... Looking me feeling regret, she laughed... "That''s okay nisan... just tell me everything from now on!" Nathalia said to me... And I nodded... "Promise?" she asked me while showing her pinkie... "Yeah" I said and I hold her pinkie with my pinkie... "That is a promise..." I said And she smiled... "I got killed and I got a new life, then I know my mom is the worst criminal in the world and also knows that my brother is actually not my real brother but my real brother from other world..." she said without taking any breath... I looked at her speechlessly... "T-That is a hard life..." I said while laughing... "Yeah it is!" she laughed as well... After both of us take a long time upstairs, we decided to go downstairs... The two of us went downstairs and met with the other... Rin looked at me... "I know right! Both of you smelled the same!" Rin said to me... He is saying that Ed and I smelled the same... But then he got a hit from Erin... "Awww!" Rin shouted in pain... "I''m sorry Nicolas... and Nathalia..." Erin apologized Erin thought that Rin disturbed Nathalia and I... Then Nathalia looked surprised... "N-No that''s okay, we are fine already..." Nathalia said... Then Nate hugged Nathalia "Are you okay?" Nate asked her... "Yes I am... and you?" Nathalia asked Nate... "Yeah I am..." Nate said while wiping his tears... This must be hard for them... Also for me... Then both of them looked at me... and Ed... "Hmmm? Both of you sure are cold?" Nate said to Ed and I while laughing... "W-What do you mean?" I asked... "Both of you are brothers... and both of you looks like a normal friend... just go and hug each other..." Nate teased me... Ughh this Nate.... Now everyone looked at me... S-Should I really hug Ed in front of the other... I looked at Ed and his face is red as ever... "E-Ed! Are you okay?!" I said in panicked... "W-What? I''m okay! Y-You don''t have to hug me..." Ed said while not looking at me... Awww he is so cute... And in reflect I hugged him... "Of course... we are a family..." I said to him And his body is shaking... I think he is crying... "O-Okay..." he said while crying... He hugged me back... Ed is always alone... and Jeremiel-Tousan left him under King Ethen''s care... Ed was raised without any family name, while his real name is Edmund Maxwell... He was raised as a bodyguard by King Ethen... as a disguise... also he was taught swordsmanship and witchcraft for self defense Today is a hard day... After half an hour... The sun has not risen... and the journey is still pretty far... Ed, Nate and Nathalia slept together with the blanket I bought in the market... They slept on the first floor with Rin and Erin as well... On the second floor, there are Leon, Ethan, Euclio and I.... "It must be really hard for you..." Euclio said to me... "Yeah... sorry for not telling you about Ed..." I said to Euclio... Euclio didn''t know about me being Ed''s real brother, since Ed want it to be a secret... "I don''t mind... people will have their own personal problem that they can''t share..." Euclio said Euclio is really an understanding person... "Thanks..." I said "Still, I am not surprised to know that both of you are brother..." Ethan said "And so do I... I just have this feeling already when seeing both of you and Ed..." Leon said Are we really that look alike? "Leon... Ethan... Euclio... don''t you think the three of you should return to your own kingdom?" I asked them... And the three of them remained silent "N-No I don''t mean to force you to leave but..." "You actually thought about us aren''t you?" Euclio said and cut me off... I nodded... If there is a war, then it will be really troublesome for every of us... since the three of them comes from different kingdom and they have high role in their kingdom... "Navroth planned to accuse Aerios and Qiteron Kingdom... for my Tousan''s death..." I said "Nope... if Clement-dono is defeated..." Euclio said "Y-Yeah, that is true..." I said Yeah, I shouldn''t be thinking negatively Keito-sensei is with them... also, I have healed Rueger... The three of them should be enough... Keito-sensei is a really powerful person... But the fourth facing the first... it would be troublesome... After a few hours we arrived at Sera... When the gatekeeper seen us, he immediately opened the gate to let us through... Also, when we arrived... a lot of people looks happy... "The guardian of South Sera Is back!" some people said... Nate looked at me unbelievably, he knew that most of people hated me, but since we enter this city, I receive no badmouthing but praises... We decided to went straight to Seraviel, which is Lerrich Ezate''s estate... and somehow, without any checking or even any appointment, the guard let us through... And now we are in the field of flowers... "Wow..." Ethan said "This place is beautiful..." Leon said... "I hope flower can be planted underwater..." Euclio said and I laughed... Euclio live in Ocean Kingdom, which is a kingdom underneath the water surface... So, no flower... but seaweeds and corals... But I believe corals are a lot beatiful than flowers... We arrived in front of the mansion after few minutes... The soldier in front of the mansion told us to wait, and Lerrich is being told about my presence... After Lerrich knew, he himself come and greet us... "Nicolas-dono... also now, Nate-dono... Nathalia-dono... what can I help you?" Lerrich said Nate and Nathalia never seen him... So they introduced themselves and after they do so, we talked about what have happened... I told him about the fight that happen last night and I can see his disbelief face... "Navroth? She has died already a hundred years ago..." Lerrich said But seeing our serious face, he then reconsider about it... "Okay, you can take shelter in this city... but if this Navroth come and attack this city, it will be over... and you are the reason for Navroth herself to attack this city..." Lerrich said Ummm is it an okay or a no... "So, is it an okay or a no?" Ed asked... "And who are you?" Lerrich asked... "I am Ed..." Ed said But I stopped him... "He is Edmund Maxwell... my brother..." I said Lerrich sounds surprised... "You have another brother?" he asked... "It is a long story... but more importantly, I don''t want to trouble you..." I said Then Euclio asked me... "Then, what are you going to do?" I shook my head... And then silence rules us... "H-How about my son?" Lerrich asked... And again silence... Fredrich.... He is still in the school... Then a soldier come... "L-Lerrich-sama! Bad news!" the soldier said while kneeling... "What is it?" Lerrich asked but still staring at me... "Maxwell Family changes their leader..." the soldier said "What do you mean?" Lerrich asked... "C-Clement-sama is... dead..." the soldier said... while still facing downward... The atmosphere suddenly turn to be heavy... I see Nate face downward... also Nathalia, she return to June... And without realizing... I''m crying... the tears flow through my face... Tousan... TOUSAN! He is the man that always support me... and teased me all the time... But he is my real dad! The father who protects his child... and raised me... Just who is Jeremiel! Where is he?! Such a useless person! Watching his brother death from the sky?! "Then, who is Maxwell next head family?" Lerrich asked... The soldier look at me... "I-It is Nicolas Maxwell..." the soldier said... And suddenly Lerrich prepared his stance against me... He pulled his spear from his back... Also soldiers keep coming out of nowhere and now we are surrounded... "W-Wait what?!" I asked Lerrich... "You... You kill your own Dad to take his position?!" Lerrich sounds mad... "W-What?! No!" I said to defend myself... "Then, you seek for my protection... while you are actually the head of the family... just what is the meaning of this?" Lerrich asked me with high voice... "N-No... it is true! My Kasan is Navroth!" I said "Nonsense!" Lerrich shouted... Euclio, Leon, Nate, Ethan, Erin, Rin, Ed and Nathalia prepared themselves... "Hey! What is this sudden changes of treatment!" Euclio said... "Of course! This boy here killed his own Dad to take his throne!" Lerrich said... "No I''m not! It is her plan to separate us!" I said And Lerrich pull his spear after he pointed at me... "Go... and never return..." Lerrich said in the saddest face... "W-Wai-" Euclio said "Now!" Lerrich shouted... and cut Euclio''s word... All of us immediately enter the carriage... And only I left... I give him a bow... "Thanks for everything" I said and left... He looked at me with sadest face... Chapter 22 - Clearance As soon as I left Seraviel, we headed to my house... which is in the Forest of South Sera... I take everything I have... like books... I took every books in the library, then we headed to the adventure guild... Rin and Erin stay behind, to watch the carriage, while the rest of us enter the adventure guild... Everyone looked at me with happy face... "Yo Nicolas! Welcome back!" "Hey the Diamond Party has return!" "Wow... now he has more friends!" "T-They look like nobles..." And Nate and Nathalia looked at me in surprised "Surprisingly, you made a lot of friends... Nisan..." Nathalia said "Yeah, that''t good for you!" Nate said The people of Sera are very supportive toward me, unlike Auxem... I feel like home when I arrived in this guild... And I met Petra... and she looks sad... "You knew?" I asked her... And she nodded... "From Lerrich-sama..." Petra said... Then, seeing us looked down, the other adventurer become silent... "Then, I will leave this city... and..." I said and take off my diamond necklace... "I quit as an adventurer..." I said And now everyone is still in quite... I give the necklace to Petra''s hand... and she took it.... I left the guild... but someone stopped me... "W-What happened?!" Rick asked me... He block my way out... Rick then looked at Leon... "L-Leon-sama!" Rick suddenly bow... "Stand up please... we are about to go... tell Nico what you want to say, since we will go for quite a long time..." Leon said to Rick And Rick faced me... "I''m sorry Rick... but Lerrich Ezate has exiled me from the city..." I said Rick''s face looks sad... "I-I see..." Rick said Then both of us remain silent... "Remember the rule... and survive!" I said while holding his shoulder... It looks like I''m the old man giving a boy an advice, while actually I am younger than him... But he nodded... I left Rick and look at my carriage... and guards has surrounds my carriage, and about to drive us out from the city... All of us enter the carriage... and the adventurer from inside the guild, including Petra, Miel and Elly come out to say farewell... "I heard that he killed his own Dad..." "Really? He did that?" "Yeah, his Dad is the Archduke, it is said that he want to take the position as the head family..." Then the carriage starts moving... I only heard badmouthing about me... which is I don''t really care... "Nicolas! I believe that you are not that kind of person!" Miel shouted and waved her hand... Everyone looked at her... and she then suddenly blushed... I know that she is a shyly girl, but she shouts for me... it takes a lot of courage... "Thank you Miel!" I shouted and waved my hand back on her from the second floor... Then suddenly, the badmouthing people changes... "But he is Nico... I know he won''t do something like that..." "Yeah! He always been the kindest and the strongest..." "Byeee! We will always accept you here!" Rick shouted... And I still waved my hand... "All of you! Stay alive!" I shouted... I know that adventurer is the most risky job in this world... and has a high rate of death... All of them waved their hand on us... At least, my last impression is not bad, after we are far enough from the guild I return to my seat on the second floor... There are no seat but I sit on the floor... "So... where are we going?" I asked Euclio... "Let''s head for... Before Euclio finished his word... the carriage suddenly stops moving... I look at what is in front of June... and it is Lerrich with his horse... I get down from carriage and stood in front of him... Lerrich get down from his horse and suddenly... he come closer to me... and whispered... "When you leave the city, there will be one of my men has been waiting for you... he will ride a horse when you left and will lead you to the safe house..." Lerrich said... Then he move further from me and ride his horse back... I enter my carriage and told everyone about his words... "I know it! Lerrich is not the kind of person that drive out people without knowing what''s going on" Euclio said happily... "So... we are going to follow that man''s word?" Leon asked "This could be a trap..." Ethan said... Rin looked at me... "What is it Rin?" I asked And everyone looked at Rin... "I think we can believe him... I don''t feel his bad intention at all..." Rin said Now, everyone looked surprised... "H-How can you tell?" I asked him "Rin has one of the best instincts in the whole Beastman Continent... so we can believe in Rin..." Erin said to help Rin... Beastman Race unique skill... It is called as instinct... of course, human do have instinct, but Beastman Race''s instinct is in the different level... Erin told me that, the young Beastman race could reach until Master Tier with a short time, because they use their instinct in fighting... Like Rin, and he is said that he reached Master Tier only in a year.... While I am stuck in Advance Tier for 5 years already... Now everyone looked at me... Why it should be me who decide? I looked at Euclio... and he nodded... I let a sigh "Okay, let''s follow what Lerrich said, but we need to stay alert..." I said So, we decided to follow RIn''s instinct... When we see the wall, the gatekeeper lifted up the gate and let us pass through... And it is true... We see a man riding horse after we passed the gate... "June... follow him..." Euclio said to June... And June neighed... We follow the man, and he bring us around the perimeter of the wall... and, there is a gate that is made of the same material of the wall... which is making hard to see, like a camouflage... The gate opened and there is a path inside the wall... The man on the horse come inside the gate, and we followed him... "This is sketchy..." Nate said He has readied his spear... For around 5 minutes, it''s been only single path, and some torches to light up the way... until finally we see a light.... The man that guided us stopped in front of the light Before we left the long corridor, we stop behind the man... The light that I saw before is covered by water... The man that guided us come to our carriage... I get down from the carriage and he spoke... "I am Lieve, one of the Knight of Sera, which is the special unit that created by Lerrich-sama..." he said to me... I have heard about the Knight of Sera, it is said that they are ten times stronger than normal soldier, and it is believed that they are almost on the same level with Lerrich himself... the twenty Knight of Sera "What is your number?" I asked to the man in armor... "I am number twelve..." he said "Okay so, where are we?" Euclio changes the topic... Lieve looked at Euclio which is inside the carriage... "We are inside the waterfall, the waterfall that lead to the river next to your house..." Lieve said... A voice inside the carriage... "I-Inside the waterfall?!" Leon sounds amazed... "Wow! That''s cool!" Nate said And I face back to Lieve... "So, why Lerrich-dono want me to stay in Sera?" I asked him He looked back at me... "It is to distract the attention of Navroth, and to make this city safe..." Lieve said "So, there are spies from Maxwell in Sera?" Euclio asked And Lieve nodded... "That is a sharp thought, and it is true..." Lieve smiled on Euclio... Lieve is around in his 30s, and he looked reliable... "Then, what should we do now?" I asked Lieve... "I believe Lerrich-sama is waiting for you inside your house, please use this..." Lieve then get back to his horse and take tens of black cloak... "Please wear this, to hide your identity, but it should be clear already, just for precaution..." Lieve said I nodded... And I take the whole cloak and distribute it to the other... "And one last thing..." Lieve said Then he looked at June... "June?" I asked And he nodded... "You must leave June..." Lieve said "W-What?!" I said and about to refuse... "Yes, you can leave her or set her free for a while... I believe you can speak to her right?" Lieve asked... "B-But..." Then someone hold my shoulder... "Euclio..." I said with low voice "Don''t worry, June is smart... she can find us anywhere we go..." Euclio said with optimism... I look at June... and she knew already that we are about to leave her... I come toward June and put my hand on her face... "June... I am sorry, but you have to leave us..." I said to her sadly... She neighed... "She said, why are you so sad? She will be watching us from the sky! Like she always did!" Rin translated... I then patted her...This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. "Thanks..." I said Then we decided to let her free... I release her from the mount and she flapped her wings... "W-Wow!" Leon said I just remembered that he is one of the Tensei Sect... Then she neighed once more before she left... "She said that I will be back!" Rin translated... And she jumped and fly passing the water flow of the waterfall... "Bye June..." I said in low voice... "Don''t worry!" Euclio said while put his arm around my shoulder... "We will meet her soon... I believe that!" Euclio continues... And I nodded... "Then, let''s go..." Lieve said We use the cloak and prepare ourselves... We followed Lieve and after we passed the water, we are inside the forest... the forest where I live... "Wow... this is so cool..." Nate said After around ten minutes, we can see our house... The house is guarded by the Knight of Sera... Knight has different armor than normal soldier, they use white armor... "Welcome... Lerrich-sama is waiting..." one of the Knight said And I nodded... We walk toward the house and enter... I can see Lerrich lying on the sofa... "Ah! Finally!" Lerrich said after hearing the door has been open... "L-Lerrich-dono!" I said He stood up and hugged me... "I am sorry for my rude action previously..." Lerrich said "N-No don''t worry, I believe that you are not that kind of person as well..." I said "I am grateful to have earn your trust..." Lerrich said All of us sit on the sofa, and some of us sit on the stairs... since the sofa is full... "You see, about Navroth..." Lerrich opened the conversation... All of us listened to him carefully... "I believe in you..." Lerrich said And everyone let a sigh... we are relieved a bit... "T-Thanks you..." I said "And about Clement-dono..." Lerrich continues... And all of us showed a sad reaction... "W-Wait... don''t get down easily... it is good news..." Lerrich said Now, all of us stared at him... and he looked a bit nervous... "His body hasn''t been found yet... so it means, that there is a chance of him of being alive..." Lerrich explained Nate and Nathalia looked relieved... "T-Thank you for your information Lerrich-dono... I can''t thank you more..." I said with respectful... "Please, I owe a lot to you... since you came to this city, people keep coming... and stayed in South Sera... now the city is livelier than ever..." Lerrich said with a smile... D-Did I bring a really big impact? "But also, you should be staying here for a while... I can''t let you leave this house until the order from the King..." Lerrich said whie looking at Ethan... "I-I see... we have sent a letter to King Ethen when we left Auxem... I believe he will be arrived in this place in one or two weeks..." I said And he looked surprised... "Wow... you sure think fast for a kid..." Lerrich said while laughing... "Then... it will be my job to see what happened in Auxem..." Lerrich stood up... Now, I feel really bad for forgetting Fredrich... Lerrich''s son... "I-I am sor-" Before I finished my sentence, he raised his hand "No... it''s not your fault... I know that you are in a great loss as well... I will find the truth about this case, all of you will stay here... and wait for King Ethen..." Lerrich said and left the room... After a while, I hear a carriage sounds and then gone... "So... this Lerrich seems to be a good man..." Leon evaluated... And Ethan let a sigh... "He is the Grand Duke, I guess he is indeed reliable... unlike the other Grand Duke..." Ethan said In Perius Kingdom, there is only one Archduke, which is my Dad... two Grand Duke, which is lower than Archduke, Lerrich Ezate and Mikhael Klorze... The Klorze Family owns Pantea, which is a city on the east... while Ezate family owns Sera... Sera is one of the closest cities to Auxem, while the closest one is Haven... But of course, I never went to Haven... "Nico... what can we do here?" Ed asked me... "Call me with ''Ni-san''" I said while acting like a boss... His face turns red in an instant... And everyone laughed... "N-Nisan..." Ed said shyly "Everything you want! This house is pretty big! I have thought about this place could fit with all of you!" I said Euclio nodded as well... "Can we practice?" Nate asked... Ah, I should have asked permission from Lerrich... I look through the door''s window and I see Lieve is guarding the door... I knock the door and he looked at me... Since I don''t want to open the door immediately and makes him panic... Then I slowly open the door... "What is it Nicolas-sama?" Lieve asked... "Oh, you can call me Nicolas..." I said And I lift my hand... He then lift his hand... "Call me Lieve..." he said "Can we practice on our yard?" I asked He then give a thought... "Sure... but maybe starts from tomorrow..." Lieve said "Great! That is not a problem... thanks Lieve!" I said "Tell me if you have more request!" Lieve said with a smile... I give a thumb and close the door... "We could do it for tomorrow..." I said And everyone showed their happy face... I showed them the room for each of them... Euclio and I will sleep on a room on the second floor, also with Rin and Erin but different room.... On the third floor, we have a single room for Nathalia and a double room for Nate and Leon... still, as close as ever... And on the fourth floor, we got a big room for Ethan alone... Ed said that he wants to sleep on the sofa on the fourth floor... Which is the sofa near the library... The library is actually pretty comfy... there are 3 big shelves... and three big sofas... the ceiling is a bit low but that''s make you feel secure... We got our food delivered by the Knight... I ordered some steak from the steak restaurant... and it still taste good... "I miss Monica..." is what comes out from Rin''s mouth when he eats the steak... When it times to practice... Nate always paired up with Leon, while Ed and Ethan, Rin practices with Euclio, both have the same strength, if Euclio uses his dual sword technique... And of course... no [Elemental Fighting Magic]... While I practice with Erin and Nathalia... with Nathalia being our teacher... since she is in the higher level... These routines keep continues... I sometimes read some books in the library, and accompanied by Ed... Ed loves reading as well... And sometimes I enter Nathalia''s room and have some chit chat about the previous world... "I miss curry!" is what Nathalia always said... Unfortunately, no curry in this world... or maybe we haven''t found it yet... Every day, I read the newspaper with Ed... The knight delivers it to us daily... "Maxwell family has no successor... Nicolas Maxwell went missing!" Ed read the news... And I let a sigh... "Any news about Clement Maxwell?" I asked and he shook his head... "But there is a news about Sky Kingdom..." Ed looked interested... "You are interested with that?" I asked him And he nodded "Have you ever heard anything about our Tousan?" I asked Ed... and then he shook his head again... "I just, don''t like our Dad..." I said Then Ed looked confuse... "Why?" he asked with unsatisfied face... If Tousan were there! Clement-tousan will be here with us now! "N-Nisan... you might break the book..." Edmund said to me... "Ah... sorry..." I said And I put the book back to its place, which is on the shelf... "It is just... he didn''t help us back in the mansion..." I said "But he might be busy somewhere else right?" Ed defended Tousan... "Y-Yeah... you are right..." I said uninterestedly And Ed looked confused... "You know something about Tousan right?" Ed asked me with his troubled face... "Tell me!" Ed said to me in serious face... Should I told him about Tousan''s whereabouts Tousan is controlling the sky... He sees everything... "You see... he is actually..." I said hanging my story... Ed looked at me seriously... "He is the King of a new Kingdom..." I said And he looked at me with troubled face... "You are joking right?" he asked me with unsatisfied face "That is true..." I said while searching for other books to read... "Then! Which Kingdom? Reudora? Or Elven? Or Dwarven?" Ed asked me... I let a sigh... "Sky Kingdom..." I said Then he remains silent... That is like a dream isn''t it... For Ed, it is like a dream... He thought that he is a bodyguard, but then he is actually a son of a noble... and when he found out about it... his father is not a normal noble... but a king... and not an ordinary king... but the king of Sky Kingdom... "Y-You okay?!" I asked Ed in worried... He remains silent too long... "N-No... since I met you, everything comes in surprise..." Ed said I think everyone keep saying that... He looks quite satisfied with my answer... I let a sigh... "Let''s sleep..." I said "H-Huh? It''s 2 PM?!" Ed looked surprised... "Is it? Then let''s take a nap..." I said and I sleep on the sofa... I really have nothing to do... and I really want to meet with Rick and even Petra... or maybe the kind receptionist... who is it? Miel I think... Also... Monica... and more people... Time passes by and finally... after two weeks... We were on our living room... A carriage... the royalty carriage... I then see the Perius''s Family emblem... Shape of a horse... "They are here!" I said I was the one that checked it out... since I am the most bored one here... Everyone prepared themselves... The door then opened by Lieve... I see King Ethen come... "Tousan!" Ethan shouted and jumped toward him... King Ethen catched him and... "Woah! My son! I am grateful that you are okay!" King Ethen said while hugging him... Then after a few moment... King Ethen put Ethan back on the floor... and come toward us... He sit on the sofa... I also see Lerrich come inside... "How''s your son?" I asked Lerrich And he gives a smile... "He is okay, and now he is safe in Seraviel... thanks for worrying..." Lerrich said "I-I see..." I said Lerrich enter and he sit on the sofa as well... Ethan sit next to King Ethen... while I sit on a chair... Next to me, is Euclio... It is the chair I took from the kitchen... This place is a bit small for all of us... but King Ethen don''t mind it... "So... about Auxem..." King Ethen started the conversation... "We haven''t received any news about your grandpa, dad nor Rueger..." King Ethen said And all of us looked downward... "How about Auxem''s activity?" Euclio asked... "They have Nicole to maintain Auxem..." King Ethen said... Nicole... Okasan.... "And did Navroth make any significant move?" Nate asked Nate looks... angry.... He didn''t call her by Kasan anymore... but using the tyrant name... "Is she really Navroth?" Someone asked... We looked at him... It is Lerrich... He still doesn''t believe it... "King Ethen, maybe you can lend him your halberd..." Euclio said And King Ethen nodded... He gave the halberd to Lerrich... And Lerrich looked confused... "Hold this for me..." King Ethen said Lerrich hold the Legendary Halberd... and close his eyes... Then he suddenly remains silent... And he gripped the halberd realy strong... After a while he opened his eyes... and looked at me... "Y-You are Jeremiel''s son!" Lerrich said And I am confused... "You knew?" I asked Lerrich nodded... "Yes, I was on my way toward Auxem that day... I was invited by Jeremiel for your birth... but then suddenly I forgot about my purpose..." Lerrich said then he faced downward... Lerrich then looked at King Ethen... "E-Ethen-sama... just what have happened?" Lerrich asked King Ethen... "You were being manipulated..." King Ethen said King Ethen then explained everything that has happened... He found everyone is acting weird when people saw Jeremiel is not allowed to enter the caste in Epius... like no one recognized him... But Jeremiel told King Ethen about what is happening... About Nicole... being Navroth... But King Ethen didn''t trust that... since Nicole is a kind woman... But King Ethen told Tousan... during the day I thought Tousan was missing... King Ethen was actually telling Tousan the truth... and told him about Nicole was suspected by Jeremiel as Navroth... "Then, there is a chance that your Tousan is telling your Kasan about it... and that is why your mansion was attacked..." King Ethen said in conclusion... Euclio nodded and looks agreed... All of us remains quite... "Reudora activity is really high... they were in preparation of war..." King Ethen said "Then... I will prepa-" Before Lerrich finished his sentences... "No... you will keep watching Auxem''s movement... let Klorze and Avom family help me with Reudora Kingdom..." King Ethen said Lerrich nodded... Klorze is the other Grand Duke, and Avom is Noc Avom''s family... my senior... the one that can use up to three elements... "Reudora Kingdom have less than 2 million soldiers... while Perius Kingdom has almost 5 million power..." King Ethen said "B-By the way, I heard Navroth said that she received help from Reudora Kingdom..." Nathalia said King Ethen and Lerrich heard Nathalia and give a thought... "Then, you shouldn''t count your army in Auxem, since it is in the hand of Nicole... and also the army in Sera..." Euclio said to King Ethen The military of Sera will be used to watch Auxem''s movement... King Ethen nodded in agreement... "Then we only have 3 million power..." King Ethen said "Have you asked for help from Qiteron Kingdom?" Euclio asked... And King Ethen nodded... "We just send them a letter... it would probably take a whole week..." King Ethen said "If you got the help from my Tousan, then it will help you a lot..." Euclio said King Ethen nodded... Qiteron Kingdom... the current strongest kingdom... they have around 6 million troops... "Also, Aerios Kingdom?" Leon asked And King Ethen nodded as well... "Yep, but it will take longer... maybe around two weeks for the letter to reach your Tousan..." King Ethen said Aerios Kingdom... or the Dragon Kingdom... they have 5 million troops... also they have the best fleet in the entire world... If Dragon Kingdom help us, it will be easier for us... "How about Staviel Kingdom?" Nathalia asked... Then all of us looked at her... King Ethen looked surprised with her thought... "N-Not yet... but that is a good idea..." King Ethen said and praised her... All of us surprised with her... but I am not... I know that Nathalia is a smart girl... even from the previous world she always better than me in education... Staviel Kingdom is not that powerful but they have around 3 million powers... Then King Ethen write it on his note... King Ethen then looked at all of us... After observing he decided... "We will declare war on Navroth at once... I will announce that the current Maxwell family is Nicole, the one that kill Clement!" King Ethen said while gripping his hand... All of us remains silent... "Is it a good thing?" Ed asked... Everyone now looked at Ed... "Ummm I mean, we have to take Auxem... which mean, we have to kill innocent people too..." Ed said That is true! How about the people inside the school... like Santa... King Ethen give a thought... "How about just a small elite team?" Euclio suggested Elite team? "So, you mean we surround the mansion only?" Lerrich asked "Yeah, it is an assassination..." Euclio said while thinking Everyone remains silent... But Nate breaks it... "But she is too strong... I mean, even with fourth and tenth... also Tousan... they lost..." Nate said it with sad face... Of course... Kasan is really strong... That is why Rueger told me that she is stronger than him... Okasan is the first... while Rueger is tenth... "Then, we have to find Rueger, Zerotus and your Tousan back..." King Ethen said and stood up... Nate and Nathalia immediately stood up Both of them looked at King Ethen seriously... "Y-You mean?" "All of them are still alive... but for sure, tenth and fourth are still alive..." King Ethen said He looked so sure... "How do you know?" Nate asked Every single eye are on King Ethen... "It''s easy... if you look at the monument of strongest people... you will see their name is still written on it..." King Ethen explained... "But... Tousan?" Nathalia asked... And King Ethen shook his head... "There is no guarantee that Clement is still alive... but all I know is that his Dad won''t leave him... so if Zerotus alive... I believe Clement is alive..." King Ethen said And Lerrich nodded... There is no guarantee but that is enough to make Nathalia and Nate stronger.... They were down for this whole week, but hearing about the news that there is a possibility that Tousan is alive... now they are back... "Then, I will send my man to search for your Dad... Tenth, and Fourth..." King Ethen said while leaving... King Ethen was about to leave with Lerrich and Ethan... "W-Wait!" I shouted... I hold his cape... Then he looked back at me... "Y-You! T-That is impo-" "What is it?" King Ethen asked while smiling... King Ethen cut Lerrich''s word... And I immediately release my grip on his cape... "C-Can I join the rescue team?" I asked King Ethen... King Ethen still keep his smile... "I know that you are going to say that..." King Ethen said "S-So you mean I can join?" I asked back But King Ethen shook his head... "I''m sorry, but all of you are an important person... I can''t risk you all..." King Ethen said "Don''t treat us like a child!" Nate said and stood up He looks mad... King Ethen look surprised with Nate... Everyone looks surprised... not only King Ethen.... "N-Nate... calm down..." I said "Nisan! He is not your real dad! So you won''t understand!" Nate said to me in angry tone... T-That''s not true... Even we are not blood related I still love him as my real Dad also to Nate... My rage is blowing up... and I punch Nate on his face... Nate fell down... He then looked at me confusedly... "Although you are not my real brother! I will search for you as well even if it will risk my life!" I tell at him in front of his face... He then faced down... I look back at King Ethen... and he looked like an idiot... Not only him, but everyone else... "I will find my Tousan, I know that he is not my blood related Tousan, but he is the one that raised me until today... even he wants me to become the next head of the house... I know that he is manipulated... but I feel that his love to me is real! As a son and a father!" I said in front of King Ethen... He then smile and look above... "Clement... you sure have raised two good sons..." King Ethen mumble... But Nicolas can''t hear it clearly "What?" Nicolas asked... "Nothing! I will give you my answer later... and also, for now, we will declare war against Maxwell... but we won''t attack yet... so we could give a chance for the people to leave... and also, I will clear your name from the murderer... I believe that you are a good boy..." King Ethen said while patting my head King Ethen looks really happy... He then left with Lerrich as well... "B-Bye everyone" Ethan said and he left as well Now we have to stay at this house again... I look back and see Nate is going upstairs... I let him go... Then I hear a hard slam of a door... "T-That is a bit harsh Nico..." Euclio said to me... I did hit him really hard... "Yeah, I guess I hit him too hard..." I said Then Nathalia stood up... She is going upstairs as well... "You words are true... it''s just hard for Nate-nisan to accept..." Nathalia said while moving upstairs... I guess she enters Nate''s room... "Hmmm I guess I will accompany Nate as well..." Leon said and left... Euclio, Ed, Erin, Rin and I left... "I believe that is your first fight with your brother" Erin said And I give a thought... Can I really call it a fight? "To be more precise, that is the first time I punch him..." I said "But personally, what you said is the truth... I think Nate just need his own time alone..." Euclio said "Yeah, also, your name will be cleared soon by King Ethen! We could visit the steak restaurant soon!" Rin said happily... "I miss it too!" Euclio changed the topic The five of us take a sit in the living room... After several hours, Euclio, Rin and Erin sleep soundly... Ed and I decided to read in the library... When we reached the fourth floor, I lay myself on the sofa... I let a sigh... "What''s wrong?" Ed asked me... He is picking a book from the shelf and sit on the sofa opposite of my direction... "It''s just... I hope I didn''t go too far..." I said Punching him maybe is a bad move... Ed then laughed... "W-What''s wrong?" I asked He stopped laughing and said "If you keep worrying, the problem won''t be solved by itself..." Ed said Then he stood up... "Both of you should have a talk..." Ed said and left me alone... "W-Where are you go-" Before I finished my word, I see Nate behind my sofa... When Ed about to leave... he was stopped by Nate... "That''s okay... It''s a brother to brother talk... you can join us..." Nate said while stopping Ed... "You sure?" Ed asked Nate And Nate nodded... Ed sit next to me, while Nate sit in front of me... "So..." I said... "I am sorry..." Nate said "Yeah, me too... I shouldn''t have hit you..." I said "N-No... that actually makes me think clearer... I was thinking only for myself... and I am out of control... sorry..." Nate said to me... He faced downward... "You see, I told you right, that we are brothers! I wanted to save Tousan as well..." I said to him Nate faced me... "And I believe that he is alive... I will find him! I promise!" I said "You promise?" Nate asked me And I nodded... "Yeah I promise..." I said Nate looks a bit calm now... After both of us resolve our problems, we heard a knock... And it is Lieve... He told us that our name has been cleared by King Ethen... Now I am free from the accusation of murdering Tousan Also, the King declare war on Nicole which is Navroth... Lerrich Ezate has moved already to the border of Auxem to block the way in and out from the city... I also got my rank as Diamond Adventurer Party back... and met peoples in the guild... Chapter 23 - The War After my name has been cleared, I can move freely in the town... also we received help from Guild to find Tousan... Tousan has been missing... after the fight in the mansion, the next day, people start searching on the debris of our mansion... but Tousan, Zerotus, and Rueger''s corpse are not found... so I keep believing that the three of them are still alive... About Auxem, a lot of people have left the city already... the school activity has been stopped as well... The students return to their homeland... while Santa stays in Sera... Not only Santa... most of the people of Auxem leave their house and move to other cities this past year Yes, it''s been a year... and I still haven''t found any clue about Tousan''s whereabouts... The soldier of Sera is still blocking the way in and out of Auxem... and Auxem''s supply of food is really low... We received the information from the people that turn to our side... Then, Euclio comes out with an idea... "Nico... let''s check the border... and see the soldier of Auxem... let''s hope that you can change them to our side..." Euclio said in front of Lerrich... Lerrich agreed with the idea and here we are now... I am now standing in front of Auxem... Tens of soldiers are standing in front of me... and they brought their shield with their hand... I begin my speech... "I am Nicolas Maxwell... the true head of Maxwell House... surrender and all of you will live... I give you my word..." I shouted... We want to minimize the casualties of the war... And from afar, I could hear their shout... "I-It''s Nicolas-sama!!" "T-The Master is back!" From our position, we can see the army from the wall waved a white flag... means surrender.... All of the Sera Soldier shouted a battlecry... "UWOOOHHH!!!!" Is it done? Did we just retake Auxem? Then Lerrich leads the troops of cavalry... entering the city... He and his army plan to check the condition of the city first... to make sure that it is not a trap After an hour has passed, we are allowed to enter... I used my horse given by Lerrich and we are approaching the gate... And it''s been a year that I haven''t met June... I never met her since last year''s parting... I miss her a lot... I hope that I could meet her again one day, without her it feels really weird... We used to ride the carriage, but now we use our horse... also, we don''t need any rider when June is there... June is a smart species, she understands what we say... but now... we use a normal horse and Euclio or Erin should control the horse... When we passed the gate, I see everything is normal... not a lot of changes... The soldiers of Sera created a path for me to pass so that I will be always safe... also some citizens of Auxem looked at me with their disgusting eyes... I believe they still hate the fact that I am the next head of Auxem... The Red Eye become their lord, and they have to obey me... Tousan, I think you give it to the wrong person... After a minute of riding the horse and following the path, we are stopped... I see Lerrich is talking to the gatekeeper of Auxem... When the gatekeeper sees me, he immediately bows... "N-Nicolas-sama!" The gatekeeper said He is the same gatekeeper that I entrust with the letter I sent to King Ethen, about Navroth last year... and he did his job perfectly... He was guarded by two other soldiers and Lerrich himself... "Don''t worry about him... I trust him..." I said to Lerrich... Lerrich nodded and let their guard off... And the gatekeeper looked grateful... "What happened?" I asked him "W-What do you mean?" the gatekeeper asked... "I mean, my Kasan... where is she?" I asked I believe that my Kasan won''t give up easily... "S-She is in the mansion..." the gatekeeper said Mansion? But why she didn''t stop the soldier from surrendering... "I''ve sent the 20 Knights of Sera to surround the mansion..." Lerrich said Is it enough? "We need to reinforce them!" Euclio said immediately... "What do you mean? I think it is enough to stop her..." Lerrich said "N-No... it''s far from enough, you haven''t seen her fight... even the fourth and tenth lose against them..." Euclio said "Y-Yeah, she has an eerie aura... I can''t move for a while..." Rin said That is my feeling as well when grandpa used his scary aura... Lerrich nodded... But then one of the knights come... All of us looked at him... "Lerrich-sama... the mission is a success... we have killed Nicole-sama, or Navroth..." the knight said Now, Euclio and I looked speechless... But not only us... Lerrich looked confused as well... "Let''s check..." Lerrich said And all of us nodded... Nate and Nathalia looked a bit speechless but they are trying to be strong... and so do I... Kasan is killed? T-That is our purpose at first... to kill Kasan but, when we accept the fact, it is harder than we thought at first... Although she is Navroth, she is also the one that raised us... also our mother... We ride our horse and move to the direction of the mansion... The people of Auxem is looking at us from distance, they were blocked by the soldiers that are creating the path toward our mansion... As we arrive at the mansion, there are several knights has been waiting for us... And I see Lieve as well... All of us get down from the horse and we were directed by Lieve toward inside the mansion by foot... It was Euclio, Nate, Nathalia, Ed, Erin, Rin, Leon and I that went to Auxem... Ethan has gone home already with King Ethen last year, after the clearance of my name... Ethan promised me that if he found any information about Tousan, he will immediately tell us... but no information we received this past year... All of us, including Lerrich and the knight earlier, was directed by Lieve... Apparently, the knight we met earlier is number five from the Twenty Knight of Sera... the one that tells us that they killed Navroth... His name is Ulysses, and he is an archer... He used a very strange bow, the size is huge... and he used no armor... making him looks like an adventurer, the opposite of Lieve... Lieve uses a white heavy armor... And the information I got is when you are number one to five in the knight''s order, you are free to use your preference armor... and Ulysses decided to use light armor... I have heard as well, that five above is stronger than Lerrich... Lerrich is strong, also has a good experience... he defeated the talented one like Rin... After five minutes of walk... I see a person... standing in front of the door to the mansion... He is wearing armor, better than Lieve... He has a golden scabbard on his hips... and looks pretty expensive... Also, he has long blonde hair? W-Wait?! Then he directed his face toward us... "A girl?" I said it... It is a girl! Her face suddenly changed... She looks mad... and she draws her sword... And in a second she is in front of me...and push me up with one of her hands... I can''t even react... "That is impolite!" She said I raised both of my hands slowly means I surrender... And everyone around us has prepared themselves as well... Rin prepared his stance, also Erin Ed and Rin readied their swords... also Nate with his spears... Euclio looked panicked... Also Lerrich... "C-Calm down Eria" Lerrich said with nervous... She stared at me with her sharp eyes... Her eyes are blue... and she looks pretty... "Y-You are pretty..." I said while raising my hand... W-What did I just say?! Am I an idiot?! And then she is blushing "W-What did you just say?!!?" she shouted in out of control Then she swings her swords to behead me... Now I am a dead man! I close my eyes and... After a few seconds... I feel nothing... Am I dead? I force myself to open my eyes slowly... "Erin!!" I shouted... She used her sword... and her sword is coated in dark aura... I-Is this... "D-Dark Element?!!" Euclio said Everyone is surprised! Including Eria... Her sword is in contact with the dark aura of Erin''s sword... and Eria''s sword is slowly absorbed by Erin''s sword... And finally, Eria released her sword... or else she will be absorbed by the dark aura of Erin''s sword... Erin deactivates her magic after Eria''s sword was absorbed... And I see Erin''s swords started to glow... "T-That is Dark Elemental Fighter right?!" Lerrich asked... Erin keeps her mouth shut and return to her initial position... All of us still speechless after seeing her, but Rin changed the topic... "L-let''s come inside!" Rin said And I nodded... Eria still looked confused... Just who is she? She moved fast... I believe as fast as Rueger... That is dangerous... I don''t want to find more trouble with her... Lieve guided us and we enter the mansion... This nostalgic feeling... The lobby of the house... I found my armor is still in its position... safe inside the glass... Then we found several knights there... They are creating a way for us... And finally, we are directed to the Dining Room... Nate, Nathalia and I stood next to each other... Both of them hold my hand... The two knights opened the door... I hear a sigh from Nate... And when it opened... I see there are ten knights surround a person... A person lying on the floor... I run to check it and left Nate and Nathalia And I see, it is truly Okasan... The wound on her stomach... also on her shoulder... like something has pierced them... And she has died as well... I immediately return to Nate and Nathalia and left the room with both... It is just... horrible! Seeing our own Kasan''s death... After Nicolas, Nate and Nathalia left the room, Euclio comes closer to the corpse... "It is... Nico''s Kasan..." Euclio said Rin, Erin, Leon, and Ed came closer as well... and the four of them nodded... There is no mistake... Also, Lerrich confirmed it as well... "Casualties?" Lerrich asked Eria "two died and five wounded," Eria said Eria''s face is still red... I bet she is embarrassed after Nico said that words... ''You are pretty'' Nico... you are the real definition of an idiot... When you are about to die, Tips from Nico...If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Flirt your enemy... I am smiling... and Rin looked afraid... "E-Euclio... you are smiling while seeing the corpse?" Rin asked me And I just return to myself... "N-Nothing, I was thinking about something else.. Sorry..." I apologized and I left Nicole''s body... But then... "Mission Success... all of you ca-" Before Lerrich finished his words, the room is shaking... "E-Earthquake?" I asked But Lerrich said the different things... "Move away from the corpse..." Lerrich commanded... and everyone did it... After several seconds, the room stops shaking... But suddenly, the corpse turns to the soil slowly... All of us looked like an idiot... Until it is completely converted to soil... Eria comes closer slowly to the corpse which is now a soil... she checks the corpse... And... "All clear..." she said and everyone comes to examine the soil... "T-There are no bones!" Lieve said Then, there is just one thing that we can conclude... "It is illusion magic!" Eria said with an angry voice... Hearing a loud voice inside the Dining Room, Nicolas and both of his siblings come inside... Nico comes next to Euclio and see the soil... "W-Where is the corpse?" Nicolas asked... And Euclio pointed out at the soil... "It is an Illusion Magic... one of the Fusion Magic..." Euclio said Fusion Magic is indeed troublesome... Thunder Magic, Wood Magic, and Illusion Magic... that is the only Fusion Magic I know... I can only try Wood Magic... but it will instantly drain my mana... "Then... Navroth is still alive! We should tell King Et-" Before Lerrich finished his words... a knight enters the door... He immediately bowed... "Bad News! Lerrich-same!" the knight said while bowing "What is it?" Lerrich asked with a prepared face... "The Reudora Kingdom move their army toward Epius!" the knight said Now all of us don''t move an inch... T-This is a trap... Navroth uses this opportunity to attack Epius... "Then! Inform Klorze, Avom, Aslan, and Nexum to reinforce Epius! It should be more than enough!" Lerrich said with anger... "N-No Klorze House can''t help..." the knight said in worried... Klorze is the other Grand Duke... on the same level as Ezate... "And why is that?" I asked... The knight looked at me... "Because they turn side and join the Reudora Kingdom" the knight informed us... "What?!" Nate shouted in disbelief... Klorze has almost a million army... and it will be a great loss if we lose Klorze House... "Then! We marched immediately!" Lerrich announced... All of the Knights immediately on their steady stance... "Yes! Lerrich-sama!" all of them in unison... And they left the room... Now, it is only us and Lerrich... "Nicolas-dono... you should rule Auxem in the meantime, since Auxem is in its critical time... but then, we need your brother, Nate to lead Maxwell House''s army to help the King..." Lerrich said N-Nate lead the army? You mean Nate goes to war?!? Wait... none of us has experience in war... I won''t let Nate join the war! Absolutely Not! "I am sorry Lerrich-dono... but I won''t let my inexperience brother join the war..." I said to avoid us joining the war... "But Nicolas-dono... we need your soldier to help the King... he is the one that cleared your name! I hope you repay your debt!" Lerrich said to me with serious eyes... I know that helping him is important and the duty of one of the Feudal Lord... but I can''t lose my brother after I lose my dad... and mom... Nate looked at my eyes... and I see worried eyes... "I-I am sorry, we are in gr-" Before I complete my sentences... Nate cut in... "Okay! We will help you!" Nate said And I see a relieved face on Lerrich''s face... "Nate!" I called his name quite loud... "Nisan... we are in debt to Lerrich-dono and also King Ethen, we should return their favor..." Nate said to me... "B-But..." "Nisan... trust me, I will be back alive!" Nate said Then I remain silent... Lerrich looked at me... "Don''t worry, your brother will be okay... I guarantee his life..." Lerrich said And I am still speechless... Until both of them about to leave the room... "WAIT!" I shouted... And both of them turn their body and looked at me... "I-I am not the real son of Clement Maxwell..." I said Then Nate glared at me... I''m sorry Nate... but I don''t want to lose anyone anymore... "Therefore, the right heir is Nate Maxwell..." I announced... But no one answers... Everyone looked at me with a stupid face... "N-Nisan! You are better than me in organizing this city!" Nate shouted... "No! I won''t let you go to such a dangerous place!" I said "But-" Nate said "I am your older brother! And you have to obey me..." I said "But..." Nate said but I cut in "Nate... please... just one time..." I said with serious eyes... And Nate can''t stop me... I immediately come toward Nate and hugged him... "Thanks..." I whispered to him... "For?" he asked me... "For trying to save me... but this is my job as your older brother!" I said and I show my smile to him... And he still looked confused... But then he finally nodded... "Make sure to come back," Nate said seriously I nodded... to "Then, I will-" "Nope! You will stay here with Nate! Nathalia, you are smart, you should help Nate..." I said and cut Nathalia''s word... She still not accept my decision... "But..." "Nathalia! I believe in you! And I always do!" I said to remind her that this is a serious matter... Nathalia can''t say anything... I then looked at Leon... And Leon speaks before I speak... "Then, I will help Nate to rule the city..." Leon said I nodded... "I know that I can trust you too..." I said "Thanks..." I said to Leon And he nodded... I looked at Euclio... And he nodded... "What?" I asked him... I don''t even know why he nodded... "You want me to help you right?" Euclio asked me while smiling... "Fine... let''s do it," I said He is my best friend... I think he will follow me even if I asked him to stay... "Rin... Erin..." I called both of their names They looked at me... "Rin... I want you to stay..." I said Then Rin looked sad... "You sure?" Rin asked me back... And I nodded... "I trust Nate, Nathalia, and Leon in your hand..." I said to him He nodded... Then I looked at Erin... "Y-" "If Rin stays, then I will join you..." Erin said and cut my words That is out of my expectation... I never thought that both of them could be separated... "Are you sure? It will be a long journey... and you won''t be able to see Rin for a while..." Euclio asked, he knows the situation as well Erin nodded... "Yeah, there could be some random girl that is going to try to have your head..." Erin said with a smile Everyone laughed S-She knows how to tell a joke!! "Then..." I said Only Ed left... I think making Ed stay here is better... and a lot safer... "Ed... You will-" "I will join you..." Ed cut my words... "H-Hey! It is-" "Hey! What''s your promise?" Ed asked me and he cut my words again... .... What did I promise him?! I promise him.... that I won''t ever leave him again... Then I looked at his eyes... it is full of determination... "Fine..." I said And he looks happy... "So... it will be Nicolas, Euclio, Erin, and Ed...? The four of you?" Lerrich asked me... And I nodded... I looked at Nate and wave my hand... He waved his hand back without smiling... The four of us then followed Lerrich and left the mansion... We ride our horses and we move toward the wall, where Auxem''s soldiers are held... All of them are under arrest after they give up, but when they see my face they look joyful... "N-Nicolas-sama! Thank god you are safe!" "Nicolas-sama! Help us, please! We are just following the order!" "Nicolas-sama is back!!" The soldiers immediately stood up... Unlike the civilian, the soldier in Auxem is actually supportive toward me... and thanks to Kasan, she is the one that filters the soldiers... But now... Kasan is the enemy... Then we arrived at a really big field where the soldiers of Auxem was held... it is behind the wall... and there is a stage there... I get down from my horse and Lerrich nodded to one of his soldiers... Sera''s soldier lowers their weapon and left... Now the entire Auxem Soldiers are watching me... I look back at them and I walk to the stage and followed by Euclio, Ed and Erin... Also Lerrich... Seven hundred thousand of soldiers prepared themselves to hear my explanation... "I know that all of you confuse and don''t know what is happening, but trust me... I am not the one that attacks the mansion" I said I am afraid that all of them believe that I kill Tousan for Tousan''s position... The soldiers remain silent... So, bad news about me has spread... "The Head of Maxwell now is led by Nate Maxwell, my brother not me..." I said And now the soldiers start whispering... "But I will need three hundred thousand of Auxem''s soldier, to advance and reinforce Epius..." I said The soldiers are still busy... but then Lerrich shouted... "SILENCE!" And now everyone turned silence... and they direct their eyes back on me... Lerrich looked at me and told me to continue... "Reudora Kingdom attacked Epius and Klorze House betrayed the Perius Kingdom... so Auxem decided to help Epius and clear our name!" I said The soldier still remains silent... I-I know right! I am bad at this! "I will lead the troops myself... I maybe inexperienced, but with all of you, I believe we can win the war!" I said to increase the soldier''s morale... "UWOHHHH!!" a battlecry shouted by some of the soldiers, and one by one each of the soldiers shouted their battlecry... "We choose to stay loyal to King Ethen... let''s fight! Together! Side by side! As a soldier! And return as a hero!" I continue Now everyone shouts their battlecry And on that day, we led one million troops.... Seven hundred thousand Sera Soldiers were led by Lerrich and three hundred thousand Auxem Soldiers were led by me... I divided my troops to three, one is led by Euclio, and the other one is led by Ed, and I led one as well... I was about to give the lead to Erin, but she refused... and she decided to be my bodyguard... that is why I give it to Ed... Aerios and Qiteron Kingdom reinforcement will arrive in a week... and they move by their fleet... We will arrive in 2 weeks... since we have to stop in Maxim... which is ruled by Nexum House... Nexum is currently under siege, we should help them... It is only 3 days away from Auxem... Klorze House is the one that attacked Nexum... and they have a million troops... but they won''t attack with full troops, or else, their own city will be defenseless... right? Based on Lerrich''s spy, the army is about seven hundred thousand... We have a million... so I believe that it is under control... I use my horse, and Euclio, Erin and Ed as well... Behind us are the three hundred soldiers... and marching toward Maxim... Maxim is the city of swordsmanship... there are a lot of strong warriors born from Maxim... also, it is believed that Maxim is named after Maxim Maxwell, the genius swordsman and also genius spear wielder that is worthy of two titles... God Swordsman and God Spearsman... he reached both God Tier in Sword and Spear... and the one that creates the Maxim Style... And, he is my ancestors... But the current city is not ruled by Maxwell House, but Nexum House... Our soldier has better equipment and mount compared to Sera''s soldier... since Tousan gives a lot of funds for Auxem''s military... We have 100.000 of cavalries and 50.000 or archers... and the rest is the infantries... the troops that wield swords, spears or even ax... And on the third day... We arrived in front of Maxim... There is a big war that happened... a fight between Klorze House and Nexum House... Klorze House is dominating with their nine hundred thousand troops... while Nexum House is trying their best to defend their gate... Our intel miss-inform us, there are extra two hundred thousand on House Klorze The gate is about 90% destroyed... it can be breached at any time... Then I hear trumpet sound next to us... it is blown by House Ezate armies... The trumpet loud enough that makes the war stopped in a second... and Klorze soldiers looked back... They see a million troops surrounding them... Our army shouts a really loud battle cry that could even break your ears... Hearing our battle cry the enemies are trembling... "CHARGE!!" Lerrich shouted... And Sera''s cavalries charge the enemies... 500 000 of cavalries from Sera charge at once to the nine hundred thousands of Klorze troops... None of the enemy troops are cavalry... "Nico! We should attack them too... or else Sera''s cavalries won''t be able to win..." Euclio said... B-But... I feel responsible if any of the troop death... Knowing my feeling... Euclio faced our soldier... "Archers!!" Euclio shouted... And the archer moves forward and pull their bow... "Aim!" Euclio command... The archer aims at the enemy outside the wall... "Fire!!" Euclio shouted... Then, the archers release their arrow and let the arrow flew through the sky... The day becomes dark, the sun is covered by thousands of arrows... But then... The arrows won''t reach them... Not even a single of the arrows hit the enemies... "W-What happened?!" I asked... "Wind Magic!" Euclio said The Wind Element! They pushed back the arrow so that it won''t reach them I think I can do it... "Try to do it once more!" I said to Euclio... "N-No it''s too late... if you shoot the arrow now, it will hit Lerrich''s soldier..." Euclio said... I look at Lerrich''s Cavalries, and they are about to have an impact on the enemy''s frontline But if I used the wind element as well, it will increase the speed of the arrow as well... "Please, just trust me..." I said with determination... Euclio looked at my serious face and let a sigh... "Once more!" Euclio shouted to the archer... And the archer is preparing their bow... some are still mounting the arrow to their bow... "I will charge now with the cavalry..." Ed said... "E-Ed!" I tried to stop him... But he ignores me... H-He is truly stubborn "E-Erin... please protect him..." I said to Erin... And Erin nodded... She rides her horse and follows Ed... "Aim!" Euclio commanded the archers... After the soldier aim... ''Create... Elements...'' All of the five elements are activated... Then... [WIND} And I created a big wind pushing toward the enemy... The wind I created is a bit... brutal... even some of the soldier was pushed... Euclio understands with what I am doing... "FIRE!" Euclio shouted... And then another volley was shot... The day becomes dark... and I see the soldier of Sera begin to afraid of seeing the arrows above them... But... none of the arrows hit them... and it hit the enemies... I believe thousands died in an instant... The wind I created is successful... "CHARGE!!" Ed shouted... and he charged with a hundred thousand of cavalry... Lerrich''s army engage with the enemy first... But not until a minute, we join the battle... it is with the help of my wind, the cavalry of Auxem Soldiers under Ed''s command able to charge the enemy at maximum speed... Ed... be careful... "Then... now it''s my turn..." Euclio said to me... "No wait... let me lead the infantry..." I said Euclio looked at me and he showed his troubled face... "You just hesitated at the beginning..." Euclio said to me... "Y-Yeah, but now I am not! You are the strategist... I believe the key of victory is in your hand..." I said... Then Euclio nodded... "Infantry! Charge!" I command and the infantry charge at the enemy... I also see that Sera''s infantry has reached the enemy''s frontline But with my [WIND] the mobility of my troops are two times faster... It also gives a big impact on the cavalry attack that was led by Ed... and we just finish off the remaining enemies... since most of the enemy was killed by the cavalries... I actually not in the combat... I only follows the people in front of me... also, I am not wearing my armor... It is pretty strange to see a mage leading the infantry... I look at the cavalry that was led by Ed... all of them are following Ed... D-Did he actually has experience in war? Ed then withdraw the cavalry... "W-What?!" I said in panicked... All of the soldier I lead also in panicked... "Just focus on the war!!" I shouted and the soldiers of Auxem continue with their attack... After several minutes... Ed returns with his cavalries and charge the enemy''s other side... which make the enemies panicked He charged with full speed... and trampled the enemies with the horses... The war continues... After an hour of fighting, I see another flag besides Maxwell''s, Ezate''s and Klorze''s... It''s Nexum''s flag! Nexum House helped the war, they opened the gate and attack from the enemies behind... Klorze''s troops were completely surrounded... Nexum House has around four hundred thousand troops... and I believe that now, it is enough to stop Klorze... The war ended on the next day early morning... I was resting with Ed and Erin... while Euclio take the command... Erin decided to sleep with us... I guess it is not a problem... I hear a loud battle cry shouted by the soldier... The three of us immediately wake up... Then a soldier come to our tent... "W-We win!! Klorze House has surrender!" the soldier said to us with happy face... The three of us immediately stood up and see the battlefield... They were raising a white flag... The soldiers also stop fighting... Euclio come toward us... "It''s finally ended...." I said to him... "Yeah, but it is only the beginning..." Euclio said then he suddenly fall to my shoulder... "E-Euclio?!" I said in panicked... "Ughh... I guess I need some rest... I will leave the rest to you..." Euclio said "O-Okay..." I said I carried Euclio and put it on my bed inside my tent... "Erin... can you guard the camp? I believe there is no more fighting... and if there is, Ed is enough..." I said to Erin... She nodded... Ed and I ride our horse and visit Lerrich''s camp... Lerrich is already on his horse... and about to visit our camp... "Nice fight!" Lerrich said... I looked at his face... He looked tired... I believe he hasn''t sleep... but he forced himself... "Actually, Euclio is the one that is in command... and he is now resting... you can take a rest if you want... we will do the rest..." I said But Lerrich refused... "So... Euclio is a smart boy huh? Don''t worry, this is nothing... I will take a rest after everything is done, we have to talk with Julian Nexum before we talk wit-" Before Lerrich finished his words... there are three man coming with their own horses... They have Nexum''s flag with them... When they found us, they stopped and the one that looks like the noble give a bow to us... "Ah Julian-dono... we are about to come at you..." Lerrich said So, this guy is Julian Nexum He looks young... around his early twenties... Also he use a heavy armor and Axe behind him... Hmmm an Axe wielder? It is really rare to find someone using axe... "Nicolas-dono... Lerrich-dono... it is a relieve to see two reinforcement come at once..." Julian said Julian Nexum... he is a Viscount... which is actually lower than a Count in rank... "No problem, we are under the same ruler... which is King Ethen, which is why we have to help each other..." I said Lerrich smiled on me... "T-Thanks for coming still... or else our town might burn to ground..." Julian once more bowed... "Don''t worry, let''s now talk to Mikhael Klorze... he has something to explain..." Lerrich said All of us ride our horse and move to the enemy area... They have put down their weapon, and now surrounded by our armies We stopped in front of them... "Mikhael Klorze! Please step out!" Lerrich shouted.... And then a man come out... H-He is Mikhael Klorze? I have a bad feeling of him... He move toward us and then stopped in front of us... but he is staring at me... "Why are you betraying the king?" I asked him... He then smiled... "I am sorry, but I join Perius Kingdom because of Navroth is in it..." Mikhael said... N-Navroth?! He knew?! ''Create Elements...'' The five of different color spheres appeared around my head... Seeing me raising my guard, Lerrich and Julian prepared themselves as well... Also Ed... Ed is behind me... while Lerrich and Julian is next to me... Mikhael then smiled... "How do you know about Navroth?!" I asked him with high voice Then he laughed... "As the reward of defeating me... I will tell you..." Mikhael said and he sit down on the ground... When he found his position he begin to speak... "So, Navroth has her own protectors... and there are five protectors... I am the fifth... and you see... the first is actually 10x stronger than you..." Mikhael said and he pointed at me... "And are you strong?" I asked him But he laughed again... "Not as strong as you, but pretty strong... also, you will be dead after this..." Mikhael said... And I feel something weird... the ground is shaking?! The horses are going crazy... "W-What happened?!" Lerrich asked me... "I-I have no idea!" I shouted... But then, I looked at Mikhael... He is casting a spell... "Stop!!" I command Mikhael.. But he is not stopping... "Kill him!" Lerrich shouted at me... K-Kill?!!? Even during the war I didn''t kill anyone... I''m just watching the soldiers fight... "D-Don''t hesitate!" Julian told me... I nodded... But then, I have a really bad feeling about this, I never see someone casted a spell this long... Until I heard some words that I have learn in school... The words for Expert Magic Spell... which led to disaster... "RUN!!!" I shouted... When I was about to cast a fire magic to burn him... "[SHOCKWAVE]!!!" Mikhael shouted... I created a barrier in front of me... which is protecting Ed and I... but... The other was pushed back really far... Even the horses were pushed back more than a hundred meters far... Also, the soldiers that is stood behind Mikhael was pushed back... and knock to the wall... The wall behind them are also broken... "T-The wind is too strong!!" Ed shouted at me... The wind is still pushing us back... There is no one else besides both of us... Lerrich was pushed back and also Julian... I couldn''t see both of them... But all I see is the soldiers of Klorze House is bumb to each other and pressed to the wall... I also see bloods flow from them... and they are screaming in pain... The wall turns to red because of their blood... Then I looked at my own barrier... It begins to crack... "N-Nisan!" Ed shouted... And in an instant... I create a big wall... [PRISON] I create a wall from Earth Element, surrounding Mikhael... And the shockwave stopped... I looked at my back... And see no one but Ed... I ride my horse, and begin to search for Lerrich and Julian... Ed follows me behind my back... After 10 minutes... I found him... "L-Lerrich-dono!" I called him... He is more than a hundred meters far from the initial position... I-Is he still alive?! If he is alive... it is a miracle... All I see is everyone is dead... I get down from the horse and check his body... I use my finger to check his breath... "He is breathing!!" I shouted... I immediately casted [HEAL] on him, an Advance Holy Magic... Then he coughed... "L-Lerrich-dono!" I called his name in worried... "Ughh Nicolas-dono... can you let me take a rest..." Lerrich said "S-Sure!" I said Then I looked around and found other soldiers started to gather... "HEY! Your lord needs some rest! Bring him to his camp!" I said to several soldiers that is coming toward us... They have Ezate flag on them... so I recognized them as allies... Three of the soldiers immediately bring Lerrich away from my hand... "Nisan! He is here!" Edmund shouted... I immediately run toward Ed... I looked at him... and... it is Julian! He is bleeding on his head... "He is still breathing!!" Ed shouted... And I immediately heal him... "[HEAL]" I said it out loud... And another light shines on Julian... Nothing happened... But then... he coughed... I let a sigh... both of us Ed and I did... "A-Argh... my head..." Julian said while holding his head... "Y-Yeah, don''t worry, I have healed you... but you will need some rest..." I said And he nodded... "T-Thank you Nicolas-dono..." Julian said Then he fell asleep... Ed looked panicked but I calmed him down... "He is sleeping Ed, don''t worry..." I said "I-I see..." Ed said I called Maxim''s soldier and they bring Julian back inside the wall... I looked at the wall near the core of the [SHOCKWAVE]... There are thousands of dead bodies from Klorze House... "H-He really did it!!" I said it with a mad voice... How can he sacrifice his own soldier for his stupidity! There is no soul alive from the enemy side... and we have a lot of casualties as well... Maxwell army lost a thousand of troops... while Ezate lost tens of thousands of troops from Mikhael''s spell... House Maxwell has a higher quality of armor, that''s why we have the least damage... But in total, House Maxwell lost a hundred thousand of soldiers because of the war... While House Ezate lost three hundred thousand... House Nexum lost two hundred thousand of its army, and we can''t continue our march with this condition... so we decided to take a rest for a few days... Chapter 24 - Unexpected Guest On that night... I have a meeting with Euclio and the representative of Sera Kingdom, which is Eria the knight... also with Julian himself... The meeting is held in one of our tents... Julian''s head is bandaged because of the wound... but he said that he is okay now... While Lerrich is still resting... "Our plan is to march toward Epius after saving Maxim... but the question is... can we?" I started the conversation... Looking at the situation, it is pretty hard... only five hundred thousand troops left from House Maxwell and House Ezate... "We could give a hundred thousand of soldier... but I will leave it to my commander in command..." Julian said offers "That would be great... then we are six hundred thousand army... I also have a good news..." I said to the other... "What is it?" Eria asked me with cold voice... "D-Dragon Fleet has arrived... they are now attacking Reudora Kingdom from the sea..." I said Julian and Eria looked relieved... "How about Qiteron Kingdom?" Euclio asked me... I nodded... "They arrived as well, and currently reinforcing Epius with two million of troops..." I said And everyone looked surprised... "T-Two million?! As expected from Qiteron Kingdom..." Julian said Eria nodded as well... "Then, I believe that we are not needed anymore?" Julian asked me... "I don''t know, I think we have to go there just in case something bad happened..." I said Eria agreed as well... "Yes, we must see it with our own eyes... it is the matter of life and death of our King..." Eria said and she sounds so knightly... Julian nodded in understand... "Okay, then I will lend you my troop... I am sorry but I can''t join, since I have to clean up the mess here..." Julian said "That''s okay... we are going to start moving tomorrow morning..." I said Everyone nodded except Eria... "How about Lerrich-sama?" Eria asked me... Lerrich hasn''t recovered from the attack of Mikhael Klorze... "I think he can take a rest here... in Maxim..." I said to Eria... Eria give a thought... Eria is currently representing the people of Sera... and I just notice that she is actually the Knight number one... the strongest Knight of Sera... "We can leave several knights here..." Euclio suggested... Eria understands that we can''t bring him to the next war, so she nodded... "Okay... tomorrow morning at 7 AM... any objection?" I asked And everyone shook their head... "Then, the meeting is over..." I said and stood up... Julian and Eria stood up then both left the tent... Ed and Eria currently are managing the soldiers... so they are a bit busy... When we left the meeting tent, I found both Eria and Julian has left already... "Nisan?" Ed called me... "Yo... what are you doing Ed?" I asked "Great, I have divided the army to several shift... so that they can take a rest..." Ed explained... "I see... where is Erin?" I asked Ed "I am here..." a voice behind Euclio... "E-Erin!" Euclio looks surprised... I laughed... "W-What are you doing behind our back?" Euclio asked and he try to calm himself... "Hmmm? I have been here for quite a long time... so, we are going tomorrow morning?" Erin asked me... I nodded... She has been here since the meeting... I can''t feel her presence... and I know that she is a very strong swordsman... She even stopped the attack of Eria... the number one knight... "Let''s have a dinner, then we take a rest..." I said The three of them nodded... We took our dinner and then went to bed... The next day... "Nico..." A voice calling my name and I feel someone shaking my body... "Uhhhh" I sit down and look at around my tent... "Ohhh Erin... what time is it?" I asked... "6 AM..." Erin said She then walked away from me... "Ed is training already... wake him for me okay?" Erin said while looking at Euclio... Ughh it will took an hour to wake him up... But still... I nodded... And she left us... "Hey... Euclio.. wake up..." I shake his body... "Ughhh gimme 5 more minutes..." Euclio said and he face the other side of the bed... "Fine... you stay here with Lerrich..." I stood up... And Euclio suddenly stood up... He took his sword and about to left the camp... "Let''s go..." Euclio said and he left me... This boy... When I leave the camp... I see the whole soldiers are in training... "Who lead the training?" I asked Euclio... He is standing by my side with his mouth hanged open... "I-It is Ed..." Euclio said and pointed out his hand... I look to the direction and... it is Ed! He is using his sword... and lead the training... "Wow... your brother is better than you I guess..." Euclio said to me... "Yeah thanks..." I said and left Euclio... I decided to train on the other field... It''s not that I mad, but I am not used to train with the soldiers... And I see a girl trains on her own... "Morning..." I greeted her... She looked at me... and give me a little bow, then she returns to her training... As cold as ever... She is Eria... I train next to her... and when I unsheathed my sword... "That is a good sword..." Eria compliments my sword... "Thanks... this is a gift from Euclio..." I said while examining the sword... Then I offer it to her... "Wanna try it?" I offer... Then I see her a bit blushing... She is indeed beautiful with her armor...also, her golden hair shines on the day... She took my sword and try to swing it... When she try to swing the sword, I can see that she is doing it seriously... Then, she swing my sword and sometimes, she thrust with the sword... "Wow..." I clapped my hand after seeing her finished with her style... "What is that style? I never seen it before..." I asked her... She keep spinning while slashing... looks like aggressive style like Ares Style... but also it has like a good defense... "It is my own style... a combination of Ares, Valeon and Maxim style..." she explained... She returned the sword to me... "It is a bit light... mine is heavier..." she said and give me her sword... I took it from her and it is heavier... "I-It could break my hand..." I said and I return it to her "Wanna try a duel?" I asked her... She took the sword... "I don''t mind..." she said... "Then..." I moved back and prepare my stance... She took a rock and throw it high to the sky... And she prepared her stance... a really weird one... When the rock fell to the ground... in an instance I come toward her... She is defending now? I think she is defending with her stanc- At first, I thought she is defending... but she actually moving forward and about to attack... Her sword is on her right... When we are close enough, she moved her sword to her left side and swing it to the right... I was surprised and moved back... "Hmmm you notice it?" she asked me... "Notice what?" I asked back "The changes of style on it..." she said... Then she moved closer to me... really fast... faster than Rueger... She play her sword and I can''t do what I usually did... This time I parried the attack... while usually I dodge them... There is no chance for me to dodge... her attack is unpredictable... Until one time she gives me a heavy attack... and I was knocked far enough... "I-I give up..." I said And she gave me a bow... then she put her sword back to her scabbard... "I see that your sword is not only for show" Eria said to me... D-Did she just acknowledge me? "T-Thanks..." I said After saying that, I see that her face is red... then she left me alone... W-What is happening?! Euclio come toward me... and he has a big grin displayed on his face... "What?!" I asked "Nothing~" he said with annoying face... I continue my training with him... After we finish our training, we ate our breakfast before preparing for our next journey.... I eat my breakfast with the soldiers... Tousan once told me that it is important to interact with the soldier... you will earn their trust more... I did... Ed did... Euclio did... Erin did not... She always stays by my side... It was since the day when Eria attacked me... she decided to stay by my side... She is kind of be my super protective sister... She is the same as my age... but yeah... she acts a lot more mature than I do... or even Euclio... After we finished our breakfast... I return to my horse... I really hope that June is back... so that I can sit or even sleep inside the carriage... but now I have to ride on it for almost 8 hours before the next rest...If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Advance!" I shouted... and all of the soldier start mobilizing... We are now on our way toward Epius... to help King Ethen... But I believe that he is okay... King Ethen received reinforcement from Qiteron Kingdom... about two million soldiers... I believe that it is more than enough... After five days of journey... we finally half of our way... There are several situation that delayed us... First, we are suddenly got attacked by mad monster from unknown labyrinth... They have an S ranked monster... and it killed more than a hundred of our soldiers... The S ranked monster is a Medusa... She petrified more than 20 of our men, and she kill the rest with her bow... But finally, she is stopped by the commander from House Nexum... He is a tall man... and looked strong... His eyes are focus on the objective... He uses his spear and throw it to the Medusa''s head... And the Medusa in an instant were beheaded... His name is Persey... one of the strongest warriors of Maxim... It is belief that he is comparable with Rueger... that''s what people said... Then, he should be a God Tier Spear Wielder... The next three days, we are attacked by bandit... But seeing our number, they immediately run... Ed lead the cavalries and slaughtered them... We have no casualties... but we killed hundreds of them.... Ed sure has no hesitation in killing... But I believe that he is doing the right thing... Bandit destroys village outside the wall... and troubles the merchant as well... it breaks the economy of the Kingdom... The next day, there is a fire dragon... But I hit it with my Earth Magic... I created spear like shape from Earth Magic... and I shot it from distance... It was a big spear... it pierced through the dragon''s body.... and in a hit, the dragon is down... The soldier immediately shout a loud battle cry... Shut up! It is too loud! This is not my first-time killing dragon... during our adventure time, I killed three at once... so I am used to it... It is a Diamond Rank Quest... so when I told everyone about it back in the guild, they really looked like an idiot... Now I really miss my daily activity in the guild... We continue our march, and we arrived on the ninth day... Just one more day to reach Epius... "Nicolas-sama... bad news..." a soldier come toward me... "What is it?" I asked "E-Epius is outnumbered!" the soldier said... "O-Outnumbered?!" Euclio shout in surprised... That is a really weird situation... "How about Qiteron Kingdom?" I asked... "Yes... they are in Epius already..." "And they are still outnumbered?" I asked again The soldier nodded... but he still looks scared... "T-The enemy... is not normal..." the soldier said... while trembling "What do you mean?" I asked in curious Before the messenger answer the question.... "Enemies ahead!!" a soldier from distant shouted... I see the direction toward the soldier pointed out... And I see a hundred of thousand soldiers are here... "L-Look!" Ed said and pointed out at the enemy... I look closer at it... T-They are... "Undead?!" Euclio said in surprised... "Archer!" I shouted And the archer moved forward and begin to prepare themselves... They are armies with armor and swords... their body is wounded, also, some of them has holes on their body... "Euclio... take the command..." I asked him and he nodded... While I prepare my magic... ''Create Elements...'' And all of the elements are ready to be used... "Mage! Prepare a Fire ball!" Ed shouted... And the mage move forward as well... They begin their incantation... [WIND] As usual, a big wind pushing the enemy... "FIRE!" Euclio shouted... The arrows are flying through the sky... and after a few seconds of flying... it is directing toward the enemies... It pierced through the enemy''s body... But they are still walking... and even running toward us... They are zombies! "FIRE!" Ed shouted... And thousands of fireballs were fired... They hit the ground and created a crater like a metor fall... It is because of my wind... that the fire ball travels in a really high speed... The battlefield become really foggy because of the fire Then we see the enemies are down one by one... without even the infantry or the cavalries fighting... A loud battle cry can be heard... "Not yet!" I said I used my [WIND] again and they become silent after the fog is cleared There are still more coming... "Ed! Again!" I told Ed and he prepare the mage... But then a soldier come to me... "G-Grave news Nicolas-sama! The army of House Nexum needs reinforcement at once!" the messenger said... But seeing our situation here... we can''t help them as well... [WALL] I decided to create a big wall in front of us... high enough and long enough... making the enemies impossible to pass... Seeing me creating a gigantic wall... all of the mage looked at me speechlessly... "Y-You can do that?!" Euclio asked me in surprised... I never create a wall this big... but this is a kilometer in length and more than 20m in height wall... "I-I just thought that I have to make the biggest wall I can ever make..." I said to Euclio... All of the soldiers shouted another battle cry... "Nicolas-sama! King of the Wizards!" "Wizard King!" all of the soldier yell repeatedly... Ugh... this become pretty annoying... "Ed, Euclio... both of you lead the Cavalries and Infantries to help the Army of Sera... while Erin and I will reinforce the Army of Maxim..." I said Both of them nodded... We are now walking separately... I used my horse to ride to the south... where House Nexum army located... They have fewer army than we do... so, I believe that they need us more than House Ezate... We are not marching together... there are some distance between us, House Nexum and House Ezate... It is to minimize the casualties if there are another Expert Mage... like Mikhael Klorze... Mikhael Klorze killed thousands of my army in one spell... magic is truly frightening... After several minutes, we meet up with Persey and his armies... "We have been waiting for you... Nicolas-sama..." Persey greeted me and bow... I get down from my horse and give him a handshake... "Where are the enemy coming from?" I asked him... And he pointed out on the battlefield... "It''s been half an hour... but they keep coming..." Persey said... I nodded... Then I decided to come closer to the battlefield... With Persey and Erin on our horses... "Do you know what you are going to do?" Persey asked me... "Don''t worry... we could stop this horde..." Erin said to Persey... When we reached a point where I can see the whole battlefield, we stopped... ''Create.... Elements'' I look around, and I see the wall I created before... I guess I should connected it then... "[WALL]" I said And a gigantic wall ascend from the ground, up above... The wall has the same height with the wall I created before... A loud battlecry from the soldier could be heard... "As expected from the Archduke!" Persey said... "This is nothing for him..." Erin said "R-Really?" Persey sounds amazed... Ughhh thanks Erin... Then Eris looked like she remember something... I faced Erin... and his face showed a bad news... "You see, I see that the wall is created but... the undead still can surround the perimeter of the wall... it will reach us in no time..." Erin said... T-That is true! Persey look surprised but then he shouted to his soldiers "Everyone! Prepare to follow me! We will do a long march!" Persey said And the battlecry of the soldiers can be heard... "Nicolas-sama! Let''s help Eria-dono''s army!" Persey told me... and I nodded... We ride with the hundred thousand armies... The cavalries could follow us... but the infantry... they are a bit left behind... "[WIND]" I casted And the wind help the infantry to move faster... but the cavalries moves even faster... I don''t know whether we can make it or no... "Nicolas-sama! Can you make another wall?" Persey asked me... I nodded... Then he pointed out the sky behind us... "Can you create a wall there! So we can delay them?" Persey said I nodded... "You lead the armies! Erin come with me!" I said And we split up, Persey leads the army toward Eria''s army, while Erin and I try to delay them by creating another wall... After 2 minutes of riding horses, we found the end of the armies... and I see the undead behind us already... but they haven''t reach the soldier... "[WALL]" I casted... And another gigantic wall ascend from the bottom of the ground... a really tall wall... I think it is even bigger than before... maybe I panicked? I ignores it, but all I know that the wall I created just now is longer as well... which means I can delay them more than before... When the soldier see what I did, they shout a battlecry... Now I can see them walk a bit more relax... While we are going back to the frontline... the soldiers thanked us... I receive a lot of praises from them... Until finally I am back to the frontline... "Thank you Nicolas-sama..." Persey thanked me... "No problem... I want to have the least casualties..." I said And Persey nodded... Also, since Lerrich is away, I am now the commander in chief, leading three Houses troops... So, this war is my responsibility... After a while, we met with Eria''s troops, also ours... When they see us, they shouted a battlecry... "The Wizard King has arrive!" "We are safe now!" They opened the path for us... "Everyone! Follow me!" I shouted... Then I mobilize the entire army of three houses... We charge toward the front using the cavalries of Maxim... then Auxem and Sera''s cavalries joined as well... "[WALL]" While we are charging... I created another gigantic wall beside us left and right... so that the undead can''t charge us from our flank... We walk on a straight line..... And the entire armies followed us... Persey and Erin both ride their horse in front of me and keep protecting me from the incoming undead... But suddenly, an undead jump from my right side... Persey and Erin can''t help me... both of them could only watch me... but... Suddenly, the undead was pierced by a sword from its back... "E-Eria!" I called her name... She then throw the body to the road with her sword... "Hmm patethic! You are a mage! But no one guard your flank?" Eria yelled at me... Umm.. is it really my mistake? She looks mad... "S-Sorry..." I said "W-Why are you apologizing?" Eria asked me with confusion Then someone appears from my side... He killed another undead as well... "Hey nisan! Focus!" Ed reminded me... D-Did I just about to die twice in this single minute? "Okay..." I said and return my focus on the road... The undead stop following us from behind... Euclio has commanded the mage to create a wall behind us after all of the soldiers has passed... But they keep coming from the front... At least they come only from the front... and the cavalries is trampling them... After an hour of marching and trampling the undead... we reach a free zone... "No more undead spotted!" Persey said... Yeah... I think this is it... I raised my hand... and the soldier stop moving... I created another wall in front of us... so that we can take a rest safely... When the soldier stop moving, Nicolas decided that we have to take a rest... since the infantries keep running for an hour... Ed and Eria get down from their horses... while Persey and Erin come closer to us... "We are grateful for having you! Nicolas-sama!" Persey praised Nicolas... "T-Thanks... we should take a rest... and I believe that beyond the wall I just created is now full of the undead already..." Nicolas said When Nicolas get down from the horse... he fell... "N-Nicolas!" Eria shouted... "Nisan!" Ed shouted... He hit the ground... Ed immediately run toward him and carried him... "D-Doctor!" Ed shouted... No one come closer... the soldiers look at Nicolas with surprised face... Euclio comes with his horse... He was organizing the troops behind us... "What happened?!" Euclio asked worriedly... He immediately get down from his horse and check Nicolas''s head... "Do you have any idea?" Ed asked Euclio shook his head... "I think he is tired..." Eria said... Everyone looked at her... "Yes... he used a lot amount of magic... he kept building walls while we are marching... also, he uses the wind magic all the time to increase our march..." Persey said... "Let''s just give him a rest..." Eria continues... Ed, Euclio and Erin looked confused... But then Euclio nodded... The mage come to us and created a camp for us made of earth... Then all of them take a rest... Euclio sleeps next to Nicolas... while Ed sleeps while seating... Erin talks with Eria and Persey before went sleeping with them... The soldier take some rest as well... The entire camp is now resting... especially the infantries... They have been running for quite a long time... And when I wake up... "Ughh... my head..." Nicolas said... I then hold my head with my hand... What happened to me? Did I just pass out? Where are we now? I looked at the ceiling... it is dark... By my side... I see Euclio is sleeping... I sit on my bed... and I see Ed is sleeping while seating... So... I believe we are safe here... And this place is made of earth magic... Erin? Where is she?! I stood up on my bed... And I see Erin sleeps next to Euclio... I let a sigh... This place is comfortable... Although our bed is made of earth, but it is covered with blanket... and it becomes really soft... I really want to sleep again... But I decided to force myself and leave the earth camp... When I open the door... I see that it is dark outside... I think I really should sleep again... But then, I see a girl waiting outside... "Eri-" Before I finished my word... I realize that she is sleeping while guarding our camp... This Eria girl has been guarding us? I walk toward and left the camp... but on my first step outside the earth camp... Eria immediately put her sword under my nose... "Ummm..." I said in confusion... also with frightened... She then put her sword back to her scabbard... "What are you doing?" she asked "Me? Just looking around... the question is, what are you doing" I asked her back "I-I just guard this place... since Erin is even sleeping..." Eria said while blushing... "Ohhh I see... thanks..." I thanked her... "N-No problem!" she said while facing away... Is she embrassed? But what did I do? "T-Thanks" she said out of a sudden... "Huh? What for?" I asked her in confuse face... And she looked mad... "Of course! You should see yourself more!" Eria said to me... then she faced away... See myself? I looked at myself... Why should I look at myself... And then she looked at me with speechlessness... "Nevermind... more importantly... the soldiers are all resting... only 10% of the soldiers are on patrol..." Eria reported to me... "I see... I believe the infantries need a lot of rest..." I said And Eria nodded... "So... the reason of you stopped us... is not because of your tired?" Eria asked me "W-What? Of course no... I don''t even feel tired... but I just instantly passed out..." I explained... And she smiled on me... "I see..." she said ''This boy has a good heart... he cares for the soldier'' Eria thought... "Hey... then let''s sleep inside!" I asked her to come in... But then she looked embarrassed and about to cut my head... "N-No! Wait!! I mean... it''s cold outside... we can sleep together... I mean... Maybe inside the camp..." I said while looking panick... S-She is dangerous! But she put her hand away from her sword... "F-Fine! Just this one time!" Eria said... "Okay..." I said and both of us enter the earth camp... I return to my bed... and sleep next to Euclio... Eria then sit next to Ed... and Ed doesn''t even wake up... "Do you want to sleep on the bed? I can make you another bed if you want..." I offered her but then she refused... "It''s okay... I''m used to sleep while sitting..." she said She then close her eyes... And within a minute... she looks peaceful already.... Guess I will be sleeping for another eight hours... At first... I thought it will be hard for me to sleep after I just woke up... but actually... I sleep pretty fast... The next day... "Hey! Nisan! Wake up!" I hear Ed''s voice... "Uhh Ed... what time is it?" I asked... "The sun is up already! We need to move..." Ed said Oh... I just remember that we have to reinforce Epius... I stood up and see no one else... "Euclio?" I asked Ed... "He is discussing the strategy with Eria, Erin and Persey..." Ed said So... even Euclio could wake up earlier than I do... I leave the camp and join them... But when I was about to enter the meeting camp... they just finished their strategy meeting... "Ah, Nicolas-sama! I am sorry, but we will be needing your help once more..." Persey said... "N-No problem... so, all of the soldiers are ready?" I asked Euclio... And he nodded... "Maybe ten minutes of preparation and we will be ready... you will be creating more walls... are you ready?" Euclio asked Nicolas... Nicolas nodded... "I will try my best... don''t worry..." I said with a smile... Euclio nodded... "Then, let''s prepare the soldier..." Euclio said "Okay..." both Persey and Eria in unison After ten minutes... I am on my horse already... In front of me... Eria and Persey stands to charge the frontline and protects me... On my right side, Erin prepared herself... And on my left side is Ed... he will be protecting my left flank... Euclio is behind me... with the soldiers... "All ready?" I asked Euclio... Euclio raises his hand... and a very loud battle cry was shouted by the soldiers... I descend the wall in front of me... which is in the direction toward Epius... The wall slowly returns to the ground.... And when the wall has vanished... "Charge!!" I said And everyone shouted another battle cry We begin to march... The undead has been waiting for us... but we charge through them... I created two walls on our right and left side... like I did yesterday... The cavalries in the frontline trampled all of the undead which is blocking our ways... so that the infantries, archers and mages could walk safely behind us... I keep creating walls and also uses [WIND] The soldier march twice faster with the wind on our side... We take a rest every two hours... After 6 hours of journey we could see the wall of Epius... "Raise the flag!" Euclio shouted... We raise the flag to show them that we are ally... They are apparently under attack by the undead as well... I created one more wall that reach the gate... Then I deactivate my magic... I feel my mana has been drained quite a lot... The gate were opened... And finally,... we reach Epius... The soldier behind the wall shouted a battlecry... also our soldiers... It is like we just won a war... We move forward passing thousands of soldiers inside the gate... They looks really happy... We are directed to the camp inside Epius... Epius sure are big... they have a vast grass field behind the wall... King Ethen and King Feurius are waiting for us already... "Bring the soldiers food! And give them a rest!" King Ethen gives command to the soldier... I get down from my horse and give a bow to King Ethen... Also Eria, Erin and Persey... While Euclio come and hugged his Tousan... "Nicolas! It is a very good news that you are here!" King Ethen says to me... "It is an honor to be praised by you, your highness..." I said in such formal way... "Let''s come inside" King Ethen welcome us to the meeting tent... Inside the meeting tent... the table is circular... I see a lot of commander has waited for us... Human Race and Ocean Race... When they see Euclio... "Euclio-sama!" they bowed in front of him... Euclio raised his hand and they return to their sit... And he let a sigh... We sit next to the Kings... Erin stood behind me... "We have lost a million soldiers..." King Ethen started the meeting... A million?! "Who are you fighting against?" I asked the King... "The undead..." King Feurius said... "How many soldier you lost?" King Ethen asked me... "We lost around five hundred thousand when we fight Mikhael Klorze..." I said And King Ethen and King Feurius looked surprised... Not only them, but all of the commander... "Klorze? What do you mean?!" King Ethen asked in anger... I hold back my word... but then Persey stood up and talk... "I am sorry your highness... but Mikhael Klorze has betrayed Perius Kingdom and join Reudora Kingdom... and they have attacked Maxim, and House Nexum... but we are saved by House Maxwell and House Ezate... without them, I am not here..." Persey said... King Ethen looks annoyed... "You didn''t get the information?" I asked him And he shook his head "So... where is this Klorze now?" King Feurius asked... I looked at Euclio... and he looked at me back... But then Euclio nodded... "Dead..." I said "He killed thousands of his own soldier and our soldier as well... we lost in a total of five hundred thousand while Klorze House lost nine hundred thousand..." I continue... "What do you mean?" King Ethen asked... he looked a bit confuse... "He used an Expert Wind Magic Spell... [SHOCKWAVE] and killed himself along with the soldier... a suicide..." Eria explains... King Ethen looked at Eria in confusion... also Persey... "Oh, forgive me... this is Eria... Number one from Knight of Sera, currently Lerrich-dono is bedridden in Maxim... so, she took the command of House Ezate..." I explained King Ethen nodded... and now he look at Persey... "After the attack of House Klorze... Julian-dono decided to clean the mess that House Klorze did and stayed behind while giving Lerrich-dono a hospitality... so here is Persey... the strongest warrior of Maxim..." I introduced him... King Ethen nodded... "Then now... who is the one that creating the big wall?" Feurius asked me... But Euclio, Eria, Erin and Persey looked at me... "It''s Nicolas!" Euclio said... King Ethen and King Feurius looked surprised... "Then... let''s discuss on how defeating them..." King Ethen said "Yes!" Everyone said in unison... Chapter 25 - Ice "Hmmm you have any idea to defeat them?" Euclio asked... We are currently in the meeting tent, and there are several commander of Epius in this place... "We have been thinking... about the enemy..." King Ethen said But I can''t concentrate... Eria looked at me with worries... "What is it?" Euclio asked King Ethen... "What kind of magic that controls the dead?" King Ethen asked... I look at Euclio... But my vision is getting blurry... And I have this feeling that Euclio looked back at me... "Nico?" Euclio called Nico... "H-He is not feeling well..." Eria said... Erin immediately carried Nicolas... "I will make sure he take a rest..." Erin said while leaving... "Yes, he is tired of the journey... also, he has been using a lot of mana to reach this place" Ed continues... and Ed left with Erin... King Ethen and King Feurius looked worried as well... "L-Let''s continue..." Euclio said... "About the magic... I believe it is one of the Fusion Magic..." Persey said... F-Fusion?! "Can Fusion Magic be stop by Barrier Magic or Nullifier Magic?" King Ethen asked... I nodded... everyone nodded as well... "But..." I said... Everyone looked at me... "We need to find the spellcaster..." I said "Yep, and we found it already..." King Feurius said... "W-What? Where?" I asked... "Haven..... High Priest Marius...." King Ethen said... Then, the entire place become busy... "You mean the head of Mera Sect?" A commander asked... King Ethen nodded... "Based on the intel... he was talking with Navroth..." King Ethen said "The intel said, that Marius made a deal with Navroth, to kill every Red Eyes on earth..." King Feurius said... But several commander disagreed... "But! He is the highest rank of the Mera Sect!" "And I believe! That the Red Eye is the real descendants of the demon itself!" "Yes! It must be him! The spellcaster!" So, there are Mera Believer in the army of Epius... it will be hard... King Ethen stood up... "Mera Believer! hold this trident..." King Ethen said while offering his halberd... Five to six commander stood up and come closer to the King... King Ethen give his halberd... and the commander that believe in Mera hold it... And one by one, they are started to cry... "W-What is happening?!" one of the commander feels guilty... "T-The Red Eye!" "N-Nicolas-sama!" "He is the descendant of God!" D-Descendant of God?! What are they talking about? Nicolas being the descendant of God... I-Is that the real teaching of Mera Sect?! I looked at Tousan and he smiled.... "Yes... the real teaching of Mera Sect is... Red Eye is the descendant of God!" King Ethen said... "And currently, Marius himself is being manipulated! That is why we have to stopped him... Marius was a good man..." King Ethen continues... "Until he got his power from that queen of Reudora Kingdom (Navroth)... and control these stupid undeads! That is why you should burn the bodies of the dead!" King Feurius said Ughh tousan... they are Human Race... not Dragon Race! Please, at least look at their hair... "Then, how to defeat this Marius?" I asked King Ethen... "Capture him alive... but we have to fight them..." King Ethen said... "And how do we leave Epius?" Eria asked... Everyone remains silent... Using Nico is too much... I feel pity on him... "I have a plan already... but I will only send a small elite team..." King Ethen said... "And... also, Nicolas should be part of the team..." King Feurius said... N-Nicolas?! "W-Why Nico?" I asked on his behalf King Ethen clapped his hand... and a soldier left the camp... "You see... he is one of the strongest here... he can defeat Lerrich in a shot... so he is one of the elite team..." King Ethen said And the soldier return with a book on his hand... He give it to King Ethen... "Also..." King Ethen said... Then he show the book to everyone... ''Book of Expert Holy Magic'' I feel like myself was struck by lightning... "An Expert Holy Magic is called [REPEL], it can break the manipulation..." King Ethen said "He is the only one that can learn this..." King Ethen continues... Everyone nodded in agreement... But, it means that he could be kill in anytime... Haven is his worst enemy... but, knowing Nico... he doesn''t mind himself being sacrifice for the live of other people... he is... too kind... While everyone in this place agree to let Nico die?! Nico sacrifice himself for the kind of people that don''t even show any empathy to a boy... I feel the rage on me... "That is a suicide mission..." I said to King Ethen... I still hold my temper... Everyone looked at me... "I agree... that kid won''t be able to survive..." Eria agrees with me... But everyone showed their disbelief face to us... Also King Ethen and Tousan... "You see, he defeated Lerrich in one hit... also, he could use Holy Element! Not only one element! But all of the basic elements! Just who can defeat him?" Tousan said... Everyone agrees... But I know, Nico is a soft and kind boy... I believe he is still afraid to kill people... I looked at Eria... and she looked disagree with the king as well... "Then... I will join him..." I said to everyone... Everyone remains silent... "No... you should not! It is dangerous!" Tousan said... Tousan... your nature never change... selfish as always... "I will... If Nico go... I will go..." I said to Tousan... And everyone in the room looked at Tousan... and now they are expecting something from the King of the Strongest Kingdom I believe Tousan should hold high his pride... "Cih! Fine... make sure to comeback alive..." Tousan said... I nodded... "Then! I will join as well... I owe him a lot!" a man stood up... "Persey?" I said... And he nodded... "He saves our entire army, including my life... just how can I left him alone..." Persey said... Everyone in the room looked at him speechlessly... "Then! I will join as well..." Eria said while standing up... Now everyone direct their eyes on her... "You sure?" I asked Eria... "Of course! He is just a boy! I won''t let a boy sacrifice himself for adults..." Eria said while insulting the other... Everyone in the room looked a bit down... including Tousan and King Ethen... Eria sure knows how to use her words... "Then, I believe Ed and Erin will accompany us as well... so there will be the six of us..." Euclio said "It is seven!" someone said from outside the camp... His voice is familiar... He then enters the tent... "E-Ethan!" I called him... "Euclio! It''s been a long time..." Ethan said I see the faces of the commander... "E-Ethan-sama?!" "T-That is dangerous!" "You should not be joining them! It is the matter of life and death!" The commanders warned Ethan... "Then, how about you help Nico?" Ethan said to the commanders... But no one even complains now... Adult is such a coward... I hope I won''t be like them one day... "Then! It is settled! Nico will infiltrate with Ed, Erin, Ethan, Eria, Persey and I..." I said King Ethen still looked speechless... he never thought that Ethan will be here... but now he has no power to stop him... "Then..." King Ethen said He gives the book to me... Ethan come closer and he is now behind me... He read the title... "Expert Holy Magic!?" Ethan looked surprised... I nodded... "Is that all?" I asked to King Ethen "One more thing... after Nico done practicing, we will thought a way for you to leave Epius... but for now... let''s call it a day..." King Ethen said and everyone nodded... Yeah, leaving Epius will be hard since the undead has surrounded the wall "You all dismissed..." King Feurius said Everyone nodded and the commander are leaving the camp... I was about to go... but Tousan hold my hand... "Don''t you dare to help that boy! It is his destiny!" Tousan said to me... King Ethen and also Ethan is still in this tent, and they hear our conversation... "Destiny? You see, if people in this world have the same thought like you, this world has ended a century ago!" I said with a bit angry...This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. I release myself from Tousan''s grip... Now... it is Ethan''s turn... But, I am surprise with King Ethen''s word... "It will be dangerous..." King Ethen said... "I know..." Ethan said... while facing downward... "Nicolas is a good boy... Eria and Persey believe in him already after one war... and you have stayed with him for quite a long time..." King Ethen said... "So... I believe your choice are the best for yourself... just promise me to return" King Ethen continues... Ethan hugged his Dad... "Thanks Tousan..." Ethan said King Ethen has no words left... He then let Ethan go... Ughhh I hope I have that kind of Dad... King Ethen is pretty cool... but still... Nico''s dad is the coolest... I hope my Dad could learn a lot from Clement... "You sure about this?" Tousan asked King Ethen... King Ethen nodded... "I learn a lot from Clement... I believe he will let his own child to do the same thing... that is why House Maxwell is the greatest House I ever know..." King Ethen said... I nodded really hard... Not only me, but Ethan as well... When King Ethen see us, he laughed... "Uhh fine... go! And make sure to comeback!" Tousan said to me... "Of course! Don''t underestimate me Tousan! He never won a duel against me!" I said to Tousan... But King Ethen and Tousan showed me a surprised reaction... "Yeah, in swordsmanship..." Ethan said And I nodded proudly... "Nico is a mage!!" Both kings said in unison... The four of us laughed.... Then... it is settled already... Seven of us will infiltrate Haven... I really want to see his expression when I told him about it... We left the meeting tent... Ethan and I Both of us go to the tent where Nicolas take a rest... Hmmm it is made of earth magic? I thought it is only for emergency... When I open the door... which is made of earth... I see the three of them, Nicolas, Ed and Erin sleeping in a bed... that is covered by blanket... And I see someone I never expect to be here... Eria... She sit on the bench inside the earth camp... I slowly step inside the camp... but then On my first step... A sword is beside my neck... "Ummm... hello..." I said to Eria... She then pulled back her sword... and I can breathe... I see that the bed is big enough... it is like a twice bigger than our bed in Auxem School... "I guess it fits for all of us..." I said to Eria and Ethan... "No... I am good here..." Eria refuse... While Ethan... "Umm... I don''t plan to sleep... but I think I should sleep as well, so we can do our activity together..." Ethan said And I nodded... Ethan take his place first... he sleeps beside Ed... so I guess I sleep next to Ethan... It was 4 PM... and we decided to sleep... After I feel much better, I open my eyes... and again... My head feels hurt... and I put my hand on my forehead... Ummm, did I just pass out? Again? And I see, beside me is Erin, and also Ed... H-How about Euclio?! I sit down on the bed... and look around me... I see someone sitting on the bench... W-Wait... T-This room looks familiar... This is the exact same earth camp like I sleep during our own way to Epius... O-Or... all of this, is a dream?! Did I actually reach Epius? Or is it just a dream... But then, I see Ethan sleeps next to Ed... I let a sigh... So... we are in Epius... This room... has the perfect temperature... It is cold, but with our blanket... and also friends... it feels warm... I really want to sleep again... or maybe should I? Am I the first one to wake up? And I just realize something... If Ed sleeps next to me... who is sitting over there... This room is too dark... I decided to stand up... and take a closer look... When I look at her face and... I-It is Eria! And suddenly she opened her eyes... I was kicked in an instant... "W-What are you doing?" She asked a bit loud... "S-Sorry! I don''t mean anything bad! Just wondering who you are!" I said while begging for forgiveness... But, she doesn''t unsheathed her sword... "N-No problem..." Eria said... I stood up from the floor and look around... Ed, Ethan, and Euclio still asleep... but Erin awake already... I bet she heard our ruckus... and she is currently sit on the bed... "S-Sorry..." I said to Erin... "No problem... I think I will continue my sleep..." Erin said to me... "S-Sure..." I said and she return to her bed... While Eria return to his sleep position... and continue sleeping... Uh...seeing them sleeping so peaceful makes me sleepy as well... I think I should join them... So, I decided to sleep one more time... The next time I awake... Erin is gone... I sit on my bed... and I see Eria is gone as well... Ethan as well! Only Euclio, Ed and I left... This room is very dark... it makes me really lazy... But I have to do something, or else I will return to my bed... ''Create...Light...'' I said And a white spherical light appears on my head... The room become bright enough just with one spherical light... I don''t even need to summon light... "Hey... Ed... wake up!" I wake Ed up... He open his eyes and... "Nisan... what time is it?" Ed asked me... "I don''t know as well... there are no clock in this room... we should check it outside..." I said to Ed... Ed sit on the bed... and he still look sleepy... "Euclio... wake up" I shake his body.... "Uhhh gimme 5 more minutes..." Euclio said... "No, we can''t... we have to fight the undead!" I said to Euclio... Then Euclio sit down... And he stared at me for some time... He face away afterwards, and I see his sad face... "W-What happen?" I asked to Euclio... As I remember, I passed out during the meeting... "Wait here... let me call the other..." Euclio said and left Ed and I... Both of us looked at each other... "What''s wrong with him?" Ed asked me... I shook my head... "No idea..." I said After 5 minutes... he returns with Eria, Erin, Ethan and also Persey?! Then, Euclio told me everything about the meeting... So... the point is that, they need me to learn this Expert Holy Magic Tier... and cast it on Marius... the Head Priest, which is currently in Have... I take the book from Euclio... and read the spell... "Holy Magic.... REPEL" I casted on Euclio... And I see a shiny rope spin around Euclio... "W-Wow..." Persey sounds amazed... But then, after 5 seconds the effect gone... "E-Euclio! The book!" I said... And he understand what I mean... I want him to read the book of Maxwell Family Tree... which is given by grandpa... He take out the book and... "I-I can read it!" Euclio said happily... "It is Auxillium!" Euclio continues... Everyone looked at the book and looked troubled... "Um... it is only Clement Maxwell written here..." Ethan said to me... "You sure?" I asked And the five of them nodded... Euclio laughed at them... this boy... And I decided to cast it on Ed... Ethan... Erin... Eria... and Persey as well... After I casted on everyone else... They look at the book... "W-What?!" "W-Wait?! "Is it changing?!?" "H-Hey Nico! Are you manipulating us!" Ethan said And I laughed... "Now... welcome to the real world..." I said happily... "Yeah, he is right... Mera Sect should be praising Nicolas... for having red eyes..." Persey said... Praise me? "Why?" I asked Persey... "Because you are the descendant of God... not demon..." Persey said... Everyone looked at Persey seriously... But I have a feeling that Euclio knows already... Since he sounds not interested at all... "You knew?" I asked Euclio And he nodded... "King Ethen told us earlier in the meeting..." Euclio said "Yes... but at first I didn''t believe him... until now..." Persey said... He was there, in the meeting as well... "So... now, we have to use Nico''s new spell to this Marius" Euclio said All of us nodded... But Euclio, Eria and Perysey looked pitty on me... "Sorry Nico... but you have to come with us... to Haven..." Euclio said to me... "Hmmm? Is that a problem?" I asked... And they looked confuse... I know that it is a problem... but "More importantly I have you guys... all of you makes me feel safe..." I said to them with smile... Then I see everyone smile Also... when I looked at Eria... she is blushing... What''s wrong with her?! "Well said boy! Let''s take this Marius guy down..." Persey said "YEAH!!" Everyone shouted including me Outside of the earth camp... when Nicolas and his friends discussing on what they are going to do next... I was listening to them... every step, every way... they plan everything perfectly... But, still... going to Haven is a great risk! It''s not only my son... but Nicolas as well... And when I hear that Nicolas is able to use Expert Holy Magic... I am really proud of him... Jeremiel... your son is the pride of this kingdom... Nicolas able to use Expert Tier without using any staff... You lost Jeremiel... you can do that only until Advance Tier... your son has passed us already... in skill and talent... I think, today is the right time to give the weapon you left for Nico... I enter the earth camp, where Nicolas and the other discussed the plan... All of them looked shocked... "K-King Ethen?!" Nicolas said in surprised... All of them stood up and give me a bow... I sit on the bench... and all of them looked at me curiously... But actually, they are not looking at me... but the staff I bring with... "Hmmm... so..." I start the conversation... "Edmund... you have the weapon that Jeremiel left, right?" I asked him... And Ed nodded... I face Nicolas... "Nicolas..." I called his name... "Yes?" he responded... I then give him the staff... The staff that you always carried when we were still young... "This is?" Nicolas asked me... "That is the staff, that Jeremiel use when he was young..." I said to him.... And he displayed an uninterested face? Hmmm... is there something wrong? He then returned it to me... Everyone displayed a surprised face... "Why?" I asked him... Silence rules the room... "It is... because..." Nicolas said slowly... "It is because of him that Clement-tousan is not here!" Nicolas said... H-He blame Jeremiel?! "Hey... Nicolas..." I try to calm him down... "No! My Tousan is Clement... not this Jeremiel! He doesn''t even want to see me..." Nicolas said... I know... it must be hard for Nicolas... but he has his own reason... "Hey Nicolas... listen to me..." I said while holding his shoulder... He is about to cry... "First thing first... have you heard the news about the assassins that were struck by lightning?" I asked Nicolas... I believe he is well-informed... Nicolas nodded... also everyone... "Actually, at that time, we just met with Tousan... with Clement..." I said to Nicolas... "Y-You meet Tousan?!" Ed asked I nodded... "He is in the sky kingdom... and I have planned the meeting since Ed''s birth..." I said to all of them... Yes... I planned this since Ed''s birth... since I never meet him again afterward... until that day... "We told everything to Clement... and your Tousan has warned Clement already... not to tell anyone, especially Nicole... since she is Navroth..." I explained to everyone... "We return to the ground... and we are surrounded by assassins... but then your Tousan struck them by lightning..." I said... "With that, the news spread... about Sky Kingdom..." I said Everyone hears my story seriously... "You know the result now..." I said And Nicolas nodded... "B-But! Where is he? When we are in trouble?!" Nicolas asked me in a bit louder... "He has his own plan... but you see... we are not always protected by him... he is not a god..." King Ethen said... "So, you mean that the assassins was struck by the lightning is because Jeremiel is present there?" Ed asked King Ethen... and King Ethen nodded... B-But still... Clement-tousan... Euclio hold my shoulder... "Don''t blame everything to your Tousan..." Euclio said to me... I nodded... And I take back the staff... The staff, it has an eagle face on the top of it... I stare at the staff for pretty a long time... "Use the staff in emergency only... it can amplify your magic up to 10x... but also, it drains your mana 10x" King Ethen said to me... And I nodded... King Ethen unexpectedly come to me and hugged me... "I know that it is hard for you... but stay strong Nico..." King Ethen said... "Y-Yeah... thanks King Ethen... I feel much better" I said... and he released the hug... King Ethen is a good man... "Then... want to try using the staff?" King Ethen asked while smiling... I nodded... But then, I hear a sound from Euclio''s stomach... "Ah! All of you haven''t eat yet! Cmon... its 10 PM already!" King Ethen said And all of us looked surprised, except Persey.... I guess he was not sleeping... We went to the field... and I see a table has been prepared... King Ethen clapped his hand and the servants come with foods... We eat a lot... After ten minutes, we are finish with our food... then, we are directed to the wall by King Ethen... It takes 5 minutes to reach the top of the wall... When we step our feet on the wall... the soldiers looked surprised with King Ethen''s presence... They give him a bow, and return to their job... I look at the view in front of us... Out side the wall, I see hundreds of thousands of undead surrounding us... The undead keep coming... like there is no end... "Try to manipulate fire and attack them..." King Ethen said... And I nodded... I use the staff... and... ''Create Elements...'' All of the five elements are active... I flow the magic from my body to the staff... and the staff begins to shine... "W-Woah..." Euclio looked amazed... "I-I never see a staff glows?" Eria said in surprised... Then I decided to create fire.... I close my eyes and think about creating the biggest fire I can... I am currently in the edge of the wall... so that I won''t attack any of my friends... The fire is transfer to the staff... and I feel my mana has been drained quite a lot... I feel the temperature rising as well... "Umm... Nico... you should open your eyes..." Euclio reminded me... I guess I should... since it is really hot here... And when I open my eyes... I see a gigantic fireball... Then I shot it to the undead... And I think, a thousand of them were burnt... The view become foggy because of my [FIREBALL] Then I decided to use [WIND] And when the fog vanished... I can''t say anything... But I created a really big crater... maybe a size of our mansion back in Auxem... "T-That is awesome!" Euclio said "It is only a basic attack, right?" Ethan asked me... and I nodded... It will be more dangerous, if I use Expert Tier Destructive Magic... I could blow the whole town... I looked at King Ethen, and he keep smiling on me... Then, I decided to ask him, why is he smiling... "Because, I see Jeremiel inside you..." King Ethen said... "Hmmm? What do you mean?" I asked him... "When he used that staff you are holding now... he created [FIREBALL] as well... but not as big as your [FIREBALL]" King Ethen said "Y-You know him quite well..." I said to King Ethen... We are currently walking downstairs... "Of course! He is my best friend! It is like you and Euclio..." King Ethen said while smiling... T-They are this close?! I looked at Euclio... and he is talking with Ethan... "That is why you stop me from badmouthing him" I said to King Ethen... And he laughed... "That Jeremiel is helpless... but since she met your kasan... both of them become really strong..." King Ethen said... My mom? When I think about it... I never heard anything about my mom... "W-Who is our okasan?" a voice behind me ask... it is Ed... "Evelyn... Evelyn Maxwell... that is your real Kasan... and she is strong!" King Ethen praised our mom... Now I am really interested to meet her... King Ethen look at Ed... "And she has the same eyes like yours..." King Ethen told Ed... Then! Kasan should be really cool! "I think we should prepare ourselves..." Euclio said from behind... I nodded... All of us return to the earth camp and has some discussion... with King Ethen... Then, an old man come inside... "Tousan?" Euclio called him... "Have you guys thought how to leave this place?" King Feurius asked us... But none of us can answer... "They are thinking about it right now..." King Ethen said... King Feurius come and sit on the bench... "Let me help you... " King Feurius said... All of us looked at him... Including Euclio... "W-Wait! You mean... you are going to use it?!" Euclio asked King Feurius Euclio looks... really energetic... I really curious about the things that they are talking... "Excuse me... but what are you going to do?" I asked King Feurius... "I will open a way for all of you..." King Feurius said... "Let''s go.... I haven''t use this after the Great War 2..." King Feurius said and he stand up... G-Great War 2?!? "W-Wait... are you? A God Race?!" I asked King Feurius... And he looked troubled... "Of course! Or else I won''t be living for 200 years!" King Feurius said... Now, we all looked speechless... "W-Wait... you are a god race?" Euclio asked his Tousan... "Ocean God Race to be precise..." King Feurius said... "T-Then... how about me?" Euclio asked... "You? Hmmm I don''t really know about it... since I married with a normal Ocean Race..." King Feurius said And Euclio looks disappointed... But King Feurius patted his head... "I really hope that you are a Ocean God Race as well..." King Feurius said while smiling to Euclio... Euclio return to the cheerful Euclio... "Then! Prepare everything in 20 minutes... and stand in front of the gate... I will perform my magic!" King Feurius said.., M-Magic?! "Y-You are a mage?!" I asked... And he smiled... "Of course!" King Feurius said... "Then, we will be preparing things now..." Persey said and he left the earth camp... Also Eria and Erin... But I am still speechless... "Nisan! Let''s prepare ourselves..." Ed dragged my hand... And I left the earth camp with Euclio, Ed and Ethan... What should we prepare... "Hmmm... we need a carriage..." Euclio said... "How about a wagon? We could store more foods and supplies..." Persey said... Euclio nodded... "Sure..." Euclio said.. and Persey left to find a wagon for us... But, if we travel using wagon, doesn''t it takes more time? "Don''t you think wagon is slower than if we ride our own horse?" Ed asked... T-That is exactly what''s on my mind... "Yes... but we can supply more foods, and also... it will be much comfortable..." Euclio said... "But, can we escape the hordes of undead?" I asked... "Don''t worry! Tousan is going to use his magic specialty..." Euclio said... "Hmmm... what is his magic specialty?" I asked Euclio... "Ice!" Euclio said "Ice?" Ethan, Erin, and Eria asked in confusion "ICE?!??!" Ed and I shouted... And Euclio nodded... "H-He is a Master Water Mage?!" I asked Create Ice, and Manipulate Ice... that is a Master Water Magic... Euclio nodded proudly... "H-He should be one of the ten strongest!" Ed said to Euclio... But Euclio shook his head... "Apparently, Rueger-san is stronger than him..." Euclio said... Hmmm I never thought that a swordsman is stronger than a mage... but, it is happening... We prepare everything... and after twenty minutes... we are on a wagon... The foods stock for a week... also, I put several books inside the wagon... or else it is going to be boring... Then suddenly... I feel a chilling aura... The temperature around us is dropping in an instant... "H-He is doing it..." Euclio said... The soldiers shout the loudest battlecry I ever heard... louder than I heard before... This might be a one lifetime seeing... "Open the gate!!" a soldier above the wall shouted.... And the gate is open... they have a big wooden door... When the door is open... the cold air hit my body... "Ughhh... this is so cold!" I said "Here we go!" Persey said... He is our driver now... And the wagon move forward... When we pass the gate... "Woah..." I said... The undead... is freezing... They can''t move... I move to the driver seat... which is next to Persey... "T-This is..." I can''t continue my words... "Beautiful isn''t it?" Persey said... "Yeah..." I said while still looking around... All of the undead... They are freezing... How can he be so powerful? Is it because that he is a God Race? Then I see King Feurius stand on the wall... He is holding his staff... W-Wait... that is not a staff... That is a trident! A weapon of Ocean Race... Trident is like a staff for Ocean Race... Everything is white... I feel like winter... We continue our march for more then ten minutes... and finally, we are in the free zone... No undead attacked us... all of them were frozen... When we are a bit further... I feel the temperature rise a bit... "Straight to Haven!" I said "Of course! Nicolas-dono!" Persey said... And we left Epius for Haven... Chapter 26 - Haven After five days since we depart from Epius, finally we are one day apart from Haven... We''ve got attack from bandit... but Eria and Erin took care of them... Both of them could kill tens of bandit... "You got a tough girl!" Persey said to me.. then he laughed... They are tough! "Hey! It''s Haven!" Euclio said... All of us has discussed what we are going to do... So, first we all will disguise as an adventurer... to enter the city... I will be a swordsman with heavy armor and helmet... But, not only me... Euclio and Ethan as well... since our face is well-known... Haven has never declare war on Perius Kingdom... but secretly, they attack us... So, we will secretly attack them as well... A long line is waiting to enter the city... "There will be an inspection!" Persey said... All of us nodded... and we used our helmet... After ten minutes... it is our turn... The soldier check everything on our carriage... What they found is Hellhound''s tooth, slime''s liquid extract, also some wolf''s pelt... some spare swords and shield... and other normal adventurer stuff... During our journey, we kill several monsters so we look like adventurer... But then... "Hey.. the three of you... open your helmet..." the guards said... But Persey asked... "Hmmm what for? They never open their helm since we met them... so please respect them!" Persey said to the guards... The soldier looked at each other... But then, the soldier nodded... "Fine... you may pass..." one of the guard said So we pass the gate... After we passed the gate... "Fiuhhh... that was close... thanks to Persey..." Euclio said... But Persey laughed... "Leave everything to me! Persuading is my specialty!" Persey said while knock his own chest... All of us nodded in unison... and he laughed again... He is indeed reliable... "So... we should find a guild..." Euclio said... Guild... I miss the South Guild in Sera already... I hope Rick is okay... Haven... is a weird city... Everyone in this city is using Red clothes... not all, but most of them... The houses here is the same as the outer city of Sera... most of them are made of wood... Also... the guild! We finally arrive, after half of an hour... Persey asked several person and finally we reach the place... The road is busy... with preaches... Also, there are a lot of churches... This is indeed the base of Mera Sect... I get down from the carriage with my heavy armor... It is... not comfortable... I wonder why Eria and Erin use it everyday... The seven of us enters the guild... and when we do... everyone stare at us... Um... do we look like an idiot? So, we plan to rent several rooms in the inn... Persey do the talking... The guild has inn... that is the standard of the guild... And we got 4 rooms... I believe I will sleep with Euclio, Ed with Ethan, Eria with Erin... and Persey alone... When we put our things on our own room... everyone gather inside my room... I can open my heavy armor... which is really uncomfortable I let a sigh... "I wonder why both of you could endure it..." I say to Eria and Erin... Ethan and Euclio nodded... Two of them are not used to it as well... "I think it is comfortable..." Erin said while hit her own armor using his hand... And Eria nodded... "So... what is our plan?" Ed asked... "I have a plan..." Euclio said... All of us look at him seriously... "First... we will need to infiltrate the central church... and search for this Marius..." Euclio said... "Infiltrate? How?" Persey asked... And Euclio looked at Erin... "Erin?" I asked Euclio... Erin nodded... "Erin is strong... I know it... and I never feel her presence at all when she stands behind my back..." Euclio said Everyone nodded... "B-But... it is a dangerous mission..." I said it If she got caught... she could be executed at once... "Don''t worry... this is one of my ability..." Erin said... "Erin... you have to tell us first before you go into action..." Euclio reminded her and she nodded... Erin stood up "Then I will check it now..." Erin said... "Okay, return at 8 PM..." Euclio said... Erin nodded and left... "Now... Ed, Persey, and Eria... the three of you are the only one that can move freely in the town... so you have to find a lot of information as you can... maybe about this town nearest event, that Marius will attend or something else..." The three of them nodded... "Hey! I can go with them as well!" Ethan said I nodded... "With our armor..." I said Ethan nodded... "That is why, it is our duty to talk with the adventurer..." Euclio said... "Adventurer?" Ethan asked "Yes... adventurer is actually the most well-inform person in a town..." Euclio explained... And I can''t argue anymore... since it is true... Ethan looks confuse... but he agreed with us... Ethan never be an adventurer, that is why, he don''t know the capabilities of them... They are the source of information... "So... we will prepare ourselves as well..." Persey said.. We nodded... "Make sure to return to this room at 8 PM..." Euclio said The three of them nodded... "Okay!" everyone said... Persey, Ed, and Eria left... I left Euclio and went around with Ethan... Euclio said that he feels tired... so he decided to sleep... Both of us wear our armor... and went outside our room... "Ughhh this is heavy..." I said to Ethan... "Hey Nico... stop complaining..." Ethan said to me... "Y-Yeah sorry... let''s talk with other adventurer..." I said to Ethan... But, when we arrived at the guild''s lobby... every eyes are on us... And another man with higher posture also with heavy armor stopped us... "Who are you?" he asked both Ethan and I... "Oh... we are adventurer from Auxem..." I said to him... Everyone around us looked at us... "Hmmm I am a bit curious with Auxem''s adventurer..." The man said... I know where this talk going to... "Ah... I''m sorry, but we are a bit busy..." I said to him... "I challenge you to a duel!" the man said "YEAHHHH!!" the adventurers around us shouted... Ughhh... why people loves to fight... "Ethan... what should I do..." I said to Ethan whisperingly... "I-I don''t know... I hope Euclio is here..." Ethan said to me whisperingly... Euclio asked us not to create some trouble... but here I am... "How is it? Do you accept it?" the man asked me... So... for not creating trouble... I think I should refuse him... "I ref-" Before I refuse... "He accept it..." a voice behind me... "E-Eu-" But Ethan hit my helmet... "A-Aw..." I almost spill his name out loud... Euclio! I thought he was sleeping... "Yeah... I accept..." I said while following Euclio''s plan... And the battlecry of the adventurer heard "Hey a fight!" "What? The Platinum adventurer? Fighting an outsider..." "They said that they come from Auxem..." Some talks about us... We move to the duel room... It is a bit small... compared to South Guild Duel Room... "Don''t use your magic..." Euclio said to me whisperingly... I nodded... "What if I lose?" I asked Euclio... "Then, you lose! There is no need to win..." Euclio said... I see the man with his sword... The sword is... nothing special... until... It shines red suddenly... and a flame covering the blade of the sword... "E-Elemental Fighter?!" I said in surprised... And the man laughed... Ugh... I really want to surprise him with all of my elements... and I will laughed at him... But Euclio forbid me... So... I guess I am fine... A judge come to us... "This duel ends if one side surrender or is not able to fight... no killing... and no permanent damage... both agree?" the judge which is a woman said... Both of us nodded... "Then, the battle start in 3.......2.......1..... Now!" Fighting a swordsman... without my magic... it will be hard... "Just hit it with your sword!" Euclio shouted...The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. T-That is true! I actually never use my sword in a duel... And... The man come at me with high speed... He is fast! I dodge every of his attack... His blade is coated with flame... I hate to say, but the temperature inside this heavy armor is also higher... He uses Ares Style... From the beginning of the battle, I haven''t unsheathed my sword... I bet that man is pissed of already... From my judgement... he is an Advance Tier... I dodge more of his attack... Until he try to stabbed me I move aside and unsheathed my sword... And the sword glows red... not because of Elemental Fighter... but because of the sapphire... Everyone looked at my sword in surprise... Then, I hit the man''s sword... And it breaks in a hit... I put my sword under his head... and... "I-I give up..." the man said... "The winner is... the outsider!" the judge said... And everyone gives me an applause... I think, Euclio''s Ares Style is much harder to defeat... Or maybe, we actually reach the Expert Level? I should ask Rueger... W-Wait... Rueger is... Rueger is alive... but missing... I have to find him... I put back my sword... and left the arena... "Y-You are stronger aren''t you?" Ethan asked me... "R-Really? I don''t feel anything change..." I said to Ethan... "You see, that guy is actually an advance tier... but you dodged his attack easily..." Euclio said... "Hmmm maybe we should check it to the dojo next time..." Ethan suggested... and Euclio and I nodded... "Woah... you are so strong!" another adventurer come to us... "Yeah! He is the highest rank in this guild! There are 2 other Platinum Rank... but they still lose against him..." adventurer two said to me... while pointing to the man that I just dueled... "Oh! By the way, is there any current event in this town? We are from Auxem, so we don''t know anything..." Euclio said to the adventurer... "Hmmm... I don''t know about this town... but I heard that Epius is under attack..." adventurer one That... we know too... "Yeah by the undead! But they received reinforcements from Qiteron Kingdom and Aerios Kingdom... they should have win already..." another adventurer join us... let''s say he is adventurer 3 "Not only them! Staviel and also Gavenhallen Kingdom also arrived yesterday!" adventurer 2 said "R-Really? That''s great!" Ethan said happily... "Any news about this city?" Euclio asked again from behind his helmet... "Oh... they said that the High Priest is going to visit Auxem..." adventure 3 said... "R-Really? When?" I asked... "Hmmm I guess tomorrow if I am not mistaken... it''s on the 24th of this month..." adventure 3 said... Then we look at the calendar which is in the guild... "Today is 24..." I said to Euclio... "Darn it!" Euclio said Are we late? But then, a girl stand in front of me... "Eria?" the three of us in unison... "We should go now..." Eria said... "What time?" I asked her... "10 PM..." Eria said... And the three of us nodded... "Sorry guys, but... we have to go..." I said to the three adventurer... The three adventurer waved their hand to us... We left them and return to my room... When we are inside our room... I release my armor... "Ughh heavy..." I complain... Euclio and Ed released the armor as well... "Do you know which path they are going to use?" Euclio asked Erin... "The west gate... the nearest way to Auxem..." Erin said... "Hmmm do you know how many people will guard Marius?" I asked Erin... Erin shook his head... But then, our door is opened... "Ed?!" I called his name... "Sssttt..." Ed said... "You talk really loud..." Ed said to me... I remains silent... And Ed come inside to my room... He close the door and... "There should be around a hundred soldiers guarding him..." Ed said whisperingly... "How did you know what we are talking about?" I asked Ed... "You see, we should talk whisperingly... I can hear your voice from outside..." Ed said whisperingly... "Okay okay, so how did you know that Marius guarded by a hundred soldiers?" Euclio asked Ed whisperingly "Persey asked several question to the merchants... and they said that he always been guarded by a hundred soldiers..." Ed said whisperingly "Let''s go... we should prepare ourselves..." I said to everyone "Okay!" everyone said... But then, suddenly.... Knocks on the door... I immediately wears my armor... also Euclio and Ethan... Eria open the door... And... "In the name of the High Priest... you are under arrest..." a female soldier said... She has a long black hair... and a shield behind her... She looks like... "Precilla?" Ed asked... And the female soldier looked at Ed... "Hmmm you know Precilla?" she asked Ed... "A-Ah... yes... she is my friend from school..." Ed said... And she looked at all of us... "S-Sorry, he misjudge you for other person..." I said to her... "I am Precilla''s sister... Precia..." the girl sounds so friendly... "By the way, can we meet the High Priest?" Euclio asked Precia... The soldiers behind Precia looks on guard now... "I-It''s because this boy is a big fans of the High Priest!" Euclio said while holding both of Ed''s shoulder... "I-I am!" Ed improvised... "Hmmm sure... you will meet him soon, don''t worry..." Precia said... The guard come inside "Please hand me your weapon..." the soldier said... All of us looked at each other... "Can we have it back later?" I asked "It depends on the High Priest..." Precia said... Then Euclio give his weapon to the guard... So... all of us give our weapon to the guard... I give my Oathkeeper and also the staff I got... "Okay... your helmet please?" Precia asked the three of us... "Ummm... sorry, but we are the three mysterios warrior! And we never shows our face to anyone else..." Euclio said... Precia looked surprised... But I guess she appreciate us... "Hmmm I see, then, I guess it is okay..." Precia said Ed and Erin showed a relieved face... "Let''s go..." Precia lead the way... and we left the inn with the soldiers... We move downstairs... which is the tavern... Everyone is looking at us... "What''s wrong with them?" "They are the adventurer from Auxem right?" "Did they do something wrong?" "A-Are they going to be executed?!" E-Executed?!? We left the guild and there is a carriage that is waiting for us... But, in the dark alley, I see Eria and Persey watching us.... They have their weapon readied... But Euclio stop them... using his hand language... So they didn''t attack the soldiers... And so far, so good... they didn''t arrest us... our hand is still free to move... "So... what business do we have here?" Euclio asked Precia... "Hmmm... the guard said that a suspicious adventurer enters Haven... so we decided to bring all of you to the prison to be interrogated..." Precia said "P-Prison? Did we do something wrong?" Ethan asked worriedly... "N-No of course... if you are innocent... you are free to go..." Precia said... This is going to be troublesome... I look at Euclio... "Ugh... we will be late..." I said to Euclio "Yeah we will..." Euclio said "Late for?" Precia asked... "Hmm... we have to help Epius... they are currently under attack..." Euclio said "You mean by the Undead?" Precia asked... And we nodded... "Don''t worry... they got a lot of reinforcement..." Precia said And suddenly the horse stop... "Here we are..." Precia said and she open the door of the carriage... We get down from the carriage and led to a building... All of us were directed to a room... and we have to wait for several minutes... The room has been prepared already... it has 5 chairs for all of us... It is a bit small room... and finally Precia comes with our swords... "So... we got information about three suspicious adventurers... and I believe it is you three..." Precia said to Euclio, Ethan and I The three of us nodded... "Are we that suspicous?" I asked Euclio... as an act... "I don''t know... but we are quite well-known in Auxem..." Euclio said... Then Precia put our swords and weapon on the table... "I believe, this is belong to you..." Precia said while showing my sword to me.... So, I nodded... "Can you open your helmet sir..." Precia said "B-But I never show my face to anyone else..." I said to defend myself... "Don''t worry... if you are not the wanted person... we will let you free... and I will forget your face immediately.... So... even Nicolas Maxwell''s sword is famous already?! This is troublesome... I look at Euclio... and he looked troubled as well... "Sorry, but this is our oath, not to open our helmet until we met the High Priest..." I said And she give a thought... "So... all of you are come here to meet the high priest?!" Precia asked... her face show disbelief... We all nodded... But Euclio... "Yeah, and I thought you promise us to bring us to him..." Euclio said "Fine fine... let''s go... and take your own weapon..." Precia said... "Thanks!" I said We left the building and in front of us... "The central church..." Ed said "It is pretty isn''t it?" Precia said It is... The central church is like a tower... it is huge... but pretty as well... When we come closer... we can see the beautiful design of the wall... A soldier stopped us... "Precia... Daughter of Marius... and I bring him five guests..." Precia said to the soldier... And the soldier let us passed... But they asked for our weapon... We left our weapon with the guard... and enter the central church... We are walking on a straight red carpet... There are soldiers guarding the path... Haven is heavily guarded... I wonder why... And finally... we see a man sit on a chair... a really majestic chair... Beside him... I see eight other warriors... they look strong... Euclio looked at me... "Not now..." Euclio whispered to me... And I nodded... It is very risky to attack now... we have no weapon as well... "So... Precia... what are you bringing today..." a man said... "Tousan... they are big fan of you... so I bring them here..." Precia said... Tousan... so this man is Marius... But none of us actually say something... S-Some should act... or it will be awkward... "O-Oh my god! It is the High Priest Marius!! It''s been my wish to see you!" Euclio said from behind his helmet... "Tousan, they promised themselves not to open their helmet until they see you! Just how great their desire to see you..." Precia said... Oh no... I feel something bad going to happen... "Oh really? That is a very kind of you... then, you can release your helmet..." Marius said to us with a smile... The three of us hesitated... "C''mon! Your wish is finally granted! You can open your helmet!" Precia said to us... "Ughh... I''m a bit shy..." I said "Don''t worry! We don''t judge people by its look!" Marius said... "Then... don''t be afraid of my face..." I said to Marius and he nodded... Ethan is the first one to open his helmet... "E-Ethan-sama!" Marius said... "Marius-dono... it''s been a long time..." Ethan said... Marius and the other eight warriors give Ethan a bow... also Precia... "Of course Ethan-sama! And why are you here? And in disguise?" Marius asked Ethan... "I only want to see your sect... and you are as kind as ever! Allowing random adventurer like us to see you... I am touched by your kindness.." Ethan said... H-He improvised really well! "T-Then... let we see our next warrior..." Marius said and face Euclio and me... This time, the eight of them are circling us... Precial moved back... "As I heard... Ethan-sama... you are going well with Nicolas-dono..." Marius said to Ethan... We are in a big trouble! "Please... open the helmet..." Marius said Euclio opened his helmet... and they are now more cautious with me... I open my helmet and... ''Create Elements!'' I summoned all of the five spheres at once... "[REP-" Before I finish my word... A Red Barrier appear in front of me... and blocking me to Marius... M-Master Tier of Barrier?!? We are now surrounded by a four-sided Red Barrier... Only King Feurius can escape this with his Ice... So... four of the warriors is the one that summoned this Red Barrier... And the other four is... the swordsmen... "Nicolas... no! Demon! What magic you are about to cast on me?" Marius said while still sitting down... "Repel!" I shouted from inside the barrier... "Repel? Why?" Marius asked... The soldiers that guard the entry comes... There are tens of soldiers now... and I can''t use my magic... also we can attack them physically since our weapon is held outside... "Because you are manipulated..." I said "Me? Manipulated?" Marius asked and he laughed... "Then! Are you afraid with my [REPEL]?" I asked him... "And what if you casted a harmful spell to me?" Marius asked... .... "He will only use Holy Magic... there is no harmful magic in Holy Magic..." Euclio said Euclio then looked at me... I nodded and deactivated all of the basic elements... The other four warrior that summoned the barrier looked at Marius waiting for his next command... "Hmmm... why should I trust the words of demon?" Marius asked... "Demon?! I thought you are the one that told us not to judge people by it looks..." I said to him... Everyone looked at Marius... "Mera Sect! You loves Red color! Even Mera Follower uses Red Clothes! But why do you hate Red Eyes?! Don''t you think it doesn''t make any sense?!" Euclio said Marius give it a thought... "That is an order from the King..." Ethan said... Now everyone looked at Ethan... The soldiers started to doubt... Every eyes are on the High Priest... "Fine..." Marius said... The five of us looked relieved... "But... if nothing happened after the [REPEL]... you will be executed immediately..." Marius said... Now I doubt myself... but... "Sure!" Euclio shouted and he so sure about it... T-This is a bet on my life! What if it didn''t work for him?! Arghh... The four of the warriors deactivate their Barrier Magic... After taking a deep breathe... I let it out... and cast the spell on him [REPEL] I used it... And a view I have seen before shown... A shiny rope surround Marius... and.... It gone! All of us looked at Marius... I-Is something wrong?! "High Priest Marius?" a warrior called him But no respond... The soldier surrounded us become on guard... And they casted another barrier... "N-Nico... what did you do?!" Euclio asked me... "W-What?! I did what I have done to you as well!" I said But then... "Stop!" Marius shouted... Everyone looked at him... "Put down your weapon!" Marius shouted... and everyone follows his lead... Also, the barrier is gone... "You are true... we are being manipulated!" Marius said... And the five of us sigh in relieved... "Now! You trust us, right?" I asked... Then he point out his finger on me... "And you!" Marius said "M-Me?!" I asked "You are the descendant of God!" Marius said to me... A-Am I? "B-But Marius-sama! The holy book told us that Red Eye is the descendant of demon!" a soldier shouted... And the soldiers around is on the same thought... "Silence!" High Priest Marius shouted... And everyone now is in silent... "Can you cast your [REPEL] on everybody else?" Marius asked me... And I nodded... "But I need my staff..." I said "Give him his staff!" Marius said But no one dare to give him the staff... "D-Don''t you think that Marius-sama is being manipulated by this demon?!" a warrior asked to other warrior... "T-That might be true!" "H-He is a real demon!" They are pointing their weapon on me... They don''t even trust their own High Priest.... Until the door to the central church is then breached... "What kind of follower you are!" a girl shouted... When she comes closer... we can see her... She is... "Precilla!!" I shouted... "Hey Nico..." She called me with smile on her face "P-Precilla! What are you doing here! You have been dismissed!" a warrior shouted... "Hey! Do you even learn our teaching? It is written in the Holy Book that Holy Attribute is always right!" Precilla shouted... And then everyone looked confused... "Let him cast [REPEL] on all of you... and you will know the truth..." Precilla said... "Guard! Lower your weapon!" Precia commanded... And the guard lowered their weapon... Precilla then throw me my staff... I catch my staff... "Y-You sure?" a guard asked Precilla... "Do you believe in the Holy Book?" Precilla asked again... And he nodded... "Then... you should believe in him as well..." Precilla said while directing her eyes on me... I come closer to Marius... and he doesn''t let his guard up... he entirely trust me... Everyone gather... and... [REPEL] I cast it and send my magic to my staff... And the power is increase! I see a shiny rope surrounding each of the soldiers... and the eight warriors... also Precilla and Precia... And after it gone... "T-That is true!!" "R-Red Eye is the descendant of God!" "N-Nicolas-sama! He returned us to the right path!" Everyone shouted a battlecry... But when some people knows the truth, they even want to kill themselves... they feel disgrace on themselves... And of course, we stop them... Then... the announcement of Red Eyes is not the descendant of Demon spread... But some people still show their disbelief... I can''t just [REPEL] the entire world... So, the announcement tells that, if you want to know the truth... come to Haven... I left the Central Church and decided to stay here for some while... We met up with Eria and Persey outside the Central Church after the case done... "You don''t even need us!" Persey said while laughing... "No! It''s thanks to all of us, that we can make this mission a success..." I said Of course! Without Persey, we can''t even enter this city.... We stayed in Haven for a couple of week... Marius admitted that he had been working with Navroth lately... He said that he will do everything to get me killed... Also, he admitted for being the cause of the undead attack... and also, for being one of the Navroth''s protector... His number is four... Mikhael Klorze is the fifth... Marius is the fourth... First to third is still mystery... Every day I goes to the Central Church and perform my [REPEL] in front of the people... There are thousands of people each day... come to seek the truth... And it drains my mana quite a lot... After a week... we received a message from King Ethen... "For Nicolas... The horde of undead has stopped... and I believe it is because of your works... we are really grateful, I have sent back the troops of Maxim, Auxem, and Sera... So, make sure you take care of yourself as well... I also hear the news about Mera Sect, I am grateful now that you can live a bit more peaceful than before... but don''t let your guard off... Navroth''s eye is everywhere... For Ethan, I leave him in your hand... I believe that he will grow much faster when he is on your side... Please take care of him for me... About Reudora Kingdom, let House Perius, House Avom, and House Aslan fight! Also, we got back up from Aerios Kingdom, Qiteron Kingdom, Gavenhallen Kingdom, and Staviel Kingdom... and it is because of you... You are truly the child that bring us one... and I believe that Jeremiel and Evelyn is proud of you... I hope your mindset about Jeremiel changes... Sincerely, King Ethen..." I read it out loud... In front of Ethan, Ed, Euclio, Erin, Eria, Persey and also.... Precilla... "That is a good news!" Persey said I nodded while put the letter back to the envelope... "So, our mission is done here! I guess I have to return to Julian-sama!" Persey said while standing up "Yes, you are going back already?" I asked Persey and he nodded... "It''s been a long time... I miss my family, also... I believe Julian-sama needs me... I believe we will meet again..." Persey said while giving his hand... Both of us shake our hand... "I believe it as well... good luck Persey-dono..." I said And he left the room... Then, I look at Eria... "How about you Eria?" I asked her "What about me?" Eria asked back... "Umm... you are not returning to Sera?" I asked... "Am I troubling you here?" SHe asked back again... T-This is troublesome... " "I-I see..." I said So, she is going to stick with us? Hmmm I don''t mind actually... "Oh Precilla! Where is Roxane!" Euclio asked Precilla... "Roxane? I believe she returned to Auxem after the tragedy about the mansion..." Precilla said... And now the atmosphere become heavy... "You see... about your Tousan..." Precilla said... "N-No... that''s okay..." I said "I believe that the three of them will return..." I continue... And everyone nodded... I look at Ethan... "So, Ethan, you are going to stick with us... are you okay with that?" I asked Ethan... "Sorry for troubling you..." Ethan said He is so humble! For the prince of Human Race... "Of course not! You are more then welcome! Let''s return to Auxem in a week... I have to clear my name first here..." I said They all agreed with me... This past week... I let Ed, Ethan and Eria try something new... The three of them becoming the adventurer of Haven... I don''t want them to waste time... While Euclio, Erin and also Precilla accompanied me everywhere I go... At first, Ed, Ethan and Eria refused my offer... for becoming adventurer... But I force them... and now they are addicted to it... Everyday when they return back to our house in Haven... Ed always have his own story... also Ethan... they looked like enjoying the adventuring... Also, Eria... At first she said that adventuring is only for a child... But when she fight the monsters, she can''t even stop... That''s what Ed told me... After a week, we decided to return to Auxem... "Are you sure you don''t need our troops to escort you back to Auxem?" Marius asked me... I nodded... "Don''t worry, we can do it on our own..." I said to Marius... Then Marius smiled on me... "I hope you can meet Jeremiel soon..." Marius said... "Hmmm? You know him?" I asked Marius... And he nodded... "Of course! He is one of the descendant of God! And so you are..." Marius said... Oh, that''s true... Jeremiel-tousan has red eyes as well... since we are the first line of Maxwell... "Then... we will be off..." I said to Marius... He waved his hand... There are hundreds of people crying for our depart... "Now they cry when you leave... it is really weird..." Euclio said to me while laughing... "Yeah, I wonder what has change in Auxem..." I said "Hmmm I wonder about that as well..." Precilla said... We are currently riding our horse... We don''t need wagon, since it''s only a day journey... Chapter 27 - Recovering After a day journey... I see a line up long enough, that it could take hours if we wait... "What happened here?" I asked... "I believe the condition in Auxem has been recover... so people started to coming back..." Euclio said... "And also... they want to live under the descendant of the god!" Precilla said to me... They thought me as a demon is frustrating me... but when they thought me as their God, it is troublesome... "Let''s just pass the line up..." I said And everyone nodded... While we pass, the people that have been line up looked at us... At first they were about to angry for me cutting the line... but when they see my face... "I-It''s Nicolas-sama!" "T-The God is here!" "Son of Archduke is heree!" "The Wizard King has arrived!!" All of them gives me praises... I ignore them and continue our ride... until we meet the gatekeeper... "N-Nicolas-sama..."the gatekeeper said while bowing... "Hey... how is the city?" I asked him... "This past month, people keeps coming... but this week is the peak... after your name has been change by the Mera Sect..." the gatekeeper said... "I see... thanks for keeping the city safe..." I said to the gatekeeper... And he looks happy... "Of course Nicolas-sama... it is my duty..." the gatekeeper said... We decided to leave the gate, and check the mansion... Our mansion is located on the hill... and the only houses there... After ten minutes of riding horse, we arrive... "Nicolas-sama has arrived!" the soldier announced... And we arrived at the lobby... The are some guards waiting for me already... "N-Nicolas-sama!" the guard they greeted us while bowing... I get down from my horse... and they bring our horse to the stable... "Nico!" Rin come and hug me... I hug him back... "Where is Nathalia? Also, Nate and Leon?" I asked "They are in a meeting" Rin explained "Hmmm okay we should wait somewhere else then...." I said... "How about we have a bath first..." Euclio said "Hmmm sounds good..." Precilla looked interested... We all decided to take a bath... After we bath... we move to the library... "This room brings memories..." I said I used to come here with Rueger and Nathalia when we were younger... Ed looked interested in this library... But before he takes a book... I give him a book "Advance Holy Magic?!" Ed said a bit loud... "Yeah... learn that okay..." I said And he nodded... Ed left the library to train alone... "He looks a lot happier after he meet you Nico..." Ethan said with a smile... "R-Really?" I asked... "Yeah... he never show any expression to me... but since he met you, everything changes... and he started to smile and laugh... thanks..." Ethan said to me... "N-No problem... he is my brother after all..." I said... Ethan has been friend with Ed for quite a long time... since they live in the palace... "He is Nico after all!" Euclio said to Ethan and Ethan laughs... What''s wrong if it''s me? I don''t get it but I let it go... Until the door to the library opened... "Nisan!" Nate, Nathalia and Leon?? Shouted The three of them hugged me... and I fall to the ground... "Aww... that''s hurt... all of you sure get heavier..." I said But Nathalia sounds offended... "It''s been only a month! You used to left me for a year!" Nathalia said to me... T-That''s true... but a month feels like a year... since a lot has happened... "Heee? Precilla?!" Leon just realized... "R-Really?!" Nate also see her... "Hello..." Precilla said with a smile... We talked quite a lot that day... So, in the meeting, they discussed about Mera Sect... and Nathalia decided to allow the Mera Believer join the military... And our armies are increasing... Also, Auxem School has been active once again... Santa-sensei has return to school and the activity in school has been started since a week ago... And apparently, I got a letter from Auxem School that it will be an honor if I become one of the teacher and I will be teaching Fusion Magic class... Ughh, sorry Santa-sensei... but I am not into teaching... not like my grandpa... "Nisan... you can trust Auxem to us..." Nate said... Leon and Nathalia nodded... "Y-You sure?" I asked with doubt... "Yeah... you deserve holiday... so, do what you want... and take this as well..." Leon said while holding both Rin''s shoulder... "Ummm Rin?" I said in confuse... "He keeps telling us that he missed Monica... and I have no idea who she is..." Nate complains... Euclio, Erin and I laughed... "Sure! We will take Rin back..." I said and Rin smile happily... Leon and Nate looked at Ethan... "Ethan will be with me... King Ethen asked me to take care of him..." I said... I looked at Ethan and he nodded... "Okay, I guess the three of us will be enough..." Nate said... "Hmmm I guess I will accompany you Nate..." Precilla step forward... "Y-You sure?" Nate asked... "Why not? I believe your brother is protected already..." Precilla said... and she looked at Erin and Eria... I look both of them and they looked back at me with cold eyes... I feel the chill... "A-Ah.. sure, please protect them Precilla..." I said "Of course! We are family after all!" Precilla said with a smile... And I nodded... Everyone in this room looks happy... "Oh, by the way Nisan... what are you going to do now?" Nathalia asked me... "Hmmm..." I give a thought... "I guess we will continue our study..." Euclio said... "Hmmm? Study?" Leon asked... Euclio and I nodded... also Ethan and Ed... "We haven''t finish our adventuring! We need another year... even Ethan and Ed just start their adventure this year..." I said And they looked surprised... "I guess the three of you follows Daigo''s step..." I said And Nate nodded... Daigo now become the prime minister of Staviel Kingdom... "I never thought managing the city is really hard..." Nate said... "But it is fun at the same time!" Nathalia said... Nate nodded... "And we are helping each other!" Leon continues... and both Nate and Nathalia nodded... They made a good teamwork already! "You should try adventuring! It is fun!" Ethan said to the three of them... "Yeah! I kill a lot of monsters!" Ed continues... "Hmmm maybe next time, there are too much things to do..." Nate said We continue our conversation until the next day... We decided to stay here in Auxem... I wake up and see the old ceiling... I sit on my bed and look at the clock... "I-It''s 7 AM!" I said W-Where is Rueger! He should be wakin- .... ...... ........ "Hey... wake up Euclio..." I wake Euclio up... "Ughh gimme five more minutes..." Euclio said... "Then... I will be going down first..." I said "W-Wait..." So, both of us went downstairs and move to the training ground... I see Nate, Leon, Nathalia, Ed and also Ethan train themselves... When I enter the training ground... I see Eria and Erin talks with each other on the bench... Both of them become really close... "Nisan! You are late!" Nate shouted... "I-I know..." I said and join practicing... When I come toward Nate... Nate asked me... "Nisan... who is she?" Nate asked while directing his eyes on Eria... "Oh! She is Eria... and she is really strong! I believe she is in the same level as Erin..." I said Nate looked impressed... "Eria! My brother wants to challenge you!" I shouted... And she stand up and come closer... "N-Nisan... I neve-" "Hmm?" Eria is beside me already... "He said that he wants to see your style..." I said to Eria... "I guess I have no problem..." Eria said to Nate... And Nate gulped... Everyone leave their training to see the duel... "It''s just normal duel... no killing, no permanent damage... and one side will win after the other side surrender or can''t fight..." I said and both nodded... Nate prepare his stance... and so does Eria... but Eria showed a weird stance... and Nate looked troubled... "3....2....1.... go!" I said Nate move forward... while Eria is in defense stance... But Eria move forward in her defense stance, and makes Nate nervous... Nate swing his spear but dodge by Eria... Then, Nate tries to knock her with the body of spear... bot none of the attack hit her... And until Eria parried one of Nate''s attack, and Eria begin to attack Nate... Eria slash to his Nate''s right but Nate is able to dodge her attack... and then Eria spin around and attack Nate''s left side and do a two hit combo... Nate able to dodge both attack... And again Eria spin and give three hit combo to Nate''s right... Nate is able to dodge the attack but still, he looks in trouble... Nate never in defend position forthis long... I just realize from Eria''s attack... Everytime she spins, her attack combo plus one... Until the 8 hit combo.... "Stop!" I shouted... Everyone looked at Nate... and he is out of the line already... "The winner is Eria..." I said Everyone is surprised by her style... Her style is strong... but I believe it is more to offensive than defensive... Both of them shake their hand... "She is the strongest knight in Sera..." I said And Nate hanged his mouth open... also everyone else... except Euclio, Erin and Ed... But then Eria praised Nate... "You are the second person that could keep up my combo..." Eria said to Nate... "R-Really?!" Nate sounds really proud... And Eria nodded with smile...The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. When Eria smile, she looks like a completely different person... She is.... "Nico... you are red..." Euclio whispered me... "W-What?! Shut up!" I said to Euclio... And he laughed... "Let''s eat!" I said to everyone and all of them agrees... After we had our breakfast... we decided to return to Sera... "You sure you don''t want to stay here longer?" Nate asked me... "T-That''s fine... we need to return adventuring... also, I will find any clue about Tousan..." I said to Nate... Nate nodded... "Make sure to tell us first before you act!" Precilla said... And I nodded... For us... Precilla is like our older sister, she is the one that take care of us... and worried about us as well... "We should go to Auxem School first..." Ed reminded me... "T-That''s true!" I just remembered... Ed and Ethan has to choose their place for adventuring... "Okay! Then we will join you to Auxem School..." Precilla said... Nate, Nathalia and Leon nodded... "Y-You sure?" I asked... "Yeah, we are free for now..." Nate said So, we decided to visit Auxem School... to let Ed and Ethan choose their future... We use three carriages to visit Auxem School... and apparently... it is Sunday! And there are a lot of person walks in and out in the lobby... When they see our carriage arrives, they wait for use to get down... Nate goes down first, and everyone welcome Nate... "Nate-sama! Welcome!" the students greeted him... "It''s Nate-sama! He is so cool!" I hear other student praised him... Then, Ethan get down... "P-Prince Ethan is here as well!" Another students looked surprised... "I thought he is in Epius!" some other student said... Then Leon, Euclio, Nathalia... get down... and the students become silent... Too much royalty in the carriage... Until I get down... "Nicolas-sama!!" a student come to me... and he bow to till his head to the floor... "H-Hey! What are you doing!" I said in panicked... "I-I am sorry for badmouthing you when you are still in this school!" the students said while still bowing... Not only him... but there are more students followed him... "Nicolas-sama! We don''t deserve to be alive!" "I-I better die!" "NO!" I shouted... And they all looked at me... The lobby become silent at once... "I won''t forgive anyone that commit suicide!" I said loudly... And now they are crying... "N-Nicolas-sama! You are too kind!" "Why did I get the idea to badmouthing you!" "Then! Do you forgive us?" And I nodded... "I never hold a grudge against all of you..." I said with a smile... And everyone looks happy... "So... never judge someone from its look!" I said also with smile... "Long Live Nicolas-sama!" Everyone shouted... I wave my hand on them and pass through the crowd... This is troublesome... when they hate me, I could ignore them... but when they praise me, I can''t just ignore them... We reached in front of Santa''s office room... but we have to wait for several people... While we are waiting, several people come to talk with me... I suddenly become a star... but it is actually troubling... Euclio keep laughing at my troubled face... Not Precilla... "Excuse me... but we need Nicolas right now!" Precilla said to other 5 people that surrounded me... and she dragged me out... After we return to the other... "T-Thanks Precilla!" I said "No problem..." Precilla said with smile... And I looked at Eria... S-She is mad?! "What''s wrong Eria?" Erin asked Eria... "N-Nothing..." Eria said and face away... W-We are quite sure that we feel bloodlust from Eria... S-She is scary! After the student inside the room left, it is finally our turn... All of us enter Santa''s room... and Santa looked surprised... "So... this is Nate, Nathalia, Ed, Leon, Ethan, Euclio, Eria, Erin, Rin and Precilla!" I introduce to Santa... "Ummm, and who will consult with me today?" Santa asked me nervously Too much royalty in a room... And both Ed and Ethan raised their hand... Santa then write their name on a piece of paper... "Have you decided where to go?" Santa asked... And both of them nodded... "South Sera..." Ethan said... "Sera?" Santa asked and he looked at me... I nodded... Santa look back at Ethan... "Sure... no problem..." Santa said and he write something on the document... After he finished writing, he continue the conversation with a question... "Okay... so Nate, Nathalia and Leon... the three of you will stop studying in Auxem School?" Santa asked the three of them nodded... Santa let a sigh... "That is really sad... but I guess you have no choices as well.." Santa said "Yeah, we really want to continue but..." "I have an idea..." Euclio suddenly said... Everyone looked at Euclio... "How about you go adventuring here... in Auxem..." Euclio said... And none of us had thought about that... "You can manage the city, also do adventuring... I believe adventuring only takes several hours, and then you do your routine back in the mansion..." Euclio said... T-That is true! All of us look at Santa... "Sure... that is a brilliant idea! As expected from the Prince of Qiteron Kingdom!" Santa said with a smile... "R-Really?!" Leon sounds happy... and Santa nodded... "Yeah!!" Leon, Nate and Nathalia said happily... Precilla looked happy as well... When they are busy with themselves I talk to Precilla... "You should teach them how to adventure..." I said to Precilla... "Leave it to me!" Precilla said... As reliable as ever! We left the room with joy... Thanks to Euclio''s idea... Leon, Nate and Nathalia keep hugging Euclio even when we are in the lobby... I laughed at Euclio... his face looks... uncomfortable... But then, we see our carriage is ready... and I feel a bit sad... "So... it''s time..." Nate said to me... "Yeah... or maybe... I shoul-" I was thinking to move here... but Nate stopped me... "No, you don''t have to... you should take care of the guild there! I believe they need you as well! You are their leader right?" Nate asked me... And I nodded... I am grateful to have a very understanding brother... I hug Nate... also Nathalia... also Ed! Ed looked a bit shy... but then he accept it... "Thanks Nate... Nathalia... for understanding..." I said to the two of them... "Yeah don''t worry! We will do our best to maintain this city..." Nate said with responsibility "Ah, don''t forget to take a rest! Nathalia! Remind Nate to take a rest!" I said to Nathalia and she laughed... "You worried too much Nisan!" Nathalia said... We release the hug... I see Rin, Erin, Eria are inside the carriage already... "Then... we will be off..." I said to them... "Yeah! Be careful!" Nate said... The rest of us enter the carriage, and before I entered the carriage, I looked at our surrounding And then I just realize that people are watching us... and hear our conversation... They looked at us with amaze... "T-They are so cute!" some random girls said... "H-How stupid we were! Thinking him as a demon! Just how kind he is to his siblings!" some random Mera Believer... said... "Good luck Nicolas-sama!" a student said... Ethan and Euclio enter the carriage with me... "Goodluck with your studies all of you!" I shouted from the carriage... And the carriage started to move... "I-I got blessing from the god!" "H-Hey! This year I can pass my grade!" "I feel lucky now!" Ughhh they really thought something like that? Even Euclio laughed really hard... "I-I think I should believe in Mera as well!" Euclio said while laughing... "Ehem..." Ethan clear his throat... We all looked at him... "A-Actually... I am one of them..." Ethan said... and all of us looked surprise... "Oh! He is!" Euclio just remembered... And so do I "I challenged you that time..." I said to Ethan... "Yeah, and you bullied him..." Euclio said to me... Erin, Rin and Eria looked at me with surprised... "N-Not because I want to..." I said "Oh, you even fight me without your sword..." Ethan said to me while laughing... "T-That is..." "Yeah! He keep pushing Ethan with his Wind Magic... and when Ethan comes closer, Nico pushed him harder..." Euclio continues... Rin, Erin and Eria looked at me with unbelievable face... "H-He did that?" Rin asked Ethan with a bit scared... And Ethan nodded... "But it is my fault as well..." Ethan said... And everyone become silent... "Yeah it is... the old you was so dumb..." Euclio said... And Ethan nodded... "So... I actually do a bad thing to him... since I thought that he is the descendant of demon... and I really pissed him of, and Nico challenged me to a duel and he humiliated me..." Ethan confess while looking downward... I patted his head... and he faced me... "It''s because you hurt someone precious to me! But now, you are one of my friend! And I will do the same thing if someone hurts you..." I said with a smile... And Ethan smile... "Yeah I know... thanks" Ethan said with a smile... "Thanks for forgiving me Nicolas-sama!" Ethan act like other Mera Believer! "H-Hey! Don''t you dare call me..." "Nicolas-sama! I can''t forgive myself for doing bad things to you! Please punish me!" Euclio join the play... "Agh I will punish you soon when we arrive at Sera..." I said and Euclio looked afraid... We all laughed... After three days of journey... we can see Sera... "Hmmm no bandit?" I asked Euclio... "I guess Nate take care of them... West of Perius Kingdom recently is free from bandit..." Euclio said West of Perius Kingdom are Auxem, Haven and Sera... "He did?" I asked... "Yeah he did! Your brother is actually quite good at it! And your sister is a genius!" Rin said... "Hmmm... I know that Nathalia is a genius... but Nate... I thought he only knows practice..." I said "Yep! He practice daily! And never missed a day! I believe he will surpass you one day!" Rin said to me... Ughhh Nate has surpassed me already... Seeing our carriage, the gatekeeper let us in... We decided to greet Lerrich first... During our way to the inner gate, there are some people notice our carriage, but they don''t know that I am inside the carriage... maybe they thought that I am Nate or Nathalia... since this royal carriage is a close carriage... So we passed the inner gate as well, and see the views change... Auxem''s houses ... then finally, we pass the final gate... the guard allowed us immediately.... Seraviel... ''Woah...'' Is everyone in the carriage react... I have been here for more than twice... but still, the view is just too magnificent... The flowers are blooming... and it looks really pretty... I also spotted some deers near the forest... also, I see the river flow from the forest.... "I really want to stay here..." Rin said... I really misses Rin... "Hey! Let''s eat steak later..." I said to Rin... and he looked at me like he look at the steak! "R-Really?!" Rin asked me with expectation... "O-Of course!" I said We finally arrived in front of the mansion... and we see... "Fredrich!" I called his name... "N-Nicolas!?" He come toward me and give me a bow... "Hey... we are friends, you don''t need to do that..." I said... "Ahh sorry... it''s been a long time... now I am not used to it..." Fredrich said Fredrich is Lerrich''s first son and only child... "You are not going to school?" I asked Fredrich... but... "Oh the school has open already?" a voice from the door heard... And a man come out... "L-Lerrich-dono..." I call his name... Lerrich see Ethan and give him a bow... "Welcome Ethan-sama..." Lerrich said and Ethan gives him a small bow... "Thanks for welcoming us..." Ethan said Since Ethan is the son of King Ethen, and also the next king... people respected him as well... But Ethan is my friend, so I never call him with -sama or something else... just his name... "And indeed... the school has operated since last week..." I said to Lerrich... "I see... then Fredrich! Prepare your stuff, and you will continue your study..." Lerrich said to Fredrich... Fredrich nodded and entered the mansion... Also, Lerrich sees Eria... "Eria... you have returned..." Lerrich said... And Eria nodded... "Oh, have you all eaten?" Lerrich asked us... We shook our head... "Then, let''s eat..." Lerrich said... But I promised Rin already to eat in the steak house... Lerrich about to enter the mansion... but I stopped him... "Ah... Lerrich-dono... I am sorry, but we have plan to eat already... how about you joined us?" I invited him... Lerrich looked surprised but then he smile... "Sure... then, where we are going to eat?" Lerrich asked me... "Steak Restaurant!" Rin said happily... Eria looked at Rin speechlessly... also Erin... But Lerrich laughed... "I am surprised that you know that restaurant as well... it has good food quality with good price and it taste delicious as well.... Very well... let''s go..." Lerrich said Lerrich is a kind man... I like how he view other people, and also how he treats other equally... We all travel to Steak Restaurant by using two carriage... I am in the same carriage with Lerrich and also Ethan and Euclio... But no important conversation we talked about... We arrived in front of the Steak Restaurant... Everyone around us look at us... "L-Lerrich-sama is here!" "N-Nicolas-sama as well! The god is here" I am not god... ughhh Lerrich laughed when he sees my troubled face... "I think I should be one of the Mera Believer..." Lerrich said "D-Don''t!" I said And everyone laughed... We enter the restaurant since no one guarding the door... "Welcom-" a high elven welcome us... But her words... were cut... "L-Lerrich-sama! Nicolas!" Monica said in panic "Monica!" Rin called Monica happily... "Rin?!" Monica called Rin... I still don''t understand how they greeted with each other... We are directed to the second floor by Monica... everyone on the first floor looked at us speechlessly... While the second floor is only for us... that''s what Monica said... "Order anything you want... I will treat all of you..." Lerrich said... "R-Really?!" Rin asked without no manner... Lerrich smile... "Sure! You can order anything!" Lerrich said... "Ummm I hope you prepare your money Lerrich-dono..." I said to Lerrich... "Of course!" Lerrich said and he put a sack of gold on the table... "When I say you can order anything, I mean it!" Lerrich said with a smile... Here we go! The Lerrich we knew! We order the food... and Rin ordered three meals... This Rin... while Lerrich only laughed... "So... Eria, I believe you have something to say..." Lerrich ask Eria... And all of us look at Eria... What does she want to say? "I want to resign from my position as a knight..." Eria said... All of us looked at her in surprised reaction... But Lerrich are not... Lerrich nodded... "I see... I know that this is happening... and also, I can''t keep you all the time... so you are free to choose your own life... and especially when you are still 16... you have a long live..." Lerrich said with a smile... W-What?! 16?! She is on the same age like me?! But she act really mature! Eria looked at me in a bit troubled... "S-Sorry..." I said to her... And seeing us, Lerrich and Euclio laughed... I-I believe nothing funny has happened! "Oh, also..." Lerrich said and he looked at me... "Thank you for saving me back then..." Lerrich said to me... "Ah... that is my responsibility as well..." I said to Lerrich... "If you didn''t cast healing magic on me... I won''t be here..." Lerrich said... "Don''t worry Lerrich-dono... I will do what I can while I am still breathing..." I said with a smile... And he looked at me with a smile... Then, our food come... We eat our food... while Rin eat his three meals... "So... what is your plan?" I asked Eria... "Hmmm me? Adventuring..." Eria said to me... "I-I see..." I said "How about joining our party?" Euclio asked Eria to join us... And Euclio hit my shoulder while smiling... "No... I have talked with Ethan already, and we decided to create a party..." Eria said "R-Really?" I asked...and I believe I just showed her my disappointed face... "Sorry Nico! But your party is strong already... we plan to be the next Diamond Rank Party in this city!" Ethan said and challenged us... "Hmmm I don''t mind... so I believe Ed will be in your party as well..." I asked Ed... And Ed nodded... "You still got two other slots... choose wisely..." Euclio said And Ethan nodded... "it sounds fun... should I join?" Lerrich said But all of us showed a surprised reaction... Then he laughed... "All of you sure are funny..." Lerrich said while standing up... "I will be leaving first... since I have something to attend... please come to me, if you have any problem..." Lerrich said... "Sure.... Thanks for the food Lerrich-dono...." I said "No problem! Thanks for giving me another chance to live..." Lerrich said it again and give a little bow... and I am speechless... Lerrich then face Ethan and give a bow as well... "I will be going" Lerrich said while leaving us... "Bye!" Rin shouted... And now we are left... Monica come and sit next to us... "Hey! You all return!" Monica said... "O-Of course! And we will be coming here more often..." I said to Monica... "That is great! By the way, you are on the news!" Monica said to me... She then showed us the newspaper... "Nicolas Maxwell, the hero of Perius Kingdom?!?" I read it... "H-Hero?!" Ethan looked surprised... "H-Hey what happened?!" I asked... "Hmmm... I don''t know... but I guess it is cool right?" Euclio asked me... This is going to be troublesome... So, first I am a noble, second, I am a descendant of God... and third, I am a hero... And as a result, when we left the restaurant, everyone has been waiting for us... "H-Hero! The Hero that save Epius from disaster!" "The Sage!" "Not a Sage anymore! He is the Wizard King!" "God! He is a God!" I ignore them and enter my carriage... All of us enter the carriage... "To our house please..." I said and the driver nodded... We left the crowd.. And after ten minutes... we started to pass a lot of trees... We are in Forest of South Sera... Then we see a house... near the river... The house has 4 floors... And also... we see a knight... I get down from my carriage, and the knight is approaching me... He then release his helmet and... "Lieve!" I called him... "Nicolas! Welcome back!" Lieve greeted us... "Hey Lieve! What are you doing here?" Euclio asked while giving him a high five... "Lerrich-sama assigned me to guard your house... since there might be more people come to this house..." Lieve said... So, he is going to protects me from the horde of the living! "Thanks! We will be inside the house! Tell us if you need something..." I said to Lieve and left him... "Sure! Take a rest! All of you!" Lieve shouted... I think I will take a rest... it''s been a tiring day... Look at Euclio''s face... he is pale already... "Eria... you will sleep on the third floor..." I said and she nodded... "Ethan... you will sleep on the fourth floor... and Ed...you sleep with Ethan..." I said Both of them nodded... I carried Euclio''s shoulder... and we are going to our room on the second floor... Rin''s and Erin''s room is also on the second floor... I put Euclio on the bed... and sleep next to him... I let a sigh while laying on the bed... "It''s good to be back..." I said Then, I hear a knock... "Come in..." I said It is Ed! "Nisan... we will be going to the guild now, to register ourselves..." Ed said "Sure... be careful okay..." I said and he nodded... Ed''s Point of View I decided to go to the guild with Ethan, Eria and... Rin... Rin said that he will gladly show us around... After asking permission from Nisan... we walk outside the house... This place is awesome! I really like the surrounding of this place... I feel so peaceful... When we left the house, a knight is coming toward us... He gives Ethan a bow... "Ethan-sama" he said while bowing But then he looked a me... "Oh! I thought you are Nico!" The knight said in surprised... I wonder why people always thought me as Onisan... "I am his brother..." I said to this knight "I see..." he said... Then, the knight look at Eria... "So, you left?" he asked Eria... "Yes, I think adventuring is much more fun..." Eria said to this knight name Lieve... "I see... if you are traveling with Nico... I believe Nico will be safe... take care of him for me okay?" Lieve said to Eria... and she nodded... Hmmm, why does everyone care about Nisan so much... "Hey Lieve! We need a carriage!" Rin said... "Hey Rin! Sure... wait here, I will take care of it..." Lieve said and he run to the forest... After a few minutes, a carriage arrived... "Here you go!" Lieve said while jumping from the driver seat and leave the horse driver... "Thankss!" Rin said... "No problem..." Lieve said All of us enter the carriage... "To the guild please..." Ethan said "Okay Ethan-sama..." the driver said... The carriage start moving... and we left the house... On our way, Ethan told us something... "Hmmm you see, we are currently only have ten gold coin... that is from Nico... and we should be able to manage it by ourselves..." Ethan said to all of us... The two of us nodded "What Nico give us for free is place to live..." Ethan said "How about the transport?"Eria asked... "I don''t know as well... I guess it is provided by the guild..." Ethan said... And after 10 minutes of traveling, we arrived in front of the guild... Everyone is looking at us already... "Nico?! What''s wrong with your eyes!" a boy older than me come toward me... He has a blonde hair... and I believe that he is a swordsman... "Hey! You found a cure to your eyes?" a girl with pointy ears come to me... she hold a bow on her hand... They are... a gold rank adventurer... I know it from the boy''s necklace... and the boy is the party leader I believe... "Hey Rin! Long time no see!" another girl come toward Rin and she has blonde hair... "Ummm you see... I am not Nicolas..." I said to them... before we have miss understanding And the three of them looked surprised... "But I am Rin!" Rin said to them... "I-I see... sorry for missing you for someone else..." The boy that looks like the leader said... "Hey Rick! He is Nico''s brother!" Rin said to the blonde boy that looks like the leader... "W-What?!" the three of them sounds surprised... "H-He has a brother?!" the elf said... "Ummm sorry guys, but we have to register ourselves on the guild..." Ethan said to them and about to leave... "S-Sure... let me help you!" the boy name Rick said to us... he walks now beside Ethan... "You sure?" Ethan asked... "Of course! But first..." Rick stopped walking... And so all of us... "You should decide who is the leader of the party..." Rick said to the three of us... But what I feel is Eria and Ethan is looking at me... "No... I guess Ethan-sama should be our leader..." I said Everyone is surprised with me calling Ethan with -sama... "E-Ed!" Ethan said in panicked... "Ummm I mean... Ethan...." I revise my words... "How about you Eria?" I asked Eria... "Hmmm I guess I don''t mind..." Eria said... "T-Then it is decided already!" I said "Hmmm I guess you should practice your leadership here as well..." Rin said to Ethan while smiling... I wonder why Rin is so cute... Without realizing, my hand is about to reach Rin''s face... "Ummm Ed?" Ethan called me... I pull my hand... "R-Rin is too fluffy..." I said And Rick laughed... "You are indeed Nicolas''s brother!" Rick said while laughing... "S-Sorry Rin..." I said... "Let''s go! Before the line is too long!" Ethan said... We nodded... "Also, you should decide your role in the party..." Rick said when we are waiting... "Role?" Ethan asked... Rick nodded... "Hmmm the three of us are swordsmen..." Ethan said to Rick... "You sure?" Rick sounds surprised... Ethan nodded... "Then, you should find a mage..." Rick said... Eria, Ethan and Rin looked at me... "Ed is a mage as well..." Eria said proudly of me... "R-Really?! That''s great! You sure are Nico''s brother!" Rick said happily... W-Why does he compare me with Nisan... Nisan is much stronger than me... "Not like him... I can only control two elements..." I said to Rick... "Wow! That is great already!" Rick said while patting my head "T-Thanks..." I said I think Rick is a good person... Then suddenly, an elven girl come... "Wow... Petra-san... what are you doing?" Rick asked... Hmmm Petra? I think I''ve seen her once... "Nico... you finally return!" Petra said while giving me a hug... "Ummm..." "Wait! What happened with your eyes!" Petra said while looking really close to my eyes... "Umm Petra-san... he is Nico''s brother..." Rick said to Petra... She looked surprised and slowly move further from me... T-That is a nice cover "I see... then, what can I help you?" Petra asked me... "Ummm we want to registered ourselves as adventurer..." Ethan said Petra looked at Ethan and her jaw fall to the ground... She looked surprised... "E-Ethan-sama... welcome to our guild..." Petra said... "Sssttt...." Eria, Ethan and I said to Petra... Then she shut her mouth... Rick looked confuse... "Hmmm just who are you?" Rick asked Ethan... "I-I am just a normal adventurer" Ethan said... Since Rick is a Dragon Race, he might not know about Ethan... "Come! Let me serve both of you! Let''s go to the second floor!" Petra said Then we registered ourselves as adventurer... Chapter 28 - Suspicious Man... When I wake up... it''s night already... Euclio is sleeping like a log... not moving and no sound at all... I left my room to check on everyone else, I move downstairs, and found no one else... Hmmm... where are they... As I remember they were registering themselves to become adventurer... but it takes too long for just registering... Later... I see a girl staring at the river, outside our house through our windows... "Erin?" I said... What is she doing out there... I open the door that directing me to the river... When I open the door, she looked back and spotted me... "Yo..." I greet her while walking toward her... "Hello..." she greeted me back... And I stand beside her... Both of us are facing the river... And we can hear the sound of flowing river... bird singing... Fireflies around on the river It is so peaceful... "Do you like this place?" I asked Erin... And she nodded... "I always feel like home, when I looked at the river..." Erin said to me... "So you lived near a river?" I asked her And she nodded... A few minute passed "I hate that lion..." Erin said... "Leo?" I asked "Yes... I will kill him one day..." Erin said... Kill?! Erin''s tribe were annihilated by Leo... only Rin and Erin survived... I believe it is hard for them, but still "Hmmm I guess killing won''t solve anything back..." I said to Erin... "Still, stupid animal like that shouldn''t be a king! He deserve death!" Erin said with a bit anger... Then we have a silent moment between us... Only the bird sings... and water flow... "By the way... where are the other?" I asked Erin and changed topic... "They haven''t return..." Erin said... "Hmmm that''s weird... maybe we should check them out..." I said to Erin and she nodded... Both of us return back to our home... "You wake Euclio... and I will find a carriage for us..." I said to Erin and she nodded... I moved to the front door and see a knight guarding the door... I knock the door and he look back at me... And I open the door... "Lieve... where are the others?" I asked him... "Hmmm aren''t they going to register themselves in the guild?" Lieve said I nodded... "Don''t you think it takes a long time?" I asked and he nodded... "Do you need a carriage?" Lieve asked me and I nodded... "Wait here..." Lieve said and left me... While I hear footsteps inside our room... "Nico?" Euclio shouted from the second floor... "Whattt??" I shouted from the first floor... He then run from the second floor to the first floor... "Yo... where''s the carriage?" he asked me... "Lieve is preparing it... where is Erin?" I asked Euclio... "I am here?" Erin said... "WHAT?!" Both of us jumped... S-She is out of the house already?! "W-What wait... how did you do that?!" I asked her... "Hmm? I am here already after I wake Euclio up..." Erin said while smiling... That is still a mystery that both of us never solve! And the carriage come... Then the door opens... and Lieve come outside from it... "There you go... I will be guarding your house..." Lieve said to me... The three of us enter the carriage... "T-Thanks... you want to eat something for dinner?" I offer him "Hmmm treat me a steak!" Lieve said while smiling... "Okay!" I said... "To the guild..." Euclio said to the driver... And the carriage started to move... I wave my hand to Lieve and he waved back... We passed several soldiers that are guarding our house... "Hmmm I wonder how many soldiers are guarding our house..." I said "At least a hundred..." Euclio said... "A hundred and fourty two..." Erin said... "Hmmm? You know?" I asked Erin... Euclio and I were surprised with that... She nodded... "While you were taking a nap... I check their troops..." Erin said... "I-I see..." I said She looks like an assassin... scary... After five minutes of travelling, we left the forest... and after 10 minutes... we arrived in front of the guild... We get down from the carriage... and I immediately run to the guild... And I check around... Hmmm... no sign of Ethan''s party... "Hey!" a girl come and greet me... "T-The nice receptionist!" I said I forgot her name... And she looks a bit troubled... "Uhhh Mel? Meil? Miel?!?" I said And she smiled.... So.., Miel is her name "Looking for your brother?" she asked me... And I nodded... "Do you know where did he go?" I asked... "Oh... he is doing a platinum rank quest now..." Miel said with a bright smile... "P-Platinum?! Wait! I thought he just registered today?" I said... "Oh please... you become a platinum adventurer in a day..." someone join in... "Petra!" I called her... "Yo Nico..." she come and give me a hug... Then he checked my eyes and let a sigh... What''s with that... "I give him a gold rank adventurer..." Petra said... "I-I see..." I said But not everyone else... Everyone that hear our conversation looked like an idiot... "Do you have any idea when will they return?" I asked Petra... "Hmmm it should be by now..." Petra said... And then, we all hear a carriage stop in front of the guild I decided to check on it... not only me... but everyone in the guild... It''s not a carriage... it''s a wagon... I see Ethan, Ed, Eria and Rin... also Rick?! And his party?! Get down from the wagon... The first one that realize us being here is Ed... "N-Nisan?!" Ed shouted... And everyone that comes out from the wagon looked at me as well... Everyone around us started to whisper... "Nisan?" "Yeah... he is Nico''s brother!" "He is Nate Maxwell?!" "No! Apparently Nico has another brother..." The news spread already? The four of us come closer to Ethan''s and Rick''s party... including Petra... "So... how''s the mission?" Euclio asked Ethan... "Easy..." Ethan said with a smile... "Yeah! Eria took 5 ogres! That is cheating!" Rick said... "But Ed took down 6 ogres..." Eria said while smiling... I never see her this happy? "Ethan took down the ogre king!" Ed said... Ogre King?! I looked at Petra... "That is a Diamond Rank quest..." Euclio said to Petra... And Petra nodded... "Isn''t it dangerous? I thought Gold Adventurer could only take Platinum Quest... not Diamond..." I said She could put Ethan''s party in danger... "That is why... I am promoting Ethan''s Party to Platinum Rank!" Petra said... And everyone gives a loud applauses... I showed my disbelief face... "I know it that this is going to happen..." "Hmmm as expected from Nicolas''s brother!" "T-That is Ethan? Ethan Perius right?!" "E-Ethan-sama?!" Now... Ethan''s identity is revealed as well... But then Ethan raises his hand... and everyone become silent... "Call me Ethan... and I am Ethan the adventurer..." Ethan said And now everyone looked at him in amazed... "As expected from the next King!" "House Perius is always the best!" "No! House Maxwell is the best!" "House Maxwell?" "Don''t you know?! The story about Auxillium?" an adventurer asked... And everyone listen to him... "Auxillium family name is Maxwell!" the adventurer said... Hmmm... [REPEL]ing them is kind of a mistake? "R-Really?!" everyone started to look interested... "Yeah... you should ask Nicolas-sama to give you a blessing... and you will remember everything..." the adventurer said... Hmmm since he know the truth already... I believe that he is one of the Mera Sect... also, he called me with -sama... All of us move to the second floor... Including Rick''s party... Then, Petra start the conversation... "Rick... your party is now a Platinum Rank as well..." Petra said and all of Rick''s party looked surprised... "D-Do you mean it?" Jay asked... jay is the fighter... "T-This is not a dream right?" Rick asked and looks about to cry... I don''t doubt Rick''s party skill at all... their team work is top tier! They could be better in teamwork compare to us... While us... it''s just we are individually strong... maybe our teamwork only become top tier when I work with Euclio... Also, Ethan''s party... Ethan is the only normal person inside it... Ed could use Holy Attributes... while Eria has her own fighting style... But Ethan is a hard worker... like Nate... and Hard Worker always win against the talented one! I give a thumb to Rick... and he give me a thumb as well while wiping his tears... "So, there should be 4 platinum parties in Sera?" I asked Petra... Petra nodded... "Oh! Have you heard about the other two Platinum Party?" Petra asked me... "Hmmm I know Reyner... but I don''t know the other one..." I said to Petra... "They are from the East Guild... and quite a talented one..." Petra said...Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "I see..." I said but I am not interested on meeting the other actually... "And also... they are about to be promoted to a Diamond Rank..." Petra said... Now, I am a bit interested... Seeing my face changes, Petra continues... "The rule of adventure guild is... there should be only one Diamond Party in a city..." Petra said... The three parties looked at Petra seriously... "Y-You mean..." Euclio looked excited... And Petra nodded... "There will be a tournament... the one that win, should be the Diamond Party..." Petra said... "S-So... if we lose, we are demoted?" I asked and she nodded... I don''t really mind actually... but Euclio, Rin and Erin look at it as a challenge... "When will be the tournament held?" Euclio asked... "Next week... in Seraviel..." Petra said... Seraviel?! Then! It should be a really big match... Lerrich wants to get more money... "Okay... do you know anything about our opponents?" I asked Petra... "I don''t really know them, but one of them is a Nullifier..." Petra said... "Nullifier?!" Euclio looked surprised... He then looked at me... And I let a sigh... "My enemy..." I said and Euclio nodded... Nullifier... I never meet any of them... but still, unlike Barrier Magic... it will break your magic... and you will be unable to use magic for around five to ten minutes... "Woah... finally we got to see someone that use that kind of magic..." Euclio said Rin and Erin nodded as well... "H-Hey! Isn''t it a problem?!" I asked but the whole room laughed... S-Seriously... "Oh also, they got an Elemental Fighter... a mage that controls Earth and Wind elements... an Advance Spear bearer, and an Advance Archer..." Petra explained... "That is hard..." I said "That is an unusual combination..." Euclio said... "Rin''s Elemental Fighter won''t work if they use Earth Magic... also Wind element plus Archer is quite a combo... the only normal one is the spear bearer" Euclio said... It is... the spear bearer is the one that has the least attention... but... "No... he is the leader..." Petra said.. "W-what?!" both of us in unison... "Ugh, so, he should have something special..." I said... And Euclio nodded... "What are you guys talking about?" Rick said and didn''t understand our conversation... "They are always like this... now, I have done telling everything you need... please leave..." Petra said D-Did she just drive us out?! All of us decided to leave the guild... And in front of the guild... "Let''s go to the steak restaurant..." I said to everyone else... "Sure! Sure! I have no problem!" Rin said while jumping around... Rin is... too fluffy... "Ummm Nico?" Ethan looked at me with weird reaction... Without my recognition, my hand was about to hug Rin... "Ughh, Rin is too fluffy..." I said Ethan, Eria and even Rin laughed really loud... What... even Eria laughed really loud... but she still looks pretty with her blonde hair... And when Eria looked at me... I face other direction... "You just said the same thing as Ed..." Ethan said... I look at Ed... and he smiled on me... "Ah, by the way, we will skip the dinner" Rick said... "Really? Why?" Euclio asked... "Hmmm we will celebrate our promotion with the guild..." Rick said... "I-I see... then we will be going..." I said to them and Rick nodded... "See you later..." Jay said "Train yourself before the tournament" May said We left them and walk to the restaurant... A lot of people were watching us... and as usual, we ignored all of them... until we arrived at the restaurant... "Nicolas!" Monica greeted... "Monica!" Rin greeted "Rin!" Monica greeted... Why is it always happening? "For seven people please..." I said and we are directed to the second floor... It is the exclusive place for us... "So.. chicken steak for Euclio... and how about the other?" Monica asked... And Euclio just give her a smile... He never order other meat beside chicken... We all ordered food for ourselves... also... "Oh, another beef steak for Lieve! That''s for take away..." I said to Monica and she write it one her note... After she left... "Nico! You should train your swordsmanship more! If you face a Nullifier, it will be hard!" Ethan reminded me... "Yeah... I know... I guess I will train with Eria tomorrow..." I said and face her... I think she has the best swordsmanship... Euclio has the best swordsmanship among us... but he is too much to be follow up... "Hey! You can fight me in a one sword fight..." Euclio said to me... "Hmmm but you won''t progress if you fight me... you should train with Rin..." I said Euclio and Rin is equal... Eria is... I don''t know... maybe stronger... "You can train with me..." Ethan said while smiling... Hmmm... "Both of us in the same tier, aren''t we?" I asked Ethan and he nodded... "I have a good defense! And you have good agility... so we could learn together..." Ethan said... Hmm that is a good idea... So I nodded... But... "T-Then... I will teach both of you!" Eria said to both of us... E-Eria?! Teach us?! Ummm why is she blushing... But, when she do, she is so cute... "S-Sure!" I said Euclio looked at me with his annoying face... "Then, I will practice with Erin..." Ed said Erin nodded... So, all of us has our own study group... I guess we try a bit harder than we used to be... After we thought about practicing, the food came... We eat really fast so that tomorrow, we can practice together Also, I give Lieve his steak he ordered... and he looked really happy... "If you went any longer, I will be die of starvation!" Lieve said The next day... I train with Eria and Ethan... I fight Eria... and I lose within five hit combo... While Ethan, he lose within six hit combo... "Only a combo different?!" Ethan looked surprised... "What? You are still winning!" I said to Ethan... "But I am a defensive player..." Ethan said... Then, a man in armor come... "Lieve?!" Ethan and I called his name... "Hmmm, why don''t I test your swordsmanship tier?" Lieve said... It seems that he understand our situation here... "Sure..." I said and prepare to duel him... "Both of you ready?" Eria asked... Both of us nodded... Lieve should be an Expert Tier or above... He is on the same level as Nate, Leon and Nathalia... "Go!" Eria said I rush toward him... and... He is a Valeon Style user! He prepare his defensive stance... I attack him with my sword from his side... but he parry it... I can''t stand the clash of our swords... It is just, his power is greater than mine... and make me lose my balance... He then try to kick me... but I jump backward... "Hooo.... Nice choice..." Lieve said to me... Hmmm... fighting one of the knight of Sera is really hard... He deserve his title... I come closer... and I give him a swing of my sword... Lieve was about to parry my attack, but I kicked his sword... But still, he hold his sword... He move back a bit and I don''t give him a chance to recover... So I decided to give him a real attack this time... I am going to attack him diagonally... but when he prepare to parry my attack again, I pull back my attack, since clashing with his sword is a bad idea... And before I could pull back my sword... my hand that is holding the sword was grabbed by Lieve''s hand... H-He could do that... And Lieve put his sword right beside my neck.... "Stop... the winner is Lieve..." Eria stopped us and announce the winner... He then release my hand... and put his sword away from my neck... "Y-You can do that?!" I asked... "What? Of course! There is no rule such as you aren''t allowed to use your hand..." Lieve said while smiling... "Woah... teach me!" Ethan said... Both of them are Valeon Style user... "Sure... and Nico..." Lieve called me... And I face him... "You are in the final phase of Advance Tier... keep training this year and you will be in the Expert Tier" E-Expert Tier! Finally! "T-Thanks!" I said to him... "No problem! Practice more with Euclio, and you will be an Expert Tier in no time" Lieve said... But then... A soldier come to us... "What is it?" Lieve asked... "The tournament! They are waiting for you Nicolas-sama!" the soldier said... Tournament!? It is next week event right? Not now! "Wait... what? Tournament? Petra said that it is next week..." Ethan said to the soldier... "No... hundred of thousand people has been waiting for you now... please, come with me..." the soldier said... W-What is happening... Did Petra told us a false information?! But she won''t tell us a false information... our party, being the symbol of the strongest party in Sera... and we are under the South Guild... "Call Euclio and Rin..." I said to Ethan... And Ethan nodded... and Ethan run toward them... While I call Erin... Euclio and Rin is currently training in the woods... While Erin trained with Ed in the opposite site of the house... After several minutes All of us has gathered... We follow the soldier and enters the carriage... It''s Euclio, Rin, Erin, Eria, Ethan, Ed and I... "Hmmm... I never thought that Petra could ever make a mistake..." Euclio said... "Yeah, she always been a perfectionist..." Ethan said We are currently inside the moving carriage... The carriage is moving to.... Deeper forest? "Stay on guard..." I said whisperingly... and everyone nodded... We are following the flow... I believe that this is a trap... Until it stop... and I see from a window that a mage casting a [FIREBALL] toward us... "RUN!" I shouted... We break the carriage... and avoid the [FIREBALL] The carriage is break into pieces... while the horse is running away... "T-The driver is..." I said... But I don''t see any driver... "Ssstttt..." Erin said loudly... and all of us looked at her... She looked really serious... The mage is gone... the mage that cast the [FIREBALL] The breeze blew the dry leaves... and then... I hear something else... But then, Rin punch it using his Elemental Fighter to the direction of the sound... A range attack from Rin... and, a man with black clothed appeared and he knocked out to the tree from Rin''s hit... "Assassins!" Euclio said... And then something I never wanted to hear heard... A sound of arrow being pulled on the bow... But I don''t see anyone... ''Create Elements'' And ''[PRISON]'' I summoned a wall from every direction to protect us... "Eria... Erin... Ethan... the three of you should protect us..." Euclio said and the three of them nodded... "Nico... create a [FLASHBANG]... and all of us should run toward our house..." Euclio said... I nodded... Just what is happening... why the black clothed man is here?! I thought Mera Sect has join our side... Or maybe... it is not from Mera Sect... Suddenly... the [PRISON] slowly return to the ground... the enemy''s mage are descending the wall... "Ready?" I asked and everyone nodded... Then I can see the sky and...[FLASHBANG] I summoned a really big bang... that could be seen even when your eyes were close... Also, we heard shouted... the assassins are blinded already! "Now!" Euclio said and we all jump from the remaining descending Earth Magic and run toward our house... Euclio and Ed lead the front... Rin and I on the second row... and behind us are Ethan, Eria and Erin... the three defender... Eria is not a defender... but she wears heavy armor... After we run pretty far... I created a big giant wall between us and the assassins... Rin and Ethan looked surprised with the gigantic wall I created... "Huh... just what is happening..." Euclio said while still controlling his breathing... "I don''t know... as I know that Petra is never wrong!" I said... Yeah, she never blundered even once... and I believe that this is not related to her... "There should be an intruder..." Ethan said... "Do you guys see that?" Rin said... "See what?" I asked... "The enemies..." Rin said T-That is true... I never see an enemy... They are invicible... "This is not an ordinary assassins... this is far more dangerous..." Euclio said... Then suddenly... Erin threw his spare sword to a tree... We all looked at her speechlessly... but then... Another black clothed man revealed... He is dead already... the sword pierce his stomach... "H-How can you do that?" I ask her... "We should keep going!" Erin said and she started to run... And in reflex, all of us run as well... After almost half an hour... we arrived at our house... I can''t take a breath normally... but what we see is... Lieve and two other knights lies on the floor... "Lieve!" I shouted... I run toward him... and see his face... Ethan put his ear near Lieve''s nose... He then looked at me and shook his head... "T-That''s a lie!" I shouted... "Nico!" Erin shouted and deflect some arrows... "Get back!" Euclio shouted at me... "B-But... Lieve!" I still think that he is alive... ''Holy Magic! Hea-'' Before I could heal him... he was shot by another arrow... "N-No!" "Rin! Bring Nico back!" Erin commanded and Rin pulled me... I look around and Eria is deflecting several arrows Ed dodges arrows... And Euclio... He slapped me.. "Wake up! You are a burden!" Euclio tell me... And somehow I am a bit offended... so I pull my hand from Rin and walk alone... "Where?" I asked Euclio... The seven of us are a bit separated now So I decided to create a big wall to protect us... [PRISON] The biggest prison I have made for ouselves... I am covering our house from attack as well... Since I have the feeling that the enemies are attacking us from the forest... but none of them are actually close with us... "Everyone! Here!" Ethan said... He is in front of our door house... All of us come closer and we decided to talk inside the house... And in the living room... "Ed... take every book we need..." I said to Ed... and Ed nodded... Ed move upstairs... "So... what should we do..." Ethan asked Euclio... We all face Euclio... This is a hard situation... "Hey Nico... can you create other shape of earth magic... like a tunnel maybe?" Euclio asked me... "Hmm... sure... Magic is flexible..." I said "Then, you should create one toward the city... and one toward the waterfall... also other two for distraction..." Euclio said... Ughh... it''s easier than to be done... "Okay... but all of you have ready? Prepare your belonging in this house first..." I said "Yeah, there might be a chance that we are not able to return..." Euclio said... N-Not to return?! Everyone displayed a serious face... We all check our own room... and I don''t find anything important left... Then, I see my [PRISON] is slowly descending... "Hey... everyone ready?" I shouted from the second floor... Since we are currently preparing our equipment... and important things... "Yeah!" Rin said "All clear!" Ed said "As always!" Erin said "I''m done!" Eria said "Let''s go!" Ethan said "Make it now!" Euclio said to me... I move to the highest floor... And I see the town from the fourth floor... and created a long tunnel from our house... [TUNNEL] And a long hollow earth magic created and it reach the town.... The [PRISON] I created is still descending... It looks descending this big prison takes time... "To the North!" Euclio said [TUNNEL] I don''t know where North is, but I face where Euclio face... and created a long tunnel as well... "Waterfall!" Euclio said [TUNNEL] A tunnel is created toward the waterfall direction... and... "South!" Euclio said once more... [TUNNEL] I created a tunnel toward the south... and long enough... "Let''s go Nico!" Ethan said from the first floor... I decided not to jump from the fourth floor but use the stair... When I leave the house... I see the [PRISON] is still descending... "Fast! Before they know which tunnel, we will enter!" Euclio said... And we all run toward the tunnel which is heading to the waterfall... When we are inside the tunnel... "Why aren''t we moving toward the town?" Rin asked Euclio... "Because it is too obvious..." Euclio said... That''s true... We have been walking for ten minutes... and then finally... We can hear the sound of the waterfall... But we are still inside the [TUNNEL] i created... "Hey... I see light..." Euclio said The [TUNNEL] is dark... so I manipulate the Holy Magic and Create Light... So, we have a free torch made of mana... But... when we leave the tunnel... "Stop!" A man said and he aimed his bow toward us... I have seen him before... "Ulysses!" I said "Nico?" Ulysses said... He is the number five of the Knight of Sera... "Come! Fast!" Ulysses said and we are led to the waterfall... When we passed the waterfall And I see Fredrich there... "F-Fredrich?!" I called him He is sitting on a big rock... When he heard his name were called... he looked at me... "N-Nicolas!" Fredrich said... and he jump from the rock, and hug me... Fredrich is Lerrich''s son... Fredrich Ezate... "W-Where is your Tousan..." I asked... "Lerrich-sama is on his way here... and he is guarded by number two, three, four, seven, eight and ten..." Ulysses said to me... I looked at Ulysses... but he looked a bit sad... "I see..." I said Euclio and the other is behind me... "The Carriage!" Rin said... All of us look behind the rock where Fredrich sit... and we see our old carriage "W-Wow... I really hope June is here..." Euclio said... June... I missed her so much... Fredrich release me from his hug... "June? You mean the Pegasus?" Fredrich asked... And I nodded... "D-Did you see her?!" I asked Fredrich... "Y-Yeah... everyday... I think she loves flower... she visits Seraviel daily..." Fredrich said And all of us looked speechless... "W-We should go to Seraviel!" I said "Are you insane?!" Ulysses said to me... "W-Why?! Seraviel is safe right?" I asked back... "You don''t know?! It is a total chaos out there! Not only Seraviel! But the inner gate and outter gate! There are invisible armies out there... and civilians were killed!" Ulysses said... They are attacking the city as well?! "And you decided to keep hiding here forever?!" Ethan asked Ulysses... "N-No! But it is my duty to keep Fredrich-sama safe..." Ulysses said... "Then, it has nothing to do with us... I will help them..." Ethan said Ethan looks a bit mad... But I know how he feels... "Calm down... I will help you too..." I said to Ethan and patted his head... "Hey! Both of you calm down... how can we enter the city! We need like more than an hour of walk!" Euclio reminded us.. But... "Ssssttt..." Rin said And all of us become silent... I hear a sound of flapping wings... It is outside the waterfall... We come approach the waterfall and see Pegasus silhouette... "J-June?!" I called her And then the Pegasus enter the waterfall... A white big Pegasus... bigger then June... I move back a bit But then I see someone behind the Pegasus... and now all of us at the man... The man looked at us confusely... but then he stared at me... He uses a golden armor... it looks like a very expensive armor... "Hmmm? A Maxwell?" The man said But then he looked at Ed... "Two Maxwells... and they are siblings..." the man said to the Pegasus... and the Pegasus neighed... We are currently in a big cave behind the waterfall... and the big Pegasus is still flying... Then, the Pegasus touch the floor and walk toward us... "So... what are both of you doing here?" the man asked Ed and I... "W-We are in a critical situation..." I said "T-The city is under attack!" Ed said But the man show an uninterested face... "I know..." the man said... "C-Can you help us?" Ethan asked... The man looked at Ethan through his golden helmet... I see a spear and a sword behind his back... and it is made of gold as well... Only his red cape that aren''t gold color... The man come approach Ethan... but Eria and Erin stopped the man... "I am sorry, but a stranger should know his place..." Eria said... The man looks at Eria... But then... in an instant... Eria''s sword fly away... W-What?!? I didn''t see anything... But suddenly... he already held his sword... "S-Stop!" I said and I activated my magic... The man stops... exactly in front of Ethan... He then stares at Ethan''s eye... "Hmmm you have Ares''s eye... " The man said... Ares? Hmmm I have heard that name... "A-Ares?! Ares Maxwell?!" Euclio said in surprised... Then the man looked at Euclio... "Hey! Your face looked like my grandson!" The man said and laughed... We have no idea what he is talking about... "Are you a Maxwell?" Euclio asked the man... But then suddenly the aura is different... It is scary... and dark... and confusing... My vision gets blurry... Also, we can''t breathe properly... But then... after a while... it stops... When I can see better... Everyone has fall to the ground... I can''t move my feet... W-What is happening... I look at the man... and he looked at me... "So... you are quite strong..." the man said... I feel my feet trembles... and my heart beats really fast... Even Eria, the number one knight fall to the ground... what can I do?! Then the Pegasus neighed... "Hmmm? Really?" the man said to the Pegasus... Then he directed his face to me again... and I feel the chill... I am about to pee on my pant... "So... you knew June?" the man asked... And I nodded... "Hmmm, as a gift from my new friend... I will call June for you..." the man said... "C-Call? June?!" I said And he laughed... We walk pass the waterfall and left the cave... Then he shouted... "JUNE!! COME HERE!!!" the man shouted... At first... nothing happened... But then... another Pegasus come... And this time, the Pegasus jumped toward me... and pushed me back to the cave... "J-June!! I missed you!" I said while crying... And June keeps licking me... The man laughed at me and he ride on his Pegasus back... "H-Hey... how about my friend?" I asked him... and he flick his hand... I look back at my friends... and.... Euclio looked like drunk... "Ughh... my head..." Euclio said "W-What happened?" Ethan asked "N-Nico... are we still alive?" Rin asked I direct my view toward the man... but he has gone... "W-Where? Where is he?!" I asked June... but June shook his head... like she doesn''t want to tell... "H-Hey! It''s June!" Ed said And everyone looked at June... June neighed... "J-June!" Euclio and Rin run toward June... "H-He is big..." Ethan said... "She is a female..." Erin said "Oh..." Ethan said... And we laughed... "June! Are you ready to pull the carriage?" I asked June and she nodded... What a smart horse... I show June the carriage... and she looks... happy... "Let''s save your Tousan..." I said to Fredrich... I know from the beginning that there is something wrong with Lerrich... Since Ulysses looks like hiding something... Fredrich looked at me with his hopeful face... "How about if we go straight to Seraviel... I believe June can evade every attack..." I said and June neighed... "She said that of course!" Rin translated... I know it already... she neighed pretty confidence... "Then... let''s go..." Fredrich said and he join us... Only Ulysses left... He looked at us speechlessly... "Ughhh if Fredrich-sama join, I will join as well..." Ulysses said... "Yeah!" all of us shouted... And Ulysses looked even more speechless... When we are about to mount June to the carriage... "Ummm wait... how can we get down from the waterfall?" Euclio asked... T-That''s true! "Oh! I can use Earth Magic and create a path for June to slide..." I said All of them looked at me speechlessly... "T-That is a great idea!" Euclio said... "W-What?!" I asked... "I mean! Why don''t you just create a path toward Seraviel with your Earth Magic! High enough that the enemy won''t be able to touch us..." Euclio explained... T-That is trueee!!!! "Sure! I will try..." I said Everyone else mount the carriage to June... While Euclio and I move toward outside the cave... "Hmmm... so Seraviel will be there!" Euclio pointed at the higher wall inside the inner wall... "I see..." I said "You sure you can do it?" Euclio asked me... "Ummm... If I am out of mana... look after my body okay..." I said And he laughed... "We will leave you here inside the waterfall" Euclio said jokingly... "W-What?! That is mean!" I said He laughed again... I see behind the waterfall... and everyone is prepared... "You guys inside the carriage?" I asked... "Yeah!" Everyone shouted... I looked at Euclio... and he nodded... I raise my staff and... [WALL] I created.... And another gigantic wall created... and we are going to ride June on the wall! "Let''s go!" I said to June... and she neighed... Chapter 29 - Aeroblast After the wall is formed... we advance to Seraviel on the wall I have made... "Look!" Rin said and we see him pointing downward... We all see toward Rin''s pointing direction... And I see the city is burning... smokes are everywhere... Not only in South Sera... "Not only South Sera..." Ed said The same thought... What is actually happening?! Who attack us? We continue move forward... and with June... it only takes five minutes before we arrive at Seraviel... And June stop at the edge of the wall... I should create another path for June to get us down... I create another path for June... And June started to bring us back to the ground... During our way downward... we see the forest in Seraviel burns... Also the deers are running... The flowers... are gone... "The flowers..." Ulysses said... That is the reason... When we are about reach to the ground... "Nico, Ed, Ethan, Ulysses and Fredrich... the five of you enter the house and find Lerrich... Erin, you protect me and I will dismount June... since we can''t protect June... she should protect herself by flying... and the rest will defend the house..." Euclio said... Release June?! Everyone nodded... also June... "J-June! When I call your name... return to me okay?" I said to June and she neighed... I believe she understand... And... we landed in front of Lerrich''s house... "Go!" Euclio said And we do what we have to do... the five of us enter the house... "Tousan!" Fredrich shouted... "Nicolas-sama... you stay with Fredrich... and I will check the second floor..." Ulysses said... I nodded and he left us... The four of us check the Dining Room... "Lerrich-dono!" I shouted when we enter the dining room... but no answer... The one that I realize is there are someone else with us... "Ed..." Ethan called Ed... and Ed nodded... I hide Fredrich behind my back... But then, I feel an arrow has been released... To whom? I believe if it is toward me, Ethan or Ed... we could deflect it already... "N-Nicolas..." Fredrich call me... I look back... and... I see an arrow on Fredrich shoulder... "Retreat!" I said to the other... I carry Fredrich and left the mansion... Euclio and Eria looked at me then they looked at Fredrich... They give us a surprised face... but they focus on defending the house... I enter the carriage and put Fredrich on the floor... "A-Aw..." he shouted a bit.. "C-Calm down... I am going to pull the arrow..." I said... Fredrich nodded... Ed and Ethan enter the carraige... and they found us on the floor... "You okay Fred?" Ed asked... "Y-Yeah, I''m fi-" Before Fredrich finish his word, I pull the arrow... "AARGHH!" Fredrich shouted louder than before... Next is... ''Holy Magic! Heal!'' And Fredrich is healed... "N-Nicolas! You should have told me first before you do that!" Fredrich said and sounds angry But I laughed a bit... "S-Sorry, but it is better when you are unprepared right? It''s done now!" I said to Fredrich... Fredrich looked at the wound... "T-Thanks still..." Fredrich said to me... "No problem! How about you take a rest here... and the three of us will search for Lerrich-dono..." I said Fredrich nodded... The three of us left the carriage and see Euclio is waiting for me... But then suddenly, he deflected some arrows... T-That is a nice reflect he got there... "He is okay?" Euclio asked me... "Yeah! Take care of him for me okay?" I said to Euclio and he nodded... But... when we are about to enter the mansion... A man fell from the second floor... "U-Ulysses!" I called his name... But, he is not breathing already... Everyone looked at him with pale face... H-He is one of the top Knight of Sera... "Let''s go!" Ethan said and he enter mansion... Also, Ed follows him... I guess I should join as well... The three of us enter the mansion and move to the second floor... And we see a big door is opened... The three of us enter the room slowly... And we see bloods everywhere... Also... Lerrich... He is lying on the floor... with blood... I immediately run toward Lerrich... but then Ed pull my hand and... An arrow was shot in front of me... T-That is close... I look around us... But I see nothing... [PRISON] I created and it protect the three of us and Lerrich''s body... I come toward him... and see he is not breathing anymore... But still... I try it ''Healing Magic.... Heal!'' And no light appears... like it always does... "We are too late..." Ed said to me while holding my shoulder... Lerrich... he is the one that give us place to live... but now... Then, the earth magic is descending... And when my wall is gone... all of us readied ourselves "Nisan! Watch out!" Ed shouted... and I feel an arrow was shot... I unsheathed my sword and.... I parried it with my sword... "That direction!" Ethan said and both of us face that direction... "Create Element..." Ed said And I just remember that Ed is a mage... [WIND] Ed use wind and hit something "Nisan!" Ed said and face me... [FIREBALL] I throw a fireball toward the direction... and it combines with Ed''s wind... I feel the temperature is increasing... and it burns the target... After some times... Ed stop the wind... and... I see a person... but that person is not burnt at all... "K-Kasan?!" I said... She has Kasan''s face... also posture... "Ah, you notice me? I am sorry but I am not a hundred percent of your Kasan... just ten percent..." she said to me while smiling... She then took her spear which is on her back... the spear looks exactly the same as her spear... "Are you an illusion?" I asked... "Yes of course... you are a slow learner Nico..." she said with mom''s voice... That is annoying... "Why are you attacking Sera?" Ed asked... "Hmmm? Of course... this is the city of military of Perius Kingdom... this is my first target after all..." She said She then comes closer... "You see, the five percent me was defeated easily back in Auxem by the Knight of Sera... but the double power of me won''t be easily defeated... in fact I success in killing all of the Knight of Sera..." she said When she is close enough... she stopped... "Nico..." she called me... "W-What?!" I asked... "Are your brother and sister are really safe?" she asked me while smiling... which is annoying... "T-They are in the safe place!" I said... "Ohh? You think Auxem is safe?" she asked again... S-She knew?! She then laughed evilly "I hate you!" I said "That''s great! You should hate me if you want to win against me... but first, you have to fight the ten percent me..." She said and then she prepare her stance... And the three of us prepare our stance as well... "Do you want me to use magic or without magic?" she asked me... And the three of us looked speechless... "H-How about without magic?" I said to the illusion of Kasan... "Sure..." she said with a smile... C-Can I even trust her? But then she count... "5......4...." The three of us prepare ourselves... "3...." If the Knight of Sera couldn''t stop them... how about us?! "2...." "1..." "Wait!" Ed said... And she is not moving... "What?" she asked Ed... "C-Can we call our friend?" Ed asked... E-Ed! What kind of enemy would allow such thing! "Sure..." she said... S-She just did!! "Wait here!" Ed said... And he left... Umm... can he do that?! H-He run away?! "So... how are you?" I asked... And it becomes more awkward... "Hmm? I am fine... is that really a question you should ask?" Kasan said while laughing... And I feel my Kasan is back... "You miss me?" she asked me while laughing... I nodded... but then I realize that it is wrong... so I shook my head... But then she laughed again... "You are always an honest boy..." Kasan said... "T-Thanks.." I said in reflect... S-Should I say something like that... And in no time... Euclio, Eria, Erin, Rin, and Ed return also with Fredrich... And they look at me with speechlessly... "N-Nico... you should be more aware..." Euclio said... When the six of them enters... they prepare their stance already... "H-How can you shoot arrows without bow?" Euclio asked Kasan... "Ah Euclio, you should be the smartest..." Kasan said... Then she activate her magic... "Create Elements" she said... All of us prepare ourselves... but not me... Since we want to fight without magic... I believe she hold up her words... And we can see... six spherical sphere... All of the elements... We all looked speechless... but she laughed... "Here... let me show you..." Kasan said... And then she makes the blue and brown element shines... "W-Wood element?" I asked... And then she created a sharp stick and with the same length as arrow... "I-I see..." Euclio said...Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Euclio let his guard down as well... But Kasan is not attacking us... She is quite, a honest person... "K-Kasan!" I shouted... "Hmmm?" she asked... and then deactivate her magic... "T-Tousan! He is alive right!" I asked her... And she nodded... "I just teleport him somewhere else..." Kasan said... I then looked relieved and she laughed... "Sorry Nico... but my time is almost up... and I have to kill you before then..." Kasan said... "What is your mission by doing this?" Euclio asked... "To make the world better place... no more war, starvation, also no nobility... it makes me sick... all people are created the same... that is why, this will be the final great war..." she said... All of us looked surprised... Better place... No war... No starvation... No discrimination between noble or peasant... T-That is impossible... "That is impossible!" Euclio said... And she smiled... "It is... if I become the empress, and rule the world, which is why I should pass the test" she said... Test?! Then she prepared her stance... and so does us... "5...." She begin to count down... "4..." "3..." "2..." "1..." Then she is next to Ed already All of us still looked surprised... But Eria is there to protect him... She parried Kasan''s attack... and Eria continue to hit Kasan... I want to help Eria... But I will be a burden if I do so... After the fifth combo... Kasan move back really far and cut the combo streak... Eria return to us... "W-Why isn''t she using any magic?" Euclio asked and he looked troubled... "Umm, because she promised not to use magic..." Ethan said in a bit disbelief... and Euclio showed a more disbelief face... "Yeah, she won''t use any magic... I trust her..." I said... Somehow, I feel that she is telling the truth... "Euclio!" I throw my sword toward him... And he catch it... "Use both of them..." I said and he nodded... Euclio then throw his spare sword to me... and I catch it... Euclio uses Ocean Protector and Oathkeeper... "I will go attack her, and Eria... you go from behind her, and perform another combo..." Euclio said... All of us nodded... I see Kasan come closer... walk slowly... But then she gone... And she is beside Fredrich... "Fredrich!" Ed shouted and Fredrich is pierced on his chest... Fredrich''s blood flow... But then... Fredrich hold Kasan''s hand... "N-Not yet!" Fredrich shouted... And Euclio shouted... "Now!" Euclio, Ed, Ethan and Eria attacks Kasan... and... She kick Fredrich also with the spear far and fall from the second floor... "F-Fredrich!" I shouted and I immediately left the room... I come downstairs... And when I left the mansion... I see Fredrich''s body... I pull the spear... "ARGHH!" Fredrich shouted... It is a miracle that he is still alive... "Holy Magic! Heal!" I said it... and he is healed... "Ahh thank god..." I said after seeing him moving... S-Should I bring him back to the battlefield? It seems that Kasan is aiming for him... the first one is the arrow... but it doesn''t hit any fatal point... this one is worse, he got a damage from the spear... and he fell from the second floor... but he is still alive! I think leaving him in the carriage is the best option, and also... he looks really tired... "Nico... I am so sleepy...." Fredrich said... "D-Don''t worry! It is the after effect..." I said to Fredrich... "C-Come... let''s move inside the carriage..." I said while helping him stand... I put his arm around my shoulder... while I shout... "JUNE!" But no respond... I am still walking toward the carriage... and when I am standing front of the carriage, a flying white horse land... "June, watch Fredrich for me... he is injured, just protect the carriage okay..." I said to June and she neighed... like saying ''leave it to me....'' I open the carriage door, and put Fredrich on the sit... "Wait here... you are safe here..." I said and Fredrich... is sleeping... I leave the carriage... "Take care of him..." I said to June and she neighed... Next, is I have to help the other fighting Kasan... I run to the second floor... and see everyone surrounded Kasan... And she is... dead... "Nico..." Euclio call me calmly... "How''s Fredrich?" Ed asked... "He is fine..." I said and everyone show a relax face... I walk toward kasan''s body and... She is dead... "Nico... the last thing she said is the next time we met, all of us have to say goodbye... do you know what is it?" Euclio asked me... Say goodbye? "Death?" I asked Euclio and he nodded... "That is the most reasonable meaning so far..." Euclio said... Euclio return my sword and I return his... "Hey... how can you kill her?" I asked... I was worried about them after I left to save Fredrich... "Eria and I cornered her, and she doesn''t use any magic... and has no weapon... so it is a lot easier, thanks to Fredrich..." Euclio said... "Then Rin punched her really hard... and in close combat, he has the advantage... it seems that she couldn''t fight without weapon..." Ethan said... "Yes... but still, her agility is top tier... Eria has to fight until she reached forty combos..." Rin said I nodded... It seems that I underestimated my friends too much, and also... Fredrich was not useful at all, he was the mvp of this battle, if Kasan is still holding her spear, we will not be able to defeat her... "Then, let''s move... I am worried about Petra and Rick''s party..." Nicolas said to the other... and they nodded... Ed''s Point of View But when Nicolas about to leave the room... he fell... But Euclio is next to him already, so he carried Nisan... "N-Nisan..." I said... "Don''t worry, I know that this is going to happen... let''s go, to the guild..." Euclio said... H-He is truly reliable... I think I know why Nisan always stick with him... "He is just tired... you see, he created [TUNNEL] when we are still in the mansion, also he created this gigantic wall so that we can arrive here, also he heal Fredrich twice already... that is more than he can take..." Euclio said to me after seeing my worried face... I nodded... and everyone look relieved as well... "Let''s go, we have to save the city..." Ethan said... and all of us nodded... We all leave the mansion and... "Ed, Eria, Ethan, Rin mount June to the carriage..." Euclio commanded us... The four of us nodded and immediately, I call June... "June!" I shouted... She is protecting the carriage from attack... "W-Why the attack hasn''t stop?" I asked worriedly... "This is dark magic..." Erin said from the carriage... All of us looked at her in confusion... "There is this dark magic that is able to make people invisible..." Erin explained... "H-Hey! You should tell us earlier!" Euclio said "T-There was no time back then..." Erin said nervously When June arrived, we put her back on the locking system with the carriage and we are ready to go! Eria, Ethan, Rin and I come inside the carriage and we are ready to go... "June! To the guild!" Euclio said and she neighed... the carriage started to move, without any driver or guidance, she is a genius! I hope I have a Pegasus for myself. But I still feel arrows were shot... "Ethan put your shield on the window..." Euclio commanded and Ethan did what Euclio say... Also Erin release her armor and stick it to the window... That is a great idea! Ethan, Eria did the same thing... Fredrich and Nisan... both of them sleeps side by side... and they looked... peaceful... I looked forward, to the road we are heading... then I see June... J-June is defenseless... she could be hit by an arrow in anytime... "E-Euclio... June is defenseless..." I said... And Euclio looked at June... "T-That''s true! June! You should priority yourselves than us! We are fully protected here by the shield and armor on the window!" Euclio said to June and she neighed.... W-What does she said?! "She said that buy me an armor next time!" Rin translated... "F-Fine! If we survive this, I will buy you a very expensive armor!" Euclio said And somehow, I feel that June neighed happily... "She said that it is a promise!" Rin translated... Then June runs really fast... and in less than ten minutes, we have arrived in front of the guild... "Ed! Erin! Ethan! Come with me! Eria, Rin, protect the carriage..." Euclio commanded... I join with Euclio, Erin and Ethan and enter the guild... And it is very rare to see the guild''s door close... When Euclio about to open it... it is locked? "We should breach the door..." Ethan said... "Sure... please..." Euclio give the time and space to Ethan... Ethan move back a bit and prepare his shield... Then he look at me... "Sure..." I said And I decided to help him... "In 3...2.....1.......now!" Euclio do the countdown... Ethan and I rush toward the door and breach the door... And when we fall to the ground... there are several people surround us and about to attack us... "W-What are you guys doing?" Euclio asked with surprised reaction And I just realize that they are the adventurer... "Hiding! Come inside! It''s dangerous!" An adventurer said... Of course they will! And after we enter, the door is being close... "Petra? Does any of you seen her?" Euclio asked... "E-Euclio?" a boy called his name... And Euclio come closer to the boy It is Rick... "What''s wrong Rick?" Euclio asked... "W-We have a mission... to escort Petra to Seraviel... but on our way..." Rick stop talking and he cried... "J-Jay was shot by arrow on his head!" Rick said while burst to cry... "H-How about Petra?!" Euclio asked... "S-She is gone!" Rick said... .... Then silent rules the room... "I see, so only you left?" Euclio asked... And Rick wipe his tears... "I am here..." a girl with blonde hair come... I believe her name is Lisa, and she is Rick''s older sister... Euclio face her and Lisa shown an afraid face... like she got struck by a lightning... "Y-You alright?" Euclio asked Lisa... "W-We couldn''t protect any of our party member..." Lisa said with empty eyes... all of us look at her worriedly But then Erin slap her... and everyone looked surprised... Lisa return to her mind and say... "T-The enemies are invisible, we could only predict the attacks... we are lucky to escape..." Lisa said... "The enemy is indeed invisible, but as I know, when it is touched by magic, their disguise will be revealed..." Euclio said And everyone looked surprised with the statement... "Are you sure?" Rick asked with shaking voice... "That is so far I know..." Euclio said... But... with what magic that could reach the entire city "You will need an Expert Tier magic to hit the entire city with magic..." Ethan said to Euclio... "T-Then! It is possible!" Rick said All of us look at Rick... "Who can do it?" Euclio asked... "It''s obvious! Nico can do it!" Rick said... "Oh, by the way, I haven''t seen him yet... where is he?" Lisa asked.., And Euclio pointed back to our carriage outside the guild... "He is sleeping..." Euclio said... "Yeah, he need a long rest after using a lot of magic..." Ethan defended Nisan... Why everyone always think that Nisan is the solution... I feel pity on Nisan, people has a really high expectation from him... "Also..." I said and everyone looked at me... "He can only use expert holy magic, which is not the disaster tier..." I explained... And Euclio nodded while looking at me... Everyone is convinced as well... Euclio walk toward me... and the he stop right in front of me... And he put both of his hand on my shoulder... "But you might be able to do it..." Euclio said "Heh?" I said in a weird way Now everyone stare at me... "W-What?! Me? I can''t do anything..." I said "E-Euclio is right... you are his brother! Then you should be a God Race as well!" Rick said... "G-God Race?!" I said "Yes! Nicolas is a God Race for sure! Every first bloodline of Maxwell is a God Race... from Auxillium Maxwell..." Lisa explained... A-Auxillium? The legendary king?! "B-But I am not the direct bloodline..." I said... "But you are his brother!" Euclio said while looking at me really close... "W-With my Intermediate Magic? I can only send a wave of wind..." I said... Now everyone looked disappointed... Of course I can''t hit everyone in this town with only an intermediate magic level which is manipulating magic... and I can only use Holy and Wind... "No... use this..." Euclio said and he take something from his pocket... He then give me... a book?! "W-What?!" I said quite loud... It is an Expert Wind Magic Book... why does Euclio hide it from us? "It is actually... a present for Nico... but I think we are in a dire situation... so I believe in you..." Euclio said... "B-But... he is in the Intermediate Tier... he can''t just learn Expert Tier without learning Advance Tier..." Ethan said to Euclio... And Euclio nodded... "That is why... we need to go to East Sera... where Nico bought the Advance Holy Magic Book..." Euclio said... "I-I see... then let''s head there..." I said... The four of us prepare ourselves and about to leave... "Wait..." Rick stopped us... We all stop and face him... "Let us join!" Lisa said... "Y-You sure?" Ethan asked... And both of them nodded... Ethan and I look at Euclio... while Euclio give another thought... "Sure... oh by the way, are there any shield?" Euclio asked Several adventurers give us shield... and I believe it is use for the carriage... After we collect the shield... "Everyone... stay here until we return!" Euclio said... And they nodded in understand... The six of us left... And... "What take you so long!" Rin complained... And we looked below them... and they have deflect like hundreds of arrow... "Come! Let''s go!" Euclio said and everyone enter the carriage... We put the shield we brought on the window to protect us... "June! To the East Sera!" Euclio said... And June neighed... Previously, the adventurer show us the place where the shop is... And I believe Euclio know where we are going already, since I don''t see see any map... "N-Nico?! He is okay right?" Rick asked worriedly... "He is okay... he is out of mana..." I said to calm Rick... "F-Fredrich-sama?!" Lisa looked surprised... and Rick as well... "W-What are you doing with him?" Lisa asked me... Euclio is currently on the second floor with Eria, Ethan and Erin... since Euclio is land sick... he must breathe fresh air... "He is under our protection..." Rin said... "H-How about Lerrich-sama?" Rick asked... Rin face away... Rick and Lisa looked worried as well... "H-He..." "Died" I say finishing my sentence after a pause... They looked speechless... "T-This city has been the best city I ever stay!" Rick said angrily... "H-Hey Rick... calm down!" Lisa said... "B-But! Just who is our enemy!" Rick asked... Rin and I looked at each other... "His Kasan..." Rin said while pointing at Nico... And both Lisa and Rick look at Nico... Both of them looked really speechless... also they show a disbelief face... I personally won''t believe if I were them... but unfortunately, that is the truth... Lisa and Rick looked at me... asking for confirmation... and hoping that it is not true... But I nodded... "Why?!" Rick asked in confuse... "Y-You don''t know?" Rin asked... I looked confused as well... Oh! Of course! People knows that Navroth is alive now, but they don''t know who is she actually... "Nicolas''s Kasan is Navroth..." I said... And both of them looked surprised... "S-So, your Kasan is Navroth?" Rick asked me... "N-Not our real Kasan... but Clement Maxwell''s wife..." I explained... And they show a surprised face... "I-I see... and he is fighting his own mother? I believe it is hard for him..." Lisa said... Somehow, I feel that Lisa is so mature... she understands the situation... After almost half an hour of ride, we finally reach East Sera... and also, the city is burning... but people stay on their house... since the archers are keep shooting... And we arrive in front of the shop in no time... "Ed, you come with me!" Euclio said and we left the other in the carriage... It is an old store... We enter the shop and... the shop is not locked?! But no one is here? "Excuse me!" Euclio shouted... He checked to the back of the shop... And I see this button... that is annoying to ignore it, so I decided to press it... ''TING'' a sound like a bell heard... And an old lady come to me... "N-Nicolas! I am glad you are here!" she said W-Wait!? Where does she come from! But nevermind! Euclio return after checking the back of the shop... "E-Excuse me lady! We want to buy an Advance Wind Magic Book..." Euclio said... "Nicolas... are you with him?" the old lady ask me... "Ummm, I''m sorry but I am not Nicolas..." I said And the old lady looked surprised... "But you look like him! Are you his brother or something?..." Ugh... when the city is in danger, we are talking about this... "Yes! I am, can you find the book?" I asked her with impatience... "Ah, both of you sure have the same character..." she said while leaving us and start searching for the book... And after almost ten minutes... "Here you go!" she said... "Thanks!" Euclio said and about to take it! "Hey! You must pay!" the old lady said and pull the book back... And Euclio fall to the ground... "W-What do you mean! We want to save the city! And Nicolas is out of mana!" Euclio said and stand up... "So... you are not a collector?" she asked us... and both of us shook our head... "Then... who is the one that will cast the magic if Nicolas is sleeping?" the old lady asked... "Him..." Euclio said and hold both of my shoulder... I just give her a smile... "I see... then, learn it now! I still need the book or else my shop will go bankrupt..." the old lady said and she offered us the book... I take it from her and... It is only a single sheet of paper! I read the book and it seems easy... "Wind Spirit, use our hand and feet, move us as fast as wind.... [SWIFT]!" I said and cast it upon the Euclio... And Euclio''s body is shining green... But then it''s gone... Euclio try to walk and... "H-Hey it feels really light!" Euclio said happily... It is a success!! The old lady looked at us in surprised... "As expected from Nicolas''s brother..." she said "T-Thanks..." I said to the old lady... "Thank you for your help old lady... we will be leaving!" Euclio said happily... "W-Wait..." she said and stopped us... Then she left us to the back of the store... Umm... should we really wait for her... or save the city... I believe the city will need more After five minutes of waiting... She looks... well prepared... "Okay! I am ready to go!" the old lady said... "W-What?!" both of us in unison... "What?! Both of you want to left me here? When the city is under attack?! Just how rude the young one these days!" she said and sounds mad... "F-Fine! Let''s go!" Euclio said to her... and she looks happy... T-This old lady! The three of us left the shop and I have to protect her until we reach the carriage... And when we arrive... everyone shows a surprise reactions... "W-Who is she?!" Ethan asked... "N-Nicolas!" the old lady said after seeing Nisan... "Hey! Ed... learn the Expert Wind Magic Book while we are on our way! We have no time!" Euclio said to me... and I nodded... So I decided to open the book and read it... "June! Return to the guild!" Euclio said from above... And Ethan, Eria, and Erin move upstairs as well... Only Rin, Rick, Lisa, the old lady, Nisan, Fredrich and I in the first floor... Rin looks... curious as well, so I got friend to read the book with... Then I understand... I think I can do it... I close the book... "Wait..." the old lady stopped me... "What is it?" I asked... "[SHOCKWAVE] is a really dangerous magic... if you miss use it, you could destroy the entire city..." the old lady said... Now, I feel very nervous... This spell is the one that kills hundreds of thousand troops! The suicide spell of Mikhael Klorze... C-Can I really do it? "Don''t worry! Ed can do it!" a voice behind me... And when I face the direction... it is Ethan... "E-Ethan..." I called his name... But, if I do a mistake... it will destroy the entire city.... "You are his brother right?" the old lady asked while pointing at Nisan... So I nodded... "Then, take his staff now!" the old lady command me... I don''t like being commanded by someone I don''t really know... but she seems know a lot of things... I take Nisan''s staff... I will return it later Nisan, don''t worry... "Then, go upstair and go manipulate the wind! Don''t use the Expert Tier yet..." the old lady said... I nodded... Ethan and I go upstairs... and Euclio notice my present... "You can do it?" Euclio asked... He looked a bit nervous... since he know that this is risky... "The old lady asked me to use my wind manipulation first before using the [SHOCKWAVE]" I said to Eu... And he gives a thought... "Since there might be a probability that you are a God Race, I think she might be true..." Euclio said... "Then, you should spread the wind attack to every direction... can you?" Ethan asked me... "I-I''ll try..." I said "I know you can do it!" Ethan said... I nodded... and take a really deep breath... "I will do it now..." I said and everyone on the second floor nodded... "Everyone, hold into something..." Euclio commanded... Eria, Erin, Ethan and Euclio himself hold into the fence on the second floor really hard... "Create.... Wind..." I said And a green spherical light appeared... "Manipulate... Wind..." I said and I can freely manipulate the wind... I feel the power difference... when using staff and without... I have this feeling that I have pass the magic through the staff and so I did... And "[AEROBLAST]" I said... I summon the wave of air from my staff to every direction.... North, south, east, and even west... like a signal wave... repeatedly... And the power is... pretty great... "There!" Euclio shouted and we see a black clothed man... "Eria!" Euclio called her name and Eria jump from the carriage and in a slash, she kill the assassins... T-That is insane! "Ed! Your magic power is great! Don''t you think so?" Ethan asked me happily... "R-Really?" I asked... "Yeah! Do you hear that?..." Ethan said... and all of us remain silent... I hear a bell sound... And I look toward the direction... "D-Did I move that bell?!" I asked and Ethan nodded happily... Wow... I don''t even believe it by myself... the bell is more than a kilometer away... I-Is this staff really that powerful? "It''s not the staff..." Eria said to me... Then what? I couldn''t be as strong as this right? "But it''s yourself..." Eria said with a smile... I-Is it really me?! "It is you! I know from the beginning that it is true that you are as strong as your brother!" Ethan said... E-Ethan... he really put a lot of trust in me... I won''t make him disappointed... "I think I can give another [AEROBLAST] with bigger wave, through the entire city..." I said They looked at me speechlessly... but then one by one... "I believe you! As I always do!" Ethan said... "Yes! You are Nico''s brother after all..." Euclio said with relax voice... "Then do it! It is much faster that way..." Eria said... And Erin just give me a smile... "T-Then... I think I have to ask you to hold on the carriage really hard..." I said But Euclio stop me... "W-Wait... I think we should get you to the highest place..." Euclio said... Everyone nodded... "Oh, how about the wall between East and South... I think it is high enough..." Ethan suggested... "That is great! But how can we get up stairs?" Euclio asked... After a moment of silence... We all hear a neighed... "June!" all of us in unison... "Let''s go!" Euclio commanded and we move even faster... June is really fast! She could reach four times in speed compared to normal horse... and another thing... she has a lot of stamina... and also! She understand us... And in less than 5 minutes, we have arrived in front of the wall... Euclio and Ethan jumped and release June from the mount... "But more importantly, hold into something..." Erin said from above of the carriage... "W-We are inside the carriage... aren''t we safe?" Lisa asked... "Probably..." Eria said and she move downstairs... Probably... their face become pale... I jump to the ground and hold June''s face... "I-Is it okay if I ride you?" I asked June and she neighed... "She said it''s okay since you smell the same with Nicolas..." Rin translated... S-Smell the same?! He can tell?! Previously, Keito-sensei can''t tell us the difference of me and Nisan by smell as well... I thought he was joking... Also Rin! He has strong sense... I really hope I have that ability... June then get down... so I can climb on her... After I climb her... She doesn''t fly! But she jump! Her jump could reach more than 50m up high! It is even higher than the wall! Also, I see the crack on the floor when June is jumping... We landed on the wall... And June drop me and I stand on the wall... Not destroying the building, but just hitting the entire city with a wind... I take a deep breath... and... Another spell... "[AEROBLAST]" I said and I created the biggest air blast I could... I feel the wind is much bigger... June is almost blown away... I look downstair... and I see... several houses are damaged... I-I am sorry... The wind is blown really hard and I created several damages on the street... also some pole in the street broke... S-Should I do this?! But then... I see a lot of black clothed man in the city... It is a success! I hope... "Let''s go June!" I said to June and she understand me... She get down and I climb on her so that I can ride her... We got down to where everyone else... And we see they are fighting... "Nice job Ed!" Rick said to me while fighting a black clothed man... "He is even greater than his brother!" Lisa said while smiling toward me... And she knock some other black clothed man... While Euclio... he slashes four black clothed men... He is scary... E-Eria take eight of them... She is scarier! While Rin punch and kill ten at once! He is the scariest... "Hey! You''ve done a great job!" Ethan said happily to me... Ethan come and hugged me... With that, we finish our job and return to the guild... Chapter 30 - The End of Trouble After we clear the area around us, we decided to return to the guild... Rin and Rick mount June to the carriage... Euclio lead the campaign, as always... but I don''t mind if I am lead by Euclio... I mean, he is a good leader... even more than nisan... I feel a bit dizzy after using the spell so I decided to take a rest by laying on the floor next to Nisan... Fiuh.., I feel exhausted, I wonder if this is what make Nisan drop and pass out... but if I pass out, there won''t be any mage between us... so I force myself to stay awake... "All ready!" Rick shouted to Euclio which is on the top deck... Rick and Rin enter the carriage and see me laying on the floor... Rick laughed... "You can take a rest Ed!" Rick said while smiling... "Go June!" I hear Euclio''s shout from far and feel the carriage is moving... "A-Are you sure?" I asked Rick and he nodded... "Leave it to us! You''ve done your part..." Lisa said I think I should really sleep now... Then I decided to sleep... Euclio''s Point of View So... we should ask help from the guild... can the guild fight the assassins?! They are not trained to kill assassin, but monsters... "Euclio, what are you thinking?" Ethan asked me... I think I should tell him my doubt... "You see, I was thinking about asking help from the adventurer... but on second thought, they are not trained to kill people but monsters..." I said And Ethan remain quite as well... "Hey! Don''t forget about Army of Sera!" Eria said proudly... T-That is true! Why I never give a thought about that... "Then, where are the armies now?" I asked Eria... "The army should be in the barrack or the wall... but if this are the situation..." Eria''s word are cut to deflect an arrow "I don''t know to whom to talk to... each of the Knight of Sera has died... and Lerrich-sama has died... we should talk to the captain or commander..." Eria suggested... Hmmm, the commander should defend the city... which is... "Okay! June! To the wall!" I shouted... And she neighed... we continue our journey, since we know where the enemy is, we can fight them... The enemy is equipped by bow and arrows... "None of us have a range attack..." Ethan said... Yes, even if we revealed them, we can''t attack them while June is moving... "I guess you are hopeless without me..." Lisa said and she come toward me... We all looked at her speechlessly... But then she threw three dagger at once... and hit three man... Now, we open our mouth really big in shock... "Y-Your class?" I asked... "In guild? Scout!" she said happily... No wonder... "That is a great help!" I said while praising her... We continue our journey, and about to reach the gate... but then what we saw is... The army is fighting already... When they see our carriage, they shouted a battlecry... "UWOOAHH!" they shouted... We see the black clothed assassins were shots by arrow by the archers... Then I can see the commander... he is on his horse while shouting... "Spread! Clear South Sera! Check every houses! Don''t let them escape!" he shouted and the soldiers shouted another battlecry... The infantry started to check every houses... While the cavalries advance and spread through out the entire city... The archers keep attacking the assassins which is on the rooftop... "Euclio-dono..." the commander greeted me... "I am sorry, but I don''t know your name..." I said... "My name is Kasius... the commander of South Sera..." Kasius said... "I see, Kasius-dono, we will leave the rest to you..." I said to him And he looks like a man with honor... "Don''t worry, you are an adventurer... it is our duty as soldier to protect the city..." Kasius said... I know right! that he is a good man! Oh no! I am starting to be like Nico... "Also, thanks for helping us! You are indeed our hero! All of you..." Kasius said and give a bow from his horse.. "N-No... that is the least we can do..." I said... He then face up and say... "It is more than enough..." Kasius said... "Return to your house... and we will send a soldier when everything is done... but still, remain on guard..." Kasius said while leaving... I nodded... although he can''t see me... I think we shouldn''t worry about anything else... since the army has already take control the city... "To the guild..." I said to June and she neighed... I think we should tell the other as well, about everything... "Euclio! Can you drop me in the steak house!" Rin said to me... "S-Steak House? Where Monica is?" I asked Is he hungry?! To be honest I am hungry as well, but there are much important things to do... Or maybe... "No... I just want to protect that place..." Rin said with determination... Rin has grown... "Fine... but you should have someone else to help you..." I said... Since I don''t want to leave someone alone... "I will accompany him!" Rick said... "You sure?" I asked... and he nodded... I guess that is fine, Rick is a strong swordsman... since he learn it from Nico... But I think learning Maxim Style is actually for the best, since it is hard to counter... "Okay, June! Steak house!" I said And June neighed... We are changing our direction, and now heading toward the Steak Restaurant... and when we arrived... there are a lot of soldiers already... Rin and Rick get off from the carriage... "See you later!" Rin shouted... I wave my hand... also everyone else... "June... to the guild..." I said to her... and she neighed... Just how convenient is it to have a smart horse... Hmmmm nevermind, she is a Pegasus... We left the restaurant for the guild... And when we arrived, the soldiers has spread around the town already... Also... the adventurers are helping the soldiers... Some of them shooting arrows toward the assassins... also daggers, like Lisa did... And even an axe! "Hey... I am too old for another journey... I will take a rest in the guild..." the old lady said to us... "Hmm can someone accompany her?" I asked anyone... But the old lady looked annoyed... "Don''t you dare underestimate me! I am pretty strong!" she said... And now I am speechless... I don''t underestimate her at all... it''s just... nevermind... "Just pick me up later... when this boy and this boy awake..." the old lady said while pointing at Nico and Ed... "S-Sure... make sure to take a rest..." I said to her and she nodded while getting of from the carriage... "To the house..." I said to June... and she neighed again... We are now going to move toward our house in the forest... I hope they clean the mess already... I just want to sleep now... After ten minutes, we arrived... And there are soldiers! They are cleaning the dead bodies... also, Lieve''s body... I still don''t believe this is happening... we lost Lieve and Lerrich... also, May, Jay, Kai... and Petra... This is too much losses... When the carriage stop... the soldiers looked at us... And one of them come closer to me... "Euclio-sama... we are here to guard the house and that is a direct order from the commander of South Sera..." the soldier said... Even Kasius send us soldiers! Just how kind is he! "I-I see... we are glad to have you here... we will be taking some rest... we entrust the house with all of you..." I said And the soldier look really... happy.... "S-Sure Euclio-sama! You can count on us!" he said and left... Ethan come closer to me... "What are you talking about? He looks so happy..." Ethan asked me... "Nothing, I just entrust the security to them and they looked so happy..." I said and Ethan looked at me speechlessly... But then he laughed... both of us laughed... It''s been a tiring day... I carry Nico to the second floor and put him on the bed... Ethan carried Ed... and bring him to the fourth floor... toward his room... Fredrich carried by Erin and Eria... also Lisa... Fredrich sleep on the third floor in a single room... Then I decided to take a bath... after the long day... Ethan come and join me as well... "Ahhh... nothing beats the hot bath after a whole tiring day..." Ethan said... He looked like enjoying himself... "But, after taking a rest, we will have a lot of things to do..." I said to him... And he showed a tired face... "You mean about the guild?" Ethan asked... "Yes, Petra is gone, so they will point out another new guildmaster... and also... Lerrich is gone..." I said... And we remain silent "So... Fredrich going to be the next head..." Ethan said and I nodded... "Fredrich is too young right?" I asked and Ethan nodded... "But he is smart... and strong..." Ethan said defending Fredrich... I know already that he is strong... he got injured twice today, and he even fell from the second floor and still alive... although it is thanks to Nico... but still, normal human can''t survive anything like that... "Yeah... he is..." I said and relax myself... After the bath... Ethan sleep with Ed... And I decided to take a sleep as well... Eria is still awake... she said that she will be guarding us... I think she has some trust issue with the soldiers... And in no time... I sleep peacefully, with no sound... Nicolas''s Point of View The next time I am awake... I see the familiar ceiling... and a really bad headache... so I hold my head with my hand... Also, I feel someone sleeping beside me... "Euclio?" I said after seeing him sleeping next to me... Hmmm... so I passed out again... H-How about the assassins?! I thought the city is in trouble! I decided to find someone else... since Euclio sleeps peacefully, I can''t wake him up... I walk really slowly and soundless... to ensure he won''t be awakened... After I leave my room, I let a sigh... that is pretty challenging, to leave the room without sound... but then... I see the big glass on my house which is facing the river... it is really dark, is it midnight? The house is really quite, also dark... the lamp are all off, I wonder why no one turn it on... so I decided to go downstair with my magic actuvated... ''Create Elements'' and the five spherical light appeared and floating on my head And... [ILLUMINATE]... The whole room become bright with my magic... from the ground floor to the fourth floor... I rarely use this magic... since usually the room is bright with the help of the lamp...You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. In this world, lamp is invented already... and they are supplied with magic as the source... anyone with magic can pour it to the lamp... I move downstairs to check whether there is someone awake... and I see a girl, waiting in front of the front door... Eria... Then, I look the sofa in our living room... and see two other person sleeps there... it''s Rin and Rick?! H-How can be with us? Eria is standing near the front door and face outside... is she guarding us? I come closer toward her... and suddenly, a sword has been readied next to my neck... "Umm..." I said nervously... She pulled back her sword and sheathed her sword back... "A-Are you feeling better now?" she asked me... I walk and stand next to her... "Yeah... hey, how about the city?" I asked her... And she looked at me with her sharp eyes... "The city is safe... you should take a rest more..." Eria said to me... S-She is cold as ever! Wait... the city is safe already?! Just how long have I been sleeping... "Your brother did it..." Eria said... Brother? "Ed?" I asked and she nodded as a reply... Ed? Just what did he do? I looked at her... and she looks like guarding the house while all of us sleeping... "You should take a rest... I have been sleeping for quite a long of time..." I said... Then I face the door... my door has a window, so I can see everything that is happening outside... and I see a lot of soldiers patrolling the area... "Don''t you think we are safe already?" I asked Eria... "No... don''t you see the whole Knights of Sera are slaughtered... number two and three are strong... they won''t be defeated that easily... but they were... and if they were defeated... these soldiers are nothing for your Kasan..." Eria said... What she is saying is actually make sense... but, "But you need rest..." a voice behind my back... Both of us look behind us... "Ed!" I said It is Ed! "Hey Nisan..." Ed called me with a smile... He come closer toward us... and I face back to Eria... "Go, both of us will guard the house..." I said to her... But she looks a bit hesitant... "You should trust us more..." Ed said to her... And she looks like giving up... "Fine... thanks..." she said "Oh you should take a bath first! It feels really great..." I advice her and she nodded... She then left both of us... I sit on the floor while facing outside... and so does Ed... There are moments of silence... but he breaks it... "Nisan..." he called me... The room is bright by my magic... "Hmmm?" I responded... "I-I did it!" Ed said... "Did what?" I asked him... "Save the city..." Ed said... Ah! He did it! "Ed! Tell me how you did it!" I asked out of my curiosity He looks like thinking... "Hmmm... you really want to know?" Ed asked and looks like teasing me... Ugh... this boy really annoyed me... But he looks really excited already... so I just go with the flow... "Cmon tell me Ed..." I said to him... "Okay... so..." Ed told me the whole stories after I passed out... So, after I passed out, he went to the guild and meet with Rick and Lisa... Also Euclio has this thought, about hitting the enemy with magic and the enemy will be revealed... Later, they went to East Sera... and meet the old lady... "H-How is she?" I asked Ed... "She is fine... until I passed out, she is still safe..." Ed said... "Wait... you passed out?" I asked Ed and he nodded... "I feel a bit dizzy and I decided to sleep..." Ed explained... "Oh! And just now! after I awake, I feel my head really hurt... have you experienced such thing?" Ed asked me... And that is what I always experiences after I passed out... so I told him... "I see..." Ed said... So... Ed learned how to use [SHOCKWAVE]... that is dangerous... "N-Nisan..." Ed called me... "Hmm?" I responded... "A-Are you..." Ed asked... He looks a bit hesitant... "A God Race?" Ed asked... "God Race?" I asked back... And he nodded... "Hmmm I have no idea... how do you have the thought?" I asked... How do he even think about something like that... I thought, so far I am a normal person... Am I? Nevermind... I control five elements... and that is insane... but everyone in my family is insane... Kasan... the best mother I had become the most dangerous person in this world... "You see... the [WALL] that you made during fighting the undead is not normal..." Ed said... "Y-Yeah, but then I passed out..." I said... "After creating ten to twenty other [WALL]s..." Ed said... T-That is true... "Also, your Wind Attack during our school days..." Ed said... "Wind Attack?" I asked... Ed nodded... "When you dueled Ethan at the first day..." Ed said... H-He remember what I did in the first day... "Yes... what is it?" I asked... "The power is inhuman! You said that you knock him out only with half of your power..." Ed said... And it is true... "B-But... I don''t really know about it..." I said And it is! There is no way to prove that I am a God Race until I reach maybe a hundred years? "T-That is true..." Ed said... Both of us remains silent... "I think, there won''t be any attack tonight..." I said... And Ed nodded... "But... if we leave this place, I think she will be mad at us..." Ed said while chuckling... I imagine her angry face and she will use her sword to kill me... so I laughed... After an hour has passed... "Let''s take a bath... I feel a bit dirty..." I said to Ed... "Yeah, we haven''t clean ourselves..." Ed said... Hmmm but what if the enemy comes... "Hey... what if the enemy come?" Ed asked... That is what I have been thinking... Oh! I have an idea! "Wait here..." I said to Ed... I open the windowed door... I left the house... and talk to a soldier... "I am going to summon a big wall protecting this house... so don''t panic..." I said to the soldier... and he looks speechless but nodded... I entered the house and give a thumb to Ed... but Ed looks speechless I have been activating my magic since I wake up... to brighten the room... "[PRISON]" I said and a wall surround our house started to raise up... The sound of the wall raise make the floor trembles... Ed looked at me... "Ummm nisan..." Ed said... I miss calculated... I forgot that Earth Element is noisy... and within a second the house become noisy... "Hey! Something is happening!" Erin shouted "Nico! Are you still there!" Eria shouted "H-Hey! The house is shaking..." Rick wake up from the sofa... "W-What is happening? Again?" Rin asked me... "I-Is there an earthquake..." Lisa asked... "H-Hey... anyone see Ed?" Ethan shouted... And Ed laughed at me... this is stupid... everyone is awake because of me... I apologize to everyone and they return to their bed... And one thing I realize... Euclio didn''t even awake! After telling everyone about it... we have a bath... and continue our job... watching the house, in the middle of the night, Ed sleeps on my shoulder I feel the warmth... of being with my family... Nate and Nathalia are part of my family as well, but I feel something different... Ed has been alone... and he really mean it, when he said that he won''t leave me... He is one of my brother now... so, it is my duty to protect him... The next morning... Ethan wake up first... He is the hardest worker here if Nate is not here... When he saw us sitting beside the front door, he looked surprised... I think, he is curious with what I am doing... but after seeing Ed sleeping peacefully on my shoulder... he walked away... So I decided to wake Ed up... "Hey... Ed... wake up..." I said... "Uhhh what time is it?" Ed asked me... "Hmmm... I don''t know... but Ethan is ready to practice..." I said to Ed... And Ed open his eyes... he wake up in surprised... "Ed... What happened?" I asked Ed... "S-Sorry..." Ed said with sorry face... "For?" I asked while laughing... I believe he is too shy when he realizes that he sleeps on my shoulder... since he never did that... but I don''t mind... "F-For..." "That''s okay! I am okay with that..." I said to Ed... And Ed''s face turns to happy... "Go train... I will wake the other up..." I said with a smile... and he nodded... Ed take his sword and left to train with Ethan... How to wake other up? I return the wall to the ground... And the earth starting to tremble... the house is shaking and everyone leave their own room... "W-What happened?" Erin asked... "It''s 9 AM... wake the other up please..." I said But without asking for Erin''s help... everyone heard the trembles and wake up... "Ughh it''s 9 already?!" Rin complained... "Oh Rin! Wake Euclio up!" I said to him And he went upstairs without opening his eyes... he is still sleepy... I hear my room''s door open... And... "Rin?!" can be heard... I laughed... and I know already how Rin wake Euclio up... We all train ourselves, I train Rick and teach him Maxim Style... as usual, although we are in the same tier now... "Hey, you should be more focus..." I said to Rick... "It is harder than you think!" Rick said defending himself... I am currently attacking Rick and Rick should have evade all of my attack, since Maxim Style is all about dodging each attack... "Here I come..." I said and about to attack Rick... but then a carriage come toward our house... The carriage looks like... from the guild... and an old lady come out from the carriage... "The old lady!" Ed said... When she looked at us, she looks happy... Or maybe she looked at me? Since she is moving toward me... "Fast! Heal my back!" she said to me... T-This old lady! ''Create Elements'' ''Holy Magic... Heal...'' A light above her head appeared and then the light turned to sparks... and... It''s gone... She tried to move her body left to right... And she looks really happy... "Hahaha! As expected from Nicolas..." she said to me... And she left me?! She headed toward Ed... Should I join the conversation? "Everyone, continue your training..." I said and everyone nodded... We all now busy with ourselves... While Ed is talking with the old lady... another carriage come... And this time... it looks like a royalty carriage... Who will be coming right now... When the carriage open, we see unfamiliar faces... so Euclio and Ethan decided to accompany me to greet them... also Rick and Lisa behind us... It''s a girl... and she is an ocean race... since her hair is blue... When the girl see Euclio, she gives a bow... I think every Ocean Kingdom respects Qiteron Kingdom... "My name is Oriel... and I will be the new guildmaster of South Sera... nice to meet you..." she introduce herself to us... "We are..." "You all are the Diamond and Platinum rank adventurer... I know everything about all of you..." she said and cut my words... She looks even stricter than Petra... "So... what is it you are going talk about..." Euclio asked... Even Euclio sounds annoyed... Then, another girl that has been accompanied Oriel move forward... "Hello, my name is Keyler... and I am the eastern guildmaster..." she introduces herself with smile... B-Both of them is a total contrast... and Keyler is a beastman race... with Cat Tribes? Her ear looks like cat''s ear... "Hmmm what brings the Eastern Guildmaster here?" Euclio asked.. "Hmmm you see, during yesterday accident... we lost hundreds of adventurer..." Keyler said... I look her with annoyed face... and she notice it... "No..noo... I am not blaming any of you, in fact all of you are the heroes of the city... especially that boy..." Keyler said and pointing at Ed... "Yes... he will be name as Hero of Sera... and so does you..." Oriel said and also pointing at me... "Me? I did nothing..." I said... I didn''t give any contribution during our last fight... "During last accident, you did nothing... but during the war, you saves hundreds of thousand lives... which is why Lerrich-sama want you to be the Hero of Sera..." Oriel said... "And also, you..." Keyler said happily and point at Euclio... "M-Me?" Euclio asked with confusion... Why does he look so confused? He is the strategist! We can survive since it is Euclio''s idea... "Of course, he deserve more than anyone..." I said to Keyler and she nodded in agreement.. Euclio speechless face... I want to laugh at that... "But before that, I have a mission for you..." Oriel said in serious tone... The atmosphere now become heavy... since she is the one that talks... "What is it?" I asked... She then stare at me... S-Scary! "You will train the adventurer in East, North and West guild..." Oriel said... And now our faces looks like idiot... "Train all of them?! Why us?" I asked... Also, East, North, West is not our concern right? "Because you are the Diamond Rank Adventurer... and there will be only one Diamond Rank Party in this city... but of course, the training will happen if you win the tournament against the East Sera''s current Platinum Party..." Oriel said... "Tournament?! You are still going to held that?" I asked... I thought we just loss a lot of people here... and they are still thinking about tournament?! "That is too early..." Ethan said... Yeah... after what we have been through... "It is to increase the income of Sera as well..." Oriel said... T-This person is inhuman! Doesn''t she think about Fredrich''s feeling! After he lost his Tousan... "Sorry... but we have to decline..." I said Oriel looked annoyed... "Then your party rank will be change to Platinum Rank..." she said and she looks a bit threatening... But I don''t care... I want to become the Diamond Rank Party just to make Petra proud... not this kind of person... "That''s fine..." I said and I left the two of them... The last time I see Oriel''s face is that she looks really mad... That is not how you control the adventurer... Even Keyler looks more professional... Then someone hold my back... "Are you sure?" Rick asked me... I looked back... and everyone is waiting for my answer... Oriel is staring at me madly... and I put my eyes on her as well, while saying... "I did want to join the tournament... but it is for the sake of Petra... Petra loves her adventurer... also she take care of them really well... she even asked me to train the adventurer... but now... the current Guildmaster is only thinking about money to rebuild the city... Don''t you realize that the lord just died yesterday? And now? a tournament?! I am sorry, but I have to refuse... let the eastern platinum rank become the Diamond Rank..." I said with a very serious face... Even Euclio and Ethan looked surprised... It really breaks my heart... Lerrich-dono... you are a great man... but your guildmasters are all... nevermind... I left them and continue practicing... This time... I train with Fredrich... I wonder why he isn''t joining our conversation... but I believe he will be mad... Fredrich is a spear bearer... like Lerrich-dono... and he currently carrying his Dad''s spear... "I never thought of using this spear really fast..." Fredrich said... "Yeah... you never know what is going to happened..." I said and I sit on the grass... Then he sit in front of me... "They are talking about the tournament?" Fredrich asked me... H-How did he know?! Seeing my surprised face, he laughed... "As expected from the guildmaster..." Fredrich said... "Hmmm? You know that it is going to happen?" I asked him... and he nodded... "Tousan always said not to trust the guildmaster, the only guildmaster she trust is Petra... since Petra grew with us..." Fredrich said... P-Petra?! Grew with them?! "Y-You mean she is an Ezate too?" I asked... But Fredrich laughed... "N-No that''s not what I meant... I mean, Petra lives with us... in Seraviel, since Tousan is really interested with her managing skill, also she is a kind-hearted person although she is a bit strict as well..." Fredrich explained... And I can see tears in his eyes... "I see... I am sorry I can''t do anything..." I said and apologize... "N-No! We can''t do anything back there... but I really wish that I can turn back time and I won''t leave my house..." Fredrich said... That is a suicide! I hold both of his shoulders with my hands "Lerrich-dono is one of the greatest man I ever met! I think he could be the person I admire the most! And I believe that he did the best he can do.... He saved you, and he wants you to rule this city..." I said to Fredrich... And Fredrich looked at me... "R-Really?" Fredrich asked me and hoping that I said the truth... "Of course! He trust you more than anyone else! You are Fredrich Ezate! You are the next lord, and you should make Ezate''s name high again..." I said And he looks a bit motivated... Fredrich wipes his tears and... "Let''s train!" Fredrich said and I nodded Fredrich is an Advance Spear Bearer with Alice Style... like his Dad... But Lerrich can uses Alice and Maxim Style... which is crazy! While both of us train... I can see that Euclio is still talking with guildmasters... Until another carriage come... Now the carriage looks even better and looks more expensive... Then a man in armor come out from the carriage... also, he has sword sheathed on his left hips... and he looks like an old man... Seeing my confuses, Fredrich say... "Kasius... the person that is in charge of South Sera, he is a good man..." Fredrich explained... Hmmm, so this man is the one that defends South Sera after the enemies become visible... that''s what Euclio told me... Euclio come closer toward Kasius and both of them shake their hand... Both guildmaster also come closer and join the talks... "You see, Tousan said that South Sera get the best person... the guildmaster is trustworthy and as well as the commander... also the soldiers and people, they are way more supportive compared to other city..." Fredrich told me... "But... Oriel..." I said I am a bit disappointed with the new guildmaster... "Oriel is not a bad person... she is trying to maintain the city..." Fredrich said "But you see... Tousan will do the same... priority the city... and the tournament could restore the economy of the city..." Fredrich said... I look at Fredrich... "Are you sure?" I asked Fredrich... And he nodded... "I love my Tousan... but also, I love this city... if Tousan has gone, then it is my duty to serve as the lord in this city..." Fredrich said "I am not a strong spear bearer like him... but I will try my best to maintain this city... so... Nicolas, can you please join the tournament?" Fredrich asked me I look at him speechlessly "Not for the sake of my father, but for me?" Fredrich continues Fredrich... he is much mature than I thought... He is not a strong warrior compare to Lerrich... but his heart might be stronger than his dad... "Fine....I''ll do it for you..." I said to Fredrich... and he looks happy... Fredrich is younger than all of us... he is 4 years younger than me... and he rule one of the biggest city in Perius Kingdom... Also... he is now the Grand Duke, changing his Dad''s position... "Let''s go..." Fredrich said and we start walking toward Euclio and the other... While we are walking Oriel, Keyler, and Kasius are looking at us... Seeing my face, Euclio know already what I am going to say... so he nodded... Oriel looks shy... my words earlier are too much... I attack her blindly... She is not a bad person... she just want to protect the city... and I can see her regretful face after deciding to choose the city more than Fredrich''s feeling... which is actually a good choice... When we are close enough... the three of them give a bow to Fredrich... Then Oriel move forward and say "Nicol-..." Before she apologize "I will join..." I said to her... She looked at me speechlessly... I understand her now... she is just like Petra... but she never communicate with any adventurer, so she give us misunderstandings... I face Rick... "Y-You mean?!" Rick said in happy face... I nodded and look at Oriel... "The city''s stability is much more important... which is why I decided to join the tournament, and I will hold my title as Diamond Rank Party, which Lerrich-dono has given to me..." I said Oriel gives me a smile... She looks relieved... Keyler looked at me with surprised as well... "Then! You should be ready! The tournament will be held in next two days... in Seraviel!" Keyler said happily... I think every guildmaster just want to restore this city currently... I nodded... "Fredrich-sama..." the old man called Fredrich... He is Kasius... "What is it Kasius-dono?" Fredrich asked... He then bow... "I am sorry... I was away from Lerrich-sama... I should have been with him!" Kasius said and he looks really regretting... "No... that is the duty of Knight of Sera... your duty is to protect the citizen of South Sera... and you did a great job..." Fredrich said Kasius then looked at Fredrich... "Without you, there will be more casualties... I got the report from the soldiers..." Fredrich said to him... "I am grateful for your praises... but I can''t save Lerrich-sama... this is a really embarrassing mistake in my life... please demote me..." Kasius said And everyone looked surprised... we all knows that he is protecting the city with all of his best... "Then..." Fredrich start to say something... We all looked at him seriously... "You will be the head of Knight of Sera... you will be responsible for recruiting people to be the Knight of Sera since we lost the twenty of them... also, you will become the commander of Sera... not just South but also the head of West, North and East... and your son will be in charge of South Sera..." Fredrich said to him... Isn''t it a promotion?! Kasius looked at Fredrich with confusion... "With that, you will now always be on my side" Fredrich said... "Yes! Fredrich-sama!" Kasius said while crying... H-He really deserve this... I hope there are more people like Kasius in Auxem... Euclio and Ethan looked at Fredrich speechlessly... I bet they are wondering on how Fredrich is much wiser than they thought... I have nothing to worry then... Fredrich then looked at me... "I will be leaving you guys... since now I am the lord here... I have a lot of things to do, thanks for trusting me Nico..." Fredrich said I nodded... "I believe Sera is in a good hand... and don''t hesitate to call me if you need help..." I said to Fredrich and he nodded... Fredrich enters the carriage with Kasius... and they leave us... Now it''s only us with the guildmasters... "Then! We will be seeing each other two days from now!" Keyler said... I nodded... and she enter her carriage... We all looked at Oriel... And this is a bit awkward... "Thank you for understanding..." Oriel said to me... I nodded... "See you later at the guild..." Euclio said with smile to lighten up the mood... And she nodded... and left... Then the second carriage left... Now... it''s only the old lady... She is still talking with Ed... I am a bit curious about it... so I come closer... When they see me coming... "Here..." the old lady said and give a book... I take it and read it... "Advance Wind Magic Book..." I read it and quite surprised... "I will be sending them to you if I had the chance... but you should return it to me after you learn it since I want to sell it to the collector..." the old lady said... I don''t really mind... "Sure!" I said and Ed in unison... Then she left us... Is the conversation over because I come here? "What have you been talking about?" I asked Ed... And he smile at me... "Something..." Ed said with annoying face... T-This brother of mine.... Ethan, Rick and Lisa come to our direction... Both of us sit on the grass... Today, the sky is bright... the sunlight is bright as well, but the trees are blocking the sunlight, which makes this place really comfortable... I sit on the grass and relaxed myself in one of the shade of the trees... Ed joined me... And when the three of them come... they join us... "So... what is it?" I asked... The three of them looked at each other happily... "So... " Ethan about to say something... "From now on, we will join Ethan''s party..." Rick sad happily... "What?!" I said in surprised... T-They merge their party?! "Hey! Why not joining our party?" I asked Rick... "You have four members already... while Ethan has only three members... which is fit for both of us!" Lisa explained... "Yeah... the maximum number of member in a party is five..." Ethan said happily... T-That is not fair... "Oh Nisan! You should find a member! or else you will be fighting four vs five..." Ed said "Hmm? I guess the four of us is enough?" I said... And Ed looked at me with surprised reaction... Also Ethan, Rick and Lisa... "As expected from Nisan..." Ed said while laughing... "Expect what?" I asked... And the other three laughed as well... You see, I am not underestimating, but I know my own capabilities... I will go all out... And that day has come... The day of the tournament.. Chapter 31 - News! Without noticing, it is already the day for our tournament... and we are currently riding June... "Hey! Nico... don''t panic..." Lisa said to calm me down... "W-What?! Am I?" I asked and my voice is a bit trembling "It''s not that I am underestimating them... it''s just I know my own capabilities..."Rick said imitating me... And everyone laughed... Euclio looked at me and he laughed the loudest... "Are you sure you okay?" Ed asked me worriedly... "I-I am...why do you guys think I am panicking?" I asked... "You are sweating..." Lisa said... "You are shaking" Rick said... "Your voice is also trembling..." Rin joined... "R-Really? I don''t feel anything different" I said After saying that, June stop advancing... "W-We are here already?!" I asked with my trembling voice and now they laughed even louder... A soldier come toward us and open the door for us... "Please..." the soldier said... and he let us out... When we left the carriage... the applauses of from the crowd is really loud... "They are here!" "The Diamond Rank Party!" "Nicolas and Ed! The Hero of Sera!" "The challenger will have no chance to win..." I hear such words from the crowd... Hero of Sera? I just sleep while Ed do the rest We all directed to the special place... where we can see the circle... There are nine chairs for all of us... Yesterday... Rick and Ethan''s group decided to merge... and now... here they are, become part of us now... they stayed with us starting from yesterday, and I don''t have any problem... After all of us seated... I can see Fredrich there... in the middle of the circle... using Lerrich''s spear... and a black armor... Seeing him reminding me of Lerrich... Everyone in the arena become really quite... No one talks but watch Fredrich... Then... I can see another person enter the circle... It is Kasius! He then stand in front of Fredrich... "From this day... Fredrich Ezate will be our new lord! Give a bow to your new lord!" Kasius said and he bowed... Everyone in the arena bowed to him... I am proud of him already... Only Ethan, Euclio and I didn''t bow... since our position is higher than him... Apparently, I am still the archduke of Perius Kingdom... since Nate don''t want to take the title... but he still do my work, poor Nate... After they done with the bowing... Fredrich announce... "Yesterday is a grief... but today is a new day... everyone! Enjoy the tournament!" Fredrich said... And the crowds become loud again... Fredrich wave his hand toward me... and I waved back... He move away from the circle with Kasius... and sit on a special chair and guarded by five new Knights of Sera... Then, I can see someone who will act as the judge, come inside the circle... I also see our opponents sitting on the opposite side of the arena... it is too far, so I can''t see them... "I am Oriel... the South Guild new Guildmaster..." Oriel said... Everyone look at her... and they start to compare her with Petra... "Petra-chan is much prettier" "I like Petra-chan more" That is mean... but she ignores all of them... "Let''s call the Diamond Rank Party... Nicolas, Euclio, Erin, and Rin!" she shouted... And the crowd ignore the previous talks and now shout and give us praises... Then we stand up from our chair and head toward the circle, which is the arena... "Good luck..." Ed said... "Win the fight!" Ethan said... "Hey! Fight with all of you got!" Rick said... Lisa just smiled at us... The four of us nodded while walking toward the circle... When we arrived at the circle... we stand in front of Oriel... Then she face back to the audience... "And the challenger team! The Platinum Rank! Navael! Kiel! Hayyel! Olive! And Emily!" Oriel shouted... I am surprised when I hear one of the name And the crowds become loud once again... it is really loud until I forgot what I am surprised about... Oh it is Navael! I look at Euclio... and he looked back at me... Then we direct our eyes on the opponents... they are walking toward here... I see a familiar elven race... the elven race with white hair... and green eyes... since he uses no helmet... but he uses heavy armor... and a spear on his hand... "Navael!" Euclio and I shouted in unison... And Navael waved his hand to us while walking to us... Then their party stood in front of us... "It''s been a long time..." I said... and Navael nodded... "I miss the old duel... but this time, we will defeat you!" Navael said... "Oh really? I have been growing as well lately..." I said to Navael... And he looks friendly as always... But then... The atmosphere become heavy.... "I am sorry about your dad..." Navael said while his face looks really sad... But... "He is alive... don''t worry..." I said to Navael with certainty Then Navael looked at me seriously... And I nodded... means that I am serious about that... "Then! I will show it to Clement-sama! That I can beat his son!" Navael said A fan boy... "Fine! Let''s do this..." I said Both of us looked at Oriel... and she nodded... "Both team, move back a bit..." Oriel said and we moved back... and as well their team... We are now twenty meters away... The crowds are really loud... After Oriel leave the circle... "The battle will start in 5....4....3....2...1... now!" Oriel said ''Create Elements'' Five floating spherical circle appeared... "BARRIER MAGIC" I said it... and a dark blue magic barrier appeared in front of us... I can cast magic through them freely... and she won''t be able to nullify my magic as long as the barrier stands... While I give a thought, an arrow is coming to my direction in high speed... But then Eria deflect it for me... "Rin now!" Euclio said and Rin punches the air... All of us are currently hiding behind the barrier magic... When Rin punches the air... a wall stood in front of them... They use [WALL] to protect themselves from Rin''s attack... Then Rin and Euclio moved forward... Euclio unsheathed his sword while running... "Keep punching! The enemy will not notice us coming closer to them!" Euclio said to Rin Rin punches the air while running... to make the enemy thinks we are still far away... But when they are pretty close... I decided to bring down the wall... When they realize that the [WALL] is descending... A man stood up against Euclio... And I can see his weapon glowing brown... T-That is the elemental fighter! He uses earth magic, which is the counter of water magic... Water > Fire > Wind > Earth > Water and keeps repeating... The man is a swordsman... and I believe he won''t be as strong as Euclio... While both of them fighting, Navael was about to help the swordsman... If it was two vs one, it will be hard... even for Euclio But I decided to create a wall in front of Navael... [WALL] And a wall created... Rin is fighting with the Nullifier... Somehow the Nullifier knows how to fight... Until the Mage pushed back Rin...using wind magic... I created a wall in front of Rin... Then I created a big bang... exactly in front the four of them... [FLASHBANG] And they all blinded... It is an easy way to disable the enemy... Euclio and the other guy is fighting behind the wall... so they aren''t affected at all by the [FLASHBANG] and so does Rin... After two seconds... Rin jump out of the wall and pushed them with the air pressure he created by his punches... But they protect themselves with [PRISON] Ughh earth magic is annoying... "Hey Nico! Use your staff!" Erin reminded me... W-Wait... I just realize that I have a staff! I immediately take my staff behind my back... And... I descend their wall they use to protect themselves... And within a second... the wall descend! That is fast! Even I am surprised... Rin is trying to push the four but Navael is close enough to Rin so both of them are now fighting in close combat... And without realizing... Euclio has defeated the elemental fighter... Euclio swordsmanship level is just... too high... And so does Rin... He immediately take advantage with the close combat... Navael was formidable... during our fight back there in school... but with Rin on our side... we have more power... Rin punches Navael''s shield and Navael was knocked back really far... that he almost out of the line... And again... an arrow without my awareness was shot... But again, it was deflected by Erin... Without Erin, I have been dead twice already... It''s only the four of them... Rin and Euclio looked at me... and I understand... I decided to use my ultimate skill to stop them in one shot... The blue and brown spherical light shines brightly... Noticing me preparing my Fusion Magic... they all looked scared... But! I never use my Fusion Magic while holding my staff... My staff could amplify the effect up to hundred times... So I put back my staff and proceed with the plan...Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "Fusion Magic... Wood Magic!" I said and the wood are created from the combination of the two... And the wood strike toward them... The mage created a wall... trying to protect themselves from the strike of my wood magic... But still, the wood attack breaks the earth wall... The wood attack and hit Navael... And it spread and also hit the other three... While Euclio and Rin moved back and return to us... And then, it is all done! "Stop..." Oriel announced... "The winner is the Diamond Rank Party!" Oriel announced and the whole audience become really busy... I am not saying that it is easy... but without my Wood Magic... it will probably takes 10x more effort... I then undo my magic... We can see that the mage''s hand is tied with the branches... the Nullifier''s feet is tied with the branches... also the archer''s both hand and feet were tied... While Navael... he become one with the tree... I can only see his face... After I undo my magic... I come closer toward Navael... And help him stand... "Last time I was disabled by earth magic... now wood?" he asked me And I laughed... When he stand up... I asked him... "What are you doing here?" I asked... "Hmmm me and my party are a moving party..." Navael said... "Moving Party?" I asked... "Yes... where we move from city to city... to find the most fit one... and when we did pretty good... as an adventure, so when we heard about a Diamond Party in Sera... we are really interested to challenge you... and I never thought that it will be you and Euclio..." Navael explained while we are walking toward the bench... When we arrived at our bench... Euclio, Ed and Ethan come closer... They greeted Navael and Navael greet them back... We talks a few minutes until the announcement... The announcement is about the closing... The audiences looked a bit disappointed with only one matches... Usually, Lerrich open the battle for anyone... When the crowd is started to leave... "Then... we will be leaving the city as well!" Navael said... "R-Really? That fast?!" Euclio said "We will keep moving! See you next time!" Navael said and he left with his party... After Navael left... Fredrich come toward me... He is guarded by five KoS (Knight of Sera) "You know him?" Fredrich asked... "Yeah, he was one of the student in Auxem School..." I said Fredrich don''t know him since Navael graduated already before Fredrich enter the school... "I see... oh before I forgot..." Fredrich then take a letter out from his pocket... He then gives it to me... "This is from Nate..." Fredrich said... I take the letter... and I open the letter... The letter were still with it seal... so no one has read the letter... ''To Nicolas Maxwell There have been some clues about Tousan''s incident... The researcher found something weird during our mansion renovation... they found out that there is a spherical area damaged... The spherical damaged that we found is not the effect of swords or spear or even bow damage... as well as Earth, Wind, Fire, Wind, Dark, and Holy attributes... We believe there is other kind of magic... You can return here if you want to see the damage... but it is okay for you to continue your study... since we haven''t received any information about Tousan''s I will contact you if you need something else... From Nate Maxwell'' I read it without telling anyone... but everyone is expecting me to tell what I just read... Spherical damage... is it a Teleportation Magic? Kasan said that she teleported them... "So..." Before I start... a soldier come... He then bow in front of me... "Nicolas-sama... a letter for you..." a soldier said... He then offer me the letter... It has... uncommon seal... I take it from him Then I open the letter... ''To Nicolas Maxwell... We are from the South Beastman Guild... and we have received the quest that is given by the Guilds... About the lost person, Clement Maxwell... We have some adventurer spotted him during their mission... It seems that he is walking toward the mountain between South and North Beastman Kingdom... That is all we got... From South Beastman Guild...'' "N-Nico?!!" Euclio called me with worried reaction... Without noticing... I was crying already... "T-Tousan... We know where he is!" I said Everyone looked at me seriously... I then wipe my tears... "Where?" Euclio asked me... then he took the letter from me... He read it... "South Beastman Kingdom..." I said Everyone looked at me in surprised... Especially Rin and Erin... I then remembered their stories... about their tribe... "Y-You shouldn''t go there..." Rin said to me... He looks terrified But Erin said the opposite... "We should go there..." Erin said... Everyone now looked at both of them... Except Euclio... he is reading the letter... After he finish reading the letter... all of us looked at him... expecting him to give us more information... "So... if the information is right... they might not be in South Beastman Kingdom now..." Euclio said "What? Why?!" I asked loudly... I am desperate already... "First... this is a direct letter from South Beastman Kingdom Guild..." Euclio said... "Which is?" I asked "Which is, it takes more than a month before it can reach here..." Euclio said Now everyone looked a bit down... but I am the worst... "B-But... he shouldn''t be that far..." I said Then Euclio looked at me with annoyed face... He then put both of his hand to my shoulders... "Nico... think clearly! I know that you are not this dumb! It will take a month for us as well to go to South Beastman Kingdom... Which mean, we should predict their move two months apart..." Euclio said while shaking my shoulder... "More importantly... you should tell Nate..." Ethan said to me... Nate!... yes, I have to tell him... "Ethan... your party will be staying here... protect Fredrich, also protect the city..." Euclio commanded... W-What?! Ethan is not joining us?! I looked at Ethan... he looks a bit disappointed, but... Ethan nodded... "W-Wait... I will join you..." Ed interfere... I look at Ed... "I-It is dangerous..." I said I don''t want to lose anyone else... it is much safer to leave Ed here... "You remember our promise?" Ed reminded... I give a thought... Now I can think clearly... I promised him not to leave him... Then I looked at his face... and Ed is serious about it... I then remember Rin... and I direct my view toward Rin... He looks scared... his face is worried... and his body is shaking... Euclio looked at me... asking me to decide... So I decided to... "Rin... you stay here with Ethan''s party... Ed, you will be coming with us..." I said Rin and Ed didn''t say a word... Euclio nodded in agreement... "I have no problem with that... but how about you Rin? Are you okay?" Ethan asked and worried about Rin... "Are you sure you are going to be alright?" Rin asked me... He looks worried as well... "Hmmm you are strong... but we are more than enough... and also, we will go to Auxem first... and tell our plan to Nate..." I said Yep... there is a probability that Nate could give us some reinforcement... or maybe he can join us... "But Nate won''t join us... since he must maintain Auxem..." Euclio reminded me... That''s.... true.... "I can tell Nate if you want... through a letter..." Fredrich suggested... Euclio nodded... Then Euclio looked at Ethan... "Ethan, your party will be in charge of teaching the East, West and North Sera adventurer... are you okay?" Euclio asked Ethan... Ethan nodded... "Leave it to me..." Ethan said with proud... Then I looked at Fredrich... is it okay for him? He looked back at me... "That''s fine..." Fredrich said to me... Fiuh... Fredrich is so kind... We are currently in Seraviel... and we are still discussing our next step... Fredrich raise his hand and call the soldiers... "Give us table and chairs..." Fredrich commanded... And we begin our emergency meeting... Fredrich give us a map of the entire world... "So... if it''s been two months... he has probably left North Beastman Kingdom right?" I asked Euclio shook his head... "You see... Beastman Continent is bigger than you thought..." Euclio said "From the symbol of the seal... it is from the Saltvein town... the most bottom part of Beastman Continent... which is the furthest..." Euclio continues... He pointed out his hand on the edge of the South Beastman Kingdom... "T-That is really far..." I said Euclio nodded... "There might be a chance that they are still in the Southern Kingdom..." Euclio said... "R-Really? But what takes them so long?" I asked... Euclio then looked at Erin... And Erin nodded... "The weather..." Erin said... "Weather? What do you mean?" I asked... Ed and the other are interested as well... "Hmmm... have you ever heard about winter?" Erin asked... W-Winter?! Snow?! Everyone shook their head except me... Now everyone is looking at me... "Umm... it is cold weather and snow, right?" I asked... And Erin nodded... "N-Nico?! I never thought that you are smart?" Euclio asked "Y-You don''t know?" I asked back And he shook his head... "I just know when Erin told me before the meeting" But then I remember... there won''t be any winter under the sea... Hmmm... but Ethan? Fredrich? Ed? They don''t know? And so does Rick and Lisa... "The temperature won''t be this warm... it is very cold... and it will be hard for Human Race..." Erin explained... I nodded... I then realize that the position of Saltvein is actually the lowest point in map... which is making it as the south pole... "How about Northern Kingdom?" I asked Erin... "Hmmm... Northern Kingdom has four seasons..." Erin explained... F-Four?! Wow... it is like Japan! "Seasons?" Euclio asked... Also the other looks troubled... "Which means, that there will be summer, winter, spring and autumn?" I asked Erin And Erin looked surprised... "H-How do you know that?" Erin asked... Now everyone looked at me with curiosity... "F-From a book..." I said I actually never found those kind of book... "I never see any kind of those book..." Ed said suspiciously... I-I just remembered that he is a nerd as well!! "Ummm... it''s a special book... I read it before I even enter the school..." I said And everyone believe... Except one person... Euclio... He keeps staring at me... Ugh... he knows me so well... But then he changes the topic... "So... what is the worst thing about winter?" Euclio asked... "In Northern Kingdom... the season will keep changing every four months... but in Southern Kingdom... more specifically, in Saltvein... it is an eternal winter..." Erin explained... Now I asked out of my curiosity... "Where did you live?" I asked Erin... She then looked at me... "I mean, back then, when both of you are still in Beastman Continent..." I asked... "Outside Saltvein... there is a small village..." Rin said... His voice... is a bit trembling... I guess I asked something bad... how stupid I am... "N-Nevermind... what else should we know about winter?" I asked... "Transport..." Erin explained... "What do you mean?" Euclio asked... I look at June... We can use June right? "We need to prepare clothes for cold weather..." Euclio said... "But you can''t find those things in Human Continent..." Ethan said... That''s true... we are in the tropical zone... there won''t be any winter... "H-Hey what about the transport?" I asked... "The weather... that is one thing... also, there are no roads..." Erin explained... That is bad... "How long does it take to go to Saltvein from the nearest city?" Euclio asked... "This is the nearest city..." Erin said and pointed out a city... It is written there... Neku... "From Neku... it takes maybe two to three months..." Erin said... "T-That''s impossible..." I said desperately... It takes a lot of time... "That''s bad news... so, this letter... it could take..." Euclio said to Erin... Erin nodded... "It''s maybe five months late..." Erin said... .... Everyone remains silent... Five months... "But... the messenger is usually faster in movement compared to us... they know where they are going... " Erin said "So... can we assume that Nico''s Tousan only two to three months journey?" Euclio asked... and Erin nodded "We should get going..." I said Faster is better... since we don''t want to lose more track... "Okay... okay... Let''s pack our things up..." Euclio said And Ed, Erin and I nodded... So... it''s back to the four of us... like when we travel to Epius... "Fredrich... can you tell my brother about us going to Beastman Kingdom?" I asked him And he nodded... "Sure... anything else?" Fredrich asked... We are currently entering the carriage... All of us except Fredrich... since we are going to return to our home first to prepare ourselves "Ummm make sure not to make him really worry... tell him to wait... I am going back with Tousan..." I said with determination... "Sure... make sure to return in one piece..." Fredrich said to me... And I nodded... Then the carriage started to move... "Fredrich... see you soon! Thanks for the help!..." I shouted... He waved his hand from far... We are leaving Seraviel and head for our home... After almost twenty minutes, we arrive at our house near the river... It is dark already... but the house is in prettiest moment... when it shines alone in the dark... also the river is lighten up by the fireflies... We will not be seeing this house for maybe a year... that is hard... I am use to sleep in my own room, but now we are going for a journey... Wait, I haven''t finish our study... Ah I don''t care about it... I just want to meet Tousan now... Sorry Santa-sensei... When we arrived... we also spotted several soldiers guarding our house... After June stopped in front of our house, all of us get down from the carriage, Euclio asked me to take our things, so I decided to take his belonging as well... He seems like thinking about something Did we missed something? I guess I leave that to Euclio... I enter the house with Ed and Erin... Erin goes to her own room, and so does Ed... I return to my room as well, and take several important things like map, compass, pocket watch and some gold coins... I believe we need money every-time, everywhere... After taking my own stuff and Euclio''s... I look at the room once again, to check whether I miss something or not... I then think, this could be a very long time before I can see this room again... "Nico! Faster!" Euclio shouted from outside... "Okay!" I shouted back... Ugh, the bag feels a bit heavy... but I can''t complain since June will be the one that carrying it for us... I then leave my room and head downstairs... "What took you so long?" Erin asked... she looks in hurry, I think she can''t wait to return to beastman continent... Also, she looks mad... "Calm down, he is ready now... let''s go" Ed said... Erin left and Ed give me a wink... Thanks Ed... I left the house with Ed and join with the other... Euclio and the other is waiting for us already... Ethan come closer to me... "Are you ready?" Ethan asked... I nodded... "I will leave the house and the guild to you..." I said to Ethan... I then pat his head, like a brother... "Sure! You can count on me..." Ethan said happily... "And..." Ethan continues... "And?" I asked "Make sure to return as fast as possible..." Eria said to me... she looks serious... But when I look at her, she looks away.... D-Did I do something wrong? But she looks sad... And suddenly Euclio push me with his shoulder... "Hey!" I said But then he come closer to me... and say "You should tell her that we are going to be alright..." Euclio say whisperingly... I nodded and I say what Euclio told me to say... "We are going to be alright... and we will return in no time..." I said... After saying that, Eria turn his face to me... she looks... worried... But then she slap her own face... "H-Hey!" Ethan said in panic... "Of course you will return! If you are not returning... we will search for you till the edge of the world! So make sure not to trouble us!" Eria said energetically but with red face... "Of course! Just wait for us!" I said and she nodded... Not only Eria but everyone else... After everyone said their farewell... "Go June!" Euclio said and June neighed The carriage is moving... and we are starting to leave the mansion... Everyone that are staying, wave their hand on us, and so do I... It is still in the middle of the night... since we wanted to start as soon as possible... The breeze in this forest... is really amazing, i''m going to miss this place for quite a long time... After several minutes, we left the forest... and now we are in the town... Less crowded, but we can see some people here... "Erin, Ed... go to sleep, Nico and I will take the first shift..." Euclio said... Erin nodded, and she move downstair... while Ed looked at me first... I nodded at him... and he move downstairs to the first floor of the carriage... Then Euclio come closer to me... I sit on the second floor of the carriage, still feeling the breeze hit my face... Euclio sit down next to me... But he didn''t speak anything... but it doesn''t mean that it is quite... There are some people on the street shout our name... "The Diamond Rank Party!" "Where are they going this late?" "They must be doing some special mission..." "Hey! Its Nicolas Maxwell!" It continues for 5 minutes... until we pass the last gate... without saying anything, the gatekeeper opened the gate for us... Then... silence... In front of us is a dark view... with starry sky, which is pretty... We are now heading to the South of Perius Kingdom... A place where we can set sail... The place call Maxim... where Persey live... I think I miss him already... he is one of the cool guy... "Nico..." Euclio call my name out of the sudden... "Hmmm? What is it?" I asked He looked a bit serious... since he call my name in flat voice... "Hmmm you know, since I know you, I travel a lot... and I am happy about it... thanks..." Euclio said thanking me... "H-Huh? What''s with that? You talk like you will be dead tomorrow..." I said in confusion... He just laughed... But also in relieved... I thought he wanted to say a bad news... "You see, remember during The Battle of the Undead in Epius?" Euclio asked... "Yeah... I created a lot of walls..." I said while looking up the sky... remembering what I have done... I have done a lot... "Yes... that is one of the crazy adventure we got right? Travelling from Sera to Auxem to claim the city back... also we went to Maxim to help them fighting Klorze House... then..." Before Euclio finish I continue his words... "We travel to Epius... to fight the Undead... and finally, we travel to Haven to put end on the hatred they put on me..." I said Euclio nodded... "And now... it will be far more than our previous journey..." Euclio said... And that is true... "We just need to face every problem that stand in our way..." I said Euclio then looked at me speechlessly... "You know, sometimes you can be wise...that''s weird..." Euclio said while teasing me... "Hey!" and I poke his head but he laughs.. June could run for a day without resting... she is a monster! But a divine one... "So, two shifts... sleep for 6 hours each shift... and there will be break for June for 30 minutes a day..." Euclio said to me... I nodded... "Can you do it?" Euclio asked June while she is pulling our carriage... She then shook her head? "Ummm one hour?" Euclio asked again... Then she neighed... Ugh... June is bargaining... But what can we do... we will be counting her a lot... "Ah, now I remember what am I going to say..." Euclio said... Now I look at him... he looked a bit ... curious... "How do you know about Winter?" Euclio asked... T-That... "I-I said it right... from the book..." I said to defend myself... "No... that''s a lie..." Euclio said "H-How do you know that it is a lie?" I asked... "Coz you were thinking really hard back there, when we are still in Sera... C''mon Nico... I know you already..." Euclio said... T-This boy... I let a sigh... Keep calm... and think what should I say... "So, actually... Tousan has ever told me a story about winter... a white view with cold weather... there will be this thing call snow... and it is very funny to touch... Tousan said..." I said to Euclio... without expression... While I am explaining... Euclio keep looking at my face... H-He want to know whether I am lying or not... That is scary... "Hmm ... I don''t understand with your face... but fine..." Euclio said... Then suddenly June stop... Ed and Erin is awake as well... Then, I see what''s in front of us... A carriage... with a Perius House emblem! It is guarded by hundreds of soldiers... And they finally come to our direction... The carriage is made of expensive wood... very classy... I can''t see the inside... but then the door is opened... Then someone I knew call my name "Nicolas!" King Ethen said "K-King Ethen?! What are you doing here?" I asked... "Oh... you see, I have to attempt the funeral of Lerrich Ezate..." King Ethen said with serious face... We then feel the heavy atmosphere... "I am sorry... I can''t be there when you boys need me..." King Ethen said to me... and also to the rest of us... "T-That''s not a problem..." I said... "Yes... you have a lot of works to do..." Ed said... Seeing Ed, King Ethen look surprised... "By the way, where are you guys going?" King Ethen noticing we are going to the opposite way... "And it''s still 2 AM..." King Ethen continues... We all looked to each other... I guess we have nothing to hide... "We are going to find my dad..." I said King Ethen looked at me seriously... "You know where he is?" He asked me... I nodded... "In a city name Saltvein..." Euclio said... He then look surprised... "T-That is very far away!" King Ethen said... But then he call one of his soldier... "Bring me the letter..." King Ethen said... And the soldiers nodded... After several second, he return with a letter and Perius House emblem on the letter... King Ethen took it from the soldier and give it to me... "I believe you are going to Maxim... the nearest city to Beastman Continent..." King Ethen said... We nodded... He stretches his hand, asking me to take the letter... I take the letter... "That is a ship for you, one of the royal fleet... that letter has my name... so don''t worry about the permission..." King Ethen said with a smile... "T-Thank you, King Ethen..." I said while bowing... also Ed, and Erin... While Euclio did not... "That is the least thing I can do... you see, if you need more help, you can send a letter to Epius..." King Ethen said while he returning to his carriage... I nodded... King Ethen sit on his chair... and looked at us... "I am counting on all of you..." King Ethen said... "We will bring him back... no matter what..." I said with determination... and King Ethen just smile... The door then close by the soldier... "Forward!" the soldier said... and the army started to move toward Sera... When they left, we start moving as well... "Ed and Erin... we will continue our shift... make sure to take a nice sleep..." I said and bot of them nodded... "June... let''s go!" I say it from the first floor, and June can still hear our voice... We are moving... Euclio and I move upstairs... and we begin our watches Chapter 32 - Second A week has passed... and we find no trouble on our journey We always take a rest for an hour every morning, where we cook our food and also a short time of training to keep our body fit. Ed is getting better, his swordsmanship almost surpasses me. I should be an Expert Tier Swordman now, so I think, Ed is in a higher level of Expert Tier... Maybe he is about to the Master Tier This is the seventh day after our journey, and in this early morning... I continue my training with Ed And it is my win... In total, I win 4 out of 7. Oh, and yes, we are practicing together since the beginning, while Erin train with Euclio with her Dark Elemental Fighting. And that is scary, since it is very powerful, this Dark Attributes... and I believe that even Rin will lose against Erin... Euclio has been really careful when he trains with Erin. Dark Elemental Fighter, not only that it can absorb everything, but it can reflect as well... when Euclio hit Erin''s sword really hard... in an instance, Euclio was thrown away... Ed and I are in no level to that... I am wondering, why does Erin show her skill to us now... but not from the very beginning, its like she has been hiding it forever, but now she show it for no reason. And I should admit it, that she is strong... really strong... maybe the strongest... I wonder if Rueger can even defeat her... "Today, we will arrive in Maxim... I hope we did not miscalculate..." Euclio said on the carriage, he always stay on the second floor of the carriage, since he has landsick, what a weird sickness... "Should we visit Persey and Julian Nexum first?" Ed suggested... Euclio give a thought... While Erin looked impassion... "Yeah, I guess they will need some times to prepare the fleet as well... and also, we should show the letter that King Ethen has given to us, to Julian Nexum... since he will be the one that will prepare us the fleet..." Euclio said... I nodded... "There!" Erin point out to a wall... It''s a common building... a wall that we protected... It is clean already... We have our PAQ Alliance flag waving... When they see our flag, they immediately opened the gate. This is actually a small city... but they have a strong warrior, the city of swordsmanship... Maxim Style is well-known in this city... When we pass the gate, I could see a lot of dojo already... I see people practicing swordsmanship, this noon... That is an unusual view for a town Usually, we sees market, crowds, restaurants, but this is a training field where soldier, adventurer, and even citizen trains together... Wow... they are great... All left and right, are the view of people training hard in this morning... "N-No wonder they can hold Klorze''s House for days..." Euclio said... And, we left the fields... the field where people trained, it has good images when you entered the city... since next is the town, which is quite normal... When we arrive at the town... people looked at us... "T-That is a big horse..." "No! That is a Pegasus!" "Pegasus?!" And people started to whispering... until someone block our way... June immediately stopped... And Euclio almost fall to the ground from the second floor... "Hey! You! Yes you!" the man with big body posture pointed at me... "What?" I asked... "Let''s duel! If I win, I take your horse!" the man said... And around them, they shout a battlecry... Do they realize who am I? Not to be arrogant... but they should have seen our flag... it''s like the flag that representing the three kingdoms... "We have no time for this..." Euclio said... "Yes we don''t..." Erin said and she jump out from the second floor of the carriage to the ground... and she create a small crater on the floor... Everyone around us become quite... "H-Hey! S-She looks strong!" "How can the floor crack when a tiny girl just jumped from a second floor?" "She looks dangerous!" The man that challenged me looks worry now... "I-I challenge you boy... not her! Are you afraid boy?" the man said... He looks... a bit desperate.... But the crowd helps the man... "Yeah! That is true!" "Come down and fight!" "That is a coward!" Huh... I guess all cities are the same... at the beginning... The crowd now become louder... Euclio then says... "You see, he is our leader... you will be dead in a second..." Hearing that, they become silent... But then, all of them burst their laugh... "T-That boy? He can''t be!" "W-Wait... I think I know him..." "Hmmm a red eye boy... I think I heard it somewhere..." "Ah, he just a normal boy..." I take my staff behind my back... And jump down to the floor... The crowd become loud again... "Fight for the horse!!" "Show how strong Maxim people are!" Ugh, they have a high pride... they will fall eventually... "Can we go without the rules?" I asked... And everyone looked confuse... also the man... "What do you mean?" the man asked... "What rules?" the other asked... "The no killing one... let''s erase that..." I said with a smile... Now I feel everyone looked afraid... ''Create Elements'' And five shining spherical circle show up behind my back... Red, Green, Yellow, Blue and Brown... When they look at me... "T-That is Nicolas Maxwell!" "You are a dead man!" "He win against Lerrich Ezate, a Master Tier in a shot..." "N-Nicolas Maxwell! The strongest person in human continent!" "Hey! He is the Hero of our town! Everyone should pay him respect!" The people suddenly give me a bow... Literally everyone... Just what has happened... The man I was about to duel did the same thing... He changes his mind really quick, but then he raise up... "I am sorry for not noticing you Nicolas-sama..." the man said... he looks downward... "Fine, we are in hurry... Let''s go Nico!" Euclio called me, seems like Euclio is avoiding more trouble... I nodded and jumped up high using my wind... looks a bit like flying... which make people amazed... Then I deactivate my magic... Before we started to move, there are a convoy of soldiers come... when they arrive in front of us, they stopped... a soldier moved forward and say... "Nicolas-sama... Euclio-sama... all of you are invited by Julian-sama to his mansion... please kindly accept it..." the soldier said "Thanks... and we gratefully accept it..." Euclio said... And we are directly guarded by the soldiers... "Oh! And can you prepare the royal fleet?" I said and give the letter to the soldier that talked to us... He looked surprised seeing a letter with Horse Emblem, which mean it comes from House Perius... and he took the letter... He looks like a soldier with high rank, since he talks really clearly... also, he has different kind of armor, compared to the other soldiers that is currently guarding us... He opens the letter and read it thoroughly... While we are moving toward the mansion, he read the letter on his horse... Then he return the letter to me... "We will prepare the fleet at once... please wait in the mansion while we are preparing it..." the soldier said... and I nodded... He gives me a bow and left... Then I sit between Ed and Euclio... "Wow, he looks like a trustworthy guy..." I said He is indeed looked like a guy I can trust... and he works really fast... But Euclio and Ed just laughs... "W-What?" I asked them "Nothing!" both of them in unison... while smiling! T-That smile! Is wicked! "Hey, where is Erin?" I asked... "She is downstairs... preparing her stuff..." Ed said... I nodded... And after several minutes, I can see a mansion... Not as beauty as our mansion, also Fredrich''s mansion... I even misjudged this place as an adventure guild... The three of us get down to the first floor of the carriage, and meet Erin... She looks a bit... impatient... I wonder what is on her thought... When I looked into it, the mansion looks like a dojo instead a guild... The soldiers opened the door for us to leave the carriage, and let us down... Erin left the carriage first, then Ed, Euclio and finally me... Then we see a familiar face... "Nicolas-dono! Euclio-dono! Welcome to Maxim! I never thought of your coming today..." Julian said... "Julian-dono... sorry for not telling you, we are in a hurry..." I said "How about a meal with me? Do you have the time?" Julian asked... "There is always a time for meal..." I said in a friendly way... And he laughed... He lead the way and we enter the mansion... It is not a big mansion, but this mansion give me an old mansion vibe... Everything, from the wall and the floor, is made of wood... When we enter the dining room, we see another familiar face... He was sitting on the chair in the dining table... "Persey!" I called his name...This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. "Nicolas-dono! We''ve been waiting for you!" Persey said while standing up... He come toward us and hug the three of us... without Erin, since Erin don''t know him well He sure has a really big body... Julian then seated us... We sit and the foods are immediately served... It is a soup... with brown color... Very classic... but when I taste it... "W-Wow...." Ed said in surprised after tasting it... It tasted really good, and satisfying... also warm... Even Euclio has finished a bowl... Julian and Persey laughed already... While Euclio asking for another round of food... I take the letter from my pocket... And I give it to Julian... He looked at the seal, and it is the seal of Perius House... but it is opened already... He read the letter with Persey... After he finished reading... "So... you need the royal fleet?" Julian asked... I nodded... "But we have asked one of your soldiers to prepare it for us..." I said And Julian nodded... "I see, then, it should be done in an hour or two..." Julian said I nodded... "So..." Persey suddenly talks... We all looked at Persey, except Euclio... he focused on eating too much... "You found something?" Persey asked me... And I nodded... Then I begin to explain about Tousan''s whereabout, and we receive it from Saltvein''s Adventure Guild... also, about we meet the king on our way here, so he gave us the letter... "I see..." Julian said... "Saltvein?" Persey asked me... And I nodded... "What''s wrong with that?" I asked... "Watch out with the weather there..." Persey reminded us... but we knows already... "Yeah, we have given a thought about that..." I said "And King Leo..." Persey said... We all looked toward him... Especially Erin, she looks like about to jump to Persey... even Persey looks a bit worried... "What about him?" I asked... "He is an old friend of mine..." Persey said... Now all of us looked at him in surprised... We all always thought that King Leo is a bad person... for doing annihilation... "H-How can you know him?" I asked... "Oh! You see, I was taught by him to fight... he was my teacher back there when I was a child..." Persey explained... Now everyone looked confused... "But, he killed my entire tribe!" Erin said emotionally... The atmosphere now become really dark... Erin is about to go on a rage... "Calm down Er-" Ed tried to calm Erin down but... "He is going to die in my hand..." Erin said... But then Persey looked downward "You will not be able to kill him... He is strong..." Persey said in a sad way "And I am stronger" Erin said to Persey... Now everyone in the room looked surprised with Erin''s statement... But Persey laughed... "You sure have found an interesting friend here... Nicolas..." Persey said "But she is really strong! She is in the same level as Euclio..." I explained Now Persey looked surprised... "Let''s find out about it later..." Euclio said after staring at Erin... When I looked at Erin, she looks like she is in rage... she could go rampage anytime.... "Y-Yeah, Let''s focus on the mission first, to save Dad..." I said and everyone nodded... Except Erin, but she calmed down a bit. "How about me joining you guys..." Persey suggested... Now all eyes are on him... I think he help us more already, I guess we can''t trouble him further... Also, I am afraid of him making trouble with Erin... Euclio and Ed''s eyes are on me, waiting me for answer... "That''s okay, the four of us is enough already...." I said But... "I guess that''s fine..." Erin said and cut my words... Now everyone''s eyes are on her... "We can see together how your teacher has changed..." Erin continues... but Persey smiled... "Okay, I will prepare my armor and clothes..." Persey said and stand up to leave the room... after he close the door of the room... The room become quite... "Even he hasn''t got my permission yet..." Julian said... But I laughed... That is true! Even Persey do what he wants to do... "Is it really okay?" Ed asked Julian worriedly... "Of course! I can''t stop him anyway..." Julian said... Then a soldier come, He come closer and talk to Julian whisperingly... Julian nodded while hearing what the soldier said and after that the soldier left us... "So, the fleet is ready... also, we give you a year of supplies in the ship and also soldiers to escort all of you..." Julian said to us... That''s fast! "That''s fast..." Julian said... Even he looked surprised... I believe it is the work of that man, the soldier that we showed the letter to... "You should give a promotion to that soldier..." Euclio said... "But who?" Julian asked... "Number 81" Ed said Now everyone looked at Ed... Is there even number on their armor, since I don''t see anything... "I see, I will ensure he got something for this..." Julian said and everyone nodded... After we finish our meal, we say our farewell... the food is great... and also the service... We waited in the lobby for June, and when she arrives we enter June so that we can go to the port... And Persey? He said that he will join us in the port We say our farewell to Julian Nexum, then we go for the port... while we are on our way, people give a bow to us... a very contrast treatment compared to when we just arrived here... After minutes of travelling, we finally can see the ocean... "Ocean..." Ed said... "Yeah, we will be travelling for months after this..." I said to Ed... We have discussed this on our way to Maxim, about our next destination... it is Neku... Neku is a city in Southern Beastman Kingdom, and it will be a city with cold climate as well... and we plan to buy clothes there... also, there are no snow there, so it will be less cold compare to Saltvein... Neku is currently under control by a cat-tribe... Neko the Cat is the current governor, when I heard the name, I can''t stop laughing for a little while... Our prediction, is that we will found Tousan in Neku, the nearest city to Saltvein... If he isn''t there, we will immediately leave message in the adventure guild, then we will head toward Bazo Bazo is the second nearest city in Southern Beastman Kingdom... and I believe, the biggest city in the Kingdom... since Leo the Lion rules there... But I really hope that Tousan won''t be that far... and Euclio believe so... The routes from Saltvein toward Bazo or Neku is complicated... and harsh... Tousan must pass through mountains and valleys in snows... The breeze is really cold that you might feel like needles piercing through your face... That''s what Erin said... Hearing Erin''s explanation, we are avoiding Saltvein as possible as we can... We arrived in the port in no time and we see the soldier... the kind soldier that greeted us earlier... "We have prepared the supplies, food, water for a year journey... please stay safe..." the soldier said... "What''s your name?" I asked... since I want to remember his name... He looked at me in surprised... but then he took off his helmet and I face a man... He has a white hair... that is weird... I never seen someone in this world with white hair... "My name is Aldwin..." The man with white hair said... June looks worried... also Erin... both of them looks like on guard... June is jumping around, and she was about to kick Aldwin... While Euclio, Ed and I don''t feel anything, but now we are on guard since I feel a bit worried with both June and Erin''s reaction... Aldwin put his helmet on his head again... and June become calm again... just what is happening... I didn''t feel anything... "It is nice to meet you, now I will have to leave all of you, there will be a lot of things to do..." Aldwin said... "S-Sure... good luck..." I said with a bit nervous... He gave us a bow and left... "That is weird... what''s with you?" I asked Erin... Erin looks a bit worried... "I-I don''t know... but I feel a bit afraid toward him... it''s like the vibe when I face your mother..." Erin said... "Okasan?" I asked back and she nodded... That is weird... "I think there is something wrong about him..." Erin said... "But for now, there is nothing we can do..." Euclio said... Yes, there is no proof either... we should focus on the mission... "Let''s let it be for now..." I said... We enter the gigantic ship... there are a lot of free space here... also, a place for us to train on the deck... The ship is equipped with canons on both left and right side... so it is well defensed... and also, it has a lot of rooms... even hundreds! Just how big is th- "Excuse me Nicolas-sama... this is the corridor for the soldiers... the guess rooms are on the third floor..." A soldier said... T-Third floor? Just how tall is this ship... The soldier has Horse emblem on his armor... so, they come from the Perius House... King Ethen deploy his troops to his fleet... "We will be accompanying you for your journey" the soldier said... while we are directed to our own room... "And we will be expecting a lot from you..." Euclio said... The soldier then looks very proud... after we walk and talk for several minutes, we finally arrives at the third floor... "There are eight rooms... please find your own room..." The soldier said... I nodded... "Thank you for helping..." I said and the soldier give us a bow... The soldier left and we find our own room... "W-What are you doing?!" I shout after I opened a door into one of the room... All I see is Persey drinking his alcohol while sleeping on the bed... "Ahh, so you finally arrive!" Persey said... "H-Hey! Have you prepared your things?" I asked... "Of course!" Persey said while looking at his broadsword O-Only that big sword?! Ed comes to the room... "Persey!" Ed greeted him... "Hey Ed! The ship is great! Thanks for having me!" Persey said And Ed nodded... "It''s been a while since I come to this ship again... I even forgot about the room... this place is too big..." Ed said It''s been a while? Oh! He was working for Perius House! As Ethan''s bodyguard... so maybe he follows Ethan on a journey for meetings or conferences "Have you explore the entire ship?" I asked Ed... And Ed nodded... "Yes, I have to know everything inside the ship to make sure the royal family safe..." Ed said I-I should have not underestimate him.... He is indeed doing his job really well... "Hey! Nico! This is our room!" Euclio shouted from the other room... And I left Ed with Persey I enter the room where I heard Euclio''s voice... and... The room has the same design as Persey''s room... a king size bed and a bathroom, also a view to the ocean... "Okay... this is nice..." I said June is guided to a room, she has her own place... "Hey... about the soldier we met..." Euclio suddenly said... He is sitting on the sofa which is facing to the fireplace I come toward him and sit on the other sofa... "You mean Aldwin?" I asked and he nodded "I think someone ever told me a story about a white-haired man..." Euclio said... "You mean like old people of human race?" I asked... since only human race that change hair color to white when they are growing older... "No... I mean he looks young, but white hair..." Euclio explained... "Like Aldwin?" I asked Aldwin looks like a young man... maybe in his twenties... "He is a dangerous existence..." Euclio suddenly looks like remembering something... After several second He stood up from his seat... "W-We should stop him!" Euclio suddenly said in surprise... "W-What do you mean?!" I asked in surprised... "His name... is not Aldwin!" Euclio said... And suddenly I feel the ship is shaking... then an explosion... ''BOOOMMM'' Not from the ship... "What''s that?" I asked... I left the room to the corridor, and meet Persey, Ed and Erin... "Did you guys hear that?" Persey asked... Everyone nodded... "Something is not right..." Euclio said... All of us walking faster and leave the corridor to the deck... From the deck, we can see the city... "There!" Ed said while pointing out his finger... He is pointing at the mansion... "Julian-sama!" Persey shouted In an instant Persey jump from the deck to the harbor... but then, we meet him... and stand on Persey way... The four of us follow Persey... "Aldwin, what happened?" I asked Aldwin... "Don''t worry, it is only an explosion from the kitchen... nothing to be afraid of..." Aldwin said... But Persey looked at Aldwin suspiciously... Persey was about to take his weapon from his back but... Euclio hold his hand... "W-We will be leaving... please check the storage, I am afraid there will be some kind of robbery..." Euclio said... "Storage? But the explosion is in the mansion..." Aldwin said in confuse... Euclio looked afraid... I can see he is sweating... Seeing Euclio, everyone looks worried... "Oh, that is just my feeling, and my feeling is usually right... can you do that for me?" Euclio said again... It seems that Aldwin thinking about it... "Fine... I will be heading to that place at once..." Aldwin said and left... But before he left... "A-Aldwin... where is your weapon?" Euclio asked... When I looked around his armor, I can''t find any weapon as well... But then he took it from his back... and he shows Euclio a longsword... H-How can he took a weapon that long from his back... It is like 3 meters long.... Euclio looked more nervous... and afraid... But then he put back his longsword... and left After he left... Euclio could breathe... "J-Just who is he?" I asked... But he has no time to answer but talk to Persey... "Persey!" Euclio said while facing him with serious face... "W-What is it?" Persey answered nervously... "You should bring Julian away! Bring him to Auxem or Sera!" Euclio said... "What is wrong with you? Tell me your reason!" Persey said... "He is not Aldwin!" Euclio said... Now everyone looked at Euclio in confusion... "What do you mean?" I asked... "White hair... and longsword! He is Alduir!" Euclio said nervously... Alduir? Who is he? I think I know that name... Persey in an instant run toward the mansion... "Leave it to me! You guys need to go now!" Persey said while leaving us... "Alduir! The second?!" Ed asked... "W-We should leave to!" Erin suggested... Erin, Ed and Euclio immediately jump to the ship... "Set Sail!" Euclio shouted and the soldiers begin to shout to each other, telling the other to set sail... "Set Sail!" one soldier, "Set Sail!" to the other soldier on other ship... Everyone is preparing to sail... "Nico... what are you doing?" Erin asked me... While I am still spacing out in the harbor... "H-How about Persey and Julian, are they going to be okay? Should we wait for them?" I asked... "No! I told them to leave already, so they are going to be okay..." Euclio told me... "B-But how about Alduir? He can attack them in anytime..." I said "I told him to check the storage... so it will give Persey some time..." Euclio explained... I-Is he really going to the storage?! I looked at Euclio and he nodded... asking me to trust him... And I do trust him... The ship begins to move... and I jump immediately... I look at my surroundings, and see other tens of ships sailing with us... for protection... They have smaller size compare to the main ship, which is our ship... But when we are just about to go... "The storage is clear!" I heard a voice... And it is behind me... Everyone looked at my back... and everyone looks panicking... "W-What are you doing here?" Ed asked... While I turn my body slowly... "Stop the ship!" Euclio shouted... and the soldiers begin to shout to each other... The ships around us is not moving now... and so does ours... "Hmm... I am here to report you about the storage condition..." I looked at him... and I can clearly see his face... A white haired person...with his longsword on his hand... "I see, thank you for your help... it seems that my suspicion is not right..." Euclio said to Aldwin... Aldwin is smiling... "Okay, that is not a problem... the problem is why are you sweating Nicolas-sama?" Aldwin asked me... D-Did I?! I am doom... "He has sea sick!..." Euclio said... Euclio is good in talking... "Yeah... sorry..." I said to Aldwin... Why do I apologize for... "Okay! No problem, should I accompany you for your journey?" Aldwin asked... "No!" the four of us said immediately in unison.... "F-Fine..." Aldwin said and he jumped from the ship... which is about 20 meters from the harbor... T-That is insane! I looked at him on the harbor and he waved his hand toward me... But I accidentally waved my hand back... and he looks happy... That is creepy... When I looked back... everyone is on the floor... they all looked speechless... "Set Sail!" I shouted, and again the soldiers are shouting to each other, from ship to ship and now we are moving I then sit next to Euclio... "I hope we won''t meet him again..." Euclio said... "Yes, but why are you so scared with him?" I asked He looks like a good person to be honest "So..." Euclio begin his explanation... but... "How about we talk about him in the library or the meeting room..." Ed suggested... Everyone stood up... Ed is now guiding us toward the library, since the meeting room is too formal... I never expect, that a ship has its own library... but this is the royal fleet after all, and also the biggest ship I ever see... even compared to my own cruise in the old world... that was nothing... We arrived on the lobby, and we move to the fourth floor, which is the highest floor in the ship... and I found a big library, a two floored library, with a round table in the middle of the room and four chairs... fit for us... I sit on a chair, and also Euclio... While Erin said that she need a rest... so she head to her room... Ed is taking some of the books to be read later... "So, second, or Alduir is a man with no purpose..." Euclio said... "No purpose?" I asked... Euclio nodded... "Yes, since the Great War 1, he choose no side... and he loves traveling" Euclio explained... Great War 1?! "W-Wait... just how old is he?!" I asked... "Great war 1?!" I asked again... Euclio nodded... "He is one of the famous God Race... but he got the worst reputation... the Kingslayer..." Euclio explained... "King Slayer?" I asked "Yes, he killed tens of kings already... after the history of the three kingdoms... Alduir try to kill every of the heir of each houses... that is why he is one of our enemy..." Euclio explained... "H-He only kill kings right?" I asked to calm myself... since I am not a king or a child of a king... "Hmm... I guess he only kill Kings... so you are going to be safe..." Euclio said... And I let a sigh... "Nope..." Ed suddenly come behind me with a lot of books... When he is in front of the table, he dropped all of the books he carried... "What do you mean?" I asked Ed about his statement... "There is one more thing that has been Alduir''s objective these past hundreds of years..." Ed explained... Now I gulped... "What is it?" I asked... "To destroy House Maxwell..." Ed said with serious face... Really? Is he trying to make me afraid? I mean why Maxwell... Ed sure has his own taste of joke... "HAHAHAHAHA" I laughed really hard... I never thought that Ed could make a joke... While Ed and Euclio looked at each other... After I laughed, I said... "That is the best joke you ever told..." I said to Ed... And he looked confuse... "That is not a joke..." Ed said... "B-But why?! Someone as dangerous as him, aiming for our House?" I asked now with worried face... "Hey Nicolas... don''t you remember the story about the three ancient kingdoms?" Euclio asked... And I nodded... "What are their houses?" Ed asked... "Euron, Aerios and..." I answered... "Maxwell..." I continue... "Euron has gone... and Aerios were attacked a lot... while Maxwell..." Ed explained... "There is no one in the history of Maxwell, we''re killed by Alduir... no one..." Ed explained... Now I am amazed with Ed''s words... also Euclio... B-But... what if I am the history breaker... I am the worst! "Our ancestors always beat Alduir... Maxim Maxwell fought him multiple of time and won... that is what I know..." Ed explained... "W-Wow... that is cool..." Euclio said in amazement... but I am doubting myself... "He is a God Tier in Sword and Spear wielding... compared to me... I am nothing..." I said... Euclio and Ed looked at me speechlessly... but I am hopeless compared to my ancestors... "Are you crazy?!" Ed asked... "Heh?" now I am looked like an idiot... "You saved Sera from the invisible armies!" Ed said... "You saved Maxim in the battle of against House Klorze..." Euclio said... "You saved Epius in the battle against the undead..." Ed said T-That is true... but... "T-That is because I have all of you guys... the credit is not all for me..." I said "Yeah but you did the most..." Ed said... "Also, we saved Haven and Mera Sect..." Euclio added... "You save Staviel Kingdom from war against Gavenhallen Kingdom..." Ed added... "You created the PAQ Alliances..." Euclio added... "H-Hey it is we, not me..." I remembered them... "Yeah, and WE will be fighting against Alduir together as well..." Ed said... E-Ed... he is such a cool person "Don''t worry, we will be sticking with you a lot..." Euclio said with a smile... Both of them really knows how to motivate me... "I know..." I said... "Let''s take a rest..." Euclio said... I nodded... There are a lot of things to be thought... Also, Persey and Julian, I hope both of them are safe... "I will catch with you guys later, maybe after a book..." Ed said... "Hmmm okay, make sure to take a rest..." I said and Ed nodded... "I will wake you up when it is dinner time..." Ed said "Okay..." Euclio said and both of us left... Chapter 33 - Neku The next week... "Ughh, this is boring..." Euclio said... He then take off his shirt... and jump to the ocean... and he has been doing it for the past week... That is his own way to replenish his boredom, I hope I can breathe underwater too... "Nisan... let''s practice!" Ed asked me to practice with him... And I do swordsmanship training with him... in the deck, since the deck is really wide... "Have you seen Erin?" I asked... "Nope, the last time I saw her was during our lunch together..." Ed said... Hmmm Erin is getting... more distant lately... I wonder why... "You should talk to her..." Ed said... while slashing his wooden sword to me... "What to talk about?" I asked while dodging his attack... "Ask her... what is she hiding from us?...." Ed said and he ended the training by having his wooden sword on my neck... I put away his sword from my neck... "But I think she is avoiding us..." I said to him while walking toward the corridor... "Yes, but you are the leader!" Ed said while following behind my back... Now we are on my room and both of us taking a bath... "Ahh hot bath in the middle of the day..." I said... "I guess it is not a problem since it is cold outside..." Ed said... "Yeah, I guess the temperature is dropping quite a lot..." I said The temperature in this journey is getting colder from day by day, I guess it is because that we are traveling toward the south pole... I wonder how does the Ocean Race After several minutes... "There you are!" Euclio shouted and jump to the bath! "Hey! No jumping in the bath!" I said His head popped out from the water... And he looks really happy... "Sorry! But you should see what I found out during todays exploration..." Euclio said... "What is it?" I asked "Is it a weapon?" Ed asked... "Nope" Euclio said with a big smile.... He then stood up, like preparing to leave the bath... "Let''s meet up in the library..." Euclio said and he left the bath... "I''ll be going first, hot bath doesn''t fit me..." Euclio said and left the bathroom... Then silence... He is a weird boy... he should not jump here and told us some random thing, and left... "I bet he bring something stupid..." Ed said... And I laughed... Yesterday he brought a seaweed... he said that it is a 600 years old seaweed... since the three kingdoms era... And what can we do with a seaweed?! And today... "It''s a rock?" I asked... He nodded with proud... "What is special with the rock?" I asked... I wanted to laughs... but I guess it is not polite, since he looks really happy when he show it to me... But when I looked at Ed... His jaw is opened so big that I could even put my head inside it... "I-I-I-It is an adamantine ore..." Ed said "A-ADAMANTINE?!" Both Euclio and I said in unison... W-Wait?! Why Euclio looked surprised... He does not know what he bring?! "H-How can you find it?" I asked Euclio... "I just see that these rocks have a very high concentration, so I bring it with me..." Euclio said... "And how big is the stone you found down there?" Ed asked "Hmmm, as big as this ship..." Euclio said with sad face... "T-That is insane!" I said... You could buy half of Perius Kingdom with that amount of Adamantine ore... "But you won''t be able to carry it thou..." Euclio said... Yeah it is too heavy... "Can we cut it and take it small part by small part.." Ed suggested... "Hey... It''s adamantine! We can''t cut it through..." Euclio said... And now Ed looked sad... "T-That is true..." Ed said... "We should make this a good use..." I said The rock is looked like a normal rock... and I never thought Euclio has such a good sense in detecting minerals... Erin has good sense in detecting a bad or good person... Ed is good in detecting enemies... And me... what do I do? I asked Ed, how to detect your enemy... but then... he said "You can only sense it by sensing their bloodlust... the thirst of blood.. the sense where they want to kill you" Ed explained... And I could do it but only in a few meters away, Ed could sense 3 to 4x further... "How about a sword?" Ed asked... "Ummm I guess this is too small for a sword, maybe a dagger?" I asked... "Hey! That''s mine! You can''t decide it on your own!" Euclio said... It is Euclio''s... and actually, it is an expensive material... the rock is about the size of a palm... and it could cost for 20 000 gold coins... it cost the same as the Godarmor creation, the king of dwarfs... Euclio take the rock... "Is there any blacksmith in this fleet?" Euclio asked Ed... Ed is thinking... "Hmmm there is a blacksmith on the other ship... I think the ship on our right side..." Ed said... We are currently surrounded by four big ships... and the rest are regular warships... "Okay... I will be back!" Euclio said and he left us again... And now the room become quite... "Let''s find some book to read..." I said to Ed, and he agreed We travels for another 12 weeks... and finally... we arrived... Euclio found other useless things, but only the adamantine that is actually quite precious... but I don''t know what he used it for... He found like an ancient sword, ancient shield... everything old... it seems like he is interested in ancient things... I can see Neku from distance, but they are showing a hostile reaction, they have prepared warships already... I decided to go and send an escort for us so that we can land peacefully... So we wait... While we are waiting... "I have a present for all of you!" Euclio said happily... Now, all of us looked at him with expectations... We are currently on the deck... He took something from his pocket... and I can see them glowing... "Tadaaaa" Euclio show it to us... There are four daggers... A dagger with a gem in the middle of it... "T-That is pretty!" Erin said and she looks happy... "I know right! And this one is for you Erin!" Euclio said and give one to Erin... Erin take it from Euclio It is a slender and small dagger... looks like only for decoration... that was my first thought... until... Erin threw the dagger to the wall... And it actually hanged on the wall... So, it is sharp as well... "The steel is made of an ancient metal... you see, I found a lot of swords under the sea... and I think that it has a strong material..." Euclio explained... I take the dagger from his hand, and so does Ed... And I feel the steel, it is strong... not as strong as Adamantine, and also my Oathkeeper or Ocean Protector... but our sword is specialized for Elemental Fighter and usually use for royalty, while this is for soldiers... "It is an Auxillium Steel..." Euclio said with pride And now everyone looked surprised... Including me... It is the technology my ancestors created, they know how to create steel stronger... and they created strong armor and weapon with the steel, and it is known as "The Auxillium Steel..." Ed said in amazement... I never thought that I could have one... "See, those weapons I brought up here is not a trash..." Euclio said proudly... "Yeah fine... that''s my fault..." I said and Euclio looks really happy... It seems that the adamantine keep shining... I wonder why... Seeing my confusion, Euclio explained... "The power of adamantine... Adamantine has it''s own core, they will keep shining when they are close... but when you separate them, it won''t glow..." Euclio explained... Adamantine is more complicated than I thought... but that is what make it special... "Thanks..." I said and hug Euclio "Wowowo, it is really rare to see you hugging me..." Euclio said... But then Ed and Erin joined me... "Y-You guys are so cute..." Euclio teased us and we released the hug... He is really annoying... It''s been a week, and our messenger hasn''t return yet... "Send another messenger..." Euclio commanded, and we send another messenger, and also with a thread... We said in the letter that, if the messenger''s life is on risk, there might be a chance that they are fighting against three kingdoms... PAQ Alliances... We send another messenger and we waited... After a week, both messengers didn''t return yet... "Are they searching for trouble with us?" I asked... Also, we can see their fleet are getting stronger day by day... "How many battleship are there when we arrived?" I asked the captain... "35 ships..." the captain answered... "Now?" I asked... "125 ships..." the captain answered with hopeless expression... "Okay, let''s go to the meeting room! Everyone! Captain, invite every captain of every ships we have to the meeting room in half an hour...." Euclio commanded... The captain nodded... The four of us are heading for the meeting room... The meeting room is currently on the second floor, near the dining room... When we arrived there, everything is still empty This room has a long table with a lot of chairs, it could fit for 40 persons... but there should be only 11 captains that will be joining us... After 10 minutes, everyone has gathered inside the meeting room... I don''t know what Euclio is going to talk about, so I will listen it carefully... And the meeting begin after the door has been close... and everyone is seated and looking at Euclio which is seating on the edge of the table... He stood up and said... "It seems that Neku doesn''t welcome us..." Euclio explained... The captains nodded...The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "Two messengers and both of them hasn''t return yet... so it means war..." Euclio explained... But the captains are in doubt... And one of the captains stood up... "We can''t just declare war toward them, currently they are much more powerful compared to us..." the captain said... "So, what do you suggest?" Euclio asked... The captain looked Euclio... "You have to give a suggestion if you want to talk..." Euclio said But then he return to his seat... "Any suggestion?" Euclio asked the same question again... "Maybe, one of the ship should return and ask for reinforcement..." the captain of our ship said while looking at Euclio... Some of them nodded... That might be the best idea... but... "It will take times... it took 12 weeks for us to come to this place from Maxim, and to return we need another 12 weeks and another 12 weeks to arrive here back, to Neku..." Euclio explained... "And in total, it will need 6 months for travelling only, also, we haven''t calculate the preparation for war... it might take another month..." a captain said... Euclio nodded... "Our objective is actually to find Clement Maxwell..." Euclio said And everyone nodded... "But they have broke the rule! Messenger shouldn''t be hurt or killed! They are humiliating us!" a captain said... "Yeah! That is true!" "We must give them lessons!" The captains become loud... But then the captain of our ship raised his hand, and everyone become quite... He seems has the highest authority around here... "We must not let our emotion explode! We are here not for war! We have no preparation at all! We have to think about this clearly!" the captain of our ship said... And now they become silent... "T-That''s true..." "Captain Steve is true..." "I think he is right!" As expected from the captain of the main ship... "Then, we will proceed with this plan... the four of us, Nicolas, Ed, Erin and I will infiltrate Neku... while everyone of you will stay on this ship! Waiting for reinforcement..." Euclio explained... Now I can see worries in their eyes... "We will immediately attack them from the inside, if they started the war against the Royal Fleet... but if the plan is success, we should be able to return to this fleet before 24 weeks... so before we return, please do not engage..." Euclio explained... All of them looked troubled... but... "We will try our best... but you should make sure to remain hidden, both of your faces are known globally... especially you Nicolas-sama..." Catpain Steve said to me... I nodded... Both of your faces are known globally, he means Euclio and I... And still... I don''t know our plan... "Captain, you will be in charge of the fleet... send two ships one toward Maxim, and the other one toward Epius..." Euclio said "Two? Why not just Maxim? I believe with Maxim Fleet, it is enough to fight the Southern Beastman Kingdom..." Captain Steve said... "I am afraid... that Maxim is in trouble... and just my personal feeling..." Euclio said... Everyone looked at him speeclessly, but I understand why... Alduir.... "I have another suggestion..." another captain speaking... And now, all of us looked at him... "How about we asked help from Gavenhallen Kingdom, North Beastman Kingdom, and also House Maxwell in Auxem as well..." the captain said... Euclio give a thought... "They did international crime..." the captain continues... "That is true... I believe they could help us... especially Gavenhallen Kingdom, since we are still in a good term with them..." Captain Steve said... That is true... but my house? "How about House Maxwell?" I asked to the captain... He looked at me... "Because we need every war ship we can get... If Euclio-sama said that he had bad feeling with Maxim, we could move to Auxem and ask for reinforcement..." the captain said... That is true... Auxem and Maxim is only a week travels... I give him an approve... and he looked relieved... "He is a smart man..." I said whisperingly toward Ed... "He is one of the best commanders in Epius..." Ed said... Best Commander? I thought Captain Steve has the higher rank in this fleet... "Captain Steve is the leader of this fleet... but Commander Maxius is the best strategist in Epius..." Ed explained whisperingly... W-What is he doing here then?! "But if we send a lot of ships... this place will be defenseless..." Euclio said But then Commander Maxius stood up... "I have another suggestion..." he said and everyone is directing their eyes only to him... "We have 11 ships, including the main ship... and there will be 5 destinations, Epius, Maxim, Auxem, Gavenhallen Kingdom and Northern Beastman Kingdom..." Commander Maxius said... Everyone nodded... "The hardest kingdom to persuade is Northern Beastman Kingdom... so we should send our main ship there to show our strength as well with two other ships..." Commander Maxius said... "And the rest will be with two ships toward Gavenhallen Kingdom, two ships toward Epius, two ships toward Maxim and two ships toward Auxem... and we will distract our enemy here, making them think that we run away, so in no time, the defense here are getting weaker..." Commander Maxius said... That is true... they will thought that we are gone and they will loosen their defense... "And how about us?" Euclio asked... "We will drop you tonight... and we will meet you 8 months from today..." Commander Maxius said... "Before the war, all of you should return to this place... or else, we will have to wait for you to return, the longer it takes, the stronger they will be..." He continues... Euclio nodded... "Then, it is settled... everyone should prepare their own ship..." Euclio said And everyone nodded... and the meeting is dismissed... Euclio is talking with Commander Maxius and Captain Steve... While Ed is talking to his old friends... I don''t know them... it only left me and Erin... T-This is awkward... "Nico..." Erin called me... "W-What?!" I said in surprised... Erin looked at me in confusion... "A-ah sorry... I am quite surprised..." I said And she nodded... "I need to talk to you..." Erin said... "What is it?" I asked her... she looks serious about it... "We need to split up..." Erin said... "S-Split up?" I asked Erin... S-Split up? What does it mean? "Uuhhh..." I said nervously... I don''t know what to say... She looks at me... "I am sorry, but my main objective is actually... not looking for your dad..." Erin said I nodded... Somehow, I have that feeling already... "You are here for revenge..." I said... She looked at me in surprised... "Yes, how do you know?" She asked me... "I think you told me your story already... so I think I know how you feel..." I said to her... And she nodded... "Don''t worry, I will help you searching for your Dad in Bazo... and create a quest in the guilds to find him..." Erin said And I let a sigh... Then I decided to remind her "I don''t mind if you can''t find my dad... or haven''t got the chance to kill Leo the Lion... please comeback, that is the most important thing..." I said She looked away... "Thank you..." She said Then she left the meeting room while the other are still in the meeting room, discussing their strategy... or telling their own stories... Until dawn... The three of us enter the bath... Since it is very cold at night... "Ahhh, this is the best..." Euclio said... when he entered the bath... I thought he just said that Ocean are the best... "This temperature is just... perfect..." Euclio said again... "I thought hot bath is not good for Ocean Race..." I said "I don''t know, I guess I was too happy back there... so I said random stuff..." Euclio explained What a useless boy... "Hey, we are going today during midnight, right?" Ed asked... "Yep! We should buy clothes! Since it is very cold for us..." I said... Then suddenly... ''Haciuhhh!'' All of us looked at Euclio... "He is sick..." I said... "N-No I am not..." Euclio defending himself... "Do we need to go to the doctor?" Ed asked me worriedly... "Hey... I am the doctor..." I said with pride... and Ed looked at me with his annoyed face... "Create.... Light...." I said "Healing Magic!" I said while touching Euclio... And light appears on Euclio''s head... and he is healed... "Ugh.. Feeling much better... thanks..." Euclio said... "No problem... we must hurry and find clothes!" I said... "B-But... during midnight..." Ed said... Yep! The stores are closed... "Maybe we should go now..." Euclio suggested... "Yeah... it is still 6 PM, some stores are still open..." I said "Let''s eat our dinner and leave..." Euclio suggested and we agreed... We left the bath, and asked the soldier to make our dinner... and also to call Commander Maxius and Captain Steve... In several minutes, the food is ready, and we are eating with them... We told our plan to leave earlier, and they have no problem with that... "Make sure to visit money exchanger first..." Commander Maxius reminded us... The three of us nodded... The currency in Beastman Kingdom and Perius Kingdom are different... we will got more money since Perius Kingdom has a higher rate "Then find yourselves a house to rent or buy... you could stay in the inn if you want..." Commander Maxius suggested... And again, the three of us nodded... "Oh! Wait! We forgot about Erin!" Ed said in surprised... and he is about to leave the room... but... "Erin has left..." I said before Ed opened the door... And now, all eyes are on me... "What do you mean by left?" Euclio asked me... He looks a bit mad... Also Ed... "She... has another objective..." I said to everyone.... "Which is?" Ed asked "Killing the King... Leo the Lion..." I said... Now everyone remains silent... But Commander Maxius stood up... "If Erin successfully murdered Leo the Lion... then it will be an auto victorious for all of us..." Commander Maxius said... Captain Steve nodded... but then... "But..." Captain Steve cut in... "Leo the Lion is not a small fry... he is someone who is almost on the same level as Hercule Erebus from Qiteron Kingdom..." Captain Steve said... Commander Maxius nodded... "Leo the Lion has rule Southern Beastman Country for almost two hundred years..." Commander Maxius said... "He survived the Great War 2" Captain Steve continue... T-That is new! Now Ed and Euclio''s eyes are on me... "I-I am sorry, I can''t stop her anyway... she has chosen her own path..." I said Erin is a stubborn girl... she won''t listen what I said... But still, I hope she is okay... "I understand... but you should have told us earlier..." Euclio said to me... "Y-Yeah I know, that is my bad..." I said... "So, should we catch her up?" Ed asked... But I shook my head... "Just let her be..." I said Somewhere in my heart, I believe in her... Erin is strong... in this party, I am the closest one to her... since she is the one that stays beside me and protect me everytime... The problem will be me... I am left unprotected... "Erin is strong... we should trust her more..." I said Everyone is looking at me with disbelief But Euclio let a sigh... "Fine... let''s proceed with the plan..." Euclio said... "B-But... Erin?" Ed asked with disbelief face... "Don''t worry about her... she is strong, we must put our faith on her..." I said And finally Ed could let her go... He let a sigh... "Fine... let''s go..." Ed said We said farewell to Maxius and Steve... and entrust the plan to them... I hope there are no betrayals in this plan... We plan to use a small boat and move directyly to the city and we will claim ourselves as adventurer from Sera... But Maxius has better idea... since the fleet will be leaving as well, one of the ship could drop us near a beach outside the city... and we will use the small boat there, since they will be very suspicious if we come from their enemy''s line... So, we proceed with that plan... and it is currently 8.30 PM... "Thanks..." I said to Maxius that is using a small boat to help us land on the beach... "No problem, make sure to return to this place in 8 months..." Maxius said... The three of us now left alone... in the dark... but of course with June... we still have our carriage... "Should we enter the city tonight? Or tomorrow?" I asked... "Of course now! Don''t you know our purpose of leaving early?" Euclio asked me... "Oh!" I said And I just remembered that we must find clothes... "Then! Let''s go!" I said... "Wait!" Euclio said... And all of us looked at Euclio... "June is too much attracting attention... and so does your eyes..." Euclio said... Now I looked at myself... but I can''t see my own eyes... now I see June... And June looked at me... June is too big for regular horse... "How about you stay here with June, Nisan... Euclio and I will find clothes that suit for all of us..." Ed suggested... Euclio nodded... I guess I have no choice... I let a sigh... "Fine... make sure to be fast..." I said to both of them, and they nodded... They left both of us... Euclio''s Point of View We left Nico and June... and I am going to the city with Ed... Then suddenly a breeze of wind hit us... "This is cold..." I said I never experience this much cold... under the sea, the temperature is balance, they do not change... and so does Human Continent... since they are located in a tropical land... "Here" Ed said and give me a cloak made of fur... T-This is warm... "Thank you... how do you get this?" I asked Ed... "Umm, it is from the ship... you see, I was a kingsguard... for Ethan... so there will be a lot of conferences or meeting in every different country... and I have this, for this kind of condition..." Ed explained... That is a hard work... for a boy... "Tell me Ed, have you ever tired of living? I mean, that kind of living?" I asked him... I believe what he did before he met us was just keep training, until he get strong and be stronger... When I looked at him... he nodded... "I was thinking, about life... is life just about to protect someone... but then I talk about it with my best friend... and he told me that there is a lot of path to enjoys life..." Ed said while looking at the sky... I then looked at the sky, it is dark... He has a good friend... But where is he now? "Where is this best friend of yours? I mean, it must have been a long time..." I said to him... "Oh, it''s been only three months... I guess Ethan will do great in Sera..." Ed said... E-Ethan?!?!? Ethan is a quite friendly boy, he does not care about his rank... but still, I never thought that it will be Ethan... "I-I see... hey look at that..." I said I can see a wall already... "It''s the city..." Ed said... "We are adventurers from Sera, and we are on our journey... that''s what we should tell to everyone in this place..." I said to Ed... and he nodded... We walk toward the gate, and when the gatekeeper saw us, they open the gate immediately... And we pass the gate without any question... Now... we are inside the city... "W-Wow!" I said in surprised... I see a big wolf... but I know that he is not a wolf, but a wolf tribe from beastman race.... He looked at me... but then ignored me... "Y-You should not do that..." Ed said in quite nervous way... "S-Sorry... you see, if Nico is here, he will do worse..." I said... Since I remember what he said when he saw Lex and Gina for the first time... "We should find money exchanger first..." Ed said... "How can we know?" Ed continues... We don''t know where the money exchanger is since this is our first time.... I looked our surrounding... and found nothing... But then I see a human race... "Let''s ask them..." I said while pointing the human race... Ed nodded... We are walking toward them, and seeing their appearances, it looks like they are adventurers... "Excuse me, can you tell us where the money exchanger is?" I asked them politely... But when they heard my question... they ignored us... "Hey, we are asking here!" Ed said in a bit impassion way... "Information cost something kid..." a man said... I take some bronzes and give it to them... The man took the bronzes... but... "It''s not enough..." the man said... H-He is playing with us! Ed looked at me speechlessly "Fine... I will find someone who will tell us the place with this silver..." I said... "Deal! It is on the 13th Pocy Street... it has a big sign and ''Exchanger'' written on it... that is the money exchanger I know..." the man said... "Where is 13th Pocy Street?" I asked... "There..." the other man pointed out a street sign... "Follow the number until it reaches the 13th and you will find it..." the man said... I threw the silver to him and he catch it... We left them and head for the street... "He is not kind at all" Ed said with annoyed face... But I laughed... "Welcome to the cruelest part of the world... Beastman Continent..." I said, at least that is what I know from a book... "The cruelest? The thing that I read is that this place is the most least manner place in the world... Southern Beastman Kingdom..." Ed said Least Manner... I can see that already... "And also dangerous... a lot of thieves, murderers, and more..." Ed continues... And now I feel insecure... We are finally on the 13th street of Pocy... Then we start walking on the street... and find this big sign... But, I don''t understand the words... Oh no... we should have brought Erin or Rin to this place... I forgot about the language... This is a big trouble... "Do you need help?" I hear a voice behind us... When we looked back, we see a girl... a human girl... And she reminds me of Roxane... "Ah yes! We are looking for Money Exchanger..." I said to the girl... Then she pointed out on a shop... "Ahh, thanks!" I said and about to give her a silver... but then she refuse... "I just want to help..." the girl said... T-There is still a kind being in this place! That was what I thought until... "How about you accompany me tonight?" the girl said while holding Ed''s shoulder... "Ummm... E-Euclio.." Ed called my name... "H-Hey! Don''t bother him!" I said with a bit angry tone... "Bother? It''s a win win situation... right? Boy?" the girl said and keep flirting Ed... Oh well... this is getting confusing... "I am sorry! Please take this money and leave!" I said and giving her a silver... "No! I want him!" the girl said and now she holds Ed''s arm... Ed''s face turns to red... "T-That is my friend''s brother! Sorry, he is underage..." I said... But then the girl said... "I love the younger one!" the girl said and now she looks even more interested... T-That is a mistake! "Sorry, but we have a mission to do..." I said while pulling Ed''s hand from her... "Ah, every adventure has missions to do... but it is not wrong to take a rest sometimes..." the girl said... I ignore her while pulling Ed''s hand to the shop... When we enters the shop, the girl stayed outside... "Fiuh..." I said while wiping my sweat... Without realizing I am sweating... since she is so creepy... I hope it didn''t make Ed traumatizes "T-Thanks..." Ed said to me... "No problem..." I said I look around the shop, and I found an old man sitting on a chair on the other side... We are separated by a glass... it is a strong glass I guess, that resist magic spells... I come closer to the old man... and he asked me... "Ocean Coins to Beastman Coins?" he asked... "Nope, Human Coins to Beastman Coins..." I said He then take a closer look at me... After he realize something, he become sweating... "Perius Coins or Reudora Coins?" he asked me... I feel something weird... he looks a bit... on guard as well... "Perius Coins..." I said Then he suddenly pulled a rope... And the room''s windows were all closed... also the glass to the old man... Ed becomes on guard... and so do I... "What is happening?" Ed asked... "I don''t know!" I said in panicked... Then a big bell rang... ''TENG!!...'' After a few seconds I hear someone was about to break the door where we come in... it is locked... But then it breaks! "Come here! Fast!" a voice heard, and we decided to follow the voice... When I leave the room, I can see the same girl that flirted Ed... so I stopped... And now I am a bit hesitating... "Executed? Or follow me?" she asked me with serious tone... N-No time to hesitate... "Let''s go!" I said and she lead the way... To an empty apartment... We follows her, and she lead us inside, through a broken windows... and we climb through stairs... And finally, after climbing to the 5th floor, we stop in front of a room... "Both of you stay here..." she said while giving us a key room... We took the key room from her and enter the room... And I can see an old room... old and dusty... "Are we going to stay here?" Ed asked... "N-No... we should not forget about Nico..." I said... Yes... Nico is still out there... waiting for us to give him a warm clothes... When I am about to leave the room, she is back... I stop in front of her and give her my thanks... "Thank you for saving us... but we have to go..." I said... "Go? You are a fugitive now..." the girl said... F-Fugitive?! "Wait.. what did I do?" I asked... I didn''t feel anything I do wrong today... "You are suspected for being a spy from Perius kingdom... you should think ahead..." the girl said... H-How did she know?! Then I remember... that I want to trade coins from Perius Kingdom... T-That is a mistake... I should trade my money first... Then I can see Ed feeling cold... I return the clothes to him... "B-But you?" Ed asked... "D-Don''t worry about me... I am used to it now!" I said while my teeth are trembling... Then she laughed at me... "But we really need to go..." I said to her... "Why?" she asked me... "There is a friend of mine waiting outside..." I said... "So, you are really a spy?" she asked me with her crossing hand... "N-No... we are actually, here for a mission..." I said... "Scouting mission?" She asked me... "N-No! We are looking for someone here..." Ed said... She then looked at Ed... And she pinched his cheeks... "Fine... I accept that for now..." she said... It seems that she is attracted to Ed... "Do you have any idea for us to leave the town?" I asked her... "I know... but I won''t tell you..." she said... "W-Why?" Ed asked... He looks a bit mad... "Because I want to spend my night with you!" the girl said while pointing at Ed... Then she laughed... It seems that she is a bit insane... She then drinks her alcohol... "Fine... I will leave this place, whether I have to kill you or not..." Ed said to her... Now, Ed is scary... But she ignores Ed... And after several minutes... she put her drinks and asked... "Just who is this person? That you want to meet?" she asked Ed... "My brother..." Ed said... She then looked at Ed seriously... "Is he looked like you?" she asked Ed... But Ed looked at her with confusion... "Yes... they are looked alike..." I said... And now she is on fire, and about to leave us... "W-Where are you going?" I asked... "To save that boy''s brother..." she said... T-That is fast... "He is on the beach... with a horse... big horse..." Ed explained "Fine..." she said and left... That is weird... I believe Nico will have a hard time... Chapter 34 - The Yggdrasil What took them so long... It''s been more than two hours... I can do everything in an hour... The breeze is the main problem here, and I am going to freeze to death... They better not forget about me after they found a fireplace for themselves... June looks okay, she doesn''t seems annoyed with the weather... at least that is how she looks... I am currently inside the carriage, and inside a blanket... I think i can still survive the night with this blanket... And now, I am getting sleepier and sleepier... T-This is bad... I feel June neighed, in a panicked way I then feel someone is watching us... I leave my blanket and went outside... but I don''t see anything... Until someone come out from a bush... and I found a girl around my age... "Who are you?" I asked while preparing my staff... "Hmmm... are you his brother?" she asked me... But then she come closer... "Stand back!" I said and she stopped... She then examined me... and I found that annoying... Then I activated my magic... but only one of them... "Create Fire..." I said... And a red circular sphere appears behind my back... "You won''t be able to defeat me with that..." she said to me... W-What does it mean?! "I don''t know until I try it... and I will kill you if you are in my way..." I said seriously... But then she laughes... "You are his brother after all..." She said... Ed?! "W-Where is Ed?!" I asked her... "He is safe hiding in my hideout..." she said... Should I trust her... "How do I know that he is with you?" I asked her... And she give it a thought... "Hmmm... maybe, I am telling you that they won''t return to this place tonight is quite convincing?" she said and now she looks dangerous... I moved back a little... "Who are you?" I asked... "Me?" she asked... "Commander Sheryn..." she said... C-Commander?! A human race?! "Of which kingdom?" I asked... And she laughed... "Of course, Southern Beastman Kingdom..." she said while laughing... "But you are a Human Race..." I said And she nodded... "So?" Sheryn asked... She is annoying... This is a trap... And Euclio didn''t see it?! Then soldiers come and surround us... June become loud... And the soldier become afraid... "Do you know who I am?" I asked Sheryn... "A spy?" she asked me... "I don''t mind killing any of you to save my friend and brother..." I said She then looked at me... "Just who do you think you are?" Sheryn asked me... I have no other choice... Killing is something I avoid, but this is emergency... "Soldiers! Capture him alive! We need more information from them" Sheryn commanded... "Yes!" the soldiers said... And they come closer... So I decided to activate all of my magic... ''Create... Elements...'' And the other four spherical light appears behind my back... Now they looked afraid... And Sheryn looked at me in surprised... She did not predict this I created a circular fireball above the staff... and earth magic on my left hand... "Who wants to die first?" I asked... And they looked at me speechlessly... some of them were running already... "Hey idiot! I am telling King Leo for this!" Sherryn said... Now they are even more afraid... "Change of plan! Kill him!" Sherryn commanded... And they charge at me... So... "Such a pity..." I said... [FIREBALL] And I burned them... and without realizing... I burned all of them at once in a blow... but it seems that Commander Sheryn and several soldiers survived... with wound on their skin... They all looked at me with terrified eyes... "R-Retreat!" Commander Sheryn shouted... And she run away with the remaining soldiers... What is happening with me... I am speechless... The power of the staff... is much greater than I expected... I was about to throw a fireball to a person... but, instead of a person, it killed tens at once, and burn a forest... June stays silent... but then she become loud when the fire getting closer to her... "Oh! Wait!" I said And I change the element from fire to water... Then I created a water ball on the staff... and so far is so good... nothing dangerous... [WATERSHOT] I shot the water ball with the staff, but the result is... the power is too much, and I even destroyed some trees with my water ball... T-This is dangerous... I immediately put back my staff on my back... And what should I do... should I trust both Euclio and Ed that they could escape... But I must search for their hideout first... So, I decided to leave the beach... and enter the carriage... "June, can you find a hidden place for our temporary base..." I asked June and she neighed... I believe June is able to find a good place, since she has good observation about our surrounding... she is indeed a legend... "Let''s go!" I said and we left the beach... === Euclio''s Point of View === "Sorry..." I said to Ed... I never thought that this is a trap... and that girl acts really good! We are currently inside the prison... What has happened is... When she left, the poison in the room started to works... and we passed out... Our both hands were cuffed and our weapon is confiscated... "Yeah, no problem... I never expected this as well..." Ed said... It''s been a day... I hope Nico is still alive... Not dying of swords or arrows that I am afraid of, but from this cold... We got food... but he should hunt it for himself... Sad Nico... Until the judge declare our punishment in the next hour... "Both of you will be executed!" the judge said... Then he knocked the hammer... Both Ed and I look speechlessly... "W-Wait!" I said but the soldier kicked me... "The execution will be a public execution, and will be held tomorrow morning..." the judge announced... "H-Hey! Are you declaring war against the PAQ Alliance?" I asked... And the judge looked at me with no fear... "A dead man can''t speak..." the judge said... T-This country is the worst! "H-Hey! This city will be burnt to ashes, if you kill both of us!" I said... "And why is that?" the judge asked... "Because we are from the royal family, and you are facing two..." "Great families, a Qiteron and a Maxwell... we have some research already..." the judge said and cut my words... T-Then! "Still! A punishment for interrupting our peace kingdom!" the judge said... "We come in peace!" Ed said "With the entire fleet..." the judge said... "But..." "No more but... bring them out!" the judge said and the soldiers pull us... "H-Hey! E-Euclio!" Ed called my name... We are now being separated... "E-Ed! Don''t worry! Everything is going to be alright!" I said He looks like about to cry... T-This is my fault! We ended up by being separated... Nicolas... I hope you know our situation us... === Nicolas''s Point of View === "Hoammm..." I moaned Hmmmm the sun is up already... I can feel it... I am currently sleeping on the carriage, where June bring me to a safe place... Oh! I should release her! She needs a rest as well... I wake up and look around... Today is a sunny day, just what time is it? I open the door of the carriage and... We are in a beach?! But we are completely surrounded by trees... "I think this place is quite safe..." I said to June... And she neighed... I come and patted her... then release her from the mount... Then I see her flapping her wings... and threw some sands to my clothes... "Hey!" I said while laughing... Then she fly away by jumping up high to the sky... And left me alone here... Yes... she is looking for her own foods and drinks... Poor June, I am sorry for not noticing your needs... After she left, I can see a beastman race come pass by the forest... There are two person that will pass the road above our hideout... June! This is not really safe afterall! I come closer to the trees and hide there... I can hear some of the conversation they had there "Hey! Have you heard about the execution?" cat looked like human said Execution?! "You mean the Maxwell boy and Qiteron boy?" dog looked like human said... Maxwell boy?! Qiteron boy?! "This is bad... we are going to start a war against them... and this kingdom won''t stand a chance.." cat looked like human said In an instant, I block their way... "Hey! Human! What are you doing!" the dog looked like human asked me... "Where is the execution will be held?" I asked... "Hmmm in the middle of the city..." the cat said "I see... when is it?" I asked again "Tomorrow morning... you should be careful human... human race is now getting all of the attention from the soldiers..." the cat said "Yeah, you won''t be able to watch them..." the dog said... Ed... Euclio... Execution?! They are insane! "Thanks... I get to go!" I said and left them... "Hey!" The dog shouted "T-That boy..." The cat remembered something... "What is it?" The dog asked... "Has red eyes..." The cat said... And both of them remain silent... I run toward the city, leaving the cat and dog... "Ed... Euclio! Wait for me!" I said within my heart... "June!" I shouted... And after several seconds ''BOOOM!'' A crater is created in front of my way... and June lands there... I immediately jumped on and ride her "To the gate..." I said seriously... Now I don''t feel like to compromise... Should I just destroy the city? June jumped up to the sky, and I can see the city from afar... Then she fly through the sky for a few seconds And she finally landed and created the biggest crater she has created so far... There are people coming and leaving the city... but as they saw me... They run away, and return to the city... In an instance... they close the gate...This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. And soldiers to the wall... The soldiers are equipped with bow and there are also some heavy weapon... like a balista... A giant crossbow and they all aimed for me... "Surrender now!" the gatekeeper said... But then I take my staff from my back... and... ''Create Elements...'' And five spherical lights appears behind my back... All of the soldiers looked amazed seeing it... sorry, but we are on a different side... And I am not planning to lose a brother and a best friend... "Surrender Now!" I shouted to them back... But then he shouted... The gatekeeper looked worried as well... But he won''t surrender easily to a boy... "FIRE!" And in a second, hundreds of arrows were released and coming to my way... June start to flapped her wing, and we are now levitating... [WIND] And now, none of them reaches me... They keep showering me with arrows... but those are useless... Then suddenly, they use the big siege weapon, balista... They shot the giant arrow and... [CUT]... I cut the giant arrow into two and the giant arrow missed... Cut is a wind magic that slices objects... But then, they shot me with tens of Balista at once... Can my [WIND] hold them? I increase the output power of my [WIND] And as a result... the soldiers begin to fall from the wall... Hundreds are falling and dead... And so does the giant arrows... they won''t reach me... I feel that they are being pushed back quite a lot, then I realize none of them is shooting their arrows on me anymore... since they are busy protecting themselves... So I stopped... "Surrender... now!" I said... But they ignored my words... And I see below... and see armies... using staff on their hand.... "BARRIER" the gatekeeeper shouted They created a big barrier... but it has a dark blue color... which means, Advance Tier... "Fire!" the gatekeeper said and now, they showering me again with the arrows... [WIND] This time, I am mad... my passion is no more... I used my maximum output power... And in an instance, the barrier breaks... and the arrows are returning to the shooter... I can see they are struggling... I think... they are too stupid not to surrender... This feeling... I think I am controlled by my arrogance... "Last chance before I annihilate the wall!" I shouted... but they didn''t respond... So... I decided to use earth magic... and throw hundreds of giant balls made of earth to the wall... "[CATAPULT]" I named it... Then I can see the remaining soldiers are running in panic... I can see infantries are waiting below me as well... waiting for me to land... but sorry... I show my hand to them, and they all become afraid... "[PRISON]" I said and there are walls surround them... left, right, front, back and top... Seeing the soldiers being defeated easily, the gatekeeper looks speechless... And I still continue my attack on the wall... After few minutes, it breaks the wall... and it hit the gate as well... The wall is in no shape... "W-What do you want?" the gatekeeper shouted... "My friends... and my brother... Qiteron and Maxwell boy..." I said while keep storming the wall... "Fine! We will give them... but please stop attacking us!" the gatekeeper said... "I will stop, until I can see them!" I said Instantly, the gatekeeper left the wall he has been defending... He is quite a strong panda... He is a panda, the gatekeeper He immediately enter the city with horse.... And I believe to call Euclio and Ed... To make them scare even more... I decided to create something big.... [METEOR] I created a giant earth ball, multiple of times bigger from the [CATAPULT] balls... and I put it up high in the middle of the city with my staff... "Make it fast!" I shouted... And they''re more panicked than before... They stopped shooting arrows and begin running away from me... After a few minutes, I can see both Ed and Euclio on the wall with the gatekeeper... Immediately, I deactivated my wind magic... I created a [WALL] high enough so that it has the same height as their wall... Euclio and Ed walks toward me using the [WALL] I created... "I''ve brought them! Please! Leave the city alone!" the gatekeeper shouted... Ed in an instance hugs me... and now the three of us ride June... He cries on my back... and it really breaks my heart... "I am sorry, but your people was about to executed my brother and my friend" I said and pull my staff... We all looked at the big giant earth ball above the city that I created... "You are still heartless..." I said... And the meteor fall... I can see they begin to beg... But I don''t feel any mercy... until Ed stopped me... "S-Stop... you will kill thousands of innocents life..." Ed said... "But they were about to kill you..." I said... "Yes, and they didn''t... because I know that you are here..." Ed said I looked into Ed''s eye... He meant it... He wants me to stop... June looked at me... waiting for the next command... So no one actually watch our frontline... and an arrow fly and hit me... "Arghhh!" I shouted... The gatekeeper looked at the soldier that shoot the arrow... but it is... Commander Sheryn... I feel dizzy after I got the shot... "I-I think I am going to passed out..." I said... "I-Is that poison?" Euclio asked... and he pulled the arrow from my stomach... "ARGHH IT HURTS!" I shouted I bleed a lot... All I can see is that I have to stop the meteor casting... killing thousands of innocents life... that is stupid idea... I use my staff and pull the giant earth ball back closer to me... When the meteor is right in front of the city, I dropped it slowly... slowly... But my consciousness is fading... and I begin to lose my conscious... After I put the meteor outside the city harmlessly I passed out... and all I hear is... "June! Let''s leave!" Euclio shouted to June... === Euclio''s Point of View === When Nico passed out, I immediately ask June to leave... and now we are flying away... Ed instantly cast the healing magic on Nico... so, he is going to be alright... Healing Magic could cure anything... The wound is closing... and Nico is resting... I looked behind, and see the wall... Is it the wall I know? Because the shape has changed... Holes on the wall... and the gate was destroyed as well.... Nicolas... you should realize how strong you are... He keep saying that I am stronger... but compares to you, I am nothing... I believe he could take down a city alone... he could be your worst nightmare, but thankfully... he is a kind boy, and caring friend, a good brother... thanks to his great family... House Maxwell, I wish I was born as a Maxwell... "Euclio... where do we go?" Ed asked me... "Hmmm I don''t know, but it seems she knows the way..." I said while tap June''s body... Yes, June looks like returning to the carriage... She started to descend and we are in an open area... to be more specific, a beach... But no one is here... And we land! She creates a little crater on the sand when she landed... "Open the door..." I said to Ed... and he nodded... I carried Nicolas behind my back... And both of us enter the carriage... "Ed, can you mount June to the carriage... and find a hidden place..." I said to Ed while putting Nicolas on the bed... "S-Sure... but aren''t we quite hidden?" Ed asked... "I am afraid that they are following us..." I said explaining my anxiety... And Ed nodded... and left the carriage I put the blanket on Nicolas... He is... so insane... I am still out of words... Ed enter the carriage and June started to move... Ed sit next to Nicolas and check his wound inside the clothes... I believe that he is okay already... Healing Magic is very effective... but... "No poison?" I asked... "No... poison will make his breath heavy... Also, it will be healed by Healing Magic as well" Ed explained and I believe him... Ed keep staring at Nico... and he looks about to cry... I think I should give him a time alone with his brother... "If you need me, I will be upstairs..." I said to Ed Ed nodded... and so I left him, and head upstairs... the stair is located on the back of the carriage, but still inside the carriage... I move to the second floor, and begin my watch... Then I looked at June, and June is walking slower than usual... I know that she is tired, but we must seek for a hideout... "June, please hold on, we are sorry for forcing you to overwork..." I said to June and she neighed... After a half an hour, we are out from the jungle, and we are currently in an open field... also, we can see a cave... "How about that?" I asked June while pointing out the cave... and she neighed in agreement... June started to walk to that direction.... I can feel the cold weather... it is getting darker... but this is still after noon... or is it going to rain? And we hide inside the cave... The cave is actually pretty big... When we enter the cave, it is a long cave... and it is descending...? After we enter further inside, June stopped... I jumped immediately to the ground floor... and it is a very cold... But we got quite a lot of blanket in the carriage, so for now we are going to be okay... I release June from the mount of the carriage, and she feels relieved... "Can you help us, find us a water source for us to drink..." I said to June... and she nodded.... Then she starts to search water for us... and left us... But... I thought she is going to left the cave, instead she enters the cave... " Ummm...." I was about to asked why... but she left already... And I let a sigh... I enter the carriage... and look at Ed sleeping next to Nicolas... Hm... I guess it is still my time to scout around... But I am still worry with Nicolas''s wound... I take a closer look, and I found out Nico is sleeping peacefully... he is okay... He should be more focus... not to us but to the battlefield... this boy... I left both of them and take a walk by using a blanket around my body... I walk and left the carriage, passing the long passage and finally I left the cave and see the surrounding... But it is raining... and the wind... is very chilling... I never thought that there will be a world this cold... Then I see something... There are soldiers... The Southern Beastman Kingdom Soldiers... I hide behind a big stone near the cave... "Check every possibilities!" they said... It is that girl! The human race girl! What should we do... are they going to find us out... I must call June... I return to the cave, and walk further inside so that I can found the carriage... Then I see to the hollow descending path.. and it looks a bit dark... "June!" I shouted but whisperingly... But no responses... Or should I stop the soldiers by myself?... but attacking them is suicide... I guess I have to wake my friends up.... When I enter the carriage, I hear the footsteps of a horse.... Is it June? I looked at the dark cave... and see June coming toward us... but we created another problem... "Hey! I hear footsteps from that cave!" a sound heard... Immediately I get down from the carriage and prepare to mount June to the carriage... Seeing me waving my hand quickly, June understand that we must be quick... She stand in front of the carriage, and I mount her to the carriage... In an instant I hear footsteps outside the cave... I jump to the second floor of the carriage, and June immediately run toward inside the cave... deeper and darker... I can''t see anything... This place is dark and cold, not to my interest, but we have no place to go... After several minutes, I know that the soldiers are left behind already... The cave is really dark... but all I know is that the cave is actually quite big, that it fits June and the carriage... I move to the first floor and see both of them still sleeping... I let a sigh... Ed is wore out... I believe he can''t sleep in the prison... thinking about we are about to be executed... Seeing both of them sleeping next to each other, both of them really look alike... This is the worst experience I have in my entire life... I will make sure this kind of mistake won''t happen again... So I decided to move to the second floor and see what''s going on... although I can''t see anything... I really can''t see anything... but June looks like she knows where we are going... And we keep walking in the dark for hours... it seems that June sense something inside the cave... I look at our water supply on the first floor... and I found out that we ran out of water... "June... do you find any water source?" I asked and she neighed... I think she find one... Then after a few hours, we stopped This place is so dark... I move to the first floor to find a torch... did we have one? Since we aren''t prepare for this kind of things... I always have the thought, that we have Nico or Ed to light up the room, but now both of them are sleeping... Oh! I found one! A lantern... I turn it on, and it seems like we have some oil here... Then, I left the carriage with a blanket, since it is colder than outside... and with my sword, Ocean Protector... Before we left the prison, the guard also give our weapons back... I stepped on the rocky floor and it is a bit slippery... I use the lantern to see our surrounding... I release June from the carriage, so that she can find us the water source she mean, and also, she looks thirsty... This place is very quite... then I hear a sound... a sound of flowing water, a river? No... there won''t be a river in a cave... But then I sees June drinking on a water source... And the water source is flowing to deeper cave... Wow... There is a river in a cave... But then another sound can be heard... and June neighed... Is it the soldiers?! No, the soldier can''t follow us this fast... And the footstep... it seems like a single footstep only... I put the lantern on the middle of the room as a decoy, to bait whatever creature out there. I run away and return to the carriage, I hope they can''t see us in the dark... ''Booom.... Booom...'' The footsteps of the creature.... That is not a human footsteps... Is it a monster? Then it stops... exactly in front of the lantern... Ogre?! I let a sigh in relieved... In an instant, I come closer to the Ogre and slash its head... I beheaded the Ogre... "Fiuh, thanks gods I have some experience on killing monsters back then, during our adventuring times..." Ogre is an A Class monster... a very destructive monster, and dangerous... It has two little horns on its head, and holding a sword on its hand... Can the sword be useful? I take the sword which is quite big... did the Ogre actually make this by their own? I am surprised with the size... it is fit with their size.... a three meters creature... This is too heavy... But I still force myself to bring it up and tie the sword on the outside of the carriage, behind the carriage... Oh! Water! I almost forgot about it... I take the lantern, and as well a bucket of water... June locate the carriage near the river, so I don''t mind back and forth to take the water.... "Done!" I said after 15 minutes of refilling the water... Is this the perfect place to be our hideout? I think this place is quite close to the outside... so that we can search for food, while water is next to us... but this place is so cold... and our mission is to find Clement... Arghh! I am confused so I scratch my own head... Seeing my frustration, June neighed... And I looked at June... "What are you saying?" I asked... She then come closer to the lock of the mounting, asking me to mount her on the carriage... "Do you know a better place?" I asked June And she neighed happily... I smiled... "Okay... let''s go..." I said and I locked her to the mount... I am trusting our lives to June... and I trust June with all of my heart... I jumped to the second floor... and "Go June..." I said to June and she neighed... and what we are doing right now is, that enter the cave deeper... I wonder how did she knows everything inside this place... it''s been only minutes when she enter this cave alone... but it seems that she lived here, in the cave, knowing anything... Maybe that is some a special instinct she has, or did every Pegasus have... I turn off the lantern... since she can see in the dark... "Hey?" a voice behind my back... I turned back and see Nicolas... "N-Nico..." I said and somehow in a bit panicked... He then sit next to me... And both of us remain silent... until I broke it... "Sorry..." I said while facing away... But I believe he can''t see my face either... And somehow I can feel he is nodding... "That''s okay... but next time, be more cautious..." Nico said... "Y-Yeah, sure... and you won''t believe it..." I said and begin explaining what has happened... About the money changer, and also Sheryn as a drunken girl... and help us by hiding us on an old apartment... It took almost an hour... We talk about the execution as well, also the judge... "T-That is... what kind of judge is that?!" Nico sounds angry... "Y-Yeah, don''t worry... we are here now..." I said "And Sheryn did her job perfectly!" Nico said... And it is indeed, but her mistake is revealing her identity to Nico... that is why underestimating is really the worst mistake She could tell Nico that she is our friend and bring him to us... put Nico in a room, and made him pass out, like she did to us... "So... where are we?" Nico asked me... "Hmmm in a cave..." I said "What kind of cave? Cave shouldn''t be this long and huge..." Nico said... "Yeah... I don''t know as well..." I said... But after a few minutes, I understand what it is! "Nico!" I shout his name a bit loudly... and I can hear my voice echoing... "W-What?" he asked me and he looked a bit surprised "It''s a Labyrinth!" I said excitedly... "W-what?! Then, shouldn''t it be dangerous?" Nico asked... I nodded... "I encounter an Ogre when we are refilling the water..." I said... "Hmmm... but shouldn''t it have more monster since we talk at the beginning?" Nico asked... T-That is true... But we can''t see.... Of course! "Nico, try to light the room..." I said And it seems like he nodded... "Create... Light..." he said "[IGNITE]" he said and the entire room become so bright... I looked at the back of our carriage... and there are some monsters... But some monster gives up in chasing us... "S-Should we kill them all?" Nico asked me... he sounds panicked... "No... but when June stop, we should kill them..." I said... There is no use on killing this endless monster... Suddenly June neighed... "A-Are we arrive already?" Nicolas asked... She shook her head... But then I see more monsters around us... What''s wrong? Is it because of the light? "Nico, deactivate you magic! It seems like monsters are attracted to light..." I said Yes, Ogre as well, attracted to my lantern... Nicolas nodded and deactivate the magic... And at once, the room become dark again... and I can hear the monster''s footsteps are fading... "Fiuh..." Nico said in relieved... "What?" I asked... "I think it is better when you don''t see those monsters..." Nico said And I can''t be more agree than that... We continue our journey for quite a long time... We have a clock inside our carriage, and it is 9 PM already... It''s been 8 hours already, and we haven''t eat our lunch... "We still got some snack from the ship, let''s eat..." Nico reminded me... Ah of course! "Sure, let''s eat... I haven''t eat anything since breakfast..." I said... But then he hit me on my head... "I haven''t eat since yesterday''s dinner..." Nico said... And I just remember that I eat my breakfast in the prison... while Nico is waiting for us outside the wall... We eat some light dishes, it is a soup... hot soup, but now it is cold already, but I don''t mind... And Ed awakes... at 10 PM... finally... it is my time to sleep... "Hey, Ed, Nico... can I leave everything to you? I am a bit sleepy now..." I said... And Nico nodded... "Sure, we will be arriving when you awake..." Nico said... "Yes, sorry for leaving you alone..." Ed said with puppy face... "That''s okay... night..." I said while walking to the first floor... I take the blanket, and sleep on the bed... in a very comfortable bed... Within seconds, I fall asleep... === Nicolas''s Point of View === Euclio has been protecting us since I passed out, and Ed sleeps... "Ughh Ed... you should never leave my side..." I tell Ed... about what they have been through.... "Yeah, I never thought that the city will be that dangerous, we were underestimating them..." Ed said, it seems they are stronger than it looks... Did I underestimate them as well? I think I did... or else, I won''t got hit by an arrow... "Yeah, I guess I did underestimate them too, let''s destroy the city after this is all ended..." I said... "D-Destroy the city?!" Ed asked... I nodded... "Aren''t we going to declare war on them?" I asked Ed... And he is thinking... after he finished thinking, he nodded "I think it is better that we are the one that destroys the city... or else, it will destroy PAQ Alliance trust to the world..." Ed suggested... I give a thought about it... and I guess it is true... but... "We have to find a shelter first..." I said and Ed nodded... After few minutes of our conversation, we arrived at a place, where light exist... But they are colored in blue... I guess it comes from the gemstone... "S-Sapphire?!" I asked Ed... and Ed nodded... "Yeah, that would be expensive..." Ed said... Should we stop? But then I remember... June hasn''t eat anything, or taking a rest since morning... There will be no time for stop... I guess she has to find this perfect place for our hideout... "June, do you need a rest?" I asked June, and she shook her head... "Just stop if you feel tired ok?" Ed said and he looks concerned as well... June neighed... I then remembered that she could run for 23 hours a day... We are passing through a lot of blue and red sapphire, I don''t know whether it is a red sapphire or ruby stone... "This place is pretty..." I said... "Yeah, but I am hungry..." Ed said... "Oh wait..." I asked Ed to wait, and I get downstairs to take a soup for Ed... I take the soup and give it to Ed on the second floor... "It''s cold... but still eatable..." I told Ed... "Thanks..." Ed said while taking the food from me Then I sit next to Ed, while he is eating... "E-Ed... do you see that?!" I asked Ed... When it is 12 in the midnight... We finally found the most intriguing place... "T-That is?!" Ed said in surprised... I looked at a place where Ed is looking at... It''s a tree!? And we just passed a tree... "H-How can a tree grow inside a Labyrinth?!" I asked... Ed shook his head, telling that this place is not making any sense T-This place is unexpectedly beautiful... From a dark cave... into a shiny cave with lot of gems... and now trees under the light of the gems... so it looks like the color of the trees are blue... What is worse is the temperature... it is getting colder... After walking through trees... we can see a light in front of us... Is that an exit? I feel the temperature getting higher... I feel warmth from the exit... When we are getting closer, I can see things... "W-What?!" I said in amazement "T-This place is..." Ed said "Amazing..." both of us in unison... As we passed the exit... it is a giant flat floor... Usually, Labyrinth is divided into floors... but I can''t really differentiate which floor we are now, since it was too dark... And now, I can see a wide floor... really wide that I can see a waterfall... from the left of the entrance... Also, right in front of us, is a giant lake... with a big tree in the middle of it... "I-I never see such a big tree..." I said to Ed... and Ed nodded... "This place is beautiful..." Ed said "Y-Yeah, I can''t tell if this is real..." I said The big tree in the middle of the floor is as tall as Sera''s Wall... I guess it is even taller... Also, this place has a really high ceiling... But I can still see the rooftop, since the wall and the ceiling of this labyrinth floor is surrounded by gemstone... this is insane! "W-Wake Euclio up!" I said to Ed, and he immediately move to the first floor... I see a deer! We can eat here! When the deer sees us, they ignore us... After several minutes, we arrived in front of the giant tree... I-Is that a Yggdrasil?! Wow... I finally can see a real Yggdrasil with my real eyes... this is amazing... In my previous world, when I see a Yggdrasil in a movie or a game, I am amazed already, but now... it is much more beautiful than I imagine... The branch of the tree is so big, or maybe we should create a tree house?! On the Yggdrasil!? "Woahh!" I heard a voice downstairs... It''s Euclio... Then I hear steps of someone hurrying to come upstairs... "N-Nico! Do you see the tree?!" Euclio said Of course I do! I saw it first... "Yeah, that is a big tree..." I said Then I remember June... In an instant I jumped downstairs... Seeing me acting hurriedly, both Ed and Euclio panicked... But then they saw me opening June''s mount... She hasn''t take a rest since yesterday... "S-Sorry for forcing you to do this..." I said after releasing her from the mount and hug her... But then she neighed... Saying that she is okay... But, she immediately drinks the water in the lake... I feel sorry for her... "You can go whenever you like..." I said to June... Euclio jumped downstair as well.. And he patted June... "We are safe here... so you can have a lot of free time in this place..." Euclio said to June She neighed happily... Then she flapped her wings and pushed both of us back... then she fly to the... top of the waterfall?! "S-Should we make a house up there too?" I asked... "No... it would be hard for our carriage..." Euclio said T-That is true... "How about the forest?" Ed suggested... "Hmmm... I guess the deers are coming from that place... let''s go..." Euclio said... The forest is located near the waterfall... We walked toward the forest, and it nearly takes half an hour... I see June flying over us... like patrolling the area, or maybe securing this place for us... We will never reach this place without June... June is indeed an extraordinary creature... Afterall, June is a Legend... but she is here with us... "The forest is beautiful..." Ed said... "Everything in this place is actually beautiful..." Euclio said... The lighting of the floor is a bit dark, so you will always feel sleepy... "Nico, build an Earth Camp here..." Euclio suggested... It is outside the forest, so we won''t disturb the animals... which is the deer... ''Create Earth...'' I then create an Earth Camp with my earth magic... A one floored house with a single room, which has a sofa made of earth magic... and a big bed for the three of us... I also created a table for us to put our important things... then a place to put our weapons... The three of us use swords... "Dammit! Our blankets!" I said Now we have to walk for another half an hour... "Hey... can you use your earth magic and create a slide..." Euclio asked... then he sleeps on the earth bed... T-This boy... "Wind magic should work..." Ed said "Oh wait! Can Nico fly?" Euclio asked and he wake up from the earth bed... F-Fly? "Hey... That is too much!" I said "But you did it right?" Euclio asked me.. "Did I? When?" I asked... "Maxim... when you jumped back to the carriage, people thought you are flying..." Ed said... "He did fly!" Euclio said... D-Did I? I guess I did... "Hey! If you can pass the lake, it would be much easier..." Euclio said... "Hmmm let me help you Nisan" Ed said and he activated his magic.. and the green sphercial light appears behind his back... All of us went outside and face the lake... I activate my wind magic as well, and a green spherical light appear behind my back... Then I lift myself up... I am now levitating... "Let me give you a push..." Ed said... Ed then give a strong push behind my back that make me pushed forward in fast speed... "WOAHH!!!" I shouted... The water even breaks because of the high speed of my movement... The deers are looking at me... I bet beneath their heart they are thinking of me as an idiot... oh deer... we will eat you soon... Then suddenly, I passed the carriage already.... "H-Hehh?!" I passed the carriage... H-How to stop this! I tried to use my wind magic in front of me, so it will stop me from advancing... but... I hit the wall of the dungeon and passed out... Chapter 35 - The Lions Roar! When I am awake... I feel that this place is so warm and comfortable... When I opened my eyes, all I can see is the light from outside of this place I looked around, and i found myself inside the Earth Camp... What happened, did i just passed out? Since i didn''t remember to sleep... I move a bit, and I see someone sleeping beside me... Oh! It''s Euclio... How about Ed? I look around and found no Ed... Where is he? Is it time to wake up already? And What time is it? I decided to wake up from my bed, and leave the camp... When I open the door, all I see is the gigantic tree in the middle of the floor, and the gemstone and other material which become our only light source reflect the light to the Yggdrasil, and the color is astonishing... Then I looked around, and found our carriage next to our camp... "Ah! Onisan! You awake!" Ed said while approaching me... It looks like he come from the forest... "Hey Ed....." I called him and I looked at what he brought with him... A deer... "Can we cook here?" I asked Ed... "Of course! We have trees there, we can cut it down..." Ed said I looked at the tree... "Let me cut a tree..." I tell Ed... and he nodded... I hope we don''t do too much deforestation here... If it is just a tree, it can''t be called as deforestation, right? I hope those deer won''t mind... When I check the trees, I realize that the size isn''t normal "T-This is so big..." I said Yeah, it is more than 10m tall... Wow... The tree is not only big in height, but also in wide... I activate my magic and a green spherical light appears on my back... "[CUT]" I said while slashing the tree with my wind magic... and the tree was cut... I am not thinking about where it falls... but thankfully it is not falling to our camp... But when I looked at the direction where the tree fall, I can see that it will fall and hit a deer I used my wind magic and push the tree up... The deer looks panic after seeing a tree almost hit him... and ran... And finally I can put it back to the ground... Holding the tree is quite a job... I put it slowly, that it almost make no sound... Then I cut it into smaller pieces... Of course with my wind magic And it took quite a lot of time... After 10 minutes, I return to Ed... "Ed, what time is it?" I asked He is currently cut the deer to separate the eatable one and the uneatable... "Hmmm when I woke up, it was 9 AM, you can check it on the carriage..." Ed said... I put the woods on the floor... And I come inside the carriage... It is 9.30 AM... Hmmm in this place, I can''t sense the time, day and night are all the same... "Nisan... can you create a table for us to eat?" Ed asked me "Sure!" I shouted from inside the carriage... I left the carriage and go where Ed is... Activating magic... and brown spherical light appears... Then I lift up a small area of the ground to become our table... "We should find Tousan..."I said after creating the table... "Yeah, Euclio thought about it last night..." Ed said Last night? "Hey, what happened last night?" I asked... I forgot things somehow... But Ed laughed... "You hit the wall pretty hard... but June immediately come and bring you to us..." Ed said... I hit the wall?! Oh! I remembered! I was trying to fly... but I am not focus enough... "I-I see... ah, how''s the plan?" I asked Ed... He then told me everything... while preparing our food... "That is insane!" I said "And very risky!" Ed said... "But that might work..." I said "And that is the fastest way of solving our problems..." Ed said I nodded in agreement... "When will we start?" I asked Ed... "After lunch..." Ed said... "1 PM" a voice behind me... It is Euclio... "I hope it''s not 12 yet..." Euclio said... "It''s still 9.30" Ed told Euclio and he sigh in relieved.... "Let''s train for a little bit, and the food will be ready by then..." Ed said... "Y-You can cook?!" Euclio said in a surprised reaction... And I am surprised as well... He laughed... "Of course, I am trained to cook as well..." Ed said "The best swordsman in Perius can cook!" Euclio said jokingly why sitting down on the chair I just made... We all moving to an empty space, which is the grassland next to us... "No, I am not the best..." Ed said... "Who is the strongest swordsman in Perius?" I asked... "There is this man name Victor... he is the commander of the entire army of Epius..." Ed said... "Is he strong?" Euclio asked... "Yes, I guess stronger than Persey..." Ed said... Stronger than Persey?! Then! He must be really strong! "Also, there is Bran... he is my teacher..." Ed said... So, there are still a lot of stronger swordsman than Ed... "Which one is stronger?" Euclio asked... "Hmmm, I guess Bran-sensei could win in a one on one fight, but Victor is in a different area, he could win in a one against twenty fight..." Ed explained... Wow... one against twenty, that is cool! "And Nico could killed hundreds..." Euclio said... Ed looked at me... I did kill hundreds... but it is for them... "Yeah for both of you..." I said... Now Euclio feels a bit guilty for saying such things... "Make sure not to be arrested once more!" I said And both of them nodded... "How about Qiteron Kingdom?" Ed asked Euclio... "About what? Swordsman?" Euclio asked back and Ed nodded... We are now practicing... While Ed and Euclio practicing, I watched them while waiting for my turn... "Hmm, there is this man name Hercule Erebus... that man which is very strong..." Euclio said Hercule Erebus, I think I know that man... the one that come to our mansion back when I am still in Auxem School... "I know him, he dueled Rueger once!" I said And Euclio nodded... "Rueger is the strongest swordsman in the entire Human Continent right?" Ed asked me... I nodded... "He is..." I said "Number 1 strongest is supposed to be Navroth..." Euclio said "Number 2 is Alduir, we just met him in Maxim..." Ed said Just below Kasan, we could be dead instantly... "Number 3 is Maxim..." I said "Maxim Maxwell?" Euclio asked... "I don''t know, but no one ever meet him anyway..." Ed said "It would be great if it is Maxim Maxwell..." Euclio said And Ed nodded... "Number 4 is Keito-sensei... Zerotus Maxwell..." Ed said "Yeah, but he is gone now..." I said "But at least, he is still alive..." Euclio said I nodded... "Number 5 is blank isn''t it?" Ed said trying to remember... "Yeah... I think so..." Euclio said I wonder why they are remembering it... "Number 6 is Orphamiel Aerios... Leon''s uncle..." Ed said "Number 7 is Vaeril Naerel" Euclio said "I don''t know 8 and 9... it seems that they are not a famous person..." Ed said... "And 10 is Rueger...." Euclio said... I never knew that all of them are really remembering those name... I will never know the order... And all of us return to camp after 10 minutes... and, we eat the food that Ed has made for us... But before eating our food, Ed asked me to create a plate out of earth magic... Earth Magic and Wind Magic is really useful in our daily life... After eating, we take a bath... not on the lake... I made the fancy bath for us... So, I use my earth magic to create a pool... and then I put water inside the pool using my water magic... then I burn the pool from the bottom, and create a hot bath... It took several minutes for us to wait for the right temperature for the bath... After taking a bath we relax a little bit, I sleep once more since the atmosphere makes you want to sleep all the time, while Ed and Euclio are taking water and food from the lake and forest... Without realizing, it is 12 PM already... We discussed our plan... "Ed and I will watch your back, in case of ambush..." Euclio explained... "And you... will threat them, ask for your Tousan''s location, or else you will destroy the entire city..." Euclio said to me... I nodded... That is our plan... I will talk with the gatekeeper once more, and try to bargain information... "If they don''t want to tell you where he is, you can use your magic and destroy some of the gate..." Euclio said... "But, don''t hurt the innocent one..." Ed said Ed is always being the justice man here, he never want to hurt the innocencts... Euclio nodded as well... Unlike last time, I was in rage... "Yeah, I understand..." I said "What is the situation up there..." Ed asked... "I think, they will be patrolling in the cave area... or perhaps, they are actually chasing us down here..." Euclio said "But that is almost impossible..." Euclio said again... "Why?" I asked... "The first 8 hours, this cave is full of darkness... I guess this labyrinth will be avoided by a lot of adventurers..." "Then, they should be waiting outside the labyrinth" Ed said Euclio nodded... "That''s why, we will make them afraid..." Euclio said... "Leave it to me..." I said I am pretty good at making my enemies trembling... "Oh... it will take 12 hours to leave this place..." Euclio said... "By the way, this floor is really special..." Ed said "We know...." both Euclio and I said.... And both of us laughed... Of course we know! Look at this beauty... I can even live here forever... "N-No, that''s not what I mean..." Ed said "What I mean is... I never see a single monster entering this floor..." Ed said... Now both of us remain silent... "T-That is true..." I said It is weird... "I don''t know about that, but that is a good thing..." Euclio said Euclio is still focus on the mission''s strategy, he is always like that...This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "And also, Nico won''t ride June later..." Euclio said Now I am surprised... but it is true... "Yeah, it is harder to protect both June and I" I said... Euclio nodded... I wonder why Euclio is so smart... I mean, I know that he is a genius... but we are just 16 and I live 16 years longer than him already... if it is included to my previous life, and he could understand what I am thinking... "Oh!" Ed let an interested voice... "Will we return to this place?" Ed asked... "We will..." Euclio said... "While waiting for their response... I will give them a week to find Tousan, or else I will destroy the city... how about that?" I asked Euclio... Euclio give a thought... "Let''s give them 7 months..." Euclio said... Now both of us looked confused... "Isn''t it too long?" I asked... "Finding a person is really hard... also, he might not be here, he might be in Bazo... where Erin heads to..." Euclio explained... Hmmm we don''t have anything to do anymore, I guess giving them 7 months is not a big problem... "But we will have to check them every week, and punish them for not searching for him..." I said Euclio nodded in agreement... And we sounds like a real tyranny... We all prepare our weapons and food supply, like the deer''s meat... just in case... And of course our own weapon... Euclio''s swords, Ed''s sword, my sword and staff... "June!" I called June by shouting... She came out of nowhere, and she looks ready... I come closer to her... "Are you ready?" I asked her, and she neighed happily... She is much more energetic this time, I hope this is a good omen... I mount her with the carriage while everyone preparing the blankets for our journey and I come inside the carriage as well when everyone are inside already... "Let''s go!" I said to June and she neighed energetically... Then we started to move... And Euclio asked me to sleep... since I will be consuming a lot of mana... I agree with him so I went sleeping again... The next time I awake... I feel that we are in a bad situation... "Run! June! Retreat!" a voice above... Then I feel June''s maneuver... turning around... W-What happen? I look at the clock, and it shows that it is 4 PM... We should be arriving at 1 AM... but isn''t it too early? I looked at the windows and check who is behind us... "W-What?!" I said in surprised... The soldiers, the beastman soldiers are inside the cave... Now I feel that June is moving in her highest speed Euclio and Ed moved downstairs... I believed they don''t want to be thrown away, since June is really fast now... ''Create... Wind....'' I said within my heart... and... "[WIND]" I use it on June''s only... Seeing me awake... Euclio stopped June... "June! Stop!" Euclio said... And June stop... "W-What are you doing?" Ed sounds panicking... Euclio looked at me... and I nodded... "Let''s stop them here..." I said and I left the carriage... It is dark... Ed left the carriage as well with Euclio... "Are you sure about this?" Ed asked me... "We must not let them enter our hideout..." Euclio said... "Yeah, especially the gem... if they got the gemstone, their army will be much stronger since they will upgrade their weapons..." I said and Euclio nodded... Euclio then stand next to me... "I never knew that you are this smart..." Euclio said... I-Is he underestimating me?! "I''ll make a great pit here... so they won''t be able to cross..." I said... But Euclio stopped me... "You see, earth magic is forbidden in a labyrinth... you can destroy everything... that is a first year subject..." Euclio reminded me... And that is true... "So... what is the best trap?" I asked... "Hmmm to be honest, you don''t need traps... you are strong enough to destroy them at once..." Euclio said... Am I really that strong?! "Hey! They are coming!" Ed said... and I looked forward... I can see lights of torches? No... that is a holy magic... They brought a mage with them... "Are you sure we are not underestimating them?" I asked Euclio... "We did..." Euclio said, and now he looks afraid... And so does Ed... W-What happened?! I looked forward, and I see hundreds of beastman warrior... also a lion... with a crown on its head... "Isn''t he King Leo?" I asked Euclio or Ed... Both of them nodded... They are coming closer... And also, the king is protected by strong warrior... I can tell by looking at them... After we are about 50m apart, they stopped... And the silence rules the cave, no more footsteps or shouts can be heard... King Leo moved forward, then stopped in front of the soldiers... but he is facing toward us... "You destroyed my city''s wall..." King Leo shouted in anger Next to him come forward, a cat... Is that Neko the Cat? "I could have destroyed your city..." I shouted in respond "But I choose not to..." I continues "Which is why I talk to you right now... if you destroyed my city, you will be dead already..." King Leo said... Now I feel the intimidating aura from him... this is scary... I can''t move.... I think my body just got paralyzed "Sorry, but you attacked us first..." Euclio said... "Really? I believe we did what is best for our kingdom..." King Leo said... "By killing the messenger?" I asked... "They are just some useless person..." King Leo said... "Like you slaughtered the white wolf tribe?" I asked on the behalf of Rin and Erin... "Their sacrifice is what brings our kingdom alives..." King Leo said... "Your kingdom should be dead..." Ed shouted... And now the soldiers looked annoyed... "Kill them!" "They are an outsider!" "Useless! Kill!" They become loud... but King Leo raise his hand... And now they become quite... "Hmmmm, are you sure you are going to fight us?" King Leo asked... "Afraid?" I asked... And they are triggered once more... Euclio laughed... Then they put their eyes on Euclio... "You are fighting against an entire Kingdom..." King Leo said... "A Small Kingdom... and you are fighting against three Great Kingdoms..." I said... "But they are not here now..." King Leo said... "Are you sure?" Euclio asked while smiling... Now he doubt himself... "How long have you been here?" Euclio asked... Now they give a thought... We need 12 hours to get here, so they will need more than 48 hours... which mean 2 days since June is 4x faster... But wait... We haven''t stayed here for that long... It means that, they are faster than 2 days... As expected from the Beastman Race staminas... "If your army is here, we can crush all of you at once using the earth magic..." Euclio said... "And left your kingdom defenseless..." I said Euclio nodded... "Nicolas Maxwell, you have grown into such an annoying brat..." King Leo said... I smiled... "I will be leaving..." King Leo shouted... D-Did he take Euclio''s word seriously?! And the soldiers begin to turn their way back, up to the surface including King Leo... "Oh, King Leo..." I called his name... He looked back at me... "Can you help to search my father?" I asked King Leo... He and his warriors looked at me speechlessly... "Let me kill him..." the warrior said... and he jumped out to the battle immediately... He rushes toward me... ''Create... Elements...'' And five spherical circle shines behind my back... I see hesitation on the warrior that is rushing toward me... "[WIND]" I summoned a wind strong enough that pushed him back to his initial position... "T-That is impossible..." he said... "Is he a God Race?" Another warrior asked King Leo...x And King Leo nodded... "A normal mage will have no such power with only using an intermediate tier..." King Leo said... King Leo then face me... "What do I get from helping you?" King Leo asked... I give a thought... "Your Kingdom will be safe, and there won''t be any war... if... you find Clement..." Euclio explained... That is a good deal... "What if I can''t find him? What if he is not in this Kingdom? There is too much to risk..." King Leo said... King Leo walked away from us... "Are you sure? You prefer war?" I asked King Leo... "We are not planning to lose, we have allies too..." King Leo said without facing me... "And you are a threat... which is why..." King Leo said and he snapped his finger... His guardian is now facing at us... "This is your final resting place..." King Leo said and left... S-So, they do not We have quite a distance... and we are facing 8 warriors and mages... What are their power... One is an archer... four fighters, and three mages... They are strong... maybe the strongest in this kingdom... The fighters instantly rush toward us, one is jumping up really high, and I believe he can reach us in a jump, and the other three are running toward us... This is bad... "[WIND]" I said... And they were pushed back... Until... ''KRANG'' Something broke behind me... I looked behind and see my green spherical light is not shining anymore... "Nullifier!" Ed said... "[BARRIER MAGIC]" Euclio use it in front of me... But now I can''t use WIND MAGIC for a while... The archer shot an arrow toward Euclio, but he deflect the arrow... This is a dangerous war... "[WIND]" Ed used the wind instead of me... I can''t push them for a while... But I can hit them... "[CATAPULT]" I said and I created a lot of giant rocks and throw it to them... But unexpectedly, the four fighters destroyed it all... easily, with their fist... they are indeed a strong fighter... But they can''t come closer because of Ed... Until one point, where the other mage uses his magic... "Create...Wind...." The mage said... "[SWIFT]" the mage cast on their fighter... But four of them can barely come closer... until... "Create... Water..." the same mage said... "[MAGIC RESISTANCE]" they cast it on the fighters again... and now they are back to their prime speed and coming to us... "Should we fight with swords?" Ed asked... "Nope..." I said "That would be dangers, we don''t know their skills..." Euclio said But seeing them move, they should be at Legendary Tier... I decided to burn them all... I have no choice... "[FIREBREATH]" I said... It''s not that I breath fire, but I spread the fire through the entire area in front of me... And the temperature is raising instantly... But... I can see a barrier in front of the four warriors... "S-She could use Barrier Magic as well?!" Ed said in surprised... The female mage could use Barrier Magic and Nullifying Magic... while the other mage could use Wind and Water magic... and the other one is unknown... This is tough... "Let me blind the mages... let''s do it once more..." Ed said then he activated his magic "That''s a good idea... I can only hold them with my Barrier Magic in this battle... do it" Euclio said to me... "Okay, you go first Ed..." I said to Ed... and he nodded... The fighters are getting closer... Ed uses his magic... and "[FLASHBANG]" Ed said... And a shiny spherical circle explodes in front of the mages and blind them... In an instant, the fighters are looking back... "[WALL]" Now I created a wall between the fighters and the mage... I can see the fighters are surprised, and they looked afraid I am sorry, but you choose the wrong side... And... "[FIREBREATH]" I said and cast it on a big area, like a dragon breathing fire... The sounds are brutal... I heard some of them screaming in pain because of the fire that burn their body... Euclio is still using the Barrier Magic, so that the fire won''t spread to our area... After several seconds, my [WALL] was brought down by the mage... I stopped the [FIREBREATH] as well to see the result... And... Two fighters left... They looked at me angrily... Just how could both of them survived... I was not hesitating I looked behind me, and the green spherical light is shining again... I can use Wind Magic now... "The fighters are Elemental Fighters!" Euclio reminded me... I looked at them, and I see their fist... one is covered with water, and the other one is covered with stones... "How to fight water?" I asked Ed... "More Fire!" Ed said... and somehow I laughed... "I will do it one more time..." Ed said... I nodded... And he summoned another [FLASHBANG] in front of the mages, and again they are disabled... "[WALL]" I used and divide both the mages and the fighters... and... Ed steals my staff... "What are you doing?" I asked in panicked... And he cast some spells... While the fighters are coming toward us... It seems Ed going to use a special spell, and takes a long time... "[WIND]" I used wind to pushed them back... And after several seconds... I see the wall was brought down by the enemy''s mage... Damn... we are too late... I see Ed and he finished casting the spell... I feel that this is a dangerous spell... "Euclio! Moved behind Ed!" I said and Euclio did what I said... Both of us moved behind Ed... and still, Euclio parried some arrows directed to one of us... Ed point the staff on the enemy and I feel a very eerie feeling... this is a different level of spell... The enemy stop moving, it looks like they are paralyzed by Ed''s spell... Not because of the effect of the spell but because of the bad feeling coming from the spell... And... "[SHOCKWAVE]!" Ed said... and he summoned the [SHOCKWAVE] on the enemy''s mage... and I feel that this could be the end for the three of us as well, if I do nothing Sensing the dangers, I grab Ed and Euclio to June... and create a big [WALL]... but somehow, it is quite fragile The rule of Labyrinth, never use Earth Magic... but this labyrinth is special, I think Earth Magic is fine, I used [WALL] during the fight and nothing happened... After creating a big wall, I see a crack on the wall... "Move back..." I said to Ed, Euclio and June... and the three of them moved back... "[WALL]" I created another wall another big wall... After a few seconds, it almost break as well... "Nisan!" Ed called me and I looked back... He throw the staff to me... Of course! I wasn''t using my staff... I catch the staff and... "[WALL]" I created another wall, using my staff so it amplifies the effect... But then... it cracks... "W-What a strong magic..." I said... So I decided to create a barrier magic... And so does Euclio... I create a Barrier Magic, and Euclio created another one behind my Barrier Magic... It holds for a few seconds... We can still feel the strong wind effect from the spell Ed had casted... Then I hear a cracking sound... "Look above..." Euclio said... Ed and I looked above and I see the ceiling begin to fall... "[WALL]" I created another wall... to protect our head... The only reason that I haven''t use [PRISON] is that I''m afraid of being burried here alive... since we can''t see what''s happening... "We should fallback..." I said to the other two... Then a crack on my barrier... "June, turn around..." Euclio said and she did what Euclio said... so that we can mount her to the carriage to the direction of our hideout After turning around, my barrier broke...now Euclio''s barrier is holding the wind... "[WALL]" I summoned another wall, and jump to the second floor of the carriage... "Go June!" Ed said and we are moving back, returning to our hideout... Then now, I can see my [WALL] breaks again... I have used 5 [WALL]s and it still breaks again and again... "Oh I will never use this spell again..." Ed said... And I can see Euclio hit Ed''s head... "If you want to use it, don''t use the staff!" Euclio said... And Ed just smiled... "[WALL]" I created another wall after seeing the previous wall broke... "Ed... your power is amazing!" I said to him praising him... "No, I believe it is the spell..." Ed said... "I mean, do you remember when we fight Mikhael Klorze?" I asked Ed... He nodded... "I could hold the effect with a single barrier magic..." I said... "But now, it breaks two barriers, mine and Euclio''s... and also 6 walls?" I said again after seeing my last wall begin to crack... "[WALLS]" I said... And this time, I created five [WALLS] at once... so that I don''t have to worried for a little while... After a minute, I feel the wind is getting weaker... Until it finally stopped... "Stop..." Euclio said to June... and June stopped... It takes five minutes in total... from the beginning until the [SHOCKWAVE] stop... "That is an insane spell!" I said to Ed... "Hehe..." Ed laughed... "That is a friendly fire spell!" Euclio said... And both of us looked at Euclio... "Sorry, I thought it was a one way attack, but it comes out to be a surrounding attack..." Ed said... "That''s fine... we survived..." Euclio said... "Let''s check our enemies...." I said... "Both fighters are dead..." Euclio said... "H-How do you know?" I asked... "I see them flying away, when you were creating the first [WALL]" Euclio said... T-That is a crazy spell! They were enhanced my [MAGICRESISTANC] but still, they were thrown away by Ed''s spell "E-Ed... you better not use that spell if we are surrounded by our allies..." I said to remind him... "Y-Yeah, sure..." Ed said How about the mages? They should be dead... "Let''s check them June..." I said to June... and June neighed... June turned back and we are moving back to the surface where the armies retreating... We passed the [WALLS] I created, and it breaks until the last or the fifth wall I created... Then passed several broken walls, they become ruins... In several minutes, we arrived at our battle place... Where are the mages? We continue move forward... and we finally found a body of the mage... "She is dead..." Euclio said... it is a cat tribe, the mage that could use Nulifiying and Barrier magic... Bloods are everywhere around her body... And we found the other two mages on the wall, it seems like they hit the cave wall really hard... that I can see bloods around the cave wall... "Let''s leave the labyrinth..." I said and everyone agrees... June started to run with her high speed... I see several dead monster around... Not several but every monster... Either killed by Ed''s spell or the warrior from Beastman Kingdom... "I hate to say, but I have to learn that spell too..." I said to Ed... "Hmmm" Ed said while thinking... "What is it?" I asked Ed "I-I think I forgot where I put it..." Ed said with a smile... T-This boy! That is precious! Euclio laughed... "That was supposed to be a present for you" Euclio said while pointing at me... "But, we were in a critical situation, so we have no choice at all but to give it to Ed..." Euclio continues... F-For me?! C-Critical Situation?! Oh, they are talking about our situation back then in Sera, where the enemies are invisible... I let a sigh, "Fine, that''s okay..." I said and let it go... But Euclio laughed... Now... we continue moving forward, leaving the bodies behind... also, I see no bodies right now... After 5 minutes riding with June... "They should be here when Ed used [SHOCKWAVE]" Euclio said "Yes, they must be pushed away by Ed''s spell..." I said... After ten minutes later... someone is waiting in front of us... June instantly stopped the carriage... King Leo... he is sitting on the dead body... Behind him is the hundreds of soldiers Ed killed... I can tell from the damage they had... like they were suffocated "You really make me mad..." King Leo said after seeing us... "I am sorry, but I believe you don''t want to be killed in this place..." Euclio said... "Do you think you are capable of killing me?" King Leo asked... He then stood up... Then I remember someone I know... Lex... Lex the Lion, my friend from Auxem School... "Poor Lex, spending his own life without his father..." I said Then King Leo looked at me... he give me a really intimidating stare... But then he stopped intimidating us... And he sit on one of the corpse... "You see, once upon a time... the world is in suspicion to each other, people to people... house to house... kingdoms to kingdoms..." King Leo tell a story... "But then, there is a baby born to this world... and the baby grows up and become a talented boy, with extraordinary skills..." King Leo told us... "Then... he become one of the most influencing boy as well in the age of 9..." King Leo said... "Every kingdoms were invited by his father, with the ambition of making peace with every kingdoms..." "But... everyone is actually faking it... they join the party, because of wanting to know about the boy... is he really a threat?" King Leo explained with his eyes focusing on me "But when people saw his skills... they are getting afraid, he was just 9 at that time... imagine if he has grown older...." "So people started to create alliances... but there are two types of kingdom..." "One... those who decided to follow the boy''s father ambition, and maintain peace..." "And the other one, for those who are rejecting the boy from this world..." King Leo stood up... "Now... that boy has grown older... and become an ultimate weapon for his house... and his kingdom..." "And I am, currently facing the boy..." King Leo said... I gulped... is it me he was speaking all time? Am I a weapon? "He is not a weapon..." Euclio said... I looked at Euclio... also Ed and King Leo "Nicolas is a boy, just a normal boy from House Maxwell... and about his father, he just wanted peace...and what is wrong with peace?" Euclio asked... "Nothing wrong with peace, but peace is just an illusion... behind your back, there will be plots to destroy you..." King Leo said... "And while you are here... you don''t know what is happening right?" King Leo said... W-What is going on... are they plotting something... "Maxim should have been destroyed by second..." King Leo said... M-Maxim?! T-They planned this already?! So! When we left Maxim, they were actuallin in war?! Led by second?! "W-What is your plan?!" Ed asked in a bit scary way... "Staviel and Gavenhallen Kingdom is on your side, they were about to join the PAQ Alliances... but how about Elven Kingdom?" King Leo said "Elven Kingdom is attacking Aerios Kingdom now..." King Leo told us... "Dwarven Kingdom is attacking Qiteron Kingdom..." King Leo said... But Euclio laughed... "Qiteron Kingdom is the strongest kingdom now, dwarven kingdom? They can''t even swim..." Euclio laughed at King Leo statement... "Dwarven Kingdom might be a small kingdom... but they are a smart kingdom, in smithing... and also knowledge from the Elven Kingdom..." King Leo said... Euclio looked a bit afraid now... And King Leo laughed... "Let me tell you the plan... we are going to put poison in your kingdom... we poison the water, and your kingdom will be gone, such a weak creature, you Ocean Race..." King Leo said while smiling... "Y-You are a monster!" I said in rage... "Ooppss, I haven''t told you the whole plan..." King Leo said... "Perius Kingdom will be attacked by Navroth... or should I say, your mom?" King Leo said... "Perius Kingdom will be attacked by Alduir as well, by killing each of the Head House in each city, starting from House Nexum, House Perius, House Klorze, House Aslan, House Avom, House Ezate..." King Leo said... Then Ed and Euclio looked at me... Why my House was not mentioned... "Oh, House Maxwell would be the last... and Navroth will end it by herself..." King Leo said... "Beastman Kingdom has only one job... to kill Nicolas Maxwell..." King Leo said... I am speechless now... My feet can''t hold it anymore... I am shaking... T-This is a lie right... "T-That''s a lie!" Ed shouted... "Lie? Why should I lie to a dead man?" King Leo said... And he suddenly punch the wall of the labyrinth... It starts shaking... and the ceiling begin to fall... "Hey! You are killing yourself!" Euclio reminded him... "That is the plan..." King Leo said with a smile... H-His punch! During our journey to beastman kingdom... "Is Leo the Lion strong?" I asked Euclio... "Based on what I know... when you got hit by his red fist... you will be a dead man..." Euclio said... "I-Is it really that powerful?!" I asked... "Yes... even he could destroy a blue sapphire swords, or an Auxillium Steel in one punch... that is why, never let him punch..." Euclio said.... His fist turning to red... and he is about to punch the wall... W-We are a doom... I looked at Ed''s dagger on his waist... and it begin to shine brighter... It shines? Why?! Euclio noticed it as well... And suddenly, I see someone behind him... with a dagger on her hand... She hold King Leo''s head... King Leo looked at her... "W-White Wolf?!" He sounds panicked... And without hesitation, Erin slashes King Leo''s throat with the dagger... An instant dead... King Leo''s body fall to the ground and blood flows from his head... "E-Erin!" I called her... "I guess you need some help..." Erin said with a smile... "How do you know us here?" Euclio asked... "I had one objective since the beginning, killing this mad man..." Erin said... Now I couldn''t be more agree with Erin... this stupid Lion is a mad man... I am sorry Lex, but we do what we had to... "We should return to the surface..." Erin said while cutting Leo''s head with her sword... She then bring the head with her hand... that is disgusting... How can she do that without hesitation?! "Can you put his head on that basket..." I said while pointing at the basket outside our carriage.... And she come toward us and put the head... there... I give her water, so that she can wash her hand... "Let''s go..." Erin said... I nodded and all of us enter the carriage... and June started to move... Also, we see Neku''s body... I guess, he got hit by Ed''s spell... But, we don''t need anyone''s head anymore... the king''s head is enough... and now, we are discussing on our next plan... "He was bluffing right?" Euclio asked... "No... he is not..." Erin said And now, Euclio''s face changed to pale "Which is why I said, we need to return to the surface..." Erin said... She looks much fresher now after killing Leo... "How do you know?" Ed asked... "I hear some discussion from the soldiers..." Erin said... We need to return to the surface as soon as possible... Chapter 36 - Bad News! It is 7 PM... and we are still on our way, back to the surface... "Aerios Kingdom has suffered a lot of damage..." Erin said... "From Elven Kingdom?" I asked... Erin nodded... So, it seems that King Leo is actually telling the truth... "But Aerios Kingdom has the twice army of High Elven Race and Wood Elven Race combined..." Ed said... "Yes, but do you know that both High Elven Race and Wood Elven Race never been united? Until now..." Erin explained... "And no one expected this, but they are actually winning against Aerios Kingdom..." Erin continue... "How about Perius Kingdom?" I asked... "Doomed..." Erin said while eating our reserve food... "Auxem?" I asked... and a bit hoping that it is not attacked yet... "Except Auxem, Sera, Averos and Haven..." Erin said... Averos... House Avom... "Staviel and Gavenhallen Kingdom was about to be attacked by Dwarven Kingdom as well... but both received intel from Garasol Kingdom... so both Kingdom has the chance to prepare their defense..." Erin said... Garasol Kingdom... It is quite rare to hear that name... Garasol Kingdom is one of the Ocean Kingdom... there are Four Ocean Kingdoms, Qiteron Kingdom, Garasol Kingdom, Gavenhallen Kingdom and Staviel Kingdom... "Garasol Kingdom is neutral... they don''t side with anyone..." Erin explained... "How about Qiterom Kingdom itself?" Euclio asked worriedly... Erin looked at Euclio... "Saved by Garasol Kingdom''s intel..." Erin said... And Euclio let a sigh in relieved... This Garasol Kingdom, is so kind... I wonder why they don''t joined us yet... It seems that all of the four ocean kingdoms support PAQ Alliances... "This is the third Great War..." Euclio said... Erin nodded... "And again... Navroth... we should kill her..." I said Everyone nodded... But how... I don''t know how to kill her... "All of you take a rest...I believe you all tired already..." Euclio said... "Hey, you haven''t take a rest..." I said to Euclio... "Heh? Its still 7PM... I don''t need a rest since I did nothing..." Euclio said... but leaving him alone makes me worry... Euclio then moved to the second floor... He left the three of us... "Ed, Erin both of you take a rest first, I will join you guys later..." I said and both of them nodded... I decided to accompany Euclio and moved upstairs to the second floor, and I see him sitting on the edge of the carriage, with his feet not inside the carriage... I joined Euclio... "We have just got here for two days... and a lot of things has happened..." Euclio started the conversation... I nodded... "So, everything has started already since we are on our way to Beastman Kingdom..." I said Euclio nodded... "At least we know that King Ethen is safe..." I said "Yeah, my old man is safe as well, saved by Garasol Kingdom..." Euclio said... Then, a moment of silent... "Hey, Nico..." Euclio called me... "Hm?" I responded... "Do you know why Garasol Kingdom helped us?" Euclio asked me... Is he testing me or really asking me? "No..." I said "I know..." Euclio said... Now I looked at him seriously... So! He is testing me! "Remember the book about Maxwell''s Generation?" Euclio asked me... I nodded... the book that telling us about my ancestor... since Auxillium Maxwell, the first Maxwell... and the King of Maxwell Kingdom... the strongest of the three kingdoms... "Do you remember the child of Auxillium?" Euclio asked me... I shook my head, and Euclio stood up from his seat and started to walk away... He then moved downstairs to take the book... When he returns, he sit next to me... For me, it is not important... about this generation... "Light please" Euclio said... I let a sigh... "Create Light..." I said And a yellow orbs shines behind my back... "That is enough..." Euclio said... I don''t even cast any magic, I just activate one of them... After he opens the book... "there!" Euclio said He pointed out... Now he can read the book, since he has touched the Legendary Weapon of King Ethen... at the first time, when we read the book was when we were still in school, Euclio read a different thing, since he was manipulated... "Here..." Euclio said "Moore Maxwell..." Euclio read it... "And the child of Moore Maxwell and Maximia Euron are..." Euclio search for the child''s name... "Here! Read it!" Euclio give me the book and asked me to read it... "There are three child, which are Maxim Maxwell, Alice Maxwell and Ares Maxwell..." I said... "Do you realize something?" Euclio asked me... I thought he had asked me this before... "The Sword Style..." I said "No! You see... Ares Maxwell, later change his name into Ares Perius..." Euclio explained... P-Perius?! "How did you know that?!" I asked Euclio... And Euclio smile evilly... "You are not the only one that is interested in books..." Euclio said... "You are only interested in history..." I said with uninterested face... And he smiled... Yes... Euclio loves history subject since the beginning... at Auxem School... "Wait... so Ethan is?!" I said... And Euclio nodded..l "Part of us..." Euclio said... Ethan is a Maxwell? "But do not tell him about this... let''s make it a secret first..." Euclio said And I nodded "And one more thing..." Euclio said... "Alice Maxwell is the first Alice..." Euclio said... "Andd?" I asked... "The current Queen of Garasol Kingdom is... Alice the third..." Euclio said... Now I am in shocked... We just got a new allies? "House Perius and House Garasol, is basically a Maxwell" Euclio said... J-Just how big is House Maxwell... Qiteron is one of Maxwell Line as well... which is why, they are now together with us... in this kind of situation... "You need to take a nap..." Euclio said... "Later, after one of them awake..." I said "You used a lot of mana..." Euclio said... "Just for a wall..." I said "It is still a mana..." Euclio said... I looked at the clear way... Could just both of us take a rest? I mean, we killed the rest already... Not we, Ed did... We could still see some of the corpses here... Ed is insane... "God Race..." I said One of them saying that I am a God Race... "You are a God Race..." Euclio said... "How can you be so sure?" I asked Eu "You see, every Maxwell is a God Race... especially the first blood line... they are always 100% God Race..." Euclio said to me... "And how about you? Your family was a Maxwell?" I asked Euclio... He looks unsure... "I don''t know... but all I know is that there might be a probability that I am an Ocean God Race..." Euclio said... Hmm that would be cool... "I wonder about Nate and Nathalia..." I said I missed Nate... and Nathalia... I hope both of them are a God Race as well... "Hey... we are going back right? At least I know that my Kingdom is safe... now Auxem will be our priority..." Euclio said... I nodded... "How about Sera?" I asked... "Sera is a one day journey with June, that won''t be a problem..." Euclio said That is true... "The problem is..." Euclio said... "Our sea journey..." I said And he nodded... "What if we are too late?" I asked Euclio... "No... Auxem got Nate and Leon... also Nathalia... they are strong!" Euclio said... "B-But..." I said "You should have more faith on them..." Euclio said... T-That is true... I nodded.... "So, what we have to do?" I asked Euclio... "Take over Neku..." Euclio said... ....... .............. ..................... "I see..." I said We got Leo''s head... they will be afraid now... "But what for?" I asked... "Back up... in case that Human Continent is taken by Reudora Kingdom..." Euclio said... Epius has been taken... and so does Maxim... Erin told us that there are only Auxem, Sera, Haven and Averos... which is... "Human Continent is 70% ruled by Reudora Kingdom..." Euclio said I nodded... "They only need three months... to take over Epius, Pantea, and Dexus..." Euclio said... "So, after another three months, they could have taken Sera, Haven and Averos..." Euclio said "So... Auxem will be the last stronghold of Perius Kingdom?" I asked Euclio nodded... "Sera has the best defense... but Auxem got the best soldiers..." Euclio said "House Maxwell soldiers has the best quality in the entire human race..." Euclio praised my house... and I feel really happy... "But the best equipped soldiers in the world is Aerios Soldiers..." Euclio said... I nodded... Most of their armies used a really high-quality armor... and they have all weapon... bow, sword, spear and shield... That is just crazy! What surprised me is that the Elven Kingdom is able to cornered Aerios Kingdom... Aerios Kingdom is the oldest kingdom in the world... I mean they were exist since the three ancient kingdoms... Without realizing we spent quite a long time talking... and I decided to accompany Euclio, I feel really bad if I left him alone... It is around 10 PM... June suddenly stopped... Euclio and I immediately on guard... I can''t see anything... but Ed and Erin wake up as well... ''Create Elements'' I activate all of my magic and... "[IGNITE]" I said And the room become bright... But I don''t see anything... Why June stopped... She then looked at me... and neighed in panick... I don''t see anything... and so does Euclio... I look behind my back, and still I didn''t see anything... But now June is much panicked then ever... The four of us becomes really afraid, we never seen June this panicked... Until Ed throws a dagger behind my back... which I don''t see anything or anyone there... But... It hit something... And suddenly a shade appears... with its reaper... "S-Shade?!?" the three of us in unison... except Erin... We learnt it in Auxem School... It is an S ranked monster... And you can only feel its presence from the bloodlust...Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "T-That is dangerous..." I said "This dungeon is dangerous!" Euclio said... Meanwhile... Ed jumped downstairs... and reclaimed his dagger, also taking the reaper... I drop to the floor and take a sit in panicked... "I-I almost die!" I said I think I underestimated this Labyrinth... "You did... but you are still alive..." Euclio said... Ed put the reaper next to a sword of an ogre... And he jumped to the second floor... "Thanks Ed..." I am thanking him... "That is dangerous... you should train more..." Ed said... "I-I will..." I said... "Euclio, Nico... both of you should take a rest... we will be taking the shift..." Erin said Maybe Erin thought that we are too tired... "Are you sure?" I asked them... Both nodded... while Ed put his dagger back to it''s socket... "Fine, we will be taking a rest now..." Euclio said to the two of them... And now both of us move downstairs... and I fall to the bed... "Ugh... this place is so cold..." I said... "I was guarding this carriage on my own while both of you sleeping peacefully down here..." Euclio said... And I laughed... "At least, now we can take a rest right?" I asked him... while put some blanket above my body... "Yeah, it has passed..." Euclio said while letting a sigh... he put a blanket on himself as well... "Night..." I said to Euclio... Then both of us take a rest... The next time we awake is... We are awaked by the breeze... And I just realize that we had stopped... "Ughh... this place is so cold..." I said... "I-I hate the south..." Euclio said... Both Euclio and I move upstairs with our blanket... "No soldiers?" I asked Ed... "Erin is scouting the place..." Ed said... Then, after a while she returns... "No enemies at all..." Erin said This is weird... Are we falling into a trap... "Then, let''s head for Neku..." Euclio said... June neighed and immediately head there... The four of us was on the second floor... and decided to move downstairs, since it is too cold... but it seems that Erin is used to it.... We eat our breakfast, which is the deer... and prepare ourselves... When we are close enough to the gate... we release June from the carriage, and hide the carriage... "It seems that they are on guard..." Erin told us... "Yeah, they haven''t received any words from their King..." I said "Don''t worry, he is with us..." Euclio said... And that is a bit... weird to say... "We go as plan..." Euclio said Ed, Euclio and Erin will guard me, in case of ambush... While I walk forward with the head of Leo in the basket... I have my staff and sword with me... When the gatekeeper sees me... "Stop!" he yelled... I looked at their wall... and they are still damaged... My [CATAPULT] is really something... but those four fighters could destroyed it easily... "I demand your surrender..." I said to the gatekeeper... which is on the wall... Around the wall is a forest, which is why a perfect place for Ed, Euclio and Erin to hide... "Why is that? Our king is here with us! You will be a dead man!" the gatekeeper shouted from the top of the wall... "No! Your King is with me..." I said And the gatekeeper looked confused... and so does the other soldiers on the wall... I then open the basket and... take the head of Leo... Now, they are afraid... There is a moment of silence... The soldiers on the gate is waiting for the gatekeeper''s words... All of them looks really worry and of course, we just brought their King''s head... The king that has been ruling the kingdom for hundreds of year... was killed by Erin instantly... "What will you do to this town?" The gatekeeper asked me... What will I do? "Nothing!" I shouted... and finally I put the head back to its basket... It seems that they notice their King''s head... That is disgusting... I don''t want to hold it longer... The gatekeeper looked at me seriously... "You just killed our King! And based on tradition... you will be the new king!" the gatekeeper said... "Then! I command you to open the gate..." I said The gatekeeper looked speechless... But then he shouted... "Open the gate!" The panda shouted to the soldier... the gatekeeper is a panda... And the gate is slowly opened... Euclio and the other comes with June and also the carriage... It seems that everything is over... I joined them and enter the city... Neku is a big city... bigger than Sera... or even Epius... When I enter the city, peoples and soldiers are standing on the street, but they are creating path for us... They are looking at their king''s slayer... It is actually not me... but I have this feeling that they all threw their eyes on me... We are riding June on the top of the carriage... and June walks really slow... We continue our ride until we met someone... Commander Sherryn, she blocked our way and June stopped... I get down from the carriage by jumping... I don''t really care about manners here, in beastman kingdom... "Show me where the castle is..." I asked Sherryn... And she obeyed me... since she has no other choice, I am a king for them... I then return to June... and followed them, while all of them are walking... Beastman Race doesn''t really use any transport... It takes an hour to reach the castle... When I enter the gate... the servant looked at us... annoyingly... But I ignored them... and passed the gate... "W-Wow.." I said This castle is so big! It is as big as the inner wall in Sera... There are a lot of soldiers trained here... Seeing us... they stopped... Then someone come toward us... "What are you doing?" The tiger asked me... He looks like one of the commander here... "Me? Taking the castle..." I said... Erin then throw the head of Leo in front of him... Now everyone is in shocked... Also the tiger... "Who did this?" the tiger asked... while staring at me... "I did..." Erin said... After seeing Erin again, the tiger just notice something... "Y-You are a white wolf..." the tiger said... "I am..." Erin said... "I-I thought white wolf tribe has vanished..." the tiger said... "Yes, slaughtered by him..." Erin said and threw a knife to Leo''s head... T-That is too much... Then the tiger moved back a bit... "So, you will be the Queen of our Kingdom?" the tiger asked... "No... he is my boss..." Erin said while pointing at me... Ummm... Then the tiger stared at me... "I never bow to a human..." the tiger said... "You will... tiger..." Ed said... Now everyone stares at Ed... While the situation is tense, Euclio laughed... "He is trully your brother...!" Euclio said while laughing even louder... "I challenge you to a duel!" the tiger said to me... "Okay! Let''s do it quickly..." I said "Then! Fight to death?" Euclio asked me... And I nodded... Now I see hesitation on tiger''s eyes... Death is always able to stop people from dueling me... "Fine!" the tiger said... T-That is an unexpected answer... I get down... and "We should go t-" before he finished saying his words... I stopped him... "No need... let''s do it here... I have no time..." I said Yes, I will kill him in an instant... "Okay..." the tiger said and he looked pissed off... Ed act as the judge... "This is a battle to death... " Ed said... "It will begin in three..." He trains soldiers... which mean he is a good fighter... "two...." I should not underestimate him... I take my sword at first... "One...." "Go!" Ed shouted and... ''Create Elements...'' And all of the five spherical light appears behind my back... Tiger is close enough and he is about to scratch my face... so I tried to dodge it... but instead of scratch, he kicked me on the stomach... and knocked me back quite far... The soldiers become loud... cheering for their tiger... But that is a mistake he made... Distance... is your biggest mistake when fighting a mage... I take my staff... "[PRISON]" I created... and... he is unable to avoid the PRISON since the WALL rise really quick when I hold my staff... "[DEATHPRISON]" I said... And I push the ground below tiger upward... which makes him crash to the wall... "ARGHHHH" I hear shouts from inside the [PRISON] But this is a battle to death... Also, I hear bones cracking... The soldiers around us looked at our fight in terrified... Including Commander Sherryn... but she looks away, it seems that she doesn''t want to follows Tiger''s path... and that is good... But then I looked at Ed... His face... is asking me to stop I still can heard shouts from the inside... I then realize that I am getting more merciless these days... And I decided to stop... before I kill him... Somehow I stopped... I pulled the [PRISON] and see him... He is in no shape of fighting... anymore... "N-Nicolas win!" Ed declared... The soldiers around him becomes aware of me... they are now afraid... I think I just gave him a permanent damage... and mental damage to the soldiers... "You should go retire..." I said to him... and left him... I jumped to the carriage... and continue our journey to the throne in Neku... Commander Sherryn continue and lead us the way... Before we left, I looked at the tiger, and it seems that he passed out... We continue our journey... and after several minute... Finally, we stopped in the lobby... The four of us get down... I release June from the mount... "If you sense anything dangerous, you can leave..." I said to June whisperingly... And she neighed... I am afraid that they will kill June after we left her... We enter the lobby and found out the thrones instantly... The throne is in the lobby... while several guards is looking me in disgust... Then I sit in the throne... Euclio, Ed and Erin looked at me in confuse... "Do you have any meeting room?" I asked Sherryn.... And she nodded... We are led to a room behind the throne... Inside the room, we can see a giant table, with a map of the world on the table... It is a circular table... I sit on the different kind of chair, the more majestic one... and Euclio, Erin sit on my right, and Euclio on my left... And now, Sherryn looked confused... "Call that person I fight before, and also all of the commanders of the army, and so does the gatekeeper..." I said Sherryn nodded and left with her guards... After the door closed... "What is you plan?" Euclio asked me... He looked a bit confused... I never told Euclio what I am going to do, since I think with my instinct... "All of us have to return to Auxem... which is why we have to leave this place under the person we trust..." I said Now the three of them are looking to each other... "But not the three of you..." I said "Who can you trust in this city?" Euclio asked... "This is even your first time entering this city..." Ed said While Erin remain silent... "There is actually one person, I could trust..." I said Now the three of them looked at me... "Who?" Euclio asked... "The gatekeeper..." I said Now, they are looking at me speechlessly... "I mean, he agrees on handing both of you, to make the city safe... that is a good point..." I said... But then Euclio nodded... "And also, he just let us in, which means that he knows that he can''t really do anything... he got a good sense..." Euclio said Euclio look at me and smile... "I never thought that you are this smart..." Euclio said... This again... I looked at Erin... "Erin, you can tell how bad and good is this person right?" I asked... Erin nodded... Yes, that is something special about her race... "I will need that..." I said And Erin nodded once more... After five minutes the door is opened... and I can see 10 persons entering the room... Including Commander Sherryn... All of them are facing toward at me, and give a bow... except tiger... I know that it''s not because he don''t want to, but he can''t... After they give me a bow, they standstill... Um.... what are they doing? "You can sit..." Euclio said, and all of them are going to their own chair... That is weird... After all of them sit, except tiger... he sit on his wheelchair since the beginning he enters the room I feel really bad... I stand up, and come toward him... Then he looked at me, with his bloodlust... I can feel it... But I ignored his bloodlust, and repair what I did... ''Create.... Light....'' A white spherical light appears behind my back, and they all looked surprised... "Stop! That is enough!" one of the commander shouted... "How inhuman are you!" the other one said... And.... ''Healing'' I said within my heart while touching tiger... And in a second, I hear cracks from his bone... I am not seeing him... it looks hurt... but then... after the glowing thing on him is missing, I looked at him.... He is cured! Even Tiger looked surprised... He suddenly stands up and... "T-Thank you..." He said to me while giving me a bow... "That''s alright..." I said, then I return to my sit... Now those commanders looked at me speechlessly... I killed King Leo, so basically, I am the King of the Southern Beastman right? "We came here for a reason..." I said to the ten of them... "We are not here for war... but to find a specific person... a person name Clement Maxwell..." I said "There has been so much killing these past few days, and I don''t want any more bloodshed... but if you interfere me, I will do what I have to..." I said to them... And they looked at me without facing away... "Neku the Cat has died..." I said Now they looked at to each other... "And I will be going back, soon to Auxem..." I said They return they gaze to me... "I will be choosing a leader for all of you, changing Neku the Cat..." I said "As the lord of Neku?" Commander Sherryn asked me... and I nodded... "But... the cat tribe has been ruling Neku for decades!" one of the commander said... "And so does Lion tribes" I said Now, they all looked at me seriously... "I killed Leo the Lion and become your King..." I said And no one dare to interfere what I am saying... "That is why, I will choose one person, in this room... to maintain this city..." I said... I looked around and see the gatekeeper sit in front of me... "You... will be the Lord of Neku..." I said while pointing at a panda... Yes, the gatekeeper is a panda... He then looked at me in surprised... not only him but everyone else... "What''s your name?" I asked the panda... "Fo..." he said... "Then, from now... you will be named by me as Fo the Panda..." I said And everyone in the room stood up and give him an applause... I think everyone is quite agree with my choices... I looked at Erin... and Erin nodded... Seems like everything is under control... "Now... all of you, stand up... and bow to your new king..." Erin said... All of them stood and give me a bow... "Swear your loyalty..." Erin said... "We will be loyal to King Nicolas..." all of them said in unison.... I looked at Erin... and Erin nodded... It seems like everyone in Beastman Kingdom keep their words... "Please sit..." I said, and everyone seated... After everyone seated, Euclio start the conversation... "The Third Great War has just begun..." Euclio said... "Therefore, this Kingdom will have to join PAQ Alliance..." Euclio said... The commander haven''t show any disagreement... "Then, we are losing..." Sherryn said... Finally, someone talks... Euclio nodded... "PAQ Alliance never wanted to have another war... we just want peace... but Reudora Kingdom stirred other kingdom to attack us..." Euclio explained... "How about the North?" a commander asked... "North Beastman Kingdom?" Euclio asked "Yes, they are still on the enemy side..." another commander said... "Then, we will be fighting them..." Euclio said... Now the commander become busy... And I raise my hand, they become quite... "Any other suggestion?" I asked... "How about keep this as a secret..." Fo said... Secret? "Yes, that will make both of us stay in peace..." another commander said... "There is no peace in this time of war... we are just getting started..." Euclio said... And everyone remains silent... After a few minutes of thinking... "Your Highness, if I may speak..." a white tiger tribe talking to me... "Sure..." I said "You are about to go to Human Continent... which is most likely has been attacked by Reudora Kingdom..." the white tiger said... I nodded... "How about we keep King Leo''s dead hidden... and this city will provide you a safe place for you and your people... we don''t want to engage war with North Beastman Kingdom..." the white tiger said... I looked at Euclio... and he seems thinking about it... "How about other city?" Ed asked... "We will send them a letter about King Leo''s death... but we will ask them to remain silent... and not to tell the crowd" the white tiger said... "But some of the crowd has known already... and it will keep spreading until it reach the North..." Euclio said "I will give you another suggestion... how about making this Kingdom as your puppet..." the white tiger said... Puppet Kingdom... "Why?" I asked... "We will make King Leo''s son as our King... but the entire South Beastman Kingdom is still under your command..." the white tiger suggest... That is a risk... we could be easily betrayed... But... "Sounds good..." Euclio said... Ed, Erin and I looked at him... Euclio looked at us... "What? Don''t you think that it is weird, when a beastman kingdom is ruled by a human race?" Euclio asked... T-That is true... "And also, there is never, in the history of Beastman Kingdom, a human race become a king..." Euclio said again... I see... but there are some risks as well... we have to make a bet... "Fine... then, all of you shall obey King Lex''s command..." I said... Now, they all looked confused... "But, Lex-sama is the last son of King Leo..." the tiger said... "That''s okay, I trust him more..." I said... "Are you sure?" Ed asked... "About Lex?" I asked... "No, about this kingdom being our puppet..." Ed said... "Don''t worry, if they heard that their new king is a human race, there will be rebellions across the entire kingdom..." Euclio said... Ed looks like understand our situation now... "Okay, but do you trust them?" Ed asked me... in front of everyone... Now... It''s my time to respect the beastman race... All of their eyes are on me... "I trust the Beastman Race''s word..." I said... And they all looked happy hearing that... "We will send an envoy..." the white tiger said... I nodded... Then he is about to leave the room... "Oh, what''s your name?" Euclio asked the white tiger... "Javier... Euclio-sama..." the white tiger said... "Javier... are you the one that planning to capture Ed and me, inside the city?" Euclio asked him... Then, there is a doubt... But he answers... "Yes, I am planning those horrible plan... I am sorry Euclio-sama..." Javier said while bowing... "No, actually that is a successful plan... until Nicolas starting to go on berserk..." Euclio said... And I scratch my hair... "I am sorry for destroying the city... but, I never have any intention to destroy the city, I just want them to be back..." I said And everyone in the room nodded... "You should not say sorry, my king... you are always right..." tiger said... See how tiger change so much... "Then, it will be the duty of Fo the Panda to repair and maintain the city..." I said Fo nodded... "Leave it to us, Nicolas-sama..." Fo said... I nodded... "Oh, we need you Javier... please don''t go... ask your servant to do the job instead..." Euclio said to Javier that about to go... Why is he looked so in hurry... is he planning something... But Erin could sense it... if they think anything about betrayal... Javier return to the seat and call his soldier instead... "To make them clearly understand about our situation here... I want you to call them here... not just a letter..." Javier said to the soldier that will be our messenger... "Call Lex the Lion from Bazo and also Koo the Turtle from Saltvein..." Javier said again to the messenger... And the messenger nodded... After the messenger left, we have another topic... "The second one is... finding Clement Maxwell..." Euclio said... "I will entrust the Kingdom''s problem to Fo and Javier... but, about finding Clement Maxwell, I will entrust this to Sherryn..." Euclio said... I looked at her... and she looked at me... like waiting for my confirmation... and so I nodded... I trust Euclio... and at the same time, I am agree with him... it seems like this girl is full of information and intel... She is a scout... "You are the scouting commander?" I asked Sherryn... and she nodded... "In this city, Fo the Panda will have the highest authority after me..." I said to everyone... "Below him, is Commander Javier and Commander Sherryn..." I said... Everyone nodded... "The rest of you, will help both Commander Javier and Commander Sherryn..." Euclio continue my words... and everyone nodded... "We are going today..." I said... I looked at the clock... and it is 4 AM in the morning... "Oh, what''s your name?" I asked Tiger... "Tyr" The tiger said... "I give you a job, prepare a fleet... we will be going at 12 PM after lunch..." I said to Tyr... "Yes...of course Nicolas-sama..." Tyr said "Then, everyone do your job..." I said "Yes, Nicolas-sama..." They said in unison and leave the room... We are leaving the room... and Fo is with us... After everyone left... Fo asked me... "Why me?" he asked me... "Hmmm... just a good feeling..." I said... H-He is a panda right?! I never touched a panda in my entire life... "U-Um... Nico?" Euclio asked me... Without realizing my hand was about to touch his fur... "Ummm... sorry..." I said and hide it on my back... Fo laughed at me... "Human Race is not bad at all..." Fo said to Erin... "Yes, especially Nicolas... he healed my brother when I was leaving the Beastman Continent..." Erin said... Fo then looked surprised... "U-Um... can you show us the room?" I asked... since I hate the topic... "Ah, Nicolas also help me in my study!" Euclio said.... "Also! He never bored when I ignored him during school..." Ed said... And I am really annoyed... Seeing my annoyed face, the four of them laughed... "Let me show you the room..." Fo said He lead us to a stair next to the throne... and we enter a corridor... The place looks pretty old... "How about Neku''s family?" I asked... "They moved already..." Fo said... The Beastman Race is actually pretty fast in doing things... "There are a lot of rooms here... you can choose one..." Fo said and I nodded... I will be in a room with Ed and Euclio... while Erin sleeps alone... We have a bath before... and we got really warm clothes then... "I never thought, hot bath will be great in this kind of weather..." Euclio said... Yep... there is nothing better but Hot Bath in this cold weather... Then we sleep until... ''knock knock knock'' "Ugh... come in..." I said... We are still sleeping on our bed... "Nico, Eu, Ed... wake up..." a voice come out... It is a voice of Erin... I then open my eyes... I see the sunlight is pretty bright... don''t tell me... "What time is it?" I asked Erin with my eyes open really big... "11AM..." Erin said... In an instant Euclio and Ed awaked as well... Seeing us in panicked, Erin laughed... It''s been a while since I hear she laughes... Then, a panda enters our room... "Everyone... the food is ready!" Fo said... "Let''s go!" Euclio said and jumped from the bed... "I am hungry..." Ed said and move from the bed... Seeing us act like a child, Fo only laughed... I bet he thought that, how can these children take the entire kingdom.... And that is actually, pretty annoying for them... Now they have to serve these kids for their entire life... We move to the dining room, which is on the first floor... when we get down, we move to the dining room... and we can see the food has been served on the table... We sit on the table... and face our food... "This is a special food from Beastman Kingdom..." Fo explained... and he looked pretty proud of it "Did you cook it by yourself?" Euclio asked... And he nodded... Wow... he really has accepted us isn''t he... "Let''s eat..." I said... and everyone eat... At first, I doubt it... also Ed and Euclio... But not Erin... it seems Erin know already... So I followed her... And I eat the food as well... Also Euclio and Ed... Wow... it taste... great! Especially the soup... it is made with bamboo? But it taste really great... and also it smells good... I love the soup... really... "It taste really good..." I said praising Fo... and he looks so happy... "You should open a restaurant in Auxem..." Euclio said while eating... "Yeah, this will be a hit..." Ed said while eating... Fo looks really proud... After a while... it''s 11.30 AM... "We should get going..." I said to Fo... "Oh, Fo, when will your family move here?" Euclio asked Fo... And Fo looked confuse... "T-They move here? With me?" Fo asked... "Of course! You are the owner of this castle..." I said to Fo... Now Fo looks really happy... "You should act like a lord... everyone here will respect, and bow to you..." I said "I will try my best to maintain this city..." Fo said while bowing... He has a good manner... I choose the right person... I hope... "Oh, and you should declare yourself as the new lord in this city..." I said... "Yes Nicolas-sama... Commander Javier has set a feast, to celebrate my promotion..." Fo said... "How about Neku''s death?" I asked... "Commander Javier said, that it was an accident, and he was ambushed..." Fo said... Hmm... "How about his family?" Euclio asked... "Commander Javier has told them the truth... about the death of King Leo and Neko the Cat... also about you, so that the family can accept it..." Fo explained... It seems like Commander Javier has done everything... We left the dining room and head to the lobby... and June has been prepared... mounted to the carriage... She is waiting for us... When she see us, she neighed happily... "What a lovely horse you have!" Fo said... "Have you feed her?" I asked the guard who prepared June... "Yes, and she eats... a lot..." the guard said... I laughed... Then I give him a tip... A gold... Seeing that, he say his thanks.. "Thank you Nicolas-sama..." the guard said... "Not a problem..." I said Let''s be kind to the Beastman Race for some times... We enter the carriage... and say our farewell to Fo... "Fo, we leave this city in your hand... do your best, don''t disappoint me... we will be back soon..." I said It seems I said quite a lot... "Oh! Make sure you treat Clement Maxwell well if he is found... He is my Dad..." I said to Fo... He nodded... "Have a save journey... Nicolas-sama..." Fo said I nodded... "Let''s go June..." Euclio said... And June started to move... "The city is guarded by the troops! You should be safe!" Fo said... "Thanks Fo!" I said while waving my hand "Come back soon!" Fo said while waving his hand We left the castle... and we are heading for the harbor... Chapter 37 - Undersiege We are on our way toward the harbor of Neku... and we are leaving this giant castle... "This place is actually pretty good..." Ed said... "Good in what terms?" Euclio asked... "I mean, it is beautiful.. also, the people are well-mannered... they accepted that their king is dead... and now they serve us..." Ed said "That is the rule of Beastman Kingdom..." Erin interupt us... "When a King die in a fight, the killer will be their new King..." Erin explained... "Which is why, it explained that the city accepted us easily..." I said... "Yes... but actually we never have a King from other race... which is why, it is hard for you to be the king of beastman Kingdom..." Erin said to me... I nodded... "I never wanted to be a king anyway..." I said After we left the castle... The path to the harbor has been cleared by the soldiers... The citizen is waiting for us to pass... but they say nothing to us, and I think it will take some times for them to accept us as their new king... It is a long way, and no one is actually angry to us, after I killed their King... "Hmmm, I feel a bit uncomfortable..." I said "Yeah, but they do not hold any grudge against us... so it seems that they had accepted already..." Euclio said... It is actually Erin that killed King Leo... but somehow, people assume it was me... And I feel a bit guilty, but not Erin... After a long way, we finally arrived at the harbor... and there is a white tiger waiting for us... "Bring June in..." I said to Ed... and he nodded... I jumped to the ground with Euclio and talks with Javier... while Ed and Erin accompany June to enter the ship... "Everything is ready, Nicolas-sama..." Javier told me... "Yes, thanks... but I thought, I asked Tyr to prepare the ship..." I said "Tyr is...." "Nicolas-sama!" someone called me from distance... I looked back, and it is Tyr... B-But... He is pulling a wagon instead a horse!... what is it about... Then he stopped the wagon when we are close enough... I asked him... "What''s inside the wagon?" "It is water... there are a total of 50 barrels..." Tyr said... "Nice... ask your men to bring it to the ship..." I said "Yes! Nicolas-sama!" Tyr said energetically I wonder what makes him on fire... Tyr then commanded his men to do the job... While doing so, Javier come closer... "Do you think that Saltvein and Bazo will accept me?" I asked Javier... And he give a thought... "Saltvein will surely accept you... since they hate King Leo for a long time... but Bazo, it will be hard..." Javier told me... I understand about Bazo, but why Saltvein? "They hate King Leo because of what he did to the White Wolf Tribe..." Javier told me... I then remember Erin and Rin... "I see, but why Saltvein''s lord did not stopped him?" I asked "Because he is lack of power... Saltvein has the least power in the entire South Beastman Kingdom..."Javier explained... Hmmm I see... "How about Neku and Bazo, which one is stronger?" Euclio asked... Javier gave another thought... "Bazo has more troops... but Neku has better position... we are on the higher hills..." Javier said... "So, is it equal?" Euclio asked... "Bazo has a lot of experienced warrior... so, they might be in the advantage..." Javier said... "Then, don''t make too much problem, we don''t want you to have a war and start killing each other..." Euclio said... Javier nodded... "Of course, Euclio-sama... please leave it to me..." Javier said... Both of us nodded... After the drink supply has been deployed on the ship, we left Javier to join the other... they were waiting for both of us... "Done?" Ed asked... "Yes..." I said... "How about the water?" Euclio asked Erin... "It is safe..." Erin said... Euclio is a bit traumatized with poison... since the incident happened in Sera, when we were still a Platinum Adventure... Hearing from Erin that it is safe, Euclio let a sigh... "Let''s go..." I said to the captain... But the captain looked at me in confusion... Ummm maybe because of the language... Then Erin talk to him... and the captain nodded understanding Erin''s word and leave us to drive this ship... This ship is not as big as the Royal Fleet that Captain Steve lead... but it is still a nice ship... There are around a hundred troops in this ship... and this is the main ship... We brought like fifty other ships from beastman kingdom... with PAQ Alliance flag... Their size are smaller... but they could hold up to a hundred person in it... while our ship maximum capacity would be two thousand... We brought a thousand troops in total on our journey... And the ship started to move... Our plan is to fight Navroth... but, if it is impossible, we will bring everyone to safety, which is in the Beastman Continent... We will evacuate the whole town... "Erin, you will be in charge of the fleet... since you are the only one that understand their tounge..." Euclio said... "Okay..." Erin said with a smile She is.... Like a different person, she looks much more cheerful these days... "Oh, they said that it will take 3 months, for us to arrive at Auxem..." Erin said... And I nodded... Can we do something... to make the fleet travel faster... I am now looking at the giant sail... Wind... Euclio looked at me as well... "Wind..." I said... "Water..." Euclio said... And now both of us remain silent... "Both?" Ed suggested... "Okay..." both Euclio and I in unison... Our ship is in the middle, and we are going to perform magic... a really strong one that could affect the entire fleet... The soldiers are looking at us confusedly... "Here..." I said and borrowed my staff to Ed... Ed took it... "Don''t you need it too?" Ed asked... "I am stronger than you..." I said in a teasing way... and he looks a bit mad... "Erin, you asked the captain about our ship''s speed, and tell it to us..." Euclio said... and Erin nodded... Erin left us and she moves to the captain''s cabin... ''Create Wind...'' Ed spawned a green spherical light... ''[WIND]'' Ed used it and I can feel the breeze... But the entire fleet is moving faster, we can see it with our own eyes... "We are moving 4x faster!" Erin said... Woah... 4x faster?! We can arrive in three weeks if we continue with this speed... But Ed won''t be able to keep doing this for 24 hours... Control the water... "How to control the water?" I asked Ed... Hmmm... "Push the water behind us to our destination?" Ed said but he doubts himself as well... Let me try it... ''Create.... Water....'' Every eyes are on me... ''[WAVE]'' I casted the water and control the flow... with it... I can see the difference in speed as well... And... I cast it for the entire fleet... wow... my magic could cover bigger area than I thought... But I can''t hold this for hours... "It is now 10x faster!" Erin shouted to us... "W-Wow...." Euclio said in impressed... 10x... if we do it for 2 hours, we can save a day faster... "Ughh... I need to pee..." I said to Euclio... "Don''t asked me where the toilet is..." Euclio said "Erin... where is the toilet?" I asked... While I am asking, Ed is still raising his hand to cast the magic... and he looked at me in surprised... "N-Nisan? How can you do that?" Ed asked me... "Hmm? Just leave it, after you cast your magic, it will work by its own..." I said... And Ed give a big O face... H-He just knew it?! We then left the cabin and the spells are still working... We do it 12 hours a day... which means, we save 6 days each day... a day counted as 6 days... We need only 15 days... to reach Auxem, which is crazy... On the fifteenth day... "Land!" one of the soldier shouted... Ed and I were casting our magic from the library... While Euclio and Erin trained... I leave the library with Ed and go to the deck... and meet with Eu and Erin... "A-Auxem..." I said It is Auxem port... Both Ed and I deactivated our magic Seeing our fleet, Auxem is on guard, and they prepared their fleet as well... "I thought they could see our flag..." Ed said... "No, there is trust issues in Human Continent..." Euclio said... Ah yes, I think they should be making sure of everything in this kind of time... I will prepare myself as well if I am on their side... "Let''s just go with a small ship..." Euclio suggested... and I nodded in agreement... They will accept us if it is just a boat... Erin talks with the captain... In the language we don''t know... The captain nodded... and ask his men to do something... But I can see a small boat is deployed... "Let''s go..." I said to everyone... And the three of them nodded... We enter the small boat and the captain drop the small boat to the water... Um... should we row our boat by ourselves? I never do this in my entire life... Ed and Erin take the paddle and begin rowing... Oh... I am really such a baby... I help them with my water magic... and we begin to move faster... When we are getting closer we can see ships are ready for war... They react to our fleet really fast... We passes through several ships... amd when they see us... "I-It is Nicolas-sama!" "Reinforcement!" "They are not the enemy!" "We are saved!" It seems that the soldiers know us already... And... we are saved? Are they in war already? So... we land safely in the beach... and hundreds of soldiers has surround us... "N-Nicolas-sama!" "Please help us..." "We are fighting against Navroth..." But then, suddenly... I hear a very familiar voice... "Nicolas-sama..." I looked toward the direction and see a familiar face... "R-Rueger!" I said and instantly I cried... I run toward him and give him a hug... "Ohh! Look at you... you are getting bigger..." Rueger said to me... Everyone becomes silent... "I thought you were dead!" I said while crying... The last time I saw him, is when he fights against Kasan... and I think my healing magic didn''t work... "Sorry, I was planning to surprise her in the fight..." Rueger said... Then I hugged him again, really hard... "Where have you been?" I asked him...If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "I will tell you later... and I believe, King Ethen needs you now..." Rueger told me... "K-King Ethen?" I asked... King Ethen is here?! After asking that, I can see a carriage coming to our direction... I release my hug from Rueger... And when the carriage stopped... "Nisan!" Nathalia shouted while running toward my direction... "N-Nathalia!" I shouted back and open my arms... She instantly jumped to me... and I catch her... "You are alright!" Nathalia said... "Of course I am! Why are you thinking like that!" I said And another one comes... "Nate!" I said "Nisan" Nate said with unexcited tone... T-This boy has grown... But he still hugs me... I look around and the soldiers are still looking at me... also the citizens... they are not hating me anymore, since I have repelled Marius the head priest... And it feels really weird I release both Nathalia and Nate... "Nate... there are a fleet of Southern Beastman Kingdom that help us to return to this place... ask our soldier to move aside and give them a space to park in our harbor..." I said to Nate... "Okay..." he said and left us... After Nate left... I see another boy... "Leon!" I called him... "Hey Nico..." Leon said with a smile... I come toward him and pat his head... I can see him smiling... "How''s Aerios Kingdom?" I asked... "We are recovering... don''t mind our Kingdom, we are strong..." Leon said T-That is quite arrogant... "Qiteron Kingdom is also okay... the problem is Perius Kingdom..." Leon said... "Let''s return to the mansion... King Ethen is waiting..." Leon said... I nodded... and I looked behind... "Ummm..." Where is Euclio? Ed? Erin? They all went missing... "Oh!" I found him talking with two women... W-Wait... is that... "Precilla? Roxane?" I called them... "Hey Nico..." Precilla said and patted my head... I wonder why they looked different... "It''s been only a year, and you looked like haven''t been around for decades..." Roxane said while teasing me... "Hahaha... let''s return to the palace..." I asked them... "Wait... there is something much more important..." Rueger reminded us... And everyone went silent... What is much more important right now than the war? "Oh... That man!" Leon just remembered... "Yeah! That man has been protecting us for days..." Precilla said That man? "Who is he?" I asked... "And protecting from who?" Euclio asked... Nate return to us... and I can see the ships are giving some space for the Beastman Fleet... "That person in heavy armor..." Nate said... "Protecting us from Reudora Kingdom''s siege..." Roxane said... "Euclio... you go to the meeting room with Ed.... Erin and I will meet this man..." I said Euclio and Ed nodded... "Let me accompany you..." Rueger said... I nodded... And I examined Rueger once more... It is really him! "It''s been a while..." I said to Rueger with a smile... "It is..." Rueger said with his warm smile... I really missed him... for me, Rueger is my second father... "Let''s go..." Precilla said... Precilla is using a heavy armor as usual... but then, I see something weird on her armor... She is wearing a cape... and the emblem on the cape... "That emblem..." I pointed at the cape... It is an eagle... House Maxwell''s emblem... "Are you?" I asked... "I am the commander of the wall..." Precilla said with proud... Then I direct my view to Roxane... She is wearing a cape as well... and I check her cape... "I-It is our House Emblem!" I said in surprised... "Yep! Commander of the Fleet..." Roxane said.. Hmmm... I looked at Nate... and he just smiled... It is Nate''s job... "Let''s go... we have no time..." Leon said... Euclio, Ed, and Nate join Leon and they are going to the mansion, where King Ethen is... The Beastman Kingdom come closer... We are waiting for June now... she is still inside the ship... When the ship arrived... Erin talked to the captain... and the captain asked his men to let June off the ship... After several minutes, Erin come with June... In front of us, she stopped and jumped off the carriage... "I will be waiting here with the fleet..." Erin said... I nodded... I enter June''s carriage with Nathalia, Rueger, and Precilla... But Roxane... "Roxane?" I asked... "I will be here with Erin... to maintain the fleet... I have jobs to do..." Roxane said with a smile... I nodded... She really do her job seriously "Let''s go June..." I said to June and she neighed... We ride June and left the harbor... and enter the city crowd... "W-Wow... that is a big horse..." "That is a Pegasus idiot!" "P-Pegasus? Which mean?!" "N-Nicolas-sama is back!" "We will win the war!" They cheer for me... We can hear a loud battlecry in the city... "So, who is this person?" I asked... "I don''t know... but he is strong, if he is not here, this city has been burnt to ashes already..." Precilla said... Now, I am much more curious than before... "When did Reudora Kingdom start to attack?" I asked... "Hmmm it''s been three days..." Precilla said... "And when did that person come?" I asked... "Three days ago..." Precilla said... Hmmm... "And he did not rest at all..." Nathalia said... "I think I know him..." Rueger said... "Who?" I asked... "Ninth..." Rueger said... "Ninth?!" All of us in surprised... Rueger nodded... "He is a God Tier in Valeon Sword Style..." Rueger explained... I really miss this lecture from Rueger... "Have you met him?" I asked "I have dueled him once..." Rueger said... "And?" I asked "That is a close battle... but he won... I just can''t find any blind spot to attack... he closes every gap..." Rueger said... I really want to see both of them duel... "I see..." I said to Rueger... And after five minutes, we arrived at a large field... But it is full of tents... not soldiers but civilian... "Who are they?" I asked "Civilian of Sera, Civilian of Haven... and Civilian of Averos..." Precilla explained... I see the crowd there... "How about the food supply?" I asked... "We have a year of food supply..." Nathalia explained... "Water?" I asked... Now she looked a bit down... "3 months... and we can only hope from the rain" Nathalia explained... Hmmm this would be a hard place for us to survive... unless we fight them... "We need to fight back..." I said "We are planning for that already..." Rueger said... "And when?" I asked... Now they are looking to each other... "We still don''t know when..." Rueger said... "We have a thousand of Beastman Kingdom army..." I said... And they are thinking about it... "I thought Beastman Kingdom supposed to be our enemy..." Nathalia said... "They were... until Erin killed King Leo..." I said Now they all looked surprised... "H-How?" Rueger asked... "King Leo is strong..." Rueger said again... "He is... and he almost got Eu, Ed and I killed..." I said "But Erin is smart and strong as well..." I said... None of them actually seen Erin fight... so I understand why they are confused... "And full of vengeance..." Rueger said... I looked at him... how did he know... Rueger looked at me and give me a wink... "H-He is... the White Wolf tribe were slaughtered by King Leo... only Erin and Rin survived..." I explained... "And King Leo is the cause of it..." I said... Nathalia and Precilla gives an understanding look... "We arrived!" Precilla said... After we traveled for 10 minutes And we are right in front of the gate... I can see a man standing right in front of the gate... with his heavy armor and sword... "Open the gate..." Precilla said... And the gate opened... The man is still looking toward the enemy... I get down from June... And the other follows me behind my back... We come closer to him... I can see that this city has been surrounded... Thousands... tens of thousands... or maybe hundreds of thousand... I stand next to him... While everyone is waiting behind us... But he say nothing... "Ehem..." I said And he stand still... Is he alright? I then stand in front of him... And knock his helmet... But then is moving... Moving to the ground... and fall... "W-What?!" I said in surprised... Rueger, Nathalia and Precilla are surprised as well... "I-Is he dead?!" I asked "No... I think he is too tired..." Rueger said... Seeing that man fall... Reudora begin to move... "Nisan!" Nathalia said while pointing out the enemy... I looked behind and I see the soldiers begin to march at us... The cavalries... "Move back... Nicolas-sama..." Rueger instantly pushed me back... But I hold it... I stand in front of him... and... ''Create Elements...'' I summoned all of the five bangs...And [WIND] I used [WIND] and the entire troops are moving much slower... but not powerful enough to make them fall... I also see arrows were shot, but it doesn''t affect me, since the [WIND] is still activated... "Bring him to the doctor..." Rueger said to Precilla and she nodded... "Nathalia... you joined her..." I said to Nathalia... "B-But..." Nathalia is in fear... "Don''t worry... Nisan took a whole kingdom... this is just a small fry..." I said to make her relax... And she nodded... Both of them went away... "Close the gate!" Rueger shouted... and the gate is close... "Archers!" Rueger shouted as well... In an instant... the archers are ready on the wall... "Nock..." Rueger shouted... "Fire!" Rueger commanded... And we can see thousands of arrows flying toward the enemy... With my [WIND] toward their direction... it would be an extra damage... But then... all of them were deflected... "W-What happened?" I asked... "They have mages as well..." Rueger told me... So, they use [WIND] as well, and they can equalize my magic power... I take my staff behind my back... And... [WIND] This time, all of the horses are pushed back... and the riders are all falling to the ground... Seeing my magic is effective... "Archers! Nock!" Rueger shouted... And... "Fire!" Rueger commanded... And again, the sun is hidden by the arrows that are going toward the enemy... But this time, it hit them... I can see horses hit by the arrow... and also soldiers... They are using heavy armor... but my [WIND] make the arrows stronger... and pierced the armor... I can hear shouts from here... screaming of pain... but from my side... I can hear a loud battle cry... But then, unexpectedly... I hear the worst sound ever.... ''KRANGGGG'' My green spherical light breaks... "[BARRIER MAGIC]" I said and I draw a line in front of me... A dark blue barrier is activated... Dark Blue Barrier means I can block up to Advance Level Magic... and of course, every Nullifying Magic... Nullifying Magic could not pass Barrier Magic... Since my Wind Magic is disabled, the enemy could mobilize their army and continue their assault to this wall... "Can you shake the earth?" Rueger asked... I shook my head... I think he expect me to do that... "[CATAPULT]" I said and I creates hundreds of Earth Ball and throw it to the enemy... But... They summoned a Purple Barrier... "Expert Barrier Magic...." Rueger said "I can''t beat them..." I said But Rueger remembered me of something... "Fusion Magic..." Rueger said... I nodded... I grasp my hand... and... "Archers! Keep shooting!" Rueger commanded, and they are now shooting arrows... Combine Water and Earth... I aim my hand to the enemy I release my hand grasp... The wood appears on my hand and launches to hit the enemy... [ISOLATION] But it hit the barrier and covered the entire gigantic barrier with Wood Magic... Now, the enemy is covered by my WOOD MAGIC... and then... I grasp my hand again... the WOOD is pressing the Barrier Magic... until it breaks... Then I launch [FIREBREATH] to burn the woods... From distance... I can see the enemies are retreating... "UWOAHHHH" The soldiers shouted another battlecry... Hmmm... I think we can win this... I said... I was about to return to the city... But without noticing, a giant catapult rock was thrown to my direction... "Watch out!" "Nicolas-sama!" "Move aside!" What are they saying? Until Rueger shout at me... "Watch out!" He said and he move in front of me, and cut the rock into two, with his sword... And also, another one... and more... and another rock... They keep shooting on the wall... but Rueger destroy those who aim for the gate... The wall can keep holding the impact... but someday, it will be falling... I looked back and my green spherical light has recovered... Nice! Since I am a Wind Type person... "[WIND]" I summoned a big win to hold the enemies catapult... They keep firing the wall... On my other hand... I created a [FIREBALL] and try to shot it to the catapult, but then, all of them were hold by their Expert Barrier Magic... I never thought that they have a reserve mage to do another barrier magic... Because, when your barrier magic were destroyed... there should be some cooldown, like maybe an hour... but I can do it instantly, maybe because I am a God Race? But I still don''t know the fact.. After an hour... I am running out of mana... The mages on the wall is trying to destroy the barrier as well... Without realizing... the gate is opened... and I can see Ed behind me... Also Euclio, and King Ethen! Not only them, I can see everyone... Ethan... Rin... Lisa... Rick... and also Eria... Fredrich is here as well... But, Ed come toward me... "It is my turn... Nisan..." Ed said I nodded, and give the staff to Ed... Now I am falling down... But before I fall, Rueger hold me up... and carry me... I feel my sweat drops to the floor... It is really a tiring day... === Ed''s Point of View === I hold Nisan''s staff... and I can see behind me, Rueger is carrying him back to June''s Carriage... "Follow the plan..." Euclio said I nodded... We were receiving information about the gate is being attacked, when we are on the meeting, also about Nisan defending it with Rueger... I was about to go and help Nisan... but King Ethen asked me to stop worrying about him... he told me that Nisan is a really strong person... I followed what he said, and plan for a counter-attack... *During the Meeting* "Ed can use a strong magic... even stronger than Nico..." Euclio said to King Ethen... And all of them looked at me... "R-Really? What magic is that?" Ethan asked... "You remember when we protected Sera from the invisible army? It is that magic that he learnt, the Expert Tier Wind Magic..." Euclio said... And everyone shows a surprised face... "Then we will use that to destroy the enemy line, and ambush them from the rear..." Commander Maxius said... All of us nodded... "Who will lead the ambush troop?" Nate asked... "The Wall Commander should do it... also, we will use cavalries, it can move much much faster, and tramples the enemy... but also, we need infantries to kill those who are left..." Commander Maxius said King Ethen nodded in agreement... "Then, let''s head for the wall... I am afraid Nicolas can''t hold much longer..." King Ethen said... and everyone nodded... *Back to the Wall* And here we are... Arrows are still shot to our direction... and so does catapult shot... But I can hold it with [WALL] "[WALL]" I said it and a giant wall appears in front of us... and protecting the walls... I mean, that is easier than you use [WIND]... all of the catapult''s attacks were blocked by the [WALL] But, the disadvantage is fatal... since we can''t see the enemies movement... which is why nisan use [WIND] I need to concentrate... and create a powerful magic... powerful enough to destroy the Purple Barrier... It is in the same level... Expert Tier... so, normally Barrier Magic will win... but if I am a God Race... like what Euclio told me, I could destroy the Purple Barrier... I close my eyes Then... suddenly, I have this eerie feeling... I immediately opened my eyes and check my surrounding... Euclio, Erin, Rin, Ethan, Rick, Lisa and Eria come to protect me, since the [WALL] was brought down by the enemy... What is this feeling... Is it only me, or everyone feels the same... I looked at Euclio... I can see he is sweating, also Erin and Rin... Even King Ethen which is right behind us looks scared, and evacuate the people of the town... "Move to the harbor! Everyone! Run!" King Ethen said and the people begin evacuating... The bells in the town begin to ring... and everyone in the town become really loud... "D-Do you feel it?" Ethan asked me... "Yeah..." I said while concentrating my power.... When the wall was brought down by the enemy, they do not fire anything else... arrows nor Catapult''s attack... "There should be something..." Euclio said with shaking voice... Now I am ready... and waiting for the ambush team to give the signal... Where are the ambush team... "What take them so long..." Eria asked... Eria looks afraid... the former number 1 of KoS is scared... I never see this... Just what is happening... It''s been five minutes... but no sign from the ambush team... "Are they alright?" Rick asked... He is scared as well... We all scared... this feeling... is way worse than anything I ever felt... I never feel this scared before... And finally... A [FIREBALL] was shot to the sky... "Now!" Euclio said a bit loud... And I aim my magic right in the middle of the enemy.... "[SHOCKWAVE]" I said Everyone looked a bit relieved when I launched the ball full of wind power... until "WHAT?!" All of us said in unison... "Whoever created that... that is not a good sign!" "Run" Euclio said... "All of you run!" Euclio shouted to the army on the wall... And everyone started to run... What we see is... a Black Barrier... a God Tier of Barrier Magic... No human can do that! "To June..." Euclio said... and all of us moving toward June... Every citizen near the town has been evacuated... And I feel a bit tired... after using that kind of spell... I am walking much slower... My eyes are blurry... I was about to fall... But Ethan catch me up... "Wow... Let''s catch up with the other" Ethan said while give me a shoulder... "Thanks..." I said to him... And finally, we are the last one to arrive there... Seeing Ethan a bit troubled... Rick get down and help me up as well... "C''mon Ed..." Rick said... And now all of us in... "All in?" Euclio asked from the upper floor... "Yes!" Rin shouted... "Let''s go June... to the harbor..." Euclio said... Erin and Eria are above, and so does Rick and Lisa, they left us downstairs... I can see Nisan is sleeping while Rueger accompany him... Rueger is much more fatherly than Clement... Nisan is sleeping peacefully... without any sound... The soldiers are running from the wall... June is running really fast... it''s like when she run outside the city, which she never did before... And she chooses the perfect route for us and escape the chaos in the city... There is no sign of enemy''s attack... "Why are we running?" I asked... I don''t even know why... "That Black Barrier Magic..." Euclio explained... And why is that? I thought there supposed to be person who can use it... "Unlike swordsmanship... those who could use a God Tier in any magic... it is considered as a dangerous person..." Rueger explained... "But, it is a barrier magic... it''s not an offensive magic..." I said... "It is... but, the highest mage that is able to use Barrier Magic is Marius the Highpriest... which is Master Level... a Red Barrier..." Rueger explained... Master?! "But... that is a black one..." I said... "Then... it is her..." Rueger said in serious tone... "Navroth..." he continues... Navroth... fighting her is a nightmare... and in a different whole level, I can''t fight her, we can''t fight her... yet... Everyone in the carriage remain silent... because of this eerie feeling... it still continue when we reached the ship... There, chaos are everywhere... I can''t see where King Ethen is, also Nate and the other... Both King Ethen and Nate are busy evacuating the civilian When the captain of the Beastman Kingdom fleet saw us, they give us a special way... that lead us to June''s place... Ah! So this is June''s room It is quite wide... and it got the view to the sea... and it has a lot of food... June, this is a five star hotel for you... All of us leave the carriage... and I unmount June from the Carriage... She looks happy and neighed... "Let''s go... to the deck..." Euclio said, and everyone followed him... Except Rueger... "I will be staying here with Nicolas-sama... we will join you later..." Rueger said "Okay... catch up with us later..." Euclio said and Rueger nodded We left both of them, and head to the third deck... It needs quite an effort, since the first deck is full of people... and the second deck is no difference... But the third deck is vacant, since it is only for us... Two guards from Southern Beastman Kingdom let us pass... after they saw Euclio... We pass them and head to the deck... there is the captain here as well... "Ask him... how many people are in this ship?" Euclio said to Erin... Erin then talked with the captain... And the captain replied to her... "four thousand..." Erin told Euclio... Euclio give a thought... And he give a command... "We should stop receiving more people... ask the people to find other ship..." Euclio said... "Why?" Ethan asked... And Euclio pointed out at the ship that park behind us... "That ship has much more space than ours..." Euclio said... "The more people we bring, the more responsibility we got..." Euclio added... "And also, when the ship is overloaded, it will be an easy target..." Euclio added again... Now, everyone looked at Euclio, and amazed with his thought... Erin in an instant talk to the captain... and the captain shouted to his men... and the soldiers begin blocking the way... There are some people trying to pass the guards, but stopped by the guards... "We should leave the harbor, so that the other ship can park..." I said to Erin.... And Erin tell the captain... The captain nodded, and the captain left us to the captain''s room, where he control the ship''s movement... I can see the people are in panick... "Don''t leave us!" "We are not in yet!" "Save my child!" The crowds are in chaos... But Ethan shouted from above the ship... "Don''t worry, there are a lot of spaces in the ship behind us... but this ship is full... we will be waiting for you and sail together with you..." They looked much relaxed... until... ''BOOOMMM!'' I can hear an explosion... and when I looked at the city, I can see the city has been breached... I looked toward the wall... and the gate is destroyed already... It seems that the enemy is coming... Also, I can see Precilla... and her troops... She returns to the city... "Precilla! Here!" Euclio shouted... But then, it seems that she is feeling responsible with the wall... and... She decided to stay with her troops... defending the evacuating citizen... "P-Precilla?" Euclio said in confuse... Then, I hear Roxane voice... "Precilla! What are you doing!" Roxane asked... But Precilla is facing at the town... preparing for the enemies... We are quite far already, and another ship has replaced us, and more people can come inside... S-She is sacrificing herself?! "Precilla!" Euclio shouted... and she doesn''t move an inch... From a far, we can see the enemies troop are coming inside to the city... and I know that there will be a war there... the entire hundreds of thousand facing Precilla''s men... which is only a thousand troops... T-This cannot be... is she going to die? "She won''t die!" a voice behind me... Everyone looked behind... and... "Nisan?" I said "Nico?!" Everyone said... He is carried by Rueger... "I have a bad dream... which is why I am awake..." Nisan said... He come to me, and take his staff back from my hand... And stand on the edge of the deck... facing toward the city... The ship is full... and they are sending another ship... All of the citizen are safe... The thing that I can see from nisan is... he is pointing something with his staff... And suddenly, a brown spherical light appears... "[WALL]!!" Nisan shouted really loud... And a gigantic wall appears... bigger than Auxem''s Wall... When Precilla looked at the wall, she looked at us... The soldiers there shouting a battlecry... "To the ship!" Precilla commanded... And the soldiers begin running to the remaining ship of Auxem Fleet... The Southern Beastman Fleet is full of citizens already... "I... can''t hold... much... longer..." Nisan said... he looks like in pain... I can see his hand shaking... The soldiers are quite fast so in a minute, they could divide their own to several ships equally... as expected from House Maxwell''s soldiers... And I can see, the wall is descending, slowly Precilla is the last person enters the ship... and their ship is leaving the harbor as well... Nisan''s hand is much more shaking now... and I decided to help him, holding the staff... which is really heavy... It seems like I give him some mana as well... sending it to Nisan, so that he can hold it longer... The Wall is stop descending... "UWOAAHHH!" The people shouting a battlecry, soldiers, citizen, nobles... everyone shouts like they won a great war... which is actually, we are losing... But our escape plan is a big success... And I can''t hold it much longer as well... the staff is getting heavier... Seeing my face... Euclio decided to help Nisan as well... and then everyone join and help Nisan... the nine of us... Nisan, Euclio, Erin, Rin, Ethan, Me, Eria, Rick and Lisa... all together again... the adventurer of Sera... But in a sudden, we feel a heavy damage on our [WALL] which create a big impact to our mana... "Argh..." Nisan said and he drop the staff... and fell to the floor... "Nisan!" I shouted... and carry him up... "This boy.... He is forcing himself..." Euclio said... After Nisan passed out, the [WALL] is falling down instantly... And Reudora''s soldiers passed the wall The Royal Fleet of Perius Kingdom shot the enemy from quite a distance with balista... a giant crossbow... a siege weapon... and so does the Auxem Fleet... The Southern Beastman Fleet carry a catapult above their highest deck, and begin shooting as well... except our ship... our ship is a carrier... which mean, specialize in carrying a lot of people... We killed thousands of people from distance, while they can only watch us leaving them... And, that is our story... leaving the Human Continent... and Reudora Kingdom rules a hundred percent of Human Continent... the perish of Perius Kingdom... Chapter 38 - The New Neku After two days of sailing... we decided to have an emergency meeting on the sea... Right now, we are in the middle of the sea, far enough from Auxem... We held the meeting in The Royal Fleet... It is a big long table, and King Ethen lead the meeting... "Auxem?" King Ethen asked "Present..." I said Behind me, there are five people... Nate, Nathalia, and Ed... also Euclio as Qiteron Kingdom representative, and also Leon as Aerios Kingdom representative... "Sera?" King Ethen asked "Present..." Fredrich Ezate said, he changed his father, Lerrich Ezate as the Grand Duke... Behind him, is 5 KoS guarding him... "Pantea?" King Ethen asked "Present..." Karl Klorze said... As I remember, he was one of the students from Auxem School... his father was the spy of Navroth... which kill himself along with his soldiers in front of Maxim''s Wall... and now, House Klorze is demoted and become a Duke... "Averos?" King Ethen asked... "Present..." Tev Avom said He is the head of House Avom... and he is a Duke... also, Noc Avom''s Dad, the boy that could use three elements... Behind him, I can see Noc... "Dexus?" King Ethen asked... "Present..." Darren Aslan said, he is a Count of our kingdom... I never meet him personally... And the last one is... "Maxim?" King Ethen asked... "Present..." Julian Nexum said... I can see Persey behind him... So, they survived the murder attempt by Alduir... "And Haven?" King Ethen asked... "Present..." Highpriest Marius said... Behind him, we can see two mages... "Can we have an update, what''s going on with each city?" King Ethen asked... "From Dexus... the nearest city to Reudora Kingdom..." King Ethen continue... Darren Aslan nodded... "We are attacked suddenly by Reudora Kingdom, without any reason and it is a sudden attack... at night... by their siege weapon... since we are not ready for war, within an hour... our Wall has been breached... and we evacuated the citizen to Epius..." Darren Aslan explain... "When did it happen?" Euclio asked... "It happened around three months ago..." Darren Aslan said... I looked at Euclio... and he nodded... "Is there something you might want to share with us?" King Ethen asked me... "Yes, it seems that they are waiting for us, to left the Human Continent..." I said to King Ethen... "Julian-dono... do you remember the soldier we asked you to promote?" Euclio asked Julian... And he nodded... "How long has he been working with you?" Euclio asked again... "Hmmm a week before they start attacking Dexus..." Julian said... ... Everyone remain silent "So, we have been spied for some time..." Euclio said... "And where is this soldier?" King Ethen asked Julian... "H-He is... apparently... the second..." Julian said... with a bit frightened... Now everyone looked a bit surprised... "Thanks to House Maxwell, and also House Qiteron, we are able to escape..." Persey said... King Ethen looked at us and give us a warm smile... He looked pretty proud with both Euclio and I... "How about Pantea?" King Ethen asked... Karl looked a bit nervous speaking in front of us... I believe, this is his first time... "W-We were spying on the enemy''s movement... and we got an intel, that the enemy, which is Reudora Kingdom is marching toward us... With our small number of troops, we decided to run, and retreated to Averos..." Karl said... King Ethen nodded... "You have good sense... Karl... that is a good decision you made..." King Ethen praised him... And he looks relieved... It is... House Klorze lost a lot of soldiers, and actually more than 90% than their troops because of Karl''s father, Mikhael Klorze... "Epius was attacked by Reudora''s Kingdom Fleet... and at the same time, we receive intel about Pantea retreated to Averos, and Maxim retreated to Auxem... so Epius decided to retreat as well, to Haven..." King Ethen explained... "I was not there... I was in Sera with some other business, so it was his decision..." King Ethen said while pointing someone behind him... Who is he? Looking my confusion... "Let me introduce you... this is Commander Victor..." King Ethen introduced him after seeing my confusion... And he gives us a bow... All of us nodded... Commander Victor... Ed told me that he is strong... stronger than Ed... I looked at him, and he looked at me back... He is around Tousan''s age... "Then, knowing each of you are going to be attacked... everyone retreated to the most West part of Perius Kingdom? Auxem?" Euclio asked... King Ethen nodded... "Then, where are we going?" I asked... "The only allies we had... is Aerios Kingdom... and the whole Ocean Kingdom... Qiteron Kingdom, Staviel Kingdom, Gavenhallen Kingdom... and Garasol Kingdom..." King Ethen said... That is not only... we still have quite a lot of allies "So... the only place we can evacuate to, is Aerios Kingdom?" Euclio asked... And King Ethen nodded... That is the only Land Kingdom... human race can''t live in Ocean Kingdom, since they can''t breathe under water "So, who is our other enemy? Beside Reudora Kingdom?" Darren Aslan asked... "High Elven Kingdom, Wood Elven Kingdom, Dwarven Kingdom, Northern Beastman Kingdom... and Southern Beastman Kingdom..." King Ethen said... which is actually, the rest of the world... Oh... before I forgot... "Actually..." I said... And everyone looked at us... "We killed Leo the Lion..." I said to them... And everyone looked surprised... "Leo the Lion?! Southern Beastman Kingdom?!" King Ethen asked... I nodded... "H-He is a strong man..." Julian Nexum said in surprised... "Actually, not me, but Erin... my Beastman friend... from the White Wolf tribe..." I said... And they looked more surprised than ever... Except King Ethen... "W-White Wolf Tribe?" Karl Klorze looked surprised... "I thought they were annihilated by Leo the Lion..." Tev Avom said... "Yeah, that is why, she took her revenge... she and her brother are the only survivors..." Euclio explained... And everyone gives a nod... "So, how about Southern Beastman Kingdom?" King Ethen asked me seriously... "We are their King for now... so we can evacuate some of the citizen there..." I said... Um... I am now in confuse... if King Ethen are there... in the Southern Beastman Kingdom... will he become their King... or is it still me? "You will be their King... if you want it..." I give him the chance to take it... But he laughs... "No, don''t worry, I trust you like I trust your father... which is why... I am going to give you a special mission..." King Ethen said... He looks a bit scary... what is this special mission... Sounds like a bad omen... "Take Northern Beastman Kingdom..." King Ethen said... ... Now, everyone looked at me... "Fighting against Gina the Elephant?" I asked... And King Ethen nodded... T-That is easy to say! "We will divide our forces into two... I believe Aerios Kingdom can''t keep every people in Perius Kingdom in their land... we are too much a burden..." King Ethen said... "So... we are eight houses... let''s divide it to four and four..." King Ethen said... And I have to agree... Southern Beastman Kingdom is a big territory... maybe the same size as Aerios Kingdom... "House Perius will be going to Aerios Kingdom... and House Maxwell will be going to Southern Beastman Kingdom..." King Ethen said... "So... who will be going to Aerios Kingdom?" King Ethen asked... And one by one, they raise their hand... Starting from House Aslan... Then House Avom... And finally... High Priest Marius... Hmmm, I thought High Priest Marius will be choosing me, since I am a God to them.. but I guess, he used his brain as well, King Ethen has more experience in ruling a kingdom... while I don''t... "So, House Maxwell will go South... with House Ezate, House Nexum and House Klorze..." King Ethen said... and I nodded... So, I will be in a team with Fredrich, Julian and Karl... I hope we can work together... I looked at Fredrich, and he nodded... also Julian give me a smile, and I smile back... Karl... I never talk with him since we left school... But he gives me a smile when I looked at him, and I smile back... "We have five fleets... Auxem Fleet, the Royal Fleet, Sera Fleet, Averos Fleet and Southern Beastman Kingdom fleet... Those who will be heading to Southern Beastman Kingdom, will be using three fleets, Auxem''s, Beastman and Sera''s... since they have more people..." Commander Maxius suggested... He has been standing behind King Ethen these all time... We nodded... "Then... it is our job for now...to ensure safety for the people, and I close the meeting..." King Ethen said and everyone stood up from their own chair and left the meeting... I left the room with everyone as well... "Nicolas..." someone called me... Euclio, Nate, Nathalia, Leon and I looked back... It is Karl... "Hey Karl..." I called him... "Ummm, I am sorry for what happened during school..." Karl said... School? What did he do?! I believe I am showing a stupid face right now... "Oh... that''s okay, I have forgotten that for a long time..." I said to Karl... and Karl look relieved... "I will be entrusting my people to you..." Karl said... "You can count on me..." I said with smile... And he gives me another smile "I''ll be returning to my ship and help my people move to your fleet..." Karl said and I nodded... He then left us... "He changed..." Euclio said... "Into a better one..." I said We left the room, and return to Beastman Fleet... We don''t need to take a long time to return to our ship... we just need June to fly... "Let''s go June!" I said and she fly away... June knows where we wanted to go... it seems that our mind become one lately... We landed on the third deck... which is specially for us... When we land, the citizen on the ship looked at us... I announce about what we have been talking in the meeting... "Those who come from Averos, Epius, Dexus, and Haven have to leave this ship and head to the Royal Fleet or Averos Fleet... and those who come from Auxem, Maxim, Sera and Pantea, stay here... and we will record your name here in this ship... so that we can give you room to stay..." I announced... The idea about giving them rooms is just across my mind... but Euclio nodded in agreement... It took five days, to move the people to the right ship... We asked for blanket from the other ship, since it is going to be really cold down there in the south... After the preparation completed... "You will need 3 months for you to arrive at Neku..." King Ethen said to me... He is visiting my ship and we are on third deck... He is accompanied by Commander Maxius and Commander Victor... "Don''t worry, we can do it in fifteen days..." I said... And the three of them looked at me in surprised... "We used WIND and WATER magic..." Euclio explained... "3 months?! Down to 15 days?! That is 6x faster!" King Ethen said... "Which is why, you need more food and water than us..." Euclio said... King Ethen nodded... Normally, they will need two months for their fleet arrive at Aerios Kingdom... "Nicolas... thank you for everything..." King Ethen said while smiling and patting my head King Ethen is a good man... "That is my responsible as a Temporary Archduke..." I said to King Ethen... he laughs... "When Clement is back... he will be so proud of you!" King Ethen said... I nodded... "Thank you" I said to King Ethen... I hope, when we return to Neku, Tousan has been found... also Grandpa... With me, we have Ed and Euclio only.... The other are helping the soldiers... "Ed... I entrust my son to you..." King Ethen said... "It is not his responsibility anymore..." I said... And King Ethen looked at me in surprised... Yes, Ed is no longer Ethan''s kingsguard "It is now our responsibility..." I said and everyone around us nodded... "We will be staying together all the time..." Euclio saidThis text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. "So, don''t worry about him..." Euclio continues He then looks relieved ... "Thank you... when will our fleet be departing?" King Ethen asked Commander Maxius... "In an Hour... we can''t spend more time in the sea or else, we will out of stock for foods and drinks..." Commander Maxius said... "Then, we will be leaving after you left..." I said... and then King Ethen come closer and hugged me... Which is I am quite surprised... "Take care of yourself..." King Ethen said "I-I will..." I told him "You are like a son to me..." he said to me... And I am quite surprised with that But from his tone... I know that he is serious it... He then let go... "Jeremiel is like a brother to me... and so, you are like my own son... make sure that you survive!" King Ethen said... I nodded... "I am actually much more worry about you..." I said while teasing him... and he laughed... "Don''t worry, I have both my best strategist and warrior here by my side..." King Ethen said... I think that might be true... "Be careful of the Elven''s attack..." Euclio reminded him... and King Ethen nodded... King Ethen looked at Euclio... "You are very different from your Father..." King Ethen said... Ummm is it bad or good... Euclio looked confuse... but King Ethen smile... "In a better way.... Much better... one day, you will be a great king..." King Ethen said... "T-Thank you..." Euclio said... it seems that he is blushing... Then King Ethen looked at Ed... he looks really sad... And also hugged him... "I am sorry, for not raising you as my child... that is my biggest regret I have done in my life..." King Ethen said... "N-No that''s okay..." Ed said... "Treating Jeremiel''s son as a Kingsguard... is really... sad for me to see... I hope you understand why I am doing this for you..." King Ethen said... Ed hugged him back... "Don''t worry, you are much more fatherly than you thought... King Ethen... and I am happy that I can grow up as a Kingsguard... not as a prince..." Ed said with happy face... King Ethen released him from his hug... "Are you sure?" King Ethen asked... he is crying... K-King Ethen is crying?! All of us looked surprised But Ed, he remain calm... "I am! You are the best King and best Father I have ever known..." Ed said... Now King Ethen''s tear keep flowing... he is touched by Ed''s word... After a while, King Ethen wipes his tear... and he looks so happy... "Thank you Ed..." King Ethen said and patted Ed''s head... "We have to leave now... it will take time to return..." Commander Maxius said... "Fine, let''s go!" King Ethen said to both of his Commander And King Ethen left us with his Kingsguard... After they left... We return to everybody else... "I never thought that King Ethen really kind..." I said... "Yeah... me either... that is a good thing..." Euclio said... "He is always that kind... but he never exposed it..." Ed said... "Really?" I asked... "Really?" a voice behind me... I looked back... "Ethan?" I called him... "All ready, and we are ready to go..." Ethan said... "Are you sure you are not going with your father?" Euclio asked Ethan... "Of course! The more I stick with you guys, the more fun I got..." Ethan said with smile... War is not fun... "But still, stay on guard..." Euclio reminded him And he nodded... "Where are our other friends?" I asked... "Precilla is staying in the last ship... while Roxane is staying in the frontline..." Ethan reported... "You will be in this ship Ethan..." I said and he looks happy... "Eria is watching the left wing of the fleet and Erin is watching.... The sky..." Ethan said while pointing out at Erin... I looked at Erin... she looks like... enjoying her life... which is good... She looks pretty peaceful these days... "Let her be..." I said... Everyone nodded in agreement, I guess everyone knows already about Erin''s background story and about she kills Leo the Lion "The right wing?" I asked... "Not yet... I can''t decide who..." Ethan said "Hmmm Rueger is our Kingsguard, he must be here with us... and I need you and Nate to learn how to command the fleet... and Nathalia should be with us..." I said... "Let me take the right wing!" a voice behind me... I looked behind... and it is Nathalia... "W-What? No way! You should be here..." I said "Hey Nisan! Are you underestimating me?" she asked me while pointing her sword to me... "Ughh no..." I said... "Then! I will be going to the right wing..." Nathalia said... "Oh! I will help her, with Lisa..." Rick said to me... He overheard our conversation... "Okay... please keep her safe..." I said to Rick... "Leave it to me!" Rick said... And Lisa smiled... Nathalia looked at me with annoyed face... "W-What?" I asked... but then she left me... What is wrong with her?! I just want to protect her... Ed, Ethan and Euclio laughed at me... "Having a sister is hard..." Euclio said to me... I let a sigh... "It is..." I said... I looked around and see Nate... he is with Rin as his translator talking with the beastman army... And the captain on the fleet come to me... He is about to say something... but I don''t really know... "He said that our supplies could only last for a month journey..." Ethan explained... Now, the three of us looked at Ethan in surprised... Even the captain... but he looks happy... "Oh! Ethan learns every language! I just remember that!" Ed said... "Every language?!" both Euclio and I in unison... "Yes! Dwarven! And also Elven Langu-" before Ed finished his word... Ethan closed his mouth... "Ah! The Royal Fleet is leaving!" Ethan said and change the topic... I looked at the Royal Fleet, and they had moved... "Say to the captain to set sail!" I said to Ethan... And Ethan talked to the captain... in Beastman Language... The captain nodded and left... "Wow... Ethan! That is amazing!" Euclio praised him while hitting Ethan''s back... but I looked at Ethan and see his annoyed face and I laughed... And I believe Euclio is just playing around with him... Nate jumped from the first deck to the third deck... And surprised all of us... "Nisan!" Nate said "Woahh!?" I said in surprised... "What?!?" Euclio said in panicked as well... And everyone on the first deck looked at Nate in surprised as well... "What?" Nate asked... D-Did he just thought that it is normal?! "Ugh... normally you can''t jump up to two decks at once..." I said Then I see Karl on the first deck... what is he doing! "Karl! Come up here!" I shouted and call him... "Sure!" Karl said and he left the first deck by walking with stairs... normally... not jumping... "That is how you should act in front of people..." I said to Nate and he just laughed... After all of us are on the third deck... Ed and I were about to use our magic and push three fleet at once... "Ethan... Nate... Karl... the three of you should help Euclio in case anything bad happened... like sea monsters..." I said... The three of them nodded... "What should I do!" Rin asked me while jumping around... "Oh... can you remind Precilla, Roxane, Nathalia and Eria, to summon a [FIREBALL] if they found something that could threat our fleet? So, that we knows if they are in danger" I asked Rin... and he nodded... and jumped... after activating his Elemental Fighter... And he is on the ship beside us already... That is fast... "Euclio..." I called his name... and he nodded... Euclio ask the mage to send the signal... The mage shot 1x [FIREBALL] up to the sky, which mean that we are going to go, and I am going to use my WATER MAGIC, while Ed is going to use his WIND MAGIC After the shot... every people on board, hold tight "Ed..." I called him and I give him my staff... "Wait... how about you try using the staff..." Ed said... "Hmmm? Why?" I asked... "I think we can arrive faster... since your basic power, without staff is high already... if you use the staff, it will amplify much bigger... and it will be much more efficient..." Ed said... Hmmm, that is actually make sense.. I looked at Euclio, and he nodded... "Okay..." I said... And... ''Create... Water....'' "Waitt waitt..." Euclio said... "What else?" I asked in a bit tired way... "If your power is too big, you will destroy the entire ship..." Euclio explained... T-That is true!! And I can only see Karl gulped... "You should do it gently..." Euclio reminded me... "Okay... okay..." I said and I concentrate my power... I feel the staff absorbing my mana... And... "[WAVE]" I said it... And I can feel the ship was pushed in an instant... But, I guess that it is too much power... Everyone even shouted... including Euclio "WAAA!!" he shouted "Slower!" Euclio yelled at me and I do what he said... and it seems that the wave is getting easier to control... "Can you make it a bit more powerfull?" Euclio asked... I showed a disappointed face... "N-No... I mean, at first you must control the wave in a soft way, but then, you can push it harder after it moved..." Euclio explained I let a sigh and I nodded... Someone come into our place... "Rin?" Euclio asked... "We are 10x faster now..." Rin said... What... Ten times already? "Does it cover the entire fleet?" I asked Rin... and he nodded... I try to make the [WAVE] stronger... And... Erin come inside and hurry... "Hey... it is 15x faster now... I think that would be enough..." Erin said... If I do this and plus Ed... I looked at Ed... Ed nodded... And I can see a green spherical light appears behind her... "[WIND]" he said... And the [WIND] starting to blow the ship even faster... Rin move outside to check the fleet''s condition... But then Ethan come in... "20x faster... I think we should stop it right there..." Ethan said in scared way... Everyone nodded in agreement... Even Karl''s face is pale already... After I get the feel... it is easier... I can leave the deck, and my magic will go on without me being on top of the deck I can read books now, with Ed in the library... Euclio, Nate, Ethan and Karl are watching the situation... Erin return to her place which is on the left wing and Rin is watching the people in the ship... "So... everyone got their own room?" Ed asked me... "Yes... this is a carrier ship... and it is enough for 3000 persons... each family take one room..." I said while reading... This is a History Book About Beastman Continent... It is about their Kingdom under Navroth... during the Great War 2... Until a hero save them... a hero of both North and South Beastman Kingdom has been proud of... "Zerotus Maxwell?!" I said in surprised... "W-What happened?" Ed asked me... I looked at Ed... and he come closer to me... he take the book, but before he read it, I explained it "You see... our grandpa... is the hero of both Northern and Southern Beastman Kingdom..." I said And Ed looked amazed... "Woahhh... how did he do it?" Ed asked... I haven''t read the part... But no explanation in it... It seems that they have a statue of him, in Bazo... "No explanation... but they got the statue of him in Bazo..." I said to Ed... "I see, I guess that is why Neku was welcoming us without any problem..." Ed explained T-That is true... Ed returned the book to me, and looked around the library and search for another book... "Ed... do you think we can win the war?" I asked Ed out of a sudden... He stopped searching for books now... "Of course! We will conquer the North... while Aerios Kingdom will attack the Elven Kingdom with the help of King Ethen..." Ed said while looking at me... "But Navroth..." I said... The other Kingdom might be easy, but Navroth is the real challenge... After I passed out back then in Auxem, they told me what happened... About the black barrier that suddenly spawned and cancelled Ed''s attack... I then let a sigh... "Black Barrier is not a game... there won''t be any spell that can destroy that thing..." I said... Since Black Barrier is the highest rank of Barrier Magic "But you see, maybe we can counter it with swordsmanship... or maybe Fusion Magic" I said Yes... that is possible... Barrier Magic doesn''t affect physical attack... and Fusion Magic decrease the user''s mana much more than normal magic... Umm... why Ed hasn''t replied any of my conversation... where is he? "Ed?" I called Ed... Where is he? I stood up from my seat... and search for Ed... And I found him staring at a bookshelf... He then took out a book... and show it to me with his mouth open... "Advance... Wind... Magic?!" I said in surprised... "Okay! You should study this" Ed said but I hold him... Ed has learnt that during Sera under attack by the invisible, in the old granny''s shop Euclio told me... "Not now... " I said "Huh? Why?" Ed asked "If I learn it now, the effect of speed to the ship will be gone..." I said And Ed just remembered about that... We are 20x faster... and we will keep doing it for 12 hours... Now I am calculating it... We will be arriving in 9 days... "Ed... are we the only mages within our party?" I asked Ed... "Hmmm Euclio can only to Basic Tier of water..." Ed said... "Oh! Karl can use fire!" I said remembering the old days during Auxem School... He can activate fire... but I don''t know what tier is he... "What is that for?" Ed asked me... "Hmmm maybe there are more books like that..." I said while pointing at the book that Ed is holding... "So, if you found a fire book, told Karl about it..." I told Ed "I see, okay!" Ed said with his face full of proud after hearing my decision... The library is not as big as the library in the Royal Fleet... but there are a lot of book stacks here... And after four days... "Nisan!" Ed shouted... We are in the library... "What is it?" I asked while running toward Ed... "WHAT?!?" I shouted... I believe everyone in the ship could hear my shout... Euclio, Ethan, Nate, Karl, and Rin come to the library within a minute... "What is wrong?!" Euclio asked "Are you guys okay?!" Ethan asked... "Y-Yeah... Yeah... all good..." I said But Euclio shows a distrustful face... "But... Ed found this..." I then showed them the book title... "You are kidding me?!" Ethan said... "T-That is insane!" Euclio said... "Master... Holy.... Book..." Erin read it... This is the book I always wanted... Please tell me, it is a healing book... And I was about to open it... but Ed hold it... "Ahh... of course..." I said And I remember that I am activating a spell now... I guess I have to be patient for now... On our ninth day... "Land!" our soldiers shouted... and the captain come at us in hurry... And talk to Ethan... "Stop the spell!" Ethan shouted... And both of us instantly deactivate our spell... As a result, there are an impact... that makes everyone falls to the floor... I help the captain to stand up... "Let''s check the fleet..." Euclio said while running toward the deck... And I can see that we are in the harbor already... the front ship is on the beach already... There are soldiers around the beach, soldier of Neku... "Nico... let''s get down first..." Euclio said... I nodded... We prepare a board so that we can walk down to the port... After the board has been prepared... we walked down from the ship to the harbor... When we get down... I can see Fo already... "Nicolas-sama!" Fo called me and run toward me... Behind him is Javier... and also Tyr... The three of them come toward me, and give me a bow... "Who is living in the inner wall?" I asked a sudden question to Fo... "The nobles... and the rich..." Fo said... "We have thousands of civilian here... can you help us finding a perfect place for them?" Euclio asked... We should have plan this... "Neku is a big city, with little population... there should be enough space for them..." Fo said... "No, there will be chaos if the Human Race and Beastman Race combine..." Javier said... And I couldn''t be more agree anymore... "How many person live in the inner wall?" I asked Fo... "Hmmm hundreds..." Fo told me... Everyone is watching our conversation from the ship... "Buy all of their belonging..." I said to Fo... "Hmmm... I am sorry... What did you just said?" Fo asked... "Buy their land and houses twice the price... so that they won''t hate us since we need the land..." I said to Fo... Fo looked at me speechlessly... But he nodded anyway... So... in the meantime... the civilian should have to stay in the ship for one more day... It is noon today... but the weather is cold... I can see Euclio shaking... But then Erin come to us, with blankets... "Thanks..." I said to her... "No problem..." she said... Wow... she is talking... It''s not that Erin never talk, but usually, she just give us a nod... I am still not used to it, with the new Erin... but I like the new Erin more.... "Let''s head inside, Nicolas-sama..." Javier invited me... to the castle... Should we walk? We asked the soldiers to bring June here... After they prepared a board for June, June comes with the carriage... "We will be waiting for you in the castle..." I said to Javier... but he looks annoyed... "Nope... I will be there first..." Javier said while teasing... "Umm.. is this a race?" Euclio asked... "Yes!" Both Javier and I said... "Let''s go!" Javier said and steal the first start! "That is cheating!" I said while June is running as well... To be honest, Javier is fast... Faster than June... In five minutes, we arrived at the castle... and June is out of breath... When she stopped at the lobby... I open her from her mount... And she flapped her wings before she flies away. It seems that she miss the sky already... Poor June... "Oh... you have arrived..." Javier said from inside the lobby... And all of us looked surprised... "Fine! You win!" I said and he laughed happily... "You are fast!" Ed praised him and he is really happy now... It is only the five of us including Javier... And we move to the meeting room... the five of us... Euclio, Ed, Erin, Javier and I The other are taking care of the fleet and the people... Javier give me a map of Neku... "Hm... the southern Neku is spacious... to be honest, the whole population of the city could have fit in the northern Neku..." Javier explained... "How about the inner one?" I asked... "Fo-sama is doing his job... but I believe some of them will refuse..." Javier said... So... this will be hard... "Locating the Human Race inside the wall, will make the beastman race feels discriminated... I suggest, the southern Neku for the Human..." Javier said... Euclio nodded as well... "I guess that is the only way..." Euclio said... I nodded... "Erin... tell the soldiers to prepare the people to move by tomorrow morning..." I said to Erin and she nodded and left... "Javier... can you tell your men and asked them to move to the north... and leave the south for human race?" I asked... "As you wish... Nicolas-sama..." Javier said and left the room... After Javier left... "Hmmm I hope we made the right choice..." I said... Euclio looks like laughing... "You see, you are just a boy... a mistake is alright..." Euclio said to make me calm... "Don''t worry nisan! I guess that is the best thing we can do for now..." Ed said to me... I looked at Euclio and Euclio nodded as well... I then let a sigh in relieved "Fine... let''s do this!" I said The next day... I can see Ethan, Nate, Leon and Karl doing their jobs... they are the next head of their house... except Nate actually... but I think I will give him the House... I am too tired... Nathalia as their counselor... as always, the smartest one... Nathalia vs Euclio, which one is smarter... Nathalia is a genius, even Euclio admit it... The difference is, that Euclio is concentrating in the art of war, while Nathalia is concentrating in the city management... Both are smart in different ways... Now, it is my job to talk with the Beastman Race... they looked mad at us... but I am their king... I give them an announcement yesterday, that I will be talking in front of the people of Beastman Race today... in the plaza... and here I am... Facing thousands of beastman race... "As you know, there will be a human race, living on this city..." I said... And Erin translate it... "Therefore, I want to keep the harmony of the city... this city will be great, imagine the city where Human Race and Beastman Race live together..." I said and Erin translate it... After Erin translate it... there are a lot of disappointed faces... But I have to use my authority this time... "My name is Nicolas Maxwell... and I am your King..." I said and Erin do her job... They all looked at me... "So, I want all of you, to respect my decision! Which is why... I will create an arena... for those who wanted to oppose me..." I said... After Erin translated the words... I create a small arena out of Earth Magic... like a high-ground arena... My purpose of doing this is to show my strength, since the beastman race only bow to the strong one. That is a proposal suggested by Javier, he is pretty smart too... I stand on the arena... but no one dare to come on... "I will not kill..." I said And Erin translate it... After she translate it... there are a lot of people wants to fight me... it seems like hundreds... But none of them could win against me... On that day, I dueled more than tens of person... and also, we created a tournament with the people of Neku... We also let them drink... the stock of wine from the castle... Now, I feel like I am gaining their trust... A lot of people show a friendly attitude to me now... Until it is late at night... Nate and Ethan picked me up with the soldiers of Auxem... Seeing that, the Beastman Race looked at them with annoyed face... "Oh... is it over?" some of them asked... "You should spent more time with us!" another one said speaking in my tounge... "I will return tomorrow, to bring some changes in the city... a better one..." I said to them... But they looked at each other... Are they afraid of something? I guess that they are afraid of something bad is going to happen... But I decided to ignore them and left with Nate and Ethan... They give me a loud shout... "For Nicolas-sama!" a man shouted... I can hear that... I looked back... "FOR NICOLAS-SAMA!!!" everyone shouted in unison while drinking their wine... I let a sigh in relieved... I am happy now that they are trusting me... "They are totally attached to you..." Nate said to me... "Of course! Beastman Race need to acknowledge their own King... which is why I dueled with 80 or 90 person..." I said... Hearing the number I just mentioned, both Nate and Ethan looked at me with their jaws falling to the floor... And it is fun... We come toward June... and Enter the carriage with Ed, Nate, Ethan, Euclio and Erin... I look at the clock... "It''s 1 AM already?" I said in surprised... The sky is dark and chilling to my bone... but I never thought that it is already this late... "It is... which is why we picked you up..." Nate said... We return to our castle... and I found everyone is sleeping already... Nathalia, Precilla, Roxane, Karl, Fredrich, Eria... it seems it is our turn to sleep as well... "Fo... can you assemble for an emergency meeting for tomorrow? Invite Lex the Lion... and also the Koo the Turtle..." I asked him... I met him in the hall way... "Of course... Nicolas-sama..." Fo said... "Is there a space for you and your family to stay here?" I asked Fo... and he nodded... "Of course... this castle is very big... there are more than 500 rooms in this castle... so no worries..." Fo said with a smile... "Thank you..." I said... "Oh! And also, tomorrow before lunch, we will have another meeting about the condition of the city..." Euclio said to Fo... "Of course... Euclio-sama..." Fo said... and he left us... Argh... it''s been a tiring day... Erin return to her room with Rin... Ethan sleeps with Ed... And... I sleep with Euclio... And Nate with Leon... Leon has been busy, helping the other fleet... which is why I didn''t seen him for the last few days... The next day... before lunch the circular table with Ennea, our world here... on the table... There are Commander Sherryn, Commander Javier, Fo, Ethan, Nate, Leon, Fredrich, Karl, and Julian... Behind Ethan, we can see Ed... Behind Nate, we can see Nathalia and Rueger.... Behind Leon, we can see Rick and Lisa... Behind Fredrich, we can see KoS... Behind Karl, we can see guards from Pantea... Behind Julian, we can see Persey... And Behind me... Euclio, Rin, and Erin... "Hmmm let''s we inform you first..." I said to Javier, Fo and Sherryn... "Perius Kingdom is no more... and has been taken by Reudora Kingdom..." I said Javier nodded and so does Sherryn... it seems they knew already, since we brought all of the civilian here, to Neku... "Fo, how is it?" Euclio asked... "The inner wall has been emptied... and I want to ask you something if I may... Nicolas-sama..." Fo said "Sure, go on..." I said "Who will be living behind the castle''s wall?" Fo asked me... "Beastman Race, that doesn''t mind living with Human Race... and Human Race that could live harmony with Beastman Race..." I said Fo, Sherryn and Javier looked at me with a surprised face... And everyone seems agree with me... That is what Euclio told me last night... I give a nod to him... "Oh... and also, how''s the condition of Beastman Race?" I asked Fo once more... "They are happy with you... since last night feast you held... Nicolas-sama..." Fo explained... I am glad that they are happy... I thought it will be hard to gain their trust... but a feast is enough... There are still a lot of topic to be discuss... "How about our the meeting with Koo the Turtle and Lex the Lion?" Euclio asked Commander Javier... "Both of them, accept your terms... becoming this Kingdom as Puppet Kingdom..." Commander Javier said... "Good..." I said That is actually easier than I thought... "It seems that your House has a really big impact to Beastman Race... which is why we are accepting you easier than we thought..." Commander Javier said... I nodded... Maybe something related with Zerotus Maxwell, the hero of Beastman Race... I looked at the next person... and it is Sherryn... "Any sign?" I asked her... But she shook her head... I let a sigh... "Keep searching for him..." Euclio said "Yes... Euclio-sama..." Sherryn said "I will be continuing my investigation now..." she said to me and stand up... "Okay..." I said and she give me a bow and left... Next is... Nate... "How is it Auxem citizen? Does everyone got their own house?" I asked Nate... He nodded... I looked at Fredrich... and he nodded as well... Julian... nodded... Karl nodded... So, everyone got their own place... "Now, make sure all of you interview them well... for those that want to live harmoniously..." I said and everyone nodded... The human race was moving to the southern part of Neku since yesterday... "Oh... how many houses are there inside the wall?" I asked Fo... "Tens of thousand..." Fo said... "Then... Auxem a hundred person, Sera a hundred person, Maxim a hundred person and Pantea a hundred person.... While Beastman Race four hundred person... for these two days..." Euclio said... "To make everyone inside the wall, equal..." Euclio continue... And everyone nodded in agreement... "We are in the Beastman Kingdom... we came here not to conquer... but as a refugee, make sure to act kindly..." Euclio said to Nate, Julian, Fredrich and Karl... and four of them nodded... And... "Make sure you find the proper Beastman Race... not those who only seek for fight..." I said to Fo... And he nodded... "Neku... Neku''s family, bring them inside the wall... they got special privilege..." Euclio said... Fo nodded... Is there anyone I know... that should live within the wall... "Oh! You should bring Doctor Frans! And also that old lady..." I said to Fredrich... it seems that Fredrich understand... "Sure... anyone else?" Fredrich asked me... "Monica, from the steak house... make sure you bring her in... with her family and give them a big house... also the guild in the Inner Neku, will be lead by Sera Southern Guild..." I said... Everyone has no problem with that... I looked at Nate... do I have someone I know in Auxem... "Santa!" Nate said... how can I not remember my teacher... "Find the biggest building in the inner wall... make it as a school... for both every race!" I said to Nate... and he give me a nod... I guess that''s all of today... "You all dismiss" I said... And everyone left the room... Chapter 39 - The New Adventurers After the meeting, Me and Fo the Panda went toward the Northern city of Neku... where the beastman race live for now... Fo and I are standing in front of the people of Neku... and behind me, Euclio, Erin, Rin and Commander Javier... "For those, who want to live within this wall... they will receive education, better life, better protection..." Fo the Panda said... "In one condition..." Fo said "Is it money?" "How much should we pay?!" "No...No, it is for free!" Fo said... Then everyone looked confuse... "But you have to live together with the Human Race..." Fo said... Now I can see their disappointed face... What is wrong with living with Human Race? "Why is it a problem? For you to live with other race? You have to be used to it... there are a lot of races in this world..." I said Now everyone turns quite... "Nicolas-sama! I want to live with the Human Race!" one person shouted... And I see a monkey tribe? "Come! You and Your family inside the wall!" Fo said immediately "You will receive a good treatment!" Fo said "I-I want to!" a buffalo tribe said "Move forward!" Fo called the buffalo... "I want it too!" "Hey! Me first!" "Pick me Fo-sama!" Now everyone is racing to enter the wall... and we can see more people enter the wall today... "I leave it to you..." I told Fo, and Fo nodded... "Thank you..." Fo said... I return to the castle... with Euclio, Rin and Erin... When I return... I see food has been prepared... but it seems that we are going to eat in different time... While we eat our lunch... "Nico... you should take a rest..." Euclio said... He looks a bit worried about me... I am tired and I don''t have any free time lately... since last night I was having a feast with the beastman race, also I dueled a lot of people... but still, "Yeah, I think I have to... but there are a lot of things I have to do..." I said to Euclio... Euclio looked at me annoyingly... "Hey! You should depending in us more..." Euclio said "Let me and Erin do it... you should take a break... before the meeting with Lex and Koo..." Euclio said... Hmmm I planned to visit the Southern Neku... but it seems that Euclio force me to take my time... "Fine... I will, Rin... accompany me for practice okay?" I said to Rin... and he nodded with a smile... It''s been a while since I talk to Rin... After lunch, I decided to learn the new magic I got... Master Level... of Holy Magic... Master Level is a tier two of manipulating magic... Like Water Magic... tier one is to manipulate water... and tier two is to manipulate Ice... like what King Feurius did... If Holy Magic could control light... what will be the second tier... "Gravity?" I said while reading the book... "Manipulate... Gravity..." I said and... I am holding my staff... And it is flying... "W-Woah..." Rin said in surprised... How to control the gravity? I looked at the book... "[HIGH] means low gravity, so you can make a person fly high..." I said while reading the text... "[HIGH]" I said and cast it on my staff... And it is flying higher! "[LOW]" I casted it... and then it come back to my hand... I think I have the feeling already... "R-Rin... do you want to fly?" I asked him... and he nodded happily... "Of course! Of course!" Rin said without thinking of te dangerousness H-He surely trust me... I come toward Rin... and he smiles happily... with his tail moving around... R-Rin is so fluffy... I decided to pat his hair... "Um... Nisan?" a voice behind me... "N-Nathalia!?" I called her... I immediately pulled my hand... "What are you doing?" She asked me... "Ummm you see, trying new magic..." I said "And do you really need to do that?" Nathalia asked... "Y-Yeah Yeah! It is necessary!" I said to defend myself... After I touch Rin... "[HIGH]" I said... And he is starting to float in the air... "I-I am flying!" Rin said... But can he move forward... and keep flying upward... "Is that the Master Tier of Holy Magic?" Nathalia asked me... and I nodded... Nathalia looked amazed... "Oh Rin... try to punches the air with your Elemental Fighter..." Nathalia suggested... "Oh! That''s a good idea!" Rin said from above... He then punches the air and moving around while floating... "Woahh! It is fun!" Rin said... "[LOW]" I said... And he is getting lower, and until finally he reaches the ground "Aw... I want more..." Rin said... "What is that?!" Ed and Ethan come toward us... And both of them are already on guard, like something has happened... "You see.." "I was flying!" Rin said and cut my words... Ethan and Ed looked like they don''t believe it... but then they looked at me... "Is it the Master Holy Magic?" Ethan asked me... And I nodded... "Hey... can I borrow it?" Ed asked... "Sure!" I said and give the book to Ed... It would be great if both of us can do it... When Ed opens the book... "Ummm... Nisan?" Ed asked... It looks like something wrong... Ethan look at the book first... and he looked surprised... When I see the inside of the book... "Nothing?" Ed asked me... It is blank! "What?! How can it be?!" I said in confusion... "The book above Expert Tier... is a one time use only..." a voice behind me... "R-Rueger?!" I called him... He come closer with his golden armor... "Can you do it?" Rueger asked me... I nodded... "You are entering the stage, where only 0.1% of mages are able to do it..." Rueger said to me and he looked so proud... The other looked at me with amazed eyes... "You all should eat your lunch!" I said to remind them... "Ah! Of course! Let''s go!" Rueger said... And everyone return to the dining room... They all eat their lunch... while Rin and I accompanied them... Fo and Commander Javier entered the room and joined us... We are all talking like a friend... Ethan, Nathalia and Ed is talking with Fo... Rueger and Commander Javier is talking as well... it seems that Commander Javier is so happy, that he can talk with the tenth... Eria and Fredrich come inside the room and join us... it seems that Eria helped Fredrich during the selection of people from Sera in the inner gate... "How''s your magic?" Fredrich asked me... while choosing a place to sit... Now everyone looked at me... I looked them back... it looks awkward... "Yeah... it works..." I said while eating my food... Now everyone looked at me in surprise... "What tier is it? All of you look surprised?" Commander Javier asked... "Mas...ter..." Fredrich said... Now Commander Javier looked surprised as well... "Only 5 people in this world... that is Master Tier or above in witchcraft..." Rueger begin his explanation... All of us looked at him... "one... is Navroth..." Rueger said... That is not very surprising... "Two, your father..." Rueger said while pointing at me and Ed... "Three, your father..." Rueger said while pointing at Euclio... "Four... King Vaeril..." Rueger explained... Vaeril? King of the High Elven Kingdom... "And... you..." Rueger said... .... "T-There should be more people that could do it without we knowing them..." I said "Yeah! But look at you! You are a mage! Which is only 10% of the lucky people!" Euclio said... "Also... now, you are belong to the 0.1% group from all mages..." Euclio said again... Then, a soldier come to our dining room... "Nicolas-sama... Lex the Lion and Koo the Turtle has arrived..." the soldier said... I nodded... "Javier, Euclio, Ethan, Erin and Rin... come with me... the other please do your job..." I said The four of them stood up from the chair and accompany me... "Rueger, can you accompany Nate and Nathalia?" I asked... And he nodded "Of course, Nicolas-sama..." Rueger said I really miss how Rueger explained about the only five person in this world that are able to use Master Tier Magic... I feel like we are back to the mansion I lived, Auxem Mansion... After we left the room... we can see both Lex and Koo in the lobby We can see Lex accompanied by a tall alligator... he is scary... While Koo... is accompanied by two other turtles... "Nicolas..." Lex greeted me... "Lex..." I called him... "He is our king... Lex-sama... you should address him wit-" Before Javier finished his word... I raise my hand... "That''s okay Javier... he is a friend of mine... in Auxem School..." I said And Lex give me a smile... "Let''s continue our discussion inside..." I said and I lead the way to the Meeting Room which is behind the throne... Also, everyone followed me from behind... The guard that is stand next to the door open the door for us... and I enter the Meeting Room... I seat on my own chair and everyone is sitting on their own chair now, I started the meeting... "So, this is about the Great War..." I said... Everyone looked at me... "First... of all..." Lex said out of a sudden... Now everyone looked at Lex... "The reason that we are following you, is because you are a Maxwell..." Lex said... I nodded... "Also... we choose to join Navroth... because we are afraid of you at first..." Lex said "Your father told me already..." I said And he stopped talking... Everyone is looking at me now... This table looked a bit intense... Until Lex cool it down... "Which is why, I believe in you... and I believe my father was wrong..." Lex said "You are a man with kindness... which is why you are like a magnet for everyone back in school days..." Lex continues... "Also, my father was a bit insane... and he thought about this world taken by you..." Lex said while he let a sigh... I never know this other point of view of the story... "Which is why, he did whatever he can to kill you... before you even have a thought of destroying or ruling the world..." Lex said... Everyone in this room is hearing his word carefully... "But... I believe in you..." Lex said... "You were hated... but you have friends... and also a supporting family... which is why, I believe, you will grow into a fine man... the man that will make peace to the 12 Kingdoms..." Lex said... "Like what your ancestor did... Auxillium Maxwell... I admired him... and so does Zerotus Maxwell... the one that save our race from extinction..." Lex said... All of the beastman race in this room nodded... "T-This is the first time in hundred years... I agree with the Lion Tribe..." Koo saidA case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. All of us look at Koo... "You are different from your father... and I believe you will rule better... no... much even greater than his reign..." Koo said to Lex... "T-Thank You Koo..." Lex said... and he looks a bit embarrassed... "How about you Koo? Do you believe in your current leader?" Javier asked Koo... "I don''t know... but King Ethen entrusted him with half of the population of human continent... it means that he is a competent leader...." Koo said while staring at me... His stare... like he stare through my soul... But... I guess it is because of his age... he looks old... "And... also, uniting the Beastman Race and Human Race... that is something people never did in the history of beastman kingdom..." Koo said... "That is why, I will give him the chance..." Koo said...while still staring at me... "Thank you, for the chance..." I said to Koo... "Is there anything else?" I asked... ..... "I have to say one more thing..." Lex said... I nodded... Lex looked at Erin and Rin... And he stood up... "I am sorry for what we did to you and your tribe... if you want a land in this beastman Kingdom... you can choose any place within our kingdom...." Lex said while bowing... "Ahh... you see, that''s okay... I am fine living with Nico..." Rin said with a bit panicking... Lex stand up straight... and look at me... "I am sorry for troubling you, but please keep him safe... it was our biggest mistake... even Koo has reminded us back then... and I was still too young to understand..." Lex said... I nodded... "He will always be with us... don''t worry..." I said And Lex return to his seat... I never thought that Lex would be this kind? Is that the word? Or maybe gentle... During school, he looks like the bad boy in school, the leader of the gank of beastman race, with Gina "Ehem... then, let''s begin..." Euclio announce... "We will attack Northern Beastman Kingdom..." I said to them... And everyone looked surprised... and the room become busy "Are you sure? Why?" Lex asked... While Koo just ''cihh'' "That is a second plan..." Euclio said... "At first... we will negotiate..." Euclio continues... "You will take Northern Beastman Kingdom?" Lex asked me... Koo is showing a distrustfull face... "Koo... calm down..." Javier said... "We just met today, and you ask for my army?" Koo said... "No... do you want to face Navroth or PAQ Alliance?" Euclio asked... Then Koo remain silent... "We are avoiding any war..." I said to Koo... "Navroth is much more powerful, but she is thirst of blood... and will create more wars... while we are trying our best to avoid wars..." I said... "The first thing we are going to do... is negotiate... if they are agree... you all will be serving under me... as my puppet kingdom..." I said "And under my rule, you can switch side anytime you want..." I said Euclio, Ethan, Rin, Erin and Javier looked at me in confusion, also Koo and Lex... "Yes, as long as the people save, I am okay with that... the survival of your own city is the most important thing..." I said Hearing my words... Koo looks relieved... "How to negotiate?" Koo asked "What if they turn down the offer?" Lex asked... "Then, Nicolas-sama can threat them... and shot them with some magic he got..." Javier said... Lex looked at me... "I know that you can use five elements... but can you really threaten the whole kingdom?" Lex asked me "He is now a Master Mage..." Euclio said... Now... Koo and Lex looked at Nicolas with their jaw dropped to the ground.... "Y-You are kidding right?" Lex asked Euclio... "Nicolas-sama now, can control gravity..." Javier said... Ugh... this is now become uncomfortable... Hey! Even Javier never see me using it! "So... I want you to prepare your troops in a week, and travel to Zero..." I said... They all nodded... "The meeting is over..." I said "Let''s look around the town... we will guide you..." Javier said to Lex and Koo... Both of them nodded... "I will be helping the people.... oh wait..." I said Lex and Koo stopped... "We will be meeting Santa-sensei actually... wanna join?" I asked Lex... "Hmmm sure... I guess that''s fine if you are fine..." Lex said "Sure..." I said "Rin... you help the other okay...." I said to Rin... "Okay!" He said cheerfully... We walked to the Lobby... and found Karl... "Karl! Have you eat?" I asked Karl... "Nico! Lex?! Yes I have eaten..." Karl said... "Come with us, we are going to meet Santa-sensei..." Ethan said... "Really? Sure!" Karl said... Then afterwards, we met Precilla and Roxane... "Lex?!" Roxane sounds surprised... "Hey!" Lex said... "Did Nico arrange a reunion for us?" Precilla asked... "N-No... we were discussing things..." I said And they understand... "So, where are you guys going?" Roxane asked... "We are going to meet Santa-sensei... wanna come?" I invited them... "Sure... let''s go..." Roxane said happily "W-Wait... how about the people?" Precilla asked... "Don''t worry, trust it to the guard..." Roxane said... Ummm did I interupt their job... Precilla and Roxane stand in front of me... And Roxane looks surprised... He is staring at my? Hair? "N-Nico!" Roxane said in surprised... "W-What?!" I asked... "Y-You are growing so fast!" Roxane said... "Ughh... I thought it was something important... let''s go" I said "Wait! You are taller now!" Precilla noticed it a bit late I ignored both of them... "Hey, you should not ignore your senpai here..." Roxane said... "That is why you never get a girlfriend!" Roxane continues "P-Prepare June!" I said to the soldier and everyone laughed... I asked the soldier to prepare June... But then, I forgot that they can''t speak our tongue, so Lex translated it for us.... June come and all of us enter June... except Lex... Lex talk to his Alligator, and asked the Alligator to stay... Then... Lex is standing next to June... "Are you sure you don''t want to be up here?" I asked Lex... "I am fine... that is Beastman Race habit..." Lex said He wants to run toward the school, since Beastman do not use carriage or other mounted animal... "Okay... make sure you catch up..." I said... Then we left the castle, and head to Santa-sensei inside the wall... Lex is following us behind, with his four hands on the ground, running really fast.... We asked Nate before, where the school will be, and it will be the biggest building in the Inner Wall... "How''s Auxem?" I asked both Roxane and Precilla... both of them are helping Nate and Nathalia, and now, both my brother and sister are migrating the people from the outter wall to the inner wall... "So far, we have brought like 60 people inside the wall, including Santa..." Precilla said... "Nate give him the biggest land in the inner wall... and several building..." Roxane said... I nodded... I believe Nate knows what he is doing... After several minutes, we arrived... I can see Santa with several teachers around... When they see our carriage arrived... all of them keep staring toward our direction... We left the carriage... and "Santa-sensei!" Roxane shouted from far... "R-Roxane?" Santa said... Roxane looks like running toward him... and we followed him from behind... Ethan, Euclio, Precilla, Lex and I... Roxane give Santa a hug... "Wow... look how you have grown..." Santa said happily... Roxane shows a smile on her face... And then Santa looked at us... "Oh... look who we have here... King Nicolas and King Lex..." Santa said... "Ahh, I ain''t a King..." I said to Santa... "He is something, higher..." Lex said jokingly... and everyone laughed... "It is very odd... to see you and Lex going along... also, with Ethan?" Santa said... I give a hug to Santa... "Well... time goes on..." I said "Yeah, on your first year, you dueled Lex, on the second year, you dueled Ethan... and here we are, together..." Santa said... "Thank god he didn''t fight anyone on the third year..." Euclio said... "Ah! Euclio... of course, I believe it is thanks to you..." Santa said... "Me? Yeah, taming Nico is quite a challenge..." Euclio said... "T-Taming?!" I said in a bit offended way... "Yeah, but we are cool now, and Nico is getting stronger!" Ethan said to Santa... "Hello Ethan! Nice to see you again..." Santa said and hug Ethan... "I am happy to see you too..." Ethan said... "How is the school?" Precilla asked... "Ah Precilla! Yes, Nate give us 5 building.. and a big field..." Santa said... "What do you need?" I asked Santa... "We need tables... chairs... but don''t worry, we have the money... what we don''t have is... Beastman Coins... our currencies are different... which is harder for us to exchange our money..." Santa said... I nodded in agreement... How to solve the money problems "We can make everyone in the inner wall, buy or sell using both currency, Perius and Beastman Currency..." Euclio said... "That is possible..." Santa said... "New currencies?" Ethan asked... Everyone looked at Ethan... "It will be hard for our currencies to be accepted by other..." Santa said... Santa got the point... "But I am actually planning to make a new currencies for Southern Beastman Kingdom..." Lex said... "If that what you want, you will need them work now..." Euclio said... "How about the resource of this kingdom?" Santa asked... "We do not buy resources from any other Kingdom... we have our silver and gold mine..." Lex said... "Silver and Gold... you should start doing it now then... where is the mining place?" I asked "It should be near Saltvein..." Euclio said... Lex nodded... "When could it be achieve? Everyone using the new currency?" I asked... "Month..." Lex said... "Then, you will have to tell Koo about this, ask his people to mine silver and gold..." I said He nodded... "Then, we should go with Euclio plan first for now..." Ethan said I nodded... "I will be leaving today... there will be a lot of thing to manage..." Lex said... I nodded... "Santa-sensei..." Lex called Santa... "Yes?" Santa asked... "Please educate everyone in this place, like you did in Auxem School..." Lex said... "That is what I am planning to do... trust your people to me... King Lex..." Santa said... Lex looked a bit annoyed... "I prefer you to call me with Lex only, Santa-sensei..." Lex said... "Okay Lex..." Santa said while smiling... "I will be going..." Lex said to everyone... "Careful..." I said He nodded and left us while rushing... he runs like a lion in my previous world... "And you will need man? I will assign Auxem Troops..." I said to Santa and he nodded... "Thank you for understanding..." Santa said... "No, we are thankful that you want to help us here..." Ethan said... "Yes, with you are here building a new school, there will be more people from beastman race come to the inner wall..." Euclio said... "Oh, we need to check the other... let''s visit Doctor Frans!" I told the other... "Oh! I want to ask about him... who is this Doctro Frans?" Euclio asked me... "Y-You don''t know?" I asked... "He is the retire doctor of the royal family right?" Santa asked... Ethan nodded... "R-Really?" I asked... I just know about that... "Yes! He cure me once from a sickness when I was young... but I forgot what sickness, since then he received a lot of praises from everyone..." Ethan said All of us looked at Ethan... "Wow... you never told me about that..." I said... "S-Sorry, I am talking too much... but let''s go!" Ethan said... "Precilla and I will be here for a while, then we will continue our job..." Roxane said to Ethan, Euclio and I... and we nodded... "Me too... I will be with Santa-sensei..." Karl said... "K-Karl?!" Santa-sensei looked surprised... "Hello..." he said... "I didn''t see you... sorry..." Santa said and give him a hug... "T-That''s okay..." Karl said... After they finished the reunion... "The three of us will be leaving..." I said... "See you..." Santa said while waving his hand... We are walking away while waving our hand as well... The weather is cold... but the people has been given a proper outfit... and it is quite late... "It''s time for dinner..." I said... "Let''s return first..." Euclio said... Ethan nodded... "Oh!" I said I just remember something when we arrive in front of the carriage... "What is it?" Ethan asked me and sounds panic... "June... I will be trying something new... is that okay?" I asked for June''s permission and she neighed happily... I activate my magic... "Create... Light..." I said And yellow spherical light appears above my head... I touched the carriage, and... "[GRAVITY 0]" I said it and... "I got a bad feeling about this..." Euclio said... "Everyone up!" I said and Ethan also Euclio enters the carriage... We enter the carriage and... I sit on the bench on the first floor... and hold tight, and so does the other... "Are you sure about this?" Ethan asked me.... "Nope... Fly June!" I shouted and... June flapped her wing, and I can feel the carriage is lifted up... "Wo...wow wooahhh!" Euclio shouted... "Woahhhh!" I shouted Euclio''s shout sounds afraid... but mine is the excited one... "Yeah!" Ethan shouted... and he looks happy as well... We are flying quite high, until Euclio stopped shouting... "Are we there yet?" Euclio asked me... "Come Euclio! Open your eyes!" I said... I can touch the clouds... inside this comfortable place... Euclio slowly open his eyes... "Ughh Nico... we should buy another carriages... the wind is chilling me!" Euclio said... "And als- aaaaaarghhhhHhhhh" And June started to going downwards, with high speed... and within seconds... we arrive in a field... The carriage is safe as well, no damage at all... Before doing this, I asked Tyr to buy me an armor for June that is not blocking June''s wing... The soldiers are gathering around us and look at us speechlessly, there are the beastman soldiers and the Auxem, Sera, Maxim, or Pantea... All of the soldiers here are combined by Javier... In this kind of time, the most important job will be a translator... A beastman race soldier come and approach me... and speak a language that I don''t know, but he gives me a letter... "Thank you" I said while taking the letter from him... I look at the Seal... it is from King Ethen... I believe he should be arrive at Aerios Kingdom in one and a half month... ''To Nicolas Maxwell... Take the Northern Beastman Kingdom after we take Elven Kingdom... Which will take around 6 months or more... The purpose is to make Navroth afraid with our fast movement... But, if you heard something bad happen with Aerios Kingdom, go attack Northern Beastman Kingdom at once... Also, attack Elven Kingdom, then aid us in Aerios Kingdom... you don''t have to be in hurry... We will survive the war... as always, since the Great War 1... Make sure that you stay alive... There is no guarantee that Southern Beastman Kingdom will always be safe and Navroth won''t come... she might come and looking for you... Good Luck... King Ethen'' That is what the letter said... Euclio and Ethan is reading behind me as well... I give the letter to Euclio so he can read it easier... After 6 months King Ethen said... Then, there will be a lot of things could happen in this Kingdom... 3 months has passed... "Nicolas-sama... Euclio-sama... wake up... it is 6 AM already..." Rueger waked me up... "Ughh... okay... thanks Rueger..." I said while sitting down on my bed... The one that live in this castle is only Euclio, Ethan, Rin and Erin... also Rueger and June... I gave a limit to the person who could stay here... While Nate and Nathalia will stay together in Kastil... Kastil is actually the inner wall, we decided to name it as Kastil... and there are tens of thousand citizen that is currently living in Kastil... Euclio predicted that in a year, the population in Kastil will be 80% of the entire population... Not only Neku, Auxem, Sera, Nexum and Pantea... but also those who come from Reudora Kingdom territory now... which is a lot... also from Bazo and Saltvein... Surprisingly, there are quite a lot, visitor from Northern Beastman Kingdom, High Elven Kingdom and Wood Elven Kingdom... At first, I am quite afraid... but then, Rin and Erin handled them... the spy will be known instantly, since Erin and Rin have the ability to reads people mind... not read... but sense... There are a lot of spies trying to enter the city, but we reject them as always... Neku 6 months ago, is a million population city... but now, it almost double... Now, we accept five thousand people daily... All of the survivor from the Human Continent has been living in Kastil this past week... "How is it our currency?" I asked Javier... "Surprisingly, we have a higher rate than the Northern Beastman Coin..." Javier said... It is not Northern Beastman Coin previously, the north and south used to be having the same currency, until five months ago... "What''s the rate?" Euclio asked... "1 to 3..." Javier said... That is quite a lot... 1 Gold of Southern Beastman is equal to 3 Gold of Northern Beastman There are no news coming from the Aerios Kingdom... while we are actually has created a balance Kingdom... We are currently on the balcony of the castle... sitting and relaxing... watching the view of Neku... "This is a peaceful life I have been dreaming..." Euclio said... "It is... I hope life goes like now forever..." I said... Hearing that Javier laughed... "Then, both of you should work harder to maintain peace..." Javier told us... And both of us let a sigh... "Oh Nicolas!" Ethan come in... "Yeah?" I asked... "I will be living with Ed, Eria, Lisa and Rick from now on..." Ethan said... "Y-You are going to move?" I asked... "Yeah, sorry, but I guess we are going to be adventurer... again..." Ethan said... "T-That''s sounds fun..." I said... "Now I envy you..." Euclio said... missing the old days... It is still in the morning, and we have just finished our breakfast... "Fine..." Euclio said... Adventuring.... I then remember about my brother and sister... They never tried adventuring before! "Oh! Ethan!" I called him... He turns back... "What is it?" Ethan asked me... He was about to leave... "Can you ask Nate and Nathalia to leave their job... I want them to have fun as well... bring them to the guild..." I said "What? Asking Nate to leave his job? That would be very hard..." Ethan said... Yeah, Nate is a hard working boy... "Nevermind... I will talk to him..." I said I stand up from my chair... "Now?" Euclio asked me... "Yeah, we are procrastinating..." I said "Fine..." Euclio said... "Let''s go..." Euclio said while standing up... "Javier, we are leaving..." I said to Javier... "Please be careful..." Javier said... We move to the first floor... and saw soldiers talking... A beastman race and human race soldiers talking to each other... that is a dream that come true... When they looked at us, walking downstairs... they stand on guard... and give us a bow... We passed them... and see June in the field... "June... I guess I will walk today..." I said to June... and she neighed... She flapped her wings... and left us... "S-She looks happy leaving you..." Ethan said teasing me... "H-Hey... she is loyal to me!" I said with a bit afraid as well... Euclio laughed... We walk and leave the gate... which is only like a fence... This city is weird... there are two walls... one is the outter wall... which is basically protecting the whole city... While the inner wall is protecting Kastil... and also the main castle... So, unlike Seraviel... the main castle has no more wall... When we left the gate... in front of us is a big plaza... The small fence is guarded by two guards... from a beastman race and a human race... In this plaza, there are a lot of great shop... like, the Steak House! They are open right in the main plaza... Also, Doctor Frans''s house... He received a lot of patient lately because of his fame... As well as Monica... We visit her every week, and make everyone interested with her restaurant... When we are walking through the crowd... everyone give us a way, and some of them even bow to us... I give them a bow as well... I guess, when they saw me bow... they are surprised... That is why, lately more people bow... including the Beastman Race... And I bow a lot on our way to Nate''s house... Euclio and Ethan laughed at me... always... But finally, we arrive at Nate''s house... Nate''s house is a three floored house... Two Auxem guard is guarding the house... When they looked at me... they bowed... "Nate-sama is not home yet..." one of the soldier said... "Nathalia?" I asked... "She is home..." the other soldier reported... I nodded... and the soldier open the door... I enter the house... and Euclio and Ethan followed me from behind... The house... look really expensive... it has a good floor... But no servants... I see Nathalia sitting on the sofa... near the fireplace... and relaxing herself... She then looked at me... "N-Nisan?!" Nathalia looked surprised... She immediately run and jump to me... I catch her... "What are you doing here?" She asked me... and she looks really happy... "Looking for you and Nate..." I said... "Hey... you are getting heavier..." I told her... Then her mood change... For a while, I can sense a bloodlust... Euclio and Ethan looked away while holding their laugh... "Nisan? What did you say?" Nathalia asked me while smiling... "I-I mean you are growing..." I said nervously... and she laughed... She let us seat on the table... "Let me cook something for you!" Nathalia said... and she goes to the kitchen... "When will Nate return?" I asked her... "Hmmm, he should be returning for lunch and I will accompany him working till dawn..." Nathalia said... "Wow... I wonder why Maxwell is always a hard worker..." Euclio said whisperingly... Ethan nodded really hard... Even I can hear that... I am a hard worker? I daydreamed a lot these days... But they seems to know that Ed is a hard worker as well... "Where is Ed by the way?" I asked Ethan... "Ed, Eria, Lisa and Rick are doing a mission..." Ethan said... "Guild?" I asked... Ethan nodded... "And finally, tomorrow I can join them!" Ethan said happily... That is really good... I want to do adventuring as well... "But today, you should accompany them first..." I said to Ethan... and Ethan nodded... Yes, Ethan must help Nate and Nathalia to registered themselves in the guild... "Who is the Guild Master?" Euclio asked... "Still the same person... Oriel..." Ethan said... I never went to the guild... "The guild is huge!" Ethan said... "How big?" I asked... "I guess bigger than your mansion in Auxem..." Ethan said while teasing me... "A-At least, Auxem''s Mansion is a comfortable place to live..." I said... "Yeah, I miss your bedroom in Auxem..." Euclio said... "And so do I!" Nathalia said and she bring us foods... "W-Woah! C-Curry?!?" I said in surprised... "W-What is this food?!" Ethan said "Why is it so colorless..." Euclio said Nathalia nodded proudly... "Nate-nisan have tried it... and he love it!" Nathalia said... "R-Really? But it smells..." Ethan said... "Itadakimas!" I said and immediately eat the food... "Itadakimas?" Both Euclio and Ethan looked confused... but Nathalia laughed... "Hmmm Human Race has interesting food..." Euclio said while examining the food... then he sees a chicken underneath the curry "Itadakimas!" Euclio said as well... and start eating... And his reaction... "T-This is! Food!" Euclio said with a mouth full of rice... Ethan looked at Euclio in surprised face... He then try a spoon of rice mix with curry... Nathalia and I looked at him... to see his reaction... And... Ethan stop moving... But then, he continued eating his food, until he finished it all... "You should make a restaurant! I bet you''ll be a great businesswoman!" Ethan said after finishing his part... While Euclio... "C-Can I add more!" Euclio said... "Sure!" Nathalia said happily... It''s been 16 years since the last time I ate curry... I was 16 in the previous world, and now I am 16 in this world... Then Nate enter... When he saw us... he looked surprised... "N-Nisan? Euclio? Ethan?" He called us... while opening his shoes... "Yo Nate... how''s the day?" I asked... "Ah, there are a lot of things to do..." Nate said... A hard-worker... "Such as?" I asked... "Hearing the people''s opinion... Interviewing the people that are trying to enter Kastil..." Nate said while moving to the kitchen to wash his hand... "Nate-nisan~" Nathalia greeted him in the kitchen... "Hello Nathalia..." Nate greet her back... Both of them sounds cute... Nate sit with us... also Nathalia next to him... and Nathalia serve Nate a plate and also Euclio another plate... "T-Thank you Nathalia!" Euclio said... And Nathalia could only laughes... "T-The food is great right!" Nate asked the other... especially me... "Curry right? That is the best!" I said... "I never eat something like this! You see, I feel really warm now..." Ethan said... While Euclio.... he is eating... We can only laughed... After both of them finish their food... "So... actually, I have a task for both of you..." I said Nate and Nathalia looked at me seriously... Euclio and Ethan could only laughed... "W-What is it?" Nate asked... "I want you to try adventuring... and continue your school...." I said to them... "W-What? School?" Nathalia asked... "Ummm... Actually...." Nate is about to say something... Now, it sounds like we said something wrong... "What is it?" I asked Nate "We got a special treatment... and both of us are graduated already..." Nate said... "W-What?!" I said in surprised... "H-How about us?" I asked about Euclio, Ethan and myself... "The three of you are given a special privielege as well, so... the three of you are graduated... including Ed as well..." Nate explained... and Nathalia nodded... I-I can''t force them to adventure now... "So, we don''t have to go Adventure..." Nate said... "Nope! That is an order..." I said... "H-Heh? Nisan? You are using order! That is cheating!" Nathalia said... and she looks so cute... Even Ethan and Euclio laughed... "B-But, there are a lot of things to do..." Nate said, while Nate looks so sad... "An order... as your brother..." I said... Nate and Nathalia looked at me... in a confuse way.... Also, there is this moment of silent, that make everything awkward... "Fine..." Nate said, breaking the silence... even Nathalia looked surprised... "Since it is you are the one that asking... I will do it..." Nate said... T-That is a surprise... even Euclio and Ethan show a shock relation, both of them looks like just got hit by a thunder... "That is great... Euclio and I will manage Auxem..." I said while standing up... "Leaving already?" Nate asked me... "Yep... I should be preparing myself and head for the wall..." I said... I should change Nate so that he can have fun without any worry... "I-I see... thank you Nisan..." Nate said... "Make sure to return here for dinner..." Nathalia said... "Of course! Euclio come on!" I asked Euclio that is still shocked with Nate''s fast respond... "O-Oh... okay..." Euclio said and he stood up... he just come back to his sense... "Ethan! I will be leaving them to you..." I said... But no response... "Ethan?" I called him once more... "O-Oh?? Sure!" Ethan said... Everyone is surprised with Nate''s respond... On that day, Nate and Nathalia become adventurer for the first time... Chapter 40 - The Return of Hero Nate and Nathalia has been an adventurer for two months... They become a Platinum Adventurer after a mission... a mission of test... that is a new system of the guild... Both Nate and Nathalia choose a Diamond Rank quest, and they succeeded... and they were acknowledged as Platinum Rank Party Not only both of them... Both of them are teaming up with Precilla and Roxane and a boy... I believe I ever seen him once... He knows me... but I don''t know him... But in this world, there are a lot of people knows my name... But this time, I believe I have ever seen him at least once... Euclio has the same feeling as well... We are now walking around Kastil... and suddenly... "OH! HE IS NOAH!" Euclio said out of a sudden.... "Noah? Who is he?" I asked... "Noah! The one that stay with Ed when Ed is still in regular class..." Euclio said... I gave a thought about it... "Oh! That''s true!" I said while trying to remember... Yes! He helped Ed moving his belonging to the special student room... I also treated him food... as I remember... Which is why he act so friendly toward me... "Roxane said that he is a strong mage..." Euclio said "Really? But why is he on the regular class?" I asked... "Because he is a Kingsguard..." a voice behind me... "E-Ed?!" I said in surprised... Behind Ed, I can see Ethan, Eria, Rick and Lisa... "Hey... Nico, where are you going?" Rick asked me... "I am checking the city... taking Nate''s job..." I said "Wow... you surely works pretty hard..." Lisa said... "He is... and he drag me everywhere..." Euclio said... "Of course! I need you..." I said... "Yeah, both of you fit with each other..." Ethan said... "It will be weird to see one of you walking alone..." Ed said to me... "Haha, I need him, and he needs me, that''s why we are helping with each other..." I said... Euclio nodded... I look at Eria... She is using a house clothing... that''s is weird... Without noticing... a sword is in front of my eyes... "H-Heh?" I said with confusion... I look at the person in front of me... and it is Eria... "W-What''s wrong?!" I said in nervous... "What are you looking at?" Eria asked me... "S-Sorry, I was looking at your outfit... it looks... good on you..." I said with a bit afraid... "Oh! This!" she said and put her sword back to her scabbard... "She said that no one could reach or touch her... so using armor or not is just the same for her..." Rick said and Eria nodded... T-That is quite arrogant isn''t it... "I-I see... but you should at least use a light armor..." I said to her... "Light armor?" Eria asked She looks confused... "Y-Yeah, an armor that is light enough, that you feel like wearing nothing as well..." I said... "W-Wow..." Eria said... S-She don''t know anything that basic? "Then, let''s check the armor shop!" Ethan said to his party member... "Okay..." Everyone said in unison except Euclio and I "Ugh, then... we will be checking the city..." I said... "Fine... let''s go..." Euclio said... When we were about to leave... "Oh wait!" Ethan stopped us... "What?" both Euclio and I in unison... They all laugh seeing me and Euclio getting look alike in behavior... "Do you want to come to our house?" Ethan asked... "When?" Euclio and I in unison... I look at Euclio, and so does he... "Stop following me..." I said "Nope... you are following me..." Euclio said... That is become pretty annoying "Tonight! Let''s eat dinner... with Nate''s party..." Ethan said... "Where?" again, Euclio and I in unison... I can see Eria laughed... S-She is laughing?! And without her armor she even looked pretty... "Why are your face so red?" Euclio asked me while teasing... "N-No, I am not... where?" I asked Ethan to change the topic... "In our house! Your sister said that she will cook for us!" Ethan said... "Sure! We will come!" Euclio said... .... Another curry? I am fine with that... "Okay... we will be waiting for you!" Ethan said... I nodded and both of us left... We are still in the main plaza... Accepting people''s complain... Most of the complain are... about the price of the foods... and it is actually our problems... "We need more food stock..." I said to Euclio... And he nodded... "Most of human who lives in Kastil, can''t have farm... the price of the land in this place is really expensive..." Euclio said... "How about letting them to buy lands outside Neku?" a voice behind me... "Karl?!" I said in surprised... "Hmmm... that is a good idea... we have more people, I believe we have the right to claim more land right?" Euclio asked me... "You see, basically the whole kingdom is ours..." I said... "Then! It is settled!" Euclio said... We are in the main plaza... and I decided to make an announcement... "Everyone!" I shouted... and they all stop with their activity and hear me out... "W-What? Now?!" Karl said in panic but Euclio laughed "That is Nico..." Euclio said to Karl... I can hear their voice.. "I decided to create a new field of work..." I said... And a white tiger come closer... It is Javier... He immediately translated my words into beastman language... "There are things we have considered, such as making more field of work... and also the high demand of basic ingredients of food..." I said Javier translated my words... after Javier finished translating, I continue... "The Kingdom will create fields, farms and barns... where we need a lot of workers..." I said... Javier translated more of my words... "The payment would be two silvers per day..." I was thinking first before saying... After I say the words... more people are interested... There are a lot of beggar inside the city, some of them were farmer... but they don''t have any land here... While the sailor, has been given permission by Nate... and as a result, the cheapest food in the city are the fishes... 2 silvers is actually a lot... a meal could cost only 20 bronzes... After Javier translated my words... We can hear the crowds become busy I continue... "Come tomorrow morning at 7 AM, and gather here in the plaza... and we will start tomorrow..." I said... Then I come closer to Euclio... "How is it?" I asked Euclio... "Tomorrow? Are you in hurry or something?" Euclio asked... After Javier translated my words... he come toward us as well... "Tomorrow? Are you sure?" Javier asked me... I nodded... What we need is rice... and cows, also chickens, lambs and rabbits... "We need a rice seed...a lot of rice seed... maybe potato as well..." I said... Euclio and Javier nodded... "How about the livestock?" Euclio asked... "We can buy it from the market... cows, chickens, lambs, and rabbits..." I said... Javier nodded... "I will ask the soldiers..." Javier said... I nodded... "We need 50 cows... hundreds of chicken, 50 lambs and a lot of rabbits..." I said... "Then, I will prepare it for you... Nicolas-sama..." Javier said... And he is returning to the castle, to assign the squad... "Are you sure about this?" Euclio asked me... I nodded... "We have a lot of areas... in this Kingdom... also the no man area, let''s convert it into something useful..." I said... "Fine... but growing it will takes time..." Euclio said... "I am fine with that... it is better to do something than nothing..." I said... Euclio nodded... "You should find the perfect land, the fertile land..." Euclio reminded me... "Let''s find it then..." I said... "June!" I shouted... And the plaza become quite, everyone is looking at me... Em... I hope she is coming... or else I won''t left my room for the whole week... And she is coming! Arriving from the sky, she landed in front of me... Now, more people looked amazed... "Ugh Nico, you are attracting too much attention..." Euclio said... I climb on June up... she is really big... I help Euclio climb on her... "Oh, okay... we are not going to fly rig- aaARRRRHHHHH" As soon Euclio sit on June, she immediately fly away... June jumped really high... and she flapped her wing in the sky... "S-She is doing it!! Nico!!" Euclio sounds afraid... He hugged me really hard... "We are looking for a fertile ground... near the city, can you help us?" I asked June... and she neighed happily... June moves forward... and we are out of the town... Then she landed... I can hear her foot reaching the ground... When we landed... she neighed... "Is it the place?" I asked June... She neighed... Euclio jumped to the ground... "I-I am walking home..." Euclio said... I could only laughed... but he mean it... "W-Wait... help me out..." I said... "N-No... I am dizzy..." Euclio said... I-Is it for real? I immediately activate my magic... and heal him... "HEALING MAGIC" I said... But nothing happen... And he laughed at me... "Aww... how sweet you are Nico..." Euclio teased me... "H-Hey! That is not funny!" I said... And Euclio laughed... We checked this place around... and it is full of trees... also deers... "Hmm whenever I see deers... I remember that place..." Euclio said... "Oh... that beautiful place... we should bring everyone there, once in a while..." I said... That place is so peaceful... we can only hear the voice of waterfall... It is the place where we found a Yggdrasil in the middle of a floor in a labyrinth... "Apparently..." Euclio said... I hear him out... "That labyrinth is avoided by adventurers..." Euclio continues... "Why is that?" I asked... "Since there are a lot of S rank monsters, even on the first floor..." Euclio explained... "Oh... I see..." I said... I then remember about the shade, that is trying to kill me... That is the nearest death experience I have ever felt... "How many labyrinth does this kingdom have?" I asked Euclio...Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Three... one near Bazo, one near Saltvein, and the other one is the one that we entered..." Euclio said... "Do you know, that if we do not clear the monster in labyrinth frequently, a horde of monsters will come out... and it could create a disaster..." I said to Euclio... Euclio nodded... "We need a diamond rank adventurer..." Euclio said... With Diamond Rank Adventurer we can have them to clear the dangerous labyrinth, which is near Neku... "Yeah... let''s create a tournament... I bet people will like it..." I said... "Hey...Heyy focus on the mission first... our top priority are the fields and barns..." Euclio said... "Ahhh sure..." I said with a bit disappointed face... Creating a tournament, remembers me of Lerrich Ezate... "We can talk to Oriel about that..." Euclio said... he notices my disappointments "Now?" I asked... "Sure... nothing else we can do today..." Euclio said... I grab Euclio''s hand... and climb up to June... "W-What?! Again?!" Euclio asked with disbelief face... "You should be get used to it..." I said... "Find... let''s do it slowly..." Euclio said while staring at June... And June neighed happily... Somehow, I understand what June is going to do... After Euclio sit behind me... June jumped even higher.... "Are....you....kidding... meeee!!!" Euclio said to June... while June neighed happily... I also laughed at him... and within a second... we arrived in front of the guild... stomping the path, and make it break... The person around us are shock to death, with our arrival... And it is! Oriel! She is standing in front of the guild with her sword pointing at us... "N-Nicolas-sama!" Oriel said in surprised... Even the adventurer around us are directing their weapon toward us... After they see our face, they put their weapon back... "Oriel! We should create a tournament!" I said to Oriel... Oriel looked surprised... "I have been thinking about that as well... we need to find a diamond rank party" Oriel said with her flat tone.. "Yeah! You manage the tournament okay... we will leave it to you..." I said to Oriel... I think that''s all... "How about the field?" Oriel asked... T-That''s true... we don''t have a big arena... "We can use the school''s training ground..." Euclio said... Hmmm... the school training ground is quite big... I am sure, Santa-sensei will allow it as well... "That''s true... you should talk to Santa-sensei..." I said to Oriel... and she nodded... "There will be only one slots for the Diamond Rank Party..." I said to Oriel... She nodded... "I will immediately ask for his permission" Oriel said "Thank you Oriel..." I said Then she left, walking toward the school... what a hard worker... That is for today... I am tired... "Let''s eat..." I said to Euclio... Euclio nodded... We left the guild and head for the Steak House We ride June slowly to the restaurant... and everyone are letting us to pass... "Nicolas-sama!" "Hey he is younger than I thought..." "He is the King of Wizard?" "Is that Euclio Qiteron?" "Wow.. Euclio the genius?" It is very weird when both of us receive our own title... We stopped in front of the restaurant... and Monica has been waiting for us... It seems that she knew us coming because of the crowd... "June... what do you want to eat?" I asked June... She neighed... "Chicken?" Euclio asked... she shook her head... "Beef?" I asked and she shook her head as well... "Lamb?" I asked... and she shook her head... "Salad?!?" Euclio asked... She neighed... "One salad for June!" I tell Monica... But then June pushed me... "Hmm? Two?" I asked... and she shook her head... Ughh she eat a lot... "Four?" I asked... she neighed happily... "Four salads for June..." I said to Monica and she wrote it down... "Euclio? As usual, and Nico as usual?" Monica asked... "Yes..." Euclio said while we are coming closer to her... We enter the restaurant and see a lot of people inside... When they looked at me... "For Nicolas-sama!" one of the people inside says, while raising a cup... "For Nicolas-sama!..." Everyone said... After they drink... "Buy all of them another drink..." I said to Monica... and I can hear them shout a battlecry... "And cheers for him..." I said while pushing Euclio''s shoulder "Thanks Euclio-sama!" They all said their gratefulness... Euclio raise his hand while smiling... like saying your welcome... Several waiters are giving them drinks that we buy for them... "Ah, let''s go..." Monica said while directing us to the second floor... We move to the second floor... and a lot of rooms... "This is the private rooms... and your only room will be this one..." Monica said while directing us to a room that has the view to the plaza... and the pedestrian can see us?! S-She is promoting her restaurant... as usual... After she left, we talk more about the fertile ground... "How big is the fertile land that will be use?" Euclio asked me... Hmm... bigger is better right? "It depends on the seeds we got..." I said to Euclio... "But, what''s your target?" Euclio asked... "Hmmmm, as big as Kastil..." I said Euclio looked at me in surprised... I just said that we will build a field of rice and potatoes which is as big as Auxem... "Are you sure it is going to work?" Euclio asked me... "I guess... there are some experts farmer we have..." I said... "Then, you should gather them first... announce it for tomorrow morning, and have a small discussion with them... for the tips..." Euclio said... I nodded... The next day... at 7 AM... "Did anyone experience in farming before?" I asked to the gathered people... There are thousands people from human race to beastman race... which make the plaza full of people... Javier has prepared wagons for everyone to travel... also the seeds and some livestocks... Some of them raise their hand... "Come forward..." Euclio said... and they moved forward... There are actually hundreds... "Look at our tools... and inspect them, what do we need more..." Euclio said... The farmers are looking and examining our tools... There are several suggestions, like we might need the help of horses to hoe the ground... I accepted the suggestion... and our horses could later be used... It seems that there are a lot of things that I need to know... So I give them the job... they will receive a part of the land... and maintain their field Watering them, keep the field away from the crows... and other... I will divide the land into hundreds of equal areas... and give it to the selected farmers... That is a new plan! I just need to receive the wheat from them... "Euclio... I will take care of the farmer... you take care of the livestock..." I said to Euclio... and he nodded... I climbed to June... while all of the expert farmers are entering the wagons... And we left Euclio... After an hour of journey, we finally arrived... The farmers leave the wagon... and see a forest... "This is the place..." I said... And they all looked surprised... "B-But the trees are blocking the sunlights..." a farmer said... And all of them nodded... Javier is by myside, translating the beastman race... After he told me... I activated my magic... ''Create Wind...'' And... "[CUT]" I said And five to eight trees were cut at once... We can hear the voice of the trees falling down... Hmmm... I need to it faster... I take out my staff... and... "[CUT]" I said Now, hundreds of trees were cut down... When I looked back, I can see their idiot faces... "We will divide the land into a hundred areas... and all of you, will be responsible for your own field..." I said to the selected farmers... Javier translated my words to the beastman language... "There will be only a hundred people... while the rest of you should work for others field..." I said Javier translated, as usual... after that, I continue... "The man who think themselves can take manage a field... please move to this side..." I said Some of the humans are moving to my side... But after Javier finish his translation... some of the beastman race move to my side as well... "45... 46... 47... 48.... 49.... there are 49 people!" the soldier from Auxem shouted... "There are 49 people... so we will divide the land into 49 equal areas..." I said "The person must responsible for the lost... and will give 100% of the harvest to the city..." I said "These 49 people will be called as the Farmer Master..." I said "They will receive 5 silvers each day..." I continue... "When all of you are rich enough, you should buy lands from the Kingdom, and create your own fields..." I told the Farmer Master... They all nodded... "The rest of you, will be working for them, and receive 2 silvers..." I said and all of them nodded... That is how I manage the farmers... I use [CUT] three more times... and create a really big field... The soldiers are helping the farmers to remove the trees... which take a long time... that is why, we need more people... And I remember that there are still several thousand people in the plaza... I decided to call them... I ride on June... and we fly back to the main plaza... From above, we can see people are still in the main plaza... Euclio is still here too? What is he doing... I decided to land near to where he stand... when he saw me, he come to June and I I get down from June and come toward Euclio... "You''re not done yet?" I asked to him... "I am dividing them to each category, Chicken, Cow, Lamb, Rabbit, and Deer..." Euclio said... And I can see he has divided peoples to five groups... "Are there any people who doesn''t get any job?" I asked Euclio... And Euclio pointed at a group of people... and there seems to be hundreds... "I will take them to the field..." I said to Euclio... "Fine..." Euclio said... Euclio left me... and announced... "Those who have not receive any group yet, will help with the farmers group... enter the wagon!" Euclio commanded... And Tyr is next to him, translating the words... The group of hundreds people enter the wagons, and they will help Javier, which is responsible for the farmers now... We actually done quite a good job... In a month... We have more crisis, since the wheats has not grown yet... but the livestocks are active, and could be use... Rice price are increasing, but meat are quite steady... But the next two months... We have everything... the field we use to plan wheats and potatoes are fully grown... we have even more stock... And so does the livestock... The price for foods are now getting cheaper... Also, the first wave of farmer master have left their farm... and we give the chance to other... The former farmer master bought a land from us, with low price... and now creating their own field... and also hiring people to work with them... which creates more working field... In the next two months, we have winters... but we have a lot of supplies now... We solved our food crisis... Now, into a different matter... "No news yet?" I asked Javier... And he shook his head... It''s actually time for us to attack... but we got no news at all... Is there something wrong with Aerios Kingdom? "We should send them messenger..." Tyr said... "Sending them a messenger will take 5 months..." Fo said... "They said we should wait for them..." Euclio said... I nodded... In this room, there are only the five of us... While Sherryn has been gone for 4 months now... she is searching for Tousan... or grandpa... "Is the Kingdom in a good condition?" I asked Javier... He nodded... "King Lex has been doing great in Bazo... Koo has got more money as well, since we keep producing the golds and silvers coin..." Javier explained... "How about our city?" I asked Fo... "Our city has the highest progress these days... compared to the other two cities..." Fo said... "How about the people? Are there any complain?" I asked Fo... And he shook his head... "There is no trouble lately... but, Kastil will be full soon..." Fo said... I nodded... "How many citizen are now living in Neku?" I asked... "5 millions..." Fo said... "T-That is 5x before we come to this place!" Euclio said... The white tiger nodded... "Which is why, we are thankful for your coming... and ruling us..." Javier said... I don''t mind... as long my people and I have a place to live... "Then, how many soldiers do we have?" I asked Javier... "We have 2 millions of soldiers... and a million soldiers of Perius Kingdom..." Javier said... Hearing that, we are surprised... That is a lot! "How about Saltvein and Bazo?" Euclio asked... "Saltvein has a million, while Bazo has two million..." Javier said... "So, we got six million..." I said... Everyone nodded... "How about Zobu?" Euclio asked... Zobu is the city and the only city of the Northern Beastman Kingdom... "They have three million of soldiers..." Javier said... "W-Wow... we outnumbered them!" Tyr said in surprised... "T-This is the perfect time to attack isn''t it?" Fo asked me... "N-No... remember! We are preventing war... and we will try our best to negotiate..." I said... Javier nodded... "How about Reudora Kingdom?" Euclio asked... Then everyone remains silent "Ten million..." Javier said... ..... "T-That is not possible?!" I said "It is the truth..." Javier said... Perius Kingdom army in total was 5 million... how can they got 10 million while we had evacuated our people... "Are you sure?" Euclio asked... Javier nodded... T-This is impossible to win... "Aerios Kingdom got 5 million as well..." Euclio said... "Also, my Kingdom has 6 million..." Euclio said again... "Garasol KIngdom, 3.6 million... Staviel Kingdom, 3 million.... and Gavenhallen Kingdom 2 million..." Euclio said... So, we are actually winning... "Number doesn''t matter..." Rueger said while coming inside the meeting room... "R-Rueger... what do you mean?" I asked Rueger... And so does Euclio... "In total we have more than 20 million of armies..." Euclio said... "Do you know, why Great War 2 cost so many lives?" Rueger asked... No one can answer... "Because, each time Navroth cast a spell, millions are dead..." Rueger said... I gulped... I-Is she really that invulnerable... "How can they win?" I asked... "Elite teams... elite soldiers... like you... and you..." Rueger said while pointing Euclio and I... "The only person who can do that... is Maxim Maxwell... the third..." Rueger explained... "M-Maxim? Maxwell?" I asked... "So he is a Maxwell! The third!" Euclio said... Rueger nodded... "He is the master of both... swordsmanship and witchcraft..." Rueger said... "It is said, that once... he used the Auxillium Staff, and killed a million of the enemies with only one spell..." Rueger explained... H-He can compete against Navroth! "Where is he now?" Euclio asked... "Yes, we need him..." Fo said... But Rueger raised both of his shoulder... "No one knows... he has been missing for two hundred years..." Rueger said... Huh... as expected from legends... they always went missing... "Wait... so how does Navroth get cornered?" Euclio asked... "Hmmm... Epius Perius, Lares Perius, Neon Aerios, Xekan Staviel, Yeon Aerios, Calum Gavenhallen, Goldrac Godarmor, Leo the Lion, Gana the Elephant, Estelar Illirie, Vaeril Naerel, Alice III, and also... your dad... Feurius Qiteron..."Rueger said while pointing at Euclio... Everyone looked at Euclio "H-He did?" Euclio asked... "He did... every big house are there... except one..." Rueger said... Everyone is seriously hearing his words... "House Maxwell..." Rueger said, while looking at me... not only him but everyone inside the meeting room... "Umm... why?" I asked... "A lot of Maxwell died... Moore Maxwell, the son of Auxillium Maxwell, died after pushing Reudora Kingdom back, to it''s own territory... they previously has taken all city, except Auxem..." Rueger explained... "Maxim Maxwell, killed a million of the enemies in a single spell... but then he went missing..." Rueger said... "Maximus Maxwell, died after protecting Perius Kingdom from Navroth''s God Tier spell... and Perius Kingdom live..." Rueger said... "Megarus Maxwell, died after delaying the enemy, so that Epius Perius could escape..." Rueger said... M-My family... all are dead... They all are a God Race... they suppose to have a long live... but they choose to die protecting the Kingdom... "A-Am I going to die?" I thought... but then I accidentally said it... Rueger looked at me worriedly... Also Euclio... "N-No... you won''t... a Maxwell has a great heart... which is why they always sacrifice themselves for other... but this time, in this time... we are lack of Maxwell... there are only you... Zerotus-sama, Maxim Maxwell... and Jeremiel-sama... the first blood line of Maxwell..." Rueger explained... "S-Sorry, for having bad thoughts..." I said "You are stronger than them... that is why you won''t die..." Euclio said while holding my shoulder... He is cheering me up... "Also smarter than all of your predecessors..." Javier said with a smile... "T-Thanks..." I said to everyone... Then, a soldier come inside the meeting room... and all of us looked at the soldier... "Your Highness... Commander Sherryn has return..." the soldier said... "Where is she?" I asked... I hope she brought us a good news! The soldier move away, and give away for her to come... And I can see, an old man, coming with him... The old man I used to see everyday, with his red eyes, same like mine... "G-Grandpa!" I shouted and run toward him... I hugged him while crying... "Nicolas..." Zerotus said while hugging me back... "H-He is Zerotus-sama?!" Javier asked... Rueger nodded... And Javier, Tyr, and Fo bow... "Zerotus-sama..." the three of them call his name... But Grandpa ignored them... "Nico... you are getting...bigger..." Zerotus said while wiping his tears... "Y-You are getting older!" I said... and he laughed... So... what I know, that Navroth is using a teleportation magic... and split them to the entire world randomly... That''s what I learn from Rueger... After a while... "Hey grandpa! Why you never told me that you saved Beastman Kingdom?" I asked... "Hmmm why should I... learn it by yourself!" Grandpa said... He then looked at Euclio... "Ahh... the blue boy! You are still alive!" Zerotus said... "O-Of course! I am quite good in running..." Euclio said jokingly... Zerotus laughed... "Who knows about your coming?" I asked grandpa... "Hmmm no one... but I want to meet my other grandson and granddaughter..." Zerotus said... I nodded... "Let''s keep it that way..." Euclio said... I nodded... "We want to av-" "I know... don''t worry, I have been hiding for hundred years... so don''t mind me..." Zerotus said after he cut my words... "Oh! I hear about the school... I guess I will be teaching again..." Zerotus said... Hmmm, actually.... That is not a bad idea... "Okay... make sur-" "Don''t worry, I will use my mask... you worried too much..." Zerotus said to me... Urghhh... this grandpa is quite annoying... "Oh! Keito-sensei! Do you have any clue about the whereabouts of Maxim Maxwell?" Euclio asked grandpa... He gives a thought... "Nope... he has been missing since the great war... but the staff..." Zerotus said... "Staff?" I asked... "Ah, the legendary staff..." Rueger said... Zerotus nodded... "You should bring me some food..." Zerotus said to Javier... "O-Oh.... S-Sure..." Javier said in surprised... then he left us... Euclio and Rueger laughed after seeing Javier panicking... "You see, he is one of the commander..." I said to Zerotus... "Really? He looks smart... but we are not in a serious talk are we?" Zerotus asked... Euclio laughed... "Yep, we are not..." I said Javier return to the room with a lot of foods and there are 5 other servants that brought foods for Grandpa... After he eat in the meeting room... he left us... And all of us looked at him speechlessly, but still... no one is trying to stop him... When I open the door to the throne... he has gone... "That old man... is really hard headed..." Commander Sherryn said from her chair... "Oh... Commander Sherryn... you did a great job! I will give you some reward and off time if you want..." I said to her... and she looks happy... "Thank you Nicolas-sama..." Sherryn said and she stood up and left us immediately... Looking that I am surprised... she looks pretty tired thou... "T-That should be a hard 4 months..." Euclio said... I laughed... "Now... Tousan left..." I said... Grandpa and Rueger are back already... Now, another soldier comes in... Oh please good news, good news... "Your highness, we got a message from Reudora Kingdom..." The soldier said... R-Reudora?! Everyone in this room looked surprised... The soldier give the letter to me... and suddenly, I feel the bloodlust from him, I look toward him, and I see he is about to stab me with his knife... But instantly, Tyr, who is sitting and the closest one to me, grabed the soldier and scratch his face with his paw... Tyr did not kill the man... "GUARDS!" Javier yelled... And several guards come to our room... There are up to eight guards... combination of Beastman and Human Race... "Take this man to the prison!" Javier commanded... All of them nodded... Tyr release him... and I can see, bloods flowing from his face... Euclio has been in front of me for the whole time, with his stance... The guards bring him to the prison... I thing he passed out... "Are you okay?" Euclio asked me... I nodded... I looked at where he was about to stab me... and nothing... no blood, no wound... Soon, after the situation return to normal, I looked at the letter... and I can see the Reudora Emblem on it... A dragon emblem... Reudora Kingdom has an emblem of dragon, while dragon race has an emblem of pegasus... I unseal the letter and read it... "Dear Nico, my beloved son... I believe you won''t be dead, by that kind of attack... since you have Euclio beside you... and a lot of your Beastman Friends... Which is why, you are the biggest threat of Kasan''s war... and I will always find you... Come back to me... and I will spare the Southern Kingdom... My Armada will attack you in a week... my soldiers from Northern Beastman Kingdom will advance in a week... I have two times of your army... You won''t be able to message your allies, we blocked every path... and you won''t be able to run... You have no chance in this war... just give up, and return to me, in Reudora Kingdom... Your Okasan, Queen of Reudora Kingdom..." .... Everyone remains silent... Euclio looked at me worriedly... he knows what am I going to do... "I-I should-...." "No..." Euclio said.. "Everyone will die!" I said... quite loud... I look at everyone else... "No, you should not leave..." Rueger said... "Why?" I asked... "M-Myself is only a soul... I won''t let she kills millions life only for me..." I said I am shaking... I can feel it... my body can''t stop trembling... Fo looked at my shaking body "No, we won''t let Reudora Kingdom to have you..." Fo said... Now everyone looked at Fo... "Y-Your people might be slaughtered!" I said "Yes... but you are our King... our real King... you want to sacrifice yourself for us, your puppet... that is wrong..." Fo said... Javier nodded... "You are a good person Nicolas-sama... you seek for peace... and we need people like that in this world..." Javier said... "Also... you are a man with mercy, when I dueled you... it is supposed to be a duel to death... but you didn''t kill me, do you? Instead, you heal me after the match... you are a man with honor ..." Tyr said... Rueger nodded... And so does Euclio... "We should find a way..." Euclio said and he grabbed the letter from my hand... Euclio read the letter... "There supposed to be some kind of mistake..." Euclio said while reading the letter... and we all waited for him... "Ah!" Euclio said... now everyone looked at him with intense stare... "She said... that they will attack us in a week... while, she wants us to hand over Nico to Reudora Kingdom..." Euclio said... "........................" No one understand... Euclio looked disappointed... "Oh!" Javier understand... "It is a three months journey to return to Human Continent... which is now Reudora Kingdom... so, sparing our lives is a lie..." Javier said "Yes, we will be dead first before Nico land in Reudora Kingdom, since they are going to attack us in a week..." Euclio said... I-I see... "Also..." Euclio said... All of us looked at him intensely... "We can win the war..." Euclio said Everyone now is looking at him... "How?" Javier, Tyr and Fo in unison... "She said... ''Return to me, in Reudora Kingdom...'' don''t you think that she will not join the war?" Euclio asked... Now, we can see smile on everyone''s face... "Okay! We should prepare it immediately..." Tyr said... "N-No... we must first... evacuate the people..." I said I looked at Euclio, to make sure my words are correct... And he nodded... "Where?" Javier asked... Hmmm... "Saltvein..." Rueger said... Everyone looked at him... "That might be a good suggestion... fleet can''t cross Saltvein, the water is freezing..." Euclio said... "How about the human?" Javier asked... "We should produce a lot of heavy clothes..." I said... "But the food will be harsh there... which is why, they always bought food from us..." Euclio said... Ugh... then Saltvein would be a secondary option... We can''t think anything else... Run... where? Dwarven is our enemies... and so does Elven... We are surrounded by our enemies... And after rethinking about the plan... "Just let them stay where they are... and we should not create panic in the city..." Euclio said We all looked at Euclio... "Are you sure? Euclio-sama..." Javier asked... "We are not planning to lose right?" Euclio asked Javier... And I can see a smile on Javier''s face.. "We are not..." Javier said... "Y-You guys are insane..." I said "We just finished creating the farm and barn, and we are leaving? That is unreasonable..." Fo said with a smile... "Yes! Defending it to death is the best option!" Tyr said Everyone nodded... I let a sigh... "But double the guard in the sea... and also prepare our ships..." I said "Also, we should remind Bazo... they are the closest to the Northern Beastman Kingdom... they will got hit first from the land attack..." I said Javier nodded... "We will be having naval war... while Bazo will have a land war in Zero..." Javier said... "We have five million, we should reinforce Bazo at once..." Euclio said "I will take a million of our troops..." Javier said and stood up... "Remember... don''t tell anyone else..." Rueger said to Javier... He nodded... "Tyr, you come with me..." Javier said... And he nodded... Both of them left with a million troops... "We should tell Nate..." I said... "Wait... first... Keito-sensei..." Euclio said... and Rueger and I nodded... And all of us prepare for war, without the people noticing it... Chapter 41 - Rule the Sky! It''s been a week... Oh... About the tournament... it will be held this month... Oriel has asked Santa-sensei... but the school is active as usual, they have a lot of events... until this month, Oriel got the chance to book the field of Neku School... But.. We have to delay it more... And today is the seventh day... We announce to the citizen to stay at home... since there might be a chance of war happening in the sea... And so, the city has been quiet all day... The soldiers are on their fleet... and Euclio put all of the siege weapons to the ship... so that the ship can launch an attack for long-distance... The ship in our world, have no siege weapon... Euclio suggests this, and everyone accepted it... We build ballista in every single ship... that is a new thing since heavy siege weapons are usually placed on a fortress, not on the boat. The normal warship only uses mages to attack with range... and archer with arrows... But Magic Attack could be easily blocked by Barrier Magic... And arrows countered by Wind Magic Also, we change our flag, it is a PAQ Alliance but also a Lion Emblem from the Southern Beastman Kingdom... It''s 2 AM... And the weather is very cold and the sky is dark, we can barely see with our bare eyes... We prepare torches on the coast of the line... And soldiers armed with spears on the beaches... but archers on the hill and coast... Nate''s party and Ethan''s party has been informed about this... And we show them the letter... Nate''s party on the beach, and as well as Ethan''s party... Nathalia and Euclio are with me... Rueger is with us as well, he will be in charge of protecting me... The fleet is lead by Javier... he has returned from Bazo, after informing a potential attack to Lex the Lion from Reudora Kingdom... We can''t see the enemies without any light... While our fleet has been docking for the last three days, and has been prepare for the war anytime... "Send the Torches..." I said to a soldier... And he gives a signal to the fleet... Torches is small ships that is guarding the perimeter of our fleet... and then we burn them using the fire arrow... So that we can see, if the enemies are coming... And we keep sending them every 10 minutes... When the sun has risen... 6 AM... "The enemy has been spotted!" a soldier said... I was sitting down with Euclio and Nathalia... Immediately... we stood up and direct our view to the ocean... We are currently on a cliff... So that we can watch the entire battlefield... The enemy is marching... Our soldier blows the horns to remind the fleet... We have thousand ships, and we align them in a line... so that the it would be much more effective... Not only balista, the ship behind us were equipped with catapult... Those were Euclio''s idea... He is a genius The frontline of the ship would be the balista... since balista has shorter range, but easier aim and more destructive... While the backline, are the catapults which has more range... I look at the enemy... There are tens of thousands enemy ships... moving and come closer to us... "Fire Ship..." Euclio said... And the soldier beside us gives a signal to our ship from the other sea... I look to the other side of the sea... and I can see hundreds of our ship are ready to ambush them... The ship from our west, which is the Fire Ship are starting to move... "Create... Elements..." I said... And... "[WIND]" I said and casted to our Fire Ship on the other side... to make them moving toward the enemy ship... The soldier from the Fire Ship jump to the water... and abandon their boat... It is the Fire Ship... and I learn it in history class... in my previous world... Euclio praise my idea... We will burn the Fire Ship, and make it crash to the enemy ship... and it is an unman kind of ship... so we will have no casualties, but lost in resources... The effect will be great, it will destroy the enemy''s formation... And, on the east of our fleet... we have our ram fleet, the fleet that will crush the enemy fleet from the short distance... and knock them with the ram... In a short time, we could manage it in time... we have two million soldiers right now, that is the reason we can build everything pretty fast... Now, a hundred of thousand army is on the fleet... while the rest are on the land... The Fire Ship is getting closer to the enemy fleet... and I can see the enemy shooting arrows to the Fire Ship... But, the ship is unman... Also, when the enemy set fire on our ship, it immediately become the fire ship... Do we really need to burn the ship?... all of our ship has been burnt by our enemy, and it supposed to be burnt by us... and the Fire Ship keep moving forward, and crash the enemy''s fleet... Arrows can''t stop the fleet... But their mages could stop my fleet, and I feel the resisting power... but I used my staff, and my power is much more dominant than theirs... and so the Fire Ship fleet is keep moving forward My wind pushes forward the Fire Ship fleet... some of them were not yet set fired... "Set Fire!" Euclio said to a soldier... he is the one that gives the signal to the soldiers... Then, our small boats are sailing close to the Fire Ship and the man inside the small boat shot arrows of fire... using... a crossbow... Euclio discovers that machine... he used the Balista principle... Fire rate are low... but the range is almost twice... We burn the remaining Fire Ship manually... and create a really big chaos on the enemy side... Do they really come without a plan? Mages from the enemy couldn''t extinguish the fire... since the fire are too great... Without realizing, the enemy is already within the range of the catapult... "Catapult..." Euclio said to the soldier that has been giving the signal lately... The soldier blow the horn... and the other soldiers from other side are following him... until the fleet could hear it... Within seconds... We can see our fleet shooting catapults to the enemy ships... "Bullseye!" I said... It reaches the enemy ships... and sink them... Catapults are sure powerful, they could sink a ship in just one shot... "Bullseye?" Euclio asked me... But Nathalia laughed... "N-Nothing... focus Euclio!" I reminded him... "Oh!" He said and return his view to the battlefied... T-That boy is too easy... "I think we need to send another one million of soldier to Bazo..." I said to Nathalia... "Yeah, I think their main army comes from the land..." Nathalia said... Euclio agree as well... "Ask Ethan''s army to aid Bazo..." I said to Nathalia... Nathalia nodded and left... "Oh Nathalia!" I called her... she looked back... "Told him that in case of emergency, run to Neku''s Labyrinth..." I told Nathalia... Nathalia nodded... Somehow I have a bad feeling about this... "W-Wait..." I called Nathalia back... "What is it Nisan?" Nathalia asked back with annoyed face... "Ram ship" Euclio said to the soldier... and he gives a sign through torches, so the other soldier on the other side can see... "Bring Nate''s soldier as well..." I said Euclio looked at me speechlessly... "That would be the entire soldier in the coast?" Nathalia said... I nodded... "Naval War, is all about strategy, if we could destroy them before they land... we will have less casualties..." I said... "Are you sure you can defend this city with only the fleet?" Nathalia asked... I nodded... .... There are moment of silent... Even Euclio is a bit hesitating... "Fine..." Nathalia said and left... "You go with them! Call Fo here!" I shouted from distance... "Yeah! I know!" Nathalia shouted while moving down to the beach... where the soldiers gather... After she left... "Are you sure?" Euclio asked me... I nodded... "We have destroyed thousands of their ship, with no casualties..." I said "Don''t be so hasty Nico..." Euclio said... I nodded... "From now on... we have no more triumph card..." Euclio said... I nodded... Then, I can see the ramming ship, rammed our opponents ship... They shoot arrows... and [FIREBALL] to the ram fleet... but they couldn''t hit us, since we protect the soldiers with iron shield... Until... The enemy soldier jump to the ramming ship... And the war begin... We have casualties now... I can see chaos... "Pull the ram back!" Euclio said... And the signal soldiers giving the order... And continued by the other signal soldier on the other cliff Within minute, we can see the ramming fleet moves back... Also, we can see our soldiers on the beach move away from the battlefield... The damage from the Fire Ship is fatal to the enemy fleet... Especially, combine with my [WIND]... the fire spread from the left to the middle of their fleet... And we can see the enemy is retreating... Of course! They suffer a great loss! Then we shout a battlecry... "Yeah!" Euclio shouted while give me a high five... Fo come to the hill where we are up... "Huh.. What? The war is over already?" Fo said while breathing heavily... It seems Panda''s real enemy is stairs... "Let''s get down!" I said and every soldier that come with us move downstairs... Our fleet is still shooting their fleet with catapults... "Oh... I will join you later..." Fo said while lying on the ground... I laughed... Until one moment... I feel a bloodlust... I stopped moving, also Euclio... Then I looked at the soldiers... "Fo! Wake up!" Euclio shouted... And Fo immediately stand up... and move behind us... Euclio in the most front... We are with several soldiers... which are the archers... Are there some traitor between us here?! [REPEL] I used it to the entire soldiers... But nothing happened... so none of them are the betrayal... "Everyone Run" Euclio said It''s too late... Before they can think... their heads were all chopped out from their bodies... In a blink of an eye... I-I can''t see the enemy''s movement... But Rueger blocked a sword attack... Which its blade is right next to me... Then, I can see a man... with longsword in his right hand... He has a white long hair... And with his shining blue eyes... "A-Alduir!" Euclio said...This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. "We got no chance..." Rueger said... "Ho... Nicolas... you remember me?" Alduir asked... And he laughed... He has the same aura with the soldier with white hair back in Maxim... "I am here... to bring you to the Queen..." Alduir said... Both Euclio and I prepare our stance... Rueger is still holding his swords... blocking so that Alduir can''t use the sword... "N-Nicolas-sama! Run! I will buy you some time!" Rueger said... "No... I will not!" I said I can still feel the intimidation aura... but... I can endure it... [WIND] and I pushed him back while holding my staff... A little bit! H-He is not affected by my magic really much... "Hoo... usually, magic has no effect on me... but you are indeed a Maxwell..." Alduir said praising me... "Go!" Rueger shouted while standing in front of Euclio... "Fo... run away..." I said to Fo silently... he nodded and run away... "You see... Rueger, you can''t defeat me..." Alduir said... Rueger nodded... "I can''t... but..." Rueger said And within a second a man was behind him... trying to behead him... Alduir dodge the attack by jumping... And moved back... "We can..." a man said... "W-Who is he?" I asked... He almost defeated Alduir... "That is close..." Alduir said... while cleaning his cloth... "Both of you won''t be enough..." Alduir said... "But... Killing tenth and ninth would be great..." Alduir continues with his smile... Ninth?! So, he is the ninth... the man with heavy armor... "Fighting two God Tier in swordsmanship..." Alduir said... "It will be fun..." Alduir said and move forward to start the attack... And so does both of them... "Let''s run!" Euclio said to me... "N-No! We should help them!" I said "We are only a burden if we stay here..." Euclio said Until, suddenly... Alduir stands behind both of us... We looked at him with our fear... But ninth protected us... With his sword, he blocked us... "Go away kid! This is not your battlefield!" ninth said... "No... we should stop him... right now... today..." I said... "You can even barely push him!" ninth said... "Yes, but we have to!" I said... "He destroyed and killed a lot of kings already...This is should be his final place...For trying to kill me...For trying to kill Julian..." I continue saying with determination... "Fine... let''s do it!" Euclio finally give up... I can feel the cloud is getting thicker here... There would be storm soon... I just need to touch him to win... Alduir swing his long sword... but then blocked by ninth... Rueger immediately come closer to stab him... but... The long sword! It is changing its shape... into a normal sword! And he blocked Rueger''s attack... Ethan''s and Nate''s party are not here... We should do it on our own... When I can see him quite a distance... "[PRISON]" I used my staff, which is quite fast... but he still able to dodge it by moving to other place... Which is to my place... but ninth protect me... as always... Euclio move and attack Alduir, but dodged every of his attack... And again... [PRISON] But again... he dodge it... This time, it is Rueger''s time to attack... and Alduir block some of his attack... Until suddenly... Alduir got hit by a tree? Tree.... I looked at the direction of the tree... and... "G-Grandpa!" I shout... "Ah... fourth!" ninth said... "ninth? Why are you here?!" grandpa asked while coming closer to me... "Ugh... fifth asked me..." ninth said... "Jeremiel?" Grandpa asked... Tousan? Is it Tousan what ninth means? "Where is he now?" Grandpa asked... "He is here now... don''t you feel the weather?" ninth said... I look around... and I can see that there will be a storm around here... "Where?" I asked... "Above" Ninth said.. I looked above... and I can see the dark clouds has gathered around... And it is still 11 AM in the morning... I return my view to Alduir... He is surrounded by the three of them... Euclio is beside me... "Die!" Alduir shouted... and he direct an attack to Grandpa... but the woods are protecting him... by parrying his sword... Rueger immediately come toward him and attack to finished him off while he is imbalance... And he did it... Rueger cut one of his arm... "You are going to die..." Grandpa said... But Alduir laughed... "I won''t!" Alduir shouted and he pointed his sword at me... And without realizing, the sword is elongate by itself... until it reach my eyes... ''BOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!'' A thunder was shot from the sky toward Alduir... But he parried it... I-I am safe!! I never thought he could elongate and shrink his weapon easily... Euclio put me behind his back... Also, Rueger, Grandpa and ninth are standing in front of Euclio... ''BOOOOMMM'' Then, another stronger thunder... much more powerful, and greater... shot Alduir... And he success in parrying it... H-How can he parried a thunder?! "H-His magic... is hurting me...." Alduir said in afraid... "Ah! Of course! He is the Wizard Emperor!" Zerotus said... E-Emperor?! Everyone is still focus on Alduir... ''BOOOM!'' And again... another thunder strike him... But again, Alduir parried it... Until another shot... ''BOOOMMM'' The sound of thunder... and Alduir fall to the ground... "H-He did it..." Alduir said while pointing his sword to the cloud... "The last time... who did this to me was Maximus... Maxwell..." Alduir said while breathing heavily... It seems that he can''t fight anymore... But then... "It is time for me to go..." Alduir said... Go? He is surrounded! And a light ray hit Alduir... for quite a long time... Then, the light ray vanished after a minute... along with Alduir... .... "He escaped..." Grandpa said... "What do you mean?" Rueger asked... "That is a teleportation magic..." Grandpa said... "T-Teleportation?!" All of us in unison... Grandpa nodded... "All of you should join Neku school! Tomorrow! I will be teaching in building B!" Grandpa said while leaving us... H-He left us already?! "H-Hey... how about Alduir?" I asked... "Ahh, he is far far away... maybe back to Human Continent..." Grandpa said... Human continent?! You can teleport that far?! "Tomorrow! 3 PM!" He said and left... U-Ugh... as always, come late but go home early, that is my grandpa... Then I looked at the clouds which is gathering above our city... "Oh! Jeremiel-sama is waiting for you..." Ninth said... I looked at the sky... and now... I see an army... The soldiers are using heavy armor... and an emblem of House Maxwell is printed on their armor... an Eagle... They were using... June(s)! All of them are using Pegasus! "W-What is that! Isn''t it supposed to be a legend! I thought there should be only one Pegasus!" Euclio said... He looks surprised... But disappointed, when he notice that June is not special... "June!" I shouted... The sky is echoing with my voice calling her name... Then... within a second, she land in front of me... I looked at those army from the sky, they are escorting me I guess... "C-Can I come?" Euclio asked me... "Of course! I fell a lot safer too" I said... I climb on June, and so does Euclio... "Nicolas-sama..." Rueger called me... "Yes Rueger?" I responded "Please send my regards to Jeremiel-sama..." Rueger continue... I nodded... "I will..." I said... "Let''s go June..." I said when Euclio is ready... And June start flapping her wing... "Are you ready Eu?" I asked Euclio... "I hope so" Euclio said in a bit afraid way... Euclio looks a bit worried as well if I am going there alone... what a good friend he is... After he readied himself, June fly... we are flying to the cloud... Following the soldier of my Tousan''s kingdom, the Sky Kingdom... I don''t actually miss him at all... since I never know him... I miss Clement-tousan more than Jeremiel-tousan... We follow the Pegasus in front of us... until they land... on a cloud? I can see a giant flat area... June followed the Pegasus in front of her... and we land safely... I look at the stairs in front of us... It is like climbing the Olympus... I can see a waterfall... they were flowing from up there... "That is the place where Jeremiel-sama live..." a soldier said while pointing at the peak of the waterfall... T-That could take an hour! "Can we use the Pegasus?" I asked... But he prohibited it... "Pegasus are not allowed to pass..." the soldier said... "Why?" I asked... "I don''t know... but Jeremiel-sama created the rule..." he said... I can''t see their face clearly... since he uses a helmet... all of the soldiers are using helmet... What are their race? We decided to use the stair... Which took forever... I bet, Fo would prefer to stay down on the earth... After several steps of stairs, we can see houses around... Then... we see kids... running around... And I can see their face... Human race? N-No... all of their hairs are white... But when they saw me... they give me a bow... "What race are you?" I asked them out of my curiosity... "We are the sky race... people call us the Seraphim..." a woman next to the boy explained it to me... "I see... thank you..." I said... and she gives me another bow... I continue my journey to the top of this Olympus... "This place is really beautiful..." Euclio said... I nodded... "All of it are white!" I said The stairs are made of cloud... but the fence are made of gold... and all of the houses are white... like the clouds The further we walk, the more gold we can see... Just how rich is he? This father of mine... When we finally arrived... I can see a big door... Made of gold... and we can see the guards are using a heavy armor... made of steel and gold? Why use gold? Behind them, I can see a pike... and on his hand, he is holding a sword made of iron... They open the door for us... And when the door is open... I can see a pool in the middle of the room... But in front of the pool, I can see a man sitting on his throne made of gold... wearing an adamantine armor... without his helmet, so that I can see his face... A man with black hair and red eyes... like me... I looked behind and the door is closed... both of us stopped in hesitation... But when I looked at Euclio, he nodded... means that everything is going to be allright... We come closer to the throne... and... "Nicolas..." the man sitting on the throne said... "Otousan..." I said... Then... silent... This is... awkward... Why it should be me? The one that meets Tousan... not Ed... Ed would be running toward him... and hug him... but I won''t hug strangers... "I believe you have a lot of question..." Jeremiel said to me... And somehow... I don''t... He don''t know me well... And all I can see he is living in this luxury... "No... just one question..." I said... "Why don''t you help the Human Continent!" I said... with anger... The guards around them looked surprised... none of them are actually wearing helmet... so I can see their expressions... "Are you sure that this is your son?" a man next to him asked Jeremiel... "He has no attitude at all..." the other one said... There are five guards standing around him... or maybe his commanders... and from the five of them, three of them is female... "Yes... he is my son..." Jeremiel said... He has the power to save us back there in Human Continent... and also... "Are you really my dad?" I asked... But Euclio bumped my shoulder... "W-We might be in trouble if you speak too straightly..." Euclio said to me whisperingly Jeremiel stood up from his throne... and I can see him... a bit shorter than Clement-tousan... but they look alike... he has no beard... and looks pretty young... like 20s... but he is actually older than Clement-tousan He brought his staff with him and come closer to me... Until he stand in front of me... I looked at him... and he looked at me... He then lowered his upper body so that he can examine my face... "W-What''s with that..." I asked with quite embarrassed "You looked like your mother..." Jeremiel said... Then he pat my head... "Let me tell you what happened in the past..." Jeremiel said to me... and... He walked pass through both of us... to the pool and we followed him... He touches the pool with his staff... And I can see images reflecting on the pool... I can see a room, I think this is Auxem... Yeah! Our mansion back in Auxem! We are in the baby room... where an assassin tried to murder me... "H-Hey Jeremiel! Is he crying?" a woman asked... She looks pretty, and she is looking at the cradle... "K-Kasan?" I asked... "She is..." Jeremiel said... Then, this man say... "What? I didn''t hear anything" he said... that man is Jeremiel, my father... Then I can see Kasan lift me up... and carry me... I was a baby... "See! He has tears on his cheek!" Kasan said while showing me to Tousan... Tousan come closer to the baby me... "Hmmm, but why he didn''t let a sound? I hope he is okay..." Tousan said... But then Kasan hit Tousan''s head... "Of course he is okay! He is a healthy boy and a smart boy also a handsome boy..." Kasan said while hugging me... Then Tousan hugged me as well... "O-Of course! He is our son after all!" Tousan said while hugging me... I looked at myself... and the baby me... open the eyes Red Eyes... "H-Hey, he opened his eyes! Hi Ed..." Kasan said... But then I make a sound where I was like going to cry... "I-Is he gonna cry?" Tousan asked... "I-I don''t know too idiot! This is our first child!" Kasan said with confuse... but also angry to Tousan... Then I can see the baby me close my eyes... But then... Tousan hear a loud noise outside... "T-This feeling..." Tousan said... Kasan put me back on the cradle... And Tousan hear a footsteps coming... he prepared his staff... I change my view away from the pond to Tousan... "Is that the staff you are using now?" I asked... while pointing at the staff Tousan looked at me and nodded... I return my view to the pond... And the door is breached... and I can see... C-Clement-tousan... "Who are you! Are you trying to take my son?" Clement asked Tousan... "W-What are you thinking Clement... you are talking to your brother!" Kasan said... Then... I can see Navroth standing behind Clement... "You... who are you!" Tousan said to Nicole... "I am his wife! And what are you doing to my son!" Nicole said and she prepare her spear... In an instant, she is standing in front of Kasan... but Tousan hide Kasan behind his back... Nicole kicked Tousan.., and he fall from the second floor, alongside with Kasan... leaving the baby in the cradle Both fell to the ground and I can see both of them are bleeding Both of them are still alive... but Kasan is... "Create... Elements!" Tousan said... "Healing Magic!" he casted on Kasan... and she is recovered... "E-Edward!" Kasan shouted while still lying on the ground... "Go away from this land... or I will kill you both... let me take care of the baby!" Nicole said... "J-Jeremy... she took our son!" Kasan said... "I-I know... but she is much stronger than us..." Tousan said and carried Kasan... Tousan immediately run... jump to the roof of houses... and run... "J-Jeremy! What are you doing!" Kasan shouted... "We will be death! You will be death if you are here!" Tousan said... "B-But! Our child!" Kasan said... And I can see Tousan hit Kasan... and she passed out... "I-I am sorry Evelyn... you are as precious as my son as well... I can''t afford losing two of them ..." Tousan said while wiping his tears and run... But then he direct his view to the mansion... "I promise to bring you back! You are my son! You have to survive for the time being!" Tousan said... and left... After the time lapse... "Jeremiel! Stop!" A man said... he wears a crown... and a golden spear... He is King Ethen! "What! Are you asking me to leave my son alone with Navroth?!" Tousan asked... and he sounds angry... "Yes!" King Ethen said... And Tousan looked at King Ethen directly... He come closer to King Ethen and about to punch him... but King Ethen hold his hand... "Stay here... your son will be alive..." King Ethen said... "How do you know?" Tousan asked... "You said that Clement thought of Edward as his son right?" King Ethen asked... Jeremiel give a thought "Then, they will raise him as his child... you shouldn''t be worrying about that!" King Ethen said... Then I can see Jeremiel sit next to King Ethen... "I-I will find a way! I promised to Evelyn..." Tousan said... "Then we need a strategy!" King Ethen said... "For a while... you should stay with me... hide in the hidden room of this palace..." King Ethen said... and I can see Tousan nodded... After that... the pond return to normal pond... I look after Tousan... But then... I sense someone behind me... I looked back and... I see a woman crying happily... "K-Kasan?" I said and she immediately hugged me... "Sorry.... I am so sorry!" Kasan said... "I love you my son!" she said while hugging me and crying... I hugged her back... Then, I feel Tousan is hugging me as well... "I am sorry for not saving you back there..." Tousan said while hugging me... Kasan and Tousan''s hug is really warm... I like the warm... it is so comfortable... Without noticing... I am crying as well... I cry without saying anything... "K-Kasan! Tousan!" I said while crying... After a while, we release the hug... "T-That''s okay, I forgive both of you..." I said... I believe they still have regrets within their heart... I can hear a sigh from Tousan... and Kasan keep smiling toward me... Then I looked at Euclio... "Oh! Kasan! Tousan! This is Euclio... my best friend!" I said and introduce him to both of my parents... "The Qiteron boy! We have watched you for a long time..." Tousan said... "W-Wait... you can watch us?" I asked Tousan... "Of course! I can see what is happening in this world..." Tousan said... "T-Then! Can you find Clement-tousan?" I asked... Tousan nodded... Then... I can see him using his magic for the very first time... "Create... Elements..." Tousan said... and... I can see behind him... five spherical light appears! Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, and Brown... same like mine! He gives me a wink... Then... I can see he combine Green and Yellow... Wind and Holy... afterward, he hit the pool with his staff... and the blue orbs is shining as well And the pool give us a vision... I can see him! "Clement..." Kasan said... "Where is he?" I asked... "I don''t know either... I can only show you this..." Tousan said... He is... in a camp... like planning a strategy... And the vision is gone... "How can you create a place like this?" I asked Tousan... and he smiled... "This time... I am pretty sure... you can''t do it!" Tousan said teasing me... He then combine Water... and Fire... which create steam... like clouds... then... earth? "T-Three Fusion Magic?!" Euclio asked... And He nodded proudly... "I believe you can do more than him!" Kasan said to me... "R-Really?" I asked... Kasan nodded with a smile... "Your Tousan here, can create Thunder... Clairvoyant... Teleportation... and Ground Cloud... with his Fusion Magic..." Tousan said proudly... T-That is quite cocky! "I can create Wood Magic!" I said proudly... Kasan then laughed... "W-What''s wrong?" I asked... "Y-You should see your father''s face, when he watched you dueled Lerrich!" Kasan said while laughing really hard... "W-What? How is his reaction?" I asked... "H-Hey! You shouldn''t tell him!" Tousan said in embarrassed ... But Kasan hit his head... "Hey! He is our son! He got the right to know everything!" Kasan said... "F-Fine!" Tousan said while recovering from pain... Poor Tousan... "When you hit Lerrich in a shot... Your Tousan jumped from his thrones and swing his crown happily! Then he ran circling the pool and before returning to his throne..." Kasan said... "Pffft..." I tried to hold my laughed... "H-Hey! You should not laughed! I am just happy!" Tousan said... but then I laughed... Also Euclio, he laughed at Tousan... And we can see Tousan''s face turns to red... We are having fun... until one of the commander reminded Tousan... "Your Highness... we need to go..." he said to Tousan... "I see..." Tousan said... he then looked at me with sad face... Also Kasan... but she immediately hugged me... And I hugged her back... "Kasan... I love you..." I said... Seeing the past... seeing how she desperately wants me back... "I love you too... next time we meet... you must bring Ed!" Kasan said... "When will you be back?" I asked... "I don''t know... just look at the sky..." Kasan said... "Sky?" I asked in confusion... "Because, We rule the sky!" Tousan said while coming closer... I then release my hug from Kasan... and hug Tousan... He hugged me back... "You sure has grown a lot!" Tousan said... "Yeah! You should have been there!" I said... "If I could control time... I will be changing you to baby once more..." Tousan said jokingly... I laughed...but I hope no... I released the hug from Tousan... "Try to learn Teleportation Magic..." Tousan said... "Why?" I asked... "So that you can teleport here anytime!" Tousan said... Ah! That would be great! "I will try that..." I said... and he give me a high five... "Anything else?" I asked... And he give a thought... "Thunder magic... Holy and Fire... that is the most effective damage against Alduir..." Tousan said... "Why?" I asked... "Alduir robe is enchanted with dark magic... he absorbed every elements... except Holy..." Tousan... W-Wow... how can he know? "Okay... I hope I can do it..." I said... But Tousan patted me... "You are stronger than me already!" Tousan said... I looked at him... and I guess I blushed a bit... and he laughed at me... "Go... save the world... and I will be watching you from the sky!" Tousan said... and I nodded... I looked at Euclio... he is talking with Kasan... What are they talking about... But I can see they hugged each other... After that, he walks toward me... "L-Let''s go!" he said while wiping his tears... Is he crying?! Tousan come closer to Euclio... and hugged him... "Thank you for saving my idiot son a lot of time! I know that it is hard for you..." Tousan said loudly... D-Did he purposely do that?! Euclio laughed... "Don''t worry, I will always be with him!" Euclio said... Kasan and Tousan come closer to each other and Tousan embrace her... Both of them smile... "It''s time for both of you to leave..." Tousan said... I nodded... "Let''s go Euclio..." I said to him and he nodded... We are walking together... toward the door... And we can see the entire city... A lot of people watches us... and they give us a bow... "June!" Tousan shouted... and June come to us... Ummm... not to me... but to Tousan... W-Wait... I thought Pegasus are not allowed here... But then I looked at his crown, he is the king after all Tousan pat her... "If he doesn''t treat you well... you can leave him anytime..." Tousan said whisperingly... But I can hear that! June neighed happily She neighed?!? "Y-You won''t leave me right? June?" I asked... and both of my parents laughed... I hug both of them for the last time... "Stay safe..." Kasan said... "Eat a lot!" Kasan said... while I am climbing up to June... "Wake up early!" Kasan said when I sit on June... "Train more!" Kasan said while I am helping Euclio up... and finally... "Just go!" Tousan said H-He is kicking us out? "F-Fine!" I said... And he laughed... "Oh Tousan! Rueger send you his regards!" I said when June is flying... "Oh! Tell him my thanks!" Tousan said... "From me as well!" Kasan said... I nodded... "Let''s go June!" Euclio said to June... and we dive through the clouds.... It seems June knows whether it is a cloud or a ground cloud... And within seconds... we left the Sky Kingdom... and we are above the sea... We can see the enemies fleet that are retreating... And they were..... shot by thunders... "Tousan..." I said... He is mean! He shot them with thunders, while the enemy still thinking that it is the cloud doing... I laughed somehow... but Euclio laughed as well... "W-What are you laughing at?" I asked... "You were so ignorant to your father... but there... I can see you how happy you are..." Euclio said... "D-Don''t tell this to anyone!" I said... "What? Of course I will tell everyone!" Euclio said... We are currently returning to Neku... I hope everyone is alright... When we return to the city everyone is looking at us... After we land... they shout a battlecry... "Nicolas-sama has return!" "Our city is safe!" "Euclio the Genius won the war!" "No! The Wizard King did!" When I hear the Wizard King... I can''t think other than Tousan... Even Grandpa said that he is a Wizard Emperor... He could use three fusion magic... just how can he not be the first! Wait... he defeated the second! Why he didn''t move to the second place? I wonder... We are currently in the main plaza... meeting peoples... And so, our day ended... Chapter 42 - A Genius Boy The next day after we meet my father... We decided to join Neku School... as a guest of Zerotus-sensei... But, we prepare our soldier on the beaches and our fleets... the same strategy as well, on the west of our fleet, we prepare the Fire Ship. On the east of our fleet, we locate the Ram Naval... Javier is watching the seas... also, they will inform us if the enemy return... Which Euclio and I thought, that they won''t come... Tousan destroyed their fleet with storms and thunders already... "Oh! Ninth! Can I ask your name?" I asked ninth "Oh, you don''t know?" he asked, and he sounds disappointed... Euclio and I shook our head, we are currently walking inside Neku School... When students see us, they move aside... "My name is Orseus Qiteron..." ninth said... I looked at him... Euclio looked at him... "Qiteron?" I asked... and he nodded... I looked at Euclio... "I-I only have one brother... and he is in Qiteron Kingdom..." Euclio said But Orseus laughed... "Do you know how old father is?" Orseus asked... "200 years..." Euclio said... "Exactly... do you think that he only has a wife?" Orseus asked... "No..." Euclio said... And Orseus pat Euclio''s head... Orseus looked around 40s... "I never want to return... you can take the throne..." Orseus said to Euclio... "N-No... I am not interested with the throne..." Euclio said... "Ah!" an old man come... "Santa-sensei!" I greeted him... "Welcome everyone, to Neku School..." Santa-sensei welcomed us... "Hehe, we are here to join Zerotus-sensei class... can you tell us where building B is?" I asked Santa-sensei... And he nodded... "Building B? No! To the hall!" Santa-sensei said Hall? "Wait... he said that the class will be held in building B..." I said "Nope! You are our star! People should see you!" Santa-sensei said... "W-What?" I said He nodded... So, he changed the private class into a public class for the whole student of Neku School?! And that''s just because we are here... "It will charm other people to enter the school!" Santa-sensei said whisperingly... "F-Fine..." I said "And also... you will join my class!" Santa-sensei said... "W-War tactics?" I asked He nodded happily... Ugh... it seems that we are going to spend our day here... We are directed to the Hall, accompanied by Santa-sensei... We enter a big building... a two floored building... and as we enter the room, we can see students sitting on their own chair, and they are waiting for us? I can see a chair for four of us... plus Santa-sensei... We will sit next to him... Until, we can see a boy come to me... "F-Fredrich?! What are you doing here?" I asked... "Nicolas! I have to finish my school... there are a lot of things happening lately, but now I have the free time..." Fredrich said... "I-I see... who is managing Sera?" I asked... "No one... now, we are one with Neku right? Fo will manage everyone..." Fredrich said... "I-I see... then, let''s study together..." I said to him... and he nodded... The six of us seat together... When we all seated on the booked place... I looked at the stage and see grandpa has been standing there on the stage... "We will start our class today! And today, I will demonstrate an example of Fusion Magic!" Grandpa said... He then looked at me... I somehow feel something bad going to happen... When I was about to leave... Euclio hold my hand... and he is smiling! "Oh! He really came! That is my grandson!" Grandpa said while pointing at me... Now, every eyes are on me... "Come! We have a guest! Nicolas Maxwell!" Grandpa said... And everyone give me applauds... G-Grandpa... Fine! I stood up and walk to the stage...I passed a lot of students there, and I feel eyes are only looking at me... I move upstairs to the stage and then I stood next to him... "Nico... activate all of your magic..." Grandpa said... I nodded... ''Create Elements...'' I said within my heart... and... Five elements are floating behind me... ''Woah....'' I can hear those... "What fusion magic can you use?" he asked me... "Wood Magic..." I said "Then... your dominant element should be Earth... or Water..." Grandpa said... R-Really? "What is your highest tier magic you can use?" Grandpa asked... "Master Tier Holy Magic..." I said ...... "MASTER TIER HOLY MAGIC?!" Everyone in the room said in unison... Now the room become busy... Even grandpa looked at me speechlessly... But then he return to his sense... "Silence!" he shouted... And everyone become silence... H-He is scary! "Then... you can use almost all of the fusion magic related with Holy..." Grandpa said... Huh? Is that possible? "What is your second highest tier element?" Grandpa asked... "Advance Wind Magic..." I said Grandpa nodded... "Combine it..." Grandpa said... "W-What will it become?" I asked... "Clairvoyant..." Grandpa said... T-That is what Tousan did when he searches for Clement-tousan! "Do it..." Grandpa said... "B-But.. We need a pool!" I said "Pool? Oh you mean directing the Clairvoyant so that everyone can see? But you can do it without a pool..." Grandpa said... "R-Really?" I asked and he nodded... "Close your eyes... and think of someone you want to know..." Zerotus-sensei said... I nodded... I close my eyes... and take a deep breath... I have to know.......the condition of Bazo right now... "King Lex..." I said... I combine both Wind and Holy... I feel the power of the Fusion Magic... The Wind Spherical Light and Holy Spherical Light is brighter... Eventhou I am closing my my eyes, I can feel the brightness of both... And when I open my eyes... I am not in the middle of the lecture class... but what I see is... King Lex... He is in the middle of meeting... I can see his table... the strategy... The soldiers of Bazo is fighting against... twice of their army... And King Lex looked really stress out... Our soldiers seems not arrive yet... And suddenly everything goes very bright! .... I close my eyes... and open it again... I return to the hall... along with Grandpa by my side... and every eyes are on me... "The reinforcement hasn''t arrived to Bazo..." I said But everyone cheers on me... Oh! Wait! I did it! T-That is great! B-But... again... Bazo... they are waiting for reinforcements... Grandpa looked at me speechlessly... "How about Thunder Magic?" I asked Grandpa... "Fire and Holy... try it" Grandpa said... Okay... let''s try it... I should at least be stronger, while waiting for the result of the battle... "Grasp your hand and feel the power on your hand..." Grandpa said... I combined both Fire and Holy... and I grasp my hand... Again... I close my eyes, and I can feel the Fire and Holy Spherical Light getting brighter... I feel something... Also, I can hear "Woahh..." from everyone else... I decided to open my eyes... "T-Thunder?!" I said Grandpa nodded... "You are truly Jeremiel''s son..." Grandpa said... "Ugh, I hope you are more to me... but instead you follow your Father''s path!" Zerotus said... "More to you?" I asked... He nodded... "I am more dominant toward elemental fighter than a mage... you know that?" Zerotus said... Now I am speechless... I shook my head... He is an elemental fighter? That is insane! I never thought about him being a close combatants That is unexpected... "W-What should I do with the thunder?" I asked Grandpa nervously... "Oh!" Grandpa said... He moved back a bit... and activate his magic... "[WALL]" he said while holding the staff... And he created a Wall made of Earth... "Everyone! Pay attention to this!" Zerotus-sensei talks to his students... Everyone pays attention to Grandpa, and Grandpa say to me "Throw the thunder to the [WALL]" And I throw the thunder to the [WALL] But it does not damage the WALL... "First... why is it not broken?" Zerotus asked... No one answer... "Element!" a student said... "Exactly! Fire and Holy... both has no relation with Earth..." Grandpa said... "Fire does nothing to Earth, only effective against Wind but ineffective against water..." Grandpa explained... "While Holy has no relation at all with the basic elements..." Grandpa said... "Does anyone know Alduir?" Grandpa suddenly asked... Everyone nodded... "the Second..." "the Kingslayer..." "the Immortal" W-Wow... they are quite well-resource with knowledge... "Did you know... that he was here yesterday?" Grandpa asked... "G-Grandpa!" I reminded him not to create chaos... But he ignored me... and it is too late, Everybody is starting to talk... and become busy... "Yesterday!" Grandpa said with loud voice... and everyone pay attention to him... "We have a war against Reudora Kingdom... and we won! With less than a thousand casualties... while we destroyed almost 50% of the enemy''s fleet... before they decided to retreat..." Grandpa explained... "But... their real purpose was..." Zerotus said while pointing at Santa-sensei... "To kill Nicolas..." Santa-sensei said... Now, the hall become loud... Even I am quite surprised... How can Grandpa and Santa-sensei know? Am I really a threat? "You are a threat... for Navroth itself..." Grandpa said to me... Everyone looked at me... "Did you kill him?" a student asked us We looked back... "We were fighting... with Rueger the tenth, Orseus the ninth, and Euclio Qiteron..." Grandpa said... All of them looked amazed with Grandpa''s story... "And with the five of us there... we can only equalize him... not taking the advantage... until..." Grandpa hanged the story... but everyone is paying attention... I smiled at Grandpa... he is indeed an old man already, who loves telling stories! "Until Jeremiel come..." Zerotus said... But everyone remains silent... And they are whispering to each other... "Who is he?" one of them asked... "You don''t know?" Grandpa asked... Everyone shook their head... "He is the fifth!" Grandpa said with disappointment on his face... and I laughed... "F-Fifth?! I thought he went missing!" "The monument is not telling us the name" "It is blank..." They complain... "Because he is not living in the land!" Grandpa said with loud voice... And everyone become silent... "He lives in Sky Kingdom... if you ever heard about it..." I said Grandpa looks a bit angry... maybe because no one noticed his son... So I decided to take over the stage... "I know about Sky Kingdom..." "Hey! Sky Kingdom! I ever heard about those rumor..." "So.. that is real?" "That is real..." I said And everyone looked at me... "When we were fighting Alduir... he hit Alduir with thunders... a lot of thunder until he fall to the ground..." I said Everyone is hearing my story intensely... "Until..." I said Their eyes are now like a cat eyes... begging for food... I-I think I know why Grandpa loves to hang the story... "Alduir ran away... using teleportation magic..." I said And everyone looked disappointed... and also confuse... "Teleportation Magic?" "Never heard anything about that" "I think it is some kind of old magic..." "That is a Fusion Magic..." I said, and ask them another question... "Do you know why thunders are effective against Alduir?" I asked them...Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! But no one can answer... "Because his armor were enchanted with Dark Magic... with the power to absorb every other magic..." I said "Except Holy... which is the effective way to destroy Dark Magic, Thunder is consist of Fire and Holy, and that is why it is effective against him..." I said Everyone display an O face... "I-I see..." "That''s how it work!" "Do you know who is Jeremiel? From which house?" a boy asked... I looked at him... Hmmm.. He looks familiar... "He is my father..." I said Now, everyone looked at me with surprised face... "H-How about Clement Maxwell?" they asked... "Clement Maxwell is my uncle... the father of Nate Maxwell and Nathalia Maxwell... but for me, the three of them are still my family... and I still treat them as my siblings and my father..." I said "Clement Maxwell, is the one that take care of me, since I was a baby..." I said Then the student become loud... "Why was Jeremiel leaving you?" "Do you hate your father?" "How can you survive the childhood!" "So!" I said in loud voice... "There are some reason, that I can''t explain... but I have accepted it... why Jeremiel, my Tousan left me... and I do not hate my Father for that... since I met him yesterday... I can survive my childhood... because Clement-tousan, Nate, Nathalia and even Euclio helped me... also Santa-sensei..." I said Everyone looked at Santa-sensei... "In this school, I found my true friend... a friend that always accompany me, wherever I go, whatever it takes..." I said... "Euclio is a true friend of mine... all of you should find your own true friend... a friend that won''t betray you, a friend that is closer than your family... and you think him or her as your own brother or sister..." I said Everyone looked at me seriously... Am I giving a beautiful speech? "School is important... not only its education that you need... without this school, you won''t meet your friend, the person that seat next to you..." I said And everyone looked at to each other... "T-That''s all I can say..." I said and left the stage... Everyone is still in quite... I get down from the stage... and return to my seat... "Oh... let me tell you one more thing..." Grandpa said... "Fusion Magic... some people can combine three elements into one... like what Jeremiel Maxwell did to create his Sky Kingdom... Thank you all..." Grandpa said and left... Everyone become loud... "Come to my next class if you want to know the full story!" Grandpa shouted... As always, he hanged the story... I sit between Santa-sensei and Euclio... "Nice speech..." Euclio said "I was supposed to study about Fusion Magic, instead of that, I gave them speeches..." I said "At least you learn two Fusion Magic in a day..." Euclio said... "Yeah, now I am feeling a bit dizzy..." I said "O-Of course! It will drain a lot of your mana!" Euclio said But then, when Euclio looked at my face... he looked a bit worry... "S-Santa-sensei!" Euclio said... "N-No... I won''t passed out... but I am barely conscious..." I said "Oh! You can take a rest..." Santa-sensei said... "Okay... I will return to... no... I guess I will be sleeping now..." I said And then I fall asleep... === Euclio''s Point of View === "H-He is sleeping..." I said... "Excuse me..." a boy come to me... "Yes?" I asked him He looks familiar... "Are you Euclio Qiteron?" He asked me... "Yes I am..." I said and I raise my hand for a handshake... He gives me that... "My name is Morgan Gavenhallen..." He said... Gavenhallen?! "Oh! So you must be Marie''s brother!" I said And he nodded... that is why he looks familiar... "Do you want to talk to Nicolas? But he will be sleeping for 8 to 9 hours... please wait..." I said "N-No... actually, I want to speak with you..." Morgan said... "What is it?" I asked... He looks a bit serious this time... "Your father is acting strange..." Morgan said whisperingly "W-What do you mean?" I asked... N-Not again... Tousan... "Can we talk somewhere else... maybe in my room?" Morgan asked... "S-Sure..." I said "Santa-sensei... I will leave Nicolas here..." I said to Santa-sensei... and he nodded... We are currently on a break... before the next lecture start... I looked at Rueger... and he nodded... and so does Orseus.... We are going toward his room... I can see ''D'' on the building... It seems that D is the boys building... And we move to the fourth floor... 404... After he unlocked the door... I enter the room... following him... and I seat on the sofas... He gives me a drink... and I accept it... "So... what is it?" I asked... and he sit on the other sofa... "Have you heard news about Qiteron Kingdom was attacked by Dwarven Kingdom?" Morgan asked... I nodded "We are grateful for your help... without the other Ocean Kingdom, we are dead already..." I said to Morgan "N-No... that I don''t mind..." Morgan said... "The problem is... Aerios Kingdom is asking for a help request from Qiteron Kingdom..." Morgan said... "And my father hasn''t sent any reinforcement?" I asked... Morgan nodded... T-That old man... "Do you know why?" I asked him... He shook his head... but then, he expected me to answer and he is so focus with me... "I-I am asking, not testing you..." I said "Oh..." Morgan said... now it becomes really awkward... "How long has it been, since Aerios Kingdom request backup?" I asked "Two months ago..." Morgan explained... Oh... Tousan, why are you being so selfish... "How about the other Ocean Kingdom?" I asked... "N-No... we are waiting for King Feurius..." Morgan said... "How about Aerios Kingdom, condition?" I asked... "They only have 4 million armies... but 6 million armies now, with the help of Perius Kingdom..." Morgan explained the situation... "Do you have a paper? And a pen?" I asked... I will write a letter for tousan... Morgan takes a paper and a pen from a small table next to him, and I begin writing the letter... After ten minutes... I give the emblem of Qiteron Kingdom... a kraken... from my stamp where I keep inside my pocket all the time... "Give this to him" I said to Euclio "Wait... are you saying, that with this letter, I can convince your Dad?" Morgan asked me... I nodded... "T-Thank you... I will send a messenger to your Kingdom..." Morgan said "Sorry for the long respond... please told me if you have anymore problem..." I said to Morgan... He nodded... I stood up... and about to left... "L-Leaving already?" He asked me I nodded... "Nicolas... is sleeping, he can''t defend himself..." I said to Morgan... "There are ninth and tenth..." Morgan said... "Still, he needs me... he is a fragile boy..." I said while smiling... He gives me a smile... "I hope I can find a true friend... like both of you..." Morgan said... "You will..." I said to him... I come closer to him... and pat his head... "You can come to the castle during weekend if you want..." I tell Morgan... "R-Really?" Morgan asked... "Of course! Come over! Nicolas would be glad as well... we always train in the morning... at 6 AM... you can come if you want..." I said... He looks really happy... "Let''s return to the hall" I asked Morgan out... and he nodded... After we left the room, he asked... We are now going down with the stairs, to left the building... "Let me introduce you to Nicolas..." I said... "B-But you said that he will sleep for 8 to 9 hours..." Morgan said... "T-That''s true... how about my friends? And maybe the condition of our castle?" I said Morgan look interested... "I will ask permission from Santa-sensei-sensei..." I said "Wait.. We have another class right? War Strategy..." Morgan said... "Ughh, then... let''s finish it quickly, I will answer every question Santa-sensei give to me... Oh! You should sit next to me..." I said to Morgan... And he nodded... Before returning to the hall, we gave the letter to one of his bodyguard in the lobby... afterwards, we are returning to the hall... In the hall... Santa-sensei is about to start the lecture... I give the seat of Santa-sensei to Morgan... "O-Orseus... this is Morgan Gavenhallen..." I introduce him to Orseus... or should I say, my brother "Hello..." Orseus said with a smile... "H-Hey!" Morgan said He sits next to me... and Santa-sensei start his class... "Ehem!" Santa-sensei said to start the leson... "Today, we welcome you... Euclio Qiteron, the Genius!" Santa-sensei announced... And everyone stands up and give me applauds... While next to me... Nicolas is sleeping... T-This is embarassing... what is more embarrassing is the ''Genius'' part... But thank god Nicolas is still sleeping... "Also, the topic that we will be discussing is..." Santa-sensei said... "Battle of Neku''s Coast..." Santa-sensei said... Hmmm... that war? No one really knows that there was a war happening yesterday, but only loud voice of siege weapon, since there was no land war... Everyone become busy... talking about what happened "Yes, the battle that our city just faced yesterday..." Santa-sensei said... "Let me tell you the condition of the war..." Santa-sensei continues... "We have a thousand ships... while the enemy has twenty thousand ships..." Santa-sensei said... Everyone is intense... "Euclio... manage to destroy thousands of ships, while we lost tens ship only..." Santa-sensei said... which is the Ramming Ship, it is a pity that people died under my command... Everyone looked at me with sparkling eyes... also the boy beside me... "So, I believe none of you know, how Euclio-sama won the war... about his strategy... but first... does anyone in this place, has a strategy to defeat twenty thousand fleet using only a thousand fleet..." Santa-sensei asked... .... Everyone remain silent... "A strategy, and anything you can prepare in a week before the war..." Santa-sensei continues... "Archers and Mages from distance!" someone answer... "Arrows can''t reach more than 400m" Santa-sensei said... "Flanking from the rear..." another student said... "Nice... with what?" Santa-sensei asked... "S-Ship?" the student said "What kind of ship?" Santa-sensei asked... And he remains silent... "Ramming Ship..." a boy beside me shouted... I looked at him... Santa-sensei give a thought... "Hmmm... that is possible..." Santa-sensei said Santa-sensei was not there... and until today, everyone is prohibited to walk near the coast... so they don''t know anything about the War... except Nico, Rueger, and I... in this room... "When the enemies fleet is close enough, shot them with [FIREBALL] and burn the enemies fleet..." Morgan said... Everyone looked at Morgan... including me... "That could burn our fleet as well..." Santa-sensei said to him... "We got the Wizard King... our fleet should take off their sail... and Nicolas pushes the enemy''s fleet with his [WIND] and the fire will spread..." Morgan said... "W-Wow... that is a great strategy..." Santa-sensei said... "How about the enemy''s mage? They could do the same thing to us..." I said to Morgan "Nicolas''s [WIND] is able to push everything, so if they casted Fire Magic, it will only harm themselves..." Morgan said... H-He is surprisingly smart... I give it thought... whether it is possible or not... It is true, when you cast Fire Magic, you must know the wind direction... while Nico''s magic is very strong... "How about using a metal shield on the boat? It could lessen the damage taken of each ship if, the enemy''s fleet is able come closer..." Morgan added... I nodded... That is actually what I did to the Ramming Fleet... since they are a close combat ship... And basically... we are using Fire as well... "With Nicolas''s Wind the fire spread easily to the enemy fleet... while on the other fleet... there should be more ships, that uses Balista.. So they can hit the enemy''s flank..." Morgan said "West for the Balista Ship, and Left the ramming ship..." Morgan continue... "Why West for the Balista Ship... not East?" I asked... "The wind...." Morgan said... And I nodded... it is confirmed that Morgan is a smart boy... I return my view to Santa-sensei... But everyone is looking back at us... "Freak..." "Nerd...." "He is weird..." Everyone is teasing me?! But then I looked at Morgan... he feel a bit sad... Did they just teased him?! Why are they doing that?! I mean he is a genius! "Wow, you are surprisingly smart!" I said loudly... Now everyone become silent... While Morgan looked at me speechlessly... Santa-sensei decided to change the atmosphere here... "Euclio-sama... can you explained... the strategy you did yesterday..." Santa-sensei asked me to move forward... I stand up and move to the front... I come up to the stage and explain it to them... "We have a week... and I decided to build siege weapon on our ships..." I explained... "I arrange the ships so that they all are align in the main fleet... and Balista will be working much better than normal arrows... and behind the Balista Ship... are the Catapult Ship..." I said... Everyone looked at me interestedly... "And... from the west... we are not using the Balista Ship, like Morgan said..." I said Now everyone is laughing at him... "But..." I said it out loud... and the attention are back to me... "I might have done the same thing, until Nico give me a suggestion..." I said "We name it... ''Fire Ship''" I said... Everyone looked interested... "Fire ship, is a ship that contains of easily fired material... the dry woods... and as well oils..." Euclio said... "It is a no manned ship... so it is controlled by Nicolas''s [WIND]... and when the soldiers put the ship on sail... they evacuate through small boats..." I said Everyone is still interested with my strategy... "When they are about to crash the enemy fleet... the fire ship is shot by fire arrow by our man... using a new technology... name crossbow... I designed it... it has twice the range of normal bow, but lower fire rate... after they shot the fire arrows to the Fire Ship... it will burn our Fire Ship and crash the enemy''s fleet, and burn the left flank..." Euclio said Everyone gives applauds... "Nicolas''s [WIND] bring the left fleet of the enemy a huge damage... while on the east, we use Ramming Ship... exactly what Morgan said..." I said... Morgan looked at me happily... "When the enemy''s fleet come closer... we shot them with the Catapult Ship... and we destroyed hundreds using the catapults... but when they come closer... we shot them with the Balista... and they are unable to reach the beach with our strong fleet and strategies..." I said "After hours, they decided to retreat..." I said Then I got another appreciation from them... I looked at Santa-sensei, and he still looked amazed by my strategy... What an annoying face... But then he wake up and give me a nod, giving me a permission to leave the stage... I left the stage and return to my seat... Morgan has been waiting for me... "Y-You should tell me more about the Crossbow and Fireship!" Morgan said to me interestedly "Sure... come to my place when you got the time..." I said to Morgan... Everyone is still busy with my strategy... And we finally, finish the class... Nico, carried by Rueger... Orseus... and Morgan followed me... We are heading to June... While we are on our way toward June, people praised me... but they teased Morgan... "Why people hate you?" I asked Morgan... "I-I don''t know... just let them be..." Morgan said... "Are you sure?" I asked... He nodded... "You should be able to defend yourself..." I said He nodded... "Do you play swordsmanship?" I asked... He shook his head... "Witchcraft?" I asked... He shook his head... .... "Let me teach you..." I told him... He looked at me... "R-Really?" He asked... I nodded... "Why don''t you practice?" I asked... "M-My father always busy, My Kasan as well... that is why I read a lot of book..." Morgan said... That is... the same as me... My Kasan has passed away, Tousan always busy... Onisan doesn''t even care about me... But, if he reads book, I trained my swordsmanship alone... Which is why, I am able to use wield two handed, a unique weapon wielder... "Did people hit you?" I asked... He nodded... "You are a prince! You should let them know..." I said to him... "N-No... I don''t want to use my rank as a prince..." Morgan said... H-He is a good boy! Why people hit him! "Do you know why they hit you?" I asked... "FREAK!" a boy come closer to us and teased Morgan... Instantly, I grabbed this boy''s collar... And push him up... now his feet is in the air... He looked surprised... and so does people around us... "One more time you teased him or hit him... you will be messing up with me..." I said to the boy with my eyes staring at his eyes... "F-Fine!" the boy said and I put him back to the ground.. It is not my nature threatening people, especially to the younger one, but this one... is too much.... After he left, I looked at Morgan... "W-Why are you doing that?" Morgan asked me... "T-They will hit me more..." Morgan said with sad face... "Because... it is time for you to fight!" I said "F-Fight?!" Morgan asked in surprised reaction "I-I can''t..." Morgan said with sad face... "I told you, Rueger and Orseus will be teaching you as well..." I said... I looked at Rueger and Orseus... both of them nodded... It seems like both of them feel annoyed with the students treatment toward Morgan... "I will make sure that you can hit his but!" Rueger said "It would be easy... an Ares Style... that boy... that is easy..." Orseus said... I-Isn''t he underestimating that boy too much? But he is the ninth... so I can''t say that I am not agree with him... And how did he know about that boy''s fighting style... "Euclio... are you sure I can do it?" Morgan asked me... I nodded... "12 hours practicing 12 hours rest..." I said... That is harsh thou... but that is the fastest way to be stronger... "Okay..." Morgan said... H-He mean it... I looked at his eyes, he is fully determined... "Let''s start now..."I said... "Now?" Morgan looked a bit surprised... All of us entered June and we are returning back to the castle... When we arrived at the castle... "N-Nicolas-sama?!" Fo said with surprised... "He is just too tired..." I said... "I-I see..." Fo said... "I just want to tell him... that we have your house readied..." Fo said... "House?" I asked... And he nodded... "For both of you... also for 5 person... that is what he wants..." Fo said to me... "Hmmm... where is the house?" I asked "Near Fredrich Ezate''s house..." Fo said... "Why him?" I asked... I thought it should be near Nate or Ethan... "Because he is the one that design the house..." Fo said... Fredrich designed it for us? "Okay, we will be going after Nico return his conscious..." I said and Fo nodded... I believe Nico plan this... we can''t just stay here with him forever... this is Fo''s castle... After putting Nico at the safe place... Rueger still decided to stay with him.. just how loyal is he... Nicolas should be really grateful... "Orseus... can you teach him swordsmanship?" I asked him... "I am actually assigned here to protect Nicolas... but I guess it is fine since Rueger is with him... also, a request from my little brother..." he said with annoying face... "B-Brother?" Morgan asked... "Ah... Ehh.... You see, we are so close, and he thinks of me as his brother..." I said to Morgan.... But Orseus looked disappointed... "I see..." Morgan said... The three of us headed to the training hall, and we can see several soldiers are training there, but we find an empty space for the three of us... Morgan prepared a stance... "That is a wrong stance..." Orseus said while hitting his leg... "Ouch!" Morgan complained... And the training begin.... After I sleep... "Ughhh... where am I...." I said it to myself... I looked at the ceiling... and it is Fo''s castle! "How''s your condition?" A man''s voice asked... but I recognize that voice I looked toward the voice source... "Ah, Rueger... thanks for always sticking around..." I said... "I am okay..." I said and try to walk... but... "W-Woah..." I am a bit unbalance... "You should take a rest more..." Rueger said... "N-No... but I have to go..." I said... there are a lot of things I have to do... like Bazo, and Navroth... also worrying about Aerios Kingdom... Rueger looked at me with smile... "Why all of Maxwells are hard worker..." Rueger asked... "Really? Compared to Nate... I am nothing..." I said... "Since all of you are little... I watched you grown... I know Nate''s motivation... and so does Nathalia''s motivation... but I never know yours..." Rueger asked me... I looked at him... "When I come to this world... I decided to work really hard, so that I won''t disappoint people anymore..." I said innocently... Rueger looked at me speechlessly... "Anymore?" Rueger asked... D-Did I accidentally tell him that I come from an after life?! "I-I mean after I know magic... I decided to live my life to help people..." I said... "a four years old boy won''t be able to understand something like that..." Rueger said to me... H-He is definitely suspicious about me... Should I tell him?! Or should I not?! Oh no! I will reveal myself... what should I do... I think it is okay to tell him... after all, he is one of the person I can trust... Yes... he never betrayed me... "Promise me not to tell anyone... in your life!" I said to Rueger... "You are reincarnated..." Rueger said... W-Without promising, he knows already...I guess I am busted... "D-Don''t tell anyone please..." I asked Rueger... "Why?" Rueger asked... "You will be the God of Dragon Race as well... Tensei Sect... you now about that?" Rueger asked... "N-No... even Mera Sect has annoyed me already..." I said And Rueger laughed... I bet he just remember that I hate praises when it is too much... "Yes, Nicolas-sama... I will keep this promise..." Rueger said while bowing... "Y-You don''t need to bow... you are my friend..." I said... And he laughed... "I promised Jeremiel-sama to serve you with my life, not only a promise, but I have decided that as well..." Rueger said... Rueger... what a trustworthy man he is... "Thank you..." I said while relieved and letting a sigh... "Where is Euclio by the way?" I asked... "Oh... he is training someone..." Rueger said... "Who?" I asked... It is very rare for Euclio to train people... "Morgan Gavenhallen..." Rueger said... "Ohh? Marie''s brother.... Why is he training him?" I asked... "It seems that Morgan don''t know anything about swordsmanship and witchcraft... which is why he is bullied... seeing that, Euclio-sama decided to teach him swordsmanship..." Rueger explained... W-Wow... he sure have it roughed... "He is teaching him dual wielding?" I asked... "No... Orseus helped him..." Rueger said... Ninth as well?! And the two of us decided to come and see them train... On our way to the training room, several soldiers spotted us and greeted us... And finally, we arrived at a big door... "Nope... your left are too open!" a voice can be heard from outside... I open the door... and see a boy, train with Orseus... and Euclio... When Euclio see me... "Nico! Are you okay?" Euclio asked me from distance... I nodded... "I am fine..." I shouted And I looked at Morgan... "Ah!" he said and he drop his sword from his hand, But after hearing my voice, Morgan decided to stop and come closer to me... He bow at me... and say.... "M-My name is Morgan Gavenhallen... nice to meet you..." it seems that he is a bit nervous... "I am Nicolas Maxwell, Nice to meet you too... and first, do not bow... since I am only an Archduke''s son... while you are a prince..." I said to remind him "Ah... but you are the King of the Southern Beastman Kingdom right?" he asked me... Now I forget that I am a king... "T-That is true... fine... but next time, you do not need to bow..." I said And he nodded... "You should continue your training... sorry for disturbing you..." I said to Morgan "Let''s go!" Rueger said while accompanying Morgan... And now the three of them trained... "How is the War Strategy class?" I asked Euclio... "It is actually interesting... they are discussing about yesterday''s war... and you should know something..." Euclio said... "What?" I asked... "Morgan is a genius!" Euclio said proudly... "Hmm? In what?" I asked... "Battle Strategy!" Euclio said interestingly "Hmmm, I guess we need someone like him..." I said... "Hey! Who do you think I am!?" Euclio said... and he sounds a bit offended... "I mean... the more people we got, we will have better plan right?" I asked... Euclio give a thought... "Actually, he will be staying with us this two days..." Euclio said "Hmmm that''s fine... Oh! How about the house?" I asked... "Oh! Do we have empty room in the new house?" Euclio asked... "I don''t know... since Fredrich said that he want to design the house..." I said "Is it ready?" I asked... "It is ready... let''s leave after dinner..." Euclio suggested... and I nodded... Someone that Euclio has acknowledged... Morgan Gavenhallen... he should be a genius... "Oh! I thought you will be sleeping for a couple more hours..." Euclio said... we are currently watching them train... "Y-You calculate that?! I just used 2 spell and passed out..." I said... "Two Fusion Magic..." Euclio corrected my words... "Fine..." I said Then suddenly... I can see an eye, above Euclio''s head... I looked at it... with caution... "E-Euclio... looked above your head..." I said... Everyone in the training room looked at Euclio, they hear me seriously... Rueger in an instant come next by my side... "What is it?" Euclio asked... He looked above his head, and looked confuse... I see an eye... watching at me... "Destroy it!" Orseus shouted from distance... He is serious... ''Create Elements'' I created all of the five spheres... ''[FIREBALL]'' I use... and throw it to the eye... And it hit the eye, and gone like a wind... Somehow my heart beats really fast, especially after Orseus shouted at me... I believe that is something bad right? "W-What is actually happening?" Euclio asked me confusedly... "Is it still there?" Orseus asked... "N-No... it has disappeared..." I said Orseus let a sigh... "Just what is it?" Rueger asked Orseus... "Clairvoyant..." Orseus said... "Someone is watching us..." Orseus said... .... All of us has our goosebumps... "S-Should we hide?" Morgan asked... "No need... the eye has been there for years... but you didn''t realize it... and it only can be seen by those who is able to use Clairvoyant as well..." Orseus explained... "But this time... whoever the person that is spying on you, knows that you are capable of using Clairvoyant..." Orseus continued... T-That is creepy... "But... I think it is better to go now..." Orseus said to us... "Okay... I am still feeling creepy... let''s go now..." Euclio suggested... "Faster is better right..." I asked... And everyone nodded... All of us leave the training room... "I-I never thought your life would be really threatened..." Morgan said... "There are five kings that is aiming for his head..." Euclio said to Morgan while pointing at me... 5? "High Elven King, Wood Elven King, Dwarven King, Reudora Queen, and North Beastman King?" Morgan asked... Euclio nodded... Ooh... We are currently walking to find Fo... where is he... We asked several guards and they said that Fo is in the Kitchen... He sure loves cooking... And so we headed to the Kitchen... When we arrive there... What I looked is... Another eye above him... and now the eye is looking at me... Instantly, I summon all of my elements... ''Create Element'' I use, noticing me... Fo looked surprised... "N-Nicolas-sama?" he called my name in a bit panic way... And... "[CUT]" I said And the eye were cut... Fo... is standing still... But then he fall to the ground because of terrified... Euclio helped him up... Afterwards, Euclio explained to him, what has happened... And Fo nodded in understand... "I-I see..." Fo said... "Then, we decided to leave earlier..." I said... "A-Are you sure? I am cooking for dinner..." Fo said in the sad face... Oh no... he is so fluffy... "Ummm Nico?" Euclio asked... "Um...." I said... My hand is moving on its own... "I guess eating is fine... also, you can clear some of the guards... that was spied..." Morgan said... "That''s true..." I said I looked at Euclio for confirmation, he nodded... "Okay, we will be here until dinner, while waiting for the food... I will check the soldier around..." I said "Okay... I will be in the dining room in half an hour..." Fo said... We nodded and left... After we left the kitchen, I keep thinking about this magic. Why does it still gives me goosebumps, all my daily life, is watched?! Hmmm... Clairvoyant... While we are on our way, I am activating my magic, in case of seeing the eye... "[CUT]" I said while directing a slice of wind to an eye on a soldier head... He looks confused but no complaint... "That is a random person..." Morgan said... "Hmm?" I asked... what is he going to say... "I thought you can only use Clairvoyant to the person you know..." Morgan said... Euclio gives a thought... "Maybe Nicolas could do that... but he is still new with it..." Euclio concluded... Morgan nodded... We finally arrived in front of the dining room, and we come inside the room... "Javier..." I said "Nicolas-sama..." Javier responded and give me a bow... "Don''t move an inch..." I said... Javier then maintains his position not to move... "[CUT]" I said and also directing wind magic toward an eye above his head... "That''s okay now..." Euclio said... and he looked at us in confusion... "I believe there is an explanation for this matter?" Javier asked... "Let''s sit..." I said and everyone picks their own place... I sit between Euclio and Rueger... and Euclio begins his explanation... After the explanation... "Clairvoyant... ability to see a person from a really great distance... don''t you think that it is cheating?" Javier asked... "Of course... but that is Magic..." Orseus said... "Oh, by the way.... I have good news..." Orseus said... All of us looked at him... "What is it?" I asked... "When you destroy the eye from a person... that person can''t be spectated anymore... so, Javier and Euclio is safe..." Orseus... I let a sigh in relief... I don''t want to keep doing it every day... "When we arrive at the new house, I will be learning Clairvoyant Magic first..." I told the other... "No... you should study Barrier Magic first..." Orseus said... Now all of us looked confused... "What is it for?" Euclio asked... "Of course... to block the spying..." Orseus said... And none of us thought about that... It can be stopped! "W-What should be the least tier to avoid that?" I asked... "Basic is fine, as long as it is 24 hours..." Orseus said... I looked at Euclio... and he looked at me as well... "Oh, then it is fine..." I said to Orseus... Orseus looked confused... "Both Euclio-sama and Nicolas-sama have learned Barrier Magic..." Rueger said... Both of us nodded... while Morgan looked at us in amazed... "Then... How about trying more Fusion Magic?" Javier asked... "Hmmm my body can''t handle it..." I said to Javier... "I see..." Javier said... "Just learn Clairvoyant... it is very useful, and in a war... it is very critical..." Euclio said... I nodded, I believe it will be easier for us to take advantage during the war... especially if Euclio knows the enemy''s plan as well... He is a genius, and if he knows the enemy''s plan... it will be much easier... "But, everyone in this town, knows that Nicolas can use Clairvoyant... it will spread toward the enemy..." Morgan said... Everyone?! "Yeah, you perform it in public..." Euclio said... Oh! "Hmmm but it will be okay, as long as the enemy has no Barrier Mage..." Morgan said... That is true... Barrier Magic is limited to Mera Sect only... there are not a lot of people could perform that magic... I feel like two Euclio is talking to me... And then Fo comes and we eat our dinner...