《Nevertheless, A Fantasy World》


 Nevertheless, A Fantasy World: Prologue 1

    Aldieas, a world where magic blooms from the very roots of its core and drawn out from its leyline across its land. Consuming the nigh-infinite amount of magical power of the world, one can conjure and bend the will of nature to produce fire, manipulate water, dance with the wind, and resound with the earth.


    It¡¯s long drawn out history carved that world, granted knowledge to its inhabitants, and even give them chances to develop magic. As the civilization grows, boundaries are created, kingdoms are established, and slowly, people become intellectual.


    Dividing Aldieas into countless kingdoms, lands, and even continent, and the variety of races has also started taking over.


    Humans, the least common race with high adaptability, flexible with their specialization in magic, and one of the race with the shortest life expectancy. In compensation for their physical weakness, they are granted high intellect and granted a more fluid flow of magic energy within their bodies.


    Vasters, a common race with strong physical prowess and excellent survival instincts, a race with ears and tails derived from wild animals. Some of their race also shows a more dominant wildly appearance that exhibits fur. However, unlike humans, Vasters have a duller sense of magic.


    Serensis, a conservative race that focuses on magic and haslower physical ability than humans and vasters, however, their life expectancy greatly differs from the two races as they can live up to more than three hundred years. Within the race of Serensis, a variety of subspecies also appears. One of the prominent subspecies is Eruf, a race with long pointed ears as their best trademarks. One more subspecies that is commonly seen is Breth, a subspecies that stout in stature but has excellent physical strength.


    Oreals, a race that once walked that land in its primitive state but now, has finite numbers. They are an ancient race that is also called Primus as their race retains knowledge from the past. They have scales as hard as steel and wings that let them soar through the skies. One more prominent characteristics they have is horns. The other synonym for their name is Draug.


    Alpsis, is a race, like the Serensis, with a lot of subspecies but their most common trait is two to four horns sprouting from their head. Some of them also show a different skin color or rather eerie irises. They are the race opposite with Humans as they had the most strife.


    Altogether, they strive to be on top, a fight for supremacy. The whole world was divided and countless war made a huge gap for further growth for the era.


    Seeing how the world has turned out, the God that governs Aldieas frowned.


    He lamented over the outcome of the world, how everyone has become corrupted, become hungry for power, and even becoming unconditionally evil for the sake of their goals.


    In his rage, the very same God sent Thirteen Demon Lords, an existence that will wipe out the whole world of its corrupted ideals, an existence that will exterminate every single soul in the world, seeing no change and hope for it.


    Not even hundred years have passed, all of the races banded together in desperation to survive.


    However, they are only left with a single continent to huddle together. Millions of life were already reaped or possibly billions, reaped by mere numbers of thirteen.


    The continent that was left for them was a land with a mountain towering up to the skies, filled with tall trees and ferocious beasts rendering them sandwiched in both dangers.


    Desperation fills their hearts, hopelessness washed away their corrupted ideals, and only tears were shed next to blood. A dawn of another massacre comes closer as the thirteen Demon Lords marches towards them.


    ¡°If we only have a hero¡­¡±


    Words such as those suddenly gave a rang.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    The five races then, in their last struggle, combined their powers and conjures a summoning spell, a spell that even them cannot comprehend. It is a spell circle that they desperately created to give them salvation.


    It¡¯s no longer a spell, it was a Receipt of their salvation.


    Their salvation was painstakingly answered as a man of hollow black hair and eyes appears. As opposed to the god who created Aldieas, the summoned hero is someone sent by another god.


    The man, exceeded everyone¡¯s expectation as he exhibits power that matches the Demon Lords, has become the beacon of hope.


    However, their hopes almost crushed the hero, their expectations filled him with uncertainty, and not long after, he became mad.


    Spite of that madness, the summoned hero ceaseless swung his sword down towards the Demon Lords. Regaining and losing himself, the hero fought, suffering and falling into despair, the hero fought, and experiencing rage and hatred, the hero fought.


    Until he vanquished all of the Demon Lords within the span of ten years.


    The hero is aware what will come next, he is aware that he will be an existence not be awed at but to be feared.


    Sooner or later, he will become the symbol of dominance. His kind heart has already given up, his patience was long exhausted.


    He lamented that he was a hero but at the same, felt that he loved what he achieved.


    After hiding his Godly sword at the far side of the world, he returned back to the mountain as tall as a skyscraper. Wordlessly, he vanished in the mountain.


    Being free from threat, all of the five races have reached a consensus. The God who sent the Thirteen Demon Lord was unexpectedly satisfied with the result.


    The mountain that was discovered to be the pinnacle of the magical ley lines, was treated as a sacred place. The lone hero who advanced the magic becomes a tale, and the salvation he brought has become a light that leads the world to a new future.


    Afterwards¡­


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    ¡°Bah, this is boring! How many times have I read such crude summary!?¡± A girl complained as she threw that book aside and sprawled her body unto the wooden veranda.


    ¡°Boring, boring, boring, boring! I want to do something else today other than laze around and sleep! When was the last time I had a visitor and sex? Eighty-something years!?¡± She groaned angrily.


    The girl sprawling on the ground is an exquisite beauty. Her black silken hair grew past double her tiny height of one hundred thirty centimeters. Her black irises shine beautifully that is paired with beautiful long eyelashes.


    From the slit of her traditional dress peeks her pale thighs as the same color as her face. Her complexion is so pale that one would say that she has never seen the light of the sun. And finally, she is as young as a prepubescent girl.


    ¡°Ahh¡­how many years has passed already? What should I do today? Hunt some giant bear? Nay, I still have a stash of my food. Ahh¡­I¡¯m already so bored of this everyday life.¡± The girl said as she looks at the horizon where the sun peaks.


    However, under the sun is a sea of cloud. Save from the trees around her large wooden mansion where she lives alone, everything else is covered with clouds, as if she is living in a celestial plane.


    ¡°I won¡¯t get anywhere complaining to myself like this. Now, now, I will descend upon that world again! Yup, I made up my mind.¡± She said as she resolves herself.


    The girl stood up and started sprinting barefooted.


    ¡°Ah, maybe just a little stopover and I¡¯ll return here.¡± She muttered as she jumps with inhuman strength. She dove into the sea of clouds and in an instant, the body, base, and the foot of the mountain covered with large towering trees appears in her sight as she free falls.


    ¡°Ohh...Ohh!...OOHHH!!¡± She said in amazement as she saw the view of a large city ahead.


    ¡°Amazing! People used to use stone and stick as numerical value before¡­that¡¯s a little exaggeration but¡­Ahh¡­I wonder¡­compared to before, how much does this world change?¡± She wonders with a flushed face seemingly excited of what¡¯s ahead.


    ¡°Ah, here I am.¡± She exclaimed as she was about to hit the ground. ¡°Zephyrus!¡± she shouted before she came closer to the ground.


    A green light immediately burst out from the ground and from it, a burst of spherical wind catches her to soften her landing.


    THUD


    ¡°Hmm¡­well, that¡¯s better than creating a crater but¡­this place¡­¡± She scans her surrounding. ¡°It seems I landed on the mountainside but, this kind of road¡­where have I seen it before?¡± she contemplated.


    What bare laid in front of her is a paved road made of asphalt. In the middle is a yellow line that seems to tread along. On the side of the mountain, there¡¯s a rail fence.


    ¡°Where¡­where have I seen it?¡± She racks her brain forcefully for information but ended up with nothing.


    Suddenly, she felt the ground vibrating. Noticing that something is coming she hurriedly ran towards the side of the road while dragging her really long hair.


    At that moment, a moving metal box with tires suddenly appeared in front of her momentarily. The metal box was creating a noise she is familiar with but cannot point out what it was.


    ¡°What was that? I know It¡­I know it¡­! Argghh! It¡¯s pointless to beat myself around with it! For now, let¡¯s head towards that city I saw earlier.¡± She decided as she started walking.


    Thus, begins a new tale for this world, a new curtain rising up, a new tale to be told off because whatever happens, this place, nevertheless, a fantasy world.

 Nevertheless, A Fantasy World: Prologue 2

    ¡°Even after reading it for a thousand of times, I just can¡¯t stop admiring the hero of Aldieas! One day, one day¡­I want to be like him!¡± A man of mid-teens said as he closes the book namely The Salvation of Aldieas.


    ¡°Reed! What are you doing!? You¡¯re going to be late for school!¡± A woman seemingly in her late thirties called out to the boy namely Reed.


    ¡°Uwah! It¡¯s already that late?! Damn, I got absorbed reading again!¡± Reed jolted from his seat and rushes out from his room.


    Hurriedly opening that door, Reed then jumps down from the stairs like a wild animal. He immediately wore his blaze in hand and picked up his bag while rushing to the kitchen.


    ¡°I¡¯m going now, Mom!¡± Reed shouted.


    ¡°Yeah! You better be! It¡¯s your first day in Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy, after all, Reed Chelle!¡± Reed¡¯s mother told him while washing dishes with a faucet.


    ¡°Of course! As an outstanding student who grabbed the first place of the strongest Magus in the state competition last year, I should set a good example!¡± Reed said and dashed away like a whirlwind from the door.


    ¡°Up¡­Whirlwind Sprint!¡± Reed cast as soon as he steps on the paved road. His dash created a light breeze. The neighbors are already used to his wild behavior so they just shrugged.


    Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy.


    Located at Breth Continent where the sacred mountain that birthed magical Ley Lines. Due to the strong concentration of magical energy, it was the most prestigious Magical Academy around the globe as magical energy is easily refilled giving people to further pursue their interest regarding magic.


    Kilometers away from the Sacred Mountains that said to reach the Celestial Planes, the city of Estelle can be found, the largest City where the center of magical research, trade, and even studies is commenced and concentrated.


    Also comes with this Era is where magic is incorporated together with humanoid machines called Exturbo. With the rise in knowledge of magic, technology was also cultivated to the point that towering machines like the Exturbo have become part of the research.


    The city of Estelle excels in commerce, technology, and magic making it the most centered City across the globe.


    ¡°Ah, amazing! Another Exturbo for patrol today! I heard there¡¯s a dozen of them deployed right now!¡± Reed delightedly said as he stares at the towering ten-meters humanoid machine. The Exturbo carries a huge sword on its back and holds a compact gun in its hand. Its ashen color makes it seems stale but the design made it a little bit more daunting.


    ¡°This is an old model, probably a second generation! The third generations are cool but there¡¯s a certain charm to the old models! One day, I¡¯ll be piloting an Exturbo myself!¡± Reed muttered as he runs.


    Exturbo is exclusive for Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy graduates, however, not until they passed a licensure exam. Piloting Exturbo requires a huge amount of magical energy and measuring the growth of individual¡¯s magic node is also to be considered.


    Magical Node is like a blood vessel that can be found align with the veins and arteries, however, instead of transporting blood, Magical Node carries magic all the around body. To develop a strong magical energy, the magical node should be strengthened like how one reinforce their body alongside the stamina.


    Incidentally, Reed, the boy who possesses an ashen brown hair that grew past his ears and eyes clear as emerald is a hopeful boy who has talents. A hopeful boy who boasts in proficiency with magic and martial arts were even at such young age, has already joined a state competition last years, though that division was equally divided and his division aligns in Fourth Tier.


    Magus are those who aspire to become strong through magic training, however, magus has their own division and rankings.


    The lowest ranking is Fifth Tier and the highest is First Tier. The highest ranking Magus in Estelle city is no doubt, the Headmaster of the Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy who falls in the rank of Second Tier Third Degree.


    The Degree within the tier has a ladder before proceeding to the next Tier. The lowest Degree is is First Degree while the highest is Tenth Degree where one can apply for a promotion.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Reed¡¯s Tier is Fourth in Second Degree. The most powerful Magus to be known alive is a First Tier Tenth Degree Alpsis, a race that lives relatively longer than human. In hindsight, humans, however struggles, will not reach a tier and degree than their age dictates.


    ¡°Ah, here comes the champ! Hey, Reed!¡± A girl called out to Reed.


    ¡°Yo, Alisa!¡± Reed stopped right there and walks closer to the girl called Alisa.


    ¡°What did I told you about using magic when going to school?! You should be more mindful of your surrounding or you¡¯ll blow stuff!¡± Alisa nagged while her fluffy fox ears and tails perk up.


    Alisa is a friend of Reed that he met last year. She is a race from Vaster and the proofs are the beastly traits such as ears and tails.


    Alisa stands below Reed¡¯s nose level. She dons a pale golden hair with her ears and tails matching the colors. Her eyes are deep crimson and there¡¯s a slit in her irises.


    ¡°Sorry! Well, if I hadn¡¯t rushed out today, I wouldn¡¯t have seen one of those Exturbo today, an old model one to boot!~ Old models are rare these days!¡± Reed said with vigor.


    ¡°Yes, yes, you Exturbo freak. Let¡¯s go now.¡± Alisa beckons Reed.


    Alisa and Reed walk side by side while creating small talks, mainly about Reed blabbering about the Hero of Aldieas and how cool the Exturbo are.


    However, at that moment, a blaring siren alarmed them.


    ¡°Wha--?! This is, isn¡¯t this the first time in my life that this siren blared like that?!¡± Reed exclaimed with excitement.


    ¡°Stupid! That¡¯s a siren indicating danger! What if that indicates a Behemoth Class Beast?! We should run now!¡± Alisa tried to grab Reed¡¯s hand, however, she catches nothing but the wind.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I want to take a look!¡± Reed said as he runs off.


    ¡°Geez! Come back here!¡± Alisa runs after Reed.


    Going back in time, spanning towards the girl who fell from the sky before the alarm blared off.


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    ¡­...


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    ¡°Whoa¡­this is amazing!¡± The girl said as she excitedly runs around.


    As she entered the city, the gate guard snaps a look at her and tried to stop her, however, at that moment, the girl leaped with monstrous strength.


    What the guard remember about the girl is she is wearing a really old-fashioned traditional clothes that seems too long for her and speaking of long, her extremely long hair that drags in the ground. But what¡¯s burnt on the guard¡¯s mind is that the girl of young age exudes unworldly beauty.


    ¡°What is all of this?! Ah, what are those blinking things with people inside?!¡± The girl exclaimed as she saw a huge television for commercial use.


    She immediately jumps towards the huge television, however, as soon as she got closer to it.


    BOOM!


    The television exploded. Not only the huge television, but every technology that would come to a certain range to her will explode, as long as they are run by magical energy. In hindsight, she has already destroyed a lot of magic-based technologies.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of fireworks! Are they welcoming me? No, no, no! No one should recognize me, but¡­ah¡­this is a beautiful city! I¡¯ve never seen things like this before!¡± She said as she frolics. ¡°Ah, there it is, more of those moving box things!¡± She once again exclaimed as she saw the cars.


    She delightfully jumps towards the crossroad of traffic.


    Her long black hair flutters along the wind and her clothes made an elegant fall that took every onlooker¡¯s breath away.


    ¡°Ah, what a pretty girl! It¡¯s like she came from another world!¡± One onlooker muttered.


    ¡°Say, that girl is a real beauty dude!¡±


    ¡°Too young for me but¡­oh my¡­with that thighs, I won¡¯t even bother about her age.¡± A hooligan said.


    BEEP


    An oncoming car didn¡¯t notice the existence of the girl walking curiously. It was too late to stop before he learned the existence of the girl.


    ¡°Look out!!¡±


    ¡°The little girl will be¡­!¡±


    At that moment, the girl notices that a car coming towards her way.


    ¡°Uwah! I wonder what it will do?¡± She stood there, unknowing of the circumstances that she is in.


    BAM!


    Contrary to everyone¡¯s expectation¡­


    The girl there, instead of flying from the impact, blocked that car with her barehand that created a huge fold in the car¡¯s nose.


    ¡°Oh my, how fragile¡­¡± The girl said in disappointment. Being a little unaware of the gazes, the girl once again jumped as soon as her eyes laid upon a new curious thing¡­an Exturbo.


    ¡°WHAT IS THAT?! AMAZING! IT¡¯S HUGE AND ALL METAL!¡± She happily said with twinkling eyes of excitement.


    She landed in front of the Exturbo in which the pilot of the machine noticed that existence of the little girl.


    ¡°A little girl? The way you dress is weird. Are you lost or something? Did you come from a far away country?¡± A voice comes inside the Exturbo. The ten-meters machine looks down on the girl.


    ¡°Amazing! That thing! What do you call it?! Is it strong?!¡± The girl barrages questions.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Must be a tourist if you think a second generation is strong. Well, it is strong compared to primitive machines outside of Estelle.¡± A calm voice answered the girl.


    ¡°Oooooh! If that thing and I clashes, who would win? Can it even endure my magic?!¡± the girl curiously asked.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Aren¡¯t you a feisty one? Hmm¡­what¡¯s this¡­? A strong magical reading¡­?¡± Suddenly, the pilot noticed something unfamiliar.


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s try it!¡± The girl exclaimed with a smile.


    ¡°Agni!¡± The girl shouted.


    In an instant, below the girl, a blaze of inferno charred everything around her. Fortunately, around them is an uninhabited lot.


    ¡°This girl!!¡± The pilot panics as he tried to step back.


    The ground began to crumbles and little by little, magma rises from her place as her fire becomes even more intense. A huge torrent of hellish blaze immediately rises to the sky and dyed it with crimson fiery sky.


    ¡°Emergency! A demon lord appeared!¡± The pilot shouted at his comm.


    Then, the alarm blared.

 Nevertheless, A Fantasy World: Prologue 3

    ¡°Reed, wait! Look up, the sky¡­is burning?!¡± Alisa exclaimed as she pointed at the fiery sky dyed with crimson clouds.


    ¡°It is red! Maybe something really dangerous is out there! Ah, there¡¯s a pillar of blaze right there!¡± Reed immediately pointed a the towering flames of destruction far from where they are standing. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Alisa! Maybe we can become heroes if we stop this one!¡± Reed added.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be foolish¡ªhey! Listen to me!¡± Alisa tried to reprimand Reed but her words reached no ears as Reed once again runs towards the danger. ¡°Geez! Your mom is going to be angry!¡± Alisa, having no choice, followed Reed.


    As the two continue running, three Exturbo carrying large weapons flew past them. The Exturbo are third generation model with a sharper look and thinner frame than the second generation.


    ¡°Look, Alisa, there¡¯s three of them! Sending three means this is nothing like a small beast! This might be something really dangerous!¡± Reed exclaimed without stopping.


    ¡°Moron! If you know that then let¡¯s go back!¡± Alisa weakly cried as she tried to keep up with Reed¡¯s pace. ¡°Damn it, I am from the Vaster race and I am losing to a human in a sprint¡­¡± she curses as Reed is making a remarkable distance between them.


    Reed and Alisa, without stopping, keep running straight to the root of the emergency. However, before they can even realize it, the temperature is slowly rising. At the moment, a flare suddenly lits up ahead.


    ¡°¡­Alisa!¡± Reed immediately turned around and grab Alisa¡¯s body. He dove with her to the ground and even covered her with his body.


    BOOM!


    A loud explosion occurs that a wave of fire eats everything away. The empty lots and houses are consumed and immediately crumbles to ashes. Two of the three Exturbo earlier was blown back by an incredible force.


    For Reed and Alisa, that was not their concern anymore.


    ¡°Wind Wall!¡± Reed immediately deployed an invisible barrier of wind to deflect the incoming wave of an explosion. However, in the very instant that the wind wall meets the impact, it shattered without resistance.


    ¡°Alisa!¡± Reed shouted in desperate tone as he lost all hope.


    ¡°Reed, I love you!¡± Alisa shouted as she closes her eyes to meet her end as she took the opportunity to hug Reed in her arms.


    However, at that moment, before the wave of fire could char them to a coal, a figure appears before them.


    ¡°Terra.¡± The girl with black hair said.


    A pillar of a large rock emerges suddenly from the ground in front of her. A slate wall that blocks the explosion unyieldingly. The slate was so large it can probably cover a two-storey house.


    ¡°Oh my, I got too excited that I became careless. This is a shameful act. You two there, are you okay?¡± The girl with lovely long black hair asked.


    Reed and Alisa were in a daze as they stare at the exquisitely lovely girl in front of them. Though she wears a weird garment, she is undeniably out of this world. Her age doesn¡¯t seem to appear older than thirteen but the charm that she exhibits are alluring.


    ¡°Say, thee younglings are fine I ask.¡± She once again said.


    ¡°Ah, yes! Thank you for saving us! But¡­what¡¯s happening?¡± Reed was able to shook himself from the daze and inquire further about the situation.


    ¡°Hmm, I was truly amused by those moving metals in humanoid form so I got a little heated with them. So to say, they weren¡¯t that special¡­¡± The girl spoke in a dejected manner.


    ¡°Eh?! Impossible! You are saying that you fought with the Exturbos?! And what was that explosion earlier? A gas leak? No, that¡¯s too strong for a gas leak¡­¡± Alisa exclaimed as she digests the situation.


    Suddenly, five more Exturbo appears from the sky.


    ¡°More of it? Hmm, are they perhaps angry with me?¡± The girl said with a troubled expression.


    ¡°What did you do?!¡± Reed suddenly asked.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Eh? I just tried to use a little magic. Didn¡¯t know they were this fragile.¡± She replied with an innocent face.


    At that moment, the five Exturbo mercilessly fired off dozens of Fire missiles to their direction. The girl immediately flees from the place, however, being able to react a few seconds slower, Reed and Alisa were late to escape.


    ¡°Again?!¡± Reed shouted as he grabs Alisa again and covers her.


    At that very moment, from the explosion comes shrapnel of rock and metals comes flying alongside another explosion. While the Fire Missle was not directly shot at them, the impact was almost as lethal as the missile itself.


    This time around, no one saved them.


    ¡°Hey! Stop, you fired at this children!¡± The girl from earlier yelled. ¡°This is not what I wanted to happen. I might have been too aggressive¡­¡± she then muttered to herself with remorse.


    However, for the pilots of Exturbos, their only concern is the girl who showed an unbelievable magical energy earlier. To that end, they wanted to eliminate her as soon as possible that they lost sight of their own surroundings.


    That¡¯s right, they instinctively felt fear from the girl and just mindlessly firing their armaments at her.


    ¡°Reed!¡± Alisa shouted while cradling Reed in her arms.


    The girl with black hair immediately snaps her head towards the two people. Her eyes widen in surprise as she saw the boy with a sharp metallic plate piercing his chest. The girl who is holding him slowly tears up as she called out to the boy¡¯s name.


    ¡°Reed! Reed! Reed!¡± Alisa called out to him repeatedly. She cried in both desperation and regret from not forcefully stopping the boy earlier. Foolish as he may be, she could have stopped him with the right words. The boy who always dream of becoming a hero.


    Seeing this, the girl with black hair frowns in a displeased manner.


    Exturbos came back from the air started casting more Fire missiles to throw at her. However, her mood seemingly drops, the girl leaps up.


    ¡°She flew?!¡± One of the Exturbo pilots exclaimed.


    The girl grabs one of the Exturbo by the ankles. Her grip strength is so strong that she grabs the metal like it is a scrap of paper.


    ¡°Go away.¡± She said as she swung that Exturbo towards the other two who are coming her way.


    CLANK


    The three Exturbo clashes midair and fell as they lost their balance. In a succession, the girl also grabs one of the two more remaining Exturbo and threw it at the last Exturbo. Like the first three, the two Exturbos lost their ability to fix themselves midair.


    ¡°See¡­? Fragile I say.¡± She muttered under her breath as she looks at the horizon. The whole place, with the exception of the towering mountain where she came from, is teeming with houses and building. Aware of such thing, she made sure that the chunk of metals will land at a place where people will be unlikely there.


    ¡°Ah¡­the boy¡­¡± She remembered.


    She jolted downward in midflight and shot towards where the girl is cradling the boy with sore eyes from excessive crying. The fox girl¡¯s ears perk up as she sensed that presence of the black haired girl.


    ¡°You¡­what are you?! Because of you¡­¡± Alisa was about to say something but stopped. She knew she was at fault too so she got disheartened to say anything.


    ¡°Oh? You got a good head on your shoulders, kid. I¡¯ll be brief about the condition of your lover.¡± The girl nonchalantly said as she stares at the boy. ¡°He is already dead.¡± She bluntly blurted.


    ¡°Well yeah! He is¡­and¡­I wasn¡¯t able to do anything about it¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s voice weakly trailed off and her fox ears and tails fall downward in utter sadness. Her unending tears drop to the lifeless boy on her arms.


    ¡°You have a bit of a sharp tongue despite your lover dying in your arms. That¡¯s good, hand him over to me.¡± The girl reckoned.


    ¡°Wha--?! What are you going to do?! And¡­we are not¡­in that kind of relationship¡­¡± Alisa said.


    ¡°Oh? Shame¡­and Vasters is one of the most aggressive race as they do not pick their partners, especially when they are in heat.¡± The girl said with an as a matter of fact tone.


    ¡°Please¡­what are you going to do with Reed?!¡± Alisa could only utter as she reluctantly let go of Reed.


    ¡°I feel a little responsible for his death. If he died a dog¡¯s death without me being connected, then I might not need to concern myself with him, however, I made some problems. I have to take matters in hand. For that very reason, I will give this boy an extension for his life.¡± The girl said as she closes her eyes.


    ¡°What are you plann--! EH?!¡± Alisa was about to ask something when the girl suddenly made a sudden move.


    After removing the sharp metallic object, in front of Alisa, the girl with black hair soothingly puts her lips and latches it to Reed¡¯s lips. Saliva started leaking out and smacking sound becomes audible. The girl is¡­very good at kissing.


    Alisa could do nothing but watch in utter envy and amazement as the girl explored every bit of Reed¡¯s lips and possibly, his tongue included.


    Alisa then notices that the girl¡¯s tongue twines with Reed¡¯s and a shimmer of light was passed down to his mouth. As the light was swallowed by Reed, the girl stops her assault on the lifeless body of the boy¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Guehh! Arck!¡± Reed suddenly jolted from his place and coughs several times.


    ¡°Reed!¡± Alisa jumps on his chest in delight, seeing that the boy once again breathes. ¡°Thank goodness! Thank goodness you¡¯re alive!¡± she said as her ears and tails perks up.


    ¡°What?! So you are saying that I almost died?¡± Reed inquires so.


    ¡°Not quite, boy. You really did die. You just got back to life through Yah and Weh. You should be thankful for receiving another life.¡± The girl with black hair said.


    ¡°I did? Well¡­did you do that for me?¡± Reed further inquires with quizzical countenance.


    ¡°I did. From my very own lips, I transferred it to yours.¡± She pointed her¡¯s and Reed¡¯s lips.


    ¡°You¡­kissed me?!¡± Reed suddenly flared in embarrassment.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s no other way to perform it. Anyway, be glad that you are back on your own two feet, boy.¡± The girl said with a smile on her face.


    ¡°I see¡­thank you¡­um¡­your name?¡± tilting his head, Reed asked.


    ¡°Me? My name¡­¡±


    At that moment, Reed¡¯s world was turned upside down. At the moment, Reed and everyone else around him will have their lives and destiny tread a path of thorn.


    ¡°I am the Hero of Aldieas, Sigrun.¡±

 Nevertheless, A Fantasy World: Prologue 4

    Sigrun, the Hero of Aldieas, the man who defeated all the Thirteen Demon Lords that said to have almost succeeded in wiping out each and every life in this world. Wielding a sword bestowed by the Gods, the Hero Sigrun plows down every enemy and eventually triumphing.


    However, Sigrun was the very same hero who showed utter disgust towards the people that he saved. The God was moved by the people¡¯s effort to survive but in return, the hero becomes disappointed for what they have shown him.


    What did Sigrun witness back then?


    ¡°Impossible! They said Hero Sigurn has ascended to the Celestial Realms! Instead of counting faults to the people of this world, he climbed to heaven.¡± Alisa shouted.


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­Alisa is right! Also, Hero Sigrun, according to the book is a--!¡± Reed was about to say something but is stopped.


    All of a sudden, hundreds of soldiers holding rifles equipped with Elemental Burster, an inscription that changes the properties of the bullets to the desired element. From the skies, six more Exturbo came down with all of their weapons drawn out.


    All of the armed soldiers surrounded Sigrun whilst, pointing their firearms at her. High caliber magus stayed at the backline and started casting magical spells to interfere with Sigrun. The Exturbo exudes an astounding amount of magical energy and pointed a railgun at her.


    Reed and Alisa were immediately taken away from the place.


    ¡°It seems I have rampaged at the wrong Era. People are so strict. The, for that boy, I won¡¯t cause any more trouble.¡± Sigrun said as he raises her hand in the air. ¡°Surrender.¡± She added.


    ¡°Get her!¡± One of the commanding officers shouted and everyone approached her cautiously.


    As Sigrun showed no sign of resistance, the soldiers pounce on her and held her hands behind her back. They took out some cuffs and seals.


    ¡°Restrain her magic! Contact Sir Meld!¡± Said once again by the commanding officer.


    ¡°Sheesh, do be a little gentle, you are messing my hair.¡± Sigrun complained a little.


    ¡°Shut up Demon Lord! You are going to be given a due trial! Anything you say now will be used against you!¡± The commanding officer replied.


    The cuffs are inscribed with magic that can seal magic and strengthened to the limits that even a Behemoth will be having a hard time breaking it. A seal, a talisman was put in Sigrun¡¯s chest, near the heart, where the center of magical node gathers in one¡¯s body.


    The day ended with Sigrun being taken to Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy¡¯s underground facility due to Sir Meld¡¯s order, the Academy¡¯s headmaster and one of the Ten Paladins, the world¡¯s strongest Peace Keepers.


    Meanwhile, Reed and Alisa were taken to the head office of the Academy the next day.


    ¡°So, Reed Chelle and Alisa Hertuclaire, you two rushed towards the scene of danger when the alarm clearly indicated great danger.¡± A handsome serensis man with pointed ears, white hair tied in a ponytail, and clear green eyes, said as he stares at the tense Reed and Alisa.


    ¡°Um¡­Alisa was just trying to stop me. I should only who should take all the punishment, Headmaster Meld.¡± Reed appealed to the man named Meld.


    ¡°Uhu, and¡­when my men found you, Reed Chelle, you have a huge hole in your clothes, all bloodied, and seemingly flushed. Alisa Hertuclaire, did Reed Chelle really died and was revived?¡± Meld asked with keen eyes.


    ¡°Yes! Reed was¡­Reed really died¡­but¡­the girl who introduced herself as Sigrun brought him back to life!¡± Alisa explained with a pained voice as Reed¡¯s lifeless body flashes in her mind.


    ¡°And¡­how did this girl named Sigrun did it?¡± Meld once again asked, however, Alisa frowned upon the question and Reed¡¯s face becomes beet red.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to puke sugar¡­! Are you two perhaps in a lover¡¯s quarrel?¡± Meld teasingly asked.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°We are not, dummy! Ah, sorry! I mean¡­Headmaster Meld¡­it¡¯s just that¡­wait! Reed and I are not like that! But that Sigrun¡­she¡­ah! No¡­what am trying to say is that¡­argghh¡­¡± Alisa gave up explaining one thing to another has she messed up her words.


    Meld only showed a gentle smile upon the panicking Alisa and the unusually meek Reed. Meld is well aware of Reed¡¯s reckless behavior and Alisa¡¯s love for the dense man.


    Reed doesn¡¯t even remember that Alisa confessed to him during that incident. Reed can only mull over Sigrun, the idol he always looked up to and how she kissed him to resurrect him.


    ¡°Like what I said, I revived the boy with the magic of Yah and Weh.¡± A voice entered everyone¡¯s ears.


    Meld, Alisa, and Reed were all alerted as someone entered at the door. A whole day hasn¡¯t even passed and yet, she was there, with a huge grin on her face.


    ¡°You¡­! How did you escape?!¡± Meld shouted as he drew a sword inscribed with a Two-way inscription of Earth and Water element. Reed and Alisa immediately step sideward as Meld pointed the sword to Sigrun¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Me? It was easy¡­none of your seals really worked on me. Ah, even the cuffs were nothing more than a fancy decoration on my hand.¡± Sigrun said as she tossed the cuffs and seals aside. ¡°Like something crude can restrain me, a hero.¡± She added.


    ¡°Hero Sigrun, right? Are you really the same hero in the books written by our predecessors? Show us a proof. If you fail to, I will strike you down as a demon lord.¡± Meld threatened Sigrun as his magical energy fills the room.


    ¡°Damn it¡­don¡¯t call them Demon Lords! Those thirteens¡­they are very dear to me, the Vajras! Just how much fictitious that book can be?!¡± Sigrun roared with visible irritation.


    ¡°I am angered by the fact that all of you believed that they are nothing more than a killing machine! Those thirteen birthed magic to this world and yet, they are feared!¡± Sigrun once again continued with knitted eyebrows.


    ¡°I am unsure of what you are trying to say! In fact, none of your words are believable, for someone who went on a rampage and charred a lot of places! You even trashed our precious Exturbos!¡± Meld replied with anger too.


    ¡°Those junks are precious?! That¡¯s a really funny story considering they didn¡¯t even give a slight resistance to my strength!¡± Sigrun mocks with a smug.


    ¡°That is not the point here anymore. You have caused a huge disturbance and you won¡¯t get away from your crimes. You break the rules and this is what you get.¡± Meld exclaimed without even setting the sword aside.


    ¡°¡­Well sorry, I don¡¯t even know any rules you have here. I just came down from the mountains and I am completely clueless¡­¡± Sigrun apologizes with yet, another calm tone. ¡°I wanted to apologize as well to that boy. You are going to have your life overturned from this point on.¡± She added as she cast a glance to Reed.


    ¡°Me? Ah¡­the kiss!?¡± Reed once again flared in a blush.


    ¡°Reed¡­!¡± Alisa clings to Reed¡¯s arm as jealousy started filling her mind.


    ¡°A kiss? You mean to say that you revive Reed Chelle with a kiss?¡± Meld asked Sigrun while keeping his guard.


    ¡°I gave him a fragment of Yah and Weh, about .01 percent each. I need to pass some saliva to his throat to give familiarity to the fragments and act as a lubricant since his throat seemed so parched at the moment.


    ¡°I have a lot to ask but let¡¯s get back on track. How are you going to prove that you are Sigrun, the Hero of Aldieas?!¡± Meld once again asked Sigrun with a stern voice.


    ¡°Boy, how many years have you lived? You are a Serensis, no?¡± Sigrun asked Meld while looking straight to his eyes.


    ¡°About a couple of hundred years now. What about it? And how dare you call me a boy, little girl?¡± Meld answered such question but rebutted with twitching cheek.


    ¡°So young¡­! Anyway, if you want proof, then I can show you one.¡± Sigrun said as she raises one arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything funny!¡± Meld burst as pointed the sword ever closer to Sigrun¡¯s head.


    However, she didn¡¯t heed Meld¡¯s words. She nonchalantly continues exuding a monstrous amount of magical energy, probably not even all the Exturbo in the city could contain. No, it was so strong that it can be felt up to the next city.


    ¡°O¡¯ Terra.¡± Sigrun muttered.


    At that very instant, an insignia appears at the top of Sigrun¡¯s palm. A pale brown symbol that has a shape of a crystalline rock. The insignia exudes great power of Earth that could probably be considered a treasure of the Gods.


    ¡°This is the core of one of the thirteen Vajra, Terra¡¯s heart. She was a really sweet girl with explosive personality.¡± Sigrun said with fondness in her eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡­not even us Paladins could hold something so outrageous¡­¡± Meld muttered as he lowered the sword on his hand. ¡°Are you¡­really the Hero of Aldieas?¡± he once again asked.


    ¡°I am that very same man. I am just a little disappointed that the book where my tales was written is absurdly biased.¡± She said¡­


    Other than the insignia, another burst of energy or rather, voice thunders in the room.


    ¡°Wait! You are Hero Sigrun then?! If you really are, I just want to ask something!¡± Reed asked with a panicking countenance.


    ¡°Oh, the boy. What is it?¡± Sigrun replied whilst, retracting Terra¡¯s Heart back.


    ¡°The book said that you are a man but right now, you are clearly a girl! That doesn¡¯t make any sense!¡± Reed pointed something out that made Alisa drop her jaw. Meld has widened eyes, seemingly a little shocked.


    However, from the question itself, Sigrun tilts his head cutely. It was an innocent tilt that she seemed so na?ve.


    ¡°Hmm? But, I¡¯ve always been a man. Even now.¡± Sigrun innocently said.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    An air of silence fills the room.


    Alisa and Meld are both petrified from the news, but most of all, Reed is just standing there, seemingly became a stone statue.

 Nevertheless, A Fantasy World: Prologue 5

    Inside the headmaster¡¯s office, the clock ticks within the quiet room. The tension was wrapped up earlier but the confusion still afloat. The daylight rising from the horizon shifted a few centimeters before Reed was able to collect his self.


    Right now, sitting on a couch, Sigrun relaxingly sips a tea from a teacup prepared by the headmaster¡¯s assistant who by the way, came earlier with a perfect timing.


    Reed seats beside Alisa who is consoling him. Reed, who shows a face of utter despair and betrayal, can¡¯t look at Sigrun and can only feel the abyssal emptiness in his heart.


    ¡°Hey¡­do you really dislike it? It¡¯s only a kiss though. You won¡¯t die from it or rather, I gave your life an extension with it.¡± Sigrun nonchalantly said while taking a quick glance at the sulking Reed.


    ¡°That¡¯s right Reed! You can¡¯t count that as a first kiss since it¡¯s a guy!¡± Alisa happily said as she does her best to console Reed.


    ¡°And that¡¯s exactly what I am brooding over. It¡¯s a kiss from my childhood idol, the one I looked up since I was a child so at first, I feel so lucky. Then¡­yeah¡­Sigrun is a man. I feel so torn¡­¡± Reed replied with empty eyes seemingly perplexed.


    ¡°Wait¡­Reed, you don¡¯t have to give that kiss any meaning other than reviving you!¡± Alisa immediately cried it out with crestfallen ears.


    However, Alisa¡¯s words deemed to be empty. A kiss is a kiss, a physical contact between lips and most of all, an exchange of fluid.


    Alisa took a glance at Sigrun¡­


    Indeed, Sigrun said earlier that he is a man, but his appearance is undeniable, the perfect girl. His lips are much glossier and pinkish that Alisa. His skin is so smooth and pale that a ceramic would cry being compared to it, on the other hand, Alisa took great effort to take care of hers. Sigrun¡¯s black and absurdly long hair is seemingly alike the blanket of the night sky, a deep dark color with remarkable luster to it, meanwhile, Alisa¡¯s hair needs a huge amount of maintenance to keep out split ends, dry hair, and even getting it oily.


    ¡°Damn it¡­and you are a man¡­¡± Alisa curses as she saw the huge difference. Though a man, one would immediately know who is the real beauty.


    ¡°Ahem! Though a little devastating¡­I want to keep the conversation going. Also, for security purposes, I already told Quarts to inform all involved personnel that I will personally take care of Sir Sigrun from this point on so expect that there will be no trouble or intervention.¡± Meld assured as he glances at Quarts, the assistant that was mentioned earlier.


    Quarts dons a blond hair and princely blue eyes. He does not excel in any magic but he is good at general knowledge, that is to fill what Meld is inadequate in. By the way, Quarts is a human.


    ¡°Now, I would like to hear the details of why, all of these years, Sir Sigrun decided to descend from the mountain.¡± Meld gets to the point right away.


    ¡°Hmm? Cause I got bored¡­is what I wanted to say but that¡¯s just part of the reason.¡± Sigrun once again sips a mouthful of tea and continues. ¡°I have isolated myself from the world for too long and I wanted to see how far the people have evolved. However, the incident yesterday made me realize one thing¡­¡± Sigurn momentarily stops as he looks down.


    ¡°What could it be that you realized, Sir Sigrun? Do you find this world displeasing?¡± Meld asked Sigrun with a worried countenance. Knowing and learning of what Sigrun is capable of, Meld is anxious about Sigrun¡¯s evaluation of the current era.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say right now if it is displeasing or not. Rather, I just wanted to see what¡¯s around me. Whatever happens, I don¡¯t plan on doing anything. What bothered me is the fact that¡­I am greatly uninformed of anything. Rules and regulations, the modern knowledge that you people cultivated, the vast amount of inventions that you created. I find it appalling that I am ignorant of any of these.¡± Sigrun explained his innermost thoughts to Meld.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°What I am trying to say is that I want to learn about the modern life that you and your predecessor worked hard for. The first reason is to amuse myself. Second, I don¡¯t want to cause any problem anymore like what I did yesterday due to my ignorance.¡± Sigrun followed up an explanation that seems sincere and honest.


    ¡°The Hero of Aldieas, Sigrun. What a modest man of outstanding values to the point where he knows when to admit fault.¡± Meld thought as he watches Sigrun gave an apologetic stare.


    ¡°Sir Sigrun, I am deeply honored that you admitted your woes and faults. Since there are no casualties with exception of Reed yesterday, I am going to exempt you from any liable crime. Therefore, I am also going to answer the cost of repairs. I can also make an exception for the Exturbos that you dearly trashed.¡± Meld conveyed his thankfulness and assurance to Sigrun.


    ¡°I am glad that you are willing to exempt from any crimes but, as for the cost, I can cover for it myself if we are talking about wealth.¡± Sigrun said as he started stripping his clothes in front of everyone.


    ¡°Uwah?!¡± Reed suddenly shouted in panic as his face becomes red.


    ¡°Wait, Reed! Don¡¯t look! No, wait! Sir Sigrun is a man! But¡­no! Don¡¯t look!¡± Alisa panics as she tried to cover Reed¡¯s eyes but felt a little agitated too as the fact of Sigrun being a man still ticks her off.


    ¡°Sir Sigrun! To do something indecent¡­!¡± Meld is also taken aback as Sigrun strip down his clothes.


    Baring naked and unfurling his absurdly long hair as if to give it space, Sigrun tossed the clothes at Meld¡¯s table with a confused countenance.


    ¡°Why are you guys so upbeat? Anyway, that clothes will be good payment.¡± Sigrun happily said as he sits back and picks up the cup of tea again.


    ¡°Quarts¡­get some cover for him.¡± Meld asked his assistant with a tired and perplexed countenance, seemingly don¡¯t know where to look. ¡°Also¡­I don¡¯ think these clothes will¡­wait¡­¡± Meld immediately noticed something as he touches the clothes.


    He immediately dashes his hand on the silken traditional dress that design can only be found at a far away place to the east. His eyes widen in utter shock from what he discovers.


    ¡°This clothes¡­is like a weaved magical energy! No, it¡¯s fully packed with it! This is¡­no way! Impossible! Isn¡¯t this comparable to a huge magical power plant?! No¡­! A power plant of magical energy would even cry! Sir Sigrun, what is this thing?!¡± Meld asked with bloodshot eyes seemingly holding the clothes like a treasure.


    ¡°I made that with my hair. I was planning to make another pair with my remaining hair but I got bored before I can even start.¡± Sigrun said as he glances over his hair which is sprawled on the ground.


    Reed and Alisa also take a look and touch of the said clothes. As soon as their hands touch it, they immediately felt the vivid amount of magical energy crammed into it. Reed himself carefully examines the clothes by touching a various place like the pits, and the chest part, parts that are still warm.


    ¡°Hey¡­Reed!¡± Alisa shouted as she noticed Reed¡¯s odd behavior.


    ¡°Ah, sorry! It was just¡­amazing! Yeah! So amazing that I can¡¯t part my hands from it!¡± Reed made an absurd and obvious excuse that got a cold stare from Alisa.


    ¡°Setting these two morons aside, Sir Sigrun¡­ARE YOU TRYING TO BUY THE WHOLE ACADEMY?!¡± Meld said in an elevated voice.


    ¡°Quite not? I don¡¯t even have a monetary sense, less, a basic knowledge. By the way, I still have a lot of those clothes back in my house.¡± Sigrun mentioned.


    ¡°House? You mean the sacred mountain, right?¡± Meld timidly asked, expecting an absurd response.


    ¡°Hmm? How is that mountain sacred? It¡¯s just absurdly tall, that¡¯s all.¡± Sigrun debated as he heard that the moutain is mentioned as sacred.


    ¡°Sir Sigrun, you lived there so you should know! That mountain is the starting point of all the magical ley lines that spread throughout the world! The mountain itself is extremely dangerous because strong beasts reside there. But it is undeniable that the mountain exudes a huge amount of magical energy.¡± Meld explained with a sense of professionalism.


    ¡°Haaa?! There¡¯s nothing good about that mountain! Perhaps the overflowing magical energy that you are talking about is my excess magical energy.¡± Sigrun stood up from his place, buck naked while placing his hand on his hips, and looks at Meld with a bewildered face.


    ¡°¡­Come again¡­Sir Sigrun? Are you saying that the whole world¡­is leeching off from your excess magical energy?¡± Meld, seemingly trying to hang at the edge of his chair with a disarrayed face, asked the question.


    ¡°Hmm? That¡¯s the gist of it I guess. I really don¡¯t care though.¡± Sigrun nonchalantly replied with an innocent countenance.


    Reed and Alisa, who are hearing this, dropped their jaws in utter amazement and shock. Meld starts sweating heavily as he stares unbelievably as Sigrun.


    ¡°Ah, well, I do have a huge magical reserve in my body if we count the thirteen core of the Vajras.¡± Sigrun said as if he just remembered it.


    ¡°Thirteen¡­vajras¡­¡± Meld weakly uttered as his mind is trying to digest what Sigrun has revealed to them.


    ¡°Yes, the thirteen Vajras. Agni the Vajra of Fire, Neptune the Vajra of Water, Zephyrus the Vajra of Wind, Terra the Vajra of Earth, Diabolo the Vajra of Dark, Lumen the Vajra of Light, Inanis the Vajra of Void, Vitas the Vajra of Life, Chronus the Vajra of Time, Fate the Vajra of Karma, Order the Vajra of Cosmos, Weh the Vajra of Destruction, and Yah the Vajra of Creation.¡± Sigrun calls out the name of all the thirteen Vajras.

 Nevertheless, A Fantasy World: Prologue 6

    ¡°Anyway, where can I find the red light district?¡± Sigrun immediately changed the pace of the conversation. Right now, he covers his self with an exquisite sheet of a blanket with floral design brought by Quarts.


    ¡°Why do you suddenly asked, Sir Sigrun?!¡± Meld voice¡¯s cracks from Sigrun¡¯s another absurd question.


    ¡°Ahahaha! I have a mighty craving for sex you see. I haven¡¯t done it for eighty years now. So, where is it?¡± Sigrun gave his reason out with a smile. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m fine with either a lass or a lad.¡± Sigrun proudly said.


    ¡°You mean to say you are fine with either gender?! Also, what kind of era did you come from?! Red light district? There¡¯s nothing like that anymore¡­well, there¡¯s a whole lot similar places.¡± Meld said tiredly.


    Reed and Alisa¡¯s eyes bulged out from Sigrun¡¯s preference for a partner.That is to say, they are more concerned about his preference for a partner rather than his tale of heroism.


    ¡°You mean to say that you are also fine with Reed?!¡± Alisa asked with extremely anxious expression while cold sweat trickles down from her temples.


    ¡°Hmm?I guess? You are fine too. It¡¯ll save me the time to find some suitable partners as you two are preferable for me.¡± Sigrun nonchalantly answered.


    ¡°R-Run away! Reed! We¡¯re not safe here!¡± Alisa panicked with a pale countenance as she pulls on Reed¡¯s arm.


    ¡°No¡­Alisa¡­Sir Sigrun is the hero I always idolized. If he is having trouble, h-helping him to relieve some urges¡­but¡­I am¡­¡± Reed deeply contemplated with a serious face. It only made Alisa fall into a despair deeper than the abyss as her beloved seemingly taking a bad turn in romance.


    Reed¡¯s eyes swim from top to bottom as he gazes at Sigrun. He felt like nothing could go wrong if he jumps at the opportunity to feel that small and petite body, although a male¡­


    ¡°Ohohoho! How daring of you boy! Just to be clear, I am always the lead, are you fine with that?¡± Sigrun exposes a huge grin.


    Reed, realizing the implication and realizing that he was thinking something indecent and stupid, snaps back to reality from adoring his hero and paled with instant regret.


    ¡°Hold it right there, Sir Sigrun! Those two are still minors! They haven¡¯t reached the age of legality for that term! It will be a crime if you pursue them!¡± Meld suddenly intervened.


    ¡°Age of¡­legality? Is that something the right age of consent or something?¡± Sigrun tilted his head once more from the notion.


    ¡°That is correct¡­They have to be at age of eighteen years old and above¡­¡± Meld said with a relief for the reason Sigrun seemed to understand it.


    ¡°Hmm? I see¡­Back then, thirteen years old can already decide it for themselves. Just how strict the rules can be in this era¡­? There¡¯s so much to learn that I think I won¡¯t be returning home anytime.¡± Sigrun once again contemplated the rules he is ignorant with.


    ¡°Ahem! Sir Sigrun! We are straying too far from the conversation!¡± Meld cleared his throat to get Sigrun¡¯s attention once more.


    ¡°You are most certainly right. I¡¯d like to address to that boy. If you will, please calm down, sit, I won¡¯t do anything to you so don¡¯t try to escape.¡± Sigrun said as he looks at Reed and Alisa making their escape.


    Reed and Alisa froze as Sigrun called out to them. Seemingly no escape from his clutches, the two obediently returned to their seats with tension. They were smiling with frigidity.


    ¡°That, Sir Sigrun, I wanted to ask you one last thing. I deemed that you won¡¯t speak anything else other than the subject at hand but I will dare ask this outright. What do you mean when you said you revived Reed Chelle using the power of Yah and Weh?¡± Meld asked with a serious tone that brought back the heavy atmosphere.


    Reed¡¯s expression also changes to a more sharper one as he put his attention on the details regarding his miraculous revival. He remembers that Sigrun mentions that Yah is the Vajra of Creation and Weh is the Vajra of Destruction.


    Something tells him that this will be crucial for what¡¯s to come for his future.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, the power of Yah and Weh represents the two face of existence. Each and every Vajra represents the concept of magic existing in this world. They are none other than the progenitor of magic concept. The book written by your predecessors seems like to save their faces from shame.¡± Sigrun said with a seemingly melancholic tone.


    ¡°Boy, I have passed a fragment of Yah and Weh to revive you. The logic behind it is that Yah creates life and Weh destroys any excess. Within you, those two power interacts, even now. In hindsight, you are my responsibility.¡± Sigrun added as he gazes at Reed from top to bottom.


    ¡°Fragments of Yah and Weh. Creating life and at the same time, destroying it. Won¡¯t just Yah alone sufficient enough for that if it creates life?¡± Reed asked as he touches his chest, where got pierced.


    ¡°Within you, the Yah continues to create life faster than you can exhaust it. Overbearing life force will break you down so Weh is also required to keep the balance inside you.¡± Sigrun clarified to the contemplating Reed.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°Sir Sigrun, you mean to say that inside Reed Chelle, your power resides? Could there be any side effect?¡± Meld asked the question regarding Reed¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Verily, no. There¡¯s no lethal side effect as I already stabilized the two power. It¡¯s just that occasionally, the Yah will be creating a little bit life that Weh will not break down. The effect will be shown through sexual arousal. Possibly, your thing also grew a few centimeters. You need to jack it off.¡± Sigrun grins once more towards Reed.


    Alisa, upon hearing this, set her face ablaze as she snaps a glance at Reed¡¯s lower region with widened eyes. Realizing the implication and becoming aware of Alisa¡¯s gaze, Reed also got embarrassed and turned away from Alisa¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Alisa?! W-where are you looking at?!¡± Reed bashfully asked.


    ¡°N-nothing really! It¡¯s not like I got really interested, you moron!¡± Alisa snaps back while turning her head away from Reed.


    ¡°Say¡­are they always like this? I feel like I¡¯ll puke sugar at any moment¡¯s notice if they continue this.¡± Sigrun asked Meld as he pointed Alisa and Reed.


    ¡°That is to say, both of them are morons.¡± Meld simply replied.


    ¡°Is that so? Hey, boy! There¡¯s also one thing I need to tell you. This is utmost important.¡± Sigrun calls out to Reed who is unknowingly becoming flirty with Alisa.


    ¡°Y-Yeah! You were talking to me Sir Sigrun!?¡± Reed snaps away from Alisa and returns his attention to Sigrun. However, he can¡¯t shake off the feeling of embarrassment as he also stares at Sigrun whose cover is slightly slipping down.


    ¡°What a horny brat. Anyway, listen well. You will now live indefinitely. Meaning, you are somewhat nigh immortal now.¡± Sigrun declares that once again brought back a heavy atmosphere.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Reed asked with faltering voice.


    ¡°Meaning, you won¡¯t grow old, maybe at some point, you will stop aging is what I mean or maybe you have already stopped growing. The Yah inside you will keep you young and lively, although, being reckless can still lead you to death.¡± Sigrun explained the effects of Yah once again.


    ¡°Ahh¡­I heard a lot today¡­Sir Sigrun¡­I don¡¯t think I can digest everything all at once¡­¡± Reed said with eyes full of disbelief.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite fine, boy. You may continue your life as it is. Be sure to get as much concubine as you can as you will be a fine lad in the future.¡± Sigrun teasingly said.


    ¡°He won¡¯t!¡± Alisa immediately exclaimed as her face burn again once more in blazes, the same as Reed from Sigrun¡¯s playful remark. ¡°I mean, polygamy is the norm now!¡± she immediately covered.


    ¡°Is that right? Well then, since I don¡¯t have any explaining to do now, I shall go.¡± Sigrun said as he stands up and prepares to leave.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Something immediately came to Meld¡¯s mind when Sigrun said he will go now. ¡°Sir Sigrun, what do you intend to do now?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Me? Traveling from one city to another. Find a good mercenary job or any adventuring guilds.¡± Sigrun said innocently.


    ¡°Those things don¡¯t exist anymore!¡± Meld immediately exclaimed with vigor.


    ¡°¡­No way?!¡± Sigrun said with a flabbergasted face as if his dreams were crushed.


    ¡°This is not that kind of world you used to know. Every city around the globe has specialized units and sufficient magi to go around exterminating beasts as their real profession. Not to mention, the existence of Exturbos has greatly given us advantages over stronger beasts. Your options¡­are quite really¡­outdated¡­¡± Meld hurriedly explains to enlighten Sigrun of the situation.


    ¡°Shut down before even starting¡­how do I even live in this world¡­? No general knowledge¡­nothing sort of modern monetary value¡­not even a common sense fitting for this era¡­should I just return to the mountain¡­?¡± Sigrun fell to his knees as he despair.


    ¡°Err¡­¡± Meld is lost for words as he watches the great Sigrun. His appearance has already made a huge crack on his reputation and now, the cause of his despair further lowers his dignity.


    Reed watches the situation unfold. The hero that he admired so much is now in front of him. He couldn¡¯t be even happier than this but seeing the very same man fall into despair gave him a perplexed feeling.


    Sigrun came down from the mountains, expecting something happy and exciting and yet, something has already blocked his drive from going further. It gave him a lonely feeling as he imagines Sigrun returning to the mountains that no one can access.


    His life will return that way it is, chasing his dreams. But what of Sigrun?


    He felt dissatisfaction with it. He feels like this chance meeting is just once in a lifetime. He thought that going back to school like this without doing anything is too bland¡­


    ¡°School¡­?¡± Reed suddenly thought of something.


    ¡°Headmaster!¡± Reed shouted as he raised his hand toward Meld.


    ¡°What¡¯s seem to be the matter, Reed Chelle?¡± Meld asked with a tired expression.


    ¡°Headmaster, would you be so kind to admit Sir Sigrun to this Academy?!¡± Reed suddenly blurted an unbelievable question that made Meld take a step back. Alisa likewise.


    ¡°Academy? You mean this place?¡± Sigrun meekly asked.


    ¡°Yeah! Sir Sigrun, here, you will learn the modern knowledge that you desire! You will learn the common sense befitting of this era! You may even find amusement that you wanted! What do you say?¡± Reed excitingly explained.


    ¡°I see¡­I see! I SEE! Boy, you are a genius! I can already see the potential inside you!¡± Sigrun beams with new hope and snaps a glance at Meld.


    ¡°True, with this, we can keep you close to us. Sir Sigrun, your very existence is crucial to this world and you are far too dangerous without proper knowledge if you strut about in the land.¡± Meld contemplated with sharp eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Sir Sigrun, I will admit you to this academy! I am going to fill every need you may require too! Lodging, food, clothes, everything! I will answer every expense for you! I also need to change your name for safety purposes, are you fine with that?¡± Meld asked Sigrun as he visualizes all the possibility that could happen in the academy with Sigrun¡¯s existence.


    ¡°I am very much happy to accept! Please do it!¡± Sigrun said with a blooming smile.


    ¡°Yes! Quarts! Prepare the papers for admittance and adoption. Also, list down all the necessities that Sir Sigrun may need for this time onwards! Quick!¡± Meld immediately gave out orders to Quarts while he himself drew out some paper from his cabinet.


    ¡°You hear that, Sir Sigrun!? You may stay!¡± Reed happily exclaimed.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s all thanks to you boy! By the way, stop calling me Sir. You may call me Sig in a friendly manner I and will call you Reed.¡± Sigrun said with heightened excitement.


    ¡°Yes, Sig! It¡¯s a pleasure to be your acquaintance!¡± Reed returned a smile and shook Sigrun¡¯s hand.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll be in your care too, lass, or rather, Alisa, right?¡± Sigrun turns to Alisa with a smile.


    ¡°Yeah, same, Sig.¡± Alisa also shook Sig¡¯s hand. However, Sig drew close to Alisa¡¯s hand to whisper something.


    ¡°Guard your prey well or he might get stolen.¡± Sigrun teasingly said.


    Alisa wasn¡¯t able to comprehend those words so she just tilted her head in confusion. Sigrun once again sprouted a smile that could be mistaken for a maiden¡¯s purity.


    Thus, Sigrun¡¯s life in the academy filled with everyday shenanigans starts.

 Nevertheless, A Magic Academy Chapter 1

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you Reed so he¡¯ll come with me for tonight! Pffft! Hahaha! Alisa, you got some guts telling that to Reed!¡± Sigrun laughed as Alisa painstakingly ties his absurdly long hair.


    ¡°Grrr! It¡¯s not like I wanted this to happen too but with Reed, I don¡¯t even know what reckless thing he¡¯ll do! Setting that aside, Sig, your hair is way too LONG!¡± Alisa shouted. She is only halfway to braiding his hair.


    ¡°I myself is clueless about modern fashion. Alisa, do you hate it?¡± Sigrun asked as he turned around and looks at Alisa with upturned eyes.


    ¡°Kuh! I am glad you are not with Reed! You are dangerous! I don¡¯t actually hate it, more like, what¡¯s with this really smooth hair of yours?! It¡¯s troublesome though tying it like this, we are going to be late! This is the third day of school and Reed and I haven¡¯t gone to our respective classes yet!¡± Alisa begrudgingly gave Sigrun a compliment whilst complaining about being late.


    ¡°Ahahaha! I¡¯ll give you fried tofu after this as thanks!¡± Sigrun laughs again as he offered Alisa food.


    ¡°Eughh¡­I don¡¯t like that.¡± Alisa remarked.


    Sigrun then snaps a glance at Alisa with an extremely bewildered face.


    ¡°Lies?! Vasters, especially the subspecies of fox, love their fried tofu!¡± Sigrun exclaimed with flabbergasted countenance towards Alisa.


    ¡°That will get you in trouble if you stereotype people like that, Sig. Well, that is expected from a hero who secluded his self in the mountains for thousands of years¡­¡± Alisa sighs with a troubled expression.


    ¡°Sorry¡­I¡¯ll keep that mind. I¡¯m sorry if I hurt your feelings¡­Alisa.¡± Sigrun apologizes with an extremely meek tone.


    ¡°Arrggh¡­I¡¯m not cut out for this apology thing you know. Listen, Sig, I¡¯m not mad, more like, for a hero who saved the world, aren¡¯t you being too meek and awfully humble? I imagined that you¡¯d be more proud and dignified than that!¡± Alisa lightly reprimanded Sigrun as she continues braiding his hair.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be proud of with saving this world¡­¡± Sigrun muttered quietly.


    ¡°Hmm? What did you say?¡± Alisa asked as she heard a little of Sigrun¡¯s words.


    ¡°Ah, nothing! Anyway, Alisa, I¡¯ll be in your care from now on, especially regarding that matter. Reed strikes me as someone careless and reckless. As expected, there¡¯s a lot of things I am confused with.¡± Sigrun conveyed a sincere smile at Alisa.


    ¡°Ahh¡­Ahh! Stop that! Don¡¯t smile like that! You¡¯re just a sex-crazed hero and yet, you can smile so pure!¡± Alisa grits her teeth as she averted her eyes from Sigrun.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­you sure is a weird one, Alisa. Anyway¡­Meld gave me two sets of uniform but you see¡­¡± Sigrun once again becomes reserved as he sways his sight to the two set of uniform sitting on Alisa¡¯s bed.


    ¡°Yeah¡­what to do¡­?¡± Alisa knitted her brows as she also took a glance at the two set of uniform.


    What traversed yesterday is a busy Meld and Quarts preparing all the legal documents for Sigrun while Reed and Alisa were relieved of today¡¯s school to take Sigrun shopping for necessary clothes, of course, with the Headmaster¡¯s money.


    Through that, Sigrun was able to see a lot of things he is unfamiliar, in which most magic-based gadgets mysteriously explodes. At that time, Reed and Alisa realized that Sigrun¡¯s absurd magical energy overloads those techs so they had him suppressed his power once and for all.


    After stirring some problems and drawing more money than necessary from Meld¡¯s bank account, the two then head home in which Alisa volunteered to take Sigrun¡¯s home for the meantime while his dorm or temporary room is still being prepared.


    Other than being worried for Reed and Sigrun reaching another height of intimacy, Alisa took in Sigrun simply because she is rich. She is far rich than Reed, being a daughter of the President of the leading company that specializes in Elemental Inscription to materials.


    And that night, a two set of uniform was delivered to Sigrun, the only problem now is¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­a set of uniform for both male and female¡­¡± Alisa said with disbelief in her face. ¡°That headmaster sure did this to give me some headache¡­¡± she followed with a tired voice.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Hmm, can¡¯t I just go with the male uniform?¡± Sigrun asked as he brushed his finger against the ashen pants and smooth coat and necktie of the uniform designated for a male.


    ¡°No! I mean¡­that¡¯s a logical decision but¡­! But¡­!¡± Alisa deeply agonizes. She looks at Sigrun and can only think¡­¡±I don¡¯t want to wastes such beauty with a lackluster appearance!¡±


    In the end, Alisa made Sigrun wear a female uniform¡­


    After several minutes of fitting and adjusting, Sigrun reveals a new look.


    ¡°Hmm? This is something new for me. I never knew I¡¯d wear something like this.¡± Sigrun said himself with a slight surprise as he looks in the mirror.


    His hair is now tied in a split braid and tied in a circular way in which the tip of the braid was attached to where the braiding started. He wears a standard Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy Uniform which composes of a pleated navy skirt with white outline. She wears a navy coat with white cuffs and buttons. Inside the coat is a shirt tucked into the skirt and fashioned with a white ribbon.


    And the most dangerous detail that Alisa didn¡¯t forget, the absolute territory, the kneesocks in color black that further emphasizes Sigrun¡¯s pale complexion.


    ¡°Urrk!¡± Alisa staggers back as she stares at Sigrun¡¯s new appearance. Needless to say, Sigrun now far surpasses Alisa¡¯s spec as a girl even though he is a boy.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Alisa?¡± Sigrun asked as he twirls the skirt playfully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get so cocky! Remove! Yeah, remove that clothes! Let¡¯s just stick with the male uniform! This is dangerous for Reed too if he sees you like this!¡± Alisa panics. She doesn¡¯t even know what kind of a monster she made.


    KNOCK


    ¡°Lady Alisa, aren¡¯t you going to be late? Please go downstairs and eat some breakfast. It¡¯s a little rude to starve your guest too.¡± A voice from the other side of the door said so.


    ¡°Argghh! We are going to be late! We don¡¯t have time for this anymore! Let¡¯s go to school with that!¡± Alisa suddenly grabs Sigrun¡¯s hand and drag him out of her room.


    After eating their breakfast in a quick succession, Alisa said her goodbye to her parents together with Sigrun and make a break for it.


    ¡°Alisa, I never ate such delicious food garnished with spices! No, I think I haven¡¯t since I started living in the mountain. It¡¯s a real treat, thank you.¡± Sigrun thanked Alisa while they are on their way to the academy.


    ¡°You know you are really getting sappy! You don¡¯t have to thank me for every little thing! Listen Sig, the headmaster told us to take care of you, obviously, that also comes when you are in classes. I kind of obligated myself to teach you some things so it¡¯s given that I properly take care of you!¡± Alisa once again told Sigrun.


    ¡°Ohohoho? I think Reed is so lucky with you.¡± Sigrun teasingly said to Alisa.


    ¡°Shut up! That ball of density won¡¯t even know anything unless you told it upfront!¡± Alisa snarls Sigrun with a displeased face.


    ¡°Is that so? Anyway, Alisa¡­is there something wrong? We are drawing out too much stare. I¡¯m itching to tell them something but I might tell something really rude you know.¡± Sigrun said as he shows vigilance.


    ¡°Umm¡­haaa¡­with you walking by my side, that¡¯s bound to happen so don¡¯t do anything violent.¡± Alisa light said to Sigrun as if she is used to it.


    ¡°Yeah¡­?¡± Sigrun sprouted a confuse face while tilting his head.


    Not long after, a huge crowd of male and even female started following them. It only got worse when they met up with Reed.


    ¡°Oh, Alisa and¡­Sig?!¡± Reed immediately flared in a blush as he saw Sigrun¡¯s appearance.


    Reed¡¯s face blared like a siren as he stares at Sigrun. Alisa places her hand on her face as she saw Reed in such state. Sigrun, on the other hand, is quite oblivious to the reason why Reed and Alisa are like that.


    ¡°Yeah? Hi Reed.¡± Sigrun greeted as he waves his hand carefreely.


    At the sight of Sigrun, the crowd of girls a little far away from Reed started backing down. They grumbled when they saw Alisa and Sigrun walking closer to Reed but stayed behind after staring a little at Sigrun.


    ¡°Look at her! How wonderful! She is like a doll!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s so small and how her hair is tied up seems so fantastic! She is also studying in Estelle too!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! We might be able to see her every day from now on too!¡±


    Gossips started spreading like a wildfire regarding Sigrun. On top of that, she is a friend of Reed and Alisa, the two finalists of last year¡¯s state competition for Magus.


    Alisa is aware that she is famous and thinks of that fame as bothersome, however, Reed is oblivious to it as he is overly friendly with anyone. That¡¯s also the reason he is dense from any approach of girls wanting to get closer to him.


    ¡°Yeah¡­this guy is¡­as always¡­dense. Can¡¯t get any signal from girls! But wait! He gets awfully conscious around Sigrun! Lies!¡± Alisa started speculating things in her mind.


    ¡°Damn Sigrun¡­what a tough opponent¡­¡± Alisa quietly muttered that no ears can hear.


    ¡°Hey Alisa, what are you doing? Let¡¯s go!¡± Sigrun said as he takes Alisa¡¯s hand started pulling on her.


    ¡°Uwah! Wait!¡± Alisa said as Sigrun pulled Alisa with his absurd strength that made her stumble down but caught by Reed.


    ¡°Ah, sorry, Alisa. It¡¯s a little hard to adjust my strength. Well, things turned out well.¡± Sigrun grins as he said those words.


    ¡°What are you talking about Sig? Alisa, are you okay?¡± Reed asked as he looks at Alisa closer who is now in his embrace.


    ¡°Wha--! Yeah, I¡¯m fine! Thank you¡­Reed!¡± Alisa said with a fierce flustered face.


    ¡°You¡¯re usually attentive and careful. Well, Sig may not have adjusted his strength that much so let us be careful.¡± Reed lightly told Alisa with a refreshing tone.


    Sigrun secretly shows Alisa a thumb up.


    ¡°Sir Sigrun, thank you!!¡± Alisa shouted inside her mind with a delighted grin.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s not dawdle around and go to this academy! Hurry!¡± Sigrun happily beckons the two.


    The three of them walks together on the road leading to the academy, a place where even greater problem connected to Sigrun will occur.

 Nevertheless, A Magic Academy Chapter 2

    Sigrun happily walks towards where the Academy is. Reed and Alisa walk together with him in a renewed mood of calm and delight seeing the olden hero is reduced to nothing but a skipping boy who is delighted to go to school.


    However, for Sigrun, a problem arises as soon as he gets at the school. He didn¡¯t notice it until now, the odd sensation he has in his guts that this new era has produced.


    ¡°Hmm? This is it¡­right? It was little different¡­no¡­¡± Sigrun muttered as he made a full stop at the gate of the prestigious school. Not because of bewilderment but for another reason.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sig? It¡¯s a pretty big academy, I know. Or you are just surprised because of the population of the student?¡± Alisa said as she patted Sig¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Reed¡­Alisa¡­there are Vasters everywhere¡­.and Alpsis¡­and Serensis¡­over there are also a lot of Oreals and also¡­humans¡­I think I¡¯ve noticed it before but the fact just caught up with my mind because of my excitement¡­¡± Sigrun said with a disbelief voice.


    ¡°Sig, not just only Estelle Harmonia or this city. Across the planet, it¡¯s like this. Every race mingles now with each other. There are even a lot of cross marriages between races.¡± Reed explained.


    ¡°Back then¡­even though they are struggling, there¡¯s a huge¡­segragation¡­but¡­right now¡­no way...! Is this¡­what Order always wanted? I didn¡¯t know that such ideal¡­can really come true¡­¡± Sigrun weakly muttered as tears started forming in his eyes.


    ¡°Sig¡­! D-don¡¯t cry! Please don¡¯t cry! You¡¯re already gaining a lot of unneeded attention! If¡­um¡­if you cry here, more people will watch!¡± Alisa panics as stare started gathering around them. Some even think that Reed and Alisa made Sigrun cry.


    However, Alisa is the only one who is becoming conscious of the watchful eyes. Reed looks at Sigrun with gentle eyes.


    ¡°This is the Hero Sigrun. He cries as his past ideals came to reality. I want to assume that¡¯s what It is. As for his tears, thousands of years of solitude might have softened his toughened heart.¡± Reed inwardly thought as he places his hand atop of Sigrun¡¯s head.


    ¡°¡­This is the future of the past that I am only familiar with¡­¡± Sigrun once again said as trying to calm his heart.


    ¡°Yeah. This is the future that you carved from the past. It¡¯s peaceful, everyone is laughing together, and there is prominently less aggression between races. I don¡¯t know anything about the past but I am glad that this is the future that you dreamt of.¡± Reed said with a smile.


    ¡°Yikes, ¡­they started their own world¡­¡± Alisa muttered with a troubled expression. ¡°Hey, we are creating an unbelievably large crowd! Shoo! Let¡¯s go!¡± Alisa then shouted with an extremely flustered face.


    Hearing Alisa¡¯s words, Sigrun snaps out from his daze and noticed that they are causing a traffic not only from the entrance but also at the front of the whole academy. Noticing that everyone is watching them, Sigrun sprouted an apologetic smile.


    ¡°I deeply apologize. It seems I have caused trouble for everyone. I cried because I got too excited because I was admitted here.¡± Sigrun gave a good cover-up and bows his head towards the people who stopped in their tracks.


    Alisa slaps her palm on her face with a painful sound. ¡°Sigrun¡­if you do that in front of everyone¡­¡± she said inside her mind.


    ¡°Ah, no¡­it¡¯s fine¡­¡±


    ¡°If you are fine now¡­well..that¡¯s good¡­¡±


    ¡°I thought Reed Chelle made another girl cry again because of his denseness.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way you¡¯d get angry at that kind of girl¡­¡±


    ¡°Damn that¡¯s cute¡­¡±


    Talk among the people started wafting in the air. Mostly how people got their breath taken away by Sigrun¡¯s apology. Alisa expected this but couldn¡¯t do anything. As much as possible, she wants to draw the attention away from Sigrun but right now, a new talk is sure to give rise to a student with an unparalleled beauty.


    Sigrun is a boy though.


    ¡°God damn it¡­what are those two morons doing with Sigrun?! He is not some freak show or something.¡± From the very top floor of the academy where the headmaster¡¯s room is located, Meld rubs his temple as he watches the spectacle.


    ¡°What are your plans with Sigrun, headmaster Meld?¡± Quarts, from behind Meld, asked with a dubious expression.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­however, I¡¯d like to keep him as close as possible. Quarts, do some quick arrangement.¡± Meld started giving out orders again.


    ¡°Well, as long as I get my double pay, I¡¯m fine doing this tasks.¡± Quarts replied back with a monotonous tone.


    ¡°Eeh¡­you¡¯re such a¡­fine. Immediately transfer Alisa Hertuclaire to Reed Chelle¡¯s class¡­your class, together with Sigrun. Don¡¯t forget to introduce Sigrun as my adoptive¡­¡± Meld came to a stop.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Surely you don¡¯t want to introduce Sigrun as a girl?¡± Quarts showed an annoying smile.


    ¡°Judging by his personality, he is bound to blabber about it. Fine, my adoptive son. Geez¡­I even sent two sets of uniform. Alisa has gone and done something like that¡­¡± Meld once again let out a tired sigh.


    ¡°Is that your taste? Little boys?¡± Quarts teasingly asked.


    ¡°Shut up Quarts. Why are you so quiet when someone else is here?! When there¡¯s only two of us, you bite back like a rabid dog¡­¡± Meld then seated himself while glaring at Quarts.


    ¡°I know my limits though. I am dealing with one of the Ten Paladins.¡± Quarts frankly said as if Meld is his best friend.


    ¡°The weakest of the Paladins. Well, with Sigrun¡¯s existence, I can feel a storm may come anytime. Go, do your job. Let me do my paperwork in peace.¡± Meld chase off Quarts away from the room.


    ¡°I hope you picked the right people to watch over him.¡± Quarts once again said with a teasing tone.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Meld shouted with veins popping.


    RING


    Meld¡¯s phone then suddenly rang and vibrated. He immediately picked it up and slide his finger across the screen in a swift movement. He then puts the speaker of the phone to his ear.


    ¡°Hello, Meld Valker, Headmaster of Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy, may I know your business?¡± He said in succession as he speaks professionally.


    ¡°Ah, Meld! It¡¯s me, it¡¯s me!¡± A voice of a lively girl speaks from the other line.


    ¡°Ah, yeah, the scam. You¡¯re not doing well with this. Bye.¡± Meld was about to terminate the call.


    ¡°Wait! What scam?! It¡¯s me, Emeralda!¡± The girl from the other line of the phone introduced herself.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± Meld simply replied.


    ¡°Ah! Did you just clicked your tongue!? You¡¯re always like this!¡± Emeralda shouted in anger.


    ¡°Among the Ten Paladins, you are the most troublesome, If not, might be the second or third but nevertheless, I always find it hard to deal with everyone¡­¡± Meld exclaimed with disdain.


    ¡°Never mind that! There¡¯s something interesting happening there, right?!¡± Emeralda happily said.


    ¡°Argh! I thought I¡¯ve already bribed the media about this¡­some leak?!¡± Meld sticks his palm on his tired face.


    ¡°I got some shots from the satellite. I have an array of connections too despite being like this.¡± She revealed with no remorse.


    ¡°Goddamn! Emeralda¡­don¡¯t you dare¡­¡± Meld started threatening her.


    ¡°Meld, I¡¯m coming there in a jiffy! About a week or so! Make preparations for me, okay?¡± Her last line before the call is terminated.


    ¡°¡­That woman¡­always¡­always¡­always! ALWAYS A PAIN IN THE ASS!¡± Meld shouted echoed throughout the room.


    Meanwhile¡­Reed and Alisa are now having difficulty¡­


    ¡°Noo! What¡¯s that!? It¡¯s so creepy!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he crouches down and refused to stand up as Reed tried to pull her.


    ¡°And as I said, Sig, this is just an escalator! It won¡¯t do anything to you! Aren¡¯t you like the strongest in the world?!¡± Alisa shouted while getting flustered again from so much attention. ¡°They¡¯ll think you are a country bumpkin!¡± she added.


    ¡°I came from the mountains so it¡¯s true, right?!¡± Sigrun replied back with a factual tone.


    ¡°Sig, take my hand. Nothing will break, okay?¡± Reed tried to assure him.


    ¡°How did you even got to the Headmaster¡¯s office without using these yesterday?!¡± Alisa asked with a flabbergasted expression.


    ¡°I jumped! But as soon as I got to the top, it sucked my hair!¡± Sigrun bluntly said as if there¡¯s a trauma behind it. ¡°I have to force my hair out of it!¡± He added.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that you didn¡¯t break any of it¡­¡± Alisa said with a tired countenance. ¡°We already tied your hair so it won¡¯t get sucked in again. Let¡¯s go!¡± she assured Sigrun.


    ¡°Ahem.¡± From out of nowhere, Quarts appeared in front of them.


    ¡°Ah¡­Sir Quarts! Please help us.¡± Reed immediately came to Quarts.


    ¡°Well, I was just looking for Miss Alisa and Sigrun so this is perfect.¡± Quarts said as he gazes at Sigrun. ¡°Miss Alisa and Sigrun, the Headmaster told me that you are to transfer to Reed Chelle¡¯s class, my class.¡± He said.


    ¡°Haa?! So sudden?!¡± Alisa exclaimed with twitching cheeks.


    ¡°Yeah. Since you are to guide Sigrun too. If you have any complaints, I¡¯ll tell it to the headmaster directly for you.¡± Quarts answered with a nonchalant face.


    ¡°No, this is convenient too. I think the headmaster did a good job. Transferring us to Reed¡¯s class while the semester is still starting is good.¡± Alisa gave an intellectual answer.


    ¡°As expected of the Hertuclaire¡¯s daughter, you indeed have a good head on your shoulders. As for Sigrun¡­¡± Quarts once again looks at Sigrun.


    ¡°Won¡¯t carrying him be a good idea? Reed Chelle, be a good friend and do that until Sigrun becomes accustomed to this place.¡± Quarts suggested with a smirk.


    ¡°Ah, good thinking Sir Quarts!¡± Reed exclaimed as he stares at Sigrun.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Alisa¡¯s eyes darted to Reed¡¯s direction. ¡°Carry him?! How?! Princess carry?! Reed¡­.!¡± Alisa¡¯s imagination started flaring to a new direction, however, it suddenly pops as soon as Reed carried Sigrun.


    ¡°Oh? This is cool.¡± Sigrun said as she hangs on Reed¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Uwah¡­Reed¡­¡± Alisa muttered with empty eyes.


    And so, the trio then proceeded to their classes, albeit, Alisa has little tidings to the decision, she knows it¡¯s for the best. She deemed that she can¡¯t watch Sigrun herself.


    And¡­as soon as the three of them entered the room together with Quarts¡­


    ¡°¡°WOOOOHHOOOOO!¡±¡±


    ¡°¡±HELL YEAH!¡±¡±


    A cheered exploded as soon as their figures appear in the class. Some boys are prancing around and some girls are giggling.


    ¡°Setting Reed Chelle and Alisa Hertuclaire aside, Sigrun made quite an entrance¡­¡± Quarts muttered with a smile.


    ¡°Sir Quarts¡­Reed and I were absent for the past two days. Attending with two marks absent is already a crack in my reputation, furthermore, Sig¡¯s appearance¡­further made the two of us stand out.¡± Alisa said in a low voice with a knitted brow.


    ¡°It¡¯s not really a concern of mine. Since the two of you are already well-known, take your seats. Yeah? See those vacant seats? Go there you two.¡± Quarts said nonchalantly without batting an eye to Alisa.


    Reed proceeded to one of the vacant seats, the third row from the back near the door and Alisa took a seat in the back row. Quarts then beckoned Sigrun to stand in the middle. All eyes are glued to Sigrun, full of curiosity, excitement, and even lovestruck.


    ¡°Ahem, everyone, listen. This is Sigrun Valker, headmaster¡¯s adoptive son.¡± Quarts made a brief introduction that immediately made everyone petrified.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, his adoptive son. Circumstances are, the Headmaster¡¯s age is catching up with him and he can feel himself going impotent. To resolve this problem, he adopted Sigrun who at first, he thought to be a girl. It was too late before he found out that Sigrun is a boy. To cope up with such mistake, he made Sigrun wear girl¡¯s clothes. That¡¯s the gist of it. Please be nice to Sigrun.¡± Quarts said an elaborate chain of lie that he had a hard time stopping his self from laughing.


    On that day, Meld Valker¡¯s reputation took a huge toll and plummeted beyond belief.


    Apparently, Quarts is to be beckoned as a devil.

 Nevertheless, A Magic Academy Chapter 3

    Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy, a place where knowledge about Magecraft, Alchemy, Magic Engineering, Magical Inscription, and much more are accumulated and harvested by young Magus and in return, they enrich the people¡¯s lives, the city, and everything.


    Full pledge Magus who concentrated their lives in magecraft may find themselves in a professional setting like experimentations within legal services, termination of Behemoth Beasts, and even pilot for Exturbos. Incidentally, Magus is also widely needed for deep excavation of dungeons, ruins, unexplored forests, and even deep underwater.


    Alchemy is an all-around classification where one magus explores the world of chemistry, bio essence, and furthermore, Life Magic. Their jobs tend to lean on a more industrious as they create products such as food spices, everyday necessities like soaps and shampoos, and more products that can be readily available for mass purchase.


    Magic Engineering is a field where, as the name implies, a magus engages in mechanical inventions. Most aspires to become an Exturbos engineer as the boom in the recent release of the third generation has become generally useful. It greatly involves a good magical node inside the engineer''s body to endure the pressure of magical core linings installation, partial and residual magical reduction, and more. However, there are also jobs readily available for those who divert from the path of Exturbos such as making gadgets that run on magical energy, an equivalent to electrical energy and fossil energy to cut cost. By this, the economic infrastructure will be balanced.


    Magical Inscriptors are the rarest profession as their works need detailed and careful attention. Select races can only do such elaborate job such as the Vasters, especially the subspecies of foxes. One could say that this is nothing different from magical engineering or even an abled magus can study, however, Inscriptions are much more complicated. It, by all means, installing a property, an element to the desired item. It means carving crests to an item with the right properties to bring forth a new combination of an item. For example, using a sword to summon fire and using inscription to give it a fire element are fundamentally different. The former greatly exhausts the users magical energy and eventually, drains everything from his magical nodes, however, inscriptions draws out magical energy directly from the magical Ley lines which gives it a long-lasting use until the material itself can¡¯t hold out anymore. For this reasons, the Hetuclaire family is one of the leading Inscriptors in the continent.


    However, most graduates of this academy can still take normal college university for normal courses. Just having a diploma from this academy gives a better background. Also, while, students engage in battles with each other to raises their abilities and discover new and unexplored knowledge. That is also a reason why the Tier and Degrees are implemented in the first place, to bring out the competitiveness of not only by the students but also those who are still pursuing more power and knowledge.


    Also, Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy boast with having the best and top-grade facilities ranging from their interactive classes that focuses on all necessary knowledges of a magus and theories as well as governmental and political intellect, their very own Exturbo manufacturing laboratories and garages, a high end gymnasium complete with all sorts of training equipment, over a yard of alchemy lab, a room to concentrate for magic Inscriptor wannabe, and even invention rooms complete with all the raw parts one could ever dream. But lastly, a cafeteria with the greatest chefs that cooks dozens of cuisines.


    With all the latest technologies, gadgets, and even refined knowledge, the student¡¯s learning prowess is further boosted, however, that¡¯s not the same for our hero¡­


    ¡°So, in the relative theory, using magecraft at the lining of the exturbo, how much point per pressure should we put to get the maximum and minumum output considering that we don¡¯t want to go over the limit? Could anyone answer that?¡± Quarts ask as he swings his finger on the holographic board.


    CLACK CLACK CLACK


    ¡°Sir Quarts! Me!¡± Reed shouted as he raised his hand.


    ¡°Fine, answer that you show off.¡± Quarts simply said.


    ¡°We should apply at least 6000 Magic per amp as the maximum and 2000 Magic per amp as for the minimum. That is depending on the part of the Lining of the Exturbo. That alone applies to the upper limbs but needed a higher output for the lower limbs.¡± Reed answered without missing a beat.


    ¡°A thorough application. A fine answer indeed for an Exturbo maniac.¡± Quarts said as he sways his finger again that made a holographic writing.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Reed then seats down again and starts typing on his Techbook, or to put it simply, a laptop designated for classroom activities.


    ¡°Eh¡­? Eh¡­?! What is? What¡­? What?!¡± Sigrun looks around, visibly flustered and confused about what¡¯s happening. Not even thirty minutes have passed and he is already at loss. ¡°Lies! Reed can actually answer and yet, I don¡¯t even have the slightest idea of what they are talking about!¡± he added.


    There¡¯s actually a techbook lying on Sigrun¡¯s desk, however, without even the right knowledge to operate it, let alone, open it, he is just glancing around, looking at everyone typing on their own techbook.


    On top of being clueless, Sigrun is crushed by a pressure as her seat is directly in front of Quarts, meaning, she is in the middle row in the first column.


    ¡°Aha¡­Aha¡­Ahahaha¡­! Help me¡­! I really thought that when they said magic academy, it would be like, learn magic theories, learn the basic of magic, then apply those said magic.¡± Sigrun anguishes as he keeps his sight low.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sigrun Valker? Do you feel sick or something?¡± Quarts suddenly called out to him with a teasing voice while maintaining a still deepness to it.


    ¡°No¡­it¡¯s not that¡­I mean¡­hearing¡­yeah¡­I¡¯m more accustomed to listening and breaking down the information in my head!¡± Sigrun gave out a suspicious reasoning.


    ¡°Ohoho? Are you some genius? As expected of the Headmaster¡¯s chosen adoptive son. I¡¯d be expecting a lot from you.¡± Quarts said with a grin.


    Sigrun, the Hero of Aldieas, xxxx years old, breaks out in a cold sweat with trembling lips and fingers as a teacher puts an immense societal pressure on him. He can only go pale as thoughts of disappointment about him break out.


    ¡°This damn teacher¡­doing whatever he wants with Sig!¡± Alisa inwardly said as she glare at Quarts.


    And then after a while, the first class ends.


    ¡°Uwaaiguehghhhh¡­¡± Sigrun made cute inhuman noises as soul escapes from his body, or so that¡¯s what it looks like after Quarts left the classroom.


    ¡°Uwaa! Already burned out in the first class on your first day¡­¡± Alisa said as she immediately came over to Sigrun worriedly.


    ¡°Alisaaaaa! Help me!!¡± Sigrun said with teary eyes as he clings to Alisa¡¯s body.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, poor you. That damn teacher already showed his true colors so I might be able to devise some precautions for you. But seriously, putting you in the first row, how awful of him.¡± Alisa said as she patted Sigrun¡¯s head to comfort him.


    ¡°Uweeehhhh! What¡¯s going to happen to me¡­?! What¡¯s the next class?!¡± Sigrun anxiously asked he buries his face in Alisa¡¯s belly.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry Sig! It¡¯s Advance level magic. For that, I think we will discuss the magic structure, as I heard from one of my buddies.¡± Reed said while appearing behind Alisa.


    ¡°Sup! Hey, hey, Sigrun!¡± A man came over to Sigrun. He has a deep brown hair and black eyes that slanted a little but nonetheless, his smile is pleasant. The most noticeable feature of him is the horns sticking out from his forehead indicating that he is an Alpsis.


    ¡°Ah, Sig, this is Enheirt. One of my buddies! Despite looking like a delinquent, he is quite a nice guy and a good cook.¡± Reed introduced the guy who came over.


    ¡°Enheirt Flaunt, nice ta meetcha! Well, seeing you up close, wow. No one would really think that you are a guy! Hell, I¡¯d tap you if I had the chance.¡± Enheirt said with a grin.


    SMACK


    A fist came down on Enheirt¡¯s cranium.


    ¡°Ow! Who¡ª! Ah, Amaryl, you bitch!¡± He shouted at the woman who appeared next to him.


    BOING


    ¡°Your perverted remarks reeks. You are always like this since grade school. Anyway, little Sigrun, my name Amaryl Helion, nice to meet you.¡± Amaryl said with a smile.


    A woman with blond hair fashioned in a tantalizing baguette like that lays both on her shoulders. Her eyes are blue as the sea. Her race seems to be a Serensis as her pointed ears indicate. However, upon seeing Amaryl, Sigrun¡¯s eyes widened as the rack in front of him jiggles.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Sigrun could only mutter as he stares at it like he is appreciating it. However, before he can even think about his words or actions, his hands were already groping the said breasts.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Sigrun said with a frigid smile.


    ¡°Wha--?!¡± Alisa together with Reed froze on the spot.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Amarly herself got petrified upon the sensation of massaging came over her.


    The crowd of classmates who are about to approach or just watching also stops in their tracks as Sigrun mindlessly reached out for Amaryl¡¯s breasts.


    ¡°Wow. It¡¯s firm and really elastic. It¡¯s so big that I can¡¯t fit it in my hands.¡± Sigrun complimented without parting from the breasts.


    In response, Amaryl¡¯s face becomes fiery red and she raises her hand and swings it.


    SMACK


    Sigrun lets go of the breasts, however, he was not the one who got slapped.


    ¡°Why ME?!¡± Enheirt shouted with a red slap mark on his face.


    ¡°Ah, sorry. I don¡¯t think I can slap little Sigrun so my hand got misdirected to your face. I don¡¯t want to ruin such cute face after all. Well, no harm in damaging it, right?¡± Amarly said as she steps back a little from Sigrun with flushed face while bantering with Enheirt.


    ¡°Slap me when I do the deed myself, damn it!¡± Enheirt shouted at Amaryl.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah! The class is starting! Sit down you brats. The class is starting immediately.¡± An old man with hardy build wearing an overcoat said as he entered the room.


    Like a scared pigeon, everyone returned to their seats in a panic.


    ¡°Ahem, it seems that there¡¯s a new face. Excluding Reed Chelle and Alisa Hetuclaire that I got to see a lot of times, this one here, I haven¡¯t seen you before. I am professor Strut. I will be teaching magic theories and application and somewhat fields related to it. Well then, let¡¯s start. Boot your techbook and browse today¡¯s exercise.¡± Strut said as he laid down his stuff on the table.


    ¡°Techbook¡­again!?¡± Sigrun panics, however, he got a little elated as the sensation of the boobs lingers in his hands.

 Nevertheless, A Magic Academy Chapter 4

    ¡°We have already discussed the history of the existence of magic through th texts our ancestors left. Now, shall we briefly define and recall the six Main Elemental Magic and Two Prolific Magic?¡± Strut said as he stroke his hand on the projection which spans towards eight symbols.


    ¡°We may have learned the basics from grade school but I don¡¯t want my students forgetting about it. First off, the six Elemental Magic. The Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Dark, and Light! All six elements that accordingly matches and have affinities with each other. The next two magic is the Life Magic and Void Magic.¡± Strut pointed out each symbol respectively, pattern each pattern as he mentions the names.


    ¡°Wait¡­all in all, there¡¯s only eight of them¡­? No, maybe there¡¯s more. I have to listen well for my own good or I might regret it.¡± Sigrun thought as he carefully listens to Strut¡¯s lecture.


    ¡°I hope most of you aren¡¯t dumb enough not to know what all of these elements are for. Fire is to burn, water is to drench, wind is to blow, earth is to bury, light is to illuminate, dark is to dim. Life magic is all about messing up with regeneration, healing, vitality, and stuff and Void magic are about non-elemental magic that consists of pure magical energy.¡± Strut lazily gave a quick overview of all elements.


    ¡°Void Magic isn¡¯t readily available for your courses and the highest council of the Magu are still deciding whether to implement its use or not. Life magic is a special magic that needs supervision from those who are professional in the field. For the meantime, elemental magic, all six are the only magic that can be taught.¡± Strut spans the two non-elemental magic away as he swings his hand out leaving only the six magic remaining.


    ¡°The qualification for Void Magic is to be Third Tier Fifth Degree and as for Life Magic, it should be Third Tier Second Degree. All of you here aren¡¯t qualified yet to proceed to those tiers, therefore, we won¡¯t even mention those magic. Well, then let¡¯s review how we use magic. I bet the new face could answer if for us.¡± Strut directed his stare at Sigrun with stern and observing eyes.


    ¡°Me¡­?!¡± Sigrun inwardly exclaimed as he felt all eyes looking at him. ¡°I can definitely give an answer but¡­¡± Sigrun hesitated, however, he stood up.


    ¡°Through¡­magical nodes, the nervous system-like inside our body that circulates¡­magical energy?¡± Sigrun¡¯s words came to a halt, not knowing what to say next.


    ¡°Hmm? Stuck? I heard that you are the child that Headmaster Meld adopted. Quite shame that you need to have a full rundown of this. The Magical nodes inside our body let us freely control particles around us, giving us the control over molecular properties. In the past, they said that they only need to imagine a fire burning atop of their hand and it will manifest itself. However, today, fire is produced through combustion. There are many methods of how people do it but we can definitely do it once they have the grasped magical energy control.¡± Strut explained as Sigrun looks down.


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s proceed, the types of magic and their tier.¡± Strut nonchalantly continued.


    However, Strut¡¯s words fade from Sigrun¡¯s ears as he started thinking deeply about what the discussion is compromised of.


    ¡°This is a whole lot different than what I know. The basics do sounds alike but there are lot of things I cannot comprehend onwards.¡± Sigrun could only think as he started mincing the information in his head with anguish.


    Confused, clueless, agitated, all of it is what Sigrun felt for the whole class. He still doesn¡¯t grasp how the people of this era perceives magic and how they unorthodoxically learn it.


    Another class passes, a lazy alchemy class before lunch break came. Up until then, Sigrun firmly sits on his chair while brooding over about the class in magic.


    ¡°Sig¡­Sig¡­! Hey¡­Sigrun!¡± Alisa came to Sigrun immediately. She expects that a lot of students will crowd her and it seems that¡¯s what about to happen.


    However, Alisa¡¯s words reach deaf ears as Sigrun ignores her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat lunch Sig!¡± Reed rushed to Sigrun and took his hand.


    ¡°Eh? Ah, Alisa, Reed, you were saying something?¡± Sigrun immediately snaps out as Reed started pulling his hand.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I was¡­you never respond. Anyway, Sig, let¡¯s go grab something to eat.¡± Alisa told Sigurn with half-closed eyes.


    ¡°My apologies! I was thinking about something really hard that I didn¡¯t hear you. Wait, eat? That means no more class?¡± Sigrun asked such question.


    ¡°No¡­we still have afternoon classes, that¡¯s why we are going to eat so you can survive until then.¡± Alisa stated as she grabs Sigrun¡¯s other hand.


    Letting Reed and Alisa drag him, Sigrun stood up from his chair and followed the two.


    However, as soon as they left the classroom, away from anyone¡¯s earshot, Alisa immediately sends a chop towards Sigrun¡¯s head. Unexpectedly¡­


    ¡°Ow! OW! What is your head made of?!¡± Alisa cried as she grabs her hand throbbing with pain.


    ¡°Sorry, Alisa! Please don¡¯t suddenly hit me like that. I may not look like it but I can actually live in a meteor fall without scratches. A black hole can¡¯t even tear my body apart¡­¡± Sigrun explained.


    ¡°Uwah¡­¡± Reed lets out an amazed voice.


    ¡°Whether that¡¯s true or not, I have some bones to pick with you! Sig, your face is not a free ticket to do perversion as you please!¡± Alisa scolded Sig with teary eyes.


    ¡°Ah, that, it was simply incredible, Alisa! Those breasts are just fantastic that I just have to reach out to it! It was nothing like yours! It was so incredible!¡± Sigrun said with innocence in his eyes as he wriggles his fingers all the while recalling the sensation.


    ¡°This little shit¡­!¡± Alisa, who was insulted unintentionally, gritted her teeth with twitching cheeks.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­Eeep!¡± Reed tried to sheepishly laugh with a little redness on his face but immediately jolted in fear as Alisa snaps an evil glare at him.


    ¡°Alisa? Did you say something?¡± Sigrun returns his attention to Alisa who forced a smile on her face.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Nothing, I didn¡¯t say anything! Ahahaha!¡± Alisa said even though a vein popping out from her forehead. ¡°Anyway, Sig, is there something in your mind? You are¡­quite spacing out earlier¡­¡± Alisa immediately changed the topic.


    Sigrun, who heard Alisa¡¯s voice of worry, looks at her with a troubled face.


    ¡°Yeah, actually, there¡¯something bothering me about the magic class earlier.¡± Sigrun confessed with a sullen voice.


    ¡°What is it Sig? Is there something you didn¡¯t understand? I¡¯ll help you out later.¡± Reed said in a reassuring voice.


    ¡°No, I did understand a little but¡­there¡¯s one thing. The magic that this era learned¡­greatly deviates from how I use my magic.¡± Sigrun said as he held one hand up.


    ¡°What does that mean? Sig, you said that you the dem¡ªthe thirteen Vajra¡¯s are the originators of magic, right?¡± Reed asked with interested eyes.


    ¡°Your magic structure clearly states that there is eight magic existing, however, I hold thirteen magic¡­¡± Sigrun said with a clearly disappointed tone. ¡°And all thirteen magic roots from the Vajra¡¯s that I myself taught to the people from the past.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing, Sig. I can imagine you doing that¡­¡± Alisa, having felt how serious and melancholic Sigrun is, said her words of acknowledgment.


    ¡°The first six elemental magic is correct. They are what Professor Strut explained, despite that, there are lot things that I didn¡¯t understand because simply they are not there. In the first place, the way he describes how magic is used is nothing like how I do it.¡± Sigrun started manipulating four elements in his hand.


    ¡°Simply manipulating how magic is used to produce flame is not my norm. My magic is like a gas, a fuel for me to use not to create flame but¡­to command the very essence of fire itself, the Magic of Agni. That same goes for every magic that I have.¡± He said as he bathed his hand on his flame.


    ¡°You mean to say that¡­you are actually using the root of all magic?¡± Alisa said with a bewildered face as Sigrun started setting the sleeve of his uniform ablaze, however, the clothes don¡¯t even show any sign of burning.


    ¡°Agni, Neptune, Zephyrus, Terra, Diabolo, and Lumen. You can call them the six elemental magic origins. The Void Magic that he spoke of is actually called Inanis Magic, and it is not just about non-elemental magic. It is a magic that could potentially overpower the six elements. The Life magic is Vitas, bio essence that controls all life.¡± Sigrun pursed his lips as he recalls everything from the past.


    ¡°And then, the ninth magic, Chronus, the power to control over time. The tenth magic, Fate, the power to control karma. Then¡­eleventh magic¡­Order¡­the power to control cosmos. The last two are Yah, creation magic, and Weh, the destruction magic.¡± Sigrun had a weird pause at the Eleventh Magic, Order, however, wanting not to touch any sensitive subject, Alisa and Reed let it past for now.


    ¡°So¡­Sig¡­you¡­you are that powerful. You are almost like a¡­god?¡± Alisa asked Sigrun.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m not that omnipotent. I still have a lot of limitations. Leaving everything aside, I think what they teach here is pretty decent. As long as peace is kept, a larger scale of power is unnecessary.¡± Sigrun said as smile returns to his face.


    ¡°And, you people of this era, has a beautiful place. You magic are also beautiful, intricate, and passionate. Magic from the past is ¡­purely for destruction and murder. That¡¯s why Reed¡­Alisa¡­I am thankful for the two of you for showing me all of these.¡± Sigrun once again said, however, there¡¯s a slight embarrassment in his face.


    ¡°Gah!?¡±


    ¡°Urk!?¡±


    Two weird gasps simultaneously resounded. Alisa and Reed both averted their faces from Sigrun with even redder faces.


    ¡°Hmm? Though, you two are quite peculiar! Say, let¡¯s go get lunch! Quarts slipped this earlier to my desk. It seems to be a voucher for premium food¡± Sigrun happily shows a silver voucher with list of food to be ordered.


    Sigrun started beckoning the two.


    The trio then grabbed their lunches while causing a commotion, mainly because a gallery was made due to Sigrun happily eating his supreme curry set with follow up ice cream desserts.

 Nevertheless, A Magic Academy Chapter 5

    Physical education, one of the most surprisingly normal courses within the Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy. Although they have another degree of standard, it is undoubtedly a normal class befitting for normal students.


    Two days have passed since Sigrun¡¯s first day in the Academy. He was able to settle in the Academy without a problem and of course, being accepted.


    Right now, the class of first years class one namely the Star Class is now having their class in the huge gymnasium. The gymnasium of Estelle Academy is large, with a lot of training equipment and even have a small battlefield to test the mettle of each student.


    Currently, their class is about to take a mock match, however, there¡¯s a different problem.


    ¡°I think little Sigrun should change at the girl¡¯s locker room.¡± Amaryl exclaimed as she faces Alisa who got surprised by her sudden words.


    ¡°Ah? Ah? Why are you are telling me this?! Get away from me you tit monster!¡± Alisa panicked as Amaryl leer closer to Alisa¡¯s face pressing her chest on to her.


    ¡°Wait! Sigrun is a boy¡­despite how he looks!¡± Reed intervenes the conversation.


    ¡°Eh?! So it¡¯s really true?! What Sir Quarts told us earlier is true?!¡± Amaryl¡¯s eyes popped out as she heard those words.


    ¡°Now that you get it, get your tits away from me!¡± Alisa protested as Amaryl¡¯s breasts are still pressing unto hers.


    ¡°Fue? Ah--!¡± Amaryl who noticed that she is still pressing onto Alisa lost her balance and fell over to her.


    ¡°Idi--! Wah!¡± Alisa, unable to support Amaryl¡¯s weight, fell over too.


    In the middle of the hallway where the changing rooms of boys and girls are parted, the girl, a Vaster with fox ears and tails, and a Serensis with huge busts, lay tightly pushing each other on the ground. Alisa found her hands groping on the bountiful chest of Amaryl and she noticed that Amaryl is grabbing onto her butt.


    Their faces, of course, ignited in a furious blush and it invites hungry eyes around them.


    ¡°Ohoho, what do we have here, buddy? This is quite good. Un¡­this is quite a feast for the eyes. This genre is perfectly right up to my alley.¡± Enheirt said as he places an elbow on Reed¡¯s shoulder while rubbing his chin.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­where¡¯s Sig anyway?¡± Reed nervously laughs while contemplating where could have Sigrun gone to. He looks around and found no Sigrun in sight. Even their classmates started looking around for Sigrun.


    Meanwhile, in the headmaster¡¯s room¡­


    ¡°Hmm, as expected, a commotion is abounded to happen if you had stayed there. Good thing Quarts told me about this.¡± Meld said as he peered out of his window.


    ¡°Say, I really don¡¯t mind which room I go to but I guess steering away from trouble is good too. Meld, could you give me a hand here?¡± Sigrun said as he struggles to put on the red tracksuit.


    ¡°Goodness, you should start addressing me in a more respectable manner. Well, just around others is fine.¡± Meld said as he walks towards Sigrun and fixes the tracksuit. Since Sigrun is a lot small, he has to kneel down in front of him and even he is kneeling down, he is a bit taller than him.


    ¡°Ehehe, it¡¯s quite an experience being adopted by someone way younger than me. Hmm, maybe I should start calling you papa too, right? Papa!¡± Sigrun said with a sweet and teasing voice.


    ¡°Please stop that. Even if it¡¯s with me, it¡¯s too familiar. Why not just start by calling me father?¡± Meld said with a pleading tone as he zips up the tracksuit.


    ¡°By the way, I just have to ask this but¡­Sigrun¡­I feel like, somehow or another, you have some knowledge about things. The chemical composition or anything related to science. Do those concepts exists since back then?¡± Meld¡¯s question caught Sigrun¡¯s attention. ¡°I always find it peculiar¡­¡± he added a remark.


    ¡°Ah¡­to be honest¡­those don¡¯t exist in those bitter times. If ever, it might be some residual knowledge of my original world.¡± Sigrun said with melancholic eyes.


    ¡°Now that you mentioned it, in the book, it is said that you are summoned from another world. Does your¡­original world resembles this era?¡± Meld asked with keen eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Even if you cross-examine me, I don¡¯t even have the slightest idea. I have already no recollection of anything from my own world. To be perfectly honest, this is my world now. I¡¯ve lost¡­so many memories that I don¡¯t even remember the face, the name or even if I had a parent¡­¡± Sigrun properly conveyed his sincerest apologies to Meld.


    ¡°I see¡­you¡¯ve lost so many memories¡­¡±Meld muttered as he places his hand atop of Sigrun¡¯s head.


    ¡°Well, my apologies for being unable to answer your questions.¡± Sigrun once again apologizes.


    ¡°No, no! I am the one who is trying to dig up your past. It was rude of me and it made you remember some bad things. Anyway, I have something for you. I figured you will be needing it sooner or later.¡± Meld said as he pulls out something from his pocket and handed it to Sigrun.


    ¡°This is¡­an envelope? Ah¡­there¡¯s some banknotes on them¡­or so I heard from Alisa.¡± Sigrun said as he pulled out the money from the small envelope.


    ¡°Your room is still not ready yet but I¡¯d rather have you something to spend too. That will be your monthly allowance.¡± Meld said with a smile.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Wha--?! This is a bit¡­surprising. I¡¯ve only been here for several days but I got adopted in no time and now, I am receiving an allowance. Is this even fine? I haven¡¯t done anything in return yet. I feel bad¡­¡± Sigrun said as he stares at the money curiously.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t done anything? You may be the humblest person yet. Sigrun¡­you did this world a favor and saved it. Besides, what kind of a stepfather I am if I cannot at least give you an allowance?¡± Meld replied with an in-fact voice.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is¡­then¡­I¡¯ll gladly accept this. Thank you, father.¡± Sigrun addresses Meld properly as his father.


    ¡°By the by, Sigrun, let Alisa and Reed teach you about monetary expenditures too. Since nothing is needed to be said, won¡¯t you return to your class now? Return here when you need to change again.¡± Meld then reminded Sigrun that he still has a class.


    ¡°Ah, yes! I¡¯ll be leaving now!¡± Sigrun rushes out of the room.


    As soon as Sigrun bolted out of the room, Meld heaves a long sigh.


    ¡°Sigrun¡­what happened to you in the past? What sight you were shown to hold a contempt for the act of having saved the world?¡± Questions such as those slips from Meld¡¯s lips.


    Meanwhile, as soon as Sigrun arrived at the gymnasium, something has already started¡­


    As soon as Sigrun opened the door, a huge cheer suddenly entered his ears. The abrupt loud voices of his classmates immediately had his attention pulled at the large arena.


    The arena is consist of a mini dome with a high ceiling. The audience seat is protected by a glass barrier while some teachers are spectating the match from a control room. The control room is where they maintain the magical barrier with set tolerance from preventing the students from harming each other physically. However, through this magical barrier, the pain will be transmitted as part of the lesson.


    ¡°You must be Sigrun Valker. I am the P.E. Teacher, Maine.¡± A woman with a strong and tall stature came to Sigrun and introduces herself. She wears a tracksuit, the same as what Sigrun is wearing.


    ¡°Since you were not here earlier, we already started the mock match and chose a sparring partner for you¡­is what I wanted to say but for now, you may sit down and watch. Go ahead and choose any available seat. The mock battle between Amaryl Helion and Reed Chelle is about to start.¡± Maine said as she left Sigrun.


    ¡°Reed is going to fight? Oh my, I¡¯ve got to see this!¡± Sigrun said as he started searching for a good spot.


    ¡°Sigrun my buddy, over here!¡± Enheirt called out to Sigrun while waving his hand. His place seems to be a good spot so Sigrun came over to him.


    ¡°Hi, Enheirt. May I sit over here?¡± Sigrun politely asked him.


    ¡°Sure do! It¡¯s my pleasure!¡± his immediate reply.


    However, as soon as Sigrun seated as the vacant seat beside him, Enheirt¡¯s arm suddenly hovers over Sigrun and he places it on his shoulder.


    ¡°This is¡­?¡± Sigrun asked in a quizzical tone.


    ¡°Skinship! Skinship it is!¡± His immediate reply.


    CRACKLE


    The sound of bone being pulverized to pieces immediately entered Sigrun¡¯s ear. Standing beside him is Alisa with an aura revealing that she is the demon. The hand that was resting atop of Sigrun¡¯s shoulder is now being held by Alisa.


    ¡°Skinship my ass¡­what the hell are you trying to accomplish¡­Enheirt?¡± Alisa asked with a smile but her tone is as cold as ice.


    ¡°You know¡­as¡­brothers¡­bonding of men¡­and¡­such¡­¡± Enheirt said as his face pales and did his best to endure the creeping pain of broken fingers.


    ¡°Oh, would you look at that, the seat specifically NEXT to Sig looks occupied.¡± Alisa said as she looks at the seat where Enheirt is.


    ¡°H-Here you go¡­¡± Enheirt, getting the clue, stood up and tried to get away from Alisa¡¯s demonic grip.


    ¡°O-Owowow! I¡¯m sorry! I am just messing around! I just want to see how Reed will react from this while he is fighting!¡± Enheirt immediately confessed.


    ¡°Hmph, Sig is a little innocent so please refrain from that kind of pranks or you¡¯ll regret it.¡± Alisa scolded Enheirt before letting him go.


    As soon as Alisa seated beside Sigrun, Enheirt then sat behind them.


    ¡°Anyway, Alisa of the Blazing Sunset, you¡¯ve fought Reed last year in the state competition, right? How do you think this match will go? The enemy is Amaryl, the Frigid Princess.¡± Enheirt asked about Alisa¡¯s opinion.


    ¡°Stop with that lame nickname¡­! Anyway, Reed barely won against me at that time but that doesn¡¯t mean he is somewhat a pushover. When it comes to fighting, Reed has another side of it.¡± Alisa gave a vague answer.


    Then, Alisa glances to her side just to see Sigrun looking at her with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°Wha-! What¡¯s with you¡­Sig¡­?¡± Alisa asked timidly.


    ¡°Alisa of the Blazing Sunset! How cool! Is it because you are good at fire magic?!¡± Sigrun asked with visible curiosity. His sparkling eyes are so adorable and at the same time, pure and innocent.


    ¡°Y-Yeah! Ahahaha! I am a little good at it! Maybe because of that, I got that cool title! Ahahaha!¡± Alisa said as she got flustered from Sigrun looking at her with amazement.


    ¡°Hey, you just said that it¡¯s a lam--!¡± Before Enheirt could say anything, Alisa snaps an eye to him. ¡°I said it¡¯s a cool nickname¡­¡± He said in defeat.


    Suddenly, the door of each side of the arena opens.


    ¡°It¡¯s starting¡­¡± Enheirt muttered the obvious.


    ¡°I¡¯ve fought Amaryl too before in the state competition in the same Tier. She has an amazing skills to handle her magic but her firepower lacks. In that regards¡­Reed, however¡­¡± Alisa started muttering.


    From one corner, Amaryl Helion emerges. She wears not the tracksuit but an armor oriented suit. Her body is heavily clad in blue armor with a crest on the breastplate. Her greaves, her arm, everything is composed of armor leaving nothing revealed but her eye line for seeing. In her hand is a white platinum sword glowing with blue radiance.


    ¡°Aiiee¡­that sword has a magic-enhancing inscription. That¡¯s expensive nowadays¡­¡± Enheirt said with sweat beads forming on his forehead.


    ¡°Not only that, the last time I fought her, her armor weren¡¯t that strong. From what I am seeing now, it¡¯s a good conductor for magic. Meaning, she will enhance the whole thing if needed to defend¡­¡± Alisa said while staring at Amaryl.


    ¡°Ah¡­thus¡­the name Amaryl, the Frigid Princess?¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s quite frigid in a way too but that also comes with her magic¡­¡± Enheirt said in which Sigrun figured it out.


    On the other corner, Reed emerges. He wears an ordinary clothes lightly armed with barely anything. He just looks like a starting adventurer in an RPG quest, however¡­


    ¡°That weapon of choice is quite¡­peculiar and interesting¡­¡± Sigrun muttered in amazement.


    Aside from his looks, Reed is geared with a full arm gauntlet. The said gauntlet has five protruding claws that are ivory in color. The rest of his arm is covered with the same metal with no inscription or whatsoever.


    But what caught Sigrun¡¯s interest the most is Reed¡¯s facial expression. An icy face with nothing in his eyes but the battle feasted in front of him. Fierce and dignified eyes of a warrior that hungers for battle.


    However, not everyone thinks about that¡­


    ¡°He is mocking me!¡± Amaryl thought as she tightens the grip on her sword.


    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s start this mock battle! Fight!¡± Maine announces from the control room.


    Sparing no second, Amaryl immediately kicks the ground and gathered supple amount of magical energy on her sword.


    ¡°Ice Brand!¡± She shouted as a small tsunami emerges from her sword covering one-fourth of the arena. As the tsunami materializes, it slowly turns into a barrage of icicles.


    In response, Reed brandishes the claw and spins backward. Then, he swings the claw from his back and then upward giving the claw a huge momentum.


    ¡°Blitz!¡± Reed shouted as a strong wind suddenly blew all of the icicles back to Amaryl. However, such attack won¡¯t put a dent on Amaryl¡¯s armor.


    ¡°¡­Wow¡­¡± Sigrun muttered as he watches the match. He felt something coming back to him.


    Excitement, eagerness, life, and everything that could relate to how alive he feels right now are all coming back to him.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 1

    Like a child receiving a new toy, Sigrun watches the battle with sparkling eyes. He unconsciously put himself on the edge of his seat as he leans forward as the excitement on his chest grew hotter. He intently stares at Reed and Amrayl¡¯s battle as it gets heated.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sig?! Your face is getting flushed!¡± Alisa asked with flabbergasted face towards the giggling Sigrun who seems preoccupied that her question went to deaf ears.


    ¡°Hey, he¡¯s not listening at all. Maybe this is the first time Sigrun watched a battle between Magus, though students.¡± Enheirt said as he returned his attention to the on-going battle.


    ¡°Ah¡­m-maybe¡­yeah¡­¡± Alisa nervously answered.


    The battle between Reed and Amaryl, although a mock battle, is garnering attention that even upperclassmen started spectating the match.


    ¡°Ohohoho, look, Alisa of the Blazing Sunset, one of the strongest in the campus is eyeing on Reed. Ah, he also looked here. He took a glance at you and Sigrun.¡± Enheirt informed Alisa.


    ¡°Uwaah¡­Seigen the Light Prodigy¡­¡± Alisa said in utter amazement and irritation as she takes a peek at the man standing in the very far corner of the audience seats.


    The man is Seigen Lloyd, a third-year student at Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy. As his title implies, he is a light magic user and one of the top. Donning a blond hair and clear blue eyes and most of all, a Serensis as his pointed ears dictates. Together with him is a group of people that seems to be his cahoots.


    ¡°Alisa¡­Alisa! It will be a little dangerous for Sigrun if his group started targeting him. You know how he just challenges people out of the blue right?! Bearing the headmaster¡¯s last name, it¡¯s no doubt that he thinks that Sigrun is strong.¡± Enheirt warned Alisa.


    ¡°Ha? Let them come. Don¡¯t think lightly of Sig.¡± Alisa nonchalantly said towards Enheirt¡¯s words of concern. The person himself, Sigrun, doesn¡¯t even bother looking at them. He is absorbed on the battle in front of him.


    ¡°Ah! The air around Reed started changing!¡± Sigrun exclaimed excitingly.


    Alisa and Enheirt returned their attention to Reed.


    The battle so far, the battlefield is covered with ice halfway and Amaryl standing at the center, unfazed and unmoved. Reed, on the other hand, is running around dodging the icicles with his whirlwind sprint, however, as Sigrun said, the air around Reed started changing.


    ¡°Oh¡­this is about to end, huh? Reed got impatient and he whittled down Amaryl¡¯s stamina.¡± Enheirt muttered as his eyes sharpened as his eyes watch Reed¡¯s movement.


    It is as Enheirt said, Amaryl has already exhausted her stamina so all she can do is to stand in one place and attack Reed with magic. Reed, on the other hand, hasn¡¯t exhausted much energy and his magical energy is still high.


    ¡°Wait¡­at this point, even Reed should be running out of magical energy! Even in the battle of stamina and magical energy, Reed and Amaryl should be the same, even though Amaryl have inscripted armor and weapon!¡± Alisa exclaimed as she stares at Reed who lively runs around, sending a shockwave of winds to Amaryl.


    ¡°Ah¡­that¡¯s right. It must be because of Yah and Weh¡­¡± Sigrun thought as he watches Reed.


    Suddenly, Reed soared through the air and kicks off into nothingness as he soars higher. In his wake, an upheaval of gust started storming inside the arena.


    ¡°Here it comes! Reed¡¯s finishing move, Skyline!¡± Enheirt shouted with excitement.


    ¡°Brrr¡­that Reed¡­when he is in battle mode¡­he is merciless!¡± Alisa shivered as she said those words, recalling her battle with Reed a year ago.


    As Amaryl saw Reed¡¯s movements, she then struck her sword downward and pillars of ice started rising from the ground to cover her whole body. Reed paid it no mind and soars as high as he can.


    As he reached the highest point, he then pulled his claws upward. A ball of wind started manifesting at the palm of the claw and he then let the gravity together with the boost of wind let him fall down. A downward fall of strong gust then started pointing at a single point.


    In a flash, an explosive sound resounded in the whole arena.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Icicles were blown away everywhere and a fierce tornado manifested itself at the center of the arena. The icicle then slowly shatters into smaller pieces and strong wind even started scratching at the protective glass.


    A the end of the catastrophic-like clash, emerges on the arena is an unharmed Reed and a fallen Amaryl with the upper half of her armor destroyed. She is barely conscious but nonetheless, no external injury.


    ¡°Fufufu¡­you bully¡­¡± Amaryl said with a weak voice as she stares at Reed. She nonchalantly conceals her large breasts even though she is wearing a leotard inside the armor.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­I¡¯m sorry. I got too into it that I used Skyline.¡± Reed said as he returned to his usual expression. He then reaches out for Amaryl¡¯s hand to help her get up.


    With a smile and spirit of sportsmanship, Amaryl reached out to it and let Reed take her up. As soon as she got up, she firmly grasps the hand and shakes it in a formal way.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t get the chance to fight against you in the last year¡¯s state competition because Alisa Hertuclaire got the best of me but now, I feel a little awe experiencing your prowess personally. Reed Chelle, you have my thanks for that splendid battle.¡± Amaryl declared as she stares Reed¡¯s eyes tinged with valiant.


    ¡°You flatter me too much, Frigid Princess Amaryl. Even I had a hard time finding openings to your defense. All I could do was to whittle you down. It was a good experience for me too.¡± Reed replied back.


    After their exchange, they turn around from each other and return back to their respective exits.


    ¡°Phew¡­Reed really overdid it to be honest.¡± Enheirt said as he let out a light sigh.


    In contrast to Alisa and Enheirt relieved countenance, there is one who got overly excited.


    ¡°Amazing! Alisa! Alisa! Alisa! That was a good fight! A really good fight between two warriors! Noble, dignified, full of sportsmanship, it was so good! Alisa! Alisa!¡± Sigrun excitingly leans at Alisa while jumping.


    ¡°Alisa here¡­¡± She only muttered.


    ¡°Although I found tons of wrongs and unrefined movements, although there were a lot of erroneous when it comes to magical energy use, although there are a lot of wasted movements, it was incredible!¡± Sigrun pointed a lot of things that made Alisa sighs.


    ¡°Sig¡­we¡¯re just students¡­and calm down! You¡¯re rubbing your whole body unto mine¡­¡± Alisa shouted in a low voice.


    ¡°Ah¡­sorry.¡± Sigrun apologizes as he returns to his seat.


    ¡°For goodness sake¡­aren¡¯t you the he--¡­err¡­¡± Alisa was about to say something but remembered that Enheirt is behind them. ¡°Crap¡­I almost slip there! I was about to say that Sig is THAT hero. Well, if I think about it, no one would even easily believe it¡­¡± Alisa thought.


    As Sigrun calms down, not long after before Reed sits with them.


    For the duration of the whole class, Sigrun becomes giddy and excited for each battle and will give his insight into all the battle. When Alisa¡¯s match came, she won flawlessly by using about eight inscripted equipment. Her main weapon is a whip and her element is fire.


    ¡°Uwaah¡­the power of money¡­¡± Reed only muttered as shivers run down from his spine.


    So on and so forth.


    Until all the queued matches are finished. The students who are watching started leaving one by one and Seigen, the earlier spectator leaves with a smug on his face as he meets eye to eye with Sigrun.


    After that, the last class ended with a passive mood. Tomorrow is weekend so that¡¯s why everyone is excited to go home.


    Not only Sigrun was greeted by all of his classmates and said their goodbyes, a lot of students outside started calling out to Sigrun too as he became a celebrity or more likely, an idol for them. There are a lot of people who still think Sigrun is a girl or to be more precise, only their class knows of that fact.


    Carrying the name of Valker further progresses his fame as the media started ambushing him outside the Academy gate. Walking together with Reed Chelle who is that winner of the state competition last year and Alisa Hertuclaire, the daughter of the famous Hertuclaire household that tops on Inscription, his fame throughout the city spreads like a wildfire.


    Knowing that a lot of press are waiting for Sigurn outside the gate, Reed and Alisa use the back exit of the Academy to avoid the press.


    With that, the three of them walks the street, chatting, looking at things, answering Sigrun¡¯s question, stopping often because people want to take a picture with Sigrun, and splitting on their way home.


    That is the plan, however, before Alisa and Sigrun could turn their heels away from Reed¡­


    ¡°Wait!¡± Reed shouted as he takes Sigrun¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What? Is there anything you want to say?¡± Alisa asked.


    ¡°I want to take home Sig! I think I have the rights to ask so, right?¡± Reed exclaimed with conviction in his eyes.


    Alisa got taken aback by Reed¡¯s words. Sigrun only tilted his head as Reed pulled him into his body. The onlookers started murmuring as they heard Reed¡¯s words but he paid it no mind.


    ¡°A custodial affair! Reed Chelle and Alisa Hetuclaire are fighting for the custody of their child!¡±


    One teasingly said as they watch the trio.


    Alisa on the other hand only sighed in vexation as if she knows that this will happen sooner or later. In fact, she expected it to happen but not this later.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you pick a better place to say that¡­? I¡¯m not against it but don¡¯t you think we could have talked that one out back in the academy you moron!¡± Alisa roared a little at Reed as she takes a quick glance at the spectators.


    ¡°Really!? I can take home Sig?!¡± Reed asked again with high spirit.


    ¡°Yeah¡­but like I said, if you could have said that to me earlier, I could have called home and had the maid send his things to your house¡­¡± Alisa reasoned as she takes out her phone.


    ¡°What am I? A pet or something?¡± Sigrun asked nonchalantly. ¡°Well, I¡¯d like to see Reed¡¯s house too so I don¡¯t think I am against it!¡± He said happily.


    ¡°Well then! Let¡¯s go Sig.¡± Reed said as he started leading Sigrun. ¡°Mom and Dad are on a trip for the weekend so we have a lot of time for ourselves!¡± Reed added as they gained considerable distance from Alisa.


    However, Alisa¡¯s sharp sense of hearing caught a whiff of that¡­


    ¡°Eh¡­?!¡± Alisa¡¯s face becomes petrified and her eyes dilate as she drops her phone from what she heard.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 2

    The humble household of the Chelle.


    Reed Chelle went straight to the bathroom and prepared hot water to use so he can wash off every sweat and dirt from his body. Leaving Sigrun in the guest room with books to read, Reed proceeded to take a bath after several minutes of preparing the hot water.


    Feeling excited about the bath, Reed removes all of his clothes and gleefully went into the bathroom and went for the hand shower. All the fatigue and sweat slowly trickle away from his trained and manly body.


    The day was long and a match he enjoyed ended in his win. Reed cherishes the sensation of relaxation brought by the hot water.


    That all ended when the glass panel door the separates the dressing room and the bathroom suddenly opens.


    ¡°Ah, as I thought, you are really taking a bath! You should have told me so!¡± Sigrun poutily said as he started removing the last garment from his body.


    ¡°Wait, Sig! The bath is too cramped¡­¡± Reed tried to tell Sigrun, however, the person in question has already entered, dragging all of his hair inside.


    ¡°No worries, we can still fit in that bathtub since I am small. Nevermind that, Reed, can you wash my back? My hair is fine since I use magic to clean it.¡± Sigrun asked while sitting in a small wooden chair.


    ¡°But can¡¯t you just do that with your body too?!¡± Reed asked back while trying to avert his eyes from Sigrun with a reddened face.


    ¡°That¡¯s that and this is this. Taking a bath is, naturally, a form of relaxation. I do it for pleasure.¡± Sigrun replied as he moves his butt to adjust to the chair. The supple yet delicate cheeks wobble that it immediately caught Reed¡¯s eyes.


    Sigrun parted his hair and gathers it all in front of him while he waits for Reed to wash his back. Reed didn¡¯t have any choice but to do as Sigrun pleases. He took a foam squishes it several times. He then approaches Sigrun¡¯s delicate back, a pure ceramic colored back that doesn¡¯t even have any traces of masculinity.


    ¡°Here I go¡­¡± Reed muttered as he starts rubbing Sigrun¡¯s back with the foam.


    ¡°Hngh¡­¡± Sigrun lets out faint voice as Reed moves up and down.


    ¡°M-Maybe the back isn¡¯t enough. I should also wash here just in case¡­¡± Reed¡¯s hand then creeps down towards Sigrun¡¯s butt.


    He gently fondles it as if it¡¯s a treasure. He traces his palm on its firm roundness and tried to feel its elasticity. Seeing that Sigrun didn¡¯t pose any words of complaints, Reed continues to touch Sigrun¡¯s body up to his armpits, waists, shoulder, nape, clavicle, then it escalated to his thighs.


    Even as he does those acts, Sigrun didn¡¯t raise any voice of complaints and he continues his subtle assault. He scoots closer to further feel Sigrun¡¯s delicate body. Reed was further tempted as he saw Sigrun¡¯s ears painted with red.


    ¡°Male or not¡­this is¡­¡± Reed inwardly said as his reasons stated melting away.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Sigrun then leaked out a shout of a surprised voice that startled Reed.


    ¡°Reed¡­you¡¯re¡­too excited. To press it against my back¡­you¡¯re quite bold.¡± Sigrun said as he turns around and stares at Reed with a flushed face. ¡°Do you really want to do it that much?¡± he added.


    ¡°Ah¡­no! But¡­it will just become backward so no thanks¡­¡± Reed holds himself back as he remembered that Sigrun is bisexual but would most likely be the dominant partner.


    ¡°No worries, If it is you, Reed, I don¡¯t mind being dominated once. I¡¯d like to try it out for once. To see how pleasurable it can get.¡± Sigrun sweetly said as he peers closer to Reed¡¯s face. He presses his body against him and their faces become closer than ever.


    Their ragged breaths intertwined and their heart starts racing. An intimate atmosphere started enveloping in what we called the bathroom of the Chelle Household.


    A sweet moan started resounding together with a sound of body slapping together¡­


    And then¡­!


    ¡°GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡± Alisa shouted with an extremely red countenance.


    BAM BAM BAM!


    She bangs her head repeatedly on the wall with a strong fervor. She then runs around her room in utter panic as her imagination went too far. As if she got tired running, she laid down on the floor and started rolling on the carpet.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°URAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡± She continued shouting until she hit her shin on the cabinet next to her study table.


    ¡°OW!¡± Alisa shouted in pain as her sanity went back.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong my lady, did you dropped your mind in some gutter along the way?¡± A maid said as she watches Alisa with a warm expression.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it! I mean¡­it¡¯s somehow¡­along the line¡­but¡­that¡¯s not it!¡± Alisa said with both denial and acceptance.


    ¡°My lady, your father is looking for you.¡± The maid nonchalantly said, seemingly used to Alisa¡¯s behavior.


    ¡°Argh! Right now?! Fine...¡± Alisa said as she gets up from the floor and started walking out of the room. She started heading towards her father¡¯s workshop on the first floor. She climbed down on the third floor with stomps.


    As she entered, the smell of mixed materials of wood and metal entered her nose. Magical energy wafts in the air as it is continuously generated. The room is still bright as the sun poses to be before dusk.


    ¡°Father, what do you want?!¡± Alisa shouted calmly.


    ¡°Hmm? Alisa! My, my, are you here to give me a warm hug? My, how hopeless you are!¡± Alisa¡¯s father playfully said as he spread his arms wide.


    ¡°Ughh¡­please don¡¯t pass any inscription jobs to me today¡­¡± Alisa said with a frown as she walks sullenly.


    ¡°Ah!? No! What are you saying, my dear?!¡± Alisa¡¯s father said with a flabbergasted countenance.


    ¡°You already passed six works unto me this week. They specifically requested your Inscriptions, not mine.¡± Alisa lightly complained as she ignored her father¡¯s embrace and made her way to a vacant chair and sat.


    ¡°Aw¡­but you are now better than me dear. Being able to Inscript two enhancement and two elements on a single material, aren¡¯t you a prodigy?¡± He said as he closes the door where Alisa came from and made his way to his chair.


    ¡°It failed in the end. The material broke down even though we specifically ordered it from Ehon City. It also drained me so much of my magical energy.¡± Alisa waved her finger while explaining it.


    Hertuclaire Inscription Company Inc.


    One of the oldest and most prominent company when it comes to Inscriptions. Their lineage is all Inscriptors. Utilizing their race¡¯s natural talent, the Vaster¡¯s subspecies fox, gave birth to double inscription which is now marketed at a high price. It further stacks its value as the Inscription¡¯s quality becomes higher.


    However, in the history, Alisa Hetuclaire is considered a genius when it comes to Inscripting elements and enhancement.


    Third, or even though it failed, she was able to inscript fourth element and enhancement. In the first place, the inscription may fail depending on the Inscriptor itself or the material used.


    In such cases, a plank of pure steel could stand up to three inscriptions, however, since a steel is tough, Inscription can only go up to one, if lucky, two.


    The very essence of Inscription is putting an imaginary lining within the material. The lining is similar to the magical linings of Exturbo, however, for Exturbos, it serves as their nervous system. Lining for inscription is applied through applying a crest of the desired enhancement. Putting another enhancement needed to overlap with the first inscription to apply another enhancement in which one needed to extend the lining of the inscription in the material.


    As such, applying the second lining is extremely hard as one needs a sufficient dexterity to perform the inscription. Overlapping third and fourth inscription is a feat only Alisa Hertuclaire is capable of.


    ¡°Well, if you say so, then I won¡¯t pass any job to you¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s father said so.


    ¡°See?! You do plan to pass something!¡± Alisa shouted with a slightly angered countenance.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Anyway, Alisa, where¡¯s Sigrun?¡± He asked, whilst, changing the subject.


    ¡°Sig came with Reed today. He protested that he wants to take care of Sig¡­¡± Alisa answered as she makes a bored countenance.


    ¡°I see, Reed Chelle. Do I need to tell this to Sir Valker?¡± He asked Alisa.


    ¡°Hmm? What was that?¡± Alisa returned a question as she looks at her father.


    ¡°Ah, you don¡¯t know? Sir Meld Valker called to me and asked a favor to take in his adopted son, Sigrun Valker. You know, a favor from one of the Paladins. How could I ignore such opportunity to curry favor with an influential person?¡± He explained to Alisa.


    ¡°Ah¡­even knowing that Sigrun is a boy¡­you let him stayed. That¡¯s why I find it strange that you and mother agreed to this.¡± Alisa came to a realization, however, the reaction she showed is somewhat stale.


    ¡°So, Sigrun is now in Reed Chelle¡¯s place?¡± Alisa¡¯s father once again reconfirmed.


    ¡°Ah¡­Ah!...AH! Oh yeah¡­father, I¡¯ll be going out for tonight! I¡¯ll head to Reed¡¯s place!¡± Alisa exclaimed as her delusions earlier came attacking her.


    ¡°So sudden! And to his house?! You are too young Alisa!¡± Her father exclaimed with a quizzical expression.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it father! I am worried about Sig! Argh! I shouldn¡¯t have let him go with Reed! What if¡­those two¡­they are actually¡­Argh!!¡± Alisa panics again as she started thinking something again.


    ¡°My daughter¡­I just can¡¯t let you go to man¡¯s house. With or without parents, I just simply can¡¯t let you.¡± He said with a reprimanding voice.


    ¡°Yeah¡­fine¡­¡± Alisa droops her shoulder with her father¡¯s decision. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just take a bath for now¡­see you at dinner, father¡­¡± She said before she left.


    As soon as Alisa closes the door behind her¡­


    ¡°ARRRGGGHHHH! Why did I find the thought of those things happening! I don¡¯t think I can even sleep anymore tonight! What are those two going to do?!¡± Alisa shouted as she runs towards the stairs.


    As Alisa¡¯s dilemma grew stranger, meanwhile, in a not-a-delusion Chelle¡¯s household¡­


    ¡°Ah! I shot that one! Damn! I thought I already had it!¡± Sigrun curses as he presses the buttons.


    ¡°Sig, get that, I think you can ride that boar! Ah, yeah, that one! It¡¯s fine, you can leave your companion behind!¡± Reed said as he seats beside Sigrun while munching on potato chips.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Look at it go! I can¡¯t believe that they were able to make such entertainment like this! The character design is quite daring too! Look at that butt jiggle!¡± Sigrun laughed as he lovingly plays the console with a controller on hands.


    Sigrun, wearing an oversized shirt and maroon shorts, seating on a sofa, plays a game together with Reed who is also wearing a casual clothing.


    ¡°I think the bath is ready¡­I¡¯ll go ahead and take a good dip!¡± Reed said as he leaves Sigrun on his game.


    ¡°Yeah! Hey, leave those chips behind! Ah, bring out some of those colas too! Yeah, that bubbly one! No, I want that lemon flavored!¡± Sigrun demanded as he immersed his self in the game.


    Apparently, Reed meant that they have time for themselves in playing games until late and chowing down on so much junk food without restriction.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 3

    A towering pile of corpse bathed with nothing but blood stands out in a seemingly peaceful field of flowers. Along the way, bodies of varying races laid lifeless as their life was taken by a single slash. Even the fragrance of the flower cannot overpower the stench of the dead bodies gives off.


    Humans, Vasters, Serensis¡¯s, Oreals, and Alpsis. All of them are warriors armed with weapons and armors made for a great scale of war. However, despite preparing a huge force, none was even spared except for one man who came with them.


    Black hair with eyes matching it, the man stood almost two meters in height. He is garbed with a teal colored coat and pale dusk armor, a very image of a strong warrior, or rather, a hero.


    In front of the hero is the culprit for taking so many lives, a woman who is also wearing armor ashen in color that only reveals her slender shoulder and thighs. Her brown healthy skin reveals itself and her silver hair sways with the wind. Her glowing yellow eyes observe the man in front of her with curiosity and vigilance.


    For the two of them, each one holds a sword as pure as the azure sky above them. It is a sword that could bring a total destruction in which the man holds a sword untainted while the woman wields a bloodied one.


    However, in the mind of the man, all who could think of is amazement. Instead of anger and vengeance for the fallen comrades around him, he thought of the woman as beautiful, gallant, and even angelic. The man is in awe not only for the woman¡¯s beauty but for her purpose of doing such brutality. He couldn¡¯t blame her and he couldn¡¯t even hate her.


    Slowly¡­the vision of the man started fading into darkness¡­


    The glimmer of the woman who is wielding the same sword started becoming dim and his consciousness started drifting away. He even reaches out his hand but to no avail, none reached out for him¡­


    Everything went dark¡­


    However, he felt a new sensation amidst the dark¡­


    His body is being shaken¡­


    ¡°Sig¡­Hey¡­Sig¡­wake up!¡± A voice of a man entered his ears.


    ¡°Or¡­der¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey! Come on! A-Alisa is here!¡± The man once again spoke in a flustered tone.


    ¡°Ali¡­sa? Alisa? Ah?¡± Sigrun then opens his eyes. In front of him is Reed who bears a pale face.


    Sigrun gets up in a hurry just to find himself laying on the sofa. In his belly lays down the console¡¯s controller. In the table is several chips and bottle of colas are scattered. He even noticed that his hair is tangled around his body.


    At the edge of the sofa is Reed with a frigid smile seemingly trying to force himself into it. At the back of the sofa is Alisa who is wearing a casual dress composed of a cardigan and a buttoned shirt inside together with a pleated skirt that goes below her knees, is looking at Sigrun with a perplexed expression.


    ¡°A¡­life of a bum¡­¡± Alisa muttered with a sigh.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­Alisa¡­why did you visit early in the morning?¡± Reed timidly asked as he tries to avert his eyes from Alisa.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­none of your business! No, actually, I¡¯m here to check on Sig and look what I found out, he is already having an unhealthy lifestyle!¡± Alisa scolded as her fox ears and tail perks up in anger.


    ¡°Good Morning, Alisa.¡± Sigrun greeted Alisa as he tries to unbundle his hair around his body.


    ¡°As for you Sig! Did you even ate properly?! Did you¡­even had a b-bath yesterday?! From what I can see, you just enjoyed your whole night playing games!¡± Alisa turns her scold to Sigrun with a firm stance.


    ¡°Ah, I ate these chips.¡± Sigrun said as he pointed at the mess of a table.


    Alisa immediately bats an eye to Reed who is standing like a statue, sweating profusely and frozen like an ice.


    ¡°Reed! And you said yesterday that you¡¯d take care of him! Why, of all place, is he even sleeping on the sofa?! Without even any blankets covering him and with even a joystick on his body?!¡± Alisa roared in anger as she started pointing at the innocent controller.


    ¡°B-Being as a hero and someone strong¡­I figured Sig doesn¡¯t need much attention regarding those.¡± Reed reasoned while taking a peek at Sigrun.


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t be so angry with him Alisa. Like what Reed said, I can live without eating much. Sleeping conditions are one of my least concerns too. Also, with this body, I don¡¯t even have to use the toilet since everything that I eat and drink is broken down to magical energy in which altogether, brings my body nutrients too.¡± Sigrun explained.


    ¡°That¡¯s too convenient! No, wait, what I wanted to say is, Sig, even with those conveniences, I¡¯d rather have you eat something, healthily at that. Maybe that¡¯s why your body is stuck at that!¡± Alisa said with an extremely sincere and concerned tone.


    ¡°Hey! Even I is once a man with redeeming masculinity! I was once standing almost two meters in height and had toned muscles!¡± Sigrun defended his self of Alisa¡¯s accusation.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Eh?! Really?! Why is your body like that now?!¡± Reed immediately asked.


    ¡°Hmm, it naturally degraded into this as time passes. I think because of my body¡¯s strong life force and natural strength, it deemed that muscles, stature, and even height are useless. It took a hundred of years before everything melted. Before I knew it, I¡¯m like this¡­¡± Sigrun said with a crestfallen face.


    ¡°Argh! Let¡¯s stop with all this fantastic convenience of being a millennium years old hero and move on! Sig, today, let¡¯s go out! We¡¯ll have you get familiarized with the whole city!¡± Alisa scratches her head with irritation.


    ¡°Ah¡­about breakfast¡­?¡± Reed asked as he started turning towards the kitchen.


    ¡°Bah! Let¡¯s eat out! Also, there are two more concerns that I want to state!¡± Alisa brought her hand and raises two fingers. ¡°One, I am having trouble contacting you, Reed! I have to get your number. It will be a little convenient too if we can get Sig to learn how to use phones.¡± Alisa brought out her own phone and urges Reed to get his.


    ¡°Right! We¡¯ve known each other for a year now but we really never exchanged contact details. But hey, I¡¯ve seen your blogs several times now on the net!¡± Reed happily said as he also brought out his phone and activates his infrared to prepare for contact exchange.


    ¡°Oh, be sure to subscribe then. Ah, I got your info now.¡± Alisa made a subtle advertisement. ¡°Then, the second this is¡­¡± As Alisa continued, she takes a look at Sigrun.


    ¡°Hey¡­my hair is kind of really tangled¡­¡± Sigrun said with pleading eyes.


    ¡°That. Sig, your hair is way too long. I don¡¯t hate it but it would be a real inconvenience not only for you but for all of us.¡± Alisa said as she stares at the black silky hair with knitted brows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any problems if the need to cut it arises. No, I¡¯m not against it if you want to have it cut short now.¡± Sigrun said as he managed to untangle his hair from his body.


    ¡°Hmm, I see. I¡¯ll go get a scissor.¡± Reed said as he turns heels and started walking away.


    ¡°Wait a minute you dumbass. Do you think¡­a normal scissors can really cut Sig¡¯s hair?!¡± Alisa then reminded Reed of the fact of how strong Sigrun¡¯s hair is.


    ¡°Then¡­a hatchet?¡± Reed dumbfoundedly said with a head tilt.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do. Sig, what do you usually use to trim your hair?¡± Alisa poses a question to Sigrun as Reed¡¯s suggestion proven hopeless.


    ¡°Umm¡­I have something I made many years ago back in my house at the top of the mountain. I can get that now but It¡¯ll be night before I can return.¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he looks at his own hair.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do¡­is there anything else?¡± Alisa tried to look for alternatives.


    ¡°There is. It can easily cut my hair, however, are you¡­sure about this? I mean¡­every time I bring out a portion of my power, something dangerous might happen.¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°Dangerous?¡± Reed then asked with a tone seeking for answer.


    ¡°Yeah! For example, when I simply used Agni, a fountain of flames immediately pierces the heaven. That was the first day I came to this city. When I summoned Tera¡¯s core, the whole land must have felt its brilliance.¡± Sigrun said. ¡°And the thing that I am talking about is¡­err¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s words trailed off.


    ¡°Is it going to destroy this city?!¡± Alisa asked in a hurry.


    ¡°No, it won¡¯t. With it, it won¡¯t take me a minute to cut my hair short.¡± Sigrun answered in a rush.


    ¡°Well, I guess its fine if you say so. If you can quickly do it, then let¡¯s start.¡± Alisa said as she runs away and hid behind the kitchen counter in which Reed also followed.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Don¡¯t worry. Like I said, it won¡¯t do any damages as long as I don¡¯t use it for offense.¡± Sigrun reassured as he held his hand in the air.


    Spanning the time a little¡­


    At the Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy Head Office, Meld Valker looks at the city through his glass window.


    Even though it¡¯s weekend, his job never ceases. He handles everything from the affairs regarding the academy to the city¡¯s defense. As such, he is in that place to readily give out orders if anything happens, specifically, to deploy Exturbos.


    Such is a life the Estelle Academy¡¯s Headmaster and one of the Ten Paladins.


    ¡°The city is peaceful too today.¡± Meld said with a relieve on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s the flag.¡± Quarts said as he relaxes on the couch.


    ¡°Shut up, Quarts¡­¡± Meld replied with a sharp tone that is seemingly annoyed.


    At the moment, both of them felt a sensation they never felt before. The alarm blared off and the whole city is suddenly attacked by a strong pressure.


    ¡°What?!¡± Meld shouted as he snaps a glance at the city in which he finds normal in any way.


    ¡°Just when I told you that was a flag¡­¡± Quarts said as he took his laptop and started typing.


    Meld immediately reaches out for the phone resting on his table, however, before he can even pick it up, it rang. Rather, his phone in his pocket also rang.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Meld answered both and held it with his hands over his ears.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡± He said as he started listening to the two voices. As seconds pass by, his face becomes pale in a blink of an eye.


    ¡°Headmaster¡­what happened?!¡± Quarts asked as he started clacking on the keyboard furiously. Meld¡¯s phone though, kept ringing without abandon so he left all the calls unanswered.


    ¡°Quarts¡­this sensation¡­it feels like it is more dangerous than a large meteor striking down on Aldieas! Even Xilia City, one of the farthest city from here¡­felt it¡­!¡± Meld said. ¡°Quarts, order all the Exturbos to be deployed! I¡¯ll call all the Paladins for an emergency meeting!¡± Meld said as he started marching away.


    Quarts in a hurry followed. The alarm is still blaring as the heavy sensation attacked them. It seems that the sensation was too wide and strong, the pressure immediately prompted all Exturbo pilot to move even without Meld¡¯s order yet.


    ¡°What with this hellish sensati¡ªHmm? It¡¯s¡­gone?¡± Meld¡¯s pale face was replaced by a quizzical one as the pressure was lifted. He grits his teeth as the sensation wore off. ¡°However, even if it is gone, there might be something big¡­¡± Meld muttered. He continued walking as he started dialing a number of one of the Paladins.


    ¡°Ah¡­found it.¡± Quarts said.


    Meld immediately bats an eye to Quarts who is now grinning impishly seemingly trying to hold his laughter back.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?! Quarts¡­that sensation earlier might be a threat that could¡­wait¡­what¡­did you found?!¡± Meld asked with a tired tone.


    ¡°What? Wahaha¡­Hahaha! Well, ah¡­how do I say this¡­?!¡± Quarts said with a grin and constant laughter.


    ¡°Is it¡­?¡± Meld scratches his neck as irritation towards Quarts grew at an amazing rate.


    ¡°Ah, the signal, the point of the pressure earlier, through satellite, I found out where it came from. It came from Reed Chelle¡¯s house.¡± Quarts said with a glee smile that seemingly mocking Meld.


    ¡°Lord Hertuclaire did call me last night¡­Sigrun again?!¡± Meld exclaimed as he snaps his phone open and started dialing numbers. ¡°False alarm! All units stand down! Falls alarm!¡± He shouted in anger.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Headmaster, what are you going to do?¡± Quarts asked.


    ¡°Of course, explain everything to each City¡¯s governor. I¡¯ll have to call the Paladins too to explain it. I can¡¯t hide about Sigrun forever¡­¡± Meld sighs as he started dialing more numbers. ¡°And here I thought my weekend will be a laid-back one¡­¡± he added.


    ¡°Oh, good luck!¡± Quarts cheered.


    ¡°You¡¯re coming with me!¡± Meld shouted.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 4

    The whole place becomes still and calm but overloaded with dense magical energy. God who knows how powerful it is, as it exudes brilliance and pressure that none could ever imagine. The absurd existence is deeply etched in Reed and Alisa¡¯s eyes.


    A blue azure sword manifested in Sigrun¡¯s hand. The beautiful sword shows no sign of any intricate design and craftsmanship, however, the clear azure colored sword befuddled them despite the pressure it gives off feels like squeezing them.


    Reed¡¯s house is filled with a bluish radiance that spills out from every window of the house. The two onlookers felt like the whole world is dyed with its brilliance.


    ¡°Oh, I need to cut my hair immediately.¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he hurriedly scooped his hair, measured it, and aimed the sword.


    As the sword swings, the air shook as if the whole world was moved. Sigrun¡¯s hair that was trimmed up to his knees was cut without even a slight resistance. While he was at it, Sigrun also trimmed some of his bangs into a blunt cut.


    As soon as Sigrun finished the task, he dematerializes the sword into thin air which also came with the pressure that it gives, even the dazzling light.


    ¡°Phew, I didn¡¯t know that I¡¯ll use that sword once again to cut my hair.¡± Sigrun said as he sighed. The hair that once a part of his lays one the ground.


    ¡°Sig¡­that¡¯s¡­what was that¡­?¡± Alisa blankly asked as the dazed hasn¡¯t worn off yet from her face. Her countenance is pale and her eyes could only stare at Sigrun.


    ¡°Ah, well, I asked you if it¡¯s alright but¡­¡± Sigrun timidly said.


    ¡°Sig, that was amazing! That sword¡­! As expected of the Hero!¡± Reed got back on his wits and started showing excitement like a child. He ran towards Sigrun and started pressuring him for answers.


    ¡°The alarm was blaring all along¡­¡± Alisa muttered as she peers outside of the house.


    Alisa was able to come to her wits too and immediately noticed that while Sigrun brought out that sword, the alarm sounded off.


    ¡°That sword is called Cosmic Blade. Hmm, rather than calling it a blade, it is the power of cosmos taking in a form of a blade to become usable.¡± Sigrun explained.


    ¡°Sig, in your legend, it is said that you planted your sword at the edge of the world. Is that the truth?¡± Reed asked.


    ¡°That book full of lies?! Please stop using that as the reference! The sword that I planted is not on the edge of the world! That was overdramatized in the first place! Where do you even find the edge of the world?!¡± Sigrun said poutily in an irritated tone


    ¡°Sorry, Sig¡­but, that sword.¡± Reed, though apologizing, pesters with the same subject.


    ¡°I planted a sword in a really far away continent. Ah, but knowing that people of this era have developed much, I guess you have already seen where it is. That sword is not mine. The one who owned it was Order, the Vajra of Cosmos.¡± Sigrun replied in a carefree tone.


    ¡°You mean to say that the two of you hold a similar sword? If that¡¯s the case, you are saying that you and that Order are equally powerful?!¡± Alisa asked in an anxious voice.


    ¡°Ah, no, no. We did both wield the same sword but if I compare myself with Order, I am like a level one hero bringing legendary items and a slightly stronger sword in a fight while Order is a level one thousand with the same sword.¡± Reed and Alisa widen their eyes with Sigrun¡¯s comparison that seemingly saying that Order is a league stronger than him.


    So far, Sigrun has shown a little of his power. Generally speaking, Sigrun¡¯s is akin to a level of a god for them, however, hearing that someone was stronger than Sigrun just made Reed and Alisa breaks out in cold sweat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Order¡­is no more. I did say that she was stronger but the current me is a lot stronger now that I have all the thirteen cores of the Vajras. Anyway, do you two knows what happened to that sword?¡± Sigrun proceeded to asked at two of them.


    Reed and Alisa look at each other but surprisingly, the two tilted.


    ¡°Sorry, Sig, we don¡¯t know.¡± Alisa said with an apologetic tone.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay! It¡¯s not like anyone can just use that sword anyway. Moving on, how is it? My haircut?¡± Sigrun asked as he twirls around swinging the hair.


    ¡°¡±Ooooh!!¡±¡± Alisa and Reed both exclaimed as they watch the graceful black hair that only reaches up to Sigrun¡¯s knees. They even clapped at how straight the hair was cut.


    ¡°Really cute, I think with that, we can just tie it in a ponytail!¡± Alisa said with a glee as she walks around Sigrun.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ¡°Alisa, I think twintails is better!¡± Reed immediately gave his opinion.


    ¡°Twintails? Are you some kind of creep?!¡± Alisa countered Reed¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°Hey, this is my hair! I like it when it just lay down like this. The braid was too bulky for me too.¡± Sigrun said as he brushed his hair with his fingers.


    After for a while, the three bantered on what the best hairstyle for Sigrun even though his appeal was ignored multiple of times. They only settled with what Sigrun wanted when they felt the hunger. However, even at that, Reed and Alisa started bantering on what should Sigrun wears until both of them are satisfied with a choice after twenty minutes.


    Then they go out.


    ¡°Geez, you two quarrel at the most unimportant matters! Look, it¡¯s almost noon!¡± Sigrun angrily said as he walks down the street.


    ¡°What?! What you wear is also important for me! Don¡¯t complain now, I will treat you to something sweet, okay?¡± Alisa said as she follows behind Sigrun.


    ¡°I did my part too. So I say, I think I got a potential for this kind of thing.¡± Reed said as he keenly observe Sigrun¡¯s attire.


    Sigrun is wearing a buttoned blue shirt with puffy sleeves. The hem is tucked inside the denim shorts that cut before reaching the knees. Over the buttoned shirt is a pale gray sleeveless cardigan fashioned with cute frills at the hem. He also wears a knee-length pair of sock that are black in color dashed with a pair of casual brown boots.


    ¡°It¡¯s a perfect city girl attire¡­well, the one wearing it is a boy though¡­¡± Alisa said with a frigid smile as she felt her points as a girl being diminished as she stares at Sigrun¡¯s lovely appearance. ¡°HE.IS.A.FREAKING.BOY!¡± She shouted inside her mind.


    THUD THUD THUD


    A figure of crimson Exturbo marches. Beneath it is armed polices walking alternately. The trio quizzically stares at the marching squadron. One of the police armed with a rifle notices them and approached them sternly.


    ¡°Pardon me. Sir and Misses, surely you have heard the alarm going off earlier, right?¡± The man asked politely. His sight landed on Sigrun which made him a little tense. ¡°Y-You are Sigrun Valker, right? Ah, I am sorry for my rudeness!¡± The man said as he lightly bows.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. May I ask what¡¯s happening here?¡± Sigrun questioned the man.


    ¡°Well, you see the warning earlier is said to be false alarm according to your father. However, it¡¯s hard to believe that it is because of that strong pressure earlier. No one knows what it is and your father hasn¡¯t said anything yet.¡± The man explained.


    ¡°Fath--? Ah, yes, Father, my father, Papa. Well, what are you guys doing now?¡± Sigrun followed another question which made the man tense again.


    ¡°Yes! We are making sure that everything is safe. It is a daily routine but with a heavier number of forces. It¡¯s a display that we are making sure that the people are safe. Some district did close up or immediately moved to a shelter. That¡¯s why we are going around announcing that the warning earlier is a false alarm.¡± The man explained as he glosses over the district.


    ¡°I see! Then, is there any district in which activity has returned to normal? My friends did plan something today but because of the warning earlier¡­um¡­things got¡­complicated?¡± Sigrun timidly asked as he slowly realized again that he is the caused of it.


    ¡°Ah, we just got into this district but most places have returned to their normal activities. People have started going out too. We are also here, Miss..err¡­uh...Sir¡­? The dearest child of Headmaster Meld. Anyway, we are here to make everyone safe so please don¡¯t worry! We will protect you!¡± The man said as he puffs out his chest.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll be counting on you guys then! Thank you for your continued service!¡± Sigrun replied with a natural smile.


    The man returned after a few moments of being stunned by the dazzling Sigrun. The trio left the man with a gaping mouth in astonishment of what Sigrun portrayed.


    ¡°An idiot.¡± Alisa thought as he looked back at the man.


    ¡°Let¡¯s look for a place to eat now! Hmm, how about some soba?¡± Reed suggested.


    ¡°SOBA?! That¡¯s the most idiotic suggestion you have said today! We could go to a fine dining restaurant or something.¡± Alisa laid down her own suggestion.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯ll go broke! Don¡¯t drag me into your rich world or I¡¯ll find myself penniless by the end of the month!¡± Reed exclaimed as he pats on his pocket where his wallet poorly weeps.


    ¡°Wait, Alisa, are your parents fine with this? I know someone is watching you from afar. Looks like one of the maids you have back at the mansion but did he approved of your outing today?¡± Sigrun asked Alisa with an anxious countenance.


    ¡°Oh, It¡¯s fine. And¡­Eh?! Someone is following us?!¡± Alisa shouted as she started looking around with panic.


    ¡°Come to think of it, father gave me my allowance yesterday. I want to try buying some things but I guess eating comes first. Anywhere is fine.¡± Sigrun said as he took out the envelope containing his money.


    ¡°Ah¡­fine. Let¡¯s eat in a family restaurant somewhere. After that, let¡¯s buy you some wallet to put that money in. Then, let¡¯s look at some shop where you can buy a phone.¡± Alisa suggested as she started constructing their plans today.


    ¡°Wait, Alisa, don¡¯t expect for Sig to outright buy a phone.¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Ah, of course, it¡¯s not Sig who will buy it. I will make a petition to that headmaster! Poor Sigrun needs something so he can call us anytime.¡± Alisa replied to Reed¡¯s worries.


    ¡°Eh? Is it really necessary for me to have that¡­phone?¡± Sigrun asked with timidity. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be in danger or anything¡­¡± he added.


    ¡°Oh, but what if you get lost? Well?¡± Alisa steers closer to Sigrun¡¯s face with a wicked smile.


    ¡°Kuh¡­eh¡­fine. But you don¡¯t have to pressure father! I think I¡¯ll try earning it for my own.¡± Sigrun countered at Alisa¡¯s query.


    ¡°Earn? By allowance? Your na?ve, na?ve I said, Sig! You don¡¯t know the temptation the city brings!¡± Reed said with a gleaming smile.


    Sigrun tilted his head from Reed¡¯s enthusiastic remark.


    Slowly, as they are walking, Sigrun notices that the scenery of blocks of houses started changing. Store of various wares, foods, services, and establishment started becoming more prominent.


    The pedestrian started becoming thick and cars started passing by.


    Sigrun notices that establishments with sweets such as cake, crepes, candies and more. Even bread there are alluding to his innocent eyes, or rather, for someone who is too behind to modern knowledge. Because he experienced that joy of console games and such, the arcade and some particular shops that display games, especially erotics one, caught his eyes.


    And so, second by second, his eyes got pulled to a lot of places giving a rise in temptation to visit every shop available.


    ¡°See, this is the temptation the city will offer to you.¡± Reed nonchalantly said.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 5

    The City of Brent is known worldwide for its vastness. Simply put, not only the Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy that stands as one of its famous establishment. This city is also the mixing pot of a variety of races with little to no discrimination with help from the law.


    A community built on mutual trust, a place where economic sure is to boom, and a place of opportunity for a lot of hopeful people.


    As such, stores of variety has come flocking, tall buildings and companies started rising, thus, giving birth to an era where economic growth and prosperity comes first instead of racial discrimination. Though there are minor instances where it becomes a topic, it never hindered how the city prosper.


    The City of Brent is divided into fifteen districts. There are seven districts solely immersed in houses, small infrastructure, and communities wherein normal schools and kindergarten is built. Moreover, small marketplaces and such also takes places.


    Four districts are dedicated to the large companies, businesses, magical firms, and even societies that focus on research whether they are magical or not is established. This district is where people find jobs or venture that risks of a business. Incidentally, cars, trains, and other transportation method are almost concentrated on this area for the reason these districts are in the middle of the whole city while the residential districts span outward from the center.


    One district goes for Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy itself to accommodate its growing structure over the course of years and more years to come. Needless to say, such large area is needed for the construction of the Exturbos to keep the peace in the city.


    The rest of the districts goes to the sub-urban places where fields such as rice are grown. These districts are stationed close to the mountains where it is said that birthed the magical leylines that outgrows throughout the world. The effect of the dense magical energy produces healthy and rich yieldings from anything that was grown there.


    As such, the City of Brent is treated as the powerhouse of the economy. They continuously import and export resources internationally giving a rise in prosperity too for other cities across the globe.


    And of course, a rich yield in agriculture leads to healthy and delicious food which leads to our trio now who took refuge from the city¡¯s pedestrian and watchful eyes in a family restaurant called Lemon Cat.


    ¡°Aaaah!~ Delicious! This cream thing is delicious!¡± Sigrun squeals in utter pleasure as he took a spoonful of a vanilla ice cream topped with fruits such as strawberry and mango.


    ¡°Jumping straight to a dessert after eating carbonara¡­Well, I can¡¯t blame you. Here, look here Sig.¡± Alisa said as she took out her phone and aimed the camera at Sigrun.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Sigrun absentmindedly looks at Alisa¡¯s phone.


    FLASH


    ¡°Eh? What was that?!¡± Sigrun immediately asked as a light momentarily blinks.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s only the camera on my phone, aaaand¡­uploaded. Hey, hey, Reed, I¡¯ve uploaded something in my blog!¡± Alisa said as she called out to Reed who is sipping a lemon juice from a staw.


    ¡°Hmm? Let¡¯s see¡­¡± Reed said as he took out his phone. He traces his hand across the screen for some minutes and exclaimed something. ¡°Ah, there it is. Let me give a good feedback on the Eating Face of Sigrun.¡± Reed said as he clicks something on his phone.


    ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± Sigrun asked with a quizzical eye as he continued lopping of ice cream from his spoon.


    ¡°Ah, this? I just showed the world your eating face, Sig. You are quite getting popular nowadays so I¡¯ll take the opportunity to announce that you and I are friends.¡± Alisa said as she handed her phone to Sig and showed his eating face.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s me! Wait¡­BlazeBlog? Witter?¡± Sigrun said as he reads the words highlighted.


    ¡°BlazeBlog is the name of my blog, something where I write things and show some pictures. I also upload videos from time to time too. Witter is the website. When you get your phone, I¡¯ll teach!¡± Alisa said.


    ¡°Ah¡­of course¡­you have already two hundred thousand subscriber¡­ther are already comments piling up.¡± Reed said as he started reading the comments.


    ¡°Eh? What does it say?!¡± Sigrun jumps out from his seat and started looking at Reed¡¯s phone.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Cute, heart heart heart. I want to take Sigrun home and tie him up¡­¡± Sweat started slipping from Reed¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°I heard he is a boy, now my gender doesn¡¯t matter anymore¡­¡± Another streak of sweat started dripping.


    ¡°This comment might get flagged down but I¡¯ll say it anyway, for Blazeblog¡¯s sake, take this cutie¡¯s face down. We goin¡¯ huntin¡¯ for today.¡± Reed knitted his brows.


    ¡°Ahh¡­there are many more¡­Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s rather unwise that you did that?¡± Reed directed a question to Alisa.


    ¡°Hmm? Nah, one way or another, Sig¡¯s face will soon be the talk of the whole city and appearing on social media and in the news will become inevitable. Even now, you saw people taking his pictures, right? This is just a great way to establish that Sig is connected to the Hertuclaire household. Well, not to mention that the Headmaster officially adopted him.¡± Alisa gave a sound argument.


    ¡°This is the social media we are talking about. Well, whatever¡­by the way, Sig, I just noticed that you can read perfectly. Did you studied beforehand before going down from the mountains?¡± Reed asked as he looks at the chomping Sigrun.


    ¡°No, luckily, today¡¯s letters and vocabulary doesn¡¯t differ from the past, except there are a lot of terms and verbal tic that makes no sense to me.¡± Sigrun answered.


    ¡°Oh, then adjusting won¡¯t be that hard from the start. Anyway, Sig, are not done yet?¡± Reed asked with impatient countenance.


    ¡°Hmm? I want to savor this taste for a while¡­¡± Sigrun said as he licks the spoon.


    Alisa and Reed imagined that gesture with their minds falling to the gutter. They unconsciously gulped simultaneously as Sigrun playfully licks at the ice cream.


    ¡°Sigrun¡­hurry up¡­we are¡­actually gathering a lot of audiences.¡± Alisa said as she stares at the pedestrian gathering outside. Some of them are even taking unprohibited pictures.


    ¡°Welp, no can do. Let¡¯s go.¡± Sigrun said as he stands up from his seat and beckons the two.


    With that, the trio once again began their venture in the bustling city. They first headed to a department store.


    ¡°OooooowahHH! The air is freezing!¡± Sigrun happily said.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that you can still tell something about the temperature when you are an almighty existence.¡± Reed said nonchalantly.


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m not some monster! If I put my mind into it, then that¡¯s the time where even the sun can¡¯t bother me, however, if I relax, I can get a good grasp of pretty much anything basic for normal people.¡± Sigrun explained poutily.


    ¡°Eh? Isn¡¯t that pretty much controlling yourself already?¡± Alisa beamed a question.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ve practiced it several hundred years ago! If not, how can I even feel pleasure from having se--!¡± Before Sigrun could say something further, Reed covered his mouth.


    ¡°Okay, I have to stop you there! We¡¯re in public place! Let¡¯s buy that wallet and a bag for you.¡± Reed said as he started pulling on Sig¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Ah, your pulling on my hand? What are you, my lover or something? Maybe I should start pulling on Alisa¡¯s hand too.¡± Sigrun said in a teasing tone.


    Noticing this, Reed immediately let go of his hand with a flustered face. He snaps a look at Alisa and glances a little on her hand.


    ¡°Wha¡ªI¡­let¡¯s go¡­¡± Unable to hide his embarrassment, Reed only turns his head away and started walking.


    ¡°What¡¯s his problem?¡± Alisa muttered with disappointment.


    After that, the three of them arrived at the place where bags and wallets are sold altogether in the clothes aisle. The store has cabinets which store a lot of variety to choose from. It¡¯s well lit with fluorescent lights all over the ceiling and the atmosphere is calm with the white paint of the walls blending with the serenity.


    The sheer amount of products has already astounded Sigrun several times already and as soon as they arrived at the place, he was livid.


    ¡°A-amazing! These are all wallets, right? This where you put your money, right? Back then we only have a leather pouch where you put gold coins and such!¡± Sigrun said as he started running around, looking for a wallet to his liking.


    ¡°L-Leather pouch?¡± Alisa said with a frigid smile.


    ¡°Gold coins¡­¡± Reed followed with curiosity.


    Seeing that Sigrun is joyful, Reed and Alisa watch him with warm eyes. However, when their eyes met, something like a spark flew.


    ¡°Reed¡­what do you say? Let¡¯s choose something for Sig ourselves. If he like what either you and I pick, we can take custody of bringing him home later!¡± Alisa suggested with an evil smile.


    ¡°Alisa¡­tsk, tsk, tsk. Were you thinking that Sig will like something girly? Na?ve. I¡¯ll be the one who will bring Sig home today as well.¡± Reed said with eyes brimming with determination.


    And so, the spark of rivalry started.


    Alisa and Reed started looking frantically at the store. The onlooking clerks then watch the three frolics around the store and eventually, they smiled warmly.


    After ten minutes, Alisa and Reed bring to Sigrun their item of choices.


    ¡°Here, Sig, I think this one is good!¡± Alisa said as she showed a white leather wallet with a strap. Its design is simple as it folds into two and at the two panel, there are a lot of compartment. The most distinguishable feature that the wallet has is the cute bunny design.


    ¡°Oh, cute!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he looks intently at the wallet.


    ¡°Sig, rather than that, look at this one!¡± Reed said as he handed the wallet to Sigrun. It was an elongated black leather wallet with rough feels on its cover. Inside is several compartments where cards can be inserted and it guarantees that the banknote won¡¯t fold as it closes. It has some ominous design like crosses and such.


    ¡°That¡¯s cool too!¡± Sigrun happily exclaimed as he takes the wallet from Reed¡¯s hand.


    Sigrun happily looks at the two wallets. His smile perks Alisa and Reed to curiosity as they wait for Sigrun to choose.


    ¡°Hmm, you two are buying this right? It¡¯s a good choice! It perfectly fits your personality!¡± Sigrun, with a beaming smile, returns it to them and walks off with a wallet between his flank and elbow.


    ¡°I want to buy this!¡± Sigrun said to the store clerk and proceeded with the payment. The wallet that Sigrun chose is a simple brown leather wallet with a smooth design. Most likely, he chose the most simple as the best.


    Meanwhile, Reed and Alisa have whitened faces and blank eyes all the while watching Sigrun finish his payment.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 6

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ve meaning to go to this kind of store ever since we set foot in the city earlier!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he started going around inside the store.


    Currently, the trio is in a store favored for gaming. It was one thing the caught Sigrun¡¯s eyes as they took their time looking for things for Sigrun to buy. Of course, he already has daily necessities, but what Sigrun is looking for right now is things he may like.


    As such, Sigrun¡¯s recently added addiction is, of course, video games.


    ¡°There is a lot to choose from. But do know that they are quite expensive.¡± Reed said with a worried voice.


    ¡°Well, I think looking around would be enough for me today! I haven¡¯t beaten the game yesterday and I think I¡¯ll have a hard time with it.¡± Sigrun replied as his eyes started darting around again with great expectancy.


    ¡°Reed¡­if Sigrun turns into a gaming junkie, I¡¯ll strangle you!¡± Alisa said with directed hostility to Reed.


    ¡°That, I¡¯ll prevent to happen¡­¡± Reed said while pulling back a little.


    ¡°Hmph, might as well try to gather some writing materials here since this is my first time here. How about you, Reed? You uploaded several walkthroughs for the past three months now.¡± Alisa said as she takes her phone out.


    ¡°Ah, amateur walkthroughs. It¡¯s not like I am trying to be famous but it¡¯s fun when I stream. Can you feature me in your next blog?¡± Reed asked gleefully as he started looking at the consoles lined-up in the glass case.


    SirTempest04, Reed¡¯s channel where he does walkthroughs and live streams from time to time. Why such name is made? No one knows.


    On top of being the winner of the state competition last year of Tier 4 Degree 1-5, with Alisa as his final opponent, Reed is also an avid gamer and has been addicted to it since young. Although now, he focuses on his studies, training to become strong, and more other than gaming, he still finds time to do so.


    Alisa¡¯s blog is named BlazeBlog with her strong element as the namesake. Alisa is a blogger where she uploads videos about basic inscriptions with a lot of variety of enhancements and elements, however, lately, people are also giving positive feedbacks to her daily posts about some of her life.


    ¡°Then, what are you going to write about?¡± Reed, returned to Alisa after several minutes.


    ¡°Hmm, this is quite an interesting place, to be honest¡­however¡­there¡¯s a room where¡­adult can only enter. That place, is it what I think of it? The one with a large R-18 sign?¡± Alisa tried to glance again where the said room is located.


    ¡°Please go away! This place is not for a child like you! On top of that, you are a girl!¡± A loud voice echoed through the room.


    ¡°Eh?! Just a peek! A peek won¡¯t kill!¡± An adorable high pitch voice answered back.


    Reed and Alisa glance at each other with dilated eyes and sweat foreboding to drop from their forehead and lips frozen in a funny smile.


    ¡°¡±SIGRUN!¡±¡± The two exclaimed as they started walking-like running to the direction of the voices.


    As soon as they got there within a few seconds, what beholds their sights is Sigrun with both of his hand on his waists while glaring at the astoundingly large man with horns jutting out from his head. Possibly, it¡¯s an Alpsis. He is wearing clothes for employees for the store.


    ¡°Ah, you two! You are with this girl, right? She was trying to enter this room!¡± The man said with a complicated face.


    ¡°I¡¯m a potential customer and I will pay for what I fancy! Please let me enter!¡± Sigrun yelled as he tried to sneak a peek behind the man.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The three of them¡­started gathering attention again. Reed and Alisa have a tired countenance but nevertheless, they grabbed Sigrun¡¯s shoulder and started dragging him away.


    ¡°Ah¡­what¡¯s wrong, you two?¡± Sigrun asked with a nonchalant tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for her behavior. She is a curious girl so please let her off.¡± Alisa said so in which she purposely addressed Sigrun as a girl to the man.


    ¡°Sig, there are better games at this corner¡­¡± Reed said as he and Alisa continued dragging him away.


    The man who faced Sigrun¡¯s indomitable desire to see something lewd just to see him get dragged away has a blank and clueless expression.


    As such, Alisa and Reed promised inside their hearts to keep an eye on Sigrun, especially when something pervy will be involved.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting blue-balled here.¡± Sigrun said.


    Alisa only tilted her head in confusion. As for Reed, he only laughs weakly because he knows what Sigrun just said.


    ¡°One way or another, Sigrun came down from the mountain because he wants to learn this Era¡¯s way of living. One thing that I remembered him saying was he is craving for¡­s-sex. We have to do something about it sooner or later¡­¡± Reed thought with a perplexed face.


    As the two continues to drag Sigrun away, possibly from the shop itself, something caught his eyes.


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s that game?!¡± Sigrun said as he breaks away from Alisa and Reed¡¯s grasps and heads towards a corner where a game is being played for trial.


    ¡°The Hero¡¯s Phantasm: Third Remake?¡± Sigrun reads the title of the game where the poster portrays a man with a strong lean built body with a blue sword and dons heroic armor.


    ¡°Ah, that game! Now that I remember, it was released a week ago, the remake that is. To accommodate today¡¯s astounding consoles spec, they made a better graphics and more story content. Incidentally, I have the latest console for it.¡± Reed said as he watches the game unfurl before him.


    ¡°Eeeh¡­? What is it about?¡± Sigrun asked another question.


    ¡°Hahaha! Apparently, it¡¯s about¡­about¡­the¡­hero of¡­Aldieas¡­it¡¯s a game about you¡­¡± Reed¡¯s joyful words tone down to a weak mutter as he realized what kind of a game it is.


    ¡°Eh¡­? EH?! Really?! Hey, I want this!¡± Sigrun¡¯s eyes beamed with sparkles.


    ¡°Sig¡­you do realize that it is going to be a game full of overdramatization and fictitious content flying all over, right?¡± Alisa reminded Sigrun who dearly hates the storybook about him.


    ¡°Eh? But it¡¯s only a game. I¡¯m kind of excited to see what it¡¯s like!¡± Sigrun replied as he turns towards the game. However, for that very instant, his eyes grew wider and he becomes even paler than he is now.


    ¡°T-that much?!¡± He shouted as he saw the price.


    ¡°Ah, I bet it¡¯s over your budget.¡± Reed said with eyes emptied of life. ¡°You have to save up in advance and buy the game at its peak to enjoy the content before spoilers start popping out¡­¡± he added with visible scars in his heart reveals itself.


    ¡°Fufufu! Don¡¯t worry, Sig! I can buy it for you! Behold, in your eyes, the power of the Hertuclaire, a master card!¡± Alisa laughs in evil as she brought out a golden card with a black line on the bottom.


    ¡°Oh?! That card! That¡¯s Alisa for you!¡± Reed exclaimed in joy as he stares at the golden card.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what that is but I bet it¡¯s amazing!¡± Sigrun followed as he also stares at the card.


    ¡°Fufufu! If Sig wishes for it, I will really buy it, a piece of cake.¡± She boasted with a huge grin.


    ¡°Yes! A-Although I feel like I am taking advantage of you so I pay it one way or another!¡± Sigrun nervously said as he stares at Alisa¡¯s cool back as she walks toward the counter.


    ¡°Alisa, so cool!¡± Sigrun complemented.


    ¡°Yeah! The power of money!¡± Reed added.


    A few moments later, the three of them are sitting on a bench with crestfallen faces.


    ¡°They don¡¯t process card¡­¡± Alisa said with shaky eyes like her world is falling apart.


    Beside her is Sigrun, on the verge of tears as his hope were all blown to smithereens like a glass mercilessly shattered. Beside Sigrun is Reed with a face the lost all hope and faith to humanity, staring blankly at his hands that are clenched atop of his knees.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­Sigrun¡­¡± Alisa muttered lifelessly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault Alisa¡­it¡¯s not your fault that I felt this deep bitterness in my chest¡­it¡¯s not your fault that I am feeling really broken right now¡­¡± Sigrun said as he strained his eyes to stop his tears.


    ¡°I want to roll over and fall in a hole right now¡­¡± Alisa muttered as she took her phone out and typed those exact words to post on her blog. Though she really didn¡¯t post it.


    The strong atmosphere of depravity reeks from the three and of course, people are looking at them worriedly. In fact, these three celebrities are currently the topic on a particular site where they have an abomination amount of fans.


    ¡°Oh, my eyes aren¡¯t really playing tricks on me. It¡¯s Papa Reed, Mama Alisa, and little Sigrun. What are you guys doing all down like that?¡± Suddenly a voice snaps them back to reality.


    ¡°Papa Reed?!¡± Reed shouted in shock.


    ¡°M-Mama Alisa?!¡± Alisa also shouted in confusion.


    ¡°Little Sigrun¡­?¡± Sigrun only muttered in confusion.


    In their front stands Amaryl with a smile on her face while holding a phone in one hand and a burger at the other.

 Nevertheless, A First Weekend Chapter 7

    ¡°To think that the three of you are having so many troubles just buying video games.¡± Amaryl said with glee as and munched on her burger with a small bite. The meaty and greasy smell wafts that Sigrun who had a whiff swallowed his saliva.


    ¡°That, is it tasty?¡± Sigrun asked as he stares at Amaryl¡¯s burger.


    ¡°Oh? You bounce back suddenly. Want to have a bite?¡± Amaryl asked as she extends her hand with the burger to Sigrun.


    ¡°Is it fine?¡± Sigrun then looks at Amaryl¡¯s eyes, asking for confirmation.


    ¡°Yeah! Help yourself!¡± She simply replied with a smile.


    Receiving the okay sign, Sigrun sunk his teeth on the burger and took a good portion from it. He held his mouth as it gotten full all of the sudden and tried his best to chew, whilst making his face rounder as his cheeks puff out.


    ¡°Ah¡­it reminds me of a squirrel. Be sure to chew it properly.¡± Amaryl giggled as she watches Sigrun.


    ¡°Anyway, Amaryl, what are you doing here?¡± Reed asked her bluntly.


    ¡°I¡¯m hanging out by myself.¡± She bluntly replied as she seats on the bench opposite Reed¡¯s group.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why not tag along with us? Since Sig isn¡¯t familiar with the whole city yet, we are taking him to various places.¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Oh, if that¡¯s the case, I¡¯d be glad to! Also, since we are already talking about, if you have future plans too, please send me a text.¡± Amaryl said as she flashes her phone. ¡°And¡­what¡¯s wrong with Miss Hertuclaire?¡± she added a question.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t mind me¡­it¡¯s just that¡­I embarrassed myself.¡± Alisa replied with blank eyes.


    ¡°Hey, Miss Hertuclaire, there¡¯s an ATM on the second floor.¡± Amaryl informed Alisa.


    ¡°Really? Then, I think we know now where we headed now!¡± Alisa regained a new vigor.


    ¡°Wait, Alisa! I know that you are rich and all but, your father might get angry if you are not frugal with your money.¡± Reed said with a tone of reminder.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s my own money. I make my own money, however, under the name of my father since I am not in the legal age.¡± Alisa explained.


    ¡°Oh, Miss Hertuclaire, must it be, your inscriptions? I heard they are quite pricey too. Since my parents own a huge firm in Ehon City, your and my family are basically lifelong partners.¡± Amaryl sprouted a wicked smile.


    ¡°Yes, such business, Inscription is the best when paired with a good metal after all and your family is good at refining them.¡± Alisa with the same smile started giggling evilly.


    ¡°Well, thanks to you that I was able to pass my Basic Inscription Class. I was able to instill a one layer enhancement by the time I finished your tutorial on your blog.¡± Amaryl gave her thanks to Alisa.


    ¡°Same, Miss Helion, I really love the favor you are giving me with the metals of my choice such as adamantine. Be sure to import a few high-quality to our company next time.¡± Alisa, in business mode, rubs her palm together.


    Reed has a complicated face as the two talks about high-level money juggling while he, on the other hand, has a weeping wallet. Trying to find a comrade, he turns to look at Sigrun whose mouth is still chewing. In fact, earlier, Amaryl just gave all the burger to Sigrun as her discussion with Alisa got heated.


    ¡°Wait¡­Sig must have a lot of treasures back at his house. If he takes even one of it, he¡¯ll be rich in no time¡­¡± Reed inwardly said as he felt lonely, being the odd one out.


    ¡°By the way, Miss Hertuclaire, I heard they auctioned a novelty item pipe seemingly with three inscriptions on it, made by you. How much did you get from it?¡± Amaryl steers closer to Alisa as she perks her pointed ears.


    ¡°About¡­mumble mumble¡­something something¡­eight digits money something¡­.¡± Alisa whispered to Amaryl.


    ¡°Ah, is that so? It¡¯s quite a success then.¡± Amaryl said with a relief.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go withdraw some cash!¡± Alisa exclaimed with vigor.


    ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t, Alisa. I bet you are going to get an absurd amount of it. After all, that can wait.¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Ah, yeah! I think I¡¯ll try earning for it by myself. And now that I think about it, I really don¡¯t need it, for now.¡± Sigrun said as he was able to finish the burger.


    ¡°So¡­plan aborted. What should we do?¡± Alisa started contemplating again.


    ¡°Then, why don¡¯t you guys come with me? Before I spotted you three, I was about to head to the park down by this district. There¡¯s a new confectionery shop with tons of assortment. What do you say?¡± Amaryl suggested.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m in.¡± Sigrun immediately gave a response.


    ¡°If it is Amaryl¡¯s suggestion, then I¡¯ll come.¡± Reed agreed.


    ¡°Well, Miss Hertuclaire? I¡¯m really sorry crashing in your family outing though.¡± Amaryl said with a teasing tone towards the contemplating Alisa.


    ¡°No, you were a good reliever from the dampen mood earlier.¡± Alisa declared so without any hint of declining the offer.


    ¡°So then, let¡¯s go. With this, I am harem number three of Reed Chelle¡¯s group.¡± Amaryl walks off while beckoning them.


    ¡°Harem¡­huh¡­hardly.¡± Alisa muttered with dead eyes.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­but Sig is a guy and Alisa is a really good friend. Amaryl is more like a proper rival.¡± Reed said with a light chuckle.


    ¡°Good friend? Wow, I¡¯ll smack this guy¡¯s chin upside down when I have the chance.¡± Alisa said inwardly with disappointment.


    Amaryl joined the party. They received a new quest and are now heading to the park that Amaryl mentioned.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    The Quartet left the mall and started striding all over the city, being distracted with occasional food stands, mainly Amaryl who kept getting lured by food. Together with Sigrun, they ate a handful of foods that normal people couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°You two¡­especially you, Miss Helion, how can you eat so much yet, your body looks so fit?¡± Alisa asked with a troubled face because she herself always checks what she is eating so she won¡¯t get any problem getting a flabby waist.


    ¡°Ahahaha, please, stop with the Miss. Why not call me Amaryl and in return I¡¯ll call you Alisa. We¡¯re classmates now!¡± Amaryl exclaimed as she took another bite of the pink cotton candy while Sigrun is eating a blue cotton candy.


    ¡°Ah¡­really? I¡¯m really getting tired of the formalities too so I¡¯ll call you Amaryl from now on.¡± Alisa replied with a smile as their bond level elevates. From a former rival to a friend.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you sometimes to a gym that specializes in heavy training. An exercise promotes a healthy body and fit physique, though I don¡¯t see any wrong with you, Alisa.¡± Amaryl stated as she traces a finger on Alisa¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Hyaa! S-stop that! We Vasters have higher appetite than the rest of the races so I do tend to keep my urges and instinct in check. Though¡­for a Serensis¡­you eat a lot. I wonder where all those food goes¡­¡± Alisa said with a flushed face from Amaryl¡¯s words, however, her last words seemingly swim towards Amaryl¡¯s breasts.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m quite conscious of them so I know when someone is staring at them. Even now, little Sigrun can¡¯t help but to look at them!~¡± Amaryl exclaimed with a smile as she directed at Sigrun¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Oh, you are quite perspective regarding that matter. I am staring at them because they are an incredible sight.¡± Sigrun simply said as he made another one long glance at them.


    Alisa hangs her head in dejection upon comparing herself to Amaryl.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so down, Alisa. Sometimes, having them in moderate size is good. What important is that you yourself is lovely as a whole and I think Alisa is lovely.¡± Amaryl cheered up Alisa with words of comfort.


    ¡°Ah¡­are you an angel? I want to call you big sis!¡± Alisa looks at Amaryl with sparkling eyes of admiration and buries her face in her breasts. ¡°Ah¡­this is unfair¡­too soft¡­¡± Alisa said as she feels the softness and warmth the breasts brought to her.


    Meanwhile, Reed who is walking behind the three looks at them with warm eyes. Although he was feeling a little left out, forming a friendship through this kind of bonds is something he cherishes. Still, he still felt left out¡­


    He also turned a deaf ear from the conversation regarding breast sizes¡­


    ¡°They aren¡¯t actually moderate¡­they¡¯re just A cup¡­¡± Alisa muttered as she spills a single tear with dead eyes.


    ¡°¡­I see¡­¡± Amaryl only muttered as her face petrifies in a weird but still comforting smile and pats Alisa¡¯s head. ¡°That¡¯s¡­even rarer within your race...you could say that¡­it¡¯s a great status symbol¡­¡± Words such as those followed.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite actually not a bad thing! It gives an idea that you are tight down there!¡± Sigrun said so with a fervor.


    Alisa and Amaryl could only stare at Sigrun with their mouth hanging. Even Reed who heard Sigrun say that has his face reddens a little as the idea hits his mind.


    ¡°Ah¡­ah¡­ha¡­a¡­¡± Alisa turns her head towards Reed¡¯s direction like a cogwheel, unable to form proper words.


    Reed immediately averted his gaze to somewhere else, specifically, towards the walking pedestrian along the road, however, it didn¡¯t cover his ears that erupted in blazing red. Realizing that Reed actually heard that, Alisa¡¯s face ignited in a fierce blush too and turns her head away from Reed.


    ¡°Stupid, moron, idiot, moron, stupid, moron, moron, idiot, idiot, stupid, stupid¡­¡± Alisa starts repeating those words as she walks away in hasten manner.


    ¡°Oh¡­this is quite¡­¡± Amaryl muttered as the scene unfolded before her eyes sparks interests.


    ¡°Both of them are quite cute, are they not?¡± Sigrun softly said in a low voice to Amaryl.


    ¡°It is, it is! Oh my, I thought hanging out with you would be the most interesting but now, I just saw a romantic comedy duo here. Fufufu, I¡¯m all aboard to this.¡± Amaryl said as grins ear to ear.


    For a while, Alisa walks ahead of Amaryl and Sigrun while Reed walks behind them. They thought that this is the best so they can cool down.


    But not for so long¡­


    As the quartet ventures throughout the city to go to the park Amaryl mentioned, they find themselves in a cross intersection, stuck in a red light with a crowd of pedestrian, though since the four of them are renowned, there was quite a distance.


    ¡°Red light, green light, yellow light. It looks horrible altogether.¡± Sigrun said as he watches the blinking red light.


    ¡°They are colors that children can easily remember. On top of that, it can easily draw the driver¡¯s attention.¡± Amaryl said as if satisfying Sigrun¡¯s curiosity.


    ¡°Oh, it turned green!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as his sight returned to the crowd people who are about to cross.


    Then, a little girl runs out in excitement as she crosses. At that moment, a screeching sound alerted the people.


    A black compact mobile car furiously drove its way towards the girl¡¯s direction. Following them is the mobile car of the police who loudly rang their siren. People who noticed it immediately backs away except the little girl.


    The parents of the child were also in panic as they saw the car and turn to look at their child.


    ¡°Whirlwind Sprint.¡± Reed whose reaction was superb immediately took action. The magical energy that he allocated to the sprint has far burned out his body in one go but in return, he burst through the crowds and even blowing them away in his wake.


    Before the car could hit the little girl, Reed caught her and embraces her whole body to protect her from the impact of their fall. Amaryl comes out from the crown in succession to Reed¡¯s action and gathered magical energy.


    ¡°Freeze.¡± Amaryl casts a spell that suddenly blows the black car up. It didn¡¯t get airborne but instead, the ice held the car while freezing its whole body, suspending it in the air.


    ¡°Damn!¡± The driver of the car, possibly a criminal, left his comrades inside and jumps out of the car with a magically enhance gun with inscription.


    However, before he could even point his gun at someone, a raging fire in a form of whip hits him.


    From the crowd emerges Alisa with an enraged countenance. The whip in her hand dazzles in a blaze that the man immediately identified her.


    ¡°Concede, outlaws.¡± Alisa simply said.


    As such the whole situation was immediately disclosed with the three¡¯s help. The police were able to catch up with them and they are informed that the criminals just stole from a bank in the neighboring district taking advantage of the false alarm earlier.


    Thus, they weren¡¯t able to deploy sufficient forces instantly and the chase got dragged all the way here.


    With the situation at hand, their plans are canceled.


    Seemingly no harm was done and they are today¡¯s heroes, Amaryl, Reed, and Alisa are all sent home together with Sigrun.


    On the way, Amaryl parted from them, thus, giving Alisa a leeway to ask one question to Sigrun.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Alisa?¡± Sigrun asked as Alisa stopped at her track while glaring at Sigrun.


    ¡°Hey, Sig¡­I don¡¯t want to be rude to you or anything. I also don¡¯t want to assume some things but¡­I just want to ask¡­you already know that the car of those fugitives is coming, right?¡± Alisa asked with darkened expression.


    ¡°I do.¡± Sigrun simply answered.


    ¡°Then¡­you could have done something. You could actually stop anything before the whole scene started. You are the Hero of Aldieas after all, a supreme existence¡­yet..you just watched.¡± Alisa said while clenching her fist as she stares at Sigrun.


    ¡°I can, however, I am not compelled to help.¡± He simply replied.


    From those words alone, Alisa¡¯s face frowns in anger. Reed, on the other hand, could only listen as he doesn¡¯t want to stretch the problem further.


    ¡°Now that I remember about it¡­the first time we met¡­you said that¡­you just felt responsible for Reed¡¯s death at that time. So¡­if anyone in front of you will die that you didn¡¯t have any concerns with, you won¡¯t bother about it?¡± Alisa sent a question as she bit her lips in hopes that Sigrun will answer no.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Was Sigrun¡¯s instant reply.


    ¡°I see¡­then¡­Sig¡­can you go with Reed for today? I¡¯m¡­suddenly feeling a little unwell¡­¡± Alisa said as she turns her heels away from them.


    Reed and Sigrun watch Alisa as she parted from them.


    Alisa, for the last second, didn¡¯t bother to look at him in the eyes, however, Reed who is watching the exchange noticed one thing.


    Sigrun¡¯s eyes are serious, his voice is nonchalant, but he clenches at the hem of his shirt. Reed could only watch¡­he doesn¡¯t know what to say.


    And most of all, he doesn¡¯t understand Sigrun¡¯s reason and Alisa¡¯s protest is what most likely he wanted to side with.


    But he kept quiet, knowing that what might happen may put a crack on their friendship, especially with Sigrun who he just knew for less than a week.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 1

    Sunday morning, Reed and Sigrun are walking at the shopping district, however, not to buy anything in particular but to put their mind at ease. Having nothing particular to do other than playing video games which they did all night, they both agreed to take a walk.


    ¡°...Do you think¡­Alisa¡­is angry?¡± Sigrun asked while looking down. Sigrun¡¯s getup is much simpler than yesterday. He wears a cap on his head and tied his hair in a ponytail. He is wearing Reed¡¯s hands down tracksuit when he was a grade schooler and inside is a tucked shirt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sig. Alisa¡­above all knows how to reevaluate her actions. Though she may not look like it, she has a more righteous belief and virtue than I am.¡± Reed said with a reassuring smile.


    ¡°Now that I remembered it, you and Alisa are only friends for a year, right? How did the two of you meet?¡± Sigrun asked with curiosity painted all over his face.


    ¡°Ah, that. Remember that when I told you that Alisa and I fought in the state competition last year as the finalists? To be honest, that wasn¡¯t our initial encounter. Alisa and I met several times before that match. We¡¯ve been having matches through arrangement from our masters in martial arts.¡± Reed explained as he recalls those memories.


    ¡°Looking back, she was really fierce, passionate, and most of all, straightforward. That is much like her fighting style.¡± Reed added with nostalgia.


    ¡°Yeah, when I watched Alisa¡¯s match, she was aggressively attacking at the enemy mercilessly. It¡¯s not like she is enjoying that, right?¡± Sigrun asked as he recalls how Alisa fought in the mock battle.


    ¡°You could say she doesn¡¯t hold back against anyone. For my play, I am tricky. For Amaryl, she is defensive. There are various types of play that can be set in the field. I managed to beat Alisa by the same strategy that I used on Amaryl.¡± Reed said and added a slightly wry smile.


    ¡°Hmm? Can¡¯t you just switch play in the middle of the fight to adjust?¡± Sigrun asked seemingly a little confused.


    ¡°Ahahaha, Sig, for someone like us, focusing solely on a single play is the most efficient, especially for us short-lived humans. Focusing on all type of play out there is also ideal, however, on top of harnessing your Elemental Magic, you also need to come up with various skills to match with your play. Do you not have that kind of concept?¡± Reed then returned the favor of asking the question.


    ¡°No¡­back then¡­Offense, Defense, Healing, are all part of one play, no, there wasn¡¯t even an option for that. Against the Vajras, trickery is out of the question too. So, how did your match with Alisa went?¡± Sigrun immediately shifted the talk.


    Reed noticed this slight change of Sigrun¡¯s pace but he chose not to mind it.


    ¡°The competition, as I said, is the block for Tier Four, Degree from One to Five. Back then, Alisa and I are both Tier Four Degree Two. I rose in rank when I won against her in a close match. After our match, Alisa seems to frequently visit my master¡¯s place and started asking for pointers. Well, these days, the number of times she challenged me has dwindled.¡± Reed answered as he counts the times he had fought Alisa.


    ¡°That reminds me, what are even Tiers and Degrees? I know they are like rank but I still can¡¯t wrap my head around it.¡± Sigrun asked another question, whilst, taking out his wallet as he saw a burger stand.


    ¡°Yeah, those are standard grading for people¡¯s magical power. Tier Five, the lowest, are for those who are learning Elementary Magic. Those kinds of magic are only learned for practicality in daily life. But administering in a magic-oriented school, you can raise your Degree to move up to a new Tier. Tier Four, as you know, are those train to be adept at magic, mostly students like us who want to pursue greater feats. The Third Degree are professionals whose magic are even used in professional jobs. The Second and First Degrees are those who have already reached the heights of their magic and professed as masters.¡± Reed gave a long but understandable explanation for Sigrun.


    ¡°Oh! So, it¡¯s like adventurer guild after all! I wonder what rank I¡¯ll be getting!¡± Sigrun said with a fire ignited in his eyes, although right now, there¡¯s a burger on his hand.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Sir Quarts will probably give you an evaluation tomorrow.¡± Reed told Sigrun as he is aware too the Sigrun hasn¡¯t yet officially got his Tier and Degree.


    After that exchange, even though a little excitement was brought up, Reed and Sigrun became awfully quiet. Even amongst the walking pedestrian, the silent seems to be making an obvious deafening sound for both of them.


    Eventually, as they were walking aimlessly, they found themselves back at the residential district and found themselves sitting on a bench in a park with only a few people. That¡¯s where Reed once again pursues a topic.


    ¡°Sig¡­¡± He casually calls out.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Sigrun casually replied.


    ¡°About Alisa¡­¡± Reed opened the topic that they left hanging earlier.


    ¡°It is as I said, Reed, whether the circumstances are dire or not, as long as I didn¡¯t have any connection with it, I won¡¯t help¡­That¡¯s how I want to keep my distance from the people of this era.¡± Sigrun said with a saddened countenance.


    ¡°Pretty much. But, the police said that the fugitives took advantage of the false alarm that happened yesterday morning. The one who triggered the false alarm letting the fugitives do their dirty work is none other than¡­¡± Reed, after thinking hard about it, said to Sigrun. He contemplated whether to tell or not, however, he wants to let Sigrun knows that there¡¯s an unstated fact.


    ¡°Ueeehh¡­¡± Sigrun stares at Reed with glassy eyes, seemingly on the verge of tears. His lips are trembling, probably guilt invading his conscience. ¡°Then¡­then¡­about what Alisa is mad about¡­!¡± Sigrun hops closer to Reed¡¯s face while he clings to his clothes.


    ¡°H-Hey¡­don¡¯t do that! I don¡¯t intend to chastise you for it! It¡¯s probably an error to your judgment. And we did manage to disperse the situation.¡± Reed panics as he pulls his head away from Sigrun.


    ¡°Yeah¡­apparently¡­I¡¯m not the brightest tool in the shed¡­¡± Sigrun said dejectedly.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­I kind of noticed that a few days ago. Being a hero doesn¡¯t mean you are potentially good at everything it seems.¡± Reed tried his best to comfort Sigrun.


    ¡° Ah, sorry¡­I am really not that kind of person you were hoping for¡­¡± Sigrun apologizes as he let go of Reed¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°No¡­but¡­Seeing that you, Sigrun, Hero of Aldieas, was not perfect as the book stated, I feel proud knowing that you are much more of a person than anyone else. I was really relieved to know that you are flawed, just like everyone.¡± Reed said tenderly as he places his hand on Sigrun¡¯s head.


    Sigrun just stared at Reed with flabbergasted expression. His eyes are wide open from Reed¡¯s words alone.


    ¡°Ah¡­.Hahaha¡­.Hahaha!¡± What the hell!? Are you trying to make me fall for you?! Totally doesn¡¯t work for me!¡± Sigrun jokingly said as he patted Reed¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Ah, no! I¡¯m certainly not! I¡¯ll admit it! True, I find your appearance really alluring! Even knowing that you are a man, probably manlier than me, I can¡¯t help but notice your appearance, however, what I wanted from you is a long-lasting friendship.¡± Reed said in a haste as he gets flustered from Sigrun¡¯s teasing.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­really now¡­Alisa is probably the voice of reason with a good head for decision making, but you, Reed, is good at handling emotions with your recklessness as an exception.¡± Sigrun said as he looks up to the sky. ¡°I¡¯ll apologize to Alisa¡­¡± Sigrun uttered.


    ¡°That¡¯s one way to put it¡­¡± Reed couldn¡¯t help but agree with those words.


    ¡°Say¡­what do you think Alisa would like as a gift? As a token of my apology, I¡¯ll buy something for her.¡± Sigrun said as she jolted from the bench and asked such question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She is rich, she can probably buy pretty much anything she wants. Why not handcraft something?¡± Reed gave a lazy suggestion.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s it! Reed, come with me! I think I have an idea!¡± Sigrun then pulls Reed out of the bench and they make their way to the shopping district again.


    Meanwhile, as the night falls, in Meld¡¯s office where this diligent man is working because of Sigrun activating the alarm.


    ¡°Haaa¡­Finally, it¡¯s over¡­call this..call that¡­my whole weekend is packed with calls. I¡¯ll have a word with Sigrun tomorrow.¡± Meld said as he stands up from his chair and started walking towards the couch.


    ¡°Hey, Quarts¡­have you called the paladins?¡± Meld asked as he threw a pillow at Quarts'' face.


    ¡°Hmm? Nah¡­I haven¡¯t¡­why don¡¯t you call them yourself?¡± Quarts simply replied as he once again yawned and proceed to sleep.


    ¡°Tsk¡­you¡­!¡± Meld could only click his tongue as he massages the bridge of his nose. With tired eyes, Meld reaches out for his phone and started dialing Emeralda¡¯s number.


    Not even two seconds have passed when the phone was answered.


    ¡°Hello!~ It¡¯ rare for you to call me on your own, Meld!¡± Emeralda¡¯s lively voice made Meld¡¯s cheek twitch.


    However, before he could say anything back to her, Meld notices that sound of the engine of an airplane. Confused, he immediately inquired about it.


    ¡°Emeralda! Are you on a plane right now? There¡¯s no schedule for any flights to Brent City at this hour¡­¡± Meld exclaimed.


    ¡°Hmm? I know that dummy! Wait, are you watching the flight schedules?! Hey, you are seriously trying to predict when I will arrive?!¡± Emeralda roared with a furious tone.


    ¡°Of course! So I can set up all my defenses just to take you on, moron!¡± In response, Meld shouted with veins popping out on his forehead.


    ¡°Well, fret not. We used a private jet. And no, we are not departing, we¡¯ve just arrived at the Brent City Airport!¡± Emeralda replied cheerfully.


    ¡°Arrive¡­we?¡± Meld¡¯s face is painted with white from those words alone. A foreboding crisis triggers all the goosebump all over his body.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! We Ten Paladins will have a reunion!¡± Emeralda replied.


    THUD


    Meld¡¯s eyes showed nothing but its white as he dropped his phone.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 2

    ¡°Yup, this is a lot better for me.¡± Sigrun said amusedly as he looks at his self is reflected on an elongated mirror while tightening the necktie around his collar.


    Sigrun is currently fitting at Reed¡¯s room with a standard uniform of Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy in preparation for today¡¯s school. What reflected back from the mirror is a Sigrun who is wearing a navy coat with the same design as the female uniform and the cuffs are more firm and darker in color. Inside of the coat is a plain buttoned shirt with a navy blue necktie with a pin with the academy¡¯s crest. He wears standard black slacks the perfectly fits and showcase Sigrun¡¯s slender legs. Moreover, the shoes are leather black that gives off a slick and sharp feature overall.


    To finish it, Sigrun ties his long black hair in a low ponytail that just gives a dashing ambiance. Sigrun himself is amazed at how everything just fits for him.


    ¡°Ah, that looks cool.¡± Reed complimented as he shows up with the same set of uniform worn. He emerges from the door leading outside.


    ¡°Ahaha! Of course, a man needs his pants after all. I am not really opposed with the female uniform because it gives me a little sense of freedom but this definitely makes me comfortable the most.¡± Sigrun smirks.


    ¡°Well then, shall we go?¡± Reed asked as he picks up his bag.


    ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t wait to see Alisa again.¡± Sigrun said as he also picked his bag up and carried it over his shoulder.


    The two of them head out of the house. They are met with a bright and sunny weather where the neighbors are busy sending their beloved ones to school or work. The chilly season of spring still gives off a fresh breeze and the clouds curtaining the blue skies are floating restlessly.


    The laughter of people from young to old resounds, their polite greetings and chatter mixes well with the serene atmosphere and the falling leaves of the trees simmered the surrounding in a crunchy but grassy smell.


    Reed and Sigrun walk side by side while chattering about the game that they have played yesterday. While onlookers occasionally come and greet them on their own volition because of how well known the two are, nonetheless, they continue a peaceful along the path towards the academy, whilst slowly blending together with the slowly growing pedestrian.


    And with their pace, they arrived at the usual place, where they meet up.


    A corner that slightly paces itself away from the road where vending machines, benches, and a few post boxes rests under a large tree.


    And without a doubt, Alisa¡¯s standing figure while staring at the passing cars and people enters their sight.


    Reed may have known Alisa for a year now so he will just greet her normally, however, Sigrun saw something else from Alisa.


    Resting on that empty gaze of the girl with fluffy fox ears and tails entails a beauty rough but serene beauty. Her golden brown hair sways ever gracefully with the wind and her brown irises the focuses on nothing allures in a special way. Her slender body imitates a fragile maiden in the dawn of lovesickness.


    ¡°No doubt about it, Alisa is just beyond being pretty. A spectacle like that should only be called beautiful Not just for a standard of the Vasters but as one that could compete in any races.¡± Sigrun said inside his heart as they approach her.


    ¡°Yo, Alisa!¡± Reed simply greeted her.


    ¡°Good morning¡­Reed¡­¡± Alisa replied with a meek tone as she turns her eyes towards Sigrun. For a slight moment there, her eyes seem to be in an utter disarray upon seeing Sigrun¡¯s new appearance but she quickly changed gear and kept a calm countenance.


    ¡°Alisa, I have something to tell you.¡± Sigrun said as he walked towards Alisa and stopped right in front of her.


    ¡°I want¡­to say something to you too¡­Sig¡­¡± Her voice is faltering and a little bit shy but Alisa forces a gaze at Sigrun.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± ¡°Please forgive me.¡± The two of them simultaneously said as they bowed their heads towards each other.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Reed could only stare at the spectacle with a dumbfounded countenance. He wants to smile but he also wanted to be cautious of each of their feelings.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to say sorry, Alisa, when you did nothing!¡± Sigrun hurriedly exclaimed as he tried to get Alisa raise her head.


    ¡°No, no, no! Why are YOU apologizing?! Aren¡¯t you mad? Aren¡¯t you angry at me? I showed you something unsightly¡­it¡¯s like I am imposing my ideals on you!¡± Alisa, in return, insisted to lower her head and talked in that fashion.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m wrong all along! I¡¯ll admit it, what I said yesterday is true and nothing will change about it, however, at the precise moment, I judged the situation wrongly.¡± Sigrun explained what Reed told him yesterday to Alisa.


    ¡°However, the bottom line is that I showed you a bad attitude. You might have some reason for not helping despite it was just a wrong call.¡± Alisa still tried to rebuke herself.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s my fault whatever the circumstances!¡± Sigrun then strongly insisted.


    ¡°Okay then, it¡¯s your fault.¡± Alisa simply answered with a nonchalant tone.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Sigrun uttered hearing something else from Alisa¡¯s lips. Even Reed had his mouth gaping from the sudden change in Alisa¡¯s tone and personality.


    ¡°What? You strongly insist it so I am going to treat this matter as your fault then. Am I wrong?¡± Alisa said with, of course, logical being mixed in the conversation. ¡°This won¡¯t end and could go on for a whole day if no one concedes.¡± She also added.


    Sigrun looks at Alisa and blinked twice in confusion.


    ¡°That¡¯s why, Sig, you have to properly take responsibility, okay?¡± Alisa said with a blooming smile on her face.


    Whatever direction the conversation took off, there¡¯s one thing Sigrun can be certain and that¡¯s Alisa telling him that it is his fault but as willing as him to forgive each other. To begin with, both of them misunderstood halfway and mistaken that each side is mad at them.


    Alisa coquettishly passed the whole blame to Sigrun but in a way that doesn¡¯t seem to have any ill intention. Sigrun understands that as soon as Alisa¡¯s smile made a pang in his chest.


    ¡°I see¡­I have to take responsibility for it, huh. Good thing I prepared something in advance. Alisa, stretch out your arm towards me.¡± Sigrun simply said.


    ¡°Okay but, what are you planning to do?¡± Alisa tilted her head as Sigrun reaches for something in his pocket.


    Suddenly, Sigrun wraps something around Alisa¡¯s wrist and tied some sort of strings.


    ¡°It may be cheap, it may mean nothing to you. If you want, you can throw it away or burn it, however, for now, this is the only thing I can give to you as my token of apology I made this just for you.¡± Sigrun said as what revealed in Alisa¡¯s wrist is a weaved string bracelet with a lovely night color.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Alisa asked with her eyes staring wonderfully at the bracelet.


    ¡°I made it. I bought some kit in the city yesterday and used some portion of my hair for it. By that, it sounds cheap, right? It also looks a little outdated for this era¡­¡± Sigrun explained with a wry smile seemed a little embarrassed.


    Alisa¡¯s eyes become a little glassy as she stares at the woven bracelet. Her lips tremble as her heart quiver from such heartfelt gift. Alisa herself is aware that it is cheap, it is outdated, however, it is something that her heart immediately cherished as soon as Sigrun said that he made it just for her.


    ¡°Alisa¡­?¡± Sigrun peered at Alisa¡¯s face.


    ¡°Geez! It¡¯s early in the morning! Let¡¯s not make a scene! Let¡¯s run for it or we will be late!¡± Alisa shouted as she turns around and started walking at a really fast pace. She began marching as she held her hand where the bracelet is worn.


    ¡°I¡¯ll treasure this¡­this is¡­something I¡¯ll keep with me for the rest of my life. Sigrun¡­you just appeared out of nowhere and you are already making me feel like this¡­¡± Alisa said inside her heart as she bolted away from Sigrun and Reed.


    ¡°Hey, Sig, let¡¯s go! She¡¯s really going to leave us behind!¡± Reed exclaimed anxiously as Alisa is already hundreds of meter away from them.


    ¡°Ah, yeah!¡± Sigrun then started jogging slowly together with Reed¡¯s pace.


    The friendship that Sigrun thought to have strained with crack was arbitrary proved to be mended all along. He felt that he understand something precious of Alisa and at the same time, deepened his bond with her.


    Although he still needs to learn how to adapt the new era¡¯s common sense and lifestyle, Sigrun is assured that in just a week, he already gained people he can now call friends.


    Even though he had lived for more than a millennia, Sigrun¡¯s heart is invigorated again with what they called youthfulness as the two people around him, Reed and Alisa, indulges him in a happy life in the academy.


    Or so that story should go¡­


    As soon as the trio arrives at the school.


    ¡°Sigrun Valker, I challenge you to a duel! After school, we can commence the duel at the coliseum where we can show each other our strength.¡± Said by a man with a striking princely feature. The man himself is named Seigen Lloyd, the one called the Light Prodigy.


    ¡°Me¡­?¡± Sigrun pointed to his self as Seigen and his cahoots blocks their way through the entrance of the school.


    Needless to say, another unwanted attention is drawn to them. Another sea of bystander has gathered everywhere and watches the scene unfold.


    ¡°Yes! Please, accept this.¡± Seigen then immediately held out a letter to Sigrun, a letter meant for an official match for him.


    ¡°It¡¯s pink¡­¡± Sigrun quietly muttered to himself as the letter clearly looks like a love letter. Nonetheless, Sigrun accepted the letter.


    ¡°Well then, later. I¡¯m not forcing you, you may not come if you don¡¯t want to.¡± Seigen then stormed away from the place.


    That scene alone made quite a scandal as some girls in the vicinity who witnessed it squeals and giggles. From another point of view, it was a bold declaration of love. Sigrun roughly knows about it but didn¡¯t care much and tucked the letter into his bag.


    ¡°Sig, that¡¯s Seigen¡­a third year in this school.¡± Reed informed Sig.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard a lot about him too. They called him Light Prodigy, right? He is quite famous so knowing about him is an easy task. Even so¡­a challenge¡­¡± Sigrun said as he wonders.


    ¡°Are you going to accept it? I think there¡¯s really nothing to worry about but¡­it¡¯s suspicious how the letter is sealed inside a pink envelope¡­¡± Alisa gave her own idea.


    ¡°Well, since I¡¯ve got nothing better to do, so why not?¡± Sigrun answered happily.


    In that very moment, Quarts appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Hey, Sigrun, I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± He greeted as he places his hand on Sigrun¡¯s head and violently pets him.


    ¡°Is there anything you need from me? Wait¡­do you need me because I¡¯m going to get my tier now?!¡± Sigrun excitingly asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s too, however, Saturday morning, you¡¯ve made quite a job for us. I don¡¯t think I can sleep well tonight without giving a punishment for someone!~¡± Quarts smiled, however, it was a smile where one can feel great anxiety just by looking at it.


    ¡°Um¡­err¡­please¡­be gentle¡­¡± Sigrun only said as Quarts takes him away.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 3

    Currently, Quarts and Sigrun are inside a room with large framed machinery with a pedestal in the middle and a glass panel that scans a person¡¯s overall statistics, magical energy, and possible potential in the future. The whole room is lit with white light and looks a little mundane like an office with a long chair and table with a holographic board and techbook.


    The outcome that the machine will produce is nothing sort of accurate as the Academy promotes growth and enhanced learning in every field. One may excel at being a top Magus but if they desire to become a Magical Engineer, such career can be trained and practiced here.


    The room has a multilayered seal to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering. Such barrier is made so students may not enter the place as they please. There were cases in the past where they tamper with their Tier and Degree so a countermeasure such as this is subjected.


    Tier and Degree aren¡¯t solely based on how strong a person¡¯s Magical Power or how high their Magical Energy is. As time passes, one can showcase their skills with magic and rise further.


    For the machine itself, the whole process is done via electromagnetic infusion to the body in which the machine records the reaction in which the magical energy resonates. The only side effect of such process is that the person in the subject may feel ticklish all over their body. If the subject¡¯s magical energy is higher than the machine could handle, it may explode so that¡¯s why, over the past decades, it was thoroughly reinforced to have a higher measuring threshold since people with absurd Magical Energy appears from time to time.


    For example, the Ten Paladins.


    And thus, therefore, Sigrun and Quarts are now inside the room for the purpose of determining Sigrun¡¯s Tier and Degree.


    ¡°Ah, here we are. Sigrun, take a seat first.¡± Quarts said as he beckons Sigrun who is curiously scanning the whole place.


    ¡°Okay! By the way, Quarts¡­about the punishment¡­¡± Sigrun immediately inquired about the said punishment.


    ¡°That¡¯s Sir Quarts for you, Sigurn Valker.¡± Quarts snaps a reprimand with a nonchalant voice as he takes out his phone from his pocket and takes a seat beside Sigrun.


    ¡°Ah, yes, sorry, Sir Quarts! So, about that punishment¡­¡± Sigrun corrected his mannerism around Quarts and once again inquired about the said punishment.


    ¡°Ah, that, Meld really doesn¡¯t know what to do so he left it in my hands. I¡¯ve decided your punishment though right from the start.¡± Quarts told Sigrun as he started browsing the internet in his phone, looking for videos and such.


    ¡°And, what would that be?¡± Sigrun nervously asked.


    ¡°From now on, you are to call Headmaster Meld¡­dearest father!¡± Quarts announce with a grin plastered on his face.


    ¡°Dearest father?!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he didn¡¯t expect that the punishment slides into this kind of category.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Whenever you two are alone or not, that¡¯s how you are going to address him. Don¡¯t worry about it, he will be happy to be called as one!¡± Quarts assured Sigrun with a smile, though a little bleak and sinister.


    ¡°Y-Yeah¡­¡± Sigrun anxiously accepted the conditions with a troubled face.


    ¡°Oh, look at this cat video! So funny! Ahahaha!¡± Quarts show Sigrun a cat chasing a laser dot.


    ¡°Ah, how cute!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as his eyes get fixated on the video.


    ¡°Wait a minute! How about the measurement of my Tier and Degree? Sir Quarts, let¡¯s do it!¡± Sigrun becomes hyped again as he reminds Quarts.


    ¡°Tsk.¡± A simple click of the tongue was the only reply.


    ¡°Why?! Why did you clicked your tongue?! Do you really find it too troublesome, Sir Quarts?!¡± Sigrun clings to Quarts.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°Ahahaha! I didn¡¯t do such thing!¡± Quarts denied with a straight face.


    As Quarts said those words, he stood up from his seat and rummage in a metal cabinet where all assortments of paper are neatly lined up. From there, he drew a single sheet pertaining to a person¡¯s measurement result of their Tier and Degree.


    He laid down the paper and wrote several words on it. As soon as he signed a signature for the evaluation, he handed it to Sigrun.


    ¡°Here, you can go now.¡± Quarts said as he returned to his cat videos.


    ¡°Eh¡­that¡¯s it? Wait! This is¡­Tier Four, Third Degree?!¡± Sigrun shouted in utter surprised. ¡°Is this bullying?! This is definitely bullying!¡± Sigrun protested to Quarts who returned a tired sigh.


    ¡°Ahh¡­Listen here, Sigrun Valker. Are you expecting something fantastic like breaking the meter of the measurement and being the talk of the day? Then people would start asking you why are you so strong right from the bat?¡± Quarts pointed out some stinging questions.


    ¡°Um¡­err¡­something¡­like that? Ahahaha¡­¡± Sigrun couldn¡¯t deny Quarts subtle allegation. He could only laugh weakly as those thoughts are exposed like an open book.


    ¡°That machine costs so much. If you are not troubled with money, then replacing that machine is troublesome. You will be making another inconvenience for Meld and me. I hate trouble, you know.¡± Quarts said to Sigrun as he slams a hand on the machine making a metallic ringing sound.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being thoughtless. However, this Tier and Degree doesn¡¯t do me justice!¡± Sigrun, standing on his ground, fights back.


    ¡°Is that so? How about I add one more punishment for you? Like, getting rid of your meal ticket that Meld regularly send to you, huh?¡± Quarts said as he peers closer to Sigrun¡¯s face.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m completely satisfied with this! Thank you very much! I¡¯m going now!¡± Sigrun hurriedly exits the place with a frigid smile.


    Walking with his back hunched, Sigrun made an audible sigh. The hallway is empty as the students are in each of their room in preparation for the class.


    ¡°Geez¡­that Quarts¡­I just can¡¯t deal with him properly¡­¡± Sigrun said as he once again gazes at the paper Quarts gave to him, his official ranking.


    ¡°Anyway¡­I think this is fine for now¡­¡± He told himself with an exasperated expression.


    CLICK


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Sigrun heard a clicking noise together with a flash. He turns his direction behind him and keenly observe the corner of the hallway. He is already aware of the presence right from the bat but his stare is signifying that he already found out about the person.


    ¡°This is a problem. I forgot to turn off the flash. No matter.¡± A girl with, possibly a student from the academy too, said with a deadpan face and voice. Her lengthy pale blond hair sways a bit as she showed herself to Sigrun.


    ¡°And¡­you are?¡± Sigrun asked for the name of the girl whose ears is of a rabbit. The identity immediately shouted Vasters. Her height is a little shorter than Sigrun but her long ears clearly beat him.


    ¡°My name is Ezili Clear, a journalist, though in a club.¡± She said as she showed the camera with a huge lens in her hands strapped in her neck. Once again, her greeting face is deadpan and her voice is monotonous.


    ¡°Is there something wrong? Why do you speak like that? And¡­ever since I got out of aptitude testing room, why are you following me?¡± Sigrun stated his questions mixed with curiosity.


    ¡°Oh, my? How mindful of you? First, I¡¯m someone you might call paparazzi, though, I¡¯m only tailing for the truth. Second, please do not mind my speech mannerism, it does not do anything significant. Third, I¡¯m here for the latest scoop, the famous Sigrun Valker¡¯s Tier and Degree.¡± She stated all without a blatant lie.


    ¡°Ah, is that so?¡± Sigrun affirmed her purposes with a smile.


    ¡°So, with that said, hand over your result.¡± Ezili said with the same expressionless countenance.


    ¡°Are you some kind of a hooligan?! It¡¯s a little disturbing when you said those words with that deadpan face of yours!¡± Sigrun exclaimed with a surprised face.


    ¡°Ah, excuse me for my rudeness. It¡¯s a bad habit that I got from my father. Well, then, I will ask again, will you hand over your result already?¡± She once again asked while beckoning Sigrun to turn in his paper.


    ¡°Why do I feel like it¡¯s nothing different from your initial request?! Your father surely has brought you up with that poor habit of yours¡­¡± Sigrun stares at Ezili with a quizzical face.


    ¡°Oh my, oh my, if you don¡¯t I¡¯ll leak this photo. Sigrun Valker and Reed Chelle, secret date.¡± Ezili then showed a series of photos with Reed and him as the center point. It was all taken yesterday when they were wandering around the city. The most noticeable is the photo of Sigrun clinging to Reed with teary eyes.


    ¡°Blackmail?! Secret date? I thought you are only tailing for the truth?!¡± Sigrun asked with an anxious face. After all, this girl spells trouble for him.


    ¡°By the way, who is the pitcher?¡± Ezili abruptly asked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have that interest with each other. If you really want to see my results, that¡¯s fine by me¡­¡± Sigrun conceded as he took out his aptitude result.


    ¡°Oh my, and I was just kidding when I told you I¡¯m going to leak those photos.¡± Ezili said while making a peace sign.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to tell whether you are serious or not if you don¡¯t make any facial gesture¡­¡± Sigrun commented with a tired expression.


    CLICK


    ¡°Okay, done. Thank you for your cooperation. Expect great headlines from yours truly. Until we meet again.¡± Ezili hops away from Sigrun while waving her hands.


    ¡°What an oddball¡­¡± Sigrun muttered as he watches the girl, Ezili, runs.


    Later that day, Sigrun heard from Amaryl that Ezili is famous for her journalism skills but what made him pale to the utmost limit is knowing that Quarts¡¯ full name is Quarts Clear.


    Apparently, Ezili is Quarts'' daughter.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 4

    Sigrun once again finds himself back at the Academy¡¯s coliseum with Alisa and Reed on tow. Holding the Letter of Challenge from Seigen, Sigrun enters the establishment. It was just minutes ago since their last class finished and even though burnt out from his own studies, Sigrun walks with excitement.


    A challenge from the Light Prodigy, Seigen Llyod, is bound to gather hundreds of audiences and the proof is the coliseum¡¯s audience seat is already filled halfway and people are still coming. One more thing that pulled everyone is their curiosity of how strong the boy adopted by the Headmaster of the Estelle Academy, Sigrun Valker is.


    As the figure of Sigrun becomes visible to the audience, everyone started talking among themselves.


    ¡°Everyone does sure have free time on their hands, huh. I haven¡¯t even given my affirmation and yet, they came like the battle will actually happen. Not that I won¡¯t accept it.¡± Sigrun said as he moves his sight from left to right.


    ¡°I think everyone is pretty much aware that you are a little shameless at this point. Constantly staring at breasts in the hallway and even muttering words of compliment¡­you are bound to come as impudent.¡± Alisa said with a palm covering her face with a perplexed countenance.


    Sigrun immediately noticed that in the middle of the Coliseum, Seigen is already there, staring at him.


    ¡°Yo, little Valker.¡± The P.E. Teacher, Maine, came towards the trio with a casual greeting.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Miss Maine. May I ask, do you authorize this kind of battle?¡± Sigrun immediately inquired. Although he himself made a lot of trouble, he wanted to avoid them as much as possible.


    ¡°Ah, yeah, it¡¯s not that rare here, however, it is rare of Seigen to challenge people. I can tell that he is probably a little frustrated that the Headmaster has chosen someone else other than him.¡± Maine said while shifting her glance to Seigen.


    ¡°What do you mean by that? I haven¡¯t done anything yet to anger him.¡± Sigrun asked back with a quizzical tone.


    ¡°You¡­haven¡¯t done anything yet? Ah, nevermind. What I mean is, Seigen and Headmaster Meld are both Serensis, see? The bigger picture here is that Seigen, as a Serensis, is aiming to be part of the Ten Paladins. Seeing that one of the Ten Paladins adopting a child means you are deemed someone capable.¡± Maine explained while looking somewhat distant.


    ¡°Ten Paladins¡­huh? There¡¯s a lot of misunderstanding regarding that but I don¡¯t think my words will convince anyone for now. Well, I¡¯ll go there now.¡± Sigrun only said as he walked away from Maine with Reed and Alisa giving a slight bow to her as they leave.


    Sigrun then separates from Alisa and Reed as he heads towards the changing room.


    Incidentally, Alisa and Reed spotted Enheirt and Amaryl sitting with two seats vacant between them. At first, it looks like they are quite in a pickling fight, however, Enheirt and Amaryl know better and let Reed and Alisa take a seat side by side.


    ¡°Uwaah, I never imagined that my boy Sigrun would get invited out by the hottest guy!¡± Enheirt said with a light chuckle.


    ¡°Stop wording it like that! I¡¯m going to break two or three arms of yours if you keep at it!¡± Alisa roared a little with a death glare.


    ¡°Alisa¡­he only have two arms¡­¡± Amaryl commented with a forced smile.


    ¡°Miss Sunset is brutal as always. Anyway, about this battle, is it really okay? Sigrun just moved here from the countryside, right? I¡¯m a little worried, to be honest. The enemy is Seigen, a third year.¡± Enheirt asked as he takes a glance to Seigen in the arena.


    ¡°Hmm? I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any problem. For me, I¡¯m not that worried.¡± Alisa bluntly laid out those words as she leans back.


    ¡°Alisa, little Sigrun will only be fighting for the first time here. I don¡¯t think he has that much knowledge on how Seigen fights. I understand that from your confidence, Sigrun has some considerable talent that Sir Meld Valker adopted him, however, Seigen is nothing sort of short in both talent and skills too.¡± Amaryl anxiously looks at Alisa who is sitting beside her.


    ¡°I am more worried about how Sig will act¡­¡± Alisa said with a fleeting voice that is almost inaudible.


    Suddenly, a cheer broke out as the other side of the arena¡¯s door opens.


    From there, Sigrun emerges, still wearing his uniform and walks towards Seigein without a single care in the world. Seigen is motionless and only stares at Sigrun with a default countenance.


    ¡°Hey, hey¡­really now?! Sigrun could have taken any armaments or weapons in the changing room an yet, he didn¡¯t pick any. On top of that, he is still wearing his school uniform¡­¡± Enheirt said as he got up halfway from his seat.


    ¡°Seigen dons the same though¡­a school uniform. The difference is¡­he is using his personalizes weapons¡­¡± Amaryl pointed out the rifle in Seigen¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Light Compressor ARMA. Augment Refracting Meta Arm, an extremely complicated weapon made for Seigen only. Using the power of light, he fires a ray of light that possibly decomposes or evaporates any of its targets. Without the magical barrier set up for the Coliseum, it¡¯s no doubt, a deadly weapon.¡± Reed said as he stares at Seigen with fervor.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Sigrun then made a full stop ten step away from Seigen.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad for your arrival, Sigrun Valker. Your appearance only announces your willingness for this bout.¡± Seigen said as he made a courteous bow.


    ¡°This battle¡­is it because you can¡¯t accept me for being adopted by¡­M--...Dearest father?¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯ll be frank, this is all because of my selfish ego. I am sorry to impose it to you but, I feel that you are nothing sort of an ordinary magus.¡± Seigen expresses his blunt reason.


    ¡°I see, you are a warrior at heart, huh? I guess talking won¡¯t amount to anything anymore. Let¡¯s start.¡± Sigrun smiled as he jumps back and created a considerable distance.


    The bell rang, announcing the start of the battle. The clamor and chatter earlier become an intense silence.


    ¡°Start!¡± Maine shouted from the control room through the announcer¡¯s microphone.


    As soon as the signal is given, Seigen Llyod, from all the watcher¡¯s eyes, disappeared. The sudden phenomena held everyone¡¯s breath.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­Bright Waltz at the start of the battle?! Seigen is not pulling any punches for little Sigrun!¡± Amaryl angrily snarls.


    There are no traces of Seigen in the arena anymore. Not a speck of shadow or even presence, everything is erased. Meanwhile, Sigrun, to the eyes of the watchers, is unmoving.


    Not even three seconds has passed and a bright ray of light comes bursting forth out of nowhere. It¡¯s not only one, but dozens of light made their appearance and attacks Sigrun from all direction.


    ¡°Sigrun!¡± Amaryl shouted in distress as the image of Sigrun being pincered by the attacks came to her mind.


    However, contrary to everyone¡¯s expectation, Sigrun dodges the attacks rather easily.


    Swift, agile, graceful, and no movements are even wasted. All the ray of lights didn¡¯t land, it is no exaggeration to say that none even grazed him. It is apparent to his face that such attack is not even a slight problem to him.


    Everyone just finds him dancing without moving too much from his place.


    ¡°Seigen Llyod is known for using the refraction tactic. Using the ability of light to draw his own image away from the eyes by blending his body with light. After that, with his ARMA, he¡¯ll send a barrage of light attacks. It¡¯s not cowardice, it¡¯s just a display that Seigen is using his abilities to the right spectrum in battle. However¡­the enemy right now is¡­Sigrun.¡± Reed said while keeping his eyes to Sigrun. Amazement is swelling up from his chest.


    The barrage of light didn¡¯t stop from bothering Sigrun. More of it is coming, however, to no avail, none was able to even scratch him.


    Enheirt and Amaryl, together with all the spectators, are amazed, flabbergasted, or even bewildered that one of the strongest in the academy, has his attack rendered futile against one boy.


    ¡°Then, to give an answer to your heartfelt and relentless attack, I shall strike back.¡± Sigrun said as he holds his arm in the air.


    No faster than instant, a sword of pure blissful darkness emerges from his hand. A sinister slim sword made nothing but pure darkness and magical energy. Its power is felt all over the place.


    ¡°Lies! He just conjured a weapon out of thin air?! And on top of that, he is a dark elementalist?!


    ¡°Ah, Lord Valker looks so cool!¡±


    ¡°This is the talent of the next candidate of the Ten Paladins!¡±


    ¡°Who is more powerful at this point, Valker or Lloyd?!¡±


    A wave of comment keeps piling up, however, neither Sigrun nor Seigen minded those words.


    But before Sigrun could move from his place, Seigen appeared in front of him with ARMA set down. His eye is serious and his countenance is default as always, like a cold prince.


    ¡°I concede.¡± Seigen simply said.


    After bowing lightly at Sigrun who has a dumbfounded face while holding the sword of darkness in his hand, turn his heels and walks away.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Sigrun only muttered as he tilted his head.


    Silence looms over the place as they watch Seigen made his exit. Even Maine, the teacher, is dumbfounded from such behavior exhibited by Seigen who she guessed as a battle-hardened freak. On the contrary, Reed and Alisa have an indifferent view apart from everyone.


    ¡°Seigen Llyod¡­conceded?¡± Enheirt said with his jaw gaping.


    ¡°Seeing what little Sigrun took out, I doubt there¡¯s hardly any argument of why he did so, however, I don¡¯t think that alone would actually make him back down without a fight¡­¡± Amaryl said.


    Soon after, questions and amazement started flying around.


    Meanwhile, at Seigen¡¯s changing room.


    ¡°¡­¡± Seigen could only look at the ARMA on his hand.


    ¡°Yo, Light boy. Are you nervous?¡± Ezili made such remark as she tried peering at Seigen¡¯s countenance by tilting her whole body.


    ¡°Ezili?! How should I put¡­¡± Seigen¡¯s tone rapidly changes befitting of his youthfulness.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Ezili put on a smug as her eyes inquire for an immediate answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m really embarrassed! Ah, I just have to quit and Miss Hertuclaire has to see me that pathetically!¡± Seigen immerses in a crestfallen atmosphere.


    ¡°Again, Alisa, huh. You really like her that much. Just remember this Seigen, you are a third year and she is only a first year.¡± Ezili said.


    ¡°I know that¡­but¡­argh¡­I feel all fuzzy whenever I remember her beautiful eyes, fluffy ears, silky tail, and frail looking body! Having a gap in age is quite bad. Because of that, I¡¯m really shy in making any move on her!¡± Seigen said as he reddens a little.


    ¡°The hard, cold, and princely Seigen that everyone knows¡­is actually a love-stricken man who is in love with an underclassman. I wonder what will happen if I made this into a headline.¡± Ezili teasingly said.


    ¡°Everyone just started misunderstanding me since I was a first year here. Now it¡¯s hard to tell all the people off from following me around. Because of that, it¡¯s harder to approach Miss Hertuclaire.¡± Seigen said dejectedly.


    ¡°And¡­Seigen¡­why did you concede? Sigrun Valker, Tier Four, Third Degree. From what he showed earlier, this is a blatant crap made by my father.¡± Ezili inquires.


    ¡°Sigrun Valker, he is stronger than you imagine¡­no¡­he is already out of our league.¡± Seigen¡¯s countenance returned to a cold and calculative one.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Ezili asked for further explanation.


    ¡°Bright Waltz, is my trump card, as everyone knows. I disappear from everyone¡¯s sight and attacks the enemy by bending the light all over the place to become a Photon Ray but¡­that Sigrun Valker¡­¡± Seigen hesitated for a moment and stares at Ezili¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Even with my refraction active¡­his eyes¡­are following me like I am there in a plain sight. No one may have noticed it but¡­he never took his eyes off me. On top of that, his power is considered threatening and his movements are not of someone newbie would have. It¡¯s hard to draw out more conclusion but most likely, Sigrun Valker¡­is the closest to becoming a Paladin.¡± Seigen explained as he looks above him and stares at the light.


    ¡°Interesting. This may have been the trigger of why the Ten Paladins have come.¡± Ezili said as she crosses her arms.


    ¡°Yeah¡­I heard that¡­Lady Emeralda is already here at the Academy¡­¡± Seigen said while stretching his arms.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m sure that someone like Sigrun Valker¡­will attract a lot of interesting events! I can¡¯t wait to capture those moments in my lense.¡± Ezili said with a sinistrous smile.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 5

    ¡°So¡­Sig¡­we are heading to the Headmaster¡¯s office now, right?¡± Alisa asked with a knitted brow.


    ¡°Yeah,  there¡¯s someone there right now that I think I know. And on top of that, I¡¯d like to express my apology to him personally.¡± Sigrun said as he leads the walk down the hallway leading to the Headmaster¡¯s office of Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy.


    Several footsteps resounded in the place as each step is landed on a red furnished carpet. The hallway¡¯s east side is full of doors along the path. The brownish wall with standard linear decoration gives off a pleasant atmosphere and the small chandeliers hanging from the ceilings gave a novel ambiance.


    To the right is an array of windows where you can peek to the entirety of the Academy. The sun is still afront on the horizon and there¡¯s still no sign of it bidding farewell even though it¡¯s late afternoon.


    ¡°Then¡­what are you guys even doing here, following us all the way¡­?¡± Alisa turns around and glances at the additional people with Reed as an exception.


    ¡°Oh, I just wanted to hang out with my buddy today. It¡¯s not like we are not allowed here, right? You¡¯ve been spending a lot of awful time with Reed recently even though last month, you were a little distant to him.¡± Einhert said as he averts his eyes from Alisa¡¯s interrogating stare.


    ¡°This is not bad once in a while. I might as well greet Headmaster Valker. After all, the academy orders quite a lot of metal from our family.¡± Amaryl said with a tinged of seriousness, however, her lips are curved in a smile.


    ¡°And¡­the uppeclassmen¡­?¡± Alisa then eyed at the two other figures.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Seigen didn¡¯t say anything and kept looking forward.


    ¡°I¡¯m just here to give my father a little greeting. Being the Headmaster¡¯s assistance, he¡¯s busy as of late. Seigen is just tagging along. Don¡¯t mind him.¡± Ezili said with a monotonous tone and deadpan expression.


    ¡°A lot of things are happening today and it¡¯s only Monday.¡± Reed only muttered with a nervous smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s a so-called flag but no matter. Sticking with you guys seems to bring more interesting event.¡± Ezili exclaimed as her voice expresses a little excitement.


    ¡°We suddenly formed a party here. Are we going on a quest or a raid?!¡± Alisa muttered as she glances back in front.


    As the group moves onward, they arrived at the door of the Headmaster¡¯s office. Sigrun then made an attempt to knock, however, a sudden heaving footstep stops him from doing so.


    ¡°Ah¡­she is really here¡­¡± Sigrun expresses a gentle but trouble smile.


    As the sound of the heavy footsteps ceased, the door is suddenly slammed open.


    BAM!


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Everyone stood there quietly as a woman in her mid-twenties appeared from the door. The woman dons a light brown hair tied in a braid and beautiful pair of emerald eyes. A green hardened scale rests beneath her jaws and a spiraling pointy horn sprouts upward fascinated everyone.


    The woman is wearing a casual knee-length stylish blue skirt, a fastened buttoned shirt tightened with a belt the emphasizes her eroticism and capelet of color teal with collar.


    ¡°I knew it¡­I knew it! It¡¯s¡­Master!¡± The woman said in joy as she scooped up Sigrun from the floor with a heartfelt hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s really is you, Emeralda. It¡¯s been a good eighty years!¡± Sigrun happily replied as he wraps his arms around the woman who he named Emeralda.


    Emeralda then pulled Sigrun inside and in that very instant, landed her lips on his without a moment to waste. Sigrun in panicked immediately shut the door blocking everyone from seeing Emeralda and Sigrun in an intimate moment.


    ¡°Awawawa¡­.!¡± Alisa could only mutter as she saw something unbelievable and sudden. Her face is ignited in a burning haze as she repeats those words like a broken machine.


    ¡°Scoop! Another great scoop! Open it! I need to see this! Hey!¡± Ezili bangs on the door with one hand and holds her camera on the other. She tried turning the knob but it seems Sigrun didn¡¯t forget to lock it.


    ¡°Sigrun my boy¡­already has a lady?!¡± Einhert said with eyes bulging from his socket.


    ¡°¡­Lewd.¡± Seigen said to himself as he turned around to hide his shocked and reddened face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it! Little Sigrun is actually popular with the ladies?¡± Amaryl said with a flabbergasted countenance as she covers her reddened face with both hands.


    ¡°Is no one going to say something about that woman, Lady Emeralda, being one of the Ten Paladins?¡± Reed thought as he watches the turmoil that the momentary scene that showed to them with the same face ablaze.


    The five of them stood at the front of the door for a good five minutes when suddenly.


    ¡°Ahem, it seems you kids want to make my office your clubhouse, huh?!¡± Meld suddenly appeared behind them with a twitching cheek. Behind him is Quarts who is smirking in amusement.


    Without waiting for an explanation, Meld took out a key from his pocket nonchalantly inserted the key as he got close to the door. Before turning the knob, he glances back at them.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Someone is here, right?¡± Meld asked with a knitted brow.


    Before anyone could make a response, the door suddenly slammed open again. From inside the office emerges Sigrun with a disheleved appearance with messy hair and flushed face. Around his lips is some traces of liquid one could not or just scared to identify.


    ¡°Ah, sorry! I¡¯ve caused you, Dearest father, another trouble.¡± Sigrun nervously said as he tried to fix his appearance and wipes off the mysterious liquid around his lips.


    Meld focuses his sight on Sigrun for a good five seconds and looks towards the couch where Emeralda lies with euphoric expression and ragged breathing like she has some sort of deep ecstasy. For that matter, Meld¡¯s cheek twitches again.


    ¡°Damn it, Emeralda! When did you even got here you damn fool!¡± Meld angrily shouted as he points his finger at the woman laying down on the couch.


    ¡°Ahahaha! How are you Meld?! I¡¯ve let myself in while you¡¯re away! My hunch is on spot and I found Master here! You can¡¯t hide anything from us!¡± Emeralda stood up and said boasting words that seemingly looking down on Meld.


    ¡°Master?! You mean Sigrun?! Just how retarded coincidence can be?!¡± Meld shouted into nothingness this time as his patients grew weary.


    ¡°And he is still a good kisser that my mind melted! Talk about golden tongue.¡± Emeralda added as she licks her lips.


    Meld could only heave a deep sigh of resignation. He took a glance towards Emeralda, then to Sigrun, and finally, to Reed¡¯s group that watches the scene with complicated countenance. He didn¡¯t bother turning his sight to the grinning Quarts.


    ¡°Now that it has come to this, you kids go inside and firmly lock the door. Quarts¡­please prepare some tea¡­¡± Meld said as he walks towards his desk with a crestfallen face.


    Per his order, Reed and the others entered the room and proceed to find themselves a seat, albeit a little far from Emeralda who seized Sigrun into her lap as she nudges her face to his cheek.


    The room where the sunlight penetrates the window that brings warmness has a cold and dreary atmosphere where Quarts movement while filling some tea is the only background music. The air feels stagnant for everyone except Emeralda and Sigrun.


    ¡°This person in front of us is¡­Lady Emeralda, the third most powerful member of the Ten Paladins. What sort of relationship does she have with Sig?¡± Reed asked himself as his watchful gaze landed on Sigrun and Emeralda who seem to start flirting with each other.


    As for Alisa, she bears the same thought with Reed. All of them clearly heard that Sigrun and Emeralda know each other eighty years ago. Since Emeralda is an Oreals, a race hailing from Ancestral Dragons, it is possible for her to live for a lengthy time. Both of them doesn¡¯t want to jump into conclusion, however, they already have a gist of what kind of relationship they have.


    As for Amaryl, Enheirt, Seigen, and Ezili, they are equally confused, shocked, and excited about what the situation could lead them to. After all, in front of them is one of the Ten Paladins but the question about Sigrun being acquainted with her proves to be a difficult question to give even an assumption.


    Quarts finished distributing cups of tea for everyone and find himself a chair to seat. Seeing that there¡¯s a tea in front of him now, Meld sips a little from the cup and as he put it down, he then spoke.


    ¡°First of all, you kids with the exception of Reed Chelle and Alisa Hertuclaire has seen something or even heard something about Sigrun from this stupid woman, right?¡± Meld asked them with a glare.


    They nodded in unison without asking anything. All of them, even though in the middle of their panic, heard some specific details.


    ¡°Then, are you kids also aware that the Ten Paladins are now in the Brent City? It¡¯s not really an important question, I just want to ask¡­¡± Meld said while glancing angrily at Emeralda in which she paid no heed.


    ¡°I do!¡± Ezili answered with bright and sparkling eyes full of confidence.


    ¡°Like father like daughter¡­¡± Meld muttered as he gave Quarts a turn of his share of glare this time. Meld is only met with a cynical smile devoid of any real sympathy.


    ¡°Enough of the Paladins for now. What you guys are about to hear is really highly confidential¡­or so what I wanted to make it sound like.  Alisa and Reed are aware of it right from the start but I deemed that the two of them cannot handle the task by themselves. That¡¯s why, I am going to give you guys the same task as them if you are only willing to hear this?¡± Meld, with a serious countenance, told the remaining people who are not aware of Sigrun¡¯s identity.


    ¡°Headmaster¡­the way you word it sounds so ridiculous and stupid. Of course, we¡¯d want to get involved if you make it all suspenseful and overdramatic.¡± Amaryl exclaimed as she crosses her arms that further inflated her already big breasts.


    ¡°If my buddy Reed is already involved, then I''ll feel a little lonely if I am not. Just tell us already.¡± Enheirt beckoned Meld to speak.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you are trying to make us go away from this or not but you are not really convincing. Just cough it up already. If this is really something secretive, then I, Ezili Clear, won¡¯t utter any word of it to other people.¡± Ezili said as she gave a thumb up.


    ¡°Agreed¡­¡± Seigen spoke simply.


    ¡°I feel like you kids are making fun of me! Damn it¡­¡± Meld uttered as he fell into a bit of depressed state. He quickly regained his composure and looks at them with a stern eye.


    ¡°Sigrun, as you all may know, is my adoptive son, that is something true. But the name Valker is the only thing that I attached to him. This Sigrun here¡­is the real article, the Hero of Aldieas.¡± Meld spoke with an unfaltering voice.


    ¡°By hero¡­you mean the one in the book? The one told to save the world by fighting the Demon Lords?¡± Amaryl, with suspicion, clarifies Meld¡¯s words.


    ¡°Yes, no doubt about it that this man here is Sigrun from that book. I can attest to that.¡± Emeralda then spoke to them.


    ¡°Good day, Lady Emeralda, one of the Ten Paladins. May I inquire of you of what is the meaning behind those words?¡± Ezili asked on behalf of the group as she stares at Sigrun who became still and quiet upon misnaming the Vajras.


    ¡°This is the very Sigrun that I met eighty years ago. I disappeared for five years and mysteriously came back at that time. Can you guess what happened?¡± Emeralda smiled as if she is giving them a riddle.


    ¡°What I know is that, eighty-five years ago, Lady Emeralda, as a young Magus, ventured the Sacred Mountain. After that, it was roughly five years when you came back, powerful, fully strengthened, and able to utilize the Primal power of the Dragons flowing on your veins as race from Oreals.¡± Ezili answered with hardened voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s the surface of it. I refused to speak anything that happened to me at that time. The reason is to cover up the existence of my Master, Sigrun.¡± Emeralda said as she patted the head of Sigrun.


    ¡°It is as Emeralda said. However, I am not that bit troubled if my existence came to be known throughout the world. But¡­I really don¡¯t remember teaching Emeralda anything¡­¡± Sigrun knitted his brows as he glances to Emeralda.


    ¡°No, no, no! You taught me a lot of things! From survival to bed techniques to the way of kissing. Master is a good teacher for all of those!¡± Emeralda grinned as she said those words.


    ¡°I knew it! Sigrun said something a while back that his last¡­err¡­s-sex¡­was eighty years ago. Then that means¡­Lady Emeralda¡­are you perhaps¡­Sig¡¯s lover?!¡± Reed asked with face a little flushed.


    ¡°Hahaha! Hardly! Sigrun will never love any creature in this world other than a Vajra named Order.¡± Emeralda said with a  laugh.


    ¡°Emeralda, you are saying too much.¡± Sigrun, with a cold tone, scolded her.


    Seeing that Sigrun got a little agitated, Emeralda couldn¡¯t do anything but smile nervously. Amaryl, Enheirt, Seigen, and Ezili are still having a hard time digesting the information and the sudden revelation that in front of them is the olden Hero of Aldieas.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 6

    The sun is setting and the horizon is dyed with blood orange hue. The pale sunlight waning from far away is slowly fading to dusks as the sun slowly switches with the moon. The scenery of the boundary of the Business District and the Residential District is distinguishable as the pedestrian¡¯s volume slowly thins out.


    Reed and Alisa found themselves lonely even as they walk side-by-side as one person is missing. Reed just kept his chin up, staring at the sky above while Alisa has a crestfallen countenance as she looks down.


    As they reach the point where their way diverges, the place with a postbox under a large tree with a crossroad of pedestrian, Reed stops.


    ¡°Alisa, this¡­is goodbye. See you tomorrow.¡± Reed simply said as he turns his heel away from Alisa reluctantly. There was a passive sadness in his voice but tried his best not to let it out.


    The reason is they will no longer take care of Sigrun. His room was already prepared for him and Meld immediately told them that Sigrun is to live on his own now. On top of that, Ezili, Amaryl, Enheirt, and Seigen are now part of the group that will look out for Sigrun.


    Alisa and Reed understand that, however, something inside them keeps nagging that in their hearts, they don¡¯t agree with this.


    Before Reed could get away, something pulled his sleeves. Of course, it was Alisa.


    ¡°Can we¡­talk for a bit?¡± Alisa¡¯s shrill and lonely voice enters Reed¡¯s ears. Her fox ears flopped down and her tail shows that she is visibly sad.


    Finding the situation unbearable, Reed readily agrees to Alisa¡¯s request and they took a seat on the bench under the tree. They each place themselves two seats away from each other.


    A considerable distance.


    However, even as Alisa said that she wanted to talk, she couldn¡¯t find the right way to start the subject at hand. But Reed, however, readily say something what he wanted to say.


    ¡°Last month ago, we wouldn''t find ourselves sitting next to each other like this. I think¡­for the most part of our friendship, we just meet up and talk. Ah, ¡­it¡¯s a little confusing to word it but¡­at least, I know that we weren¡¯t this close before.¡± Reed said with a fleeting smile as he looks down.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more. Even though we were friends, there¡¯s a distance in our friendship that we cannot close the gap. But¡­no¡­that¡¯s not it.¡± Alisa¡¯s voice is weak and feeble but the emotion fills up the words.


    ¡°Alisa¡­ever since the day that we fought in the state competition, I¡¯ve always wanted to know more about you. You were graceful, strong-willed, and even fierce. At that time I thought, maybe I wanted to be close to this girl. However¡­a year passed and we haven¡¯t moved from being a simple acquaintance. But¡­a spark came¡­even momentarily, Sigrun bridged something¡­not by his actions but by his presence alone.¡± Reed glances to Alisa with his comforting smile.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you are saying, then I don¡¯t want that spark to disappear. I don¡¯t want the bridge that connected us to crumble. This is why I have the feeling of wanting to monopolize Sig, but most importantly¡­it was a chance for me¡­¡± Alisa last words trailed off.


    ¡°It was¡­a chance for me to convey how I feel for you. It was my chance to move from being your friend to something else¡­¡± Alisa thought is filled with lamentation because of her growing feelings for Reed is still unfound but at the same time, she feels like she accomplished the first step in closing the gap between them.


    ¡°Those one week with Sig, those days where we walked together, it was refreshing. Alisa, you still want to walk together with Sig, right? He became something indispensable on our team now, right? Let¡¯s figure out something, okay?¡± Reed said as he lightens up with new hope.


    Their friend, Sigrun, is someone they already hold dear in their hearts. His curious and boastful attitude while being humble at times, his wonderful and cute smiling face, his bright personality like he doesn¡¯t seem to show his care for this world.


    All of them are something Reed and Alisa saw with their short time with Sigrun and it showed them so many things.


    Reed¡¯s comforting and gentle voice reaches out to Alisa. Her once crestfallen ears and tails perk up a little as she found hope from his words. The loneliness in her heart is quelled considerably.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Alisa leans her body towards Reed¡¯s direction, she closes some distance from her to his, a distance to make sure that they will sense both presences of each other.


    ¡°Reed, thank you. Even though it sounds so trivial, my feelings, my worries, you ease them with your voice.¡± Alisa wholeheartedly said as she sprouts a heartfelt smile.


    At the next moment, something inside Reed erupted. A pang in his heart held him from breathing and his face got so hot all of the sudden. His heart beats faster than he remembers and his mind freezes on the spot.


    Mesmerized.


    It was the only word that can describe his expression towards Alisa right now. Reed, before he knew it, felt something different.


    ¡°Ah, look at the time! I got to go now! Alisa, you should head home too! Your father is going to be worried!¡± Reed, in a sudden, stood up from his seat and turn away from Alisa.


    ¡°Yeah, okay. See you tomorrow too, Reed.¡± Alisa¡¯s last words as Reed rushes back home.


    The two has parted ways, but both know that they will end up meeting each other at the same place with a renewed smile on their faces as they look forward to seeing Sigrun.


    Meanwhile, at the same place, a random bush moves suspiciously.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t push! They¡¯re gone now.¡± From behind the bush, Amaryl¡¯s voice emerges.


    ¡°My buddy Reed, you should strike while the iron is hot! Holy crap, this is really interesting as you guys said!¡± Enheirt exclaimed.


    ¡°This may not be a scoop but this fuels my romanticism.¡± Ezili said with a smirk.


    The trio who tailed Reed and Alisa then emerges from the bush and dust themselves of the leaves stuck on their clothes. Seeing that they longer have anything to spectate, they started walking together.


    ¡°Even so, who would have thought that Reed will react oddly like that.¡± Enheirt said while taking the lead.


    ¡°Miss Hertuclaire is just too good to pass up in my opinion. If Chelle doesn¡¯t realize her feelings for him, someone else may snatch her.¡± Ezili exclaimed with a troubled smile.


    ¡°You may say that but, my buddy is really popular with girls.¡± Enheirt rebutted to back up his friend. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other since childhood and I can tell that even at a young age, he is already popular with the ladies.¡± Enheirt added with empty eyes.


    ¡°But, this time, I would like Alisa to be together with him.¡± Amaryl laid out her own opinion.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Enheirt followed with a curious question.


    ¡°Well, you could say I really pity her. I want Reed to pull her from the place where she began. We¡¯ve just become friends two days ago but truthfully, in the world of the rich, Alisa is famous. Both lineage of her family and her exceptional prodigious talent.¡± Amaryl said as she looks at far distant.


    ¡°I know of it. Miss Hertuclaire, since childhood, never made any real friends. Being the prodigy she is, people tried hard to be close to her by any means. Suitors come and go like waterfall despite her young age. Alisa is smart, she knew that all of those are fa?ade. After that, she imprisoned herself in her own birdcage.¡± Ezili explained.


    ¡°Hmm? But for the past year, she was quite lively and oddly attached to Reed.¡± Enheirt said to the two of them with a tilted head.


    ¡°And Reed might be the reason for that. A man of genuine emotion. Reed was able to thaw Alisa¡¯s heart. I was petrified the first time I saw Alisa in a party, I think that was five years ago. Her eyes are devoided of life¡­but, seeing how lively she is now, this is much better. That¡¯s all the reason I want Alisa to become Reed¡¯s lover.¡± Amaryl said words of support for Reed and Alisa.


    ¡°Yeah, my father has to talk some sense to Alisa¡¯s father, Eould Hertuclaire. Oops, that slipped my tongue!~¡± Ezili playfully said as she sticks out her tongue.


    ¡°Sir Quarts did, huh? I always thought he is just a money cradling man.¡± Enheirt said with a disbelief countenance.


    ¡°Hehe, if he really did, then he has my thanks. It was really depressing whenever I remember that secluded princess with empty eyes.¡± Amaryl smiled faintly.


    ¡°Uuhhh! What a tragic past! I can¡¯t believe she was that in need of affection!¡± A voice of a girl suddenly entered their ears.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah! Miss Fox girl, may you find happiness with that lad!¡± Another voice but this time, it came from a man.


    At the pedestrian lane where the volume of people has become almost nonexistent, two people are standing side-by-side behind Ezili, Amaryl, and Enheirt.


    ¡°Ah, hi! Please don¡¯t mind us!¡± Said by the girl with a race of a Vaster as black cat ears and tail pokes out from her hat and on her back. She wears an ashen beret where her cat ears poke out that rest atop a silver hair that grew up to her neck. Her blue eyes are as pale as an ash but her countenance is bright and cheerful. She wears a customized military uniform dyed in black pallet and a pleated skirt with the same color. She wears thigh his boots in accordance with her overall color scheme. Her appearance states that she looks like the same age as them.


    ¡°That was a really intriguing young love. I hope to see more of it!¡± Exclaimed by the man next to the Vaster girl. He is a race of Alpsis that has a pointy horn sprouting out from his bright messy blond hair. Contrary to the girl next to him, he wears a maroon park with a long sleeve inside. He wears casual navy jeans and a flipflops that gave a calm and friendly atmosphere which made it a little awkward. He looks a little older with the overall figure states that he is around late-twenties.


    ¡°Y-you two¡­who are you?¡± Enheirt asked with face pooling with sweat.


    ¡°Enheirt¡­your manners.¡± Amaryl told him off as she forces him to bow.


    ¡°You two are¡­Lady Esser, the seventh of the Ten Paladins and Sir Seyren, the top of the¡­Ten Paladins¡­¡± Ezili muttered with disbelief voice as she stares at the two figure with flabbergasted countenance.


    From their realization, the man, Seyren, sprouted a smug on his face while Esser embarrassedly covered her face with her beret.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 7

    PING


    The sound of elevator ringing as it reached the ground floor. Inside the lift, Amaryl walks out with a tired countenance. Amaryl would never have thought that she, of all people, will let one of the Ten Paladins sleep in her room, or rather, suite.


    She doesn¡¯t know if fate is trying to humor with her or something but, Esser who is the Seventh of the Paladins, have actually no place to stay and has been wandering in the city since they arrived last Sunday. Seyren, on the other hand, said that he will be crashing at someone¡¯s place.


    As such, Esser is still sleeping back in her room, curled up on a warm bed with a food already served on the table. Amaryl needs to leave because she still has a class to attend.


    Her interaction with Esser is only limited to essentials like eating, bathing, and sleeping. After that, she never saw Esser wakes up again and led herself to a deep slumber.


    Esser¡¯s imposing upon is actually nothing of a bother since Amaryl lives alone in Brent City. She originally came from Ehon City, a place where precious metals and rocks are mined. Her family is one of the major Trading Corporations for all-around sets of mined goods essential for a city¡¯s construction and expensive jewelry and much more.


    As a Serensis who are naturally gifted in magic, the Helion Family is known to be expert Earth Elementalists, whether as a Magus or as another profession. They pride themselves on their vast knowledge of metallurgy.


    Serensis has three major subspecies in which magic proficiency is divided equally. The first one is those who are truly adept at using magical energy as means of offense. Such potential isn¡¯t wasted since it can also branch out to another profession in the working field. Their physical characteristics don¡¯t stray from a normal human, however, they have pointed ears that shows a clear distinction between the two. They are called Serensis Ser.


    The second one is stout but large in frame. Their magic is deeply ingrained as physical enhancement and solely relies on Earth Magic¡¯s fundamental manipulation of stones. They are the famous for their crafts. Unlike the Serensis Ser, this subspecies is commonly known to be intrinsically dextrous in handling metal. They are called Serensis Ren.


    Lastly, the subspecies of Serensis that coexists not with the rapid growing civilization but with the very essence of nature. They size up to half of a normal human height and unlike the Serensis Ser and Serensis Ren, they have wings that as clear as the sky. In hindsight, they are the best agricultural farmer and has vast knowledge about crops and other grown plants and trees. They are Serensis Sis and even among all of the races, the Serensis Sis is one of the hardest and delicate race to cross marriage with because of their difference in stature, or always mistaken as a child which leads to imprisonment for that partner, temporarily.


    That said, Amaryl is a Serensis Ser, however, in contrast to her family¡¯s elemenal affinity, she is much talented with water magic. Despite that, it posed no hate to anyone from her lineage, in fact, because she is an offspring of Serensis hailing from specializing earth magic, he proficiency with water magic greatly diverges.


    Her Water Magic has deviated into Ice Magic.


    One may deem that Ice Magic as nothing more than a phenomenon of freezing water or bringing its temperature below zero degrees, for Amaryl, using Ice Magic is nothing more than a normal walk while most people need to study complex structure of the Ice Magic to use it efficiently.


    Her popularity as the daughter of the Helion Family, one of the largest company that works with metal trading, is further boosted as she showed her strong and undaunted power of ice last year in the state competition.


    Sadly, she was beaten in the semi-finals by Alisa Hertuclaire.


    But that day, she was also labeled as the Frigid Princess, a title worthy of someone who uses Ice Magic effortlessly and in sync with her heavy armor.


    But alas, the very same Frigid Princess is troubled right now due to being late for her class.


    ¡°This is bad! I shouldn¡¯t have attempted waking Lady Esser up! She didn¡¯t even budge when I shake her whole body!¡± Amaryl said to herself as she runs past the pedestrian. Because she lives in the Business District where her suite is located, meeting with a crowd of people early morning is nothing new for her.


    The bustling city is busy as people walk all over the place trying to go to their respective works. Incidentally, Amaryl¡¯s running figure catches every male¡¯s attention as something bounces violently. Her hair which she painstakingly rolled into a croissant sways left and right.


    CREAK


    ¡°What was that?!¡± Amaryl exclaimed as she heard something as she stopped in her tracks. She immediately looked left and right but found nothing.


    However, she immediately knew what¡¯s up as soon as people started panicking and shouting.


    ¡°No way!¡± Amaryl shouted as she saw in one of the towering building, a huge billboard falls off. The place where the billboard will fall is a little far from her, however, she knew that few people couldn¡¯t react and escape hastily.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    She immediately noticed an Elderly woman who fell down struggles to stand up, however, she won¡¯t be able to escape in time.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± Amaryl burst from the ground and created an ice path in which she skated to boosts her speed.  She maneuvered the ice path with a ramp and flung herself towards the old woman.


    ¡°Young lady, thank you¡­but¡­¡± The old woman spoke, however, her head gazes above them.


    Amaryl knew that the huge billboard won¡¯t give mercy to her even if she builds an Ice Shield now. She then created another ice path towards a safe spot, however, knowing that if she tried to move with the old woman on her arms, they would most likely still get crushed, so at that moment.


    ¡°Go!¡± Amaryl slides the old woman on the ice path by putting all of her strength in her arms. A crucial delay that rendered her unable to escape.


    As the huge billboard inches very close to her, she just closed her eyes for her impending doom.


    BAM!


    Amaryl never felt the impact crushing her, in fact, all she can feel right now is two arms cradling her gently. It was not robust or rough, it was something like thin and frail befitting for a girl.


    Amaryl slowly opens her eyes and is met with a quizzical glare. The one who is holding her above the ground effortlessly is Esser who should have been asleep back in her suite.


    ¡°L-Lady Esser?!¡± Amaryl shouted.


    ¡°Un, you did well. You are brave and a good girl.¡± Esser simply said.


    ¡°You save me¡­? I mean thank you!¡± Amaryl, in shocked, immediately recomposes herself and expresses her gratitude.


    ¡°Un, you provided me with a warm bed and delicious food. I¡¯ll look forward to those. In return, I¡¯ll protect you.¡± Esser said.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you mean to say that you will live with me?¡± Amaryl frantically asked.


    ¡°Un, I¡¯m definitely sure Amaryl is a good girl. And also, I like your scent and your taste.¡± Esser said as she suddenly sniffs on Amaryl¡¯s neck and licks it.


    ¡°Hyaauuh! L-Lady Esser?! Please stop! And also, please put me down! People are watching!¡± Amaryl shouted as she swings her feet and hand to break free from Esser¡¯s princess carry.


    ¡°Ah, okay. You need to go to school after all¡­and¡­I don¡¯t do well with crowds.¡± Esser said as she noticed the people surrounding them.


    She set Amaryl down and bashfully covers her face with the beret again.


    ¡°You should go now. I¡¯ll return to your room or go to Meld to annoy him. I bet the others are also wandering around the city or going for a tour of the academy. Bye.¡± Esser informed Amaryl before disappearing in plain sight.


    ¡°Wah?! Fast!¡± Amaryl exclaimed as her figure disappears without a trace. Even the surrounding people are shaken by Esser¡¯s sudden disappearance.


    Even though she is one of the Ten Paladins, Esser is the least known of the members as she easily shies away from a crowd.


    ¡°Ah¡­I¡¯m late¡­¡± Amaryl said as she takes a look at her phone with a saddened tone. ¡°Well, in the end, what caused that billboard to fall anyway?¡± Amryl asked a question to herself.


    Meanwhile, Reed and Alisa just met up at their usual place.


    Seemingly unburdened by what he felt yesterday, Reed greeted Alisa with his usual refreshing tone. Alisa in return, pouted as she complained about how Reed always come haphazardly laid back.


    Together, they walk beneath the dazzling sun.


    ¡°It sure feels weird without Sig now¡­¡± Alisa comes out first before Reed could actually say it himself.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind, Alisa. I¡¯ll talk to Headmaster about this. I know it¡¯s a little inconvenient for him but I just can¡¯t let it stay like this.¡± Reed said in a serious tone.


    ¡°I see. If I¡¯m with you, I¡¯m pretty confident that it will work out considering I myself can actually feed and care for him financially.¡± Alisa bluntly said.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re making it sound like I am tragically poor.¡± Reed exclaimed with troubled yet playful smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant but if you feel that way, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Alisa extended her apology.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, Alisa is a bad girl.¡± Reed said teasingly with a smile towards Alisa.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too full of yourself. Once our vacation starts, I¡¯ll continue training myself so I can defeat you. I¡¯ll challenge you again in this year¡¯s state competition too.¡± Alisa glared at Reed while saying so.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll wait for you. That¡¯s a promise.¡± Reed¡¯s sincere words made Alisa¡¯s ears twitch.


    ¡°Do you easily give out promises like that? I was just wondering if you ever liked a girl. Do you? We¡¯ve been friends for a year now but this is the first time I am asking this.¡± Alisa inquired with sharpened eyes.


    ¡°Someone I like¡­?¡± Alas, Reed started shuffling his mind just to be met with Alisa¡¯s smiling countenance from yesterday. Remembering how he felt that time, his face burns up a little.


    ¡°N-No! I-I don¡¯t like anyone! I mean I¡¯m still not romantically in love with anyone!¡± Reed gave a denial that made Alisa a little curious but knows better when to stop.


    As such, their walk is filled with teasing and light banter with no personal harm. They pass the time walking together and before they knew it, they arrived at their classroom, however, they found no traces of Sigrun.


    ¡°Hmm, it seems Sig is still not here.¡± Reed muttered as he moves his sight left and right.


    ¡°That¡¯s weird. We always arrive here ten minutes earlier before the homeroom starts.¡± Alisa said was with knitted brows.


    ¡°Alisa¡­I might know where he is¡­¡± Reed told Alisa with a pale countenance.


    ¡°The way your face shows it¡­don¡¯t you mean¡­¡± Alisa, upon immediately realizing it, started sweating profusely too.


    ¡°How does Sig wake up in the morning?¡± Reed asked while trying to compose his self.


    ¡°The maids¡­comes and wake him up. I presume that it goes the same with you, right?¡± Alisa gulped as she threw the question back at Reed.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Reed only uttered as she locks gaze with Alisa.


    Momentary silence filled the space around them¡­


    Then suddenly¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s break for it!¡± Reed shouted as he started sprinting.


    ¡°You said it! Do you still remember where is Sigrun living?!¡± Alisa asked as she tried to keep up with Reed¡¯s sprint.


    ¡°Yeah! Apparently, he lives in the school district northwest! We can still make it if we bring Sig along with his uniform!¡± Reed said something unbelievable but Alisa couldn¡¯t point it out anymore as she struggles to run together with Reed.


    At that time, their hunch is proven right.


    At a small house that at first looks normal, has an extravagant furniture and intricate architectural design in the northwest of the school district, Sigrun now lives.


    Complete with high-end utility technology which is electricity base, the whole place could only spell someone rich living in a cramped house.


    In the bedroom where the design is simple with wooden floor and painted white walls with sufficient pieces of furniture like cabinet and desk, Sigrun lies naked in the bed while breathing softly covered with white sheet. However, under the cover of the white sheet also lies Emeralda who is also naked and clinging to Sigrun¡¯s torso.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 8

    ¡°Uuuhhh¡­sob¡­sob¡­This is so shameful¡­sob¡­hic¡­!¡± Alisa¡¯s voice resounded as she spills tears of distress and regret. ¡°This is all your fault, Sig! First, you destroyed my innocence, now you destroyed my reputation!¡± Alisa exclaimed words of blame.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry Alisa. Well, I kind of got really excited and overdid it with Emeralda yesterday night. To be honest, I can¡¯t say I am reflecting on my actions when I feel this refreshed!¡± Sigrun gleams a smile with a face full of confidence.


    ¡°It sounds more like you are still thinking of your deed yesterday night¡­¡± Reed made a remark.


    Currently, the three of them are doing a traditional punishment of holding two buckets filled with water in each hand while they stand in the hallway. The reason is they are not just late, they are really late for fifteen minutes.


    ¡°I am an outstanding student and yet, I get this kind of punishment! Uhhh¡­my hands are getting numb.¡± Alisa complained.


    Reed can only smile awkwardly at the situation they are being held into and Sigrun can just smile sincerely, feeling refreshed and gleaming like a sunshine.


    ¡°Su, su, su, su¡­¡± Whispered by someone.


    ¡°Ah, It¡¯s Ezili!¡± Sigrun called out to Ezili who is sneaking past them in the hallway corner as she tries to get on the escalator from afar. ¡°Are you late too?!¡± Sigrun followed an obvious question.


    ¡°Nooo¡­why would you say that, Sig? We third years have a different schedule.¡± Ezili said with her usual deadpan face, however, sweat streams from her forehead.


    However, because Sigrun called out to her, Ezili immediately noticed the trio standing side-by-side with buckets filled with water on both hands. Slowly, with a sparkle in her eyes, she brought out her camera and skillfully approach them without making any sound.


    ¡°Geh?! Miss Clear?! D-Don¡¯t take photos!¡± Alisa cried out as she notices Ezili with a smug on her face while pointing her lense to them. ¡°More like, you are late too!¡± Alisa growls at her.


    ¡°Ohohoho? Well, I¡¯m ditching first class. I¡¯m halfway late anyway. More importantly, this is good. Alisa Hertuclaire, Reed Chelle, and the campus idol Sigrun Valker are all lined up, being punished.¡± Ezili¡¯s smug grew wider as she snaps photos at them.


    ¡°Damn you! Eh--! Wait! Why are you taking a low angle shot like that?!¡± Alisa panics as Ezili crouches down in front of her. Since she can¡¯t move violently or the water will spill, all she can do is just bark at her. Then, she realizes that Ezili¡¯s goal is what under her skirt.


    ¡°For a greater cause. This could bring world peace.¡± Ezili said as she slowly creeps in under Alisa¡¯s skirt.


    ¡°NOOOOO! Get away! Sig and Reed, don¡¯t just laugh! Tell her off!¡± Alisa screams loudly.


    ¡°I want a copy later. Do you take cash as payment?¡± Sigrun nonchalantly asked.


    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯ll be one order. What about you, Chelle?¡± Ezili¡¯s attention shifted to Reed as her eyes started spilling her inner greed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass. Just don¡¯t tease Alisa too much or we will get heard.¡± Reed said with a frigid smile, however, as soon as he said those words, the door of their classroom slammed open.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Quarts muttered as he caught Ezili.


    ¡°¡­Bye!¡± Ezili tried to turn tail as she dashes away, however, she was stopped by someone.


    ¡°Oops! It¡¯s dangerous to run in the hallway. Anyway, it seems you did something bad, young lady.¡± Smug of a man named Seyren as he appears in front of Ezili and caught her by the collar.


    Seeing that Seyren, the top of the Ten Paladins appears, Reed and Alisa become stiff on their back. For obvious reason, they respect Seyren and the authority that the top holds. For Sigrun, he just comes off as just someone else.


    ¡°Oh, is that Sigrun Valker? Oh, it is Sigrun Valker! It is as they said, you have a countenance befitting of a beautiful girl! That aside, I want to have a chat with you later, okay?¡± Seyren said with an annoying wink as he handed over Ezili to Quarts. ¡°Bye!~ Oh, and good morning Sir Quarts.¡± Seyren said with a bow before he left and headed towards the escalator.


    ¡°Ah¡­what a weird guy.¡± Sigrun only muttered as he only noticed how annoying his smug is.


    ¡°That¡¯s Seyren Aern, the strongest of the Paladins. He must be here to visit the headmaster. Hmm¡­this is going to be a rowdy day.¡± Quarts muttered as he holds Ezili¡¯s collar to prevent her from escaping.


    ¡°Father¡­please let me off.¡± Ezili pleaded as she looks at her father with upturned eyes and drooping bunny ears.


    ¡°Take this bucket and go stand with them!~¡± Quarts mercilessly gave a punishment to his daughter and made her stand on the opposite wall of the hallway, directly facing the trio. ¡°I¡¯ll tell your teacher later about this.¡± He added.


    ¡°Ah¡­damn.¡± Ezili could only utter as her pleading failed.


    ¡°Also, Miss Helion who is hiding around there. Please take this buckets too.¡± Quarts called out as he looks at the end of the hallway.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­you noticed?¡± Amaryl said with dead eyes as she approaches Quarts and took the buckets. She stands side-by-side with Ezili who also showed the same blank countenance.


    ¡°Well then, please reflect on your actions.¡± Quarts briefly said as he closes the door.


    Right now, in the hallway, five people are receiving the same punishment as all of them displayed tardiness. The atmosphere has taken into a darker and depressing ambiance. Despite that, Sigrun is still smiling.


    After the class with Quarts comes Magic Class with Professor Strut, one of the people Sigrun can¡¯t come to terms with.


    The class is being conducted outside today as they are going for a practical study.


    ¡°You might have an idea already but I¡¯ll say it regardless. We are here now to demonstrate our own Magical Power. Not to flaunt, but to demonstrate the extent of your control over your very own Magical energy and how good it circulates in your Magical Nodes. We will do some basic exercise and after that, some mid-level Elemental Magic.¡± Strut explained.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Ah, this is it!¡± Sigrun happily exclaimed inside his mind.


    ¡°Do note that we have an important spectator. Lady Emeralda herself has come. Please do your best to show the extent of your strength.¡± Strut said as he points to Emeralda who is sitting on a chair under a shade.


    Emeralda waves at everyone with her usual adult demeanor. For everyone, she comes off as someone respectable, intellectual, and even sophisticated.


    But Sigrun knows better and possibly, Alisa and Reed.


    ¡°L-Lady Emeralda, huh¡­it¡¯s hard to imagine that my boy Sigrun has a special relationship with her.¡± Enheirt said as she eyed on Emeralda.


    ¡°After what we heard yesterday, though I am still having trouble wrapping my head around it, I am compelled to believe her story.¡± Amaryl, with a serious tone, said with a troubled countenance.


    ¡°Sigrun, are you¡­really that¡­you know, hero?¡± Enheirt approached the subject carefully and whispered those questions.


    ¡°I am.¡± Sigrun simply replied as he watches students perform their tasks one by one.


    ¡°You two sounds so calm. It is the Hero of Aldieas we are talking about here.¡± Alisa said in a low voice.


    ¡°Because! If you suddenly told us that someone this small, cute, and looks utterly harmless is that hero, honestly, no one will believe you!¡± Amaryl replied as she rubs Sigrun in her chest.


    ¡°Oh¡­ohoho¡­¡± Sigrun happily mutters as his face is shoved into Amaryl¡¯s soft and bountiful mounds. Meanwhile, Emeralda¡¯s cheek twitches a little.


    ¡°Ah¡­but seeing how he casually toyed Seigen¡¯s Bright Blitz, I don¡¯t think I can say any argument that that kind of possibility doesn¡¯t exist. For now, I want to verify if that¡¯s true.¡± Enheirt conveyed his doubts as he eyed on Sigrun.


    ¡°How so?¡± Amaryl gave a quick inquiry.


    ¡°You know, with this class. Sigrun my boy could display something for us, right?¡± Enheirt grins from ear to ear.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll do that!¡± Sigrun happily accepted the challenge without second thoughts.


    The four of them chattered until one by one, they are called to show their skills in front of everyone. Alisa was able to weave a beautiful sheet of flame in the sky that gets a full mark. Amaryl was able to create a huge crystal clear ice rose that also got a full mark. Enheirt was able to pull off an earth magic by creating five consecutive pillars.


    As for Reed, he created a small tornado. Enough to blow away people.


    And then came Sigrun¡¯s turn.


    ¡°Valker, are you prepared?¡± Strut asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Sigrun answered energetically.


    ¡°Remember, I want you to use an Elemental Magic by purely magic. Simple, capiche?¡± Strut reminded Sigrun.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s response became a little weak.


    ¡°Oh¡­it seems Sigrun realized it now.¡± Emeralda inwardly thought accompanied with a playful smile.


    ¡°Ah¡­crap¡­¡± Sigrun said inside his mind.


    His face becomes pale and sweat forebode to spill from his cheeks.


    ¡°F-Flame¡­¡± Sigrun muttered.


    Sigurn held out his hand in front of him with a troubled face. It took about thirty seconds before an actual fire manifests and took another ten seconds before it becomes as huge as a ball.


    ¡°Valker¡­is this the extent of your ability? I heard that you made Seigen Lloyd, the Light Prodigy, to concede yesterday. I was expecting something better or perhaps you are just shy to show anything?¡± Strut gave words of subtle insult.


    ¡°Kuh¡­t-then¡­FLAME!¡± Sigrun shouted.


    As soon as Sigrun exclaimed those words, the small fire in his palm expanded at a frightening speed. Before they knew it, the flame has become as large as a house.


    ¡°VALKER!¡± Strut shouted as he tries to reach out to Sigrun as the flame expanded and seems to be going to explode. Panics ensues among the students as they saw how the flame grew wild.


    However, he wasn¡¯t fast enough and the ball of flame exploded.


    But at that moment, the impact of the explosion and the sea of flame is forcibly redirected upwards. The one who did it was Emeralda who bears a draconic arm, tails, and wings. She swung her hand that it inflicted an upward eruption of the flame to prevent it from harming anyone.


    The panicking students stopped and look over at Emeralda who magnificently saved them.


    ¡°Ah, thanks, Emeralda. I kind of panicked a little myself.¡± Sigrun expresses is thanks to Emeralda.


    Before Emeralda could say anything, Struts intervened.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda, I am thankful for saving one of my students, however, I ashamed to have you see such awful display!¡± Strut rushed an explanation.


    ¡°No, I already expected something like this would happen, especially with Sigrun.¡± Emeralda calmly said.


    ¡°But¡­!¡± Strut tried to offer another reason, however, Emeralda doesn¡¯t seem interested anymore. Instead, she carried Sigrun like a princess in her arm.


    ¡°Ah, this one is hurt! I¡¯m going to take him to the infirmary.¡± Emeralda told a lie to Strut in which he is oblivious whether it is real or not.


    ¡°I am not.¡± Sigrun answered.


    ¡°Y-You are, idiot! Let¡¯s go!¡± Emeralda runs off, heading towards the Academy¡¯s infirmary.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± Strut only said as he watches Emerald with Sigrun left the grounds.


    As such, Emeralda rushes Sigrun to the unoccupied infirmary and found themselves a bed. No nurse, no other student, not even staffs, just them.


    Emerald throws Sigrun to the bed and sprouted a huge grin.


    ¡°For goodness sake, Emeralda¡­¡± Sigrun muttered.


    ¡°Fufufu, I really wanted to do it with you! Well, I can set that aside for now as I want to talk about what just happened¡­¡± Emeralda reveals that her intentions were not THAT but to talk about Sigrun¡¯s failure of casting a magic.


    ¡°I realized it on the spot. I shouldn¡¯t have neglected training myself with it.¡± Sigrun said with crestfallen countenance.


    Emeralda was aware and Sigrun learned it himself at that moment.


    Sigrun is someone who commands the power of the elements and proposed to it to become magic. His power to control the very essence of Elemental Magic without restriction is due to his possession of the Thirteen Vajra¡¯s cores.


    Simply by his will, the land will burn, flooded, quakes, or blew away everything without abandon. Those are factual for the Hero of Aldieas, however, he clearly stated that Magical Energy is consumed to use his powers.


    As such, the situation earlier demands him to use Magical Energy to create elemental magic. And that¡¯s when Sigrun realized that he is not apt to control Magical Energy as the catalyst to bring out magic. In other words, Sigrun¡¯s only use for Magical Energy is fuel for his existing powers.


    He never learned the way to use magical energy as means to create magic.


    ¡°I blew it.¡± Sigrun muttered as he hugs his knees and buried his face in it.


    ¡°Eighty years ago, I offered you help to train in that area but you declined, telling me that since you are not climbing down the mountain, it¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Emeralda exclaimed like she is scolding Sigrun.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I have caused trouble yet again because of my negligence. I think I should just return back to the mountain¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s voice sounded sound and guilt-ridden.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be hasty! At least you have something to keep you occupied here, right? I am aware that you are not that smart so you have to figure out to train yourself. Isn¡¯t that good?¡± Emeralda tried to comfort him.


    ¡°I like how you worded it, Emeralda.¡± Sigrun sprouted a smile as he turns his head towards Emeralda.


    ¡°Geez, for my master who gets easily sad.¡± Emeralda replied as she flicks Sigrun¡¯s forehead playfully.


    BAM!


    The door was slammed open by someone. The wall got cracked.


    ¡°We came as soon as we saw that huge flame!¡± Said by a girl riding a really tall and muscular man. She wears a red-black themed gothic lolita with a small broom in her hand. She wears a matching large hat that rests atop of her beautiful red hair that curls downwards fashioned with ribbons. Her irises are gleaming red like a ruby. The girl looks like she is just in her sprouting teen years.


    ¡°Hmph, so it is caused by Emeralda, huh. How troublesome.¡± Said by the tall and muscular man. He has a brown suave mustache and a neatly cut hair. He wears a shirt with a tank top and cargo jeans.


    The girl is about one hundred and thirty-five centimeters while the man is over two hundred and fifty meters. The girl riding the man¡¯s shoulder proves that there¡¯s a huge difference in their size.


    As the man entered the room while the girl riding his shoulder¡­


    THUD


    ¡°Ow!¡± The girl screamed as her head hits the ceiling.


    ¡°Ah, my bad.¡± The man only said with an apologetic tone.


    ¡°Be careful gramps!¡± The girl shouted while she adjusted her hat. In the process, Sigrun noticed her long ears, probably a Serensis Ren due to her height.


    ¡°Ah, master these two are also in the Ten Paladins. The girl is Ruby Mayfarer, as you could have guessed, a Serensis. She sits at Fifth of the Ten Paladins. The tall guy is Hart Geliet and he is a human. He is the second to the most powerful among us.¡± Emeralda introduces them.


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s a human?!¡± Sigrun asked with flabbergasted countenance.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 9

    ¡°So, you are going to be my stepson in the future? Fufufu, indeed, you are worthy and you have such glamor in you. I like you.¡± The small girl, Ruby, exclaimed as she jumps down from Hart¡¯s shoulder and descends ever slowly like her whole body is being guided by the gravity itself.


    ¡°Careful now Ruby. We are still here to investigate who unleashed such magnitude of power that the whole world felt last Saturday.¡± Hart reminded Ruby as he took a glance towards Sigrun and Emeralda.


    ¡°Wait¡­? So Emeralda and Meld haven¡¯t said anything about me yet?¡± Sigrun suddenly realized it as the notion of them still being wary of the phenomena is still unknown, at least for them.


    ¡°Wahahaha! You¡¯re still saying that Ruby?! You still have your stalking tendency too!¡± Emeralda declared.


    ¡°W-What are you talking about?! Gramps and I are just passing by, you know!¡± Ruby¡¯s voice shook as she denied Emeralda¡¯s allegation.


    ¡°Hmm, I do sense them quite earlier but I paid it no heed since they don¡¯t seem to be hostile.¡± Sigrun thought such.


    ¡°Playing dumb, huh? You and Hart said almost the same thing but the meaning is quite off from each other. Goodness, if you are going to give reasons to follow me or Sigrun, you should have done better.¡± Emeralda talked as if she is unveiling their plots. ¡°Though, this is just a bluff. I¡¯m just guessing it with Ruby¡¯s tendency to stalk people she is interested in.¡± She immediately said inside her head.


    ¡°Ahahaha! My bad, Ruby. Our words did sound the same but considering that you just saw the huge flame while I saw Emeralda is just out of the context of our plan.¡± Hart laughed heartily while finding an appropriate chair to sit on, however, because of his size, he settled for the bed that gave off a creak when he rested his body.


    ¡°Hmph, game over. So what? More like, I am curious about that boy. His magic went out of control and created a flame way over the size an ordinary student can make!¡± Ruby said with a pout as Emeralda shows a smirk.


    ¡°As much as I¡¯d like to discuss everything right now, we must wait until his classes are over. Then, we can truly continue this, how about it? I¡¯m heading over to Meld¡¯s place. You want to come?!¡± Emeralda excitedly said.


    ¡°Ah, let¡¯s go! I want to see my beloved Meld!¡± Ruby happily said as her cheeks are tinged a little ablaze.¡±


    ¡°Well then, Sigrun, return to your class when you feel better.¡± Emeralda said as if she is trying to lure the two Paladins away from him.


    With Emeralda as the lead, Ruby and Hart follow behind.


    ¡°Hey, why did you call him master earlier?!¡± Ruby coquettishly asked.


    ¡°W-Why indeed? Ahahaha¡­¡± Emeralda¡¯s troubled laugh is what Sigrun last heard.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the one saying this but they are quite interesting people. Ah, but I have to look at the problem at hand. I miserably failed at using elemental magic like how they use it. Maybe I should have Alisa and Reed teach me after all.¡± Sigrun said to himself as he stretches his arms and proceeds to leave the infirmary.


    When Sigrun gets back, he got scolded.


    The entirety of the day is Reed and Alisa comforting Sigrun because of his failure while Amaryl and Enheirt tried to get more answer out of him regarding his identity as the Hero of Aldieas.


    Thankfully, Enheirt and Amaryl still have pressing doubts but nonetheless, conferred to believe about Sigrun¡¯s identity as they deemed that Meld wouldn¡¯t lie about such sensitive case. Still, what happened to Sigrun¡¯s magic still lingers around the class and he got all of the attention.


    Finally, as the last bell tolls, Sigrun breathed a sigh of relief.


    With Alisa, Reed, and Amaryl in two, Sigrun proceeds to the Headmaster¡¯s office where Meld and the other Paladins are supposed to be. Enheirt could not come. According to Amaryl, he has a part-time job at a supermarket.


    As they marched towards the office, Sigrun suddenly stopped point blank at the front of the door.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sig?¡± Alisa asked with anxiety painted countenance. It was natural for her and the others to feel nervous since they are going to meet more of the Ten Paladins which are widely known to keep the peace in this world.


    ¡°There¡¯s quite a lot of people inside, huh?¡± Sigrun muttered as he nonchalantly opened the door.


    What they inside made them stopped at their track with gaping mouth of pitying eyes.


    The man in question, Meld Valker, the headmaster of Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy is sitting on his chair with dead eyes as Ruby Mayfarer sits on his lap while trying every kind of flirting with him. Her words are ignored but her countenance if enough to convey that she is extremely joyous.


    They see Hart Geliet, half naked as he stripped his upper clothes and strike poses in front of a large mirror inside the office. His extremely large build did nothing but to stand out and give a disgusting response, especially from Amaryl and Alisa.


    Seyren has taken out all of the books from the shelf not to read them, but to amuse himself by stacking them as high as possible. He didn¡¯t bother Meld¡¯s angry scolding and proceeded to build his tower while trying to get Meld¡¯s attention and once in a while, say how awesome his city is.


    Emeralda is on the couch, guzzling on some expensive looking wine like it is some water. Quarts happily fills her goblet with it with an evil smile on his countenance. Emeralda on the other hand just keeps pouring the wine offered to her straight down to her throat.


    On another side of the office where Meld¡¯s techbook is located, a man with deep blond hair with blue scaly horns sprouting from his head and two scales with the same color on his jaws wearing a really dirty and greasy jumpsuit used for mechanical work.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Finally, the beret-wearing cat girl, Esser, runs towards them, specifically to Amaryl and gave her a hug.


    ¡°Lady Esser?¡± Amaryl only muttered as she watches the smaller girl shyly wags her thin tail.


    ¡°Come! Let¡¯s eat some cake!¡± Esser drags off Amaryl away from the group. She pulls on Amaryl¡¯s hand towards a vacant table with cake and teas atop of it.


    Sigrun didn¡¯t mind what just happened and proceed to walk inside. He decidedly sat beside Quarts and gestured to have a few shot.


    ¡°Oho? This one is a delicacy. A rare grapefruit of blue in color, traded from a far city called Mephis in which a province that specializes in cultivating fruits. Please have some.¡± Quarts readily poured a glass for Sigrun.


    Sigrun picks up the glass and drank the content without abandon.


    ¡°OH?! Now that¡¯s the stuff! Well, it¡¯s quite pale in comparison when it comes to impact compared to what I make back on the mountain.¡± Sigrun said with a satisfied look on his face.


    ¡°You brew your own wine?¡± Quarts asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve learned a lot of practical skills during my time living alone. Cooking, sewing, cleaning, laundry, crafting, and a lot more than needed to live alone.¡± Sigrun stated with a factual tone.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t start a uneccesarry discussion!¡± Meld snaps.


    ¡°Oh my, darling, why are you so mad?¡± Ruby asked Meld with teasing eyes.


    ¡°Get off me you flatboard! As if I¡¯d get interested in a young brat like you.¡± Meld replied with convulsing cheeks.


    ¡°Geez, they¡¯ll grow big after a few years...¡± Ruby said with a positive hindsight. ¡°Urk!¡± However, her demeanor immediately shattered as she saw Amaryl, a fellow Serensis, sitting beside Esser, with a bountiful chest.


    CLAP


    Meld clasped his palm loudly to gather everyone¡¯s attention towards him.


    ¡°Everyone, now that Sigrun is here, we may now start this talk. Though¡­where¡¯s the other three?¡± Meld said as he surveyed the populace inside the room.


    ¡°Hmm? As usual, you know. Having their own schedules. Ah, Meld, I cashed in some parts delivery for an Exturbo under your name. Thanks!¡± the greasy man said.


    ¡°Damn it, Lahr! F- Nevermind! Just pay attention!¡± Meld shouted.


    The greasy man who looks like a mechanic is named Lahr Briar. The ninth of the Ten Paladins. Unlike Emeralda, Lahr is a man who uses intellect rather than brawn.


    ¡°Yo, Meld, getting angry over petty stuff again? Ahaha, you never change.¡± Seyren laughs as he approaches them.


    ¡°Seyren, you, of all people, should know the seriousness of my job.¡± Meld sends a glare at Seyren.


    ¡°Well, fine. Everyone, let¡¯s listen to Meld. We may finally close the case about that pressure we felt the other day.¡± Seyren commanded everyone with a stern voice. The entirety of the Paladins inside the room sobered up from the fervor of their enjoyment and gathered around.


    As everyone is now paying attention to Meld, the atmosphere grew tense and Alisa, Reed, and Amaryl who got caught up swallowed their saliva in their anxiousness. The shift in the ambiance made the hair on their neck stand. They knew that the Ten Paladins are a group of extremely powerful people ranging from Tier two and above but they never imagined that such pressure could overpower their calmness.


    Inside their mind, they are stiff still, inside their chest, their hearts stumps nervously, and inside their mouth, their tongue seeks moisture as it dried up.


    ¡°Everyone, as you may have heard, this boy here, Sigrun Valker, is my adoptive son. In reality, it was just a cover to give him a new identity to this new era that this world has reached.¡± Meld¡¯s words seep right into everyone¡¯s mind and they quickly process the information.


    ¡°This boy here is the actual Hero of Aldieas, Sigrun. He arrived in this city last week and now, he is trying to learn the ways of the society.¡± Meld announces, however, there was no visible reaction from everyone. Even Esser who is quite shy is showing a default countenance.


    ¡°Oh? So, Meld, you hid Sigrun from us. Nevermind the days that have passed, but considering that you never spoke a word of it to us is quite¡­what do you call it¡­? Treacherous.¡± Seyren said with a smile, however, his eyes are serious.


    ¡°If you have something to say to Meld, I, Emeralda, can also be held accountable too, don¡¯t you think? I¡¯ve known Sigrun for quite a time but this is the first time that I will announce my relation to him.¡± Emeralda said as bloodlust slowly seeps from her.


    ¡°However, hag, we could say that you¡¯ve known about Sigrun longer than before the Ten Paladins is founded. Your words are regarded as a personal secret.¡± Ruby said while addressing an insult to Emeralda.


    ¡°Tsk, brat.¡± She only clicks her tongue.


    ¡°Un, my verdict is neutral. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that serious anyway, meow.¡± Esser voices her judgment and cuddled up to Amaryl.


    ¡°W-why is she so attached to me? I get that she is a subspecies of a cat but¡­¡± Amaryl¡¯s attention was momentarily stolen by Esser.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t really matter to me. All I want is to get some materials from Meld for my new Exturbo.¡± Lahr said as he turns his back and proceeds to leave the room.


    ¡°Hmm, I understand that this boy here, Sigrun, is that hero, as Meld claimed. I¡¯ll repeat it, as Meld claimed. If it is so, then he his a potential ally to help us conquer the Eight Dungeon Tombs.¡± Hart said.


    ¡°Hart, that¡¯s not something you say here. There are kids here who are not aware of its existence. Only Tier Three Degree Five Magus are allowed to such classified information!¡± Meld shouted with indignation.


    ¡°Eight Dungeon Tombs? What are those?¡± Reed¡¯s mind tried hard to keep up with the conversation. Upon hearing something new, he immediately searched his memory if anything sounds related to it. Apparently, he remembers none.


    ¡°To be treated as kids¡­No, we are kids after all¡­¡± Alisa grits her teeth. She couldn¡¯t do or say anything about the situation at first, it doesn¡¯t really concern her. Second, if it does, what are the chances that she could actually do anything.


    ¡°Ahahaha, Meld, uptight as ever. Now then, how do we determine that authenticity of his claim? Simple. By testing the very boy he identifies as Sigrun, the hero of Aldieas.¡± Seyren sprouted a twisted smug as he turns his sight towards Sigrun.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sigrun only looks at Seyren, trying to determine what is he going to do next.


    ¡°If you are the real olden hero, then, you should recognize this blade.¡± Seyren said as a blinding light erupted around him. Everyone except Sigrun drew away from Seyren.


    ¡°Wha--?! Seyren, you!¡± Emeralda shouted as she drew back with Alisa and Reed on her arms.


    ¡°You really like to be this flashy, that¡¯s why you don¡¯t have friends.¡± Esser said while mocking him. In her arms, Amaryl is there, with a perplexed countenance.


    ¡°Seyren¡­you don¡¯t have to use that¡­¡± Meld asked as sweat started flowing down from his forehead.


    On his hand, pale blue transparent sword reveals itself. The power it leaks is astounding to everyone. The reason Seyren Aern is at the top of the Paladins, the reason why everyone respects him, the reason he is seen as someone akin to a legend¡­


    Is because, in his hand, a Cosmic Blade shows its power.


    ¡°Well then, how about this, Sigrun, Hero of Aldieas?¡± Seyren said as he pointed the blade at Sigrun.


    Sigrun stares at the blade with a bewildered face. It was a face of pure surprise as the blade with a blue glow appeared right in front of him. However, his stance changes as soon as the blade is pointed at him.


    ¡°Hey¡­you might not really know but¡­I¡¯ll ask anyway¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s words are nothing but tinged with hostile intentions.


    He then reveals an eye of pure rage.


    ¡°HeY, dO yOu KnoW whAt iT meANs tO pOinT thE COSMIC BLADE OF BALANCE tO thE wiEldEr oF tHe COSMIC BLADE OF CHAOS?!¡± Spiteful words are utter from Sigrun¡¯s lips that basked everyone¡­everything¡­and the entirety of the city in his growing rage.


    At that moment, the sky is dyed in pure chaos as the clouds are painted with malicious darkness. The very ground itself started to tremor and all of the establishments have gone awry as both magical energy and electrical energy are greatly disrupted.


    That day, everyone learned how a simple rage of the Olden Hero could become a massive mayhem.

 Nevertheless, A Disastrous Week Chapter 10

    A dazzling sky dyed with hazy chaos, an atmosphere that spells doom, and a foreboding power that enveloped the whole world in utter rage. It is his anger, Sigrun¡¯s deepest emotion sealed inside his heart. For how long does Sigrun suppress such emotion inside of him?


    However, the malaligned chaos slowly dies down. As if it has not originally occurred and caused a short commotion. The panic that ensued found needless anymore as the primal instinct of everyone in the world is shaken.


    In the middle of his lost cause, a single phrase would stop Sigrun, a verse of promise.


    For you who is my dearest, Sigrun. Please don¡¯t give up on them. Always find inside yourself to give them salvation. And, one day, please learn to restore your love for them.


    A calm and gentle voice of a woman resounded inside his head to clear up the fog of wrath enveloping his mind. Before Sigrun¡¯s eyes flashed the memory of the woman he deemed dearest, the woman who he gave up every disdain he has to give chance to this world.


    ¡°Order¡­¡± Sigrun muttered as if light returning to his eyes. As if the very promise he had from the past was the trigger to bring back his lost composure.


    ¡°Oho, that¡¯s quite scary now! I almost piss my pants.¡± Seyren said nonchalant but his face is drenched with sweat. The Cosmic Blade of Balance then disappears from his hand. ¡°With this, we, undoubtedly identified the authenticity of Sigrun.¡± He added as he falls on one knee in front of Sigrun.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Sigrun asked as he looks at Seyren with sharpened eyes.


    ¡°I may have caused you grief or reminded you of something bad so I want to express my apology, O Great Hero. My very actions are inconceivable and a bit unconventional but I assure you that its cause is for the safety of this world.¡± Seyren¡¯s sincere words resounded the whole room.


    ¡°Never dare point that blade unto me again, even by mistake. You are¡­declaring a Universal Decree of Cosmic Mutilation. In other words, you are commanding the Cosmic Blade of Chaos for a duel that could potentially inhibit the balance and chaos.¡± Sigrun explained with crestfallen eyes.


    ¡°It was¡­that bad?!¡± Seyren asked with flabbergasted countenance.


    ¡°It¡¯s bad to the point that I almost got riled up. It¡¯s a gesture to implement a heavy command for a chaotic attrition between the wielders of both blades. Most likely, the Blade itself will give you a surge of power in order to fight me, however, as you are, even with the help of the blade, certain death will only be granted to you and a wide scale of destruction shall befall in this world.¡± Sigrun once again clarified the effect of the blade and the decree that it will bring.


    ¡°So it was really bad. I guess I should have asked before doing something stupid again, hahaha!¡± Seyren laughs it off.


    ¡°We are dealing with Cosmic Blades here, the very manifestation of the Cosmic power. And more like, it¡¯s a surprise that someone has picked up that blade. No matter, don¡¯t answer that. What happens to the blade is not my business anymore. However, I do tell you this. The blade itself is just going along with you. It will never allow you to reach its highest peak of potential.¡± Sigrun said.


    ¡°I see! You really do know so much about the blades. Then¡­why do the Hero of Aldieas, the symbol of salvation¡­holds not the blade that signifies Balance? Instead, you wield the blade that outright spells Chaos?¡± Seyren¡¯s question has a tone of deep curiosity and pursual of an answer.


    ¡°¡­I believe I am not obligated to answer that.¡± Sigrun simply said as he turns his back from Seyren. ¡°I am going home.¡± He simply said as he started walking out of the room.


    ¡°Sig!¡± Reed shouted as he runs to follow Sigrun.


    ¡°Wait, Reed!¡± Alisa cried as she goes after Reed.


    And so, as the three of them left the room, a brief silence looms over. The only sound that everyone can hear is the blaring siren that spells a danger all over the city and phones ringing, hoping to be answered as people waiting for orders.


    ¡°Seyren, you don¡¯t have to go that far! Even just asking questions is enough!¡± Meld shouted with an enraged face.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You dumbhead! Well, not that we really expect that Sigrun could be that almighty powerful. Way powerful than we anticipated.¡± Ruby¡¯s dignified voice crumbles to a coarse tone as she shudders from remembering the sensation of being bathed in Sigrun¡¯s rage.


    ¡°Seyren, think of the time and place. Amaryl is also shaken¡­¡± Esser said as she soothes Amaryl who is still speechless.


    ¡°Ahahaha! But, what do you guys think? Sigrun, the Olden Hero, helping us conquering the Eight Dungeon Tombs! With that, we can actually delve deeper into the mysteries that those tombs bring!¡± Seyren¡¯s laugh and energetically said those words without a single hint of remorse.


    ¡°Seyren¡­I don¡¯t think Sigrun will even help. It was really unacceptable for you to use such mundane method just to sate your curiosity.¡± Emeralda said with weary eyes.


    ¡°Hmph, We can¡¯t have that. Forthright, I shall do something about it.¡± Seyren said as he turns his heel away and headed for the door.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I am sorry to inform you this Seyren but could you stay for a while?¡± Quarts voice suddenly broke the dreary atmosphere with his lighthearted tone.


    ¡°Sir Quarts, we are indeed in need of personnel. I can¡¯t just sit tight here and¡ª¡° As Seyren is about to give his reasons to excuse, he immediately pursed his lips.


    ¡°Stay.¡± Quarts once again said with a smile, however, his eyes are not something that even Seyren dared to oppose.


    ¡°I¡­got it.¡± Seyren settled and obediently returned.


    ¡°Well then, since another chaotic event happened, all of you are going to help us to take care of this mess, especially you, Seyren, who pushed Sigrun at his wit''s end. No one is leaving until everything is back to normal!~¡± Quarts once again wore a cheerful smile that gave everyone conflicting emotions.


    ¡°Well¡­Esser already escaped together with Miss Helion¡­¡± Quarts said as he tries hard to locate Esser. ¡°Then, then, then, without further delay, let¡¯s start.¡± He added.


    Without even a speck of resistance, Ruby, Hart, Emeralda, Seyren, and Meld all worked together. For some odd reason, they do not have any single complaints when Quarts issues them an order.


    Meanwhile, Sigrun together with Reed and Alisa.


    ¡°Hey, Reed, can I crash at your place tonight?¡± Sigrun asked with a cheerful voice as if everything that happened earlier was just an illusion.


    ¡°Of course! There¡¯s no need to hold back! Since I already told mother and father about you, they¡¯ll give the okay sign immediately!¡± Reed happily and readily answered with a thumb up.


    ¡°Thanks!~¡± Sigrun said with a smile.


    On the road where the sky has returned to normal in which it was dyed with chaos earlier, the three of them walks home. Even though another commotion has occurred and everyone is panicking, the three of them marches like everything doesn¡¯t seem to matter.


    Except for Alisa who''s face is painted with anxiousness.


    ¡°Yeah, I just remembered it. I want to learn how to use magic. I mean, how the way you guys use it.¡± Sigrun stated as he faces the two.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Well, I mean, it may not be enough to undo your failure earlier but it is better to learn something new, right? Maybe Alisa and I can give teach you the basics. While we are on it, we can also teach you about Exturbos and Inscription, right, Alisa?¡± Reed, while smiling, said those words and asked Alisa.


    However, Alisa didn¡¯t even try to look at them. She just had her sight directed low as if she is avoiding eye contact with anyone. Her fluffy fox ears and tails are just slumping down to show just how negative the emotion she is withholding inside her heart.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Alisa? You¡¯ve been still for a while now!¡± Sigrun approaches Alisa and held her hand, however.


    ¡°Eeeep!¡± Alisa, as soon as she felt Sigrun¡¯s hand, drew away quickly from him.


    At that moment, Alisa¡¯s body trembles and her hands are shaking as if she is stricken with fear. Sigrun¡¯s eyes widen in surprise from Alisa¡¯s sudden aversion to him and Reed is looking away. His eyes already show that the talk between him and Sigrun is proven ineffective to still the atmosphere.


    In short, it was only a farce to avert his feeling of shaking from the inside from Sigrun¡¯s display earlier.


    Upon realizing Alisa¡¯s true emotion, Sigrun¡¯s surprised countenance slowly withdraws into a saddened smile. He then slowly drew away from Alisa too.


    ¡°I see, it¡¯s like that¡­It¡¯s perfectly normal and it¡¯s fine for me.¡± His words tinged with extreme melancholy suddenly shook Alisa. ¡°I knew it¡­¡± Sigrun said to himself.


    An existence outside of normalcy, someone who no longer walks in the same path as those who are in this world. His very nature has greatly diverted from them. He learned that he can either be a symbol of salvation or fear.


    He was an existence none could comprehend anymore. He has a power that none could ever dream to match. He did not know that the magnitude of his power, or rather, the effect of his pugnacious emotions could dearly affect anyone around him, until now. His long detachment from people made him forget about it.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Alisa, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sigrun said while he turns his back on her.


    Excruciating pain fills Alisa¡¯s chest as if she is being pricked with thousands of needles. Fear or worry, what does she think should prevail.


    ¡°Sorry, Sig!¡± Alisa said as she turns away from Sigrun and runs off with tears dripping from her eyes. She could not come up with anything. She couldn¡¯t face Sigrun anymore.


    Reed didn¡¯t stop Alisa. He just simply watched her run. He wanted to follow her, grab her hand, and assure her but¡­


    ¡°How about you, Reed?¡± Sigrun directed a question towards Reed.


    ¡°¡­Honestly, I¡¯m also shaken, and a little bit scared. Sigrun, it feels like there¡¯s something about you that¡­I cannot understand. I think¡­Alisa felt the same and she doesn¡¯t want to delve deep into that part of you¡­like I do¡­¡± Reed gave his innermost thoughts.


    ¡°I see. That¡¯s also fine.¡± Sigrun gave a brief answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Reed. I want you to tell Alisa that too.¡± He abruptly added.


    ¡°Sig¡­¡± Reed could only mutter.


    ¡°This new era, this new place that everyone built is wonderful. Everything is laid back and overflowing with peace. Though there might also be a lot of difficulties, I firmly believe that everyone has a strong heart to overcome it. This time around, I am not mistaken about it.¡± Sigrun said with a glance towards the sky.


    ¡°Yes¡­people has grown. We might not be the people that you knew from the past but I can say that we are at least trying.¡± Reed also followed where Sigrun is looking as he said those words filled with firmness.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. But¡­most of all, the best thing that happened when I came to this city is¡­meeting you and Alisa. You showed me so many fun things here. I love it, I love everything that you two showed me.¡± Sigrun said with a voice growing weak and shrill.


    ¡°Yeah, we will get over with this¡­and head towards a new day where we can still have a lot of fun.¡± Reed replied.


    ¡°¡­Is that so? I change my mind. I think I¡¯ll head home for today. Bye¡­¡± Sigrun waved his hand to Reed and turn his heel in the opposite direction.


    ¡°Yeah¡­bye¡­¡± Reed only said as he also walked away.


    At the end of the day, no one knows except those people inside Meld¡¯s office knows what actually happened. The whole disaster was called off as another false alarm.


    Because of the wide panic, tomorrow class is suspended and the member of the Ten Paladins did their best to help out in bringing the word to the people that everything is still in order.


    A whole day of Wednesday has passed without nothing much to do. Alisa and Reed delve into their emotions and how they will interact with Sigrun starting tomorrow. They both did desire for his presence but as soon as his buried emotions were dug, the two of them started thinking of steering away from Sigrun.


    Conflicting emotions disturbed them even in their sleep. Only then those emotions will be resolved if they are to meet Sigrun again.


    That¡¯s what they thought in their hearts.


    However, as Thursday came, classes resume and they did their daily routine of walking together towards the Academy. Their entire time together in the morning is covered with silence. No interaction, just a serene moment of sensing each other¡¯s presence.


    And as they arrived at the Academy¡¯s entrance gate, Emeralda quickly walked towards them in haste with a pale countenance and declared¡­


    ¡°Sigrun¡­has already returned to the mountain.¡± Emeralda¡¯s words rang that shook both of them.

 Nevertheless, A Heart to Mend Chapter 1

    A week has passed since Sigrun returned to the mountain, Reed and Alisa¡¯s relationship fell miserably apart.


    Through Emeralda¡¯s announcement, Reed and Alisa were both shaken, however, it was not to the point that they have ceased from doing their daily activities. It was a curious reaction from Emeralda¡¯s view but she doubts she could be of any relief for the two.


    Friday passes, Saturday passes, Sunday passes, the two never looked for Sigrun. Emeralda observed the situation with heart gripped with a thorn.


    At Monday, they still walked together, however, it was covered with a painful stillness. Their connection with each other was lost somewhere. The bridge that connected them crumbled and the friendship that they have from before meeting Sigrun got worse than ever.


    Nevermind walking together, Alisa started going ahead of Reed without even waiting for him. Understanding this, Reed also started going on a separate way home from Alisa. Both each started hanging out with each and their own peers.


    Such an adverse effect tore them apart from each other. They would be seen often looking at each other and meeting gazes, however, they¡¯ll immediately avert away.


    ¡°Sigrun, what have you done to these children?¡± Emeralda¡¯s fleeting voice leaked out as she kept an eye on them.


    As Sigrun disappears, his classmates also felt the trembling effect and they¡¯ve become crestfallen. Even the professors started skipping his name from the attendance.


    Meld showed no visible emotion. It was simply that he could not express anything to Sigrun who he momentarily knew. As for the Ten Paladins, they gave Seyren punishment for his conduct. They decided to stay at Brent City for a month so they won¡¯t be going anytime.


    ¡°Is this¡­really alright?¡± Reed kept asking those words inside his heart every night, not knowing how Sigrun actually felt that time. Not knowing how Alisa feels at the same time. He can only clench his teeth and grits in vexation.


    Who is to blame? He doesn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Alisa¡­¡± Reed¡¯s heart squeezes as the lovely fox girl slowly drifts away. In his mind, her lifeless eyes slowly turn away from him.


    It was a startling Thursday night... when that thought flooded Reed¡¯s head.


    Meanwhile, for Amaryl¡­


    Staring at out at the lovely sight of the city night illuminated with bright colorful light, her eyes adrift at the corner of the room where Esser is standing. She herself is unsure of the situation.


    The day Sigrun showed his pitiful emotions of rage, Amaryl also cultivated fear.


    ¡°Esser¡­¡± She muttered with a weak voice.


    ¡°Amaryl, please don¡¯t so sad. Don¡¯t be scared too, I am here for you.¡± Esser comforted her.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it. That¡¯s not it¡­I am scared. That¡¯s a fact but¡­It¡¯s been only a few weeks and Sigrun just have to disappear like that. How could I confront him about this feeling when he is not here anymore.¡± Amaryl¡¯s weak and shrilly voice pierces Esser¡¯s heart.


    ¡°The Hero of Aldieas, Sigrun. You wanted to be close to him?¡± Esser inquired as she held onto Amaryl¡¯s hand and sat beside her.


    ¡°Who knows? He abruptly appears and then abruptly disappears. It¡¯s frustrating. He hid his identity just for us to find out he is that kind of existence. That it is in itself is surprising but¡­instilling fear in my heart and snatching away the possibility of confronting him is¡­frustrating.¡± Amaryl said her innermost thoughts with melancholic eyes.


    ¡°Either way, I don¡¯t care. Amaryl, do you remember that day?¡± Esser asked with lonely eyes.


    ¡°What¡­day?¡± Amaryl tilted her head in confusion.


    ¡°No, nevermind.¡± Esser dismisses it and cuddles to Amaryl with face tinged with redness.


    With a pleasant atmosphere, Amaryl and Esser quietly spend their time in that position before retiring for the night. Because of Esser, Amaryl¡¯s heart felt a little comfort. For her, Esser is someone who abruptly came to her too but for some reason, she felt eased around her.


    And then, at the top of a skyscraper, two men stand, looking at the whole city blanketed with the night sky.


    ¡°So, how did it go? The investigation I mean.¡± A man said who conceals himself in a hood said in a daunting tone.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°The incident last week, as expected, it was their doing. They really investigated Amaryl Helion and her nature carefully.¡± Another man said from the cover of the darkness.


    ¡°I see. And, they didn¡¯t account Esser being with her. Either way, tracking them down will be the most ideal. A month of stay in this city, I hope it would be sufficient enough for us to catch them,  The Hoarders.¡± The man in hood said with an angered tone.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let them roaming now, can we? Their information network greatly matches ours. Trafficking and capturing people to turn them into slaves¡­really deplorable.¡± The man in the darkness said.


    ¡°The record as of now, the races they have collected has a certain percentage pattern. Five percent Humans, ten percent Alpsis, ten percent Oreals, fifteen percent Serensis, and the vast majority that are used as sex slaves¡­sixty percent Vasters. The hooded man recounted.


    ¡°What about the other Paladins? Are they also investigating?¡± The man in the darkness asked.


    ¡°Some are aware, some are not. It¡¯s better to divide our forces like that. As for you, are you fine working like this? Don¡¯t you have classes? I heard that Sigrun Valker left and it made a huge impact in your class.¡± The man in hood replied back with an inquiry.


    ¡°Hmm, I can¡¯t say I am not sad but, it was something my boy Sigrun decided. Right now, I have to focus on the mission.¡± The man said as he turns his back and left.


    ¡°Hmph, what a shrewd boy.¡± The hooded man muttered.


    Disappearing from the astray darkness of the night, the two figure went their separate ways. The night filled with mysteries passes by without regards to the event taking place.


    Friday comes and it has been nothing for Reed and Alisa.


    In the middle of the class, Reed who hasn¡¯t slept soundly kept glancing at Alisa.


    ¡°I can¡¯t focus. My mind keeps reeling back to the thought of Sig. My eyes kept getting pulled to Alisa¡¯s direction and I still think about how it is too stupid of me to be scared, of all people, to Sig.¡± Reed¡¯s mind is filled with anxiety. His eyes are weary and his lips couldn¡¯t form any curves.


    ¡°When I think about it, I think Alisa is more attached to Sig. I wonder what kind of pain she is experiencing right now? I want to talk to her but I can¡¯t even start a conversation. I am useless. If it is Sig, his bold personality would have already solved this.¡± Reed lamented.


    ¡°Sig¡­in the mountain¡­¡± Reed¡¯s thoughts flew as the sight of the enormous mountain suddenly came up to his mind.


    After that, Reed fell asleep and receives scoldings. The professor brought him in front of the class and made him stand there while taking a sermon. At that moment, Alisa¡¯s eye reeled towards him.


    ¡°Reed is¡­his eyes look so tired. I wonder what was he thinks all night. I can¡¯t face him after showing how scared I am at Sig. I am nothing but a coward to someone I ought to treat dear. I ran away without thinking of Sig¡¯s feeling. Showing that I was scared of him, it might really pain him.¡± Alisa thought as she felt her chest tightening.


    ¡°I feel like every single day that Sig is not here, my friendship with Reed that I built for a year would crumble in just a matter of days. It¡¯s not like I need Sig but¡­I feel like Reed is really lonely without him. No, I could¡­say the same for me¡­¡± She felt like an empty husk as those thoughts invade her.


    ¡°I am¡­good for nothing¡­¡± Alisa muttered quietly to herself. Before she knew it, tears started spilling from her eyelids like a dripping faucet.


    ¡°Miss Hertuclaire?! Are you alright?!¡± The professor took notice of Alisa and immediately dashes to her.


    ¡°Ah¡­eh¡­? Um¡­I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Alisa, confused and befuddled, started wiping her tears with her sleeves. ¡°Eh? They aren¡¯t stopping? Ahehehe, how stupid.¡± She said with cracking voice.


    A sound of chair abruptly being moved then resounded. Heavy and fast footsteps approach Alisa from behind.


    ¡°Sir, I think Alisa is hurt somewhere. I¡¯ll take her to the infirmary.¡± Amaryl declared so as she takes Alisa¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Is that so? Please do so, Miss Helion.¡± The professor said with a thanking gesture.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go, Alisa.¡± Amaryl then led Alisa, who still can¡¯t stop her tears, out of the classroom and takes her to the infirmary.


    Seeing the sight, everyone murmured their own conclusion but Reed knows better. Standing there, only looking at Alisa¡¯s last visage, his eyes turned to something else.


    ¡°......¡± Reed¡¯s eyes become serious that it loses its light.


    That night, at Chelle¡¯s residence. After eating an early dinner, Reed prepared a huge backpack and cradled it at his back.


    He came over to his mother who was washing dishes.


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll head out. I¡¯ll stay over at Enheirt¡¯s place until Monday. I¡¯ve already called their place so don¡¯t worry.¡± Reed said as he heads out.


    ¡°Reed, you do be careful, okay? Call once in a while too.¡± Reed¡¯s mom said so as she permitted his high spirited child to go.


    Reed left the house and started strolling with his bicycle. However, instead of the direction going to the neighboring residential area, his aim is instead¡­


    The Sacred Mountain.


    The biting coldness of the night is repelled with Reed¡¯s thick clothing. He prepared everything he needs for a camping and even resolute himself to hunting if he ever in need of additional food. He even brought a portable sleeping bag.


    As for why Reed is heading to the mountain¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see Alisa crying like that again. I have to man up. I¡¯ll bring back Sig no matter the cost.¡± Reed said to himself as he pushes forward.


    ¡°Well, I said that but I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll be easy.¡± He added as the towering mountain which most of its body is covered with clouds gave him a nauseous feeling.


    ¡°If I continuously use Whirlwind Sprint, maybe I can reach the top in just a day?¡± Reed muttered as he calculates his time in climbing the mountain.


    He steers his bike from the separate path that divides the highway and the uneven path towards the mountain. The path that he took immediately changes to a green scenery as trees started covering his sight from the view of the city.


    After that, the road becomes uneven and biking becomes severely hard as he started driving the pedal. Seeing that he expends more energy, he let go of the bike and continues by foot.


    Pushing through the thick forest comes stone step that counts up to hundreds. It was a shrine where the entrance to the mountain is located. Without hesitation, Reed started venturing the steps and eventually, reaching the shrine.


    ¡°I heard that some magical beasts live on the mountain so I better gear up too.¡± Reed said as he armed his self.


    Ahead, he saw a shrine with two monster like statues. Behind the shrine itself is a path leading to the path for the mountain.


    With a dagger in his hand, Reed started climbing up the mountain.

 Nevertheless, A Heart to Mend Chapter 2

    Reed approaches the shrine with eyes brimming with determination and heart resolute to perform the task he himself has given. Towards the towering Sacred Mountain that even the top cannot be seen from his place as it is bathed in clouds, he didn¡¯t waver.


    However, he abruptly stopped in his tracks as someone blocks his way. Someone he, in the corner of his mind, most expected to be here.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t stop me, Lady Emeralda.¡± Reed pleaded with eyes piercing through the visage of Emeralda as he already set his goal towards the mountain path that could lead to where Sigrun is.


    ¡°Oh? That is not my intention, lad. There¡¯s just one thing I wanted to confirm with you. Either you stay with me for a little while or you¡¯ll never pass here.¡± Emeralda subtly gave a threat mixed with a little demand as she gave a wry smile towards Reed.


    ¡°Do I have a choice? What do you want to confirm?¡± Reed asked impatiently.


    ¡°Lad, what do you see of this mountain? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s so peaceful and lovely? Full of greenery and sweet cold breeze surrounds it. Even with its size, it doesn¡¯t look imposing.¡± Emeralda stated as she glances back to the mountain behind her as she affixed her glasses.


    ¡°I can see nothing wrong. I¡¯ve heard that there are magical beasts here but that alone will not stop me. I want to bring back Sig. It¡¯s the only solution I came up in my mind!¡± Reed exclaimed as he clenches his fist to still his passion.


    ¡°I see, then, lad, you¡¯re already dead.¡± Emeralda simply said.


    ¡°Wha--?! Why?!¡± Unable to comprehend what Emeralda said, Reed took one step forward as if to show his indignation from her remark.


    ¡°You are already disillusioned by the nature of this mountain. Do you think it is that simple? It is as they said, you are quite reckless.¡± Emeralda shook her head left and right as she held the bridge of her nose to still a headache she was about to experience.


    ¡°I see¡­if Lady Emeralda said so. Please tell me, what lies ahead of this path? I want to get to Sig no matter what!¡± Reed realizing that Emeralda pointed out something crucial, his changes attitude.


    ¡°Wow, you are not as obstinate as I thought. I thought I need to give you several smacking to input logic into your head.¡± Emeralda exclaimed with a disbelief tone.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Between Alisa and I, I am the reckless one but I listen to others when it matters the most¡­in some cases. For most of the time, Alisa is the one who is obstinate.¡± Reed couldn¡¯t help but laugh at what he said.


    ¡°I like that attitude of yours. Well then, to answer your question, what lies ahead this path is, a world connected and at the same time, disconnected from reality.¡± She said as she directs a sight of sternness to Reed.


    ¡°Is this¡­some kind of a paradox?¡± Reed could only mutter as he tried to comprehend those words.


    ¡°Lad, I myself missed Sigrun. I¡¯ve always missed him for these past eighty years.¡± Emeralda said as she shows an eye tinged with misery and loneliness.


    ¡°Then, wouldn¡¯t climbing up the mountain¡­Wait¡­if you, Lady Emeralda, the Third of the Ten Paladins, is strong, shouldn¡¯t it pose no problem?¡± Reed¡¯s eyes widen as he caught a whiff of something.


    From his expression alone, Emeralda regarded Reed as someone who passed. She wanted to see if Reed could think of the reason but he immediately shows his insight into his tone.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This mountain there is nothing sort of sacred. Truth be told, this is easily one of the scariest places on this planet.¡± Emeralda said with a far off look.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda, what happened to you¡­back then?¡± Reed asked a question trying to gather more information.


    ¡°To be brief, when I was fifteen years old, I and some Magus tried to climb this mountain. The Ten Paladins wasn¡¯t founded yet so I have nothing else but people who are quite experienced. As we reached midway¡­¡± Emeralda closes her eyes as she pauses, relieving those memories like they are still fresh in her heart.


    ¡°All fifteen magus were killed without even a single resistance from the mountain¡¯s wilderness. Hunted by a two-meter tall pack of wolves, beaten to a meat paste by a five-meter tall ogre, eaten alive by a huge arachnid which has a span of four meters, and so much more¡­¡± Emeralda¡¯s voice is bathed with remorse and guilt as she telltale about her experience.


    Reed immediately felt it. His heart clenching as he vividly imagines those situations, his knees shaking from trying to shake it off, his palms sweating trying to still his fear visibly.


    ¡°And then, at last, I was about to meet my end as a dragon opens its mouth to devour me as a snack when the strongest predator of the mountain came.¡± Emeralda sprouted a smile.


    ¡°Strongest predator?¡± Reed, trying to get over his fear, asked with eyes full of curiosity as he got seeped into the story.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Yeah, that would be none other than Sigrun himself. He didn¡¯t specifically save me though. His presence is feared by any living things there so naturally, the dragon fled. Me, at that time, followed him to safety until I got at the top of the mountain.¡± Her tone changes into a comical and laid back one.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how you and Sig met¡­¡± Reed spelled a smirk as he imagines that scenario.


    ¡°Yeah, so, skipping a lot of the story and bedtime activities, for five years, I trained there because Sigrun won¡¯t take me down the mountain. So, instead of continuously begging him, I trained under his guidance until I can go down the mountain myself.¡± Emeralda shrugs as she smiles.


    ¡°Then you can definitely go back at the top, right?¡± Reed, finding hope, said.


    ¡°Unfortunately, I am unsure. Going down and going up are two different things. You could also say that I am only strong enough to escape by myself. Not to fight.¡± She stated like it was an obvious fact.


    ¡°Strong enough to escape? Even if you told me that magical beasts there are unbelievably large, won¡¯t Lady Emeralda can come out victorious?¡± Reed quickly inquired the question.


    ¡°Lad, you do not underestimate that mountain. Once you fought one, another one will come. It will draw more magical beasts around you and you will be fighting non-stop. And what¡¯s more¡­¡± Emerald pauses for a moment as her expression freeze in perplexed.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± Reed hurried for an answer.


    ¡°Unlike common magical beasts outside the cities, magical beasts here are capable of using magic. And on top of that, they are an adept user of Vitas Magic, auto regeneration. If you quite get what I mean, do you still think you can do it?¡± Emeralda ushered answer from Reed.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Reed¡¯s only answer.


    From Reed¡¯s immediate response, Emeralda was shaken a bit as she took a step back. She stares at the lad, no, at the man whose eyes are sincere and full of unshakable resolve. One may dare to say that he is just simply reckless, however, this man is quite tricky.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda wanted to bring back Sig too, right? I wouldn¡¯t be seeing you here and asking me these kinds of questions if you don¡¯t want to.¡± Reed asked with certainty towards the shake Emeralda.


    ¡°You¡­!¡± Emeralda couldn¡¯t refute Reed¡¯s words.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda could easily wipe the floor with my face and drag me back but, you yourself are aware of your own desire. Then, Lady Emeralda, please lend me your strength!¡± Reed uttered those words as he affixed his stare directly at Emeralda¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Ah¡­Ahahaha¡­AHAHAHA! Interesting! You are a really an interesting lad! I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s the reason why Sigrun became attached to the two of you! Well then, I am going to give you two a hand!¡± Emeralda broke out into a laughter.


    ¡°Thank you! But¡­wait! Two?!¡± Reed suddenly shouted as he noticed something amiss from Emeralda¡¯s words.


    Seeing that Reed realizes what she just said, Emeralda broke out into a happy grin. She nonchalantly walks towards a tall tree and grabs its body. With her monstrous strength, Emeralda uprooted the tree like she is just picking up a toy from the ground.


    She raises the tree overhead and walks towards Reed with her face still grinning. Reed looks at Emerald with eyes of disbelief because of the display of her prowess and at the same time, the confusion of what she did is something unneeded.


    ¡°Kyaaa! I get it! I get it! Please put me down! Or rather, please put down the tree! My¡­my skirt is flailing!¡± A shriek, almost pleading voice of a girl resounded.


    Reed peered hard at the top of the tree as a familiar voice entered his ears. From the cover of the leaves of the tree comes¡­something pink¡­


    ¡°Ah¡­ahh¡­¡± Reed''s voice leaked out with his face burning in cerise as he realized what it is that he is peering at. The fluffy fox tail already gave out her identity but something came as a bonus too.


    ¡°Here, here! Ahahaha! Hey, lad, can you see it?!¡± Emeralda keeps shaking the tree in a glee.


    ¡°Put me down! Ahh! I¡¯m going to cry!¡± Cried Alisa as she tightly clings unto the tree. Then and there, Alisa¡¯s wishes have been heard as Emeralda took pity on her.


    Emeralda gently lowers the tree where Alisa can safely land¡­beside Reed. Actually, she intends Reed to catch Alisa as she playfully shakes the tree again as Alisa is just above Reed.


    ¡°Eeek! What the hell!? Uwaah!¡± As Alisa delivers another complaint, she loses her grip and fell.


    ¡°Alisa!¡± Reed cried as he catches Alisa in his arms. As her body is brought close to him, he embraces Alisa tightly.


    Emeralda then leaks out a horrible grin as she walks away to return the tree from where she uprooted it. After that, she sat in one corner to observe the two.


    ¡°Alisa¡­¡± Reed muttered under his breath as he stares at Alisa¡¯s eyes which on the verge of tears. Once again, it incited a hot and tingling feeling in his chest.


    ¡°Y-you see¡­Reed¡­I was just taking a stroll and then¡­I uh¡­this is a stupid reasoning, isn¡¯t it?¡± Alisa fell into a slightly miserable countenance as she immediately concluded her own words to be ineffective in the given situation.


    As she ran out of things to say, Alisa fiddles with her thumbs, still in Reed¡¯s arms. She is unsure of what to say at this point.


    ¡°Why are you here, Alisa? No, did you¡­followed me?¡± Reed asked those question in disbelief.


    ¡°No¡­I actually got here a little earlier but then, you came by and I panic. I climbed that tree to hide but then¡­Lady Emeralda appeared. I lost the chance to come out¡­¡± Alisa said as she looks away from Reed. ¡°And¡­can you put me down¡­?¡± She added.


    Following her plea, Reed gently set Alisa down on the ground on her feet.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve said it¡­I can not hide the fact that I want Sig to go back too, huh? I guess I¡¯m just as lonely as you, Reed¡­¡± Her voice is tinged with a little melancholy but nevertheless, driven like Reed.


    Seeing Alisa talking to him like this, Reed felt a little happy inside his heart. He then realizes that, maybe, maybe, Alisa¡¯s voice is somewhat soothing too. He didn¡¯t notice from year all round that they are together but he got used to Alisa, however, as they were torn apart momentarily, he came to learn that he longs for her.


    Without saying a word, without asking for her permission, Reed reaches out for Alisa¡¯s back and pulled her close to him. So close that he immediately felt her breathing, her warmth, and her presence that he misses.


    ¡°What--?! Reed! This is! So¡­so¡­um¡­¡± Alisa face immediately boiled piping red and her hand panics but she showed no resistance.


    ¡°I¡­miss you so much. I didn¡¯t know it myself. Even though we were so close, at that time, I felt so far from you. I¡¯m glad that we could talk again.¡± Reed words enter Alisa¡¯s ears like a dripping honey that glued her to his chest further.


    Alisa, on the other hand, felt Reed¡¯s manly physique. She felt how vastly different a man¡¯s body to a woman despite their race. In the first place, she is already infatuated with Reed, however, she also learns that this simple infatuation grows ever so passionately.


    ¡°Wooo! Get a room you two!¡± Emeralda teases.

 Nevertheless, A Heart to Mend Chapter 3

    Reed and Alisa, from Emeralda¡¯s playful teasing, separate from each other in flustering manner. Because Reed just realized what he just did, he felt a little embarrassed while Alisa¡¯s face is in a blissful glow with a joyous smile.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s, you know¡­a¡­friendly hug? Ahahaha¡­¡± Reed stated while leaking out a weak laughter. He turns his sight away from Alisa and let his eyes wander somewhere else.


    ¡°F-Friendly hug¡­¡± Alisa grimace in dismay at Reed¡¯s words. She just heaves a heavy sigh as once again, Reed threw Alisa into the friend zone game, is all her thoughts are.


    Emeralda, who was watching the whole thing, sprouted yet again another grin. In her eyes, Reed and Alisa are already an item she is anticipating to come out but they themselves build a wall in front of each other.


    ¡°Rather than calling Reed Chelle dense, at this point, he is now more in his denial phase. His feelings are now laid bare.The problem now lies with the girl. Alisa Hertuclaire is now dense of the lad¡¯s feelings. How complicated, how sweet yet bitter youth!~¡± Emeralda inwardly said to herself with elevated mood.


    ¡°Okay, you two, let¡¯s stop dawdling. I¡¯ll just ask this just in case. Since it seems that the two of you has made up, do the two of you still intend to take this path?¡± Emeralda voices out the question mixed with her own concern over the two.


    ¡°Like I said, Lady Emeralda, I am determined from the very start. It just makes me more concerned about Sig. Even though I¡¯ve known him for a short while, I can attest that he, even as a Hero from thousands of years ago, still have his emotions intact. I feel like I¡¯ve hurt him considerably.¡± Reed returned a resolute reply.


    ¡°Neither I nor Reed is going home at this point, Lady Emeralda. I am determined to bring back Sig too. I know that I am at fault too for showing him how frightened I am for his power incomprehensible to us.¡± Alisa followed as she clenches her fist while looking straight at Emeralda¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Alright, alright! That was dumb of me to ask! Since there¡¯s no stopping you two, let¡¯s immediately plan this out carefully.¡± Emeralda said as she beckons the two closer and Reed and Alisa obediently did so.


    ¡°First, lad, drop all of your things here. We don¡¯t need anything that will weigh you down. There¡¯s no point in camping peacefully in a place where danger is also apparent at night. Second, be sure to prepare your minds because we are not going to get a single wink of sleep. Third¡­always¡­always listen to me.¡± Emeralda¡¯s voice is tinged with anxiety this time but her third order sounded absolute.


    ¡°Leave our things behind, no sleep, and follow your orders. Got it.¡± Reed simplified everything that Emeralda said as he gently put down his bag full of provisions and camping materials.


    ¡°Wait, Lady Emeralda, I understand the first and third rule but¡­no sleep is practically a huge hurdle, especially for me. Even though I am a Vaster Fox subspecies, I am actually very sleep driven person.¡± Alisa delivers her worries with knitted brows.


    ¡°Oh, now that¡¯s a problem. Reed Chelle, how long do you think you can stay awake?¡± Emeralda directed her question to Reed.


    ¡°I am confident to stay awake at least for two days. If push comes to shove, I¡¯ll carry Alisa in my back if needed to!¡± Reed declared so as he looks at Alisa as if to assure her.


    ¡°Then, Miss Alisa?¡± Emeralda directed a smirk to Alisa whose cheeks turns a little cerise.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­I¡­uh¡­do my best to stay awake for three days! No need to worry about me!¡± Alisa¡¯s voice cracks a little as she stated it.


    Emeralda leers close to Reed and whispers to his ears.


    ¡°She can¡¯t. Prepare your back.¡± Emeralda playfully said.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Reed struck dumbfounded.


    ¡°Well then, since the two of you heard my conditions, we¡¯ll fly until midway. We can just skip climbing from the very base of the mountain since that¡¯s too tedious.¡± Emeralda announced as two scaly wings sprouted from her back.


    ¡°Hmm, now that you said it Lady Emeralda. Couldn¡¯t we just use a Jet or a Heli? I¡¯m pretty sure I can afford about ten of those.¡± Alisa asked with an innocent face.


    ¡°Damn brat! Are you trying to flaunt your wealth or something?! Anyway, those are no good. Before it could even enter the premises of the mountain, a dragon would have launched an attack above the clouds. This mountain, in diameter, is larger than Brent City and as close as possible to the stratosphere. Expect that the oxygen level there is lower.¡± Emeralda explained calmly even though she was lashing a little at Alisa.


    ¡°Then, can¡¯t you just fly towards the summit yourself?¡± Alisa once again asked a question timidly.


    ¡°That¡¯s also impossible. Before the summit, a Mythical Dragon resides. Lustrous jet black scale and overflowing with magical energy. Sigrun referred to that dragon as Fafnir. It will be our greatest enemy if we are not careful.¡± Another warning came from Emeralda.


    ¡°Just how many of these are you going to tell¡­?¡± Reed muttered as he grew impatient.


    ¡°Wha-?! Now my warning is plain annoyance?! In the first place, it is the two of you who wanted to come here impromptu! We could have planned this out properly, you know! Geez, whatever! Let¡¯s go!¡± Emeralda swiftly scoops Reed and Alisa and carried them both on her shoulders.


    ¡°Eh?!¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Reed and Alisa both shrieked as they were both carried unprepared.


    ¡°And GO!¡± Emeralda shouted as she flapped her wings and she takes off sounded like a boom.


    Cutting the air with her wake, trampling the sound barrier, and blasting off like a mad rocket, Emeralda flies higher, however, her diagonal direction that seemingly preventing to fly higher than needed, she stops as she arrives at the point where clouds started covering their visibility.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    She carefully and gently lands on a rocky path covered with tall trees. The starry night sky disappears from their sight as only clouds blankets above them and the frosty coldness covers the bark of the trees a little icy.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Emeralda said as she brought Reed and Alisa down on the cold rocky ground. ¡°See? The flight wasn¡¯t too long.¡± She added with a smile.


    However, her words reach no ears as Alisa and Reed just sit there in a daze.


    ¡°Hey, are you two okay?! Hey, earth to two moronic lovers!~¡± Emeralda tried to shake their minds with a little tease but it was ignored.


    Seeing that their minds still haven¡¯t caught up yet, she just sat down on a slab of stone and waits.


    ¡°Hmm, maybe the sudden change in the atmosphere shocked their bodies? Or they¡¯ve gone a little groggy from the burst of my flight? Anyway, this is a little fun to observe.¡± Emeralda tried to come up with a conclusion but gave up as she watches Alisa and Reed.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± ¡°Muh¡­?¡± Reed and Alisa simultaneously came to their senses.


    Both blinked several times while looking at each other. Assessing that they are looking right into one¡¯s eyes, they turn around and looks at Emeralda with disheveled appearances.


    ¡°I¡­I was used to using wind magic to fly but¡­that was something else¡­kind of shocking.¡± Reed absentmindedly muttered.


    ¡°I¡­think I wet myself a little¡­¡± Alisa, like-wise, muttered the first thing that came to her mind.


    Emeralda¡¯s eyes widen a little from the reaction she got from the two. Feeling a little satisfied with what she saw, she stood up and approached the two.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s go. We¡¯ve got all day and night with us, or the two of you prefer to rest first?¡± Emeralda asked as she places one hand on her hip.


    Snapping out, Reed and Alisa jolted from the ground as the coldness seeps into their skins. In much of their panic, they straightened their backs and immediately gave Emeralda an answer.


    ¡°Let¡¯s immediately deploy!¡± Reed answered livelily.


    ¡°All hands are ready!¡± Alisa, like-wise, gave a weird response.


    ¡°Are you guys really okay? Well, no matter. Before we proceed, pour this all over your body.¡± Emeralda handed them a gooey flask with a clear colored fluid inside. Its content is enough to be poured all over.


    ¡°Um¡­what is this¡­Lady Emeralda?¡± Alisa asked, as out of the two of them, she felt slightly uncomfortable while Reed started applying the fluid.


    ¡°That erases your odor. It won¡¯t come off unless you wash. In short, you won¡¯t produce any odor or anything.¡± Emeralda explained as she started applying the same stuff not only to her body but to her clothes as well.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Alisa tried to say something else until she got cut off.


    ¡°Forget about your delicacy as a girl. From here on out, it will be survival of the fittest. If you don¡¯t want to die, do as I say, remember? Or do you want to back down? It¡¯s not too late yet.¡± Emeralda gave Alisa a side glance while she threw a question.


    Alisa turns towards the flask and grasps it firmly. She heaved a deep sigh before opening the flask and pouring the content onto her body.


    ¡°Euughh¡­¡± Alisa leaks out a disgusted voice as she applies the liquid all over her body. The slimy and gooey fluid taking all over her body, the sensation that makes her a little hot, and the slouching sound that it makes made her so disgusted.


    And so, the three of them finished applying the x-substance that removes body odor.


    Beckoned by Emeralda, they ventured further through the foggy uphill of the mountain, however, their positions are reversed. Instead of walking right in front of them, Emeralda positioned herself behind Reed and Alisa.


    Since she is taller and her eyesight is far better than the two of them, she deemed that it is the most optimal way to tread along. She is the least concerned about her back so she feels a little relieved watching Reed and Alisa in front of her.


    After walking for half an hour, the fog clears up.


    ¡°You two, come closer to me. We¡¯ll hide under the blankets of the trees.¡± Emeralda said in a low and almost inaudible voice.


    As per her command, Reed and Alisa walk closer to Emeralda and slowly, they began to move from trees to trees.


    But the situation, the changed in the atmosphere, the sudden attack of wild and powerful magical energy, made Alisa and Reed gulp their saliva.


    ¡°L-Lady¡­Emeralda¡­this is¡­¡± Reed tried to say something.


    ¡°Observe, sharpen your senses. Any questions, I¡¯ll fill it as long as we survive.¡± She briefly replied, exuding her vigilant to the highest degree.


    ¡°It is¡­as Lady Emeralda said¡­this world¡­is connected¡­yet not. Even the magical energy is too abnormal that even the trees around that supposed to freeze, are healthy and brimming with life.¡± Alisa kept her thoughts inside her mind.


    Straight out from a book where Gods lived, the scenery behold to them is nothing short of breathtaking.


    The time should be around night time, however, the sky shows nothing but a hue of both nighttime and daytime, as if the moon and sun have met from each side of the world and brought their ray of light down into this place.


    Nothing sort of starry sky, they felt like they are actually staring at the streak of the galaxy across the universe and turbulent calm aurora fiddles here and there.


    Up above the sky, floating rocks, no, islands set sail in the air and unmovingly stills there. Being dissonant with reality, they felt like another world has opened up to them. Large dragons hovering the sky far above of differing types roared.


    But, even as they looked up, the summit is nowhere to be found.


    As Reed and Alisa burn the mythical scenery right before them, Emeralda suddenly pulled them down with her hands covering their mouths.


    As confusion ensues, Reed and Alisa look at Emeralda as if looking for an answer.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± In response, Emeralda knitted her brows and shook her head.


    BAM!


    BOOM!


    Loud noises suddenly entered their ears. In curiosity, Reed and Alisa peek their eyes out of the thicket they are using as their blanket from the sight of the monstrosities in this frontier land.


    ¡°BRUAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡± A huge ogre standing seven meters tall shouts a battle cry.


    The ogre has a yellow skin and hard toned body. Its distinguishable feature is its distorted face with lower jaw teeth protruding from its mouth. In its hand, a large stone ax is being dragged.


    In front of the enraged ogre is an ashen rabbit the stands at one-meter height. Contrary to normal rabbits the would run away from a dangerous situation, this rabbit stares cautiously at the Ogre.


    A chill suddenly ran down Alisa and Reed¡¯s spine as they watched the spectacle.


    In a flash, the ogre swung its ax towards the rabbit downward. As soon as it landed on the ground, a streak of stone pillars are erected.


    ¡°Magic?! So Lady Emeralda is serious! And that magic is clearly abnormally overpowered!¡± Reed¡¯s mind is in tatters. The magical beasts in front of him clearly defy any logic. He imagined if he himself fought the ogre, he guarantees that he will die.


    Even so, the attack didn¡¯t hit the rabbit. The ogre tried pulling the ax from the ground but it was a beat slower.


    SWISH!


    The rabbit that dodged the huge stone ax and rapidly approached the ogre and did a somersault kick to its chin. The kick was so strong that the ogre¡¯s head was blown away upward.


    Seeing how a rabbit took down a terrifying ogre, made Alisa and Reed trembles in fear. It was then replaced with horror as the rabbit started nibbling on the ogre¡¯s dead body and making crunching sounds.


    ¡°Lies¡­lies¡­lies¡­this is not what I expected¡­!¡± Alisa¡¯s mind falls into a complete panic. She would have shrieked in utter fear if Emeralda wasn¡¯t holding her mouth.


    THUD


    Suddenly, a loud noise erupted in front of them with splattering sound.


    Alisa and Reed both strained their eyes to see what just landed. To add fuel to their chaotic state of mind¡­


    The decapitated head of the ogre lands in front of them.


    Emeralda tightly held their mouths so they won¡¯t leak a single ounce of their voices. The two younglings in her embrace, leaning on her body, are trembling in fear.


    Alisa couldn¡¯t help but cry in a horrid state of the head while Reed clenches his teeth to still any strong emotions that may erupt.


    ¡°I hope you two understand it now.¡± Emeralda thought to herself.

 Nevertheless, A Heart to Mend Chapter 4

    Brent City Business District Area C-Four, Lloyd Research Facilities lays one-fourth of the total hectares of the district. As the name implies, its sole purpose is research and to some extent, inventing tools and even new magic.


    They are responsible for the development of the city¡¯s magic engineering industry and to enhance the lives of the people with magic centered appliances. However, they also go deeper as to develop weapons not only for people but also for Exturbo.


    A resounding sharp footstep reverberates in a white hall that laid no windows. Seigen Lloyd with dignified steps as he dons the white capelet with his school uniform under it while holding a box.


    Currently, he is traversing the hallway of the underground layer of the Lloyd Research Facility, a place where handpicked personnel can only enter.


    Then, he arrived at his destination, a huge steel door. Seigen nonchalantly walks towards the optical scan and fingerprint scan.


    The large circular door made a mechanical sound as it spins slowly. The complex lock that was used here is design for multilayer protection. The door itself is twelve inches thick that even Seigen himself won¡¯t be able to scratch it.


    What then behold inside the heavily guarded room is¡­


    ¡°Oh, hey Seigen. Did you bought the game?¡± A man no younger than Seigen with the same blond hair but contrasting red eyes, said as he relaxes on a sofa while furiously pushing the button of a console game. He even used the large monitor that should be used for research as his screen.


    ¡°Yeah, and some foods too. I have to remind you that pizza delivery up unto this chamber is prohibited, Rodh. Anyway, how¡¯s ARMA? Have you finished installing the new features you have mentioned a while ago?¡± Seigen asked nonchalantly as he laid down the box and took out some game discs and junk foods.


    ¡°Err¡­due to some Unidentified Biological Error, the progress of the redeveloping ARMA has been delayed for a time frame of¡­¡± Rodh, who started sweating, explained.


    ¡°The Error is your laziness. The time frame is until you finish the game. Just how much of a shut-in have you become? Though you skipped grades and have been moved to Tier Three Degree Four, you are just clacking on your computer all day. Though I¡¯m impressed that you were able to make more inventions than most professionals.¡± Seigen said and ended his words with a sigh.


    ¡°You¡¯re just earnest, too earnest. Anyway, what happened with the boy you were talking about? Sigrun Valker.¡± Rodh threw a question while keeping his eyes on his game.


    ¡°I am not bound to say anything. Anyway, Rodh, I want you to finish revamping ARMA. In three months, I¡¯m going to take a Rank-up Test to enter Tier Three.¡± Seigen said as he sat down beside Rodh and took a controller.


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Rodh replied without interest.


    ¡°Rodh, what are the Eight Tomb Ruins?¡± Seigen once again asked another question.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush and don''t push me. Where did you hear about that? Wait, let me guess, you were snooping around again. What a lame hobby.¡± Rodh gave a sideglance to Seigen before focusing yet on the game.


    ¡°Rodh, the Ten Paladins are here. I heard from Sir Quarts what has traversed that day where Sir Seyren confronted Sigrun Valker. Surely there¡¯s a meaning of why they are here.¡± Seigen knitted his brows.


    ¡°Hmph, they are desperate of course.¡± Rodh simply said with a scoff.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Seigen¡¯s immediate query.


    ¡°Out of the Eight Tomb Ruins, for more than two hundred years, they still haven¡¯t conquered even one. The Tomb Ruins of Dreasis in the City of Kruall is what they are trying to investigate and conquer, however, they just keep losing people, magus, per se.¡± Rodh explained with an annoyed tone.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then Sir Seyren is¡­¡± Seigen dropped his controller in surprise.


    ¡°Not just Seyren, all of them, even Meld. They are all looking for¡­their own Prot¨¦g¨¦.¡± Rodh turns to look at Seigen with a huge grin.


    Seigen immediately shot up from his seat and started walking out.


    ¡°I have no time to dawdle if that¡¯s the case. Rodh, finish ARMA in three weeks.¡± Seigen gave a stern command to Rodh.


    ¡°Ehh!?~ So forceful.¡± Rodh said as he puffs his lips out.


    ¡°Please! Hey, we are paying you!¡± Seigen blurted in anger with twitching cheeks.


    ¡°Ahaha! As you command! Well then, bye!¡± Rodh said as Seigen closes the steel door with the scans and buttons again.


    The large circular steel door once again closes as Seigen marches away while clenching his fist. He once again traversed the quiet hallway devoided of anyone¡¯s presence, well, not for long.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°Please, please, coming through, Pizza Delivery.¡± Said by someone who is wearing a shady cloak.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Ezili?!¡± Seigen shouted as he immediately identified the standing bunny ears, golden silken hair, and short stature as his friend.


    ¡°Hehe, Seigen, I¡¯m here to deliver pizza, of course.¡± Ezili smirked while keeping her countenance default deadpan.


    ¡°Ezili, spare me of your whims. You are quite knowledgeable of the circumstances too, that¡¯s why you are here.¡± Seigen stated as he held Ezili¡¯s left arm to prevent her from escaping.


    ¡°The Paladins are searching for new prot¨¦g¨¦? It¡¯s no puzzle for my father who specializes in hacking and information gathering. As for I, of course, I leeched off from my father without his knowledge. As for my reason being here¡­¡± Ezili momentarily drops her sight below.


    Suddenly, Ezili brought out knives, pinned between her fingers and jumps backward. She threw all of the knives around Seigen that was deeply lodged on the ground. In his response, Seigen also leaps backward, however, Ezili then summoned dozens of chains made of darkness to surround them.


    ¡°Ezili, what¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± Seigen demanded an explanation.


    ¡°Seigen, have a match with me right now. I am aware that you don¡¯t have ARMA but you are still plenty strong.¡± Ezili declared as she brought her camera out.


    ¡°Abruptly declaring a challenge in this place. Ezili, you are better than this.¡± Seigen uttered those words as if he is anguishing over Ezili¡¯s action.


    ¡°Unfortunately, I am not. You may not know this but, I want to be strong too. I don¡¯t want to be in the shadows like my father.¡± Ezili said with her tone filled with determination.


    ¡°That¡¯s a stark contrast with both your hobby and specialized element. What would you gain from this anyway?¡± Seigen asked as he prepares himself.


    ¡°First, I want to gauge my own strength by fighting you. Second, I am going to take out all of my pent up frustration to a certain someone.¡± Ezili stated as she started attacking.


    ¡°A..certain someone?!¡± Seigen shouted as he dodges a kick from Ezili.


    Ezili and Seigen¡¯s match rages on.


    Meanwhile, Reed, Alisa, and Emeralda are traversing the Sacred Mountain aiming for the summit where Sigrun is, continues to hide from the monstrosities of the wilderness.


    They¡¯ve been traversing for more than eighteen hours now without a sleep, however, Reed and Alisa, even though they show fatigue on their faces, are wide awake because of their vigilance of the surrounding.


    CRUNCH


    The three who are moving slowly in the blanket of the shadow behind the thickets heard something. Of course, they turned their attention to the direction where the sound came.


    There, three wolves with silver manes are eating a bear five times their sizes. The blood spill from their mouth as they greedily devour the meat of their prey.


    ¡°Hmm? Ah, the wolves with wind magic. By the damage that the bear received, most likely, the game ends up at the three rotating in attack with a wind blade. Truly, they are subjective with strategies even if they are not communicating with each other through understandable words.¡± Reed spoke in his mind as he observes the scene of carnage with unwavering eyes.


    ¡°Ah, how grotesque. They are even starting somewhere around the ribs. Maybe that¡¯s where the juicy parts are. Anyway, if I am a wolf myself, the best thing to consider is the thigh part.¡± Alisa¡¯s residing thoughts as she also watches the wolves.


    Emeralda watches the two, who has amused countenance, grimace horribly.


    ¡°Hey¡­what the hell!? You two adapts too quick! Who would have thought that the lassie over there was crying earlier and that lad is trembling with fear? Now, they just observe things like this is just a discovery channel! Well, to be honest, they¡¯ve just obediently following my order like what I told them.¡± Emeralda inwardly said as she scratches the back of her head.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda, where should we go next?¡± Reed directed a stare at Emeralda with those thoughts ringing in his mind.


    ¡°To some extent, I can understand their gazes and they can understand mine. It¡¯s like, we are not using our lips but our stares conveys the necessary words. Anyway, let¡¯s go there.¡± Emeralda once again sighs quietly as she pointed at a direction using her chin.


    ¡°Understood!¡± Alisa nodded in affirmation.


    They moved again in unison and making an as little sound as possible.


    ¡°Anyway, if I saw that bunny again, I wonder what would I do if I fought it one-on-one? Dodge here, observe its strategies. No, they don¡¯t use strategy but rather, their instinct.¡± Reed brooded over about the rabbit they initially encountered.


    ¡°Hmm, since the magical beasts here are strong, doesn¡¯t that mean that they are delicious when cooked? Like, because they are immensely submerged with magical energy, won¡¯t they have a firmer and richer taste?¡± Alisa also brooded over some matters.


    ¡°These two must be thinking something really unnecessary¡­¡± Emeralda¡¯s only thought at that moment.


    ¡°To reduce this dreadful forest for their learning growth, entertainment, and training grounds, how fearsome. Kids these days¡­or maybe they are just unique? Anyway, it¡¯s impressive that they constantly hunger for knowledge. Not to mention, they also learned how to look out for one another in such a short period of time, truly, they would become a perfect pair.¡± Emeralda mulled over those facts as she evaluate Reed and Alisa.


    Emeralda was suddenly struck awe by Reed and Alisa¡¯s way of hoarding possible knowledge. It was stunning to the point that she found herself several times staring at the pair. She is aware that both of them are talented, hearing that they are both finalists of the state competition last year.


    However, that competition didn¡¯t prove any real basis regarding them. It was now that Emeralda saw that they are keeping not just talents, not just potentials, but a real predisposition to stand at the top. Young they may be, in a few years of guidance and training, they would be no doubt, a  magus to be envied upon.


    But there are also a lot of special people with talents that may be greater than them.


    For Emeralda though, these have already outpaced everyone else due to just one special factor that none may even have anymore. A factor she herself knows.


    The connection with the existence called Sigrun, something solely unique for them.


    Why did they come this far in the first place just for a single person? Why do they try their best in this circumstances for someone they¡¯ve barely know at all.


    Their drive alone and their pursuit for the man called Sigrun is already a proof the these two, Reed Chelle and Alisa Hertuclaire, are being pulled by a thin thread of destiny that stored something big for them.


    Every single one of those factors, Emeralda has considered it.


    Reed and Alisa right now are nothing but walking unpolished diamonds in her eyes. Diamonds that, if further tempered, will become as bright as the stars.


    ¡°I have decided. I am going to make these two¡­my apprentices.¡± Emeralda said to herself as she clenches her fist filled with determination to make the best out of them.

 Nevertheless, A Heart to Mend Chapter 5

    The Ten Paladins, an exclusive group that is called the current Era¡¯s peacemaker. Chosen by the very founder of the group, Meld Valker, who is called and granted the title Quintet Lord for the reason he, who is the one who can utilize Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Light magic altogether.


    In the first place, the ranking within the Ten Paladins is just what the citizens perceived by themselves. The reality within the Ten Paladins are none are weak, none are strong, each and everyone is equally strong.


    Being called the Tenth and the weakest of the Ten Paladins was not an issue for Meld, even now. Each and every one of the Ten Paladins has a peculiar personality or one could describe as odd. It was the rule of thumb across the world that strong and talented people are either naturally curious, twisted or had experienced something far worse that one could never imagine, bending their personalities to such.


    And before their ascension to great power, they possessed the indomitable will and unmovable conviction that neither shook nor falter. They learned how to fall down and then pick themselves up.


    One particular example would be Emeralda.


    Hailing from the race of Oreals, Emeralda Hearnt, the one titled Primordial Lord and recognized as the third most powerful within the ranks of the Ten Paladins. She is one of the initial members of the Ten Paladins since its founding fifty years ago together with Meld Valker and Seyren Aern.


    With Meld Valker¡¯s pragmatic and charismatic leadership, they were able to achieve feats that the world recognized as a huge contribution. The revolutionized movement of technology, incorporating magic with machines, and most of all, from the initial three discovered Tomb Ruins to eight.


    Slowly, their numbers increased and the Ten Paladins is formed as the official Peacemakers.


    But, even among them, Emeralda stands out.


    Her Draconic power with unknown origin, with her powers blooming at a place she refuses to talk about, and with her nature of addressing the essence of magic from others, her background is smeared with mystery.


    She is known to be a well-natured figure and shows intellectual judgment and foresight that sets a good example for people.


    Her story started at the Sacred Mountain and finally, she returned to the origins of her strength.


    Thirty-seven hours has elapsed.


    ¡°Bad¡­this is really bad. I shouldn¡¯t have pushed them to their limits like this! But we don¡¯t have any other choices.¡± Emeralda agonizes inside her mind.


    In front of Emeralda, Alisa in Reed¡¯s embrace breathes raggedly with flushed face with her eyes closed. Reed on the other hand still has his focus as he kept his eyes open. Unlike Alisa, Reed is still full of vigor and although not optimal, he is still healthy.


    ¡°It¡¯s careless of me not to tell it about them, especially to the lass. Bloom stingers that cause paralysis and slight fever¡­on top of that, the oxygen level here is thinner.¡± Emeralda directed her sight on Alisa¡¯s left thigh ridden with a shallow cut.


    It was not Alisa¡¯s carelessness. The fatigued took too much of her mental alertness, reduced her focus to a grain, and diminished her awareness to a degree of inattentiveness. In the end, the plant that Emeralda named Bloom stinger, scratches Alisa and she fell into such state.


    It¡¯s been an hour and their movement considerably dropped.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­Reed and Alisa¡­¡± Emeralda grits her teeth.


    ¡°However, a little more, just a few more and we will arrive there.We can¡¯t stop now. The magical beasts will catch whiff of Alisa¡¯s blood sooner or later.¡± Emeralda resolute herself once more as she looks up to the path ahead.


    Hundred of meters away, trees are young as they were cut down from the past. Sigrun uses woods and other forest commodities for his house and so, most of the trees are new or left as a stump. It¡¯s not close to the top but it is at least close to the summit where a little push and they¡¯ll arrive at Sigrun¡¯s territory where magical beast doesn¡¯t stray.


    ¡°On that note, Alisa has reached her limitations in accordance with a normal Vaster but¡­Reed Chelle¡­he is still brimming with energy even though he is ridden with fatigue.¡± Emeralda mulled over the fact that Reed is still active.


    Scratch the fact that he is a human, Reed is still unbelievably attentive to the point that he is the one sometimes warn them of incoming dangers.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda.¡± Reed spoke.


    ¡°¡­You!¡± Emeralda widens her eyes as Reed uttered words which he shouldn¡¯t.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­awfully quiet now¡­¡± Reed said with an anxious face as he caresses Alisa¡¯s head to at least give her as much comfort as he can.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Emeralda gapes her mouth. She tried to expand her senses to catch any presence.


    ¡°Well¡­this is just great¡­¡± Emeralda grimace as she frowns. ¡°Lad, it is as you said, it is awfully quiet. Do you know that cause?¡± she added while throwing a question to Reed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Reed readily gave his answer with puzzled countenance.


    ¡°There¡¯s something stronger lurking around. No, it is even possible that it is aware of our existence at this point. That¡¯s why lad, I want you to listen closely.¡± Emeralda cocks her head closer to Reed.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Reed returned a query.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°I want you to carry this lass and run with all your might towards the summit, if possible, to Sigrun''s house. Ignore everything. Keep running.¡± Emeralda sternly conveyed those words as if she is commanding him.


    ¡°What about you, Lady Emeralda?!¡± Reed burst out the question.


    ¡°Ha! I¡¯m just going to greet an old friend I haven¡¯t seen for eighty years. It¡¯s more accurate to say I am here for a rematch. I am Emeralda of the Ten Paladins, I ought to show you something cool, right?¡± Emeralda showed a fearless grin.


    Reed gapes his mouth from Emeralda¡¯s declaration but immediately collected his calm and firmly nodded.


    ¡°I will prioritize Alisa. I¡¯ll make sure I¡¯m going to get her to safety. After that, I¡¯ll come back to help!¡± Reed stated as he started picking up Alisa in his arms.


    ¡°You are quite full of yourself despite trembling with fear earlier. Anyway, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll see nothing but my victorious figure when you get back!¡± Emeralda declared so as she stood up from her place.


    ¡°What should I do now then?¡± Reed asked as he readies his self.


    ¡°¡­Run! That¡¯s what I told you, right?! Run will all your might! I have your back!¡± Emeralda shouted to pump not only herself but also Reed.


    ¡°Fine! Whirlwind Sprint!¡± Reed shouted.


    From the thicket comes out Reed bursting with his stormy speed. Not caring for the uneven footing, not caring for his feet that hit several rocks, he ran.


    However, in the midst of his sprint, the air violently shook. The ground behind him suddenly erupted not because there was an earthquake but rather, a huge ball of flame landed behind him.


    He didn¡¯t mind it. Even the heat started burning his back, he grits his teeth and kept running while wishing for Alisa¡¯s good sake.


    The lone instinct of survival didn¡¯t kick in. The instinct to prioritize himself didn¡¯t take over but rather, his drive, his affection for Alisa, and his conviction to meet Sigrun again overpowered everything.


    ¡°Reed¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s frail and weak voice comes to Reed¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Alisa! Are you hurt?! Don¡¯t worry! I¡¯ll save you!¡± Reed desperately said as he still focuses on escaping.


    ¡°¡­Reed¡­FROM BEHIND!¡± Alisa shouted, however, her body immediately reacted before Reed could do anything.


    A huge fireball, a size of a house, is once again fired at them. Alisa twisted her body and escape from Reed¡¯s grasps. As she landed on the ground with weak knees, she directed her hand towards the incoming fireball.


    ¡°You won¡¯t reach us!¡± Alisa shouted as she also cast her own fireball. In one go, she drained herself of magical energy, she also created a fire with the same size of the one coming to them.


    As Alisa fired her magic, two fireball clashes with each other and made a huge explosion.


    ¡°Alisa!¡± Reed screamed as he embraces Alisa again and uses his body to shield her from the impact. He tightly hugged Alisa who fainted again from excessive use of her magical energy.


    Crashing on a slab of stone, Reed could only grunt from the pain. At that moment, Reed saw their assailant.


    Scales as dark as the night with a lustrous shine, majestic horns rooted on its head that exudes its authority, slitted irises which are red in color, and it¡¯s quadrupedal figure with frightening proud wings and stands for more than thirty meters. The one who stands before Sigrun in the Sacred Mountain, Fafnir.


    ¡°So¡­that¡¯s what Lady Emerald is talking about¡­¡± Reed muttered as he tried to stand up with shaking gait.


    The large demonic dragon once again opens its mouth. Dense magical energy gathers from its throat and a crimson fiery color started spilling from its body. Spell runes and magical circles appeared in front of its mouth.


    ¡°Of course¡­it¡¯s magic too¡­¡± Reed said as bit his lip and started struggling to run away again.


    ¡°SURPRISE!¡± Emeralda shouted with her fist raised overhead. Sprouting scaly wings and tails together with arms morphed into a dragon claw, Emeralda landed an attack on Fafnir¡¯s face.


    BAM!


    From Emeralda¡¯s surprise attack, Fafnir mouth was forced to close and spell he was about to release was dispelled. His whole snout then landed on the ground.


    ¡°Run!¡± Emeralda shouted to Reed.


    She jumps away from Fafnir but the black dragon twisted its body free and hits Emeralda with its large robust wing.


    ¡°Guh! You are still as fast as ever even with your size.¡± Emeralda roared as she blocks the wing with her shoulder.


    Seeing that Emeralda could somehow hold on her own, Reed burst again in a sprint to leave the battlefield. He knew that he¡¯ll just be a deadweight as what Emeralda initially said.


    ¡°Hey, do you remember me? I used to play with you.¡± Emeralda uttered those towards Fafnir who started struggling to fly again.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you!¡± Emeralda followed suit and threw another punch at Fafnir.


    Fafnir shielded itself with a barrier while multicasting spells again. Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, and Dark are all cast that barrages Emeralda.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen that before!¡± Emeralda twists her body and brought his claw forward with a rabid and big swing. Concentrating an absurdly huge amount of magical energy, she swung her claws.


    As the claws and the magic clashes, Emeralda reverses the cause and effect and returned all the spell towards Fafnir.


    ¡°COUNTER!¡± She shouted.


    All of the spells, however, bounce back to another direction as it hits Fafninr¡¯s barrier. In retaliation, Fafnir swiftly shifted its body weight and whips its tail to Emeralda. The thick tail met with Emeralda that cuts through the wind and blew her downwards.


    BAM!


    A magnificent curtain of dust rises and a huge crater embeds itself on the earth as Emeralda landed.


    ¡°Urk¡­this is too much. I feel like if I tried to fight him the way I used to, I¡¯ll just drag it in futility. Geez, I really don¡¯t like doing this but¡­for the past eighty years. The only retribution I could think of for my fallen comrades back then¡­is to defeat you¡­Fafnir.¡± Emeralda¡¯s words tinged with remorse resounded. She once again got back on her feet.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­I¡¯ll show you the pride of the Ten Paladin¡¯s Primordial Lord. I don¡¯t like winning with is since it doesn¡¯t literally conform to norm and its power is nothing but a failure of my past but¡­¡± Emeralda pauses as she gazes back to Fafnir.


    You know¡­I really want to kick your ass so badly I have to return eighty years after!¡± Emeralda once again regained her vigor as she showed her fearless grin.


    Gathering magical energy in her very core, filling her very existence which is the extension of her root, the draconic power that sleeps dormant in every Oreals, she awakens the root of their power.


    ¡°Primeval Ascension.¡± Emeralda only muttered.


    Reed runs desperately, knowing that he should get back as quickly as possible to assist Emeralda. He kept running until a sight of a large wooden fence appeared before him.


    Immediately, his sight landed on the on the person waiting at the gate of the intricate land. One where it is devoided of wilderness, at the very top of the Sacred Mountain. The boy he wished to see, wearing traditional eastern clothes, his black beautiful hair sways and his eyes gaze at him with eyes on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Yo, Sig¡­we¡¯ve come for a sleepover¡­¡± Reed jokingly said.


    ¡°You guys¡­why¡­?¡± Sigrun¡¯s lips trembles and his hand clenches on the end of his sleeves.


    ¡°Why? Cause we are friends, right?¡± Reed replied as he falls to his knees.


    Sigrun walks towards Reed and Alisa and without asking any questions, hugged them. Though Alisa is unconscious right now, Sigrun also embraces her. In response, Reed hugs Sigrun¡¯s trembling shoulders.


    ¡°Sig¡­could you take care of Alisa for now? I need to help Lady Emeralda¡­¡± Reed muttered close to Sigrun¡¯s ear.


    ¡°No¡­please come inside. I don¡¯t think Emeralda needs any help at all.¡± Sigrun returned a smile to the worried Reed. ¡°Look.¡± Sigrun pointed towards the direction where Emeralda and Fafnir are supposedly fighting.


    As Reed turn his heads towards where Sigrun pointed, he widens his eyes in awe.


    Fafnir was one thing, however, in front of Fafnir is like a dragon out of legends. Donning bright emerald scales and a body that glows in jade color like how its slitted eyes are, flapping its monstrous wings and height three times larger than Fafnir. To its back, a huge crest of proof that it has transcended the norms of what a dragon is.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­Lady Emeralda?!¡± Reed shouted.

 Nevertheless, A Heart to Mend Chapter 6

    Primeval Ascension.


    Drawing out the very roots of Oreals, a race of people with the blood of Dragons, a power submerged in mysteries of how and why.


    Among the five races that currently exists, Oreals is known to be prominently strong in physical strength but dwindles very little in magical aspect. They can only gain stronger magical energy as they age in which they one of the races with the longest lifespan.


    They specialize in none of the main six elements but rather, their true worth lies with Vitas Magic and Inanis Magic, both magic that none of the remaining four races could easily learn and utilize.


    Innate regeneration and strong magical resistance, both that comes naturally with them like a blessing and low aptitude for magic as the downside, in terms of power balance, they adhere to it but completely breaks the chart when their knowledge grows vast as they age.


    Emeralda Hearnt, right now, was able to manifest the power that is drawn out from their Primordial Blood, the dragons.


    Flooding her body with magical energy and forcing herself to undergo a metamorphosis to take in a form of a real dragon ridden with vast magical energy. She draws out and further improve an Oreal¡¯s basic specs and her magical affinity with the elements improves.


    However, even with all of these, Emeralda, or specifically, the whole race of Oreals are nothing but disambiguation of the True Dragons such as Fafnir.


    BAM


    An aerial battle between Fafnir and Emeralda commences. A fade of jade light overpowers the cosmic view of the sky as Emeralda moves swiftly even with her large body. She swings her giant claw towards Fafnir who isn¡¯t even half of her size.


    WHOOSH


    Fafnir is, on his own, is also swift and ahead of reacting from her attacks. In retaliation, Fafnir fired magic to bombard Emeralda but in futility, those didn¡¯t do any real damage.


    Meanwhile, Reed who is holding Alisa and Sigrun watches the battle.


    ¡°Sig, about Fafnir¡­¡± Reed initiated a talk.


    ¡°Hmm, I was saying that you don¡¯t need to help Emeralda but, if she fights like this against Fafnir and drags the battle, she will lose no doubt.¡± Sigrun said while keenly observing the battle.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Reed queried with an anxious voice.


    ¡°Hmm¡­I really didn¡¯t pay them that much attention but some dragons here are also getting stronger. Fafnir for instance. Emeralda could win but that if she does not drag that battle. In my eyes, her magical energy drains so fast than she can recover it. When she depletes hers, then she will revert back. It¡¯s been a minute now since they started. She¡¯ll last for only two more minutes then.¡± Sigrun replied with an explanation.


    ¡°Ah¡­so even if she used that form to fly over here, she¡¯ll run out of magic halfway¡­Wait, then if she depletes her magic, it will be Fafnir¡¯s victory and¡­Lady Emeralda will¡­¡± Reed¡¯s countenance paled as he thought of the worst case scenario.


    ¡°Possibly¡­eaten¡­?¡± Sigrun said while tilting his head.


    ¡°Why are you taking this so lightly, Sig? Let¡¯s help her!¡± Reed tried to urge Sigrun, however, he just made a bittersweet smile.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. I told you before right, lives that aren¡¯t wronged by me directly or indirectly doesn¡¯t matter. Even if it is Emeralda or even you and Alisa.¡± Sigrun stated without much emotion.


    ¡°Ah, yeah, you told us about that. I¡¯m sorry, Sig.¡± Reed simply apologizes with a wry smile.


    ¡°W-Why are you apologizing¡­?! Shouldn¡¯t you be angry? I treat you guys like a friend but in matters involving my own conviction of letting life pass by, I ready to treat them coldly¡­¡± Sigrun thought as he was bewildered of how calm and possibly passive about it is Reed.


    As something in his chest tightens, Sigrun slowly directs his gaze towards Reed¡¯s countenance. What beholds him gave him goosebump.


    Once again, Reed¡¯s lightless eyes stumble upon him. It was purely concentrating on the battle in front of them. It¡¯s like Reed already entered a state of trance and ready to pounce on his prey if given the opportunity.


    ¡°Reed¡­you still think you can do something in there?!¡± Sigrun threw a question with cracking voice to Reed whose attention never drew away.


    ¡°Say, Sig¡­you have felt it before too right? The call of the battle. There are times where my heart is being pulled at such twisted place. Weird, right? We grew in an Era of peace but¡­I can¡¯t help but seek this kind of excitement.¡± Reed¡¯s words are almost nonchalant but nevertheless, truthfully came out from his lips.


    ¡°I have seen a handful of warriors with that kind of nature but, Reed is¡­how do I explain this¡­yearning for something greater than the heat of the battle. Not victory¡­not glory¡­something¡­darker. No¡­I hope that¡¯s not it.¡± Sigrun inwardly thought.


    CRASH


    As Sigrun was pondering at something, the battle between Emeralda and Fafnir is coming to an end.


    With a sidelash from Emeralda¡¯s gigantic scaly tail, she was able to send Fafnir flying unguarded as she crushes its barrier with brute force. As such, Emeralda planted her whole body on the ground and dozens of a magical circle with complex arias appeared in front of her jaw.


    She poured a lot of magical energy to it that the wind surrounding the Sacred Mountain is being sucked, her body manifested a bright neon light and the spikes in her spine started discharging green electrifying current.


    ¡°Fafnir, it¡¯s time to end this.¡± Emeralda conveyed her farewell to Fafnir who is still trying to fix his posture midair.


    ¡°Visceral Conflagration!¡± A beam of chaotic power reverberates and fire that shook the earth from Emeralda¡¯s mouth.


    It cuts through anything, be it wind or space, nothing is spared. Even Emeralda¡¯s body further sunk to the ground from the frightening firepower alone. It was Emeralda¡¯s ultimate attack that could leave a whole country at her mercy.


    The ground around her stagnates as the surging power that is Visceral Conflagaration razes everything. Leaving the violent destructive power alone, the beam itself is even several times larger than Fafnir that it¡¯s guaranteed to leave none of him. Even the floating islands started floating away by the sheer brutal power of the attack.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Umu, you have grown, Emeralda.¡± Sigrun nodded to himself amusedly.


    However, at that moment, before Fafnir could be annihilated, another dragon jumps to his rescue, a dragon no more than a meter in size immediately made its appearance with the same ashen black color.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as he saw the smaller dragon.


    As Visceral Conflagaration¡¯s raging power comes closer, the small dragon held it out with a barrier, big enough to also protect Fafnir. Not only that, the barrier is also desperately spreading the attack in any direction it could just to reduce the burden.


    ¡°It won¡¯t last long¡­I¡¯m¡­out of¡­magical energy¡­¡± Emeralda spoke in her mind as her attack slowly ceases as it becomes thinner.


    The last ray of what her attack produce then broke the barrier of the smaller dragon that protected Fafnir and eventually hits them.


    Slowly, the huge jade dragon that is Emeralda roses with smoke and melts as it lost its strength. At that same time that Emeralda gradually loses her Primeval Ascension, Fafnir and the small dragon falls from the sky lifelessly.


    WHOOSH


    ¡°Reed¡­?!¡± Sigrun exclaimed as Reed who should be beside him blasted off.


    Reed immediately rushed towards the place where the clash happened with Whirlwind Sprint.


    ¡°The perfect opportunity to rescue Lady Emeralda!¡± He said inside his head as he kept an eye on Emeralda who slowly shows her figure from the shedding pile of what the dragon should have been from earlier.


    However, even with that mind, his attention is drawn to the smaller dragon.


    ¡°No¡­I shouldn¡¯t. Fafnir will definitely live in this fall but that small one¡­I don¡¯t know. I should focus on Lady Emeralda!¡± He told himself as he desperately closes that gap between him and Emeralda.


    ¡°¡­Damn it.¡± Reed clicks his tongue. There was something odd that¡¯s pulling him to do something about the situation.


    Unable to endure the urge, Reed soared through the sky with his wind magic and dashes like he is stepping on the very plate of the wind itself. He further accelerates his movement and before he knew it, he has already caught the small dragon in his arms.


    ¡°Now I¡¯ve done it. Though, dragon weight is not a laughing matter even though this one is small!¡± Reed shouted as he desperately carries the dragon¡¯s weight. He can see the ground slowly approaching and in sudden, he blasted himself with a small tornado below.


    ¡°Guh¡­!¡± Reed lets out a grunt as he maintained the small tornado.


    Eventually, the tornado swings him and the dragon on his arms several times and soften their landing.


    ¡°Phew¡­¡± Reed gently lays the dragon but quickly took a huge leap backward. After confirming that they aren¡¯t going to attack, he then retreated to get Emeralda.


    ¡°Lady Emeralda, are you¡ªUWAH!?¡± As Reed sprinted towards where Emeralda is, he beheld with her naked body while she sits on the ground with a pout.


    ¡°Buh, I could have killed Fafnir now if it wasn¡¯t for that tiny welp. Now it¡¯s even hard to keep myself sitting like this. Carry me!¡± Emeralda pleaded as she opens her arms to Reed.


    ¡°H-How can I even look at you like that?! Err¡­.¡± Reed said in a panic as he shyly averted his gaze from Emeralda¡¯s bare body.


    ¡°Uff¡­just like this. I don¡¯t mind you ogling at me.¡± Emeralda jumps on Reed¡¯s arms and made him carry her like a princess too.


    ¡°I thought you can¡¯t move?!¡± Reed asked as he started fleeing while doing his best not to look at Emeralda or even feel her body, especially her breasts that are pressing on him.


    ¡°Oh? Did I say that? Anyway, I¡¯m tired but you seem lively yourself. Want me to teach you some bed techniques?¡± Emeralda said in an alluring voice as he touches Reed¡¯s chest with her finger.


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯ll humbly decline!¡± Reed responded with embarrassment.


    ¡°You are the pure type, huh? Your first time must be taken by a first timer too, right? How cute.¡± Emeralda teases.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­yes.¡± Not denying it, Reed replied with a weak laugh.


    After a couple of minutes, Reed successfully retrieved Emeralda and now resting in front of Sigrun¡¯s gate. Sigrun is cradling the unconscious Alisa in his arms.


    ¡°Oh, welcome back, Reed. Good job. As for Emeralda, take this.¡± Sigrun handed Emeralda a white blanket to cover her body.


    ¡°Oh, thanks. You saw it?! That was cheating! Fafnir was saved by someone!¡± Emeralda fumes as she directs her complains to Sigrun.


    ¡°I believe we have a lot of things to discuss but that¡¯s the first thing you say to me. Really, it''s just like you, Emeralda. How many times did you lose to Fafnir already?¡± Sigrun said with a smirk.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It was eighty years ago so I am not sure anymore but it is correct to say that all of them are my lost¡­¡± Emeralda sunk into a light depression as she crouches with diminished mood.


    ¡°Anyway, Sig, Lady Emeralda, can we go now? About Alisa¡­¡± Reed directed his gaze to Alisa.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already given her some medicines. There are a lot of it growing in my garden so it matters not anymore.¡± Sigrun simply answered.


    ¡°Thank you, Sig.¡± Reed expresses his heartfelt gratitude and tenderly gaze at the sleeping Alisa and Sigrun.


    However, the serene moment immediately broke down as Fafnir and the small dragon abruptly landed near them. Reed jolted from their sudden appearance but since he felt no bloodlust or hostility, he just took a little step back.


    ¡°Fafnir, this is already my territory, any closer and¡­you know what will happen, right?¡± Sigrun warned Fafnir with a cold gaze that even made the coldness of the mountain into nothing but a mere breeze.


    ¡°Ahahaha, my apology, Great one, I just got so excited to see my plaything again after a while.¡± Suddenly, a voice came out from Fafnir.


    Reed¡­and Emeralda have their eyes popping out as they look at Fafnir who suddenly talked. Most importantly, Emeralda, who is directing her furious gaze at Fafnir, marches towards him.


    ¡°Hey, you can talk?! How come I didn¡¯t know this?!¡± Emeralda asked with an angry tone.


    ¡°I can. The Great One taught me when you left eighty years ago. Maybe he got lonely.¡± Fafnir replied with a  laidback tone. Surprisingly, his voice is manly and a little aged.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not that lonely¡­¡± Sigrun smiled shyly as he averted his gaze from Emeralda.


    ¡°Adhering to the Great One¡¯s rule, I shall take on the form everyone would be most comfortable with.¡± Fafnir said as his body started glowing in hazy ashen color.


    In about several seconds, Fafnir took on a form of a human. Nothing close to an Oreal, but a human. With a long ashen black hair with bangs swept backward and a little masculine stubble on his chin, wearing the same traditional eastern dress as Sigrun which is dark in theme, Fafnir manifest his self.


    ¡°Hey, welpling. You could have really taken my head earlier. Too bad.¡± Fafnir made a mocking sneer at Emeralda.


    ¡°Damn you! Tsk, how did you even turn yourself like that?! Aren¡¯t you just a filthy mindless dragon?!¡± Emeralda shows her rage through words but nonetheless, showed no hostility.


    ¡°Hmm? I think it¡¯s about what the Great One said to me. Ideal conversion or whatnot.¡± Fafnir said with a  nonchalant attitude. ¡°Anyway, boy, my little one here wants to express her gratitude. Well, I¡¯ll say it myself first, I thank you for saving her.¡± Fafnir directed a warm gaze towards Reed.


    ¡°¡­I¡­don¡¯t know what to say to someone who almost killed us earlier.¡± Reed knitted his brows.


    ¡°Ahahaha! That¡¯s just how it is in this land! Don¡¯t worry! I made sure to hold back to the two of you. Well, your friend there, the girl with pointy fur ears did quite a blow to trade with, I¡¯ll admit that.¡± Fafnir laughs as if what happened earlier was nothing.


    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t refute that. It¡¯s just that, it feels weird talking to you like this¡­¡± Reed gave his impression of the situation.


    ¡°But how everything stands, I guess I can be non-hostile to you after what you did for my daughter. Hey, Nio, come and tell him personally.¡± Fafnir called out to the smaller dragon.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± The smaller dragon just stared at Reed while drawing back.


    ¡°Err¡­she¡¯s just shy. Nio, for starters, just abide the Great One¡¯s rule and transform too.¡± Fafnir said.


    Like how Fafnir did earlier, the dragon called Nio was also covered with black mist around her body. Slowly, the form morphs into a smaller figure.


    Suddenly, that figure pounces on Reed and wraps her hands around his waist while it snuggles its head to his abdomen.


    :¡­.!¡± Reed¡¯s face burns up in red color.


    ¡°Oh, this is interesting. Though I want it if she puts more age into her.¡± Sigrun said as he observes the situation.


    ¡°Hmm¡­so this child is the one who blocked my attack earlier.¡± Emeralda said as she glued her sight to the person in question.


    Like her father, the dragon called Nio has long messy hair and wild hair. Her eyes are like her father, red irises with a slit. One thing that everyone noticed is that Nio¡¯s appearance, or what the ideal conversation gave form to her.


    ¡°Nidhogg¡­or¡­Nio. T-..th¡ªank..you¡­¡± Nio said with broken words and shows an embarrassed smile. A smile that none other than a ten years old girl can do.

 Nevertheless, The Stirring Moments Chapter 1

    At the white corridor of Lloyd Underground Research Facility lingers the fresh aftermath of an intense battle as punctured walls, gouged ground, and cracked floor laid bare, proving that a destructive fight had commenced.


    Supporting her trembling body battered from the fight, Ezili Clear¡¯s ragged breathing reverberates. The chains she summoned to enclose Seigen earlier are now dispelled. Her deadpan eyes gaze at Seigen with a glint of frustration.


    ¡°This is it, Ezili. You are strong.¡± Seigen said as he stood there with the same state as Ezili with the exception of his firm posture as he said those words of compliment.


    ¡°You really is something else, Light boy. Strong as I remember, to even render me unable to fight even if you are unarmed. Also, I don¡¯t take your words as a compliment.¡± Ezili¡¯s words which she squeezes as she tries to stabilize her breathing.


    ¡°Well then, Ezili, is there something you want to say?¡± Seigen poses a question as he walks close to Ezili.


    ¡°Ah, well, you deserve an explanation for going through my selfishness, right? I get it, I¡¯m a decent person unlike my father so I¡¯ll spill¡­some beans for you.¡± Ezili uttered those words with a tone of resignation as she falls on her butt from tiredness.


    ¡°I was stopping you because you intend to go to Seyren Aern, right? To be his¡­prot¨¦g¨¦.¡± Ezili¡¯s words made Seigen took a step back.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hide anything from you¡­ Sometimes, it¡¯s scary being your acquaintance.¡± Seigen directed those harsh words.


    ¡°Seigen, be Headmaster Meld''s prot¨¦g¨¦. I beg of you¡­I want to be Sir Seyren¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦.¡± Ezili looks at Seigen with resolute eyes in contrasts to her default emotion earlier with hear bunny ears perking up.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you settle with Headmaster yourself? Sir Meld and Sir Quarts are close acquaintance after all.¡± Seigen suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s the reason why I don¡¯t want to. I don¡¯t want to be accepted easily for such meager reason. Although right now, I am negotiating with you for favorable circumstances, I at least know that I am doing this by myself. Seigen, do you know what are the Eight Tomb Ruins?¡± Ezili¡¯s desperate voice caught Seigen in shock as he never saw her like this before.


    ¡°I already have the basic preface of it from someone I know. If you can provide me with something deeper, I might consider your request.¡± Seigen said as he gets to his knee and looks at Ezili eye to eye.


    ¡°Might consider¡­you won¡¯t yield just for friendship''s sake¡­¡± Ezili muttered in disbelief.


    ¡°There are things I won¡¯t easily pull away.¡± Seigen simply replied.


    ¡°Fine. Listen well because I got this information from my father for a fee of a massage he called Lovey Dovey Daughter Press. Honestly, that was horrible¡­¡± Ezili¡¯s face pales as she uttered those.


    ¡°You actually don¡¯t have to say it if you are embarrassed by it!¡± Seigen retorted inside his mind.


    ¡°The Eight Tomb Ruins are to follow, Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark, Life, and Void. Each of the ruins holds their specific element and are discovered throughout the world. What I don¡¯t get is why they are called Tomb Ruins. Do you know what my father told me?¡± Ezili knitted her brows.


    ¡°What?¡± Seigen gulps as he seethed that question.


    ¡°Apparently, from records of the past, in these ruins lies tombs before they became the ruin they are now. If my hunch is correct, then those are probably tombs dedicated to the demon lords¡­no, for Sigrun Valker, they are called Vajras. Eight of them.¡± Ezili said as she holds out eight fingers to Seigen.


    ¡°Eight¡­¡± Seigen ponders a little.


    ¡°Agni of Fire, Neptune of Water, Zephyrus of Wind, Tera of Earth, Lumen of Light, Diabolos of Dark, Vitas of Life, and Inanis of Void. According to my father from Sigrun¡¯s own words, those are the names of the Vajras. What also confuses me is that there are thirteen of them and so far, only eight are discovered. There are five more¡­¡± Ezili recounted those names from her memory.


    ¡°If you say it like that, it does make sense. However, Ezili, what does it have to do with you?¡± Seigen¡¯s words immediately pierce Ezili¡¯s deadpan countenance as she broke out in a frown.


    ¡°My reason is none of your concern! I¡¯ve said what I need to say! Anyway, please, let me appeal to Seyren Aern first as his prot¨¦g¨¦. Good riddance.¡± Ezili said with a  pout as she bolted from the ground and marches away with her bunny ears pointing upward in an irritated manner.


    ¡°I see. Anyway, Ezili, about the repair cost¡­¡± Seigen said with a serious tone as he observes his surrounding which is devoided of orderliness.


    However, upon hearing those words, Ezili¡¯s shoulders jolted and she hastens her walk.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t run!¡± Seigen shouted as he follows Ezili.


    From there on, Seigen runs after Ezili who also started sprinting with all her might to escape. Leading on up unto outside of the facility up to the streets of the busy business district.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Meanwhile, to Sigrun¡¯s group.


    ¡°G-greaat One¡­¡± Nio¡¯s faint and broken words reach out to the person she is talking to.


    ¡°As I said, it¡¯s fine. Anyway, you recently hatched, right? About twenty-nine years ago. Do you like your name, I am the one who suggested it to your father. Ah, don¡¯t worry! Unlike him, I think I like you. A few more years and yeah, that¡¯ll be perfect.¡± Sigrun joyfully said as he led them into his garden.


    ¡°Sigrun! What¡¯s with the deal of that Fafnir anyway?! Hey, tell me!¡± Emeralda raises a fuss with raging eyes.


    ¡°Like what he said earlier, I taught him how to take on a form of a human. Maybe he taught the technique to Nio but, as far as speech, I guess Nio is still struggling.¡± Sigrun explained as he shifted his gaze to Nio who is riding on Reed¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Yeah, I heard that. In the first place, why do someone like him and his daughter looks more human than us Oreals?!¡± Emeralda shouted her query.


    ¡°That¡¯s a little complicated. As an Oreal, that¡¯s your natural disposition, appearance-wise. Fafnir and other dragons here have high intelligence. I just happened to experiment on Fafnir long ago and the result is evident, a dragon capable of using Eight Magic. If turning into a full dragon and maintaining it costs you magical energy, for them, turning into human form cost them magical energy too but they can maintain their form indefinitely. That¡¯s especially true for the dragons here who lives in a magically dense land.¡± Sigrun explained.


    ¡°Hmph, some privileged lizards.¡± Emeralda only replied while adjusting how she carries Alisa on her back.


    ¡°¡­This garden is freaking huge¡­we¡¯ve been walking for almost an hour now.¡± Reed voices out those thoughts inwardly.


    ¡°Savior, problem?¡± Nio asked while she latches her cheek on Reed¡¯s head.


    ¡°Ah, nothing. Anyway, just call me Reed as I call you casually as Nio.¡± Reed asked sincerely with a gentle tone befitting of a treatment for a child.


    ¡°Savior, you. That, food.¡± Nio pointed first at Reed then the last word is pointed at Emeralda.


    ¡°Ho? Really? I almost fried you and your father earlier and I am still food?¡± Emeralda said with twitching cheeks while letting out clear hostility towards Nio.


    ¡°Please stop that Lady Emeralda. Getting worked up in a child¡¯s words is nothing short of childishness.¡± Reed said with a stiff smile.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you heard Sigrun? That child you are referring to is actually twenty-nine years old!¡± Emeralda pointed out some facts.


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty much young for their years. Even at your age too Emeralda, you are still considered to be in your early adulthood, right?¡± Sigrun intervenes in the conversation to still Emeralda¡¯s anger.


    ¡°Fine. Hehe, maybe I¡¯ll just take this child away and brainwash her. That way, my greatest nemesis will feel despair from having his daughter distant from him.¡± Emeralda leaks out an evil plan as she showed a twisted smile.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll hold on to Nio for a while.¡± Reed said inside his mind.


    ¡°Ah, we¡¯re here.¡± Sigrun said as he pointed at the house a few meters away from them.


    ¡°Oh goodness, at last, I¡¯ll set my foot once again in that place!¡± Emeralda stated as she hums.


    ¡°¡­Wait.¡± Reed muttered from the sight in front of him.


    Sigrun said house, however, what in front of Reed is nothing exactly as a house but rather, an eastern themed mansion.


    The mansion at the top of the world, not even exaggerating it. At the top of the world as it is the highest point. Both the sun and moon are in plain view and the cosmic beauty presented by the stars are in plain sight. Even the dancing aurora is just at his eye level.


    Reed looks back and there, he saw the floating islands the levels lower than the said mansion. He instantly felt how abnormal the flow of magic in the mountain, however, as a place where the ultimate existence dwells, it was not wrong to say how awfully majestic the place is.


    ¡°Welcome, everyone. This is the Valhalla of Elementals, though there are no actual Valkyries since they do not exist in this world.¡± Sigrun said as he led them inside.


    ¡°What are Valkyries?¡± Reed threw a question.


    ¡°That¡¯s something trivial so please don¡¯t mind it.¡± Sigrun replied nonchalantly.


    He opens the huge wooden door with an intricate design of something beautiful but at the same time, indiscernible for everyone¡¯s eyes. Inside is still a series of stone stairs as the huge wooden door is still an inside gate. However, as soon as Reed sets foot in the mansion, he was attacked with a strong sensation.


    ¡°This is¡­too unworldly¡­¡± He can only mutter as his magical energy that was almost depleted instantly recovered in a blink of an eye. Even Nio on his shoulders shudders from the sensation.


    ¡°Do you get it now, lad? We are basically intruding into someone who is basically a god. For you to be liked by that existence, you are quite fortunate.¡± Emeralda said to Reed without turning her head to Reed¡¯s direction and walks inside casually.


    Wanting not to be left out, Reed followed behind while his eyes swim from left to right. The mansion is nothing special though when it comes to design but, everything feels unnatural. The floor, as well as the walls, are made of wood.


    Sliding doors, old-fashioned ceiling decors that he himself doesn¡¯t have any idea what are for, and even the simple architecture of the mansion itself is too unfamiliar for Reed.


    ¡°Then, how about I drew up some bath for you, Reed? I bet you want to clean yourself first, right? Here, let me take Nio!¡± Sigrun happily said.


    ¡°B-Bath? I guess I want to.¡± Reed weakly said as he lifts Nio from his shoulder.


    ¡°Join, savior.¡± Nio suddenly grabs on Reed¡¯s head, denying Sigrun¡¯s approach.


    ¡°Eh, you can¡¯t Nio!¡± Reed hurriedly said.


    ¡°Why not? It¡¯s just a kid for you, right? And even if you teach Nio the difference between boys and girls etiquette, it¡¯s pointless. After all, her common sense spans on dragon knowledge.¡± Emeralda said as she tried to pat Nio but the girl in question dodges it.


    ¡°Err¡­I guess it¡¯s okay? Let¡¯s go.¡± Reed concedes to Nio¡¯s wish.


    With Reed¡¯s confirmation, he and Nio are taken to a large open bath. The place is like ridden with natural hot spring but the difference is that there¡¯s no wall to ward off any people from outside. Rather, with where they are right now, that¡¯s impossible.


    The unworldly view of the cosmos reflects on the water making it unnaturally beautiful as it reflects the streak of the constellation. Even though they are at the highest place in the world, the bath isn¡¯t cold but rather, it is as Sigrun prepared it, warm enough.


    While wearing nothing but a wrapped towel on his hips, Reed descended to the open bath.


    ¡°Savior, this?¡± Nio asked as she squatted in front of the warm water without wearing anything.


    ¡°Ah, just take a good dip and It¡¯ll feel good.¡± Reed said as he relaxes.


    From Reed¡¯s words, Nio also soaks herself in the warm water. Her face melts into one of comfort and she casually came closer to Reed and sat on his lap.


    ¡°Amazing. Do dragons gets easily attached like this?¡± Reed asked himself while he places a hand on Nio¡¯s head and strokes it.


    Suddenly, Reed broke out into a cold sweat as everything suddenly sunk into his head.


    ¡°What the hell? Anyone would probably kill for this kind of opportunity! Also, if Alisa saw me like this together with Nio, no doubt, she¡¯ll call the police on me once we get down the mountain!¡± his mind grew in jumbles.

 Nevertheless, The Stirring Moments Chapter 2

    ¡°How is this? Is this to your liking, Miss Alisa Hertuclaire? This is a refined diamond which I personally bought from Ehon City.¡± A man in his early twenties said as he presented a thumb-sized diamond in a ring to the young Alisa who is sitting on a grandiose throne.


    ¡°Oh? Another one? This is getting tiresome. Just how crude and bleak these people¡¯s brains? They are clearly presenting me something garbage.¡± The young Alisa who is wearing a beautiful lace gown decorated with frills and ribbons.


    The gift presented to Alisa was taken by a maid and lined it up together with several more gifts of extravagant price. Despite that, the young Alisa looks at them with dead eyes as if they worth nothing more than a pebble.


    It was her tenth birthday but Alisa, in the middle of her birthday party surrounded with extravagant ambiance, is attending to her suitors.


    ¡°All are the same. See me nothing but a pathway to fame and further wealth. Deplorable people with no sane hobbies. Nothing but leechers who want to smooch my father¡¯s feet. I, myself can earn as much wealth as my father in my age.¡± Alisa thought of those cold words which she cannot express openly.


    ¡°Oh, Miss Hertuclaire¡­!¡± Another man said with a horrible smile.


    ¡°Again, another one. This time, it¡¯s a middle-aged man with horrible stench and bulging belly.These animals never learn.¡± Alisa¡¯s eyes grew colder as she stares down at the fat man.


    ¡°How stale.¡± Alisa¡¯s words together with her glare made the man jolt from his place with a pale face as she kicks the gift presented in front of her. The gift is another jewelry that she herself doesn¡¯t even have a speck of interest.


    ¡°Logic has far transcended from these people¡¯s pint-sized brains. Ogling me like a prized treasure when they themselves are nothing more than a pile of rotting garbage. It makes me want to vomit.¡± Alisa rested her head on her arm as she beckons the next suitor.


    That is such the nature of the young Alisa.


    Sees people nothing more than a pebble on the roadside, heart wretched with thorns as she knew when she grows older, such fate of being married forcibly to someone she doesn¡¯t even know is inevitable, possibly to another man with equal influence and fame.


    Next up from the lined suitors is a human with shiny blond hair and clear blue eyes. His demeanor is unlike any other human she saw as his visible age seems easily discernable but the air around him gave out that he is somewhat older than what he looks.


    ¡°Oh my, please don¡¯t glare so much, Miss Hertuclaire. I¡¯ve come not as a suitor but someone who is just obligated to hand you a gift from a young boy who was here earlier.¡± The man said as he expresses a confident smile.


    ¡°Just get it over with.¡± Alisa said with a bored voice.


    ¡°Yes. Here it is. It came from a boy with brown hair and brown eyes. Please remember it.¡± The man once again smiled and hand over three flowers. Not a rose, not anything fancy, just simple dandelions which were carefully wrapped in a pink transparent paper.


    ¡°What kind of a joke is this? Presenting me with something that is obviously plucked from somewhere dirty.¡± Alisa said with disdaining eyes towards the flowers.


    ¡°Is it? It might be. But, isn¡¯t this more fitting gift for your tender age? That¡¯s something logical, right?¡± The man smiled.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Alisa wasn¡¯t able to say anything back.


    ¡°The boy who wanted to hand this to you have to go home early. What he did brought is something he thought of fitting for the girl of the same age.¡± The man said as he hands over the flowers to the maid.


    The maid then walks off with the flowers with the intention of disposing of it.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Alisa shouted at the maid.


    ¡°What could it be, my lady?¡± The maid replied courteously.


    ¡°¡­Vase it.¡± Alisa ordered the maid without returning a look at the maid. The maid once again curtsied to Alisa before taking off.


    ¡°Well then, I have a business to attend to. Hmm, I wonder where your father is.¡± The man said as he stood up and walks off with wandering eyes.


    Alisa gazes at the man¡¯s back with displease. Suddenly, a little girl wearing a simple pink laced gown with bunny ears and the same golden hair runs up to the man and hold onto his hand.


    After that encounter, before the party ends, Eould Hertuclaire, Alisa¡¯s father, announces that he will no longer accept suitors for her daughter.


    That one night forever changes Alisa¡¯s life as her father became more lenient and supportive of her own desires. The same night, Alisa stared at the dandelion at the vase while mulling over of who was the man, of who was the boy who gave it to her, and what is she going to do from now on.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°This is¡­frustrating. That boy got a nerve to unsettle my mind like this!¡± Alisa said with a voice tinged with irritation but what she doesn¡¯t know, her eyes are warmly staring at the flowers.


    Her eyes slowly close and everything becomes hazy. She fell asleep as those thoughts keep bothering her mind.


    ¡°Hngh¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s voice leaks out as she once again opens her eyes that trembles


    What behold in front of her is a furnished wooden ceiling. She immediately noticed that her body is covered with a warm and comfortable futon and the fact that she is lying down.


    ¡°Where¡­am I?¡± She asked herself as she slowly rises from her rest and glances over to the opened sliding door. What beheld in front of her is the beautiful and worldly scenery of the night sky filled with bright and shiny constellation with green and blue aurora that dances throughout the space.


    ¡°Beautiful¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s heart races as her eyes twinkle in bewilderment.


    ¡°Ah, I feel really light too. Maybe because of my current clothes? It¡¯s been a while since I dreamt of that day¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s eyes soften as she recalls her dream and examines the flower-themed eastern clothes she was dressed up.


    ¡°In the end, I never knew who was that man or that boy¡­¡± She muttered to herself as she brings her groomed and fluffy tail in front of her and brushes it tenderly with her fox ears drooping.


    ¡°That¡¯s called Kimono, the one you are wearing. I made it myself.¡± A voice suddenly resounded behind her.


    ¡°Eh? Ah¡­It¡¯s¡­you¡­Sig.¡± Alisa widens her eyes as Sigrun enters the room with the same type of clothes.


    ¡°How are you feeling? It¡¯s really commendable for the three of you to come here.¡± Sigrun complimented Alisa as he sat down beside her.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you, honestly¡­! I came all the way here¡­to apologize and yet, you seem so nonchalant.¡± Alisa breaks out in a faint smile.


    ¡°I kind of know that¡¯s it. That¡¯s why I am happy. I¡¯m sorry too¡­for showing you something unpleasant.¡± Sigrun replied as he bows his head.


    ¡°To be honest, it should have been clear to me from the start. I should have seen that coming but still, it shook me. I¡¯d be lying if I said that I don¡¯t hold any more fright towards you but¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s eyes moisten as she tried to stop her eyes from spilling tears.


    ¡°What you left to Reed and me¡­are more frightening. That¡¯s why I want you back with us. What¡¯s more, my pride won¡¯t let me leave you alone like this, not after what we¡¯ve gone through together.¡± Alisa added with a firm voice as she conveys her sincerity to Sigrun.


    ¡°Alisa, you are amazing. Not only beautiful and radiant, you are also upfront, bold, and always carry logic as your weapon all the time. To be honest, I think I starting to like you and Reed. I always get this fuzzy feeling in my chest.¡± Sigrun said as he leans closer to Alisa to the point where they can feel each other¡¯s warmth.


    With feverish cheeks, Sigrun gently lays down Alisa on the bedding and straddles on top of her. Alisa showed a bewildered countenance from Sigrun¡¯s sudden action.


    ¡°Instead of going back, Alisa¡­why not just live with me here? Together with Reed¡­the three of us together. I¡¯ll grant you and Reed longevity so we can stay together forever.¡± Sigrun¡¯s voice a suggestion, almost his desire, to Alisa who let him do as he pleases.


    ¡°Sig¡­that¡¯s¡­¡± Alisa tried to say something, however, she was stopped.


    Her eyes once again showed its surprise as Sigrun forces his lips on Alisa. Sigrun¡¯s tongue easily enters Alisa¡¯s lips and starts clasping on her own tongue as both their saliva mixes and transferred to one another. The sound of lips deliciously smacking together resounds throughout the room.


    For a moment, Alisa drew her lips away from Sigrun but to no avail, he seizes her once more and continued the act.


    In the heat of the moment, Sigrun gently places his hands on the back of Alisa¡¯s head and hips and raises her body up. The sticky fluid that is their saliva started leaking down from their mouth and mixed with their sweat from their heated bodies.


    Showing his impatience, Sigrun separates his lips from Alisa which left a string of saliva. He then started gently pecking at Alisa¡¯s neck and sensual kisses with short momentary licks mixed in. His hand slowly crept to her breasts inside her clothes with natural movements.


    Though they are not bountiful, however, Sigrun caresses them like they are treasures. They still avail softness and the tension to rouse up a man¡¯s desire.


    Up to that, Sigrun then places his hands on Alisa¡¯s thighs while keeping his lips assaulting Alisa¡¯s body. His lips started crawling down up to her chest and at that moment, Alisa places her hands on the back of Sigrun¡¯s head and pulls him closer.


    Her lips steered closer to his ears with ragged breathing, and suddenly, she leaked out the words.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± An apology, almost inaudible but sure enough, Sigrun heard it as he stops from his act.


    ¡°I see. Well, that¡¯s how it is.¡± He only shrugs as he leans a little away from Alisa with a sad smile. ¡°Must have really feel unpleasant, right?¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°Who knows, but I want you to know one thing, we are not going to stay here. Like what I said, all of us came to this mountain to drag you back.¡± Alisa stated as extends her arms and pulls Sigrun closer and hugs him.


    ¡°Ah, how childish.¡± Sigrun said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Shut up. Since we¡¯ve come this far, you are going back with us, right?¡± Alisa said with a weak voice as her body limps from the tension earlier.


    ¡°I might as well. How can I decline after what I did to you.¡± Sigrun smiled as he stroke Alisa¡¯s hair. ¡°Though, it won¡¯t change that I started developing this feeling for you and Reed.¡± He added with certainty.


    ¡°¡­to me, both of you¡­I¡­¡± Sigrun was about to say something when¡­


    THUD


    ¡°Ahaha! Savior, that tickles!¡± Nio burst into the room while buck naked. Following behind her, Reed rushes with a towel in hand.


    ¡°Nio, please come back here! Ah, caught you!¡± Reed said as he caught Nio in his arms and embraces her tenderly.


    Suddenly, Reed realizes that Sigrun and Alisa are in the room.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Alisa and Reed simultaneously leak out voices from the sight.


    Reed holding a naked little girl in a sensual embrace, both are wet with a flushed face. While the girl is wearing nothing, Reed¡¯s state is only a little better with a disheleved appearance with his strong and manly physique visible.


    On the other, hand, Alisa is embracing Sigrun while Sigrun himself has his hands placed on Alisa¡¯s thighs and breasts. Both of their cheeks are tinged with a red glow and weird fluids drip from each other¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Hey there¡­¡± Alisa said with a forced smile. She could not have known what Reed is doing with the little girl but she can¡¯t speak her mind out as she is aware that Sigrun and her are the one doing obscene acts a few minutes ago.


    ¡°H-hi¡­¡± Reed, likewise, showed a pale countenance. He do not have any idea what Alisa and Sigrun is doing before Nio and him barges. Maybe something explicit? However, he is aware that he is not he in the position to say any opposition, in fact, he felt guilty the most as they saw him handling a little girl in a rushed manner.


    The room is now bathed in an awkward atmosphere.

 Nevertheless, The Stirring Moments Chapter 3

    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Reed couldn¡¯t do anything but freeze on the spot.


    Meanwhile, Alisa¡¯s flabbergasted countenance shifted to a calm one as she closes her eyes slowly. She breaks out in a smile and stood up from the place.


    ¡°I get it now. Everything is coming together.¡± Alisa said with a confident smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been through this many times. Yeah, no doubt. I noticed that my mind has been in the gutter lately. That must be the reason why.¡± She said as she walks casually around the room while observing everything.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s got to be it. I¡¯ve practiced an apology line for Sigrun and such as to follow is this wild scene. Hmm, yeah! Though everything felt real, it is still questionable for me of why Sigrun did that or why I am calm. Possibly¡­¡± Alisa stares at everyone as if she solved something deep.


    ¡°This is still a dream! I woke up from my dream earlier just to wake up in another dream! That explains that magical sky, this perverted moments, and Reed¡¯s lucky pervert event.¡± Alisa declared while nodding to herself.


    ¡°D-Dream¡­? What are you talking about Alisa?¡± Reed knitted his brows in astonishment at what Alisa''s deduction.


    ¡°I suppose the real Reed would also ask the same thing. Yeah, everything is going according to what I normally perceive people Daydreaming and such. I even thought one time that Reed and Sigrun would be doing something perverted by themselves back then. Hehehe, what a silly imagination.¡± Alisa laughs as she crosses her arms.


    ¡°Err¡­um¡­I think I¡¯ll check on Emeralda.¡± Sigrun said with a blank face to Alisa and lifelessly leaves the room with trembling gait.


    ¡°Alisa, are you okay? More importantly, what do you mean Sigrun and I doing perverted things?!¡± Reed bursts out as his mind caught up to Alisa¡¯s one-sided mumbling. Nio on the other hand blankly watches Alisa as if she is a foreign creature.


    ¡°Hmm, even so, this dream is too elaborate.¡± Alisa stated as she squints her eyes towards Reed.


    ¡°Uh¡­snap out of it, Alisa. It¡¯s not a dream.¡± Reed replied with a tired countenance.


    ¡°You are saying that Sigrun expressing his apology is not a dream then?¡± Alisa asked.


    ¡°It is not. He apologized?¡± Reed replied.


    ¡°You are saying that Sigrun forcing his lips onto mine is not a dream too?¡± Alisa asked.


    ¡°No. Wait, what?!¡± Hearing it the first time, Reed¡¯s face is painted with anguish.


    ¡°You are saying that Sigrun touching and licking my body all over is not a dream?¡± Alisa asked.


    ¡°He¡­Did that?! And no, this is not a dream!¡± Reed replied with a fed up countenance.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Impossible. That¡¯s too illogical. Because if this is not a dream, I would have raised  a fuss.¡± Alisa said with a confident smile.


    However, Alisa continues to walk around the room while looking at things which possible unknown or too primitive for her. Suddenly, while gazing at some wooden cabinets¡­


    THUD


    Alisa suddenly stops her movement and sweat immediately crept down from her forehead as well as her face is now boiling with pure embarrassment and possibly, a little anger.


    For what has caused this, the best wake up call was her little toe stubbing a furniture.


    ¡°Uuuu¡­it¡¯s¡­not a dream¡­after all¡­¡± Alisa holds onto her toe while curling in the ground as she endures the pain and at the same time, to suppress her embarrassment on how stupid she is. The kiss, the touching, every sensation comes back to her.


    ¡°Something¡­really did happen to you and Sig¡­¡± Reed said while his sight fell down with a shaky voice full of sadness.


    ¡°Then it is also true that you are, right now, holding a naked girl in your arms¡­¡± Alisa said as she pointed at Nio.


    ¡°Nio.¡± Nio said as she pointed at herself.


    ¡°Piss off. Argh¡­I can¡¯t believe it. Some genius I am. A-Anyway¡­the kissing thing¡­and what I said¡­¡± Alisa¡¯s face paled as she peeks at Reed¡¯s darkened countenance.


    ¡°You thoughtlessly said a lot of things¡­but I just want to ask one thing. Alisa, do you like Sig?¡± Reed asked without making any eye contact. He felt his chest squeezing a little.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. But what can I say, the kiss felt so good I thought my brain turned into a mush.¡± Alisa shows a devilish smile towards Reed.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Reed didn¡¯t say anything and only stares at Nio whom he started drying off with the towel on hand.


    ¡°For the record, between the two of us, you were the one who got a kiss from him first. Although I don¡¯t feel any justice from what happened today, I felt like we are now even in a sense, right?¡± Alisa¡¯s words suddenly made an electrifying shock on Reed¡¯s spine.


    ¡°...Ahaha¡­Hahaha! Hahaha! That doesn¡¯t make any sense now! Are you boasting that the two of us has now kissed Sigrun? Then, to complete it, how about you and I do it too?¡± Reed laughs but in the heat of the moment, blurted something that warrants him a blush.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Alisa¡¯s eyes widen in surprise from Reed¡¯s sudden suggestion which he does not intend to say.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Nio, do it too.¡± Nio intervened without actually knowing what they are talking about.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that¡­Nio. A-Anyway, Alisa¡­that¡¯s uh¡­a joke.¡± Reed forces a smile as he waves his hands towards Alisa with face dyed in embarrassment.


    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s do it.¡± Alisa said as she crawls closer to Reed.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Reed blurted out in a dumbfounded face.


    Meanwhile, Sigrun walks in the corridor of his mansion while leaning on the wooden walls. To his right is a veranda that fully embarks on the outworld fantasy that the sacred mountain can offer.


    A little bit away, he saw Emeralda basking in the glow of the aurora while taking a sip of an alcohol in a cup.


    ¡°Emeralda¡­I¡¯m the worst¡­¡± Sigrun said as he casually finds his place beside Emeralda.


    ¡°You¡¯ve always been. Why did you do that for in the first place? If you are horny, I can do well with as your partner.¡± Emeralda made a small smirk.


    ¡°It is as I said. I desire not only Alisa but also Reed. I don¡¯t know what stirs my heart but¡­As soon as I saw them, struggling and desperately clinging on surviving just to see me, I felt something thumping in my chest¡­¡± Sigrun places a hand on his own chest and started listening to his own heartbeat.


    ¡°...You¡¯re just a goddamn hypocrite who never matures. Sigrun, don¡¯t subject them to your projection of that woman.¡± Emeralda said in a cold tone.


    ¡°True, you are more humane than most of the population. Hypocrisy is one proof of that. However, that¡¯s because you are strong and you don¡¯t have anything dear to protect or a goal to reach. You are just playing around.¡± Her tone gradually grew colder that Sigrun just sunk his head.


    ¡°We, of the people, the Aldieans, do our best in our daily struggles. To achieve, to succeed, to take a huge leap in our lives. We do everything we can and in a sense, we became a monster of our league for those while leaving you, the most powerful, behind with your rotting beliefs.¡± Emeralda lashes at Sigrun with deep words.


    Receiving such brunt words, Sigrun can only close his eyes as he accepted all of it.


    ¡°That¡¯s why, don¡¯t force your obsession to others, not with those two. Just a simple observation has proven something about you. Even though you are cold to people who attempt for the top of this place, not that I ever saw anyone other than me but, as soon as they step in your comfort zone, you become¡­oddly attached to them.¡± Emeralda said while staring at the liquor at the cup on her hand.


    ¡°This is such an effect of your prolonged detachment from the world. Rather than calling you Hero of Aldieas, won¡¯t the title Broken Hero fits you more?¡± Emeralda once again sprouted a smile as if her cold voice earlier was a lie.


    ¡°All of what you said¡­I¡¯m well aware of¡­¡± Sigrun muttered those words while his face sinks into his arms as he hugged his knees.


    ¡°All of it¡­even with my obsession with Order. The only way I can cope with it is through my relationship with people who arrived here when there¡¯s the alternative of going down the mountain if I liked it. Hypocrite is such a wonderful word¡­¡± Sigrun said as he clenches on his clothes.


    ¡°But please, don¡¯t insult her, okay? Don¡¯t insult Order. It¡¯s not that I am going to be angry but¡­it hurts. Childish may I am but, it¡¯s one thing I refuse to forget¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s shrill voice resounded.


    ¡°Eighty years have passed and here I was thinking you at least matured. How disappointing of you.¡± Emeralda whisks another berating words.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Sigrun muttered under his breath.


    ¡°And as always, you never bothered to defend yourself.¡± Emeralda heaves a sigh.


    It is as Emeralda said, Sigrun never bothered defending himself of all those words smeared at him and to his pride. On the contrary, Sigrun will most likely be a bystander to a lot of things but when it matters the most, he will voice out his opinion.


    ¡°Emeralda¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s words, almost a whisper, reaches Emeralda.


    ¡°What?¡± She simply replied.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± He said as he takes a peek at Emeralda.


    ¡°Hmm? For what? Did you like my scolding even though you are the older one here?¡± Emeralda asked coquettishly.


    ¡°No. I had a raging boner earlier. Thanks to you belittling me so much, it went down.¡±  Sigrun said nonchalantly.


    ¡°¡­And here I was hoping I managed to drill some sense into you.¡± Emeralda could say nothing but a frigid smile as if she lost all hope.


    Feeling that the atmosphere elated a little, Sigrun gently takes the cup from Emeralda¡¯s hand and filled it again with liquor from the bottle. He then brought it to his mouth and took a mouthful.


    ¡°Hehehe, you were just fifteen years old back then when you first tasted this, right?¡± Sigrun chuckles as he let the liquor slips into his throat.


    ¡°This is a rice wine, right? You still have that rice paddy back then?¡± Emeralda queries as took the cup from Sigrun and drink her fill.


    ¡°Yeah, but right now, it doesn¡¯t have anything planted on it. If I¡¯m going back down, I might as well bring some things too like clothes and some of my crafted weapons and clothes.¡± Sigrun replied as he started thinking about what things he could take with him.


    ¡°Tone it down, you¡¯d bring more trouble than you could ever hope for.¡± Emeralda said as a warning.


    Sigrun nodded obediently.


    From their conversation, the atmosphere died down to a friendlier and approachable one. Both talks with the familiarity with each other.


    ¡°Sorry, Sigrun. I¡¯m really sorry. I¡¯m nothing short of hypocrisy too. I have the audacity to lecture when I myself left you too. What could have happened if I stayed?¡± Emeralda squeezes those thoughts deep inside her heart.


    ¡°Ah, I have something to do. I have to go.¡± Sigrun suddenly said and burst away from Emeralda which left her speechless from Sigrun¡¯s momentary panic.


    Sigrun makes haste in his march. His destination isn¡¯t somewhere inside the mansion but outside of it. Opposite from where the entrance is, his path leads to the backyard, however, not merely in size.


    As if it was a land granted by the divines, the large lake reflects the heavenly world. Tall earthen monuments stand circular on the edge of the lake and in the middle, there¡¯s a small island with a red standing shrine gate, a gallant view that astounds any people who may fall their sight to it as it exudes an atmosphere devoid of any impurity.


    Sigrun stares at the gate longingly even though on the other side of it is also the lake. He takes a step at the surface of the lake which is quite shallow that it only submerges up to the shin of Sigrun.


    ¡°Tomorrow, after I had everyone rest, we will depart immediately. Before that, I wanted to see you.¡± Sigrun said as he continues his step one by one with careful movements.


    Then, as Sigrun reaches the gate, he held out his hand towards the empty space between it.


    ¡°Mente, Corpore, Caelum.¡± As Sigrun uttered those words, the gate lits up in a gentle prismatic light and a transparent glow appeared between the gate.


    Sigrun proceeds to enters the gate.


    And then, as the bright light that was covering Sigrun¡¯s surrounding subsided, he now finds himself in a world with nothing but pure whiteness.


    In front of him is actually a hall with brick floor, streak of pillars decorated with golden carvings, floating crystals that surround the vicinity, and a huge tomb decorated with white flowers.


    ¡°Oh, what is this?¡± A voice of a man resounds before Sigrun can even take one step.


    ¡°Quite a perfect timing. We¡¯ve just finished a short nap for eight years.¡± Another voice coming from a woman rings.


    Comes descending from the ephemeral world of nothingness, two figures wearing a garb meant only for those who transcends all creation.


    ¡°Another visit?¡± Said by the man who dons a night-bound hair that flows up to his knees. He wears a celestial robe in which dark in color, the same with his clothes which is a loose fabric with a button holding it on his shoulder. He wears loose pants made of wool fastened with a golden colored rope.


    ¡°Have you come for another death, Sigrun?¡± The woman said in a delighted tone. She wears the same clothing motif with the man, however, her dress is maddeningly pure white and instead of pants, she wears a dress with its hem too long that it¡¯s being dragged in the ground.


    ¡°Yah and Weh, thank you as always for guarding Order¡¯s body.¡± Sigrun said as he went straight for the tomb.

 Nevertheless, The Stirring Moments Chapter 4

    Emeralda walks in the hallway of Sigrun¡¯s mansion with stealthy strides. She knew something is going on between Reed and Alisa right now, however, she is only limited to intuition and the strong perception of their presence.


    ¡°What are they doing right now?¡± Emeralda asked herself with a grin as she moves like a wind. She cannot calm the excitement welling up from her chest.


    ¡°To think that Sigrun would want to be involved with those two though. Maybe he wants a three-way relationship with them?¡± She once again speculated a question.


    Her movement is flawless, her presence is thoroughly erased, and her breathing blends well with the atmosphere. That was the truth until she arrived in front of the room where Reed and Alisa are.


    As she set her foot in front of the door, an unfavorable creak made by the wood clearly announced her presence.


    ¡°Oh crap!¡± She exclaimed inside her mind as the creak created a noise.


    Since her presence is already announced, Emeralda fixes her posture and straightened her back before opening the wooden sliding door. She puts on a nonchalant expression and with a cool greeting, she entered.


    ¡°Hey there, how are you guys doing?¡± Emeralda was able to say it with a casual tone.


    However, in front of her, Reed and Alisa are clearly not.


    With the exception of Nio who happens to be in the place, Reed and Alisa are both looking down as they hang their heads which dyed cerise. They both sat away from each other at a considerable distance, however, the folds in their clothes and how sloppy they sat, it¡¯s relevant to say that they separated from each other in rush.


    ¡°Did they do it, or did they not?! I can¡¯t just ask them straight up!¡± Emeralda brooded inside her mind as she looks alternately at Reed and Alisa. ¡°At this moment, there¡¯s only one I can ask, huh?¡± She thought as she glances at Nio.


    ¡°Nio, dear, what has transpired here?~¡± Emeralda asked Nio with a smile.


    ¡°¡­Savior, foxy are--!?¡± Before Nio could finish her words, Reed immediately covered her mouth.


    ¡°Nothing really, Lady Emeralda¡­¡± Reed uttered in a weak voice barely audible.


    ¡°We were just talking, that¡¯s all!¡± Alisa supported Reed¡¯s claim.


    Emeralda could only squint her eyes in suspicion. Upon her inspecting gaze, Reed and Alisa started sweating profusely as if they are actually guilty, however, Emeralda cannot just be certain of it if they really did it or not.


    ¡°So if Sigrun does it, they were fine. I just don¡¯t understand these two but that¡¯s what makes them interesting!¡± Emeralda inwardly said as she sprouted a smile on her lips. ¡°They both admire Sigrun, that¡¯s a fact. If, and if, Sigrun started craving for them, then it would be inevitable for them to have a relationship.¡± She once again noted such circumstances in her mind.


    ¡°Okay, for now, you two should thoroughly rest. We¡¯ll depart on Sigrun¡¯s signal. Although the travel may be a little short, we can¡¯t have you two endure any more fatigue. On that note, you two will miss one day at school.¡± Emeralda announces.


    Upon hearing the word school, Alisa and Reed started trembling.


    ¡°Yeah¡­school¡­I bet my mother is worried now¡­¡± Reed muttered as he remembered what he told his mother before leaving the house. ¡°I actually forgot to call Enheirt. I hope he gets the signal and makes up some excuse for me.¡± He added with eyes brimming with despair.


    However, Reed¡¯s worries are incomparable to Alisa as her face becomes white as a sheet.


    ¡°Come to think of it, Sigrun once said that a maid is spying on me wherever I go. If that¡¯s the case, then my household would be in a great panic right now¡­¡± Alisa said in a shaky tone. ¡°I forgot my phone too¡­In the first place, can we even get a reception here? I wonder how many people are waiting for my new blog? Argh¡­I¡¯m so worried right now¡­¡± She added.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Emeralda¡¯s only reaction.


    ¡°I bet her face is being broadcasted throughout the city right now. From television to the internet, she must be a missing person with top priority. I forgot her position in the open society¡­¡± Emeralda suppressed her worry too as she just remembered what kind of standing Alisa has.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Reed also reacted slightly with the same thought as Emeralda.


    ¡°You know, we won¡¯t be leaving here anytime unless Sigrun said so. Taking you two back with me will also be the same method. Rest now and regret it later, okay?~¡± Emeralda said as she leaves the room with a smile.


    Upon Emeralda¡¯s words, Alisa heaves a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Haa, there¡¯s nothing else we can do now. I¡¯m tired so I am going to sleep.¡± She said as she tucks herself back onto the futon laid down for her.


    ¡°I see¡­Well then, Alisa, I¡¯ll go now. Goodnight.¡± Reed said with a wry smile as he takes Nio with him.


    ¡°Put that child some clothes on and take her to me. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll let you sleep with her.¡± Alisa uttered from her bed towards Reed.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­¡± Reed could only laugh nervously as Alisa chides on him.


    And so, with that, Reed and Alisa sought each of their own rest while Emeralda continues intoxicating herself with liquor as much as possible.


    What they do not know, a process of tuning the flow of Magical Energy of Aldieas is currently on-going.


    In the enclosed space where Sigrun together with Yah and Weh are, they gathered around the coffin made out of stone with intricate carvings.


    ¡°I stand in your presence, Order.¡± Sigrun said as he gently brushes his hand on the top of the earthen coffin.


    The strongest among the Vajras, the one who stands atop all ten of them below, Order, the Vajra of Cosmos, lay rested here.


    Upon her command, the very universe will move.


    Upon her command, all livings will do her biddings.


    Upon her command, the world shall meet its end.


    Upon her absolute command, the rest of the Vajras with Yah and Weh as an exception, they will lose their powers.


    However, none of these ever happened in reality. As the Keeper of the Balance and the wielder of a Cosmic Blade pertaining to stability, Order never desires to take control things forcibly.


    And upon her end, she was the sweetest and the most irresistible woman that Sigrun only loved.


    ¡°The promise that I made with you, I¡¯m still doing my best to keep it. And I¡¯m sorry if I just recently gave the people a chance.¡± Sigrun dearly muttered with gentle eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Sigrun dear, after hiding yourself for three thousand four hundred thirty-eight years, you¡¯ve finally decided to find in your heart to show up.¡± Yah said as she crept her hands on Sigrun¡¯s body from behind.


    ¡°Finally, the beautiful existence namely Sigrun will sully himself with the mortal once more. How vexing, yet attractive.¡± Weh said as he started holding Sigrun¡¯s cheeks and fiddles with his hair as he pulls it to his nose.


    ¡°¡±The beautiful Sigrun who is the very definition of hypocrisy.¡±¡± Yah and Weh simultaneously said.


    Upon their words, Sigrun couldn¡¯t do anything but fell into bitter anguish. He could not retort, he could not say anything in defense, he could not shake off the two Supreme Existence that holds the power of Creation and Destruction.


    Yah, the Vajra of Creation.


    She is an existence that solely contradicts her nature as she is intoxicated with the idea of destruction. She desires the break down of her creation and she loves to see things fade away as it crumbles. It was nothing less of sane, even for a Vajra.


    Weh, the Vajra of Destruction.


    Nothing less can be said too as he also contradicts his nature. He loves creation and would like to exercise his supreme power to break everything. He loves birth and creation to the point that he is inseparable to Yah.


    A twisted existence that solely exists for each other.


    The two Vajra¡¯s, upon the defeat of Order, voluntarily handed their cores to Sigrun, however, because of their nigh-infinite power, they can still exist.


    But their powers are limited.


    They are such existence that also won¡¯t threaten the world. Specifically, they do not have the desire to mingle with the world which is Aldieas. To come to terms with their cravings, the only way to satisfy themselves is through inflicting death and revival by someone who does not originate from this world.


    ¡°Sigrun my dear, let¡¯s do it now.~¡± Yah said as she pulls on Sigrun¡¯s hand.


    ¡°It has been a long time since we¡¯ve stilled our cravings. Only you, our precious Sigrun, can we do such thing.¡± Weh said as he started licking on Sigrun¡¯s neck.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sigrun didn¡¯t resist, he didn¡¯t show any opposition. He just let Yah and Weh do as they please to him.


    ¡°Ah!~ Sigrun, Sigrun, Sigrun! Our plaything, our toy, our most precious! Please, break once more in front of us!¡± Yah shouted in euphoria as she violently stripped Sigrun¡¯s kimono to show his bare body.


    ¡°Your neck should serve as our best respite. This pearly white neck that became beautiful and untainted, this is the neck that I wanted to see.¡± Weh said as once again licks Sigrun¡¯s neck vigorously.


    ¡°Break him! Break him! Break him! Go insane like before! Go insane as your memories are slowly consumed by your madness! Ahaha! Sigrun my dear, you are dearly our most favorite!¡± Yah immediately urged Weh.


    In the hand of Weh, a pitch black scythe manifested from thin air. It has an unworldly gleam that one would avert their eyes from how it is sinister in color.


    ¡°The overflow of the Magical Energy the could potentially break the leyline of the world, remember your jobs.¡± Sigrun said as he sighs and prepares his self.


    ¡°Of course, Great One. We shall tune the world and use every excess and unneeded magical energy to revive you. Oh, how beautiful that process is.¡± Weh said as he raises the scythe diagonally.


    Upon seeing his impending decapitation, Sigrun closes his eyes.


    What memory would he lose from his old world? He couldn¡¯t remember it anymore. He couldn¡¯t even get a single glimpse of what life he led from that world. He could only sigh in relief as nothing relevant would be lost upon his punishment.


    ¡°Weh, try to be careful not to mow down his hair.¡± Yah said with a grin.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have to worry about that, Yah. Oh, on a side note, Sigrun.¡± Weh¡¯s voice resounded to Sigrun¡¯s ears as he called out to him.


    ¡°You gave a fragment of our cores to a mortal, correct? Is it because you knew that the boy is a long descendant of Zephyrus? Well, no matter.¡± Weh then swings the scythe.


    Upon Weh¡¯s words that shook Sigrun from the very core, he opened his eyes in shock just to meet the scythe that decapitated him.


    All he could remember is his head rolling on the ground before succumbing to death.

 Nevertheless, The Stirring Moments Chapter 5

    The horizon is dyed with fleeting blue sky with a crystal clear ocean beneath it that sends calm and rousing waves. The sandy white beach permeated with the salty smell of the sea wafts and the boundary of the tropical ocean to the grassy lands is set forth behind.


    On the beautiful escapade brought by nature, a girl wearing a pure white sundress bask in the sun as she curiously looks at the beauty brought forth. Her silvery hair flips together in the breeze that it makes a wave in the air and her beautiful pale tanned skin glistens as she was drenched in water.


    ¡°Ah, this is¡­beautiful. Is this what you wanted to show me? Truly, what a magnificent place filled with wonder. Say, am I making a smiling face right now?¡± The girl turns around and her topaz like irises stares back with wonder as her bright cheery smile beheld.


    ¡°I am? So¡­this is a smile brought to happiness. I know, I¡¯ve been doing this expression a lot ever since we got closer. My heart as well started thumping with ba-dump sound. This is love as well, right? Does that mean that this love exists between you and me? I¡¯m happy.¡± The girl spoke in delight with a heartfelt joy.


    ¡°I wish to learn more. About this world where I keep the balance, about this place that gives me this upbeat feeling, and about you who gave me an opportunity to be this joyous.¡± The girl peered closer with her lips plucked.


    ¡°And this is¡­the kiss you are talking about. I still don¡¯t get why it makes my heart race every time I do it with you. Ehehe, are you surprised? I am as well embarrassed by my sudden conduct.¡± With a bashful smile, the girl laughs.


    ¡°Swimsuit? The one that you had tailored yesterday? Hmm? Should I wear it? Ahehe, very well. It just might be one of your lecherous conducts but I don¡¯t hate it. As long as I know that you are pleased with it.¡± Another heartfelt smile floats on the girl¡¯s lips as she takes several steps backward. The hem of her dressed flutters and her striking beauty becomes even more dazzling.


    ¡°We can go together again. Let¡¯s play a lot and talk a lot about ourselves. That¡¯s why¡­Sig¡­don¡¯t ever hate this world for me, okay?¡± As she said those fleeting words, the world started becoming dim.


    Slowly, everything started breaking down together with the girl. Blurred and hazy, things have taken a darker turn.


    And then¡­


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± With trembling eyelids met with a bright light, Sigrun opens his eyes.


    ¡°Have you come, Great One?¡± A voice breached into Sigrun¡¯s hearing.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯ll be getting a nap on a lap by a guy¡­¡± Sigrun muttered as he faces Weh who is dearly holding his head.


    Holding onto his faint consciousness, Sigrun observes his surrounding and found out that he lays down on the ground while Weh is tending to him. Relief came when he found that his neck is intact.


    ¡°Worry not, Sigrun. We have attached your body without foreboding problems. The tuning of this world¡¯s magical energy is a success to be reckoned as well. On top of that, the gallant me showed you a piece of a wonderful dream!~ Aren¡¯t I a precious girl?¡± Yah said as she walks over to them with a smile.


    ¡°I see. Thank you, Yah. Thanks too, Weh.¡± Sigrun simply said as he stood up.


    ¡°You are indeed most welcome. We offer you our gratitude as well, Sigrun, for keeping our desires in check.¡± Weh said as he slightly bows his head.


    ¡°On that note, Weh, now that you guys have calmed down, I¡¯d like to further hear about the details of Zephyrus having a descendant. I¡¯ve never heard of such thing.¡± Sigrun queried with knitted brows.


    ¡°Yes, we must tell you such thing.¡± Weh muttered with distant eyes.


    ¡°Let me speak on behalf of Zephyrus.¡± Yah presented herself.


    The story goes as such¡­


    Aeon ago, specifically, Four Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-Two years ago, one of the Vajras, Zephyrs the Vajra of Wind, first developed empathy and emotions among everyone.


    Zephyrus ceased all functions as a Vajra and seeks further knowledge of the heart of people. He was the first one who walked among the mortals of Aldieas as he took a form of a human and set his life along with them.


    In his search for meaning, Zephyrus fell for a noble human girl.


    He studied human culture in the olden time and learned how to court a girl. Zephyrus even attained a standing within their society through knowledge alone.


    However, at that olden times, things aren¡¯t enough for him and the girl to be together. For the noble girl who also reciprocated his passion, Zephyrus has become desperate.


    He took the girl¡¯s hand and ran away with her.


    They both indulged in each other¡¯s embrace and their yearning passion bore fruit.


    However, even Zephyrus knows that his mingling with the mortals has its limits. Having no heart to lie to his betrothed any further, Zephyrus told of her the truth in which the girl willingly accepted him. But, due to his inclination to invoke his job as a Vajra, Zephyrus sent the woman away from the place where she will surely live.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    As such, the girl birthed to their child safely, far from the calamity that he and his fellow Vajra will evoke to this world.


    ¡°I understand it now even though it¡¯s a little vague. However, how did you guys determined Zephyrus¡¯s descendant? Surely after thousands of years, his blood among the people are now thin.¡± Sigrun said with a serious countenance.


    ¡°Oh, it is thin as you said but, there¡¯s one factor that made that thin blood flow vigorously again.¡± Yah said with a feeble smirk.


    ¡°Was it, your core fragments?¡± Sigrun threw a doubting query.


    ¡°No, it is as you said, Great One. It¡¯s our core that resonated with his blood. Through the thin blood of the Vajra inside him, we were able to discern his lineage without a problem. Ah, but rest assured since it won¡¯t hinder his everyday life and we won¡¯t interfere.¡± Weh said his reassurance with a slight shrug.


    ¡°We do not want any contact with a mere mortal, even if they happen to have a single speck of blood of a Vajra inside them, casually.¡± Yah said while cocking her head closer to Sigrun.


    ¡°I see¡­then, here¡¯s my last question. What are the Eight Tomb Ruins?¡± Sigrun once again queries.


    ¡°Oh? Sigrun, can you find satisfaction by seeking all the answers from us? I never knew you turned this boorish after mingling with those mortals.¡± Yah said with a disappointed countenance.


    ¡°I see, if that¡¯s how you guys wanted it, I shall refrain from asking about it. Incidentally, I think it¡¯s time for me to head back.¡± Sigrun stated as he turns his sight to the place where he entered.


    ¡°Is that so? Then, our little talk ends here. Weh and I are going to take another nap as we wait for you again. We do not rush you but be duly aware that we two have our needs too.¡± Yah said as a reminder as they start floating away.


    ¡°Until next time, Great one. I am indeed in hopes that you see to it yourself your promise with her.¡± Weh said as their visage started disappearing from Sigrun¡¯s sight.


    Left all by himself, Sigrun looks down with a grimace.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me that¡­¡± He muttered with a low voice.


    With that bearing in his mind, Sigrun left the enclosed space while leaving no trail of the portal behind. He once again beheld the lake atop of the mountain with the glistening cosmic sky covering the world.


    Upon his descent again to the world, Sigrun immediately took notice of the presence staring at him from a distance.


    ¡°Great one¡­presence¡­felt.¡± Nio¡¯s broken words reached Sigrun¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Fafnir¡¯s daughter, huh? Aren¡¯t you together with Reed?¡± Sigrun asked while walking gently towards her.


    ¡°Savior sleep, fox sleep.¡± Nio uttered those words.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Sigrun said under his breath as he stares at Nio from top to bottom with empty eyes. He momentarily contemplated something before reaching his hands out to Nio¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make any noise, don¡¯t make any sound. Whatever happens, keep your current appearance.¡± He said as he pushes her down on the ground.


    Nio didn¡¯t show any surprise or shock, she just nodded from Sigrun¡¯s words as she obediently lay down on the ground while she spreads her arms.


    With skilled and dextrous hand, Sigrun swarms his palm atop of Nio¡¯s chest, however, he suddenly stops.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You can move now.¡± He said as he moves away from Nio. ¡°That¡¯s not something I should be doing to anyone after all even if I feel this lonely in my heart¡­¡± Sigrun voices it inside his heart.


    ¡°Great one¡­? You¡­want¡­copulation?¡± Nio said quizzically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind.¡± Sigrun simply replied.


    ¡°In a few years, Nio will also be copulating with her very father, Fafnir. It¡¯s something natural for their race to procreate between parent and child. I really don¡¯t have any reason as to not but, this is just plain wrong. What I did to Alisa earlier is wrong too¡­¡± Sigrun mulled.


    ¡°Come, you shall have a rest too. Tomorrow, we shall return you to your father.¡± Sigrun said to Nio as he beckons her inside.


    As such, quite time has passed when Alisa, Reed, and Nio slept.


    Minding that they need to come home, Alisa and Reed woke up quite earlier than Sigrun anticipated. For that matter, they immediately protested to go home.


    Of course, with none being left behind.


    However, Sigrun and everyone encountered another problem upon returning Nio to Fafnir.


    Standing in front of them in his black dragon form, Fafnir gave a deep bow towards their group.


    ¡°I deeply apologize for my daughter imposing to you, Great One. For my further request, I shall be conveying my sincerest apology.¡± Fafnir said.


    ¡°What could it be that you tried so hard to extract my forgiveness?¡± Sigrun asked with knitted brows.


    ¡°My wife, whom my previous granddaughter, told me that I shouldn¡¯t keep Nio with me any longer. She said that she wants to take Nio away from me but I know better that she wants her to be raised for someone else, as such, won¡¯t you take Nio with you? Down where the mortal live¡­¡± Fafnir further dug his head into the ground.


    Hearing such plea, Emeralda broke into a huge grin.


    ¡°Oh? Oh?! OH?! Is that so?! You want us to take care of your daughter? IS THAT SO?!¡± Emeralda said with an exalted voice.


    ¡°¡­Well¡­for one, you saw my daughter''s potential, right? She was able to block your strongest attack.¡± Fafnir bantered back with a mocking voice.


    ¡°Kuh¡­! True, your daughter¡¯s barrier is far sturdier than the father¡¯s.¡± Emeralda flinched a little before biting back.


    ¡°Even among us, she is somewhat odd. Doing her best to learn the mortal language. She can even keep her human form indefinitely even with so much discomfort. Every dragon born here has a high magical energy output, however, my daughter Nio, is an abnormal one.¡± Fafnir explained.


    ¡°Yeah, I felt how exceedingly strong your daughter¡¯s magical energy. But, I still don¡¯t see any viable reason to take her along.¡± Sigrun said with a cold voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­I am truly¡­¡± Fafnir¡¯s voice trembles from Sigrun¡¯s reply.


    ¡°In the first place, even I have to be taken care of down there myself. Are you implying to burden my friends any more?¡± Sigrun followed another question without a tinge of yielding.


    ¡°Me! I¡¯ll take care of her! I¡¯ll train her to submi¡ªI mean I¡¯ll make sure to give her proper education!¡± Emeralda suddenly raises her hand.


    ¡°Well, now that¡¯s dangerous.¡± Sigrun said with a disgusted face.


    ¡°Who?!¡± Emeralda retorted with a flabbergasted countenance.


    ¡°Anyway, Emeralda, if you are saying that you¡¯ll take care of her, does that mean you¡¯ll keep her, correct? Are you fine with that, Fafnir?¡± Sigrun confirmed it with Fafnir.


    ¡°Uhh¡­¡± Fafnir¡¯s hesitating voice resounded.


    The person in question, Nio, is actually clinging to Reed who is just listening quietly together with Alisa. Even as Emeralda approaches her, she¡¯ll just steer away and use Reed as a shield.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s fine.¡± Fafnir briefly said without second thoughts.


    ¡°That¡¯s too fast for a response regarding your daughter¡¯s safety. Just to be sure, what is your real plan for your daughter?¡± Sigrun asked with a glare.


    ¡°Eh¡­I actually thought that it would be better if she learns further than we already have here. And to choose a man to her liking. This is a good opportunity for me to send her off actually so that¡¯s why I am asking.¡± Fafnir explained as he makes a sidelong glance at Reed.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll play along with your whim, Fafnir. We¡¯ll take Nio with us with the pretense of marriage, okay?¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°Yes, please take care of my daughter.¡± Fafnir directed those words to the dumbfounded Reed.

 Nevertheless, The Stirring Moments Chapter 6

    ¡°Amaryl!~¡± Esser¡¯s voice reverberates as she lightly pounded her hand on Amaryl¡¯s door in glee. Her perking cat ears tried to sense what¡¯s happening inside the room but to no avail, found no signs of movement.


    ¡°Amaryl?! Are you there?¡± Esser once again asked as she barges. However, her worry worsens as she saw Amaryl still lying on the bed with feverish countenance.


    ¡°Ah, Lady Esser, I¡¯m sorry. It seems I¡¯ve caught a cold and now, I am somewhat bedridden. I can¡¯t attend today¡¯s class so can you please call the academy?¡± Amaryl said with a troubled smile.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll just call Meld and everything¡¯s fine. More importantly, since you are sick, I¡¯ll nurse you back to health! However, how did you even caught a cold?¡± Esser voices her concern with a gentle voice.


    ¡°Sorry, from time to time, I get sick like this. I don¡¯t know why but my magical power just get a  little unstable and it leads to lowering my immune system. My doctor back at Ehon City told me that it might be the flow of my magical energy in my nodes that disrupts it.¡± Amaryl explained as she forces a smile back at Esser.


    ¡°Ah¡­yeah¡­I see¡­¡± Esser was lost at words from what Amaryl told her. ¡°The more reason I need to take care of her, huh¡­¡± she said inside her mind.


    ¡°Is there anything else that seems off, Amaryl?¡± Esser further inquired.


    ¡°Seems off? Why do you ask? Well, now that you mentioned it, I feel like my chest feels heavier¡­¡± Amaryl replied with a worried face as she takes a glance at her chest.


    ¡°That¡¯s just your breasts growing¡­¡± Esser retorted with a knitted brows.


    ¡°¡­Lady Esser, are you perhaps measuring my bust size with your eyes?¡± Amaryl asked with a half-closed eyes.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll make you some porridge.¡± Esser said as she retreated with a pale countenance.


    Esser rummage through Amaryl¡¯s kitchen for the right tools and ingrdients in making the porridge she desires to feed Amaryl, however, her mind is restless.


    ¡°Long time ago¡­Amaryl¡­and me¡­are¡­¡± Her words trailed off as she prioritize her task at this moment.


    And so, Amaryl wasn¡¯t able to attend classes today and have to suffer a stomachache.


    Meanwhile, Sigrun and friends are now climbing down the mountain with a steady pace as they traverse through foot.


    ¡°Say, Reed, you don¡¯t¡­have any interests¡­in that, right?¡± Alisa asked meekly.


    ¡°That?¡± Reed replied with a question whilst, tilting his head quizically.


    ¡°I mean, you like someone in your age bracket, right?¡± Alisa threw again a question.


    ¡°Huh?! What do you take me for?!¡± Reed panics as his countenance turns pale as he alternately glances from Alisa who is walking by his side to Nio who is riding at his back, peeking her face to his.


    Currently, the three of them are walking in line with Sigrun at the front and Emeralda at the back. Since they aren¡¯t Sigrun who can just leap across the whole mountain or fly like Emeralda, they decided to just leisurely walk.


    ¡°I bet we could have already solved this foot trip if Sig were to give us a lift with his wind magic. All the more since no magical beasts even dared to approach us with Sig on the lead¡­¡± Alisa muttered.


    ¡°Well, since we will be missing Monday classes, why don¡¯t we just take it easy? Whether we arrive day or night, it¡¯ll just be the same.¡± Sigrun said in a carefree tone.


    ¡°As expected of Sigrun. Anyway, what are you going to do with that girl, lad? If possible, could you hand her over to me?¡± Emeralda asked with a grin plastered on her face.


    ¡°Umm¡­in the end, won¡¯t it be for Nio to decide that? I mean¡­isn¡¯t she older than me?¡± Reed said with a troubled face while feeling a little guilty.


    ¡°¡­Savior!¡± Nio shouted in anger as she sent palm on the top of Reed¡¯s head.


    With a soft sound of palm beating a hair, Nio angrily taps on Reed¡¯s head furiously.


    ¡°Eh? Nio? Did I said something bad?!¡± Reed asked in panic as he comfortably receive Nio¡¯s relentless soft attacks.


    ¡°Yeah¡­you deserve that.¡± Alisa casually said with a pitiful gaze towards Reed.


    ¡°Why?!¡± Reed asked with a snap.


    ¡°Hmm, it seems Nio is also aware of such concept, thus, do not touch the subject regarding age, lad.¡± Emeralda said with a nod.


    ¡°I-Is that so¡­? Then, I¡¯m sorry Nio.¡± Reed apologizes in a meek tone, not knowing what he actually did to upset Nio.


    ¡°You guy are actually bantering about age¡­¡± Sigrun voices out a depressed cry.


    With such conversation, they proceed throughout the vastness of the mountain slopes. True to his reputation, no magical beast has ever approached them, even by mistake.


    The so forth travel downward didn¡¯t even amount to more than three hours as they already reached the exit of the mountain¡¯s most dangerous part.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Soon after, they passed the misty clouds that served as a barrier to hide the mountain¡¯s true face and they are met with a proper sky with the sun brimming into their faces.


    It was around afternoon when they reached the midway of the mountain.


    ¡°Ah¡­sky¡­blue¡­¡± Nio muttered in a quivering voice as she stares at the vastness of the blue sky indifferent from the place where she grew up.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Nio. That¡¯s the color of our sky. Despite lacking in multitude of color, it is still pretty, right?¡± Reed said as he pats Nio¡¯s head who is in daze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited. You haven¡¯t seen everything yet. Wait till you get to the sea.¡± Alisa said in glee as she stretches her body after a while of not being able to bask in sunlight.


    ¡°Sea?¡± Nio tilted her head upon hearing another word she is not familiar with.


    ¡°Yes, the sea. It¡¯s a nice place where you can splash all day in the salty water and have fun in the beach. Someday, we¡¯ll take you there.¡± Reed said with a smile.


    ¡°It is as he said, it¡¯s a place that everyone will enjoy. I promise to take you there one day so please behave, okay?¡± Alisa gave out her words to Nio.


    ¡°Ah¡­how nostalgic¡­I made a promise like that once¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s mind relieve himself of a somewhat distant memory that he had once dreamt of.


    ¡°Hey, hey, let¡¯s not waste time here. Since it¡¯s not that cold anymore, can¡¯t we just jump all the way down?¡± Emeralda said impatiently with an anxious face.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. Hey, Reed and Alisa, who do you want to hang onto? Since Nio can fly, the two of you are odd one out.¡± Sigrun asked with a devilish smile.


    ¡°Thanks for your concern, Sig, however, I¡¯ve been thinking of ways to cope with being flightless, that¡¯s why, I¡¯ll try doing things on my own.¡± Reed said as he sprouted a fearless smile.


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m the same too! I don¡¯t want to embarrass myself anymore so I¡¯ll do this on my own way too.¡± Alisa said the same thing as she clenches her fist tightly.


    ¡°Oh, then show me what you¡¯ve got!¡± Sigrun said in a tone where he seemingly challenging the two.


    Without hesitation, Reed blasted from the ground with a torrent of wind. Seemingly boasting, he didn¡¯t left Nio behind and carried her in his arms. The vortex of wind swirls around his body and propels him in the air. He bravely dives downward with the wind made of magical energy as his driving force.


    ¡°He is literally showing off, huh. Well, can¡¯t say I didn¡¯t developed a card of my own. Here goes nothing!¡± Alisa sprouted the same smile a daredevil would do.


    Alisa leaps into the sky and easily reached a peak point using her naturally gift as a Vaster. After that, from the sole of her feet, a blaze of raging flame suddenly streaks throughout the sky. Boosted by the flame¡¯s explosive power, Alisa surfs into the sky with a flabbergasted smile.


    ¡°I¡­ I pulled it off!¡± She shouted in joy as she kept on her pace.


    ¡°Oh, did they perhaps developed a nerve of steel just going through the mountain¡¯s wilderness? I¡¯d say, they improved a lot.¡± Emeralda said to herself as she watches the two soars into the sky.


    ¡°I shall go now too. Sigrun, see you below!¡± Emeralda said as her scaly wings emerges from her rear and took off.


    ¡°Ahahaha, everyone is so lively. I guess I am really going back, huh¡­¡± Sigrun muttered to himself with a  melancholic expression.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like I am not going to visit. Maybe once a month is good. This time for sure, I¡¯m going to start my life for sure together with them.¡± Sigrun said to himself as he look back towards the mountain top.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be off then.¡± His finally words before storming out from the place.


    And so, they went downhill without a problem as Reed and Alisa mastered a new skill from their experience.


    After a several hours again after they met up in the base of the mountain and head towards Brent City in a leisure walk while telling Nio some common sense of the world, they have arrived.


    Emeralda walks ahead in joy as she once again set her foot on the city.


    ¡°Ah, the brazen smell of the city! After some nature trip, I can now relax in the comfort of the civilization!¡± Emeralda said in a glee as she went around, looking at the buildings.


    However, in the next moment that they took a step in the vicinity of the city, a battalion of police came rushing.


    ¡°EH?!¡± ¡°Wah?!¡± ¡°Oooh!¡± Reed, Alisa, and Nio said in succession as they are flooded with military dressed people not less than a hundred in numbers.


    Eight Exturbo with heavy firearms even came rushing to them. The police and soldiers line up together with their guns equipped with magic pointed to them, no, to someone else. In didn¡¯t even end there, some of them took hold of Alisa, Reed, Nio, and even Sigrun all together like they are some special personnel, confirming their safety while leaving Emeralda behind with all firearms pointed at her point blank.


    ¡°Well, now that¡¯s a welcome parade¡­¡± Emeralda said in a funny voice and stiff smile.


    A man, seemingly the commander of the troops, stepped in and confronted Emeralda. He took off his helmet and reveals himself as none other than Meld Valker.


    ¡°Emeralda Hearnt, you are under arrest for kidnapping two¡­¡± Meld pauses for a bit and look towards Reed¡¯s group. He made a huge grin and continues with his words. ¡°Four people. Anything the you will say will be used against you. You have the rights to remain silent.¡± Meld declared with a creeping smile on his lips.


    ¡°Hey, hey¡­! Why did the count increased?! You are actually enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?!¡± Emeralda barks at Meld who showed an evil grin as he saw how pale Emeralda¡¯s face is.


    ¡°Silence, criminal! Cuff her and take her away. You will be lawfully judged in accordance with our rules.¡± Meld ordered his men and they faithfully cuffed Emeralda with magic seals.


    ¡°Meld! You piece of-!¡± Before Emeralda could complete her sentence, her mouth was taped and she was taken away by the police.


    Reed, Alisa, and Sigrun are all in daze from the sudden event where Emeralda was taken away. They all have blank stares at Meld who ordered Emeralda¡¯s capture.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty easy to testify for her but that would be a huge pain. Considering that she is one of the Ten Paladins and you guys cooperate obediently, we could lessen her punishment into a community service and paying a fine. That said, I¡¯ll have a word with all of you.¡± Meld said towards their group.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she¡­¡± Sigrun wanted to follow another word.


    ¡°Ah, even with those magic sealing cuffs, she¡¯ll be fine. She is sane enough not to break the law or escape through brute force. I mean, this is Emeralda we are talking about, a person who kidnapped four kids and caught in act.¡± Meld said in a joyous mood.


    ¡°But¡­she really didn¡¯t¡­¡± Alisa then tried to voice out her own opinion.


    ¡°Yeah, she isn¡¯t. But would you rather explain everything to your father who sent out wanted poster of her face all over the town?¡± Meld countered Alisa¡¯s upcoming words.


    ¡°I guess¡­we are at fault too¡­¡± Alisa could only say as her face pales, knowing the extent of her sudden disappearance.


    ¡°I want to have a word with all of you, however, taking you three back home safely would be our priority. As for Sigrun, I¡¯m taking you back in my house as you are my adopted child. For this little girl here¡­hey, she¡¯s a girl, right?¡± Meld doubted Nio¡¯s gender knowing that he got tricked once by Sigrun.


    ¡°It¡¯s a she¡­Her name is Nio.¡± Reed said as Nio clings closer to him as she showed visible wariness to Meld.


    ¡°Thank goodness. For that girl¡­since she seems pretty attached to you, Reed Chelle, care for her in the meantime. I¡¯ve got mountains of things to do. Well then dismissed.¡± Meld said as he turn around and started talking to his men again.


    ¡°Ah, sweet revenge.¡± Meld¡¯s only thought as he was able to put Emeralda behind the bars even though it¡¯s only temporary.

 Nevertheless, A Mock Examination Chapter 1

    Shortly after the capture of Emeralda, everything went back to normal in Brent City.


    In Alisa¡¯s case, one of her maids saw Emeralda taking her away, thus, ending up as Emeralda as the criminal. The household of Hertuclaire somehow calmed down when Alisa tried to explain the circumstances, however, to no avail, she wasn¡¯t able to clear Emeralda¡¯s name.


    After all, Hertuclaire is one of the four major families in Brent City. The sudden disappearance of once in a lifetime prodigy in Inscription would cause an uproar and Emeralda¡¯s crime spread like a wildfire.


    However, since Emeralda has an equal fame to the household or even altogether, the four major families, she¡¯ll most likely be free in a matter of days.


    Surprisingly, this isn¡¯t Emeralda¡¯s first crime.


    But the problem doesn¡¯t lie within the household of Hertuclaire where Alisa is valued like a treasure, the real problem now arises at the household of Chelle.


    ¡°Uh¡­how do I explain this¡­?¡± Reed muttered to himself inside the police car as they drove them to his house with Nio sitting quietly beside him.


    His despair only heightens when the police car stopped in front of his house. His face further loses its vigor, turning paler as he saw both of his parents standing in front of their doorstep.


    ¡°What should I do? What should I say?¡± Reed¡¯s mind panics and his thought process sped up in a speed of light.


    POOF


    An Angel Reed and a Devil Reed appeared side by side.


    ¡°Think of something that will be beneficial for both you and Nio while not lying to your parents. Choose your words carefully. Why not just introduce her, like, as someone you found along the way?¡± The Angel Reed said.


    ¡°Tell them she¡¯s your illegitimate child. That way, they¡¯ll accept her unconditionally. C¡¯mon, look at Nio, isn¡¯t she adorbs?! I bet your parents have soft spot for someone as cute as her!¡± The Devil Reed said.


    ¡°I think both of your opinions are not going to help.¡± Reed bluntly said to the two of them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call us in the first place.¡± ¡°Dumb, why did you even asked us?¡± The angel and devil simultaneously said as they disappear in anger.


    Returning his thought process to reality, Reed noticed that a policeman already opened the door of the car to let him out.


    ¡°Please come, your parents are extremely worried.¡± The policeman said in a gentle voice.


    Having no other options, Reed timidly exits the police car with Nio clinging to him. He walked ever slowly towards his parents who sprouted not worried or relieved faces but a flabbergasted one as they stare at Nio.


    ¡°Mom¡­Dad¡­I¡­¡± Reed tried to mince his words, however, all he has to do is to say something so they won¡¯t suspect anything.


    ¡°I¡­I made a mistake.¡± Reed said in a panic.


    He¡¯s doomed.


    As such, the Chelle family held a family meeting as they sat their problems on the table. Reed¡¯s Mom and Dad are sitting side by side while Nio sits beside Reed.


    The tense atmosphere made Reed gulp as his father stares at him dead in the eyes.


    ¡°Reed, you¡¯re a grown man now so you are aware of your decisions leading to consequences, right? However, at your age, there are boundaries that you shouldn¡¯t set your foot yet when it¡¯s not the right time, yet, by the looks of it, it seems you have done something even at an earlier age.¡± Reed¡¯s father said as he stares at Nio who reflexively moved closer to Reed.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the mother?! Reed, were you abused when you were five or something?!¡± Reed¡¯s mother asked in a panic.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, dad, mom! This girl¡¯s name is Nio as she isn¡¯t my child or anything! What are you two talking about?!¡± Reed explained in a panic to clear up the confusion.


    ¡°Oh¡­so it isn¡¯t like that¡­¡± Reed¡¯s father muttered in disappointment.


    ¡°But Reed, you said you made a mistake. Does it mean that¡­you¡­and that small girl¡­are¡­?!¡± Reed¡¯s mother once again jumped to a conclusion.


    ¡°Son, I didn¡¯t know you were that desperate enough to even touch a child.¡± Reed¡¯s father joined the bandwagon.


    ¡°Eh?! What?! What kind of conclusion did that two of you reach again?¡± Reed asked in utter confusion as he looks alternately at his father and mother.


    ¡°Nio, dear, what are you to our son?¡± Reed¡¯s mother asked in a gentle voice as she hurdles a question at Nio this time.


    Nio, upon hearing the question, contemplated a little and tried to reach out to her recent memories. Like a light bulb beaming, an idea pops into her mind.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Take home.¡± Nio said happily that made Reed further sunk into despair.


    ¡°I knew it. That¡¯s why I cannot find any truest erotic magazine in your room. It because your fantasy lies towards little girls.¡± Reed¡¯s mother said knowingly as she nodded several times.


    ¡°Ero Magazines?¡± Nio repeated the words as she looks at Reed.


    ¡°No more¡­¡± Reed said as he covered his face with his hand in utter embarrassment.


    ¡°Well, you see son, we¡¯re just messing with you. Headmaster Meld Valker already called you know. He told us to take care of a child that you¡¯ll bring along for the time being. The matter is confidential but he¡¯ll see to it that the child, Nio, will be getting her necessities paid by him.¡± Reed¡¯s father revealed the truth with a grin.


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡± Reed shouted as he stood up and run upstairs with Nio clinging to his waists.


    ¡°Ahahaha! What a precious boy. Well, this is what he gets for lying to us. I hope he stops all of his reckless stunts.¡± Reed¡¯s mother said with a smirk while eyes tinged with worries.


    ¡°Well, at least we know that he is not completely numb with women. Hoping for a grandkid isn¡¯t a pipe dream.¡± Said by Reed¡¯s father.


    ¡°Say, someone in your mind?¡± Reed¡¯s mother asked.


    For who they want for Reed will be for another time to discuss. As for now, Reed who averted a harsh scolding but took a huge mental blow, is now burying his face in his pillow.


    ¡°They are really doing this on purpose!¡± Reed shouted with his pillow as the cushion for his voice.


    ¡°Savior, sleep?¡± Nio asked who lay down beside Reed.


    ¡°Yeah¡­I¡¯m so tired¡­I just want to sleep¡­¡± Reed muttered as he slowly fell into dreamland.


    ¡°I see, I¡¯ll sleep too.¡± Nio said as she snuggles closer.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°..¡­?¡±


    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t sleep here! Wait, just sleep there, I¡¯ll move out! Just sleep on my bed, I¡¯ll just find somewhere else to sleep on!¡± Reed suddenly jolted from the bed.


    ¡°Why?¡± Nio peeks with one eye as her mind has already drifted in a half-asleep state.


    ¡°This is really troubling¡­¡± Reed voices inside his mind as to not further wake Nio who started sinking down to sleep again.


    For the rest of the day until night, Reed did his best to adjust living with Nio in haste and turned his room upside down to make space to sleep on while preventing any direct contact with each other.


    Because his sensitivity with girls has awakened recently, Reed felt a little conscious of their presences, especially to those who are close to him. Nio just now proven to be somewhat relevant to Reed as he shows consideration for her.


    And Reed is aware that it all started with Alisa.


    Though a little different from Alisa, Reed holds no ill intent towards Nio but for him, it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry or he¡¯ll be going after Emeralda who is currently behind the bars.


    The next day, Reed once again dons his Estelle Academy Uniform and heads out in reluctance. Heading to the usual place where he meets with Alisa, Reed steeled himself.


    ¡°Savior?¡± Nio called out to Reed while following faithfully behind him.


    ¡°Um¡­can you do something about how you call me? Wait¡­why are you here?!¡± Reed¡¯s eyes almost fell off as he saw Nio tailing him like a dog.


    However, he was too late to realize it. Despite surviving the harshness of the Sacred Mountain and developing a strong perception of the surrounding, Reed didn¡¯t notice Nio because he is deep in his own thoughts. Not to mention, slicing off the details, Nio is far stronger than Reed.


    ¡°Reed¡­why did you brought Nio along?¡± Alisa voice suddenly rang out that caught Reed and Nio¡¯s attention.


    ¡°No, she just followed me on her own.¡± Reed replied as he turns around to face Alisa, however, his countenance suddenly froze.


    ¡°Yeah¡­I know¡­¡± Alisa said as she put a palm on her face from the shame.


    Behind Alisa stands Eight maids, graceful, elegant, true to the bone maids. Their presences are nothing to disregard as each of their magical energy are comparable to a Tier Three. All of them wears a matching maid uniform with their skirt at ankle length and frilly aprons and headband that are usually seen on one.


    CLANG


    An iron sword suddenly fell out of nowhere near the maids.


    ¡°Oh my, how clumsy of me to drop one of these.¡± One of the maids said as she picked up the sword and magically returned it inside her skirt.


    ¡°Well, you see, they are my loyal maids since I was a child. About their background before becoming my maids, I can¡¯t guarantee you¡¯ll love to hear it.¡± Alisa said with a perplexed countenance.


    ¡°No, no, no, the first thing I¡¯d like to ask is how did she even managed to hide the sword inside her skirt?!¡± Reed¡¯s retort came unheard.


    ¡°Anyway, aren¡¯t you going to take Nio back home?¡± Alisa asked as she points at Nio who is gazing closely at the maids lined up together.


    ¡°If I do that, I¡¯ll be late. Ah¡­I just thought of something!¡± Reed smiled brightly as an idea sparked inside his head.


    Having found a solution, Reed, Alisa, Nio, and the group of maids made their way towards the Academy. Since Alisa won¡¯t be shaking off the maids anytime, she just gave up and just casually walks without minding them.


    On the other hand, Reed is getting all the painful look for being the odd one out of the group as the only male. Though some are glares of jealousy, it is something he doesn¡¯t have any control with.


    The maids faithfully played with Nio with a smile on their lips.


    Of course, the whole academy feasted their eyes on Reed and Alisa who were reported missing a few days ago, however, with the atmosphere the maids carried, they couldn¡¯t approach to ask any questions.


    And so they arrived at their classroom, however, the next thing they saw made their jaw drop.


    ¡°That, that, Valker, you should do this equation.¡±


    ¡°Everything is still not in place¡­¡±


    ¡°Valker, for the part of the Exturbo and how much magical energy it needed, this goes here.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the magical theory is a little off here.¡±


    A lot of their classmates has already gathered around Sigrun and they are tutoring him. The person in question has despair written all over his face as he knits his brows trying to absorb all the information.


    Seeing their friend in distress, Alisa and Reed approached him.


    ¡°Yo, Sig¡­this is¡­¡± Reed asked.


    ¡°Eh? Ah? Reed! Uh¡­well¡­I am studying right now! We have mock exams on Friday!¡± Sigrun explained to Reed with dilated eyes.


    ¡°Ah, we already knew that. I¡¯m fairly confident to pass it without many difficulties. The same goes for Reed.¡± Alisa said as she sprouted a smirk.


    ¡°Kuh! Then the two of you have a lot of time, right? Help me study later too! Or else, if I bunked this one, dearest father will cut my allowance! He said it will serve as a lesson for me!¡± Sigrun, painted with desperation, pleaded them.


    Meanwhile, as Sigrun struggles to cram a lot of lessons inside his head, Meld, in his office, heaves out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Hey¡­hey¡­can I sleep here?¡± Nio asked as she pulled a chair and lay down on Meld¡¯s lap while he is doing his paper works.


    ¡°Is there any argument for me here to lay down!? More like, you are already sleeping!¡± Meld exclaimed with twitching cheeks.


    ¡°Those two! My office is not a daycare center!¡± Meld shouted in a soft voice as to not disturb the sleeping Nio.

 Nevertheless, A Mock Examination Chapter 2

    ¡°I¡­still don¡¯t get it.¡± Sigrun said as he mulls over the lesson that has transpired today. Leaning on the extravagant bed he was given by Meld, he sighed with a tired countenance.


    ¡°I absolutely can¡¯t get over the usage of magical energy as the medium for conjuring elemental magic. Not to mention, there¡¯s also about the Exturbos in which I don¡¯t see any real purpose if people can reach greater heights of power.¡± Sigrun knitted his brows, thinking how pointless having that huge chunk of metals fight.


    He unfastens the necktie and opens his shirt slightly a little by one button and lets out another sigh.


    ¡°At this rate, I am going broke! Well, not really but, after returning here with the pretense of running away from home as the story that Sir Quarts told people, I don¡¯t want to show something embarrassing to Meld.¡± Sigrun buried his face on the bed.


    ¡°Haa¡­I don¡¯t want to stay in this house for a while. I think I¡¯ll go study at the caf¨¦ near the business district. If it is that near, I don¡¯t think anyone would mind.¡± Sigrun pumped himself and stood up to gather his bag full of notes and study materials.


    Sigrun left his house that was located on the premise of Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy and sent out to seek the caf¨¦ he was referring to. To the west side of the Academy District lies one of the four business districts and in the boundary between them is a caf¨¦.


    He kept his hat with him and since today is quite chilly and not to stand out, he wore a scarf. Since it was just around afternoon, he met with a lot of pedestrian throwing glances at him and furthermore, people taking photos without permission again but, as for Sigrun, it was nothing.


    Then, as he arrived at the caf¨¦, he nonchalantly entered and immediately found himself a table next to the caf¨¦¡¯s window.


    The caf¨¦¡¯s interior was not quite bland but it gives off a casual and classical ambiance especially made to create a firm and still atmosphere. The wooden flooring painted with robust brown to look like exactly as a chopped lumber and the ceiling plainly painted with the same textile.


    There¡¯s also a classic wooden counter with a girl polishing cups of coffee and another employee who is attending and waiting for customers. Both wear lovely frilled uniforms and their hairstyle are charming.


    What¡¯s more, they are thoroughly trained to have a good etiquette and would always smile for the customer. As such, since Sigrun is a customer, the girl responsible for waiting approaches him.


    ¡°Welcome to Riria Caf¨¦, what can I do for you today, Sir?¡± The girl said with a smile as the two leaves dangling atop of her head perks.


    ¡°Um¡­Black coffee.¡± Sigrun said as he stares at the leaves on the girl¡¯s head.


    ¡°Yes, coming right up! Would you like some sugar cubes and creamer prepared separately or mixed?¡± The girl followed a polite question.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll drink it as it is so there¡¯s no need to bother.¡± Sigrun replied as he tried to peel his eyes away from the dangling leaves.


    ¡°Understood! Please wait a moment!~¡± The girl left with a skip.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sigrun stared at the girl¡¯s leaving figure.


    ¡°¡­What was that?! It¡¯s so cute!¡± Sigrun said in his mind with exalted voice.


    ¡°What race did she come from? Why does she wear a lovely twintails? Her pinkish hair is quite cute and her bright yellow eyes are like topaz.¡± Sigrun asked those question to himself while taking out his notes.


    Meanwhile, Sigrun thew a glance at the girl at the counter. The girl Sigrun observing has two tiny horn peeking out from her bangs that covered half of her face. Her eyes are docile and the soft expression on her countenance is quite alluring as if she is a small animal.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­an Alpsis. She, contrary to the girl earlier, seems gloomy. With that face she is wearing, I bet¡­it¡¯s fun to tease someone like her.¡± Sigrun thought as he pulled his sight away as the girl noticed him staring.


    Realizing that Sigrun has been staring at her, the girl¡¯s cheeks ignites in a light blush.


    ¡°Damn¡­I think I picked the wrong place to study. If I am here, I¡¯d definitely do nothing but stare at them. That¡¯s maybe why there are a lot of customers too.¡± Sigrun observes his surrounding and found out that several customers are also staring at the girls, whilst, not knowing that he is also part of the gallery.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    A young boy that can be easily mistaken as a girl, wearing a scarf around his neck with a lovely gentle expression. His dark hair invites mystery and his ashen dark irises imbue a gasp to anyone who would stare while skimming on some notes, no wonder one would have their eyes pulled towards him.


    ¡°Thank you for waiting! Here¡¯s your coffee! Oh, are you studying?¡± The girl who noticed Sigrun¡¯s notes asked.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll be having a mock examination on Friday but, I am still having difficulty with the lessons.¡± Sigrun said with a wry smile.


    ¡°Um¡­with your uniform, by chance, you are a student at Estelle Academy? So prestigious! Well, though there are several students from that academy that comes here, you are the only one with this really significant atmosphere.¡± The girl said while returning a gleeful smile.


    ¡°Is it really that amazing? Well, anyway, my name¡¯s Sigrun. May I know yours?¡± Sigrun asked as he reaches out a hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Oh, ah, eh? I¡¯m Lecia and the girl over there, the bartender, her name is Rita.¡± The girl said in panic from Sigrun¡¯s sudden question but nonetheless, shook his hand.


    ¡°Ahahaha, to suddenly introduce someone else like a family, that¡¯s quite the energy.¡± Sigrun complimented.


    ¡°Ehehe, is it weird?¡± Lecia asked as she hid her face behind the metallic round tray.


    ¡°Yeah, but in a way that it won¡¯t invite negative impression. It¡¯s adorable if I do say myself.¡± Sigrun threw a one-liner heartstring puller to the innocent girl.


    ¡°Is that so¡­Thank you¡­I¡¯ll return to my job now. Thank you for the brief conversation.¡± Lecia bowed before leaving.


    Lecia, seeing that no one needs her service, returned to the wooden counter and sat beside Rita with a timid countenance.


    ¡°Lecia¡­why¡­?¡± Rita, who hunches her back to whisper, asked her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rita. I got swayed again.¡± Lecia meekly apologizes.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­nothing. More importantly, that boy is Sigrun Valker, the son of Meld Valker, the headmaster of Estelle Academy¡­¡± Rita informed Lecia.


    ¡°A bigshot?!¡± Lecia screamed in surprise.


    ¡°Shhh, calm down!¡± Rita scolded her lightly with her whispering voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­It was just¡­ain¡¯t that too sudden? Now I am more nervous! He is totally staring at us too¡­¡± Lecia voices out her worry.


    ¡°Yes¡­I also noticed it.¡± Rita added her confirmation.


    ¡°What do we do?!¡± Lecia asked in a fluster.


    ¡°Eh? Why are you asking me? I guess none. Treat him as any other customer.¡± Rita suggested quite frankly.


    ¡°That¡¯s the correct thing to do, I guess. Though, I still wonder why he kept throwing glances at us¡­¡± Lecia wondered as she sways her head that also swayed the two budding leaves atop of her head.


    ¡°I think I know for sure why he keeps staring at Lecia¡­however¡­why me too? I¡¯m just bland and boring¡­¡± Rita mulled as her mood worsens a little.


    Meanwhile, Sigrun concentrates on his study while sipping the piping hot coffee on his cup.


    ¡°At this rate, I¡¯m not going to get anything done. I should slowly skim through the part that I don¡¯t even have the slightest idea. If only someone could actually teach me about these things, that would surely be a blessing.¡± Sigrun muttered to himself as he started reading again.


    ¡°Alisa is quite unavailable at the moment since the only place she can travel for now is the academy to her house and vice versa. It¡¯s not surprising for her given her standing. Reed is¡­he headed home early with Nio to buy some clothes for her. That too can¡¯t be helped. I don¡¯t have the face to make Meld help me too¡­¡± Sigrun¡¯s thoughts races as he started leaning his face on the table.


    ¡°Ah, this is¡­really hard¡­¡± He once again said coupled with a sigh.


    Sigrun started losing his motivation bit by bit, not until what he will saw the next moment.


    ¡°Ah¡­that¡¯s¡­!¡± He gasped out the window as he saw a familiar face.


    Without second thoughts, he stood up from his seat and went outside the caf¨¦. He inhales some breath and called out to him.


    ¡°Seigen Lloyd!¡± He shouted to capture the attention of Seigen who is wandering in the streets with a worried countenance.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s Sir Sigrun. It¡¯s fancy meeting you at such place.¡± Seigen said as he moved next to Sigrun while bowing lightly as a form of respect.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so stiff! Also, drop the sir in my name and just call me Sig.¡± Sigrun admonished Seigen¡¯s respectful words.


    ¡°Well then¡­Sigrun¡­¡± Seigen said in a low voice as he looks around. He immediately noticed that Sigrun himself has gathered quite an attention which he himself deter to have.


    ¡°Well, that works for now. I¡¯ll be frank as I am pressed for time! Seigen, could you please tutor me?¡± Sigrun said as he bowed his head while clasping his hands.


    ¡°P-Please, don¡¯t do such thing! If I am to be of help to Sigrun, I¡¯ll gladly lend you a hand.¡± Seigen immediately accepted his request.


    ¡°Really? Then, come, come inside the caf¨¦! I have my study materials there!¡± Sigrun pulled on Seigen¡¯s hand as he dragged him into the caf¨¦.


    He urges Seigen who is quite confused about the sudden situation to seat and showed all of his notes. However, Seigen immediately showed a perplexed countenance upon laying his eyes upon the notes. Which, in return, made Sigrun knits his brows.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are they badly written or there is something wrong with it?¡± Sigrun timidly asked.


    ¡°Umm¡­there are several miscalculations and things that need to be corrected, however, my most worry is that¡­Sigrun, we have a techbook. They are provided both in school and in our houses. In a total of two in which what, you typed in the techbook in the school will be recorded in the techbook in your house. You have such thing, don¡¯t you?¡± Seigen explained.


    ¡°Now that you mentioned it¡­there was one back in my house¡­¡± Sigrun replied in utter shock.


    ¡°I see¡­this is quite troubling, however, for now, let¡¯s make do with what we have. I am free this afternoon until dusk so I¡¯ll be thorough with you.¡± Seigen said.


    ¡°Yes! Please do!¡± Sigrun answered energetically to the princely boy.


    Then, for Lecia and Rita who found themselves graced with another man with a big and sparkly atmosphere, they cower in the shade of the wooden counter.


    ¡°They are too bright¡­!¡± Rita said as she curled while hugging her knees.


    ¡°That other guy¡­that¡¯s Seigen Llyod¡­right? Oh¡­wow¡­one of the major families¡­¡± Lecia said with a stiff smile with trembling hands.

 Nevertheless, A Mock Examination Chapter 3

    ¡°I see, you are in trouble in everything except science¡­¡± Seigen said with a sigh.


    ¡°Yeah, because you see, I have to learn so many body parts. Though you could say I am limited to biology and physics.¡± Sigrun replied with a smile.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s put that aside and proceed with general knowledge. First, a sufficient knowledge about one of our developing weapons, the Exturbo.¡± Seigen said as he laid out Sigrun¡¯s notes and brings out a pen of his own.


    ¡°Hmm, I still don¡¯t see the point of studying these scraps.¡± Sigrun stated his opinion with an unmotivated countenance.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that, especially to call them scraps. You see, the recent development of Exturbo greatly contributes to a lot of things. Their first and foremost usage is for battle against a large magical beast. Ascertaining the safety of the one battling it, at the same time, possessing an equal size to destroy it.¡± Seigen explained knowingly.


    ¡°But you know, there are people who can actually fight off giants like that.¡± Sigrun replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, like the Ten Paladins. But Sigrun, think of this, while the Ten Paladins are away and what¡¯s left of the populace are rather unable and unwilling to bring harm to themselves, won¡¯t an Exturbo be a convenient weapon to use? At this age, powerless and casual people are everywhere and you cannot expect them to train themselves in this age of peace.¡± Seigen¡¯s tone is tinged with a little impatient and reprimanding.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­I guess you are right. Thank you for teaching me its importance. Up until now, I just thought of it as something crude.¡± Sigrun bows down lightly.


    ¡°I know where you are coming from. For you, it¡¯s no feat to destroy large magical beasts, right? Well, despite that misconception you created against Exturbo, you easily extended your horizon for it.¡± Seigen sprouted a faint wry smile.


    ¡°So, these Exturbos can also be capable of space travel in the near future, right? If you can strengthen its foundation enough, it can also dive deeper into the ocean or into a mouth of a volcano.¡± Sigrun happily expressed his new found knowledge.


    ¡°Yes, there are a lot of on-going projects to develop those functions for near future expeditions. To pursue such dreams, we do a lot of trial and error. Moving on to the subject, the common parts of Exturbos.¡± Seigen said as he pointed out a writing on Sigrun¡¯s notes.


    ¡°Ah, they did say that in the test, only the general parts of Exturbos will appear. But now that I thought about it, their parts are also quite hard to remember.¡± Sigrun mulled as he lands his forehead on his arms that are resting on the table.


    ¡°That¡¯s indeed troublesome for people who aren¡¯t interested in such, however, students of Estelle Academy are mandated to learn about it. Don¡¯t worry, I shall assist you as much as I can. We were told of your secret. That only means the headmaster must hold great expectation from us.¡± Seigen replied with a still face devoid of any visible emotions.


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s start!¡± Sigrun suggested as he saw how flat Seigen¡¯s countenance is.


    ¡°Exturbos are generally made out of steel, however, the components alone such as that is not enough. Two general kinds of metals are imbued to further strengthens its foundation while keeping it as light as possible. One is Adamantine and the second is Mythril.¡± Seigen explained as he drew two stone of differing figures.


    ¡°Umm¡­I am familiar with those two ores but I cannot seem to determine why to use two of them?¡± Sigrun asked while tilting his head quizzically.


    ¡°Most civilians are aware of their existence, however, those two serve separate uses which most overlook. First, Adamantine is an ore which is usually tough and dense. Its property serves as a strong defense that can withstand both physical and magical attack. It is also an ore that was first used on first generation Exturbo. However, as Exturbos becomes leaner, another way of strengthening was founded, as such, the Mythril. Mythril is a better magical energy conductor and with a pilot with equally good magical energy output, the better it will function.¡± Seigen gave an elaborate explanation regarding the components of Exturbo.


    ¡°Adamantine and Mythril are two main components of the Exturbos armor. If that alone, I think I can manage to remember them, especially their uses. Then, there is this magical lining for them, their specific enhancements, the four types, their weapons with inscriptions, and more.¡± Sigrun counted all the things he needs to learn.


    ¡°I see, there¡¯s a lot to learn. Since it¡¯s going to be like that, can we go somewhere else? I¡¯m pretty much sure it will take us quite a time to discuss everything.¡± Seigen suggested as he stood up from his chair.


    ¡°Then, how about my house? It¡¯s close by, I mean, it¡¯s literally inside the Academy District¡­¡± Sigrun said with a smile.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Yeah, let me have a look at your techbook too. I will teach you personally after all.¡± Seigen replied positively as he helps Sigrun to compile his notes.


    Meanwhile, the lone listener who just finished brewing another coffee overheard their conversation.


    ¡°Eh? Eh¡­?! That means¡­the two of them are going to have a hot and steamy private lesson?! Sir Seigen even said that he looks forward to the night to come! Sir Sigrun will submit himself and Sir Seigen will be dominating¡­! Ack!¡± Rita¡¯s mind started drifting into the gutter.


    ¡°Ah, Rita! Your nose! Your nose is bleeding!¡± Lecia shouted as she noticed her friend having a massive nosebleed.


    ¡°Eeep!¡± Rita, upon noticing the dripping blood from her nose, immediately wipes it with the apron she is wearing.


    However, her cries attracted Sigrun and Seigen¡¯s attention before they can even leave the caf¨¦. Even as she wipes her bleeding nose, her face is extremely flustered to the point that she looks like she has a fever.


    Sigrun, seeing this, started to worry, seeing how the girl he¡¯s been observing earlier seems sickly. It¡¯s not pure good will but his worry is sincere.


    ¡°Are you okay? Say, let me take a look.¡± Sigrun said as he places a hand on Rita¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Ah, please, don¡¯t touch her casually! She is-!¡± Lecia shouted as she tried to grab hold of Sigrun¡¯s wrist but was a second late.


    ¡°Eeep!¡± Rita immediately moves her head away from Sigrun¡¯s hand in panic while uttering another cry.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Sigrun muttered as he realized it immediately.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay? Hey¡­!¡± Lecia asked Sigrun with a horrid anxiousness.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine, though I know what I felt. That girl¡­is she perhaps an Alpsis¡¯s subspecies Succubus? A felt a faint magic from her body.¡± Sigrun said as he looks at his palm.


    ¡°Sigrun, you were able to discern such thing through touch alone?¡± Seigen asked.


    ¡°Yeah, Succubus is a race that perpetually releases faint magical energy around their body. That doesn¡¯t give stress to them and the magical energy that envelopes them are actually a passive spell that charms people. Just now, with the power of Fate the Vajra of Karma, it was rejected.¡± Sigrun said in amazement.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t casually speak of those! Anyway, is that girl fine?¡± Seigen lightly scolded Sigrun and at the same time, asked about Rita¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Ah, please don¡¯t mind her too much. She occasionally gets nosebleed because she gets so much excited. She is what you may call a fujoshi.¡± Lecia happily explains.


    ¡°Lecia!!!¡± Rita shouted in embarrassment as her face is once again colored in bloodshot blush.


    ¡°What¡¯s a fujoshi?¡± ¡°What is a fujoshi?¡± Sigrun and Seigen simultaneously asked with queried countenances upon hearing an unfamiliar word.


    ¡°Ah, a fujoshi is someone who loves BL!¡± Lecia promptly explained.


    ¡°NOOOOOOO!¡± Rita writhed on the ground like her ears are bleeding. ¡°Stop! LECIA!¡± Rita once again shouted as she pulls Lecia away from Sigrun and Seigen.


    ¡°Hmm, what does BL stands for?¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°Please ignore what Lecia just said!¡± Rita pleaded with teary eyes.


    ¡°Ah, it seems BL stands for Boy''s Love. What¡¯s more, fujoshi is a term widely used for girls who are addicted to a romance between men. Hmm, it¡¯s not that I am bothered. There¡¯s wide array of cultures and people all over the world.¡± Seigen explained as he looked it up on his phone.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m definitely learning today. But that BL, isn¡¯t it just basically a homo?¡± Sigurn said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call it like that¡­¡± Rita called out with a pleading voice.


    ¡°Is that so? So it¡¯s only that, huh? I¡¯m just glad you aren¡¯t sick or something. But still, what did you get excited about anyway?¡± Seigen asked Rita with a curious gaze.


    ¡°Maybe Rita saw you two as a pair and her imagination ran wild.¡± Lecia abruptly said with a grin, thus making Rita hides further herself as she hugs her knees.


    ¡°Ahahaha! What a lively imagination! That¡¯s what it takes to be young. Well, we¡¯ll leave now so please take care of yourselves. Come, Seigen.¡± Sigrun laughs it off and proceeded to exit the caf¨¦.


    ¡°Just to be clear, we aren¡¯t in any romantic relationship. I don¡¯t have any plan on admonishing your likes and dislikes.¡± Seigen said before he followed Sigrun.


    ¡°Oh, they left, Rita.¡± Lecia said as she taps on Rita¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I hate you.¡± Rita said with a pout.


    ¡°Ahehehe!~ Good thing there are only a few customers. They were so nice, right?¡± Lecia said with a gentle smile.


    ¡°But to bluntly say all of that¡­you idiot. They are also famous you know.¡± Rita replied as she goes back to her post started brewing another cup of coffee again.


    ¡°You think so that Sir Sigrun is amazing though. To not be charmed by you even though he directly touched you.¡± Lecia said with a glee as she teases her friend.


    ¡°M-Maybe I¡¯m just that unattractive! No¡­but¡­a lot of time¡­people who touch me¡­¡± Rita¡¯s shoulder trembles as she utters those words.


    ¡°You¡¯re spilling the coffee¡­¡± Lecia said.


    ¡°Uwah! Geez, because you always teases me, Lecia!¡± Rita said with a pout.


    ¡°Ehehehe! Oh, a customer. Do your best, Rita!¡± Lecia left Rita and greeted another customer.


    ¡°Lecia¡­I¡¯m glad that you are a good friend¡­if you are not just throwing crucial things about me¡­!¡± Rita looked at her friend¡¯s back with a  half-closed eyes full of dismay.


    ¡°But¡­where would I find myself if we hadn¡¯t become friends¡­¡± Her eyes change to a relieve and warm one as these thoughts cross her mind.


    ¡°Yahoo, Rita, two Expresso with a cream top!¡± Lecia returned with an order for Rita.


    ¡°You are still a jerk though.¡± Rita sends a word to Lecia with a smile as she gets back on her job.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Lecia was left dumbfounded.


    Meanwhile, Sigrun has arrived at his house together with Seigen and has taken him to his room. Upon arrival, Seigen started rummaging through Sigrun¡¯s stuff with his permission to look for the techbook.


    ¡°Hmm, Sigrun, you don¡¯t have much stuff in your room even though the other rooms are fully furnished and complete with all necessities. Even your fridge has some raw foods to cook.¡± Seigen voices out his concern.


    ¡°Hmm¡­those are hardly my doing. Anything more than necessities should be brought with my own allowance. If I have to say, I don¡¯t have much to buy something like a game console. Though, Meld promised me to buy me a phone.¡± Sigrun replied with a shrug.


    ¡°I see, but wouldn¡¯t a part-time job an option. You can earn to buy for your own spendings.¡± Seigen suggested as he pulled a rectangular object inside a cabinet.


    ¡°Part-time job, huh¡­I guess I can do that.¡± Sigrun nodded to himself as he considers it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve found what I¡¯m looking for. Let¡¯s start immediately.¡± Seigen said as he beckons Sigrun.

 Nevertheless, A Mock Examination Chapter 4

    ¡°Alisa, my daughter, how¡¯s school today?¡± A woman with youthful appearance donning a caramel brown in uniformity with her fox ears and tail asked Alisa with a gentle smile but worried and anxious eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, having a lot of maids following you sounds like a perfect school life.¡± Alisa answered in a monotonous voice as she calmly and elegantly eats her food, which is a steak with stirred-fried vegetables, on the plate. She currently wears a casual teal dress with her hair tied in a ponytail.


    ¡°Alisa, what¡¯s with your attitude? Such sarcasm¡­¡± Eould Hertuclaire, Alisa¡¯s father, lightly reprimanded with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Hmph, what else could my sarcasm even mean, I wonder? I have no need to explain myself to you, father.¡± Alisa answered back in a calm and composed manner.


    ¡°Are you¡­digging up that thing from five years ago¡­?¡± Alisa¡¯s mother, Lisa Hertuclaire, worriedly asked as her countenance grew pale.


    ¡°I am not as¡­childish as to think of that matter from the past. I am done, I shall study for a bit so don¡¯t call me.¡± Alisa said as she set down her knife and fork and graciously left her seat after elegantly wiping her lips with a napkin.


    Leaving her parents in a dumbfounded mood, Alisa proceeds to head to her room followed by her attendants.


    As soon as she arrives at her room, Alisa unwinds a little by stretching her arms and cracking her neck by twisting it lightly. She then proceeds to seat on her study table filled with books and decorated with plushies.


    Her personal maid then approaches her.


    ¡°My lady, I believe with your intellectual level, you need not any study at all. I am fairly certain that you will be getting a flying mark befitting of your standing.¡± The maid said with a quizzical countenance as she watches Alisa takes out her techbook.


    ¡°I can never ever be complacent with my studies. Not that he is in the class now. I at least do my best to take the number one position from him when it comes to studying.¡± Alisa answered as she rebooted the techbook while taking out an earphone.


    ¡°Is it Reed Chelle? I have heard that he was able to afford the tuition in Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy through scholarship brought by his victory from last year¡¯s state competition.¡± The maid said.


    ¡°Yeah, and now, I plan to take the first place from him through studies. If you would, please do not disturb me any further.¡± Alisa asked the maid as she inserted the earphones to her fox ears.


    ¡°That looks¡­painfully weird.¡± The maid thought, from a perspective of a human.


    After that, the maid watches Alisa who diligently studies. For the first ten minutes, Alisa was silent while sprouting a serious countenance, however, she started tapping her feet.


    After another ten minutes, Alisa started tapping her finger on the wooden study table, in accordance with the song she is listening to.


    Then, after another ten minutes, she started humming the song.


    Not long after, Alisa is now singing together with the song she is listening to, but, the maid who is listening closely to her fell into utter confusion and her face turning sour.


    The reason being¡­


    ¡°Yo, yeah, yeah!~ Move your body to the beat! Feel the heat in the craze, move your body and your feet! Yo, check out this move, you can¡¯t shake this groove!~¡± Alisa sang as she gleefully bobs her head.


    ¡°My lady is still listening to rap!! After how much we painstakingly gave her a lesson about classical music! And¡­that¡¯s the latest hit, right?¡± Alisa¡¯s maid exclaimed inside her head.


    ¡°M-My lady¡­!¡± The maid called out.


    ¡°Huh? What? Is there something you want to say?¡± Alisa asked as she takes off the earphones from her ears.


    ¡°You are still listening to rap?¡± The maid changes her tone to a calmer one while she puts on a poker face.


    ¡°Well, yeah I guess? I enjoy it. What?Do you have any complaints about it?¡± Alisa suspiciously glares at her maid with knitted brows.


    ¡°No, just, please keep up with your studies.¡± The maid answered with a perplexed tone.


    ¡°I know what you are thinking. Leave me alone with my taste in music.¡± Alisa said with a sneer.


    The maid nodded lifelessly as Alisa told her off.


    As Alisa delves into her studies together with her rap music, Reed Chelle also finds himself in an unsettling situation in his house.


    ¡°Savior¡­¡± Nio calls out to Reed who is studying with his techbook.


    ¡°Um¡­can¡¯t you change the way you call me? I¡¯ve been telling you this for the whole time.¡± Reed left his Techbook and sat beside Nio who is rummaging through the clothes they¡¯ve bought earlier.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°What¡­this?¡± Nio asked as she shows a box wrapped as a present.


    ¡°Hmm? I think this is what mom gave us when we arrived. It¡¯s a packaged sent by Headmaster Meld.¡± Reed said as he also curiously stares at the box.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Nio also stares at the box with unfaltering default countenance.


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s open it.¡± Reed decides and takes the box from Nio¡¯s hands.


    Per his words, Reed gently peeled the wrapping of the box and Nio watches him deftly move his hands. Not long after, what inside the box is revealed to be a case for the latest model for Mphone.


    ¡°Uwaah¡­such expensive gift. That¡¯s the headmaster for you.¡± Reed said filled with awe as he stares at the flat phone.


    ¡°That¡­?¡± Nio pointed at the phone.


    ¡°It¡¯s called a phone. It has a lot of efficient uses such as communication from a long distance or sends a message. Some are for fun like playing music and games.¡± Reed said in amazement as he gleams at the phone.


    ¡°Savior¡­wants? Nio¡­give.¡± Nio pushes the phone gently towards Reed.


    Upon her sweet gesture, Reed couldn¡¯t help but smile, at the same time, he pulled the phone back and pushes it to Nio and pats her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s yours. I¡¯ll teach you how to use it, so keep it for yourself. You may find how valuable it is one day.¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Teach.¡± Nio said as her eyes widen in excitement.


    ¡°Hmm, just a little bit, okay? I need to study.¡± Reed compromises as he took the phone and let Nio see how to boot it.


    He started fiddling with the phone while explaining Nio some details and carefully tell her what are the applications for, however, in the midst of Reed¡¯s explanation, Nio tells him a crucial thing.


    ¡°Savior, can¡¯t read.¡± Nio said bluntly.


    ¡°Ah, is that so? Then, after our mock exams, I¡¯ll teach you how to read, okay? For now, let¡¯s install something here like a game.¡± Reed promised Nio.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Nio smiled brightly at the idea of learning.


    Reed then installed a lot of games that Nio can easily understand, however, the gamer inside him also pushed him to install a game he¡¯s been playing for a year now.


    ¡°Savior¡­this game?¡± Nio asked as Reed opens the game.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s a trending game right now that I am also playing. Well, since it has a lot of writings, I don¡¯t think you can play it anytime soon but I¡¯d like to install it nonetheless.¡± Reed said with sweat dripping from his forehead.


    ¡°Name?¡± Nio asked curiously.


    ¡°Eh¡­Friendblue Fantasy.¡± Reed said. ¡°I¡¯ll register it under your name, okay? Maybe we can play together once you have a grasp over our letters.¡± Reed added as he started registering for Nio.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Nio answered while watching how Reed operates the phone.


    And, as soon as Reed finishes, he then started giving Nio some of the mechanics for the game. Nio already got the gist of it, however, the reading part is where the trouble comes.


    ¡°Amazing! Savior, I study hard to play game!¡± Nio expresses her joy as knows that she will be sharing mutual interests with Reed.


    Reed can only smile faintly at Nio¡¯s enthusiasm. As he showed more of what the game is, he then introduces some major characters and then¡­


    ¡°Ah, the free ten gacha pulls for beginners. Since this is Nio¡¯s account, that¡¯s given. For this, I think I¡¯ll just have her press the button.¡± Reed thought as he saw the gacha roll button.


    ¡°Nio, if you press this button here, new characters will appear. There are different kinds of characters with different kinds of ratings. The rarest is called SSR followed by SR and then the most are R. Let¡¯s try your luck with the gacha.¡± Reed explained to Nio.


    ¡°Eh? Companions? Okay!¡± Nio said with a determination.


    Getting her confirmation, Reed let Nio touches the button and the gacha roll animation starts. Nio watches the animation rather excitingly while Reed looks at the enthusiastic Nio with warm eyes.


    And then, the gacha animation ended and the new characters appear.


    ¡°Yay, companions!¡± Nio shouted as the figures of the characters appear.


    However, contrary to Nio¡¯s joyful expression, Reed is petrified with a forced smile.


    ¡°Pulling four SSR at her first time! Not only that¡­the other two are exclusive only for the current event and can never ever be pulled until next year! Is this what they call beginner''s luck?!¡± Reed shouted inside his mind as despair started encroaching his heart.


    ¡°Savior, look! Dragon!¡± Nio happily showed Reed a character with dragon claws, wings, horns, and tails.


    ¡°The Draconic Princess Rea! I have read on the net that only a few dozens of people are lucky enough to pull her and the event will only last until today!¡± Reed once again monologue inside his mind as he felt a bottomless pit of grievance.


    ¡°Savior! Look!¡± Nio smiled brightly as she showed more of the SSR characters that she pulled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­! Nio¡¯s smile¡­I don¡¯t want to spoil it with my saltiness! Ugh¡­¡± Reed picked himself up and places his hand on Nio¡¯s head to pet her.


    ¡°Good job, Nio. Those are some nice characters.¡± Reed forces his words out as he tried to keep his lips smiling for Nio¡¯s sake.


    ¡°Ehehe, teach me more!¡± Nio said as she showed the phone to Reed.


    With that, Reed spends his time with Nio fiddling the phone while trying his best to keep up with his studies.


    After that, Nio pulled three more SSR.


    Meanwhile, back at the Riria Caf¨¦.


    Standing outside the caf¨¦ while watching Lecia gleefully greeting customers until dusk and Rita bashfully brewing coffee, Enheirt smiles.


    ¡°Oho, they are cute alright.¡± Enheirt said as he rubs his chin with his fingers.


    ¡°I see, certainly, they have merits to be observed. Enheirt, what did you got from your intel gathering?¡± The hooded man asked as he conveys his query from the shadow of the alley behind Enheirt.


    ¡°Lecia Flor is a dryad from the Alpsis race. She¡¯s a cheerful and very talkative per se. I heard that she goes into a high school near the residential district two and comes here for a part-time work with her friend Rita.¡± Enheirt explained as he first eyed at Lecia.


    ¡°And then, Rita Cycla, a succubus from the Alpsis race too. From her childhood, she was a target of bullying because of her race alone when in reality, she doesn¡¯t have any experience with men, less, even handholding will make her faint. For a succubus, she is weak because of her low sexual desire. She also goes to the same school as Lecia.¡± Enheirt then explained as he observes Rita.


    ¡°I see. Both are extremely rare. They are good as a bait, Enheirt. That¡¯s why I want you to keep an eye on this place. Surely, the Hoarders won¡¯t overlook these two. One way or another, they will make a move if they see a dryad and moreover, a succubus which is even rare nowadays.¡± The hooded man said.


    ¡°Oho, I don¡¯t have any complaints if you want me to watch two beautiful girls!¡± Enheirt gleefully answered.


    ¡°This is work. If the Hoarders make their move, you are barred to rescue them. Instead, that will be¡­¡± The man¡¯s word trailed off.


    ¡°I know, the perfect opportunity to trace their steps and locate their hideout in this city. It¡¯s better to cut off the root rather than the branches, right?¡± Enheirt continued his words.


    ¡°Right. You understand it well¡­¡± The hooded man said.


    ¡°Yeah, anyway, leave this to me. It¡¯s high time to contact them.¡± Enheirt said as he waves bye playfully at the man.


    ¡°Hmph.¡± The man only said before disappearing into the veil of darkness.

 Nevertheless, A Mock Examination Chapter 5

    Wednesday and Thursday have passed.


    Sigrun diligently studied under Seigen Lloyd¡¯s guidance. From class dismissal up until late night where Seigen is even forced to stay the night, they studied to push Sigrun. Seigen himself took upon himself to properly see to it that Sigrun will pass, thus, took his way to even make Sigrun an easy study material.


    A few times Sigrun fell into utter despair as he imagined that he will fail and his allowance will take a huge toll, not to mention, Meld hasn¡¯t reaped the punishment yet from his past actions.


    Nevertheless, Seigen didn¡¯t give up.


    Seigen did his best to the point where he even cooked and cleaned for Sigrun on his own initiative. One of the major family¡¯s heirs, Seigen Lloyd, cook and clean.


    Seigen Lloyd, the one called Light Prodigy, willingly volunteered himself as such.


    Sigurn is not short-sighted enough not to take notice of Seigen¡¯s selfless efforts. On top of standing as his mentor in studying, he also did mundane chores for him while he studies. That¡¯s why Sigrun promised Seigen that if he passed this mock examination, he will hang out with him on Sunday.


    Thus, Friday morning has come. In front of Estelle Harmonia Magic Academy, Seigen and Sigrun walk side by side with an intense atmosphere.


    ¡°I have done everything I can to maximize your learning efficiency, as such, I expect a favorable result. This is my only wish, Sigrun. Do your best.¡± Seigen said as with an emotionless countenance.


    ¡°Yeah, I will get that passing mark and prove that our time together isn¡¯t for naught. I won¡¯t let it falter (my allowance) to the brink of nothingness.¡± Sigrun replied as he made a steadfast stride.


    As such conversation floated between them, they both raise their fist and bumps it.


    An onlooker, Amaryl Helion, saw the two.


    ¡°I heard that Sigrun has returned since Tuesday but¡­I never thought I¡¯ll miss a lot during my sickness for three days. How did they become so close like this?!¡± Amaryl said inside her mind with knitted brows.


    However, Sigrun and Seigen ignored every murmur, especially Seigen who is quite sensitive about it because he was so popular. All he could think of is about the mock examination Sigrun is about to take.


    They parted ways in the halls and proceed to each and their own classes.


    Sigrun marches and arrives at his class and found out that everyone is also doing an intense review of the lessons. He still has ten minutes to review everything he learned over these two days. Now, he will put everything into use.


    He sat on his seat and booted the techbook under his desk. All the information he has input on his techbook back home is also recorded here, that includes Seigen¡¯s lessons and guides.


    A little while, Amaryl arrive and also gasps at the sight as if she just remembered that a mock examination is about to take place. She panics and head straight for her chair.


    After another five minutes, a dreadful aura of a battle maniac covers the while atmosphere as Alisa Hertuclaire arrives, filled with lust to win and triumph.


    She didn¡¯t have time to talk to Sigrun and went straight to her studies too.


    And soon after, Reed Chelle followed carrying a compose atmosphere while reading his hand-written notes.


    They rush their mind to painstakingly remember everything.


    Soon, the first examination came as Quarts enters the classroom along with a stack of papers.


    ¡°Good morning everyone! We won¡¯t be using any electronic gadgets and whatnot for the test today. We will have a properly written examination for you guys to take.¡± Quarts said as he happily slams the paper on the table.


    From his words, some students suddenly fell sullen unbeknownst to Sigrun.


    Then, the examination started from Quarts'' signal.


    Sigrun flips the test paper that was passed earlier and picked up his pen and stared hard at the questions printed on the paper.


    ¡°Okay, first is about Exturbos! I¡¯ve been in hell together with Seigen for this but I¡¯ll get over it!¡± Sigrun fired himself up and starts answering.


    As Sigrun filled the first question with certainty, a sudden wave of hostility rushes over his senses. For Sigrun to feel this kind of hostility, the one who releases it must be someone considerably strong.


    But Sigrun knows well that no one possesses such power. Instead, he already thought of the one who is releasing such strong hostility and that is none other than the competitive fox girl who is taking this test seriously.


    ¡°Miss Hertuclaire is too serious for her own good!~¡± Quarts thought as he observes Alisa who furiously writes on her test paper. Meanwhile, his sight landed on Reed.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Reed, on the other hand, has calm composure around him, not minding anyone around him. However, his eyes show that there¡¯s no other enemy in this world right now but his test paper.


    ¡°Well, Mister Chelle is equally serious, huh?¡± Quarts inwardly said to himself as he sprouted a smirk. Then he looks straight at front of him and saw the troubled Sigrun.


    ¡°Gununu¡­now I¡¯m stuck! This question is¡­arrghh¡­¡± Sigrun mulled as he stared hard at one number.


    ¡°Hahaha, doing his best on his own!¡± He chuckled internally.


    For the duration of the intense examination, internal discords happen, panics inside of the student''s minds ensues, and questions about what is life are asked.


    In the first place, it was just a mock examination but for some people, it is a mock examination that a shameful display shouldn¡¯t be shown due to being a student of Estelle Academy. Failure means they are not fit for the prestige of the Academy. They have long given up aiming for the top because of the two unmovable rocks called Alisa and Reed.


    No one is certain anymore of what they are fighting for. The second test came, the third, and so on and so forth. It is like they are fighting for their lives as the mood is swayed by Alisa¡¯s competitive spirit that contrasts to Reed¡¯s calm dangerous atmosphere.


    ¡°Oh god, can¡¯t they just take this test peacefully?!¡± Amaryl who was caught up in the pace exclaimed inside her mind as she concentrated on her own sheet. ¡°This test questions are all basic, like, we¡¯ve learned most of this back in middle school. Not to mention, this is just a mock examination.¡± She added.


    A silent battlefield where one¡¯s presence becomes a big deal.


    And so, the sixth test ends and everyone¡¯s tension loosens.


    Alisa and Reed gradually cool down and their usual demeanor returned. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the test ends. Sigrun himself leans on his desk with an exalted expression.


    ¡°Ahh¡­didn¡¯t know that is going to be that hard¡­¡± Sigrun muttered with a tired countenance.


    ¡°Sig, how did you do with your test?¡± Suddenly, Alisa threw a lighthearted question out of nowhere as she approached Sigrun from behind.


    ¡®Ugghhh¡­I am compelled to believe that it is quite taxing. How about¡­you¡­?¡± Sigrun now directed a question mixed with uncertainty.


    ¡°So-so!~¡± Alisa cheerfully answered with a smile.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Sigrun could only sprout a stiffened countenance of the contrasting atmosphere Alisa is showing compared to earlier.


    As Sigrun contemplates of what kind of retort he should give to Alisa, Reed comes over with a refreshed glee smile. He taps on Sigrun¡¯s shoulder to get his attention.


    ¡°Yo, Sig!¡± He greeted.


    ¡°Yeah, good to see you confident like that, Reed.¡± Sigrun returned the greeting and forces a smile.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m so nervous the whole time! My heart was pounding throughout the day!¡± Reed replied as he scratches the back of his head with a troubled smile.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡± Once again, Sigrun looks at Reed with a knitted brow full of doubts.


    ¡°Does the two of you have a loose screw or something?¡± Sigrun asked in all honesty because of how absurd and how wide the gap in their personality from earlier.


    After that, Reed and Alisa left early.


    For the reason that Reed is still taking care of Nio and her official papers with Meld¡¯s help. It seems that Meld plan is to make Nio take on the name of Chelle since he doesn¡¯t want to be more conspicuous by letting her take the name of Valker.


    And then there¡¯s the school for her. It was a worry since Nio speaks in broken words, thus, the needs for her to learn.


    As for Alisa, she is still restricted from traveling away from school and house, thus, needs to go home early with a lot of escorts. Being one of the major family in the City, Alisa has a reputation to keep, however, the alone seems to be failing lately.


    Sigrun picks himself up and stands before the almost empty classroom as he recovered most of his spirit back. He then suddenly meets with a particular person¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Ah¡­haven¡¯t seen you in a while.¡± Sigrun said as he sprouted a friendly smile to Amaryl.


    ¡°Well¡­I¡¯ve been sick¡­¡± Amaryl turned her head to Sigrun and gave a polite bow.


    ¡°Eh? Good thing you are well now. Want to hang out? Since the test just finished, we ought to have a little celebration, right?¡± Sigrun said to Amaryl.


    ¡°Sorry, I have something else to do today with Lady Esser¡­see you around.¡± Amaryl said in a hurry as if she was avoiding Sigrun.


    Amaryl left Sigrun in haste.


    ¡°That¡¯s expected¡­¡± Sigrun solemnly said as he made a bitter smile. ¡°Things can¡¯t simply go back like how I left them. It seems I have to rebuild some relationship after all.¡± Sigrun added as he resolves himself.


    Without nothing else to do, Sigrun decided to go home and lay down.


    So that¡¯s what he planned in his mind but, upon laying his eyes on the gate of the academy, Seigen is already there waiting for him. As soon as they made eye contact, Seigen immediately walked towards Sigrun.


    ¡°How¡¯s the test?¡± Seigen asked hurriedly with a calm voice.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know how it will turn out. I don¡¯t want to hold much doubt but I don¡¯t want to be confident of it either. Say, have you been waiting for me?¡± Sigrun, after answering his question, returned a query.


    ¡°I just realized that you promised to hang out with me on Sunday but¡­won¡¯t the result comes out on Monday or even Tuesday? That¡¯s why let¡¯s hang out now.¡± Seigen said as he beckons Sigrun.


    ¡°Not a bad idea. Let¡¯s talk at the caf¨¦ where we met.¡± Sigrun suggested a place gleefully.


    Upon his suggestion, the two of them walks together while being inconspicuous of the stares they are receiving. They did no small talk, just a walk with matching pace. It may start new rumors about them but it¡¯s none of their business by the end of the day.


    They arrived once again at Riria Coffee shop and they are greeted by Lecia.


    ¡°Ah, It¡¯s you two again! Welcome! Please make yourself comfortable!¡± Lecia said with a bright and sunny smile.


    Sigrun then turns his head towards the counter and saw Rita smiling softly at them with flustered cheeks.


    Seeing that the same spot as last time is vacant again Sigrun and Seigen seated themselves in the chair as Lecia strides stop at front of the table.


    ¡°Lecia, I want to order the same thing last time. Black, no sugar, no creamer.¡± Sigrun said.


    ¡°Such refined taste. Then, I shall order an iced coffee with a cream top.¡± Seigen then followed with his order.


    ¡°I understand! One black coffee and one iced coffee with a cream top, coming right up!¡± Lecia said as she dashes off with their orders.


    Then, Sigrun then faces Seigen with a smile floated.


    ¡°Now then, let¡¯s get down to business. Seigen, what do you want to learn from me?¡± Sigrun asked.


    ¡°¡­I see. You also took consideration of that.¡± Seigen replied with widened eyes.


    ¡°I won¡¯t grant you power but, I could give you knowledge. What do you want? Ancient magic? Knowledge of alchemy from the past? Arts of war?¡± Sigrun listed some of tempting suggestion, however, Seigen shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of those that you mentioned. What I want to learn is¡­the origin. How and why magic existed. I hope I can expect answers from you, Sigrun.¡± Seigen said in a heavy and serious tone.


    ¡°Very well then, I shall foretell you that I may be a little vague of something and I may hide some crucial things about me. Is that fine?¡± Sigrun said with a condition.


    ¡°Yeah, please tell me.¡± Seigen briefly answered.

 Nevertheless, Nio鈥檚 Lax Adventure Chapter 1

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Nio. Today is a good day to walk around the city so I¡¯ll show you all you need.¡± Reed said as he put a white laced staw hat on Nio¡¯s head partnered with a cute fluffy sundress that reaches past her knees.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Nio asked innocently. Her words didn¡¯t break off as usual as she showed quite a proficiency in speaking words, unlike the other day.


    ¡°We will go see various places so you can familiarize yourself with the city. I¡¯ve done this before with Sig but that¡¯s together with Alisa that time. Right now, it¡¯s just the two of us.¡± Reed happily explains as he also dons a shoulder bag filled with their today¡¯s necessities.


    ¡°Oh, a date!¡± Nio exclaimed as he clings on Reed¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­please don¡¯t say that aloud when we are out. Wait, no, this is not exactly a date.¡± Reed hastily corrected Nio¡¯s assumption but he himself is quite confused on what words to use.


    ¡°Reed is so gullible.¡± Nio said in a teasing tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite frightening to see you learn so fast¡­especially that kind of attitude. It¡¯s not wrong but it¡¯s just too blunt.¡± Reed said as if he is admonishing Nio¡¯s fiendish teasing.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s buy some point card today! The new event released some cute units!¡± Nio said as she suddenly took the lead while pulling Reed¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yeah, but let¡¯s be prudent with our allowance today, okay?¡± Reed replied to Nio. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be using Nio¡¯s financial support from Headmaster Meld so I guess it¡¯s okay?¡± he said inside his mind.


    After their conversation, Reed and Nio step out of the house and made their way towards the business district. For the past few days, Reed discovered something about Nio.


    That is, even as someone as small as her, she is too attractive. She far outclass so many girls at her age and she doesn¡¯t have just a charm as a child, she also has a strong charisma that Reed finds amusing. Not only that, Nio has an absurd luck with pretty much about everything.


    Most importantly, Nio is slowly shedding the personality she initially showed everyone and slowly manifesting her true self. Since her vocabulary is sparse at first, she was cautious and careful with her words, however, right now, Nio is radiating some of her personality that she left unseen before.


    ¡°Are you disappointed? I¡¯m really not that childlike now.¡± Nio said as she walks backward as she looks at Reed with a glee smile.


    ¡°Well, I could be more surprised but when I think about it, you are older than me.¡± Reed said with a wry smile.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m really going to get angry if you keep saying that I¡¯m old!¡± Nio protested with a pout. ¡°But¡­say¡­will you still like me despite that?¡± Nio asked Reed bluntly.


    ¡°No comment¡­¡± Reed said in a weak voice.


    ¡°Well, whatever! We are we going first?¡± Nio excitedly asked as she bobs her head up and down as she looks at the tall buildings and dozens of stores lined up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want some clothes or toys? Maybe a place to eat first or something sweet?¡± Reed laid down his suggestions.


    ¡°Anything is honestly fine for me as long as we are together!¡± Nio happily said as she snuggles closer to Reed.


    ¡°That¡¯s no good. You should try to think of something you wish to do, Nio! Today, let¡¯s do things you really wanted to do.¡± Reed lightly scolded her.


    ¡°Uh¡­I see¡­sorry. Then, I saw in the net the other day that there¡¯s a crepe shop here. It was my first time seeing something and I wanted to taste it.¡± Nio said as she pointed in one direction.


    ¡°Have you been surfing the net while I¡¯m gone?!¡± Reed immediately asked with anxiousness creeping his back.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve always loved looking at foods! I even watched some anime and looked at some games!¡± Nio happily said with an innocent smile.


    ¡°Is that all?!¡± Reed followed another question.


    ¡°Yes. Is something wrong?¡± Nio tilted her head quizzically from Reed¡¯s panicking countenance.


    ¡°No, not all. I see¡­¡± Reed breathed a sigh of relief.


    After confirming that Nio hasn¡¯t touched the bad part of the internet, like what Sigrun might actually do as a deed.


    They make their way to buy some of the crepes at one of the famous stalls where they waited in line for ten minutes.


    As soon as their turn comes, the man who is making the crepe sprouted a big smile.


    ¡°Oh, what a cute little sister you have there, bro.¡± said by the man who seems to be in his mid-twenties. He skillfully makes the crepe while conversing.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°We are actually--!¡± Nio was about to say something. She immediately holds herself back and pauses.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s still a little clingy but I can boast that she is the cutest around.¡± Reed said as she patted Nio¡¯s head as a sign of affection and praise for controlling herself from saying anything unnecessary.


    ¡°Ahahaha! A little cheeky there for having the cutest one around, huh? Well, your lil¡¯ girl definitely stands up with that cutest thing. Say, how bout a lil¡¯ discount for your lil¡¯ sister? She¡¯s a cute lil button after all. Half the price.¡± The man offered with a joyous smile.


    ¡°Ah, really? Thank you. Then, I¡¯ll get the mango and my little sister will get the strawberry.¡± Reed told the man his order.


    ¡°Aight, coming up!¡± Replied by the man as he deftly does his job.


    Their crepe was made immediately and was carefully wrapped in a paper towel. The man said his goodbye to the two of them.


    Reed and Nio went to the nearby park with a lot of benches and a dazzling water fountain at the middle and large trees giving a comfortable shade.


    They sat together, side-by-side and started eating their crepe.


    ¡°Ehehehe!~¡± Nio giggled while leaning her head on Reed.


    ¡°Hmm? You looked so happy, is it tasty?¡± Reed took noticed of Nio¡¯s elated mood.


    ¡°I was called cute a lot of times that I feel a little embarrassed now but at the same time, it¡¯s quite an uplifting word. It is especially good when you are the one who called me that.¡± Nio bashfully said as she hides behind Reed¡¯s arm to prevent him from seeing her reddened cheeks.


    ¡°Ahahaha, what are you saying now? You¡¯ve always been cute.¡± Reed reassured her.


    ¡°No¡­that¡¯s not a compliment you can easily come across back at the sacred mountain. We are dragons after all and all we can do is fight for food or fight for territory.¡± Nio said with a voice indicating nostalgia.


    ¡°Don¡¯t dragons have a concept of beauty?¡± Reed threw a pretty lighthearted question.


    ¡°Hmm? I¡¯d say¡­no? In our race, I¡¯m pretty much young so I don¡¯t have any specific knowledge about it. That¡¯s why, although a little bit awkward, the sense of being praised comes naturally at me like happiness in form of words. Especially after seeing so much in the net lately.¡± Nio said those words sincerely as she started nibbling at her crepe again.


    ¡°Is that so? Then, starting today, even tomorrow, even the day after tomorrow, as long as we are together, I will always compliment you as long as you stay as a good girl.¡± Reed said as he looks straight into Nio¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Ahh!!¡± Nio covered her face with the crepe and started pounding Reed with her hand in her embarrassment.


    ¡°Ah, stop it please!¡± Reed pleaded with a troubled smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re treating me like a child!¡± Nio cried out as she continued her strengthless attack.


    ¡°Do you prefer if I call you something befitting of someone older?!¡± Reed tried to rephrase his words with an appeal but Nio¡¯s attack didn¡¯t cease.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me old!¡± Nio once again said.


    ¡°Which one¡­?¡± Reed asked with a dry laugh as he playfully blocks Nio¡¯s attacks.


    After Nio satisfied herself from hitting Reed and stopping their banter, Reed looks at Nio curiously as she looks back at him with a confused countenance.


    ¡°You are quite gung-ho with your age, huh.¡± Reed said with a gentle smile floated on his lips.


    ¡°Gung-ho? What¡­does that mean?¡± Nio pointed out a word she doesn¡¯t understand. After all, Nio just only learned the basics of vocabulary for everyday use. Complicated words are still unexplored.


    ¡°It means you are like fixated on it of hung up on it.¡± Reed explained in lay man¡¯s term.


    ¡°Is that so? Well, because¡­I heard from father that human dies early than any other races and you are a human. As much as possible, I don¡¯t want my age to be brought up because it reminds me that¡­you have a shorter lifespan. When that thought crosses my mind, I feel a little lonely.¡± Nio confessed her thoughts about it.


    ¡°I see, you are definitely a good girl.¡± Reed told her as he looked up at the sky.


    ¡°I also get angry because of your lack of delicacy!¡± Nio added with a furious tone.


    ¡°Ahahaha! I¡¯m sorry! That won¡¯t happen again. You girls, whatever the race you are from, are always odd about the simplest thing.¡± Reed once again threw a curveball.


    ¡°I hope you know what you are saying¡­¡± Nio said with a crestfallen voice towards the dense man in front of her.


    ¡°Nio, stop sulking. We still have a lot to do so cheer up! I¡¯ll take you anywhere so let¡¯s go! You have me for the whole day after all.¡± Reed said as he outstretches his arm towards Nio with his hand beckoning her.


    ¡°I have you¡­for the whole day¡­¡± Nio repeated those words that seem coated with sugar and honey.


    Her excitement once again shot up and her joyous mood returned. Before sulking, there are a lot of things that caught her attention earlier and wanted to sate that curiosity of hers. The feeling of exploring something new rages stronger than her sulking mood earlier so she took Reed¡¯s hand sprouted a wry heartfelt smile once again.


    ¡°Where should we go next?~¡± Nio said those words mixed with a hum.


    ¡°Say, how about we ride a train? Let¡¯s go to the next district with a lot of stores. After that, in the same district, they have a lot of baths. That¡¯s right, let¡¯s buy some clothes before going to one.¡± Reed suggested to Nio who opened her eyes in sheer curiosity.


    ¡°That, that, let¡¯s go! I saw something about the train on the net yesterday too so I badly want to ride one!¡± Nio excitedly jumps.


    ¡°Ahahaha, sure enough, she¡¯s pretty much a child. Nothing really changed about her in the end and she is as curious and active as one. She still even gets jumpy with every new idea.¡± Reed said inwardly as he savors Nio¡¯s innocent smile.


    Reed and Nio proceeded to their next destination while stopping over some stores as a detour.


    Sometime later¡­


    ¡°Ah, wow! It¡¯s moving! It¡¯s fast! The houses are like moving! Hey, Reed, look!¡± Nio tugs on Reed¡¯s clothes as she watches the scenery outside the moving train. She is deeply engrossed on the trip that she didn¡¯t notice the people around her smiling warmly at the sight of her.


    A woman standing in front of Reed smiled at Nio.


    ¡°Ahahaha, I¡¯m sorry about her. Here, please take this seat.¡± Reed tried to offer her his seat, however¡­


    ¡°Please don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m not that frail and besides, your sister might not like it if you are away from her. Thanks for being a gentleman though.¡± The woman said sincerely.


    ¡°Such a dignified person. Once again, I¡¯m really sorry for all the ruckus my little sister is causing.¡± Reed once again apologizes not only to the woman but to the other passengers too.


    ¡°No, no, on the contrary, it¡¯s quite a sight for sore eyes. You are blessed with a cute and adorable little sister, young man.¡± An old man said with a wry smile. ¡°It reminds me of my daughter when she was young. Now, she is all grown up now and married.¡± The old man added with a sigh.


    The other passengers nodded in confirmation as Reed looks at them one by one. Reed could only laugh lightly at the situation as the other passengers warmly watch Nio tugging on Reed¡¯s clothes.


    Shortly, they arrived at a station but it was not their stop.


    A group of thug entered.

 Nevertheless, Nio鈥檚 Lax Adventure Chapter 2

    There is a total of six thugs with rough appearances. Mohawk, bald, bearded, whatever you hit it, they have all sorts of assortment when it comes to hairstyle.


    They are dressed shoddily with no indication of them minding how they look like. Their rough tunic and washed out pants with tatters stands out. There are even chains or metallic badges hanging from their waists.


    Their leader, a tall, bulky man with an imposing buffalo horns indicating that he is from the Vaster race, surveys the whole train with strained eyes seemingly glaring at anyone. His henchmen are a bit smaller than his frame but overall, they are also what anyone would consider imposing by appearance.


    ¡°These people¡­¡± Reed muttered in his mind as he turns his gaze away to prevent from getting their attention.


    Nio noticed the unrest in the atmosphere as most of the passenger grew quiet. She immediately deemed the thugs to be a trouble so she also stayed put and kept her mouth shut, like what Reed did.


    However, things are just inevitable.


    ¡°Ohoho, look, a little girl!¡± The leader of the thugs disgustingly said as he spotted Nio. He sprouted a grin as he leers closer to her.


    ¡°Gahaha! Such small and cute girl!¡± One of the henchmen laughs gleefully.


    ¡°Here, here, lemme see her cheeks!¡± One of them then outstretch his hand towards Nio. The sheer difference in size of his hands contrary to Nio¡¯s head is unsettling.


    Before the man¡¯s hand can even touch Nio, Reed grabs it.


    ¡°Please stop. Don¡¯t just casually touch my little sister.¡± Reed said in a deep and cold voice seemingly devoided of any emotion.


    The man whose hand was caught by Reed took a step back and drew his hand in the air.


    ¡°Ah-hahaha! Excuses, how rude of me! Hahaha! So, you are the big brother, huh?¡± The man faces Reed with a huge grin. The six of them started gathering around Nio and Reed.


    ¡°How about it, Juggs? Shall we give them a little something so they will understand?¡± One of the men said with a hoarse voice, calling out to their leader named Juggs.


    ¡°Yeah, take it out.¡± Juggs said as he ordered one his men.


    They immediately brought a bag in front and opened it, rummage the contents and took out something. Reed¡¯s vigilance shot up as they took out something inside a plastic bag.


    ¡°Yeah, take it out!¡± Juggs shouted and one of the men presented a large box still packed in a plastic.


    His henchman unwraps the box and the box revealed to be¡­


    ¡°¡­A¡­sweets?¡± Reed tilted his head in confusion.


    ¡°Here, here, we just brought it in a confectionery shop! Get some, little girl. Hey, open one more box and offer to the other passengers!¡± Juggs commanded as they took out another similar box.


    ¡°¡°Yes, Boss!¡±¡± The men shouted in obedience started unwrapping another box and started going around and offering it to people, albeit bewildered.


    Nio and Reed peered inside the box and saw the assortment of intricately prepared sweets such as candies and cupcakes. They direct their head once more to Juggs and he returned a hearty smile.


    ¡°Hahaha! Well, I guess it¡¯s still inevitable that we are still mistaken. However, this is the only thing about us we refuse to change. Enough of that, here, here, get some! Although this is for the orphanage, we brought enough!¡± Juggs said as he beckons them to get some.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­¡± Reed laughs dryly as he nods to Nio¡¯s direction in affirmation.


    ¡°T-Thank you¡­¡± Nio then timidly takes one cupcake.


    Nio then slowly bites the cupcake and as soon as the icing touches her tongue, her cheeks brimmed with a flush as the sweetness spreads throughout her mouth. She unconsciously held her cheeks with one of her hands.


    ¡°Delish¡­!¡± Nio muttered as her eyes gleam in utter joy.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad! Ahahaha! As expected, children should enjoy more of what sweets could offer!¡± Juggs then extended his hand again and roughly shook Nio¡¯s head.


    ¡°Ah, so you were happy to see Nio because you like children in general. And you said something about an orphanage earlier.¡± Reed then tried to subtly assess their motive.


    ¡°Yeah, we are a friend of the priest there! Today, we are going there to play with the children while eating sweets with them.¡± Juggs said as his hand then crept on Nio¡¯s cheek and gently pinch them.


    ¡°Well, for now, please let my little sister eat in peace.¡± Reed said with a troubled smile as Nio finds it hard to it while being bothered with a hand.


    ¡°Ahahaha, I¡¯m sorry! It¡¯s just that your little sister is extraordinarily adorable. I bet she could get along with the children in the orphanage.¡± Juggs said as he pulled his hand away from Nio.


    ¡°Hmm, where is this orphanage anyway? We are to get off in Business District Two Subrural. We planned to go to a hot spring!¡± Reed said while he replaced Juggs from petting Nio as he started stroking her head.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Ahahaha! We are of the same destination!¡± Juggs said.


    ¡°How about it, Nio, want to take a detour? It¡¯ll be a new experience for you to play with kids¡­in the same age.¡± Reed said, albeit hesitated a little.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with it as long as we are together. Also, stop that, I can¡¯t eat properly!¡± Nio said as she tried to take Reed¡¯s hands away, however, she pauses a little to ponder if she really wants Reed¡¯s hand to be away from patting her head.


    ¡°Really? The children will be happy, I bet.¡± Juggs showed a sincere smile unbefitting of his rugged face.


    Through the unexpected event, Reed and Nio met a man named Juggs and his merry men whose hobby is to do charitable work and public service. Their appearance is nothing more than just their shadow of their old self and they refuse to change it because they want to be constantly reminded of how they are in the past.


    They get off the train leaving the other passengers baffled but joyous as the people they judged to be bad are actually golden-hearted.


    The place where they got off is still within the Business District Two, however, the buildings are sparse than the other districts and there is more vegetation as it is close to a rural Residential District. Although the Residential District could be described as an extension of the Business District Two as they deliver harvests from there.


    As of the reason why this sparsely built district is still part of the business district is quite simple. They are famous for their hot springs, inns, and for seasonal vacation.


    Juggs and the other led Reed and Nio towards the orphanage. On the way, several stalls and shopowner spotted Juggs¡¯s group.


    ¡°Hey, Juggs, you are real lifesaver yesterday! Thanks again! Ain¡¯t those new friends? Here, take this mackerel! Going to the orphanage, right?¡± A grocer said as he deftly handed Juggs a fish.


    ¡°Yo, thanks, old man!¡± Juggs expresses his gratitude.


    ¡°Oh, my, Juggs, the repair that you did in my house¡¯s pipe came down pretty good. Here, have some of these vegetables.¡± A nice auntie said as she handed Juggs an assortment of greenery. ¡°For the young girl, there, please play nice with the other children. Have this can of juice. Have a nice day!¡± she added as she offered Nio an orange juice which she took while expressing her gratitude.


    ¡°Heya, thanks for that! The priest will be pleased knowing that we will be having a hotpot today!¡± Juggs gleefully accepted the vegetables with a hearty laugh.


    ¡°Sup, big guy. Get these friggin¡¯ delish snacks for the brats, will ya? Betcha¡¯ they will be happy their snot will start fallin¡¯. A man who also looks like a thug who manages a candy shop said as he handed Juggs a plastic bag full of sweets.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t that precious of you. Ya better show up at your sister¡¯s recital ya idiot.¡± Juggs admonish the man but they bumped their fist as a sign of their deep fellowship. Juggs¡¯s henchmen then bowed one by one respectfully to the man.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, what¡¯s with this black haired brat? Want some of my famous apple candies? This¡¯ll blow your snot off your nose.¡± The man said as he handed Nio a candied apple.


    ¡°Watch out, Blitz. Big bro there will blow your brain out if you be disrespectful.¡± Juggs said with a grin as he pointed at Reed.


    ¡°Ah, ya blowdart, that¡¯s Reed Chelle! The lad who became the state champ last year in Tier four degree five competition.¡± The man told Juggs with widened eyes.


    ¡°Fer real?! Lad, you have some heavy background there! I never did bother asking your name.¡± Juggs said as he taps Reed¡¯s shoulder with his heavy hand.


    ¡°I just got sort of lucky, hahaha¡­¡± Reed started to laugh it off too, however, the feeling of uneasiness lingers as the topic was brought up.


    ¡°Ah, anyway, say hi to that priest for me, would ya? Scram now.¡± The man said as he chases Juggs away.


    So on and so forth.


    There were a lot of distractions and stopover as Juggs and his merry men and kept getting called. Meanwhile, Nio took a spotlight as she walks together with them.


    It has become afternoon when they reached the said orphanage.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s Juggs and the tentacle men!¡± One child cried out as he pointed at them.


    ¡°Call out the priest, Juggs and the tentacle men are here!!¡± Another child said as she sent someone to tell the priest.


    ¡°Yay, Juggs, the tentacle and¡­A handsome guy and a cute girl came!?¡± one of the girls exclaimed as she saw Reed and Nio.


    ¡°Hey, hey, Laila, aren¡¯t I handsome too?¡± Juggs asked the girl who is as small as Nio.


    ¡°Juggs looks like a bear.¡± Laila answered briefly.


    ¡°Gahahaha! Well, bears are big and strong!¡± Juggs didn¡¯t mull over her answer and took it positively.


    Before long, the children immediately gathered around Nio.


    ¡°Pretty! Your hair is as slick as the night!¡± a girl complimented.


    ¡°Another girl! Hmph, don¡¯t expect to get fawned here, got it?¡± A boy said as he spat those words at Nio, however, he can¡¯t look straight at her.


    ¡°Hey, hey, is that hot guy your brother?¡± Another girl asked as she eyed at Reed.


    ¡°Y-Yeah¡­¡± Nio answered timidly.


    ¡°Kyaa! Can you introduce us to him?¡± Another question came but Nio shook her head.


    ¡°No, he is only mine.¡± Nio said to the children that gathered around her. Boy and girls have their mouth gaping from Nio¡¯s declaration.


    ¡°Kya! It¡¯s a forbidden love between siblings!!¡± A shriek broke out.


    Nio was troubled, however, a faint smile floated on her lips.


    ¡°Tentaclemen, let¡¯s play! Do that wiggly thing again!¡± A boy called out to Juggs¡¯s henchmen.


    ¡°Ouhh! Let¡¯s do this! Wiggle wiggle!¡± The man said as he started wiggling his arms like they are a real tentacle and started chasing kids in a game of tag while laughing.


    ¡°Yo, brother. Let¡¯s greet the priest for now. Let your little sister play.¡± Juggs said as he beckons Reed towards a place that seems a church.


    Reed turns his gaze towards Nio who was then dragged by a group of girls towards a field full of blooming flowers. They sat on there and started decorating Nio¡¯s hair with flowers.


    Nio herself is quite flustered as way more attention is given to her.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go. I want to meet this priest.¡± Reed said as he nodded to Juggs¡¯s words.


    What Reed observe of the place is with the exception of the children happily playing with a smile on their faces, the place is quite spacious. There are two dorms away from the church which assumingly for boys and girls.


    The dorms are quite large that it could easily house forty children of each gender. As what stated earlier, there¡¯s even a field of flowers next to a hill. To the west of the spacious land is a forest and to the east is an open prairie brimming with flowers coupled with small hills.


    It¡¯s not even wrong to say that the place is quite extravagant and gorgeous.


    Reed then is led towards the inside of the church.


    What beheld him is the beautiful stained glass that illuminates lustrous colorful glow from the sunlight giving life to the interior of the church made of bricks and woods. Pews are lined up neatly facing the altar where a statue of a man, presumably the god they worship, is erected.


    In the middle stood a man wearing a black vestment. His facial features show that he is neither youthful nor olden but a face that can be considered neutrally handsome. His hair is shaded dark brown in contrast to his bright brown irises.


    Reed immediately knew it was the priest.


    The priest didn¡¯t show any expression but instead, spread his arms like he is receiving a grace from the heaven.


    ¡°Rejoice, young lad.¡± The priest said.


    ¡°That line is a bit dull¡­¡± Reed didn¡¯t help it but retort to his sudden greeting.


    ¡°Humor me a little, I say.¡± The priest replied with knitted brows.

 Nevertheless, Nio鈥檚 Lax Adventure Chapter 3

    ¡°Young lad, I heard from Juggs that your purpose for being here is for a visit. I take it that you bring goodwill.¡± The priest asked Reed while making a solid eye contact.


    ¡°Well, I am here together with my little sister. I just thought that I¡¯d take her to places for today and we¡¯ve decided to look around in this part of the city.¡± Reed explains to the priest with an observing gaze.


    ¡°I see, I am thankful for considering our orphanage as one of your destinations. Here, you may adopt another sister or more. Would you want some?¡± the priest teased Reed.


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m already satisfied with my little sister. By the way, my name is Reed Chelle. My little sister is Nio Chelle. It¡¯s a pleasure to be your acquaintance.¡± Reed replied with an introduction as he outstretches his hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Oh, how rude of me not to introduce myself in the face of a visitor. I am Lucius Stile and as you can see, I am a priest.¡± Lucius spreads his arms and had Reed behold the grandeur of the chapel.


    ¡°Stile? Isn¡¯t that one of the four major families in Brent City?¡± Reed rummages his thoughts as he comes across someone who carries a heavy background.


    Brent City¡¯s Four Major families are head figures that greatly distinguished the city itself.


    Each family rules over a business district and their influence spreads all over. They are a lineage that seated in the Brent City for a long time now and has made quite a remarkable contribution to the growth of the city.


    The Hertuclaire Family governs the Business District One and as stated before, they are a family that specializes in weaving inscriptions to materials, daily necessities for people who don¡¯t have magic and alike. Inscription, by itself, is installing pseudo magical nodes on an item and functions as what the inscription stated such as hardens, sharpens, heat, and a lot more.


    Next is the Lloyd Family that governs the Business District Three. They manufacture magical items and wares. They have huge ties to the Hertuclaire Family as they are consequently collaborating on a lot of projects. Not only magical items, they are also responsible for the development of Exturbos for the masses use, a prominent family known as inventors.


    And so, the Stile Family that greatly diverges from the first two families. Stile Family greatly focuses on commercial establishments, firms, and a lot of entertainment facilities that make up most of the Business District Two. They are also known as development-field experts as they are expert economic traders and land establishers, one that propagates a plot. It is nothing short to say that they also manage the city¡¯s agriculture.


    ¡°How does a man from the Stile family ended up as a priest?¡± Reed threw a serious question that made Lucius stare back at Reed.


    ¡°Oh? I¡¯m not someone who will freely reign up my disposition. It¡¯s not like a flunk out of college or anything.¡± Lucius let out a very serious atmosphere.


    ¡°¡­He definitely did, huh?¡± Reed could only sprout a troubled smile.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯d like to meet this little sister of yours too. I¡¯ll just take up a little bit of her time. Juggs, can you call her?¡± Lucius said as he looks at Juggs.


    ¡°Aye, priest. Just a moment then.¡± Juggs replied as he proceeds to leave the chapel.


    As soon as Juggs closed the door, Lucius immediately changes his default countenance into a curious and an inspecting gaze.


    ¡°Now then, there¡¯s one thing I¡¯d like to clarify. If my memory serves me right, Reed Chelle is supposed to be an only child.¡± Lucius stated.


    As if his spine as struck by a lighting, Reed¡¯s body stiffened. The man in front of him seems like his onto something about him.


    ¡°No, in the first place, it was quite obvious since I am a little bit known.¡± Reed tried to reason out Lucious statement all by his own and prepares an alibi, however¡­


    ¡°And it seems the record of Nio Chelle just recently popped up in the records. Census, per se, like it is all too natural. None even batted an eye. Was it someone with greater authority who did it?¡± Lucius continued to speak that crumbled Reed¡¯s first step of reasoning.


    ¡°Did he do a thorough background check on me? What is his goal? But, isn¡¯t this the first time we¡¯ve met?¡± Reed started raising his vigilance.


    ¡°Reed Chelle, as of now, you¡­¡± Lucius'' voice trailed off as he walks closer to Reed and peers into his eyes like he has seen through everything.


    ¡°What?¡± Reed replied in anxiousness and over vigilance.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°You¡­I don¡¯t think two or three more little sisters won¡¯t be a problem now? Just adopt some of my children here!¡± Lucius said as he clasped Reed¡¯s hands.


    ¡°You¡­like escalating things quickly like this, huh¡­¡± Reed said with a dumbfounded expression. ¡°And I¡¯m not interested! Nio is enough for me.¡± He hurriedly followed.


    A comical ambiance replaces the stern atmosphere. Lucius¡¯s stern countenance is overwritten with an amused one as Reed loosen his hostility.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite an amusing fellow, lad.¡± Lucius said with a grin.


    ¡°Say, about Nio¡­¡± Reed once again spoke in an exasperated tone.


    ¡°Worry not for I don¡¯t have a fiddling interest in your relationship with her. Although I am curious about what you might end up doing with her.¡± Lucius voices out his contradicting concerns.


    ¡°You¡¯re not making any sense. Can I take your words to be true? Anything about Nio, can you keep it a secret?¡± Reed asked with a worried gaze.


    ¡°Young Lad, I am a priest. A priest does not lie!¡± Lucius said with a confident smile.


    Upon Lucious dubious declaration, the door of the church slowly opens once more. Reed and Lucius peeled their eyes away from each other and direct their sight at the door.


    ¡°Ah, Reed!¡± Nio enters from the door and started walking at a fast pace towards Reed.


    Reed immediately saw Nio with garlands of white flowers in contrast to her sheer raven hair to be really adorable. Flower made to be hairpins dangles from all over her hair giving a really innocent and adorable girl who is loved by nature.


    In her thin and frail looking neck also lays a string of flowers and a brooch is inserted on her one-piece white dress. Even her straw hat is decorated to the brim.


    ¡°Look!¡± Nio showed it off to Reed with a blooming smile that seemingly enjoyed herself.


    ¡°Ah, so cute! You even smell so good with all the flowers!¡± Reed said with a melting smile as he immediately took out his phone and snap a shot.


    ¡°You took a picture?!¡± Nio immediately knew what Reed just did and tried to take his phone away, however, due to their difference in height, she can only reach up for it while Reed hovers it upward.


    ¡°Nioooo!!¡± ¡°Niyooon!~¡± Two girls suddenly called out to Nio as they entered the church with Juggs following behind.


    ¡°Ah, sorry priest. These two has gotten too close to the lil sister.¡± Juggs apologizes.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing sort of even a problem. They are happy, I¡¯m happy.¡± Lucius said as he warmly gazes at the two girls approaching Nio.


    The two girls suddenly clasp closely at Nio with glee and giggles and the girl herself seems to be not bothered by it. In fact, Nio shows how pleases she is with their level skinship even though they just met each other.


    ¡°Nio, introduce us to your brother!¡± Said by the girl with a candid smile while wagging her thick scaly tail. The girl has a gleaming bright topaz iris that greatly compliments her hair tinged with a shade of red. The scales under her jaw is an ashen hue of blood color. All of the indications tell that the girl is of the race of Oreals.


    ¡°Reed, listen! This here is Mei-mei and this is Sen-sen!¡± Nio said as she pointed at the girl earlier as Mei-mei and the other girl as Sen-sen.


    ¡°I¡¯m Mei-mei, nice to meet you!¡± Mei-mei said as she playfully curtsied with her long cream dress. She sprouted another smile as she ruffled her red hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m called Sen-sen, pleased to be your acquaintance!¡± The girl with short fringed blond hair and deep colored ruby eyes with sharp fangs said as she twirls with her cute pleated skirt like appealing to Reed.


    ¡°Sen-sen said she is a vampire!¡± Nio added.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m Reed Chelle, Nio¡¯s older brother. I am quite happy to meet all of you.¡± Reed said as he petted Mei-mei¡¯s and Sen-sen¡¯s head.


    Suddenly, Lucius nudges on Reed¡¯s back.


    ¡°How is it? Want them? Little sisters? Future brides? Just treat them well.¡± Lucius whispered daringly behind Reed¡¯s ear.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not interested! Future brides?! In the first place, I¡¯m already in love with someone!¡± Reed tried to reason out with Lucius.


    ¡°Oho? In love with someone, huh.¡± Lucius muttered back those words with great satisfaction.


    ¡°Hmm? Wait, in love with someone? I do? I¡­I think I am¡­¡± A doubt sprouted from Reed¡¯s mind as delve into his thoughts about what he just said.


    ¡°A-Anyway, I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t adopt anyone here¡­¡± Reed said honestly at Mei-mei and Sen-sen.


    ¡°No need to apologize because we are living here happily. Being adopted is just one option but, we live a good and satisfying life here.¡± Mei-mei said.


    ¡°Sir Priest teaches us properly about general educations! We can read and write properly and he takes care of us like his real children. Though he is quite eccentric.¡± Sen-sen said.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m here.¡± Lucius snaps at Sen-sen¡¯s rude remark.


    ¡°Ahahaha! What about it, Priest?! The girl is on spot!¡± Juggs laughed and defended Sen-sen.


    ¡°Goodness, I am turning into a quite a villain here.¡± Lucius said while she shakes his head.


    Reed couldn¡¯t help but feel warmness swelling from his chest as there¡¯s a light banter happening in front of him. Nio¡¯s importance keeps growing for him as he felt joyous to see her laugh and giggles.


    Although their relationship is fake, his feelings for her is simple, honest and sincere. It was nothing that deviates from what he thinks of what an older brother should be to his little sister.


    Suddenly, one of Juggs¡¯s henchmen comes rushing inside the church.


    ¡°Juggs, a news just came!¡± He shouted with a countenance sweltered with sweat.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Juggs promptly asked.


    ¡°They said that the train operations are halted until tomorrow morning because of an emergency maintenance. The affected lines are from Business District One to Business District Two.¡± He said.


    ¡°Really? The sun has started setting too. Oh well, we still got our motorcycles parked nearby, right? Let¡¯s go home tonight with that.¡± Juggs suggested with a pained smile.


    ¡°Wait a minute! That means¡­¡± Reed suddenly grew paler.


    ¡°Eh, ah, yeah. It seems you two will be stuck here. If not, you can just call a taxi but that would prove to be quite expensive.¡± Juggs said as he suddenly realized Reed and Nio¡¯s predicament.


    ¡°Now, now, since we had a clich¨¦ development, if you want to stay overnight, I can recommend you to a fine classical inn atop of a hill filled with cherry blossoms.¡± Lucius said as he sprouted a grin once again.


    ¡°We are moving too fast again¡­I need to call home if we were to do that. Otherwise, we¡¯ll just take a taxi.¡± Reed sprouted a tired countenance as Lucius made a suggestion out of his options.


    After a while, Reed¡¯s conversation with his parents over the phone finished in a blink of an eye.


    ¡°So?¡± Juggs urged Reed.


    ¡°I did expect their answers but¡­yeah, they approved. It seems Nio and I will be spending a night at the inn where Lucius said.¡± Reed said as he took Nio¡¯s hand.

 Nevertheless, Nio鈥檚 Lax Adventure Chapter 4

    The night is already creeping in as dusk slowly dims the horizon. The sub-rural part of the Business District Two guises itself with the sound of rustling leaves of trees from all around and the lamps started illuminating the part of the city with colorful lights.


    Nio and Reed are following Lucius¡¯s strides along the stone staircase in a small hill. In front of them is huge traditional inn with illuminated lanterns that greatly compliments the wooden exterior. It brings a foreign atmosphere in contrasts to the entirety of the Brent City.


    It would be correct to say that the inn is entirely the same concept as Sigrun¡¯s mansion. Classical, in style, and very conservative. It stood tall with three floors and has a daunting width.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s the owner!¡± A girl with a wagging tail and sagging brown ears in drape with her hair shouted as she runs towards Lucius. She is wearing somewhat working clothes that greatly resembles what Sigrun wears too.


    ¡°Yeah, good work. I¡¯ve brought customers.¡± Lucius said with a straight face.


    ¡°Yes, is it two rooms for a single person or one room for two people?¡± The girl queried immediately to Reed with a selling smile.


    ¡°One room for one person! We can just sleep together in one bed, right?¡± Nio answered in Reed¡¯s stead in which garnering Reed¡¯s questioning and nervous gaze.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s also allowed as long as you are siblings, but, are you?¡± The girl clarified.


    ¡°Y-Yeah, we are.¡± Reed answered for Nio since he does not know when Nio will slip.


    ¡°I got it. Please follow me! I¡¯ll take you to your room!¡± The girl beckons Reed and Nio, however, Lucius came between them.


    ¡°Nui, I have some business with them. Prepare a room for us, please. Tell Messe that too.¡± Lucius gave her orders in a prompt tone.


    ¡°To manager? Okay. Please excuse me, dear customers.¡± The girl called Nui left immediately after giving a slight bow.


    The girl trotted with a hastened pace of walking.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you, luring customers with a straight face¡­¡± Reed said with a dubious expression.


    ¡°Business is booming. Rather, I¡¯d really want to be acquainted with you two. For now, follow me.¡± Lucius said as he then beckons Nio and Reed himself inside the inn.


    ¡°Uh-huh. For a priest to own such establishment, it is quite¡­you know¡­¡± Reed said with a discerning eye directed at Lucius, trying to see what expression he will make.


    ¡°Hmm? I see. Well, with enough connectio¡ªI mean donations, I was able to raise this kind of establishment. There¡¯s no need for any doubt as I use what I profit here for the orphanage. Aren¡¯t I generous?¡± Lucius smiled that seemingly unbecoming of a priest.


    ¡°Just wait a minute. You were about to say--! Nah, nevermind.¡± Reed already dismissed what he heard as something as a figment of his imagination from today¡¯s fatigue.


    Reed and Nio, following Lucius from behind, entered the inn. In the entrance, there is two attendant waiting for them. The two attendant is also wearing the same working clothes as the girl called Nui.


    One of the girls steps up while the smaller girl behind her remained her head bowed slightly.


    ¡°Welcome, dear customer. I am called Kone, I shall be attending to you for the duration of your stay. Thank you for using our service.¡± The girl called Kone said. Her white cat ears and tails in stays formally down but her heterochromatic irises of blue and yellow took a glimpse of Reed and Nio.


    The other girl steps in a little bit close to Kone and raises her head slightly.


    ¡°Welcome, dear customer, my name is Kon-kon, I am also to be of service to you whenever Miss Kone is absent in your presence. Pleased to meet you.¡± Kon-kon has reddish fox ears and tails. Far from Alisa¡¯s caramel blond color and pointed ears and long tail, Kon-kon has a slightly stump ears and her tail is a little shorter.


    ¡°Good work you two. I¡¯m sure Nui already said it but we will be bothering you to prepare a room where we can talk for a bit. Also, some food okay?¡± Lucius ordered while walking away.


    ¡°Indeed. As what owner said.¡± Kone replied while promptly moving together with Kon-kon.


    The three of them moves in a wooden corridor. Laughter and jolly celebrations reverberate from the huge guestrooms where most of the guests are having a feast.


    Thus, one fact struck Reed.


    ¡°This is¡­an expensive inn, right? This Lucius is totally balling on us, right?¡± Reed thought as he glare at Lucius.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Reed? This place is wonderful I feel like I¡¯m back at the mountain.¡± Nio said as she observes the interior of the establishment with glee.


    ¡°I doubt the pay will be that measly.¡± Reed whispered to Nio.


    ¡°We have money, right? There¡¯s no problem as long as we have to spare some.¡± Nio said as she clings to Reed¡¯s arm and nudges her cheeks.


    ¡°No, I mean, we have to cut some budget for our point cards¡­¡± Reed said to Nio.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Nio froze into a stiff smile as her eyes went blank. ¡°Accursed! We are baited!¡± Nio added as she learned the full weight of the expenses for the inn.


    ¡°That¡¯s a real big turn in your personality. Well, at the very least, let¡¯s play the game later after a bath since it is also being offered here.¡± Reed assured Nio of their circumstances.


    ¡°Well, it can¡¯t be helped.¡± Nio returned to her senses and looks in front of them, towards Lucius who supposedly baited them in a casual sales talk.


    After walking for a couple of minutes, they arrived at a certain room.


    ¡°Owner, we have prepared the room you requested. Please come in.¡± The girl earlier, Nui, said as she opens the door and bows.


    Following Lucius¡¯s lead, Reed and Nio entered the room and sat in a wooden table with cushion softening their butts comfort.


    As they promptly seated, the door from the other side opened and Kone and Kon-kon entered with trays of food in their hands. They carefully laid down the foods and opened it gracefully, showing the soup with pheasant as stock and some of its meat as its dish. There is also some extravagantly cooked seafood such as shrimp that was also served magnificently.


    And for the last, they are offered drinks of their preference in which Lucius ordered for a liquor while Reed and Nio settled with juice.


    After that, the two attendants left them on their own devices and stands outside of their room. Then and there, Lucius spoke.


    ¡°Again, in behalf of the children of this inn, welcome to Dancing Petal. The employees may be a little clumsy as they forgot about that but I assure you that they are excellent.¡± Lucius said with a smile.


    THUD


    A blunt sound was heard outside the room, seemingly came from the two attendees.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t mind it. Anyway, Reed and Nio Chelle, I am glad that you agreed to choose our inn as your option.¡± Lucius made another vile smile.


    ¡°Like we really got an option about that. I¡¯d like to ask why brought us all the way here. Is there really something you want to know from me?¡± Reed asked.


    ¡°No real reason. I¡¯m just joyous for a sudden visit from someone as famous as you. I heard that you are also close to some figurehead of the city, especially to Sigrun Valker who has a rising popularity.¡± Lucius said as he started pouring liquor into his own cup.


    ¡°If you are trying to pull up some information from me, I am sorry to say but I won¡¯t tell you anything. Not that I know much in the first place.¡± Reed said with a half bluff approach.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. I won¡¯t try anything funny at all. Just want to be someone you know.¡± Lucius said as he then started sipping on the liquor. ¡°Well, let¡¯s partake in the meal before us. I¡¯m sure the two of you are quite famished, no?¡± Lucius added.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat, Reed! There¡¯s no poison or any weird substance in it!¡± Nio said as she gleefully looks at the food.


    ¡°Is it one of Nio¡¯s innate ability to sniff out anything odd? I guess that¡¯s what it means to live in the wild, huh? But, however, I think of it, Nio is quite tamed even after climbing down from the mountain where she lived for almost thirty years.¡± Reed thought as he observes Nio eating down on her own food.


    Since Reed trusts Nio¡¯s words, he also started said his thanks and ate.


    In the midst of his meal, something struck Reed once again.


    ¡°Lucius, you are the owner of this inn, right?¡± Reed directed a blunt question to Lucius.


    ¡°I am, young lad. Not only this but out of the seventy-four establishment here, I own eight of them.¡± Lucius admitted willingly as he puts another bit of food in his mouth.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite a lot. Aren¡¯t you having difficulty with the orphanage? Living this far away from the center of the city, wouldn¡¯t it be more difficult for the orphans to be adopted then?¡± Reed sharply tried to point that out, however, Lucius just sprouted a solemn smile.


    ¡°Yeah, it is quite difficult to get them adopted and I cannot offer them a filial love of what parents can actually give.¡± Lucius replied.


    ¡°But that¡¯s more of a reason that I need these establishments.¡± Lucius closes his eyes as if remembering something.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Nio, who took interests of Lucius and the emotions he is showcasing, curiously asked.


    ¡°Kon-kon, Nui, and Kone, they are all some of the girls that I took care back at the orphanage a while ago. Not only them, every employee of this inn are orphans from my orphanage.¡± Lucius said with he stares at the liquor on his cup.


    Nio and Reed could only stare at Lucius with awe as if he is some kind of a good man. No, in the first place, he is a priest.


    ¡°And, some of the children, seeing the prospect that they cannot, or none will adopt them, are thinking of what is one of my establishment they want to work at when they reached the right age. All I can do is to provide them a starting line for their lives. It¡¯s all I can do.¡± Lucius'' eyes gleam as he smiled to himself.


    Somehow, Reed¡¯s respect for Lucius jumps a level higher than initially. Seeing a man that do all of this for the children he isn¡¯t connected by blood, he can only feel respectful for the selfless act.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I can only give up to twenty percent discount, okay?¡± Lucius directed those words to Reed.


    ¡°Ahahaha, well, I¡¯ll be damned if I ask for more, right?¡± Reed heartily replied.


    As such, their dinner passes with a positive atmosphere. Knowing that Lucius held nothing but goodwill, Reed and Nio were able to relax in their leisure.


    After that, Lucius left them in the care of the attendants and was brought in their room.


    ¡°Pardon me, dear guests, as the result of the massive party by a lot of guests earlier, it seems the baths are now available. Our open hot springs will be available until nine. Just a reminder that male and female baths are separated but we have an available mixed bath too. Please do make yourself at home.¡± Kone said as she left Nio and Reed in their room.


    Seeing now that they are alone, Nio leaped on the futon and started rolling.


    ¡°Say, let¡¯s take a bath! I want to take a bath with you like what we did last time! After that, let¡¯s play!¡± Nio said excitingly.


    ¡°Ahahaha! You''re so restless! Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s clean ourselves.¡± Reed said in agreement.


    And so, Nio and Reed entered the bath with the intention of cleaning themselves and took a dip in the hot spring. However¡­


    ¡°Um¡­Nio¡­do you really have to sit on my lap even in this kind of moment?¡± Reed asked with a stiff smile. ¡°And¡­to think that you¡¯d bring that here¡­¡± he pointed at something in Nio¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Sorry, I just can¡¯t wait any longer.¡± Nio said with a smile as she played a game on her phone covered with a plastic casing.


    ¡°Geez¡­you¡¯re too comfortable around me.¡± Reed can only heave a light sigh.

 Nevertheless, Nio鈥檚 Lax Adventure Chapter 5

    The bright ray of light from the sun pours down with a serene beauty accompanied by the chirping of the birds. The scent of lightly crisp wood wafts in the fresh air that just risen in temperature from a chilly one to a comfortable toasty glee.


    It was an ideal time to wake up and it¡¯s the time of the day Reed Chelle usually wakes up. He slowly opens his quivering eyelids as he tries to recognize the place he has slept at.


    ¡°Ah, yeah¡­this is in an inn.¡± He lightly muttered


    He tried to reach out to his phone by the side of the futon to check the time but he suddenly felt a slight pressure on his stomach with the slightest movement.


    Before he unfurls the futon laying atop of his body, he already thought of Nio sleeping peacefully which gave a slight smirk to his lips.


    ¡°Hey, Nio, it¡¯s morning! Wake up.¡± Reed said while lifting the futon away.


    However, he was taken by surprise on what he found out.


    ¡°N-Nio¡­!¡± Uttered by Reed as he stares at the spectacle called Nio laying on his torso.


    ¡°Hnngh¡­what¡¯s wrong, Reed?¡± Nio lightly grumbles with a yawn as she stares back at stupefied Reed.


    ¡°On your back, I mean, there¡¯s also in your head and in your arms¡­¡± Reed pointed with a stiff smile.


    ¡°Uweeh¡­? Ah, that¡­¡± Nio initially showed quizical countenance, however, it grew relieved as she herself felt what was Reed is pointing at.


    Nio then flaps her scaly raven wings that flung the futon away and created a gentle gust inside the room. Atop of her head is a strong and robust dragon horn in a hue of her hair color that gleams in a shaded beauty. In place of her frail and unblemished fingers are thorny and hardened scale hand that partly resembles a dragon but carved for a human.


    However, something in her eyes that sucks Reed¡¯s attention, a gleaming ruby iris with a slit. Yesterday, it is dyed blood red, however, it was dull compared to what her eyes have right now.


    ¡°It seems that my sleep was so comfortable that I partially transformed some of my body parts. Don¡¯t worry, I can revert back in mere seconds.¡± Nio said as she started retracting the magic around her body that overflows.


    ¡°Wait, Nio! Please, stay like that for a little longer.¡± Reed hurriedly stops her that made Nio flinch back a little.


    ¡°Y-Yes! If that¡¯s what you want.¡± Nio, with a flabbergasted countenance seething with redness, said.


    Reed starts brushing Nio¡¯s bangs sideways to further peer into her eyes. He cocks his head forward that their face almost touches, however, Reed gave no regards to it and continues to be tantalized by Nio¡¯s bright eyes.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Nio tried to raise a protest, however, Reed is still enticed by her eyes.


    ¡°Reed¡­!¡± Nio once again tried to get his attention, however, it fell in deaf ears.


    ¡°Your breath stinks!!¡± Nio shouted as she pushes him away.


    Stupefied by Nio¡¯s reaction, Reed blinks twice in astonishment. He let her push him away knowing that Nio said something bad about him.


    ¡°Ah, sorry, Nio. I was just too absorbed with how beautiful your eyes are. I just kind of got carried away.¡± Reed said as he covers his mouth.


    ¡°Is it so¡­? Then, whenever you feel like it, you can just ask me, okay? For now, your breath stinks¡­¡± Nio said as she retracted all of her dragonic aspects and shyly twirls her hair.


    ¡°Nio, let¡¯s go now. After we refresh ourselves, let¡¯s head out.¡± Reed said as he stretches his body like performing a calesthenics.


    ¡°Yeah! Then let¡¯s buy that point cards on whatever money we will be left with!¡± Nio exclaimed as she also performs calesthenics together with Reed.


    They ate breakfast in the inn served by Nui, Kone, and Kon-kon after in which, they left the inn after paying in full, however, before Reed left together with Nio, he was glared at with sharp glares.


    After that, they stop by the church to bid goodbye to Sen-sen and Mei-mei. They really don¡¯t want to disturb Lucius but they met with him anyway for formality¡¯s sake. Juggs and his merrymen are absent in that moment due to a communal work.


    Hearing that the train service is available again, Reed and Nio left the orphanage, albeit Mei-mei and Sen-sen tried to stop Nio.


    In the end, Nio promised the two that she will visit next week.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    While on the train.


    ¡°Nio, about next week.¡± Reed brought up the subject that caught Nio¡¯s attention, however, she returned a heartfelt smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll go by myself. I memorized the way here so I can handle myself. I can¡¯t keep bothering and relying on you. You have to spend time with other people too, right? Like Miss Alisa and the Great One.¡±  Nio said that left Reed with a gaping mouth.


    ¡°To be honest, Nio, I also had fun. It¡¯s fun being with you and I feel like we¡¯ve developed a stronger bond than before. I hope we can develop what we have now into something better in the future.¡± Reed said while staring out of the window to look at the landscape of the suburban slowly changing into buildings and establishments.


    ¡°I want to go beyond as a little sister¡­¡± Nio said in a low voice, almost a whisper.


    ¡°Hmm? What was that?¡± Reed was able to catch the whisper but didn¡¯t understand what it is.


    ¡°Eh? Nothing!¡± Nio panics a little as she waves her hands left and right in denial.


    ¡°Ahaha, silly.¡± Reed teases.


    After that, Reed and Nio went to a kiosk for the point card that they have been thinking of since yesterday and was able to buy evenly for each of them.


    Finally, noon, the two are now heading back to their house.


    ¡°Say, Reed, when do you think I can go to this school? Tomorrow? The day after tomorrow? I can¡¯t wait to learn more so I can actually hold a better conversation with everyone.¡± Nio asked as she walks backward while looking at Reed.


    ¡°It will all depend on Headmaster Meld. Maybe you can even start tomorrow.¡± Reed jokingly said as he looks out for Nio who is quite occupied with her phone as she turns around once again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do our draw later, okay? Together in your room!¡± Nio asked Reed as showed how many point she has now to Reed.


    ¡°Yeah, I hope I¡¯ll get lucky enough to get what I want. Actually, our house is just¡­around¡­the¡­corner¡­eh?¡± Reed came to a stop as he saw something unusual. Not just your every unusual but something that can only be explained by a work of something that dominates the life of today, money.


    ¡°Umm¡­what happened?¡± Nio asked in utter confusion as she stares at what Reed is also staring at.


    What in front of them is Reed¡¯s, the Chelle¡¯s Residence, however, it was a little bit massive from what they remember.


    The empty plot beside them has become it¡¯s new extension as the vacated land becomes part of a bigger house called the Chelle¡¯s residence now. Also, the two-storey house grew another floor and it became more of a small mansion rather than a house.


    ¡°This is¡­bizzarre.¡± Nio muttered with a quizical expression.


    ¡°For now, let¡¯s go inside.¡± Reed said with a tired expression as she took Nio¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s not a bug in your life?¡± Nio playfully asked.


    ¡°I hope it is. Also, there¡¯s no such thing as a real life program bug, okay?¡± Reed replied nonchalantly.


    Without any further ado, Reed and Nio entered their house. At the entrace comes the sight of their usual entranceway with racks for shoes and slippers. They proceed further inside to investigate the cause and fair enough, they already saw who is the one behind the house expansion.


    ¡°Nice going, Reed Chelle. I didn¡¯t know you have this dangerous taste for younger girls.¡± Meld said as he stood in the guest room devoid of anyone but him.


    ¡°Eh¡­?! No, wait, where is this coming from suddenly?! And you must be the one behind this massive rennovation of our house, right?!¡± Reed pointed at Meld with a countenance of panic.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually quite in a good mood. Well, maybe too good but hey, I¡¯m happy right now. Also, you happen to met a man named Lucius, right?¡± Meld said with a smirk.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is but that doesn¡¯t really make sense about your allegations towards me.¡± Reed defended himself.


    ¡°You brought your supposed little sister in a mixed bath? Isn¡¯t that bad enough?¡± Meld immediately countered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not into that!¡± Reed explained himself with a half-closed eyes.


    Upon Reed¡¯s declaration, Nio snaps her head to his direction with widened eyes seemingly deep in despair and agony. She wants to tell something to Reed but before she could open her lips¡­


    ¡°Also, don¡¯t speak like that in front of Nio. I don¡¯t want you planting weird ideas into her head! Leave her innocence alone!¡± Reed shouted at Meld in slight indignation.


    Nio once again jerks her body in utter shock. Her pleading gaze turned into a stiff smile of resignation.


    ¡°Oh, I see. You are a fine gentleman yourself, Reed Chelle. Letting you take care of that girl was the right call after all. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m going to be a little refined around her.¡± Meld apologizes sincerely as he took a glance at Nio.


    ¡°Thank you, headmaster. As for this house that you renovated, was it for Nio?¡± Reed asked Meld as he looks around.


    ¡°Yes, I figured that I need to extend a hand to you since we are dealing with someone who came from the sacred mountain. I heard that she also hold an extraordinary power and magical energy so, regarding that, Reed Chelle, I¡¯m counting on you to take care of her so she won¡¯t carelessly do something.¡± Meld said as he patted Reed¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Yes! I will dearly treat Nio as if she is my own sister.¡± Reed said as he looks at Nio with determined eyes.


    After that, Meld left with a smile on his face. Meanwhile, Reed got down on his knee and look at Nio with gentle eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll spoil you as much as I can so Nio, don¡¯t hold back, okay?¡± Reed said.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± Nio half-heartedly responded.


    ¡°This is bad. I am totally treated as a little sister! If I can¡¯t get out of this, I¡¯ll slowly fade from being a love interest at this rate.¡± Nio¡¯s mind becomes in shambles as a new dilemma struck her.


    ¡°It seems my adventure for the pursuit of my dearest savior is still a long way to go¡­¡± Nio can only mumble inwardly.


    Meanwhile, at Meld¡¯s office¡­


    ¡°Say, Meld, are you really okay with that?¡± Quarts asked with a frigid smile seemingly disapproving of Meld¡¯s joyousness.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it fine? Sigrun passed all of his tests, though all of it is average, it¡¯s quite a feat for someone who just started mixing with the society again.¡± Quarts hums as he stares at Sigrun¡¯s test papers in glee.


    ¡°So, you want me to install a PC for him and meanwhile, you are going to give him his most awaited phone? Kind of reward, huh?¡± Quarts asked lightly while walking towards the sofa.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine! He did his best and there¡¯s no indication or even slightest stain that he cheated, right? I heard that Seigen Lloyd earnestly tutored him so I¡¯ll extend my regard to him tomorrow.¡± Meld stated while taking a glance at the boxed present addressed for Sigrun.


    ¡°May I be frank, a reminder that Sigrun is not an actual child of yours, okay? Though I¡¯ll admit, he has certain childishness that makes up for his quite¡­record of age.¡± Quarts conveyed a reminder, almost a warning.


    ¡°Hmph, you can¡¯t ruin my mood today.¡± Meld replied.

 Diary Entry of an Arrogant Lady: Entry #1

    Third Month of Spring, Sunday of Second Week;


    These maids are pretty damn stupid.


    On top of following me around 24/7, they are without a doubt, lacking in some brain cells to be a functional people in my household. I get that most of them are not maid by real profession but could they at least boil the tea for the right temperature?


    I suspect much that they do not know the left and right of a proper maid¡¯s work and my father is a prick enough to pick them for me. They are only good at dazing off, to be honest.


    Even now, as I am working on my new creation in an inscription order, they can¡¯t even deliver the correct material for me and they need every little damn confirmation from me when taking in deliveries.


    There are five of these dumb skull maids.


    I am guessing that they are only using codenames bu to actually forget that given codename, that¡¯s a real talent.


    First is a maid called Aleph, the standing leader of the five. The reason she is the leader is that out of five of them, she is the only one who has experienced in working as a maid. She can do complicated tasks and if she is nearby, I¡¯ll call to her instead of anyone with me at the moment.


    The second-in-command is called Beth. Unlike Aleph, she is pretty much more of an inconvenience when she is around. Always vigilant of the surrounding and will glare at anyone. Pretty stupid and dense that if someone asks me who is smarter, her or a dog, I¡¯d definitely pick the dog. Her tea is horrible, her service is out of hand, and most of all, she shows no remorse for her mistakes.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    I¡¯m going to clock her someday out of frustration.


    This is Himel, a rather eerie one but at the very least, she is quiet, almost get mistaken as mute. She¡¯d only open her mouth when something she is scared of passes by such as a dog barking at her. She came from the Vaster race of Cat subspecies but I am quite surprised that she doesn¡¯t show any visible habit of one. Kind of annoying when she sneaks up on you.


    Daleth, second of them that I really want to knock unconscious. Three steps away and she¡¯ll forget my order. Not would not, she will forget my order because she said it¡¯s not really a top priority. The nerve of this bit--! I can buy your whole life if I want to.


    The last one is Hei, the clumsiest. At first, this girl hailing from the race of Alpsis subspecies Imp is elegant at the outset, however, she is the type of girl that will trip on nothing. I can¡¯t believe how she almost soaked me with a piping hot coffee and how she bothered me for five hours straight with her apology. When she is around, I try my best to become vigilant as possible.


    Thanks for my experience with the sacred mountain, my reaction, my danger senses, and even my wariness of my surrounding heightens to an incredible degree. I was able to deal some of their messes without much harm.


    The only thing that¡¯s getting a heavy blow is my mental health. Instead of actually helping me out of my workload, they just further increase it with the exception of Aleph.


    I need to hire maids for myself quickly before these idiots completely thrust my life into a complete disarray.


    About two maids for additional forces in the ranks.


    Preferably young so I can easily teach them. Around ten to twelve will suffice¡­


    Someone a lot cuter than these maids that I currently have that reeks bloodlust. I need little maids that will actually bid my orders faithfully.


    I can¡¯t just hire underage children when I myself is still one.


    But maybe I can get away with adopting some from a backwater orphanage or something?

 Nevertheless, The Hero鈥檚 Descent into Madness Chapter 1

    Five days have passed since the announcement of the mock examination, Sigrun jumps in joy as he saw his passing marks. It¡¯s not that it is something within the set standards of the academy but, a passing grade is still a passing grade and none can change that fact.


    What his overall rank among the first years didn¡¯t matter, it¡¯s a victory solely for him to celebrate as he conquered the test even with a mediocre result.


    In Alisa and Reed¡¯s case, they tied at second place with Amaryl toppling both of them by a margin of one point.


    Alisa didn¡¯t show any frustration and Reed laughs it off normally. It was comical enough to make them sigh in relief about being so gung-ho about it.


    Also, Nio started her school as a grade schooler to learn more about the world.


    Seigen Llyod still visited Sigrun and hanged out with him, especially when Sigrun showed a favorable result from his guidance. Sigrun wouldn¡¯t have passed the test without Seigen¡¯s careful teachings. They even started meeting up after school in Caf¨¦ Riria since Reed is still busy with Nio and Alisa is still under house arrest.


    However, among every one involving with Sigrun, Meld was the happiest.


    And so, upon seeing Sigrun¡¯s effort, he immediately ordered a set of high spec personal computer.  A high-end gaming computer with Virtual Reality mod ready, equipped with the latest model of processor and RAM of eight gigabytes and knows how many terabytes of memories. It comes with a compact thirty-inch flat screen and a branded keyboard, mouse, speakers, and even the gaming seat sees no end of splurging.


    However, the unit is there but there¡¯s no one to set it up. Even the internet provider is troubled by it so even Sigrun himself don¡¯t know what to do.


    In the first place, he didn¡¯t take so many interests in gaming and internet. He just listened to Reed and Alisa blabbers about blogs, posting, and social media.


    And so, Saturday morning, Sigrun seats in front of the unassembled units with a long face.


    ¡°I know Seigen is good at technology and whatnot but, of all the free day, he is busy for today. He said something about consulting a relative about something.¡± Sigrun lay down on the sofa, sulking.


    ¡°Ahh¡­I want to hang out with Reed and Alisa. Well, this is the repercussion of our actions so we need to endure it a little bit more. After that, I¡¯ll play with them as much as I like. Seigen can play with us but I feel like he is more of a person I¡¯d like to hang out with, sipping coffee, looking at cute girls.¡± Sigrun said as he recalls the time he is with Seigen, pointing at girls walking outside of the coffee shop. Well, most of the time, it was him doing the pointing.


    ¡°I have money but, I don¡¯t have grasps of monetary value yet. A normal meal costs around one hundred Zeni. A cup of coffee in Riria costs four hundred fifty Zeni. How come does a coffee cost more than a meal?! Is it because they are using a premium grade coffee bean or something?! Is that it?! Not that it matters  since I have still had around fifty thousand Zeni¡­¡± Sigrun monologues to himself and ponders a lot of things.


    Suddenly¡­


    ¡°Hmm? Hey, you can come out you know? You are already aware that I can feel you there.¡± Sigrun suddenly said towards the direction of the window.


    From the window, two rabbit ears hang and slowly, the blond hair follows and then the blue cerulean eyes. The owner of such features is none other than Ezili Clear.


    ¡°As expected of the Hero of Aldieas. Even my ninja skills are nothing in your presence!¡± Ezili then comes inside through the window with swift and smooth movements. The clanking of chains reverberates before disappearing into shadows again.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Sigrun immediately asked as he started preparing for a drink to serve for Ezili. It was something Sigrun learned upon Seigen¡¯s frequent visit.


    ¡°Ah, thanks for the this! Actually, you see, father sent me here knowing that you are completely oblivious to these things.¡± Ezili said as she takes a sip of the drink. ¡°Cola? Who the hell serves cola on their guests?¡± Ezili thought as the bubbly sweetness spreads throughout her mouth.


    ¡°Wait, about what?¡± Sigrun tilted his head quizzically.


    ¡°About that, the unit lying over there.¡± Ezili pointed at the unassembled computer resting in front of the sofa.


    ¡°Ah¡­well, that¡¯s¡­I don¡¯t know¡­do we really have to? I mean, isn¡¯t playing on a console more efficient since it¡¯s just setup then plugin?¡± Sigrun said with a stiff smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s just being narrowminded at this age. Through the computer, you can do extensive research that you can¡¯t do with books nowadays. You can watch videos all you want on the internet, play more games and download music. It will be super convenient.¡± Ezili explained as she started reading the specifications of the unit.


    ¡°Ugghhh¡­this is too high spec!! I¡¯d like to get this one for myself but¡­¡± Ezili¡¯s deadpan face showed a flabbergasted countenance upon seeing how much money is splurged on the unit.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°I guess I can have that one then. For convenience purposes as that.¡± Sigrun said while reluctantly agreeing.


    ¡°No! We are definitely going to make full use of this! You are even provided with a really fast internet! What in the freaking hell is this?! Let¡¯s set this up immediately!¡± Ezili¡¯s expression changes greatly to an aggressive one.


    ¡°Eh? Ah, yeah, okay¡­the job is yours though. I doubt I can help you with anything.¡± Sigrun said while gently pushing Ezili away who peered closer to him in her frenzy.


    ¡°Really?! Okay, I¡¯ll do my best! Where do you want me to set this up?!¡± Ezili rushes Sigrun for answers.


    ¡°My room I guess? I¡¯ll help you carry it.¡± Sigrun said as he started lifting the boxes singlehandedly.


    Ezili started setting up the unit, assembling it step by step according to her experience without even looking at the manual. Sigrun can only watch in amazement as Ezili connects the ports and wirings. She even skillfully lines up the cables so they won¡¯t get in the way.


    Carefully looking at the video card, the hard drive, the processor, even at the exhaust fan, everything is meticulously arranged.


    After for a while, before lunch, the unit was assembled without a cinch.


    ¡°Done, and done!¡± Ezili said as she booted the unit.


    ¡°Eh? Already done? Is that all? Not that I get most of what you did but that took was shorter than I expected, given how complicated it looks.¡±  Sigrun said as he stares at the unit booting up, however, it didn¡¯t show the desktop yet.


    ¡°Here, we are going to installs a lot of software. After the hardware comes to the operating systems, you know? That¡¯s where the real work begins. We need to download a lot of app¡ªso fast!¡± Ezili once again sprouted a troubled and flabbergasted countenance.


    ¡°What¡¯s fast?!¡± Sigrun took notice of Ezili¡¯s discomfort and also peered his sight on the screen.


    ¡°Seriously, your internet is not commonplace, but, it¡¯s almost lunchtime...¡± Ezili said as she rubs her belly in a gesture of her hunger.


    ¡°Ahahaha, well, I¡¯ll whip up something really quick for you since you are going through all the trouble for me. For now, make yourself at home.¡± Sigrun said as he politely left the room.


    ¡°Wait, I¡¯ll come.¡± Ezili followed along.


    Ezili comes at Sigrun¡¯s kitchen. Upon arriving, she saw that Sigrun¡¯s fridge isn¡¯t as pathetic as hers. More like, Sigrun knows how to stockpile meats and vegetables. He even has stocked eggs and dairy products and he has more cooking utensils.


    ¡°Errr¡­I thought you lived in the mountains for thousands of years¡­to know cooking¡­¡± Ezili asked while watching Sigrun cooks.


    ¡°Hmm? Ah, I cook as a hobby you see. Even back at the mountain, I have a lot of plants the grew spices. As for salt, I have a mine for that. Don¡¯t know how something like that came to be though.¡± Sigrun said as he started stir-frying meat mixed with vegetables.


    ¡°Yeah¡­Err¡­that pink apron looks good on you. You look¡­pretty?¡± Ezili tried to change the topic.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be that awkward. I want you to set aside my title as the hero. In fact, don¡¯t even think that I am one.¡± Sigrun as he started meticulously adding spices.


    ¡°That¡¯s really hard to swallow. Reed Chelle and Alisa Hertuclaire aside, Seigen and I have our own misgivings and woes about your identity. The reason Seigen hanging out with you is¡­¡± Ezili pauses for a second.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­for barging into your peace then¡­¡± Sigrun said as he started serving rice at front of Ezili.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that of a problem. In fact, Seigen has frequently visited the library for the past days. He keeps looking for a lot of records about the sacred mountain and some lingering history that even the internet doesn¡¯t have. Perhaps, you said something to him?¡± Ezili asked bluntly.


    ¡°He is researching?¡± Sigrun reaffirmed.


    ¡°Yeah, thesis, olden records, unpublished documents that are only exclusive to our academy. All of it, Seigen is skimming every part of it. The only thing in play that I can think of is because he started hanging out with you.¡± Ezili said as she started eyeing on the food.


    ¡°Haha, well, I already knew that he has a motive for helping me and I already told him what he wanted to hear. However, I didn¡¯t expect him to start looking deeper into these matters.¡± Sigrun said as he sat down in front of Ezili with his own plate.


    ¡°Do you want him to stop?¡± Ezili quickly asked.


    ¡°No, I really don¡¯t plan on keeping secrets, however, I don¡¯t plan on telling anything more than necessary. It¡¯s just a matter if one really wanted to know or not. After all, I still don¡¯t like that fake fairy tale book written about me.¡± Sigrun said as he started serving Ezili with the meal he prepared.


    ¡°Haaa¡­if you say so, although, keep in mind that what you have will bore countless interests from a lot of people. For example, Seyren Aern.¡± Ezili gave a warning.


    ¡°Noted. Well, for now, let¡¯s eat our meal uninterrupted, okay?¡± Sigrun smiled as he started eating.


    From Sigrun¡¯s urging, Ezili also started moving her spoon and gently ate with him.


    ¡°This¡­the flavor is too strong¡­¡± Ezili said inwardly.


    After eating, Ezili once again operated the installation of software necessary for Sigrun¡¯s unit. And was faster than she thought it would be that it didn¡¯t even take an hour to completely finish the job.


    ¡°This is just too incredible, to be honest. I want one of this for myself if I can but this is too expensive.¡± Ezili said as she longingly stares at the unit.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just ask Sir Quarts?¡± Sigrun asked the question that made Ezili jerks on her place.


    ¡°No¡­it¡¯s just that¡­we are not allowed to use a computer at our house for my mother¡¯s safety.¡± Ezili said with a complicated face.


    ¡°Your mother, right? Well, it can¡¯t be helped. For now, about this¡­¡± Sigrun pointed at the unit with the screen displaying the desktop.


    ¡°Ah, let¡¯s see. You open this application called Giggle Home. From here on out, you can browse pretty much a lot. Just enter any keyword on this site called Giggle.com. and you will be set. For example, is there anything you want to see in particular?¡± Ezili asked as she demonstrated to Sigrun while typing.


    ¡°Yeah, well, there¡¯s this game that I stopped midway back in Reed¡¯s house. I¡¯d like to see if I can get a clue of how the game ended¡­¡± Sigrun said.


    ¡°A, then a playthrough in Eytube will do, right? Wait a sec.¡± Ezili started typing on the keyboard and in an instant, the result came up videos featuring about the game Sigrun is talking about came up.


    ¡°This is¡­umm¡­Why is there are a person in the video too?¡± Sigrun asked as he pointed at the person voicing over the game with weird commentaries.


    ¡°Ah, these kinds of people are called Eytuber. They make videos pretty much about a lot of things and posts it online for people¡¯s amusement and entertainment. This also boosts their popularity in the race, gaining them a lot more subscriber on their channel.¡± Ezili explained the mechanics about Eytubers.


    ¡°A-Amazing¡­! That¡¯s really something else¡­Do you think I could try that?¡± Sigrun asked while showing eyes full of interests.


    ¡°My¡­of course. Let me show you the ropes then!¡± Ezili said with glee.

 Nevertheless, The Hero鈥檚 Descent into Madness Chapter 2

    ¡°I¡¯ve got the basics down from Ezili yesterday and even installed this game for me. For now, let¡¯s try playing it out like what told me to.¡± Sigrun said as he once and for all settled today to play a game.


    ¡°Oh, the game is called Arms Utility Underground. An online game that lets me play with a lot of people from the internet. First is registration and¡­¡± Sigrun knits his brows upon seeing the register button.


    ¡°How do I register¡­?¡± Sigrun tilts his head upon the new blockade.


    ¡°I guess unless I can learn how to do this, I am stuck. As much as I want to, I don¡¯t want to fiddle with this computer. I might mess it up and may cause dismay to Ezili. She did put the effort into assembling it.¡± Sigrun said as he closes the game application.


    He then tied his hair in a ponytail and glances towards his bed. He dove into his bed in glee and hold his phone with his hand with care and make a wry smile.


    Carefully and awkwardly swiping the touch screen with his fingers made him broke into excitement and glee and made him giggle a little.


    ¡°Ah, this game is kind of fun and addicting. I heard that Reed and Nio are playing this game too. Friendblue Fantasy¡­¡± Sigrun once again grins as the app loads.


    However, before he could start with the game, he jolted from his bed.


    ¡°Ah, this presence¡­!¡± He widened his eyes and dashes towards the entryway of his house.


    His small stature stood up in front of the door and patiently waits while fiddling with his phone. He taps his foot on the floor as he keeps giving an alternating glance at his phone to the door. Even as ten minutes has passed, his tension didn¡¯t waver until the doorbell of his house is rang.


    ¡°Sig, we¡¯ve come to play!¡± Reed¡¯s voice reverberates from outside.


    Suddenly, Sigrun opens the door and sprouts a playful glare.


    ¡°Sig?! What¡¯s wrong?!¡± Reed asked with a tepid smile.


    ¡°You guys left me alone for so long time, you and Alisa.¡± Sigrun pouted at Reed.


    ¡°Ahahaha, but we get to see each other at the academy every day.¡± Reed said nervously at the fuming Sigrun.


    ¡°This is this and that is that! Hanging out with you and Alisa has become more of a norm for me.¡± Sigrun complained.


    ¡°I get it that you are angry but Seigen keeps you company, right? I heard a lot, especially when you and he hangs out in your favorite caf¨¦. So I really don¡¯t get why you are acting lonely like that¡­¡± Reed said while scratching the back of his head.


    ¡°Well, for starters, you and Alisa are special for me. Seigen rings as a friend with mutual interests and motives and I don¡¯t hate that but there are things that I wanted to do with you and Alisa that I won¡¯t with others.¡± Sigrun replied as he took a step back from Reed and shift his glance to Nio.


    ¡°I see Great One really gives importance to Reed. I am happy with what you think of him. Anyway, Great One, we came here to play with you today and to add you to my FriendBlue Fantasy!¡± Nio said as she showed her phone to Sigrun with the game on display.


    ¡°Oh! Then, let¡¯s come inside, Reed and Nio!¡± Sigrun then pulls on their hands and beckons them inside of his house.


    ¡°Ahahaha, Sig is jumpy as always.¡± Reed laughs dryly as he let Sigrun drags him and Nio inside.


    After that, Sigrun led Reed and Nio to his room where the assembled computer unit is. Upon entering, Reed immediately noticed it and sprouted a flabbergasted countenance.


    ¡°That computer¡­looks quite expensive. Did Headmaster Meld gave it to you?¡± Reed asked as he peers at the computer that was in plain sight in a cool and clean room of Sigrun.


    ¡°Yeah! Well, I really don¡¯t know what to do about the registration for a game. Ezili even went all the way for me just to install a lot of applications and games and I am first-rate clueless of how to register.¡± Sigrun said as he dives into his big and fluffy bed.


    ¡°Then if you want, I can create accounts for you so you can register. For the passcode, it¡¯ll be up to you, okay?¡± Reed asked Sigrun as he started holding the mouse and typing in the keyboard while standing.


    ¡°But you are already raring to go so why not? More like, I¡¯d be grateful for it so I can already start playing. I promised Ezili that we will have a live streaming so I need to hone up my gaming skills.¡± Sigrun said as he started playing a game on his phone.


    ¡°Oh, then, please let me. Well, live streaming I see. Takes me back when I was doing some walkthroughs of games myself for people to watch online. Be sure to consult me or someone who is knowledgeable in games if you are in a bind.¡± Reed replied as he opens a browser.


    With a nod, Sigrun once again returns his attention to his phone. Then, all of a sudden, Nio also jumps at the bed and landed beside Sigrun.


    ¡°Oh, Great One, let me see your units!¡± Nio said as she also took her phone out.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Then, let me see yours in exchange! I just had some free draws yesterday and another set of draw today. Don¡¯t expect that I¡¯ll have many units as you do!¡± Sigrun said as he rolled beside Nio and hold their phone up so each can see their screens.


    ¡°Ooooh! Great One, is that Fallen Angel Bolivia I am seeing? I got one too! That¡¯s a really rare unit that only comes at this event! I¡¯m pretty sure you can fit it in your team here.¡± Nio said in astonishment.


    ¡°I see! Then, all I need is to add some numbers to her level and I can finally beat that boss, right?¡± Sigrun happily chatted with Nio as they started partying inside the game.


    ¡°Somehow, I felt like it will just turn out like this. For Sigrun to also blitz his luck into that game¡­what¡¯s life anymore?¡± Reed said inwardly with a sour face as he recalls how he couldn¡¯t draw the units he wants from the gacha.


    Upon typing some information that Reed himself knew was fictitious when it comes to Sigrun¡¯s true identity, he turns his head towards the bed where Sigrun and Nio are laying down side by side while playing games and called out.


    ¡°Sig, do you have any passcode in mind?¡± Reed asked.


    ¡°Passcode? Why not just put my name then a number?¡± Sigrun asked as he looks at Reed from the bed while leering up his head over the edge of the bed.


    ¡°Ah, I mean, yeah, that¡¯s kind of normal but that¡¯s plain lazy. In the first place, what number should I add? Your age?¡± Reed, with knitted brows, tried to refute and asked a question back.


    ¡°¡­My age? That¡¯s a little impossible now. All I remember is that I have lived for several thousands of years in very lazy days.¡± Sigrun tried to knock himself out by remembering his exact age, however, it was proven futile.


    ¡°Is there anything else though?¡± Reed asked with face giving up on the matters of Sigrun¡¯s age.


    ¡°Hmm, then, how about¡­Sigrun13?¡± Sigrun said nonchalantly.


    ¡°¡­Already taken.¡± Reed muttered begrudgingly.


    ¡°Wait, what?! You mean out there, someone is also named Sigrun?!¡± Sigrun himself got up from the bed and shouted.


    ¡°Through your story, a lot of people started using your name. I am not surprised if there are thousands of people with an exact name. It¡¯s not really unique anymore.¡± Reed told Sigrun with an apologetic face.


    ¡°Shocking! This can¡¯t be¡­how vexing! Argh, then, try TheTrueSigrun!¡± He shouted.


    ¡°Why are you competing with names!? How about just put SigValker? I bet that¡¯s¡­yeah, it¡¯s available.¡± Reed confirmed the authenticity of the passcode to be unique.


    ¡°Fine¡­I don¡¯t hate the name so It¡¯s fine.¡± Sigrun slowly sank back to the bed again and rolled over beside Nio who is absorbed with the game.


    ¡°Ah, Great One, your units missed on that buffs!¡± Nio anxiously shouted.


    ¡°Uwaah! W-Wait!¡± Sigrun panics.


    ¡°Sig, how about this game?!¡± Reed called out as the registration process completed.


    ¡°Just play it for me for a while! I¡¯m waiting for someone!¡± Sigrun replied as he once again focuses on the game on his phone.


    Upon Sigrun¡¯s words, Reed happily took advantage of it to try experiencing a high-quality gaming experience through Sigrun¡¯s computer. The fine morning slowly turns to noon as they enjoy themselves in passive inside Sigrun¡¯s room.


    A little while, Nio got up.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m hungry¡­¡± She said with a straight face that immediately gathered Reed and Sigrun¡¯s attention.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be helped! I¡¯m going to cook for you two so let¡¯s go to my dining room.¡± Sigrun said with a confident smile and beckons Reed and Nio out of his room.


    ¡°I heard that you can cook so I am looking forward to it, Sig.¡± Reed said as he gets up from the computer chair and followed with Nio in tow.


    This time, Sigrun cooked a sunny side up egg with steamed vegetables as side dish coupled with rice. He gleefully served it to Reed and Nio.


    Upon tasting it¡­


    ¡°The flavor is too overwhelming¡­!¡± Reed thought as he chewed the food. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant or disgusting, it just that the food was too flavorful.


    ¡°Hmm, it reminds me of home.¡± Nio thought as she savors the flavor.


    ¡°While we are at it, I want to try a coop game but how should I do it? Ezili said that we need more than one computer for it to work.¡± Sigrun started talking while eating.


    ¡°Hmm, not necessarily a whole unit. We can use a laptop too. They are light, compact, and can run a spec on par with a full unit. Problem is, they are expensive. I do have one at home but going back now for it would be¡­¡± Reed explained.


    ¡°Ahh¡­wait¡­she¡¯s here!¡± Sigrun suddenly said as he shudders a little. He immediately turns his head on one of the open windows.


    ¡°Yahoo.¡± Ezili¡¯s head slowly emerges downward from the top of the window.


    ¡°Eh? Miss Ezili Clear?!¡± Reed suddenly widens his eyes upon Ezili¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°Yo, Chelle! Let¡¯s play today. I¡¯ve brought over two laptops so we can play coop today!¡± Ezili said as she showed her backpack to Reed. ¡°Also, I¡¯ll take this opportunity to make full use of that fast internet!¡± she added inside her mind full of motives.


    ¡°I told you she is the one who set up my computer. Why don¡¯t we get started after you finish your food? Ah, Ezili, do you want to have a lunch too?¡± Sigrun asked Ezili.


    ¡°¡­O-Okay. I haven¡¯t eaten anything decent yet since yesterday night.¡± Ezili said as she sat beside Nio.


    ¡°Hmm, what happened, big sis?¡± Nio asked.


    ¡°This kid? Is she that rumored little sister of Chelle?¡± Ezili queried as she looks at Reed.


    ¡°Yeah, of course, you¡¯d know about it. She is Nio Chelle, please treat her well.¡± Reed said as he gently pats Nio on the head.


    ¡°Ezili Clear, nice to meet you, Nio. Are you like Sigrun too? Someone really absurd?¡± Ezili asked.


    ¡°No, no, no! I am nothing but a mere flea in the presence of Great One! If anything, I am just slightly stronger than people in this place.¡± Nio denied being compared to Sigrun.


    ¡°Great one¡­?¡± Ezili slowly turns her sight to Sigrun. ¡°What kind of play is this?¡± She added.


    ¡°Err¡­yeah¡­that¡¯s how she calls me. If only she can do something about it, I¡¯d be happy. Nio, just call me Sig if you would.¡± Sigrun told Nio who directs a respectful glance.


    ¡°The pinnacle of the superpower of this world, the one worthy of the title of Ruler of Fate, the one who will never be toppled at the top of food chain, I cannot possibly call you out to your name! Even my father wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± Nio visibly becomes anxious and fidgety.


    ¡°What are you saying now?! We played like best friends earlier but you get flustered and shy for such trivial thing?¡± Sigrun peers closer to Nio across the table and holds her cheeks so she won¡¯t turn her head away from him.


    ¡°Umm¡­um¡­¡± Nio pursed her lips.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll help you hook up with Reed if you do.¡± Sigrun whispers into Nio¡¯s ear directly.


    ¡°If you really insist ¡­then¡­Sig.¡± Nio said with widened eyes from Sigrun¡¯s proposal.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s far easier, right? The great one thingy is ticking me off for a while now.¡± Sigrun said with a wide grin at Nio.


    ¡°I see, Sigrun, Sig, Sig-sig.¡± Nio said those nicknames.


    ¡°Um¡­what are we doing again? I¡¯m almost done eating so let¡¯s move on, no?¡± Ezili intervene with a troubled countenance.


    ¡°Ahahaha, people from the sacred mountain are altogether odd, huh?¡± Reed said under his breath.


    ¡°Odd you say? It can¡¯t be helped. Since I already settled this minor woe, let¡¯s continue with the game! Ezili, Reed, teach me well! After so, I can start my own gaming channel!¡± Sigrun said.

 Nevertheless, The Hero鈥檚 Descent into Madness Chapter 3

    ¡°You are here again, Nio. Where¡¯s Reed?¡± Sigrun asked as he looks at Nio standing in front of his house.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you with him moments ago? I texted Reed that I¡¯ll come visit you so he knows that I am here.¡± Nio said as she showed her phone to Sigrun.


    ¡°Say, I heard that you started coming to a school lately for grade school. Nio, perhaps¡­you still haven¡¯t made any friends?¡± Sigrun asked with a smug.


    ¡°That¡¯s mean of you! It¡¯s just that¡­it¡¯s awkward for me to talk with people. No, it¡¯s more accurate to say that I don¡¯t know how to approach normal people.¡± Nio honestly said with a flustered face.


    ¡°You make it sounds like Reed and the others are not normal. Anyway, come inside.¡± Sigrun beckons Nio to step inside his house.


    Nio obediently follows Sigrun and naturally walks into his room like it¡¯s hers too. Upon arrival at the said room, Nio immediately notices one thing or rather, them.


    There, playing with a console, Ruby Mayfarer, one of the Ten Paladins, seats in front of the computer while furiously beating the controller. On the side is Hart Geliet, also one of the Ten Paladins, with his gigantic size, quietly draws a picture of an animal in a sketch pad.


    Nio widens her eyes upon the sight of strangers in Sigrun¡¯s room and hesitated to enter, however, Hart notices her and gives a gentle smile unbefitting of his size.


    Ruby Mayfarer fails to notice Nio because she is busy with the game.


    With Hart¡¯s welcoming aura, Nio entered without delay.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably thinking who this two are.¡± Sigrun asked with a grin.


    ¡°Sigrun, I may be a little frank but¡­¡± Nio gets closer to Sigrun and whispers to his ear while standing on her toes.


    ¡°That is a human over there, right?¡± Nio continued with a dubious expression as she pointed at Hart.


    ¡°He is, and I assume you also noticed it.¡± Sigrun whispered back.


    ¡°Yeah¡­he is not someone who can really size up with you when it comes to anything but¡­for a human, he is¡­strong. There are no traces of magic in his body like there¡¯s none of it and yet, he is strong.¡± Nio replied.


    ¡°Yup, yup, you are indeed correct. They won¡¯t do anything to you so rest assured. Since I am a bit busy for now, please play quietly in one corner.¡± Sigrun told Nio in a low voice.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Nio tilts her head.


    ¡°We¡¯re going live streaming today! Ruby here is a famous Eytuber and she has a lot of subscribers. We are going to have collaboration for my debut!¡± Sigrun replied in a glee as he once again returned beside Ruby.


    ¡°Y-Yeah¡­goodluck!¡± Nio said half-heartedly.


    Ruby then notices Nio sitting on one side. She widens her eyes as she notices something about Nio.


    ¡°Hey, you! Come here for a moment!¡± Ruby shouted as she beckons Nio towards her.


    ¡°W-What could it be?¡± Nio timidly replied whilst walking slowly.


    ¡°You are that girl, right? The one that Meld painstakingly made illegal papers, right? Now that I looked at you personally, yeah, you are cute! But too bad, I am the cutest in the world!¡± Ruby said as if she is boasting.


    ¡°Hmmm, okay?¡± Nio once again is puzzled and confused about Ruby¡¯s action. For someone like Nio who still haven¡¯t grasped the people¡¯s standard of beauty, she doesn¡¯t even know how to react.


    ¡°But having no boobs doesn¡¯t really help it, does it?¡± Sigrun said towards Ruby.


    ¡°Boobs are just hideous sack of fat. Having no such dirty thing attached to one¡¯s body is a sign of purity!¡± Ruby announces with a smug.


    ¡°Sounds so cool and at the same time so pathetic. Not that I discriminate between the two. Boobs are boobs whatever their size is. What important is that a girl knows how to moan properly in bed.¡± Sigrun nonchalantly said with a smile.


    ¡°You are as lech as everyone said, huh? That frankness isn¡¯t half bad though.¡± Ruby replied.


    ¡°Can we start already? I¡¯m excited!¡± Sigurn urges Ruby to start.


    ¡°Yeah, they are waiting after all of this. As soon as I start the live stream, we are going to introduce ourselves, tell the viewers what game we are playing, and do a lot of facial expressions while in-game.¡± Ruby said with a wink.


    ¡°What if they find our gameplay lacking? I am not confident of my skills after all. I¡¯ve only played it recently.¡± Sigrun laid down his worries.


    ¡°Eh? Not really a problem. As long as you are cute, those suckers won¡¯t mind your fails. More like, they find clumsiness adorable. If you are too good at a game, people will start getting insecure and will most likely bash your video. Not that it won¡¯t happen too if you play clumsily but as long as we have the appearance, we will yield more subscribers than haters.¡± Ruby explained while biting her nail.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look¡­okay¡­?¡± Sigrun pointed out with a raised eyebrow.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start!¡± Ruby snaps out of her morbid mood and brightens her face once again as she clicks on the enter button.


    Nio peels her attention away from her game and started watching Sigrun and Ruby with their opening segment. Hart who was staying silent for a while also took a glance at the duo.


    The segment starts.


    ¡°Hello, hello! Ruby here! Today I have a guess and I know everyone already knows who he is!¡±


    ¡°Sigrun here! Today is my debut as please don¡¯t get too hard on me! The link to my  channel is in the video description so please subscribe!¡±


    ¡°Sigrun and I are going for a multiplayer mode in StrikeHalt! Though we are not that good, please duly enjoy the video, right, Sigrun?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Well, I am nervous because this is my first time! I have played the game days ago and it was quite hard.¡±


    ¡°Eh? Let¡¯s just do our best, Sigrun!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah! Though, I can¡¯t believe that one of the Ten Paladin has too much time on their hand to play such complicated game.¡±


    A pause afloat.


    ¡°Hey, you little shit. You don¡¯t say that in a live stream.¡± Ruby whispered quietly to Sigrun with twitching cheek.


    ¡°Ah, sorry, sorry.¡± Sigrun apologizes while laughing dryly.


    They resume the happy mood.


    ¡°Ah, I apologize for the sudden pause! Well then, let¡¯s start!¡±


    Ruby cheerfully said and took the controller. Sigrun also did the same and they started to join a matchmaking game in the game called StrikeHalt.


    StrikeHalt is one of the famous game online this year. The game is a simple shoot and kills the opponent. Find your gun in empty houses and a lot of places, equip any protective gear to heighten your defense, and engage another player in a deathmatch.


    There¡¯s a lot of terrains to choose from. From a secluded island to a cryptic abandoned city. Characters are fully customizable and interaction through voice chat is implemented.


    That¡¯s the kind of game Ruby and Sigrun is going to play and live stream right now.


    ¡°Oh yeah! The view count is shooting up to millions already!¡± Ruby said inside her mind as she glances at the viewership the streaming is gathering.


    The game loads immediately because of Sigrun¡¯s absurd internet connection and without fail, started the match.


    Two sides are going to clash with each other in an inhabited island. The first team is the Terrorists that already spawned in the island with terrain advantage and prepared guns and ammunition. The second team is the Enforcers that will come to the island through a speedboat that will spawn in random locations.


    Sigrun and Ruby will be playing as Enforcers.


    ¡°Sigrun, pick up that Mk! It¡¯s light and loaded with a lot of bullets! It¡¯s good for beginners!¡±


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m comfortable with dual something gun though.¡±


    ¡°And what? Die because you lack the range to reach the enemy?!¡±


    ¡°Well, you are the veteran.¡±


    Ten minutes later.


    ¡°Sigrun, pick up that grenade!¡±


    ¡°Yes! I got it! Where do I throw this?!¡±


    ¡°Give to me!¡±


    ¡°Here!¡±


    ¡°Dumbass! Why did you throw it at me!?¡±


    BOOM!


    ¡°You said give it you.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean you use it on me! Now I¡¯m out of the round!¡±


    Another ten minutes pass.


    ¡°We¡¯re onto the enemy base! They haven¡¯t spotted us yet!¡±


    ¡°Ruby, pick up the pace.¡±


    ¡°Wait, where are you going?!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s bomb them!¡±


    ¡°No, are you an idiot?!¡±


    ¡°Look, they are coming this way.¡±


    ¡°Hide! Quickly, to my side!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s roll a bomb just in case!¡±


    BOOM!


    ¡°One down!¡±


    ¡°They spotted us!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, right? Let¡¯s just fight them!¡±


    ¡°Fall back! Let¡¯s wait for more comrades!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m down! Please rescue me!¡±


    ¡°FAT CHANCE! YOU WERE SNIPED, OKAY!?¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to yell.¡±


    After another five minutes.


    ¡°We lost.¡±


    ¡°Ahahaha! But that was fun!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just do the closing segment. You are more tiresome that I¡¯ve imagined.¡±


    ¡°How was it, everyone? Please post your thoughts and comments about the video! We greatly appreciate it!¡±


    ¡°So as I was thinking earlier, maybe this collaboration shouldn¡¯t have happened after all.¡±


    ¡°Aw, don¡¯t say that. It¡¯s pretty fun playing with you, Ruby!¡±


    ¡°Hmph, you didn¡¯t do nothing but drag me down. Anyway, if you had fun, then that¡¯s fine now, I guess. For all the viewers, goodbye! Don¡¯t forget to click the like button and subscribe to my and Sigrun¡¯s channel.¡±


    Ruby turned off the application for the live streaming completely shutting them from the eyes of the viewers. She heaves a deep sigh with closed eyes while knitting her brows before turning her sight to Sigrun.


    ¡°W-What? Am I really that bad?¡± Sigrun tried to smile but stuck at a forced one from Ruby¡¯s stare.


    ¡°Sigrun¡­¡± Ruby menacingly called out as she put two hands on Sigrun¡¯s shoulders and stare intently at him.


    ¡°¡­Well?¡± Sigrun tried to urge her to speak.


    ¡°We got¡­almost three million views in one stream¡­it was my first time getting so much view¡­¡± Ruby said with a face growing pale.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Sigrun tilted his head in confusion.


    ¡°In other words, the collaboration was a hit! You and I, we make a great pair! We can dominate the world of social media and become even more famous!¡± Ruby¡¯s eyes sparkled like stars as she passionately speaks.


    ¡°What about your duty as one of the Ten Paladins¡­?¡± Sigrun slyly asked, trying to get out of Ruby¡¯s pace.


    ¡°Scratch that! I don¡¯t want to work anymore like a sheep! We can make a better living by being famous!¡± Ruby said as she grasps Sigrun¡¯s hands and clasps them together.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­well. I love the attention that I get. I do wonder though if it is really okay for you.¡± Sigrun said as he turns his sight to Hart.


    ¡°Gramps¡­¡± Ruby stared at Hart with puppy eyes to plead.


    ¡°¡­No.¡± Hart¡¯s immediate answer.


    ¡°I knew it! Well, it can¡¯t be helped then.¡± Ruby¡¯s face is painted with despair from the quick rejection.


    ¡°Ruby, it¡¯s time to go. Remember? We are meeting with Seyren today to visit Emeralda at the jail.¡± Hart said as he stood up, almost hitting the ceiling.


    ¡°Haa?! Do we really have to visit that hag?!¡± Ruby complained with a pained expression.


    ¡°We have to. It is something related to the Hoarders after all.¡± Hart said as he picked up Ruby and places her on his shoulder.


    ¡°Wait¡­this is the first time I¡¯ve heard of that! Again, they are keeping secrets again! Seyren, Emeralda, and Meld! All of them! Let¡¯s go, gramps! I¡¯ll give them a piece of my mind!¡± Ruby said as she clings onto Hart¡¯s head.


    ¡°Please excuse us, Sir Sigrun. We¡¯ll be leaving now.¡± Hart said as he lightly bows his head before heading to the door.


    ¡°Bye-bye, Sigrun! Let¡¯s do a live stream again! Gramps, the doo--!¡± Ruby said her farewell to Sigrun but immediately got distracted as she hit her head again.


    After several minutes, Sigrun sees them off at the front door and quickly returned to his room where Nio is quietly playing her own game.


    Nio sprang up to Sigrun as soon as he got there.


    ¡°Sigrun, I also went and liked that video that you and that lady earlier made. Guess what, there¡¯s a lot of comments already and they keep piling up!¡± Nio said as she showed her phone to Sigrun with the video¡¯s comment section displayed.


    ¡°Oh? Let me see!¡± Sigrun took the phone and started reading.


    ¡°I look forward to Sigrun¡¯s first video¡­Can¡¯t believe that¡¯s a guy¡­I want to see more of him¡­I¡¯d swing the other way around if Sigrun is my partner¡­Lady Ruby got outmatched even though she is better at the game¡­¡± Sigrun ends there with a smile.


    ¡°See? They are all positive feedback!¡± Nio said.


    ¡°Yeah! It feels good when people compliment you for something you did clumsily. Got it! I am going to think of a new topic for my new video! Nio, help me out, okay?¡± Sigrun said as he took out a pen and paper.


    ¡°Yes! As long as Great One ask, I¡¯ll help!¡± Nio became also fired up.