Knights & Magic Volume 1 Chapter 4

This short chapter ends the school arc.
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Spring of C.E. 1276.

It has been 2 years since Ernesti and the others enrolled in Lacilia pilot academy. Their lifestyle remained the same. First of all, Ernesti Echevalier...

"Alright, this year we will be working on 'Silhouette Knight Design and Application'... Ah, you are here..."

During this period when the school welcomes new students and a new academic year begins, the teacher who came into the classroom glance at the short student occupying the center seat of the front row. As a third year primary school student, Eru has gained fame for attending the craftsmen faculty's courses.

"The knighthood faculty's teacher have surrendered."

"Yes, I am happy to meet teachers who are so understanding."

He slightly tilt his heads and smile. He looks really cute, but with his background in bullying the teachers to accommodate his schedule, the scene is not warming at all. After promoting to the next academic grade, Eru uses his abilities to destroy the classes that got in his way of the courses he wants to attend. The knighthood teachers are depressed over this, the craftsmen faculty has given in. The teacher sigh deeply and focus on his lesson. If you ignore his shenanigans, Eru is a bright and passionate student, so the teachers gave him more leeway.

Next is the twins Akkido and Edelsome.

This is the training grounds of the knighthood faculty. Class is in session so there shouldn't be anyone here. The boy and girl in the field is Akkido and Edelsome, who have followed Eru's lead to go beyond the scope of the lessons and conduct personal training. For these 2 years, magic classes were used by them for special training. Eru is not here because he is attending some other class.

"Okay, I will be going all out next."

"What's up? Your hits are harder than usual."

Cid wave his hands at the suspicious Edel, gesturing that nothing is wrong as he tighten his grip on his weapon. His built was excellent for his age and his sword was one size bigger than the standard. Even though it is a wooden sword used for training, it was still imposing.

In contrast, Edel is holding two thin swords. Her battle style is similar to Eru, focusing more on agility.

Apart from that, their weapons has a strange attachment. Made from white fog tree, a bayonet staff based off normal magic staff... the latest 'Gunplast' model. Driven by his interest, Eru used his knowledge from his previous life to design the 'Winchester', but there is no need for the twins to use the same weapon. Their gunplast looks more polished, evolving to the state where it can be attached to any swords. It was designed by Eru and made by their wonderful neighbor... Tymonin workshop.

The two of them adopt a stance and face each other, activating their magic before raising their swords. They switch smoothly between sword and magic, displaying the power of their weapon which merges the sword with the staff... the ability of the bayonet staff. They are using limited physical boast. After Ernesti tweak with its script, the spell was easier to use than the previous version. More importantly, it improves the sustainability. They stay true to Eru's teaching, training their body and magic at the same time, efficiently improving their mana pool. The crystallization of their hard work is clear for all to see.

With the start of the battle training, Cid took a strong step forward. His strengthened muscles propel him ahead, putting his opponent into the his sword range. This Cid's preferred fighting style... practical usage of the length of his oversized sword. Thanks to Martis' training, his style which places emphasis on the gauging of distance and skill is a real threat.

Edel uses the agility of her swords to counter this. Because of her limited physical boast, her slashes turns into a whirlwind bypassing Cid's sword, going straight for his body. Even though his weapon is large, Cid still manages to shorten the attack range of his sword to ward off Edel. But Edel didn't back down, shifting positions constantly as she waits for an opening. The fierce exchange makes other doubt whether this is really a mock battle? The two spar on until their mana and endurance are sapped.

Because these two learned magic from Eru who thought about things differently, this sort of training is normal for them. But simple things to them... using magic and swords simultaneously in training, are not taught in primary school. If a third party is around, she will probably doubt her common sense.

"Really... I can't stand you guys, what did Eru teach you..."

That's how Stefanie who was watching felt.

"Hmm... it was magic and sword right?"

Watching the twins tilt their head and answer at the same time, Stefanie can only smile bitterly. This is not a style you can learn just by 'learning magic'.

"With your standards, I am not sure if I can win."

"Really? To win against the top student of knighthood faculty who is also the student president can't be that easy?"

Stefanie has reasons to be worried. Normal students will learn using magic and sword during battles in secondary school. If someone start doing so from primary school, how far can they grow? The answer is right before her.

She was the top in her faculty in results, daughter of a duke and with her excellent personality, she was elected as the student council president. But after seeing the capability of her siblings of a different mother, Stefanie was still shocked. The twins were too used to Eru's standard, so their benchmark is different from normal people. Stefanie thought about righting their mindset in order to avoid trouble in the future.

There are only the three of them in the training ground. They focus on training and distract themselves with chit chat, not paying attention to their surroundings. They didn't notice the shadow lurking behind the thin wall near the training grounds entrance.

While class is in session, the sound of footsteps echo in the empty dormitory, the students are away.

The person walking was agitated, his pace fast and he reached his desired room shortly, which is his room. He unlock the door with trembling hands and rush in as if he was chased. For a dormitory, this personal room was spacious. This was arranged by the school with safety considerations in mind. Aristocrats staying in dorms will be assigned personal rooms.

The male student stood by the door listlessly for a while. He can't hold in his agitation anymore and kicked the furniture in the room, the sound reverberating loudly within the room.

"What is... that... how could it be... damn, damn damn!"

The male student... Bulksaw Stylus cursed, feeling extremely frustrated. He is upset because he witness the training session of his sisters and siblings from a different mother.

Bulksaw is a 1st year student in middle school of the knighthood faculty, and has just started using magic and sword at the same time. He was troubled by the difficult training, but his siblings were doing them with ease. It is clear their abilities are far ahead of him. For the proud Bulksaw, he can't stand a bastard child being stronger than him. This thought files him with rage, and he realize the existence of Cid and Edel are threats for his goal.

Bulksaw's goal is related to his 'clan'.

His clan... The 'Stylus dukedom', is one of notable aristocrats in Fremera kingdom. Their territory is not large, not it occupy a place that is flat and filled with farmland. It is situated to the east of the kingdom near to the Brokiosk sea of forest and suffers frequent attacks by demon beasts. In order to fend them off, the duke commands one of the top band of knights within the country... 'Roxy knights'. It is a critical place that borders the frontlines. As a result, this land prospered economically, with merchants passing through this main economic artery constantly.

Duke Stylus ruling this land has 3 children. The eldest Arthur is the heir of the dukedom, receiving an education befitting a noble and is starting to help his father in managing the territory. The eldest daughter Stefanie is studying in the 2nd year of middle school in Lacilia pilot academy, while the 2nd son Bulksaw is in the 1st year.

"If this carries on... If that brat show up at the main family..."

The titles of nobility are basically inherited by the eldest son, the other children will not get any land or property. They need to forge their own path forward, most of them becoming knights or bureaucrats. Bulksaw chose knight without hesitation since the Stylus dukedom is in command of the famous Roxy knights. In the Kingdom of knights, protecting the people from demon beast attacks is the noblesse oblige of the aristocrats, it is natural for him to set this as his goal.

"If those bastards comes into contacts with the Roxy Knights... maybe..."

The entire kingdom including the Stylus counties have no pretty vast amongst its knights. The knights are expected to be ready to fight the demon beast in a moment's notice, and is very demanding in terms of ability for those aspiring to be commanders. Being strong in combat skills doesn't guarantee the rights to be a leader of the knights, but the stronger someone is, the more respect they will garner in a military organization.

Bulksaw imagines himself leading the order of knights with his brother. He has never doubted that future until the rise of the twins. This cast a shadow in his heart. Even though they are children of a mistress, their capabilities are strong and with ties to the dukedom by bloodline, they might seize the advantage and realize their dream before Bulksaw. His entitled position being stripped by his bastard younger siblings is a nightmare for Bulksaw.

"That's right... I have to get rid of them."

He reflects on why he have let the situation deteriorate so much, and the conclusion is that he was too careless, and think of them as bastards who won't ever match him. Because of his foolish overconfidence, he ignored that incident during their first days at school. He realized he was wrong, the situation is pressing and every second counts. He have to work fast to dispose of them, but the twins are strong, it is unwise to challenge them head on. He need to suppress their strength, a safe and efficient way.

Bulksaw raise his head, his worries all gone.

He is not a dumb. His willingness to sacrifice others allow him to come up with despicable and effective methods. The usual cold smile he wears widens, his ugly feelings was stronger than before.


One day after class, Batson Tymonin walk along the corridor with heavy steps, preparing to head for the next classroom. He looked around and discovered a familiar figure. He noticed that person because she is a childhood friend.

"Is that Edel? Who is she... with?"

As he was wondering what Edel was doing that, Batson felt suspicious. not because Edel is not alone, but because she was with a student he didn't know. From far, her face looks stiff.

"Should I alert them?"

Batson was not being over reacting because Edel was with a stranger, but her expression looks weird which worries Batson. She might be in trouble, so Batson decides to express his spirit of consideration.

After making up his mind, Batson turned around and search for his petite friend who was probably in a classroom nearby.

"Bulksaw Oni sama, what's wrong?"

Edel clench her fist, her eyes searching around her, her slightly fierce demeanor was stronger now.

Bulksaw stood before her with his usual smile. That is still bearable. Although it upsets people who looks at him, Edel has gotten used to it. The problem with the people around them. There are 3 of them behind Bulksaw, 4 behind Edel. Male students she did not know blocks her way after Bulksaw gives a signal, they are probably his lackeys.

Edel was stopped by Bulksaw in the corridor, and brought to a deserted area. Although she is not close with Bulksaw, they are still family and let down her guard. Edel thought she will be brought to a quiet place so others won't hear him picking on her. She was surrounded when she realize it. From the atmosphere and their unfriendly gaze, this is probably not a 'happy chat'.

"These are my friends. Nothing much, they are here to help me teach disobedient brats what are manners eh?"

Bulksaw's companions smiles quietly.

"I learned about manners in class, there is no need to trouble everyone."

"The teacher is not enough to teach brats of a mistress. Your brother is teaching you personally, shouldn't you be lowering your head and beg for your lesson?"

A hand stuck out from behind Bulksaw.

"That's right, be a good girl and..."

The nameless lackey was careless... he thought they have the overwhelming advantage with their numbers, and the target was a girl younger than them. Edel judge that there is no need to argue anymore, pulling out her bayonet staff before he finished. She straight away used limited physical boast and elbow the lackey in the stomach before he can react.

"You are noisy!"

She has to break through the encirclement to get away. She dropped one opponent and took the chance to run with her enhanced leg power. Because of her sudden retaliation, the encirclement was full of holes. Just as she was getting out...

"Spark Dart."

A arrow of lightning lands on Edel's back with this calm voice. She can't even scream, a hoarse sound escape from the her mouth as the air was pushed out of her lungs. It is not lethal, but the direct lightning hit numbs her body. Edel trips and fell.

(Uguu! I screwed up... can't, conscious... fading...)

Incredibly, she remembers the smug expression on Bulksaw as she blacks out. He was not haughty like usual, but was wearing a foreboding smile.


Sometime after Edel blacked out.

Cid had no idea what happened, just a bit concerned that Edel didn't return when class begun. When he was thinking about ditching class to search for her, he met an unexpected guest.

"Oh? You were in class... that saved me the trouble."

Bulksaw appeared before him. Cid was shocked, he maintained his distance from Bulksaw during his time in the main family, and Bulksaw has always chose inconspicuous places when talking to him. But they are conversing in a public place right now and Cid was unsure how to address him.

"Senpai, do you have anything for me?"

Cid can't hide his confusion and asked. Bulksaw was smiling as usual as he announce in a loud voice:

"I challenge you to a duel!"

The rowdy classroom was silenced, followed by an eruption of noise. Students in the classroom chat excitedly with each other, discussing the topic 'duel!'.

"What are you saying..."

"You can't understand? Ha, I expected as much. I have been letting an eye sore like you off for too long, I can't forgive such insolence anymore. That's right, I have to set you straight."

Cid was baffled, Bulksaw's action confounded him. Because everything has been set in motion without his knowledge. But he is sure of one thing.

"I don't get what you are thinking... Duel? Alright, it's on!"

He also hates Bulksaw. His fighting spirit overcomes the query in his heart and he accepts readily. Cid will let it go if Bulksaw picks on him verbally as usual. But if Bulksaw issues a challenge head on, Cid has no intention of hiding his displeasure.

"How uncouth... your manners are lacking. Let's see how long you can stay arrogant."

Class was abandoned, the whole group tagged along with them out of the campus.

Lacilia pilot academy restricts fights between students, it is ridiculous for knights protecting the citizens to fight among themselves. Those who breaks the rules will face all sorts of punishment, the only exception is a fight known as 'duel'.

Duel's have its own set of rules: it needs to be one on one; the duel requires both party to agree... a 3rd party has to act as the referee... The referee has absolute authority; the match will be decided when one party loses conscious or gives up; they have to use wooden training swords, spells that release projectiles are banned to avoid collateral damage and others. In the end, the main point is 'settle it yourself'.

By its nature, knighthood faculty have lots of hot headed students, settling disputes by duels are common, there is even a fixed place within the academy known as 'duel arena'.

News of Bulksaw and Cid's duel spread through the academy instantly. They have been anticipating this and the challenge was issued prominently, resulting in a large crowd gathering to witness the battle.

A student who is not related to either of them volunteered to be a referee. He read out the rules of the duel in a loud voice, and confirm the acceptance by the two participants. When they face each other, Bulksaw took out something from his shirt pocket. Cid turned stiff when he saw it.

(Isn't that... The hair pin Edel was wearing in the morning!? Why... Did he...!?)

The shocked Cid looks at Bulksaw and their eyes met. Bulksaw is smiling more intensely today, and Cid understands what he is his goal. Why Bulksaw propose a duel and why it is done in public.

"You... What did you do to Edel..."

"Hmmm? I don't know what you mean."

Bulksaw's expression is twisted as if he is trying to control his laughter, confirming Cid's suspicion.

"That's right, I heard a rumor the other day. You can use advance magic as a primary school student, an amazing achievement! Can you show it to me?"

Cid make a spiteful groan. It is obvious why Bulksaw raised this issue, he wants everyone present to hear that Cid saying he can't use it and shame him. The way he flashes the hair pin to made Bulksaw's intention clear.

"... I can't use it anyway..."

Cid answered as if he is squeezing air out of his lungs, baffling the audience. Cid was one of the famous trio in primary school that was exempted from class by the teachers. The crowd was chattering, wondering why someone who is so far ahead in magic education saying something like this? Are the rumors false?

"Huh? What a joke! Ha! The gossips are fake? Really, to be exposed so easily! Where did that attitude of yours go? Hah!"

If eyes can kill, Cid would have murdered Bulksaw with his gaze by now. Bulksaw didn't mind and continued with a laugh:

"Hey hey hey, wanting to stand out even if you have to lie, what a naughty boy. Correcting the error of juniors is the senior's job right? Okay, it's about time to begin."

Bulksaw lift his sword and staff while Cid quietly attach his Gunplast to his wooden sword. What follows is not a duel anymore, but an execution.

"What's with you? Such a spoilsport. You can't use magic and subpar with swordsmanship!?"

Bulksaw taunts as they sparred. Cid was enraged and wanted to counter attack, but Bulksaw flashes the hair pin from time to time to warn him.

About 30 minutes into the fight, everyone can see the battle is lopsided. Cid was slow and was the only one taking hits. He tried countering a few times, but his strength is lacking. The pitiful state of the rumored student disappoints the crowd. "Rumors are just rumors", "Where did the misunderstanding start". "The ending will be the arrogant junior facing reality", "Such a boring fight"... There are even some who left impatiently.

But some of the students felt uneasy. Cid was hit directly a lot of time, but he kept up his stance. He didn't take damage? Bulksaw who is enjoying the overwhelming advantage notices it and took pleasure in tormenting Cid.

Since he can't defeat Bulksaw, Cid has to tank the attack. He is not sure how long he can endure. Even so, he is still waiting for the chance to counter attack. He don't know whether if there is still a chance, but he cling on to this hope. Cid's most trustworthy friend is not here. He definitely know about this commotion after such a big uproar, and his absence means he is on the move.

(I leave it to you my friend... You are my only hope!)

Cid grit his teeth and took the hit from Bulksaw with a staggering stance.

At the same time, Ernesti is walking quietly along the corridor. After listening to his childhood friend Batson's explanation, Eru is searching for Edel. But he is troubled as there are no clues. Suddenly, someone hugs him from behind. Eru was startled and looked up to see Stefanie caressing his hair with a blissful face.

"Ah, so soft and smooth you wouldn't want to let go."

"...E, Stefanie Senpai?"

"It's the fault of these silky smooth locks... you. impish. devil."

Stefanie rubs her face with Eru's hair as she pokes Eru's cheek. Eru was baffled by her reaction as usual, but inspiration struck. Maybe Stephanie has some clues.

"Stefanie sempai, you came at just the right time. do you know where Edel is?"

Stefanie who was all smiles became sullen and worried. He look at the confused Eru straight in the eye.

"I think Bulksaw was meeting Edel."

"Bulk... Your brother? He, Cid and Edel..."

Eru hesitated uncharacteristically. he had heard about Bulksaw... and things about him. If Edel was taken by him, there is no telling what will happen. But Eru still hesitated, since this is a family affair after all. Eru can't judge how deep he can interfere, but Stefanie blow all his worries away with one sentence.

"... Also, Bulksaw brought lots of lackey with him."

"I don't like commenting on other family's affair, but that sounds ominous."

Eru's heart was not as calm as his tone. It is fine if it is in the realm of 'sibling fights'. But it is different if he brought a gang with him, which means Edel is in danger.

"I can't really ask you for help for this... but I hope you can look for Edel."

"... Will that be fine? Let me say this first, if he harms Edel, I won't forgive him even if he is your brother."

Eru's eyes are usually matured, but a dangerous gleam shines over them. Cid and Edel are his best friends in this world, if someone brought a group to harm them, he doesn't plan to hold back. Stefanie watch him seethe in anger and droops her beautiful eye brows.

"... Please restrain from killing him."

"You are pretty cool about this."

"It's fine if Bulksaw moved alone. Well, that's not really good... But I can stop him. But it's not the same this time, I can't overlook this as the student council president or his sister."

Stefanie says softly as she tightens her hug slowly. Eru can't imagine her expression and simply ask:

"Can you tell me where have Edel been brought to?"

Lacilia pilot academy has a large campus and part of it are not in use. Edel and Bulksaw's lackey are in one of the empty classrooms.

The group sat Edel on a chair, tied her legs down and her hands behind her. It is about an hour since Edel was knocked out by Bulksaw and she has not woke up yet. The 4 lackeys who surrounded her was arguing about something.

"Cheh! Little brat, she hit me!"

"Hey, she's still sleeping, calm down."

They left so many people to guard Edel who is unconscious to prevent her from making a scene when she wakes. The noisy boy was the one who took an elbow from Edel, who just regained consciousness.

"Why? She is out and tied down, there's no need to be afraid."

"Says the guy who got knocked down."

"Uguu! I was careless!"

He grabs Edel's hair and lift her head, clenching his fist with a violent smile.

"Look at this brat, getting cocky because I didn't go all out. She is going to get it now!"

The other lackeys thinks he was going too far. He didn't fall because he was holding back, he was knocked out in an instant because he was too careless. And if he punch her and Edel wakes up, things will get messy. Their goal is to restrain her for a short time, it will be better if she keeps sleeping. Just as another lackey was about to stop him...

"Hello... Anyone here.... Oh, there is."

At this moment, a shadow appears from the back of the classroom. The group naively think that no one will come, so their reaction is slower than the intruder. When they realize the situation, they saw a silver bullet shooting out from a weird magic staff towards their face.

The intruder... Ernesti knew his 'hunch was right' when he saw the lackeys, or rather Edel who was tied to the chair. All that is left is to get rid of the enemy. He drew Winchester without hesitation and cast intermediate wind magic to his left and right... Aero dynamo. The projectile hit the two at the back of the room directly and they were blasted away before they can scream. Eru didn't wait for them to land before activating physical boast to enhance agility and strike at the boy that is about to punch Edel. The boy panicked and attempts to block, but he can't match Eru whose speed has been enhanced. Eru cast a sonic boom with his staff while running, which blows the boy away.

Seeing 3 of his companions flying in an instant, the remaining lackey gave up understanding the situation. Regrettably, his opponent is not gentle enough to let this chance slip by. The lackey raise his staff unconsciously, but it was broken in half. The other Winchester swing back horizontally... That was the last thing he remembered.

After instantly knocking out the 4 lackeys like a whirlwind, Eru checked to make sure they are really down, then ran to Edel. He cut the ropes on her and check for injuries. Edel seems to be fine and her breathing is normal, so she is probably unconscious. Eru was relief after confirming that Edel was safe and proceed to tie up the lackeys who were knocked out. Fortunately they prepared ropes... although it was not meant to be used on themselves. After making sure they can't move, he look towards the direction of the arena.

"There might not be much time left."

From the commotion he saw on the way here, Eru can imagine the situation over there. Edel was kidnapped then Bulksaw appeared before Cid, his actions are too easy to guess. That's why he was worried about Cid who was caught in the middle of all this. But he believe Cid will give in so easily. Eru believe that if he hurries, he will be able to make it. That's why he wants to rush over immediately, but...

Eru looks at Edel down on the floor and felt troubled. Should he feel depressed? It will be a hassle to bring Edel over since she is taller than him. But he can't leave her here like this. Uguu, he groan and gave in, struggling to carry her in his arms. It is a challenge to keep his balance, but Eru uses magic he is proficient in to tide over it.

"I must make it in time..."

In order to reach Cid as soon as possible, Eru took long strides and ran.


In a place known as 'duel arena' within Lacilia pilot academy, 2 students have fought for over an hour. Although the battle was lopsided, it doesn't feel like it will end soon.

After sparring this long, Bulksaw finally realize something was off. As he expected, Cid's movement was sluggish because if his scheme, and his strike has landed true countless times. Even though it was a wooden sword, normal people would still have incurred serious wounds that will put them out of the fight. Cid movement turned slower, but he shows no signs of taking serious damage. Cid might not be attacking because of the hostage, but his eyes are still strong. He is obviously waiting for his chance.

(Why can this brat take so much damage? Why is he still standing!? Is he going to buy time for Edel to escape by herself? Edel is very agile, but there is no way she can escape, could it be...)

Bulksaw laughs. Cid didn't knew that Edel wasn't just tied up, she is under guard too. This means his plan is doomed right from the start.

Cid was startled when Bulksaw stopped attacking. Bulksaw laughter was unnatural, and he attempts to stomp out Cid's hope.

"Akkido, are you stalling for time?"

"...!"

"I thought so. You think 'that' will come if you wait? I can only tell you it is all in vain, 'that' is tied up securely."

Bulksaw can hear Cid grinding his teeth, it stirs a murky joy within him.

"Well, I'm growing tired of this. It's regrettable but let's end it, shall we?"

Bulksaw flashes Edel's hairpin and lift his wooden sword. Cid tenses his face. To be honest, he is not in good shape, contrary to how he looks. Although he is using 'some method' to minimize damage, but it is still accumulating. It will be hard to gauge whether Cid can endure an all out attack. But Bulksaw has been sending out a strong message, 'do not dodge'. Bulksaw probably wants to finish this for real, his next strike will be at full power. Cid is not confident he can withstand this unscathed.

The two of them put in more strength into their stance than before. The spectators that are still around can feel that this will be the final attack and held their breath. As Bulksaw was planning to launch his attack and charge in, someone intrude into the arena at the same time.

The figure leapt over the heads of the crowd and reach the front row. The arc of his jump is huge and he is moving fast despite carrying a girl in his arms. His footfall was silent as if he was stepping on a soft surface. The eyes of the audience naturally falls on this petite figure.

The figure is Eru who is carrying Edel. Bulksaw cast a sideway glance over and made a twisted face when he realize who they are. Edel should be tied up, and he even posted guards. Did he overcome these obstacles and break Edel out? What are his guards doing? More importantly, who is this silver haired kid? Bulksaw's head is full of questions, but no one is giving him answers.

Eru put Edel down. She has regained consciousness on their way here and stood up by herself. The first thing she did is glare at Bulksaw, then she turned to Cid, sliding her thumb across her neck with a violent smile. Cid relaxes his body when he see Edel is safe and has the urge to smile. He nods and complains to Eru who is standing behind her:

"So slow."

"Sorry, there are too many rooms."

"That so. Nah, never mind."

Cid smile and raise his wooden sword. Nothing is holding him back, the time to counter attack is here.

Bulksaw wants to scream. He knows that this is the worst case scenario. But when he thinks about it, the damage he inflicted on Cid remains, even though he lost the trump card of Edel as a hostage. He should take the chance and strike fast at full power. Bulksaw put his thoughts into action and slashes at Cid.

But Cid displayed his outstanding agility. His sluggish movements earlier seems to be an act. He step forward lightly, parrying the attack and bumping Bulksaw back with his shoulder to keep their distant.

Cid has expended considerable amount of mana after dragging the fight so long. But he went through tough training under Eru since he was young and have enough gas left in the tank for a final attack.

"I will take back everything you owed me in one hit!"

Cid yelled loudly and activated physical boast he learned from Eru. A wild surge of energy flow through his body and he sprint forward with enough power to almost crack the floor. Before Bulksaw can scramble and get up, Cid's sword have hit his stomach. The air in his lungs was pushed out and the hoarse sound 'hyaa' escape from Bulksaw's mouth as he got launch into the air. Cid follow up with a series of air combo before he falls to the ground, Bulksaw's body was twisted unnaturally. Before Bulksaw's body lost speed and starts to tumble, Cid follows up with a roundhouse kick as a finishing move. Bulksaw's body crumples into a ball and rolls away, before stopping in a heap several meters away.

The referee came to his senses after Cid took a deep breath and ran to Bulksaw, finding him sprawl out like a piece of rag, his eyes white and foaming at the mouth. The result is obvious and the referee raise one hand and announced Cid's victory to the crowd.

The unexpected ending made the battle before looks like a lie. The audience can't keep up with the rapid development.

Although Cid was as formidable as rumored, far beyond the capabilities of Bulksaw. So why was he being overwhelmed for the past hour?

The spectators looks at the young girl running towards Cid. They are not stupid, they can link the appearance of her with the sudden display of strength by Cid. The answer is obvious,

The eyes staring at Bulksaw turns cold. For knighthood majors, although duels are a way to resolve disputes, the glory of the victor is sacred. If anyone defile the duel with despicable schemes, it will go against the way of the knight. The crowd are unsympathetic when Bulksaw's lackeys carried him to the infirmary.

But Cid was badly injured, falling on his butt after letting out his victory cry.

"Cid! Hey Cid, are you okay?"

"I'm not doing so good, I took quite a beating."

"Your clothes are all tattered... Why didn't you dodge, stupid!"

"He kept waving that in front of me... I can't dodge even if I want to."

"...! Sorry, I was... too careless..."

Looking at Edel's tears and depressed face, Cid strokes her hair and said with a smile:

"Don't worry, this is all the fault of that idiot. And Eru, thanks, that was close."

"I'm glad I made it in time. But enough about this..."

Eru retrieved the hair pin from Bulksaw without anyone noticing and hands it to Edel and said:

"You are all beat up, but seems like there are no serious injuries."

"Yeah, that guy attacks recklessly because I can't dodge, and was boasting about his skills."

Cid says sheepishly.

"I used limited physical boast and skin hardening just before being hit to keep the damage down."

"I see. You managed to pull off a dangerous skill there."

"I can do it because I don't need to think about anything else... And it worked because he was so stupid. If he concentrate his attacks on my soft spots, I won't be able to hold out for so long."

"In other words, this guy lost because he was too cocky."

As Eru nods, the crowds starts to disperse.

"I will settle the loose ends. Edel, can you please take Cid to the infirmary?"

"I understand. Cid, can you stand?"

"I'm fine, my injuries are mostly bruises, just let me take it slow."

Eru sees the twins off, watching Cid staggering figure as he and Edel heads to the infirmary. Only Stefanie is left in the arena.

"Is this okay? Your brother is badly injured."

"... He is, but his actions warrantees this punishment."

Stefanie looks refreshed and shakes her head.

"That child... He resembles mother that way... About time he learns his lesson."

"It must be hard on you..."

Eru feels conflicted when he thinks about Cid and Edel's family troubles. But he shook his head and change his mood.

"Can I leave the clean up to you?"

"Okay, I have to explain to my family anyway."

Eru bows to Stefanie who nods in agreement and left. In the end, some of the audience was interested in this commotion and discuss the relations between Cid and the Stylus family.


A few days after the duel.

The disgraced Bulksaw was warned sternly by the school and his family, and he was grounded at home after some deliberation. To reform him, Bulksaw was sent to the Roxy Knights for training, the place of his dreams. It's hard to say if this is a good or bad thing. But it is great for Eru and co who have one less issue to worry about.

One day after school has peacefully ended, Edel spotted Eru who was reading in the campus garden. His is a prominent person, but it is not easy to spot his petite figure. But his head of silver head an easy landmark to spot when there are less people around. He sat under the shade of a tree, reading a thick book as usual. She don't even need to ask, it was a textbook on silhouette knights.

Edel walked to His side, but Eru didn't seem to notice. When he is engrossed in a book, Eru will be totally absorbed and not pay attention to his surroundings. Edel sat down beside him, staring at his profile intensely. His blue eyes with long lashes are gazing down at the book, his hair flows down along his face, shining brightly in the sun. His lips are tightly shut, reflecting his intense passion.

(Eru is cute as usual...)

Edel giggled 'hehe' happily and is preparing to pounce on him as usual but she was stopped by an image in her mind. The memories from the dueling incident.

When Eru rescued Edel who was kidnapped by Bulksaw, he princess carried to the arena and to the middle of the crowd. She didn't pay any heed to this as her mind was filled with anger. When Edel thinks back, she discovered that it was a pretty embarrassing scene. Not just embarrassing, when she remember the joy of being rescued by Eru and how it feels in his arms, Edel blushes from just being next to Eru.

(Hya, I thought about that again...)

Edel was glad that Eru didn't notice her feelings. Her complicated feelings makes her hesitant on hugging Eru like before. Edel was unhappy with how she is acting and forcefully hugged Eru. Eru calmly greeted Edel who pounced on him suddenly and closed his book.

It might be strange, but Eru has been treated like a 'soft toy' by many others since young and is used to being hugged. And Edel was the one who started the 'hugging trend', so it was no surprise for Eru. But he noticed that Edel wasn't her usual self and tilt his head.

Edel was troubled by her unexpected actions. Usually, she will stroke his hair while chatting with him. But when she hugged him this time, she can feel her heart drumming intensely, she can't do anything else. Edel buries her head into Eru's hair to hide her blushing expression from him.

(Wah... Why does it turn out this way! Oh no, I can't lift my head.)

Edel was too nervous and forgot that she can just let go. Eru was a bit surprised by her reaction, and decided to keep reading his book since she is not moving.

(It feels like I am an idiot, give me some reaction!)

In a way, this nonsensical anger calms her mind, Edel pokes Eru's cheek angrily.

"Hey, please don't poke someone else's cheek."

"...So cute!"

Edel regains her normal demeanor. Eru feels more comfortable to hug than usual, and she starts to caresses his head. The two of them didn't realize, but the few students in the garden was enjoying the sight of the pretty black hair girl and silver hair girl(?) playing around. That's how their daily life is, every day is peaceful.


End