Bugzoid: Ask and you shall receive haha!
...
SOD here. Andrew is off somewhere trying to find me. He decided to get a puppy that can use a shotgun. Don't ask how. Cause I cannot explain. So while I go on Amazon and order birds with guns, you guys and gals enjoy the chapter.Lemme know what y'all thought! See ya~
Some time after the two had recovered, it was time for Yujiro Namikaze and Relon Lucinance to return to their travels.
Although the farewells between the three kids were difficult. In the end, Both boys and Elise made a pact. No matter where they went and no matter how much time had progressed, they would remain friends and keep in touch. This would come to be one of the many things Relon would cherish.
Throughout the beginning of their journey, Yujiro kept close tabs on Relon. Especially regarding the sword. Ever since the incident, it hadn't acted alive at all. Relon hadn't even attempted to touch it whenever they relaxed. Days quickly turned into weeks, he didn't so much as graze over the clothed weapon.
Realizing the memories still haunted the boy, it was obvious he wanted nothing to do with the sword. That still left the question as to why the sword itself was inactive.
Could their link be deeply connected by emotions? If the kid feels like he doesn't want anything to do with it, then could that be why it's unresponsive?
In the end, all Yujiro could do was wonder and make a list of questions that would hopefully lead to an answer.
Before long, weeks became months. Yujiro began to think the once shy nine-year-old would be tainted with the trauma from that day but this wouldn't be the case to his surprise. Relon had suddenly returned to his passive and reserved nature much stronger than before. With the little reading he had done previously on their travels, he had nearly tripled the amount during their journey so far.
Yujiro didn't know what to make of the boy's reason for so much reading at first though he soon had an idea. He wanted to learn. His curiosity was fueling his desire to know what happened that fateful day. He wanted- no. He needed to know. If he wanted to get past this mystery that surrounded himself and his sword, he needed to know everything and anything that would lead to an answer.
The only good thing to come out of the incident was Relon now talked to the man in complete sentences instead of short answer. Sometimes Yujiro would ask Relon what the boy knew of the location they currently were at. Easy to say, Relon didn't disappoint. Their chatter soon went from abnormal to just normal.
No longer did the interest in sightseeing linger. No, the only time Relon bothered to do any sightseeing was when they arrived at a new location. Albeit briefly, Yujiro was happy to see that the kid had some of his old self still in him. Though he knew he'd have to find a way to get Relon past this or at least point the boy in the right direction one day. And that day was today. The day they'd finally reached their newest destination.
Now at the age of 10, Relon's next chapter starts here.
"We finally made it, kid." Yujiro announces as they enter the gate stopping at an overlook of the city. "We've arrived at Legram."
Putting away a book into his backpack, Relon looks around at the city covered in a light fog.
"Out of Ebel Highway and into Legram, the Lakeside Town." Relon mutters. "That's Lake Ebel and just across it is the famous Lohengrin Castle."
"Or at least, what should be if we could see the damn thing." The man intervenes placing an arm around the boy. "Oh well, I'm sure we'll see the town and castle in all its glory once the fog leaves. Let's get going, shall we?" He lets go walking a few paces before stopping.
Glancing back, he sees the solemn look on Relon's face.
"Hey now, I thought you said you weren't gonna cry when we arrived."
"I'm not cry- Mm!" Relon chokes on his words to only gaze at the ground.
Feeling a hand ruffle his hair, he looks up to the man that has raised him. Saying no words, Yujiro only needs to give a smile. One that says, 'Everything will be alright.'
With a small nod in response and a quick wipe of his eyes, they return to their leisurely walk.
"So kid, what can you tell me about Legram?"
"Legram is commonly known for its frequent foggy state and its annual mourning of the death of St. Sandlot. Currently, Legram is ruled by the household under Viscount Victor S. Arseid, a practitioner in the Arseid school. Known to be one of, if not, the strongest swordsmen in all of Erebonia and as such has been given the title; Radiant Blademaster. In its early years especially the era of the War of the Lions, Legram played a vital role to the opposing forces against the False Emperor Orthros Reise Arnor. Now it lies within the jurisdiction of Kreuzen Province." He finishes. the two stopping before the front door of a mansion overlooking all of Legram.
"Damn. If I were grading you, I've give you an A plus. What would you say, Klaus?" He calls over his shoulder.
"Klaus?" Turning around, Relon is taken aback to find a butler seeming in his mid-to-late 60's smiling.
"I would rate that a perfect score. You have raised the boy quite well."
How long has he been following us?
"Haha, I didn't do anything as far as academics go. That's 100% the kid's own skill at work."
"I see." Turning his attention to the young boy, he speaks. "Master Relon, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." He bows.
"L-Likewise..." He returns the gesture.
Raising his head, he takes note of the weapon at the elderly man's hip.
Is that a rapier?
"Now then, where is ole Vic?"
"He is currently training with milady."
"How goes that?"
"As you would expect." He gives a chuckle.
"Perfect! Let's head right on over."
"I had an inkling you would suggest that. Right this way." With that the three head back down the steps to take a right.
"Ah, the Arseid school. Man, the memories I have here were some of the best."
"You, Master Teo, and Master Victor himself were quite the bunch back in your younger days."
"Hey... You're making me seem old!"
"Oh, my apologies. I meant no harm. If anyone should feel old, it is I."
"Yeah right, you're still looking like you're in your 40's, Klaus."
"You are too kind."
Looking between the two men, Relon remains quiet.
How many famous people does Mister know? First the Divine Blade of Frost and now the Radiant Blademaster. I didn't know anything about Rean and Elise's family until I started reading more. To think their dad single-handedly wiped out an entire army battalion invading Ymir during a blizzard at night no less. Their dad is something else. His thoughts cease at the mention. Dad... Lingering on the back of his guardian, his eyes drop to his clothed sword.
(Seeing it firsthand, I now see just how troubled he is from the letter you sent a months ago.) Klaus whispers, both adults glancing to the boy.
(Yeah.) Yujiro sighs. (It's been an on off thing. As for the cause, multiple things together are the catalyst.)
(But are you sure you wish to leave him in our care?)
(Yeah. Once we left Ymir, it wasn't until weeks after he'd somewhat calmed down that he wanted to begin training. I lie to you not when he told me as he was shaking with fear in his eyes.)
(Yet his conviction to overcome such a fear was far greater, I presume?)
(Beyond a shadow of a doubt. But before he learns from me, I feel it'll be easier to transition from sword combat to hand-to-hand rather than the reverse for him.)
(What would lead you to believe such a thing?)
"This!" On a dime he swirls around launching his large fist at Relon, a blast of air hitting the ground creating a dust cloud.
As it settles, Klaus widens in astonishment at the sight. There stands Yujiro with a punch extended but Relon isn't on the receiving end but rather besides him. His hands seeming to have reflected the punch while also restricting Yujiro in his attempt at a firm grip. And that look in his eyes shows sheer focus.
And just as quick as the whole situation occurred, Relon loosens his muscles releasing his grip on Yujiro as a large breath of air seeming to be a sigh of relief leaves him. Now calmed, he glares at the man he's known his whole life.
"Now you've seen first hand how serious he is. As well as why he can hold off on our hand-to-hand combat training for now." He states proudly ruffling his black hair. "You saw all of that, right Vic?" He suddenly calls behind him.
The mention momentarily causing Relon to lose his irritation as he looks past Yujiro at the Arseid school seeing a well built man appearing to be in his mid 30s with blue hair, a small beard, and emerald eyes wearing a long over-coat tan ocean blue jacket and a girl around his own age with a long blue ponytail in what he could only guess is her training uniform.
Victor Arseid...!
"I did and I must say that was quite impressive." He states approaching, the girl following close behind.
"Any normal person who just witnessed what this kid did would think he just has great reflexes but that's not it at all." Yujiro praises looking to Relon.
"Outstanding reflexive abilities, pattern recognition of an opponent's movement, split-second decision making, pinpoint accuracy, and execution. In just two seconds, he performed all of these traits flawlessly but..." Klaus answers.
"But that's not all." Victor finishes.
"So you both noticed too." Yujiro states, his tone no longer prideful.
"Noticed...?" Relon nervously mutters.
"Let's head inside. As his new teacher, this will our first lesson." Victor announces turning on a dime. "Oh yes, I almost forgot. Relon, correct? This is my daughter Laura. You two will be training together under Klaus and I for the duration of your stay. She also happens to be the same age as you. Though don't try any funny stuff or you'll have to answer to me. Got it?"
"F-Father! That is completely unnecessary!" Laura protests, her cheeks slightly red as Relon nervously nods.
With that, the group heads inside the school laying eyes on the training dojo.
"Follow me." Victor calls, Relon following him onto the field as the rest move to stand on the sidelines.
Turning around, both stop facing one another.
"Tell me." His words confusing Relon. "You still haven't figured out the identity of that man who's been caring for you all these years, have you?" Relon widens at the mention. "Well?" His hand going to the greatsword's handle attached to his back.
"... No... I haven't." His voice sounding defeated.
"Surely you must have the slightest hint of an idea."
"... I lack information."
"Care to evaluate?" Victor asks, Relon then glancing to Yujiro and back ahead.
"I... I cannot sir..." He slumps his shoulders.
"I see. So you're also hesitant. My next question..." He begins to release his sword.
"Yes...?" He takes a step back, Victor drawing his sword down on Relon who quickly jumps back sliding to the edge.
"Why are you acting like such a coward?!" He roars swiping the air with his sword, a gust of wind whipping for Relon to cover his face.
"A coward...?!"
"That sword." He calls for Relon to widen.
"W-What about it?"
"When that man threw that punch, for a mere moment, you contemplated using your sword but decided not to. And just now, your hand flinched once again before my strike ended."
"That's...!"
"Do you truly fear a power that is yours?! Is this the source of you cowardice?! Why ypu hesitate?! Answer me, Relon Lucinance!" Victor bellows, a strong aura radiating around the swordsman as he charges.
"I...!" Panicking, he covers his face with his arms waiting for the inevitable.
Cling!
Hearing an odd sound, he slowly opens his eyes to widen in disbelief of his sword blocking Victor's.
"Oh, so this is the famous sword I've heard so much about. A pity it's wielder isn't capable of wielding such uniqueness."
"I don't get it, Klaus. Why is father being so disrespectful to Relon?" Laura asks.
"It's quite simple, kid." Yujiro answers. "He's indirectly telling Relon what he needs to do to overcome his fear. He has the conviction but such a passion has nowhere to go. The greatest fighter can only become such with a goal in mind. But to get to that goal, one needs conviction. A conviction strong enough to overcome any hurdle before them."
"He has the conviction and he has a clear goal. It's the hurdle before Master Relon that proves much difficulty." Klaus adds.
"Which lies within himself..." Laura surmises.
"Why are you still hesitating?!"
"W-what?"
"Here's your own weapon defending you while you, the weilder, sits there helpless! Doing nothing!"
"If that man you hold dear to your heart ends up on the verge of death, are you going to stand idly by and do nothing?!"
"Death...?"
"What caused that power to awaken? What will it take for you to willingly draw upon it? I need an answer!" He applies pressure.
"I'm..." With that single mutter, that fateful day resurfaces.
Subconscious
Relon finds himself alone. For the first time in his life, he doesn't feel warm. He feels cold. Simply flexing his fingers proves difficult.
Letting out a breath, he sees its visibility. Suddenly, a cold breeze comes through, Relon holding himself.
"Where am I...?" Glancing around, it doesn't take long before he finds the answer. "The fishing spot in Ymir...! But, I was just in Legram..."
"You are here because I called you here."
Turning towards the frozen waterfall with a large portion destroyed, Relon spots something hovering just over the tall structure.
Is that a monster?
Slowly descending towards the boy, Relon is able to make out its appearance.
The... thing seems to be around his own height. It seems humanoid with a rough exterior. It's skin a mixture of mostly red with its limbs purple. Sharp blades, maybe bones, stick out behind its ankles and forearms. It has three toes on each foot. A long mane of red hair ending at its waist. An odd energy taking the shap of a red waist cape. And finally the one feature Relon immediately recognizes; red slitted eyes.
Those eyes!
"It would seem you recognize my sight orbs." It states landing only feet away from Relon.
The mention of his thoughts puts the boy on edge as he takes a step back.
"You can ready my mind?"
"We are within your subconscious."
I can hear your thoughts as you can hear mine.
"My... subconscious?!" Looking around fearful, he eyes the monster.
Fear not. I mean no harm.
"That's hard to believe... considering you're just revealing yourself. Who or what are you? How did you get here? Did you possess me that day?"
"I am nameless. As for what I am, I shall refrain from answering. All I shall reveal is I am an entity that gained a shape once you awakened my power."
"Nameless? As in you don't have a name?"
"That is correct."
"And you only took shape when I 'awakened your power?'"
"That is correct."
Stumped over the questions piling his mind, Relon he shivers as another cold breeze blows through.
"Why is it cold?"
"As I reside within you, I am constantly exposed to heat. As this is our first meeting, the climate has changed to a more frigid one. Personally, I am quite fond of the cold. It is a nice change."
It's warm? Could it be the temperature changes depending on whether I'm here or awake?
That could be a possibility.
Immediately Relon jumps quickly easing himself.
"This is all too weird. I think I read about this kind of ability somewhere."
"Purported vicarious transmission of information from one person to another without using any known human sensory channels or physical interaction. Otherwise known as telepathy."
"How did you...?"
"Ever since awakening, I have been able to access all memories during your travels since."
"My memories? Then-
"I am only able to access those prior to your awakening."
"Oh... Was it that obvious...?"
"Indeed. You no longer seem hesitant on my being."
"I don't really have any proof showing you have ill intentions... But I must know. How did I 'awaken?'"
"How did you?"
Taken aback by the entity's response, he ponders the thought.
What could have caused it? I've never taken the time to think about it. I've just wanted to get over it and move on. If I had to guess, seeing Elise and Rean get hurt may have done it. The need to protect them was the trigger!
"You are correct. Seeing let alone the mere thought of such a thing happening was enough to fully awaken your dormant heritage."
"Basically, I was so mad, I woke you from some slumber, right?"
"Indeed. Which leads to why I brought you here."
"That's right! Why am I here?"
"Tell me, Relon. Why do you hold such fear? Are you afraid of me? Are you afraid of my power. You seemed fine using it before." The entity's words getting to Relon.
"I had no choice! Between being mad over getting slashed in the back and wanting my first friends to not die. Who would?!" He barks back, a heat resonating around him for the two to take note. "What the...?"
"Your anger is a powerful weapon. Simply becoming upset seems to set your heart ablaze. It would be wise to keep a watch on your emotions. It would be a shame if an incident occurred because you drowned yourself in my power."
"So what? Don't get mad? Hard to right now considering the current situation." Relon retorts, the heat growing.
"Calm yourself, Relon. I do not wish to fight. You can sense it. Then there is the matter that you still lack the strength to protect yourself."
"What are you talking about?"
"Aside from phenomenal reflexes, what do you have? A great mind? That won't do much when your opponent has a weapon ready to strike you down." The entity begins to floats back up towards the waterfall.
"What are you getting at?" Relon calls out.
"What will it take for you to wield your faithful weapon? We shall speak again once the time comes. I await your answer." The entity's final words echo before an array of red and purple blinds Relon.
Opening them, he now floats in a black void.
What will it take?
Pondering, he thinks back to the words Victor spoke.
"If that man you hold dear to your heart ends up on the verge of death, are you going to stand idly by and do nothing?! What caused that power to awaken? What will it take for you to willingly draw upon it? I need an answer!"
My anger... gives me power. Yet... I refuse to fight back...
Suddenly, he feels a burning sensation on his stomach.
My mark. I can feel it! Out his peripheral, he looks ahead seeing his sword slowly come down.
My sword... Here you are defending me and this whole time I've been afraid with having anything to do with you. The fear of losing control frightened me but the thought of what could happen to those close to me scared me even more. Sorry. A single flicker of a flame comes in response.
I was angry back then, but yet, after what Viscount Arseid and the entity said, I don't feel even the slightest bit mad. This time, I think I-
Another flicker.
Sorry. We can do this. I want to get strong so I can one day find the secrets to my past. And so I can find out what the entity knows. Will you help me? A flicker doesn't come, but a gentle flame igniting at the tip of the blade. Smiling, he reaches his left hand out for another flicker to spark. But not from his sword but rather his hand.
Whoa! Wait... did I just...
The corner of his mouth curves up.
Seems we have a lot to learn. No time like the present. Ready partner?
Reaching out once more, he grabs hold, the world around them turning to white.
Real World
Still applying pressure, Victor gazes beyond the sword at the child. His face hidden behind his locks of hair.
Could he be beyond my help? No. It is too soon to judge.
"You said you wanted an answer, Lord Arseid?" His voice draws everyone's attention.
Lifting his head, he grins a crazed grin only the adults would know.
(Why he looks like you, Master Yujiro.) Klaus whispers.
"That's a signature Yujiro smile! Damn, the kid took something after me, after all."
"It seems you've found your fire! I'm interested to see just how strong such a spirit is!" Suddenly the sword catches on fire forcing Victor to back away.
"Watch what you say, Lord Arseid. Or else you might get burned!" He extends a clenched fist.
His attitude as changed!
A smirk makes it's way onto the swordsman.
"Come then!"
Getting into a stance the sword returns to Relon hovering next to him.
"Let's show the Radiant Blademaster what we can do!" Relon states dashing to Victor's right and the sword his left to everyone's surprise.
"He's not wielding the sword?!" Laura exclaims.
"Following in your footsteps, wouldn't you say Master Yujiro. Creating something only he can do."
"Yeah. I couldn't be more proud of the kid."
"I applaud your renewed vigor but even a soldier knows it's unwise to fight barehanded!" He swings his greatsword forcing Relon to jump up just as his sword clashes once more with Victor on the defensive.
"Then it's a good thing I'm no soldier!" Relon retorts coming down, his fist flickering cinders.
"No way...!" Laura exclaims as everyone stares in disbelief.
"Try this!" Clenching a fist, he feels a burning sensation to throw it.
"Are those cinders?!" Victor questions seeing the volley of what appears to be cinders.
"That's new." Yujiro comments impressed.
Pushing the sword off, Victor begins evading and blocking the bombardment.
Now! Touching down, Relon dashes straight ahead beckoning the call of his sword for it to return in hand. Let's finish this, partner!
"Ablaze!" At his command, the sword catches fire.
With a final swing, Victor looks down to take sight of Relon.
"Ready to end this bout? Very well!" He crouches about to take off, his greatsword emanating a golden light as it extends.
"That's father's strongest technique!"
"Fire!" Slashing at the air, a flaming crescent shoots to Victor.
Zooming to the legendary swordsman, he returns to a normal stance dispelling the attack with ease only to reveal Relon bringing down his sword.
After launching that attack, he remained close to gain the advantage once I dealt with. That crescent attack. Smart. Victor smirks.
"But, you're still naïve!" He roars. "Radiant Phoenix Slash!"
Copies of himself? No. Afterimages. They're shifting left and right. Which means the middle!
"There!" Both unleash their attacks resulting in an explosion.
Laura holding onto Klaus' legs as they look on.
Soon, the power from their collision dies out. Something from the blast shoots out skidding across the area and out of bounds slamming into the wall.
Upon inspection, they see its Relon.
"Looks like we have a winner." Yujiro smirks.
"It would seem so."
As the smoke clears, it reveals Victor unharmed.
"Now that was entertaining." Yujiro says walking over and picking up Relon.
"His sword." Laura mentions, all eyes looking to see Relon's hand gripping it tightly.
"Even unconscious, he's... Hmpf, this kid. Now I'm second guessing if I should leave him here."
"Sorry Yujiro, but the moment he stepped foot in Legram, our deal was set." Victor denies returning to the group.
"Tch, of course." He rolls his eyes.
"Wait a moment, please!" The adults look down at Laura. "Father, you just mentioned Yujiro just now. You wouldn't happen to be the Yujiro Namikaze, would you? The man whose body is said to be so sturdy, no weapon can pierce it. The man who roamed the planet becoming one with nature able to communicate with beasts earning the title, Wandering Beast. The man who's martial arts is on the same level as both the Arseid school and the Vander school?!"
"Damn, Klaus. How much have you been teaching her?" He chuckles.
"It is but one of the many duties as a butler, is it not?"
"Haha, indeed it is Klaus." Vic laughs. "Then again, Yujiro. Can you blame her excitement?"
"I guess not. Though, some people act oddly weird due to my reputation. It's just downright annoying at times." He sighs.
"Um."
"Hm? What's up?"
"W-Would..." She shakes her head gaining a loom of confidence. "I would like to partake in a duel against you, sir!"
"No thanks."
"Thank you- Wait, come again?"
"No thanks. I made a promise I plan to keep."
"A promise?"
"Mhmm. On our way here the other day, the kid and I made a promise. He'd be the first I'd go against. After I'm done with him, then we can fight. How's that sound?"
"You make it sound like my training won't be enough, Yujiro." Victor smirks.
"I don't know what you're talking about. You're still a betting man, aren't you? 500,000 mira says the kid can actually leave a mark on my body. You game?" Yujiro extends Relon to Klaus taking the boy as he extends a hand to Victor.
"Out of all our bets, I believe this will be the easiest win yet." They shake.
"We'll see in two years." He turns waving.
"Wait, you're leaving already? You're not going to say goodbye to Relon?" Laura asks.
"No need. We said our goodbyes the moment we entered Legram. Take good care of him for me, Klaus."
"I shall as if he was my own."
"Don't go too easy on him or Laura, Vic. I want to see some worthy opponents from the next generation."
"You're telling me something I already know."
"Oh! And Laura?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Get along with Relon for me. He's had a rough childhood but he's a good kid so I'm sure you two will get along. Welp, I'm out!" He gives a wave getting his bag and opening the door.
"Have safe travels, Master Yujiro."
"Until then, don't do anything stupid." Victor smirks.
"Yeah. Yeah." With a final wave, he leaps away landing at the gate.
Kid, after watching you fight, I have no doubt you'll become a fierce beast. One that I can't wait to go head-to-head with.
Stopping outside on the highway, he looks to the foggy sky.
"Now then. Time to see how Cecily is coming along with that." With that last comment, he begins his leisurely walk.
Amidst the quiet atmosphere, deep down, Yujiro Namikaze was already missing the child he had finally began to think of as a son.
"Take care, Relon. These next two years are gonna be rough for the both of us."
The Next Day
Slowly coming to, Relon lifts up regaining his bearings. Looking around, he finds himself in a large bedroom, his stuff over on a table, and to his left laying on a pillow is his sword.
That's right. I dueled with Viscount Arseid. And I ended up using my sword.
"I wonder..." Holding out his hand, he focuses to the center of his palm for a tiny flicker of a flame to ignite before vanishing. "I really can use fire..." He chuckles softly.
It felt like a dream. Though it was silly of me to think I could beat some like him. I'm only 10. I guess watching Mister fight all those monsters were a good thing. Looking back, I acted like a different person. Was that the adrenaline in me?
Getting out of bed, he looks out a window taking in the sight of Legram. The fog having subsided.
Without the fog, the town looks even better than earlier. At the mention, his eyes droop slightly. Mister is probably already gone... Glancing at his dormant sword, he can only shake his head. No, we made a promise and I intend to keep it. If I want to overcome what I became that day, I need to get stronger. Those strange markings didn't appear like the first time because I kept my cool. As long as I don't get too worked up, I should be fine. Then there's the matter of the entity. The next time we meet, I'm getting more answers.
Heading over to his bed, he stops before the sword.
"You and me have a lot ahead of us." The sword unresponsive.
Could it be resting from the fight? Do swords even tire themselves out?
Poking it, nothing happens.
"Um, hey. Are you asleep?"
Nothing.
"Maybe if I try focusing like I did a second ago..." Holding out his hand, he focuses for nothing to come but a tiny flame extinguishing itself once again. "Come on, partner." Suddenly, the sword shoots out of the sheets causing the boy to jump. "Whoa!" He falls on his butt.
Rubbing his rear, he gets up. The sword floating at eye level.
"Well it's good to see you back to normal. But how did I wake you up?" Its only response is seeming to shuffle side-to-side in place for Relon to ponder. "Was it partner?" It begins orbiting him. "Well that solves that. I guess that makes sense considering you don't have a name. Will partner do until I think of one?" A nod comes from the sword before it flies off.
Stopping at the table carefully getting its cloth and wrapping itself.
"Now that we'll be training under someone like Lord Arseid, we should probably get a sheathe. Can't have you exposed with just a cloth sadly" It nods depressed by the truth as Relon walks over placing it at his hip. "I guess we should see where Lord Arseid is. Wait, how should I address him...? Mister was acting nonchalant calling him Vic. I hope Lord Arseid is good enough." A rattle from the sword is its response.
Alright, time to find someone. If I remember right, the butler was Mr. Klaus and Lord Arseid's daughter was named Laura I think.
Taking the time to wash up and change to a cleaner attire, he checks him over.
Alright, all set.
Opening the door, he looks around. He sees one staircase going up and two going down with what is most likely the front door. A giant chandelier and in front of him stands a maid sweeping.
"Oh, Master Relon, good morning. How are you feeling?"
"Good."
"That is great to hear. Lord Arseid, Lady Laura, and Klaus are at the school."
"Thank you very much." He bows before heading down and out the manor.
Covering his eyes, he allows his pair of vision orbs to adjust to the sun's bright rays as he gazes at Legram.
Heading down the staircase, he takes a right stopping before the school.
"It's crazy how just yesterday we were fighting the Viscount Arseid." A rattle from his sword comes in agreement.
Taking a deep breathe, he opens the door stepping inside.
Before him, he takes sight of Klaus and Laura on the training area and Victor to the sidelines.
"Ha!" Laura shouts swinging a sword down for Klaus to parry with his rapier.
Pivoting, she barely makes it in time to block an overhead strike. Pushing him off, they reset. Laura panting most likely having seen better days.
"That's enough for now." Victor calls, both relaxing as Klaus discards his rapier and Laura falling to the ground panting.
"Mr. Klaus must have been giving her a hard time." He mutters, the sword rattling.
Though it was too loud as everyone hears for eyes to fall upon Relon.
"Ah, you're awake. Come on over." Victor calls.
Jogging over, he joins the four.
"Master Relon, it is good to see you up and about." Klaus bows.
"Oh, yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Klaus." This causing a laugh from the butler.
"By all means, just Klaus is fine. Adding Mr. makes me feel older than I already am."
"Oh, I'm sorry... Thank you again... Klaus?"
"Much better."
"How are you feeling? Hope I didn't beat you up too much."
"Fine, sir. No problem at all."
"Hmmm..." Victor ponders looking at the boy.
"I-Is something the matter, Lord Arseid?"
Please let that be right!
"You're attitude is the complete opposite of yesterday's spar."
"Um, I'm sorry...?"
"No. It's nothing to apologize for. It seems you picked up more from that man than I first thought."
Is he implying that Mister also adopts a split personality when fighting? I've never noticed that much of a change. Then again, none of the monsters proved that difficult.
"Laura, you still taking a nap over there?" He calls, Relon noting the girl jumping to her feet.
"I was resting, father!" She protests.
"Oh? Last time I checked, taking a nap is a form of rest." He chuckles, this earning a annoyed groan from the girl.
He certainly likes messing with her. Reminds me of my relationship with Mister.
"Now then. How about we get to work?"
"Already?" Laura says in horror.
"Ease yourself. We'll break from training for now. First on the agenda; getting you a sheathe. Laura, once you've changed, we'll head to town."
"Yes, sir!" Laura takes off.
"Now where did all that energy come from?" Victor chuckles to himself.
"Who knows, sir." Klaus joins in.
"Now then, while she is off changing, would you mind explaining that technique from yesterday?"
"Technique?"
"Yes. That small bombardment of cinders." At the mention, Relon widens.
"That's right..." Extending with his palm out, he focuses. Both men watching.
A moment later, a tiny flame comes.
"Astonishing." Klaus comments.
Balling his fist, he rears his arm back at a wall launching his attack. Out of his grasp comes a single cinder quickly dying out before it reaches.
Sighing, Relon looks back to the adults.
"I tried earlier, but my fire isn't as strong as during our fight..."
"Maybe it's like an engine. It takes time before being effective?" Klaus suggests.
"What about your sword?"
"Partner." At his beckoning, the sword flies from his waist in between the three.
"But can you make its fire come to life?" A nod is the sword's answer. "Prove it then. Say what you said yesterday." The sword turns Relon.
Gulping, he nods reaching his hand out taking it. Calming his nerves, he utters one word.
"Ablaze." The blade becomes covered in fire.
"Seems you can do that at least." Victor says.
Letting go, his sword hovers in place.
"How are you feeling now?"
"I feel... the same, sir."
"Well then, we'll just have to work on that later. We have two years."
"Yes, sir."
"Relon."
"Yes, sir?"
"Drop the formalities. Just call me Uncle Victor. You can address me as Lord Arseid or whatever when we're training. How's that sound?"
"Um. Yes, sir- I mean, sure thing... Uncle Victor." He gives an unsteady smile.
"That's more like it."
"I'm back!" All turn to the voice seeing Laura returning in what Relon can only guess to be her casual attire as she hurries to them.
Consisting of a white and blue buttoned shirt with a blue ribbon and a blue skirt, he takes note of her hair no longer in its ponytail.
(Master Relon.)
"Hm?"
"You're staring." Victor flatly states, his eyes widening.
"I-I... please forgive me." He bows.
"Ah, youth. Milady's beauty is already blossoming. I cannot wait until the day it fully blooms."
"Try anything and you'll have to answer to me, got it?" He mutters.
"Y-Yes... Uncle Victor." Relon sighs as she arrives.
"Alright!" Victor claps. "Let's get going, shall we? Klaus, I leave everything in your care."
"But of course, my Lord."
With that, the trio set out. Victor leading with the two in tow. Relon trying to hide the blush as Laura looks on in wonder at the males' demeanors.