Hey everyone! It's Kamen Rider Duelist here for another chapter of Silent Magi's Apprentice! Sorry for the delay for getting this chapter out. You know how real life can be. Anyways, today's chapter is gonna be a treat! I especially had a lot of fun writing this one out! And I couldn't have done it without the help of Azure King! He's the real star for this chapter, so shout to you buddy! Now without further ado, here's the chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! All creative rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.
The Continent was vast and large. A giant landmass that encompasses one third of The World. It had mountains, forests, rivers, and grassy plains to name a few, as well as towns, villages, and cities. Alongside ruins, swamps, dead zones and volcanoes, it seemed to have many things covering the land alongside those who live within it. All of this was created by Ultima "The Progenitor" who, with the blessings of the Gods, shaped the lands in his image. It is filled with fantastical creatures that work alongside human kind. The population consists of humans, elves, dwarves, elementals, spirits, undead, and many others.
A lone swordsman arrived at the Capital, having been gone quite a while since his departure. He had just finished a rather lengthy job, but such was the life of a mercenary. Regardless of how he is living his life, he was at least paid rather generously for his service. So what better way than to celebrate the job being done by drinking at one of his favorite local taverns.
Making his way into the Capital, he weaved through the public before finding himself at his tavern of choice, located just at the entrance of an alleyway. With his sights set, he walked towards the establishment and inside. Looking around, he saw that the tavern was moderately crowded. Its patrons are eating, drinking, and being merry. No one batted an eye as to who came to visit. Everyone was welcomed. The swordsman then motioned over to one end of the bar and hefted his long sword off his back, which was large and wide, being as tall as the swordsman himself. He gently leaned it against the stone wall then sat at the stool.
"Hello, good sir." The tavern master greeted him. "What can I get for you?"
"I will have an ale on the tap." The swordsman spoke… without moving his mouth?
"Very well, sir." The tavern master nodded, before setting him up for a wooden mug. Moments later, he was slid, the exact drink he ordered.
"Thank you…" The swordsman nodded softly before taking the wooden mug and drank.
"Well, isn't this a sight for sore eyes? I haven't seen you here in a while." The man turned his head to see a man with tanned skin and long, slick, black hair that's combed back falling to his neck. He wore rather thick shoulder armor pads that were too large for one man to shoulder, a red cape, beige-colored skirt, with black pants under it and brown boots. He had a large shield that was leaning to the side of the wall, but was armed to the teeth with swords.
This was the Total Defense Shogun, a master of war and one of the very few people who can fight back while being in a defensive stance.
"Ulrich. Well met." The swordsman acknowledged. "The job I was assigned to was… extended. But alas, rogue mages cannot do much against me."
"Haha, I know that much, old friend." Ulrich laughed mirthfully. "You always were one for efficiency when it comes to getting the job done."
The swordsman didn't have anything to say to that as he quaffed more of his ale.
"Speaking of mages, I don't know if you've heard, but your sister has an apprentice."
"…Did she," The silent man raised an eyebrow, before pondering with a hand to his chin, "Strange. My sister has never taken in an apprentice before, let alone teach. Even if that were true, I am sure the apprentice will not take kindly to her lessons, and the poor girl will be sent on her way." He then drank more of his ale.
"Oh, the apprentice is a boy."
*PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT!*
Silent Swordsman uncharacteristically sprayed his drink to the side, before coughing harshly, then composed himself. "…I am sorry. You said it was a boy?"
"Yes. Apparently-"
*CRUNCH!*
Ulrich blinked when the swordsman crushed the wooden mug with his bare hand.
"It seems I will be visiting my dear sister a lot sooner than expected. And meeting this boy…"
"Oh come now, you've just returned. Sit. Relax." Ulrich said, pressing the swordsman's shoulder, and pushing him back down on the stool. "Listen, before you blow this out of the water, have a talk with Master Endymion at the Citadel. I'm sure he'll tell you what you need to know. Besides, it's not like you don't know magic yourself, even though your sister has a better aptitude for it."
It was true. He was a failure compared to his little sister, but he didn't care. His magic was perfect for his job and nothing else. The swordsman sighed, "As long as my sister is well, then I will not complain."
"It wouldn't hurt to lower down your overprotectiveness of her either." Ulrich said dryly.
"She is the only thing I care about… that and my sword." He said, taking another drink, "Besides, she and I are one of the few Level users before we were able to release our full potential. She tends to go slow and pace herself, unlike me who goes all out from the start."
Ulrich could only sigh, seeing that there was no getting through to his old friend's thick skull. Once he has his mind set, he's going to see it through, "Tavern master, another round if you will. Make it a double."
Chapter 16: Family Matters
Kuromu was feeling rather upbeat today. Ever since giving his present to Shizuka, he had been in a better mood than most days. The Crystal Beasts and Nia had also taken notice of his new cheerful attitude. Plus, he had been working harder than ever on mastering his True Element: Eclipse Magic, a rare and powerful form of celestial magic that gives him domain over the sun and moon. To further his studies, he had visited the Royal Magical Library and was given access to several rare books they had on Celestial Magic. The Book of Taiyou, Moon, Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse. He was diligent in studying these books a few pages at a time, so as to not overwhelm his brain with all the knowledge he contained. Whenever he finished with one section of a book, he practiced and refined it. Once he had mastered it, he moved onto the next section of said book, repeating the process over and over again. Of course, every now and then, he would ask Shizuka for assistance in clarification on what book he was currently studying at that time.
"Kyuu!" Ruby Carbuncle soon hopped onto his lap, a small pouch of water in its mouth as it seemed it wanted to make sure Kuromu was hydrated enough. Most likely to tell him to take a break.
"Heh, thanks Ruby." Kuromu smiled, taking the waterskin and drinking the cold clear liquid contained within.
"Kyuu! Kyuu!" Ruby chirped happily with a smile, nuzzling happily to his chest with affection and delight. The said Crystal Beast practically was like a kitten, always wanting some attention and affection from the mage and loved every bit of him. The Eclipse Alchemist returned the affection with chin scratches.
"You're sure working hard." Nia said, flying towards him. "I haven't really seen you this happy since… well, ever!"
"Really? Have I changed that much?" Kuromu tilted his head.
"It's like you already confessed to your beloved master." Nia snickered, teasing the boy.
"I-It's not a confession! It's just… a reaffirmation of our bond as teacher and student!" Kuromu answered. "Yeah, that's what it is!"
"Kyuu…" Ruby gave a deadpanned look, as if even it knew that was a lie.
"Hehe~ that's not what Ruby thinks." Nia giggled.
"Ruby, come on! It is!" Kuromu cried out in dismay.
"Kyuu…" Ruby rolled its eyes, as if saying, 'Sure it is.'
"Mmmmmmmmmmm…" Kuromu pouted, but then a dinging sound rang in his head. "Oh, that potion is done." He said, heading over to the table and saw that a potion that was gold in color had poured into a round bottom flask.
"Oh wow! What does this one do?" Nia flew over to inspect the potion.
"You'll see." Kuromu grinned as he took the flask and placed a cork on it. "Alright, first up." He said, before closing his eyes and a magic circle appeared below his feet. "As Source of Thy Power, I Order Thee. Decipher the Laws of Creation, let moonlight shine on my domain. Nightfall!"
And just like that, the atmosphere of the Apothecary Lab changed as the sun had prematurely set, allowing the moon in the Pocket Dimension to rise as the sky darkened.
"Now." Kuromu said, holding up the gold-colored potion into the air. The rays of moonlight shined on the potion and the liquid glowed brightly from the moonlight's concentration.
"You made light from a potion?!" Nia gasped with surprise.
"That, and whoever drinks it can gain temporary Moonlight Magic." Kuromu grinned. "I know Garie and Gabby are gonna have a field day with this."
"That's amazing, Kuku! This can save many lives who are lost in the dark or trapped within caves! Plus this'll make anyone use magic, able to not worry about having to cast a light spell too!"
"Then what say you we visit Garie today?" Kuromu grinned.
"Kyuu, Kyuu!" Ruby nodded with excitement.
"Alright, I'm gonna finish making a batch of these and then we'll be set to go." Kuromu nodded with a grin. However, before he could do what he planned on doing, he felt some kind of sensation, the kind that Shizuka had felt whenever someone was at the door. "Looks like we got a visitor."
"Hm? How can you tell?" Nia asked.
"Oh, I picked up on it when Lady Doriado first visited."
"Hehe, plan to use that to surprise your master with a surprise hug or gift?" Nia giggled.
"Don't push your luck…" Kuromu said dryly, before setting his Moonlight Potion down and made his way out of the Apothecary Lab and towards the door of their residence. However, upon opening the door, he met with the sight of someone he had never seen before, his eyes being significantly wide.
In front of him was a tall man with blonde hair that fell to his shoulder, and slightly green-colored skin. A helmet with two crest-like blades intersecting each other as a crest, rested on his head, with a plate covering his right eye. His choice of attire was a stylistic dark blue trench coat with silver plating on his shirt, a metallic belt wrapped around his waist that kept the trench coat and his dark blue pants with metallic bracings in place, the collar of his coat covering the entire part of his neck. He also wore white gauntlet-like gloves that flared past his elbows, and behind his back at the moment, with a large broadsword that curved at the tip.
Kuromu gulped at the sight of this intimidating man, "Um… can I help you, sir?" He asked timidly.
"So… you must be the boy…" The person said… without moving his mouth?
'What- his mouth didn't move! I could hear from his telepathy.' Kuromu thought. 'Is he like Shizuka-sensei?'
"Um… I am a boy, yes." Kuromu answered with a hint of fear and wariness. "May I ask who you are?"
The man said nothing, only to draw his sword. "Eh?! W-Wait, hold on! What are you doing?!" He panicked.
"Die!"
The man slashed at Kuromu, causing the Eclipse Alchemist to conjure up his staff and bring up a barrier to protect himself, yet after the first hit, the barrier shattered like fragile glass. "What?" He gasped.
"Magic at such a level has no effect on my sword. Now die, filthy mongrel!"
"Gahhhhhh!" Kuromu shouted, as he dodged another swing from this mysterious attacker. "Ruby, help!"
"Kyuuu!" Ruby Carbuncle leaped soon, biting the shoulder of the attacker.
"You foul mongrel… taking such helpless beasts as your arsenal? I will not let this stand!" He said, before a puff of powder hit Ruby, only for the small Crystal Beast to look drowsy before falling asleep.
"Hey! Just what do you think you're doing, you meanie?!" Nia huffed.
"You even have a pixie at your control? Have you no shame, mongrel!?"
"Rawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwr!" Topaz Tiger and Amethyst Cat leaped over Kuromu and got in between them. The two of them fiercely snarled and growled while the rest of the Crystal Beasts showed up.
"Are you alright, Master?" Topaz Tiger asked Kuromu.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you."
"You… You actually took control of the legendary Crystal Beasts?!" He gasped in shock as he took notice of the gems on their bodies.
"We forged a contract with the young master," Emerald Tortoise said. "Quite willingly I may add."
"You poor things… He tricked you and made you believe thus! I will not let his villainy continue onward!"
"Quite the contrary." Sapphire Pegasus said. "He freed us from our prison. We owe him our lives."
"Please, do not fret. I will subdue this foul mongrel for tricking you!" He said, as if not listening to any words like he was a dense protagonist.
"He's not listening to us." Cobalt Eagle deadpanned.
"Then we must subdue him in return before he causes more harm to Master Kuromu and the house." Amethyst Cat noted.
As the Crystal Beasts went on the attack, the swordsman dodged their attacks before he threw a few small daggers around them, as a magic glyph appeared, freezing them in place.
"What did you do?!" Kuromu demanded.
"A simple counter spell I was taught. It makes sure they cannot move within the glyph I made."
"Let them go!"
"I will as soon as I take your life. Now fall by my blade, heathen!" The attacker raised his sword at Kuromu, only for a familiar staff, smacking the attacker on his head.
"That is enough!"
"Shizuka-sensei!" Kuromu gasped.
"Are you alright, Kuromu?"
"I-I'm fine. This swordsman just showed up at our door and tried to kill me!"
"Why did you stop me? He's using you! I heard all of the tales that Ulrich mentioned!" The swordsman said, rubbing the back of his head.
*WAPISH!*
"Ow!"
"Must you be so dense, brother?! He is my apprentice!"
"Wait, brother?!" Kuromu gawked. "Hold on, he's the brother you mentioned?!"
"But… Ulrich… He told me what he has heard from the Council, and it is obvious this boy is lying like that last fool who said the same thing about you being a teacher. Please just let me-"
*WAPISH! WAPISH! WAPISH!*
"Enough of your foolishness, brother!" Shizuka scolded. "You are the older of us and I expected you to at least be more mature and reasonable, but alas you have become even more childish than ever."
"B-But… sister… He might try to take your hand in marriage! I cannot-"
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH?!" Kuromu gawked. "Marriage?! That's what this is about?!"
"So you do admit it! Foul heathen! I will not let you take away my precious baby sis-"
*BONK!*
The swordsman's eyes rolled backward, as he fell face first to the floor. Standing behind the now fainted swordsman was the Total Defense Shogun, Ulrich.
"Oh boy, what a mess… I told him to speak with Master Endymion first…"
"Ulrich." Shizuka gasped in surprise.
"Greetings, Silent Magician. It has been quite some time." Ulrich nodded in acknowledgement. "Please forgive me, I simply told him what I heard, and the moment he heard me say how much you adore your apprentice, he bolted out the tavern and ran here… I apologize for that accident."
"No, it is quite alright. I have known my brother the longest, and he cares for my well-being." Shizuka sighed, before turning to Kuromu, "Are you alright?"
"Besides nearly soiling my trousers, I'm fine." Kuromu sighed heavily.
"I should have told you more about him… Please forgive me."
"No, no, it's fine. It was just surprising." Kuromu shook his head.
Shizuka smiled before with a flick of her wand, the glyph and sleep power he used was fixed, making the Crystal Beasts move again.
"Kyuuuuuuuuuuuu…" Ruby Carbuncle yawned cutely, stretching out to loosen up.
"Thank you, milady." Amber Mammoth thanked gratefully, "Being frozen like that was not a pleasant experience."
"I must admit, the fact that your apprentice has a pact with the Crystal Beasts, is surprising. I did not expect him to be able to do such a thing." Ulrich admitted with surprise.
"It's a long story." Kuromu stated. "I'm sorry, you are uh…"
"This is Ulrich, known as the Total Defense Shogun. One of the few warriors to be in accord to help protect our lands, and is also a war veteran alongside my brother lying there." Shizuka informed before sighing. "And speaking of… this is my older brother. Referred as 'The Silent Swordsman'."
"I see. Uh… pleased to make your acquaintance." Kuromu said, before looking at the fainted swordsman, "Wish I could say the same for him…" He muttered, before clearing his throat then bowed to the Total Defense Shogun, "Ah, right. My apologies. I'm Kuromu Kururugi, the Eclipse Alchemist."
"It is nice to make your acquaintance, Sir Kuromu." Ulrich bowed his head.
"Now then, how about we all take this time to regroup ourselves and have some tea." Shizuka suggested.
As soon as Silent Swordsman regained consciousness, Shizuka made it abundantly clear that he would behave himself while the rest of them were having tea. Shizuka, Kuromu, Ulrich, Nia, and Silent Swordsman sat at the table, Ruby Carbuncle sitting on Kuromu's lap, glaring cutely at the Silent Swordsman while the other Crystal Beasts were up to their own devices.
"So then, dear brother, what brings you home, besides attempting to murder my apprentice?"
"Well… other than him… I wanted to know what has changed, including visiting you…" He admitted.
"As you can see… not much has changed." Shizuka answered.
"Not much? You moved into a new home, and that elf maid is gone!"
"This home has always remained the same. It is the location that is different. Which, by the way, how did you manage to get past the Secret Village's barrier?"
"I… used the instant transportation scroll you gave me…"
"WHAT?!" Shizuka shrieked, making Kuromu flinch, "Brother, you know better that that scroll is to be used only for emergencies! How could you waste such a precious resource?!"
"I had to save you from this heath-"
"Brother…" Shizuka glared darkly.
"I told him to visit Master Endymion first for the full story, but alas your brother is as dense as he can be." Ulrich sighed.
"Clearly." Shizuka huffed. "Honestly, you have not changed at all. Even before you left the academy from the Citadel to pursue a mercenary life, you were always overprotective."
"I was merely doing my duty as your brother! I must protect you!" The brother stated before he glared at the young mage, "Besides, I am not ready to accept him as your student… I already feel bad having been a problem to you for other would-be students to look away from the fact you are related to me," he said with a frown that showed obvious worry, ignoring when Shizuka's student gave him a confused look.
"Did you not hear? My apprentice had already passed more than half of the Thaumaturge Trials." Shizuka informed him. "Knowledge, Skill, and Spirit."
"Impossible! In such a short amount of time?!"
"Yes. In fact, given that he already forged a contract with the Crystal Beasts, he has already attained the rank of Sage."
"And we've met now…" Sapphire Pegasus huffed.
"I-I… I cannot accept it yet! If I do, who knows what could happen? He may try to marry you!"
"Why are you so insistent that I might marry your sister?" Kuromu huffed. "We're teacher and student!"
"So you admit it!"
"You didn't listen to me…" Kuromu deadpanned. "The only thing I can think of as to why you're so overprotective is because…" He trailed off, putting a hand to his chin, before… gasping in shock… and comical horror. "You have a sister complex."
"HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUH!" Nia and the Crystal Beasts gasped dramatically. Shizuka in the meanwhile, blushed heavily, staring at her brother in pure shock and embarrassment.
"Y-Y-Y-You dare assume such a thing, you pompous boy?!" The Silent Swordsman stammered with a cherry red face.
"That's the only explanation!"
"Oooooooooh, quite the scandal." Nia giggled deviously.
"I will have your head!" The Silent Swordsman drew his sword, ready to attack once more only for Ulrich to easily handle the warrior by lifting him off the ground with one arm. "Put me down! Put me down!" He flailed comically.
"Alright enough." Ulrich said with a sigh, "You know your uhh…'problems' and we love you for it all the same… against our better reasoning…" Ulrich added that quietly ignoring a glare from his friend, before forcibly sitting him back down on his seat, "But you." He pointed to the student, "Please don't antagonize my comrade."
"Uh… yes sir…" Kuromu muttered.
"B-Brother… you… y-y-you…!" Shizuka stammered as she was beet red in embarrassment and shock. Look no further than her eyes narrowing hard and her teeth gritting so tightly as her face scrunched up.
"Easy." Ulrich calmed her down, "I'm sure your student meant he couldn't bear to see you hurt in any way possible, he loves you as much as a sibling could that it seems overly familiar."
'Wow he's good…' Kuromu said in awe of how the man easily lied.
Shizuka seemingly calmed down as she steadied her breathing, "Y-Yes, of course. You are right, Ulrich. Forgive me for losing my composure."
"Quite alright." Ulrich smiled in satisfaction. "Now then, let's change the subject shall we? Young man, you can tell us all about your magical prowess. How you came to be Silent Magician's apprentice, and the like. Please, indulge us with a few tales."
"Yes! This way if I sense any lies, I can-"
Ulrich slapped the swordsman to stop him before turning back to Kuromu, "Please, don't mind him. Tell us what you are willing to share."
"Uh… right." Kuromu said sheepishly.
And so, Kuromu told his tale about how he met Shizuka, how he first learned magic, and many other tales that followed his training into becoming a mage. From meeting Master Mahad and his apprentice Mana to meeting the Charmers, Minerva, Lady Doriado, and many others he had met along the way. Of course, Kuromu had to be careful with his next words, when he talked about how Elesia was taken and how the Darkbishop Archfiend returned, as well as his nemesis Krona, the former Doomstar Magician who had killed his former master, Darius, the Chaos Command Magician.
"So… you don't know where you came from nor how you came to be within your master's land…" Ulrich noted.
"Yes… My memories are still in pieces. Master Endymion is still piecing them together." Kuromu said, shaking his head. "I've had parts of my memories return, but I still don't have the full picture."
"Well, so far you have done more than enough to earn even my respect." Ulrich confessed, "Not many who would be in the same situation as yours, would come out stronger than ever. Especially against the Darkbishop Archfiend."
"I will admit, that is a feat. Without Magic Cancellation I doubt anyone else could have survived." Silent Swordsman begrudgingly gave a small hint of praise, despite his own eyes narrowing down on the enemies that they fought, he and Ulrich were busy fighting the real big targets like Dark World Monsters or the newly discovered Different Dimension Demons. So the fact the Darkbishop is out is going to be a problem if his faction joins in.
"Yes…" Ulrich said, before looking at Shizuka, "You also have my condolences about Darius… he… his death was truly a great loss…"
"I know how much you saw him as a brother, Ulrich… one reason why his staff is in the process to be sent to you after all of the requirements are met." Shizuka informed the warrior.
"I see… I shall give Master Endymion my gratitude."
"…Listen well…" Swordsman glared at the teen before signing, and bowing his head, "I want to thank you for letting Darius's staff be given to Ulrich, he was a good friend and better mentor when I left to be a swordsman, for that I will bow my head."
"I should've been able to save him, I-"
"Silence…" the man glared at the teen, "What ifs, should have, and other meaningless words belittle my comrade's memory. He chose his path, and yes maybe there was something else that might have saved his life… but Ulrich and I could have joined his mission. If you place the blame on yourself, then we must as well… never take blame that is not yours to bear. Otherwise you will never have a life to live on your own, and drag your teacher down to that level as well."
"…" Kuromu remained silent, looking down.
"Kyuu! Kyuu!" Ruby used its paw to poke Kuromu, trying to cheer the boy up as it smiled at him.
"Ruby…" Kuromu murmured, before smiling softly back at his familiar.
"My brother…" Shizuka smiled at the man's words, "And here I thought you did not want him to be my student."
*CRACK!*
"I-I was merely trying to be inspirational! Ulrich- Darius used to… ugh…"
"Hmhm, of course you were." Shizuka chuckled teasingly.
Despite the teasing the older brother smiled wistfully, "Well, at least you are smiling more sister. I feared for your happiness when I left when making a life here was impossible for me. It is… heart soothing." The man looked at the window to smirk, "Is Master Endymion still trying to convince the rest I could be a good thing for them to study?"
"He has not even spoken of you, even once."
The man nodded in good spirits, "Good, it is best to keep it that way."
"Why's that? It sounds like you don't want to be here." Kuromu said as Shizuka looked saddened at that.
Ulrich looked at the other fighter who waved his hand, "You sure?"
"Yes. He told his story, so I should tell mine." the Silent Swordsman answered. "I am a rare outlier of all magic types. But also a disgusting taboo, Magic Cancellation," he tapped on his sword to show a white glow as it started to sing as Shizuka and Kuromu felt a little light headed before it stopped.
Kuromu gasped in realization, "That's how you were able to break my barrier when we fought."
"Yes, any magic is destroyed by my ability. I can also halt it, prevent casting, destroy, or even delay it for my use." He said gripping his hand into a fist, "Master Endymion was the only one who saw my potential, but he was burdened with receiving hatred from everyone. 'How could you let a monster like him enter our school?' 'He can kill us all without using magic!' 'He needs to be banished.' 'He must be the spawn of a demon to be able to do that.' That was all he heard day in and day out, so when I passed my test, I left, breaking my wand and using it as a small stepping stone to make a sword for myself."
"I see… that must've been rough…" Kuromu grimaced.
"Not in the least… but when they tried to harm my sister… well…" the man's eyes had a psychotic glint to it, "Let us say they would rather talk shit from afar than try to hurt her again."
"Brother…" Shizuka murmured sadly.
"So… that is the reason I do not want you around her. I left so she can be happier, and you, just waltzing around bringing trouble is not giving me much hope to see that goal happen." The man glared at the teen.
"Brother… you seem to be mistaken." Shizuka said, confusing the Silent Swordsman, "Ever since his arrival to our world, I have never felt any happier. Every day was a joy to be with him. He took all of my lessons to heart, and treated me with kindness I never knew he was capable of. Despite the hardships he endured, he is someone that I can proudly call my student and my most precious friend."
"Sensei…" Kuromu muttered, touched by her words.
The man didn't say anything before standing up, "Fine… Ulrich, stay here. I am getting some pastries from the bakery." The silent brother announced ignoring Shizuka to let her do it, as Kuromu noticed a sad look on the man's face.
"I'll go…" Ulrich was about to move until he saw the teen walking ahead to catch the older brother of his teacher. "Hooo?" The man said, impressed by the students' willingness to talk to the man who clearly disliked him. "Well, isn't that a sight to see."
"He is a kind soul." Shizuka replied. "I know that one day, he will surpass me, and… I know he will overcome his fate."
"Hm? His fate?"
"Ah, I see… you do not know." Shizuka said. "Very well. I trust you enough with this, but you must keep this a secret from my student."
"Of course." Ulrich nodded.
Kuromu and the Silent Swordsman found themselves at the Capital, as the former followed the man only to see him had three magic users surround him, "Well, well, the silent psycho is back!" One magician said as the swordsman merely crossed his arms, clearly not intimidated by their numbers. "Oooh it seems he grew out of his 'Level' days?" He said as the man merely rolled his eyeballs.
"Yes, yes, and I am sure your wife only wished you 'leveled' up your tool… I would think she would have better taste, but oh well." Shizuka's brother smirked as the mage turned red at the accusation.
"What did you say?!"
"You heard me. Or are you actually so deaf that you actually need me to repeat what I just said?" The silent swordsman said before an aura was around him shattering a spell of lightning that aimed for his back, "Really? This is not when we were children. I learned to project my magic at full blast for any moment. The great thing about Magic Cancellation is that it does not burn me out. I only need to keep myself conscious to make sure it does not stop."
The mages around him looked worried as the man chuckled, "What? You cannot bully me now, since I can knock your teeth down your throats? Even the Mage of Destruction was willing to punch me when his magic didn't work."
"Don't get cocky, you freak!" One of the mages shouted before they fired off another spell.
"Moonblast!" Kuromu shouted, firing an orb of moonlight that was saved up from the jewel inside his staff and fired it to cancel the other one.
"Ugh… Field Spell, Magic Zero Zone." The man said, snapping his fingers as the aura around him shattered into glass-like pieces before flying towards the sky and making a small barrier around them. "Alright…" he turned to the person who helped him, "I did not need your help, so stay there, this is my problem. Second, this is a magic destruction spell zone." He said as the mages tried to use magic only for them to be blasted by a recoil. "Unless you are Master Endymion or Dark Magician do not bother, this is my trump card to prevent any target who uses magic on me, to not give me reasons to kill them."
"Why you-! Tch, at the end of the day, you're just a freak, like your sister!" One of the mages spoke up.
*POP!*
"Oi…" The man said as his head tilted upward, having a murderous glint in his eye. "Want to repeat that?" He egged on as the other mages froze at the sight but the one who spoke clearly didn't.
"You heard me! If she's related to you? She is a freak as well! Too bad she had to be, otherwise she'd be put in her proper place!"
"She is different from me… so do not worry, I am leaving-"
"And she's pretty stupid considering she can only have that kid teach her…"
"Kuromu…" The Silent Swordsman suddenly asked with a calm smile.
"Yes…?"
"Small favor… how good are you at lying or making excuses?" He said as if he was asking if he could borrow a dollar. Simple and casual without a hint of malice.
"That depends…"
"Ahh… maybe to explain why this man is suddenly naked and on the streets with his dick out?" He said as everyone went silent… they all didn't understand that, was it a joke or… what was it?
"Ohhh… I can come up with something convincing." Kuromu muttered, cracking his knuckles.
"Good… one moment." He turned to the man who said vile things about his sister… and with one… calculated, almost seemingly impossible action… sent the man flying as he spun so hard that robes, after clothing after MORE clothing, flew out of his body as he lay on the ground naked. "So… anyone else wants to fucking say shit about my sister?!" The man growled as he saw a demon ready to kill them all as they all ran away, "And take this naked piece of shit with you!" With a single flick of his wrist he sent the naked man flying towards them.
'Remind me not to piss him off…' Kuromu thought to himself.
"Hey!" The man shouted, naming the teen who shook in fear, "I am not going to thank you for the help, because I did not need it… but I must ask… do they say shit like that to her when you are around?" The older brother asked his sister's student.
"Only Krona…" Kuromu answered, after calming down, then clicked his tongue in annoyance. "He's the only one that bad-mouthed her."
"He is a lost cause… But if what you say is true, then that means she is doing good as your teacher to make them respect her enough to not say crap like that. So… thank you… for being her student." The man said as his back was still the only thing the teen could see.
This caught Kuromu by surprise, "Uh… you're welcome."
He turned and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "But if you touch her… they will never find the body…" he cheerfully grinned as if he didn't threaten the boy.
Kuromu comically paled, "Y-Y-Y-Yes sir…"
"Sora." The man said, confusing the teen. "My name. It is Sora."
"Sora… meaning sky…" Kuromu murmured.
"Yes, I met someone like you in my travels. Said that I reminded her of it, so I kept it. Besides Ulrich and my sister, you are the only one who knows it." He then placed a fist on the kid's chest, "Swear that you will keep this a secret."
"I promise."
"Good. Come now, Shizuka would pout if we do not get those treats soon. And while it is cute to see that, I prefer her smiling… oh and call me a siscon again and I will tell her you were ogling at some other woman's chest."
Kuromu flinched, "Yes, sir. Won't happen again!"
Ulrich's eyes looked worried as Shizuka told him what happened, "Truly…? You're sure of this? He is a Sleigh Beggy?"
"Yes… that is why the Darkbishop is after him."
"This is beyond what I feared. It's bad enough that he wants it, but if anyone of the Dark World tells the Mad King, or the kings of the D.D.D. it would spell Armageddon." The total defense master whispered at the idea of the enemies of darkness gaining infinite power from her student.
"Which is why this secret must never leave beyond our lips." Shizuka frowned. "My apprentice must not know of this."
"You have not told him?" Ulrich gasped in surprise.
"I cannot bring myself to. If I did, his mentally would shatter beyond repair…"
Ulrich looked at her with a disappointed look, "Cannot… or will not? Need I remind you when Master Endymion did the same thing to your brother? Hiding his true powers until someone told him and feeling he was a mistake? You're only setting more wood for the fire that will lead to an explosion of trauma." He said as the woman looked down in shame, "…So you have taken that into account."
"I have…" Shizuka trailed off, looking out the window, "I only wish for his happiness. He has become a truly wonderful mage since his arrival. And for me to tell him such things…"
"Happiness is a good thing… but ask yourself this. Will losing a day or even a month of happiness be worse than for him to have his hope shatter? Your brother lost any hope to be a proper Mage, settling to wander as a sellsword for hire like myself, where he could've been a legend of heroes." He reminded the girl, "I am not out to rule your life, only offering what I think could be helpful. But know this, if you hide things it will cause fissures that will never heal… I lost my wife that way." He sighed softly.
"What must I do then…?"
"As I said, you must be the one to choose that. It cannot be done by me, your student, and gods know not your brother." He smirked as the woman made a soft chuckle at that. "…You care for the boy more than you let on." He said when the girl seemed to calm down.
"Huh?" Shizuka looked at Ulrich wide-eyed.
"Tell me. When have you started feeling this way for him?"
"Honestly… when he first learned magic…" Shizuka admitted. "The joy, awe, and wonder I see in his face whenever he casts magic… it was… so pure and innocent… my heart feels so light whenever I see those moments of accomplishments he has made thus far."
"Ahaha." The man smirked at her response, "I was in love too. If it helps, it's better than mine, because my wife made me fall for her by clocking me in the jaw when I got too drunk and touched her rear end." He said as the girl imagined the idea of a younger Ulrich accidently doing that and was sent to the air with an uppercut. "Hmph… do what's best. And tell him how you feel, but only after you figure out when you need to tell him the news about his condition or not."
"Ulrich, I-"
"We're back!" Kuromu called out, snapping Shizuka and Ulrich out of their conversation as Kuromu and Silent Swordsman, now named Sora, returned with four baskets of pastries, both men carrying two each.
"Well, it seems you two have bonded." Ulrich noted the slight smile on Sora's face.
"Let us just say… we had an understanding, and leave it at that." Sora said.
"Yeah, that's right." Kuromu smiled sheepishly. "Anyways, who's hungry for some sweets?" he asked, holding up his share of the pastries.
"Kyuu kyuuu~~!" Ruby jumped with delight for the treat.
"Woohoo! More sweets for us!" Nia cheered as she flew over, ready to grab one until Ruby pushed her out of the way to grab one for itself. "Hey! Don't cut in line!" She said, pushing Ruby back, and the two started a comical fight in the air, dust cloud and all with limbs sticking out.
"Hey, hey, no fighting you two, or both of you won't get any." Kuromu chided.
"Hehe, it is nice to see them so lively." Shizuka giggled.
It was now later into the day as the sun was setting over the Secret Village of Spellcasters. Kuromu, Shizuka, Nia, and Ruby Carbuncle were seeing Sora and Ulrich off after the latter spent their time at their home.
"Ulrich and I will be around the area for a while longer before going back to the guild and taking the next job." Sora informed Shizuka, "If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask for me."
"Of course, please be well, Sora." Shizuka smiled softly.
The Silent Swordsman then looked at Kuromu, "Boy, do not forget what I told you. And… continue looking after my sister."
"I will." Kuromu nodded.
"Alright Sora, let's get back to the inn. We have a long walk back!" Ulrich said, patting the Silent Swordsman's shoulder, before turning to leave, but not before looking at Shizuka mouthing silently to her, 'Remember what I told you,'
Shizuka frowned softly. While she knew that, she can't truly bring herself to cause harm to her student. But at the same time, the longer she keeps this a secret, the more hurt he will be in the long run. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn't. The keyword here being damned.
It was all too much for her and she didn't know what to even pick or choose. She can only hope for something that'll give her the push so the truth of it all can be decided. But she knew if she did that, it would be the same as running away from this problem. Nothing would be solved…
As the two men left, Nia stretched out with a yawn. "Well, I don't know about all of you, but I'm ready to go to sleep."
"Yeah, same here." Kuromu said. "At least Sora won't cut off my… inheritance…" He sighed in relief.
"Ku… romu?" Shizuka called out to him.
"Hm? What is it?" Kuromu blinked.
"Can we… talk? Just the two of us." Shizuka requested.
"Oho~? Is this what I think it is?" Nia snickered, but noticed Shizuka glaring at her harder than usual, meaning that it's probably something way more serious. "Alright, alright, I can take a hint. Come on, Ruby." She said, before flying off.
"Kyuu, kyuuu~!" Ruby Carbuncle chirped before following her, leaving the two alone.
"Is… something wrong?" Kuromu asked worriedly.
"It… is important. More than you think, my student… and I cannot keep silent about it anymore."
"About… what?" Kuromu asked, concerned. "Sensei, you're scaring me. What's wrong?"
"Please… just come…." Shizuka said as she walked towards her room. Kuromu was concerned and confused, but nonetheless followed his sensei. Once he arrived, Shizuka closed the door and locked it.
What was said behind that door was to never leave that room. Ever.