Lucian and Louis stopped a few steps away. They stared at Eurukus, who dusted off his hands like he had just finished punching a pillow.
Louis whispered, "He's… he's so strong."
Lucian nodded. Yeah… way too strong.
Louis looked at him. "What is he? Some high-ranked knight?"
Lucian didn't even think. "He's a babysitter."
Louis blinked. "What?"
"That's all you need to know," Lucian said. His expression stayed calm, but his thoughts tightened. If Louis finds out he's the third commander, his father might notice. And if his father notices, he'll start moving… I can't risk that.
Eurukus didn't comment. He only smiled like the title didn't bother him at all.
They walked back to the barn. The sun was dipping a little, and the field felt quieter now. The kid they rescued sat on a small crate, hugging his knees. He looked up when the three arrived.
"My parents went to the Market District," the kid said. "They said they'll be back before sunset. But they didn't come back, so… the bandits came in."
Louis crouched. "Are you hurt?"
The kid shook his head. "No. Thanks to you guys."
They waited with him. Minutes passed until two adults ran from the road. The mother rushed first and hugged the boy so tight he squeaked.
"What happened?" the father asked, breathless.
Eurukus stepped forward before the boys could speak. "Bandits raided your barn. They tried to take your son, but we stopped them."
The parents froze. Then the father bowed deeply. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
The mother looked at Lucian, Louis, and Eurukus with teary eyes. "We owe you everything."
Louis scratched his head, smiling shyly. Lucian nodded once. Eurukus stood tall, arms crossed, looking like this was all part of his evening exercise.
The kid peeked from behind his mother. "They saved me."
His parents hugged him again, and the three boys stepped back, letting them.
Lucian walked beside Eurukus as they headed back through the fading streets. The sky was painted with the last streaks of orange and violet.
Louis stopped at the edge of the road. "I'll see you tomorrow. And, uh… thanks again."
He gave a small wave and jogged off toward his house. Lucian watched him go, noting how easily Louis slipped back into his normal life.
Eurukus only grunted. "You really think that boy will last long if he keeps being loud like that?"
Lucian smirked slightly. "He'll be fine. He's smarter than he looks."
They reached the Luvington estate.
The gates creaked open, and Herschel stood there, concern written all over her face. Behind her, three knights under Eurukus waited, their armor catching the dim light.
"Lucian! Eurukus! Where have you been? We were worried sick! It's already dark!" Herschel exclaimed.
Lucian raised his hands slightly, calm. "Nothing bad happened. Everything's fine."
The knights exchanged glances, still tense, but Eurukus stepped forward, nodding toward them. "He speaks the truth. All is well."
Herschel studied Lucian for a long moment, then sighed, relaxing a little. "I suppose you boys handled yourselves well, then."
Lucian nodded once, quietly. They'll never know half of what happened today.
Eurukus led the way inside, the knights following closely. Lucian stayed slightly behind, watching Herschel's worried expression soften.
He knew she would never fully stop worrying, but at least for now, they were safe, and that was enough.
Lucian pushed his chair back and rubbed his eyes.
Dinner had been quiet, and now the house was settling into the soft creak of night. He finally had a moment to think.
Eurukus being here… it makes sense now. He stared at the ceiling.
He must know something about Louis' father. Whatever's happening in Lillypose with my own father, it's connected. Eurukus is probably here to watch, to research, and to make sure things don't spiral out of control.
He sank onto his bed, letting his thoughts wander over the plans, the rumors, and the half-truths he'd heard. Every detail of Louis' father's schemes seemed to pull tighter around him.
And Eurukus… he probably knows all of it already. That's why he's here.
The soft sound of the door creaking made him tense.
Eurukus stepped inside, his figure cutting a shadow across the dimly lit room. Lucian's jaw tightened.
Of course he'd come in. Of course.
"What are you doing here?" Lucian asked, keeping his voice low but sharp, masking his irritation.
He leaned back slightly, arms crossed. His eyes flicked toward Eurukus, carefully studying him, hiding the thought that he didn't want this man meddling in his headspace.
Eurukus shrugged lightly, hands behind his back. "I needed to check on you. I need to make sure you weren't wandering into trouble."
Lucian clenched his jaw. Wandering into trouble?
He didn't say it aloud. Instead, he let the annoyance slide into his voice. "And why now? Can't it wait until morning?"
Eurukus smirked faintly, stepping closer. "Some things don't wait for morning."
Lucian sighed quietly, staring at the floor. He hated having someone follow him, even if that someone was supposedly on his side.
Lucian closed his notebooks with a soft snap, the faint rustle of paper echoing in the quiet room.
He leaned back, eyes narrowing slightly at Eurukus. "Those three knights following you… are they all you brought? Or do you have more soldiers hidden somewhere?"
Eurukus' lips curved into a small smile. "There are more. I can't bring everyone with me at once, of course. But when it matters… they'll be there."
He sank into a chair across from Lucian and began speaking in a low, even tone.
"I've seen wars most people can't imagine. I've ridden into battles where the air itself seemed thick with fear. One time, we were pinned against the cliffs of Pottery City."
"I saw Fürtwald himself charge into the center, his men moving as if he carried the wind in his fists. But even so, the battle felt like a dream. It was very slow suddenly. I can't explain why. But, by the end, half the enemy forces had fallen without the armies noticing it."
Lucian listened, fascinated, though part of his mind dissected the details, comparing them to the way Fürtwald moved in his memory.
All the enemies were dead suddenly… that sluggishness… it's his ability.
He frowned slightly, thinking to himself, careful not to reveal it. Even Eurukus doesn't know. That's the difference between seeing and perceiving.
Then, he tilted his head. "And what about you? What's your ability?"
Eurukus leaned back, eyes glinting with amusement. "That, young Lucian, is a secret. Some things are better kept hidden."
Lucian's lips twitched. He studied Eurukus, his mind racing with possibilities, but said nothing.
Some secrets were meant to be discovered later… if at all.
Eurukus leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "Do you know about the Principle Scale System?"
Lucian frowned. "The what?"
Eurukus let out a low chuckle. "It's not something taught to ordinary soldiers. Only high-ranked warriors, like commanders and generals, know of it. It's a scale—a way to measure strength, skill, and the evolution of your abilities."
"Most people fight blindly. Those who understand this scale fight with precision."
Lucian tilted his head, curious. "A scale? How does it work?"
"There are three systems," Eurukus began, his tone deliberate.
"The first is Swordsmanship. It measures how efficiently you use weapons. How precise your strikes are, how fast you can read your opponent, and how well you adapt mid-battle."
"The second is Techniques. That includes your physical prowess like strength, speed, agility, stamina, and reflexes. Everything your body can do, it's quantified here."
"The last is Principle. This is the most important. It measures the depth and evolution of your principle and your ability. How well you can manifest it, how adaptable it is in combat, and how far you can push its limits. That's where true power shows."
Lucian nodded slowly, letting it sink in. "So… it's not just about fighting hard. It's about measuring and improving everything you have."
"Exactly," Eurukus said. "Many soldiers rely on raw strength or magic alone. But the Principle Scale System is the difference between a good fighter and someone who can shape the battlefield, someone who can outthink, outmove, and outlast any opponent. Understanding it… that's how wars are truly won."
Lucian's mind raced. Swordsmanship, Techniques, Principle… all measurable. That explains why he and Fürtwald moves like that. Everything is more than skill. It's a system.
He kept quiet, letting Eurukus continue.
Eurukus leaned back and gave a small smirk. "I'll teach you the Principle Scale System."
Lucian blinked. "Wait… isn't that a secret? Only high-ranked soldiers are supposed to know it."
Eurukus shrugged. "Sometimes, rules are meant to be bent. You'll need to wake up early tomorrow. You're going to the Citadel. Undetected."
Lucian frowned. "The Citadel? That's heavily guarded…"
"And that's not all," Eurukus added, leaning closer. "You need to get a sip of the Mayor's tea while you're there. Undetected."
Lucian paused. "The Mayor? Mayor Mavis?"
Eurukus nodded. "Exactly. He's fond of his tea. Consider it a test of wit, speed, and subtlety. If you succeed, you show your worth."
Lucian muttered under his breath, Tea… this is ridiculous.
Eurukus chuckled. "It won't be easy. But you'll need this skill if you want to survive in battles ahead."
Without another word, he stood and adjusted his coat. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be… interesting."
Lucian watched him leave, already thinking of ways to pull this off.