「BASTION OF PHALANX」
Not long after breakfast, the young heirs departed for the Collegium. They had agreed to meet at noon to welcome the new recruits. G6 had no intention of honoring that plan. She had been slacking, and she planned to continue.
In the center of the Bastion's vast training arena, G6 and Edmund stood facing each other. Tina and Lilia watched from their usual bench.
"So, tell me," G6 began, hands tucked in her pockets, stare deadly. "What did she want?"
"The summons was for you," Edmund explained. "I went in your stead. She intends to introduce someone to you soon."
G6 tilted her head, a brow raised in vigilance. "Introduce someone?" She scoffed. "So she plans to leash one of her dogs to watch us."
"I believe so. Other than that, she asked no further questions."
"She shouldn't need to. My word is all she gets." G6's tone was final.
Edmund nodded, his confidence in her clear.
On the bench, Tina and Lilia observed.
"I wonder what they're discussing. They're just standing there," Lilia said, swinging her feet.
"They are clearly talking; we simply cannot hear them," Tina replied. "But do you not miss them?" she added.
"Right." Lilia sighed. "They're with us every morning, yet it feels like they are not." She smiled. "I'm happy we can sit here again and watch Lady Reise train."
Tina returned her smile. "You said it. Lady Reise is truly… someone you end up missing. It feels strange without her."
"I love Lady Reise!" Lilia declared, her bright smile infectious.
Back in the arena's center, G6 took a few steps back.
"I was thinking," she began, voice low and laced with mischief. "Let's try something new."
Edmund maintained his perfect posture, though his brows furrowed. "What exactly do you mean?"
She smirked. "You know…" She kept one hand in her pocket, raised the other, palm facing her. "After I spoke with Tina last night, I had a short time to read something interesting."
Her gaze locked onto Edmund, sending a chill down his spine.
I do not like where this is going.
G6 slowly focused, generating mana in her hand as she visualized the spell she'd glimpsed. In her mind, she condensed the ambient moisture, pulling it from the air, forging it into a fragment of absolute cold.
"Rime Point," she mused.
With a subtle flick of her wrist, she directed the energy toward the ground near Edmund's feet. He started back in shock as a needle-thin spike of pristine ice, no larger than a splinter, embedded itself silently in the sand. A clean, lethal, nearly invisible projectile. Cryomancy.
The reckless experiment came with a price. A violent, seizing pain clenched her heart, so sharp and sudden her knees buckled, sending her stumbling to the sand.
The agony was brief—a stark warning that vanished as quickly as it came.
"LADY REISE!" Edmund called, rushing to her side.
Tina and Lilia jumped to their feet, but Edmund raised a hand, signaling them back.
"It's nothing," G6 said, still clutching her chest. She smiled, a wild, exhilarated look in her eyes. "That was awesome. The feeling is different, Edmund." She looked up. "It uses a tremendous amount of mana. I need to study the manual more."
"Lady Reise, the Queen advised you not to use it yet. No one understands this affinity; it could be dangerous to experiment out of spite," Edmund said, voice thick with worry.
G6 gently pushed his hand from her shoulder, sat cross-legged on the sand. Edmund remained kneeling on one knee.
"You'll never discover anything strange if you don't seek it out yourself. That's how it works," she stated arrogantly.
"The Queen is not that forgiving. This is for your safety."
"Relax. I only tried the basic one—the first spell on the list. Besides, I only got a glance." She crossed her arms. "It's weird. Unlike my other spells that batter my body, this one attacks my heart and stops immediately. Like opening a window for a single, quick glance."
"That's likely because your body isn't yet accustomed. Cryomancy is unlike any god-blessed affinity. It's a fusion of spiritual energy from all the deities," Edmund lectured.
"You're right. Maybe my stamina isn't good enough yet. Let's scrap that. Why don't we start with sword practice? We'll be busy next week." Hinting their three consecutive days of freedom were approved.
"Right. I meant to ask her conditions," Edmund said, standing as G6 rose.
"Report everything that concerns her kingdom." G6 shrugged. "Ah, she wants a bunch of things, but most are cringe-worthy requests. I don't really plan to stick to them."
"Well, if we played by the rules, we wouldn't be G6 and Eddie," Edmund acknowledged.
"Because of damn Eddie, we're the Queen's dogs now." G6's remark made Edmund look away in guilt.
"I'll fetch the practice swords." He walked toward the storage room to escape her banter.
While waiting, G6 began her warm-up, rolling her shoulders, cracking her neck—unladylike gestures that felt natural.
Edmund returned. She took the wooden practice sword, feeling its weight. It was… fine. But not enough. "I need something. Something that has… more," she said, tone laced with dissatisfaction.
"What exactly do you mean?"
"I want the swordplay of Keith and Dio. But it's lacking." She gave an experimental swing. It's all showy moves and safe strikes. Where's the grit? The unpredictability?
"Their performance hasn't yet reached its full extent. They're still holding back. Why do you think Her Majesty kept them here?" Edmund's words piqued her interest.
"Because Dio is her son and he's good at sword fight. Keith is the son of the Prime Minister of Knights?" G6 guessed.
"Quite right. But not only that." Edmund elaborated. "Prince Dio is the finest swordsman of his generation. He mastered an S-rank affinity by sixteen. Lord Keith's true strength lies in his strategic mind and clever use of his elemental affinity."
"That's it?" Mocking.
"They were educated in a Vester Kingdom, trained for such prowess. And Captain Kepler often brought them, along with Lord Earl, to villages near Scutum Town to 'toughen them into men.'" A slight, telling shake of his head hinted at their trials.
G6's eyes widened. A real training montage location! "Bring me there."
"The journey would take days. We could magically appear using teleportation devices, but that requires a Professional Guild Card for authorization." He neatly shattered her idea.
"Tsk. Well, I know I can find my way." Then, without warning, she moved.
She stepped forward and launched a sharp kick at his jaw. By pure reflex, Edmund brought his wooden sword up to block, the impact thudding against the wood.
"Not bad." A feral grin touched her lips. She backed up, created space, and lunged again. This time, she twisted her body, putting full force into a sweeping horizontal slash. Edmund barely parried, the clack of wood echoing. "Too slow."
The mock battle was joined. G6 was a whirlwind, her swordplay a chaotic blend of slashes and integrated kicks. She flowed, using feints and false openings foreign to Edmund's disciplined style.
Edmund adapted. His defense was a solid, impenetrable wall, blocks and parries precise. He moved with an economy of motion, each movement calculated. He watched her, studying the wild rhythm.
He saw an opening as she overextended. He deflected her blade downward, upsetting her balance, and countered with a swift, controlled thrust at her shoulder.
But G6 moved with the momentum. Instead of resisting, she let the deflection spin her, dropping low into a sweeping leg arc at his ankles. Edmund leaped back, a flicker of surprise. A low, respectful chuckle escaped him. "Unconventional."
"Effective." She pressed her advantage, her wooden sword a blur. High strike, low feint, a quick jab with the pommel—relentless, exhilarating.
They exchanged a flurry, yet G6 felt Edmund was holding back out of respect.
Annoyed, G6 turned her back, delivered a sharp kick that knocked his sword aside, and immediately spun back, pressing the tip of her blade to his forehead.
"I'm not enjoying this. If you keep that respect in this arena, it's disrespectful to me." She lowered her sword.
"Forgive me. I'm afraid of hurting you. I'm not deserving to even touch you." He bowed his head.
"Cut that crap. The hobgoblin gave me a good run. It's an order, or we'll both be compromised out there." She moved back to maintain distance.
"Are you trying to strengthen us more?"
"Why? Can you finish a newtype alone?"
"I have experience. However, it would take me longer. And I haven't encountered a newtype that uses elemental affinity."
"Exactly. It's not just the newtype you used to know." She stared at her practice sword. "It's more for me. But I don't want any person of mine dying. You heard what Liam said." Though emotionless, she was worried. "If it takes a party of commoner adventurers or one veteran knight to defeat a newtype, I'd rather you be able to defeat one alone."
"I understand your concern."
"Let's not use magic yet. Pure physical strength. So we can dance better even in a dead zone." Hinting they could encounter a dead mana zone.
A new understanding passed between them. Edmund's stance shifted, the last vestiges of polite restraint falling away. His next attack was not a testing probe but a committed, powerful thrust aimed squarely at her chest.
A great deal of experience, huh…
Finally, now we're talking.
G6 didn't block it so much as redirect it, her sword sliding along his with a sharp crack. She moved inside his guard, the pommel seeking his ribs. Edmund twisted, the blow grazing his side, and answered with a swift horizontal slash that forced her to duck.
What followed was a predator's dance. G6 was a phantom of controlled motion, brutally efficient. She used every part of her body—a feint, a low kick, a shift in weight that became a devastating lunge. She didn't just react; she anticipated, reading the tension in his shoulders, the shift of his eyes.
He favors the right side. High guard leaves the left leg exposed.
She baited him with a high strike, and as he moved to parry, she dropped and swept her leg, catching his ankle. Edmund grunted, balance broken. In that opening, her wooden sword was at his throat, its touch as light and final as a Reaper's whisper.
For a moment, they were frozen, chests heaving. A genuine, sharp smile touched G6's lips. "Better." Her voice was a low, approving hum. "Now, again."
While they were occupied, the two on the bench observed idly.
"Lady Reise hasn't touched the sandwich Alistair packed," Lilia mentioned, glancing at the basket.
"Just look at them. They're in their own world," Tina answered, gaze fixed.
"Isn't Lady Reise going to the Utility Magic Department?"
"I think not. You heard them earlier; they're to greet the new recruits."
"But it's nearly time. She's not yet ready."
"I expect the others have already realized she's not coming. She didn't bother to listen." Tina remarked.
"The Pillars and His Highness are so… accommodating." Lilia smiled. "I heard Prince Dio despised her, but the opposite seems true."
"They've all changed. Because she did." Tina's eyes remained on her mistress.
"Should we prepare lunch? When they tire, they'll be hungry." Lilia suggested.
Tina pulled a pocket watch from her skirt. "It's already half past ten. Shall we check the cafeteria kitchen?" Lilia cheerfully nodded.
They stood, looked toward the two in the center, who had clearly forgotten them. Seeing that even their mistress paid no mind, they offered a respectful curtsy and left.
「OUTSIDE OF BASTION」
The young Pillars awaited the new recruits.
"Where's Dio?" Brenda asked, tone thick with annoyance.
"Do not forget to address him properly," Zen corrected.
"Tsk. He deserves no such respect from me." Brenda was still angry.
"I suppose Reise is not joining us," Earl remarked, emerging.
"Why?" Brenda whined.
"I met Tina and Lilia earlier. They said she's occupied with training."
"Well, it's nothing new. That's simply how my Reise is," Keith said, idly dropping shots of water onto the grass.
"What is he, a toddler?" Earl asked, annoyed.
"Hello, esteemed Pillars." Eliza descended the stairs, holding a bundle of papers.
"Are those the rules and regulations?" Zen inquired.
"Yes, all prepared." Eliza smiled.
"Where are they? I'm bored." Keith whined.
"Calm yourself. They're on their way. They must use the Collegium's main gate." Earl said.
"How long is the detour?" Eliza asked.
"Traveling from the outer halls by carriage will take approximately thirty minutes."
"What? If they walk, it doubles!" Keith exclaimed, crossing his arms.
"Be silent. I received a report an hour ago that they began their departure, as the guild registry concluded early." Earl explained.
"I believe they're nearly here. Shall we proceed to the gate leading to the Training Arena?" Prince Dio intervened, stepping out.
"Ugh! We must detour as well? I despise this." Brenda whined.
"Firstly, you do not have the right to whine. Secondly, do not make me fly you back to that tedious library." Prince Dio threatened.
Brenda squinted in frustration.
"Aren't we to tour them through Omnia and Sanctum?" Eliza asked.
"It's already a breach of protocol to allow commoners onto Royal Collegium grounds. Their sole purpose is to become knights; that lies with the Bastion." Zen explained.
"Yes, weren't you listening yesterday, Miss Eliza?" Keith teased.
"Enough. Let's move and conclude this." Prince Dio took the lead.
"Such a jerk, and he was the last to arrive," Keith muttered.
"Just walk, Keith." Earl followed.
"Why do you two keep barking at me!" Keith pouted, trailing behind.
✎﹏﹏﹏
They took a detour around the back of the Bastion, where two large iron doors led to the Training Arena.
"How much longer? I'm starting to hate this." Keith whined, leaning against the gate.
"Perhaps if you weren't so whiny, you could have done better, like your brother Captain Kepler," Brenda mused.
"I heard that, you creepy woman! Maybe if you got a hold of yourself and got over the Worthon brothers, you could talk to someone other than a book." Keith shot back.
"I am not crazy over Ray and Ron!"
"Of course you're not. Anymore!" Keith hinted at her shifting interest.
"Shut your mouth!"
"Enough." Earl intervened, firm and commanding. "Get a hold of yourselves. Stop being such children."
"You never get used to them. They've been like that forever." Zen maintained perfect posture.
Prince Dio remained silent and cold, arms crossed, leaning against the gate.
"It actually keeps me calm, to know such high-profile nobles still have that side. It makes the surroundings lively." Eliza commented. "Except for Lady Reise's," she added, almost to herself.
"What do you mean?" Brenda raised a brow.
"Lady Reise rarely shows emotions. Her expression is always fierce, flat, or blank. She's a far cry from what she was labeled. I feel like… every smile, every look she bothers to give is calculated." Eliza stared at the flowers. "Lady Reise is… just different."
"That's simply how she is now." Earl answered, not looking at her.
"I prefer Reise now. It's better for her to be cold and distant than to yell at every woman she sees getting close to Dio." Keith added, rolling his eyes at Prince Dio.
"But oddly… I feel something is profoundly different." Brenda mused.
"Lady Reise is not a person you can predict or read, unless she allows you to or leaves a hint. She's a new person; everything she was is gone." Zen stated.
"She's still mine." Prince Dio commented, completely out of the blue.
Everyone turned, expressions displeased. "You said before you hated her kind. You insulted her many times. She was never yours." Keith said.
"I cannot have a change of heart? Reise changed. Can I not?" Prince Dio replied. No overt tension, but seriousness hung heavy. Prince Dio was finally hinting he, too, had changed. Just as Reise no longer liked him, he now found himself drawn to her.
"It's not often the tables turn so completely." Zen added a tricky smile. An observation and an answer.
Before anyone could offer another word, Zen stepped forward. "Looks like they're finally here." He gestured toward the new recruits being guided by two Bastion staff.
"Everyone," one staff member announced as they reached the young heirs. "I know you met them yesterday, but I remind you again. They are in charge of your well-being here until Captain Kepler's return."
"Thank you, Sir Mike." Zen stepped in. "So, I assume everyone is present?"
"Yes, Zen. Including the adventurers here on call."
"Perfect. I'll take over." Mike and his partner bowed to Prince Dio and left.
"Before we begin the tour, I remind you that your guild cards grant access only to the main entrance barrier and the Bastion. Omnia and Sanctum are strictly prohibited." Zen began; the crowd murmured understanding. "These doors lead to the training arena, where most of you will spend the majority of your time. There's also a path from inside, but these doors are used for larger crowds. So, without further ado, let's go inside."
Prince Dio tapped his card against the side of the doors; they opened slowly, unlocked by an unseen mechanism.
—-❈-—
He led the way inside, through a long, dark tunnel archway toward the arena grounds.
As the Prince and Pillars led, the crowd at the back talked.
"Fweeet!" Riza whistled. "I never knew the Royal Collegium was this incredible! The gardens, the architecture! Everything!" Full of excitement.
"Right, Captain Riz! If we have no tasks at the guild, it's not a bad idea to come here and train!" Rich matched her energy.
"I agree with you both." Xena chimed in.
"So? Glad I allowed you to come?" Sebastian asked, turning while striding.
"I actually came because of you, but I'm really glad! Not to mention how ridiculously fine the 2nd Prince is!" Riza blushed.
"I rather like Lord Earl more. He's tan, tall, handsome. And smart." Xena commented.
"Well, I like the one with teal-blue hair. He has that baby face." Another woman, Mary, commented.
"Oh, Lord Keith from De Lune, right, Dante?" Xena asked.
"Yes. They're all fine. After all, they're nobles." Dante added.
"Not just nobles—they're the Pillars!" Riza commented. "So, Mary, you like Lord Keith? He looks approachable. Should I find a way for you to talk?" Riza teased.
"Do not do anything foolish, Riza. This is sacred ground. See how serious they are." Sebastian intervened.
"And stop dreaming, a mere commoner and noble? Not just any noble at that." Dante added.
"I wonder if that grumpy lady is there. I didn't see her outside." Nick commented.
"The one from House Worthon?" Rich asked. "I must admit she's so beautiful, just like the rumor of a goddess. I was too scared to compliment her yesterday because of someone." Hinting at Riza's disrespect.
"Give me a break. I just thought she was that bitch." Riza said.
"Forget G6. She probably doesn't remember you anyway." Nick laughed, making Riza kick him gently.
Sebastian and Dante shook their heads.
They saw light at the end of the path—entering the Training Arena.
As the Pillars entered, Prince Dio immediately scanned the area, his eyes stopping at a side table where G6 ate with Tina and Lilia.
"It's odd. Edmund isn't here." Prince Dio mused.
"So you accept that Reise and Edmund are inseparable?" Earl teased.
"Do not be gross, or I'll roast you." Prince Dio answered.
He turned to the others. "The rest of you can handle this. Now, excuse me." He walked away, heading toward G6.
"Wait! Prince Dio, you sc—" Brenda's words cut off when Zen cleared his throat—a silent sign they were not alone.
"Well, you guys can handle it. I'm also leaving." Keith was about to leave when Earl grabbed him by the back of his collar.
"You're not going anywhere." While holding him, Earl addressed the recruits. "If I call your name, step forward to the respective column for direction."
Keith forcefully freed himself, crossed his arms.
"Oh no! Prince Dio left." Riza frowned.
"Hit the brakes." Xena commented, smiling at Earl's graceful command.
On Prince Dio's side, when he reached G6, he smiled. Again.
Great. Now this freaky cement block is smiling. G6 bit into her meat.
Tina and Lilia halted their meals, and gave Prince Dio a curt bow. G6 did not give a damn.
"So, you're having lunch." Prince Dio began.
"Stating the obvious?" G6 said.
He walked to the side of an empty, folded chair, and saw the plate that obviously belonged to someone who left in a rush. "So, Edmund's gone?"
"Edmund said he had something to do for Lady Reise, Your Highness." Lilia answered, smiling.
"I see." Prince Dio looked at G6, who did not look back.
The young man was growing used to her indifference. Yet something undeniable was blooming in him for her.
He simply sat and watched G6 eat, unable to help the smile touching his lips.
"Miss Tina, isn't the Prince too smiley?" Lilia whispered.
"It's rather creeping me out." Tina answered.
"It's more like he's in lov—" Lilia was not able to finish when Tina immediately fed her another piece of meat to keep her mouth shut. Tina was not ready to hear spoken aloud the very thing that had once caused her Lady suffering.
G6 grabbed a napkin, deliberately wiped her hands clean.
"I'm done. So, a bunch of newbies, huh?" She looked toward the recruits.
"Yes. Earl and the others are handling them." Prince Dio answered.
"You're just passing off your responsibility?"
"It's more their responsibility. My presence is enough." Arrogant.
"Your presence is annoying me. I'd pay for it to cease existing." Instead of anger, Prince Dio let out a small laugh, leaving the three women confused—especially G6, pissed.
"What are you laughing for, you sicko?" G6 stood.
She stepped in front of the table, pointed a hand toward Keith, using Whisper of Gale.
"Keith, come over here. I need you for something." Her voice was low, delivered directly to Keith.
"What do you need him for? I'm here." Prince Dio's brows furrowed.
"Shut up." G6 waited for Keith.
The busy, sulking Keith was going over the list Earl made him hold. His attention snapped when a slow, calm whirl of wind gathered near him, delivering G6's voice: "Keith, come over here. I need you for something."
Keith's face lit up. He shoved the list back at Earl. "You're not going against Reise, are you? Now, see ya, losers." Purposely aiming at Brenda and Earl, he grinned and left.
"That's so unfair! Why didn't Lady Reise call me?" Brenda whined.
Though Earl felt a pull, he turned to Brenda and stared. "We have a task. Focus." Brenda pouted.
"Where did that come from?" Nick asked, confused.
"There." Dante gestured to the far end.
"G6?" Sebastian said again, seeing the lady in all-black, rose-gold hair in a messy bun.
"Again? Come on, Captain, it's obviously the Worthon Lady." Xena said.
"Right. I want to see her up close." Rich commented.
"You're going to piss yourself in fear." Mary commented.
"Shut up, Mary! Your crush just ran off to her." Rich twisted the knife.
…❈...
Keith was all smiles when he reached G6.
"Reisee! What is it?" He hurried toward her.
"Look at that arrogant smile. I'm going to tear it apart someday." Prince Dio mused from his chair, arms crossed.
Lilia's eyes widened; Tina blinked, a silent sign not to intervene.
"Ah. Nothing serious. My hands are just greasy." G6 said, making Tina's forehead wrinkle in disbelief. Did she just summon Lord Keith to wash her hands?
"Huh?" Keith asked, confused.
"I need to wash my hands." G6 walked toward the side near the wall. Keith remained rooted.
"What are you standing there for? Come on. I need your water." Annoyed.
"You called me to wash your hands?" Disbelief.
"Of course, why else? Come on, I'm actually curious how you can produce a continuous stream like a faucet. Is there a trick?" G6 fooled him.
Instead of realizing he was being mocked, Keith smiled, interested. "Oh, that's fun! Actually, I do have a trick. Here." He walked over.
G6 held her hands out; Keith placed his two hands above them. A moment later, a moderate stream of water began to flow.
Keith smiled, busy explaining theory, while G6 smirked in success.
Tina shook her head at her Lady's manipulative attitude, went back to her food.
Tsk. She called for his affinity? To wash her hands? I could wash her hands using the water from this pitcher. Instead of banter or laughter, Prince Dio felt a sharp, unfamiliar pang of jealousy.
"See? Isn't it amazing?" Keith said.
"Yeah, yeah." G6 forced agreement. "Well, I guess that's enough."
"Really? Should I show you a water ball? It looks so—" Keith was cut off when Prince Dio shoved him aside, stealing his position.
"She said enough." Prince Dio threw his cousin a sharp glance. "Keep your hands still." He commanded G6.
"I'll cut your hands if you touch me." G6 warned. Prince Dio did not answer; he simply placed both hands above hers with a careful gap.
He let out a stream of heat from his palms, thoroughly drying her hands.
G6 looked at him, deadly annoyed. "Are you kidding me?"
A minute later, Prince Dio stopped, lowered his hands. "Now they're dry. See? You need me, too."
"A napkin could do that." G6 shot back.
"Right." Keith commented, standing behind G6, arms crossed, annoyed.
"So could the water in the pitcher." Prince Dio shot back, pointing to the pitcher.
"Seriously? Are you that immature?" Keith said. "Reise is my partner! Tell him, Reise." Keith, looking for help.
G6 took one step away. "Can you two give me space? You're suffocating me." She walked away.
"See what you did, Dio! Just when Reise finally wanted to spar again. Jerk." Keith followed.
Prince Dio said nothing but also followed. G6 did not approach the recruits but was obviously looking for someone.
"Who are you looking for?" Prince Dio asked.
"That kid." G6 answered.
"Do not worry. I arranged him with a squad whose age isn't far from his, along with two adults." Prince Dio said.
"I'm not worried." Cold.
"Aren't you going to greet them, too?" Keith asked.
"Come on, I barely give a care about all of you. Why would I bother with complete strangers?"
"Makes sense." Keith agreed and smiled.
"Stop smiling, you fool." Prince Dio finally snapped. Their frenemy dynamic had made him jealous, and now his frustration was out.
"What's your problem, you jerky fireball?" Keith snapped back.
"Fireball?" Prince Dio launched a fireball at Keith, who immediately dodged.
"That's it!" Keith retaliated with a hard water ball.
G6 moved away, watching the two fight in earnest with spells.
Are they kidding me? I didn't know this 'all act cold' stupid Prince is just as childish as this one. G6 mused, enjoying the show.
Tina and Lilia were confused, not pleased.
…❈…
On the recruits' side, attention was pulled by the two on the far side, where sandy ground was disturbed and sent flying.
"Are they fighting?" Zen asked, confused.
"It's Prince Dio and Keith! Oh, come on, they're such children!" Brenda commented.
"I… wonder what happened." Eliza worried.
"It's just them being cousins. Now, where did I stop?" Earl said nonchalantly, scanning the list.
"Well, let's get this over with." Brenda agreed, getting back to work. Zen did the same.
The recruits were confused by this chill behavior while two nobles tore each other apart.
"Are they going to be okay?" a teenage boy asked.
"Cool! Water and Fire! I've never seen the affinities of the Pillars and Royal Family!" another yelped.
"Now that I think, it's a blast! I wonder who'll win?" another chimed in.
Their entire focus shifted, finally making Earl angry.
Without a word, he handed Zen the list and touched the ground. "Earthen Wall!" he chanted. The ground shook, forming a solid wall that separated Prince Dio and Keith, forcing them to stop.
They both looked at Earl from the far end. He stared—a clear sign to stop, or he'd keep them in an earthen tomb.
"Wow. We just witnessed three elemental affinities. I wonder how much cooler the Guardian of the Sky is." a boy said.
"Guardian of the Sky?" a boy asked.
"Are you serious? Wind Affinity, dumbass!" The first boy's mouth went agape.
The Training Arena became the Reaper's chosen playground—a battleground of ideals. On one side, the solemn promise of duty and order. On the other, a chaotic spectacle of elemental fury and rivalries sparked by her indifferent gaze. As Earl's earthen wall rose to impose control, the message was clear: G6 had claimed this ground, and the old rules no longer applied. The lines between duty and desire, between noble decorum and raw power, had not merely blurred. They had been set ablaze, doused, and were now left to see what would grow from the ashes under her watchful, calculating eyes.
—To Be Continued…—