[Brian's POV]
Where am I...?
How did the fight end...?
Opening my eyes, I found myself in a dark room for some reason; the sound of a fierce storm and heavy rain echoed around me. Wait... I think I'm familiar with this place.
Isn't this my Soul Room!? But why has it become so dark and terrifying?
A glimmer of golden light suddenly appeared before me, making the place a little brighter. Someone emerged from the light—it was Master Pendragon, my Guider within this Soul Room.
"Hello, Brian," Master greeted me with a smile. "What's wrong with you?"
"Master! Why has this place become so terrifying?" I asked. "What is actually happening?"
"I should be the one asking, Brian," Master replied while touching my shoulder. "The state of a person's Soul Room is a reflection of their own soul."
Master then explained to me how the Soul Room works. This place is a mirror of the self; the Soul Room will be bright and comfortable if the soul's mood is stable and calm. However, if the owner's soul is in turmoil, their Soul Room will become a harrowing place where it is much harder to advance one's Profound Codex.
"So, what has put you in such a foul mood?" Master asked.
I could only bow my head in response to the question. It was true; I had been defeated by him in that duel—a duel that wagered Ariel's safety. How could I lose to him? My magic was superior, my sword techniques were more refined, and my mana was better.
During the fight, I had always held the upper hand. Yet, at the last moment, he somehow managed to turn the tide and launch an attack of that magnitude.
"Brian, I cannot help you if you don't tell me anything," Master urged again. "It is my duty as your Guider to help you face various problems."
I then told Master about the previous events, about the woman named Ariel, my relationship with her, and the man I despised—Raul de Garcia.
"Hah... young people," Master said, sighing and shaking his head after hearing my story.
"Why do you comment like that, Master? Have you ever experienced the same thing as me?" I asked.
"Your resolve is wavering over a matter like this? Your journey as a Hero will be much heavier than this!" Master spoke sternly, rebuking me. "However, this man you mentioned, Raul de Garcia, sounds interesting."
"He's just an ordinary noble; he has never even used his Nature Mana while fighting. Everyone even assumes he doesn't have any because no one has ever seen him use it," I revealed.
"And yet, he defeated you even without using Nature Mana," Master countered, mocking me.
I had no words to answer; it was a fact that he had defeated me in this duel. I also remembered the last words he spoke to me.
'Never speak to Ariel again.'
How could I possibly get through all of this without speaking to Ariel?
"Your face looks increasingly grim, like someone who has lost all hope," Master said, looking at me with concern. "A Hero must always be confident in himself. If a Hero doubts himself, in whom should the citizens he must protect place their hope?"
Master was right; there was no point in staying depressed like this. I will train harder and challenge Raul again so that I can speak to Ariel once more.
"Your face looks better now," Master praised, smiling at me. Master's body suddenly began to turn into particles of light.
"It seems our time in the Soul Room is up," Master said, holding both my shoulders. "Do not falter. Keep moving forward and face every obstacle bravely to become a true Hero."
Hearing Master's words, my heart blazed with passion once more. The atmosphere of the Soul Room, which was initially dark, now became bright.
"Good. We will train your Profound Codex at our next meeting."
After those final words, Master's presence vanished. My vision began to blur and then my eyes closed.
Opening my eyes again slowly, I woke up in a different place. This was the infirmary... Who brought me here?
"You're awake, I see."
I heard a voice from the side. Turning my head, I saw a blonde-haired woman sitting casually beside me.
"President Elena, did you bring me here?" I asked.
"Indeed. I was waiting for you to regain consciousness," she answered while standing up. "Now, you won't be questioning the decisions we've made anymore, will you?"
Why was she asking that? Did President Elena know about my duel with Raul?
"If you understand, then good. I'm going back to the dormitory to rest; it's already late."
After saying that, she left the room. Now I was alone in this room, with no one left to accompany me.
***
[Ariel's POV]
A few days after the duel—specifically on the third day of the second month in the year 621 of the Francia calendar—all third-year students of Grunbelt Academy were to depart for their respective locations to carry out their field work practice.
Brian hasn't spoken to me at all since the duel; instead, he sent a letter of apology for not being able to accompany me through this activity. Why does he always want to solve problems by dueling? Now, he has to accept the consequences of losing to Raul, which means we cannot speak to each other. I suppose I should talk to Raul and persuade him to cancel that agreement.
Upon arriving at the field where dozens of horse carriages were waiting to transport the students, I immediately looked for the carriage number I was assigned to. After finding it, I saw several students lining up in front of Raul.
"Ariel, come here," the black-haired man commanded. "I was just about to start the briefing."
I followed his order and joined the line. Looking around, weren't they all members of the Disciplinary Committee? However, there were two other Priestesses I recognized besides myself.
"I am the leader of the student group stationed at the Margraviate of Cataluna," Raul began. "This group consists of 20 people: three Priests, four mages, and 13 fighters."
The Margraviate of Cataluna is a territory ruled by Marquis Fran de Cataluna—one of the war generals of the Aragon Empire. He is also the commander of the forces at the Empire's Northeastern border.
"Our duties there will include assisting with patrols, monster eradication, and attacking bandit hideouts," Raul explained. "We will be carrying out these activities there for three months. Are there any questions so far?"
No one uttered a single word in response to Raul's question.
"In that case, board these two carriages. The journey to the Margraviate of Cataluna will take approximately nine to ten days."
Everyone then began to board the carriages. I picked up my gear and joined them to begin the journey. Ten days, huh? This is going to be a very long trip. I suppose it's only natural, considering we are headed to the border—the furthest reaches of the country from the central capital.
I hope our activities there go well and smoothly. I hope everyone can return home safely and bring back valuable experience.