“So why are we here again?”


    “I don’t know…Stop asking me!”


    “You always know what’s going on though…”


    Marenix flashed an annoyed look at Ashlynde. She didn’t even read the papers that had ordered the both of them to be here, at the Nuam Keep. They had been escorted in by two little servants – They were humans and were younger than Marenix, but for whatever reason they intimidated him. Ashlynde and him now sat in the waiting room. No one was with them except one of the servants.


    What did the Nuam house want with him? House Arquis was aligned with Nuam as one of its best allies...but regardless Nuam shouldn’t have had any reason to call them here. Marenix was just about to be inducted into the science division. He had just finished packing all his books and personal belongings after being released from the clinic from that heretic attack. And Ashlynde was days away from being sent to go…learn farming or something…Marenix wasn’t sure if Ashlynde herself even had read her assignment beyond the category of ‘CIVIL DUTY’. It could’ve been entirely possible that she’d been placed in a more prestigious role than she feared.


    “The master will see you now.”


    The servant eyeing them said.


    Marenix and Ashlynde looked at each other briefly, before standing and entering through a door opened for them by the servant.


    They were met with two piercing pairs of eyes. It was late in the day, the sun was setting and its orange rays flooded through the large window in the room. It looked to be an office or study, with a yellow haired boy behind a desk and a blue haired girl standing by his side. Marenix was momentarily frozen stiff by their gazes. There was something about them that he’d never seen before, some sort primal instinct told him that they could easily eviscerate him where he stood before he could even see them move.


    It was then when Marenix realized who it was that he was in the presence of. Alisson Vi Nuam. The current highest ranking Nuam official in Sidonia.


    He swallowed a knot in his throat.


    “Apologies for the short notice and lack of accommodations...Marenix Li Arquis? And, Ashlynde Chasattes?”


    Alisson said, his fingers interlocked in front of his face. Marenix had heard stories about him…He couldn’t put the reputation to the face; Alisson looked far too…cute? – To be a grizzled war veteran. And…was that a hairclip on his bangs? His title ‘Fairy of the Battlefield’ seemed to make more sense now.


    Ashlynde and Marenix nodded in the affirmative. Alisson sighed, and continued, “Normally there’d be a large gathering and a procession and a party and all that…But we’re short on time, and you can thank High Command for this abruptness…” He breathed in deeply, and then locked eyes with them, “The both of you are now servants of the Nuam house. Any prior assignments have been rescinded. You’re our apprentices now.”


    Marenix’s eyes widened in disbelief. “…No…You’ve got to be kidding me…” He stared blankly through Alisson.


    “This was not a meeting on the grounds of facetiousness.” Alisson frowned at him.


    “But…But I…I studied in the academy for so long…tried so hard…I wanted to be in the science division with my older brother! Why are you stealing that from me!”


    Marenix’s heart was beating fast, and he shook with terror suddenly, realizing who it was that he was speaking out against. Alisson sighed, and responded,


    “I understand…This was not my choice. This was a decision made top-down by High Command. By Sidonia. Refusal is not an option. I can accept your grievances for today, but come tomorrow, I’ll hear none of it. Understand?”


    Marenix stared down into the carpeted floor, his eyes twitching. He never wanted to fight. He looked at the individual fibers of the carpet, as if discerning greater detail in the environment would expose this as some sort of bad dream.


    “Pardon, but Miss Chasettes?”


    Alisson’s lifted an eyebrow at Ashlynde, who had her eyes shut, and was shaking as well. She was clearly suppressing some sort of emotion.


    “Grievances?” She said, her voice wavering. After a moment her head shot up and locked eyes with Alisson and she beamed a crazed smile at him. “I couldn’t be happier! This is what I always wanted!”


    She stepped toward Alisson, like she was about to vault the desk and jump into his lap, when the girl standing by his side suddenly shot out a hand and blocked her, flashing a glare of death. Ashlynde backed off and raised her hands with a wry smile, instantly afraid of her.


    “This is a dream come true!” She said, smiling despite the glare. “I’ve always wanted to be a 51^st! I never thought I’d actually be here as your apprentice!”


    Her eyes were sparkling. Alisson cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, I will not be your master.” He motioned to the girl next to him. She sighed, her protective aura falling for a moment.


    “I’m Celistine Regadonia. I’ll be your master, Ashlynde.”


    “What!?” Ashlynde pouted. “I’ve never even heard of you!”


    Celistine clicked her tongue annoyedly and averted her gaze.


    Marenix looked up to Alisson. “That means…that means that my master is…”


    “Yes, Marenix. I’ll be your master heading forward. I’m expecting a lot from a son of the Arquis family.”


    Marenix grit his teeth at Alisson’s last remark. More expectation on his performance. It just didn’t stop.


    Alisson stood and walked before Marenix. “My apologies once more for the lack of ceremony but, let’s get this over with.” He knelt before Marenix.


    Marenix swallowed a knot in a throat. He didn’t have any say in the matter. Refusal would be going against Sidonia’s word – He’d be hanged. But was it really any different than what awaited him? Alisson went up north, and faced death defying odds that made his older brother Lente terrified…Would Marenix really be able to survive in Alisson’s shadow? He made up his mind, and extended his hand before Alisson’s face. Alisson took his palm with a gentle grasp, and kissed his hand.


    Alisson rose, and smiled. He placed his hand on Marenix’s head. “Well, you should rest up for tomorrow. It’s going to be a very, very busy day for you, apprentice.”If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Marenix averted his eyes, looking into the carpet again. “Yes…master.”


    Alisson looked expectantly to Celistine, and she frowned, but reluctantly stood before Ashlynde. After beaming down an unamused look, she knelt before her. Ashlynde mirrored this attitude, and stuck out her hand, as though she were sticking her hand into the enclosure of a dangerous animal. Celistine grasped her hand and gave it a kiss, but it was far quicker and less ceremonious.


    …


    This is crazy. These last few days have been crazy. I feel like my mind and body are eroding into nothing. The only thing I can think about is following Alisson’s orders.


    “The academy’s standards seem to lower every year.”


    Was all Alisson had to say as he watched me sputter in front of him. We were in a forest outside the city, in a sandy clearing, where after running for hours on end I was now planking. The sweat was mounting on my body and I eventually collapsed with a gasp. My master sighed.


    “I suppose you can take a breather for a few.”


    His words were like an angel’s whisper. I downed some water from a canteen that he gave me and I sat up, breathing heavily.


    “I understand that in being one dedicated to the sciences, your body is not as refined as Ashlynde’s is, but if you keep this up, that will certainly change.”


    I looked down at my shirtless body, furrowing my mouth into a frown. Alisson continued however, “You’ll also develop a physique she might find more appealing.”


    I blushed and looked indignantly to Alisson. “I’m not into her! She’s stupider than a sack of rocks and as reckless as a falling boulder! An idiotic brat like that is just going to get herself killed…”


    Alisson smiled gently at me. “I understand. You must grow stronger if you wish to protect her.”


    I averted my eyes. I shouldn’t even talk back to Alisson. He’s been able to read me like an open book every time I do. But I guess I shouldn’t be embarrassed when talking to Alisson about myself…He’s my master now. He’ll be guiding me for the foreseeable future. My apprenticeship could take years.


    “You’re a growing man, Marenix.” Alisson started. “I was in the same boat at your age, slight of stature and on the…Let’s say effeminate side – you need to learn to embrace your masculinity regardless. It is something that takes long to refine and understand. It’s something that I believe many forget about…It can be a flame to crush your enemies and protect your friends; or a flame of creativity, all the same as it motivates a man with unstoppable force.”


    I looked into the sandy ground as Alisson rambled. “You don’t provide a lot of specifics with your wisdom, master…”


    “Everyone is different, Marenix. Your solutions to the problems that life hands you will be different to mine, but there are general paths that I can point you toward. Of course, even these paths are ones I myself have taken – There could be any number of other ways to look at something that may seem alien to us.”


    “Then…what do you consider to be the one thing making you strong?”


    Alisson raised his brow at me. “You mean in fighting strength? Or strength of spirit?”


    “Combat.”


    Alisson sighed. “The answers to both are complicated and multifaceted. But realistically, combat abilities are just repetition and experience. If you’ve drilled and drilled for centuries you’re going to have the edge on someone who hasn’t…If you’ve felled numerous opponents before, you’re probably going to win against someone who hasn’t. Most of the battles you encounter will be as simple to resolve as this – Where two inexperienced men test their training and luck. However…Once you reach an apex of power, that is, matured, and face off against similarly matched opponents of veterancy – That is where the technical side of combat I believe is expanded into a tree of possibilities and esoterics.”


    I sat digesting his words. Alisson has been mouthing off to me like this at every chance I’m not physically straining myself. I can’t say that I’ve exactly internalized everything he’s said, though.


    “Esoterics?” I asked.


    Alisson shrugged. “Techniques that are beyond simple swordplay tricks and the like…Like veteran bowmen using magic-imbued arrows, or swordsmen partaking in the blood of dragons to grow physically stronger. We know that these produce tangible results, but they aren’t things that the common fighter will ever achieve or need. There’s also techniques that may rend less tangible results, like partaking in a tribe’s coming of age ritual, or seeking the blessing of a spirit – These may not have an immediately obvious practical benefit.”


    I looked up at Alisson. “I’m guessing as a fighter so high up in the world…This realm is what you look to pursue.”


    Alisson nodded. “Of course, keeping your body and swordplay in the best condition it can be is mandatory…But these esoteric techniques can’t exactly be obtained with a simple stop at a store, the most that people ever get are one, after all. But, Marenix…I think you’re rested enough. Another set, please.”


    Alisson tapped his thigh expectantly with a smile. I let out a groan and went back to feeling my body burn.


    “Enjoy this time while you can, Marenix.” Alisson looked out across the forest. “You may never know when you last live peacefully.”


    …


    My apprentice was drowning before me. That was partly thanks to me.


    “Master! I seriously can’t swim anymore!”


    Ashlynde, in a swimsuit before me, was frantically trying to keep herself afloat in the water. I had brought her to a pond in a forest outside the capital, Alisson was probably nearby with his apprentice. He told me to just do whatever I thought would strengthen her body. So I ended up chaining a weight to both her legs. I’m surprised she hasn’t gone under yet.


    “Master! Master!”


    The water was kicked up frantically as she panicked. She’s been panicking for the past five minutes now, so I don’t know when she’ll start sinking for real. “I’m not going to jump in there with you unless you actually start drowning. I don’t wanna wet my clothes.”


    “I can’t believe my master made up this training exercise just to see her apprentice in a swimsuit!”


    I did make it up. If it were up to me, I’d make her swim in the nude, but Alisson told me not to be unnecessarily cruel.


    “Shut up…” I rolled my eyes at her. “If you still have air in your lungs enough to complain then you’re fine…You know this pond has been used for decades to train apprentices like this…I wonder if there’s a bunch of skeletons at the bottom of weak little girls like you…”


    A lie, but my apprentice didn’t know any better.


    Ashlynde shrieked and tears started forming at her eyes as she paddled the water faster in an attempt to stay further away from the bottom of the pond. The body of water was actually surprisingly deep for how small in surface area it was.


    “Master! You’re cruel! Let me get out! I wanna leave!”


    “I’ll let you rest in a second.”


    “You said that a couple minutes ago! Master!”


    Am I cruel? I’ve never trained someone else before. Compared to real combat in the north against beasts and man, this is nothing. It all just feels so trivial. She’s not in any danger at all – She’s not even feeling any pain from wounds. I remember the first time I was stabbed. I thought it was the worst thing in the world. Now, I know there’s worse that can happen.


    My eyes lazily drifted to my apprentice. She doesn’t know yet. I can’t exactly force her to the brink of death to get her to wisen up, that’d probably be too cruel – Even if it was to ultimately save her.


    Finally, Ashlynde started to irreversibly sink into the water. “Master! Master!” Her calls came out in shoddy breaths. I reached down into the water and pulled her tiny body up with a single hand, the heavy weights dangling off her legs. I gently placed her on the rocks, sighing.


    “Good work I guess…”


    I muttered, looking over her exhausted body, as her chest heaved up and down. There seemed to be a piece of weed wrapped around her foot, so along with the weights, I took it off, staring at it quizzically.


    “What…is it…master?” Ashlynde heaved between breaths.


    “This vine here was going to pull you down into the water.”


    “R-really!?”


    “Well, over the course of years it would have.” I threw it into the water. “It grows slowly on other plants from the depths, and it pulls them down gradually over a long time. You probably just kicked your foot into an existing vine, though.”


    “What a weird plant…”


    “There’s a lot of weird flora across the world, yeah.”


    We sat in an awkward silence for a while as Ashlynde panted.


    “Master…” Ashlynde said between breaths, “Are you ever going to tell me about yourself and Alisson…?”


    I looked out across the forest. If I were to squint my brain would confuse the area with Freigat, and adrenaline would immediately seep into my bloodstream. I shook my head.


    “Another time. When you’re ready. We’ll tell you everything when Alisson deems it right. I might not tell you everything right now, but I’m not going to tell you falsehoods. It doesn’t feel right to lie to kids like you.”


    “I-I see…”


    She clearly didn’t see.


    ***