To all of my readers, I’m sorry for posting so late. I’ve just been swamped with papers and other homework from my college classes lately. I’ll try to post more frequently in the future. Enjoy the chapter.

*******************************************************************************************************

Book 2- Chapter 5: New Revelations

Nu-Ru POV

Over the past week or so we got more accustomed to the new lifestyle. After a while it started to become second nature. Wake up, eat, go to the academy and simply learning until class was finally over.

Over the week, we learned a couple of new things regarding the world and everything in it. Most of the Empire’s knowledge revolved around the Holy Knight Guild as heroes and the formation of the Empire. Regarding how magic works, it was very similar to Eternia, the use of mana and the concept of mana existing everywhere.

Along with learning more about magic, we didn’t learn much else that we didn’t already hypothesize. The most disappointing part of all was that there was little to no evidence going against the royal families and the Black Order. However I ordered Sirva to continue, just because you couldn’t find it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

We also made some advancement when it came to the six descendant. At first I assumed they were stuck up pompous knights with the same insular views as everyone. They proved to be durable when trying to hold a conversation. During that time I’ve grown to know more about each one of their personality.

Everyday we would train with them. After altering the ‘Binding Rings’ we were now had more leeway when it came to fighting. With the knowledge of the sword and equipment in mind, we fought with the six on equal ground. However we still needed to keep up the facade on being strong but not too strong.

Back to the story:

It was another day. It was near the end of the day and we were in the special class. Over the past week Requa have been challenging us, namely Shae to ‘test’ us. In any situation I would ignored him but we didn’t have much of a choice. Not to mention, we didn’t have much to do either way.

“|Air Slash|”

Activating my spell, sharp wind bended and flew towards Requa. He easily dodged rolled it and continued to run straight at me. He would dodge by the hair of it, making a show of jumping around.

Requa: “Got ya! |Fury Slash|”

“|Magic wave|”

I held out my arm as it accumulate mana before firing it off in all direction. Requa sword, gram has the ability to cut through all defense skills and attack, but spells used for defensive purpose didn’t count.

The shock wave was enough to push him back a fair distance before barraging him with |Air Slash| again, knocking him back down. I quickly used |Enchant- speed boost| to run over to him and pin him down.

“Do you surrender?”

Requa: “I don’t have much of a choice now do I? Hehe.”

He surrender rather easily, and laugh at it while I helped in him. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Shae wrapping up her fight with Haus. But what got me was Rumo fighting against Yusei and Kugei at the same time. Although I hate to admit it, he looked to be very powerful.

He was fast and nimble, even with his great sword. Especially since the two were just as fast, if not more. He was able to hold his own, eventually pushing them back.

Requa: “Impressive huh? Rumo the best warrior in the Empire, next to the prince of course.”

“The six families knows each other right, including the prince’s family?”

Requa: “Yes. Our ancestors were the legendary heroes that formed the Empire. But you already knew that didn’t you? But yeah we know each other, especially Rumo, I guess you can call him Alfonso’s best friend.”

*That’s an interesting piece of information*

I thought to myself when Requa told me that new information. I brought my attention back just as he defeated the two. I resigned myself from the field and walked towards the edge where I left my baggage. I pulled out canteen from the bag before taking a drink.

While relaxing I heard magic being used, I looked over to see Als training in the corner, again. Ever since that time, she’s been ignoring us, as if I wasn’t even there. Even though I said we would leave her alone, I still tried to get her to open up.

I stood at a distance, watching her using her magic. Hey crystallization magic was something Eternia didn’t have. I’ve been trying to replicate it, although it hasn’t been going well. Even after studying up on magic and crystals, the process was still challenging. I watched her attack and use all sorts of moves that I never saw before. Eventually she took a break after a couple of minutes of training.

Sensing an opportunity, I slowly walked over. She sat on the ground with sweat flowing down her cheek.

“Want a drink?”

I held out my hand with the canteen. As per usual she simply ignored me, namely she turn her head away, refusing to look at me. I let out a small sigh before putting the canteen on the ground next to her.

“Your crystal magic is amazing. I tried replicating it but no matter how hard I try or study, I can’t. It’s cool.”

Als: “......”

“... That magic must have been tough to learn and master. Did you learn it by yourself or were you gifted at i--”

Als: “My father.”

“Huh? Your father...wait.”

Before I could ask for any more, she got up and gulp down the remaining water in the canteen before tossing it over to me and walking away. I wanted to stop her and ask her again but I knew it wouldn’t make a difference.

*Sigh...Well at least I managed to get one response out of her. Progress... I guess.*

Class was almost over so I decided to finally back it up. Shae was waiting near our stuff.

Shae.Alpha: “Why are you still trying to talk with her? She said that she doesn’t need our help, just leave her alone.”

“When did you care about this kind of stuff?”

Shae.Alpha: “Quite frankly, I don’t like her. But the real question would be, why do you care?”

“.....”

Shae.Alpha: “You said something about ‘experiencing’ what she went through or something along those lines. Did you have a tragic past or something?”

“And if I did? What would you do about it?”

Shae.Alpha: “...”

This time, Shae was silent. It was a rule that members of the guild wouldn’t reveal their personal life so carelessly. Those who do, only tell the bare minimum, wanting to keep their secret hidden.

“I know what I’m doing. I won’t ask you to fully understand my intentions but I ask you to trust me.”

Shae.Alpha: “I trust you, but I just don’t get it.”

With that, the conversation ended and we finally headed out. Shae headed back to the Dorm while I went to the market plaza again. I heard there was a sale so I decided to stop there to see what new items and or food I could potentially buy.

The market area was crowded as always so I had a rather hard time walking through. It was when I looking through the goods that I felt that I was being watched. I could only rely on my instinct as my radar would only pick up incoming enemies if I was engaged in a fight. After walking for a while, I was sure that I was being followed. I maneuvered through the crowd until I came to an alleyway.

Then I broke into a full sprint, running through the back alley hoping to lose them. I sprinted through using my map, using the quickest route back to the academy. I was almost free until they blocked me. The alleyway lead to a street but before I could step out, four individual stepped out.

I slowed down to a halt and was about to turn back but more people came out of the woodwork. The thought of escaping using |Fly| or |Greater Jump| was viable but that would mean I wouldn’t learn why they were after me. Also there were no guarantees that they wouldn’t follow me again.

Having decided to stay, I confronted them.

“Who are you people?”

XXX: “Stupid brat. Don’t tell me you forgot about us and how you made us lose our good.”

I focused on the one that spoke. It took me a moment before realizing that it was the same guy that tried to kidnap Alia. From the bandage on his face, it wasn’t rocket science to assume that he’s after revenge.

“Ahh, it’s you. What do you want?”

XXX: “You made us lose a valuable good. We want compensation. If you give us your dark elf, we might call it even.”

I tried to keep my poker face on but I could feel a frown forming on my face when he mentioned Sirva. I quickly reminded myself to calm down before finally addressing them.

“And if I don’t”

A cruel smile creeped up onto his face as he unsheathed a weapon. It was a dagger but what caught my attention was the tip of it, an odd metallic green color. After using |Identify| I realized that it was poison.

XXX: “Then we’ll just have to make you.”

The other pulled out similar blades before charging right at me. There were eight of them in total, three charged at me.

“|Arcane Missiles.|”

We were in a fairly narrow alleyway so any AOE spell will only cause trouble. Activating my spell, pocket of mana formed and shot towards my assailants. They were caught off guard, apparently not realizing I was a mage. Having said that the three fell as their comrades took a couple of steps backwards in fear.

XXX: “You idiots! Charge him at once!”

The ‘leader’ brought them back with his order, they shook off their daze and charged at me. The small time that it took them to get their head straight, I prepared two spells.

“|Blockade| |Pulsing Flash.|”

Extending from the ground were walls of transparent mana. Two popped up around me, blocking them while two more formed at the entrance, trapping them inside. They didn’t have time to figure out what was going on before concentrated balls of light formed around them. The next minutes were blinded by the explosion accompanied with a small boom.

I brought down the blockade and looked around to see them on the ground. I double check to make sure I didn’t accidently killed any of them. The last thing I needed was being involved in murder. After confirming that they were still alive, I made my way out but --

XXX: “Die!”

I turned around fast enough to see the man up but not only that, he was lunging at me with the dagger. I didn’t had enough time to do anything but I didn’t need to.

In a split second he was knocked back. I looked around until my eye were on a sword that shot next to me, besides my head. I turned around to my surprise to see Rumo standing behind me, defending me.

“Rumo?”

I could hide my surprise at his sudden appearance and even more so as he defended me.

Rumo: “How careless of you, never turn your back until your enemies are truly dead.”

I couldn’t help but nod in response as there were truth in his words. I looked back to see the man trying to stand up while shaking in fear because of Rumo.

XXX: “Ju...Just you w-wait! I’ll get back at you!”

After yelling his final words he ran away leaving behind his comrades. Rumo slowly unsheathed his sword.

“I suppose a thank you is in order, but what are you doing here?”

Rumo: “I was here on an errand. I heard some racket so I came here to check it out and found you. I wouldn’t have intervened if you weren’t so careless.”

“I’m amaze you care so much. Seeing as how your views against mages are quite prejudice. I thought you would have just left me to die.”

The moment I finished I felt a killing aura coming from Rumo. His face turned a black purplish color as he stared me down. It took me a moment before I realized that what I just said was offensive to him and his honor.

Rumo: “I may dislike you mages but I would never seep so low as petty revenge or grudges. I have my own honor, don’t simply presume.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Rumo simply stood there and we held each other gazes until he finally left. After piling up the bodies and tying them up I finally made my way to the Dorm.

Bamen: “Welcome back...Master Nu.”

“Hello Bamen. Where is Shae and Sirva?”

Bamen: “Madam Shae is currently in her room. Sirva hasn’t shown up yet.”

“I see. I’ll call when I need you.”

Bamen bowed her head in agreement before leaving. I headed up the stair until I was finally in front of Shae’s room door. After knocking on the door and waiting a bit it finally open.

Shae.Alpha: “Welcome back, what took you so long?”

“I ran into trouble. Anyway, we need to talk.”

I made my way in and pulled up a small stool and sat down next to her bed. Shae jumped on her bed, sitting up.

Shae.Alpha: “So what do we need to talk about?”

“We need to wait for Sirva.”

We waited a couple of minutes before Sirva finally appeared from the shadows. She knelt down before us but we quickly dismiss her action so we can get the important information out the way.

“Sirva, report.”

Sirva: “Yes. Regarding the Black Order, I have still yet to find anything relating to them. I learned that they have had dealings with them but they were a long time ago. I’ve been searching the six families including the royal family but I have produced little results. If they are in league with one another, they are hiding it well. My apologies my master.”

I wanted to let out a sigh but that would have just proven that I was clearly disappointed even though I expected there to be little to no link to one another.

“It’s alright. I half expected that there would be little results. You are only one spy after all, don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Sirva: “Thank you for your consideration my master. Regarding your next order, the investigation of the royal family. It is as you say my master.”

Shae.Alpha: “Ok, can someone tell me what the heck you two are talking about?”

“Remember when the prince made that announcement?”

Shae.Alpha: “Yeah? And?”

“That was a public announcement, to all the people. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the king to deliver that speech? And yet all that were shown was the queen and prince, but no king.”

Shae.Alpha: “...Well...Maybe…”

I could see it on her face, what I said finally dawned on her.

“Sirva, continue on.”

Sirva: “Yes. This took much longer, no matter where I search and who I spied on and eavesdropped, the king was barely mentioned. A couple of rumors were mentioned but were mostly gossip. However I ultimately found the answer, he was ill struck.”

“Ill struck?”

Sirva: “Currently he is bedridden, I’ve only learn this from a conversation of some maids that helps the king.”

“Then why hasn’t he been mentioned yet? Do the people don’t know?”

Sirva: “From how the people act, only those close to the royal family know. Also while learning more about the king, I learn that there is a second prince as well. He seems to be bedridden as well.”

Shae.Alpha: “Second prince? When was this? Where was this information all this time? Why didn’t the princess inform us?”

“Maybe because she didn’t know about it either?”

Shae.Alpha: “Huh?”

“Did you happen to figure out when they were bedridden?”

Sirva: “From what I learned, the second prince was bedridden around two months ago. The king was bedridden just a little a while ago. At most, three week ago.”

“Three week ago...Around the same time the Regios kingdom and the Holy Empire decided to make contact. No one but the royal families and those closest to them only know about their situation.”

Shae.Alpha: “Hold on...Are you saying that there’s a cons--”

“I’m not saying anything...but right now we have too many questions and very little answers and clues. But something is certainly up...but the next question is, what exactly is going on?”

Shae Alpha: “I agree that something is going on but we have too little information to make any judgements.”

“For now, we should continue to quietly gather information and try to remain somewhat inconspicuous. Who knows, if we continue to gather information on the royal family as well as the other 6 grand families, we might very well unearth information regarding a conspiracy. Truthfully, the actions of the first prince as well as the lack of information regarding the current state of the royal family make me very suspicious.”

Shae Alpha: “You have a point but I still say that if you really wanted to remain inconspicuous, you shouldn’t be messing around with that elf girl. You constantly helping her has already drawn unwanted attention. For example, from a certain group of thugs that attempted to sell that girl’s sister and who then tried to ambush you today.”

I was caught up in my own thoughts that I didn’t have time to respond to Shae. It took me a moment before realizing what she was talking about.

“How do you --”

Shae Alpha: “I used my orbiter’s monitoring and stealth functions to follow you and see what you were up to in the city since I was kind of bored here in my room .”

“You know, spying on people is a very bad habit.”

Shae Alpha: “Someone has to watch your back. Besides, even though you are supposed to be our guild’s strategist and have always been lecturing Dracus about acting impulsively, you have been acting very strange when it comes to that elf girl. I wonder have you actually fallen for her?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. As I’ve told you before it’s just when I look at her....I...can’t help but help her. I understand your concern but I can handle it.”

Shae Alpha: “You keep mentioning about that but never really talk about it. Is the memory that painful? I know our guild has the rule of not asking about each other’s past too much but right now we need to be focus. I’m here for you, remember that...We’re a friends after all.”

She brought her hand over to mind, holding it to reassure me. I took a moment, taking in what Shae just said. I took in a deep breath before exhaling and responding to her.

“You're right, I’m sorry if I have been going overboard. I haven’t taken your opinion into consideration...I’m sorry.”

Shae.Alpha: “That’s better. Let’s take a break, we’ll grab something to eat and continue this later.”

I agreed and we headed down to for some dinner. Afterwards we finish our discussion on what to next.

*********************

Rumo’s POV

It had been some time since three new arrivals had transferred into our class that was meant for only us highest nobles of the Holy Empire.

At first they seemed to be no competition for us. One was a weak and vulgar girl who fought with her bare fists while the other two were useless mages that could only fight from a distance.

At least that is what I thought at first.

As time went by, the vulgar girl named Shae and the male mage named Nu-Ru gained the ability to defeat some of us one on one. I don't know how they gained such power in such a short amount of time. I considered the possibility that they have been somehow holding back their power since we met.

My theory was reinforced when I witnessed Nu-Ru taking down a group of thugs in an alleyway. I only stepped in when I noticed one of the thugs who he stupidly only knocked out, attempt to attack him from behind.

And after saving his good-for-nothing life, he had the nerve to insult my honor. Of course to my surprise he apologized to me

…………..

Two more week passed by as the three integrated with us. To my surprise the others gained new opinions regarding the three but mostly for the ones called Nu-Ru and Shae. Although, I still held my doubts about them. Something about them wasn’t right.

One day as we are all sparring in class a messenger arrives bearing the sigil of the royal family.

Messenger: I bear a summons from the first prince for a matter of the utmost urgency. The members of this elite class are to follow me to the royal palace for an audience with the first

Prince.

And so we follow the messenger to hear what business my friend Alfonso has with us.

********************************

Nu-Ru’s POV

What is going on?

A messenger just arrived from the first prince who apparently has an urgent request for the members of our class. While I followed him I sent an echo to both Shae and Sirva to check up on them. After a couple of seconds both of them responded.

*Shae, Sirva can you hear me?*

Serva: *Yes Master.*

Shae Alpha: *Reading you loud and clear.*

*That’s good. I’m guessing you also received a message to meet the prince?*

Shae Alpha: *Yea, so Nu what are we going to do? Are we really going to answer the summons of that Douchy first prince.*

*I’m afraid we have no choice. We have to maintain our cover as loyal citizens of the Holy Empire. Also this is a great chance to meet this first prince face to face and see what type of person he really is.*

Shae Alpha: *If you say it’s necessary, I’ll go along with it but I won’t like it. That guy reminds me too much of that super Douche Arthur.*

*Thanks. Also Sirva, I’ll rely on you to stay in the shadows and guard against any unseen threats.

Sirva: *By your command, I shall carry out your will.*

After our talk I continued on my way until I eventually meet up with Shae. We followed the messenger along with the other seven to three carriages surrounded by imposing looking knights.

We are then escorted by carriage through the capital and towards the royal castle.

Once near the entrance to the castle we exit the carriages and make our way to the entranceway.

We are then escorted by the messenger and knights through the halls of the castle that are decorated with gold, jewels and tapestries depicting the glories of the Holy Empire, especially those of the seven founders.

We eventually we reached the throne room where we witness the first prince sitting on the throne in an overconfident manner.

Seeing him again makes me realize how truly similar he seems to the Guild Master of the Holy Knights Guild Arthur. But what stood out the most was how barren the room was. The throne he sat on was the king’s throne. Beside it were other thrones, most likely for the queen and prince.

I couldn’t really think more about it as the six along with Als kneeled down to the prince so Shae and I did so as well.

Alphonso: “Rise all of you, especially you my six friends whose status within this kingdom is not less than my own.”

Rumo: “Tell us Alphonso, what was urgent situation that caused you to summon us to the palace in such a manner.”

First Prince: “Right to point as usual, ay Rumo?. Well the problem is that a pack of E ranked monsters are lead by a D rank are causing trouble on our border with the Regios kingdom. They are attacking merchant caravans as well as any travelers who are unlucky enough to come upon them.”

*E rank? So that’s the way this world categories monsters huh?*

Back in Eternia monsters weren’t only rank by levels, they had categories. Regulars, mega, major, ultra, legendary, master, enigma, ancient and finally god tier. Their level, health, ability, and status depends on what tier they are. Typically a way of knowing what tier a monster was, was by looking at their colored health bar. Mobs of random enemies were regular and mega base, sometime with a major tier enemy leading them. Other higher tier were randomly spawned here and there, namely in dungeons. Typical of any MMO’s or RPG’s.

*I have no idea or any data regarding this world monsters ranks. Now that I think about it we only fought human rather than monsters. Perhaps this will be a fruitful adventure.

Requa: “That’s impossible, there haven’t been monster sighting on the central continent for years. Even if they’re only rank F.”

First Prince: “I used to think so as well but our reports made by those lucky enough to make it back after facing them aren’t wrong. That’s why it was decided to send some of the empire’s most talented individuals to deal with the threat.”

“Why us? We may be strong but why not send tons of your troops”

My sudden statement caused everyone to look at me including the guards and the six. No doubt they were surprise that I questioned the prince.

Alphonso: “It is true that I can simply send troops to deal with it but there’s another problem with it. There is a high possibility of the F rank monster being led by a rank E.”

Everyone grew silent and looked at Alphonso with a varying shocked expression. I had no idea just how strong an E rank monster is, but depending on their reaction, it’s apparently powerful. I had no choice but to play along with them.

“I see…”

I looked back at the six to see their response. Their eyes burned a furious passion, they were up to the task.

Rumo: “We understand the mission and will complete it for the Glory of the Empire.”

Other Five: “For the glory of the empire.”

Alphonso: “Regarding you three, I’ve heard reports from them as well. It would seems that you are on par with them. You will also be joining them, but you probably already know that. Provide them with as much support as you can.”

Reading it superficially it was a genuine compliment but I didn’t see it like that. The say he said it has an undertone, ‘You’re just weaklings, your job is to help them out.’ He was clearly looking

down on us because Als and I were mages.

*Looks like Arthur’s disdain for mages is hereditary.*

I quickly glanced toward Shae to get her opinion. She simply nodded back showing that she was willingly go along.

“We agree as well.”

Alphonso: “Perfect. Arrangements have already been made. You’ll be traveling to the Chustre Forest, several kilometers away from the capital near the Wollea city. From our reports, the creatures have made the forest it’s home. I wish you all the best of luck.”

Everything quickly finished up and we were on our way home. The six were returning back to their home which was nearby to the royal castle. Only Als, Shae and I were leaving in the carriages. Even now, Als decided to take a carriage by herself.

“So what do you think?”

Shae.Alpha: “My expectation of him went up a bit before dropping back down. He’s good at pretending, I’ll tell you that.”

I gave a slight nod in agreement. Even in the short time of seeing him, I could already tell he was trouble. Didn’t help that he was eyeing Shae and Als either.

Shae.Alpha: “Regarding this monster quest...If anything this might be a good opportunity to test our strength against this world monster. But you did had a point, pushing everything to us. Some prince, Tchh..”

“For now we’ll do as he say. But I’m more interested in what I saw. Why was the prince sitting in the kings throne. Something definitely doesn’t add up.”