“NOT AGAIN !”

Azar woke up screaming and almost fell over the bed. The sunlight was sneaking its way through the window. After such a nice sleep, in the most expensive Inn money could buy, Azar never felt sicker in the stomach.

The shock from falling from heaven may explain his heavy breathing, but it was his conversation with God that made him feel sick.

“Note to self. All celestial beings are weirdly pervy …” Azar felt a slight shiver as he stepped down from the bed.

Suddenly, Azar heard someone knock on his door.

“What is this !?” Azar just casually opened the door without a care in the world.

“Do you purposely greet all women while dressed indecently !?” a rather cold and annoyed voice greeted him on the other side. Who else but Sasha, a captain of the Royal Guards. With her arms crossed firmly in front of her chest and eyes like daggers, Sasha was not someone Azar hoped to see first thing in the morning.

Azar looked down and sighed in relief. While he was shirtless, at least, he was wearing pants, unlike yesterday with the human princess. Azar turned to Sasha and said

“And what about you girls trying to catch me off guard ?!” Then he raised his voice, “I AM IN MY ROOM! I CAN DRESS HOWEVER I WANT !”

“Men …” Sasha rolled her eyes, shook her head, and sighed.

“Ok that’s enough ! Unless you have something for me, I really need to get some breakfast !”

“Breakfast ?!?” Sasha raised an eyebrow. “It’s already high noon ….”

Azar turned back and looked at the expense and all so comfortable bed, then blamed it for him waking up so late.

Seeing that Azar clearly overslept, Sasha just sighed and shook her head once more.

“Come on… just put on some clothes and follow me….” Sasha closed the door.

All dressed up and ready, but there was still something lingering in Azar’s head, and it wasn’t just the hunger.

“Wait a second, why are you here and how did you even know where to find me ?!”

“Munir told me. He even asked me to take you for a tour of the city and keep you company.”

“Ha, all those times on the street, and he's still rat me out …” Azar jokingly said. However, something was off. “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be the princess's personal knight ? What are you even doing here !?!”

“That’s a long story. I’ll tell you when we get some lunch.”

Unlike the night before, Sasha took Azar to a relatively normal restaurant. Though it was clean and on the upper scale, it was far from the level of The Citlali. But, at least all the people dining there seemed friendly enough. So, Azar could drop his guard down … just a little bit.

But the most noticeable thing Azar saw was how comfortable Sasha was when she got there. She greeted the people warmly, unlike the frosty glare she gave him earlier. And everyone seemed so glad to see her as well.

“Sister Mary ! Sister Mary, Sasha came back and she brought a man with her !” a little human child, with just a little freckle on her nose and a smile as bright and warm as the sun, ran back to the kitchen with a stack of dirty dishes in her hands.

“Oh thank God ! The day has finally come !” An older human female came rushing out of the kitchen and held Sasha’s hands

“SISTER MARY !!! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT” Sasha flustered and shirked.

“Sister ?” Azar looked at both of them with curiosity in his eyes. Obviously, that woman couldn’t be Sasha’s real sister, but they did seem very close. Took a deeper look at the woman's face; something sparked in Azar’s mind. Even though time and hardship had done some number on her face, Azar could still recognize her.

“Holy shit ! You’re the huma… I mean the nun who opened the door for me that night !” Azar pointed his finger at her.

“Azar ! Language !” Sasha turned to Azar.

“The nun that opened the door ?...” The female human looked at Azar closely. Then her eyes sparkled. “Oh my God, you’re that little boy! You’re the one that saved little Sasha !”

“Holy fucking …”

“Language !!!!” Both women shouted at Azar.

Sitting on a table, Azar could not help but stare at all of the decorations and symbols in the restaurant … and the big, obvious stone statue of the human’s version of God.

“So, is there a story behind how a church became a restaurant … or maybe a restaurant became a church ?”

“We were refugees when we got accepted in Tolemac,” Sasha spoke with a heavy tone. “We were scared, hungry, and had no money to our name. And the people and the government did not have much money to spare for us either. We were lucky to be taken in by a small church. Money was extremely tight back then, so we need to find a way to earn some money. So the church’s restaurant was born.”

“So you want to meet me today. Is this because you want to show me the church ?”

“Yes and no. Let’s just say it was a pleasant convenience. The princess was grounded so I would get a day off, and Munir did come and ask me to show you around town.”

“Humm … the princess got grounded and suddenly little Munir came for a visit. What are the odds of that ….”

Sasha tilted her head and put on her innocent ‘I don’t know what you’re saying’ kind of face.

“Oh please, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed that already !” Azar leaned in. “The little frustration every time he heard me call her Elly, the sudden shift in personality when he is in front of the princess ….”

Sasha rolled her eyes then sighed. “Yeah … it is painfully obvious isn’t it ?”

“My only question is does the princess know, or is she just playing hard to get !?!”

Sasha just shrugged “ I don’t know, really. Elly could be a little bit slow on that aspect. But even if she does, there can not be good come out of that”

“Huh !?! What ???”

“Elly is a princess, and no matter how wealthy or wise Munir is, he is a commoner. Munir wasn't even born in Avalon. There is no chance for him to have a romantic relationship with the princess.”

With a calm and playful face, Azar leaned back and chuckled, “Ah yes, a forbidden romance. Isn’t that the best kind !?”

“But forbidden romances are forbidden for a reason. The sweetness of a moment usually foreshadows the bitterness of the end.”

The food finally came and cut their conversation briefly. Although the dishes were fairly simple, bread, potatoes, grilled beef, and a cup of wine, Azar still found the food alright. Each dish was treated with care which elevated the meal quite a bit.

“Oh right, before I forget.” Azar asked Sasha, “What do you really feel about the Elites Academy?”

“I don’t you mean ?”

“When Elly recalled the story, she seemed very fond of that time. But when you did it, you seemed quite torn. At first, I thought it was just your personality, but now, I believe there must be a deeper meaning behind the story.”

Sasha's eyes turned serious as she looked around.

“Let’s just say, nothing is all rainbow and sunshine.”

“Let me guess, Elly got better treatment as the princess ?”

“Not just that. No matter how progressive a nation is, there will always be a darkside.”

Azar listened in keenly as Sasha told him the full untold truth about her upbringing.

“Avalon is still heavily divided, and the Elites Academy is no different. It was the place for the offspring of the rich and royal to attend. Although it was meant to be open for all, the truth was, not many commoners can even set foot inside it. And for those who do, like myself. We face constant discimination from the professors, trainers and students in that academy. They don’t want people like us coming there. I have seen many talented people get rejected or kicked out of the Elites Academy for almost no reason. I’m among the few commoners who ever graduate. I have to work harder than anyone inside that Academy and even then, I still need a lot of favors from the princess to aid the process. Everyone looks down on me, because I’m a girl who wanted to become a knight, because I’m a refugee. They said that I don’t belong there, breathing the same air as them. They are the kind of people who would kick you when you’re down, then throw you out on the street.”

“Then why were you even there in the first place ?”

“Because I want to make a difference.” Azar could hear the tension in her tone and how her whole body stiffened for a second. “I don’t ever want to see anyone else have to go through what I have. And I’m not just talking about the Elites Academy. The people need to have a choice for their own fate, whoever they are. And like it or not, the Elites Academy will give you the best chance to make something out of yourself. The education, training, and resources are unmatched, at least within Avalon. The people need to have a fair chance, just like the wealthy and the royal. No more children being sold to the wicked without a voice of their own, no more commoners being stepped on. Everyone will have a chance if they work hard enough !”

That flame in Sarah's eyes was more than convincing. Azar believed every word she said and that she would gladly walk through fire for what she believed in.

“You’re a strange one. Most people I’ve met blame it because of the influence of the Demon King ….”

“Do not use that as an excuse. Nothing can excuse the cold heartedness of a man who sold his own daughter for silver. Nor can it excuse those inhuman men that were about to do the unspeakable to a little girl. They are accountable for their own greed and perverted desire. And no Demon King’s influence or praying can change that !”

Azar was astonished by this little human. She was the first human he ever spoke with that had ever not been clouded with lies and misguided. And coming from someone who was raised under the roof of a church, where the words of God meant the absolute, Sasha just became that more impressive in Azar’s eyes. Needless to say, the image of the little helpless girl Azar once saved was gone.

“Wow, Who has taught you that ?”

Sasha looked at sister Mary and the little kid coming out of the kitchen. “I learned it from a wonderful woman who worked her darn hardest and beyond to give a girl, who wasn’t even her blood, a better life.” Then she turned to Azar, “And a young boy who risked his life to save mine without even knowing who I am.”

The two took their time and finished their meal before saying goodbye to the cook. Sasha then took Azar outside of the city and into the forest. After crossing a few hills and dense wood, they finally reached their destination.

“Wow ! How come nobody else finds out about this place ?”. Azar found himself walking on the verge of a dazzling lake. From a distance, the water surface was glittering brightly as if millions of sparkling stars had fallen from heaven. Up close, it was so clear and still that he could even see the pedals lying on the bottom and small fishes calmly swimming around. And surrounding it, protecting the forest sleeping-beauty, its ancient guardians. Trees that were so big and tall as if they had been there since forever, standing like giant guards, only letting just a few sunbeams pass through its thick foliages to bright up the lake, forever protecting the secret sleeping beauty.

“Not many would dare to travel this deep in the forest on their own, especially commoners. And while some of the guards know about this, they just don’t have time or reasons to visit anyway. So this remains mostly untouched.” Sasha explained. “I usually come here when I need to find some time for myself without being disturbed by all the nonsense.”

“So why are you taking me here ?”

Sasha quietly sat down on the bank, took her shoes off, and put her feet in the cool water. Azar watched her from the back. Even though Azar found Sasha’s weak and ugly features did not match the beautiful scenery at all, seeing how her wavy long blonde hair just shined with the glistening of the lake, Azar felt quite intrigued.

“The princess can be a little naive, we all know that. But you can’t fool me that easily. Who are you, Azar ?”

Azar just smirked. Finally, he figured out Sasha's intention. He followed Sasha and laid on the grass next to her, with his bare feet dipped into the lake.

“I’m just a humble vagabond …”

“Liar …” Sasha softly replied “Your story is filled with unanswered questions and lies. Swordsmanship takes time to master, and to be able to reach your level, it takes a lot of practice and experience, things that a person like yourself shouldn’t have. If what you said is true, then when did you have the time to continuously train with such a standard, and who taught you all of that?”

“I taught myself. Have you forgotten, I have been able to take grown adults since I was a boy. I have more fighting experience than you can imagine …” Azar’s voice remained calm and playful

“Then how would you explain your alchemy skill ?” Sasha's cold gaze clashed with his warm amber eyes “You told the princess that you picked that up on your way as well … Bullshit ! To be able to heal her wound that fast, one would need to know high level alchemy or just straight up magic !”

“And alchemy is not something one could just casually figure out, especially at high level ! It has to be taught. And from what I can tell about you, you are smart and careful, too careful to just randomly experiment alchemy by yourself. So someone must have taught you !”

Azar listened keenly and smiled. Perhaps he had underestimated Sasha after all, she wasn’t as dumb as he thought, maybe under those fragile ugly firgure of her, there was a brillian mind.

“Not to mention, from Munir stories, it seemed like you were able to read, write, and navigate the star since you were a child. Again, not something that you can self teach. The more I think about you, the more you don't make sense …” Sasha’s eyes narrowed.

“A man as skilled and talented as you, suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Just coincidentally had some influence over the princess, Munir, me, and just casually said he held no ambition ?” Sasha looked down on Azar “The truth, Azar. Who are you and why are you here ?”

And as spontaneous as humanly possible, Azar answered, “I want to change this country for the better.”

“Oh is that all !?!” Sasha sarcastically replied.

“No, it's step one. After that, I want to become the beacon of hope for all living beings, no matter who they are.”

Sasha leaned down closer to Azar’s face, to the point where here hair almost touched his skin, then softly said

“Oh a pretty face, those playful, carefree eyes, the soft, husky voice, and you spoke just the vaguest, most intriguing sweet honey. How many had fallen for that trick ?”. Sasha then put her hand on Azar’s chest, smiled kindly, then pressed down hard.

“I’m not a naive little girl !” Sasha’s eyes grew cold, and her voice became frosty. “Tell me the truth !”. Although she meant it as a threat. When Sasha pushed down on Azar’s chest, Azar’s face and demeanor remained unchanged. If it was not for the warmth of Azar’s body, Sasha could not tell if it was Azar’s chest or a rock that she had just pushed down on.

“Do I look like I’m lying ?” Azar just looked deep into Sasha’s frosty eyes with his piercing amber eyes. Under all the carefree tone, all that playful action, Sasha could see the eyes full of hardship, pain, and unforgiving. She pushed herself away from Azar and shouted.

“Stop it ! This isn’t funny !”

“Why ?”

“Because that is insane !Do you even understand what you’re saying ? To change this country !!!”

“Tell me…” Azar smirked and shrugged.

“Are you mad or just dumb !?! Everyone knows that you can only make any changes in this country if you are the one who rules it ! And you can only have the slightest chance of ruling this country by either being born a royalty, marrying the princess or taking this country by force ! One I know you are not, one I doubt you can, and one would make you my enemy !”

“I could be a royalty …” Azar titled his head and gave a cheeky smile.

“This is not a joke ! I am being dead serious here !”

“And so do I! I meant every single word I said !” Azar sat up. “And it is rich coming from someone who just said she wanted to make a difference herself !”

“I just want to help the little people! But what you’re saying is _”

“Crazy ?!?” Azar interrupted her. “Believe me, I know. I don’t even know if I can do it or where to start. All I know is I have to try …”

“Oh my God ! Why can’t you just be another smart mouth with a pretty face ! Why do you have to be so weird !” Sasha sat back and sighed deeply.

“You don’t seem to be that afraid of me. I mean in your mind, am I not supposed to be some kind of massive threat ?”

“You’re dangerous, you’re trouble … But you’re not evil.” Sasha couldn’t believe she was saying that herself “At least … I hope you’re not…”

Azar just laughed to himself. They both were so focused on each other that they didn’t notice the time. It was only when Azar saw how the color of the sunlight had changed on the surface of the lake that he knew the Sun was about to set.

Azar stood up and gave Sasha his hand

“Come on, let’s go back before it’s dark.”

Their journey back was rather quiet. Sasha did not know what to expect when she asked Azar, but it was beyond her wildest dream. When they got back into the city, the moon was already high above their heads. The smell of cooked dinners filled the air of every street, and the people were hurrying home to their families. Sasha took one more look at Azar's face, then sighed deeply.

“If you really want to do good. If you want to make actual changes. Then you first must process the tools and knowledge to do so ….”

“Oh !? And how can I get these tools ?”

“By joining the Elites Academy.”

And without a second thought, Azar instantly replied

“No !”. Then continued to walk back to his Inn.

“What is wrong with you !?” Sasha grew irritated and constantly yelled at Azar while following him. “All that fancy talk about how you’re going to change the world, but the second you hear that you would have to work hard for it, you back off ??!!”

Just the vision of learning and working with humans was already more than enough reason for Azar to forever reject this idea. Not to mention, it would also mean Azar would spend even more years doing considerably nothing. There was nothing that those humans could teach him that he did not know or need.

“Hey are you even listening to me ???!” Sasha still continued to follow Azar even after he stepped inside the Inn.

“What do you have to be afraid of ? You’re good with the sword, you’re in great shape and you have a connection with the princess. No one would step in your way.”

“Exactly my point. What do I have to learn from that place ?” Azar walked up the stairs. And Sasha still followed closely behind.

“It’s not about what you have to learn. It’s about what you’ll have. After graduating from the Elites Academy, you will be granted knighthood, a position of power. If you truly want to make change, that’s what you have to do.”

Azar laughed. Sasha just could not understand. However, Sasha did make some good points. He could not hope to change the mind of all these humans if he still remained a nobody. However, becoming a fighter like Sasha was definitely not the answer.

Sasha continued to talk to Azar about how he had to leave this carefree life behind him and join the Academy and how stubborn Azar was.

“I thought you didn’t even believe in my course. Why the change of heart ?” Azar asked when he was talking on the stairs to his room.

“I never said I didn’t believe you. I can’t stop a young man from dreaming big.”

Azar felt slightly offended.

“But I also want you to think about this thrurally. Don’t just waste your time away. Be more realistic ! Just hear me out. By graduating from the Elites Academy, even if you can’t manage to fulfill all your grant dreams, you will still have a great life and you can still help a lot of people. You can still live a wealthy life and help others, isn’t that a great deal ?”

“It’s just not enough …” Azar bluntly said as he opened the door to his room.

“OH YOU GREEDY ….” Sasha continued to talk, and she entered the room with Azar.

Sasha's rant continued, and Azar just wanted to block them from his ears. It was late, and he had grown tired of this conversation. And as nonchalantly as possible, Azar started taking off his clothes.

“So are we done talking because I would much rather do something else?”

Sasha was instantly knocked back by Azar’s action and words. Unfortunately, she was so focused on their conversation that she was oblivious to what had happened. Sasha had just entered Azar’s room willingly, closed the door herself, and now Azar was taking off his clothes.

“Azar, what do you think you’re doing !” Sasha gave out a threat. But Azar did not stop. Instead, with just his pants on, Azar walked toward her. Sasha instinctively stepped back until she found herself against the wall. She was far from afraid, it was not the first time a man tried to advance on her, and none of them ever left with a full set of teeth.

“Don't’ do anything stupid !” She gave out the last warning. But Azar did not look like he was listening at all. Instead, he leaned closer to her, and his hand got alarmingly close to her lower waist. Sasha could feel the warmth from Azar’s hand about to touch her. Sasha frowned and clenched her fist. She did not think she had to do this to Azar. She took a deep breath and was about to knock some sense out of Azar, … but the door next to her suddenly opened wide.

“If you don’t mind getting out of my room !?”

Azar opened the door and told her in a fairly annoyed tone.

“Huh . .. uh … what ….”

Sasha suddenly felt a little nudge on the back, pushing her gently out of Azar’s room.

“Seriously, don’t you have a princess to look after. Or have you forgotten that you had left her with a young boy who had a crush on her. Come on, don’t you know what might happen if you left a girl and a boy all by themself in a room ?”

“Byeee !” Azar shut the door right in front of Sasha in her absolute disorientation. It took her a couple of seconds to comprehend what had just happened. And at the end, she felt confused and relieved but also weirdly mad at what just had or had not happened.

Azar had grown tired and hungry. He had only had one meal for the day. However, Azar had something else in mind. He wanted to meet God and talk about what he should do next. So he lay on the bed and went to sleep, expecting to be summoned … But nothing happened. Azar just simply went to sleep, and when he woke up, the night was jet black. The city had gone to slumber. Azar never truly thought about it before, but he did not actually have a way to talk to God. He was always summoned only when God wanted to, not when Azar needed to.

Azar grew a bit irritated and went to the balcony to get some air. But his nose got the sickening scent of blood and death instead. Running like his life depended on it, a human in chain armor was riding on horseback through the city's streets, heading straight to the castle. There was blood all over him, and the horse itself looked exhausted. His thigh and right shoulder were riddled with slashing wounds.

“Ah shit … I know that looks …” Azar muttered.