“Vincent~! Are you ready?”

Vincent felt a shiver run down his spine.

“Please don’t use that tone when calling my name,” replied Vincent, the nauseating sound nearly caused him to vomit.

“Hmph! You’re just the same as your grandfather!” Faerin complained as he finished setting up concentric rings around Vincent. “All done! Wow~! I’m amazing!” He shamelessly praised his own work.

Vincent was finding it hard to maintain his usual aloof attitude when it came to the unpredictable fae in front of him. Whenever he tried to remain distant and calm, Faerin would do something annoying that inevitably forced him to retort in some manner. So in the end, he just gave up and went with the flow.

“Yes, you are the greatest, Godfather. So what are these for? It looks like markers used for target practice.” Vincent randomly threw out an idea.

“Oh~! Vincent, you are very bright! That’s right, we’re going to train your spatial awareness! If you can master this, you’ll be unstoppable!” Faerin dumbly smiled as he stuck his thumb up.

“If it’s just this, I’ve already done something similar. Back while I was training in the Ranger Corps, I’ve had plenty of practice when using the bow.”

“Oh, but this isn’t the same!” Faerin searched around under his cloak and pulled out a wooden shield and threw it over to Vincent. “Here hold this and try to block my magic.”

Without giving Vincent a moment to prepare, Faerin shot a spurt of water from his palm. Vincent reacted quickly and ducked behind the wooden cover. When it was all over, he peeked over the edge.

“That’s what it’s like to shoot an arrow,” stated Faerin. “Now, this is what I’m trying to teach you. Block this~ fufufufu.”

Vincent suddenly felt something wasn’t right and ducked behind the shield again, but was momentarily stunned when an orb of water formed in front of his very eyes.

“Shit!”

*Splash!*

“Pffft!” Faerin started laughing as Vincent was knocked over sputtering. “Do you see how amazing this ability is?”

“It’s annoying.” Vincent dryly said as he wiped his face. “But I think I understand what you mean now.” The unpredictability of this type of magic would catch anyone unaware. Even when the enemy has an understanding of this ability, it’ll still be hard to defend against.

“Ding! Ding! 100 points! As expected of Vincent’s grandson!” Faerin excitedly clapped before continuing, “Aren’t you proud of me? I’m going to teach you this super-strong ability!”

“If I remembered correctly, wasn’t it my grandfather that came up with this training method?” Vincent wryly smiled.

“…” Faerin pouted, “You’re no fun! Hmph!” He frowned for only a split second before recovering, “But I revised his training! I improved it! I swear on the elements!”

*WOOOSH!*

“Ow~! Okay, I’m sorry I won’t swear on your name!” A strong gust of wind blew Faerin over, causing a silly scene.

Vincent inwardly chuckled and motioned to high-five the air. He hadn’t expected a response but was surprised when he felt a slap from the air.

“That’s unfair! You’re teaming up together!” Faerin complained.

“Godfather, let’s get started. I really want to try this ‘amazing’ and ‘perfected’ method you invented.” Vincent appeased the childish old fae.

“Hmph! I knew you would admit to my brilliance.” Faerin felt satisfied and started casting a few spells. The dim lighting of the forest interior lit up a few degrees as balls of different colored lights appeared around the area. They floated around dancing around Faerin as he continued to cast spells. Then with a flick of his wrist, the magic balls of light flew out and arranged themselves all over at various distances to Vincent.

“Let me guess… Target practice?” Vincent asked.

“I guess you can say that?” Faerin pointed over at a dim glowing ball of yellow light and said, “The goal of this training is to neutralize the magic spell by using the exact amount of mana corresponding to the opposite element of the spell. For example, that is an earth-based magic spell. You need to use a wind-type spell to cancel out the spell.” At this point, Vincent felt a fluctuation of mana as a gust of wind formed directly over the ball of earth mana and put out the yellow light.

“You mentioned a precise amount. There must be a reason.” Vincent observed.

“Right!” Faerin then pointed over to another ball of blue mana. “If you use too little mana…” The fire mana fluctuated slightly before being dispersed by the ball of blue light. “And if you use too much…” A raging ball of fire enveloped the blue ball and engulfed it. However, soon after the fire died down and a red ball appeared in its place.

“Interesting,” Vincent commented at the intricate design of the spell Faerin had invented.

“I know! I’m the smartest person in the whole world, right? Tell me, I am so!” Faerin puffed out his chest like a big dog waiting to be praised.

“Right, Godfather is the smartest.” Vincent resisted the urge to pat Faerin’s head.

“Okay, go ahead. Have a try and tell me what you think.” Faerin impatiently urged.

Vincent started by focusing on the nearest orb of mana. It was a fire orb, floating about chest height and five meters away from him. He felt the water mana surrounding the ball of fire mana and commanded it to engulf the fire orb. A thin film of water coated the red sphere, threatening to squeeze it out, but after constricting for only a second, disappeared.

“Oh~ So close!” Faerin commented. “Vincent, you have to concentrate harder!”

Vincent nodded and tried once more. Unlike last time, he decided to use a more considerable amount of mana.

*Woosh!*

The fire orb that was the size of a fist was engulfed in a basketball-sized water ball. Vincent shook his head and release his control. When the water ball disappeared, the red orb was replaced by a blue one.

“Oh~ Too much power,” Faerin commented. “Vincent, you have to lower the amount of power. You know, back when I was a young fae I was able to do this with my eyes closed!”

“…” Vincent held it in and tried once more. He failed.

“Tsk! Tsk! Vincent, you know when I was watching your grandfather he was able to do this easily on the first try.” Faerin somehow took out a bag of roasted nuts and began nibbling on them.

“…” Vincent tried once more. He failed.

“*Munch!* You know, Arya is also able to do—“

“Shut up! Or go away!” Vincent screamed at the noisy fae and threw the wooden shield from earlier. The shield landed squarely on Faerin’s face.

“Oof!” Faerin flopped over, spilling his bag of nuts. “MY NUTS!”

Vincent evilly smiled and returned to his practice. Faerin miserably scrounged around the ground picking up his nuts and dusting it before throwing it back in the bag. When he finished, he had learned his lesson, so he left to go do something else.

With the annoyance gone, Vincent was finally able to concentrate. He took his time, feeling out the ball of water mana. In his mind, there was a scale that was comparing the water mana and the fire spell. He started off low and continued to add more mana, watching the scale slowly tip to equilibrium. Finally, he opened his eyes and cast the spell!

*Fshhh!*

A flame ignited into existence, swallowing the blue orb whole. As the water mana and fire mana fought for dominance, Vincent watched on. In the end, the water ball dispersed, and the flames fizzled out, leaving darkness in the area. Vincent smiled proudly to himself and then looked on to the rest of the orbs.

His next target was a further one, about twenty meters out and nearly ten meters above the ground. When he finally calculated the amount of mana to use and casted the wind spell, it appeared right next to the ball of yellow light.

“I missed?” Vincent felt flabbergasted. He was off just by a few centimeters, but for him, one of the best archer’s of his year, this left a foul taste in his mouth. He doubled down and concentrated once more. He calculated the amount of mana again while staring hard at the yellow orb like a madman holding a grudge against the sun. Finally…

*Woosh!*

A small tempest of wind ripped apart the yellow light, putting out the light in the area.

“Alright!” Vincent silently cheered to himself and began to advance forward. He took his time, moving from the inner ring forward as he blew out mana orb after mana orb.

From beyond the darkness, Faerin smiled like a proud grandparent. He had been watching ever since he left Vincent alone. Since it was his spell, he had to maintain it and keep it active for Vincent to practice on. He munched lightly on his nuts while watching Vincent like it was modern entertainment.

“Oh~ he missed one.” Faerin sighed lightly and ate a nut. “What I said earlier might be a little harsh on the boy, but I can’t have him being too proud of his talent. Vincent, you must work harder! For both your grandfather’s wish and your future!” Faerin made a ‘fighting’ pose and continued to munch on nuts.

---

Back in the capital, Gawain, the investigation of the griffon dungeon incident finally came to a conclusion. The royal court judicial committee called knight captain Kale Ellington and the students of the Dungeon Exploration Society into the hearing. When William entered the hall, he saw the duke’s son standing at attention at one end of a table. He also saw the crown prince sitting beside the judicial committee above the ground floor.

“Will, let’s go,” Sophia whispered as she tugged on his sleeve.

“I know,” William replied as he took his place at the other table. He knew that this day would come. The dungeon was an essential asset to the kingdom, and he was partially responsible for what happened that day. Even though it was due to the taunts of the other party, he was still the person that summoned that griffon. Two squads of soldiers were wiped out in the incident along with a handful of workers. The damage inside the dungeon core room caused the momentary closure of the dungeon while repairs were being made. Now, the royal family wanted to mete out the punishments that were due.

Although Sophia’s father was busy in his territory, he still sent down a reliable subordinate to help provide assistance to Sophia and her classmates. Sophia was a little disappointed when her father didn’t show up. Alec, on the other hand, was nervous, because he was the reason William took up the challenge. He felt guilty for bringing down the rest of the party, so he had trouble meeting the eyes of the other members of William’s small circle of friends.

“Just stay silent and listen to the final judgment. Whatever you say will not lower the degree of punishments.” Aya whispered to the rest of the group.

“In conclusion, the royal court has decided that punishment is due for both offending parties. However, punishment and reward must be separated. Due to the timely action of both parties, losses were minimized. In accordance to the laws upheld by the royal court, we will now disclose the punishment agreed on by all members of the judicial council.”

“Firstly, Knight Kale, due to your inability to control your men, allowing for the students of Lancelot academy to enter the dungeon’s core room, you will be stripped of your status as a captain of the royal army. You will also be held accountable for providing for the livelihood of the fallen soldier’s families for up to five years. Furthermore, you will receive thirty lashes. However, the judicial council would also like to reward your actions in preventing the damage in the dungeon from escalating. We have decided to reward you with a chance to join the royal knights.”

The whole time the judicial council was announcing their decision, Kale was silently standing at attention. However, when he heard of his discharge from the royal army, he visibly deflated. When he was given a chance of joining the royal knights, William half expected him to quickly accept. However, Kale’s reaction was just the opposite.

Kale glared angrily before answering the court, “I will never join the royal knights. My place belongs on the battlefield, not locked away inside the royal palace. I accept the punishments, but I’ll have to decline the rewards.” Kale didn’t wait for a response and left the court hall, stunning all the students within. William was the most shocked.

“Was this what he meant?” William thought to himself as he recalled Vincent’s mocking words when he mentioned he would become a royal knight.

“Now then, as for the students of Lancelot, hear out your punishments.” The judicial council turned their attention to the students who huddled closer together.

“We await your decision,” Aya replied.

“For overstepping your authority and entering the dungeon’s core room, the court had come to the decision that your club activities will be suspended from this day forth until further notice. Lancelot academy will be responsible for the loss of revenue incurred by the consequences of your actions. That will be all for the group as a whole. Now for the individuals responsible in this case, Alec Lennings.”

“Yes, your Honor.” Alec swallowed the lump growing in his throat and stepped forward.

“For failing to withstand the taunts of the other party, succumbing to pride, which resulted in the deaths of many. Come forth and receive your punishment.”

“Y-yes, your H-honor.” Alec kneeled.

“You will receive thirty lashes in the capital square as punishment. The punishment would be harsher if we weren’t to put your age into account, so therefore, be grateful.”

“I understand, your Honor.” Alec acknowledged the decision and blanched. Just ten lashes with the rod would leave a full-grown man bedbound for a month. His punishment called for thirty lashes, he would be crippled if he took that many.

At this time, Aya felt something was going to happen and quickly looked at William. Sophia also felt the same, since she had been staring at William since the beginning. William, at this time, was clenching his fists angrily and trying hard to hold back the words he wanted to say.

“Will!” Sophia cautioned.

“William.” Aya reminded gently.

However, their words fell on deaf ears. William stepped forward and shouted.

“I disagree with the decision!”

“…”

The deafening silence the followed left the students in the hall frightened out of their wits. Anyone who defied the decisions of the court always ended with a worse punishment. Right now, William was doing precisely what Aya and Sophia didn’t want him to do. However, Alec was moved by William’s actions.

“I will follow him to the end of this world.” Alec silently swore to himself. While everyone remained silent and didn’t dare argue against the court, only William stood up for him. Even his father, sitting in the gallery, did not dare fight the judgment.

“Knight William, do you dare disagree with the decisions of the royal court?” There was a subtle tone of anger hidden away within the man’s voice.

“Yes, I don’t agree!” William had also seen the public demonstrations of lashings and knew the implications. If Alec were to take thirty lashes, he would definitely be crippled. Although Alec was proud and a bit too straightforward, he was still an upright person. William cannot accept such a fate for his friend that he just made.

“Oh? Then what do you suppose we do in this case?” Lexus, the crown prince, interrupted. He found this scene exciting and different from his regular boring routine.

“…” William stared at the crown prince momentarily before answering, “The punishment should be reduced. Alec Lennings is a talent that the kingdom cannot afford to lose, especially when the kingdom is still being threatened by the monster outbreaks in the north.”

“Hmph, do you mean to tell me he alone will be the answer to the attacks in the north? Don’t jest with me.” Prince Lexus derisively laughed.

“No, I want to reach a compromise.” William began, “I wish for his punishment to lighten, but be redirected to a more positive outcome for both the kingdom and himself.”

Prince Lexus felt amusement by William’s words. In the end, William was just playing with theatrics and putting on a display of obedience. The hidden meaning behind William’s words was that William did not agree to the royal judicial court’s ways of doing things. However, William was a person the crown prince was trying to pull into his camp, so he compromised.

“The judicial court rarely compromises once a decision has already been made. However, your words convinced me somewhat.” The prince started to say. William felt the tense muscles on his face began to relax, but then the prince’s next words surprised him. “Then, as punishment, you will receive half of the strikes that Student Alec would have received. In turn, you and he both will head north and join in the defense against the monster outbreaks.”

“…”

“Your Highness!” Aya was the first to speak up.

“Silence! His Highness, the Crown Prince, is speaking!” The judge shouted out and waited for Prince Lexus to continue.

“As for your own punishment, you will also be receiving thirty strikes for your part in the damage of the dungeon. On top of the fifteen, you will be receiving from Student Alec’s punishment, which will bring you to a total of forty-five lashes from the whip. Will you accept?” Prince Lexus looked down on William with the eyes of a sadist, waiting for William’s answer.

“I accept!” William didn’t hesitate and answered.

“Will!”

“William!”

“Don’t be crazy, Will!”

Everyone shouted for William to stop. If thirty strikes would cripple a full-grown man, forty-five would definitely kill him.

“William…” Alec started tearing up, he felt that this was what it meant to have a brother that would die for you. His resolve hardened, and he shouted out, “Your Highness, I will accept my punishment in full. I am the son of a royal knight of the kingdom. Therefore, I can take this much punishment!”

“It’s too late, your friend as decided to accept half your punishment and I’ve already approved of it.” Prince Lexus chuckled as he stood up and left. Before exiting the hall, he announced one more thing, “We will discuss your rewards for killing the griffon after your punishment has been meted out.”

Aya was furious at the Crown Prince’s decision. She could never understand the thoughts that were going through his head. However, she believed the crown prince would never hurt one of his ‘people’, as long as they are still of some use.

Since the final decision was made, the royal court was adjourned, and the council members began leaving. Alec was visibly moved as he walked over to William. The rest of the students felt some relief that they weren’t personally responsible and so didn’t receive any other punishments, so they left quietly. Only Sophia, Aya, Faris, Alec, and William were left behind.

“William…” Alec began to say.

“Stop.” William held up a hand, “Before you thank me, remember that I’m doing this because I believe that I can take this much punishment. I also don’t want to see you... crippled.”

“Shut up, don’t lie to me. It’s obvious the latter statement was the main reason.” Alec wryly smiled and gave William a big bear hug. “Thanks, buddy. I owe you my life.” He couldn’t imagine what his life would be like if he were crippled.

“Don’t over exaggerate. You’re strong enough to withstand thirty lashes.” William scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

“Will, you idiot!” Sophia came over, pinched William hard enough to draw blood. She was frustrated at his good-guy attitude. It was Alec’s fault in the first place for putting everyone in this situation, she believed that he should’ve been the only one punished in their group.

“What’s done is done, Sophia.” William lightly smiled.

“Will you be alright, William?” Aya asked from behind. If William weren’t confident, she would immediately beg the crown prince to lighten the sentence.

“Don’t worry, Aya.” William felt his heartbeat quicken when he realized Aya was worried about him. This left a fuzzy feeling behind in his stomach.

“Do well,” Faris stated before leaving alone.

“Then I’ll see you on the other side,” William joked lightly as he left to prepare for his punishment.

“Yes, I’ll follow you wherever you go,” Alec responded and followed him out.

Only Aya and Sophia were left behind. The latter turned to the first, and coldly asked, “I hope your master knows what he’s doing.”

Aya smiled lightly and answered, “There’s no need to worry, Princess Sophia.”

“Hmph! Don’t call me that! I will never accept the third prince.” Sophia stomped angrily and left. Aya snickered silently as she followed behind.