I bet you were expecting the start of the tournament right? Too bad! :P

---

*Clack*

*Dhm!*

Stepping out from a smoke filled room, a handsome youth dressed in a worn out set of clothes and a smiling old man walked out. The youth, characterized by his unique shoulder length black hair and his solid yet thin build, looked like he was too tall to fit into his clothes. Strangely enough, in a matter of months, Hiro had grown to 1.75 meters from 1.6 meters. If comparing his current self with his past self from 3 months ago, he would be about a head taller than what he used to be.

‘I gotta get something to wear…’ Hiro pulled on the tight clothes. He had switched out his worn out ones before they left the training room. Even though it was a spare, it hardly fit him; his legs and arms were sitting out from the sleeves.

Noticing his predicament, Siberus laughed, “Hahaha. Hiro, don’t you think you’re growing a bit too quick?”

“I dunno…” Hiro shook his head. This was a strange growth spurt and it all started after the event with Kumabo.

“Heheh, doesn’t matter. Here take a few coins and get yourself something nice.” Siberus chuckled at the dumbfounded boy. Feeling a bit of pity, he gave the youth 3 gold coins that he had on his person.

“I-I-I c-can’t take this!” Hiro looked at the gold coins in his palm. Siberus had spent 100,000 gold coin’s worth of magic crystals on him already, he wouldn’t dare ask for more.

“Bah! Just take it!*Kohun* youwillbemyfuturegrandson-in-lawanyways.” Siberus insisted.

“If you insist… Did you say something?”

“Nope. Now hurry. Just looking at you is hard on the eyes. Get yourself cleaned up.”

“Yes sir!” Hiro saluted sluggishly.

“No need. Just call me Grandpa from now on. Okay?”

“Err okay? Grandpa.”

“Un! That’s better, now go.” Siberus smiled and ushered him to leave.

With a quick wave, Hiro went back to the main hall.

Remembering how quick Hiro was able to grasp his skill, Siberus grinned happily.

“Good job Lily. You’ve caught a big one.”

Hiro casually walked into the main hall. It was morning so there weren’t as many people around, though it was also due to the tournament that was currently going on. Strange thing was all eyes were on Hiro, including a pair of fierce hazel eyes belonging to a girl named Lynn.

“Ew! He looks so untidy! Where did he come from?”

“Hey! This is the AA not a barn! Go away!”

“Gahahaha! Look at that idiot!”

“Shh! Don’t stare. It’s rude.”

All around the hall people were mocking the way Hiro looked. Even Lynn was questioning where Hiro had been the whole time. She had participated in her B-Rank Division, but lost in the semi-finals, so she came back to take over of a friend. She didn’t want to watch anyone that was beneath her, so it was fine for her to be at the AA.

‘I guess I do look a little shabby.’ Hiro glanced down at his small clothes through his bangs. He could feel a thin beard beginning to form, though it just made him look even more shabby.

Quickly walking away, Hiro tried to stand out as little as possible, which was impossible to do. Hiro had a strange air around him, it seems to draw the attention of everyone around him. This was due to him being connected to his Astral Body consciously. By habit, he was emitting a thin film of aura around himself. The same thing can be said about experts in their crafts; they all emit a strange aura that makes them stand out in crowds.

Quickly making his way to the nearly barren streets, Hiro began wondering where everybody had gone.

“That’s right! It’s currently the C-Rank Division tournament.” Hiro said to himself. Less traffic meant less gawkers, so he was fine with it. Understanding why there was much less traffic on the streets, Hiro continued on his way to the shopping district where he had seen a small tailor shop before.

Soon he was past the AA residential area and had entered the shopping area, when suddenly…

“Sir! You there! Sir!” A man’s voice called out from behind.

Pausing, Hiro turned around and waited for the aging man to continue.

“I see you are quite young, but have been careless with your outward appearance.” The middle-age and balding man said.

“I’ve been busy.”

“Ah, is that so?” The man said, “Tell you what, I run a barbershop and just happen to have some time. Why don’t you come in, I’ll offer a free service just for you!” The man could tell after his 30 years of experience as a barber that Hiro looked very handsome under all his hair. Since the tournament was going on, he hardly had any customers so he was bored waiting. His business usually peaked before and after tournaments when competitors tidy up their appearances.

“Are you sure?” Hiro asked. He wasn’t sure about the prices of clothing within Adetia, the center of commerce, so if he was getting a free haircut, he’ll gladly take it.

“Yes! Come in! Come in!” The man tugged on his hand.

The man dragged him to a building a couple meters away where couple more barbers were idling about. Quickly seating Hiro down, the barber proceeded to massage Hiro tense shoulders to get him to relax.

“Calm down. It’ll only just takes a few minutes.” He said, as he threw a sheet over Hiro’s front. The barber began making some measurements and muttering to himself, before washing Hiro’s thick and dirty hair to begin the process of the haircut. Relaxing within the comfy chair, Hiro was nodding off into a dreamless slumber. All he could hair was the sound of running water as his head continues to get washed by the man.

*Snip Snip*

*Snip Snip*

“Done!” The man waved his pair of scissors extravagantly signaling that he had finished and waking up Hiro in the process.

“Wow~…” A woman barber exclaimed. This was her first time seeing a person with natural black hair. Not many people wanted black hair, since black hair was the symbol of the Demon Emperor that caused the Great Demon War 300 years ago. Only weirdoes and eccentrics get their hair dyed black. The woman wasn’t only surprised about his black hair, she also finally saw the face underneath and had her heart skip a beat. She was already in her late 20’s and yet she was moved by a youth that was 16.

Hiro woke up to find that his rugged and barely noticeable beard was shaved and his hair cut. His hair wasn’t too short nor too long, just down to his ears. The bangs that had reached down to the bridge of his nose was cut back to just above his eyebrows, revealing his deep and enchanting gaze.

“””Amazing…””” Everyone seemed to utter. Now that his face was revealed, many of the people within the barber shop could see the handsome youth that was hidden behind the hair. Even the few customers who were wandering outside came inside for a closer look.

What they saw was a man around 18 or 19 clothed in grey/brown commoner clothing that seemed one size too small. His face was a perfect combination of beauty and strength, a high nose coupled with delicate lips and a strong jaw. The man had a pair of round eyes that seem to emit innocence, just like that of a doll. Combined with the man’s healthy white skin and robust physique, many women were enamored by the charm that the man was unknowingly exuded. They wanted to corrupt and poison his innocent face, molding him into their toy.

“What?” Hiro asked at the gawking crowd that seemed to continue to grow.

“Wah!” The barber finally noticed the commotion and quickly shoo’d everyone away.

“My eyes are never wrong, after these many years I can still see a true beauty when I see one.” He patted his chest.

“Um excuse me. Can I go now?” Hiro impatiently asked, because he could still see the eyes of the drooling women peering at him from outside the shop.

“*Kohun* Sorry! Yea you can go.”

“Thank you very much sir!” Hiro gratefully gave him a bow and quickly left the place. Quickly wasn’t the correct term, Hiro ran out of the place, trying to lose the love drunk women.

“Finally…safe…” Hiro said to himself, “If Grandpa knew that I used his skill for something as trivial as this…” He tried imagining the look of pity in Siberus’ face. In the process of trying to escape, he had to use [Shunpo] to quickly dash into a side street to avoid the small horde chasing him.

*Slam!*

“Wha?!” Hiro was suddenly tackled and grabbed from behind. Instantly he was going to retaliate by breaking free from the arms that were wrapped around him.

‘Hmph! Such weak grip, you must try harder than that!’ He thought as he was about to break free. However, a sweet nostalgic scent wafted into the air. It was the smell of peppermint, suddenly images of a crazy childhood friend rushes back into his head. He suddenly noticed two soft large mounds pressing into his back and soft hiccups from behind.

“*Hic…Hic…* Hiro~…” The voice sobbed.

“Eh…Ah…Err…Lena…” Hiro awkwardly called out, his body instantly froze when he recognized the peppermint scent.

“How could you be so mean…*Hic*”

Noticing the people starting to stare, he quickly turned around and grabbed the sobbing girl and took her into a hidden alley. She obediently went along, although kept her quiet sobbing.

“Lena…” He turned to face her, while grabbing on to her shoulders. “Look, I had things to do…” He looked down. It was part of the truth, he wanted to get stronger to attend the tournament, but he also was afraid of Lena.

“You could’ve told me…After you left *Hic* I…I…thought you left Lena all alone again. *Hic*” Lena started addressing herself in the 3rd-person, reminding Hiro of the past.

“Hah~…” Hiro let out a sigh, he couldn’t help it. At that time, Lena had reverted back to how she was back then; a dependent and sweet little girl. He patted her head to calm her down.

“I’m sorry Lena. I’ll make it up to you okay?” Hiro said as he rubbed her soft blonde hair.

“*Hic* Promise?” She looked up at him. She didn’t find it strange that he was half a head taller than her now, though only a little over a month had passed.

“Un. I promise.” He let out a gentle smile while wiping away a tear.

“Then…” Lena began to act shy and bashful, “Will you give Lena a kiss?” She twiddled her fingers while not making eye contact.

‘What happened to the aggressive and crazy Lena?!’ Hiro was internally screaming. Right now the previous Lena he had seen was nowhere in sight. The current Lena heavily reminded him of the Lena from 6 years ago.

“Err no. Lena, you only do those kinds of things with those that you love.” He explained.

“Lena doesn’t see the problem…” She replied while closing her eyes and sticking out her face.

Hiro flushed considerably. One, because he thought back to the soft sensation of her lips from a month back. Another reason was because Lena had indirectly announced that she loved him. He was currently torn between Lena, his closest non-family member and Lena, the woman. In his mind he still saw Lena as the same insecure little girl that followed him around everywhere, yet that image was slowly beginning to change into a mature and grown up seductive woman.

He looked back at the patient girl as she waited for the kiss.

‘Ah~ what am I doing?!’ He squeezed his eyes shut and closed in on her.

*Chu~*

“Eh~?” Lena opened her eyes, she felt his lips on her forehead.

“*Kohun* There are you happy? I can’t kiss you on the li¬—Ahh!”

*Chu~*

Hiro felt a squishy soft feeling jump into his arms and attacked his lips. The strong smell of peppermint invaded his nostril as well as the taste of strawberries permeated his mouth. He could feel his heart began to race and his body slowly heating up. In fact, he could also feel the body of the ‘innocent’ girl as she entrusted her whole body to him.

“Mmmm puah~ Hiro *Chu~* Mmmm puah~!” Lena began to forcefully attack his lips as he tried to break free from her iron-like hold.

‘This strength...is much stronger than before!’ Hiro thought as he struggled to break free. He could feel his mind slowly giving in to the addictive haze of lust.

“Hah!” Hiro screamed as he barely managed to break free in time. “Hah Hah…” He panted. It was dangerously close, he almost lost himself to pleasure and gave up resisting.

“Aw~ Hiro~ Why did you run away from me?” Lena licked her lips.

‘Me? She didn’t refer to herself as ‘Lena’ anymore?’ He noticed the small change.

“Who are you and what did you do with Lena?” Hiro questioned. The current Lena had a much more intelligent look in her eyes. The Lena from just a while ago exuded an innocent aura that can cause anybody’s mood to lighten up. The current Lena only emitted a seductive and mature aura, no hint of innocence anywhere.

“What are you talking about Hiro~? It’s me, Lena.” She smiled, though much different from the other Lena.

“Liar! Lena wouldn’t act like that!” He pointed at Lena.

“It’s true! It’s Lena!” Lena changed back and pleaded. What Hiro didn’t know was, the seductive Lena only appeared when Hiro makes contact with Lena. It’s the manifestation of her desire for Hiro. Whenever she loses contact with him, she would slowly revert back to her innocent and childlike form.

‘… What is happening?’ Hiro was silent, just now he could tell that it was the real Lena talking.

Whiling deep in thought, Hiro wasn’t paying attention and was suddenly hugged again.

“*Hic* Hiro…*Hic* Do you hate Lena?*Hic* Lena can’t help but become like this *Hic* when Lena is with Hiro.” She sobbed into his chest.

Hearing that, Hiro calmed down.

‘No matter who she is, Lena would still be Lena.’ He gently smiled and rubbed her head.

They both stood there in a deserted alley. Not knowing how much time had passed them by. Hiro just kept on rubbing Lena’s head as the sobbing slowly stopped.

Now that quiet as once again filled the alley, Hiro asked, “Lena? Can you hear me?”

No sound came out from the girl whose face was buried in his chest, only a slight nod indicating that she heard him.

“I want you to promise me something if you want to keep seeing me.”

*Nod*

“You must never kiss me like that again okay?”

*Shake*

“We can’t do that.”

*Shake*

Hiro was struggling emotionally. He saw Lena as a little sister. Aside from the memories of their kiss, he was forcibly denying that he saw her as a woman. He knew that Lena and himself could never be together. He had to fulfill Tenga’s desire to be free and she was in debt to the king. He didn’t know how long he would be gone and even if he would be able to return to Adetia. Life of an adventurer was dangerous and many die without their loved ones ever finding out, he couldn’t bear to let Lena keep waiting for him.

“Lena.” He said firmly, “Do you love me?” He felt his heart began to race. He was only 16, what did he know about love? Not much and here he was hugging a woman who he knows sees him as her world.

*Nod*

“…”

*Nod! Nod! Nod!*

Not hearing a reply, she frantically kept nodding.

“Will you keep waiting forever for me?” He asked as he stared up into the sky. He began to seriously consider their lives as more than brother and sister.

*Nod! Nod! Nod!*

“What if I don’t return?” He feared leaving behind an innocent girl who would keep waiting forever to meet a person that would never return.

“*Hic*” She started sobbing again.

*Shake! Shake! Shake!*

“Haha…” He let out a tired laugh, there was nothing funny about it.

“*Hic*”

*Thump Thump*

She pounded on his chest weakly as her sobbing continues.

“If I had the power to protect you, I would take you along with me…Right now I can’t even protect myself.” He thought back to his near death experiences with the Doppler, bandits and bears. A look of anger surged within his eyes, he hated how weak he was.

*Nod*

“You want to come along with me? On my journey?” Hiro’s eyes widened.

*Nod! Nod!*

She frantically nodded.

“Too bad… The King of Adet would never allow it.” Hiro remembered what Lena’s father said about Lena. The King greatly sponsored them, as if his life depended on her. There was no way that the King would calmly let her walk away from him.

*Shake!*

“And as I said before, I can’t protect you nor can I even protect myself.” Hiro thought back to the reason why he wanted to compete in the tournament. It was to gain martial skills to protect himself while he travels around the world in search of a way to release Tenga.

“Then *Hic*…” Lena finally decided to talk, “Lena will protect us both!” She looked up at him with tear filled eyes.

Hiro couldn’t do anything but stare back at her nearly perfect face. The only blemish on it were the stains from her tears that slowly ran down her smooth cheeks. He was at a loss for words, the once weak girl that hid behind his back while he fought off the older kids was now claiming she’ll protect them both.

“Lena *Hic* is strong now! *Hic* King Forst can’t *Hic* stop Lena!” She clenched her hands which were resting on his chest.

Hiro’s gaze softened. He finally accepted the determination that she had.

‘She would even fight off a kingdom for me.’ He smiled and embraced her.

“Lena, don’t be so rash. I’ll find a way, a way for both of us to be together.” He whispered into her ear. He was solidly set on taking Lena with him when he begins his journey. He was even willing take her away against the King’s wishes, if not for her parents and his father that remained within Adetia, he would’ve done just that. His only other choice was to personally meet with the King and talk it out.

“How long…will it take?” She looked up at him with longing eyes. Her sobbing had died down and she had wrapped her arms around his waist. If anyone happened to peek into the alley, they would’ve mistaken the two as a couple having some fun in public.

“I’m not sure…Once I’m strong enough. I’ll come and take you away.” Hiro answered. He planned on becoming Romulus’ disciple and train under him until he was strong enough, then he would try to convince the King to free Lena from her oath.

“Un.” She nodded, accepting his promise while smiling, “Big brother is so kind.” She snuggled into his chest once more.

‘There she goes again with the past…’ Hiro’s heart twitched. She rarely calls him big brother, even in the past she hardly calls him that. That was her ultimate form of intimacy with him.

“Big brother? Can we be lovers now?” Her innocent gaze pierced Hiro’s naïve mind.

‘Guh! Now that I think about it…wasn’t what I said pretty much a confession?!’ He wasn’t ready yet, he didn’t know what to do nor what being ‘lovers’ entails.

“Err… Lena…” Hiro pushed Lena away to look at her straight in the eye, “What do you think lovers are?”

“Eh? Don’t lovers act lovey dovey and kiss? Lena read a book about all these strange things you can do to your lover, there were even pictures of two people doing missionary*Mmmph*—“

Hiro quickly covered Lena’s mouth. Though he had little experience with love, he knew about the things that goes on in the bedrooms and assumed that Lena was referring to those.

‘How can such an innocent girl spout such vulgar words easily?’ Hiro asked himself as he reddens by a shade.

“Puahh~ You didn’t let Lena finish! As Lena was saying—“

“Lena.” Hiro gave her a stern gaze, “We aren’t like that okay?”

“B-but…” She shranked a little, “Lena even practiced some of those things in preparation for us…” She began to blush and twiddled her fingers nervously.

“…” Hiro blushed. “Y-y-you did what? W-with who?!”

“My Papa…”

“…” Hiro froze up.

“And Mama…”

“…”

‘Even her mother?!’

“Oh and Cataleya, although she insisted that Lena not do that to just anyone…” She began to cite off a few more names.

Hiro was speechless and just stared dumbfounded at her. His mind was working nonstop to try to suppress his disappointment. He thought she was a pure lady, a person who diligently protected herself and waited only for him.

“Lena can do it to you if you want?” She smiled up at him in anticipation.

“Huah?!” He let out a surprised cry.

“You don’t want a massage?” She frowned.

‘…’

“Eh?”

“Muh~” She puffed up her cheeks in a cute manner, “Mama and Papa said that Lena’s massages are the best. Thought Cataleya keeps telling Lena not to do that for servants.”

“Ahhhh~!!” Hiro screamed, while turning bright red.

“What happened?” She cried out in alarm.

“N-nothing.” Hiro put up a fake smile. Hiro was silently reprimanding himself for thinking of such lewd thoughts. “Lena, from now on no more stuff like that okay?”

“Eh? Stuff like what?” She innocently looked up at him.

“K-k-kissing and touching…” He scratched his cheek.

“But when Lena touches you. Lena’s mind blanks out and can’t seem to control what Lena does…”

“Right now you’re touching me and you seem fine.”

“Lena is confused…” She shakes her head.

“Well it’s fine. As long as you try your hardest not to do that okay?”

“Un! Lena will try her best!” She gestured for his head to be patted once more.

“Fine.” He smiled.

*Pat Pat*

“HeeHee, Big brother. Are we lovers now?” She looked up at him with shiny eyes again.

“Urk…” Her anticipating eyes were hard to refuse. He had finally come to terms with himself and decided not to see Lena as just a sister, but he was still hesitant on becoming lovers. “Lena, why don’t we start out as close friends and see what happens from there?”

“Muh~” She puffed out her cheeks, “Isn’t close friends further away than brother and sister?” She pouted.

“Well then, what do you want us to be called, besides lovers?”

“Husband and wife!”

“Rejected!”

“Oh Lena knows! Lena read this from somewhere: Friends with benefits!” She clapped her hands.

“Friends with benefits? Isn’t that further away than close friends? What are the ‘benefits’?” Hiro asked.

“Lena is not sure. Lena thinks it’s like you protect Lena and Lena protects you. Lena also thinks it means we plan on becoming more than friends. How does it sound?” She smiled innocently up at him.

After pondering for a bit and seeing nothing wrong with her assumptions, “Sure. From now on, you and I will be friends with benefits.” He smiled warmly at her.

“Un! Heehee.” Her lips spread to show the largest smile that Hiro had ever remember seeing.

“Oh that’s right! Lena I still have some shopping to do. Wanna come with me? My friend with benefits?” He asked while smiling at her.

“What do you need to buy?”

“Gear. I’m taking part in the D-Rank Division of the tournament.”

“Wow! Big bro— Lena’s friend with benefits is so cool!”

“Err Lena?” Hiro scratched his cheek.

“What is it, Lena’s friend with benefits?” She tilted her head.

“Just call me Hiro. Friend with benefits is just too long. If anyone asks, then we’ll tell them, but if they don’t then just call me by my name okay?”

“Okay Hiro!” She grabbed his hand, though this time just his hand. It seems she will keep her promise, to not be so intimate with him. Though for how long, who knows?

With Lena tagging along, they both managed to find the shops that they need. First they stopped by a tailor and grabbed two sets of clothes. Both were black because Lena insisted that black looked best on Hiro. They also picked up a set of leather gear, just tanned hides, nothing special. Hiro picked it up because he might need it in the tournament. Finally they stopped by a weapons shop.

“Hello?” Hiro called out as they both stepped into the empty shop.

“Hrnngg?!” A loud grunt came from the back. “Whaddaya want?” A huge muscular guy walked in from the back. His overbearing manner coupled with his gigantic arms caused Lena to quietly hide behind Hiro.

“Err… I’m here to buy a sword.” Hiro answered.

“Really? What kinda sword?”

“Err… I dunno?” Hiro really had no clue what kind of sword he would use.

“Really kid?! You come in here askin’ fer a sword an’ have no idea what kind?! Are you daft?!” The man screamed out.

Hiro looked down, but not scared. The large man reminded him of Bjorn.

“I’m sorry.” Hiro bowed.

“Hmph! Fine, what kinda fighter are you?” The man calmed down after seeing the youth apologize.

Hiro thought back. Since he learned Siberus’ [Shunpo] wouldn’t that make him a speed fighter?

“Speed fighter.”

“Hmph! Do you mainly attack from the front, side, back?”

“Err…Front.”

“Fighting style? Thrusts, swings, brawling?”

“… Swings I guess…”

“Hmph! You are a total amateur, I can tell. Fine!” The man walks into the back and after a bit of rummaging sounds comes back out with a pale while sword.

“This…” Hiro pointed at the sword that was in the man’s hand.

“This is a sword crafted from Bonesteel. Compared to other swords, this one is lighter, but will have the same level of strength as a steel sword. You can have it for 2G.”

““2G!”” Lena and Hiro both screamed out. The clothes, leather, and gear that they had bought earlier all amounted to 2G. From the initial 3G that Siberus had given him, he only had 1G and 10S left.

“What? I’m actually giving you a fair deal.” He squinted his eyes menacingly. Since no one wanted a light sword like the Bonesteel Blade, he couldn’t sell it at all. He was happy to get rid of the sword and even lowered the price from the initial 5G.

“Err…” Hiro scratched his cheek. He felt a tug from behind.

“Hiro. Let Lena pay for this okay?” She whispered into his ears.

“I can’t do that.” He shook his head.

“Come on. We are friends with benefits right? Think of this as a benefit.” She softly convinced him.

“… Fine…”

“Heehee.”

With Lena paying the man, the two ‘friends with benefits’ left the weapons hop. They went shopping for some more trivial stuff until the sun began to set. During this time, Lena had finally begun to truly smile. Soon they were outside of the Torinsia estate within the noble district and had to say their goodbyes for the day.

“Hiro…” She said as she refused to let go of his hands.

“It’s okay Lena. I’ll still be here.” He smiled at her. She was worried that if she left him, he would disappear once more and never return.

“But…”

“How about this: I’m participating in the tournament tomorrow. Why don’t you and your mother and father come watch?” He reasoned.

“Un! Lena will come watch!” She smiled beautifully before walking past the guards and into the estate. Hiro just quietly watched as he figure disappeared into the estate before he turned around and left.

---

Within the Adventurer’s Association Building, Private Quarters

“Are you prepared for tomorrow?”

“Yes sir!”

“Have you polished your blade?”

“Yes sir!”

“Have you taken care not to reveal who you are?”

“Yes sir! I made sure to cover my face when entering and leaving.”

“Good. I don’t want people to know about us yet Colin.” The man said.

“Don’t worry Master Romulus. Your disciple will not lose in the tournament.” The man saluted.

“Good. Although I said the tournament was to pick a disciple, it’s been rigged from the start. I just feel bad for all the people hoping to learn from me.”

“Don’t worry Master Romulus, what you did was not wrong. In order to make the public admit to me becoming your disciple it was necessary for you to do this.”

“I hope so Colin…I hope so…”