“There is someone brave enough to challenge the Theodred family?”

“Or dumb enough…”

“He did have to win in the strategy duel to end here though...”

Whispers ran among the assistance and Slander raised a hand to ask for silence. The students soon focused back on the arena as a big bald man entered sword in hand. While he positioned himself in front of Ravatoris, Zac provided the group with some context.

“That’s Kuskyn from house Eilhice. The Theodred and the Eilhice did not like each other much and they are always competing. But I believe Kuskyn does not have the level of Ravatoris and comparing to the last…”

“It begins!” Allen interrupted.

There was no rule against speaking or taunting your opponent on the field and it seemed Kuskyn was quite aware of it.

“Ravatoris, you’re just a scam. You should let your bastard brother take your place. At least he knows what he is doing. You lost in a strategy duel against a dumb guy like me. Have you no shame? Now let me show you what this daddy will do…”

Ravatoris remained silent, but a frown showed he was not fully indifferent to the insults. His opponent continued his taunts and Ravatoris soon advanced to engage the fight and shut him up.

The exchanges were not as fast as the previous fight, but the blows were way stronger. Both students put their whole weight and energy behind each of their strikes.

The resulting strokes and counters were impressive, but at such a heavy pace, the fight was bound to end quickly.

And indeed, although Kuskyn's physique was imposing, he was soon groaning and panting from the continuous strain. As the fight dragged on, he found his endurance lacking and where his blows were losing power, Ravatoris was conversely striking with even more strength.

The insults that had been uttered sooner were now paid back with interest by Ravatoris’s endless onslaught. It was now obvious to everyone how the fight would end, but Ravatoris had not yet put an end to it. He toyed with his prey and instead of dealing the ending blow he struck with precision the hands, arms and legs of Kuskyn with the flat sides of his blade.

The blows were not considered fatal in any way, but they hurt nonetheless. Slander was frowning at the scene, but he chose not to intervene. They were allowed to blow off a bit, especially after being taunted like that, and so he let it happen.

Unfortunately, Kuskyn was not lucid enough to abandon and what was bound to happen did happen. The noble messed up his footing and slipped, one leg going forward. Ravatoris did not miss the opportunity and he rapidly advanced. He stepped forward and, as if by inadvertence, he crushed Kuskyn’s knee under his foot.

The bone gave up in a horrendous crack as Ravatoris put his whole weight on it, plunging his sword in Kuskyn’s chest. Slander interrupted the fight and called for a medic the next instant, but the damage had already been done.

Of course Ravatoris played innocent, saying he could not have foreseen his opponent’s misstep, and it was very unfortunate that he had chosen to attack during that unlucky moment. He even went to carry the screaming noble on the stretcher that brought him to the infirmary, apologizing all the way. But no one was dupe.

At least Mahon wasn’t. He had clearly seen the look in Ravatoris’ eyes, as he had swiftly taken advantage of the blunder. As if he had been waiting all along to injure his opponent.

Dangerous man.

The event marked the end of the duel day and the students went back to their residences, new ones for most. On the way, the group of past roommates spread as they first said goodbye to Wyrran and Kali in front of the last First Green residence.

Then came the turn of Allen and Delphyn in the First White zone and soon Zac and Mahon were the only one left. Mahon took a deep breath and sighed. He was unsure he was ready to say goodbye to his friend and walk into a house full of arrogant nobles. But he had to do it anyway.

“No need to escort me any further, Zac. I will manage.”

“What do you mean ‘escort you’? I’m just going back home.” Zac said while pointing to the First Red building.

Maho stopped walking. What? He turned to face his friend and only Zac’s usual kind smile awaited him. However, a sparkle in the man’s eyes betrayed him and in a flash of lucidity Mahon replayed the scenes of the day.

Zac and him laughing while trying to guess Yordar’s result. Zac at his side while they congratulated Kali on his strategy test victory. His friend cheering with him when Wyrran had taken down his last opponent in the arena. Zac had not been by his side the whole time, but the fact remained that he had never seen his friend in a duel.

“You didn’t challenge anyone?”

Zac shook his head in answer.

“But... why?”

“Well, you would not even last half an hour alone with these nobles. Can’t leave you. And you still have to teach me strategy.”

“I didn’t even realize you…”

Something clicked in Mahon’s head as he put the pieces back together.

Zac concerned about him in the Hungry Alligator Inn before playing a joyful tune. We should not worry about that.

Zac joking about him taking too long to tell his story on the way to the party. I’m gonna leave you alone in Slander’s rings next time.

Zac cheering him up after his clash with Jorik. We’re in together and the stronger we are, the faster we’ll reach our goals.

Zac’s kind smile when they had shook their hands that night in Nightmare. Living in Ratho tips for strategy advice? Deal!

Mahon watched his friend smile at him the same way he had weeks ago.

“You never planned to rank up without me, did you? Crazy bastard... Couldn’t you have said it before?!”

Zac giggled as Mahon hit him on the shoulder.

“To quote one brilliant but stupid friend. I could have, but where is the fun in that?”

Mahon grumbled, but he could not stop a smile from reaching his lips.

“So what’s your plan now that you’re stuck with me?”

“Let’s make it clear Mahon, you’re stuck with me. And my goal remains unchanged. We will train hard together until we can rank up. And then train more and more and more... Until we stand strong enough to realize our goals. Simple, isn’t it?”

“Said like that, yes.”

“Hahahaha. Well, the next step involves a bit more courage than just training, though.” Zac pointed to their residence. “Ready to meet our new roommates?”

They exchanged a look and Mahon realized his apprehension was mostly gone now that he knew his friend would be there with him.

“Thanks, Zac.”

“Ah, drop it, you sentimental fool. You know I’m just taking advantage of you and sucking up all your knowledge before throwing you away.”

Mahon laughed loudly, and when he calmed himself, he had fully vented any remaining dread.

“I mean it, Zac. Thanks, really. And also know that it is MY plan to throw you away once I acquire all your knowledge. You can’t just steal people’s objectives like that.”

“Haha, yeah, sure... Now come on, can’t wait to see which horrible faces act as our new roommates.”

The duo walked the remaining meters and opened the door to their house. Lying on the sofas were five men discussing loudly, laughing and eating small snacks. The arrival of the two friends didn’t go unnoticed, however, and the nobles turned their heads to watch who had come in.

“Oh! Isn’t that my friend Zac Cranelis?”

Mahon watched as the noble stood up and waved at them. The man was tall and thin with a pointy nose.

“Hello, Methild. How are you doing?”

“Good, good!”

“You know him?” Another noble interrupted while picking up chips from a bowl at his side. His red hair was slicked back down to his neck and his tanned skin and thin eyebrows would have given him a mysterious and seductive look if not for his predatory smile.

“Yes, Tiarsus, his father owns the Hungry Alligator Inn. You know it’s the tavern near the…”

“I know where it is.” He again interrupted Methild and turned to address Zac. “Come sit with us then Zac, you’re very welcome.”

Zac hesitated a short instant, but he then started walking to the sofa, Mahon in tow. But after two steps, the noble named Tiarsus curtly spoke, his dark eyes shining with contempt.

“I said Zac could come, not you, commoner. You’re not welcome in this house. In fact, you should sleep outside and not to disturb us.”

The other nobles laughed mockingly as Tiarsus gestured with disgust for Mahon to leave the house.

“He is my duo though, he has to stay.” Zac announced but Tiarsus waved away Zac’s concern with his hand.

“You don’t need that thing, Zac. Forget it and join us, the Pine Hill Officer Institute is a place made for the nobles.”

Zac shook his head and, as a frown appeared on Tiarsus’s face, the other nobles stopped their stupid laughs.

“Zac, my friend, you can’t be serious.” Methild spoke. “You’re with us now, you don’t need to embarrass yourself with a commoner.”

Zac shook his head again. “We train and work together. Mahon is my duo and I will not leave him.”

The tension stepped up a notch after Zac’s answer and the looks he got from the other nobles were starting to turn hostile.

“Cranelis, you’re saying you would rather stay with this… commoner than with us?”

The silence that followed was deafening and Mahon could tell Zac didn’t want to answer the question and antagonize the nobles at their first meeting. He stepped into the conversation.

“Zac, don’t worry, I’m feeling tired. I will go to sleep, anyway.”

Mahon threw a look at his friend as he tried to convey that he should not look for trouble because of him. But Zac smiled and shrugged.

“Well, I don’t feel well either, so I’m gonna sleep too. Enjoy your evening.”

Zac bowed his head lightly to the nobles and followed Mahon into the dormitory. The stern glances of the group followed his every step until he disappeared from their sight. He joined Mahon and sighed quietly as the discussion started again downstairs.

“So? Not that bad for a first meeting?”

“Really?!”

“I didn’t fight with anyone that time... That’s a victory!”

Zac chuckled at the sight of Mahon’s victory pose, his right fist raised into the air.

“So you know them? What can you say?”

“No good things. I know one personally, Methild Adbanise. His father works with mine sometimes and so I know his son. He is a bit dumb but I think he is a brave guy with bad relations.”

“Tiarsus?”

“Yeah. That’s Tiarsus Pasys and he’s the worst noble I know of. I think he was ranked ten or so before the duel opening if you want an idea of his nobility. He’s relying on his father’s influence and does whatever he pleases. His family is responsible for the magnesium mines and so no one dares to face them.”

“Magnesium?”

“Ah, I didn’t have the time to tell you about that, but let’s say for now that it’s one of the components of the no-dream pill and it’s also used in warrior equipment and so on. There is only one mine in all Ratho and so whoever controls it must not be provoked lightly.”

“And Tiarsus is the only precious heir of the family?”

“Haha, not exactly. He has a big brother that is already in the army and another that is dealing with the family’s business. He is the last little brother and so his father indulges his every whim…”

“Uh, same shit...”

“You said it… I know another one, the small guy with brown hair and dark gray eyes. The one who looks like he’s always searching for a new prank. It’s Travaran Elathyra, Tiarsus’s best friend or something like that. Rumor goes that he is in love with Tiarsus because he never leaves his side. The other two I don’t know.”

“What do you think?”

Zac sighed and his usual kind smile was wavering as he faced Mahon.

“I think it’s gonna be hard. Expect the worst.”