Two months have passed since Thorin came to teach us. Every day I've been running around swinging my sword in the air, practicing the Euro's Style. Due to my focus on my own training, I haven't been keeping track of how the others are doing.

I did notice that Alexander stopped showing up after the first week. I have no idea why but all of us were kind of glad he did.

As for right now, I am super excited this morning because Thorin called me out for a duel. I can finally test out all the new techniques he taught me.

"You ready?" he asked. As soon as I nodded he charged at me.

I expected this to happen so I thrust myself forward dodging his attack and launching one of my own. Swinging my sword in a wide horizontal arc Thorin jumped over it and swung down at me from the air. I quickly sidestepped to avoid his attack.

Since he was still in the air I took this opportunity and used gravity to try and throw him off balance. As I flipped him over mid-air I swung at him. Even though he was at a disadvantage, he still managed to block my attack, regain his footing, and land a hit on me which knocked me back.

Keeping a close eye on him I noticed him following after me like he always does. When he does this his first attack is usually a diversion, being an afterimage that takes my attention as he makes his way behind me.

And I was right. Having infused my sword with lightning I spun around and swung my coated sword right where he appeared. A sharp thin line of purple lightning shot out of my sword and went straight for him.

Thorin repositioned himself for defense. My lightning slash had so much force that it pushed him back a few steps. Once he managed to deflect my attack I was already on him. With my sword held high above my head, there was no way he could escape.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he, with an even quicker movement, brought up his sword, blocked my strike, and with the wooden blade smacked me hard against my chin.

"Gahh!" I let out as I fell with my back to the floor. "Just when I thought I had you," I managed to say through the pain.

"Forgive me," he said as he walked closer to me, with no change in his expression. "You simply took me by surprise that my instincts took over."

"You're just messing with me," I said. Thorin is a veteran soldier that's battled many enemies so there's no way I took someone like him by surprise.

"No, I'm being honest," he said. "You're one of the most talented kids I've ever met."

"Is that so?" I replied. I mean it would make sense. Since Thorin mostly trains kids he holds back. But I guess our fight went above his expectations.

"You know I taught your father when he was young," he pointed out. Leon, huh? Based on the stories I've already heard he wasn't the best kid out there.

"Really?" I said, not really that interested. "What was he like back then?" I asked, hoping to hear a different side of him other than a troublemaker.

"He'd go around saying that he didn't need to learn any other styles apart from Argos. And that he didn't need to learn healing magic either. He thought that the only thing he needed was a sword, with enough strength to wield it. I'm sure he regrets it now." he said.

Of course, sounds just like him.

"Anyway, I'm telling you this because with you're talent you should learn as much as possible while you're still young," he said. "Or else like your old man, you're not going to be able to cast one of the most basic healing spells."

Yeah, he's right. That's something I've already resolved myself to do. Not only for my sake but for those I care for as well. "I'll do my best," I told him.

"That will do," was the last thing he said before closing his eyes and lowering his head slightly. Locking eyes with me one final time he then walked away, turning his attention back to the others.

-----

"Man I feel like I'm getting better by the day," Theodore said, looking excited as we were eating our breakfast. Morning training takes up too much time so the four of us usually end up eating breakfast alone

"I guess master Thorin didn't work you hard enough," Hanna said.

"Maybe you're right. Today he spent a lot of his time with Arata," Theodore pointed out, turning his head to look at me. "Why is that?"

"He always spends his time training us and leaves Arata alone," Hanna said. "So now that he actually took his time with Arata, you complain. . . Are you perhaps jealous?"

"No way. That old man beats me too hard," Theodore whined, then turned his attention to me. "Especially you, Arata."

"Really? I don't feel like he hits us that hard," Hanna said as she taped her chin, trying to think back on her past training.

"Of curse he doesn't. He holds back more with us girls than with the guys," She pointed out, then turned to me. "Are you sure you're okay? It looked like master Thorin hit you a little too hard today."

Why is everyone worried about me all of a sudden? Leon hits harder than Thorin. I thought as I looked back at her. "I can tolerate a few hard hits," I replied.

"How do you do it?" Theodore said. "Do you even feel pain?"

"Let's test it out," Hanna said raising her hand, ready to smack me.

Hearing her words I quickly moved away. "Of course I feel pain!" I exclaimed, then quickly straightened myself. "Anyway, how are you guys progressing?"

"I feel like I've been getting better. At first, I never had the interest to learn swordsmanship. But after watching you, I've been wanting to learn. And now I'm totally obsessed," He said, sounding excited. "Just you wait, I'm gonna catch up to you in no time then beat you in a duel."

"Do you really think you can do that?" Nina said with a deadpan expression. "Arata is like crazy strong."

"Hehe," Theodore let out an embarrassed laugh as he was crushed by her words. "Well. . . I'll try."

"And I'll be waiting," I told him taking his words seriously.

There was a small moment of silence as Theodore looked at me in complete shock. "You'd really wait for me?" he asked, his voice full of wonder.

"For the duel! Not for you!" I said loudly, breaking the silence. Our little play caused the girls to let out a small laugh. "What about you Hanna?" I asked.

"I feel the same way as Theodore. I really like training with the sword," She said, sharing the same excitement as Theodore. "I can't wait to learn internal mana control and do all those fancy moves."

As Hanna was having her little moment I turned to Nina who looked kind of down. "And you?"

"I'm sorry," she spoke, sounding sad as she looked down at her plate. "I just don't feel as dedicated as all of you. I might. . . Drop it,"

"Are you serious?" Hanna was the first to speak. "No, you can't. Then you'll leave me all alone with the boys. Arata, tell her that she can't," she said, desperately turning toward me.

I see. She might've had an interest before but once she actually tried it she didn't like it. She has probably felt this way for a while now. I think it would be best to support her decision. It's not right for her to do something she doesn't enjoy

"That's okay. Not everybody enjoys swordplay," I said, deciding not to make a big fuss. "It won't be as fun without you around but it's better for you to do something that you actually like."

"That's not what I asked you to do!" Hanna said as she stared daggers at me.

"Are you sure it's okay?" Nina asked once more, looking me in the eye this time.

"No, it's not okay!- gah!" Hanna let out as I forcefully shut her mouth with my hand.

"Of course, it's totally okay," said Theodore in my place. As I took a glance in his direction I wondered if he had the same thoughts as me.

Nina turned her head my way again, looking for some kind of confirmation to which I gave her a small nod in agreement. "Thank you for understanding," she said, showing a smile as she lowered her head.

"Of course, that's what friends are for," I said, then nudged the girl beside me. "Right, Hanna." I looked her straight in the eyes, hoping the message would get through to her.

"Hm!" I guess I looked at her too intently as she seemed to stiffen under my gaze. Quickly breaking eye contact with me she looked toward Nina. "Y-Yeah it's okay," she forced out.

"R-Right," Nina said, a bit taken aback, probably not expecting that we'd be approving of her decision. Within the moment of silence that followed, Nina quietly shook her head as if shaking her worries away then looked back up at us. "So. . . What are you guys' plans for today?" she asked, changing the subject.

Showing a small smile I decided to just play along. "Hanna needs to go to take an entrance exam since she's starting school soon," I answered.

It's the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn. The school year is starting but not for me. For Hanna.

There is an elementary school for kids my age but I choose not to go. That option is not required. Plus it doesn't matter for noble kids like us. Grandpa Orin hires tutors for us. But I don't go to the lessons. Emma and Leon never pressure me too either. I guess they view me as above that.

Although it is required for everyone to receive some sort of education and that's where The Magic Academy of Iradale comes in, the most prestigious school in the kingdom.

"That's right! I totally forgot!" Hanna said, looking a bit shocked as she just remembered she was scheduled to go today. Emma had a talk with her about this the previous night. How could she forget?

"You're going too right, Arata?" Theodore asked, turning his attention to me.

"Yup," I replied. "After she takes her exam we're going to go shopping with our parents and Mia,"

"Isn't Alexander also taking that exam?" Nina asked. "You're both already eleven so you're going to be in the same year."

"That's right I totally forgot that too!" Hanna said. "I don't like Alexander," she admitted, rolling her eyes as if he were nothing. "I'll just avoid him."

"Are you still mad about what he told your dear brother?" Nina teased, bringing her hand up to hide her laugh.

"Shut up!" Hanna exclaimed, her cheeks turning red from embarrassment. "I don't care about that at all."

"Sure you don't," Nina replied, her tone sarcastic as her eyes darted off in a different direction. "Anyway, at what time is this exam?"

"In a few hours," I replied. "Now that we've finished our food we should be getting ready."

"Is that so?" Nina let out. "Well, good luck with your exam."

After saying our goodbyes I headed to my room where I grabbed a change of clothes. Since we had been training that morning we were all sweaty and stinky so I headed for the shower room.

Hanna did as well since we walked together but we showered in different rooms. I didn't mind showering with her but she didn't seem to want to. I wasn't going to pressure her either. She's a growing girl. Gotta respect her privacy

Having finished first I changed into my new outfit and made my way to the front yard. "Yooo," the first to greet me was Leon with a wave of his hand.

"Hello," I replied as I walked closer to him.

"How is your training going?" he asked in an attempt to make a small conversation after an awkward moment of silence.

"It's going great. I've learned so much," I pointed out. "What about you?" I decided to ask since he joined the capital's military force and is undergoing training with them in a special training camp.

I've heard that the training there is so intense that a lot of people drop out. He has to stay over at the camp every day. The only reason he's here now is because he only gets one week off every month.

"It's easier than I expected," He said with a small shrug as if it were a walk in the park. "Either that or I'm just that awesome," he added, making a weird pose.

Having witnessed his actions I just stared at him with a blank expression in order to make him feel embarrassed. "A-Anyway," he continued, clearing his throat. "I sure hope you learned something new, or else you won't have a chance to beat me in our next duel."

"I should be the one telling you that," I replied. "Since you always refuse to learn anything else that doesn't require strength," I joked.

"W-Well of course I've been learning new things," he said, trying to hide his embarrassment by staying cool.

"Are guys ready to go?" I heard Emma's voice from behind me. Looking back I saw her along with Hanna and Mia coming out of the house. As well as Dion and Alexader following close behind.

"Yup," answered Leon. "The carriage has been waiting outside for us."

"Is Flare not coming?" Asked Emma as she walked closer to me. Showing a wide happy smile, she looked me up and down.

"She's in my room sleeping. I asked Nina to keep an eye on her," I answered.

"If that's the case then let's get going," at Emma's words we all agreed and walked together toward the carriage.

Entering the carriage Emma sat in one corner, Leon in the middle, and Dion next to him. Hanna and Mia didn't want to sit next to Alexander so I did and they both sat next to me.

Everything was silent throughout the ride. We had a few small conversations while Dion and Alexander rarely spoke. And after a long awkward ride, we made it to the school.

The carriage didn't come to a stop once we neared, it just kept going past the open gate. Inside were several tall buildings along with trees lined up alongside the road. We kept going for some time until we reached the main office.

Having exited the carriage we were greeted by two staff members who took Hanna and Alexander to their designated test location, while the rest of us waited in the lobby area.

If it were a normal person enrolling it would be a much longer process but since we are a high noble house we get special privileges. For example, Hanna and Alexander having to take this test is just for show.

The school has a policy, and that is, to treat all students fairly no matter their status or race. But even so, the school board members don't want to get on the bad side of noble headmasters by not accepting their kids. Which means, that even if noble kids like us fail the entrance exam we'll still be accepted.

And I've heard that the director of this school is well respected due to his overwhelming strength. The man has complete authority when it comes to this school. He calls all the shots and makes all the decisions.

As I was pondering, my thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of both Hanna and Alexander as well as an old man. "Greetings," The old man said, lowering his head slightly. "I am the director of this school Solomon Stanton."

Speak of the devil!!! I thought as I saw Leon was quick to bow. "Director Stanton!" he said, sounding a bit nervous. Of course Leon would be the first to go down on one knee. Something Leon desires the most in this world is strength so he probably worships this man.

"Oh, Leon?" Solomon said as if barely noticing him. "It's been a while since I saw you last," turning his attention to Dion there was a small moment of silence as they both stared at each other. "Dion," he finally greeted, lowering his head slightly.

"I'm sure you're quite busy preparing for the new term," Dion said, closing his eyes and looking undisturbed as always. "So what brings you here, Solomon?"

"I happen to be available at this very moment so I'd like to act as an examiner for the practical portion of the exam," Solomon said, locking eyes with me for a second before turning away. "Now, let's get going."

As I walked behind him I noticed that I wasn't able to feel his presence at all. I could sense Leon, Emma, Hanna, Mia, Dion, and Alexander but not him. It's almost as if he wasn't even here in the first place. After some time of walking, we were led to another part of the campus where there was a giant arena.

"This facility is where students can come to duel each other, and of course, other students are free to watch," Solomon explained, signaling at all the empty seats that surrounded the arena. "We will be conducting the practical here," he spoke, locking eyes with me again.

"Now you, boy," he said looking at Alexander. "You'll go first, show me what you can do."

At his words, Alexander demonstrated his fire and earth magic along with his sword skills. I noticed him looking my way often to see my reaction but I just kept a straight face.

Next went Hanna demonstrating her water magic as well as the sword skills she had just recently learned.

"I see you both are at the apprentice level in both magic and sword skill," hearing Solomon's comment Alexander lowered his eyebrows in annoyance for just a second. "Don't worry boy, once you learn internal mana control you'll easily rise to the swordsman level," Solomon told him noticing Alexander's brief expression.

"F-Forgive me," Alexander said quickly as he went stiff.

"It's all right," Solomon said, brushing it off. "I'm more interested in you," turning his head my way he locked eyes with me for the third time. "You're a child who's only just supposed to be able to learn the basics of mana, yet not only have you done that you have more mana than even me. Very interesting," He said. "What is your name, boy?"

Should've known that someone of his status would notice my abnormal levels of mana. I thought as I stared back at him. "My name is Arata," I replied.

"Well, Arata, I challenge you to a duel," he said.

What?! Why!? I don't want to duel him. I can't even sense his mana level which just means he's way stronger than me! "What is the reason for this duel?" I asked, trying to keep my cool in front of everyone.

"Throughout my years of living, I've never encountered a boy such as you. I'm simply just curious as to what it is you can do," he said.

"Okay," I finally said. "I accept your duel," He seems like a nice person. So why not.

"Here," he tossed me the practice sword that was used in Hanna's exam while he took Alexander's.

Then as he took a step toward me. I felt a change in the old man's aura. The power radiating off this old man spoke of his strength.

Instinctively I began pushing mana down to my legs, thrusting myself forward creating an afterimage as Thorin does. He saw through it immediately and blocked my attack. As we locked swords his overwhelming strength pushed me back, throwing me off balance. I quickly regained my footing before I started dodging a barrage of attacks he had unleashed.

I pulled away from him for a second. Pumping loads of mana into my legs once more, I jumped straight at him. Before I got the chance to attack him, he swung his blade in a wide arc with me in its reach, with the help of gravity, I dodged the attack mid-air while still drawing near him.

Closing the distance I coated my sword with lightning and took a swing. Having taken him by surprise he pulled back as a stream of purple lightning chased close behind him. And instead of deflecting it, he let the lightning hit his body.

Even though I had landed a clean hit with purple lightning he seemed unfazed. "Very interesting," He said. "Though at this level, you won't be able to damage me. Now get serious," following his words his aura only intensified further.

He charged forward, then launched very fast attacks at me that I was barely able to dodge. After a few successful dodges, I got completely overwhelmed by his sheer display of speed and took hit after hit. Yet he was holding back.

One of his attacks left me down on the ground. Solomon stopped his rampage and slowly walked closer to me. I took this chance to build up a certain spell. What I'm going to do is dangerous so I really need to be careful.

As he now stood in front of him I thought he'd call off our duel. But by the look in my eye, he could tell that I wasn't backing down yet so he raised his weapon and swung down at me.

And now. Discharge! At my command, Black lightning exploded all around me. Knowing the danger of using this level of lightning I made sure to keep it as far away from my body as possible.

Black tendrils of electricity ate away and completely destroyed the wooden blade as it was the closest thing in my proximity as well as the hard stone floor below my feet.

I raised my head up slightly in order to see the location of my opponent and noticed that he quickly pulled back due to getting hit by my attack. "Ha!" He chuckled, standing some distance away from me. "Now this does sting a bit. Time for me to get serious too."

At his words, the fire around him intensified. It looked as if they were getting absorbed and then expelled as he feed them more mana. Until the flames turned into a deep blue color.

Having witnessed his behavior my eyes went wide. He is able to take an attack like that?! Just how strong is he? I thought it myself.

I need to concentrate. I thought as I raised my hand and directed them straight at Solomon. Just once more. I concentrated the black lightning I had called out into one spot. Then shot it out.

The last time I did this it burned a hole straight through a man's chest. But Solomon, raising his hand, easily destroyed them with his flames. Which caused him to lose sight of me. Taking the opportunity I quickly snuck up behind him And concentrated a large gravitational pull on his body.

And now for my final attack, have a taste of my gravity Core. I thought as I watched everything that surrounded us getting torn up, surrounding his body and encasing him in a giant sphere of stone.

It was all silent for a second. Feeling exhausted I fell down to one knee. Then there was a loud banging noise as the boulder I trapped him in was shaking and crumbling. A final crash resounded in the air as his body popped out of my imprisonment.

"You really are something special," He said coming out and slowly walking toward me. Having seen me down on the ground he drew back all his mana, signaling the end of our duel. "You go far beyond any genius I've ever seen," He spoke in praise. "You're a true anomaly. I'd say you're in the High Swordsman and Magician level."

"That's an overstatement," I said standing up after having caught my breath. "I'm really nothing special," I'm completely worn out. In an attempt to take control of my dark lightning, I ended up burning through most of my mana. While he on the other hand didn't even break a sweat.

"So you say," he said as he stood with his hands behind his back. "Please, I'd be more than happy if you could attend my academy this year."

"This year!?" I let out taken by surprise. "Is that even allowed?"

"Yes," he answered simply.

Hm? I don't know. . . What should I do? Should I attend this year? I'm not even of age yet. If I go the way I am now, no one is going to want to hang around me. They'll just view me as a little kid and I do want to make friends. Maybe I should wait. "I'll attend your academy," I finally answered. "But not now. Give me a few years."

"As you wish. But if you change your mind just send me a letter and I'll admit you in a heartbeat," he said then looked toward Leon and Dion. "Anyway, that is the end of the exam, the results will be delivered to your home by tomorrow morning. Now, If you'll excuse me," he told them as he lowered his head slightly before walking away.

High Swordsman and Magician, huh? If I'm not mistaken I believe the ranks from lowest to highest are, Apprentice Swordsman, Swordsman, High Swordsman, Sword Master, High Sword Master, Grand Sword Master, and Sword Lord.

As for mages it is Apprentice Mage, Mage, High Mage, Magician, Master Magician, Grand Magician, and Magic Lord.

"Well, you've certainly gotten stronger," said Leon. Looking behind me I noticed that almost everyone looked shocked by my duel with the direction, mostly Hanna. Dion and Alexander were silent as they just watched me.

"That was so cool, brother!" Hanna praised, her eyes sparkling while Mia nodded in agreement. As a young girl aspiring to become a powerful swordswoman, it makes sense that she'd be the most excited.

"Is that even normal for a boy your age to be doing?" Emma asked with a concerned look on her face. So, even she is starting to question me.

"Come on Emma you should be proud that our boy is growing into a strong man," Leon said.

"Yeah," she let out a deep breath and smiled. "You're right," she admitted, brushing off her worries as she walked up to me. Tousling my hair she then picked me up and wrapped me up in a tight hug. "Hmm, I still remember when you were just a baby and I'd carry you like this."

"M-Mother!" I yelled out, my cheeks growing red from embarrassment as she slowly set me back down on the ground. "I'm not as small as I used to be."

"Don't worry, I'm strong. I used to be an adventurer too you know," She said, showing a happy smile while flexing her arm.

"A-Anyway, don't we have to go shopping?" I said, changing the conversation as I looked away attempting to hide my face.

"That's right! We should get going," Leon said. But my gaze landed on Alexander who had an expression that I could not put into words as he watched our family interact.

After that, we got back in the carriage and left the school. Once outside we parted ways with Dion and Alexander. The shopping center was close to the school, so students and staff were able to go there without straying too far off campus.

We went to a few stores where Emma excitedly picked out different outfits for us. Hanna and Mia also shared her excitement as all three of them spend the entire time changing outfits.

After getting myself new clothes I sat down with Leon to wait for the girls as they were still shopping. Afterward, we ate at a fancy restaurant. Having finished eating we hopped back on the carriage and it took us home. Overall I had a lot of fun, it had been some time since we last spend time like that.

Solomon's Perspective

That boy sure was something. I thought as I looked over all the paperwork that laid on my desk. I need to finish all this in order to get ready for the new school year. But something is off. And I know exactly what it is. . . His attack. . .

Looking down at my arm which took the brunt of it. I noticed it was still twitching. "I sure am getting old," I mumbled to myself as I leaned back in my office chair, staring up at the ceiling I felt the corner of my lips curving up into a smile.