As Zash contemplates things from Estr point of view he was certain to learn things from him naturally as such he let go of everything he had learned previously whether it be the light practices he had on the Island with Sylphia, Dungeon Hunting and things learned from killing certain types of monsters or from other Trials, everything was left aside by him as he just focused his Senses on the two Swords in his hands.
Due to Zash's progress in Cultivation along with the time he spent in the Trial of Patience, as of recently he had learned to isolate himself from his surroundings for a short while which only gave him a free ticket of adding more Passive abilities in his arsenal as such he felt everything happening around him at least the few metres of distance away from him he could 'See' clearly how Estr was trying to impress his teacher and the tension happening between his eyes while he couldn't see his Teacher Havier who was still from the reach of his Senses he had a clear picture of what my be happening around him.
'Haa this stupid couple is really worrying me, even though I already helped both of them to such extent... Well with enough time and a bit more hope later on if anything they should start being lovey dovey sooner or later.' thinking about them for a minute Zash was planning to surprise them for a slight second and within the next second focused his mind on both the Swords soon as he felt everything happening around them
Even the minute actions of wind, little dust particles which floated in the air invisible to the eyes were spotted by Zash as he Focused his senses on a very small portion surrounding both the Swords as such he could quite Literally 'Understand' what was happening to them and how to go about and what more it had just took him a silent second of a section to do so but to not be overly suspicious he still took his time and got more familiar with the way the swords moved in the wind and at what angle they flew the most lightly and at certain angles they flew most heavily at depending on certain situations.
Within seconds Zash's actions were noticed by Hausa and Benedict who's eyes seemed as if they were popping out of their sockets ! And soon Estr who was looking at a better source of focus to avoid the ever charming gases Havier sent towards his little brother and soon he too was Fantasied !
"H- How ? It has barely been a minute !'' Estr said breathing heavily and silently as to not disturb his little brother too much, if he hangs on such feels for a while he could progress on such momentary trances which were a godsent opportunities for Swordsmen one was guaranteed to be invincible ! Estr himself had such a opportunity while training but lost it, as he was disturbed by his enemies who plotted to take his life at the time as such he was only able to advance a slight bit but that was enough to get him to an Assured Red Knight standards but seeing his own little baby brother going through this at the same time without a guidance as even Benedrict, Hausa and other professionals of the professions are fascinated by how good his learning speed was and most importantly he wasn't 'Thaught' all of his actions were still kind of ' Rough ' and 'New' around the edges.
No matter what these things can't be fooled and once again as a fellow Swordsman they knew what they were dealing with as such all of them felt like they were looking at a Big Shining Gem still rough around the edges but once polished enough it'll outshine everything else becoming unmatchable in the entire world !
"Hausa Call a few more Silver knights around ... Ahem* keep a keen watch over the Prince please I'll be going to find the King." Saying so he turned and wanted to leave with greedy eyes.
"You damn old goat ! Don't even try ! I'll be the one teaching the Second Prince Swordsmanship and Assassination skills ! just because I'm stuck at the threshold you think you're better than me ? I can kill Black Knights easily with their guards down, it only makes sense for a gem like Second Prince to learn from me !"
"Oh do we want to test that ? We can test who is more suitable to teach the second Prince.... More importantly no second note i-i don't think we are even 'Qualified' on even the mental note to teach such a being such as second Prince." Saying so Benedrict just looked and looked with a crazy faithful believer like eyes watching a holy treasure bestowed from their God.
Gulp*
"Do you really think that ?" Hausa asked skeptically
"What do you think yourself ? I personally believe he isn't someone meant to be born in this world at all if something, characters of such standards might be rare even amongst God's of ancient Era." Trembling a bit Benedrict just stared with a worshipping look towards Zash giving shivers down everyone who heard Benedrict's words.
While he knows Benedrict wants to train Prince Epis he too wanted this opportunity to become a Teacher for a Legendary Character ! Now that would be an Eternal Honour for anyone no matter who it was !
To become known as the teachers of such a legendary existence was enough to make their breadths heavy with greed and sure enough a few silver knights can only sigh and sigh helplessly as they weren't even on the same level to compete with Their bosses as such they can only 'Eye' the gem that was before them enviously and watch their Price who was going through an "Awakening" of sorts.
Zash just lost the track of time and without a care just felt the same feeling he did before.
'the same unusual barrier blocking my path appears again. Though I'm really curious about how to go past it. Let's see'
Holding both the Swords steady felling the Sword Auras better and better Zash was beginning to feel that both the Swords seemed like an extension of his arms and strangely enough the blockade was starting to crumble making a new path appear before him.
"So that's what I was lacking ! Looks like I was overly dependant on my Quantombots and my keen Senses of my old body forgetting everything else and that's where I was losing out. letting external factors at the time feel and do work for me but I can't be Blamed for it as it was a routine for me but this has given me ideas, after returning I should try this method as it seems more effective also these Swords seem a bit too Special.'
Still closing his eyes Zash moved his foot flowing the dust and offsetting the natural environment and adding a bit of chaos in the surroundings.
Slash* Sling* Slash*
Making simple yet complex strikes with both the Swords in his hands he just moved and became more comfortable with the dual Swords and improvement could be seen at the passing of each seconds as Zash movement speed would increase but sure enough he was still limited by his Physical Capabilities as such he was only able to last for about three Minutes a total of Less than 10 Minutes had already shown All the people present a Performance of a Lifetime.
Havier on the sidelines was stunned but strangely enough had a blank dull disgusted look on her face as she thought.
'Great as it turns out my Freak of a student is equally or even overlappingly qualified at wielding Swords.' Sighing a bit she just kept sipping on her cup of lemon juice under a umbrella well shaded from the sun, smirking a bit she was thinking back on those days when she would go crazy over the new stunts he'd pull which were all abnormal abominations from a barely 2 Months year old toddler but as time passed she had gotten used to it, as she was already praying for her student's enemies as they were bound to go on the road of eternal damnation if they incurred his wrath but strangely enough she was happy after thinking about those things her student had said to her crush, if possible she too wanted to settle down with Estr as the first person to move her heart but as he confessed earlier their fates weren't meant to align.
At least not in this Lifetime, but she still felt a shimmer of hope after hearing Epis's words, if Magic didn't disappear there would be potions, tonics, Rare Herbs which extends life more than enough to reach her standards but as of current Havier having Explored a quarter of the whole world still hadn't come across one of such herbs if anything she came across had seemingly 'lost' all their properties only minute effect on a very tiny scale could be felt as such she too asked herself
'what about my life ? I still haven't given up it's not like the world will end if I wait a few more years and as Epis said Magic can return anytime ! I should get ready and get to concoct medicines For extending Epis's and Estr's Lifespan ! I can't just idle around wasting my time ! ' thinking so she opened her Ancestor's Book researching all and everything about extending one's lifespan normally or more information on factors leading to growth improvement standards if possible diving back into research.
All throughout the time Estr and all the Elderly Knights kept watching Zash's progress intently, while most of them were experts in their fields. It didn't help to learn a thing or two as they might improve along the way.
Pant* Huff*
Feeling a bit tired Zash fell and sat down for a while huffing from time to time tired and arms hurting from the strain befallen upon them.
"Um you really do a good job at surprising everyone around you don't you ? Always in the limelight ! Can't even give your older brother to act cool." Teasingly said Estr.
"Please Brother the only person you want to act cool in front of is Teacher. Other than that please tell me what to do next !"
Saying so Estr's smile twitched as Havier spilled her lemonade managing to avoid spoiling her book and gave a few shy glances from the sidelines sometimes getting mad, sometimes more embarrassed but overall she was frustrated each time dealing with her student's teasing attitude but not knowing how to react she just tried her best to study from her book with a slight complicated blush.
"... You're doing good now we can skip a few parts but it's up to you normally you'd chop all these wooden Targets before you or you can just do things you were doing previous. The choice is yours what do you think ?'' Sneaking a slight glance towards Havier's face Estr waited for Epis's response.
"I want to learn from the start without skipping things ! I've made up my mind. Please guide me big brother, I want to proceed step by step.'' saying so Zash moved to the first Dummy and strikes it down tearing it piece by piece as one dummy was dealth with he moved to another and once he got the hang of things he went on a rampage of sorts as the Swords cut through everything like a Hot Sharp knife cutting through a piece of paper, the process was only a bit hard at the beginning and soon Zash got the hang of things and focused his bladed on the right angle and right speed of trajectory as time passed and used previous targets as an example going through every hurdles progressingly passively.
But as time passed away Zash's hands gave out as he was chopping his 37th Dummy as he collapsed which got Estr and Havier to get sprinting towards him.
"Epis are you okay ?!" Havier asked concerned checking for any major issues.
"Sorry for worrying you both teacher it's just my hands gave out also I... I feel a bit tired and my legs feel a strange Wobbling feeling..." Saying so Zash pretended to be tired while he did wanted to continue he felt like he had did enough for his first day of training and his hands really did hurt a bit.
'damn I might have taken it a bit too far holding the grip a bit too tightly i might develop callouses soon, well not that it matters much anyways. It'll be better if my body gets better soon one way of doing that is by cultivating hard otherwise a healthy plentiful diet along with Moderate Exercise adding flexibility in my body as such this body too will be more enapt according to my minimum standard requirements'
"Sure that's enough of Dummy Practice, you should progress smoothly and efficiently not rushing ahead like a crazy idiot ! Just look at you hands they have such huge Red marks close to bleeding ! Don't hold a sword for a few days at least !." Havier was thoroughly annoyed at how carelessly he was moving his body around.
"As Havi said Epis you must take care of yourself ! While it is my fault for not stopping you previously as I got lost in the mood seeing your quick progress. I forgot it's just been two months since you've started moving." Sighing a bit he continued.
"Just rest for a while and if anything remember that feeling you had a few minutes ago. Nobody progresses smoothly overnight it stakes years of hardworking to get to a stable footing. For now just rest with Havi after she nurses you you both can just watch me train if you're really interested and have nothing to do during this time." Estr offer after saying his share.
"Oh~ Okay Big Brother I'll take you up on the offer and watch you train. Teacher what about you ?" Estr just asked with a evil grin within his mind just didn't show it.
"Of- Of course I'll stay here ! I'll be responsible for taking care of My student and it's good if I'm here anyways right ? Especially if Estr gets injured while training ! Only if you don't have problems with me being around that is..." Having said her mind aloud she just awaited the other party's response.
"No no I'm sure Big Brother will be more than glad to have Teacher around."
"Nobody asked you !"
"Nobody asked you !"
Getting the same response both almost instantaneously both the lovebirds stared in eachother's eyes chuckling and smacked his head lightly making Zash shut up.
Thereafter Zash got both his hands bandaged up like a mummy while the insides of the bandaids reeled 'mushy' which gave it a 'strange' feeling as Zash couldn't do anything Havier just gave him some juice to quelch his thirst on as both sat there, they watched and listened about a few tips and tricks from time to time and was finally cleared up on how to overcome a few hurdles which while he did knew before they weren't things thaught from a direct Swords Profession user and as he was able to ask anything without 'Shame' he just did do and got every answers out of Estr as for the other high level things they didn't matter for now as he was Physically too weak to do any of such manuvuers, moreover they might turn out to be an health hazards for him as he was now.
After the morning training sessions were over Zash and the stupid couple made their way towards the Dining Hall. As they sat on it Estr and Havier just casually spoke with Epis about things here and there when Estr suddenly braught a topic up.
"You don't know how lucky we are little brother our father loves us so much if not for children's opinions from a young age children's marriage partners will be fixed upon the confirmation of one's genders due to any reason, be it political or religious or any ethical or moral issues but our father gave us the opportunity to choose if and when and whoever to marry upon us that being said you know... " Saying so Estr grew a bit complacent
'So there's Child Marriages going around in this world !? I'm so glad I'm not part of such bullshit outdated tradition !' meanwhile hearing the first bit gave Zash a headache.
"Umm.. is there some issues big brother ?" Zash's expression grew worried thinking about things here and there and wanted a full explanation on where the topic was forwarding to meanwhile Havier too was Thoroughly Secretly glad towards King Edwin Treasured his children so much ! 'Thank God he's not Married off to someone Already !' was the current expression written all over her face, seeing this Zash just had a wide smirk as he did ask so to distract Epis's attention from Havier but he was one step too late as Estr too saw her and could make out things from her expression.
"Ahem* anyways, as I was saying you've just woken up and you've probably met with all those Marquises and other Nobles right ? We've got the responsibility to protect you but we can't do that always, we are forced to take certain steps but also a few things must be dealth with accordingly, for instance we have to make your Awakening Public as such doing so will be bound to 'Trigger' Majority of the attention towards you a Two month old boy within the body of a 9 year's old almost as Freaky as it sounds has such high intelligence in each and every profession and a high aptitude for learning things Hundred time quickly than others once this things are known you'll be under EXTREME Threat, once exposed you'll be living a constant life of Struggle watching out for 'Pawns' trying to trick you into a relationship or those who silently try to kill you beforehand or those that send others to do their dirty work for you..." Saying so Estr just went on and on to which Zash finally understood a few things.
[Side Quest Triggered- Survive
The more you thrive to live the more you are bound to 'Trigger' the Main Quest and figuring out what's the things plaguing the entire Kingdom.
Once completed you'll get More additional benefits ]
"Hmph* so I just have to be careful right ?"
"Ah.. tha-that's right but..." Estr and Havier were shocked how well Epis took the influx of information and how quickly it was processed and wondered if he even understood most of the things and wanted to avert from the depressing topic but as Zash continued they were horrified by his next response.
''Haiz*~ it would be so great if I could just Directly Eliminate such People from Existance !" Just swaying his legs left and right he continues
"Perhaps that's what I'll do once I'm powerful enough. Anybody who dares to have a wish to start trouble with our kingdom especially our soldiers and overall if Any one of those basturds dares to do anything to either one of you I'll Make him Regret Being Born !" Saying so Estr's and Havier's faces twitched as these were clearly the signs of a Dominant King not taking No for an answer, following his own heart ! Soon they were full of worry not for themselves or The Crystal Heart kingdom but the neighbouring ones especially since both of them had a clear idea how they were and conflict was bound to happen, and if such occurances did happen, it was enough to spew the end of so many people that is speaking when Epis grown up and is able to make a stand for himself.
Thinking up till this point Havier and Estr too came to the horrific realization of how much of a Threat Epis was to his enemies just a person like him once matured and groomed enough will be an one man Army ! So much so that it's not an exaggeration to say it one would not get a peaceful night's sleep once they caught Epis's erk and having a clear understanding of Epis up till this point there's little to nothing the other party can do on any level either Physical Capabilities or Mental capabilities wise Epis FAR, FAR Surpassed them all to which all of them were clear about just thinking about such an Enemy in front to them gave them Goosebumps !
It took a while for them to calm down as Epis stated his words there was silence any Guards hearing this caught a cold sweat and ran off not knowing what to do as King Edwin was rather late this day but this was normal as he was often more busy on several occasions. Silence eminated the room when Zash went trying to ease some tensions off going
"Teacr, Brother rest Assured I'll protect you both and this Empire you have my word for it Don't worry I know what you said is important but I too want to say it beforehand if any of you are hurt due to such instances I can't forgive myself and overall I'll make sure to make such individuals experience Hell giving no quarters !" Saying so Epis's rough and tough tone soon turned softer as he went about
"It's just I can't imagine Brother, Our Father and Teacher taking the initiative to harm others if someone it should be the other party who's to blame ! I'm clear about that much at least !" Saying so he pouted like a pufferfish seeing his actions The guards soon calmed down as did Havier and Estr and sighed in their hearts letting go of their worries.
'Phew ! That's right if anything I should be prouder of Being such an individual's Brother,(Teacher) if anything but even more so I'm so glad he's not an Enemy.' Thinking so Both were rest assured and even condescended their previous thaught on how ridiculous they were never minding that he was the boy they had watch grow since he came to be in this world they got to experience so much together ! How could they ever doubt their relationship with him as a Person to begin with.
As they diverted from the topic especially due to the mental trauma they might suffer thinking about the future issues the doors of the dining room were opened once more and Edwin came in.
"I'm sorry did I make you all wait long ?" Apologizing for his late arrival everyone turned towards Edwin.
"Not at all Father ! But please you are a King. Please Don't use that time in front of your subjects !" Estr said respectfully Epis and Havier along with Benedrict and other Senior Guards and maids also reprimanded on his behaviour.
"Look at you all bullying me ! Haha" letting out a happy laughter "that aside we're all a family here of course I'll be courteous towards anyone else but not my family. Say how was your day ? Anything fun you kids would like to share ?"
Sigh*~~ lots of sighs could be hard all around the room as this was expected from their king as he was such a person especially towards those that were too close with him.
"You see Father today Epis braught out a bigger surprise than usual.... Continuing on he just told him everything that happened this morning.
"Hahaha that's expected from him. Good good. It's all alright if you're well and happy." Saying so the maids served the food as they all are while having small talks.
"Mn Father can I help you with your works ? I'd like to see if I can be of use." Saying so Zash Hoped to get a good response as he could learn much from this world and especially most the problems faced by this kingdom all throughout the whole doing some brain work putting his mind to more use quite literally killing two birds with one stone.
"Hmm I know you want to help but I'm also aware of the agreement made by Estr and you you need to get better at protecting yourself. Once you are capable enough you can help us without implicating yourself. For now I'll just send you some basic accounting jobs and watch how you perform by such I'll too test you if you're able to take in more heavy responsibilities."
"Very well father I won't disappoint you !" While he was a bit sad he wasn't overly sad at the Same time as he just needs to prove himself worthy to get the information and at worst it would take a bit of time which he had enough to spare.
Looking towards his 'Son' fondly he thaught
'You should just live well if anything this kingdom shouldn't be a shackles bounding your progress ! Both my Sons Can't end up Dead ! NOT UNDER MY WATCH !' thinking so he resolved himself and a slender figure if his Wife came in front of his view which grew his eyes a bit moist as he couldn't be with her.
While she wasn't dead she wasn't any better either as it was like she was in a prison unable to be free ! Watching this he was becoming mentally unstable he already was bearing through the pain from his children's sake but if they too were dead he was sure he won't be able to die peacefully.
"Father what's wrong ?" Noticing the moisture in his eyes Estr couldn't help but ask.
"No Nothing it's nothing serious it's just the food was a bit hot caught me by surprise. Nothing bad though it's all good." Making a few excuses he just explained
"Very well please take care of yourself father." Estr hearing this just nodded while Havier and Zash within Epis's body felt the emotions Edwin showed in that moment as both of them were experienced fellows who knew the way of the worlds but they too stayed silent.
As dinner was done Zash returned to his room as did Havier and Estr who just returned to their routine the only difference was Zash had just gotten a few sets for papers related to financial management budget regulations and stuff which was easily dealth with by Zash within 10-13 minutes he would have been faster if only his hands weren't injured and not in a plaster of sorts, the papers were not of high quality and broke while using more force both combining the relatively cheap outdated paper production quality of paper and his increased strength due to his cultivation he didn't dwelve much in that matter and returned to Cultivate approaching the peak boundaries of Elemental Master 7th stage peak becoming stronger than most humans already as is.
'maybe I can make profit out of it' thinking so Zash made various plans to make money for the kingdom and himself.
Unfortunately it took a bit of time to break off due to things being off from before due to varying reasons even so this much was already better than previously.
Days passed progressively the only difference was Zash would receive a bunch of papers and instead of doing heavy training he was only allowed 10-20 minutes of training throughout the day at the beginning of a few weeks while time granted for his training grew increasingly frequently stunning everyone else as most guards and knights felt inferior in front of Zash if someone didn't know about his situation even than they'd feel inferior to a barely 10 year old boy but this was too much of an abnormality.
"Haa that's a Genuine Genius for you"
"Sometimes Comparison can really be a great Sin !"
A few despirited knights just went on saying while everyone knew they were only saying it to satisfy the resentment they felt towards such genuine Geniuses while they are high in sky now as Silver, Red and Black Knights they had trained so hard but watching themselves be outdone by such a fellow really put out a heavy impact on their hearts.
They weren't alone as the said Freak's Elder brother too grew heavily pressured about his little brother's potential in Swordsmanship which was bound to surpass him in not time at all ! In the pressure he too gave it his all to not to get surpassed by his little brother and 'to act tough' in front of his sweetheart.
Days passed and after Fifteen days Zash who now often wandered around in the morning after his training leaving his Teacher and Brother to look at eachother always managed to sneak past from the stupid couple's eyes but still was under the view of many guards ready to protect him if need be.
On such a day he cane across a certain building he never bothered with before but feeling that now was the appropriate time and his hands were well than better than before plus his additional strength compared to other Humans from this time he figured it was well about time to change things.
Entering the building the Knight behind him who secretly guarded him had a headache thinking.
'where the heck is this Freak of a Monster up to now ? ' thinking so their barely fortified mind was already making preparations to not get any more shocked as they might have to retire earlier on not due to enemies no no no, but due to their young Master being too much of a Freaky threat for their Mental & Physical Health.
Entering the Building he inquired for a person named Sabastian.
"He'll be here shortly my league please wait outside for a while as it's quite hot in here" saying so the person offered the prince to wait outside but he refused him politely and thanked him for his suggestion but he didn't with to do that and while they were having a small talk a figure came rushing in towards both of them.
"Hello My Highness the Second Prince please tell me if there's something you need.. ah please excuse my attire " a burly tanned man asked respectfully despite his tattered attire as he couldn't help it and excused himself.
"Haha don't worry it's me who's suddenly approaching you, you're not at fault here. I appreciate your work it's just I too wish to learn Blacksmithing from you as I heard from brother and father you take your profession quite Seriously." Saying so Zash waited for his response.
"Indeed I do. But even so i had no idea how polite you were our Empire is blessed to have you with us." Saying so he just thaught about all his previous life choices as he wasn't necessarily a good man he wasn't a bad one either he detested how he took Life in any circumstances and became a Swordsman but eventually he was still indirectly killing people by making weapons for them
If not for his passion and love for Forging things and earning for his family as they were well protected by the empire and his majesty he wouldn't be working here and hearing himself in such high regards from the second prince still made him feel a bit proud as he too had heard how the second Prince was a Genius.
(While the general public had no idea on the Prince's Awakening some trusted individuals did within the territory but even fewer people had idea on how much of a Freak he was and unfortunately Sabastian was soon going to find out the hard way.)