"Right, I think both of you should already stop..." Glaring in the distance was a woman who was not interested in their fight whatsoever. She approached the two men while they are frozen in remorse for what just happened.
The whole academy was shattered in silence after experiencing a tremendous aftershock from their blows. Thinking that it might be a good idea to continue because no one dropped, they were forced to converge after Julia Primrose ordered them to.
"M-Miss Julia! I'm sorry!" Seeing her lovely yet deathly presence in front of them, Aran backed out and started walking back through the front door joining in his group. He was kinda exhausted but there's nothing wrong with that.
"Ara, too bad. Aran! Let's have another sparring soon!" William waved with a large smile on his face. However, as he tried to compensate for another round, his face bounced after receiving a massive punch from Julia which he flinched through the thick wall surrounding the whole academy. This turn of events shocked the whole audience, then later turned into a wide scale of laughter.
"Ow! Why would you do that?" While rubbing the pain on his back, William stood up very slowly with his limp body and stretched it off.
"I should ask you the same, you have the guts to show here unattended and then instantly force a candidate to have a match with you. You sure have the nerves to break the law, huh?!" Her death glare stored inside William's soul enabled his body to send chills down his spine.
"N-No... I have business here..."
"HUH?!" Julia popped a nerve from her forehead.
Noticing that he was about to die at the hands of this powerful woman, Aran and his group approached the two.
"It is alright, Miss Julia. He is telling the truth..." Aran said.
"Oh? Is that right, Aran?" She asked.
"Yes, umm... I asked him to let Section C train under him so we can have a solid foundation for the upcoming triathlon event. It is not that much, but this is the only option I can provide for the sake of our own battle." Aran replied.
"What? Did you hire him? How did you... William what's the meaning of this?!" She shifted her curiosity to William himself.
"I uh... Well, It is a long story. But it is actually Veldrey who asked me to come in here. I figured that it would be good if I can somehow guide some candidates here about the event." He reached out.
"Jeez, I am really annoyed by your presence..." Julia glared at him again.
"Sorry, okay? It was just a habit to fight this kid right here because he is also my disciple. Haha!" He replied with a tease.
"He is really here standing right in front of us..."
"Yeah, at first, I didn't want to believe him..."
"What should we do?! Should we ask him for some autograph?"
Eunice, Nikki, and Mahrisse all had their impression and scattered murmurings for themselves after meeting William. They were squirming in excitement knowing that they have met the real person in front of them. What stood upon them was the long adventure of this man who modernized the magic industry and built a lot of foundation to support his belongings, having all kinds of the title because of his strong fundamentals.
Soon enough, he turned his attention to the other girls who just met him. Lisa, Huck, and Aran stepped back to give space for William to meet the other members of his group.
"Oya? You guys, Hmm?" He bent his torso and leaned in front of them, examining their presence as well as their faces. The three were screaming inside all the time after realizing that they have been noticed by the man they looked up to.
"G-Good morning, nice to meet you... My name is Eunice!" Eunice bowed.
"S-Same here... My name is N-Nikki Shimizu. Nice to meet you!" Nikki bowed as well.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Louise Anne Mahrisse Silvestre, the third daughter of the Dukedom of Silvestre." With her experience and confidence, she greeted William with pure formality and bowed with her hands slowly lifting her skirt as to what a novelty can do when they are in front of a powerful person.
"Oh! You're Frederick's daughter! Nice to meet you!" William took the opportunity to shake her hands in which everyone was surprised.
"She is the only person in the world who managed to shake his hand..." Huck whispered.
"Of course, he will show formality as well. That's noble in front of him. He needs to give his respect." Lisa answered in a whisper.
"Are you guys friends with Aran at some point?" Suddenly, he blurted out a question that is completely unnecessary.
"Hey!" Aran called.
"Yes..." Eunice answered but her eyes are not directly looking through William.
"Yes, we've been hanging out," Mahrisse answered with a smile on her face.
"Y-Yes... We're in his group," Nikki timidly responded.
Aran was facepalming himself because he couldn't keep the embarrassment any longer. He roughly rubbed his face with his hand and gritted his teeth.
(That William!)
"Hehe! I see how it is! Aran!" William stood up and raised his hand with his finger pointing towards Aran.
"W-What?!" He twitched.
"As expected! YOUR GOAL IS TO BECOME A WOMANIZER! HAHAHA!" he laughed like a maniac for a couple of seconds.
"What the hell are you even talking about?!" Aran burst.
Seeing that some of them are having doubts about his actions and nature, Julia smacked him again on his head and returned back to normal.
"—Anyway, so I am here now. What do you want me to do, Aran?" William asked.
"Follow me, I am going to introduce you to my Section. Just don't try anything funny." Aran took the lead and they all headed inside the hall.
"How are you doing, Master William?" While they were walking back, Grandmaster Himawari took the time to reinstate a conversation with him.
"Ah! Master Himawari. Good morning, I am doing well today. How about you?"
"Well, the same as always. Looking back to what we have built so far. It is all thanks to you that the board members agreed to have them build the academy. Without it, we wouldn't be able to produce higher ranking warriors." Master Himawari answered.
"I see, so they are still stingy with that, huh? Well, don't worry about that. I will take care of foreign affairs if it is possible within my grasp. Though, I don't think it will work in the near future though. Now that we have to deal with the new election of board members, we may have to face a far more pretentious person. I can't afford to let them be inquisitive about the whole purpose of this academy. It is our modern foundation of hope after all." William responded.
Overhearing their conversation, Aran decided to step in and join their talking, curious about how the process of the academy works in their favor.
"Huh? So this academy was not founded by the board members? Then why are they here helping us with the things?" Aran asked. Surprised by his question, William glanced at him and answered.
"Ah, well, the academy was actually not supposed to exist five years ago you know?"
"What? Why?"
"It is a long history of trial and error and some attempt of discord among all other departments inside the kingdom. When Commander Henry proposed the construction of the academy, we were lacking any personnel and some funds to aid the needs of its materials and other foundation. Simply said, they don't have the latest bill of rights at that time and the board members were actually the ones handling the procession of the whole proposal."
"If that is the case, then wouldn't the other people would have to pay taxes in order to keep the base alive and functioning? My father told me that they were not receiving any compensation nor do they have to pay for their land. Is the academy free after all? Where did they find all of the funds to continue this building anyway?" Lisa jumped in.
"Well, the board members do have the rights to consolidate with the other departments but they were opposed to the idea in the first place until the palace and the king decided to accept the proposition of the academy because of its promising beneficial aspect that can lead to the first expedition outside the kingdom ever since the Travel. We don't really have the rights to push further but the king insisted so they let the plan contribute." William replied.
"Then where did all of this money come from?" Aran raised another question.
"It was funded by the three major organizations in this kingdom. The first is the palace wherein half of its income comes from the trades and other marketing valuables that will be preceded for the sake of the construction of the whole academy. With its other four divisions of course. The next one was the League of Knights which is led by Commander Henry since he was the one who proposed the original idea in the first place. And then the last organization was mine. Which is the Magikill Federation. Home for its modern magicians and all of the incomes that I make from selling magic stones and other useful stuff for adventurers will be given a quarter of to provide the needs of the whole divisions."
"What? So you are also running the academy while continuing your work outside the kingdom?" Lisa asked.
"That's right, but I do have some other personnel here to help me maintain it so there's no problem. But the main conflict for this one is that the board members will soon have their own re-election of officers. There are going to be more people who are constantly into the fact that they need to disapprove of the funding of the academy in order to continue the prosperity of our country."
"But is that really what we want though?" Aran asked.
"If you ask me, the board members wanted the country to become more powerful in its right and military prospect. They want this kingdom to be on top of the whole world but the current king is not advisable for that position. He wants to improve the survivability of the kingdom rather than property. In his regard, the life of the citizen and the life of the other nations are more valuable than to continue with its power."
"What would happen if our country raises through the top?"
"Well..." Master Himawari stepped in to answer. "It would leave a major conflict to all of our nations."
"What?"
"If the kingdom of Ruth eventually surpasses all of the rights and gained the powerful trait, some countries would have to rescind or dispute their offer in continuing to work with us. After all, they wanted to seek power as well and if one country offers to be in the right place for that, it may spark a war and they will no longer support or work with us." Master Himawari continued.
"Simply being said, our nations would attack each other for the title and place because there will be no equality anymore. The board members wanted to be powerful but they are all an idiot for not considering the outcome or the future of the world. If the war happens, it would just waste the time that the ancestors spent to form this kingdom and all other countries that are led by other leaders or kings. We don't have that much input or faith to survive that war. So as much as possible, the academy is here to take all of the vantages and being its own core for the sake of equality." William explained.
"That's going to be problematic in the future. But if the king has the permission, then the board members wouldn't do anything right?" Aran asked again.
"Sure, that is the major key point. But what if the king is already running out of time? We don't know the exact condition of his health, his achievements, or what he is doing right now. The board might have been waiting for his death while the others are preparing to inherit his position. Either way, the king must already set someone to inherit the throne before the members' plots something disastrous. It is a political conflict that we are talking about. Everything is planned under any schemers who are unwanted by their own egos and beliefs. Without the king, all other federations or departments would have to cut ties with the empowerment of the academy." William answered.
"So that's how ranking works huh... I see now." Aran finally realized the answer to all of the things that he has been wondering about.
"To be honest with you, that's just the tip of the iceberg. We're just scratching the surface. Novelty and politics have their own generation of conflicts. We don't have the correct prediction for when it will undergo its own predicament. The thing is, if there will be another ruler for like another seventy years or so, I want that ruler to actually purge the entire organization of the board and build another department who is not biased on everything including their own rights." He continued.
As the conversation continued, they eventually reached the room of Section C. Julia and William went inside while Master Himawari goes back to his office.
The room was silent at first because they couldn't believe what they are seeing right now.
But then...
"W-William Smith is here!"
"Woahhh it is real!"
"I can't believe it!"
Seeing their initial reaction was probably the best thing that had ever happened from Aran's point of view. Their nature in the first place was contradicting to how it looks like to this day. Seeing the most powerful magician in the world is a winding experience for all of them.
"Pst! Aran!" Later that day, Julia called out to him in a whisper.
"Yes, Miss Julia?"
"Why didn't you tell me that you were inviting William here?" Julia asked.
"Umm... Because you didn't ask me?" His answer is laughable but not the best. Julia sighed and facepalmed herself.
"So your plan is to bring him here and then what?" She asked for confirmation once again.
"He will be here to guide section C for the upcoming Triathlon. Our classmates will surely become enthusiastic knowing that William is here," He answered.
"Well, you have the command. I think you should go introduce him or take the leadership role and speak in the front." Julia smiled and pushed him out of the corner.
"W-What? B-But!" He failed to resist and he found himself in the center of the whole class. Everyone noticed his presence and kept their mouth shut for a while.
"Hey, the hero is going tell something..."
"This should be interesting."
Little did they know that Aran is somewhat on the verge of a breakdown, but seeing that everyone around him is counting on him, he didn't pay attention to his own mind. He tweaked his mind for a bit and glanced at William, he gave him a small smile to boost his confidence.
"U-Um..."
"E-Everyone. I have a few announcements to offer for you today. So um, with the upcoming Triathlon event I noticed that most of us don't want to participate. And I think I know the sole reason why. So um, I want to help you guys with your own shortcomings. I don't want this section to become the very foundation of a failure. I want everyone to pass and have their own achievement even if it is just small so this time, I invited William Smith to help you guys with your magic training." Aran finally gave the information to all of them.
At first, there was no connecting reaction. All of their minds are in silence. Aran closed his eyes thinking that he messed up. But then–
"WOAHHH!!!!"
"HOLY MOLY!"
"WILLIAM SMITH IS TEACHING US MAGIC?!"
"HELL YEAH, I AM DOWN WITH THAT!"
"LET'S GO!"
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH, ARAN!"
"MAN, YOU ARE THE BEST!"
The whole room was filled with its echoing scream after a very long day of drought self-deprecating atmosphere. The thing is, if it wasn't for him, the whole class might have lost their own confidence at some point. It was a major input for Aran and the rest of the group.
"Everyone... Please be quiet." Finally, Julia decided to calm them down and then William stepped in.,
"So I guess there will be nothing but shouting here, right? But yeah, Aran is right. I am going to be here for a few days so you guys can train under me. The event that we are talking about is the Triathlon. It was the event that I have proposed for the sake of seeing and analyzing your progress with physical affiliation. However, some of the board members have changed the rules of the said event that I have proposed. That's why it is hard for this section to keep up. So now that I am here, I will give you guys some hope and will teach you some tricks on how to level up your magic activation sequence and how to enhance it." William discusses the very first thing he will do for the sake of this event.
Someone raised their hand after he spoke.
"Yes?" William asked.
"But, Master! Wouldn't it be unfair for the other section? Like I mean, I know that you only came for us, but I just don't know if the other section will have to discriminate or hate us even further. I don't want to have a beef with them because some of my friends are there. What do we have to say for ourselves?" William was out of words to speak, but then it is a good thing that Aran brought himself up to say the reason.
"Don't worry about that. Section A and Section B already know that he is coming here to have a visit. However, that's only the tip of the iceberg because they don't know the whole reason why William is here. What we are going to do, is secret training at a specific time and place. Sure, it might be condescending for us to have the control of William Smith but then again, those sections are pretty much more superior even with the help of William. And besides, we're not here to power up, he is not here to give us some power nor help us with the event itself or the process. We are here to train under his own teaching and have him help up pass through the obstacle. Don't you want to improve at your own unique skills?" He discussed.
Everyone in the room smiled at his remark including his group that is stalling on the door. The whole candidates were somewhat excited and couldn't wait for the secret training they have put their faith in. It might be a little slow but this is the only option they could possibly ask for for the sake of their mentality and determined traits.
"Our training wouldn't have to consist of cheating. I don't like to interfere with the nature of magic. Not on my watch. I have come here to help you get over your own weakness and insecurity. Even with my help, those sections would still beat you guys in terms of magic. That's why while we are training, I will have to let you guys reach the peak of your own settlement in magic and how you guys portray your powers in such ways. The goal is to surpass or to beat them with your own efforts and skills." William said.
Everyone turned their attention to him like a hungry pack needing guidance and knowledge. Julia started explaining the rules and how are they supposed to join the upcoming Triathlon. After a long session of talking, Aran and the others went to the cafeteria to have a bite.
"Great job, Aran. You finally solved the problem. So what's next?" Lisa asked him.
"Well, there are three things that we should look forward to. One, the first event which is the swimming event. We need to ask someone in our section to participate. I have covered the scope of the whole area and it looks like they are going to use the Field 2 pool area. I don't even know how we had that much account for this kind of event." Aran sighed.
"That pool was supposed to be for party purposes only you know? Like a celebration or something." William stepped in.
"Gweh! Why are you here?" Aran made an annoyed face after seeing his face.
"My my, don't be like that. I came here you know. I didn't know that you had that much money." William replied with a smile as he took a swig.
"Money? What do you mean? I don't have money to pay." Aran was confused.
"Oh, well, the stone that you have found took its way to me. Apparently, Veldrey didn't really sign the contract for the ownership of the stone. He just kept it." William replied.
"Wait, what? Huck?" Aran gazed at him.
"Well, I don't really know what my father was thinking. But I guess he is just content with everything. That large sum of money is not what he needed he said." Huck responded as he took a spoonful of rice into his mouth.
"I see, well, he can still do whatever he wants with that. I have no problem with it." Aran leaned back and closed his eyes.
"Still though, that would actually change your life, you know? That stone is pretty rare. It is my first time seeing it." William said.
"I don't care about that stone or the money. I have nothing to work with that anyway. Like, I don't really know what to do with it so I just gave it away." Aran responded seamlessly. The other girls were surprised by the fact that he was rich but then he just threw it away.
"Aran, sometimes, I don't know if you are just doing that because you're a good person or an idiot," Eunice replied and everyone chuckled.
"Hey!" Aran huffed.
"Now then, I agreed with the fact that I should train them. But what are you going to do, Aran?" He asked him.
"Oh, I am not joining the event. It is a hassle for me. Besides, I don't even have time for training. I and Mahrisse will be going to Duchy of Silvestre tomorrow." Aran replied.
"Silvestre? Why are you heading over there?" William asked.
"My father is the one who projected it. he wants to have dinner with Aran. It is thanks for saving my life back when the criminal almost killed me." Mahrisse answered.
"I see, and here I am thinking that Aran might have to marry you! Hahaha!" With William's joke, everyone turned their face into a sour expression except for Mahrisse who twitched in her place with flattering cheeks and reddish touch. Aran also made a mess by spewing his drinking water onto the ground.
"M-Marry!" She leaned back with embarrassment. Her tone is somewhat cute and extraordinary. The other girls couldn't take it that they started being more pompous and edgy with Mahrisse around.
"H-H-Hey! What are you s-s-saying?! That's not going to happen." The first time in his life. Aran finally blushed with his ears full of red touches. Everyone noticed his flustering and laughed.
"HAHAHA!" Huck joined in as well.
The group had fun for a long time and it was finally time to head on their rooms. As they walked back, William called out to Aran.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I have something to tell you." He said.
"Mmm?"
"Ever since I landed here on the academy, I have been noticing a lot of dark energy dispersing around some area. Did you notice it as well?"
"Now that you mention it, I did feel something. And it is not just today. It has been going on for like three days now. I don't know where the dark energy is coming from though. It is hard to recognize their position on a random state." Aran replied.
"Hmm, it may have been a lost speck of dark matter. But still, Aran, you should be careful around here. We don't know what might come in the near future. You need to stay in your guard." He said.
"Yes!" Aran responded seriously.
William took the day off and wandered around the place while talking with other colleagues. Aran went straight to his room and started reading books again.
"So the big day is tomorrow, huh?" Huck asked.
"Yeah, I need to prepare myself. Honestly, I don' think the day will go smoothly without me messing up my lines in front of the duke." Aran replied.
"Oh, you have a memorized line? That seems cool."
"Yeah, Mahrisse told me that I need to memorize some proper etiquettes as well so that I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of his grace. Living as a noble must be hard at some point like there are so many rules to follow and you don't even know where to start. Why don't they just live formally without having many strict rules anyway?" He asked as he positioned himself on the other side of the bed.
"Well, I have always thought about that myself. Though, I guess that is just how powerful families lived. Once you are on the line of their sight and respect, you need to keep that up in order to have a promised position in their eyes." Huck answered.
"Yeah, I'll be sleeping now."
"Alright..."