Vincent stood there with his mouth agape. It wasn't until Leyhna waved in his face that he returned to his senses.
"How… How did you…?" [Vincent]
Vincent looked at me with an intense stare. So much so that he began to scare me as he walked closer.
"Hey uh- what are you-?!" [Solace]
Before I could even back away, Vincent grabbed my shoulders firmly.
"Solace!" [Vincent]
"Y-Yes?!" [Solace]
"How do you know the Reid family's skills?!" [Vincent]
"The Reid what now?" [Solace]
I was completely and utterly confused. It seemed that Vincent had completely forgotten that I knew basically nothing.
"The Reid family's skills. |Enchant Flame| and |Blazing Fist|. How and where did you learn them?" [Vincent]
He stared me down so much that I thought he was gazing into my soul.
"I-I'll tell you! Just get away from me!" [Solace]
I tried to push Vincent back a bit, but he didn't budge. I was honestly getting pretty scared at that point.
"Tell me." [Vincent]
Something told me that if I didn't tell him, I was going to be in some deep trouble.
"O-okay! I learned it from Leyhna!" [Solace]
After hearing my words, Vincent released me and snapped his head towards Leyhna.
"Explain." [Vincent]
"Woah woah woah! Context! I didn't actually teach him!" [Leyhna]
"You didn't?" [Vincent]
His tone of voice was deep and intimidating. Seeing as how things were turning somewhat sour, I backed off a bit.
("Uh oh.") [Solace]
Vincent's hand shot out like lightning, grabbing my collar before my first step back.
"Did you lie to me?" [Vincent]
"N-No! I would never!" [Solace]
"Then how did you learn the Reid family's skills?" [Vincent]
I raised my hands reflexively, as if to show I surrender.
"I just saw Leyhna use it to break down the wall, and I just learned it. Please believe me." [Solace]
"...Leyhna, is this true?" [Vincent]
He turned towards Leyhna, who was now sweating nervously.
"Uh, yeah. I… think?" [Leyhna]
"Hm…" [Vincent]
Vincent didn't seem to believe Leyhna's response, so he turned back to me.
"Solace. Can you swear by the gods that it's true?" [Vincent]
"Uh… Sure?" [Solace]
I wasn't sure how to swear by the gods, but Vincent was giving me an expectant look with a hint of intimidation.
"I… swear by the gods…?" [Solace]
The moment those words parted from my lips, a strange light shone over me.
"What's happening to me?" [Solace]
"You have attracted the attention of the gods." [Spirit Guide]
The light shone a bright white and vanished within the next instant, leaving me in a confused state.
"What just… Was I hallucinating?" [Solace]
"The gods have deemed you innocent. I'll believe you." [Vincent]
"Oh…" [Solace]
Vincent released his grip on my collar, which had me straightening out my uniform.
"I apologize for my… Actions. There are rules within the household to not let others learn the skills, but… you have." [Vincent]
"...Sorry? There really wasn't anything I could do about it." [Solace]
"Is that so? Fortunately, there IS something you can do about it." [Vincent]
I didn't like the way Vincent worded that, but I continued to listen to him.
"And that "something" is…?" [Solace]
"Become my student." [Vincent]
I stared at Vincent with a puzzled expression.
"Am I not your student? I'm here to be taught aren't I?" [Solace]
Vincent sighed at my question.
"Let me rephrase it. Become my disciple. One who will train under me and regard me as your master. Not to be put together with "teacher". Understand?" [Vincent]
That was when things clicked.
"Ah, so like one of those shows where they get an old man to be some kid's teacher of martial arts." [Solace]
"Pardon?" [Vincent]
"Nothing. I uh… can I think about it?" [Solace]
Vincent shrugged.
"Just to inform you, this is an ultimatum. Either perish by Reid's code of conduct, or become my disciple and be regarded as an extension of the family." [Vincent]
"Wait, you're going to kill me?!" [Solace]
Vincent grew silent. Instead of using words, he just motioned as if to say:
"Take your pick." [Vincent]
"...I'd like to be your disciple, please." [Solace]
"Good choice." [Vincent]