Two months had flown by in the blink of an eye, and spring had arrived, accompanied by my newfound partner, Inzaghi.
My dragon had grown considerably larger than when he was just a hatchling, and every night I would train with him to ensure he could fend for himself when the day came that I wasn't there.
As I had learned, a dragon's lifespan could span centuries to nearly a millennium, and I wanted to ensure Inzaghi was as strong and capable as he could be.
However, I kept Inzaghi away from Ezekiel for the time being, as I had discovered his jealous nature when he couldn't perform tasks as easily as I could.
He would attempt to cover it up by saying things like "Oh, that was child's play!" or "It's not the first time I've seen that sword since I already own it!" Yet, I knew he had never seen a dragon before, only telling me he had read books about their existence.
Despite this, Ezekiel and I continued our routine battles, comparing who had grown stronger. However, at the end of each battle, we always ended up tied, with zero wins, zero losses, and 99 ties between us.
No matter how much stronger we grew, we were always evenly matched. Even in a magic-only duel, Ezekiel would have the advantage of more mana, while I had stronger damage output. In sword duels, he swung with such speed that it could catch up with my vision, which could see past his moves, while I used techniques to counter his attacks, but he always found holes in my swordsmanship.
It was clear to us both that we were equals, and I couldn't help but laugh, which angered Zeke due to his short temper. "Whatever. I guess we'll see who has the last laugh in our next battle," he said as we headed back to the village.
"Since our intense duel using both magic and swordsmanship was amazing, I hate to say it, but I guess you won't be getting your rematch until we meet again," he said.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, confused by his words.
"Sadly, I have to leave very soon. My father wants me to return to the Kingdom of Askana, and he sent guards over a day ago to escort me back," he replied, hiding a bitter smile behind his face.
I was shocked, feeling as if a part of me was leaving my body once again, leaving me feeling a bit empty. "But don't worry, Jin. I hope you'll be attending an academy in the near future because I wish to see your face in the upcoming future that we two have ahead of us. So, I hope you won't bore me and get any weaker as time goes by. Don't be sad that I'll be going."
"You're saying as if I'm disheartened by this," I replied, trying to hide the sadness in my voice.
"It would just give me more time to become even stronger than you. I literally made it to your magic level with ease in these few months, and it took you forever, you mutt," he said, spouting absolute nonsense to my face. He was flustered, thinking he had the gist of the situation, but deep down, I did feel empty knowing he was leaving. However, I couldn't tell him that. My pride wouldn't allow it, and who knows how long it would be until we saw each other again.
"You damn idiot. I'd slam your head to the ground if I could," Ezekiel said, his anger rattling my own hot temper, causing me to take off running, with him chasing after me.
Both of us were breathless after our little chasing game, and we arrived at Ezekiel's temporary residence. The house was situated on the outskirts of the village but still within range. It stood alone and isolated from all other residents in the area, being the farthest place from the village.
Upon entering the house, I immediately felt an intense pressure emanating from upstairs. I was somewhat shaken by the force of it.
"My grandfather is currently sleeping upstairs. He's usually awake at this hour, but it seems he's really tired today," Ezekiel explained as we made our way to the dinner table. He produced a plate of breadsticks that looked different from the ones my mother usually gets. The bread looked high-class and of superior quality.
"What is this?" I asked as I took a bite.
"They're called baguettes!" Ezekiel replied, beaming with pride. "Nice, right? You won't find any of this type of bread in Askana."
As I savoured the delicious bread, I noticed the proud smile on Ezekiel's face fade away into a serious expression. He had brought me here for a reason, and it had to do with his situation returning to the Kingdom.
"get on with it" chewing on the delicious baguette.
"You've always been sharp ever since the day that I met you, Jin," he began. "Quite frankly, I am grateful that I had the chance to meet a worthy equal like you. Funny enough, there was no one like you back where I lived."
"And where was that?" I asked, curious about his origins.
"The Kingdom of Azure... I am from there, and I am the son and the next heir to the throne of Azure."
"To be honest with you, Ezekiel, I don't really care too much about you being some prince of a country," I replied.
Ezekiel laughed heartily at my response. "Oh, Jin, that's definitely you. And knowing you don't care about these hierarchies, made me realize how carefree you are. I like that."
He then explained that he was in the village as an asset towards the peace treaty between the Sovereign King Nhasier, his father Azure, and the Great King Joceus. In exchange for no outbreaks of war, the eldest child of the families must attend the Kingdom of Askana until they graduate from the academy.
"If you were supposed to be at the Kingdom of Askana, why are you here in this measly village anyway?" I asked.
"I wanted to visit my grandfather until it was time to head back to the kingdom since his time here was nearing. I wanted to spend more time with him," Ezekiel replied.
"Even if I hadn't seen your grandfather yet, I can tell he's crazy strong with his presence alone," I commented.
"He was the previous king of the Azure kingdom, and now he's just here living life alone in peace," Ezekiel explained. It was calming to know that he could speak about his grandfather in such a relaxed manner, even though he was in the presence of a former king.
Here's a revised version of the chapter with some adjustments to grammar, punctuation, and word choice to make it more professional:
Everyone in the Kingdom of Azure holds me in high esteem and fears me due to my father's power. It's not necessary for me to assert my desires, but you, Jin, are different. Even if you didn't know who I truly was, I doubt you would care or feel bothered that I am Azure's son. From the first time we met, I could sense that you were distinct from all the soldiers I faced when I was four. None of them compared to you. You are my only equal in this world.
"Enough," I said, giving Ezekiel a playful punch on the shoulder. He knew I wasn't holding back. "If this is what you wanted to tell me all this time, then at the very least, you should know my full name: Jin Panthero Kamuy."
"Hmph, you darn mutt." Ezekiel's expression changed to a smile as if he knew something I didn't.
"That's the Ezekiel I know," I said. "Over the months that I've gotten to know you, I noticed you were a high noble of some kind, but I didn't know you were a prince. What a twist, I say."
"Since you're heading back soon, make a promise to me that you will hone your swordsmanship and never try to be better than me at it because I hate how fast you learn."
I saw a bit of an angry smile on his face.
"Okay then, you keep training to be a better mage than I am even though you'll never reach my apex of talent, for I am a king!"
"Argh, you sure are one."
"I must say, for a commoner, you are the strongest one I've ever seen. Even the sons of noble children at home are quite weak."
"Well, young 'sire,' it seems I am built differently."
"Oh, and I told another lie to you," Ezekiel said.
"You're leaving today, I assume?" I interrupted.
"Yeah," he replied in a saddened tone.
"Well, I know this won't make for a good farewell present, but my mother taught me the courtesy of giving. So, here's my gift, and happy birthday." I handed him a carved wooden sword necklace, which he gladly accepted.
"This is the worst present you could give me," he said.
"Huh?!"
"I'm joking. This is the first present I've ever received that wasn't gold. Thank you, Jin."
Saying my farewells to Ezekiel, I took my leave. As I got further away from his home, I could hear the galloping of horses in my direction. It had to be them.
"At least it was fun while it lasted," I thought to myself.
I arrived home and greeted my parents with a warm smile, announcing my return. My mother immediately asked about my adventure with Ezekiel, wondering if it was enjoyable. My father teased me about getting stronger than him, and we all shared a good laugh.
As I made my way up to my room, I couldn't shake off this strange feeling of emptiness. I lay on my bed and closed my eyes, hoping to escape it. Unfortunately, when I woke up, I realized that Ezekiel had already returned to the kingdom. There would be no adventure today.
Feeling restless, I decided to take a stroll in the village. As I was about to leave, my mother called out my name, informing me that there was a package waiting for me at the front door. I hurried downstairs to see what it was.
The package was small, but inside were two items: a note and a crystal keychain in the shape of a bird spreading its wings.
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Dear Jin,
As you read these words, I will have already departed for the kingdom of Askana. The weight of my absence may be heavy, but I leave behind a gift to alleviate some of that burden. The pendant of protection is an heirloom of my family, passed down through generations. It possesses a barrier that will shield its wearer from harm, and I trust that it will serve you well in the future.
My decision to give you this pendant is not only out of gratitude for the carved sword you gifted me but also in recognition of your noble nature. I have faith that you will find someone worthy of your protection, and that the pendant will aid you in that endeavour.
Jin, I must also speak to you about your future. I confess that I am concerned about your intellectual capabilities, and it pains me to say that. But as your friend, I cannot leave you in need. Thus, I implore you to attend the Imperial Grand Academy of Nhasier, where I will ensure your enrollment, no matter the cost. You will receive the education you require to lead a fulfilling life, and I have already enrolled myself for the near future. Please consider my words carefully and enrol yourself when you turn 13 or 14.
Although it is sad that the adventures we had were fun while it lasted, I take solace in the knowledge that we will meet again. Our battles have been fierce, and we have tied an incredible 99 times. But I am confident that when we next cross swords, I will emerge victorious.
Until that day comes, stay safe and true to yourself.
Yours truly, Ezekiel Ryan (the prodigy)
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I couldn't help but smile as I read the note. Despite the distance, Ezekiel still managed to make me feel appreciated and valued. I carefully placed the pendant into my pocket
As I stepped out into the village, I couldn't help but wonder about the future. The pendant was a reminder that I had a duty to protect those I cared about, and the academy was a new path that I could take. But for now, I would enjoy the present and cherish the memories of my adventure with Ezekiel.