[Author's Note: I decided to change up the title a bit. If you like the chapters to continue beginning with Old Knight --- or want it to be original. Then please vote in the comments. Seriously though, if you really enjoy my work and want me to continue posting, please leave a review, comment or Powerstone. I'm getting a little depressed at how my view rates are slowing down and how my novel is hidden in the obscurity of a digital bookshelf within the back of an online library that houses millions of works. If you genuinely enjoy my work, please support me with a comment or a Powerstone, and maybe share it with your friends. Also, sorry for the short chapter. I know most of my chapters are at least 2K words long. (Not counting Author's Note of course). However, despite having planned how I want the subsequent twenty to thirty chapters to be, I find myself procrastinating on the computer, unable to type even though it's summer break, and I have a lot of time on my hands in spite of my part-time summer job. I sincerely pray that there is one among you who would kindly take the time to write a comment or review that would inspire me to re-ignite my passion for continuing this series and not shelve them like some of my other works. I genuinely enjoy writing stories and chapters for you guys to enjoy and am glad to have readers like Bluepikachu23, Bob Jones, Ken Pan and others who put up with my long upload pace. Anyways, I'll stop here. I've written the Author's Note far too long. Please enjoy the chapter, and I genuinely hope one among you can give me the push I need to continue with the series.]
On the grounds of Babylonia Academy, within the Arena. Instructor Emily announced the results of the match.
"Albert Belran is unable to fight!"
"The winner is Charles Integra!"
The stands of the massive Roman Coliseum-style Arena were silent and in shock.
Not the shock from the happiness and excitement of watching Charles win.
Not the shock from the sadness and disappointment of watching Prince Albert lose.
Nor the shock of seeing Prince Albert resorting to a demonic summoning ritual before being brutally crushed.
No.
It was something more earthly.
Something that over half the people in every world and universe suffers from.
Debt.
"NOOOOOO! MY MONEY!"
"I WAGERED MY ENTIRE LIFE'S SAVINGS ON THAT GOD DAMNED GINGER!"
"I SOLD MY HOME AND BUSINESS TO WIN IT BIG!"
"I BET 25,000 GOLD FROM THE BANK! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PAY IT BACK!?"
[Author's Note: FYI, Gold = $100, Silver = $10, Copper = $1
These are just the basic currencies for now. I'll think about adding more later.]
"NOOOOOO! I'LL NEVER SEE MY WIFE AND CHILDREN AGAIN!" [Author's Note: Except for in the brothels. Crap! That came out wrong! It sounds like he's incestuous.]
"I DON'T WANT TO WORK IN THE MINES!"
"DAMNIT! I SHOULDN'T HAVE CHOSEN THE PRINCE!"
"F*CK THAT OLD GEEZER! WHY COULDN'T HE SIMPLY LOSE!?"
Setting aside the roaring and raging crowd.
Some felt differently.
They could be divided into three categories.
Those who mocked Prince Albert.
"Tch! What a disgrace of a Royal!"
"Losing to an old fogey well past his prime!? How embarrassing!"
"Looks like all the talent went to the older siblings, poor sod, he's got nothing left but his looks and arrogance, but even those were crushed."
"Hahaha! Can't believe me and my family backed him for his right to the throne!"
"What a loser!"
Those who hid behind masks, literally and figuratively, carefully assessing the power and threat of Charles Integra, wondering whether they should forge friendly times with him or not.
"What overwhelming power! Unfortunately, my contacts have little to no information about him. I don't want to recruit him and then find out he belongs to an evil organization and backstab me."
"Hmm, although he's quite old. However, given the power he displayed, that means he has accumulated a lot of experience. He might be worth talking to sometimes."
"Hohoho! With this, he'll definitely be at heads with the Beland Kingdom! From what I see, he could be a fantastic trainer for our nation's military! Plus, it comes with the added benefit of him having the powerless of at least a Sixth-Circle Mage!"
Then, there is the small minority who are happy to see the old knight win against the arrogant, pitiful and detestable Prince Albert.
They were namely Lilith and Helen.
"Yes! He did it!"
Lilith practically leaped out of her seat and yelled for joy.
In stark contrast, Helen remained in her seat with her usual emotionless ice queen look, with a slight smile as she stroked a sleeping Cetus' scales.
"I'm amazed. He actually did it after all."
"If he failed. I'll be forced to make my foolish younger brother disappear."
Meanwhile, back at the Arena.
Charles POV:
*Whew!*
*Crack!*
*Crack!*
That was a decent warm-up! From that battle, I could glean that I retain between 70-80% of my original strength.
There's a possibility my strength will return to its peak. After all, interdimensional travel must take quite a toll on the body.
I guess I'll wait and see.
Even if it doesn't return to its peak, I could quickly regain the lost power through a few special training regimens of my own design.
Apart from my strength, I learned very little about how strong the people of this world are.
Although I made contact with Saint-level existences like Miss Medea, I know little about how strong an average mage or fighter is.
For all I know, this world is inhabited by only a handful of Saints, and the majority of the people in this world have nothing but amateurs.
Setting my thoughts aside, I glanced over at Prince Lizard's body.
After I knocked the stuffings out of him, he continued to be in that lizard form.
If he recovers, I doubt any lady would wish to willingly approach him.
This is a lesson for everyone. Never use dark magic also you know what you're getting yourself into.
Surprised by my lenient attitude?
Don't let anyone know this but I had some dealings with those from "down under" if you catch my meaning.
Why would I do that? Well, it wouldn't look good if the Commander of an army was personally executing every corrupt officer he sees on the spot now would it?
The dark organizations I worked with in the past were all rather nice people.
Everyone who says they are scum that should be eradicated is either ignorant or a hypocrite who played a part in their descent into the underground world of crime.
Nothing in this world is black and white.
A man may be called a hero for massacring the citizens of an enemy nation.
Then they may be called a demon or a witch when they come up with an amazing theory/invention or advocate for equality among all races.
Setting those negative thoughts aside, when is the medical staff going to arrive and take this pathetic, poor sap away?
Well, I won the match, so it isn't my concern anymore.
I called out to Miss Emily, who was still hovering above the field looking down.
"Miss Emily! Do you mind showing the way out!?"
"No problem!"
Miss Emily floated down to the ground. Together, we began walking toward the nearest Teleportation Circle that'll take us right outside of the Arena and back on campus grounds.
Miss Emily looked at me with a neutral face but spoke with a bit of respect that was not there previously.
"Mister Charles, you really are something! The majority of the old men I know are greasy old nobles who take advantage of everyone and everything, and wrinkly and long-bearded professors of this school. It is rare to see an elderly man have power that could rival an Eigth-Circle Mage like the Headmaster! What exactly is your secret to be able to retain most of your strength despite your age?"
"Why thank you Miss Emily! If I were to think of an answer, the simplest way would be to constantly train and push your limits to the fullest. Once you stop pushing your limits, the next time you train, you'll be stuck at the level you refuse to push yourself past."
"Hmm, thank you for your advice, I'll be sure to apply it to my training sessions."
Hearing the slight disappointment in her voice, I decided to cheer her up a bit.
"Naturally, when one trains, they must pull out all the stops. I can recommend you some exercises you can perform or teach to your students."
Miss Emily brightened up.
"Really!? I'd be extremely grateful! Are you sure it's okay for you to be giving out the secret to your power this way?"
Young lass, I'm just giving out a plan of my everyday training regimen, no need to get so excited!
"Of course, it's okay! I believe that everyone is entitled to achieve a strong and healthy body that'll give them a nice, long healthy lifespan."
"I'll be sure to drop it off by your classroom tomorrow."
"Thank you so much! It seems I was wrong about you! Wait, what do you mean drop by the classroom? Aren't you Lilith's Familiar? I thought you'd continue to be in the same class as her?"
"Oh, no! I made a deal with Miss Medea that if I manage to pull off something spectacular, she'll allow me to become a Professor. Also, what do you mean you were wrong about me?"
"Ah, yes! I heard about the conversation you had with the Headmaster, I didn't think you'd seriously consider taking on her challenge. Despite her "carefreeness," she has very high standards. I'd be surprised if you actually manage to become a Professor."
I wonder who informed her?
We seriously chatted with each other for the first time and hit right off.
We talked about the cultural differences, the best ways to train one's self, literature preferences, what life in Babylonia is like, our likes and dislikes, etc.
As we chatted away, I feel like I'm missing something.
Oh, right! That sword he used from the beginning to slice that dragon's heart in half! I wonder what happened to it?
Hopefully, that weapon doesn't get stolen.
I'm no artificer or expert blacksmith, but I can tell that sword hides a dark secret.
A darkness far worse than that dragon heart Prince Ginger used.
I sense a grand conspiracy afoot, but I cannot tell when the clock will chime for everything to begin.
We eventually arrived at a Teleportation Circle.
Miss Emily took out a small crystal orb the size of a coin and made it hover above the magic circle.
I was told by her that every student and faculty member carried one of these orbs as a form of ID and a key for to use services like the Teleportation Circles.
There are different level orbs you can get determining on your position and merits.
I asked her what they were called, but the answer wasn't what I expected.
"Borbs? That's what they're called?"
"Please don't remind me of the Headmaster's naming sense."
"I see, I apologize if I've enquired about something that I shouldn't have."
"Don't worry about it, it's just a personal issue I have with the Headmaster, she comes up with the most bizarre ideas sometimes."
"Anyways, it was fun talking to someone who doesn't bore me within five seconds or constantly eyes my body. Unfortunately, I have some paperwork to do after this so I won't be able to see you for the rest of the day. Perhaps we can talk tomorrow at lunch? I'll wait for you in the classroom and I can give you a tour."
"What a splendid idea! I humbly accept your offer!"
Ending our conversation there and promising to talk later, we teleported to the entrance of the Arena and parted ways.
Well, looks like it's time to meet the Headmaster to see what she has to say.
Far away from Babylonia Academy, a man clad dressed in an exquisite black suit, with a matching black cape and top hat that screamed "Last Boss," was examining a blood-red sword in a laboratory of some kind, filled to the brim with papers, test tubes, beakers, vials and other sorts of equipment which screamed "Mad Scientist."
Although not masked, shadows covered the entirety of his face in the dimly lit room he was in, and the only noticeable features were his unnerving wide grin filled with shiny white teeth, a monocle and glowing white orbs for eyes.
??? POV:
Hahahaha!
That foolish prince, did he really think I'd help him?
I only gave him that transformation ritual so that I could obtain that sword of his!
This sword is the first key I need to kickstart my master plan!
Although it wouldn't be bad if he did win the match, by winning, he'll become more conceited and vain, making him easier to be manipulated.
Unfortunately, his opponent is someone he could never beat, even if he had a hundred years' worth of time to hone his skills.
On that topic, I should have a few countermeasures in place in case that Otherworlder decides to throw a wrench in my plans.
[Author's Note: He knows Charles is from another world!?! Damn! This story is getting heated!]
Now, I best get on my way to acquiring the next piece crucial to my grand plan.
The gears are ticking away, and the hands move bit by bit, inching towards the inevitable.
Just like my plans, everything must move bit by bit and be in its proper place.
Before you know it, the bells will toll, and the fun will begin.
And no one.
NO ONE.
Can stop me.
"HAHAHAHA!"
"HAHAHAHA!"
[Author's Note: Be sure to add my novel to your collection, leave a review, comment or Power Stone if you enjoyed and want more chapters coming.