The weariness that had settled into the guests' body was undeniable, and they dedicated the day to much-needed rest within the comfort of their own rooms. As promised, Mehboob's men took their roles seriously, vigilantly patrolling the perimeter of the hotel.
Outdoors, a constant rotation of at least twenty guards kept watch, their eyes trained on the surroundings for any potential threats. Inside the hotel's protective walls, fifteen active warriors remained on high alert, maintaining their watchful presence.
Bennet, overcome by the weight of both recent events and the tension of their journey, found himself drained beyond measure. He surrendered to his fatigue, slipping into a deep slumber that spanned a full twelve hours. His rest was uninterrupted until the night had fallen, and he awoke in the midst of the quiet darkness. "Toma, are you here?" Bennet's whispered words carried through the darkness as he cast a glance at his sleeping brother on the opposite side of the room.
The eternal trickster came the mischievous response, "Where else would I be?"
"I've been pondering something. If we continue to stay at the academy, our skills and capabilities will undoubtedly expand," Bennet began.
"But, as you mentioned, for me to level up, it necessitates the acquisition of life essence. Which effectively means that my progress will remain stagnant until I complete my studies and graduate, am I right?" Bennet inquired, seeking clarification.
"Not unless the academy suddenly grants you permission to take lives, or if you decide to venture beyond its boundaries – which, might I remind you, is strictly prohibited," Toma replied in his characteristically playful manner.
Suddenly, it all fell into place. The pieces of the puzzle clicked together in Bennet's mind. His father had never been a part of the academy; instead, he had battled at a young age. This revelation pointed to the key to true strength – the secret lay in engaging in battles as early as possible, rather than confining oneself to the academy's teachings.
Armed with this newfound understanding, Bennet found himself at a crossroads, his mind a whirlwind of contemplation and possibilities.
The choice before him was both daunting and exciting, each potential path beckoning with its own set of opportunities and challenges. He mentally weighed the options, considering the merits and drawbacks of each potential direction he could take.
On one hand, staying within the protective embrace of the academy promised growth, refinement, and exposure to a structured environment that had its own advantages. On the other, the path of real-world battles held the allure of immediate progression, the kind that couldn't be gained within the confines of the academy's walls.
"I can't remain at level ten until I'm sixteen years old," Bennet murmured, his voice carrying a mix of determination and frustration.
"Why not? You could also stay a virgin until you're eighteen," Toma teased with his characteristic playfulness.
Bennet mused inwardly, acknowledging that in his past life, he had also passed away without experiencing such matters. With a wry smile, he recognized that this particular aspect wasn't exactly a top priority for him at the moment. "You died a virgin!?" Toma's words rang out with a mixture of shock and amusement, breaking through Bennet's reverie. The mischievous spirit's surprise was evident in his tone, leaving Bennet momentarily flustered by the unexpected reveal. "Cut it out, who said I died a v-virgin?" Bennet stuttered, attempting to defend himself.
"Have you forgotten that I can read your thoughts?" Toma's laughter resonated in Bennet's mind, his amusement evident as he playfully reminded Bennet of their unique connection.
"Brother, who are you talking to?" Hugo's voice broke the silence as he stirred from his sleep.
Bennet turned his attention to his brother, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Ah, it's nothing. Just lost in thought, pondering a few things," he replied with a reassuring tone.
"Are you sure? I think I heard something about dying a virgin," Hugo's voice held a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Bennet's cheeks flushed slightly, caught off guard by his brother's perceptiveness. "N-no, that's not..." he stammered, searching for a way to redirect the conversation.
"Listen, Hugo. I've actually made up my mind about not joining the academy," Bennet continued, changing the topic with a deliberate choice.
He looked at Hugo with a sincere expression. "I know that you've always dreamed of being a part of it, and I want you to follow your dreams. If you decide to stay here, I completely understand," he added, his voice gentle. "Nice save!" Toma's amused voice echoed in Bennet's thoughts.
"Shut up!" Bennet commanded in his mind, a mix of exasperation and a hint of a playful scold directed at the mischievous spirit.
Hugo's brows furrowed as he stared at his brother, a puzzled expression knitting his features. "Wait, Bennet, what are you talking about?" Hugo's voice carried a blend of curiosity and uncertainty. He couldn't quite grasp the reason for this sudden shift in plans, and his confusion lingered like a question mark hanging in the air.
"Tomorrow, the first thing we'll do is talk to Mother about this," Hugo affirmed with a nod
"Hugo, listen," Bennet began, his voice steady
"I've been doing a lot of thinking. While the academy has its merits, I've come to a realization that the fastest path to becoming stronger lies in gaining actual battle experience." He paused, allowing his words to sink in.
"It's true that most countries don't allow children to engage in combat, but there's one exception – the country where father was born," Bennet continued, his tone reflecting a combination of logic and resolution.
"In Alfiro, young warriors are trained from an early age, and it's considered normal for them to gain battle experience while they're still young."
As he spoke, Bennet's gaze held Hugo's, his conviction evident in his eyes.
"I believe that this approach makes sense. It's a way for me to grow stronger quickly and to gain practical skills that the academy might not offer. Plus, there's an additional factor that draws me to this choice."
"By following this path, I'll also be closer to our mother. I want to be there for her, to protect her and be a source of strength" His voice softened, a note of emotion weaving through his words.
"Honestly, the idea does make sense," Hugo admitted, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"You've always been the one who's good at using his brain, not me. So, if you think this is the way, I trust you."
Hugo's voice carried a touch of self-deprecating humor. "I might not be the smartest pumpkin in the patch, but I've got a smart pumpkin for a brother."
Bennet's expression softened, a mixture of pride and concern. "Hugo, I appreciate your support, but I want you to remember something important. Joining the academy has been your dream for a long time. You've always looked up to those warriors and envisioned yourself training alongside them."
I wouldn't want you to give up on something you've held close to your heart just because of me. Pursue your dream, and I'll be right there cheering you on, no matter where I am." He placed a reassuring hand on Hugo's shoulder.
"What I've always wanted, more than anything, is to become a strong warrior – not just for myself, but to defend the people and our family. If joining you in this journey means that I can grow stronger quickly and be a better protector, then that's the best way forward, as far as I'm concerned."Hugo smiled.
Bennet's smile grew wider, a mix of pride and warmth lighting up his features. He clasped Hugo's hand that rested on his shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of their shared resolve.
"A lot has unfolded, hasn't it?" Bennet mused aloud, his voice carrying a mixture of reflection and amazement.
Hugo nodded, his expression mirroring a sense of both weariness and wonder. "Too much, just too much," he replied, his voice tinged with a blend of exhaustion and the weight of their recent experiences.
"But you know, amidst everything that's happened, I've come to see just how remarkable your father was," Hugo began, his tone filled with a mix of admiration and gratitude.
"When news of our situation spread, so many people rushed in to help and protect us." Bennet's lips curled into a small smile.
"Hey, he's your father too, you know?" Bennet recalled with a gentle chuckle.
Hugo's eyes gleamed with a sincere appreciation. "He is, undoubtedly, an incredible man. The way he inspired loyalty and courage in those who knew him… it's something I won't forget."
In that shared moment of reflection, they both found warmth in the memory of their father's legacy.
"So, after summoning me, you're just going to leave me hanging, huh?" Toma's voice sounded in Bennet's mind, a mix of amusement and mock offense evident in his tone.
"You just can't resist disrupting the flow, can you?" Bennet's mental voice conveyed a touch of irritation.
"Uh, no. I despise anything cheesy," Toma replied with a note of disdain in his mental voice.
"I'm hungry," Hugo declared with a touch of casualness, his words drawing an unexpected chuckle from Bennet.
"Really, Hugo? Of all the things we've discussed, that's what you choose to bring up?" Bennet replied, his amusement evident in his tone.
"Hey, priorities, right?" Hugo grinned sheepishly, his stomach rumbling as if to emphasize his point.