Third person POV
Shortly after, Russell and James showed off their Metal Manipulation and Printer abilities to their friends, Caspian and Sylas. Caspian, Sylas, and others were stunned to see their magic in action, especially in Russell's Metal Manipulation, where Russell uses his sword as a tool for his demonstration. And then, Leon and Sierra went to the gardens with Alder. Alder felt bad for Leon because of Aeri's stupidity and vehemently apologized to them, to which Leon and Sierra frantically replied that it was okay. And then, the three of them noticed Russell's sword flying through the air and ran to check it out.
Upon arriving there, the three were stunned to see that Russell was the one who manipulated the sword's movement. James used his Printer ability's Paperwork sub-ability to fire pieces of paper in the air, and Russell used his Metal Manipulation Secondary ability to control his sword to slice through them, creating a wonderful spectacle that no one had seen before. Their friends were very amazed to see that.
"That was amazing…" Leon commented in awe.
"What are those papers shooting up to the sky?" Alder asked.
Sierra shrugged at that question.
Azalea and Ria heard their comments and looked at them.
"Oh, hey, guys," Ria said to them happily.
"Did you see that flying sword?" Azalea added positively. "Russell-kun used his newly discovered Secondary ability Metal Manipulation to control its movements."
Azalea knew that due to the fact that it was an ability native to that world.
Adrian, John, and Caspian then looked at Leon, Sierra, and Alder as well.
"Oh, hi guys."
"Hello there."
"Oh, it's you guys from last time."
Nathan, meanwhile, was busy taking pictures of Russell and James' show with their abilities.
A bit later, all of them sat on the grass and started sharing about their everyday lives. James explained to Alder, Leon, and Sierra about himself and his abilities as a Renad living in the capital. Alder, Leon, and Sierra were amazed, and James demonstrated his Printer ability with a few pieces of paper full of linear text from his memory, much to their awe and amazement. James then demonstrated his Printer sub-ability's Ink Jet at some marble walls nearby. That ink was washable, luckily, and James used his Water magic to wash the wall clean. Alder, Leon, and Sierra were even more amazed than ever.
A bit later, Russell and James recounted their battle with the Elai party last night, telling them of its details, climax, and best parts. Their friends were shocked to hear all that, and especially, Nathan, Adrian, Azalea, John, and Kelly were shocked to hear that Russell used his bus's baggage compartment door to hit Elai's Flaming Phoenix. Caspian noted that it was a tough and powerful creature of those who had his bloodline.
"Oh, really?" Russell asked back.
Caspian then nodded.
"Oh, okay, well, I guessed I was too strong to begin with.
"Not to mention, amigo," Nathan responded back. "You're really that unconventional, yet practical at that time. Azalea and I were in awe upon seeing that."
"Wait, you and Azalea-chan are there at that time?"
"Yes," answered Azalea back, "me and Nathan were camping nearby while on a search for you and the others."
"Oh…"
"But still," Adrian said to Russell, "it was quite cool that you used that piece of metal to fling that creature out."
The boy then looked at James. "And you were cool at using your ability to fire pieces of paper and even washable ink at one of those guys."
Russell and James felt flustered by those compliments.
And then, Prince Nicholas came and called Russell to come to him. Russell heard that and stood up, before running to him while saying to his friends that he'll be back. Now he and the crowned prince were walking down the corridor, and Nicholas led him to the palace dungeons while holding some important papers. Russell had no idea what they will do, but Nicholas explained that they will talk to Elai. But Nicholas hid his intention to break up with Elai.
So, the crowned prince and bus driver arrived at the cell where the Elai party was held. Upon seeing them, the Elai party stood up, while being bound in chains, and begged them for forgiveness, claiming to have reflected on their actions. But Nicholas and Russell think that those disgraced adventurers are just claiming. Russell noted that reflecting on bad deeds takes more time. So, Nicholas and Russell refused to grant them pardon from their crimes, stating that they must be punished according to law.
Russell's POV
And then, Elai fell on her knees in front of Prince Nicholas and cried in grief and remorse. "Please…how about us? I am sorry for cheating on you, Nicholas…" But Nicholas, not showing any sheer mercy for her or her party, slapped her in the face with a strong slap. "You betrayed me, thrice."
"How did I do that?"
"First, you betrayed my adopted brother Adrian; second, you cheated on me with Aren; and third and lastly, YOU TRIED TO KILL MY FRIEND RUSSELL MAY!"
Those charges really devastated Elai and her party a lot, depriving them of any hope of being free from their crimes.
I was quite serious, but on the inside, I was surprised that she and Prince Nicholas used to be in a romantic relationship.
Now I needed to prove it as correct by continuing to listen to their conversation.
"It's over between us," Nicholas coldly said to Elai with moral brutality.