At 5 AM, Haruo woke up, the remnants of his butler and street days making it impossible to sleep in. Early mornings had become second nature. Quietly, he quickly stood up, careful not to disturb Taiyo, still resting beside him.
'Wow, I haven't even started the day yet and I already hate it,' Haruo thought, rubbing his eyes and stretching his arms before finally getting out of bed. He dressed quickly, preparing himself to meet Kilian.
He sighed, heading toward the door, but paused just before stepping outside. A thought hit him, he hadn't made breakfast yet. Turning back, Haruo decided to cook Taiyo a dish he'd never been able to make before, one that had always been out of reach due to lack of money and resources.
"What the hell is MSG?" Haruo muttered, holding up the packet and squinting at the instructions.
"Might as well use it," he shrugged, sprinkling a tiny amount of MSG onto his dish. He then picked up a spoon and took a sample, cautiously tasting the results.
"???" Haruo's expression reflected pure surprise; this was the perfect reaction anyone could have after tasting that. He took another spoonful, tasting it again to confirm whether he had truly gotten it right.
Haruo stood there, expressionless, taken aback by the unexpected burst of flavor. The surprise was almost overwhelming; he wasn't used to such richness, as his taste buds had rarely experienced anything so vibrant. He had no sense of taste.
He stood there for an hour, his plate empty, as his expression slowly faded from shock until he finally snapped out of it. The unexpected flavors lingered in his mind, leaving him in a state of disbelief at what he had just tasted.
"Oh shit, I wasted too much time! I need to go now!" Haruo exclaimed, walking quickly to the door. He hurried through the halls and left through the gates, making his way to Kilian's mansion across the street.
"Is this it?" he wondered, his expression a mix of confusion and uncertainty as he stood before the mansion, unsure if it truly belonged to Kilian.
"I don't know; let's find out," Kilian said, suddenly appearing behind Haruo, catching him off guard.
Haruo jumped in shock, finding Kilian right behind him. Irritation filled his expression as he glared at Kilian, annoyance bubbling up from the sudden appearance. Kilian stood there casually, seemingly unfazed by Haruo's reaction.
"Where's that Hyakagure brat? I told her to come here yesterday," he said, scanning the area for any sign of her.
'Probably still sleeping because you woke us up at such an absurd hour!' Haruo thought, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I have an idea, your going to do it with me" Kilian said, with a INNOCENT smile.
[skip to a few minutes]
Kilian crouched on the edge of Ena's bed, watching her sleep soundly like a baby. Haruo sat beside him, his expression one of complete fatigue, clearly tired of being in Kilian's presence at that moment.
Kilian held a water balloon in one hand and a needle in the other, carefully aligning the balloon over Ena's face. Haruo sat beside him, his expression filled with irritation as he gripped an air horn, reluctantly forced into this ridiculous situation.
"When I pop this, blow the air horn, okay?" Kilian whispered to Haruo.
"No." just no.
"3... 2... 1..." Kilian counted down before popping the balloon against Ena's face, the loud blast of the air horn following suit in a cacophony of chaos.
Ena quickly woke up, jolting upright with a startled gasp as water dripped down her face. She blinked rapidly, disoriented by the sudden splash. As the realization hit her, she instinctively covered her ears, wincing at the blaring noise of the air horn. The chaotic scene around her registered, and she glared at Kilian and Haruo, a mix of confusion and annoyance etched on her features.
Kilian and Haruo took off running, laughter escaping Kilian as he glanced back at Ena. Haruo remained silent, focusing on putting distance between them. Meanwhile, Ena was in hot pursuit, her face flushed with anger as she chased after them, completely furious at their antics.
They kept running until they reached Kilian's mansion, where Ena, fueled by rage, launched a fierce dropkick straight to Kilian's face. Surprisingly, he barely flinched, remaining on his feet with a grin as he absorbed the impact, clearly enjoying the chaos.
They were now in a private field, right beside Kilian's manor.
"Alright, since you're here now, let's start," he said, clapping his hands once to grab the attention of the two of them.
"The verification test is coming soon, so I have to prepare you two for the time being," he said, his tone turning serious as he outlined what they needed to do.
"What's a verification test?" Ena asked, confused about what it was.
"You see, in the Marion Kingdom, we have a system. There are about five groupings for this. Each grouping is designed for specific tasks and people, based on their skills and roles. It helps us organize efficiently and tackle challenges effectively."
"Sub-divisions - they're temporary tasks assigned for specific purposes and specific people only. Each sub-division is created to address a particular need or challenge that arises. So, in short, they're like a temporary task force, formed to get things done quickly and efficiently."
"divisions - they are groups of people who specialize in a specific purpose. For example, we have divisions for guarding, researching, artifact restoration, and more. Each division focuses on its area of expertise to ensure that we can effectively handle various tasks and challenges that arise."
"Branches - they are the people who assign missions to the divisions. They organize everything and ensure that each group knows its responsibilities. They also manage the verification test, overseeing the entire process to make sure it runs smoothly."
"Main branch - they are the executives who prepare everything. All reports, research, and important documents are directed to them. They compile and analyze the information before submitting it to the city councils for review. I'm in charge of that process, ensuring that everything is organized and accurately presented for decision-making."
"City councils - there are ten members responsible for balancing the economy and maintaining peace in the kingdom. They evaluate the needs of the people and make crucial decisions, directing all tasks and initiatives that align with the kingdom's goals. Their choices significantly impact the future of the Marion Kingdom."
"And how is this all connected to the verification test?" Haruo asked, his confusion lingering as he tried to see the link.
"Well, you're part of the kingdom now, so it would make sense for you to at least understand how the system works," Kilian said, raising his index finger in the air for emphasis. "Knowing the structure is important if you're going to navigate it properly."
"That didn't answer my question, but anyways. When exactly is the verification test?" Haruo replied, his expression still confused as he tried to focus on the more pressing matter.
"Oh, today," Kilian replied with a calm, almost casual demeanor, as if it were no big deal.
"WHAT!? It's today?!" Ena exclaimed, her irritation growing as her expression shifted to one of pure frustration.
"It's fine; the test is mostly easy. You just need to know how it works," Kilian shrugged, maintaining his calm demeanor as he spoke.
"So before the test begins, I'm going to need to prepare you guys for the time being" Kilian said while stretching which made Haruo and Ena worried.
"Haru, Chiharu trained you, right?" Kilian asked, looking over at him with curiosity.
"Stop calling me Haru, but yeah," Haruo replied, his irritation evident as he corrected Kilian.
"Don't worry! My training is probably not as hard as his, so you'll be fine!" Kilian said with exaggerated confidence, only making Haruo and Ena more anxious. Even Haruo felt a twinge of worry at Kilian's words.
[Training started. 10 hours till verification test]
Haruo and Ena sprinted outside, hearts racing as Kilian charged after them with surprising speed. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the open air, fueling their panic.
"HE'S GETTING CLOSER!" Ena shouted, glancing back as they dashed across the yard, desperately trying to put distance between them and Kilian's relentless pursuit.
"WELL, NO SHIT, SHERLOCK!!" Haruo exclaimed, realizing their legs were tied together with a strong string, making it feel like a three-legged race as they struggled to keep their balance while running.
"You guys need better coordination! Trust me, this is essential for the test!" Kilian shouted, a wicked grin on his face as he enjoyed the chaos of messing with them.
As they continued to run, Haruo glanced back, and his expression shifted to one of alarm. He saw Kilian preparing for an attack, his sword raised high above his head, both hands gripping the handle tightly. The sight sent a surge of panic through him, knowing they had to act quickly.
In a flash, a vertical air slash shot toward them at shocking speeds, slicing through the ground and creating a powerful gust of wind in its wake. Haruo and Ena dodged just in time, the attack cutting through the rope binding their feet together and freeing them as they stumbled forward, narrowly avoiding the deadly strike.
"Come on, don't just run! Attack me as well. I haven't even seen your combat skills yet!" Kilian called out, emerging from the smoke created by the air slash, his expression eager and challenging.
Haruo charged at Kilian with incredible speed, aiming a slash that Kilian blocked with ease, holding Haruo's blade in place. A confident smile spread across Kilian's face as he maintained control. In that moment, he shifted his gaze to the side, knowing Ena was behind him. She launched an attack with her daggers, trying to catch him off guard.
Kilian executed a swift back kick to Ena's solar plexus, stunning her briefly. In one smooth motion, he snatched the dagger from her hands and turned to attack Haruo with it, the sudden shift catching him off guard.
Haruo halted their clash, dodging Kilian's attack only to be met with a powerful uppercut to his face, sending him flying. As he soared through the air, Kilian hurled Ena's dagger at him. Fortunately, Haruo managed to deflect it just in time. However, as he regained his balance, he saw Ena being thrown at him by Kilian as an attack, both of them hurtling toward each other.
Both Haruo and Ena coughed up blood as they soared through the air. In a moment of instinct, Haruo shifted his weight to his lower body, aiming to descend faster while carrying Ena with him.
As Haruo descended with Ena, Kilian leaped into the air, preparing for another attack. Anxiety surged through both of them as they looked up, trying to anticipate his next move. Would he aim for Haruo again or focus on Ena this time? The tension hung heavy in the air as they braced for impact.
Kilian unleashed a flurry of air slashes into the air, each one stronger than the last. Haruo and Ena's eyes widened in shock at the sheer number of attacks coming their way. Tightening his grip on Ena, Haruo began to dodge the air slashes one by one, weaving and twisting in mid-air to avoid the deadly projectiles.
Meanwhile, Ena used her blood manipulation to deflect the air slashes that Haruo couldn't dodge. Despite her efforts, there were too many to handle. In a moment of desperation, Haruo slashed the air with his weapon, trying to redirect and deflect as many of the incoming attacks as possible.
Once he finally deflected all of them, Ena noticed Kilian was gone from his original position.
"HE DISAPPEARED!" Ena shouted, her voice filled with urgency, alerting Haruo to be wary of Kilian's sudden absence. They both scanned their surroundings, instincts on high alert, waiting for the next move from their unpredictable opponent.
"I'm up here, you brats!" Kilian shouted, positioning himself above them, his leg coiled and ready to slam down toward Haruo and Ena. The realization hit them just in time, and they braced themselves for the impending impact.
In a last-ditch effort, Ena conjured a barrier above them, creating a protective dome to reduce the impact. The shimmering shield enveloped both her and Haruo, forming a protective ball just as Kilian's leg descended toward them.
In a flash, the impact of Kilian's kick sent them plummeting down almost instantly, the force creating a massive shockwave that resonated throughout the area. The ground trembled violently, causing an earthquake that rippled across a quarter of the city, shaking buildings and alarming its inhabitants.
Kilian descended to the ground, the fog of dust and debris slowly clearing around him. Haruo and Ena began to climb out of the crater left by the impact of his kick, their bodies sore but determined to regroup after the chaotic clash.
Ena wiped the blood dripping from her mouth, her expression steely despite the pain. Meanwhile, Haruo activated his mana storage, reaching inside for something hidden within. Kilian grinned at the sight, recognizing the object as it emerged, sensing the shift in their battle dynamics.
"I never thought he would give that to you! He always carried it around during our missions!" Kilian burst out laughing, though his eyes took on a blank expression as his aura darkened, a foreboding shift that hinted at his escalating intensity.
"The Monarch - 13!" Kilian shouted at Haruo as he pulled out a handgun, its sleek design catching the light. The name "Monarch - 13" was embedded into the steel, and the handle was crafted from a sturdy metal, wrapped in leather for grip. Runic signs glimmered along the shining surface, hinting at its powerful enchantments.
"I'll raise the intensity a bit, do you guys mind?" Kilian said, a smile spreading across his face as the atmosphere shifted around them. A dark aura enveloped him, making the air feel charged with energy.
Debris from the ground began to levitate, swirling in the air as if caught in an invisible vortex, signaling that the real challenge was about to begin.
Ena looked confused, having never heard of the gun called Monarch - 13. The name sounded powerful, leaving her uncertain about the threat it posed. She glanced at Haruo, hoping he could explain the weapon and the challenge ahead.
"We'll start when you guys attack!" Kilian shouted, his voice echoing. The pressure from his aura intensified, causing blood to trickle from their noses. Haruo and Ena struggled to stay upright, exchanging a determined glance as they realized they had to act quickly or be overwhelmed.
[9 hours till the verification test...]