"I am but newly returned from the castle; the guards did make report unto me that he doth yet lie fast asleep."
Zharrak nodded.
"Haaah. He did us good. Despite not comin' up with somethin' in the moment, he still made the right call."
Korrin gazed downward, his ears touching his hair.
"Hope he's all good and only copped a few scratches. Heard they even bumped the quest up a class."
Aelindor dipped his head.
Zharrak pointed behind Aelindor.
"Look! He's comin'."
Both Korrin and Aelindor turned around.
Among the passersby, his dark gray cloak fluttered in the wind—a hand emerged from beneath it.
"Hello!" Oswald waved.
The three ran up to him.
"Wait! Before you guys hit me with a barrage of questions—I'm good! Great even. They took care of me."
Korrin sighed, shaking his head.
"Mate, I swear—the bloke's built like solid steel."
"Ha! All that worryin' for nothin'."
"Yep."
All because of Her Majesty.
Aelindor smiled, then turned to the school.
"Now that his plight be ended and our schooling nigh upon its commencement, let us proceed within."
With everybody's nod, they entered the school's premises.
"And let it be recorded: a party of greenhorns faced a horde meant for seasoned knights… and lived to tell the tale."
You don't say. Heheh. Although, I really hope I don't go back to the castle again—not after passing out.
* * *
"Hi—could you tell me which class I'm assigned to? I acquired the fire skill."
He and his friends were next in line by the receptionist—the students filtered by their skill.
The Siamese cat-eared receptionist gave a nod.
"Room 1-1."
"Understood. Thanks."
He turned to face his friends and the other students still in line behind him.
"Well, see you after class."
With his wave, and their acknowledgment, he left the line.
Where is 1-1? I don't understand a thing the signboard says… Wait!
Six rooms lined the hallway—three to the left, three to the right.
I went to the third one in the right, so I'll go to the first room in the right side.
He entered the aforementioned room—the instructor was already present, standing by the green board.
The instructor was a burly, brown-skinned man with red hair and a beard, donning armor of red and orange, his weapon two battle axes strapped behind his back—the pommel in the shape of a dragon.
He stood with his arms crossed, surveying Oswald and the new students with a gaze that felt like embers.
The room was silent, save for the students' footsteps outside the classroom.
"I am Thorne IronFlame, your instructor for those who have channeled fire. And for those with sense…"
The fire instructor bent slightly, a smile crossing his bearded face.
"You will learn that fire is not just destruction—it is control."
He straightened himself, the smile disappearing.
"Unfortunately, the kingdom has denied me luxury to fan the flames within you."
He scanned from left to right.
"Five days, including today, a duel will be held. A match between the captain and the students. Now, I ask, who dare cross swords with us captains… including myself. Who among has the guts to duel those who have protected and instructed the candle flames like you. Raise your hands if you desire to take part."
After his proposal, Oswald raised his hand. He and no one else.
The instructor walked up to his side, bending down, face inches from Oswald's—he didn't even flinch.
Too close! Facade… almost breaking.
"Do you dare?"
Ahem.
"Yes, I do."
Bafflement and shock was painted on the students' faces.
The fire instructor straightened, repeatedly and methodically stroking his beard.
"Hmm… Lack of flinching, answered swiftly without hesitation, and accepted the challenge despite the threatening announcement… So the report wasn't wrong about you."
What?! They have reports of me?
The instructor looked at the other students.
"We will head to the arena, where the duels are taking place. Now, form a line!"
A line of students were formed.
As they filed out, Oswald caught a few of his new classmates staring at him—some with curiosity, others with outright disbelief at the lone volunteer. He kept his eyes forward, fixed on the broad, armored back of his instructor.
* * *
ns216.73.216.66da2
and then Add to home screen.