“That’s enough, Aaron.”
The bearman growled but still felt sweat fall down his back, his arm numb from the strong shock and his soul shaking after staring into his bestial eyes. The dragoon girl was also frozen after making eye-contact with Aaron, his turquoise-green eyes glaring at her like a wild beast at its most hateful enemy. With a hateful voice, Aaron growled while glaring and baring his teeth at her as if wishing to tear her into shreds,
“Do you wish to die, bitch? Who’s fault you think it is that my pops fell under an idiotic baron? You think that just cuz’ you’ll become that fat-ass’ play-thing after your marriage I won’t dare to smash your brains out? Think again, stupid woman.”
Then he turned toward the bearman and said in a milder way but still threateningly,
“And you, Carol. Better stay away from this bitch or you’ll get it. I’m saying for your own good.”
Aaron retreated his fist then turned to leave completely infuriated and the girl also turned bright red from anger as she shouted after him exasperated, letting for even some tears to form at the corner of her eyes,
“You think only you have it hard? You think I wished for this to happen?! You big, big fool! Who are you calling a play-thing?! I’d rather die than marry that disgusting old man!”
Aaron ignored her completely and entered one of the rooms, smashing the door behind him and shutting her off completely. The bearman sighed out troubled and massaged his throbbing palm, his entire arm trembling from pain.
Seeing him frowning in pain, the girl grabbed a hold of his injured hand, making the bearman exclaim surprised.
“You protected me so now let me repay this debt. Your hand is injured, right? Let me see.”
“Huh? Uh, thanks.”
The girl then inspected his palm and observed that it was swollen in some parts, some of his joints being dislocated by Graves when he tried to crush his fist, the bearman reattaching them on his own. Although Shen did heal everyone that was injured, it seems this one was missed by both Carol and him.
He protected me with the same hand that was harmed? Why?
She looked confused at Carol and the young man understood almost immediately her question and answered with a helpless smile,
“Couldn’t help it. I didn’t have the luxury to choose with arm to use. His speed is something else alright.”
“… Why did you protect me anyway…?”
Hearing her sullen question, Carol thought for a while then smiled amused,
“Dunno. Maybe because I felt like it? Besides, we’ll be colleagues from now on. I don’t wish to stay in tension with everyone for the years to come.”
“Even though I said so many mean things to you?”
“If I’ll start to feel down just because of some words then all my training up till now was in vain and I should just go home right now.”
He said confidently and the girl couldn’t help but shake her head amused,
“I see, so you’re just a tough idiot after all.”
“And you’re a big-mouthed idiot- Ouch!”
“No talking back when I’m taking care of you.”
“Yes…”
.
After meeting the five students, Shen and Sabin walked outside the tower and went right toward the F-area, seeing how it was just a valley filled with bushes and weeds. It wasn’t even all that spacious, being an area of 50 meters diameter and surrounded by a protective wall filled with vines and lichens.
“Tsk. What a trashy place to train in… Sabin, jump as high as you can.”
“Okay.”
Shen clicked his tongue in disgust and stepped once, creating a circular fire wave in all directions burning everything into ashes. After Sabin landed, Shen waved his hand once and all the ashes made by the burnt vegetation flew into the sky, scattering everywhere around on the towers, buildings, and walls. Shen couldn’t care less about the mess he was making. If he was being mistreated, then nobody should expect any kind of respect back. After everything has been done with, he opened his inventory and out of nowhere, a wooden house appeared, making Sabin look at it as if he just saw a ghost. The next moment, Shen opened the wooden door and prepared to get inside, only to be stopped by Sabin.
“Alright, good night.”
“Whoa-?! No, ho~ld up a second! Ain’t you gonna explain anything to me? Besides, where the hell should I sleep?!”
“There’s nothing to explain. Already told you I have a house in my pocket.”
“Yes! And that’s even more screwed up!”
“Besides, why should I care where you’re going to live? Expected I’ll make you a room all cozy and stuff? Nobody asked you to come with me.”
“Woah! Boss, you mean!”
“Like I care.”
“Boss! Come on!”
After more dragging it around with Sabin wishing to also enter to at least observe the interior while Shen wanted to just start meditating, in the end, Shen gave in and let him enter for a while until he finished with observing around. While looking around in wonder, awed by the full use of wood with no other material inside, Sabin suddenly asked, making Shen raise an eyebrow,
“So? What do you think of those kids? Didn’t expect for them to be only five in number. And also with ages between 15 and 17.”
“Unlike the snobbish idiotic kind of nobles I expected, these ones seem to know their places. First of all, we have an unknown type of fairy that can’t control her powers, then we got a wildcat young man which close to no talent in both martial arts or magic. Then we got a rebellious punk with anger issues, followed by a guy that barely has any control of his own chi. However, in comparison with the fairy that can’t control her ridiculous powers, this one barely has any, I’m quite surprised about how he was still able to become a Spirit Fighter. The one with the greatest talent seems to be that smarty pants dragoon, but her background seems to be quite complicated, and also the reason why she fell into this class.”
“Damn, you really took a good look at them. And also, you said that little girl is a fairy? But she had no wings.”
“They must’ve burnt up from uncontrollable fire while she tried to hide her long ears with her long hair… I’m amazed how her hair is so fire-resistant tho. However, what makes me more confused is how she’s taller than normal fairies, while her energy is circulating in a different manner from how a fairy should… I guess I got myself a good researching material.”
“You sound like those mad scientists from the underground laboratories…”
“Oh do I?”
Observing his sinister smile, Sabin couldn’t help but remember the mad scientists from the underground laboratories. With a sigh, Sabin opened the door to leave, but then Shen suddenly called out,
“Wait.”
“Yes, boss?”
Where do you think you’re going?”
“To find a place to sleep in, obviously…”
Sabin looked plainly at him, feeling ridiculous for having Shen ask him such when he just kicked him out so late at night. However, Shen ignored his expression and smiled amused,
“Leave that for now, I’ll have you do some things for me while you’re away. Also, you still have the money we got from Leorio, yes?”
“B-but, boss. Those were supposed to be the reward money…”
“Don’t worry, I won’t make you buy me anything. Everything will be for The Last Cause. Don’t you trust me?”
“With such a smile, even a snake would be more trustable…”
Observing the devilish smile on Shen’s face, Sabin knew that only troubles were bound to follow, but there was nothing he could do besides obeying his words.
After finishing telling Sabin everything, Sabin with 50 other golems suddenly rushed outside the little house and jumped from one house to another. Inside the house, Shen already entered into a meditation to form a stronger telepathic connection then started contacting different people:
…
And so, Yuri, I wish you’ll be able to have Sabin and the 50 golems I created inside the main palace so the golems can be easily sent to Tian with no further troubles.
Sure, no problem. As for the information about your five students, I’ll try to find out as much as I can, but I won’t be able to find anything until tomorrow at night.
That’s good enough, thanks.
…
We already found a few players that hid themselves inside a neighboring village, but some of them refused to come even when they heard about Shiroko.
…Alexander, you said something about other players hunting them down, right?
Yes. There was a group of players that hunted down the former members of FireWings. They were quite strong so we didn’t start anything with them, why?
Try to indirectly make them move through that village you told me about. Then you’ll see how those players will want to go back to Shiroko in no time.
Wow~ you’re ruthless.
Believe me, if not for this matter being of high importance, I wouldn’t have wasted my time on these idiots. The moment they’re in danger, send an assassin that has the [Shadow Merging] ring to save the players in danger, retreat back to a nearby base. I’m sure you’ll know what to do there. Also, be sure that no player dies.
Understood. As for the merchant we talked about. His business is booming after sabotaging the competition. We tried not to be too obvious by also stealing from him as well but in much smaller quantities.
Good job. Take care not to get killed by some adventurers or guards. If you guys are caught then we’re finished.
Don’t worry, boss. There were some cases where we were almost had, but thanks to these rings from you, we escaped with close to no casualties.
Good.What about the rats*? (*As in the ones who are against The Last Cause’s ideology and wish to run away or betray the group)
Disposed.
…
The moment Alexander contacts you, I want you to be there and take those fools to Shiroko as quick as possible. Think you could do that?
Shen, please. I’ve teleported thousands of people not too long ago. Doing so for another few hundreds is nothing.
There won’t be even a hundred, don’t worry, Sylvia.
…
Alright, I will make preparations for the upcoming players and I will inform Tian about the golems. Also, when Sylvia is back I’ll give her Ars Goetia to send it to you.
Perfect. And, Ryu. You said that book was given to the pirates by the Jianhua Kingdom’s king? Have you sent there any spies?
Because that kingdom is so far away, it took a while until they reached there even with the quickest flying magic we have. They just barely arrived there after crossing Jian Kingdom.
We must find out as many details as possible about them before Tian gets to take his throne back.
…
Your disciples are quickly growing and absorbing everything I teach them. Their foundation is still lacking so I might have to force them back into the basics, but until you’ll get back from your mission, both the little demon and the little fairy should be at least Saint power-ranked at the Intermediate stage.
I thank master Ignatius for taking care of my former disciples in my absence.
Hohoho~ no problem. I’m glad that you show at least the tiniest bit of interest for them, old soul. May your next reunion with them to be a bright one.
…
After finally finishing talking with everyone he needed to talk to through telepathy, morning already came and Shen got outside his wooden home, summoning it back inside his inventory and waiting for his students.
One hour later, four people appeared in the distance, walking in front of Shen and waiting for him to wake up from his trance.
Four curious puppies with one kitten watching from a distance. Glad everyone decided to come here.
Spreading his senses, Shen was able to feel the dragoon girl still be present atop a wall on his right, peaking with some suspiciousness at Shen, wishing to see what he was up to.
Finally opening his eyes, Shen then introduced himself,
“As you already know, I’m the Low-class priest who failed to receive a blessing from the gods. Such, in case you’ll not understand something, feel free to ask me no matter how many times you need it. I’m named Johan Hanover and I’ve been made to teach you lot what I know. More details will be told to you later as for now I’ll ask everyone to introduce themselves as well, the reason you’re here, and why you haven’t left home after becoming a low-class student. Starting from my right, please.”
Shen then looked at the punkish black-haired youngster and the human immediately clicked his tongue, unpleased for going first.
“Tsk. I’m Aaron Colin, son of Knight Stefan Colin. The reason why I’m here is… because of the failed revolution against the queen… The reason why I’m staying here is to find a way to grow stronger and clean my pop’s name. Although I still don’t trust you, I won’t leave home until I reach at least Core Warrior.”
Aaron’s sharp eyes made Shen smile for a moment, then he nodded and commented,
“Is good to be distrustful. Just try to be able to learn and work with someone even if you don’t trust them. As long as you don’t leave your back to them, all must be fine, no?”
“Heh. Now we’re talking my language, teacher.”
Aaron smirked and couldn’t help feeling some kind of kinship with Shen. Afterward, it was the turn of the young bearman to step forward and say his introduction.
“Carol Montanez, son of Baron Montanez. I’m here to learn ways to grow stronger. Many teachers gave up on me because I have no talent in neither martial arts or magic. However, I was able to grow to a Spirit Fighter on my own, showing them wrong. Feeling disrespected, they sent me to the Low-classes. Even so, I won’t leave until I reach Core Warrior, even if it means I’ll have to stay here all my life.”
“There is no such thing as a bad or good student, there is just an incapable teacher with wrong teachings. You will see that I’ll find a way to make you become at least Core Warrior by the end of these two years.”
Shen laughed confidently and everyone else felt their blood turning cold then boiling from excitement. If his words were true, then Shen could be recognized as the best teacher there ever was.
From what I heard, I was able to make Theodore, who was but a Disciple the first time I met him, into a Grandmaster in just a few months. Although his talent was also monstrous, I can’t think that I won’t be able to bring these brats to new heights in two whole years.
Next up was the wildcat beastman, sheepishly taking a step forward, not daring to look at Shen as their ranks were not on par.
“M-my name is Johan… I’m a farmer’s Son named Shack, and I was able to get in here after my family sold almost everything to give me the possibility to enroll in this school. Because of my lowly background and low talent, the nobles sent me into the low-class. I cannot return home just like that, so I wish to at least learn the bare minimum to help my family.”
After hearing his story, Shen commented back with a calm tone, giving off a neutral air,
“I don’t care about your background, only of your spirit. My job here is to teach you what I know. The amount you’ll be able to accumulate will depend on your own will. Understood?”
“Y-yes! Thank you, teacher Johan!”
John bowed his head with a blissful smile then Shen couldn’t help but overlap the image of John from his world with the one in front of him, shaking his head and thinking that maybe this was a chance sent from Heaven for him to repent for his mistakes.
Next up was the hooded girl, at first being too afraid to say something, thinking that Shen might scoff at her after he heard everything, but then John patted her shoulder lightly. Looking at him, John gave out a small smile, such giving her some confidence. With still some hesitation she then stepped forward and introduced herself in a soft and timid voice, having Shen peek out his ears to hear anything,
“I-I’m Rosa Vilnius… daughter of lord Vilnius… I was sent to the Low-class for being unable to control my powers… Because of the strong fluctuation in powers, I’m unable to measure my exact power-rank, but if I use too much of it, I’ll end up injuring myself and the ones around me… I wish to find a way to control my powers… before I can return home. As for this hood, I use it to hide the scars I gained after losing the control of my powers numerous times…”
As she lowered her head, expecting the worst, Shen thought of a moment with raised eyebrows and then said amused,
“Heh, I guess I went through something similar not that long ago. All you’ll need is a good regime of meditations. I’ll teach you what to do after I make my plans for every one of you. As for the hood, you can wear whatever, as long is not too provocative for the opposite sex.”
Rose remained dazed for a moment as she stared at Shen with huge eyes, then she hastily bowed her head in gratitude.
“Y-yes! Thank you very much, teacher Johan! A-and… I won’t wear something like, ever…”
Hearing her say that, John felt quite downed for some reason, but he quickly recovered after feeling the meaningful gazes from Aaron and Carol.
Afterward, Shen looked to his right and shouted out in the distance with a calm smile,
“Will you introduce yourself as well? Or are you just going to look from a distance?”
“?!”
The others quickly turned to where I was looking, and they immediately detected atop a wall, the dragoon girl staring sneakily at us. Her body froze in place after being detected, but she then sighed out annoyed and came closer to everyone else.
“What the hell is this moron doing here?”
Aaron asked annoyed and Carol wanted to calm him down, but before anyone could say anything Shen announced calmly,
“I’ll ask you all to keep your grudges for after we finish with the training. No unauthorized fights when I’m around, please.”
“Tsk…”
Aaron clicked his tongue again and crossed his arms annoyed, not even looking at the dragoon girl, making Carol sigh distressed and for the girl to stop at around five meters distance from Shen and the group. Still, with great suspicion in her eyes, she glared at Shen for a moment but seeing him keeping his calm with not a speck of being disturbed by her rebellious behavior, the girl’s glare softened a bit then said,
“Sigh~… I’m named Miriam Daluz. Daughter of Gerald Daluz that has been executed… If not for Lord Yuri’s benevolence, my entire family would have been weeded out. The reason why I’m here must be already quite obvious.”
Shen looked at her quite surprised. To hear that she was the daughter of the revolution’s leader and the fact that her family was still alive, all of this seemed extremely shocking for anyone who understood that once a noble was sentenced to death, his family would have a hard time escaping extermination, especially if the executed is such a heavy existence like the head of a riot. Seeing him look at her so surprised, the girl already felt like leaving that place, but then Shen smiled and asked with neutral eyes,
“And? Are you hating me now?”
“Huh?”
““?””
Miriam asked surprised while the others also looked at him surprised. Then, some of them finally remembered something as the name Johan Hanover rang a bell in their heads. However, before anyone could ask, Shen asked once again, with the same smiling yet neutral expression on his face,
“I’m asking if you hate me, the one who defeated your father right before he could kill the queen and regain the throne. Do you hate me? Do you wish to defeat me? Or maybe, kill me?”
“T-teacher…”
Rosa wanted to stop them, thinking that Shen was going to do something to Miriam if she said that she resented him, but John quickly held her back by the hand, shaking his head afraid that they might get involved in this.
Miriam’s eyes were big and shone with mixed emotions, staring at Shen’s neutral eyes. She was unable to read any kind of emotion from his: no hate, no sympathy, no kindness, and no judging either. There was literally nothing, as if waiting first for her reaction then answer accordingly.
Miriam then lowered her head and, after calming her heart with a long sigh, she looked at him with a complicated frown and answered,
“Knowing that because of you my father died, I won’t lie to say that I don’t have feelings of resentment against you. However, I know that it wasn’t your fault, you only did what you should for the kingdom. I won’t be able to trust you and neither to like you, but I have no thoughts for revenge against you, knowing that at fault was my father and nobody else. I am well aware that his greed for power was the main reason for his demise, and such wishing to go against you will only turn me into a pitiful person, not different from him.”
“…”
Hearing her firm tone and seeing the resolution in her eyes, Shen’s smile vanished and his eyes sparkled for a moment with a helpless shine in them, having him close his eyes so it won’t be too evident.
15? No, 16? To have such a young age and already such a mature judgment, she must’ve went through flames and blades to grow so fast. So it was thanks to Yuri that she’s still alive? Even so, as things are now, the Daluz family is no better than dead at this point anyway. His kindness might have actually brought only more suffering for this family.
Kindness was indeed a frightening thing that could turn into the most fearsome weapon, even worse than death. Although Miriam was part of the Daluz family, she still had no say in her father’s choices, such she had no blame. However, politically speaking, the entire family was guilty, making the ones around look at her not as collateral damage, but as a sinner equal to Gerald Daluz.
Thinking so far, Shen simply shook his head and still asked one more question,
“Alright, so. What is the main reason that you’re still here?”
The girl smiled mockingly and shrugged her shoulders,
“Where else could I be? For a fallen noble, the low-class is the only adequate place.”
“There seems to be something else, right?”
“Am I obligated to tell you?”
Seeing how she was hiding something, Shen asked plainly, only to get asked back in a defensive manner. Observing her guard up already, Shen smiled and shook his head indifferently.
“I really don’t care what you’re going to do with the knowledge and powers you’ll receive from me. Be it if you wish to take revenge on someone, to prove someone wrong, to help your family or to even take over the throne, all I have to do is to make you strong and that won’t change no matter the mindset you lot have.”
T-take over the throne?!
The nonchalant way Shen said it just now made everyone, even Miriam, to feel like his danger-awareness was a bit too low. If anyone were to be heard saying that, royal guards would be all over him the next moment. Good for them, the F-area was a rather isolated place, surrounded by thick stone-walls and desolate towers. Not many would walk around this ruined and eerie place. After everyone has made their introductions, Shen immediately got down to teaching as he couldn’t waste not even one day. He first thought of examining each of them to see the state of their meridians, the chi and mana flow, the mana pool, their control over these two, all in all, Shen tried to examine their foundation and observe how he should teach each one of them.
“Woah?!”
After observing his shining-red eyes, Aaron shouted in surprise, taking a step back and looking completely baffled. His reaction was immediately followed by the others, all of them either looking scared, curiously or in complete awe.
“Don’t mind my eyes. They turn like this under two conditions and one of them is when I start examining another person.”
“…And the second condition?”
“Is when something irritates me. Now hurry and form a line.”
