“Fufufufu…”
A young woman giggled foully. Saliva drooled from the corner of her lips.
He wasn`t able to see her face clearly. All of a sudden, it became hard to breathe. Slender fingers wrapped around his neck, tightly. His air intake was cut off. He panicked.
“Hehehe…Huhuhuhuhu… Kawaii~. Motto, motto, misete ageru!”
His hands were bond. Flat on his back, he couldn`t escape her or the fear, squishing down on his small body. Struggling would only bring him closer to passing out. He stayed still. The asphyxiation somehow became more bearable. If he were to act like he was unconscious, maybe this would stop. He shut his eyes and anxiously waited. The language she spoke was so familiar, yet he couldn`t understand a word. His memories became fuzzy.
“Ara… Mou owatta?”
The grip on his neck loosened. A hot touch traced from his neck to his jawline, before fingers pried open his lips.
“Muun… Nnmm”
The slimy feeling reaching down his throat almost caused his entire body to convulse from disgust. But fear clamped him down, not allowing him to move a muscle.
“Pwaah… Hehehe... Oishii. Oyasumi~”
Clack. The door closed. He laid still, not daring to even breathe.
Anderson Lawrence sprang up from his bed. He looked around. It was just his personal room. Before he could sigh in relief, something rushed up to his throat. Andy rushed to the bathroom, and vomiting sounds were heard.
Staring at himself in the ornamented mirror, Andy couldn`t help but notice the massive bags under his eyes. Touching his tender cheeks, he mumbled:
“Just who…?”
***
XXX royal academy of Arts and Military [open to name suggestions, should be nordic/german inspired]
“Kyo… Kyouma… Kyou…”
“ANDERSON!” The lecturer yelled
“Hey man it`s your turn.”
Andy looked upon the black board. His pupils focused.
“The answer is xxx” [I`ll fill in after more research]
“For the love of Irias, did your father teach you any manners? Sir Kristopher is both a gentlemen and an Arcanist, but with all respect he is not a good father. How much has he spoiled you, to breed such arrogance?”
Andy sat down and stared at his notes again. He had been scribbling down anything he could recall from his dreams, since mandatory science for emelentalists is quite easy for him. Some dreams he had had were very similar to his current situation, in a classroom setting, and learning the same knowledge. The symbols were different, but the formulas represented the same rules. Although Andy was only 9, he took interest in physics, mathematics, and chemistry more than any forms of entertainment. For, it was the only link between his dreams and reality, as the science is universal.
After some time, the class was dismissed. In the fancy hall decorated with murals of a beautiful goddess, the young students cheerily chattered away.
“Aah? You`re drawing those weird signs in class again?!” The kid yanked the leather scroll from Andy`s hand. “What`s this? The Thunderlord`s house special spells?”
With his sleep-deprived expression, Andy stared at the boy.
“You know, people ARE right when saying that you are nothing like your father. An elementalist needs finesse and poise. But it seems working in a laboratory all year long suits you more!”
His gang broke into laughter.
With the same empty expression, Andy`s arm slowly reached out to the boy.
“Hey! What are you doing?! Don`t touch…”
The scroll was back in Andy`s hand, and he turned around, continue packing his bag.
“What a creep! So unlike me, who will become an elementalist and take to the battlefield! I shall bring greatness to the Empyrean and spread the name of Irias across the continent!”
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“Battle…” Andy mumbled.
Like a flash, he spun and brought the tip of his fountain pen to that boy`s throat. Glaring straight at the neck, his eyes became sharp as razors.
“You were killed.” Andy concluded, and returned to his unfocused expression.
The kid fell on his bottom and skid as far from Andy as he could. The gang of brats that were laughing and sneering became silent. Throwing the bag over his shoulder, Andy wandered off.
***
The evening of most kids in the Empyrean is spent inside churches, listening to the tales of demons and goddess Irias. Children of nobles crowded the great hall of XXX academy. Andy, however, did not enjoy the warm and cosy seats inside the castles, and spent his time in the windy training fields.
“Side stance”
He closed his eyes.
Stand on the tip of your feet. Utilize your hip flexors. Lower your center of gravity and spring forward. Immediately, stomp the ground with your front leg!
“In and out.” Andy mumbled. He closed his eyes again, trying to remember. But he couldn`t. His dreams were lively enough to be called memories, yet he was not able to recall anything.
“A catalyst. I need…”
Gazing at the setting sun, he suddenly felt a pain in his chest. The sense of lost overwhelmed him, as he reached his hand out towards the darkening skyline.
“Aren`t children supposed to be in the hall at this time?”
Andy jumped. A lady not even in her twenties was behind him. The simple but elegant dress she wore signaled her position as a high-ranking student.
“Why do you look like you`ve just seen a ghost?”
Andy trembled in fear. Feeling slightly offended, the girl threw Andy an annoyed look before noticing something.
“Good lord Irias!” She knelt down and touched his face “Your eyes makes you look like an impoverished Bailong scum! Have you been getting enough sleep?”
“I…I-I`m sorry! Pl-Please forgive me! Pl-Please…” He stammered as his legs pushed him away from the girl.
“Stand up! You`ll dirty your clothes. I`m not as scary as the rumors say. Hey. Stop shaking already, that`s rude!”
“...Sorry… I don`t know who you are…”
The girl frowned in bewilderment. Letting out a sigh, she stood herself up:
“What a troublesome child indeed. At least you don`t seem to be arrogant like what I`ve heard. You should reflect on your manners, since the son of Sir Kristopher has been the talk of the… Hey!”
Andy started running away before she could lecture him any further. With one arm she grabbed the back of his collar and lifted him up from the ground.
“Why are you so scared of me? I haven`t done anything to you yet have I?!”
“...”
“Look at me when I`m talking to you!”
“Hii… Y-Your hair… It-It`s yellow.”
“You mean blonde? And that is a terrible thing to say! Look at your own hair! I know it`s not you to blame, but a filthy black is…” She closed her eyes and took a breath “Pay no mind. Instead, look at this.”
She placed him on the ground, and reached into her mantle.
“This, is a photon blade. It is granted only to the ones who have the title of Paladin. The model is a noble arming sword you see.”
The handle buzzed, and from thin air a shining gold blade materialized. This instantly caught Andy`s attention.
As if he was possessed, Andy was drew to the blade like moth to fire. He did not tremble one bit and showed no hesitation to touch the blade.
“Careful! This sword can cut anything in this world.”
“C-Can I hold it?” Andy finally looked at the girl`s face.
Her expression relaxed, as she held the blade out for him.
“The edge is see-through… One atom thin, just like the manuals described”
She wondered what an atom is, and which manual stated so. But she didn`t want to startle him again. Withdrawing the blade, she pat Andy on the shoulder:
“You see now? I`m a Paladin. I`m here to protect you.”
“Yes…” Andy felt the warmth of her hand.
“Well, you mind telling me why did you skip out on the evening`s preaching now?” She smiled with aggression
“I`ve already read the Odyssey.”
“Really now? So what is today`s chapter about?”
“...The demons voraciously killed and consumed the Valkyries. Their bravery alone could not win against the numerous and vicious hordes of hellspawns. The goddess felt immeasurable guilt for not stopping the advancement of her Valkyries. She cried, and cried, and her tears fell onto the world. The tears of the goddess crystallized into marvelous gems with magical properties. Humans considered this a blessing, and use the tear of the goddess to create powerful instrument to assist Goddess Irias to exterminate the vile demons…”
“You can stop now. I see that you are not bragging, reciting the Odyssey word by word even…” She shook her head “I saw you were using the combat style of Spartons a while ago?”
“Eh? What`s that?”
“Pankration. The art of unarmed combat practiced by the Spartons. Respectable warriors indeed, what a shame they did not believe in Goddess Irias.” [So we had to crusade the shit outa their land lol]
“...”
“Well, if you are interested in physical training, these should catch your attention. Training schemes for our soldier. You can choose from two main styles here, melee combat or using ranged weapons. If you prove your excellency, your title will ascend to either a Juggernaut or a Ballista.”
Andy received the scrolls and stared at them, blankly.
“Well, since you are already learning to become an elementalist, that future seem unlikely. However, training your physical abilities comes with no drawbacks. Especially your breathing.” The Paladin spoke, as she moved to the edge of the field.
“Pssshh…”
She took a stance in front of a tree.
“SHAA!”
The sound of wood crackling exploded, and the tree slammed onto the ground with a big thunk. Not only was it uprooted, her palm left a deep indent onto the trunk.
“That`s what will be taught if you train as a Juggernaut. Breathe well, Anderson. Incorporate that into your training.”
His eyes brightened:
“You`re so strong…”
“No need to flatter. This is the least I can do. Well, we should head back now.”
Away from the dark sky and in the magically lit corridors of the school, the two was about to part.
“Uh… Thank you… for letting this slide… And everything else.”
“Mhm.” She smiled. “Until later then.”
“Ah!… Uh… your hair is beautiful.”
The Paladin shrugged:
“You don`t need to lie to your…”
“But scary.”
“Hey… You know…” She casually approached the child.
“That your cheeks look very soft huh? I`ve been wanting to play with them this whole time! Take this! Mu nimu nimu nimu nimu nimu!”
“Mghn… No… Please…ahahah... Stop!”
“Nimunimunimunimunimunimu~”