"Now," said Mervyn, "before the lesson ends I would like to announce I have set the dates for your individual fights with me. Because, I will be fighting all three of you, if it was on the same day than whoever went last would have an unfair advantage. Because I would have used more magic and also you may have caught glimpses of the previous fight, giving you an advantage. So instead, Lucio, will fight me on Monday evening, Wing on Tuesday evening and Gale on Wednesday evening." 

Mervyn looked at the three boys "any questions?" The boys shook their heads. "Very good, you're dismissed until your fight so use your time to train wisely. After checking Lucio and Wing were gone, Lupos purposefully hung back to speak to Mervyn. "What is it Gale?" asked Mervyn looking at the boy in confusion.

Although it was common knowledge that Mervyn wasn't a fan of nobles, he hated tricksters and thieves even more so. So he was obviously not a fan of Lupos, who was perfectly happy to use tricks and traps to even out his odds in a fight. 

"Well," said Lupos trying to adopt a worried expression, "in truth, I was really worried by the attack on Lucio. If they had no problem attacking someone from such a powerful family, they'll have no trouble attacking me and Wing!" Mervyn's eyes softened. "It's a difficult thing to deal with I know, let me know if there is anything I can help you with." 

Lupos gave the appearance of hesitation, while Mervyn smiled encouragingly. "Well, I was wondering if perhaps you could give me a private lesson on Monday after your fight with Lucio." Mervyn stared at Lupos in disbelief. "I know you'd be more tired headmaster, but I honestly don't think I'm a match for you even then anyway." 

Mervyn nodded haughtily believing the boy to be right. "I can certainly understand your position, but if our training included sparing it would give you an unfair advantage in our fight." Lupos paused as if considering a new idea. "What if you spar with me with one of the spirits you've already introduced so I don't gain any new information?" 

Mervyn considered, then smiled. "Ok, I'll agree to it if you believe it will help. Do you want to extend this training to your friends?" Lupos shook his head blushing as if embarrassed. "No. Both of them are stronger than me anyway, Wing only placed lower because he had the bad luck to face Dante. To be honest, I feel embarrassed to be stuck relying on cheap tricks to win while the two of them rely purely on their skills. So if you could keep it a secret I'd be grateful." 

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Mervyn nodded with both understanding and smugness. "Of course I'll help you. Come to the nearby forest at three pm on Monday and I'll spar with you and give you some tips and pointers on your skills," 

Lupos nodded a grateful expression on his face. "Thank you." Mervyn chuckled. "It's ok, and don't worry I'll keep it a secret." Lupos smiled once more then walked out the room, an entirely different smile emerging on his face, this one much more evil. Things were going according to plan. 

Once he'd left the Classroom, Lupos ran to catch up with Lucio, who was surprisingly close. "Lucio can I talk to you for a sec?" asked Lupos, Lucio turned and nodded a confident smile on his face. "Of course, what is it?" Lupos looked around nervously as if worried about being discovered. "Well you know that magical beast girl you caught, I was wondering if you could tell me the name of the man who got her for you?" 

Lucio looked at Lupos shocked. "Can you tell me why? You don't want one do you because they're very expensive slaves?" Lupos grit his teeth trying not to say something he really shouldn't do. "No, but if you remember I come from a family of hunters and one of our richer clients is interested in a magical beast in human form."  

Lucio nodded in understanding. "Of course I understand, the man who acquired the beast for me was Garret Yulg, head of the Yulg family. However, he claimed for it to have been a gift to him. Though I don't know who from." Very slowly a grin formed on Lupos' face. "Thanks a lot Lucio I knew someone as knowledgeable as yourself would know how to help." 

Lucio flushed with pride. "You're welcome, now be on your way you need more practice than I do." Lupos nodded and walked of grinning, he had a letter to write to Akari.

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Author's note 

Hi guys sorry for the wait on the chapter, to tell you the truth I spent most of today reading the new Harry Potter book so didn't have time to write the chapter up, hope you enjoyed it and please leave a comment or review so I can improve my story :) AND LAST THING OMG I REACHED 50 CHAPTERS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING ME THROUGH THIS!!!!!