"Sending a sword initiate against someone who is not even registered. How impressive of the Alden Academy," he said in a cold voice. The Senior from Alden was ugly. Amarok was not even registered; what the hell was wrong here?

"It was supposed to be a friendly fight, but this guy gravely wounded our fellow. I hope the elder understands that the Alden Academy cannot let it pass. What will others think of us?" the Senior asked with a fake expression. Amarok, who had gotten closer to stand beside Lyra, was full of smiles. Up close, she looked even more amazing.

The elder frowned; those words were clear. He was openly telling the elder he was going against the entire Alden Academy, not only him. He looked at Amarok beside Lyra, wondering if it was worth it. He didn't fear them, but he would not make an enemy of them without any good reason. He had only acted because his little miss had insisted; otherwise, he wouldn't have even stopped here.

"It's just a little squabble between youngsters; let it go. Besides, your fellow disciple needs to face and learn from his experience to grow," the elder said, leaving no leeway. It sounded like he was giving advice for Zin, but his intention was crystal clear. No one could touch Amarok in his presence. The Senior from Alden was even more ugly.

"Let's leave. I hope you wouldn't regret this, elder," he said before turning to leave, one of them carrying the wounded Zin. "Hiding behind a woman. That is indeed worthy of you," Kleid mocked, returning his sword to its sheath. He felt like he had lost face today and glared at Amarok with murderous intentions.

"You're lucky my sword is broken," Amarok glared at Kleid. "Let's go," the elder said, turning to leave. Seeing the commotion finally recede, everyone separated.

...

"Wow, are you living in here?" Amarok asked in amazement. They stood before a private residence. It was huge, probably as big as the City Lord manor. It had a huge garden with flowers on the way to the main entrance. "Yes, although it's just for the exam," Lyra replied, amused by his reaction. The elder smiled. "Let's get in."

"Sure," Amarok replied as he stepped forward, but his head started spinning. He felt immensely tired, as if he had been drained of all his energy. Before he could crumble to the ground, someone caught him, then his eyes went extinct.

"What is wrong with him, uncle?" Lyra asked, worry clearly written on her face. The elder was a little startled; since when had his miss started showing so much emotion? It felt strange; he didn't answer for a while. "Uncle!" she pleaded.

"Do you know each other?" the old man asked with his sharp eyes. Lyra stood blank, not understanding what he meant. Suddenly, her face flashed red as she quickly waved her hand. "What are you thinking, uncle? We met at the Golden Garden; he was very strange," she explained.

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"Strange indeed," the elder said with a knowing smile. "He is fine. Don't worry. He used a lot of mental energy to be able to parry before avoiding that blow. Just give him a few hours, and he would be fine," the elder added as they entered the grand manor.

Late that evening, Amarok finally opened his eyes. He was immediately captivated by the mesmerizing face above his. Her long white hair flowed on his face as she looked surprised. Quickly, she returned to her seat, slightly embarrassed. She had just wanted to look at his face up close; he looked extremely handsome.

"What were you going through just right now?" he asked as he squinted his eyes, pulling the blanket off his body as he gazed under. "Everything is still there, young man, nothing to worry about," the elder entered the room. Amarok smiled awkwardly.

"Thank you, elder," he said with a genuine expression. It was all thanks to him that he could escape all those troublesome people. "You shouldn't thank me but Miss Lyra," he said, pointing at his miss. Amarok nodded as he thanked her too.

"It's nothing. They were clearly trying to abuse their power once again. I didn't do much anyway," she shook her head. The bed was near the window, and she was seated on the opposite side.

The moonlight shone on her, accentuating her white hair. Her eyes seemed to be two pearls shining. "Snowflake," he murmured. "What do you mean by 'Snowflake'?" she asked incredulously. Amarok shook his head. Neo had warned him to stay away from nobles. Thinking of his master, he pounced out of bed.

"I am dead; my master is waiting for me," he cried in shock. Seeing his panicked expression, the elder could not help but ask, "Who is your master?" "Neo, the most amazing sword wielder I have ever met," Amarok said with some pride, frantically searching for his boots.

"The most amazing you have ever met? Are you not a little too infatuated with your master? The world is vast; young man, you shouldn't set your standards too low," the elder advised earnestly. Amarok, who was under the bed, suddenly lifted his head, smacking it on it. "Ouch...my standards aren't low; it's just that you haven't met him yet, otherwise you would understand," he said a little aggressively.

"Fine, fine, I am eager to meet your master," the elder smiled, laughing at Amarok and caressing his head. "We can pay them a visit when we have time. What do you say, uncle?" Lyra's eyes suddenly brightened as she spoke, anticipation all over her face.

"Miss..." he hesitated. Today she was lucky to be allowed to move out of this manor; it wasn't something he could decide just like that on a fly.

"Please," she pleaded with puppy eyes. "Okay, I will talk to the others first. I can't promise you anything though," he said. She nodded; a disarming smile bloomed on her face. Amarok was speechless; he seemed to see himself but in a feminine version. She didn't look like it, but she was quite smart.

"I will be taking my leave now," he said to both. He knew he had another fight that awaited him once he got back. "I will see you off," Lyra proposed, but Amarok shook his head. She would attract too much attention. Who knew if those bastards were still waiting for him? "See you then, young man," the old man said, calling a maid to see him off.

"Why are you interested in him? He is handsome, but so are all the members of the Clan," the elder suddenly asked. Lyra shook her head.

"I am not interested. I can be myself by his side," she said softly as she gazed through the window. The elder sighed as he felt like his heart was being squeezed. He understood too well what she meant.