When Benji remodeled the mansion he added the expanded and improved showers as an afterthought. He simply wanted to make sure that people didn't have to wait in line to use the single shower that existed before. He didn't even look at the options when he built them. Each stall was big enough for half a dozen to shower under the massive waterfall showerhead. Closets inset into one wall of the shower hid fresh towels, wash cloths, shampoo, and shower gel.

Once Benji turn off the shower he felt more refreshed than he had in a long time. Benji dried himself off and wrapped the towel around his waist. He gathered his clothes and shoes and opened the stall door. Once back in his room Benji threw his dirty clothes into a nearby hamper and put on a pair of loose fitting blue shorts and a white t-shirt. He quickly ran a comb through his hair and left to rejoin everyone in the common room. Benji crashed on a nearby couch and closed his eyes to reflect on the day.

His discussion with Mr. Kemper, which was only a day ago, seemed like a distant memory from the past. He wondered how the classmates that had been so angry at him were faring. Were they safe? He tried to remember their names but couldn't. He had seem them every day for months but couldn't remember a single name. He felt guilt which was made worse by the realization that they could be dead now. If he made the decision to search them out he would have no way to track them. Maybe Duncan and Alex would remember. Or Zoe.

Benji was worried about the teenage girl who had quickly become part of his life. He knew only what she had told him. She mentioned her mother leaving but nothing more. Her father was a doctor but she couldn't contact him. Now she was living with a group of strangers out in the middle of the countryside. No wonder she was off by herself somewhere.

Benji's thought were interrupted by the clanking of plate armor. Miami walked around and sat in a chair across from Benji. Sitting in plate armor couldn't be comfortable but Miami's face showed no sign of weariness.

"So how are things out there?"

"All quiet for now, sire. The beasts have learned that our defenses are nothing to be trifled with. None have tried to push the walls for some time now."

Benji breathed a sigh of relief at the news. "How are Duncan's knights working out?"

Miami chuckled. "They can be flighty in times of rest but they take their duties seriously."

"Are you able to communicate with them? Duncan says they use some kind of group telepathy to talk among themselves and with him."

"You can learn much of a man by the way he carries himself, sire. Verbal communication is not required."

"Feel free to make yourself at home when not on duty. You may have been summoned to serve me but you are no slaves."

"I appreciate the hospitality, sire. Perhaps I will cleanse myself and relax in the hotspring I saw earlier in the day."

Benji nodded. "If you need help removing your armor let me know."

Miami smiled at his master. "I shall keep that in mind."

After a while Benji closed his eyes and concentrated on controlling his mana. The more he practiced the easier it became. He would never reach the level of mastery that Fitt demonstrated but he would do his best. Only then could he begin to figure out how he would practice spells that he didn't know.

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After an unknown amount of time Benji stood and walked outside to the front porch. The sun was dipping low over the horizon. If animals still stalked the wall surrounding the property he couldn't hear them. The ballista topping the quarzite walls were silent. Across the grass Benji saw Lu Bu leave the empty barracks and walk his way. The large man had worked hard physically and mentally throughout the day.

"All quiet, my lord."

"Good job. You're released until the morning."

"Thank you, lord." Lu Bu said while bowing slightly.

"It's no problem. Like I said to Miami, I summoned you here to serve but I won't treat you like a slave. When you're not on duty do whatever you wish. I think Miami is currently in the hotspring if you wish to join him."

"No need to coddle me but I appreciate your kindness. I shall seek out my comrade in arms."

"Please ask Fitt to join me outside when you see him."

Lu Bu bowed once more and made his way inside. Benji walked towards the fields to check on Peat. She had only been here for an afternoon but he wanted to know how she was adjusting. As he approached the shed she was retracting her arms from the fields. It was a little unnerving to watch as her retracted back to normal size.

"Hello, Benji! I'm overjoyed to see your face once more."

Benji laughed. "It's good to see you as well. I was just making sure you have everything under control."

As the last tendrils left the ground below to reform in to tiny toes she smiled at him. "What a glorious day it has been! The oats and soybeans have been most cooperative but the trees have been stubborn so far."

Benji tilted his head in confusion. "How so?"

"They say that my way of helping plants grow is unnatural and that the other plants should be ashamed for accepting help from a stranger. I have confidence that I will dismantle their false reasoning tomorrow."

"So their philosophical differences are preventing you from helping them?"

Peat shook her heat causing her braids to sway slightly. "I could force them but they will be healthier if they accept my assistance."

"Peat, I'll take your word for it." Benji tried to put the situation out of his mind. "Do you have any questions before I head in for the night?"

Peat's black eyes were lost in thought for a moment before speaking. "Why was the dark one of your race staring at me?"

"You mean Alex?"

"Yes, the thin one."

"Maybe he found you attractive."

"He wished to pollinate me?"

"Perhaps the Great Gardener could help you understand human sexuality and how we reproduce."

Peat nodded her head as Benji spoke. "You have given me much to think about, Benji."

Benji shook his head, trying not to laugh. "You're welcome."

As Benji turned to walk back inside Fitt walked over to him. Benji could see the boy's yellow eyes glowing faintly in the failing light.

"Fitt, watch over the property tonight. If there is an emergency please come wake me up."

"Yes, Master." A blue glow surrounded the boy as he floated up into the air. Benji took one last look at the boy before heading back inside.

Isabel was putting the finishing touches on the evening meal as he walked inside. Benji walked into the kitchen to fill a plate with food. After grabbing a soda from the refrigerator he returned to the dining table. One by one the others fixed their plate and found a place at the table. Benji ate quietly while listening to his friends and his mother talk. Alex was slowly making progress at learning how to use Duncan's Graphite Arsenal. He didn't have Duncan's talent for art but was able bring his simple drawings to life. Stragely enough he wasn't able to bring Duncan's drawings to life.

Half way through the meal they were joined by Miami and Lu Bu. The two men had nothing but praise for Isabel. She was making great progress at using both the bow and hand-to-hand attacks. Her Crusader's Wrath was especially interesting as it turned the arrows she fired when attacking the giant squirrels earlier into fire arrows. Zoe spoke very little other than she was happy to help where she could.

Once the meal was over Benji brushed his teeth and returned to his room. Once inside he layed on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He wanted to practice more magic but he had a slight headache from his earlier efforts. With nothing left to do he took out his GSP and searched through the online store. He bought a few cheap games that he thought could be completed in a few hours. Anything would help to fill his arsenal of games to use for Nerd Lord's Majesty. He chose a 2D platformer to play but struggled to get interested in the game. Eventually he dozed off and fell into a deep sleep.