After successfully dumping his wards onto other people, he met up with Ander, who was currently headed to his training hall. The green-haired boy stood a solid five-six despite being sixteen. He also had gotten a bit more toned. As he approached, his green hair was braided behind him into a single braid. The hair swayed behind him.

“Hey Kyrion! Looking cherry. Did you get a third breakfast today?”

“Not yet but I feel so free now. I still need to meet up with Gamodren though. Have you seen Brion today?”

“I’ll see him soon. Why?”

“Can you give him this?” Kyrion tossed Ander a core.

“Where is this from?”

“It’s a troll core, it should give him a way to regenerate.”

“That’s pretty nice. Are you in a hurry?” Ander tossed the core into the air and caught it.

“A minor one. Well I’ll be back later.” Kyrion continued forward in a bit of a hurry.

----------------------------------------

Around this time of the late morning, Gamodren could be found in his library, which wasn’t saying much as there were few books of note worth reading.

Kyrion suspected most of which were just there for the thickness of the pages as he’d opened one once and found the pages were blank.

Aside from books, there were quite a few scrolls, trinkets, and staves spread across the floor. During most visits, they’d be up on the shelves or in their proper stands, so this untidy state of things wasn’t like the composed teacher Kyrion knew.

The more Kyrion looked around, the more the following became obvious. Gamodren wasn’t there. The place had been ransacked, but nothing was taken. Instead, some paperwork sat at his desk, among a few other things.

Kyrion approached his desk and took a seat. On the table was a letter hastily written and directed towards him.

----------------------------------------

Dear Kyrion,

I don’t know how else to start, so I’ll lead with an apology. I’m sorry for a lot of things. Mostly for leaving you to face imprisonment for a crime, I know you didn’t commit. As you may know, the Beastblood empire had agents in that city, and they were up to something. Said agents used your presence and the death of one of their puppets as an excuse to use force and capture you. We wouldn’t be in this situation had I not gone to kill their captain.

  My impatience is what led to me having to take these measures. I’m sorry, Kyrion, but because of circumstances, I can’t communicate. So next time we meet, I may kill you without hesitation.

Train hard else it will be a swift death, one you can’t heal fast enough to repair. That is the only mercy I can show you. What they will do to you otherwise is horrifying to imagine and worse to experience.

Should you be strong enough to kill me, do so. Despite our relationship, I know very well that I won’t be able to spare you, so you shouldn’t do the same. My fate was determined from birth, and I’ve always been your enemy.

It was me who poisoned your mother all those years ago. Albeit I had direction and assistance, my actions still led to your state. It was my fault that Edwin managed to attack you and that the solution to the problem involved limiting your output and turning you into a more ideal vessel. Hampering your potential temporarily.

It’s my fault that Leon was allowed to attack you in the first place when I could have handled him alone. I was a double agent this whole time, and now I can leave everything out in the open.

I am no longer a teacher at Drisil, and due to that, you will be promoted to the headmaster’s direct disciple. You will also inherit all my buildings and land acquisitions since my leaving constitutes my death. An agreement I made with my father long ago. It was only a matter of time before this happened.

Learn some new tricks as well. What I know you can do will probably be leaked shortly. So the upcoming tournament will be more challenging for you if you go against any of the nations affiliated with that empire.

Kyrion, these past seven years have been the most fun I’ve had in my life. So grow strong and put me down next we meet. Expect tricks, lies, traps, and my full power. I won’t underestimate you. Because I know better.

Best wishes,

Gamodren Ikratax.

----------------------------------------

Under the letter were a series of deeds, books on techniques, and a pouch of exotic seeds.

“This. Uggg!” Kyrion wanted to hit something as anger began to boil over. Mixing with confusion and other emotions, the red-haired boy held it in. Now was not the time.

Kyrion stood from the chair very slowly and deliberately. He then patiently absorbed everything in the room and took it into his domain.

Clenching his fist, Kyrion left the room only to find the headmaster standing outside the door.

“He’s gone. Six days ago.” He stated.

“Yes. He left everything to me. He said he was joining the empire.”

“That damned witch!” Caeden broke down.

Kyrion watched in surprise as the first time he saw the older man’s composure break. It started with the sunglasses over his eyes splitting into two perfect halves. Next, the world around them seemed to go upside down as Kyrion fell upwards, along with quite a few objects on the floor. Then, moments later, everything began to change shape and color. For a while, Kyrion was convinced that he was and had always been a sentient magical headband.

As quickly as things changed, they reverted, and Kyrion landed on the floor no worse for wear.

“What was that?” Kyrion asked.

“Lost control and some anger leaked out along with other things. Do you know what a blood debt is in Kyrion?”

“No, not really. But apparently I own a few.”

“Considering you have someone who swore one to you. Then you’re lacking in the research aspect.”

“Ceres? She did that on her own. The goblins, now that is debatable.”

“Yeah. Had you been wicked or more like your mother than I’d trick you into relinquishing it. But given all it does is make her stronger and you’re not cruel I’ll let you keep it for now. At least until she’s strong enough to live on her own. Wait what goblins?” Caeden stated. His prismatic eyes shifted in color.

“Why are you bringing that up?”

“I was stupid once. Naive once, I didn’t understand things about the world that I do know. My first wife was a dragon that was using me to give her a clutch of useful servants. I didn’t find out about what she’d done until years later when I came across Gamodren while traveling. Apparently he was the last survivor out of eight, and was being used as a tool by the Beastblood empire. He had killed four of his siblings in the process of his training and absorbed their power. A half dragon of exceptional power bound to a blood debt to his mother for daining to let him live that long.”

Kyrion’s eyes widened. “Is that why he didn’t like Ceres?”

“Deep down he was probably jealous.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“If he’s with the empire then you’ll need to know what’s trying to kill you. Not capture. He’d rather kill you and pay the price than surrender your body. It’s a fate worse than death to become a vessel.” Caeden said.

“Ah. So he won’t be going easy on me then. What is his power?”

“Reality manipulation. In the space he occupies and a distance away, everything is under his control. If he has enough mana to alter it. And no he can’t use it to kill you. Manipulating people takes a lot more mana. You especially that leak almost drained me dry which is concerning for other reasons.”

“How does he teleport then?”

“I can move through objects reflective surfaces I’m familiar with . It just so happens that I’ve enchanted quite a few things and sold quite a few mirrors I’ve made. A few of my friends and comrades have those things readily available. Gamodren isn’t much different. Those buildings he had you built have enchantments that let him hop across the world with ease.”

“He can enter my space.” Kyrion’s eyes widened.

“No he can’t. That actually involves a power we don’t have. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t found a way to do so however. He also needs to own the buildings he teleports to.”

“He transferred ownership to me… I’ll need to be careful.”

“The dormitory does not have that enchantment. I made sure to check. His range is also much much smaller than mine.”

“Why don’t you just kill me then. End all of this chaos.” Kyrion stated.

A hand met his face hard enough to break the skin. “Because your death wouldn’t change the situation he’s in! My son trained you. Do you think he’d want you to give up before fighting back!.”

“He’s an expert. How can I compete with that?”

“Get stronger. It’s as simple as that. As a dragon his growth is exponential at first before becoming linear and tied to his age. As a human he could train and push himself to grow stronger. As a dragon slayer he’s gained the potential of nine other dragons, one of which was quite powerful.”

“Dragon slayer? What does that have to do with anything?”

“You don’t know? Do you know why your father refused to progress into the expert rank after becoming a practitioner?”

“Why would I know that? I just thought he was too busy farming.

“Thus us why I hate how your family does things like this. Your father did kill a dragon. Because of this he grows stronger every year and ages very slowly. How else does someone in his late fifties stay so young without being an expert.”

“What?” Kyrion took a step back.

“A dragon slayer doesn’t just kill a dragon. They consume its flesh. Pretty sure your dad thought it was good eating. At least that’s how he so blatantly put it….”

“My dads fifty?” Kyrion was aghast.

“Kyrion, your oldest brother is in his late thirties. If your dad was twenty-something when he was born….”

“Jr is thirty!”

“Aren’t you seventeen? It would barely be a fifteen year gap.”

“Fifteen I am fifteen and thinking about it. He would have been fifteen when I was born..”

“Sure…” Caeden was now quite sure he did terrible math. Jr would have definitely been in his forties now. He was in his late seventies and was a very late bloomer… Wasn’t he two years younger than Cordelia…

“Headmaster? You have that look Gamodren gets when doing taxes. You’re pretty sure you lied about something but aren’t quite sure where you did so.” Kyrion scowled as he began to go over what the headmaster had said with a fine toothcomb.

“Anyway, you’re a baby compared to half of your older siblings. That’s just how it is.” Caeden decided to leave the minefield.

“Allright. So dragonslayers are strong and because killing dragons gives them power. Gamodren will get stronger the longer he lives and fighting him ill prepared is suicide.”

“That’s the gist. I imagine that’s why Leon was targeted. Stories say he was a dragonslayer.”

“I see. So If I become an expert, it won’t be impossible. But I may need to kill dragons to do so, not Ceres since she’s a friend….”

“Correct. You should have some time before they. It’s not like your that empire’s only target. Even they, should know not to act now that Gamodren is there.”

“The expert thing. Your all going to go away for some time soon. In nine months.”

“What!? No we have five more years!”

“That isn’t what the goddess or the elf person said.”

“That isn’t right. It’s too early.”

“Huh. Then it’s not just me. What’s going on?” Psycho stated from inside Kyrion’s head.

“Could she have been lying?” Kyrion asked.

“She wouldn’t have. Something must have happened if the incursion is happening so early.”

“What do you mean?” Kyrion asked.

“Well then, it seems you have nine months to become the strongest practitioner on this continent. Looks like winning this tournament will be very important.”

“So why would it have been a bad idea?” Kyrion asked.

“The winners of the tournament are granted a divine boon from Imala herself. Breaking her rules and purposely going after potential participants or current participants is considered blasphemy. Clomonis is neutral due to their status as Imala’s holy land but they can declare a holy war. When a holy war is declared, armies of Imalla’s divine begin to freely enter that nation and begin enacting judgment. Assisting Clomonis is incentivised.”

“So you’re saying, Gamodren was taken to act as a teacher for a school sent by the Beastblood Empire.

“Most likely in disguise as well.”

“I don’t want to fight him. I won’t kill him. Even if I have the chance, how could I betray a friend like that?”

“There are ways to release the debt. One involves removing the debtor. I don’t want him dead either, just so you know.”

“Wait, was Gamodren the traitor?”

“Partially, did he let you get injured by Edwin? Yes. Did he let the attack on the empire happen? No. He did leave you alone to deal with Leon but thats because then at most he could have been ordered to watch and do nothing. The more orders given in quick succession the weaker they get. Through the longer you hoard them the stronger the bond gets.”

“Five years…I don’t want to ask Ceres to do anything again if that’s what she’s going through. Why would she let me do that to her.”

“So you know I’ve asked her about the orders you give. They only seem to involve food and are quite rare. Most of the time you’re too exhausted to get it yourself. If you stopped giving orders like that then she’d be worried you were saving for something big.”

“Huh.”

“She also needs the bond for a few more years, she won’t be able to maintain a human form naturally for a few more years.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“No I am not. You are now officially my direct disciple. From one to four in a day. It’s a good thing I won’t have to teach you and Tiffany much.”

“What abou Ceres?”

“I can’t teach her how to be what she is and I can’t teach her how to fight the way she does. She’ll figure everything out on her own.” +

“I think I need a nap.”

“Before you go.” The headmaster handed Kyrion a note.

Kyrion examined it. “Amadeus wants to challenge me to another fight. In the private square. In four hours. Or else. I’m not in the mood today. Or evey, can you tell them i’d rather we not fight.”

“Is my star pupil too much for you?”

“Yes.” Kyrion said too quickly.

“Why not just accept, lose and get it over with.”

“Because I don’t feel like being pushed around. Right now.”

“And you don’t want that to happen because?”

“I don’t think I could hold back my aggression.” Kyrion answered in a careful monotone.

“I see. I’ll let them know that you said no.”

“Great.” Kyrion ran off. He needed some air. For the first time in his life, clearing his mind wasn’t easy.

----------------------------------------

Kyrion sat across from Ceres in the dining hall, his expression distraught. The armored girl held a confused expression as she looked back at the red-haired boy.

“If you ever don’t want to do something. Let me know. I don’t want to force you to do anything.” Kyrion said plainly.

“No.” Ceres said as she took a sip of tea.

“Huh?”

“I said I won’t because I’d rather not. You aren’t forcing me into anything.”

“Huh. Are you sure?”

“Do you feel like I’ve repaid my debt to you master Kyrion?” Ceres rolled her eyes.

“Yes you’ve been nothing but helpful most of the time.”

“Well I don’t feel like I’ve done enough yet. Ten years of solitude in a place I couldn’t leave. No new things to see, no one to teach me, or nurture my abilities. I was just there, hardly even existing as my mana was drained. I will follow you into the abyss if you ask. Quite a few of us will do the same.”

“Us?”

“Me, Brion, Tiffany, and those two kids you found. We are loyal to you.”

“Not Ander?”

“Ander is dedicated to fighting and pursuing strength above all else. If you promised him a fight I’m sure he’d come along. But…”

“Yeah, he wants to fight me at my full strength.”

“And refuse to do anything outside of light sparing.”

“There is something about his abilities that he is nowhere near mastering. It’s a subtle blonk that can be fixed with special training and I feel that he’s close to a breakthrough. Thing is, lighting is dangerous. If he were to accidentally hit me with a fully powered shot when I’m not prepared or expecting it, heck if I’m weakened then chances are he’d accidentally kill me.”

“And you don’t stop anyone else from sparing with him?”

“Brion could endure it enough to survive and keep grounded most of the time. Tiffany wouldn’t be given the chance to push him that far. She lacks his experience. You are like Brion in the sense that you could push him and be fine but I’m mostly sure you’d be forced to transform.”

“How much stronger will Ander be if he could get past this barrier?”

“He’d be a monster on and off the battlefield. You do know how good he can fly. Combat in the air and on the ground are realms no one here can challenge him. A master of close, mid, and long range fighting. But that’s all he can do if you don’t count teaching. He can counter almost any form but is bad at fighting people on their home field advantage. Which is why he trains so diligently.”

“What did Gamodren tell you about my debt?”

“Nothing The headmaster did. Gamodren was taken because of his.”

“Gamodren was taken?” Ceres seemed surprised.

“Yes.”

“But he’s human, that doesn’t make any sense.”

“Let’s move on. Why did you not tell me about the debt?”

“I asked Gamodren not to tell you the details he accepted and I kept quiet as well. I didn’t want you feeling guilty for freeing me. Since he didn’t I shouldn’t be bad, at least now I get why he avoided me.”

“Sorry for wasting your time then, on another note can you join my team for the tournament?”

“My kind can’t compete in those things. Dragons tend to die when their locations become public knowledge.”

“Well that sucks.” Kyrion looked towards the ceiling drumming on the table.

“I’ll look after the kiddos while you’re gone.”

“Good good. Thank you.” Kyrion seemed a bit lost.

“Well I’ll take my leave then.” Ceres stood and left as Kyrion sat in contemplation.

“What now…t.”

Max entered the dining hall, blood pulling from his nose and a black eye on his face. He was covered in bruises. In his hands was a letter that was slammed on the table hard.

“Amadeus beat me up because you refused the challenge! They know where I sleep, Kyrion. I can’t take it! Please just fight them and get over it.”

“Fine. I’m in a bit of a bad mood but if the number one wants to put themselves at risk then. Fine! I don’t care.” Kyrion threw up his hands.

Max smiled as the words finally came out before he shook his head. “Thanks Kyrion.”

“Want me to heal you?”

“I’m fighting through the pain. As a tamer I need the mental strength to command even if I get hurt.” Max lied.

“I see. Fine then. Take it easy.” Kyrion watched as Max left. An unhealthy amount of rage had been building to the point his mana began to leak from his body creating a minor distortion in his movements. Like a walking heatwave.