A cool breeze passed over the tower as two moons kept the world lit. On top of the building stood a red-haired young man waiting for his friends to take care of his double.

Kyrion had been waiting for his first opponent to arrive when Lok appeared behind him on the tower’s roof.

“Kyrion. It seems you have important captain business to attend to. Time to cut this trial short. Luckily you completed my training.” Lok informed his student with a blank expression.

“Really?” Kyrion asked.

“Yes. If you don’t show, then your entry may be voided. The boat is already docked.”

The headmaster appeared behind Lok. “These meetings are never mandatory.”

“This year participation is required. There seems to be some major rule changes.”

“How major?”

“Students will not be penalized for using lethal force. The barriers will still be there but accidentally killing an opponent won’t get you disqualified. This is to account for the last tournament scandal when Tetsan’s main school sent out a fledgling against Lingar as a sacrifice without telling anyone that they were only a fledgling. The ruling was sour and though the older boy lived, he was crippled. The ruling at the time got him and our team disqualified, before the investigation into the matter.”

“Wait… Isn’t that blatantly cheating?”

“No. His opponent was four years his senior so at the time they thought Lingar was being reckless. The fact that his opponent was only crippled means that he was, however.”

“Did he use Rend?”

“No, just a basic wind blade.”

“So they sacrificed him for an easy win.”

“Yes. It won’t work again but still. The rules did have to change.”

“Go then. I’ll fight them in your place. It does make more sense if I do it. I’m not sure you can take them on alone.” Caeden sighed.

“He could, but he’d struggle unless he didn’t give them a chance to fight back. You could make it look effortless.”

“Great. Where do we go?” Kyrion walked to the edge and turned around.

“Next we get your Co captain.”

“Who’s that and won’t the others notice if they go missing?”

“Ah. No, your Co captain isn’t here. He’s headed towards his lab right after his fight.”

“Cecil isn’t even participating in the tournament.” Kyrion scowled.

“He is now. I’m not making him fight but he does need to be there just in case.”

“Great. Should I meet you there?” Kyrion asked Lok.

“You’re taking the shortcut I presume?”

“Of course,” Kyrion called back his spirits as he fell backward off the tower.

Leaving Lok on top of the building, shaking his head as he flew towards the dock.

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

Kyrion had lept a considerable distance before spotting Cecil. His blond ally had just entered his temporary lab, clearly inspired. It was a shame he’d have to foil Cecil’s plans.

Phasing through the roof, Kyrion decided to spy on his friend for curiosity reasons. So instead of coming down and saying hello like a sane human being. Instead, he hung out in the rafters like a creeper. Silently watching the scene.

Cecil removed a lid to one of his stasis coffins, and a young woman began to regain consciousness after Cecil cast a quick spell.

“Who? Where? What?” Viole looked around in her coffin and attempted to get out only to discover that she was being restrained by belts wrapped around the bed.

“I am Cecil, this is my lab. You now work for me. So let’s discuss terms.”

“Like hell. I work for the empire!” Viole seemed to say defensively.

“The parasite has already been removed. They can’t kill you remotely anymore. I won’t say you’re safe, but we won’t kill you without reason.” Cecil said bluntly.

Viole felt around her head and found a bandage. Prodding it didn’t trigger any painful responses. “Was I healed?” Viole asked.

“Yes. We asked this individual to leave a scar behind so they can remove it after you come to terms.”

“Blackmail?”

“No. Sometimes you need to see to believe. I didn’t believe there was someone on this world capable of building mechs, but here you are, and here it is.” Cecil pointed to a red mech that had been totaled.

“How do you have that?”

“Who else would bring you here... Alive.”

Viole looked up in frustration and saw a red-haired figure hanging from the rafters like a spider. She became filled with fear, and panic and sweat began to form. And then he blinked, and he was gone.

“That monster! I saw it.”

Cecil looked up and scowled before a knock on his door alerted him to a visitor. “We can discuss terms. Get some actual rest.”

Cecil swiftly reached the door, leaving himself open for attack.

“Like hell. You have to get me out of here.”

“Geez, you’re paranoid. Kyrion is busy being kidnapped. It’s not like….” Cecil stopped as he saw Kyrion in the doorway as he opened it.

Cecil quickly slammed it shut. Sadly Kyrion was already sitting on a stool eating a sandwich, positioned right next to Viole.

“Knocking is just a courtesy for you isn’t it.” Cecil sighed.

“I would try coming in through the chimney but you tend to keep yours lit.”

“What are you doing here!” Viole bellowed.

“Eating a sandwich. Duh. Maybe you’d be less grumpy with good food in you.”

“I hate you. You took everything from me. And then you turned me into a slave. I’ll kill you. Ya hear?” Viole scowled.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“I didn’t turn anyone into a slave. So, Cecil, she isn’t a slave, right?”

“No. I don’t know if she’s suitable to assist us either. She could be mad.”

“I’m right here...” Viole scowled as she was ignored.

“I doubt that. Angry, yes. But I haven’t done anything to her. Given that they look like a dear friend and share obsessive mannerisms. I can assume she knows one of my doppelgangers.”

“Dopple what?” Viole asked.

“Apparently there are multiple versions of each of us with different goals and desires. I just met one of mine recently.”

“Psycho?” Cecil asked.

“No, that one’s been squatting rent free in my head. Kyrie is the one that fought the girls and Max. And died fighting my brother.”

“You have to be insane. Who would buy that?” Viole stated.

“You aren’t from this planet right?” Kyrion said with a deadpan expression

“What makes you say that?” Viole seemed to start flexing her wrist strangely to no avail.

“You smell funny.” Kyrion wrinkled his nose.

“The ability to build a mech means you’re from a place on a different technological level. Like me. Although I suspect there are some differences given the abundance of magic.” Cecil crossed his arms.

“Like hell.”

“Should I knock her out again? We should be going and I don’t feel like dealing with her before dealing with people I need to be respectful around.” Kyrion took a bite out of his sandwich.

“Kyrion. Shouldn’t you be nicer to a potential ally?”

“She tried to infect me with a parasite. You don’t just forgive something like that. Very rude.”

“Is that true?”

Viole turned her head to the side. “I did.”

“Well Kyrion. It seems you’re a better man than me when it comes to forgiveness. You are our prisoner for the time being and if you want any sense of freedom you need to earn it. Next time you wake there will be schematics on something I’ve designed. If you can improve upon it or alter them to my satisfaction then we can move on from there. If not, you will be handed over to the church for questioning. They would very much like to know how someone like you got here in the first place. Infiltration like this goes against the pact.” Cecil said casually as he got to his feet.

“Where are you going!” Viole struggled to get out of her restraints.

“Cece. You’re giving me chills.” Kyrion mock shivered.

Kyrion cleaned his hands with mana before approaching the coffin.

“He’s headed out. But, to be honest, if you can prove that you won’t betray us, then I’ll talk to him about loosening up. Sweet dreams.” Kyrion pushed the lid closed, and the stasis coffin went into motion. Freezing time for its occupants.

Cecil walked right back into the room with a sour expression.

“This is unethical.” Kyrion crossed his arms.

“Better than killing a potential asset. Ruling through fear rarely works well long term, but it is a start.”

“Did you really have to be so mean?”

“Kyrion. This is pragmatism. I won’t trust a snake, but if they’re genuine then I’ll use them until they have earned your forgiveness. If they try to sabotage us then we’ll let the headmaster deal with them.”

“I don’t really care all that much.” Kyrion shook their head as he shrugged.

“You don’t care. You almost died and you don’t care.”

“If I die, I die. But no, the parasite wouldn’t have worked. The trouble with possession is that you either need a stronger will or overwhelming power. An expert could potentially possess me. What she used was a sleeper. My body is toxic to things like that.” Kyrion pulled a white worm from his domain and bit a finger before dropping blood onto it.

The parasite sizzled upon making contact with the blood and soon became magical ash.

“So… Is that why you don’t…Nevermind.”

“Hmmm? Don’t what? Fight? Possibly, my blood can burn those much weaker and empower those stronger or on an even level. Let’s move on. If you can make me bleed then it shouldn’t hurt. It can however mess with enchantments which can be dangerous in a tournament or formal setting.”

“A real super human, aren’t you?” Cecil shook his head.

“Just determined. Now we need to head to the docks.”

“If we’re headed to sea, let me finish up something. I’ll actually meet you there, can’t let Minah be without her upgraded power suit.”

“Ah, make one for Max too.”

“I don’t make power armor for boys.”

“Then have your intern make it.. He’s only a centimeter taller than his sister. Which is a rather recent change.”

“Intern. That works a whole lot better than prisoner. I’ll write a note.” Cecil thought for a moment.

“I’d rather be a prisoner than an intern.” Kyrion rolled his eyes before the two parted.

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

The sea breeze chilled that night as Kyrion made it to the docks. His eye shone as both moons seemed to reflect in it. His white bathrobe was swapped for dark green breeches, some black boots, and a bright red tunic. Atop his head was a poofy red hat that displayed his horns. He’d figured out how to make them disappear, but he felt good letting them hang out there.

On the dock stood three individuals. The first was a short, plain-looking figure with gray eyes and a mask over the lower part of their face. Their black garb seemed to be made entirely of silk. Potentially wealthy or in the business of tailoring.

The second was a young woman in bright white robes. Her eyes shined like silver, and her hair whiter than fresh snow. She seemed to be standing between the other two, and her mana was just hanging out there for the world to see. Quite a bit of mana. She lit up when she saw Kyrion, which was concerning.

The third figure was tall and stood around six foot two, sadly in comparison to Kyrion himself. However, he didn’t appear so. His build was muscular, although a cowl and mask hid his face and head.

“Are you the mysterious captain of Drisil I have come to escort?”

“Who’s asking?” Kyrion stood straight up and looked down. If he was going to scare her off, now would be the time.

The silver-haired woman held back the diminutive figure. “I am Lin, one of the coordinators for the upcoming tournament.”

“I go by Rion.” Kyrion stated.

“Is that a nickname?”

Kyrion shrugged. “Less trouble if we use it.”

The small figure had drawn a blade and begun actively trying to move forward.

“I was told to meet a Kyrion. Is that incorrect?”

“Didn’t you hear? Kyrion died when he was kidnapped while in another land.”

“Right. But there are rumors….”

“Poppycock! I never met this Kyrion lady, but they aren’t ranked at Drisil.” Kyrion put both hands in his pockets and bent down forward, his shoulders squared for dramatic effect.

“Why would you call yourself Rion? Isn’t very creative.”

Kyrion leaned back and took an exaggeratedly regal pose. “Because I’m the King baby.”

Lin seemed to redden, and the tiny assassin showed their true colors and sprung forward. Knife poised to disembowel.

Kyrion rotated to avoid the thrust and let his hand connect with the back of their neck. The figure fell into his outstretched arm like a sack of potatoes.

“Princess, you need better guards than these if you’re going to dethrone me.” Kyrion said in a cheeky tone.

“Princess?” Lin seemed surprised by the statement as she looked at her other bodyguard.

The masked figure seemed to sigh as they moved faster than Kyrion could track with one eye, but still slower than his reaction speed.

When the assassin was retrieved, Kyrion used them as bait to grab their mask, only to receive a push that knocked him off balance. Followed by an uppercut that would have sent the average man flying.

Kyrion stayed there for a moment and sighed. This person had more experience and potentially more power. There was also something familiar about them.

“Fine, you may keep them. Just make sure they don’t try that again.” Kyrion puffed out his chest in mock arrogance.

Lin looked at her small bodyguard and sighed. “She’s a good friend. Just a little overzealous.”

“And him? Is he your dad or something?” Kyrion pointed at the masked man.

“No? Why…”

“He radiates dad vibes…Well it’s none of my business anyway.” Kyrion waved his suspicion aside.

“Well then Mr.Rion, shall we leave?”

“Not just yet. My Princess, there are a few more things to discuss. Namely where we’re going, how long we will be gone and what will I need to bring.”

“P-princess?” Lin seemed to be distracted, and the masked figure shook his head.

Kyrion didn’t understand why, but messing with this Lin person warmed his heart. He hadn’t had this much fun messing with people in ages. He would resolve to keep this character active when she was around. He then got to his knees and began fishing through a pocket in his shoulder. Or well his domain and pulled out an orchid which he then handed over. It was an experimental plant that grew on ambient mana when sunlight and water were unavailable and tended to last a long time. All mana, aside from pure fire, could be converted into energy.

“A flower worthy of a princess.”

“Oh no. You’re charmed!” Lin took a step back.

“Charmed? No. This can be but one other thing.” Kyrion stopped moving and let his mental affinity wash over him. He was clear of influence so he stopped and then let his aura slowly leak out as he took off his red cap and put effort into playing along. His red hair shone in the moon’s light as he looked up.

“Please stop.” Lin looked at the hair in awe. It was shinier than hers. First, she was proud of her hair, and then she noticed his near-perfect caramel skin, only a mole near one eye and an eyepatch over another. Upon further reflection, he looked like a pirate.

“If milady wishes….” Kyrion took a step back and placed the orchid back into his domain.

“What are you doing Mr.Kyrion?”

“Tch.” Kyrion clicked his tongue as Eden came bumbling along with Cecil.

With that, the spell known as Rion vanished, and Kyrion tied his hair back into a ponytail to keep it in place.

Lin took a moment to think before speaking. “You lied to me. So you are Kyrion.. Why are you messing with me?”

Kyrion started then stopped. “It was originally to pass time but I’m not sure anymore. Although some people do seem to think I’m dead and I would prefer it that way.”

“I see. So you want us to play along… I refuse.”

“What?”

“I refuse to play this game.”

The warm feeling in his heart came back. “I see then. I guess I’ll have to make a big entrance then.”

Cecil chopped Kyrion on the forehead and sighed. “As your superior in age I veto that. If I’m right you’re going to be one of the youngest captains in attendance, don’t draw attention to yourself.”

“You’re no fun.”

“So who’s your friend?”

“We’re friends with benefits actually.” Kyrion corrected.

Lin seemed to go red for some reason Kyrion couldn’t figure it out. “So, you’re in a relationship?”

“A rather open one since he leads his harem.” Cecil did work for everyone in his harem when asked, after all. And all their dealings were public.

“Were you trying to get me to join that debauchery?” Lin’s red face seemed to cool as the area dropped in temperature.

“I recommend doing so before we take off. Once Cecil’s harem has gone global, getting in will require a lot of knowledge, or funds.”

“I’m not rich.”

“I’d gladly let you join for free if you have any interest in magitech. I am Cecil Calhoon, a somewhat proud leader of Cecil’s harem. Despite the name.”

“I need to sleep on this.”

“Why don’t you try sleeping on one of his patented C Foam mattresses? It’s like sleeping on a cloud.” Kyrion pulled out a heart-shaped king-sized bed, much to his own confusion among everyone else’s.

Lin marched off. “We’re going.”

“Do you remember making a heart shaped mattress?” Kyrion asked Cecil.

“No. No I do not. Good. Because I don’t remember absorbing one.”

“We botched this recruitment, didn’t we?”

“Why did she mention debauchery? We’re an organization.” Kyrion asked.

“I’ll tell you when you’re older.” Cecil slapped his friend on the shoulder before boarding the ship.

“Why do you have a heart shaped bed?” Eden asked.

“I don’t know.” Kyrion scowled.

Kyrion placed a hand on the bed. “It feels like C Foam. Odd…” Kyrion reabsorbed the bed and made a note to talk to Karl about it.

“So. Are we going?” Eden asked, looking at the ship.

“Yeah.”

“What about Bastion?” Eden asked as she boarded the ship.

“He has secret training, to get up to. And none of my questions have been answered.” Kyrion grumpily boarded the ship before climbing a mast and falling asleep. He was mentally exhausted for the day.