The flaming bull continued to consume the fireball like an afternoon snack while Alicia and company were left dumbstruck.

“ A fire summon?”- Alicia

( Aedus, a fire beast directly under Agnidev, the lord of fire.)- nina

“ Hahaha, so what do think of my beast summon old lady? Aedus is a fire beast who I is the direct subordinate of Agnidev, the fire lord. So not does your infernal blaze not harm him, but it also adds to his power. Feeling any regret?

“ Even if it was a fire summon, it shouldn't been able to consume that for a normal Terran. Now I finally remember who she is.”- Nina

“ Now I think it's time I finished you off, old lady. Go Aedus!”- summoner

“ Roooaaarrrr”

“ Dang, a mage summoner! Even with a fire summon, to absorb my blaze is no small feet! Looks like I'm going to have to use a stronger one!”- Alicia

“ Enough Alicia!”- Nina

Before Alicia could cast another spell, nina took this time to step up. It appeared that she was going to fight the summoned beast.

“ For crying out loud, are you trying to blow up this entire town? Just stand down now.”- nina

“ AND JUST HOW DO YOU PLAN ON DOING THIS?”- Alicia

“ Leave that to me.”- Nina

“ Really, ‘leave it to me’. I feel like I'm being underestimated.”- summoner

“ Look, we don't want anymore trouble. So why don't you just remove the summon.”- nina

“ Oh? And just who are you to command me old lady?”- summoner

“ I do apologise for my friend's behavior, but you're hardly in the right either.”- Nina

“ Huh?”- summoner

“ You should already know that a powerful fire summon could damage the city. Honestly, your no better than Alicia.”- nina

Don't compare us you old lady!”- summoner

“ I don't mind being called old. I've lived a long time so it's the truth.”- Nina

“ Ooh, is that right? GET HER AEDUS!”- summoner

The fire summon begins to advance at towards Nina. Nina just closed her eyes. When she opened them, a massive silhouette appeared behind her

It's appearance was hard to make out, but one thing was certain, it was surrounded by fire. There was looks of shock on both the summoner and Felix. When the flaming figure glared at Aedus, it immediately stopped moving and started trembling. Aedus began to fade away since it couldn't stand the burning atmosphere.

“ ( Impossible! That presence just then! To defeat Aedus with just that alone! It had to be Agnidev, the lord of fire! There's only one person who could wield such power!) You! You're the scarlet witch of fire! The strongest of the magi knights, Nina Delta!”- summoner

“ Nice of you to remember me, magi knight Annie Maze.”- nina

“ Eeeh”- alicia

“So she’s also magi knight huh?”- felix

“Then that means that, you’re my eternal master the queen of all magic, Alicia Rand Philistine!”- Annie

“ Hehe, yeah it's me.”- Alicia

The minute Annie discovers the identity of her opponents, her eyes slowly began to tear up. She then immediately lunged towards Alicia with tears in her eyes.

“ AAAAAALICCCCIAAAAA!”- Annie

“ AAAAHHH!”- Alicia

“ Alicia, how could you forget me? Your magi knight Annie Maze! You're so cruel!”- Annie

“ Annie, that's you? But didn't you have short hair?”- Alicia

“ IT'S BEEN A MILLENNIUM, OF COURSE IT'S GROWN LONG. ALICIA YOU DUMMY!”- Annie

“ I-i’m sorry I didn't remember.”- Alicia

( Though she didn't recognize her either.)- nina

( Another one huh? That makes 3.”- Felix

After getting reacquainted, everyone decided to meet back at the inn they were staying at. They thought it was best to have some discussions away from prying eyes.

“ Majin, it's so good to again”- Annie

“.... Good to see you to.”- majin

“ Your lack of presence is the same as ever.”- Annie

“ And your still as loud as ever.”- majin

“ And to think Nina's here with you. With this there are 3 magi knights together again. As always, Alicia skills of attraction know no bounds. We should keep this momentum going to find the other magi knights. Then we can hunt down the Drake family line then eliminate them of the face of the map.”- Annie

( Yikes)- Felix

“ Now, now don't get excited Annie. You really haven't changed in for past .millennia.”- Alicia

“ Yeah, and lady Alicia, your beauty hasn't changed these past 1000 years. Just look at how soft your skin is.”- Annie

“ Hahaha, really?”- Alicia

( Your skills of flatter have also not changed either.) Nina

After she finished complementing Alicia, Annie finally took notice Felix and Sakura.

“ By the way, who are those two?”- Annie

The girl is Sakura, the homunculus.”- Alicia

“ A homunculus, really? I thought they were all extinct. And she's so young too.”- Annie

“ And the brown-haired boy is Felix. Felix Drake.”- Alicia

“ WHAAAAT! NOW THAT I LOOK AT HIM, THAT BROWN HAIR! YOU'RE A DESCENDENT OF ALEX DRAKE?”- Annie

“ Nice of you to notice.”- Felix

Felix wasn't really surprised by Annie's reaction. As a matter of fact, he was more surprised why he never ran into this hostility much earlier. While watching Felix calmly sip his drink, Annie's shock was quickly replaced with rage.

“ YOOOUUUUU! DESCENDENT OF THAT CURSED DRAKE, I'LL FREAKIN KILL YOU!”- Annie

Annie immediately lunged towards Felix with a viscous look on her face. She reeled her fist back with and brought it forward with all her strength. Unfortunately, that proved fruitless as Felix simply raised his hand and stopped the attack with his palm.

“ Wha-!”- Annie

“ Nice punch, your definitely a lot stronger than you look. It should be no surprise since you've lived this long.”- Felix

Felix put some strength into his arm, instantly pushing her back. She skidded across the floor and then hit the wall, getting the wind knocked out of her. Almost everyone had looks of shocked expressions. Annie quickly got back on her feet. The look on her face promised murder.

“ YOU LITTLE BRAT, I'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE AND THEN CREMATE WHAT'S LEFT!”- Annie

“ Stop, you can't do this!”- Sakura

“ YOU DARE STAND IN MY WAY, HOMUNCULUS? THOSE WHO SERVE THE DRAKES SHALL NOT LIVE! DIIEE!”- Annie

Annie was about to strike Sakura who stood between her and Felix, only to be stopped midway by Nina.

“ Stop it Annie.”- Nina

“ Why are you stopping me Nina? This punk is a descendent of Drake! We need to-!”- Annie

“ That's enough Annie.”- Alicia

Alicia gave a look that commanded authority. Annie immediately calmed down, but she was still hostile.

“ Don't touch either of those two. Not all descendents of Drake are evil. I thought you had a code about not killing innocents.”- Alicia

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“ T-that’s true….. But…. But Alex Drake, no, the entire Drake family are the enemies of both lady Alicia and us knights! They need to be eliminated!”- Annie

“ Didn't I say that's enough!”- Alicia

“ Eeeek!”- Annie

“( Been a while since I've seen her serious) You clearly don't have any common sense, do you.”- Felix

“ Hey what's that mean!”- Annie

“ Based on what you just said we should already be at each other's throats, yet not only is not the case here, I'm having a drink with both your mistress and not one, but two other knights. Clearly, this means that there's something going on here, so either you're choosing to ignore this or you're too slow to understand this. So which is it?”- Felix

“ Uuuuuh.”- Annie

“ Annie, I know what you're worried about, but there won't be another warrior like Alex. Felix isn't at his level he's only got some incredible strength, but that's it. He has no magic, no contract, nothing. Just some swords and that little boomstick.”- Alicia

“ Thanks for the sympathy.”- Felix

“ But, even so, for the bloodline of Drake, there's still the crimson eyes, remember?”- Annie

“ Crimson eyes. The symbol of those who wield the blessing of the war god.”- Alicia

A dark look covered Alicia's face as she looked at Felix.

“ What.”- Felix

“ Felix can you change the color of your eyes? C'mon make em go red.”- Alicia

“ Do I look like a rabbit to you.”- Felix

“ See, can't do it, problem solved.”- Alicia

“ I don't think that's how it works.”- Annie

“ Please stop doubting Felix, Annie. I've been with them for quite awhile and I can tell you now that he's not one to make enemies. Right now, he's on our side. Felix has been helping Alicia find us. And besides, according to Sakura there's a reason they can't be separated so they have to be together.”- nina

“ WHAT! MISTRESS ALICIA IS STUCK WITH THIS LITTLE KID?”- Annie

( Who's the little kid here.)- Felix

“ How tragic! The beautiful Alicia Rand Philistine! The one who was desired by handsome men all over the world! IS REDUCED TO THE COMPANY OF THIS INSECT! JUST DIE ALREADY!”- Annie

“ Trust me, the choice was not mine.”- Felix

“ Hahahaha, you two seem to be getting along already.”- Alicia

( I wouldn't go so far as to say that.) Nina

After keeping Annie at bay for a minute and getting reacquainted Felix and everyone decided to retired over the evening. During the middle of the night, Annie woke up and went to the roof of the inn to contemplate everything that had happened.

“ Hey Annie.”- Nina

“ Nina.”- Annie

So, how does it feel to be by Alicia's side again.”- nina

“ It feels great, being by lady Alicia's side is my sole purpose in life. That's why I became a magi knight. Speaking of, what about the others.”

“ With Majin’s information we are locating them one by one. With Alicia's charisma they'll gather towards her once again. We magi are that kind of existence.”

“ You know not everyone may join us you know. It’s been a thousand years, it's unlikely their feelings are still the same as they were in the past.”

“ Your speaking of Clarion right?”

“ You know? How?”

“ How is not the issue, what is though is the fact that Clarion is after us. He most likely seeks the death of Alicia.”

“ Clarion, that traitor! He heard he was up to something in Sylvania, but to think he would pull a weapon out on Alicia. He was the one who showed the most devotion and love to her, but for him to fall so low.”

“ It's as you said. A thousand years could make a terran change.”

“ So I take it that Alicia intends to eliminate Sylvania due to the threat they hold?”

“ Yes. Clarion has created an army of demons whose numbers rival all the kingdoms. They're confident enough to rage war and claim victory.”

“ Those vile beasts.!”

“ Because of all this, Alicia has made a contract with the East Kingdom. And Felix is part of that contract.”

“ Seriously, just who the crack is this kid? And why is he with Alicia?”

“ Do you recall the limiters seal.”

“ The limiters seal? Don't tell me!”

“ Indeed, all of Alicia's magic has been sealed up, and Felix has been marked as it's holder. Without a special rite, she isn't able to draw upon her immense magic.”

“ No way! Don't tell me that Alicia has become a tool for the east kingdom?”

“ No, but it does make you wonder.”

“ Eh?”

“ Alex Drake. Even though he was victorious against Alicia and had the opportunity to kill her, he didn't. Instead he sealed her away and inflicted her with a powerful spell that upon her release, wouldn't be able to use her magic.”

“ How's that strange?”

“ That seal isn't one of destruction, meaning that Alicia will eventually gain her powers. Which begs the question, why would Alex spare Alicia, and give her the opportunity to regain her powers?”

“ Nina.”

“ Alicia fought for the equality of the world, while Alex fought for the terrans. Back then, people grew to despise those who possessed magic, leaving countless of our brethren hunted down and killed. Alicia hoped to save many while sacrificing the few, while Alex fought to ensure that no one had to be sacrificed. It's hard to tell who was right and who was wrong. The terrans pictured Alicia as evil, while we, the magi knights, believed in Alicia's justice. Honestly, if Alex were here right now, I would've asked him to what was going through mind.”

“ Hmph, if you ask me, he was just a sick perv.”

“ Probably.”

In any case, Alicia only has one goal right now. And that is to gather our past comrades and take Clarion out. Let's just worry about this and see what happens later.”

“ Sounds good to me”

In the following days, the group, joined with Annie, proceeded to prepare themselves for the tournament, gaining rep and collecting information. The night before the tournament, they met up at the bar in the inn, and proceeded to put their final plans into action.

“ Alright, here's the list of all the competitors. There's a total of 24 competitors, including Alicia and Annie.”- Nina

“ Hmph, I'm the great magi, of course I got in.”- Alicia

“ Yeah, yeah, yeah your so great.”- Nina

“ Each fight is one-on-one, winner continues on to the next fight.”- Felix

“ You've grasped this pretty well.”- nina

“ So the demon beasts that are after king Oscar. Have you figured out which ones they are among the competitors.”- Annie

“Unfortunately no. The only one we've been able to identify is Luther Strode.

And that's mainly because I saw him die.”- Felix

“ I still get nightmares from that.”- Sakura

“ I still don't see the point in waiting around for this. We should just find him now and kill him.”- Alicia

“ We can't. The only ones who know the truth are us. Without any sufficient evidence, if we kill him outright, it will be seen as an act of murder and that will put tremendous pressure on us.”- nina

“ Che, just how are we supposed to do our job if we're pressured by all these laws.”- Alicia

“ This is the terrans land Alicia. As long as we live here, we must abide by their rules.”- nina

“ She's right. And besides, if we kill him now the ringleader might catch wind of us. So for now, no killing. That includes in the tournament Alicia. You must hold back so you don't kill your opponent.”- Felix

“ Yeah, yeah, fine I'll try.”- Alicia

“ But what if they have hidden reinforcements?”- Annie

“ That's why your in it to Annie. Just eliminate all the competitors till it's only you and Alicia.”- Nina

“ Alright, then I'll make sure to lose to you Lady Alicia.”- Annie

“ You couldn't beat me if you tried.”- Alicia

With the plan formulated, Felix took one last look at the list so he could have all the names memorized. When came to a particular name though, a wave of confusion followed by rage enveloped him, sending a cold shiver down some spines.

“ Would someone care to explain why my name is on the list?”- Felix

“ How can this be? Mr Felix never even entered the preliminaries?”- Sakura

“ Well…. uh…. You see…..uh…..the thing is…..”- Nina

“ Because I allowed it.”- Alicia

“ Say what?”- Felix

“ I had Nina fight using your name. When she qualified she dropped out leaving room for you. You should be thanking her.”- Alicia

“ Ehehehe.”- nina

A minute of silence invaded the atmosphere. Quickly followed by a loud bang that shook the entire inn. Everyone could practically see the rage radiating of Felix. The guests decided it was best to leave the premises while the group thought it was best to put a good distance between them and Felix.

“ You have about 10 seconds to give me an explanation, so if I were you, make it count.” Felix

“ I figured it was time for you to stop being lazy.”- Alicia

“ Stop…. Being…. Lazy.”- Felix

“ Even though you're in a position to be by my side, you've hardly done anything worthwhile. You've barely done any fighting, I'm always the one taking the hits, and even now, your trying to have me risk my life while you just stand by and watch. Don't have any pride as a man and a warrior? Just how long do plan to keep this up. I don't have multiple arms.”- Alicia

“ First of all, there's never been a reason for me to fight since you like hogging the spotlight! Furthermore, this is your quest, not mine! I didn't even wanna come, but I got dragged into this! So who are you to judge me!”- Felix

“ Someone who wants you to start proving your strength!”- Alicia

“ What?”- Felix

“ Felix, you are the direct descendent of Alex Drake. You have the blood of warriors in your veins. For generations your family has bred heroes of amazing caliber, and yet you don't have any motivation to prove yourself? Didn't you have a goal to seek and you would do just about anything to see it through? The proof of your bloodline, the crimson eyes, must weep when they see you.”- Alicia

“ So that's what this is about. The crimson eyes. I believe I told you I can't wield this world's magic so it doesn't matter who I'm a descendent of, I don't have them.”- Felix

“..... I know. I don't believe you have the crimson eyes either. Because if you did I would immediately take you as an enemy and kill you!”- Alicia

( Oh scary.)- Felix

“ But I know for a fact that there's more to you than you let on. Every time there were unsuspecting odds I noticed you were holding back. Don't deny it.”- Alicia

(Dang it, that's sharp intuition.) Felix

“ The source of your strength is unknown, even I am unable to see through it. But it has yet to be fully utilised. This tournament provides you with the best opportunity to go all out. Even though you're a descendent of Drake, you're a member of our group, and there may come a time when we have to depend on your power. It's our job to help you bring your power out. So fight, fight with all you have and hold nothing back!”- Alicia

Alicia really surprised Felix. This side of Alicia left quite impression that commanded respect. The reason that his brother spared her was slowly becoming clearer and clearer.

“ Are you sure about that? You may not like where this goes. Even if this power isn't the crimson eyes, it may become a power you will be wary of, maybe even a power that will eventually threaten you. Are you sure wanna see this through?”- Felix

Alicia held a straight face after Felix's words. The others looked on in worry as they waited to see how Alicia would respond. She then walked towards Felix, put her hand on his shoulder and smiles.

“ I don't know what the future holds, but right now you are our comrade Felix. And as a comrade, I've trusted you with my life. Will you trust me?”- Alicia

Felix could see that she meant every word. Her sincerity really hit home. He realised there was no getting out of it.

“ Very well, I'll fight.”- Felix

“ Thank you, Felix.”- Alicia

“ But if you do something like this behind my back again, I'll make you wish you were still in that monument, you hear me?”- Felix

“ U-understood?”- Alicia