So this is it then? The destination of my first hurdle, it's quite lacklustre in all honesty. I was imagining some sort of intimidating fortress poking out of the canopy's, but no, it's just a forest. Did you know our destination was just a plain forest Ramaze? Probably not, considering you seem to be stuck inside that armour of yours. It makes me think that your just one of your leader's many dispensable pawns.

Speaking of which, how many people have they sent to welcome us? Ten? Twenty? It matters not. Especially since their using such pathetic concealment techniques. Seriously, even Henry could discover those brain dead idiots if I forced him to concentrate hard enough. Could be a good test while Ramaze drives us to them.

But nevertheless, I let him take us to them. Since I do want to know what their intentions are. Are they peaceful or do their words ooze with nefarious ambitions? Who knows? But it'll be great to see what the game that the Bai and Rising Lotus sect create. Maybe it'll even be great enough that I won't be able to fully control it. That would be entertaining.

Though I do wonder what Ramaze's thoughts are on the whole situation. How loyal is he? Can I truly control him or is his own ambitions out of my reach for now. Hmm, perhaps I'm being too paranoid about the whole situation. But then again, I'll be damned if I'm the one whose going to be lead around again, especially since this is the closest I've gotten to Euphemia in the past decade.

I will not let anyone ruin this for me. Perhaps this is where you come into play Henry? I do wonder where you'll fit into this whole game. Will you be of immense assistance? Or will you only slow me down? Time will tell, but that time is beginning to run out.

Henry.

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“Ahh! What the hell was that? Why do I feel like some sort of cosmic entities got it out for me all of a sudden.” I voiced this concern to no one in particular, but when I frightened out of a deep sleep and start sweating like it's a party in the Denlo Deserts, then I don't really mind if people think I've gone crazy.

Even then I doubt I'm as crazy as teach, well I say that but I haven't actually seen any massive crazy moments from him. Though I can't help shake the feeling that there's something off about the guy. Maybe I'm being too cynical, but mother didn't teach me to be a loving saint like Saint Alona.

But, while I'm debating against myself, my vision is suddenly attack and blinded by a sudden streak of light that came hurtling though the moving carriage. Thankfully it only lasted a few moments, but after I regained my vision after a vigorous blinking session, I decided it was a good idea to see what was the cause of said light; since it's probably daytime and last I checked we were still in an open, endless plain of boredom. And wasn't I pleasantly surprised? “This is new. When did we enter a forest? I don't even recall there being a forest on the horizon when I went to meditate last night.”

Though questioning the logical side of things in this new world I've gotten myself into may not benefit my mental health in the long run. Especial with teach around. So quickly moving onto a new activity; which will save my physical health in the short run, I begin to do my morning meditations and hope Ramaze didn't notice me getting distracted.

Sitting cross-legged between the carriage's seats, I delve inside my body and begin the process of circulating the QI around my body.

As usual, I begin by moving the Qi in line with my blood, at first, I don't meld the two instead I wait for the two to move in sync, once in sync I begin the first rotation of the body. Moving blood and Qi throughout my entire bloodstream. Once that's done and I begin the harder second rotation, which involves me syphoning the Qi out of my blood as it circulates my body and then it'll infuse the Qi into my organs. In terms or learning and doing it's not the hardest challenge. What is difficult is the fact that I run out of Qi about halfway through the trip.

It's a tough life. It's especially testing when the only advice you're given from the so called martial artists is 'to expand your mind and body beyond your limitations', which is about as useful to me, as a how to book showing you what the finished product will look like and then be told that you have to 'expand your mind and figure out where the lines begin'. I really wish he'd just give me detailed instructions.

Though compared to teach he at least gives me some form of direction. All teach does is perform some sort of mumbo jumbo magic every other day; sometimes without even telling me. But, even with the actual lack of teaching, compared to Ramaze's training I can actually feel improvement from teach's help. Even if said improvements are small in power and implemented randomly throughout the day.

However, my inner debate is stopped by the ever ghostly voice and reminds me that once again I had drifted away from my meditation. “Henry! Come out of the carriage, it's time for your special training today.” That can only mean he's got something truly terrible concocted in his mind to train me with. I shudder to think what it is.

Even with the impending doom, I can't afford to meander about going to my fate; in case the training is made even more 'special'. So swinging the carriage door open and anticipating the carriage stopping, I;m surprised to instead find myself being dragged into the air and levitated towards the spot next to Ramaze.

Just as I'm dropped onto the seat, I begin to open my mouth to ask a question but Ramaze cuts me off before the words are even formed. “Now Henry, unlike the training we've usually had, we're instead going to be training your etiquette.” I wanted to ask why and for whom, but Ramaze quickly resumes his conversation. “Now were going to be arriving at our destination in a few hours time, so eve if I say training etiquette, think of it more as a crash course of the do's and don't of meeting important clan and sect officials. Since compared to your local nobility, some of these guys can get much more easily offended.”

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But just as soon as Ramaze had gone through his little speech, teach butted in with a borderline mocking tone of speech. “Yes, time to teach Henry how to be a good little captive and how much he should bend over when it's time to bow down before them.”

While I mull over teachs words, Ramaze bites back, “What do you think your doing! Saying such things will only give Henry the worst impression possible.” Well, I never really had the best impression of them in all fairness.

Teach on the other hand doesn't give up annoying Ramaze it seems, as his tone changes to one of smugness, “I'm only saying such things in order to give Henry all the information available to him.” After teach spoke those words I briefly noticed Ramaze's eye's blaze out of his helmets eye-holes for a second.

However, it only lasts for a second as he seemingly calms himself down, only speaking to teach after a good minute. “But your wording makes it seem like he's been literally enslaved. When in actual fact, you've been granted an enormous gesture of friendship from both the Rising Lotus Sect and the Bai Clan, not many people are able to get this sort of opportunity, and giving Henry even a little bit of practice in our etiquette shows that this gesture was not wasted.” Well, that does sound better, though I'm still not fully forgiving of them either, that kind of trauma is unforgivable!

Meanwhile, teach continues his annoyance of Ramaze. “A gesture of friendship you say. Oh, how lovely of them, I bet they also understand that by giving us this 'gesture' we're then obligated to help them as much as they want or need off us. Presuming we love them so much now. I presume of course.” Something tells me that teach isn't at all happy about these arrangements.

Ramaze isn't happy about the accusation that teach is making, and nearly deafens me with his rebuttal. “Do not presume then! The Bai Clan and Rising Lotus Sect do not make light of such gestures, only people they value highly ever get such treatment. Even important officials of other sects and countries ever see what such gestures mean.” If that's the case then it might be similar to how mother is treated by all the neighbouring countries.

This seems to lighten teachs mood a little, though I'm not sure if that's a good thing.“Ah there it is, they think of us very highly it seems. You better not slack from your training young Henry. Maybe I should prepare my own gesture of appreciation. Mmmm, a little gift of my own would more than please them I think.” Well, at least he's not totally against it. “Yes a little gift, hahahahaha, this will be fun.” Or maybe he'll just turn crazy.

Ramaze doesn't seem to like this either as he continues with his deafening speech “William!” The yell was enough to blow me back as I edge ever closer to the carriages side. Though I'm surprised at my forgetfulness when I hear teachs name, since thinking back I'm sure I've heard that name somewhere. Well, at least I can stop calling him teach, and put a name to the disembodied voice in the air or mind/body.

But while I was remembering teaches name, William replied back to Ramaze's shout in his usual cheerful tone. “Remember to only teach him the basics Ramaze, I'd rather not have to teach the boy out of servitude again.” Though I do wish he didn't say something like that, however.

Ramaze on the other hand, “The arrogance in him! Who does he think he is!” Better to let the armoured martial artists stew for a little while, lest he turns his gaze unto me. “Henry!” Me and my imaginary mouth. “You better listen carefully boy, since I want no mistakes from you today. And don't think I didn't notice you slacking off when you first woke up.”

William save me!

Four hours later and I'm thoroughly exhausted. Who new learning manners could be such exhausting, or that a teacher could think of such exhausting manners to stimulate a student's learning capabilities; I still can't feel my feet.

Thankfully, however, William turned up a few minutes ago and informed us of our impending arrival. When questioned by Ramaze on how he knew, he only replied with, “I went for a walk along the road.” Which fair enough, but what he said next scared me and seemed to put Ramaze on guard. “Just a warning for you two, my gift is ready, so don't be surprised when I do something stranger.” Ramaze just scoffed at this, seemingly giving up on William

I myself was still worried, but I was equally curious to what it was he had prepared as a gift, hopefully, he isn't planning to give one of those green things to them. I think that would rather sour relations a bit.

However, the wait to get to our destination is very quite, since it would seem Ramaze it a tad bit still upset with William. But the awkward silence doesn't last too long. Since soon enough we turn the corner of the 'road' we've been using, and with the midday sun beating down on us we spot out destination. A rather modest mansion of some description; though there's a lot more wood in this one compared to some of the elaborate ones back home.

Due to the corner road leading directly onto the mansions pathway, and said pathway being only a dozen or so meters away from the mansion entrance. A lot of things are clearly visible.

One of those being the very beautiful girl sitting on the mansion's front door steps. I'd hold my breath due to the girl, but there a different reason I'll hold my breath.

It's her, the girl who almost killed me back in the endless forest.

Thankfully, William appears at this pint to take my mind away from her. As the carriage stops a few meters in front of her, I'm forcibly pushed to the carriages edge as a space form's between me and Ramaze. Soon enough a figure materialises in the now occupied space.

And, he's rather young, compared to what I had imaged this spectre would look like. Then again could just be a fact from. Nevertheless, the form he's picked is rather impressive, he quite tall that much I can guess since he dwarfs me even when I'm sitting down.

Otherwise, his short hair and beard sit on a rather plain face, though even that is weird since I can't quite seem to concentrate on any one spot. At least his clothes can be seen with ease, though it does look like he's some kind of adventurer: thick brown boots, accompanied by brown leather trousers, long-sleeved brown top and brown leather gloves. The only thing that isn't brown is the steel greaves and vambraces he has on him.

William not caring much for the inspection we were giving him, was looking at that girl with the kind of mischievous smile I imaged him to have, and in the same tone, he constantly used with me and Ramaze he addresses her. “It's lovely to see you again Miss Lihua. Especially so soon after our last encounter together.”