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Chapter 24: Night of Bonding

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Pap.

Julia dropped down, kneeling.

Her veils reached the ground around her. Reaching a certain point, she had stopped her meditation.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she witnessed him.

"...Krone?"

He was in meditation, sitting in a lotus position. Cold air was around him, he was hovering.

“You’re..!”

Witnessing this, she knew he had entered The Harmony.

She shut up.

‘Surprise? I shouldn’t be.’

She stood there, observing.

Around him was cold air, yet within, extreme heat.

So close, yet so amiable. As if the whole difference of temperature could hold back, recognize, and accept each other for what it was.

No confrontation, what so ever.

‘His harmony, what mana is this?’

Sensing this peculiarity, she pondered.

She walked closer, careful. She sat on her heels, hands on knees.

Again, the moon graced them her light.

Gazing at him, her eyebrows knitting.

Her head and his was a mere metre apart, yet she continued to lean forward.

Soon, it was close, too close.

As if a child, curious of what this new creature was.

“…Julia?”

“Huh, ah!”

Being called all of a sudden, she backed away, hands to the side.

Krone half-opened his eyes, closing it again.

“You’re staring way too close.”

“Ah? Err…”

Stuttering, she did not know how to respond.

Krone was in The Harmony, so he should not able to detect her, or so she thought.

“Sorry?”

It was more of a question.

In fact, she was puzzled.

Krone was still in his lotus position, hovering in the air.

‘His concentration, did not break?’

This went against what she knew.

Even her master could not stay in harmony, should she spoke to her. As for her other master, he never allowed her being around during his meditation.

As she pondered this, Krone changed his posture.

He fell down, kneeling. He saw her stupid look.

“Did you finish?”

“Eh? Ah?”

“Your meditation, did it bear fruit?”

“Ah, yes! I think I got some, something.”

“I see. Good.”

Krone did some stretching. 

While he did, she continued to be mesmerized.

“You must have a really good master.”

His voice snapped her back to the present. He was looking at her, nonchalant.

“Eh? Ah, yes. They’re really good, I suppose?”

“They? You have more than one?”

“Em. I have two, Ease and Master Siry.”

“Interesting.”

Krone smiled.

Seeing him did, she had ecstasy running through her veins. So far, she could only witness him smirking at her, nodding at her, even ignoring her.

As for smiling at her, this was the first she witnessed.

‘Is this the time? Ease said what, eh, grab the day? Ah, seize, yeah!’

“Krone.”

“Hm, what?”

“Ah, well. How should I, err, put it? Um,”

“You can just tell me, I don’t mind.”

“Well, you, might not like it?”

She lowered her head, eyes peeking.

“I might, but I won’t be offended. I’m hard to be offended.”

Hearing him said so, she pondered.

She was too hasty, but it might work in her favour. After all, a chance like this might be hard to come by.

“Then! When we make it, do you mind training together?”

“Make it? Together? You mean the knight’s academy?”

“Yes, do you, mind?”

“...Hmm,”

Seeing him being silent, she gulped.  Her heart thumping, she bit her lower lip.

Krone continued to make his hmm sounds, making her anxious.

‘Did I come in too hard?’

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She started to worry.

As she did, he clapped his hands, startling her.

“Hmm, actually, I don’t mind.”

“Eh, really?”

“Yea, really.”

“Really? That’s great! Then,”

She almost jumped. However;

“But the thing is,”

“Eh?”

He paused, she trembled.

His action made her stayed on edge.

“The, thing, is?”

“Well, I’m not quite sure I’m qualified? To enter.”

“Not sure? You’re kidding.”

“No, I’m actually quite serious.”

“…Why? With your ability, that’s no way that’s the case! Don't say non-, Ah,”

Her hand closed her mouth.

She had an outburst, something that was rare.

“Um, excuse me.”

“It’s normal for you to think so, I don’t mind.”

“Could you explain? I just, couldn’t,”

“Hm,”

He made her wait a little. Circling her, he was as though troubled.

Julia had her eyes on him, ending up making a round as well.

“Is it too much trouble, to ask?”

“Well, no, it has something to do with my objective. It’s a bit, hm, embarrassing to say.”

“…You can tell me, I have tight lips!”

“I’m sure you do.”

He raised his head, eyes on the moon.

Again, he was silent. Julia, beside him, felt it.

A surge of aura, not visible, yet the feeling was clear.

A feeling, as if the water tide was rising, engulfing her.

“I wish to build a team,”

“Ah,”

“A team, powerful team.”

“A team…”

He was silent, yet again.

His eyes still on the moon. It was as if he was recollecting some memories.

Memories which would very well be useful, very well be his driving force.

Unable to bear the silence, she stepped forward.

“Why? What for?”

“For Kharlussia.”

From the moon, his gaze turned to her.

Solemn, fixed.

A gaze.

Directed at her.

A mixture of pain, sadness, determination.

She trembled.

Such gaze, gave her bizarre feeling.

The feeling that he could see through her, that his vision was beyond hers.

As if he could see a world, beyond.

The world he was seeing, was beyond even her imagination.

Even, her wildest.

‘Just, what, these eyes see?’

“Krone?”

“For the people of Kharlussia, for the next generation.”

“Next, generation?”

“For the defense of this very land, our very freedom.”

“Freedom…”

“It’s not, something light. The academy alone, might not able, to bear.”

“That’s,”

Her tongue was tied.

Not knowing what to say, she was silenced. She wanted to refute, that he could build such a team over in academy. There were many chosen there, with potential higher than anyone their age.

Surely, that ought to be enough.

…

Yet what he had said, shook her belief.

Wind blew her white veils, coldness embraced her.

A thought crossed her mind.

The way his mind worked, might be far beyond hers.

The way his mind worked, might be on par with her masters.

Just who, was this, Krone?

He sighed, bringing her attention back.

“So you see, that’s why I said, I’m still not sure.”

“…I see. I still don’t quite understand, but,”

“But?”

“But please, think it over. The academy opens for us many opportunities, yes?”

“Indeed, yes. Opportunities, abundant.”

“So please,”

“I will, no worry, Julia.”

“Ah,”

From him calling her, she was silenced.

Both, were silent. After a while, it became somewhat awkward.

“Well, that’s it about me. What about you?”

“Eh, what, me?”

“Yes, what about your reason? Anything special? You seemed quite eager. ”

“Um,”

She thought it over.

“Actually, it wasn’t my idea. My masters told me to.”

“They did?”

“Yes, they told me it’s important. I’ll gain a lot of experience, and fri- err, other perks.”

“Did they send you here?”

“Well, Master Siry is busy. So Ease did, but she had a sudden business two days ago.”

“…Did they say why you need to attend the academy? I mean, they’re good enough, yes? Can’t they just,”

“No, they said they’ll be busy from now on, so I can’t be with them that often anymore.”

She sighed.

Parting away with her Masters burdened her.

“Your parents?”

“…My parents passed away.”

“Um, excuse me.”

“No worry, I don’t remember. Not even their face, anyway. I’ve always been with Ease. Master Siry came by often. He’s foul-mouthed, but really, he cares.”

“Sounds like an interesting fellow, your master.”

“Hahah, yes. He bickers with Ease all the time, but they’re actually best friends. Ah, sorry, I shouldn’t say too much about them.”

“Hm, why?”

“Well, it’s a matter of privacy, or something, I think.”

“I see, well. Speaking of privacy, we haven’t been acquainted properly, yes?”

“Eh?”

Krone slanted his fist on his chest.

It was a salute of courtesy.

“Krone Kozak, Lithia Village. I’m an orphan, but I had a nice sister so I’m not quite lonely.”

Seeing him being formal, she smiled.

She did the same. She saluted, palm slanted on her ample chest.

“Julia S. Garde, Central Lumis XIII region, Capital City. Likewise, an orphan, but I had funny Masters so I’m not quite lonely.”

‘Not Kharlussian, eh?”

Krone smiled.

Central Lumis was not part of Kharlussia, but it was well within the K-Blocs, the nations within direct influence of Kharlussia. They shared a lot in common, including race, history, language and tradition. With many things in common, people of Kharlussia and Central Lumis treated each other as brothers of the same family.

It was not unusual for people from Central Lumis to serve in Kharlussian Army, including the knights. The army only needed a proper security clearance.

“Krone, about your travel during your childhood,”

“…You were there?”

“Aha, among the crowd. If, if you don’t mind, can you, um,”

“You wish to hear more?”

“Uh-hum.”

“Aii, alright.”

Afterwards, the two had a chat.

A long, good chat.

It started with him sharing with her his stories, the stories of his travel.

Leaning her face forward, her eyes were sparkling when he related to her his adventures.

Of the giant fish his father struggled to catch, the heart-pounding moment a tri-horned bear chased them down the mountain, the chilly time they took shelter from a snowstorm.

He showed what action happened, in all the stories.

To her, it was as if she could see them in her very front.

Afterward, Krone posed questions for her, so it was not one-sided. In fact, he made sure he only talk a third of the time.

Soon, she related to him her experience.

Of the strange stuff Ease did to tease her, of the terrible training Master Siry made her went through.

Yet when she injured herself, they became frantic, searching for first-aids or yelling for doctor.

Also, she recounted the great annual celebration in Central Lumis XIII.

The city was filled with colourful flowers, lively mood, great food, wonderful fireworks. The streets filled with people and children, happy and content.

That year, her Master Ease, being petite, actually got into argument with some naughty boys in the street. Beating them up, she lectured them all afterward.  

Cheeks swelling, they were sitting on heels beside the street filled with crowd.

Crying, till their eyes turned red.

She laughed, he smiled.

They were so absorbed in it, very well until a sliver of sunlight appeared in the sky.

“Ah, sorry Krone, I talked too much. It’s already morning,”

“It’s fine. I had fun, Julia. Let’s do this again.”

“…Me too, it’s fun being with you. And about the team, err,"

"What about it?"

"Uhn, nothing, just tell me more about it next time, alright? Till later, Krone.”

"Yeah, see you."

With that, they parted ways.

Her steps were light, as if a child had just gotten her birthday present.

Witnessing her demeanor, Krone chuckled.

Turning, his expression turned dark, heavy.

It was bountiful harvest. The amount of information from this seemingly normal chat was a lot.

So why would he felt this way?

In normal situation, he would be pleased to gain so much intel.

Yet this time, it only burdened him. He did confirm some things, so it was a fair time invested.

‘A pity, really.’

He noticed some candidates already woke up, but dared not disturb the two early on. They had avoided coming near them.

It was about an hour till breakfast.

“I should prepare. Better woke Doran and the girls up. Today will be a long day.”

=======

Huaahh~

The mouth of a large boy opened and closed.

He was still sleepy, especially when yesterday was quite a demanding day. The twins were a sleepy as well, but they kept their stand still. Athea’s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, noting the liveliness of today.

Beside them, Krone frowned, raising his brow.

“Doran, that’s a bit disgraceful.”

“Eh, what’s that?”

“Never mind.”

Thiana and Liliana had similar yellow tunic on, while Athea had flaming red clothes and paddings. Krone had his white tunic, while Doran had his thick green tunic.

After breakfast, they gathered in front of the platform.

Including the staff members, more than two hundred people were waiting. Members of Aurenburg Magic Academy were present, bringing with them observation crystals as well as hover devices.

A little further, audience filled the grandstand.

Krone noticed Kristine, their uncle and aunt, as well as faces of the candidates failing the first and second screening. Almost all of them attended, eager for the team matches. Today, he noted the increase of audience.

There were more young children today, for a reason.

In front of them, soldiers and staff members came out, setting up six crystal balls for them. As large as a well-fed bull, each crystal ball was shining silver, yet it was empty within.

Soon, all crystal balls reflected light.

The balls revealed images of the candidates for the team test.

The audience grew excited. Many children, seeing the crystal balls for the first time, had gasps, eyes filled with awe. Some drew near, yet the parents or soldiers prevented them.

For the team match, it will be held in coastal areas.

There will be three different areas. The terrain in the areas would make it possible for each team to plan their tactics and utilized the advantages they could see.

These areas were used as training fields, so they were just a little away from the base. However, the audience or most staff members could not possibly see the team in action, not from where they stand.

Thus, the Aurenburg Magic Academy had set up an observation team for each of the three areas.

‘I asked for the coast near the forest. I wonder,’

Though Medron had accepted his request for the teams, Krone still had doubt he will fulfill all his wishes. If he did not, then he will have to change plan.

Soon, the knights arrived. Kent and Natalia escorted Sir Medron, walking to the platform with grace and dignity.

As they turned to them, all turned silent.

“Today is the day of the team match.”

He paused, overlooking the whole audience.

“You might already know, but there will be a lot of eyes watching you today. This match, one team against another, victory or not will not reflect whether you fail or pass. Instead, it is your effort and your overall performance during the match will be counted. Be creative, be brave, be honourable. That’ll be all from me, Sir Kent,”

“Sir!”

He turned, leaving the platform along with two other knights. Kent and Natalia were left on the platform, with him doing the role of explaining the rules, again.

“Alright, before I explain the rules,”

He turned to his fellow knights at the back. They nodded, then signaled the soldiers. They carried three tall boards onto the platform, setting them up right at the back of the knights.

“This shall be your opponent, as well as your stage! Take a good look before I explain the rules!”

He flipped his red cape, allowing the wind to blow it. The other knights did the same. The sea wind kept their red cape waving, adding a spectacle to the audience.

Some wow came from the grandstand.

‘Ah, these guys are so old-fashioned.’

Krone slapped his face, heart aching from such an obvious performance.

His eyes went up, landing on the number, “4” and “7”.

[Stage: Coast of Gladdio Forest.]

[First Match: Team 4 VS Team 7]

‘Nice!’

Whether Medron believed him or not, he did as he wished for.

‘I’m grateful, old man. Unfortunately,’

He turned to his left.

Not far away from him, his eyes fell onto Julia.

‘Whether the outcome is good, or not, I cannot guarantee.’

The rest of team 7, Ryan, Ron, Kyril, and Shana were there. While they were shocked, it was not much. They pretty much anticipated such planning, thus they handled the shock well.

Similarly, they turned to him.

While Julia, had locked her eyes with him.

He looked solemn, while she seemed surprised.

Athea, the twins, Doran and the others noticed their expression, their eyes. Their eyes seemed to scream, that they knew each other.

Not just knew, it was as though they were bonded.

But the bond, just how strong was it?

They know each other?

Not surprising, these two were the focus of the test.

A friend against a friend, interesting.

Yeah, kill each other, monsters!

Julia pondered whether this was a bad luck, or not.

At the time, a certain thought crossed her mind;

‘Right, since you think the Knight Academy could not offer much, then,’

She trembled, elated.

‘Then I’ll show you, my true strength.’

===== Chapter 24 End =====