Lass headed towards the training grounds to find Magi. Before he could even enter the area, he was confronted by two familiar-looking guards, swiftly blocking his entrance with their postures.

"Isn't this the kid from yesterday in the arena? The guy who fought the boss?"

"Yes, that's him. Hey buddy, what's your deal here? This area is off-limits for you, and especially your two little friends! Now get lost.", the guard with the bandaged hand said.

Magi quickly stepped in between them, "Pipe down assholes, he's with me. Now, how about 'you' two get lost, before I remove that shiny armour off you piece by piece, starting with your heads? Oh...I mean helmets. Wouldn't want to accidentally kill someone, especially two esteemed guards for the last legitimate monarch in the world. The same guards who couldn't stop a demi-human teen from entering somewhere else.", Magi angrily addressed the two guards with her sarcastic comment.

"Y-Yes ma'am! I mean boss!", both of them saluted in total fear before they quickly walked away.

"Huh. I'm glad to see you're such a good boss around these parts. You have your way of commanding and using your words. Now try doing it without using your title or innate powers to induce fear for doing so.", Lass scoffed.

"Of course I do!", Magi ignored his last comment, "Now stop with the compliments and get your butt in that ring kiddo. We're starting right away."

"Of course, you'd take that as a compliment wo-", his words were stopped by Magi grabbing and throwing him in the ring.

Magi then proceeded to throw a couple of weapons at Lass, before taking off her armour and summoning out a sword similar to what she had with her in the arena.

"Enough with this kid! Show me what you've got!"

"That went from a 3 to a 10 pretty quickly.", Lass calmly said as he blocked an incoming hit, quickly getting up on his feet, "How long will this last? I wonder."

"Shut up and focus! These training grounds are created based on skill and skill alone. Your Obsulyte becomes nearly useless in here, so the only thing you've got is that sword and reflexes to go off of. Before you step out of this city, you need to first show me you can live outside of it!"

They then began a series of blocking and trading blows but in between every hit, they were also conversing with each other. Magi was getting increasingly excited with every strike, realizing quickly that Lass was indeed formidable enough to not only take her down but survive the battles ahead.

"Heh. Not bad for someone who says he doesn't know how to fight!", she screamed between her slashes.

"Also not bad for a being with the most hatred for the world. Really, your fighting style and language don't support your title of 'Sentinel' in the slightest.", he looked at her with confusion.

"My-my, someone sure switched to Prince Charming.", she said as she shoved Lass backwards "Like I said, kid. My fighting style and way of life mean shit in front of the 'Sentinel' title. It's just a title. Not going to affect me in any way, it's mostly there to discriminate if anything. I just have way higher Obsulyte capabilities than normal people, like you.", she shrugged.

"Hmm. How much higher, I guess I'll have to check that myself. But I'll take it. Now, let's continue.", he took his stance back.

"I'm not gonna lie kid, sometimes I really want to shoot you. But then again, this probably wouldn't do much, considering this generation of Obsulyte users is as is.", she angrily said.

"You think I'd back down if I so happened to see one?"

"Be careful kid. Guns are used because some people just can't use Obsulyte. Each sword made for the army is like most melee-type weaponry, and on the right hand can be far more dangerous than guns. It was made with the intent to be used as a catalyst by Obsulyte users. But that doesn't mean that guns won't kill you. So just keep away from such things, will ya?", she worryingly said.

"Are you going to tell me to 'run away from a fight when I see one' now? Just trying to turn me into a transient?"

Magi hammered down her sword at him, "I would. Do you want my humble opinion? Run away from the fight to live. Fight the fight to make a difference."

"What are you my teacher or my long lost mother?", he let out a sigh.

"Both eager to fight and naïve to it, huh? I've seen enough. Drop that thing down...I want to see him."

"Hah. There's more to this existence, isn't there?"

"You're quick to catch the ques on things like this, aren't ya? Don't worry, it won't hurt. But I want to see it...him. Whatever pronoun a massless soul uses.", Magi waved her hand.

In an instant, the voice inside Lass's head started to swiftly take over, fully revealing himself to Magi by using Lass's body as he did before.

"Magi. What a displeasure it is to see you again.", 'Lass' scoffed.

"Was about to say the same Mellistar. So you haven't changed after all this time, huh?"

"Unlike the likes of you, royalty and a pure bloodline are meant to be retained. And such retention occurs throughout the harshest of erosions of time.", Mellistar said as he looked at his nails, toying around with the training sword."

"Is that so? Why am I still standing then? Had you 'retained' yourself, you would have assaulted me without a second doubt. Yet despite all you say, you have more than changed...you care for him don't you? Something I'm sure other Overseers would be both amazed and utterly pissed at.", Magi looked past Mellistar's harsh character.

"Hah. If you had the slightest form of evidence to back up the onslaught of bullshit that comes out of your mouth, I could at least spare another moment of gracing you with my audience. Deal with it. You are above Obsulyte users. Valkyries are above you. And even in death, Overseers are above you all."

"Oh, is that so? And here I was thinking I was above Valkyries, enough to be left to lead them and then powerful enough to almost touch 'your greatness'. Well then, allow me to say a couple of things.", Magi took a step back and folded her arms, "Lass is still pure, naïve, innocent, righteous and above all...absolutely clueless. Exactly how Glady and I left him like, to protect him back then. Now please do tell me, Melli. How is it that he retained all that, despite what you used to previously do? His skills are more than honed, given his background. The fact that he still doesn't know how to properly use Obsulyte makes him a threat to everyone and himself even more. Yet he's obviously still standing. Admitting emotional affection is not a weakness, moron. It's anything but that. So long as you don't push that ideology onto the kid and let him be himself, it'll get better."

"Why you insolent, insignificant, idiotic peasant! You by no means have the authority to question my actions and their reasoning. Mark my words. I only do this because of my mutual benefit, nothing more, nothing less. Had I decided to make your final days come by for you and your petty friends, I'd have long ago given you a ride to hell!", Mellistar angrily yelled back.

"Hah. Despite your words and despite what you do, you two are so different, yet so the same. Maybe you're not even affecting him as much and that's actually how he is. I never could fully understand him. And yet, the only person that did...I...screw it. Hell, both are some scared kids, crying in the dark. I'm...I'm so sorry...", she said as she held back her tears.

"I...hmph! Insignificant shit I don't have to deal with. The kid is fine. I am with him, but you already screwed him hard enough, so keep it to yourself. Remember my words, and bear them close. You will be spared today, given my bigger plans. But if I see you again...", Mellistar menacingly said, giving control back to Lass.

Mellistar faded away as Lass began to take back control, coming to his senses to see Magi standing in front of him with a melancholic look on her face.

"Nothing will happen, because we will see each other again. He can choose to let me go and I won't. I refuse to do it.", Magi whispered.

"The hell?", Lass said as he grabbed his head, "What did you do now? Make me grow a tail to be a demi-human?"

"No, not for now, though you'd look cute with cat ears and a tail. Hey, kid, drop that stick will ya? I saw what I needed to see, we're good.", she pointed at the training sword.

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

She then proceeded to slowly unsheathe the sword from Lass's case, seeing it almost completely destroyed from the sheer influx of energy it failed to manage.

"Damn...it's completely destroyed.", Lass looked at it.

"You don't need to worry. This thing is but a miniature version of the real thing. Think of it as a 'trial' version of things to come. Training wheels of sorts.", Magi laughed.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?", Lass replied.

"This shrimp sword is a mere shadow of the real thing. The normal sword is not that much of a sword as it is a claymore. Way bigger, way better, way stronger. Furthermore, it amplifies your already busted powers. Do not manipulate them like this, by the way, because overflowing them is not good for any normal weapons other than specific ones. And believe me, there is a very clear difference between 'manipulation' and 'amplification'. Hopefully, you don't blow your sorry ass to oblivion with the real thing."

"Then why would I receive this instead? What's the reason for a 'trial' and not the real thing off the get-go?"

"No idea. Maybe you get used to it before you took on the real thing and blew all of us to hell?", she replied with sarcasm, "Last time you ever wielded that piece of shit you almost...", she whispered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, never mind. Now focus...I don't want you to attack but only block. Shall you do it correctly, I can be sure you have at least some degree of control over your powers and I'll let you off for real."

"'Become a punching bag' is what you wanted to say?"

"Pretty much.", Magi shrugged.

"God bless...", he sighed. "Fine. Trusting you is taking a gamble between life and death at this point."

"Just shut up and do it, kid."

Lass then took his stance and Magi began attacking furiously. He was blocking most of the onslaught, but just couldn't block every single hit and she managed to hit him full force after mere seconds.

"Gyah...so fast.", he said, crawling on the ground.

"Hmph. You're still afraid. That little stick you've got there will be the death of you, I swear. However, not all hope is gone yet, since you seem to have gotten the basics down. But in the future, try to look in the enemy's eyes, not their sword.", she sighed, "Yeap...can block attacks but is morbidly afraid of his powers, still. Change is due to save his ass.", she whispered.

"Thanks for the advice. By the way, that sword you had, how can it create all this? Training equipment and weapons? It's nothing compared to the minerals I know, every class has a different sound to it. It amplifies everything way too much. You can even use your powers despite the neutralization field. And don't think I didn't notice you using them in between every move."

"You sure are smart aren't ya? The Gate Of Erosion is one of the many weapons that were dropped here by the Starfall. It's what we called that day, when all the Gates flew down from the sky, of course after the first one, which was the one that cracked the skies. The Key Of The Gate. The other present Gate at the moment is this trial version which, though overflowing with powers still, it can't really be used by Sentinels. I guess it's a stigma thing, locking itself onto the one who fits it best. Hell, I dunno, you can figure it out and tell me later. Honestly, I don't even know how I'm able to wield one, considering it's so bloated that only people even higher than me can use it.", Magi shrugged.

"So amidst you telling me all of this, how should I-", his words were cut off by Magi's reassuring words.

"No, I'm not going to kill you, I'm through my whole "track and kill for the gods" phase. Nevertheless, I can see that you're formidable enough for the others. That way I'll allow you to leave Reingard and go look for them if you wanna."

"Allow me? Since when the hell did you think I'd let someone like you stop me?", Lass scoffed.

"Because I said so, you lil' shit.", she angrily replied. "I only wanted to see some 'fruits of labour' from a certain someone. Now I know I was both wrong and lost the bet...", she smiled.

"Can't you just tell me upfront, instead of throwing curve balls all the time? For real...", he facepalmed.

"Pass on that. Whatever you wanna find, you'll find it on your own. Not like there's a lot of us left to tell you anyway..."

"Does that mean that the other Sentinels have deviated from the gods as well?"

"Not exactly. Some are like me and some are still assholes. If they're still alive that is."

"So what's the difference between the two?"

"The difference is that I'll just beat the hell out of you, while the others will just beat you to death! Got that?!", she smacked Lass in the head.

"God dammit, ok, I get it! Now what?", Lass said as he patted his head.

"Up until now, you and I have done nothing more than training. The others won't be as nice. Anyway, we're gonna meet again tonight at the party, so make sure to put on your good clothes and bring Risa with you, 'cause I wanna have a word with her too."

Before they could end it for the day, Ikarisa jumped in out of nowhere and latched herself onto Lass.

"Ah, Lass, I found you! We still haven't prepared for the party yet! Come on we've gotta go!", Ikarisa chuckled.

"Risa, the party is in like 10 hours from now, so what's the rush? Besides, we only need a dress and formal for me."

"No-no I can't have that! We're meeting the king himself, we've gotta look our very best.", she put on an angry face.

"I think that the presence of what's pretty much his creator is more impactful than his own.", Lass pointed out the obvious.

"You know, the girl has got a point. You two should head down to Montele Avenue, I heard they've got some recently opened clothing stores there you might find what you're looking for."

"I don't know whether I should like or hate you.", Lass sighed, wanting to avoid a meaningless endeavour.

"Shut it.", Ikarisa said with a mean look at Magi.

The entire atmosphere suddenly shifted as Ikarisa hatefully looked at Magi, who returned the words with full understatement.

"Alright. I'll back off...", Magi calmly said as she took a step back.

"Good.", Ikarisa replied.

"She does have a mean side after all doesn't she?", Lass was surprised.

Ikarisa seemed to perk right back up, "Alright, let's go. I'm getting there first, see ya later!"

"Wait for me, dammit! Oh man, I don't think I'm ever gonna get used to this.", he facepalmed.

"Don't sweat it, here's 250k. These shops are quite expensive and you can't appear just like that in front of Thady like that! By the way, these are not mine but they're out of the tournament reward."

"Thady? You gave the king a goddamn nickname?"

"Yeah, why not? ME and him got a lil' bit of history, with all the military stuff he wanted to do. Now you might wanna run, because I can see Risa has gained quite some distance."

Lass then noticed the distance the little goddess had gained and started running like a madman behind her to make sure she didn't get herself into trouble yet again.

"I can't believe he actually recalls some moves. You crazy old man. I also can't believe you actually did it...maybe this kid will be the salvation for our sins. I myself have a long way to go. I'll set the record straight, Glady. As I told you then.", Magi lifted her eyes off Lass and Ikarisa, looking at the azure sky, "Once this shit is dealt with. One day...we can all smile together again. And if it sounds grim...I want to be smiling next to all of you guys up there."

Lass finally managed to catch up to Ikarisa who was going left and right looking at all the shops. By the time he was there, she had cleared almost half the shops which were surprising for someone of her size to be so fast.

"So...found what you were looking for?", Lass said as he panted.

"Not exactly, all these dresses are so plain and simple...but I did see that one shop..."

She then again ran from him and went into a shop where he chased after her. Entering the shop Lass could see some dresses on the display. The cheapest dress he could find was 100k Merits, which was absurd to someone like Lass. Nevertheless, he still wished to make her happy.

"Holy hell, is this what fashion feels like? I could buy either a wardrobe or a house with all these price tags. We got some cash, yes, but I need to go deposit them on top of cancelling and making a new credit card, yet we're spending this much on fluffy dresses?", he started to sweat.

But coming in, he could see Ikarisa had already grabbed a couple and started trying them out. He didn't know if it was magic or not but she seemed to be fitting into every single one of those dresses and it only kept getting better. But with that came the increase in prices...150k...200k...all the way to 400k Merits.

"Can't say, Risa. You look amazing in all of them, but are you sure those are the ones you want?", he hid his anxiety about economics, "Just maybe she will pick something that won't bring us under.", he whispered.

"Oh...I don't know then.", she blushed.

He then realized he made a wrong move. For him to say that with the failed attempt to hide his anxiety, the little goddess most definitely had realized that money was an issue. But before he started to feel remorseful for what she had gotten him into, the shopkeeper came in, who seemed to have gotten a grasp of what had happened.

"You know little lady...these dresses sure are nice, but I can't think of any of them being perfect! Say, have you got any good knowledge of tailoring? 'Cause I can give you this mega pack of items!", the shopkeeper happily said.

The shopkeeper then proceeded to show them a box full of feathers, small earrings and more decorations for dresses along with a huge quantity of multiple glamorous-looking fabrics.

"Woah! Yes, I do have some tailoring abilities! And I'm sure Anya does too. How much is it?", Ikarisa said with sparkling eyes.

"For you, just 150k Merits! And for a bonus, I can throw in this beautiful suit for your friend here, with a mega discount of 50k Merits! It's one of our better costumes made for special occasions, but nothing extremely flashy or anything to make you feel uncomfortable!", the shopkeeper put on a business smile.

"Perfect!", Ikarisa said.

They then bought the pack and before they could exit the shop Lass turned around to the shopkeeper and gave her all the money he had left.

"Thanks a lot for everything. I know this wasn't the original price but this should cover it somewhat. Give me a day or two, I'll pinch my friend if she can make someone run an errand to the bank and sort things out. We've got the money, but not where we want it right now.", he whispered.

"Don't worry, I know, winner of the Knight Of Knights tournament. News is already out. I'm happy I could help you two get something nice, you deserve it after all the ruckous lately. And you seem like a good guy anyway, unlike the other contenders. Not that you don't have your flaws, but seeing you trying to make her happy is more than enough. Now don't say a word kid keep them! Just remember to make that lady happy tonight, will you? And if you will, please remember to extend my thanks and hello to Anya, alright? Tell her it's from Nikki.", she winked. "Thanks for all the work you did for Reingard, Lass!", the shopkeeper happily waved goodbye.

With that Lass exited the shop holding his suit and went next to Ikarisa who shoved him back a bit.

"Nuh-uh. You go to the hotel room, I'm going to Anya's! I have about 9 hours to work on this dress and I don't want you to see it! See you at the party!", she chuckled.

"The hell kinda dress will you make in 9 hours-", he witnessed Ikarisa running to Anya's shop, "And she's gone. She eats like a behemoth and runs like a horse, yet her size supports none of that. At least I finally earned some alone time again.", he went up to the room.

At that moment Lass was just pleased that Ikarisa was happy with all the events that took place. One of the odd ways to get ready for a luxurious party, but he no doubt knew, it must have been worth the effort. And he just couldn't shake off his curiosity about how she was going to be in her custom dress. Deep inside he also knew that he would like it regardless. It was about time that some things started to slow down for them all...