Akeru went to Itsuki’s room the next day and knocked on the door. She kept worrying about Itsuki every minute they stayed in the castle.

Akeru: Itsuki…please open up! It’s been days; you need to eat. So get out of bed, talk to me or something, please!

Akeru just stood at the door, but no response. She then got pushed away as Benjiro went in front of the door and kicked the door completely off the hinges. Akeru just gasped as the two saw Itsuki sulking in bed still. Benjiro grabbed him by the collar and threw him out of the room. Itsuki instantly got up and glared at Benjiro, who just looked back at him.

Benjiro: Quit brooding; go outside for a bit. Get you a meal.

Itsuki: Go to hell…

Akeru: Itsuki, he is right-

Itsuki: Is he!? Do you know what being in the right even means anymore?! I sure as hell don’t!

Akeru: Itsuki…I promise it will be okay! You still want to be a hero, right?! You are still going to help me regain my memories, right?!

Itsuki: No, I quit. I’m done trying to be a hero if that monster is what a hero means to be.

Benjiro: No, you’re right. A crybaby like you couldn’t be a hero anyways.

Itsuki ran at him and slugged him hard in the face, but Benjiro didn’t even react.

Akeru: Itsuki! Calm down!

Itsuki: Don’t give me that shit! I could have saved that village if only I…I should have stayed until maybe guards came, but I didn’t think anything of it!

Benjiro: So what if they survived? That would have only delayed their death. He would find another way or even kill those guards himself.

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Itsuki: Do you not have a heart?!

Benjiro: My heart is strong, unlike yours; I accept facts as they are…not bitch and moan about when something happens like this. But considering you failed to save one life…

Benjiro quickly grabbed Akeru and had his sword against her neck, holding her still.

Benjiro: Show me you can do something besides sulk and save her life.

Itsuki: You wouldn’t dare!

Benjiro started to push the blade into her neck, letting the blood drip out as Itsuki got enraged and shot a Pyroball at Benjiro. Benjiro threw her to the side and blocked it with his sword.

Benjiro: Well, the baby can do more than sulk in his room.

Itsuki: How dare you…she didn’t deserve that!

Benjiro: What will you do about it, boy?

Itsuki just glared at Benjiro, standing there as Akeru held her neck. It stung, but he didn’t cut her deep enough to do anything. Itsuki summoned his sword and rushed at Benjiro, who merely grabbed his arm and threw him across the hall to the balcony overlooking an outdoor part of the castle. Benjiro grabbed him by the neck and held him over the two-story balcony.

Benjiro: Pathetic…I expected more from a Silver Rank. What a pity…

Benjiro dropped him as Itsuki fell to the ground. As he got up, Benjiro jumped down to him and stood in front of him. Akeru quickly ran downstairs to watch the two. They both got in a stance with their swords, getting ready to continue their battle.

Benjiro: I’m surprised that short fall didn’t break all your fragile bones.

Itsuki: Shut up, go to hell, asshole! Pyrowind!

Itsuki shot his combined spell at Benjiro and merely blocked it with his sword.

Benjiro: You won’t beat me, boy; you might as well give up.

Itsuki: No way…I’m not letting anyone else get away with hurting someone else!

Benjiro: I must warn you, boy, I am a Diamond Rank.

Itsuki: Diamond?!

Itsuki pulled out his Magica and checked, and he was right. He was a Diamond Rank, and his highest spell level was Grade 1.

Itsuki: Grade 1?! That’s impossible!

Akeru: How is that possible…the second-highest rank with the lowest possible magic?!

Benjiro: I believe the one from before was Sapphire, correct? How do you think you stand a chance against me if you couldn’t even hit him?

Itsuki gripped his sword, glaring at Benjiro. He was full of rage; he couldn’t even see straight. He didn’t know what to do.

Benjiro: Do you understand now? There are things out of your control; you just have to accept and adapt to them. While I believe vengeance is ignorant, I do not blame you for having it. Train harder, and one day you will get your revenge, boy…

Itsuki gripped his sword tighter but then just dropped it. Benjiro sheathed his sword and walked away from the two. Akeru ran to Itsuki and slapped him in the face.

Akeru: What were you thinking?! Do you not know how worried you have made me, not just now…but these past few days?!

Itsuki just stood there quietly and walked off. Akeru chased after him but then gave up and stormed off back to her room.