“We happen to have extra food and were wondering if anybody would like some,” Susy said with a cute look, quickly getting the of attention of all the boys. The Loor girl looked over but just as quickly looked away like she wasn’t interested.

“We appreciate it, but I will cover for my people. My name is Arthur by the way, and this is my sister Luna. It would be an honor of mine if you could me grace with your name, beautiful?” The Loor boy or Arthur responded with a mischievous grin trying to appeal to the young Susy.

Susy blushed but did not look happy to be openly flirted with like that. She may be innocent and naïve but even she could tell Arthur was bad news. After composing herself she prepared to respond but was interrupted by James stepping up.

“Her name is of no concern to you, but you can be graced with my name which is James. We were just trying to offer food and haven’t been raised to comment on strangers looks when first meeting them. If anyone needs help during the trip don’t be afraid to come to me and ask. My sister has other things to focus on preparing for school so it would be best you leave her be,” James responded with an authoritative tone.

Luna raised her brow to James but did not comment. She stared at him like she was trying to decipher the true nature of this young boy. Arthur got angry turning red and just as he was to respond James grabbed Susy’s hand walking off.

James heard Arthur say in a voice just loud enough to be heard, “pitiful commoner,” but paid it no mind.

“Do not mind that type of attitude from him. He is a noble even if it is of low standing and I would imagine he has said similar things to many girls before having his way then disowning them.” James comforted his sister walking back.

“But he did get one thing right. You are beautiful and will turn into a fine woman one day. I will have to make sure I am prepared to fight back against anyone who might have such thoughts for my little sister,” he playfully remarked trying to get a rise out of sister followed by a laugh.

Again, she blushed but with a grin gave James a push from the side before joining him in laughing. She knew how nobles were and would never give Arthur a second of her time anyways but she was happy knowing James wanted to protect her.

Eventually lunch time was done and the group packed up to start traveling. The group was a lot less tense after some food in their bellies and conversations could be heard amongst them all.

James picked up a branch as they were walking deciding to practice some magic. Creating brand new spells was difficult but practicing with nature element may help when he eventually takes on a spell. Sending nature element in the branch sent it through to figure out the structure and what made it grow. He cleared his mind of all thoughts and tried to enter a sudo meditative mindset while walking. While he didn’t expect any results, it would give him something to work towards during their week of travel.

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Unbeknownst to James, Arthur could be seen glaring at him while whispering something to his now cronies.

Eventually James felt some type of reaction to the wood in the branch however, he is interrupted by Angelina announcing themselves camping for the night. He realized he was practicing for many hours without paying any attention to his surroundings. The sun was already setting and looking around showed that everyone was tired from walking.

After the group separated to their respective parts of camp Emily pulled out two tents from a bag. Roy and James went off to set them up next to each other while Emily gathered dry rations for dinner. She had a talk with Susy about the interaction with Arthur and decided against sharing any food. While angry at the pitiful noble, she knew it’s better to hold her tongue about the situation. All she did was remind Susy to stay away from him and keep next to her brother.

After eating James and his family went to their tents with plans to sleep for the night. There was still some talk around the camp but eventually all that could be heard are the crackling of fire and crickets in the nearby forest.

Susy fell right to sleep but James decided to try to catch back that feeling he had when he held the branch. He knew he was close and that might have been his only chance on creating a spell. Realizing forcing it won’t accomplish anything he exited the tent to use the bathroom in the woods.

After exiting the camp, he made his way through the forest to find a safe spot to do his business but never noticed the three shadows that followed him or the green eyes in a tent a distance away watching this all unfold.

Some distance away from the camp in a clearing James decided to be a good spot. As he prepared to do what needs to be done, he heard a branch break behind.

“Look who we have hear all alone in the woods,” Arthur said as he was followed by his two goons.

With a sigh James turned to face them and respond with, “It is late Arthur and if there’s one thing I can promise you it’s that you don’t want to do this.”

“Some lowly commoner is telling me what to do!” Arthur yelled at James.

At this point James started feeding mana to his spell construct and with a whisper not meant to be heard he casts, “Lightning Augment.”

Casting the spell to his legs he prepared to avoid any attacks that may come. He started slowly walking backwards from the group.

“Just know your place and don’t resist commoner. Maybe if you beg I will go easy on you.” Arthur said with an evil grin.

Still backing away James kept his eyes trained on the other boys. Eventually his back was put up against a tree stopping him from moving.

“Ha I hope you realize at some point I'll have my way with that little sister of yours. She will make for a nice slave which I can rough up all I want. Ill even give my subordinates here a go with her or maybe we could all have fun with her at the same time. Can you imagine the look that will be on her face?” Arthur again pushed James with a look of enjoyment.

With his hands on the tree behind James felt like time stops for a moment and something snapped in him causing his mana to run wild. His family is the one thing off limits and in this world he will always protect them even if it was at the cost of his own life. Imagining pounding the smug nobles face his rage takes over his mind. He does not realize the vibrant nature element the tree is putting off until brought back to reality hearing a ding.