My eyes opened as sunlight filled my room and the sounds of birds filled the air. I felt like vomiting, I dreamt of that horrific scene again. Sweat covered my body and I was shaking horribly. My hands reached for my face as I tried to build some resolve for today. The left side of my face still stung courtesy of Cassandra. It might be awhile before I could see out of my left eye again.

I needed to clean myself and took a quick bath. I was glad that I stayed in a noble's mansion to be able to do so. I tried not to remember about the city of Glaive but some of the details still lingered in my mind. The sounds and screams of that day still haunt me and I couldn't deafen them. Those events and my actions after it will stay with me till the day I die.

I changed into a new wardrobe that was laid on top of the dresser. I looked like a noble now with a white sleeved shirt, a blue tunic and brown trousers. My short sword was sheathed and tightly secured on my belt. I still wore my dark cloak and black boots which signified who I really am.

I left my room after dressing in search for Dante.

I needed something to do to take my mind off wandering memories. Dante needed my help, I only hoped that it was within my abilities. A maid passed by and I asked her where I could find Dante. She pointed me in the direction of the courtyard behind the mansion. Twisting the ring on my finger for a bit, I headed over.

Dante was practicing his swordsmanship but I could tell he was still an amateur. I was actually relieved that he wasn't good with a sword. He was already an abnormal child that used magic. I hailed him and he acknowledged my presence.

"There you are Demitri."

"Practicing early Young Lord?"

"Just testing out some things."

Dante looked towards me but I could sense that he was focused on something else.

"So what can I do for you, Dante?"

"Well, I have a request," Dante said. "Teach me some of your fighting techniques."

"I don't know if I can, most of my skills were self-taught."

"Hmm…How about you just show me some of your moves then?"

Dante walked over to an object veiled in a white cloth. He removed the cloth to reveal a wooden training dummy.

"I asked my father to get me one. I haven't had the chance to use it, as I focused my training on other things." Dante said.

"I don't know how much use in displaying my skills would do for you but I'll try."

No one has really asked me to learn my techniques before. Dante watched me intently and so I decided to give him a show. I drew my blade from my belt and readied my stance. I focused on the training dummy and an image appeared in my mind. Bursting forward, I stayed low to the ground dashing behind the dummy. My hands twisted the sword around and I pierced the dummy where the heart should be.

My eyes went to Dante who had a smile on his face.

"Dash and backstab, very useful." He said.

"I don't call it anything, I just do it," I said. "I never named any of my skills but I've heard of some that do."

"Those skills of yours are very good Demitri, you're a rogue type aren't you?"

"Excuse me?" I said.

"Someone whose very fast, stealthy, and uses a blade."

"Perhaps I am, but I have never been called that before."

I sheathed my blade and witnessed Dante moving his hands in the air again. If he wasn't my benefactor, I would've stayed far away from him. Dante asked for my sword and I gave it to him. Something strange was in the air about Dante now. He readied his stance and then imitated me perfectly. I was shocked at his movement and skill with the sword.

"Dante…how did you do that?"

"I just watched you Demitri." He gave me a smile.

I knew this boy was abnormal, but to this extent? I wouldn't exaggerate my skill with the sword but it has kept me alive so far. Dante was able to learn it by just watching me once. Something that I took years of fighting to do. I don't even believe that the Hero could learn as fast as Dante did.

"Let's do a different one," I said.

I felt a burning need to push Dante to his limits. This is probably what mentors felt when they find a prodigal student. Taking back my sword from Dante, I showed him various killing techniques. Some might say that showing such techniques to a child is harmful, but this Dante was very abnormal. I had always used my speed and ability to end battles quickly. I told him what vital points to aim for and how to subdue someone trying to kill him.

Hours went by in the blink of an eye and we still trained. Dante was a sponge and soaked up the knowledge I gave him. It was amazing and terrifying at his ability to grasp everything. The cheap sword I used was already getting worn from the repeated use. Dante noticed the blade was close to its breaking point.

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"Demitri, I think we should get a new sword. What sword should I get?"

"The type of sword doesn't matter, it's how you use it," I said. "Of course, some blades are better than others but even a cheap sword can be used well depending on your skill."

Dante nodded but then as if he remembered something, ran into the mansion. After awhile he came back out holding swords in his arms. He handed me one sword in an extravagant black scabbard.

"Here you go Demitri, a gift."

I unsheathed the sword and noticed its flawless craftsmanship.

"It's made out of Mithril," Dante said. "I had my father ask a blacksmith to craft it from a chunk of ore found in the mines."

"What!? Are you sure you want to give this to me?"

"Yes, as thanks for your help."

I bowed deeply and felt grateful to this Young Lord. A Mithril sword was a magnificent weapon that many would only dream of getting. Dante was a child but he acted with grace and dignity befitting the upper class. If only there were more nobles like him in the world. Then I remembered I had said the same thing about the Hero.

"Should we test the swords out in a sparring match?" Dante had a mischievous grin.

"No, but rather I think we should go out and test your skills on monsters."

I deflected his intentions of fighting me, I couldn't tell him that I never sparred with anyone. I was surrounded by better swordsman than me when I traveled with the Hero. I hadn't even sparred with the Hero or any of my other companions. The reason being was that I couldn't use my fighting style against other people in practice. My fighting style was simple, to survive by any means.

"Alright, then let's go east of Balenos," Dante said.

"Why?"

"There is a forest east of Balenos that had become infested with monsters. Some travelers and town folk had been killed when venturing too far into the forest."

I had guessed Dante wanted to test his skills while getting rid of nuisances that plagued his town. After a short break, we gathered some items and headed into the forest. Even though it was not far from town, I wanted to make sure we had adequate supplies. No matter how abnormal Dante was, he was still a child and a noble at that. I wasn't going to let any harm befall the Young Lord. Carrying a small satchel with me, I had filled it with healing potions. My new Mithril sword was bound tightly on my belt.

"We should be careful not to get lost Demitri," Dante said.

I was surprised at his statement.

"You don't know this area?"

"No, I never been through here before," he said. "Why?"

"When I first met you, you led me to Balenos rather quickly."

"Oh, it's because I use to play around that area before."

It was kind of absurd that he could know one area far from Balenos compared to one close by. Although it was stupid of me to even think that he should know. Traveling through the forest with Dante was rather uneventful. We had only met with a few beasts throughout the forest. They were easily slain by the two of us.

"Let's go deeper ahead."

"Alright."

I had noticed Dante was able to keep up with me quite well. His movements became fast and silent like mine. If I didn't know he was there I wouldn't have heard him. This boy was a genius through and through. As we entered deeper into the forest a strange feeling came over us. I had noticed too late but we had become trapped.

"Demitri, someone's using magic."

"Damn it! They got us." I whispered.

The forest began to come alive trying to split us apart.

"Dante! Stay close!"

I tried hacking at the vegetation with my sword. When I looked to my side, Dante had disappeared. A feeling of dread surfaced on my face. I ran in search for him but I felt like I wasn't moving anywhere. I had become lost in the forest and my direction became skewed. No matter how far and how fast I went, the scenery didn't change.

I couldn't see Dante anywhere but I began to hear voices. They echoed through the forest and seem to plague heavily on my mind. Yet I couldn't understand them at all.