Florian scowled in anger from the sudden revelations shown to him by the adamantite orb.

“Fucking hell. You assholes better tell me what’s really going on before I melt your lungs!”

Florian reached for his magazine pack and removed a single bullet canister. Noticing the sudden bloodlust exuding from the younger Kuklinski, Garan moved in front of Jarv while putting up a defensive guard.

“Tch. Last chance.”

“Stop.”

“Haah?”

Joshua grabbed hold of Florian’s shoulder, worry in his eyes.

“What are you stopping me for?! I’m gonna kill these fuckers here and now and go back to Jersey.”

“That’s enough.”

“Hmph. Fuck you, you’re not in charge of me anymore!”

Florian raised his left hand to remove Joshua’s hold from his shoulder. However, in that instant, Joshua swiftly restrained him, constricting his right arm behind his back.

“Ow ow ow, Fuck! Let go!”

“Cool your head.”

“!!! Agh!”

Joshua squeezed a pressure point on Florian’s wrist while kicking his left knee from behind, forcing him to kneel down.

“Now, now there’s no need for all of this!”

This time, it was Jarv that stepped in.

“I understand that was a lot to take in. I plan to have dinner in about two hours from now, how about we use that time then to answer the rest of your questions?

“We will accept that invitation.”

“What? No! Let me go! Ow ouch, Fuck!”

“Could we use the previous room?”

“Of course, Garan,”

“No need, I know the way.”

Joshua easily lifted Florian onto his shoulder and started exiting the room.

“Don’t struggle, or unless you want to be knocked out twice in one day?”

“Ugh, fine. Just put me the fuck down. I can walk by myself.”

The two brothers then left, tracing their way back to the previous room Florian was resting in.

***

“Why did you stop me.”

Florian had calmed down during their trek. Although he is hot-headed, he is also a professional.

“You know why. That was real, it wasn’t some trick. Gifted’s don’t have this kind of power, that was real magic. Which means, this is a different world.”

Florian then suddenly crushed the bed he was standing next to with a downward axe kick.

“FUCK! I know. I know but still.”

“That means here, we have no allies, no resources, no safe houses. If we start making enemies out of powerful people, it’ll be the end.”

“I KNOW! I just...need some time okay, leave me alone.”

Joshua sighs, “don’t do anything stupid. I’m going to check out the area.”

Florian doesn’t respond as he stands by the window, staring off into space.

***

After Joshua exited the room, Garan was standing outside waiting for him. The large battle scar across his eyebrow contrasted his large hearty smile that accompanied his soft green eyes and short brown hair. His large thick forearms show that he is a trained soldier rather than an ordinary person. Age-wise, he looks about middle-aged. Garan was now wearing a casual looking cloth outfit rather than his previous armor from earlier.

“Sir Ace, allow me to guide you.”

“Oh? So you know what I wanted to do.”

“His Majesty thought that you might do something like this.”

Joshua casually responds, “Is that so.” while making a mental note of the king.

(He’s not a simple one, is he…Well then,)

“Where would you like to go?”

“Show me your military force.”

Garan was startled by Joshua’s straightforward answer that fully displayed his intentions.

“No problem,” Garan say’s while chuckling.

“Follow me.”

The two made their way back to the area leading to the throne room, however this time, they descended down a flight of stairs into a large main hall with several soldiers standing guard. A couple of maids are also going about their day, some can be seen carrying various plates and utensils to prepare for tonight’s feast.

Stolen story; please report.

After another couple of minutes of walking, they reach the main gate to the castle. Two soldiers who were standing guard noticed Garan and saluted.

“Sir!”

“Mm. Good work. Could you open the gate for us?”

“Yes, sir!”

Exiting through the main gate, Joshua saw the city below, looking even further back, there was a wall that led into a much larger surrounding city. The castle was located in the middle of all of it with large stone walls surrounding the area. He could see various soldiers running in a uniform manner.

“The area between the castle and the castle wall is the designated training area for soldiers. The main ground is located to the east side of the castle for combat and weapon training. To the west is a resting area and mess hall for our men, and to the south, our barracks.”

“What about your mages? Those are what you’re known for right?”

“Hahaha.” Garan laughs heartily.

“Sir Ace. If you look to the northeast, as well as the northwest, you see those large pillars don’t you?”

Joshua noticed them earlier but was unsure of their purpose. Both towers reached into the heavens, roughly three-quarters the size of the world trade center he previously saw in New York.

“There are six towers total, these two located in the northeast and northwest, another two directly to the east and west, and the final two in the southeast and southwest. These six towers together make up the ‘Six Pillars of Magic.’ The whole area outside the castle until the dividing town wall is the place designated for magical research and training.”

Joshua blinked in amazement.

(Astonishing. This whole area that could pass as a small town is a military base?)

“This whole area is your military base?”

“Yes and no. Although our court mages do live there, it is open to all mages within our kingdom to live, train, and do research.”

“I see, I have to say I’m impressed.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“Since we only have two hours, how about you show me your main ground for training.”

“No problem, follow me.”

Descending onto the castle outer grounds, the two men made their way to the main training ground of the Magnus royal forces. As they walk, various soldiers briefly paused their running to salute to Garan.

“You sure are popular.”

“Haha, it comes with the title. I am undeserving of all the lavish praise.”

“Speaking of which, how did you get your title, ‘The Indomitable.’”

“An embarrassing story, haha. Ten years ago, during a defense of an invading advance force of the Demon King’s army, our allied forces were ensnared in a trap by the demons after they intentionally retreated in two separate directions. Feeling confident, we split up in order to route the enemy forces, however suddenly our army who were in pursuit of the westward fleeing enemies were flanked. The enemy left additional forces in hiding to ambush us and we fell for it completely.”

Garan sighed as he retold his tale, a hint of sadness could be seen in his eyes.

“In order to pave way for retreat, my men and I volunteered to be the shield for our fleeing forces. We barely lasted long enough for previously split army to regroup and repel the enemy. After that, I was personally bestowed the title of ‘The Indomitable’ by our king and knighted as his majesty’s personal knight.”

“Ten years ago huh? You did that when you were...thirty?”

“Hahaha, do I like forty? I’m sorry to disappoint but this year I am turning 58 years old.”

“Then is the king also?”

“This year I believe he is turning 60”

“Does everyone in this world age so slowly?”

“No, of course not. I believe you saw the reason for this in the Great King Ignarl’s memories, didn’t you? I was born with a magic core which strengthens my body and grants me longer youth.”

“A Gifted huh.”

“Is that what you call us on your world? Here, we are known as Specialists.”

“What is your ability?”

“I’ll tell you if you tell me yours. Though I’m sure you’ll find out eventually anyway.”

“Hmhm.”

Joshua slightly chuckled as he gave up on getting Garan to reveal his ability for now.

***

Finally, they arrive at the main grounds. Noticing Garan’s arrival, a man yelled out.

“Everyone, fifteen-minute break!”

And then he walked up to the two. He had a fierce expression, but with a hint of delight behind it.

“Garan, has the paperwork driven you crazy yet?”

“Haha, Michael, this is Sir Ace, he is a guest of our king.”

The man named Michael scanned Joshua from head to toe and stuck out his hand.

“Nice to meet you, I am Michael, Head Captain, and trainer of the Magnus Royal Army.”

“I am Ace, it is my pleasure.”

The two shook hands as they exchanged their greetings. Michael wore a tight-fitting simple cloth-leather hybrid vest with long pants and leather boots. A sash with a symbol of the Magnus army hung around his right arm. He had short brown hair like Garan with deep, sharp, blue eyes.

“So, what brings you here today? Need a workout?”

“Actually that might be a good idea. Sir Ace here wishes to see how our men train, this might be a good opportunity to stretch my muscles for once. Is that okay, Sir Ace?”

“Of course, feel free to do as you like.”

“Hmm, is that so?” Michael softly said while peering at Joshua.

“Well, I hope you haven’t gotten rusty. It wouldn’t be good for the Empire’s number one warrior to lose, even in a spar, would it?” Michael said mischievously.

Michael then smiled creepily and turned to the men resting on the grounds.

“Break’s over, get up!”

“Whaaat? It hasn’t even been five minutes, you said fifteen!” Several men groaned.

“Oh did I? Oh well. Get up. Today we have a special occasion. The Head Knight Garan is going to be training with us! Anyone who can beat him in a duel will get one day of break. Lose and I’ll double your training for the next week. Participation is mandatory.”

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Screamed the men while holding their heads in defeat.

Michael then turned back to Garan.

“I hope you warm up quickly.”

“Damn it, Michael, you’re still mad about that aren’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Joshua watched as Garan moved into a shed and retrieved the same kind of vest worn by Michael, along with a wooden sword. He then started to do some stretches in the middle of the grounds while waiting for his opponent.

Michael carried over a bench towards Joshua on his shoulder with a smile.

“Have a seat.”

“You’re tough on your men aren’t you? I like that. Builds character.”

“So you understand! Everyone here always moans and groans like a little girl but without my training, they’d surely die in battle. Let’s see how they do.”

“Do you think any of them will win?”

“Honestly? Probably not. However, getting to spar with the best warrior in the empire is sure to give them more motivation. Many of the young ones grew up hearing of his exploits, after all. The training afterward is guaranteed to be fruitful.”

“Quite crafty aren’t you? I’d love to talk some more about your training tactics sometime.”

“Oh? Are you a trainer as well?”

“Something like that.”

“Looks like my men are ready, enjoy the show.”

Michael smiles creepily again and makes his way towards the middle of the grounds after one brave soldier volunteered himself to be first.

“Ooh, well if it isn’t Luke. You’ve been annoying me lately with your complaints so if you lose, you’re getting a little extra along with double the training.”

“Bring it on! I’ll show you!”

“Hmm. Alright then. Here are the rules, the winner will be decided if either party surrenders. No magic will be allowed but bar that, everything else is fair play. The time limit is five minutes, if no one wins by then, it’ll be Garan’s automatic victory.”

“Oi oi, isn’t that too harsh Michael?” Garan says with a crooked frown.

“Hmph, don’t worry, even against the Empire’s hero I won’t back down!” Luke exclaims with confidence.

“Alright, let's get to it then, the starting point will be ten meters apart.”

Garan and the young Luke put ten meters between each other and take up a stance.

“Ready...Fight!”

Luke launches himself at Garan right as the signal was given, he attacked using the momentum of his leap while swinging his sword diagonally upward with his right hand. Garan easily parried the blow with his wooden sword, holding it with only his left hand. Meanwhile, he punched forward with his right fist, aiming for Luke’s stomach.

Twisting his body, Luke narrowly dodges and puts some distance between the two, breathing hard all the while.

“Oh! Not bad young man.”

Luke seems pleased by the compliment but readies himself once more.

“I’m not done yet, here I come, Sir Garan!”

This time, Luke took it slow, inching forward while holding his sword in front of him with both hands. Garan maintained a neutral stance, still wielding his weapon with only his left hand. Once their swords were only about a meter apart, Luke suddenly lunged again, thrusting his sword forward in a stabbing motion, aiming for Garan’s throat.

Garan easily dodges the attack by a hair, shifting his body and neck slightly to the right. All the while, he quickly grabbed Luke’s hand with his free right and squeezes, forcing Luke to drop his sword. He swiftly positions his own sword against Luke’s neck and asks,

“Do you surrender?”

“Urgh, I lost.”

“Haha, don’t be disheartened young man, you did really well. Work on balancing your sword arms, you favor your right too much which will make it easy for your opponent to read your attacks.”

“! Yes, sir! Thank you for the spar!”

Luke answered energetically and bows deeply, leaving behind any trace of his previously shown cockiness, and then walked back to the other soldiers. They welcomed him with cheer and congratulated him on his spar, even though he lost he received a warm reception.

Several more spars continued while Joshua quietly watched on the sidelines.

(Florian would love this kind of thing, he always ran off to do underground fighting in his free time. I should get back soon. I hope he’s cheered up.)

Florian drifted in thoughts as he observed the duels. Needless to say, Garan easily won every single one and then gave advice to each individual person. After the last spar resolved, almost an hour and a half had passed. Shaking hands with the last contender, Garan received a towel from Michael, the two had a brief chat and then Garan made his way over to Joshua.

“Ah, that was a great workout. I want to thank you for indulging in my selfishness.”

“Not at all, it was very enlightening.”

“Haha, is that so? Well, what do you think?”

“You are very strong, Sir Garan.”

“Oh you don’t have to use any formality, just Garan is fine.”

“Alright, also, the people you sparred with had rather acceptable skills. Is this the average ability of soldiers in this world?”

“Hm, not at all, these men are personally trained by Michael. He’s famous for producing the best soldiers in our Empire. Each one here probably easily equals about ten regular soldiers.”

“Is that so.”

“Well, let us return. We only have half an hour left until your rendezvous with the king and I need a shower.”

“I can go back by myself, I remember the way.”

“That’s an impressive memory you have, Sir Ace. However, unfortunately, I have to request to accompany you, many here don’t know of your existence, you might get hindered on the way back.”

“Alright, then lead the way.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Garan and Joshua said their farewells to Michael, who was focused on writing a new training regimen for his men and only responded halfheartedly. The two then started making their return.