“What the hell kind of madness is this?!”

Davy Jones was actually the first to respond to such a sight.

Lilu hurried back to his sister and maid, as Ardat Lili pulled a strange orb out of a little drawstring bag at her waist. She gave it to Lilu as he started to glow.

Well, only Melakios saw him glow. No one else was even batting an eye at the weird sphere. Then he realized, it was made out of souls! His eyes began to widen in surprise.

Lilitu, who saw his reaction, called out.

“Oh, can you see the souls? This is a Soul Stone. We use it for all sorts of things. To power our special abilities, for healing, and even for currency. That might be why Lilith wants to see you.”

Eligor only sighed, finally aware that the little human boy in front of him could have made him tons of these stones, if only he had realized earlier.

“Of course Lilith would be interested. She can smell anything that makes money.”

“Master Eligor, is there a problem?”

The maid, who finished making sure Lilu was fine, could not help but to throw in a passive aggressive response.

“Uhh, no! Nothing at all!”

“Oh, okay. Are we ready to travel?”

Lilu was back at Lilitu’s side, but he now had grief and disappointment all over his face.

Melakios’ soul spirit sword returned to his self. He was currently listening to Alkelios’ wisdom.

“You brat! What if he had measures for soul attacks?! You need to be careful! What if he was faster than you?! Before your weapon hit him, you might have already been run through!”

“I’m glad to know you care so much.”

“Ack! Uhh, that’s just because if you die, I will disappear! That’s right!”

“Hehehe, then we can practice for next time later.”

“Hmph. Get ready for some brutal training.”

Melakios returned his attention to the group before him. Davy Jones was still spouting profanities, Eligor and Lilu both had defeated looks on their faces, the Four Corners were all beaming, smiles wide across their faces, Lilitu looked as if she couldn’t wait to head back home, Ardat Lili kept staring at Melakios while creepily scheming, and finally, Cernunnos.

The one who brought him. He had a complex look, as if he was fighting himself. He looked at Melakios with awe and respect, but inside, Cernunnos was afraid.

What had he taken? Was this child really human? Could those words he heard that night truly be a prophecy about saving the world? Or was it just a lie to bring him here to be used as a money mint? No, if it was a lie...then...perhaps that prophecy might have a little more weight...

No. Cernunnos was not afraid of Melakios, he was afraid for him. He had brought this child to give him a place to belong, but now he was being treated as a tool. As a prize.

But Melakios caught the strange look on his face and openly smiled at him. Once Cernunnos saw this, he realized that this might be what Melakios needed. An adventure! He returned a small smile, stood up, and slowly walked out of the room.

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Davy Jones, seeing his actions, followed after him, trying to find out more about this kid.

The Four Corners congratulated Melakios and returned to their positions at the mansion towers.

Eligor stayed in his seat, too preoccupied to stand up.

As Cernunnos went to open the door, in fell a little Empusa girl.

“Ash!”

Seeing her fall, Melakios went over to help her up. From behind him, he heard Lilu say,

“Ugh, an Empusa? Get that ugly creature out of here!”

The atmosphere grew stale, everyone could see their own breath, and ghosts started to come out of Melakios’ body. If Lilu didn’t know any better, he would have sworn it was his Dream Web Technique.

“Give me a moment, and I’ll show you the way.”

There was no sarcasm, no humor, just cold, menacing, hostility.

Lilu had never felt it before, but this feeling, he would come to find out, was called killing intent.

Lilitu suddenly hit Lilu’s head so hard, he slammed face first into the ground.

“Apologize, brother.”

In a muffled voice,

“I’m sorry.”

Blood started to pool on the floor, originating from Lilu’s upper body.

Immediately, the strange force lifted, letting everyone breathe normally again.

In order to have him focus on something else, Lilitu asked Melakios about his wish.

“I was going to bring a friend, but I feel she would be safer here.”

“My apologies for my stupid brother.”

“It’s not your fault. Since I haven’t decided, maybe if I find a problem in the future, you can help me then?”

“Certainly. I would be honored to.”

Everyone then went outside.

­­

A short time later, many of the mansion’s staff and important people stood outside the front gates, waving off a magnificent carriage, pulled by two hippogryphs. The two beasts and the driver were just waiting the entire time, so they appeared bored or tired and ready to get going. Although the two hippogryphs did seem a little skittish. 

Melakios was leaning out the window, waving at the people who came to say goodbye. He even saw Eligor and Davy Jones! But no matter how hard he looked, he could not find Cernunnos.

But he did see Ash and the Four Corners. They were the ones waving frantically, afraid Melakios wouldn’t even see them.

Once the carriage was far enough, Lilitu motioned for Melakios to sit down.

“We’re about to set off.”

“Hmm? Haven’t we already started?”

“Hahaha, shows how much you know! These two hippogryphs have wings for a reason, ‘idiot’!”

“Brother, shut up.”

“Yes sis.”

“So tell me about this Academy I’m going to.”

Melakios ignored Lilu's jab and asked Lilitu a question.

“The Academy is a good place for many of the young ones of noble families to learn more and get stronger. Even though we’re bringing you, we of the Lilim Household are not the people who run the Academy. But we do have a major foot in the door.”

“What might I be doing at the Academy?”

“You will be trying to become a Soul Monger. Like us.”