Kaya's POV

Kaya was standing in the sparring field on the eleventh floor of the training building . Three girls and two boys were surrounding her. A lot of other students were watching the show from the side-lines.

One of the large screens was showing a countdown timer. As soon as the timer hit zero Kaya and the five people surrounding her moved simultaneously. Kaya rushed at the two girl who were holding guns. They started firing at her. Kaya easily deflected the bullets and continued onward. The other three came between the girls and Kaya.

To most it looked like a deadlock however those who knew Kaya already predicted the result. If bloodline abilities were permitted the result will have been slightly different but if its only weapon and hand fighting, less than handful of students from their term could even survive against Kaya.

Kaya charged at the three people blocking her way. Her movements were so precise that it seemed like the bullets were dodging her rather than the opposite happening. She bridged the distance between them with a few broad steps. All the three attacked Kaya at the same time.

Kaya was unfazed. She deflected the first two swords but for the third one she counterattacked with her full strength. The opponent was thrown back. Taking the opportunity presented in front of her she lunged at the two shooters at the rear. The shooters began to shoot hysterically but still not a single bullet hit Kaya.

After reaching them Kaya punched one in the stomach and hit the hilt of her sword in the stomach of the other. The two girls fell down clutching their stomach. Finally she rested her gaze on the remaining girl and boy. She pointed her sword at them and started to approach them. When she came close to them they attacked in conjunction. She countered the two attacks simultaneously and the pair was thrown back. Before they could gain their balance she was in front on them. The next instant they both were sprawling over the floor clutching their stomach.

"If you want to challenge me at least learn to hold a sword properly", Kaya proudly announced.

"Wait it's not over" the first guy to get knocked, who was also the least injured, tried to save their self-esteem but just one glance from Kaya was enough to make him shut his mouth.

"Anybody next?" she asked looking at the gathered audience. When nobody said a word she wore her black jacket and went out. After her departure the place was again abuzz with noise.

After coming out of the training building Kaya headed straight towards the Training Arena. 'Rubia must have finished her test by now 'she thought.

Kaya Steins. She was an orphan. Her mother was killed by monsters. Before his death her father accomplished many meritorious deeds by killing monsters for the sake of revenge. Due to this Count Argos offered her a title of noble. She declined it and asked to become a Knight instead. Count Argos laughed and took her to his house.

There she met Rubia and Red. During daytime she would practice and train while at night she would study with them. The bond between them became stronger. But soon Red had to leave for the Academy and only Rubia was left with her. She seemed very naïve at first glance but after staying with Rubia for some time she discovered that she was much more intelligent and stronger than she let on.

To become a Knight the easiest method was to pass from Gnosis-Academy with very high scores so Kaya also left for the Academy a few years later. After one year when she met Rubia a lot of changes had transpired in her. The naivety was still there but the aura around her had changed.

That day one year ago she pledged her service to Rubia under certain circumstances. A pledge which can only be broken by death.

The subsequent year Rubia also enrolled into the Academy. Every once in a while they sneaked out at night to have a spar to improve Rubia's fighting skills. Although she had no bloodline ability her recovery speed was much faster than even many Exceeds. Coupled with the insane training she did every day; it could be said that even some Exceeds will not be her match in the future.

While reminiscing about the past Kaya had already reached the Training Arena. Standing in front of the Arena, waiting for Rubia was her best friend Anna Hearts.

"Hey Anna when will she be coming out? It's already been two hours since she went inside."

"Maybe some problem occurred. I'm sure she will come out soon." Anna replied with a smile.

"I wanted to ask..." before Anna could continue the large door behind her slid aside and Knight Farmount came out with the half conscious Rubia lying on a floating bed.

"What happened!?" Anna and Kaya exclaimed at the same time.

" Don't worry, it's nothing serious. I'm just completely exhausted. I will be okay after some rest." Rubia replied in a carefree manner while waving her left hand, which was covered in bandages.

"You should take more care of yourself." retorted the angry Anna. This was not the first time something like this has happened. Although she knew Rubia was a fighting maniac but she still felt bad when she saw Rubia injured all the time.

"Hey Ann I am totally fine. Really", Rubia replied with the same cheerful voice.

"Remove that smile from your face. It's making me angrier." Anna said with a sharp edge to her voice.

Rubia knew better than to argue with an angry Anna so she shut up.

"What was the result?" Kaya asked Knight Farmount.

"She narrowly passed"

Hearing this Kaya furrowed her brows. She knew Rubia better than anyone and how strong she was. After looking at the bandages on her left hand she had an idea what had transpired. She felt sad as it was partly her fault because she injured Rubia thinking that she will be completely healed in time for the test. But last night's injuries were much more serious than she had expected them to be.

By now Rubia had also reconciled with Anna and they were chatting happily.

After her Digi-watch gave her a message, Kaya intervened between Rubia and Anna, "We are ready to go."

"Sorry Kaya, I didn't realize that I was making you wait", Anna said apologetically. After whispering something in Rubia's ear she went away.

Kaya touched her watch to the bed and soon got control over the it.

She looked at Knight Farmount and said, "Thank you for taking care of Rubia."

"Don't mention it. I was only doing my duty. Due to this I also witnessed something interesting."

"Well, we shall also get going then," Kaya bid farewell to Farmount.

"If you ever come to Dedron be sure to visit my home. I will always welcome you with open doors." Rubia waved her hand at Farmount as the moving bed was going after Kaya.

Knight Farmount just watched as the two disappeared behind the buildings. After filling the results of this last test he will finally be ready for vacation.

After walking for some time Rubia and Kaya reached the Airship parking area. They didn't have to search for long before they discovered their ride. At the VIP area was a very well kept and shiny Airship which had a design of a Lapis Lazuli, which represented House Lapis, on both of its wings. And standing in front of it was a man with a very familiar face.

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"Welcome Miss Rubia and Miss Kaya. You have undergone a complete change in the time you were here." said the blonde man.

"I too missed you, Jon." Kaya replied with a smile. Hearing her remark Jon's face darkened. He didn't know what he had done to her that she always picked on him. Several times he even had nightmares because of her only. Alas there was nothing he could do about it as she was stronger than him.

"If we start now we will reach there by dusk. Jon if I get late, you are dead." Rubia commented while still lying on the bed.

Jon gulped and hurriedly ran to the pilot's seat. Kaya climbed the airstairs to the Airship followed by the bed of Rubia.

An Airship was a completely different vehicle when compared to the airplanes used by a majority of the people on Gnosis. It had every facility available in a house present here. It also boasted about the ease of travel and the comfort provided. It was more versatile and had more speed.

But one of its most essential advantages was that it did not need a runway. It was equipped with two thrusters at its side which propelled it into the air. And its upper plating was made from solar cells which provided a nearly unlimited source of energy when travelling during daytime.

Sometime after the take-off Kaya sat at the window gazing outside. The capital city of Gnosis, Prospia, was outstretched so far and wide below them that even after observing from 7 miles height its end was not in sight. At the very centre of the city was a very high castle-like tower which nearly touched the sky. Down below, the city appeared to be a neat collection of puzzle blocks arranged together. The Gnosis-Academy was only the size of a fist when observed from here.

After they were halfway across Prospia Rubia woke up. She seemed well rested and fine. The wound on her left hand was also reduced to a scratch. Kaya was always amazed at Rubia's regenerative ability. Even if it was nothing when compared with monsters, it was considerably stronger than even Exceeds like herself.

After observing their surroundings from a window Rubia went to the closet to change her clothes. After some time when Rubia came out after changing her dress Kaya was again reminded that she was not only a friend but also someone to whom she pledged her loyalty.

The playfulness in Rubia's eyes was completely gone. Her face which looked cute previously now had a dignified look. The especially custom-tailored black shirt and black pant perfectly highlighted her athletic body. A Lapis Lazuli representing House Lapis was hung on her left chest. It perfectly matched with her ocean blue eyes. The golden scabbard on her waist made her look more valiant. Considering all these things made it seem that her previous demeanour and behaviour was just a façade to fool others.

Rubia's POV

Observing from the airstairs of the Airship the only people Rubia saw were a few servants along with the Head Butler Zen. It was already dusk by now.

Normally her brother should also be here, but noticing his absence she sent a questioning gaze towards Zen. Noticing her gaze Zen replied "Master will speak about it with you privately."

'Maybe something had really happened to him. I will ask father later'

The landing pad of the Airship was constructed atop the security tower. The main use of this tower was to monitor all the security infrastructure inside and outside the mansion. After coming down from the tower she directly headed towards the mansion followed by Kaya and Zen.

The Mansion's front was surrounded by a large garden hosting a variety of different plants and flowers. The garden ornaments decorating the garden did a very good job of amplifying its beauty. Several workers were also roaming around the gardens watering the plants. Walking on the road in the centre of the garden a serene feeling washed over Rubia. 'It had been such a long time'.

The Mansion was very large, even so it didn't feel extravagant at all due to the shadow of the Dedron Forest looming behind its compound. After she got near the front door it automatically opened itself and what greeted her eyes was a velvet carpet spread before her. The servants of the Mansion had lined themselves along the two sides of the carpet with their heads bowed.

The Head Maid, Maria, came to the front and greeted Rubia, "Welcome back Young Miss. The Master is currently in his study. Would you like to take a bath first or greet him first?"

"I'll go greet him first."

Rubia walked to the end of the velvet carpet where the stairs began. She stopped at the foot of the stairs and ordered Kaya, "Go and get some rest. I will call you later." after which she started climbing the stairs.

After reaching the top of the stairs a familiar sight greeted her. Directly in front of her was the corridor leading to her and Red's room. On her left was her father's and mother's room. And lastly on her right was her father's study.

After turning right and walking a few steps she came across a metal door. After knocking on it a mechanical voice announced, "Identify yourself!".

"Rubia Lapis".

"Face check, voice check. The person identified to be Rubia Lapis. Entry admitted."

The metal door opened and Rubia entered the room. It had been such a long time since she came here. Like always her father was sitting behind a table writing something on a sheet of paper.

Argos Lapis, commonly known as Count Lapis was a black-haired, black-eyed man who rarely showed any emotions. He appeared to be in his early thirties. He was also an Exceed, and among the strongest ones at that. People considered him to be stone-hearted, but he was always smiling and cheerful in front of his family. But today that smile was nowhere on his face.

Rubia wanted to ask about Red but she held back.

Count Lapis stopped what he was writing and stared at Rubia straight in the eyes for some time before asking "How was your stay at the academy?"

"It was good."

"Did you make any new friends?"

"Yes. One"

"It's good that you made at least one."

"You are speaking as if I don't have any"

"Not that I know of", this comment made Rubia shut her mouth in embarrassment.

Count Lapis motioned for her to sit down on the chair in front of him.

"You want to know about Red?"

"Yes, I didn't know why but he cut off all contacts two weeks ago."

"Then with you also. I see",

"What do you mean with me also. What happened to him?"

Count Lapis took out a file from his drawer and handed it to Rubia. After looking through it she asked "Is it Red?". Even though she asked it, in her mind she already knew the answer.

"Last time he was spotted in Noir. Then after the terrorist incident he just disappeared into thin air. His Digi-watch lost contact as soon as the security of Noir was compromised. A testimony from Knight Lois also mentioned the use of a Veril blade. I just want to ask to make sure, you do not know anything, right?" Count Lapis asked her with a questioning gaze.

"Of course not. I was at the academy all this time."

"I just hoped that he had shared something with you."

There was an awkward silence between the two.

"Well, I would like to-"

"No"

"But I didn't even finish"

"I already know what you are going to say."

"Then just let me go after him. You wouldn't be able to do anything without being discovered by the Royal Family. If they knew it was Red then this will become more troublesome. Moreover if it's only me then I can move freely without worrying about things like that. I have also practiced a lot and am capable enough of protecting myself"

Count Lapis became silent and began to ponder over something. After contemplating for some time he sighed, "It could be very dangerous. If you are really going to go then also take a Knight with you."

"You agreed to it just like that", Rubia was dumbfounded. She had already visualized several methods to get her father's consent and didn't expect him to agree so readily.

"Yes, just like that."

"Why?"

"It's just like you said. We cannot have it known to other Nobles. Moreover, if it's you then Red may come back without much resistance. And it's also a very great opportunity for you to travel the world and learn new things. Besides even if I didn't allow you, you would have run away."

Rubia lowered her head in embarrassment. It was true that she was going to run away even if she did not get his permission.

Count Lapis continued, "While you are searching for him the most help I can provide you with is a little monetary support. It seems that Red escaped in the direction of the 'City of Rogues', Tule. If there is an emergency there just use our House Insignia to request help from the city lord. And no matter what happens always keep this with you"

Count Lapis took out a round golden pendent with a red gem embedded in it and passed it over to Rubia. She quickly pocketed it.

"This is everything from my side"

"About the Knight. I would like to take Kaya with me instead of an official Knight"

"Although she is quite strong she is still a Knight in training. Do you really think she would always be able to protect your back?" Count Lapis was unaware of Kaya pledging herself to Rubia.

"Yes. She is also an Exceed who has good control over her bloodline ability."

Count Lapis just silently nodded his head at this.

Rubia got up and started to go out. Count Lapis just stared after her without saying and just sighed.

When she reached the door he finally spoke ,"Rubia! Return safely"

"I will" she bowed once and left the room. Count Lapis, who was left alone in the room, had a very serious expression on his face.

Rubia didn't show anything on her face but she was very bewildered inside. Her father was not someone who would let her risk her life, but today he just agreed to everything as if he already knew what was going to happen.

She quickly came to her room and started to pack her things. She ordered a maid to call Kaya to her room. After a few minutes a knock was heard on her door.

"Come in"

Kaya entered her room without making noise. She was puzzled when she saw Rubia packing her things. Soon her doubts were cleared.

"Quickly go and pack your things. Only take things that are necessary and your weapons. We are going to go after my brother"

At that time Kaya felt that someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over her body.

'Goodbye, my long-awaited vacation.'