Azel sat in front of Dorian… the Principal of the Academy.

This was probably the third or fourth time they had met, and every single time, the man somehow looked even younger.

The man looked like he was in his twenties… not the head of the most powerful academy inthe Empire.

"Skipping classes?" Dorian asked, setting the paper he'd been reading aside. "A Class Representative shouldn't be caught doing that, Azel. You're supposed to be an example."

Azel sighed, slouching a little in the chair. "It wasn't my idea."

The Principal raised a brow but didn't press.

Instead, he looked toward the maid by the door.

"Get us some tea, Madelyn."

"Yes, Principal," the maid said with a graceful bow and walked out of the office, closing the heavy oak door behind her.

Dorian leaned back with his hands clasped on the table. "So. You were the one who told the staff to hold off the Field Training sessions today and switch your and Elione's first class slot."

"Yeah." Azel said.

"You said it was urgent," Dorian continued. "That he was the Skinbutcher."

His voice dropped a little. "Did you… deal with it?"

Dorian, no matter how composed, was worried. The Academy had taken enough damage already… first Professor Drake, now another murderer in the premises.

It was really a lot of problems and it all came the moment these first years got in.

They couldn't afford more chaos.

"Yes," Azel replied after a brief pause. "I've completely disposed of it. Though I'd suggest a full cleansing of the training field before the first year students head there."

Dorian nodded slightly. "Good… That will be done."

At that moment, the door opened again, and Madelyn came in with a silver tray.

Steam rose from the teapot and she poured two cups and placed them gently on the table.

"Thank you, Madelyn," Azel said.

The maid bowed again before stepping out, closing the door behind her.

Dorian took a slow sip, exhaling afterward. "You've saved us from what could've been a massacre. I appreciate that, Azel."

Azel just nodded and took a sip from his cup.

"Is there any reward you'd like?" Dorian asked after a pause, setting the teacup down.

Azel blinked.

He hadn't thought that far ahead. "Uh… can I think about it?"

Dorian smiled.

"Sure. Take your time." He lifted his cup again and drained it in one go. "If you want, I'll give you the rest of the day off. You've earned it."

"Thank you," Azel said, standing up. "Oh… how's Professor Sebastian doing?"

Dorian's face softened for a second.

"You can check on him yourself. He's recovering." He paused. "But before you go, I'll give you some advice."

Azel tilted his head. "Advice?"

"If you're really trying to get involved with women from the Great Clans," Dorian said. "you'd better prepare yourself for their parents. Even your title as the Sword Saint's son won't save you from noble politics."

Azel's lips twitched. "…Thanks for the warning."

He turned and walked toward the door, waving lazily before stepping out.

'Well, I haven't actually thought much about that,' he thought grimly. 'Flare's father already hates me after that meeting… The Elf King doesn't like humans… Esme's father tried to assassinate Reinhardt once… and Sybil's clan isn't exactly normal either.'

He groaned. 'Wait. Am I just… screwed?'

…

Azel asked around and after talking with some maids in the infirmary, he reached the door where Sebastian was recuperating.

"I'm coming in," he said, pushing open the door.

And immediately froze.

"…Am I interrupting something?"

Inside, Grand Mage Luke was sitting far too close to Professor Sebastian. From Azel's angle, it almost looked like the man was kissing him.

Luke turned his head slowly.

"No." His voice was flat. "I was just checking on an old friend."

Azel squinted. "…Right. Checking."

He stepped closer to the bed, ignoring Luke's glare.

Sebastian looked a little pale, but considering what he'd gone through, the man looked ridiculously alive.

His previously destroyed arm was wrapped in heavy bandages and his face healed. His eyes were open too… and he was even smirking.

"Oi," Sebastian said in a weak but clear voice. "That you?"

"Yeah, it's me." Azel sat down in the chair beside the bed, opposite Luke.

"How's Skinbutcher?" Sebastian asked, "Still in one piece?"

Azel smirked. "Well, I blew him into two pieces, so no. You can rest easy."

Sebastian chuckled, coughing once before grinning. "Good. Saves me the trouble."

"I'll be on my way now Sebas… think about my offer carefully."

Then, just as abruptly as he came, the Grand Mage stood, adjusted his robe, and vanished into thin air.

Literally.

Azel stared at the space where he'd been a moment ago.

"…That guy's such a fraud," he muttered. "A Grand Mage who can erase cities but can't handle one man with a knife."

Sebastian laughed. "Don't let him hear that, kid. He'll turn your eyebrows into fireworks."

The professor leaned back against the pillows, looking a bit more alive now. "Now that you've seen me breathing, I've got to ask… interested in learning my martial arts?"

"Your martial arts?" Azel raised a brow. "You mean that aura-boosted madness you used on Skinbutcher?"

Sebastian grinned, flexing his good hand. "Exactly that. A real fighter should know how to use their hands and feet. Weapons break. Bones don't… At least, not if you train them right."

"I can't lie," Azel said, rubbing his chin. "It's strong. But I was planning to take the rest of the day off, so maybe tomo—"

Sebastian moved faster than a blink.

His hand shot up, slamming into Azel's chin.

A loud crack echoed.

Azel's head jerked to the side… His vision went white then black.

He slumped backward instantly.

Sebastian stared at his own hand and whistled softly. "Damn… kid's got bones like steel."

He stood up, stretching his shoulders before grabbing Azel by the collar. The bandages came off revealing he was completely healed…

"Still, not bad," he muttered. "My hand feels broken. That's a first."

Lifting Azel easily, Sebastian slung him over his shoulder like a sack of grain.

"It's been a while since I took a direct student," he said to himself, walking toward the door. "Guess it's time I teach this brat some real fighting… After all I owe Steven a lot."

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