Leo stayed in Elyria for a few more days, he would have loved to stay in the beautiful kingdom a little longer but unfortunately the valor day was set to take place next week and Leo had a lot to prepare for.
Still, Leo managed to use the few days well and bought so many souvenirs that was sure to go round for all the Night kids.
So sadly after six wonderful days, Leo departed from the lands of mist and crossed the borders into the obsidian castle.
"Finally I'm back" Leo smiled, dropping all of the goodies to the ground in order to brace himself for the terrible blow about to come.
*FANGHYR!
Multitudes of kids dressed in black pounced on Leo some hugging his legs while others screamed at the top of their voices; each trying to vie for the assassin's attention.
"What did you bring for me?
"Do not forget me?
Was all that Fanghyr kept on hearing until he raised the sack behind him up, capturing the children's attention who had surprisingly kept quiet.
Soon enough the little crowd erupted in shouts of glee and laughter as they stretched forth little hands to collect the goodies. Eventually all the children left and another group; this time consisting of four teens made their way towards Leo.
"Aren't you all a little bit too big to be expecting gifts? Leo asked with a smirk.
A long frown on their faces showed that they had expected the Night's top assassin to at least spare them one if not many gifts.
"I'm sorry if I had disappointed you all a little" Leo bowed. "But sadly there's only so much that I can buy with the wages given to me".
"There is one way you can pay us back".
A red haired teen who seemed to be the oldest in the group smiled.
"Like I said I don't have any coins on me". Leo frowned with a slap on his forehead.
"Not that" the red haired rolled his eyes. "Who would ever ask an assassin to lend him money".
"We will like you to give us a lesson or two in fighting".
Leo looked into the sky and seeing that there was still a lot of time before evening, gladly accepted to teach them something or two.
"So what exactly would you like me to teach you? Leo asked. "Sneak attacks, reading your enemies moves or maybe simple defense?".
The teens discussed among themselves for a while and finally Tyler gave an answer.
"I think we have learnt too much on how to attack so I think a good knowledge of defense would be okay".
"Fine, I will attack each and every one of you and I want you to do your very best in blocking and evading." Leo smiled as he threw aside his cloak. "Remember working together can also be an option for you all".
The teens wasted no time and got into various fighting stances, an outsider seeing this would probably gulp in fear because in every one of their eyes was a scary killing intent.
"Why isn't he attack... was what the Red-haired tried to say but ultimately paused when in front of their very eyes, Leo disappeared in a blur.
Sweating profusely a short blonde haired girl threw a kick at the leg that headed straight for her petite face.
"Nice" Leo complemented, jumping back just in time to avoid a blow from Tyler.
The teens as one charged forward hoping to use their numerical advantage to overwhelm Leo who to their surprise remained standing one place.
"Time for the real lesson".
"Argh! A lanky boy shouted throwing out a fist, to his surprise however, everything seemed to spin and he landed hard onto the ground; bleeding a little from his mouth.
"Try not to shout while attacking, it makes your moves easily readable". Leo corrected before using his right foot to kick Tyler right in the gut. "That was good but learn to control your footwork so as not to give yourself away".
"Take that" the red haired screamed in triumph as his right hook connected with Leo's jaw. Tyler and the blond haired from earlier instantly followed up the attack with a vicious combo attack; the girl aiming for a sweeping kick while Tyler launched himself from the Red haired's back so that he could land a finishing blow when Leo lost his balance.
But then something happened that took all of them by surprise.
"Ahh! The blonde fell back her leg throbbing in pain when it met Leo's, Tyler on the other hand was caught by the neck while a swift uppercut knocked the red-haired onto the floor.
"That was actually a very nice attempt" Leo smiled before frowning when he realized that only three were in front of him. "I remember them being four".
*Whizz*
"That was surprising" Leo nodded, impressed as a little blood trickled down his forehead. "That was a real sneak attack but this was meant to be a defense class"
A small groan was heard from a small tree nearby and a few seconds later a lanky teen with brown hair collapsed onto the grass.
"Well done" Leo smiled, clapping as he walked towards the teen's location. "Your teacher has taught you all well, but there is still a lot of work to be done".
"I have a question" the girl raised her hand. Leo who had already started walking towards the castle turned around with a smile.
"How did you knock Raphael out?
"I simply returned his sneak attack with one of my own". Leo replied as he dug into his pockets and brought out a shiny rock.
The red haired teen hearing this dropped to a knee "I promise you Fanghyr that one day I will surpass you".
"Good to hear Magnum". Leo smiled. "Let's see how that goes, but one thing I do know is that not only you but even Fiona, Tyler and Raphael will one day grow even stronger".
"So are you saying we will get stronger than you? Fiona asked with a smile.
Leo patted her head. "Not a chance".
The teens laughing carried Raphael , thanked Leo for the lesson and quickly ran into the castle to narrate everything to the rest of their friends.
Turning around, Leo entered the gates. "You seem awfully quiet today Basi?
A bright shimmer illuminated the assassin's shoulder shortly before a purple hood appeared. "I have some bad news for you".
"Though I think it will be better for Bethran to tell you himself".