Gou Arisu was an old man. 112 years old to be exact. Although to an outsiders eyes he would look no more than forty. Built like an athlete, with a stoic expression, wearing the fanciest nobleman clothes, sitting on a throne-like high and wide seat, the patriarch of the strongest noble family in the world was tired. He had 12 meetings that day, all of which had great implications. One of them may have prevented a war. It was 10 p.m. and Gou desired nothing more than rest from his all consuming work. Eight hours of sleep would have been a dream come true. But for at least another half an hour he would sit in this guest room like a tired king, because this was his duty.
Gou scanned the familiar room with his tired but determined eyes. It was the size of an Olympic pool give or take, with square tables arranged in four lines to the length of the room parallel to the large red-wood door opposite to Gou's seat. Everything, starting from the floor, all the way to the ceiling was made from bricks. From the ceiling hung a fancy chandelier, lighting the room softly. The shadows of the tables and chairs gave a mystical feeling to the room. To the left behind Gou hung a five meter portrait of a predecessor leader from long ago- Gou's grandfather. An old and wise looking man. He had long white beard and a mustache. To the sides of the portrait were two red flags, each presenting a brick-made rook.
Aside from the large open entrance door there were four smaller locked doors, at the sides of the room. Each door was guarded by two plate armor wearing guards. They all were some of the fiercest, most tested battle- hardened trustworthy war veterans.
The loud sound of trumpets heralded the arrival of an approaching guest. A teenager wearing official clothes: chainmail armor with a painted rose, archers' helmet and leather boots - one of the many messengers of the order. He most likely came from the intelligence center, and since he was allowed to come here he must have had important news.
The messenger saluted sharply, stopping at the entrance of the guest room.
"It'd better be good news. I have terrible mood, and I heard enough bad news this past week already!" Gou gestured with his hand and the messenger approached.
"It is good news indeed sire. The intelligence unit leader reports that…" the messenger coughed slightly "… Mordon was defeated."
Gou Arisu jumped out of his seat. "Mordon was defeated! Unbelievable!" Gou regained his composure fast. "Who brought him down? My son Kagehiroto perhaps?"
"No lord commander sama. It was redavoi Metsuhai Fugughuu."
"Never heard about him… How many did we lose?"
"None, sir. He took him down alone. He is recovering at the hospital as we speak. Tomorrow he should be on his feet and three days at most before he goes to battle again."
"None you say… Amazing. This is cause for celebration."
…
At first everything was blurred. Metsuhai was awoken to an all-white surrounding. A big black figure was leaning over him. Did I die? If so, why didn't I feel the pain? Mordon is not soft to his victims. Am I in heaven…No, Lezner is here.
Metsuhai sat up on the bed, surveying his surroundings. He was in a large empty hospital room, wearing pajamas. Lezner was standing near his bed with his tough look. Akiara, the blue haired nurse, stood shyly at the side of the room.
"Wake up Fugughuu. Much to do, and time is pressing." its good old Lezner attitude alright.
Metsuhai stood up, balancing his rag-like weakened legs. Akiara smiled as he passed by.
"Come with me." Metsuhai followed Lezner down the hallway. The hospital staff were as always overloaded, practically running from side to side. Lezner spoke as he walked "a good ruler listens to his minions voice. Whether its clan, country, council. Otherwise he is nothing but a tyrant. You'll be a commander one day too, if you live long enough. So I think time has come to hear."
Lezner and Metsuhai stepped onto a balcony on the second floor. At first the sun blinded Metsuhai. As he slowly regained sight, Metsuhai heard a roar. But it wasn't a demons roar. It was a roar of exited crowd. Then he saw the countless men, women, children, and elderly. Of all ages and statuses. They were cheering, clapping, whistling, throwing their hats up into the air.
Lezner put his hand on Metsuhais shoulder. "These are the people you protect. And today you are their hero… and just to make things clear…"
Lezner pushed Metsuhai off the balcony right into the crowd. Metsuhai didn't even have time to be afraid, and there was no reason to. He landed on their stretched out arms and was thrown into the air repeatedly. The crowd moved in an unclear direction, taking Metsuhai with them. He had no control over where he was being taken, but Metsuhai felt only great joy. He didn't knew how much he needed that support, this recognition of how hard he fought, how hard he trained and how much he did for the order. Metsuhais head was spinning. Eventually he made his way to solid ground. But this wasn't over. The crowd couldn't have enough of him. It seemed everyone wanted to tell him something. He heard more names than he could remember, and his right hand was hurting because hundreds shook it- with strength sometimes, to show their appreciation. People took photos with him. Including young teenage girls, who seeked his attention and tried to stay as close to him as possible. One shopkeeper gifted Metsuhai a fine blue jacket. An old man promised Metsuhai he is always welcome in his home, although Metsuhai had no idea where he lived. But the one most touched by Metsuhais achievement was a woman in her forties. She was crying at Metsuhais lap. "Mordon killed my daughter. At least no one else will have to go through the same hell." Metsuhai had nothing to say, but soon enough other people kept him occupied. The initial joy he felt faded a bit, as he gets tired from all the attention and he began making his way to the barracks. Before reaching there though, his own attention was drawn to a newly installed massive screen on the outer part of a skyscraper. It showed the same short movie again and again and many people watched it with great interest. To Metsuhais shock it was edited footage from his battle with Mordon, surely taken from his battlephone.
It was strange seeing himself from the side. The editing made it look better somehow but mainly erased some of the bloody parts of the scene. The natural flow of the pictures and the high quality suggested the editing was done by professionals. The most intriguing part for Metsuhai was the move that changed the tide of the battle. What is this aura? I have never done anything like that, ever. I don't even know if it's sorcery or faith magic. Surely not just combat energy.
A movement in the crowd brought Metsuhais thought back to his surroundings. Lezner was making his way through the crowd, working with his elbows.
"Listen kid, you were invited to the palace. It's a great honor and you have no option to refuse. Gather your strength and gear. Meet me at the entrance to the rich district. And make it fast."
…
Metsuhai stood in front of the enormous open gate of the massive white palace. It was incredible, even more luxurious and powerful from close. So this is where Chizue-san lives. It's out of this world…
Lezner threw his cigar into the cold moat water. One of the guards waved at Metsuhai. Metsuhai recognized Alex despite the helmet, partially covering his face.
"Go in man," said Alex "Everyone is waiting for you."
Metsuhai took a deep breath and moved into the castle. He felt somewhat nervous, walking through the long corridors filled with tough looking guards. Only now Metsuhai realized how complicated was the inside of the palace. If it wasn't for Lezner he would have lost his way for sure. Of course, if necessary the guards would surely point him to the right direction. Lezner led Metsuhai to the main dining room. Right before they entered, the same messenger from the evening before blew the trumpet and announced loudly:" Redavoi Metsuhai Fugughuu has arrived!"
The main dining room had a similar structure to the guest room but was ten times bigger. The tables were loaded with delicious expensive food and every chair was taken. Noblemen, rich merchants, guards, various army commanders and their families were all engaged in party activities- eating, drinking, talking loudly, gossiping and walking from table to table. Beautiful maids dressed in uniform delivered more plates and trays, carrying more food and drinks to the tables. They walked gracefully in and out of the room. Gou sat on his throne. To his sides sat on smaller throne-like seats his children. The first to his right was a tall black haired young looking man wearing a black toga, the eldest son and Gou's heir. The first to Gou's left looked like an older version of Koi: blonde, good looking and fierce. Perhaps a bit wider than Koi. Wearing plate armor that looked indestructible. To his left sat Chizue, wearing a long red dress. She smiled at Metsuhai reassuringly. The last nuclear Arisu member sat to the right of the oldest son and he was the youngest. A boy not older than ten, wearing white clothes with the sun symbol. He was playing with his cellphone, not paying attention to Metsuhai or anyone for that matter.
Around several of the tables near the entrance were all Metsuhais classmates. Kuma, Masaru, John, Nao, Takeo and displeased Koi all sat, wearing suits. Pleasant, soft classical music filled the dining hall. The result of seven skilled groups of musicians, playing on pianos, harps, violins and clarinets. Lezner quickly sat with his students, leaving Metsuhai standing alone, with everybody's looks on him.
Metsuhai looked up at the most powerful man on earth. Gou Arisu got up and lifted his hand slightly. All sounds in the hall immediately ceased. It was graveyard-like silence.
"Good people of fort-city. We have all gathered here today to congratulate this brave young man for his great victory. Approach Redavoi Fugughuu."
Nervous Metsuhai walked fast towards the old general. Stopping at a distance that seemed appropriate. Gou approached Metsuhai. I have seen before pictures of the tough old man, but man- he is tall.
"Usually it's the direct commander to give a new rank, but this is a great day for the order, so if I may, I shall do it myself…"
A wave of slight laughter went through the crowd.
"… Mister Fugughuu, you are now an Efrator, and will receive this as a token of appreciation. Congratulations."
Gou warmly shook Metsuhais hand, tapped on his shoulder and awarded him a golden medal.
Metsuhai didn't know how to react so he said nothing which was the right move.
"Many have risen to the rank of Efreitor without such achievements. I expect great deeds from you. Now go and enjoy the party with your friends."
Metsuhai sank into his designated fancy chair between John and Kuma, vaguely aware that all his classmates were staring at him. Kuma however was in a feeding frenzy. Eating mainly whole courses of meet. He consumed food at astonishing rate. "Congratulations," said Kuma with a full mouth "I am very happy for you. If only it was me…"
Metsuhai looked at Kuma with slight surprise. It was the first time he had seen Kuma express jealousy. Before Metsuhai could say anything back, Takeo, who sat across him put a piece of paper on the table with a slam. On the paper was a roughly made picture of Mordon, a printed version of the note Metsuhai had seen long ago. Takeo pulled out a red marker and put a big X on the poorly made Mordon depiction. John tapped on Metsuhais shoulder (he looked slightly drunk) "Good work kid… so who is next? Airborg, Tornador, or maybe you want to challenge baron Phaulin himself to battle." Most students burst with laughter, Kuma chocking on his meat. Two men seating nearby turned their heads when they heard the name of the evil master, but soon commenced eating again.
Lezner noticed another veteran. An old and tired looking man, and left the table without a word. They sat at the end of an abandoned line of chairs, drinking something strong.
"Old Arisu-sama knows what he is doing. The soldiers needed something to be happy about. They are tired and demoralized. Too many talented kids have already died."
"Yes, but it might backfire. Dragging Metsuhai to battles he isn't prepared for. You have seen the footage from the battlephone. It was a miracle. And miracles don't repeat."
Lezner emptied another cup of the bubbling poison and added "This kid is gonna get himself into trouble and not once or twice."
The celebration carried on, sounds of happy voices all around. Gou and his sons have left the room already. Chizue slowly made her way to Metsuhais table, speaking to all the nobles on the way (whether she wanted to or not). It seemed only two people were clearly not in mood for celebration. Koi, and Metsuhai. Finally Metsuhai shared his confusion with John, who was always honest when drunk. "I know killing Mordon helped the order much," whispered Metsuhai "but looking at this objectively, he was only a C class. I don't see how I deserve all this praise. I don't even understand how I won… More importantly, is the order completely helpless against B classes and above? That can't be."
"The head general indeed over-reacted, however… Power estimations are not everything," explained John "Mordon was indeed an upper C class. But he was on a level of his own. We sent strong warriors one after another. The lucky ones found nothing. Others were ripped to pieces. Mordon was a VIP. A symbol of Inferno power. We all breathe with relief now that he is gone…"
Metsuhai nodded. It began to make sense.
"… You know, power estimations, at least originally, are simply based on the enemy's energy level. It's a good indicator but it doesn't cover everything. Surely with Mordon. You have what to be proud of. And it's not unusual for fighters to show the extent of their true ability only in crisis, when pushed to the limit."
Only now, after Johns support (who began discussing the problems of storage rooms within the order with Masaru, who had no interest in the matter) Metsuhai finally began enjoying the party. He ate and drank (no alcohol), sharing war stories with his friends. He actually enjoyed himself so much that he didn't notice the passage of time. But when he looked around, many chairs were empty, and the music changed. It was slower, romantic music. Some couples began dancing, moving in circles, dancing across the large space in the center of the room. Metsuhai lifted his gaze, meeting Chizues eyes. Metsuhais heart beating hard in his chest. Metsuhai took a deep breath, forcing himself up. It's just a dance.
Metsuhai approached Chizue, closing distance fast, dodging the many dancing couples. He sent his hand towards her, then…
An old man closed his hand around Metsuhais stretched out palm. He shook Metsuhais hand strongly "most impressive young man. You really have done well…" Metsuhai raised his gaze as if awakening from a dream. A white haired, somewhat thin tall man wearing a purple robe combined with thin steel stripes smiled at him lightly. His smile almost hid the cold and tired expression of an old champion. Still, there was strength in his eyes. A sort of fighting spirit. I can swear I have seen this look before… No. it can't be. I am meeting this man for the first time in my life. "Tell me, good fighter. How was it to fight Mordon? From what I know he was the fiercest fighter, one of a kind." Metsuhai wasn't sure what to say. The old man was still holding his hand tightly. He led Metsuhai to a relatively empty table, gesturing at a bottle of wine.
"I am a minor…" mumbled Metsuhai "I am not supposed to drink. And I don't even know who you are."
"My apologies. I am quiet famous around here. I am Counsellor Ken Urigami. The minister for emergencies. Just like you, I get the job done."
"It's an honor to meet you, sir. Frankly I myself don't understand how I won, but I'll figure it out and grow even stronger."
"I feel fighting spirit from you. You'll go far. Maybe one day you'll get to my position… By the way, How is old guy Lezner? Is he treating his students well?"
"Well, I learned a lot from him. I respect him very much. His knowledge saved my life numerous times." Metsuhai turned his gaze to where Chizue stood earlier- she wasn't there. He looked at her fancy sit, it was empty. Did she leave the party already? (But the truth was worse). Right in the middle of the dancing floor, Chizue was having a romantic dance with KOI. At some point, Kois and Metsuhais eyes met. Kois expression changed for a moment as if saying "I have you now!" And man, Metsuhai was angry.
She can dance with whoever she wants, but why Koi of all people. Metsuhai wondered for a moment how he would feel if it was Kuma dancing with her, although the thought was ridiculous. I had enough partying. Time to figure out what was it that I did to win the fight and how do I do it again.
Metsuhai walked fast in the direction of the exit. He almost got there when a huge black hand grabbed him by the shoulder. "Where do you think you're going?" demanded Lezner.
"I…."
"This party was a generous gesture to you, and it's a great honor. Leaving it in the middle will be an insult to the noble family. Do you have not even the basic understanding of politics?!" "Gou oh-sama seemed like a nice guy."
"Gou Arisu, the leader of this order is tough and unforgiving. He can be called just and honorable but… make him angry and you will regret the day you were born."
A guard wearing full plate armor of light blue color and carrying two heavy spiked maces approached "where are you two going?"
"The boy needed a breath of fresh air," Lezner pushed Metsuhai back to the direction he came from, "we'll be right back. Maybe it's the wine. Excuse us, Tanuki sama."
This adventurer-gambler seems to always find the way into trouble. One of these days he will pay for his continuous recklessness. (Tanuki about Lezner)
This bookworm bootlicker opportunist that never was on the battlefield, who would've thought his career will carry him all the way up. This guy never deserved his rank. He makes me sick. (Lezner about Tanuki)
Lezner whispered "what I do for my students…"
Metsuhai sat back in his seat and looked around, searching for Chizue. To his relief she wasn't dancing with Koi anymore. She was chatting at the side of the hall with a maid and a short teenager with two blonde braids. The girl looked somewhat childish and was completely immersed in the conversation. She was pretty in her own way.
Metsuhai turned to his plate and began chewing his salad with rage, taking his anger out on the food. Kuma tapped on Metsuhais shoulder quiet strongly. Metsuhai chocked on his salad.
"Why are you wasting time man?"
Metsuhai didn't answer because he was still chocking. Eventually Metsuhai managed to swallow all the salad and regained his breath. For a moment he wondered if Kuma was encouraging him to approach Chizue, but soon enough he realized that Kumas intentions were completely different. "Eat man. Eat! I haven't eaten this well since Lezner threatened to cast me out of the order and erase my memory." Kuma pushed towards Metsuhai a plate overfilled with pork. Metsuhai nodded and got to work.
The celebrations continued deep into the night.