3rd Person P.O.V.

[May 17, Year 380, Human Era Calendar] Location: Elite Disciple Dorms, First-Seat Yami's Suite

It was afternoon, and Eugeo was planning to do his daily swinging sword regimen. The flaxen-haired boy took a look at his partner and saw he was checking out his sword.

Eugeo: What're you doing, Kirito?

Kirito closed the Stacia Window of his Night Sky Sword and smiled warmly at his partner.

Kirito: Nothing. I just checked out the blade's life to see if maintenance needed it for care. And guess what? It's still okay.

Eugeo: That's a relief. Anyway, do you need anything?

Kirito: Are you going to the training halls?

Eugeo nodded his head in affirmative.

Kirito: Let's see. Thanks for the offer, but I don't think so. Well then, have fun.

Eugeo nodded, took his sword, left their suite, and made his way to the training halls. And about 30 minutes later, he arrived at the training halls and was greeted with the sight of Humbert and Raois practicing their forms.

When the two noticed Eugeo, they scowled and lowered their arms very pointedly.

Eugeo: Don't worry, I'm not going to steal your forms.

Humbert and Raios then attempt to annoy Eugeo by making fun of him, failing as Eugeo decides to ignore them and strikes a practice log.

*pang* *pang* *pang*

The sound of the practice sword hitting the log resonated across the training halls, and Eugeo was the one that produced the sound as he was sweating from doing his daily regimen while remembering Yami's words to him.

——

(Flashback)

Kirito: In this world, the important thing is what you infuse your sword with. It's the weight of your blade that will sway the battle.

Eugeo: Its weight?

Yami: That's right. For Volo Levantein, it was the pride and pressure of being born into a family of swordsmanship instructors.

Yami: For Golgorosso, it's the confidence generated by his body of steel.

Kirito: And for Liena, it was her thoroughly polished skills.

Yami: This is what makes their swords so powerful.

Eugeo: I wonder what should I infuse in my sword?

Yami: You don't need to rush anything, Eugeo. I'm sure you will find your answer in the future.

Eugeo: You're right, Yami.

Yami: Yes?

Eugeo: If what you're saying about the weight is true, what do you infuse your sword with?

Yami stopped flipping the page of the book he was reading and turned to Eugeo with a smile.

Yami: Hope... I was fighting for the sake of my precious people. I have to become strong not just for myself for the people I care.

Eugeo was astonished at Yami's will to fight, and he knew he couldn't compare it to him. Kirito who heard that blushed as he looked away

Yami: There's a different reason for the upperclassmen's power, too.

Eugeo: Is that true of Second-Seat Raios and Third-Seat Humbert, as well?

Yami: Those two share the enormous conceit that they've fostered since childhood.

Eugeo: Conceit?

Yami: Raois and Humbert probably nurtured that conceit by comparing themselves to others. That's why they look down on guys like us, who aren't from the capital, let alone nobles.

——

Time Skip

[May 20, Year 380, Human Era Calendar] Location: Elite Disciple Dorms, Sixth-Seat Eugeo's Suite

Eugeo: It's been three days... It feels weird that nothing's happened after they hinted of mischief.

After the incident where Eugeo "accepted" Humbert's lesson, which resulted in Eugeo's victory, he kept his guard up in case Raios and Humbert schemed for revenge, but nothing has happened in three days.

Kirito: Calm down, Eugeo. There's the Taboo Index as well as the school registrations. I guess it's not easy to harass someone here. But on the other hand, that means as long as you don't violate the Taboos, you can do anything you want.

After sipping his black coffee and enjoying the drink while Eugeo made a face when he tasted the coffee, he said he couldn't relate to his friend's love for caffeine.

Eugeo: Don't violate the Taboos? But what could...

Yami: "Thou shalt not intentionally damage the life of another without reason listed elsewhere." Tell me, Eugeo, is it okay to hide someone's shoes?

Eugeo: Of course it's not. Isn't stealing also a terrible taboo?

Yami: That's the point. But what if I told you that stealing someone's shoes and hiding the item from the owner and returning it before 24 hours is legal? Will you believe me?

Eugeo's eyes widened in realization, clearly understanding what Yami was trying to implicate.

Eugeo: You aren't telling me!!

Yami: That's right. As long as they don't cross the taboo lines, Raios and Humbert will not stop their harassment and continue to mess with our lives. Well, you don't have to worry about anything. Don't lose your head and stay cool.

Eugeo looked at Yami with raised eyebrows, confused.

Eugeo: What's that? S-Stay...

Kirito: Stay cool. How can I explain it for you to understand? It's like, "Let's stay calm." However, it can also be used as a farewell. Kind of like, "Okay, see you!"

Eugeo: Alright. I'll keep that in mind. S-Stay cool, stay cool...

Yami smiled and Kirito giggled in amusement as they watched Eugeo repeat the new words, and it reminded him of a child that just started learning to speak. Since it was already late nightfall, the white-haired boy clapped his hands together and caught the attention of the flaxen-haired boy.

Yami: All right, the ten o'clock bells will ring soon, so I guess we should call it a night.

Eugeo: Sounds good to me. Don't forget; tomorrow, we're spending our day of rest with Tiese and Ronye and heading into the campus forest for a get-together.

Kirito: What time are they coming?

Eugeo: They're coming here at nine, so make sure you're ready by then.

Kirito: Yeah, yeah. Nine o'clock, right? I'll wake up at eight then. If that's all you want to say, I'm going to bed. Good night, Eugeo.

Eugeo: Eight is too late! Seven-thirty! Good night, Yami!! Kirito!! Stay cool.

Kiriyo: I know I said it was a farewell greeting, but you don't have to use it every night before you go to bed.

Eugeo: Sheesh...

Yami: You should save it for a real goodbye, okay?

Eugeo: This is trickier than I thought.

——

Time Skip

[May 21, Year 380, Human Era Calendar]

It was the next day, and currently, Yami, Kirito and Eugeo took their valets, Ronye and Tiese, to the forest behind the Academy. The five were enjoying the handmade lunch cooked by none other than Yamk.

Yami: So, how are you guys training with Water Ability Techniques?

After becoming the first seat, Yami thought of teaching different elemental techniques to his/Kirito and Eugeo's valets. The reason for this is that he's been observed the two and saw a vast potential that rivaled the previous first-seat Sortiliena Serlut.

Typically, Yami would not teach the elemental techniques since they were not compatible and usable for almost everyone. Only a rare individual can learn and use it. Even then himself and his mother use the elemental techniques more effectively.

His first Disciple is Sortiliena Serlut. She learned Lightning Style since the technique focuses on graceful attacks that focus on agility which suited her. Yami second and third disciples are Tiese and Ronye which he teaches them water breathing techniques since it was the easiest to learn for beginners.

Tiese: We get the grasp of it, but we still can't use the Total Concentration Breathing technique nonstop.

Ronye: Hai! Our lungs, ears are hurting and ringing like crazy.

Yami: Don't worry. It can be one step at a time. You guys don't have to focus on the Total Concentration Breathing technique yet. Sooner or later, I'll teach you guys the proper and fastest way of mastering it.

While Yami was chatting with Tiese and Ronye about their regimen, Eugeo was lost in thought, and the three noticed it and turned to him worriedly.

Tiese: Eugeo-senpai! Eugeo-senpai!

Eugeo:...

Tiese: Eugeo-senpai, are you listening? Senpai?

After a few attempts of calling him, Eugeo finally came to his senses and looked to his valet.

Eugeo: Sorry, sorry, I'm listening.

Yami: Then, what are we talking about?

Eugeo: Um... Yami is a great cook, and whoever is his wife (wives) will be lucky to have him?

Tiese: So you weren't listening! And don't change the topic!

The red-haired girl shouted in surprise and embarrassment when she thought of being Yami's wife.

Tiese: What am I thinking!?

Eugeo: I-It's just that the forest is so beautiful so that I couldn't help it. There are rare animals here, too.

Tiese: Rare?

Eugeo: Look, like over there.

He pointed his index finger at a rare creature nearby their location.

Tiese: Oh, that's just a Golden Fox. There are tons of them living in trees growing in the city.

Eugeo: Huh...?

Kirito: You seem to be familiar with this area. Come to think of it, Tiese, the other day, you did tell me that you're from the capital, right?

Tiese: Yes.

Kirito: Is your home nearby?

Tiese: My parent's home is in District Eight, so it's a little far from the Academy in District Five.

Eugeo: Ah, I see, Hmm?

He paused and turned to Tiese with a confused expression.

Yami: What's wrong, buddy?

Eugeo: Tiese, you're a noble, right? I thought all the noble's mansions were in District Three and Four.

Kirito: That's why you didn't rank up high in the writing test. Only fourth-rank and higher nobles can live in the mansion district. Am I right, Tiese?

Tiese: Yes. My father is a lower-level, sixth-rank nobleman who has no judicial authority.

Eugeo: Eh... But didn't all nobles have judicial authority?

Tiese: Not! Judicial authority only extends down to the fourth rank. Fifth-rank and lower are subject to the judicial review of the higher ones.

Kirito: Huh? This is my first time hearing about it. They never recorded anything like this in the book.

Yami: yeah same with me

For some reason, that was unknown to Yami since he was too busy thinking about the difference between the real world and this world and known to the flaxen-haired boy and brown-haired girl, Tiese blushed and stuttered while fiddling with her hair and averted her gazes from looking directly at Yami's eyes.

Tiese: Th-That's why... someone like me, the heir to a sixth-rank noble, is an aristocrat in name only. Our lifestyle is no different than regular people.

Yami: I see... To be honest, I'm glad that Eugeo, Kirito and my valet were the two of you, right, Eugeo?

Eugeo and Kirito nodded his head in affirmative.

Eugeo: That's right. Since I'm a commoner and Yami along with Kirito are outlanders, the three of us are outcasts by the rest of our peers.

Ronye and Tiese just looked at their mentor in sympathy. Notice the gloomy atmosphere; Yami turned to Ronye and changed the subject of conversation from them being outcasts into their training.

Yami: So you see, Ronye. When faced with a High-Norkian style strike from above the head, there are two things you need to prepare for. It's either from above or diagonally above to the right. If it's any other trajectory, they'll change their footing for sure, so after that, you'll still have time to block it.

As Yami continued to explain, Ronye listened happily with a smile and a hint of red cheeks.

And Tiese looked at Ronye in jealousy and with a pout. Eugeo smiled as he saw his and Yami/Kirito's valet fight for Yami attention. He saw Kirito who was also jealous which shocked him but he also felt jealous.

The fuve continued their lunch uninterrupted, and after half an hour, the food was finished. As Eugeo and Kirito enjoyed the cookies made by Ronye, Tiese and Ronye cleaned up the dish while Yami stood up and stretched.

Kiriyo: That was so good! We should do this once in a while.

Tiese: Um... Yami-senpai? Eugeo-senpai? Kirito-senpai?

Yami, Kirito and Eugeo: Hm?

Tiese: I have a favor to ask of you. It's about Frenica, one of my dormmates.

Tiese's shoulders slumped, and Ronye took over the explanation.

Ronye: The thing is, the Elite Disciple whom she serves under is a rigorous person. Especially in the last few days, he's been giving her orders that are considered entirely inappropriate.

Eugeo had a disgusted expression when he heard his valet's friend being harassed, and Kirito had a severe face. Yami who was ready to kill someone in cold blood.

Eugeo: Even if he's an Elite Disciple, he shouldn't be able to order her to do a task beyond the scope of the school regulations.

Tiese: However, even if it's not a violation, um... They might be hard for a female trainee to bear.

Eugeo: I understand the situation. To change Frenica's mentor, she'll need the approval of her current mentor himself. What's the name of this troubling Disciple?

Tiese: Um... It's Humbert Zizek. The 3rd seat Elite Disciple.

Yami narrowed his eyes when he heard his name.

Yami: Him again? Why does his name always be mentioned when the topic of harassment pops up? Was he that desperate in women?

Tiese and Ronye were curious at what Yami was talking about and giggled at how he expressed Humbert's personality in one sentence.

Eugeo: A few days ago, I dueled Disciple Humbert in the Training Hall, and it ended in a draw. But he seemed disgruntled by the result. He may be taking it out on Frenica because of that.

The girls had a confused expression, still seemed not to understand the full importance of the situation.

Ronye: Um, in other words... He's doing this out of spite.

Tiese then looked down while clenching her fist at her skirt.

Tiese: I don't understand... My father always said to me. We live in a bigger house than general civilians and enjoy some privileges, and we can never take that for granted. He taught me that nobles must do all they can to ensure that those not so privileged can live in peace and joy. And if war ever breaks out, we must be the first to take up our swords.

She started to tear up at the thought of being useless and had to watch her friend suffer.

Tiese: And yet because of what Elite Disciple Humbert ordered her to do, Frenica ended up crying in bed all last night. How... how can such a thing be allowed?

Ronye extended a white scarf to Tiese, who put it to her eyes.

Yami: Tiese, what your father taught you is splendid. He must be a good father. I like to meet and have a chat with him one day. If you guys want to know, the attitude that Tiese's father taught her is called " Noble obligation."

Kirito and Eugeo: "Noble obligation"?

Yami: Nobles, that is, those with power must use it for the sake of the powerless. Another word for it is pride. And that pride. And that pride is more important than any law or regulation. After all, there are things that you shouldn't do, even if it's not forbidden by law.

As Yami explained, Eugeo, Kirito, Tiese, and Ronye looked at him, amazed that he knew about this.

Yami: On the other hand, there might be things you should do, even if they are forbidden by law. Eugeo, Kirito, Tiese, and Ronye, who abandon their friends and family just because of some rules, are worse than those dirty nobles.

Ronye: Um... I think I understand a little of what you're saying, Yami-senpai. There are essential morals that aren't described in the Taboo Index. In other words your own personal justice, right? Rather than simply obeying laws, you need to consider why those laws exist. Compare it with righteousness, and reflect. Perhaps it's more important to think critically about it rather than obey.

Ronye and Tiese especially were caught off guard when Yami put his hand on top of Ronye's head as he patted her.

Yami: Exactly, Ronye. A human being's most significant power is to think. It's more powerful than any sword or secret technique. Even if it doesn't violate the Taboo index or school rules, what Humbert did was unquestionably wrong. So somebody has to stop him. In this case, that somebody would be...

Yami turned to Kirito and Eugeo, and both boys understood what that look meant and nodded his head in the affirmative.

Eugeo: Yeah. That would be our job.

——

Time Skip

Later that evening, Yami, Kirito and Eugeo went to confront Raios and Humbert at their suite, and when the two arrived there, Yami deadpanned when he saw Raios and Humbert in a robe as they lay on the couch in the middle of the room.

Raios: And so... my friend, Disciple Eugeo, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit in the evening of our Day of Rest?

Eugeo: I happened to hear of a disturbing rumor concerning Disciple Zizek there. I've come to warn you before my fellow student's good reputation is tarnished with all due respect.

Humbert: What did you say!?

Raios: Well, well. This is quite surprising and also unexpected. To think you'd be concerned for my friend's good name. Unfortunately, I have no idea what rumor you speak of. From whom did you hear this rumor from?

Eugeo: I heard it from Lord Zizek's page, as well as from the Novice Trainees who share her dorm room. That Sir Humbert has been issuing deviant orders to Frenica, his page Trainee.

Raios: Hmm... Deviant? That's a curious choice of word, Sir Eugeo. Why don't you be more precise and call it a school violation of the school registrations?

Eugeo:...

He paused as what Raios told him was indeed true. He knew full well that Humbert hadn't broken the rules, and that was what made this so despicable. The flaxen-haired boy took a deep breath and replied.

Eugeo: But... But, even if the Academy allows it, there are things that an Elite Disciple should never do as a Novice Trainee's mentor, right?

Raios: Oh? Well, Sir Eugeo, what is it that you claim Humbert did to Frenica?

Eugeo: W-Well...

Eugeo couldn't answer that question since Tiese and Ronye never told him, Kirito and Yami further details regarding what happened to Frenica.

Raios: What do you say, Humbert? Do you have any idea what Sir Eugeo is talking about?

Humbert: Not a clue! I have no idea of what he's going on about! But I admit that I ordered her to perform several trivial tasks.

Yami: He's getting on my nerves... I want to slice him right now, but that wouldn't solve anything. I need a chance... a chance that allows me to slaughter him.

Raikou: just watching their debut I hated them with a burning passion back when I was. They need to suffer.

Humbert: Ever since that duel with Sir Eugeo, which shamefully ended in a draw, I've become a new man, immersed myself in training. And because I've avoided drills that would give me unsightly muscles, my entire body aches unbearably. I had no choice to ask Frenica to provide me with a massage every night at bath time, that's all.

Eugeo: !!

Humbert: Also, lest her uniform got soiled, I was kind of enough to allow Frenica to strip to her underwear!

From this point onwards, Yami and Eugeo ignored what Humbert was trying to say and focused on their emotions. With Eugeo, as he watched Humbert chuckle delightedly, he sensed an unfamiliar feeling surging up from deep inside him.

Eugeo: Was there any point in politely attempting to convince such a person?Was it words that were appropriate now, or a striking blow with a wooden sword?

With Yami and Kirito both stared at Humbert with a cold glare, hating him from the depth of their hearts. Never in his wildest dreams did Yami and Kirito imagine meeting someone with the same or worse personality than Sugou.

Back with Eugeo, his hands twitched as he reached for his Blue Rose Sword, which wasn't there. Yami saw Eugeo inhale and exhale several times before calmly saying.

Eugeo: Novice Trainee Frenica is in anguish day in and day out. If I don't see any improvement, I will consider asking the instructors to investigate. That's my intention.

Humbert: What!?

Raois: Do as you please, Elite Disciple Eugeo!

He said with a smirk. Yami, Kirito and Eugeo turned and left the room, but Yami had a feeling that something terrible and marvelous would happen sooner or later.

——

As soon as they reached his suite, Eugeo clenched his fist and smashed it against the wall, frustrated.

Yami: Calm down, Eugeo.

Eugeo: I was sure that you would have exploded before me.

Yami: Well, I was mature and older than you for sure. Violence never solves anything, and it'll only cause more damage. Good thing I kept your sword before we confronted them. More importantly, I thought there might be an ulterior move behind this, so I kept an eye out.

Eugeo: Ulterior move?

Kirito: This is most definitely a trap for you, Eugeo.

Eugeo: Huh?

Yami: For example, if you'd taken their bait and said too much after confronting Humbert, they might acknowledge that as impropriety and punish you with the maximum penalty.

Eugeo:...

Eugeo realized that Yami was telling the truth. Yami walked up to Eugeo, put his left hand on Eugeo's right shoulder, and made Eugeo look at him in the eyes.

Yami: If Humbert continues to abuse Frenica, we should at least make preparations to have the instructors look into this.

Eugeo: Yeah... I agree.

Yami: Eugeo, if those guys say anything to you again when I'm not around, try not to get so passionate like you did today.

Eugeo: I-I know already. Stay cool, right?

Yami: That's right. Stay cool...

The next day, Tiese reported to Yami after the red-haired girl finished the cleaning. Tiese gave her report to Yami and not Eugeo nor Kirito because Yami asked both boys to investigate something for him at the library. Since the investigation is taking too long, Yami will receive the report today.

Tiese: First-Seat Sir Yami. Allow me to report. I've finished today's cleaning.

Yami: All right. Good job, Tiese. Thank you, as always.

Tiese: Oh, no, it's my job as Eugeo-senpai page!

Yami: Tiese, do you mind if we talk? Go ahead and take a seat anywhere you like.

Tiese scanned the room and saw the only places for her to sit are whether at a desk chair or at the bed where Yami sat at the moment. Made up her mind, Tiese nodded while blushing.

Tiese: All right, please excuse me.

She walked over and sat timidly on the corner of the bed, just a few meters from Yami. The white-haired boy just smiled at his junior, turned his upper half toward her, and put on a severe face.

Yami: It's about Frenica... Eugeo and I confronted Humbert about that yesterday.

Tiese turned to him with a smile, happy to hear the good news.

Tiese: Really!?

Yami: I don't think he wants to turn this into a worse situation, so I don't think he'll give any more messed up orders.

Tiese: Thank goodness. Thank you very much, First-Seat, Sir Yami.

Yami: You are done with your work, and you're not my page, so you can just call me Yami. Also, there's something that I need to apologize for.

Tiese: Huh?

Yami: We discussed this a little yesterday, but as it turns out, everything Frenica's been going through really was caused by Eugeo's duel with Humbert. I'd like to give her a proper apology in Eugeo's stead. If I had been there, this thing would not happen in the first place. So could you set up a meeting for me?

Tiese was caught off-guard when Yami apologized when he wasn't at fault. She averted Yami's gazes and her cheeks much redder now.

Tiese: I see... No, this isn't your, Kirito or Eugeo-senpai's fault. But I'll be sure to convey your message to Frenica. Um, c-could I... sit a little closer to you!

Yami: U-Uh... sure. I don't see any problem.

Tiese leaned closer until she was an inch from him.

Tiese: Not long after I graduate from Swordcraft Academy, I will take over the head of the Schtrinen family and receive a husband from the same rank or one rank higher.

She turned to Yami with teary eyes, hoping someone would come to save her.

Tiese: I'm afraid! I don't want a man who becomes my husband to be someone like Sir Zizek... Someone without pride, who doesn't give a second thought about being cruel... When I think about that possibility... I get terrified. I...

Out of nowhere, Tiese leaned over and clung to Yami's right arm, pressing her modest and still growing chest onto Yami's muscular but hidden arms.

Yami: Tiese?

Tiese: Yami-senpai, I, um... I have a favor to ask of you. Yami-senpai, since you are the Academy's representative, did you aim to win the battle tournament and compete in the Four Empire Unification Tournament?

Yami: W-well, that's what I'm aiming for, too.

Tiese: Um, and then, uh...

Her face then turned red as her hair now.

Tiese: I-If you rank high in the Unification Tournament, I hear you can get appointed to be an Aristocrat like Ms. Azurica, the dorm supervisor for the Novice Trainees. Um, if you become one..

She couldn't finish her sentence and just stared at the ground and trembled. Yami looked at Tiese and saw she started to cry in his arms. Yami knew what she was implying and was happy that someone like him, but deep inside, he knew. He knew one day he'd leave this world and her.

Yami: The reason I'm fighting on the Unification Tournament is to be an Integrity Knight and help Kirito get the answer to why we were summoned to this world. To return to Sachi and the others... But... What if... what if...

He made up his mind. He decides to make her happy, and that's absolute.

He doesn't do this out of pity. He does this because he also has a feeling for the girl that is crying in his arms.

Yami: Okay, I got it. After the tournament, I'll be sure to see you.

He lifted his left hand and smoothly rubbed her head. He then lifted Tiese's face, wiped the tears from her beautiful face with a charming smile.

Tiese: Me, too... I'll become stronger, too!

Tears of happiness glistened on her cheeks, and she wore a smile as she held Yami's right hand with her petite right hand.

Tiese: So strong that I can say what's right and say the right things when they need to be told. Just like you, Yami-senpai.

(Meanwhile)

In the Dark Territory a young man who was slaying down monsters as blood was covering his body. He stopped as he sees the tall tower and grins. He drops his hood down and Adam is in Underworld.

Adam: so brother this will decide our fates.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

End of Volume