The next day, Kirito was in Eugeo's room, and they were polishing their respective swords while waiting for their valet, Ronye, and Tiese, to arrive. Kirito took a break from cleaning his blade to look out the window and noticed that it was pouring outside, with the odd gust of wind.

Reason why Yami wasn't with them as he needs some alone time.

*ding** ding** ding*

Then came the sound of a bell clanging.

Kirito: Isn't that the 4:30 bell?

Eugeo: You're right. Is it that late already?

Kirito: Ronye and Tiese are late. They've never been late to cleaning before, have they?

Tiese and Ronye have never cleaned their rooms later than four o'clock. Usually, the two would arrive at Eugeo's room before splitting but today wasn't the case as they were nowhere on their radar.

Eugeo: Well, the storm's pretty bad. Maybe they're just waiting until the rain stops. It's not like there's a rule about when they have to start.

Kirito: Do you think rain would keep them away? I've got a bad feeling about this. I'm going down to the primary trainee dorm. You wait here, just in case I miss them by accident.

He slid Night Sky Sword into its sheath, placed it on the table, and got up. Eugeo was shocked when Kirito opened the window and looked about to jump out of the window at any moment.

Eugeo: Um, Kirito, I don't think this is good-

And there he goes. Kirito, as usual, ignored Eugeo and leaped from the windowsill to a nearby branch and slid down out of sight, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves.
Eugeo sighed, exasperated, and shut the window behind him.

Eugeo: Jeez, that guy always does whatever he does.

He returned to the couch, picked up his sword, and sheathed it. Suddenly, there was a minor knock on the door. He exhaled a huge breath, thinking it was probably Ronye and Tiese.

Eugeo: (See? Of course, you'll miss them if you jump out the window.

He opens the door with a smile on his face only to see.

Eugeo: Thank goodness, I was wor-

A light brown-haired girl stood in front of Eugeo. The girl was soaked and looking extremely nervous.

???: Um... are you Elite Disciple Eugeo?

Eugeo: Yes. And you are?

Frenica: I-'m Primarily Trainee Frenica Cesky... I-1 apologize for coming to see you without an appointment. But I just don't know what to do!

Eugeo: You're... Frenica?

Frenica: Um, I know you've gone out of your way regarding my issue with Lord Humbert Zizek. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. However, tonight, Lord Zizek has ordered me to... um... He's ordered me to perform a service that's difficult to explain.

Eugeo could tell her face was deathly pale and stiff, and he could tell the guilt of those words was burning her alive on the inside.

Eugeo: What?

He increased the grip of the white leather sheath on his left hand with an angered expression.

Eugeo: When did they leave?

Frenica: Um, I think it was right after the three-thirty bell.

It had been an hour. Eugeo had intended to wait for Kirito or Yami but since the two youngster is unlikely to return anytime soon, he chooses to pursue the case independently.

Eugeo: Alright. Frenica, I'll go check it out. You wait here in this room. And if First-Seat Yami or 4th seat Kirito shows up, tell him to come to Humbert's room, will you?

She nodded uncertainly, and Eugeo left the room and headed straight to Raios and Humbert's room.

Eugeo: So that's their goal all along! Not to target me, but Tiese and Ronye!!
————

The mound of fear in his chest expanded with each stride. Fortunately, those two jerks' rooms weren't too far away from his, so he was there in under two minutes. Eugeo didn't even take a moment to catch his breath before slamming his fist against the door.

After a few seconds, Humbert's muffled voice answered.

Humbert: Please come in.

The flaxen-haired boy yanked the door open and saw Raios and Humbert sitting around with a glass of wine in their hands, dressed in the same thin robes as yesterday. The room also smelled curiously different and was darker than the last time he was here.

Humbert: We just opened a 50-year-old bottle from the western empire, so why not join us? It's not something a commoner would ever get a taste.

Eugeo silently looked around the room, feeling even stranger. Gloomy though the room was, he could see no one else was there.

Eugeo: No, it's fine. Actually, Elite Disciple Zizek, I wanted to ask if my page, Primary Trainee Tiese Schtrinen, and First Seat Yami/4th Seat Kirito's page, Primary Trainee Ronye Arabel, happened to visit your room?

Riaos: so those two are yours, Sir Kirito and sir Yami's pages? To suddenly visit the first seat elite disciple, who stands at the pinnacle of the student body, as well as the second seat elite disciple, they're certainly brave for primary trainees! No wonder they're your pages.

Raios: That said, they do need to be careful. Assertiveness can sometimes be taken as rudeness or disrespect. Wouldn't you agree, Disciple Eugeo?

Eugeo could barely resist the urge to grab the collar of Raios's robe.

Eugeo: I will hear your valued opinion another time. Where are Tiese and Ronye now?!

Both Raios and Humbert got to their feet, headed to the bedrooms on the west side of the room, and Eugeo limped after them. When the door was opened, Eugeo was sicked of the sight in front of him.

It was even worse than the campfire smoke lit by those wicked goblins in the far northern cave years ago.

Eugeo: ...!!

He widened his eyes in shock and horror when he saw Ronye and Tiese tied up over their uniform on a large canopy bed with their mouths covered.

Eugeo: Wh... What do you think you're doing, Sir Raios?!

Raios: These measures were unavoidable, Sir Eugeo. Since Primary Trainee Schtrinen and Arabel disrespected us to an outrageous degree.

Eugeo: Disrespected how?

Humbert: These two lesser noble girls had the gall to accuse me, a 4th ranked nobleman, of needlessly abusing my own page and satisfying my own lust, offending me greatly. After all, I've done as the 3rd seat Elite Disciple to guide Frenica down the proper path!

Raios: And that's not all, Sir Eugeo. They made the absurd claim that I was just as accountable as Humbert's roommate. I mean, the daughter of a mere 6th ranked noble asking me, the eldest son of a 3rd ranked noble, "Have you no pride as a noble?" To have said such a thing...

Humbert and Raios shared a look and chuckled. Eugeo became enraged with each phrase the two exchanged and tightened his grasp on the sheath.

Eugeo: Still, Lord Raios, even if everything happened the way you described, binding them with ropes and locking them in your bedroom is undoubtedly a flagrant deviation from the Disciple punishment authority!

Raios: Disciple punishment authority? Have you forgotten what academy rules say? That "regarding all punishment higher law take precedence!"

Eugeo's eyes widen in realization. Higher law. Only fourth-rank and higher nobles had the right to wield judicial authority, and the ranks below were subject to its powers.

Raios: Higher law, as in the Taboo Index, not to mention the Basic Imperial Law. In other words, as a 3rd rank noble's eldest son, what I can exercise on these 6th ranked noble girls aren't the Disciple punishment authority, but the noble's judicial authority... as my right!

He strode up to the bed where Tiese and Ronye lay and knelt atop the mattress, then approached the scared Tiese while Humbert came to the scared Ronye.

The poor girls twisted, trying to escape but could do nothing with their limbs bound. Eugeo finally realized the nature of Higher Law took a step toward the bed.

Eugeo: Stop it!!!

However, Raios bolted upright, his eyes gleaming.

Raios: Don't move, commoner!

He pointed his hand at Eugeo as the flaxen-haired boy felt his legs come to a stop, as definitely as if they'd been nailed into the ground.

Raios: According to the Basic Imperial Law and Taboo Index, this is a lawful judgment by a noble. And to obstruct such a judgment is a severe criminal act. If you take even one step closer, you'll come a criminal who has broken the law!

Eugeo: That's...

He wanted to deny Raios' action, but the words were stuck in his throat. Suddenly, he fell to his knees.

Eugeo: My legs!!

Raios and Humbert continued to forcibly undress both Tiese and Ronye, to which the girls were disgusted and tried to fight them but terribly failed since women are inferior to men in strength.

Ronye: No, no!

Tiese: senpai!! Senpai!!

Eugeo gritted his teeth, gasped, and tried to raise his right leg. Eugeo wanted to help his and Yami/Kirito's valet, but the phrase "criminal in violation of the law" repeated over and over inside his head, making him freeze in his place. He then thought of Yami's words when they went on a picnic.

——

Yami: The only thing we're allowed to do is believed that we won't regret the choice we made. That's why, Eugeo, just do what you thought was the right thing.

——

That's right. Eugeo didn't care about the law. He didn't care about anything other than helping Tiese and Ronye. Eugeo finally fought against the will of the world and desperately moved his body.

Eugeo: (Fight...)

A sharp pain jolted deep inside his right eye. The odd, familiar pain from whenever he questioned the law of the Church. However, that doesn't stop Eugeo from doing the right thing.

The nobles had forgotten entirely about Eugeo by now, their eyes gleaming with lust and power as they surveyed their helpless victims.

Ronye: N-No! No!

Tiese: No! Help me! Help me, Eugeo-senpai! Eugeo-senpai!!!

Eugeo: Tiese and Ronye worked up the courage to help their friend, only to be punished by such a cruel law! A law that can't deter Raios and Humbert, who ensnared them and are now about to defile them! If holding such a law is the "right " thing to do... I... I...

He ignored the pain in his right eye that had transcended into a lump of burning fire and used every last ounce of his will to reach for the hilt of the Blue Rose Sword. He tried to pull the sword from its sheath, but it was as though both sword and sheath, and perhaps even his arm itself, had turned to ice.

The words "System Alert #Code: 871" then appeared in his vision, preventing him from finishing those corrupt nobles.

Eugeo: What's this...? No... this is the same as that time! Unforgivable... it's absolutely...

He could sense that this was some kind of seal. A seal that prevented him from moving. Eugeo desperately clung to his consciousness while Raios and Humbert were preparing to pierce the bodies of those girls with their own.

Then a voice was heard that he haven't heard in years.

Forsaken: F̷i̷g̸h̴t̸ ̵i̴t̸,̵ ̸E̴u̶g̴e̶o̵ ̷o̴r̴ ̷b̷e̸ ̸t̶h̷e̴ ̷s̸a̸m̸e̵ ̸c̸h̵i̶l̵d̸ ̵w̴h̷o̵ ̸c̵o̴u̶l̵d̷n̶'̴t̶ ̶s̴a̸v̵e̴ ̴h̵i̴s̷ ̴f̴r̸i̶e̶n̵d̴s̶!̸!̵ ̵F̷I̸G̴H̸T̶ ̴I̶T̵ ̸A̵N̴D̷ ̸R̸E̶B̵E̴L̴ ̸T̶H̶E̸ ̵L̵A̸W̵S̷ ̵T̵H̵E̸ ̵H̵O̵L̶D̷ ̶Y̷O̷U̶R̴ ̷T̷R̷U̶E̸ ̸S̵T̷R̴E̷N̴G̸T̷H̴!!

Tiese: No! No! Eugeo-senpai!!!

Had enough of something preventing him from saving someone dear to him, Eugeo turned his hatred into strength to move his arm, drew his Blue Rose Sword from its sheath, and at the same time, destroyed his right eye. Then Yami's voice was heard in his head.

Yami's voice: FIGHT!' REBEL THE LAW!! KILL THE CORRUPTION AND PROTECT THE ONES YOU CARE!! KILL THEM!!!! NOW OR YOU ARE THE WEAK CHULD THAT COULDN'T SAVE ALICEKXKDKSKKSKSKXKIEK!!!!!

Eugeo: ARGHHHH!!!!!!!

Although half of his vision is fading, Eugeo unconsciously activated <<Horizontal>> and swung the sword at Raios and Humbert.

Raios saw something shining out of the corner of his eye and dipped down just in time. The sword caught his hair as it dropped, slicing the fibers free. However, Humbert was too slow to react.

The attack sliced Humbet's left arm and the loose half spun through the air until it landed on the fine rug.

Humbert: AHHHHHHHH!!!

Eugeo who dropped to his kness as he was breathing hard as it took a lot of his energy as Humbert was freaking out.

Humbert: A-arm...my arm is....bleeding!! So much blood!! My life is decreasing!! Lord Raios, a sacred arts spell... No, a normal spell won't heal this in time!! Your life!! Please share some of your life!!

Raios didn't responed as he got off the blood stained bed and walks towards the weapon racks and grabs his weapon.

Raios: Magnificent!! I've never seen anyone commit such a crime before.

He walks towards Eugeo with a insane look on his face.

Raios: Though the nobles' judicial authority generally only applies to lesser nobles and tenant commoners...exceptions can be made for heinous criminals who've broken a Taboo!!

He pulls his sword out of the scabbard and the sword was up to the air.

Raios: I've never cut off someone's head with my sword before. This will make me even more powerful!!

As the lightning flashed showing Raios's insane smile.

Raios: Disciple Eugeo...No, heinous criminal Eugeo!! I, Raios Antinous, a third-rank nobleman's heir in accordance with the nobles' judicial authority, shall now execute you!!

Eugeo closed his eyes and waited for the impact...

However, no sword landed on his neck. Eugeo raised his head and saw Raios's sword had met another pitch-black sword right in mid-air.

???: Oi, oi, what're you thinking you're doing to my best friend and my precious juniors.

Eugeo: Kirito.

Kirito sent a nasty glare at Raios and Humbert with an expression they or anyone had seen before.

Raios: So you finally showed up, 4th Seat Kirito? However, you're a bit too late! That country bumpkin there is a heinous criminal who violated the Taboo Index! You, as the first seat, must understand this. So stand back and just watch! Witness this criminal's head being cut off just like those flowers that day!

Kirito:*abridged voice* Would you stop... running that mouth of yours!? It pisses me off to hear weakling like you!'

Raios' expression was filled with shock at first, then hate, and finally a ferocious delight.

Raios: To think that two country bumpkins would commit such grave crimes. This means I can get rid of you both simultaneously and take the first seat by myself. What a wonderful day! Indeed this is the guidance of Stacia!

He pulled back his sword and held it high again. He then clutched the handle with both hands and turned sideways, long robes rustling. The blade started to glow blackened red color.

Eugeo realized Raios about to use Sword Skill, Avalanche, or the High-Norkia secret technique, Mountain-Splitting Wave, then tried to get to his feet, but Kirito put a hand on his shoulder.

Kirito: Stand down, Eugeo. Let me handle the rest. Trust me.

Eugeo nodded and let Kirito move him against the wall before facing Raios again. Kirito took a deep breath and do... absolutely nothing, confusing everyone in the room.

Raios: I don't know what you were planning to do, but my secret skill will demolish whatever thing you are about to do!

Kirito: Less talking, more fighting.

A red and invisible energy clash with each other, representing Raios and Kirito incarnation. Humbert, huddling on the floor in the back; Tiese and Ronye, now sitting up on the bed and clutching each other; and Eugeo, kneeling along the wall—all silently watched the two swordsmen.

Raios brought his sword down the moment bolt of lightning was heard. Tiese looked at Kirito worriedly when the black-haired youngster stood still and did nothing.

????: you're taking too long.

Someone slices Raios's blade breaking it and slicing Raios's arms. Raios then toppled onto the floor while screaming in agony as blood erupted from the severed limbs.

Raios: ARGHHH!!! Arms!!! My arms... are... bleeding!!! Blood... Blood won't stop!!!

His eyes swiveled here and there until he at last spotted Humbert huddled a short distance away, and he tottered over on his knees.

Raios: Humbert!!! Bleeding... Stop my bleeding! Untie your rope, and bind my arms instead!

Humbert: No! U-Untying it will reduce my life! That order is a violation of the Taboo Index!!!

Raios: Taboo? But... My blood is... Humbert!!! You... Taboo... But... My life will...

He looked back and forth frantically from his own gushing blood to the the ropes tied around Humbert's wound.

Raios: Taboo... Life... Blood! Taboo!

Yami simply ignored Raios's existence and approached Tiese and Ronye on the bed. He unties them and hugs them gently since they've been through that trauma.

Yami: Rest assured. Everything is fine now.

Tiese and Ronye's nodded after listening to Yami calm voice. If it weren't for him and Eugeo, the two probably would get raped by Raios and Humbert. From the bottom of their hearts, the two were grateful to them.

Raios: Life... Blood... Taboo... Life... Blood... Taboo... Life... Taboo...

Raios was speaking turning into the broken machine sound, and his body began to tumble backward before glitching out, frightening everyone in the room. Raios ceased screaming after a few seconds and lay motionless on the ground.

Kirito: what the!? Did something happened to his Fluctlight?

Yami walked towards the motionless Raios.

Yami: shut up, parasite.

Then he steps on his head hard breaking his head and spilling blood and brain matter on the rug.

Humbert: y-y-you killed him!! Murderer!! Monster!!

When Yami found Humbert about to reach the standard room, he made himself known to the scared Humbert.

Yami: I didn't say I would spare you alive, did I?

Humbert turned around and was frightened at the sight of Yami, who looked at him with cold eyes.

Humbert: Hiek!! Please, it's not my idea to kidnap those girls!! Just tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you. Women, money, titles, anything!!! Just leave me alone!!

Yami smiled and coldly replied.

Yami: ...No. now die...

He takes out a silenced FN Five Seven and shot Humbert on the head killing him instantly. He looks to see a pale head and marble looking eyes.

Yami:*telepathy* So beat it, I'll fight back and break the Taboo Index.

Yami: Eugeo, Kirito grab Tiese and Ronye and don't let them hear words that came out of that thing from their memory.

Although Eugeo was confused, he did as Yami told and promptly folded his arms around the sobbing Tiese's head. Kirito did the same with Ronye.

???: Singular unit detected. Tracing ID. Coordinates fixed. Report complete.

After that, the head disappeared. Yami sighed and looked down at the room. The room was a mess and stink. He then turned to Raios's corpse and thought that he deserved it. There's a limit to how kind someone can be. Raios and Humbert dared to test his patience and received the punishment this time.

Eugeo: Now I'm just like those Goblins...

Yamk looked at Eugeo and saw the flaxen-haired boy clenched his left eye shut and gritted his teeth. Yami leaned closer and put his hand on Eugeo's right shoulder.

Yami: You're human, Eugeo. Just like me. Every time you make a mistake, you continue to struggle to find its meaning. You're human.

Eugeo: Yami...

Tiese weakly smiled, pulled a white cloth out of her pocket, and wiped the blood.

——

Time Skip

The next day, Yami, Kirito and Eugeo were in the underground discipline chamber after someone witnessed Yami killing Humbert and reported it to the Azurica. After an inquiry, the dormitory supervisor determined that Yami, Kirito and Eugeo were responsible for the deaths of Raios and Humbert. That's how they were forced to sleep here last night.

After waking up, Yami, Kirito and Eugeo were released and are now being escorted by Azurica to somewhere, but before that, she treated Eugeo's wounded eye.

Eugeo: Thank you very much, Ms. Azurica!

Azurica: No, actually, Disciple Eugeo, Disciple Kirito and First Seat Yami, I need to hand you over to your escort. Before that, I'll say only this. Disciple Eugeo. You've broken a seal I was never able to break. Therefore, you should be able to go where I was never able to go. Believe in that sword and in your friend.

She then turned to Yami.

Azurica: First Seat Yami. I was never able to get to know who you really are. But I'm sure that something is bound to happen when you reach that tower. I'll be here, praying that you find that light. Forever.

Yami: Miss Azurica, thank you very much. I'll see you again at some point. After that, I'll be able to tell you all you need to know.

To everyone's surprise, he took Azurica's right hand and kissed the back of her hand. She blinked several times in shock, and unless it was Eugeo's imagination, her cheeks reddened, and a faint smile appeared on her hand.

Yami used some of the aristocratic knowledge he learned from Sortiliena at the time to do what he did. This was done to express their thanks to their superior. Was it?

Azurica gently pulled her hand free of his and playfully flicked his forehand.

Azurica: I don't know where you learn that, but that person is going to have a talk with me.

Yami: Huh?

Azurica: Nothing. Let's go, then. Your escort is here.

The two were then led to the training hall's entrance. Yami, Kirito and Eugeo entered the arena together, and their escort stood in front of them. It was a young woman with blue eyes, long golden hair, and white lace around her brow. Her outfit consisted of golden armor, a blue cloak, white leather boots, and a white skirt.

???: I am the overseer of the Capital city of Centoria, an Integrity Knight of the Axiom Church. Alice Synthesis Thirty.

End of Volume