-unknown time-
"Your contract this time, a student attending Astria's Magic Academy."
In a flower shop , a botanist of no redeeming features passes an envelope to a shadowy figure
"Phew, that's a big catch if there's any."
"Think you can handle it young man."
The botanist sneers at the shadowy figure response
"Think?, I'm thinking what I'd do with all that gold old timer."
To which the shadow figure looks at him with a smug
-present day-
"You are wondering why I've called you here Mr. Eric , well there are two reasons one of which pertaining a visit by Master Theodore and another pressing matter..."
"Out with it Eugene, if formalities could kill you'd make a corpse out of me."
"Oh I was getting into the matter at hand Master , you never change with that attitude of yours. *ahem* where was I ?
Word had spread of you having a spat with Lord Minister Alfonso son Leon , needless to say the consequences of such unauthorised bout triggered a diplomatic raw and this is why Master Theodore has come to-."
"I been sent to meet that noble slouth and keep them off your tail, never thought I'd make a good diplomat but here Iam well they'd better serve me good wine for all that trouble."
"I'm sorry for troubling you master, I'll do better next time."
"Damn straight you are, you thought I'd be mad hahaha. I'm not against cracking a few noble skulls."
"*sigh* Master, we're in a room full of nobility
"*ahem* back to the topic at hand. Student Council President would you please."
"Yes , headmaster Eugune.
Eric ."
Russel turns to me his face meant business
"Eric, what do you know of the trophy hunters."
"Trophy hunters??!!."
I know who they are , my mouth went agape at the mention.
"The trophy hunters are elite assassins trained in the arts of murder, they are a deadly organisation that treat their target like game. They neither poison nor cause discreet demise , once a target has been set..."
"They stop at nothing to have their head, like they tried to get mine." Master chimes in
"Who's mad enough to target you Master?."
"No idea, they're bound by a secrecy pact and even torture won't get a word off their mouth.at least I got something vague off the youngin before I kicked him to the curb."
Master looks towards Russel again
"Take it from here Van Fredriche."
"Gladly , what was understood was that they're hired to have your blood.... they seek the power of chromata and since Master Theodore proved to be a challenge they're likely going to use their youth wing to target you."
The trophy hunters , an ingame event where theyre hired to target a protagonist of the story and depending on the route the co-target happens to be one of the romantic interests.
"Me? If they're after me, not Prince Joshua , not Gil , not Killian , not Leon , not even you Russel?. Even with the chromata my powers are limited compared to Master Theodore I don't see why they would come after a small fry like myself."
"*sigh* need I remind you that you're one of the best young swordsman, singlehandedly brought the end of the Crows , and beat Leon one of the strongest students in the academy. If you're what you call a small fry I shudder to think who's it you think is stronger than you, in addition to that the power you possess is sought after by a slew of nobility humility is a virtue however in your case its unwarranted. Headmaster I suggest we keep Eric in protective custody until the trophy hunters are dealt with."
I'm looking at him , Russel you are the strongest in the academy. Even when you're holding back (ofcourse I keep it to myself.) , compared to you I'm no where close. I know where I stand and what I must do and it's not what should be said.
"Excellent suggestion young Van Fredriche.. Eric you are hereb-."
"I refuse!, no whelp I trained runs from a conflict. Especially that which involves killing"
"Master, I decide how I go out. And this includes you Russel , hiding won't accomplish a thing. If they can't come for me they would come for my Mistress and if it's between my safety and hers , I'd put hers first
Let them come for me , I'll cut them all off."
I say with utmost conviction.
-meanwhile-
Aida class had just concluded as Aida bolts to the principle office followed in tow by Alice, Joshua , Killian, Gil, Misty and Micah.
"What do you think they'd call him in for Lady Aida?." Said Micah
"I don't know but it was urgent , we'll know when we head to the office and by the way who invited you Micah." Aida crosses her arm and raises a brow at Micah's presence
"I had free time and Eric is a good friend of mine from back in the day."
"Yeah he is *rolls eyes*, tell me the truth Micah. You're plotting something aren't you." Killian nudges at Micah mischievously.
"At any rate to make it to the Headmaster no less would require an amazing feat." Joshua lays his piece while contemplating
"Like unauthorised sparring match between that bastard Leon and that commoner Eric." Gil irritatedly chimes in
"Mr.Eric wouldn't fight unless provoked I didn't see the battle, but I heard he struck first." Alice looks at Micah to which she gets a knowing smile.
"You have that dazzled gaze everytime you talk about Eric eh ... Alice. Not that I don't see what you're seeing personally at any rate. Looks like our man of the hour left the office."
"Remember what we've said Eric , if need be should you require assistance you are directed to contact us at the student council residence." Russel lays his piece with a serious tone.
"Thank you President Russel, I'd take your words into consideration even though I might have to refuse." I gaze into his eyes defiantly
"I guess this is it whelp, try not to get yourself killed."
Master leaves before turning back to me with these parting words.
"You made some good friends." A faint smile paints his otherwise expressionless face.
"Is this Master Theodore?."
"Its the adventurer himself!."
"What's the old man doing here?."
Aida , Misty and Gil stood astoundedly as Theodore walks past them whilst slightly nodding at Aida.
"I don't know what is happening but things are looking grim, the Duke of Lumere would never send his strongest retainer for a mere visit." Micah contemplates
"You think he wanted to check on his cute student?."
"Like hell he would Misty. He's more than likely doing errands for Duke Lumere."
"Master Theodore sure is amazing his gait alone is powerful which makes it hard to believe that he's over a 100 years old."
"They call him the strongest Adventurer for a reason , of which we know why."
I look ahead at Master departing figure and notice the friends I made all along chatting among themselves. These friends I made during my time at the academy , to the wheelchaired me from the past life were a saving grace...
I take in the visage of my friends and Aida
And solemnly sword an oath
Those who try to disrupt Mistress Aida's life be it the Trophy Hunters or the Demon Lord himself are looking to face the sharp tip of my sword.