The Runic Alchemist

For the squires, this life was all-encompassing; they had no communities or other extra things outside their service. In exchange, they enjoyed VIP privileges identical to Damian's. VIP students had their own nice sized rooms in all sections, but there were also smaller VIP rooms used as storage, guard resting places, or, in rare cases, housing for squires to stay close to their charges for more effective service.

With only Combat Arts scheduled after lunch, Damian had the rest of the day free, which he'd likely spend combing through the library for more research. However, he had also finalized some armor schematics and wanted to test prototypes. This could be a good opportunity to introduce the assistants to their duties and gauge how reliable they might be.

After the lunch Damian headed outside the academy to the grounds where Bloodedge usually held class. He was a bit early, but he wanted to use the time to practice aura control before the session started so it was fine. As he neared the training grounds, with Toph perched on his head, his attention was drawn to Evrin, who appeared to be arguing with someone. It didn't seem like a friendly exchange. A quick scan of the area with his mana sense revealed no sign of Einar or Sam. Extending his range Damian sensed Einar somewhere near the Spellborne Legion's VIP section, and Sam was beyond his range. Some bodyguards they were—leaving the princess unattended.

Damian approached quietly, stopping a short distance behind the boy Evrin was confronting. Evrin's eyes widened with surprise when she noticed him. Though students loitered nearby, none were close enough to overhear the heated conversation.

"...He is not from a noble lineage, my lady. The divine blood of Astraea cannot be sullied like this," the boy said, his tone dripping with arrogance. The words made Evrin's expression darken.

"How dare you speak of our blood! Don't forget your place, Sylian Darkwood. I've tolerated your nonsense out of respect for your house, but some things are simply not for you," Evrin declared, her voice filled with rage. Damian had never seen her this angry before—house-related stuff clearly touched a nerve with most noble children at the academy, and Evrin was no exception.

"Not for me?" Sylian sneered. "I am the heir of House Darkwood, the best Lightwalker of my generation, and the youngest ever to join the fourth year here. It would be wise, princess, to consider the future. My concerns for you are valid. That commoner is merely using you and Lady Einar to elevate his station. Have you seen the kind of people he associates with? Ashenvale and Dawnstar filth. You should cut ties with him and—"

"Enough!" Evrin interrupted. "You are nothing to me, and believe me when I say you never will be. Who I choose to associate with is none of your concern. Now leave before I lose my patience." Enjoy more content from empireNôv(el)B\\jnn

Sylian's expression hardened. "You think you can dismiss me, Princess? Just because of that ridiculous second test? I'm a fourth-year only because of that travesty; otherwise, not a single fifth-year could challenge me. I am the youngest ever to master the Wood Style."

"You arrogant fool. Let me show you the difference—" Evrin raised her hand, mana flaring, but Damian intervened.

"Enough," he said calmly, stepping between them.

From his mana levels, the guy was certainly impressive for a fourth year. But not that impressive, he had seen plenty same as him and some even better. If he was a privileged job holder in his first or second job then he might be somewhat interesting.. Still Evrin had her own lineage and jobs related to that, plus who knew how many years of experience, he would still put his money on her.

Why was a fourth year brat here anyway..? He looks like he is of Eldoris origin..

"Boy, whoever you are, leave. We've got work to do," Damian said, making a dismissive shooing motion. The kid was staring at him wide eyed the moment he had said enough. Then he stiffly introduced himself.

"I am Sylian Darkwood, heir to Darkwood Duchy," he said, extending a hand. "Of Eldoris."

A Duke's son huh..? One of Evrin's potential matches maybe.. That explains the jealous bitch advice he was giving earlier. Damian sensed Einar approaching hurriedly from the academy building.

"Yeah, yeah. Run along now," Damian replied, ignoring Sylian's hand and stepping past him. He glanced at Evrin, raising an eyebrow at her uncharacteristic temper. She blushed slightly and composed herself.

"Sooner or later, I will surpass you all," The brat said from behind him.

Damian turned back with a dark smirk. Einar had nearly reached them by now. "Still here? Man, you are a shameless one aren't you..?"

The boy gritted his teeth, glaring at him. But eventually forced himself to turn around and noticed Einar just a few steps back from him and froze on the spot. As if seeing her gave him some weird boost of energy he turned around and pointed at Damian.

"Today.." Sylian's eyes flared with anger. "Today is the Day of the Mother. Dueling starts today! Morph Vialist, I challenge you to a duel. You have dishonored me before Lady Evrin, and I will not let it stand. On my pride as the heir of House Darkwood—"

'What the hell was this crazy guy saying? What kind of magic had Einar used on him?'

Damian stared at Einar with an incredulous expression instead of focusing on the boy. She, however, was busy glancing between Evrin and the boy, her face clearly saying, 'What the fuck just happened here?' Finally, her gaze met Damian's, her confusion deepening as she noticed his weird expressions towards her.

"Do you accept, coward?!" Sylian shouted. His voice carried, drawing nearby students closer to witness the drama.

From what corner did this turd show up..? Did he not hear about him.? He indeed had a very punchable face though.

"Fine," Damian sighed. "You want some thrashing.. thrashing you shall recieve. Now f*ck off.. I suggest you buy some high quality healing potions and keep them with you at all times.. I don't want to waste mine on the likes of you.."

Damian turned away once more, making a shooing motion as he walked off, leaving the three Eldoris creatures behind. The boy continued murmuring but eventually retreated. Evrin and Einar followed behind Damian in silence.