{Stardust Academy}
In the principal office, there were seven people sitting and one person standing, while observing a young man who was seated in front of them. The position of the people made it looked like a court, where the young man would be judged.
These people were the Teacher Council members and the Headmaster of Stardust Academy, along with Chester. The young man in front of them was naturally Basil.
"Student Basil Cobham, upon the action you have done, what is your plea?"
"I have none."
"Huuh..."
The head of the Teacher Council sighed at his response. After his duel with Harold and his lackeys, Basil was quickly summoned by the Teacher Council to take a responsibility of his action.
The headmaster remained silent, however some of the teachers couldn't stay still. He had injured the son of an Earl, and that was Earl Woster's no less! They had to take care of this matter lest an unwanted problem might occur.
"Listen, Brat. I know that you just wanted to showcase your power, and that wasn't wrong. However, you injured the son of the Earl where his County is your living place! Do you know what problem might occur in the future?"
"So? Are you telling me to apologise even though I am faultless?"
"That is for the best."
"Hmph!"
An amused snort came out of him unconsciously. The disdain it contained was barely hidden.
"Third-Circle, Fourth-Circle, Third-Circle, Fifth-Circle, Fourth-Circle, and Fifth-Circle."
He pointed his finger impudently at the six people from Teacher Council. He correctly called their Circle stage.
"The strongest of you can not defeat Earl Woster in a fight. However, Earl Woster could never defeat Mr. Chester, who is in a lower stage compared to the strongest of you. If you are a coward, do not think the others the same."
They were stunned to silence. They looked at him in disbelief. No one had expected him to act impudently.
"Insolent brat!"
"Aren't you taught to respect your elder!?"
"Hmph!"
Basil snorted coldly once again. The six people were boiling in rage. His words had hit home after all.
"Respect is not given, it is earned. I give respect to where it's due, and I don't see you are worthy enough to earn my respect."
"Y-you!"
Disbelief filled the expressions of the six people. They hadn't thought Basil would dare to counter their arguments. Furthermore, his voice that was full of conviction made it hard to retort. They were frustrated!
Who were they joking? Basil? They picked up the wrong opponent! He had never lost an argument before. He was always so blunt that many people would think he wasn't afraid of the consequences.
"Kuhum. I think it is better to end it here."
"I am thinking of the same thing too."
Blake and Chester who were watching the scene with amusement finally opened their mouth. Chester was touched with Basil's confidence in him. While he had no intention on remaining silent, he had been waiting for the right time to interject.
Given the chance, he would naturally use this chance as best as he can.
"It seems that many of my fellow teachers forgot that I, as the referee, had the responsibility to stop the duel when it was getting out of hands. It is not Basil's fault that he 'accidentally' hurt his opponent. After all..."
Chester looked at them sharply, and said cheerfully, "He was about to be killed! At that situation, self defense is common sense. You don't have to worry for his sake my fellow teachers. I, Chester Cowdray, will take the full responsibility of his action!"
"Lunatic!"
"I, Blake, too will take this matter into my hands. Therefore, you shall not be worry."
"Wh-what?"
The six people were dumbfounded. Every single things that had happened since the start, had not been in their expectations!
Just who is this kid!?
They couldn't help but cursing inwardly. Each of them looked at each other and nodded reluctantly. They had no choice. Although they didn't want to admit it, they were indeed inferior to Chester.
The strongest of them only had 3 Major Circles in the Fifth-Circled stage. Chester, on the other hand, had 4 Major Circles in the Fourth-Circled stage. Furthermore, Chester was an outstanding Spellcaster. None of them knew what kind of cards he had hidden in his Grimoire.
"We understand. If the Headmaster says he will take this matter into his hand, we will have no more to say. Then, we will excuse ourselves."
They didn't even glance at Basil. They were afraid they would say something that would ruin their already hurt dignity. Basil sat calmly while looking at Chester and Blake.
"Who are you speaking to, Basil?"
Chester asked suddenly. Basil merely smiled faintly. He was a little bit impressed. Not even Blake realized it yet, however Chester had realized it already.
"I am communicating with Deacon."
"Your Beast Companion?"
"Hm."
Chester had known who was Deacon, however Blake hadn't known. Therefore, he asked in surprise. His surprise wasn't in the name of Deacon though. He was surprised that Basil could already use [Link]!
"When did you learn it?"
"I have gone for a week. I was not fooling around."
"Oh..."
Blake was impressed once again. Basil's learning progress was simply monstrous! He had been there when the duel occured. He had seen how fearsome Basil's prowess was. He had been cheering ceaselessly in his mind for being able to coerce Basil to stay.
However, at this point, he wanted to thank the god who he had never believed for the grace called Basil that had been bestowed upon his academy.
"Listen, Son. I don't care how much you spend your time outside. You just have to keep growing. I want you to showcase your prowess in the Regional Magic Battle, therefore don't worry about others. I will give you my full support!"
Blake grasped Basil's shoulder, and exclaimed enthusiastically. It was baffling to see someone at his age having those fiery eyes.
Basil merely smiled. Blake wasn't a bad person. He treasured people with talent and equally good attitude. It had been for this reason that in the past, he had sacrificed himself for his academy's student so that student could run away from danger.
— The future is on the youth. We, elders, are no more than a withering wave that is waiting to be pushed away by the wave behind! To keep the world prosper, keep the youths alive!
His last words had been remembered by many people. It was like a light shone upon them in that era full of tragedies. The current time might be peaceful. However, it wouldn't be long until history repeated itself.
The Second Age of Chaos would begin in no time. Basil was preparing himself for that. He smiled incomprehensibly while saying his farewell to Blake and Chester. His mind wasn't on the Second Age of Chaos, but The Seven Princes.
'Guide, what is The Seven Princes?'
[Ding!]
[This knowledge is currently forbidden for the Host. The Host needs to reach a certain level in power, while unlocking the next function of the Guide.]
The word 'forbidden' made him gulped unknowingly. He had been an outstanding Ninth-Circled Battle Mage in his past life. He had fought Gorgophone, that he suspected to be one of The Seven Princes, with his all. However, he had failed.
He had thought that he had managed to deal quite a blow on him. However, upon going back in time, and receiving many knowledge from the Guide, he had finally realized something.
To manipulate Mana on a whim, one had to be a dragon or a spirit that was blessed by the nature. Even then, they needed incantation to do it. Therefore, dragon had their own world defying language. Spirits didn't need that as the world had given them a privilege to access Mana.
However, here goes the cold water. Gorgophone didn't use any incantation to manipulate Mana according to his will. Although a chantless Spell was normal, it was only so if one had Magic Circle. He could tell Gorgophone had none.
Being able to use Magic without Magic Circle was outstanding yet common. However, to manipulate Mana without that was unprecedented. Basil's expression turned grim.
What is Gorgophone and the other Seven Princes?
What is he, Basil, who is able to do the same feat as Gorgophone?
For the first time in his life, Basil had finally realized he had been blindfolded for his entire past life. His thoughts calmed down coldly.
Let the time uncovers it all.
...
"Will you really be okay?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"I am sure."
"He is THAT Earl Woster's son, you know?"
Basil was on his way accompanying Shirley back home. She was asking him of the results of his summon anxiously. She was normally a confident girl and always welcomed challenges. However, unlike Basil, she knew when to bow down.
Therefore, when she saw Basil turned Harold into a pulp, she was concerned of the outcome of the duel.
Basil who saw this smirked faintly, and ruffled her head. He didn't need a brat's concern, however he appreciated the feeling.
"Just concentrate on your progress. You have to be a half decades older to worry about me."
"Pfft.. what is that? You sound like you mean it."
"..."
Basil merely shook his head faintly, and looked ahead. His mouth felt bitter. He had just said the truth after all. He wasn't old, mind you! He was EXPERIENCED!
With that conviction in mind, she accompanied Shirley until they arrived at Cobham Manor.
"Uh.. see you at dinner? You are going home, right?"
Shirley looked at Basil nervously. She was unconsciously pulling on his sleeve. In response to this, Basil merely smiled playfully.
"Who knows? I might be home, I might be not."
"Oh.. I see..."
Shirley nodded her head weakly. Disappointment was barely hidden from her tone. She wanted to spend more time with Basil, now that they had started their relationship anew. Also, she felt something pleasant whenever she was with him. Thus, the disappointment.
At that moment, she felt a warm hand on her head. She looked up and saw the faintly smiling Basil.
"Just focus on your progress. We will find a time to hangout."
"Hm..."
Shirley merely nodded in a daze. Her heart beat strangely, and her body felt weird. She didn't even know that she was blushing.
Basil only looked at her briefly and turned his back on her before quickly disappearing to who knows where. He wanted to get out of there quickly. He knew it. A girl in her puberty phase is dangerous!
'I am too 'experienced' for this crap!'
Unaware of Basil's thought, Shirley calmed herself down and got inside the house. She was quickly greeted by the maids inside. She paid them no mind, as she sped herself to someone's room.
"Brother said to concentrate on my progress. The best way to quicken one's progress is to obtain knowledge. In this house, where is the place with the most knowledge? It is no other than Brother's room that is filled with books! He asked me to wait for him in his room! My, my, how can't he be honest to himself?"
She giggled to herself upon her muttering. Fortunately or unfortunately, Basil's thought regarding a girl in her puberty was right. That day, he had just received another headache inducing ordeal.
Sadly, he didn't know it, yet.