12 (XII) Departure

Leon and Mikaru, standing in the center of a circle formed by the soldiers, clashed their swords against one another. Bella, perched on Cody's shoulder, watched the duel unfold.

A large assortment of weapons were scattered behind Leon, sticking out of the ground as he deflected Mikaru's onslaught of rapid strikes.

Leon, who had become known for his agility and quick thinking, strategically backstepped and seized a spear. With a deft move, he deflected his opponent's sword and swiftly planted his sword into the ground. Seizing the opportunity, he dashed forward, unleashing a flurry of quick jabs with the new weapon.

Mikaru weaved through each of the jabs, sliding the flat edge of his blade against the shaft of the spear. He dashed forward, ramming his shoulder into the young man.

Leon, bracing for the attack, countered with a shoulder slam. As he twirled the spear around and locked Mikaru in an embrace, a surge of confidence washed over him. Little did he know, his overconfidence was about to be his downfall.

He jabbed the pommel of his sword's hilt against Leon's thigh, returning the bear hug as he lifted the young lord off the ground, exerting his superior physique.

Leon released his hold as he placed the spear against the ground, using it to leverage his weight against Mikaru, forcing him to fall onto him. He used the momentum to kick him off, jumping to his feet.

The Parthrak landed on his back but was instantly back on his feet in a defensive stance, his sword held diagonally before him.

Both young men panted heavily, catching their breath momentarily before dashing forward when Commander Cody shouted, "Enough!"

The two stopped instantly, turning to face the Commander, "That was quite the showing between the two of you. Mikaru, you've done well under Alec's guidance. Even with the handicap of not utilizing your Magic Swordsmanship, you maintained your dominance.

Leon, you've grown exponentially since you woke up. You were able to switch between numerous weapon styles and still managed to keep pace with him. When you explained you wanted to become a Weaponsmaster, I had doubts, but you've completely blown away all expectations.

I expect to hear great things from the both of you while you're down in Treuross." He said, approaching as he patted both on the shoulder with a smile.

"Thank you, Commander!" The boys said simultaneously, bowing to him slightly.

"Now, you had better go get prepared, or you'll be late." Cody replied. The soldiers rushed forward to offer words of encouragement and say their goodbyes.

"Go gather the other three and make sure our escort is prepared." Leon ordered as they departed the barracks.

"Yes, Milord." Mikaru nodded as they split up, each with their own tasks to complete before their departure.

Leon entered the manor, going to the Count's office, and Edgar greeted him.

"Milord!" He exclaimed, shooting to his feet. He reached into the desk and pulled out two small devices, "The inventors completed them this morning. They're the first-generation communication devices you requested."

"They work?" He asked, approaching the desk and picking up one of the small rectangular devices. On the screen, a messenger application was displayed.

"Almost exactly as you requested, Milord. They weren't able to create verbal communiction over vast distances." Edgar explained.

"This will work for now, but do not let them rest on their laurels. Ensure they keep developing toward it." Leon ordered, placing the device in his pocket, "You are to keep that on you at all times. I expect weekly updates and if anything of note occurs, you will reach out to me at once."

"Yes, Milord!" He said, grabbing the device and placing it in his pocket before explaining, "The power source utilizes Beast Cores, a small one will power it for a week."

For the last month since Alec's departure, Leon has expanded the Inventor's Workshop, churning out numerous objects for Othniel and bringing many conveniences to the city unheard of anywhere else on the continent.

"Here. This is a list of updated laws and regulations that are to be implemented steadily while I'm gone." He said, pulling a binder of papers from his inventory and placing it on the desk.

"Yes, Milord!" Edgard bowed before grabbing the binder, "Is there anything else?"

"Keep my mother safe." Leon said, turning on his heel as he exited the office. He went through the manor, walking outside as he went toward the gates, where a congregation of soldiers and servants waited.

"Milord!" A lieutenant shouted. The squadron of soldiers stood at attention and saluted him as he passed by them toward the carriage. Mikaru stood beside two men and a woman; they were the recipients of the letters he had sent last year.

"Mikaru... Daveed... James... Maria." Leon said to each of them as he nodded at them before entering the carriage.

Mikaru and James hopped on their horses, Daveed jumped on a donkey, and Maria mounted her Dragokin. The maids and servants entered a wagon with supplies and began departing the city.

[Name: Daveed Nalthur]

[Age: 25]

[Class: Berserker]

[Potential: A+]

[Trait: Unbridled Fury]

Daveed was a Dwarven Mercenary raised on the Wildland Continent across the ocean. No one knows how a Dwarf from the Akashik Mountains ended up there, but he is the sole inheritor of the Berserker class and is a brutal fighter with his two giant battleaxes.

[Name: James Arainai]

[Age: 137]

[Class: Assassin]

[Potential: A+]

[Trait: Soulbearer of the Forest]

James is an Elf Spy from the Tregiri Forest on the eastern border of the Free Alliance of Man. His tribe abandoned him due to his weak mana sensitivity, but an information-gathering network found him and raised him.

[Name: Maria Drake]

[Age: 18]

[Class: Dragonrider+]

[Potential: A+]

[Trait: Inheritor of the Primordial Dragon]

Maria was the only other Human in their small group. She was a Dragonrider, a unique class inherited only by the knights of the Ziegart Kingdom. She utilized a massive spear and fought alongside her Dragokin.

Leon spared no expense, offering them all vassalage under him and salaries that would make even kings weep in jealousy. The three of them shared a unique feature that he planned to exploit when the time called.

He sat in the carriage, leaning against the wall with Bella curled up in his lap sleeping. He slightly parted the curtain covering the window and peeked outside, a pang gripping his heart as the vehicle quickly moved through the streets of Othniel.

It would be a long time before he could return to his city, and if Edgar followed his instructions, the city would look completely different.