13 TIME TO TRAIN

After a short while, Sebastian, and Shen arrived at the expansive library.

"Thank you, Sebastian," Shen said looking at the black-haired butler.

"Have a nice day Shen" Sebastian bowed

Looking at the library In front of him Shen was giddy "I can learn from these books faster than anyone." But his giddiness died down

"But I need comprehension first" Shen sighed and stepped forward. "What the?" he said as he bumped into something while staring up at the books.

"Watch where you're going you beanpole," A young boy with round glasses and small stature said while picking up his books.

The black-haired boy got back up on his feet and began to walk away "Yeah whatever you say short stack" Shen remarked

"What did you just say?" The boy stopped in his tracks and turned to face Shen. "I'm surprised you heard that from down there munchkin" Shen quipped

"WHAT!!!" The boy's face turned red with anger "HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH THINGS TO ME!" The boy began to whisper something after that.

Shen began to feel a chill up his spine.

[Attack Imminent]

Shen quickly dodged to the right rolling into a combat stance. when he looked back at where he was standing when he saw a large ice spike collided with the floor. "Are you trying to kill me?!?!?!" Shen shouted at the boy.

"SHUT UP!" The boy shouted and began to whisper again but was cut short

"STOP IT NOW CAIN!" The boy stopped his whispers.

Both Shin and the boy turned to face the voice and what they saw was a tall man with just the beginnings of a beard, long brown hair, and bright blue eyes.

"Cain, how many times have I told you to not let your pride control your judgment? What are you doing reading when you should be practicing fighting?" The man screamed at the boy

"What would father say to this behavior?" The man walked to the boy. A shiver went up through the boys back as he heard the word 'father'

"T-This man insulted me" Cain stuttered as he spoke. "So your reaction is to break the floor of the library with an icicle? that is no way for a prince to act!" The man stood next to the boy now and asked: "And honestly tell me who said something insulting first?"

"....I called him a beanpole." Cain looked to the ground silently while the man stared daggers at him "very well then." he turned to Shen's direction " you there come here for a moment." Shen took a short jog to the man and Cain and asked " Yes?"

"I want you to apologize both to promptly" The man said. Shin saw this as a chance to not make an enemy of the prince and hopefully not get any consequences from the king, and so he complied promptly

"The dearest prince I deeply apologize for my actions here today and would very much appreciate your forgiveness" Shin bowed and said trying to sound as sincere as possible while doing so.

"Your turn Cain" The man looked as if his eye could shoot fire.

Cain reluctantly bowed and said "I'm sorry for calling you a beanpole, it was uncalled for. please forgive me"The boy quickly stood up and said" happy?"

"Yes," The man responded. The boy turned and walked out of the library.

"I'm sorry for my brother his a bit temperamental he gets it from his teacher,"

The man said with a chuckle. "It's fine I should not have made the situation worse with my mouthing off," Shen said with one hand behind his head.

"But that aside. Who are you?" The man said with a puzzled face. "My name is Tanda Shen I'm new to the kingdom and I'm starting class with you all in a month. nice to meet you. may I ask your name?" Shen asked courteously. If he was to make a bad impression with both princes then he would be at a loss.

"Leonidas but you may call me Leo as we are classmates. My father told me of you his new disciple correct?"

"Yes"

"Well if all I heard was true then. I am truly sorry for your loss, you may call me Leo" Leonidas said nodding his head.

"Thank you." A light of pain flashed through Shin's eyes Leonidas interrupted.

"The boy you saw was Cain. My, little brother. He is a bit prideful so try not to talk about his hight and please while you're here don't make problems. Did you come here for something specific?" Leo said while looking around the room.

"Oh yes. I came to find a book called *Introduction to cultivation* do you know where it could be?" Shin didn't want to waste time looking for it.

"Yes, I do actually. you see my brother has just checked it out since he is re-reading it." Leo said with an awkward smile

"Oh" Shin was screaming in his brain 'That munchkin looking boy took it? Damn it why does that dwarf need it'

"Would you like me to pass it along to you?" Leo asked

"Yes If at all possible. thank you." Shen bowed, 'I like this guy he seems nice.' Shin thought

"Well ill pass it along in three days. I'll be taking my leave now, but before I go" Leo lunged forward and punched Shin in the gut knocking all the wind out of him leaving Shen gasping for air

*cough cough* Shen with one hand on the ground began to speak "What was that-" "Sorry I just wanted to see why my dad chose you but it seems I overdid it well I will be going now." Leo said while quickly walking out the door.

"I need to train if I'm gonna survive here," Shen said as he propped himself up with both hands on a nearby table and began to wobble unsteadily before walking through the door on his noodle-like legs

"It's time to train."