29 Examination pt 5

Michael POV:

Such a stressful few days, at least everything's done now, just have to make sure things go smoothly. I can relax with Harry around. Watching these rookie's duels helps to get my mind off work.

Asia: You seem tired. I bet it took a lot of effort to do all this.

The perplexing girl next to me broke the silence after the tension with Harry a minute ago. I couldn't help breaking into a smile.

Me: Yes it definitely took a lot of work, but It was worth it don't you think?

Asia: Mhm. I'd say it's a success, at least from what I can see. Although I don't know whether to feel sorry or laugh at you being chased around by that fanclub of yours.

She glanced back at the small swarm of people being held at bay by Harry's intimidating figure. Most of them were fangirls, some fanboys too but there are a few people wanting to create relations with me.

A bitter smile came on as I looked at them: Being a public figure isn't the most comfortable position. But I can do more this way.

Asia: Perhaps.

I nodded absentmindedly, letting my mind wander. Asia broke me out of my daze with a nudge.

I looked at her: Hmm?

Asia looked at me with a cute smirk that held amusement: Well I was TRYING to ask you if there was any reason you were looking for me.

Shaking my head: No, no reason.

Asia giggled a little: Well I gathered that. You look like you need a nap.

She may have a point but I can manage: No need. I've already slept enough today. Actually I was sleeping until Harry told me you came.

Asia looked at me mouth partly open in surprise before grinning widely and stepped close to me provocatively, leaning into me. She opened her eyes wide like shimmering pools and looked up at me with a slight pout: You came just to see me?

Maybe because of the drowsiness, my self control faltered, I couldn't help my face heating up and heart beat faster when hearing her sweet voice. This girl really just does whatever she feels like huh! Despite knowing she's just playing around I was still quite flustered and found it hard to tear my eyes away from hers. There's no helping it!

Vigorously shaking my head to snap out of it: Y-you know it's not like that.

Asia stepped back and doubled over laughing, clutching her stomach: HAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!... I never knew teasing like that would be so much fun! Hahahaha....

The more mature friend of Asia, Mira spoke up: Asia you shouldn't act like that in public. People talk.

She looked around at some of the people that watched the interaction, whispering to eachother. A bead of sweat dripped down my face. Oh great, more rumors.

Asia looked over briefly and slightly smirked at me, subdued chuckling followed after as she eyed me with clear amusement: Let them think what they will, it doesn't matter in the end. One thing is certain though. I'm devastating.... I was just teasing you so don't worry, I better save that one for later. Yeah, later.....

Hearing her trailing off at the end I had to point something out: Just in case you've forgotten but being seen here with me now is your first impression. I thought you preferred anonymity?

Her smirk went from faint to full blown devilish grin as she returned from her thoughts. Facing me with that damned near unreadable grin of hers that shouldn't be present on a girl her age, she just chuckled to herself and sighed out leaning comfortably on the wall, not giving a response. That plastered grin of hers becoming even wider, complementing her nature well but it was still bugging me that I can barely read her. This is exactly why this girl intrigued me from the moment we met, I wish I could see what you see!

Everything seemed to become oddly quiet as if affected by her as she was in thought. She furrowed her brows for a moment in brief seriousness, then everything went back to normal instantly. Probably my own imagination playing tricks on me.

I don't think I've ever seen her serious before though, always maintaining that relaxed atmosphere. I wonder what she was thinking about? I looked over to harry who has been constantly keeping an eye on Asia and he shrugged. I don't think he caught the strange feeling. No, i'm sure it was just my sleep depravation. I slapped my cheeks to get the drowsiness out.

As if right on cue, Asia spoke out in a cheerful tone: Well since you're tired and because I feel like it, i'll make us some tea.

Bringing out a pouch of what I assume are tea leaves she opened them a took a whiff, breaking out into a genuine smile that was so dazzling I froze. Too bad it's for the tea leaves.

Me: I take it you like tea?

Asia smiled brightly, yet somehow I found myself thinking it was more to herself than anything else: I've always liked it, a reminder of sorts...

I nodded to her explanation, not quite understanding her but unwilling to pry into private matters depite the curiosity bubbling inside. I can wait to figure her out. I watched as Asia made the tea in a quick flurry of basic magic. Shredding the leaves, brewing them in hot water, creating stone cups to drink from and finally filling the cups with the tea she filtered.

All basic stuff but nevertheless it seemed as if she wasn't paying much or any thought to it as the process floated around her. How much practise would that take?!

Passing each of us a cup of tea, Asia: Here.

Alice chirped up from being absorbed in the duels: There's no milk or sugar?!

Asia shrugged: Don't drink it if you don't want to. I prefer tea like this so I don't bother with other stuff.

Alice pouted and whined a little at Asia who just chuckeld, before Mira distracted her again, making her forget all about the tea just like a mother distracting a child.

I just watched with a smile. Taking a sip I breathed a relaxed sigh, already feeling slightly more awake: This is good tea.

Asia nodded: I hope so, it was expensive. I like the good stuff.

Yep, this is definitely strong alright. Smiling while watching the duels we all drank our tea, barred the bouncy Alice who was enraptured in her own world.

I was curious so I poked Alice, bringing her out of her reverie, before asking: Hey Alice, i'm a little curious. Why do you like these duels so much?

Alice tilted her head in thought looking like a very cute child despite knowing she's only a few years younger.

Alice: Huh? What do you mean? It's so cool! Boom! Pow! Smack! Hahahaha!

Gesturing cutely Alice replied with a bright smile, but something seemed a little off about that. I noticed Asia's eyes flash for a moment from the side. It's none of my business and it seems Asia has taken an interest in them anyway.

As we were enjoying our tea and watching the young rookies duke it out, a loud condescending voice echoed throughout the area from across the square arena.

???: Hahahaha! How pathetic! If this is all the empire has to offer, i'm disappointed!

Everyone stopped, even the people fighting, and turned towards the source. Directly across from us leaning against the stone wall a few hundres metres away was a young boy about the age of 11 or 12 with a savage grin unbecoming of someone his age. What really stood out however was his fiery red hair and the same colour eyes, it almost seemed as if they glowed like fire.

The two kids that were duelling stopped and yelled out insults to the fiery kid who just laughed at them and hopped into the arena. The two duelists that stopped fighting were faltering before this boy as he walked closer.

Duelist 1: W-what do you want?...

Duelist 2: Y-you can't i-interfere w-with our fight...

Clearly scared of the fiery boy, they backed up further and further as he came closer until they were pressed against the wall. Without hesitating, they leaped over and ran, forgetting about their duel as the slightly crazed eyes of the read head watched them. Now, with all eyes on him he stood proudly in the square and made his declaration.

???: Hahahaha! Just as I thought. MY NAME IS FELIX, 12 YEARS OLD, AND I WILL BE THE GREATEST FIGHTER THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN. CHALLENGE ME IF YOU DARE!

The area was quiet, waiting for someone to challenge Felix. Clearly this was a challenge to the younger generation about to head off to the academy as he hijacked this contest, but honestly this isn't such a bad development. As the host, I must do something at least. Motioning to Harry to follow we left Asia and the girls, hopping into the arena and instantly attracting all the attention as people realised it was me.

Felix looked over to me surprised but he smiled and bowed respectfully, saying: It's an honour to meet you here Sir Michael, you are one of the few people I respect.

I was surprised in all honesty, not expecting him to be polite. But nevertheless I smiled and nodded at him before replying: You must be the rumored flame prince I've heard about recently.

Still with that unnerving smile, he nodded happily and responded: I'm happy to have caught your attention.

I simply chuckled: I like to stay informed.

The people around were whispering now. The moniker of flame prince was given to this boy not long ago at the adventurers guild. The story goes that a boy from a poor baron family was whisked away before his family fell into ruin and raised by flame spirits after his birth. Of course, this is just folktales and rumors, but the part about being taken before his family fell is true and no one knows what happened between then and recently when he made his appearance.

Not affiliated with anyone and having no recollection of his family, the flame prince made a name for himself as a young genius mage and fighter, high level 2 in both, amazing in his use flame magic or flame-attributed fighting aura. All anyone really knows about him is his flames, hence the name, anything else is just speculation. I remember reading a report about notable guests before the event and Felix the flame prince being one of them.

Turning to face the crowd I needed to make sure things go smoothly: It would seem that this competition has had a slight hiccup. Therefore, I will be changing the rules slightly. Considering his rise to fame, stength and accomplishments, Felix here will automatically advance to the semi-finals. The other three places will be fought over by everyone else.

There were some gasps here and there along with murmurs but no one really opposed my decision. The flame prince has become a well known figure in recent times, his power and talent is the real deal, already attracting the attention of influential figures. Happy that this is settled, I returned back to the girls, who were now receiving more attention from being with me as people hadn't realized it was me with them before now.

Felix went off to the side, happy with my decision, whilst Asia chuckled as soon as I got back and said: You handled that well.

I nodded: Well it is part of my job as the organiser of this event. Besides, if I'm being honest this is starting to bore me. There are less talents in your age group than previous years and these duels have been dragging on.

Asia: Oh? Makes sense, I'm beginning to get bored of these fights myself. Although that Felix kid has peaked my interest.

Me: You talk as if... never mind. You said he peaks your interest, any particular reason? From what I know of you, anyone that could gain your interest has to be something special.

Asia nodded, not even denying my statement before saying cryptically with a smirk: I'll give you a hint. He is both a fighter and a mage, yet neither at the same time. He is unique and I haven't seen or heard of anything like it before. Truly intriguing.

Startled by here response, I have no idea what she means, but I simply had to point out the obvious: You talk as if he's the biggest mystery here. Aren't you forgetting someone?

She chuckled and said no more. Seriously, this girl is such a mystery. I had to ask though: If you find him so interesting, why don't you go fight him?

She glanced at me briefly before fixing her gaze on Felix on the other side of the arena, her eyes lingering for a while before she shook her head, not saying anything in response.

Like that time passed quickly and soon the semi-finals were here.

(A/N: Been a while. Updates will be irregular from here but I got a while draft chapter on just ideas and am constantly adding to it in my free time. Will not drop.)