Season 2; Chapter 1: Embarked

Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kinglsey Royale Sage; Eleven Y.O., 93.00 lb(42.2 kg), 156.2 cm (61.5"). Lawrence was at the underground training place, where all the knights gathered on the sides, watching the fierce battle against Lawrence and Gavin. The battle's purpose was an evaluation to test Lawrence's improvement. And this time, it was the sixtieth in the last sixty months.

Winning over forty-three matches against Gavin, this time, he was close to getting his forty-fourth win. Their swords clashed, sweat crawled down their cheeks, eyes concentrated, breathing stabled, movements in unison, it was as if watching a sword dance. Beautiful, mesmerizing, and engaging, as the swords crash at each other, a melodic sound vibrates.

Giving it their all, that only the sound of their swords clashing was all that they could hear. The loud cheering of the other knights sounded fuzzy, but the sound of the sword harmonized. Both of them smirking at each other, inflicting minor wounds side to side, enjoying the thrill of the evaluation. Finally, Lawrence put a stop to the fight and outbalanced Gavin.

Gavin fell on his back, before standing, Lawrence's sword pointed on his neck. He froze and smiled, "I..., lost." he uttered.

Suddenly, the loud cheering became clear, clapping and yapping at Lawrence, congratulating him for his victory. Lawrence smiled casually, retreating his sword and giving out his hand to assist the fallen Gavin. "It was a great match."

Gavin took his hand and stood up. He leaned over his shoulder and cheered. What happened? Lawrence figured that if he only stayed a couple of months in the manor - where Gavin was at - he would only waste his time back on the St. Apple Villa. He thought of another way to spend all his time in training but at the same time handling the St. Apple Villa.

In two weeks, Gavin would visit the St. Apple Villa. After the two weeks, Lawrence does the same but vice versa, so instead of Gavin visiting St. Apple Villa, he attends Gavin back on the manor where he remains. This routine had gone for five years, and each month, an evaluation to test Lawrence's strength. This schedule was confirmed by Leighton, allowing Lawrence to do what he wanted to do, so as long as he could maintain the St. Apple Villa.

It's been five years, and yet Estella is still in a coma. Leighton allowed Lawrence to visit every three months at the hospital nursing Estella. And in the last five years, Leighton had been trying to catch up with his son along with the Emperor still persuing to be the mentor of Lawrence.

Lawrence had formed a pact with Gavin, allowing Gavin to become his mentor, and kept it a secret for the last five years. He kept denying the Emperor's invitation because he was unable to form a pact. But finally, on this day in which Lawrence was graduating from Gavin's mentorship and finally releasing the contract with him.

Soon after the cheering finished, the knights slowly went back to their posts and left Gavin and Lawrence alone. Gavin smiled towards Lawrence and spoke, "The last five years, I've given you my knowledge and all that I could teach. I knew from the start that there was something special about you. You fought as if you were going to die tomorrow. Each stance and each strike were precise. You were aiming to kill, a great passion for the sword, and serious intent. It was as if I was facing a monster. Each time I fought against you, I always thought my life was nearing, but every slash you took felt so accurate that you always knew when to stop your sword. It was exhilarating. I was fighting against a kid who imitates a veteran's aura. I wasn't any help to your cultivation. Instead, you were the one who helped me. And finally, the day of your graduation came. But to be honest, it feels as if I am the one graduating. Now I can finally rest at ease and give you the freedom to choose a better mentor who can teach you loads of things." he paused. "Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kingsley Royale Sage, Xavier Sage. I now release you from our blood oath pact and fully announce, you have grown to be a better person," he exclaimed.

Suddenly, a magic circle glowed beneath them, and slowly faded. "If I were to go back time, I would have still chosen you as my mentor, Gavin." Lawrence smiled.

Gavin coughed and looked away from Lawrence. "O-of course you would!" he stuttered. He turned to Lawrence and gave a weak smile.

Lawrence's smile faded into a worried stare. "Must you go?" Lawrence asked.

Gavin looked at the sky, "The neighboring country is initiating to conquer our city. And the lord Sage requested our help to cease the threat. Without a doubt, I must." he said.

"Can't the Emperor assist?" Lawrence asked in frustration.

"He is already assisting on the shadows. You know so well that he must not lose his cool. If words get out, the other emperors will no doubt be joining this chaos." Gavin explained.

Lawrence grew silent. A moment passed, and he finally spoke once again, "Take care of my father. He will need someone to lean on. I entrust you his safety."

Gavin knelt in front of Lawrence, "I, Knighthood Gavin, pledge on my name, to protect the Sage even if it cost my life." he stated.

Lawrence smiled and bowed to his mentor. "Return with glory. And I'll let everyone know the greatness you will achieve," he said before turning away from Gavin.