A Student (Chapter-06)

Is lying bad? Sometimes. It depends on your reason. Did you lie because you didn't want to be hurt or did you lie because you didn't want to someone be hurt? 

We can't know what is the truth or what is the lie %100. The more things we know, the more we won't know. Situations will get more and more complicated because of the things you know.

For example, a child broke a glass but she/he did say to her/his parents that he/she didn't do it. And she/he said ''The person who did it was our cat.''.

What would you do in this situation? Would you get angry with the cat or the child? Or think about it like this: Why is my child lying to me? She/he knows what she/he did was wrong but why is my child lying? The answer is fear. From the moment you open your eyes, everyone starts judging you. 

When you take your first steps they judge you. When you make a good grade on your test, they judge you. When you become friends with someone that they don't want, they judge you. 

Others' words are always around us, bad or good, it doesn't matter. And when you judge badly your child when she/he does something bad they hate that. So, they start lying. It's a self-defense system. And that's why, supporting is as important as criticizing. Be aware what they can do and they cannot do. If they need a guide, be their guide. If they need an objective idea, be their that idea. Saying something about the truth and then leaving them alone is not the right choice. Make them mature so that we can lower the number of things we don't know or are not sure...

''Can you start to explain what you did yesterday beginning from the guild center?'' Siege asked.

''Yeah, sure. Yesterday, I was going to get my first mission about monsters and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little excited. Jim sent me the mission and I left the Cacot. After some walking, I found the cave but there were 2 goblin guardians in front of the cave entrance. So I made a plan. I distracted the two goblins with a rock that I threw to a bush, and I killed both of them from behind. Then I started getting deep in the cave. It was a little dark but I found my way to the shaman goblin's room. I didn't get across many goblins when I was moving forward. I guess they were gathered up at the shaman goblin's room because they caught Cily, Jake, and others.'' Arthur said.

''Others? (He turned to Jake) Was there any person besides you when you woke up?'' Siege asked.

''No, there wasn't but I saw some broken chains.'' Jake said.

''I'll get that part too. Should I continue?'' Arthur asked to Siege.

''Sure, go on.'' Siege said.

''When I passed the big doors I found myself in the shaman goblin's room. And like I said, there were people other than Cily and Jake. I guess some of them had horns and some of them had pointed ears.'' Arthur said.

''This could be?..'' Jim asked to himself.

''Yeah, they were probably some demons and elves. Where are they now?'' Siege asked to Arthur.

''I don't know. When I killed all of the regular goblins, my mana was drained. Then I felt a lot of pain and exhaustion.'' Arthur said.

''How did you kill the shaman goblin then?'' Siege asked in a tone like he didn't believe to Arthur.

''I used my 'rage' skill.'' Arthur said.

''He is lying! An F-rank doesn't have a skill! You liar piece of-'' Cily was talking but Arthur cut her words with a cold voice.

''Shut the fuck up. I'm not done talking.''

Cily was in shock.

''H-how could you talk to me like that?!'' Cily yelled and got up.

''Sit. Down. Ms. Cily.'' Siege said in a commanding voice.

Arthur opened his 'rage' skill explanation window and showed it to Siege.

Siege read the explanation and he saw the ''...you'll become reckless until the 1 minute is over. And when you become reckless you can't figure out who is enemy and who is ally.'' section.

''How much intelligence point did you use, Arthur?'' Siege asked.

''I used six points.'' 

''Your intelligence became equal to an Orge then... (He thought for a moment) So you are saying you beat the shaman goblin by using this skill?'' Siege said.

''Yeah, I did. I was so close to hurting them but with my luck, I managed to let them free.'' Arthur said.

''Arthur... You are understanding that you let free our enemies, right?'' Siege said.

''I... I couldn't figure out who was who. If I'm gonna be honest, I'm happy that I didn't hurt Jake. Even if it means I let free our enemies.'' Arthur said with seriousness.

Siege didn't say a word for a while. He just looked into Arthur's eyes.

''Fine... I liked that you are being honest.'' Siege.

''Are you seriously believing him?! I'm saying that he attacked me.'' Cily yelled once again.

''(Siege sighed) Ms. Cily, you are saying that he attacked you... He attacked with what?'' 

''(With an anxious voice) O-of course with his sword!'' Cily yelled once again.

''I have the health report of you, Ms. Cily. And the words on this paper are saying you don't have any kind of scar made by a sword. None.'' Siege said.

Cily couldn't say another word.

''And Jake... What did you say to me about the time you woke up at the cave?'' Siege turned his head to Jake.

''Arthur was laying in front of me with some chains in his hands, sir. That's what I did say and I saw a dagger at the place where Cily was chained.'' 

''That chain bounced while I killed my first regular goblin in the shaman goblin's room.'' Arthur said.

Cily tried to escape by shouting.

''Please help me! They are trying to harass me!'' Cily was going to exit from the room but at the last second, Jim held her tightly from her arm. 

''No one can hear you, Ms. Cily. I used an artifact that makes a sound barrier around this room because of personal privacy.'' Siege said while he crossed his hands.

''Cily Morley; with my order, you'll be kicked out from being a hunter and Aliela will take all of your items and money. You'll be left at the Babylon Forest's deep sections on your own and nature will decide which you live or die.'' Siege said with a deep voice. Like a commander's voice.

''N-no no no... Please I'm begging you don't do this to me, please!'' Cily bowed to Siege's feet. 

''The person you should apologize to is not me. It's Arthur.'' Siege said with his deep and cold voice.

''P-please Arthur! I'll do anything! Please!'' Cily's voice was shivering and her hands were shaking because of fear.

''Will I be named as guilty if I say 'I don't forgive you', Mr. Siege?'' Arthur turned his head to Siege.

''No. Nothing will happen to you.'' Siege said.

''No no no no... No! Please! Forgive me! I wasn't trying to escape! I was trying to bring some help... Yeah, some help! Please!'' Cily was begging with her all might. 

''Why did you blame me at first then?'' Arthur was looking at her with pitying eyes.

Cily was frozen. She couldn't say a word.

''I'm finding it generous that Mr. Siege is giving you a chance to live even if it's low, Cily.'' 

Cily couldn't talk again.

''What's your answer then, Mr. Arthur?'' Siege smiled and turned his head to Arthur.

''Even if I'm finding very light this punishment, I won't ask for more. I don't forgive her and I won't forgive her ever.'' Arthur smiled too.

''It's set then. Jim, please take care of this case with the help of guardians.'' Siege said.

''Yes, sir. As you wish.'' Jim bowed his head a little. Then he held Cily's right arm and took her outside of the room with force.

''No! No! Please, Arthur! Please!'' Cily was begging one last time.

''Okay... Since we solved this, I want to talk with you about another thing.'' Siege said to Arthur. 

''I'll leave you two alone, sir.'' Jake bowed his head a little and left the room.

''Did something happen?'' Arthur asked.

''Let's sit back first.'' Siege sat on his couch again. 

Arthur sat on the other couch.

''Do you know the capital city of Aliela, Loki?'' Siege asked to Arthur.

''N-no... I don't know.'' 

''Loki is a city that amazes people with its architecture. Most shipshape people live there, and our king's castle is there too. Loki is a city that became one with magic. You can find any kind of people there.'' Siege was talking a little excited.

''Sir... Why are you telling me these?'' Arthur asked.

''I'm gonna be honest. Normally, an F-rank hunter won't be able to hunt two goblins at the same time so they make parties with people mostly. But you are different, Arthur. You are saying you killed a shaman goblin. Shaman goblin is a monster that's between E+ rank and D- rank. And this was your first hunter mission!'' Siege's eyes were shining with excitement.

''Thank you for your kind words, sir...'' Arthur said and blushed a little because of the compliments.

''So that's why I want you to quit being a hunter.'' Siege said.

Arthur was in shock. 

''W-what?..'' 

''Oh sorry. I'm not good with words. The thing I was trying to say is that I want you to go to the Leviathan Academy. It's the best academy in Aliela, and it's full of geniuses. And I think you are a genius too. The achievements you gained were something most of the hunters wouldn't achieve.'' Siege had a big smile on his face. He was happy that he found a person like Arthur.

''Me?.. Loki Academy?.. But why?'' Arthur couldn't understand.

''Like I said Arthur, you have big potential and I don't want you to waste this potential on this town. I'll tell you everything you want to hear.'' 

''I... I would love to accept this offer but I don't think a person like me can't go there. It's probably a school full of nobles and people with good connections.''

''It is but Leviathan Academy isn't a school that looks just social stats. The moment you get into the academy you'll lose every advantage that comes from your background or people from around. Even the Leviathan Academy's slogan is 'A mindless body is just an empty shell. Even if that body is God's.'. They look at people's skills and hard work.'' Siege was telling with excitement.

''You think I can do it?'' Arthur still had some hesitations.

''I won't say you can do it, but I'll say you are not less than the people that go to the Leviathan Academy.'' Siege said with a serious tone.

''Okay... I'll go. But what about the money?''

''The money, letter of recommendation and other things... I prepared everything. Do you want to go? I'm not forcing you.'' Siege said.

''Yeah... I want to improve and I guess the fastest path is going among geniuses.'' Arthur said.

''Good. I'll wait for you here. Go and gather up your things and say goodbye to your friends.'' Siege smiled again.

''Thanks, sir. I'll come back as quickly as I can.'' Arthur got up from the couch and left the room.

***

After 1 hour, he said goodbye to Jim and Jake. Then he took his sword from Jake, he came back to the guild center's guest room.

''Are you ready?'' Siege asked.

''Yes, sir.'' Arthur answered.

Siege and Arthur traveled for 2 weeks with barouche and finally arrived in the capital city of Aliela, Loki.

The city looked amazing. Tall and big buildings, different kinds of stores and people, delicious foods that make Arthur hungry, and more.

The main theme of the city was white and yellow. The city and people looked wealthy and the castle of Aliela's king... The castle wasn't made for a war or something like that. It was elegant. The walls of the castle were snow white, there was a golden sword on top of the castle that pointed sky.

People were always smiling, reading a book or newspaper, or talking about some noble things. It was quite normal to see a baron on the street. It was a noble city that blew Arthur's mind.

''We arrived at our destination, sir.'' the driver of the barouche said.

''Thanks, James. Here is your payment.'' Siege gave 4 gold coins to the driver of the barouche and left the barouche with Arthur.

''Let's eat something first, I'm hungry. I'll bring you to a restaurant I go to often.'' Siege said.

Siege and Arthur walked for 10 minutes. Arthur was still amazed by the people. This world felt better than before for Arthur. It felt more colorful and he felt like he belonged here from the start.

They went to a cozy, small restaurant made of wood and had some plants in front of it.

''Oh, Mr. Siege!'' an old lady that half of her face looked like it burned, came from behind the counter.

''How are you, Granny Suse?'' Siege and Suse hugged each other tightly. 

''I'm good, I'm good! I missed you so much! Please take a seat! I'll make you anything you want!'' Suse talked with joy. ''Oh, who is this boy?'' Suse continued to talk.

''He is someone who has potential. He came here with me to register for the Leviathan Academy.'' Siege said and sat on a chair.

''Really? That's good! What's your name, young man?'' Suse asked with curiosity.

''A-Arthur...'' Arthur bowed his head a little, with respect.

''No need for that kind of thing. All of my customers call me Granny Suse! You can call me like that too.'' Suse said.

''She has a voice tone that every person that comes here becomes her regular customer. I like this place with my all heart.'' Siege said.

''What do you want to order?'' Suse asked to Siege. 

''What do you want to make, Granny Suse? I'll eat everything you make.'' Siege said while laughing.

''Oh? Kiss my ass. You are getting some discount but not today, Mr. Good With Words.'' Suse talked sarcastically and she laughed too.

''I guess it doesn't work anymore... Okay, then I'll have my regular menu.'' Siege said and laughed.

''Alright... (She noted Siege's order) What do you want, Arthur?'' Suse asked.

Arthur couldn't decide what to eat because he was hearing these meals for the first time.

''I'll recommend the bull beef with, medium rare. It's really good.'' Siege said.

''Then I'll take that.'' Arthur gave his order.

''Okay... I noted that too. Your order will be at your table in 10 minutes.'' Suse said and she passed through the door that's behind the counter.

''Why does this place look empty? It seemed like a good place to me.'' Arthur asked.

''Because it's working time now. You must see this place at night. People line up for an empty seat.'' Siege said.

''Really? I can't blame them though. Granny Suse has an energy that binds people to her and her...'' The scents of food started to come at their noses and both of them said ''Food.'' at the same time.

''Can you tell me more about the Leviathan Academy?'' Arthur asked to Siege.

''Sure. The academy has three main sections. The first is placed on the left side of the academy's garden, it's for warriors. The second one is placed on the right side of the academy's garden, it's for mages. And the last one is placed at the end of the road that starts from the academy's entrance, assassins. The academy's area is really big but the sections are close to each other. And there is a center in the academy where students get to socialize, buy some things, and use the academy's library as they want.'' 

''It's like a small town. How much student goes there?'' 

''Every year the academy gets 100 new students from 1000 candidates, and every year 50 students leave the school.'' 

''Why?'' 

''Because most of them cannot accept the reality. Be aware of what someone says, Arthur. Especially, the things that teachers say to you. If they say something bad about you, don't get upset. Be better. That's the only advice I can give. The other things I said are written on the entrance wall of the Leviathan Academy. The principal will say these too.''

''They even say to you what to do. What's the reason they escape then?''

''Ego. Most of the nobles have a high ego. And they educate their children with high ego too. Some of these 'noble' things or behaviors exist because their ego is hungry. Hungry like a wild animal.'' Siege said.

''Are you not a noble too?'' Arthur asked.

''I am. (Siege laughed.) But you can say I'm self-aware... And this is an ego satisfaction too.'' Siege said with a smile on his face.

''I guess being aware of what you do is better than just doing it.'' Arthur said.

Their food was ready. Granny Suse brought them with a smile on her face. She put the meals on the table.

''Wait. I have a gift for you guys.'' she passed through that door again and after a few seconds she came back with two glasses of drink in her hands.

''This is a treat from me.'' Granny Suse said. She put the drinks on the table.

Siege laughed. ''You know how to bind people to your foods and your restaurant, Granny Suse.''

''Thanks, Granny Suse. But what is this drink?'' Arthur asked.

''Beer of course! What were you expecting?'' Granny Suse laughed.

''How old are you Arthur?'' Siege asked.

''18.''

''You are allowed to drink then. This is the best beer you can find in Loki. I swear.'' Siege said and shot the beer at once.

They both enjoyed their meal and talked a lot. After getting full, they left the restaurant and went to the academy.

The academy's walls were covered with gold embroidery. It was like an art that you can only see in one place. 

''Stop looking at the walls that much, Arthur. You'll get used to it.'' Siege continued to walk through the entrance.

Arthur came back to reality and followed him with quick steps.

''The opening day for the new year is two days later. Most of the students came here already so you'll be in some trouble at socializing but I think you can manage it.'' Siege said and he gave Arthur a letter.

''Choose your class right now and give this letter warrior's principal. They will give you a room and they will give you a card that you can buy some things. So tell me before I go, which faculty you will choose?'' 

''I... I guess I'll choose the warrior since I'm used to it.'' 

''Nice choice. If you have chosen the mage or assassins... I would probably beat you here.'' 

Arthur got scared a little.

''I'm joking, I'm joking! Anyway. I hope to see you in the top 100, Arthur. See you later.'' Siege said his last words to Arthur and left the academy to turn back to the Cacot.

Arthur looked at the letter, then he looked around. 

''Warrior faculty... was on the... Left!'' he said and started walking to the warrior faculty. 

Then a man with a black suit and a black mask that covers all of his face appeared next to Arthur. The man was taller than 185 cm. 

''How can I help you, young man?'' the man said.

''Ah! (He got scared) I was going to the warrior faculty.''

''I don't remember someone like you between nobles. Perhaps... Is that a letter of recommendation?'' the man asked.

Arthur didn't say anything.

''Oh sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm M. I work for the Leviathan Academy. You can say that I'm a guide for new students. Now, since I introduced myself, can I take a look at that letter?'' M said.

''The person who gave me this letter said that I must give this letter to the warrior's principal, not others.'' Arthur put the letter in his right pocket.

''Young man, don't make me use force. I'm trying to do my job here.'' M was walking slowly towards Arthur.

Arthur was taking a step back every time M stepped forward.

''No, means a no. If you want to see that letter, you can take me to the warrior's principal. And what kind of worker puts a mask that covers all of his face and says 'I'm a worker'?'' Arthur said.

''Hahaha... Give it. I won't say it again.'' M was showing bloodlust. It was low but he was showing.

After sensing the bloodlust, Arthur drew his sword immediately.

''(He laughed sarcastically) Do you think that you will be able to hurt me with that stick?'' M said.

Arthur got angry after M called Hennen's father's sword, a stick.

''How dare you?! How dare you!'' Arthur started to yell. He was ready to fight no matter what. 

Then, another man who had a white long beard, white long hair, and green eyes appeared next to them. After M saw that man, he immediately bowed his head.

''What's happening here?'' the man said.