After the match

"Thank you, Mister Middleton," Erik replied with a half-embarrassed smile. "It wasn't an easy fight, but I managed to pull it off in the end."

"It wasn't an easy fight? Hahahaha, Erik, there is no need to be humble with me; I've seen many students here at the Red Palace through the years, and I know when someone is holding back his strength!"

Erik smiled awkwardly. He wasn't used to such compliments.

"I was watching from the sidelines, and I have to say, you handled yourself very well," Martin complimented. "You've come a long way since your first day here. Your growth was remarkable," the healer added.

Erik nodded, feeling proud of his progress. "I've been training hard, trying to improve every day."

"I can see that," Martin said with a smile. "Oh, Erik, I also wanted to apologize for what happened with Nathaniel the last time; it was my duty to stop him."