The academy

"Are you sure you're fine walking around Edward?" Leonard was surprised since he knew Ed had a weak body. He had no idea how strong Ed had become.

"Yes, I was lucky enough to get healed," Ed told him the 'truth'.

"Then that calls for celebration hahaha!" Leonard seemed like a cheery fellow.

Both Ed and Leonard entered Arthur's office.

"You're back, Leonard" Arthur got up and welcomed Leonard. It was the first time Ed saw him leave his desk. It seemed like Arthur held his friend in high regards.

"How was your trip?" Arthur immediately asked for details. He didn't mind Ed hearing them even if it wasn't good news.

"It was successful. The country agreed for a trade route to be opened between us. They also told me some important information."Leonard looked at Ed and continued speaking.

"There will be a new academy opening up to nobles from all countries. Every country will be sending their best to study there."

"So the best in the school will be able to raise the country's name even further..." Arthur looked troubled. Their country was still weak and small so they had to improve their reputation anyway possible.

"Sebas! Call Eric here" Sebas was the name of the butler that was always near Arthur's door.

A few minutes later Eric came in.

Leonard repeated what he said again in front of Eric. The latter also understood the importance and of such a school.

Ed was standing there waiting for his chance to leave the office. He had a bad feeling in his heart. Suddenly Arthur and Eric looked at Ed and he got shivers.

"I recommend we send Ed," Eric said without any hesitation. Although he had a higher cultivation then Ed he didn't have the confidence to beat him. He also felt he would do better in school compared to him.

"Why do you say that?" Arthur thought the same but still wanted Eric to tell him.

"He is a better choice" Eric spoke while looking at Ed. "I also want to get even stronger here at the sect!" He continued.

"I'm sorry your majesty but I don't believe the young master to be fit for such a place" Leonard who was quiet suddenly interjected. "All the countries will be sending their best. Everyone is guaranteed to be very strong, I do not think master Ed can keep up" Leonard didn't know about Ed's achievements so he had his reasons to be doubtful.

'Nice job Leonard!' Ed who was at the side and couldn't reject his father and brother's words secretly gave his thumbs up to Leonard.

"If you have any doubts about his strength, then you can fight him yourself!" Arthur suggested something irrational. "Ed! don't hold back on him!"

The group moved to the training area. Ed had planned to lose easily so he could get away from such a troublesome matter. 'What school?! What academy?! I just want to be free in this world!'

"Raikou you can sit back as well" Ed spoke and Leonard looked at him like he was a crazy person talking to himself. Suddenly Raikou got out of Ed's shadow and his aura sent shivers down Leonard's spine. 'He got even stronger' Even Arthur was surprised by such an aura.

Leonard suddenly felt like he shouldn't take it easy on Ed. 'I might be the one needing a doctor if I don't take this seriously'.

They were using wooden swords. No one wanted to mortally injure the other.

Seeing that Ed was using two swords, Leonard was surprised. It was a rare skill after all.

"Begin!" Arthur's voice echoed and the two moved. Ed was faster and conjured some wind balls. He threw them at the ground and got the dust to rise. Leonard put up his guard and took a defensive stance with his sword.

Because the dust was blocking his view, He didn't see Ed activating his Sharingan. He could still sense his presence so he knew where he was.

Suddenly some fire arrows were about to hit Leonard but he knocked them easily. Ed kept this up for a little until he noticed the dust was about to clear up.

He then rushed ahead. His movement skill had improved so his speed was even more impressive. Leonard noticed Ed coming so he looked at him. More accurately he looked into his eyes.

He soon came to regret his decision since Ed used a Genjutsu on him. Leonard felt dazed and dropped his guard.

"Taka Nami!" Ed jumped and used a skill from his Two-sword style. This produced a gust of wind that was further enhanced by his Wind magic and knocked the dazed Leonard back.

Ed then used his Wind-Fire combo on his swords and shouted "Nanajuni Pound Ho!" Although Ed still couldn't use air-projectiles because his strength was lacking, he could mimic the skills by applying magic.

The circular fire slash was about to hit Leonard when it seemed like he got back his senses. "Haaah!" Leonard used a Qi shout similar to Arthur's and knocked back the slash.

"You deserve my respect young master Ed. You've improved beyond my wildest imagination!" Leonard praised Ed and seemed to be getting serious. Ed noticed this and got tense.

The fight lasted a bit longer but Ed soon got exhausted since he had to use all his skills and abilities just to keep up with Leonard. Just then, Arthur announced the end of the test.

"Well, what do you think Leonard?" Arthur had a smirk on his face.

Leonard knew he was pranked by his best friend and couldn't help but feel irritated. However, he had to admit Ed's strength. "I have no issues with him going!"

"Woof!" Raikou went to Ed's side and licked his face as if telling him 'Good job!' Ed couldn't help but chuckle.

Eric on the side seemed even more determined to get stronger. He wanted to advance. He wanted to get stronger than his brother!

"By the way, father. I hunted another strong monster and wish to sell it" Ed withdrew the carcass of the beast from his Inventory and didn't notice the three's faces. They were shocked since an item box was a rare skill and only Becky whom they knew had it. However, they just chalked it up as Ed's weirdness.

The beast was a crocodile-like lizard and seemed strong. Arthur appraised it and promised Ed he would sell it soon.