Adam made the first move—a lunge forward, lightning exploding around his legs. His lightning-coated sword slashed down from above, but Alex sidestepped smoothly and countered with a horizontal strike aimed at Adam's ribs. Adam reacted instantly: he spun, parried the blade, and launched a counterattack from below.
Alex stepped back, angling his sword diagonally to block the blow. In response, he summoned a blood whip from his left hand and lashed it at Adam's legs. Adam jumped, narrowly avoiding the strike, then surged forward again, lightning speed crackling in a burst of electric discharge.
Adam unleashed three rapid strikes in succession—left, right, then a direct thrust. Alex parried the first two, shifted his body to let the third pass beside him, and answered with a quick stab at Adam's chest. Adam managed to block it with the hilt of his sword just in time.
Then came a new series. Adam pressed the attack, using his legs, shoulders, changing elevation. He ducked, sprang forward, slid like a streak of electricity. Alex remained calm: every move precise, every counter deliberate. He blocked, dodged, retaliated.
One—Alex sliced diagonally from above.
Two—Adam slid beneath the sword and struck upward toward Alex's abdomen.
Three—Alex activated a brief burst of blood armor; Adam's blade crashed into it without effect.
Four—Alex shifted into offense, changed his grip, clasped the hilt with both hands, and unleashed a sweeping slash across his entire field of vision. Adam managed to leap back, lightning sparking around him as he landed half a meter away.
Only after that surge did they clash again—in the center of the room, blades locking once more. A dull thud echoed, the air grew hot. Steel pressed against steel.
"And this is what you call going all out?" Adam exhaled, staring at Alex with a mix of awe and challenge.
Alex held the clash, shaking his head slightly.
"Don't take it the wrong way... But if I really went all out, as you asked, this fight would've ended in two—maybe three—hits. And something tells me that's not what you wanted."
Adam fell silent for a second, then sighed and smiled wider.
"That actually makes sense. I… didn't think of that at first. I just wanted to see how far I could go."
Alex pushed Adam's sword aside and took half a step back.
"Then let's do this," he said, his eyes darkening slightly. "I'll get a bit stronger. Around the level of your father. Let's see how long you can last."
"That's exactly what I've been waiting for!" Adam's eyes lit up with excitement, sparks dancing across his cheeks. "Now it'll be a real fight."
They raised their blades again.
Alex no longer held back. His strikes became faster, sharper. He attacked in waves: sweeping blows, blood whips, pinpoint thrusts—all in perfect rhythm.
Adam dodged on the edge of possibility. His body was a blur—lightning condensed into human form. He vanished, reappeared, slid across the floor, bounced off walls. And still, Alex kept pace.
Several times, Alex's blade came within a hair's breadth of Adam's skin—close enough to feel the danger, if not the pain.
At last, after another fierce exchange, Alex abruptly shifted rhythm. Adam couldn't respond in time—a low strike threw him off balance, and the next halted a centimeter from his neck.
Adam froze, breathing heavily, then smiled and lowered his sword.
"I yield."
The blood blade dissolved into the air. Alex stepped back and exhaled deeply.
"You held up pretty well."
"Still not enough," Adam admitted with a grin, lowering his sword. "But that's a good thing. I know how much further I need to go."
As their swords disappeared, the air in the training hall finally calmed. The lightning faded, the blood energy vanished, and the magical pressure gave way to a tired stillness. In that moment, Aria approached them, having silently watched the fight from near the pond.
"I watched your entire fight," she said, stopping beside them. "And thank you for not hitting me the way you just hit Adam."
Alex smiled, catching his breath.
"If you keep up the pace in training, you'll reach that level soon enough. It's just a matter of time."
Aria responded with a soft, warm smile.
"If my teacher says so, I've no reason to doubt it."
She glanced at Adam, who was still catching his breath.
"Think you're done for today?"
"Completely," Adam panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "After fighting Alex, all I can manage is a shower—and then collapse into bed."
"Even better," Aria chuckled. "Then see you tomorrow."
She waved and exited the training room, leaving the two boys alone.
Adam sat directly on the floor, resting his elbow on one knee.
"Hey, could you... I don't know, teleport us back to the room? I wasn't kidding about being drained. And I really don't want you to end up carrying me. That'd be traumatic for both of us."
Alex raised an eyebrow with a smile.
"Alright, I'll teleport us. You really do look on the verge of clinical death."
"Not quite that bad... but close enough."
A familiar magic circle lit up beneath their feet. The space around them shimmered—and within seconds, the two of them vanished, leaving only silence and a trace of lightning behind.
The room was quiet and peaceful. Evening light faded outside the windows, and soft darkness filled the space. Both boys were already lying on their beds—tired, but not exhausted. More calm than anything, satisfied after a difficult but productive day.
"So what was all that about?" Alex asked quietly, not changing his position. "Sparring with Aria, then a duel with me…"
A short pause followed, then Adam's voice broke the silence.
"You probably know that my family passes down one of the strongest lightning techniques from generation to generation. A technique I've always dreamed of mastering… But until now, it was more of a goal for the future. You know, 'someday, when the time is right.'"
He took a breath and continued, more seriously this time.
"But now, with everything we know—what's waiting for us, what the fate of the world depends on… that technique has become a priority for me. Because only with it can I stand beside you in that final moment."
Alex listened in silence.
"The only one who can teach me is my father. But he said I'm not ready yet. That I'll only be worthy of the technique when I can prove my strength in battle."
"And you want to do that…" Alex said slowly.
"Exactly," Adam confirmed. "Here at the Academy, I've already found an instructor to help me refine my lightning skills. I also plan to form my own raid group—for training, for growth. That fight with you was to see how far behind I really am. And yeah, I knew it in theory—you're way stronger, maybe seventy levels ahead, plus the experience… But I had to feel it. In battle."
He paused, then added with a grin:
"Oh, and I almost forgot. In the future—or rather, in your past—did I ever manage to master that technique?"
Alex paused for a moment.
" You managed," he said. "Though, judging by what you said, it took a few years."
"I'll have to manage it a bit faster," Adam replied with a hint of humor. "There's not that much time. I'll give it everything I've got."
"I won't stop you," Alex answered gently. "If it's really important to you, I'll help however I can. But I ask one thing—don't overwork yourself."
A quiet laugh followed.
"Seriously? You're telling me that? You, who managed to do more in less than a month at the Academy than some manage in their whole lives? Training with Aria, with Krul, raids in the dungeons... it's all become part of your routine, and it'll stay that way at least until graduation. And I'm not even mentioning the whole Reiner situation—but since that was a one-time thing, it doesn't count. Believe me, the way you've loaded yourself up, I physically couldn't match it even if I tried, so there's nothing to worry about."
Alex sighed.
"I'll relax once I fulfill my promise to Lumenia."
"Then I will too," Adam replied. "For real this time."
The room fell silent again for a moment. This time, it was a calm, almost sleepy silence.
"It's been a long day," Adam said quietly. "And I think... I'm starting to fall asleep."
"Then good night," Alex said.
"Good night."
Darkness fully embraced the room, and only the steady breathing of two friends remained in the air—along with the warmth of their conversation.
The reading room, as always, appeared completely empty at first glance. Not a sound, save for the quiet crackling of candles in the wall lanterns. However, after a few seconds, a faint rustling broke the silence—somewhere between the shelves, among the hundreds of bookcases.
Alex slowly made his way in that direction. Moving past row after row, he finally spotted a familiar figure: Eliria, standing on her tiptoes, was trying to reach a book from the top shelf. Her fingers were almost touching the edge of the cover, but she was still a few centimeters short.
"Need a hand?" Alex asked with a warm smile.
The girl flinched and spun around sharply, eyes wide. Clearly, she hadn't noticed him approach.
"You scared me," she said awkwardly, then pointed upward. "Yes, please. That one, with the purple spine."
Alex nodded and reached out his hand. A few blood threads emerged from beneath his sleeve, pulled the book from the shelf, and gently placed it in his palm. He handed it to Eliria.
"Thanks," she smiled. "Since you're here... could you help me grab a few more?"
"Of course," Alex replied without hesitation.
They walked between the rows. Eliria pointed out the books she needed, and Alex effortlessly retrieved them using magic. The blood tendrils not only picked up the books but also carried them behind him in a neat crimson cloud that floated through the air.
After a few minutes, the table was completely covered in literature. Eliria sighed with relief as she looked over the results.
"Thanks again, Alex."
"Anytime," he said, bowing his head slightly.
"By the way..." she suddenly said, eyes sparkling. "I found a book I think you'll like."
Alex didn't even have time to ask which book she meant before the girl darted to the table and began rummaging through the stacks, pushing aside thick tomes and long scrolls.
"Here it is!" she exclaimed at last, holding out a slim book—no more than two hundred pages.
On the cover was a golden-haired young man in a black suit, seated on a dark throne. Beside him stood a white-haired girl in an elegant black dress, with a mysterious expression on her face.
"The Last King of the Weakest Kingdom..." Alex read aloud.
"I spent a while thinking about what to give you to read. And this story, though not very long, is one of the most gripping I know," Eliria explained with a smile.
"Yeah? What's it about?"
"I don't want to spoil it. The title tells you everything you need to know before you start."
Alex smiled.
"Alright, I'll trust your taste. I'll start it today."
"It's one of my favorite books," she admitted. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it."
"I hope so," Alex nodded. "Now, back to business. I promised to give you an answer about learning teleportation magic after that evening."
Eliria immediately focused.
"I'm listening."
"I can train with you twice a week, on weekends. But most likely—only in the evenings. I'll be busy earlier in the day."
"That works for me," she nodded. "I always go to bed late anyway."
"Then it's settled," Alex said, then added with a sly smile, "We could even start today."
"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "Then let's do it now. Why wait till evening?"
"Are you sure?" Alex asked in surprise. "Weren't you planning to spend the day with the books?"
"Books aren't going anywhere," she replied with a gentle smile. "I'll get back to them tonight. Right now—I want to begin training."
Alex gave a small smile.
"If that's your decision... then your training starts now."
After two hours of training with Eliria, Alex left the reading room and strolled leisurely through the Academy's corridors. It was a day off, so the classrooms, passageways, and galleries were nearly empty—only the occasional student passed by, absorbed in their own business.
His steps echoed softly against the stone floor. Exiting through one of the side doors, Alex headed toward the garden near the boys' dormitory. There, among young trees and well-tended greenery, he took a deep breath—clean air and peaceful silence filled his lungs.
"I've done everything I planned for today," he thought. "I could go to the dungeon again... but that can wait. It's been a while since I've seen my family."
At that very moment, a magic circle lit up beneath his feet, and Alex's body dissolved into the air, leaving behind only a faint ripple in space.
Alex appeared in front of a familiar set of heavy doors—the entrance to their new estate, located closer to the capital, had become a symbol of home for him. He knocked lightly a few times. After a few seconds, the door opened, and Alpha appeared—calm as always, composed, in her black maid uniform.
"Hello, Alpha," Alex said gently, smiling.
"Welcome, Master Alex," she replied with the same warmth, which nevertheless did not break her composed dignity. "It's been a while since you visited us."
"Yes, I agree. But I'll try to make up for it." Alex stepped inside, glancing around at the familiar interiors. "Where is everyone?"
"Your parents, along with seven maids, went to the dungeon. Only Beta, Epsilon, and I are still at the estate."
"I see," Alex nodded, walking a few steps through the hall. "Do you and the girls need any help? I don't have anything else to do right now."
Alpha tilted her head slightly.
"As a matter of fact, we've just started preparing lunch. Everyone will be back soon, and it would be good to have everything ready. If you help us, we'd be grateful. And you can tell us how your first weeks at the Academy have been."
"Deal," Alex replied with a smile.
Together, they headed down the corridors toward the kitchen, and in Alex's mind, thoughts were already spinning about how to briefly and simply explain that his new life had become a whirlwind of events, battles, training... and new bonds.
The table was already set — on a snow-white tablecloth stood clay bowls filled with salads, fragrant bread, various sauces, and the main dish — roasted pork with herbs and a crispy crust, surrounded by baked vegetables. A rich, savory aroma filled the kitchen.
Alex stood by the window, drying his hands with a towel. Alpha and the two other maids — Beta and Epsilon — were busy with the final preparations. Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening came from the direction of the main entrance — and familiar voices echoed through the hall.
"...and then he lunged straight at me, and I said, 'One more step and you'll regret it!'" Gabriel was saying loudly as he entered the manor, soaked in sweat but, as always, cheerful.
Emma followed behind him with seven maids, all dressed in light travel cloaks. Everyone was in high spirits, chatting and laughing among themselves.
Mid-sentence, Gabriel suddenly fell silent and sniffed the air, blinking.
"What's that delicious smell?" he asked, glancing at Alpha, who was now standing with the other girls near the entrance, smiling modestly.
"Roasted pork with vegetables. Plus a few appetizers," Alpha replied calmly.
"And when did you manage all that?! There were only three of you here," Gabriel said in surprise, taking off his cloak and looking around.
At that moment, Alex stepped out of the kitchen with a smile on his face.
"They weren't entirely alone. They had a little help."
As soon as Emma noticed her son, her eyes lit up. She quickly walked over to him, embracing him tightly, almost scolding as she added:
"You promised to write to us! And in all this time — only two letters. Two, Alex!"
"I know," the boy smiled sheepishly, hugging her in return. "But I'll make up for it. I promise, I'll write more often from now on."
Gabriel approached them too. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder, looking him in the eyes with a barely noticeable hint of pride.
"Good to see you, son. You know... we've started missing you a little."
"I missed you too," Alex replied gently. "Both of you."
His gaze drifted further — to the group of maids standing quietly nearby. Alex smiled even more warmly.
"And I missed you as well," he added. "Very much."
The maids didn't respond with words — only smiles. Some eyes even grew slightly misty.
"While you're all standing there hugging so sweetly," Alpha said with a faint smile, "the food is getting cold. If you don't hurry to the table, you'll be eating it cold."
"Golden words," Gabriel agreed. "We can't let such goodness go to waste! You go ahead, I'll join you in ten minutes."
Everyone laughed — and within a minute, Emma, Alex, and the maids made their way to the large dining hall. The air was filled with the warmth of a true home.
At the large oak table in the dining room, everyone had already taken their seats. The maids sat on both sides, chatting quietly among themselves. Some were giggling softly, others were already serving themselves salads and vegetables. Everything felt informal, cozy — like a real family gathering.
Alex glanced around at them all and smiled involuntarily. He had never considered these girls merely as servants — and now, with them sitting at the same table beside him, it felt entirely natural.
"So why didn't you let us know you were planning to visit?" Emma asked, turning to him with a soft smile.
"It was all very spontaneous," Alex replied. "I've been busy all the time, and a free weekend just happened to come up. So I thought — why not visit, just like that?"
"And what kept you so busy at the Academy that you couldn't visit us earlier?" his mother asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
Alex opened his mouth, then paused and raised his hand slightly.
"I'll tell you everything. But let's wait for Dad first — so I don't have to repeat myself."
"Logical," Emma nodded, then quickly glanced over her shoulder. Seeing no one in the hallway, she lowered her voice a bit:
"Have you... seen Elizabeth yet?"
Alex replied just as quietly:
"Yes. I even became her student."
Emma's expression softened, and she smiled tenderly.
"I'm proud of you. But... better not mention her in front of your father, alright?"
"She misses her brother. She wants to talk, to mend old wounds. I think Dad wants that too — he just won't admit it out loud."
He paused briefly and added with a hint of irony:
"If I cut Elizabeth out of my stories... there's almost nothing left to tell."
Emma looked him in the eyes. Her gaze held both concern and trust.
"I'll trust you, Alex. Just be careful, alright?"
"I promise."
And at that very moment, a familiar voice rang out behind them:
"What's with the whispering in broad daylight?"
Gabriel seemed to appear out of thin air. His usual light smile and a faint suspicion in his eyes.
"Nothing important," Alex replied with an innocent expression. "I was just waiting for you to get back. Wanted to start telling you all about my Academy adventures."
"Oh, now that I like!" Gabriel rubbed his hands together, taking his seat. "We're all ears." He was already reaching for the roasted meat. "But first, I won't say no to a piece of this masterpiece."
Alex smiled, glancing around at everyone at the table — his mother, his father, the familiar young faces, the smiles, the warmth — and only then began to speak:
"Alright, listen... It all started on the very first day..."
As Alex began to speak, the room gradually fell silent. The maids listened with interest, and his parents — with soft smiles. But Alex didn't speak aloud right away — his story first flowed within him, as thoughts, memories, which he shared not so much with words as with the atmosphere itself.
"It all began with the opening speech by the Directors. They stepped out in front of all the students — each completely different, in both character and presence. But it was clear: every one of them was a monster in their own right. That was when I realized — the Academy isn't just a place where they teach you. It's a forge, where they shape you into who you're meant to become."
"I became Elizabeth's student… Well, formally, I became one in the past, but even now I still consider myself her student. Without her help, I wouldn't have achieved even half of what I have in such a short amount of time."
"The learning is truly fascinating. Every professor is like a new world. I was lucky enough to live with Adam—we became more than just roommates, we became real friends. And I found many more friends there too."
"I also joined a raid group from the Academy. That's something new for me—teamwork, responsibility for others, for the mission, for the result. They trust me… and I try to be worthy of that trust."
"Of course, I embellished a few things. I didn't mention the fight with Rayner. Nor the conflict with Professor Elian. But it's better they hear this version. One without unnecessary worry. For their peace of mind..."
When he finished, a quiet but comfortable pause settled over the table. Gabriel was the first to speak.
"Now that's what I call a story!" he said with a smile. "I'm proud of you, son. I'm glad you found new friends."
His voice grew slightly more serious, as did his gaze.
"So, you became Elizabeth's student… I suppose you learned blood magic too?"
Alex didn't look away. He answered calmly, but with confidence.
"Yes, I did."
"I see," his father replied curtly. He stood up from the table and straightened. "Then I propose a duel. I want to see with my own eyes what she's taught you."
"Gabriel…" Emma began, trying to stop her husband.
But Alex interrupted her. He gently placed his hand over hers.
"It's alright, Mom. I'll duel him. But not today. I'm tired from the road… and Dad's just back from a raid. Let him rest."
"And not just because of that," he added to himself. "The teleport from the Academy drained almost all my mana. Maintaining the sword form now would be difficult."
Gabriel smiled slightly and returned to his seat.
"Alright then. Another time. But it will happen, right?"
"It will," Alex confirmed. "And I'll show you what I can do."
"I hope so. Otherwise, you'll lose in the first few seconds," his father said, slipping back into his usual tone. "I haven't been slacking off either. If my son is that talented, I, as his father, must be up to his level."
"And what have you been doing all this time? What new things have you learned?" Alex asked, squinting slightly.
Gabriel only gave a sly smile.
"Let's keep that a surprise for our duel."
"Oh, enough already," Emma interjected, rolling her eyes slightly. "Two roosters in one yard…"
She turned her gaze to her son, and a familiar spark lit up in her eyes.
"Now then, Alex… tell us more about Lilith and Elyria. You mentioned them before, but only briefly."
Alex fell silent for a moment, his smile fading into a thoughtful expression. Then he sighed—and began to speak...
The sun still hung above the horizon, bathing the room in warm golden light that streamed through the half-open window. The house was quiet after lunch, and the calm was relaxing. Alex, barely making it to his room, almost immediately took off his outer clothes and collapsed onto the bed.
His body felt heavy, as if made of lead. The teleportation from the Academy had drained almost all of his mana, and now he felt every muscle, every nerve. He had no mana restoration potion left—and going to ask his mother for one… wasn't something he wanted to do. All he wanted was to rest.
"Feels good to be home…" Alex murmured quietly, lying back and settling in more comfortably. "Even if just for a little while."
And suddenly, as if in response to his thoughts, a familiar, calm, and warm voice echoed in his mind:
"Tomorrow will be your last quiet day, my Lord. After that… there will be hardly any free time left. So recover well."
"And that's a good thing," the boy replied aloud, without opening his eyes. "If I have almost no free time, then first of all, I'll be busy with things that can help prevent war. And secondly… I won't have time for foolish thoughts."
"That is true," said Sirena softly. "But remember, I'm always by your side. And always ready to help you, if things get difficult."
Alex smiled faintly, still not moving.
"I know… And thank you for that. By the way… since more responsibility has fallen on my shoulders, we've barely talked."
"Don't worry," she replied gently. "You have matters now that require more attention. I'm not going anywhere, and I'll always be here."
Alex fell silent for a moment, then whispered:
"You're right… At the beginning of our journey, after returning to the past, I only said I bore responsibility for many… but now those aren't just words. I've taken responsibility for the lives of dozens of people. People I care about."
Pause. The soft rustling of tree branches came through the window.
"It will be hard…" Alex continued. "But I'll do everything I can so that none of them die. I'll give everything I have. Just to protect them."
"I believe in you, my Lord. And I will always be your support," Sirena said gently.
"Thank you…" he whispered sleepily.
His eyelids grew heavy, his thoughts slowed. The warmth of the bed, the quiet of the house, the peace in his heart—they all blended together, and within seconds his breathing evened out.
Alex fell asleep.