Shion Lan was extremely calm as he spoke, wanting to know more about that person. His actual name was Krow, and his mother was a prostitute who worked in one of the taverns. Shion had learned that she had countless relationships—too many for him to even imagine. But he realized that it was unethical to confront someone with the sins of his mother, so he chose to judge Krow only by his own actions. However, hearing Crow insult his mother in such a degrading way was not something Shion could easily tolerate. So he confronted him about his mother as well, saying, "I'm not someone who points out the faults of others, but you're the one who asked for this." As anyone would expect, Krow began to rage and fume, attacking Shion without any regard for the fact that he was the one who started it. His fiery aura burst through the place.
Shion thought to himself, "Honestly, I didn't want to fight, but when I learned he had fire-elemental power, I wanted to confirm a few things." Krow's enraged blade slashed toward Shion, but he dodged quickly. Many more slashes followed—horizontal and vertical—aimed directly at Shion's life, yet Shion didn't even draw his sword. Instead, he began observing carefully.
"I've seen Krow when he trains with his techniques—he's always wild and excited, but not angry. Now that he's furious, his strength and speed have increased… but his accuracy has dropped by half, and the aura around his sword has nearly scattered."
Weapon aura was a requirement for advancing to the fourth level, just like a mage's mental core. And since Krow's aura was scattered, it meant his overall ability had weakened. Shion continued thinking, "With a scattered aura, I don't think he's still at the fourth level. Let's say we're now at the same level. But defeating him isn't my goal—I want to see something else."
As Shion dodged the attacks, Krow only grew angrier. Shion said, "How about trying to be more accurate?" That was Shion's intention, but Krow only became even more furious. The dodging and chasing continued in this ridiculous fight until Krow finally exhausted his useless swings and decided to use his powerful technique:
"(Fire Battle Sword: The Final Slash)!"
Shion focused—this move resembled the techniques he trained in, the (Cutting Flames). He observed Krow's aura and physical condition carefully. But the result was laughable; the strike was even weaker than Shion expected. Shion said, "You've used up all your chances. Let's end this farce."
Using his star-force, Shion focused on a thrusting technique:
"(Stellar Summet: Star Surge)!"
A glowing orb formed at the tip of his sword, swirling with currents that propelled him forward at great speed. In an instant, Shion appeared before Crow, ready to pierce him—until he heard:
"(Earth Battle: Earth Defense)!"
A massive wall rose between them, blocking Shion's strike. His attack pierced through the wall but missed the target because Krow was no longer there. Shion looked around and found his opponent being held by a soldier—more likely a unit captain, judging by the unique insignia on his armor. The man was massive, and when Shion sensed his strength, he realized he was at the fourth level with four shining aura-stars. The most striking thing about him was the enormous shield he carried, matching his beard and muscular build.
The man smiled at Shion and said, "My apologies for interrupting your fun, Sir Lan, but the area chief wants you for an urgent matter."
Shion was surprised. "Isn't the summons supposed to be for that scoundrel?" The man noticed Shion's expression and smiled again:
"Don't worry, it has nothing to do with that fool. But if you wish, I can punish him right now… Oh, right! You're considered a guest here, and this idiot dared to provoke you first. You only drew your sword in self-defense. I really should punish him now."
He looked at Krow with a wicked grin, baring his teeth in amusement. Then he bid Shion farewell:
"Don't keep the area chief waiting!…"
He whispered something into Krow's ear. Shion wondered what was happening and asked someone nearby about the situation.
"That man is a unit captain, from one of the families serving the Jura family. He received permission from the family elders to practice a special technique that grants him formidable defense," the soldier explained. Shion turned to see it was the same soldier who had spoken earlier. He continued:
"At first, his power was meant to protect family members in danger. Once, he managed to fend off a large group of bandits while escorting someone during a wedding. That harsh battle left him heavily injured, but he still succeeded in protecting his charge."
The soldier's eyes sparkled. "He's the one who earned the title 'Family Guest.' He's the defense captain of this region—Shelte!"
After the explanation, Shion asked, "Great. But why does he treat Krow like that?"
The soldier replied, "You don't know? After Shelte finished his last mission, the family sent him to the military. When he first arrived here, Krow treated him with such rudeness that it could break rocks. When Shelte was officially appointed captain, he decided he'd never let Krow go unpunished. He enjoys it whenever Krow makes even the smallest mistake—because it means he gets to torment him a little."
Shion smiled. "What's your name, soldier?"
"I'm Soldier Jon, from the combat unit—Bow Division!"
"Well then, Jon, I hope to hear much about you in the future."
Shion spoke boldly and left the area.
Inside a sealed chamber belonging to the area chief, the chief himself was present, along with two women. Although ordinary soldiers would drool over their beauty, their status alone was an intimidating deterrent—not to mention their overwhelming power. Each woman had a lovely young girl beside her who appeared to be her student.
The area chief looked at the two women with an annoyed expression. One of them said:
"Aiten… are you still angry about that? Cheer up a little! You would've died if I hadn't intervened!"
Amy, however, replied in annoyance, "Wendy, you were the cause to begin with."
But Wendy burst into laughter:
"Don't act like you didn't do anything, Amy! You gave him the wrong medicine once—it burned his stomach and he was writhing in pain! Didn't you forget?"
"And did you forget when he was fighting that assassin? You didn't show up because you were looking at some necklace you liked!"
"If we're talking about delays, weren't you the one who made our trip late for an entire week because of your luggage?"
"Oh really?! And did you forget—"
"I made a mistake inviting the two of you today. You may leave now—and stop discussing those painful memories."
Chief Aiten felt bitter remembering all that, but Wendy continued,
"You know, Aiten, because of her, your promotion was delayed several times!"
"It was my fault, sure—but what about you? You broke his legs during his award ceremony and—"
"Enough."
Aiten spoke in a terrifying calm tone, releasing his aura—crackling with lightning sparks. Though only sparks, they carried massive pressure. Even the two girls behind them trembled before regaining their footing, sweating as they thought:
'Aren't they all level seven? Why is his aura so terrifying—stronger and sharper than our teachers'?'
The other thought similarly, 'He's really angry… were they truly that foolish today?'
Someone then spoke:
"Is something angering you, Chief?"
"Enter, Shion!"
Aiten finally relaxed when Shion arrived. Shion entered and observed the situation.
Even with all this aura released, these two women aren't struggling… one seems to be of equal rank to him, with the aura of a strong swordswoman. The other isn't from the military at all—she must be a mage, probably from the Magic Tower.
Shion then glanced toward the window as if ignoring everyone. 'What is he doing here?'
"You!"
Shion turned to the angry woman surrounded by a violent wind aura.
"You seem to have no manners—just like your teacher!"
The other woman's eyes sparked with flames, "Are you seeking death by ignoring us like that?!"
Realizing what he had done, Shion bowed.
"My apologies for my rude behavior. I meant no disrespect—something simply caught my attention, nothing more."
Wendy widened her eyes. 'Impossible… did he sense that old man?'
But Shion still waited for permission to rise until Amy spoke:
"It seems you have some strength, at least—standing firm under our auras without fear."
She glanced at Aiten. "You've trained him well, Chief."
Aiten responded, "He's not my student."
Silence filled the room. Aiten then said, "Shion, stand and come to my side."
Shion obeyed, standing next to him while the two women stared in shock.
Seconds passed before Aiten continued:
"Shion, introduce yourself and explain why you're here."
"I am Shion Lan, a second-year student in the general division of Karath Academy. I came here under the orders of the academy director, Mr. Tim Ayr, to carry out a mission, and I am currently under the army's care. As for the reason I'm attending this meeting—I don't know."
"Hold on, hold on, hold on!"
Wendy exclaimed angrily,
"Are you telling me that just a child in his second year, with only three stars, managed to withstand the auras of two heroines?! Say something reasonable!"
"Heros?"
Shion remembered Harry Gill, the student nominated by the barbarian hero known as 'The Hurricane.' And he didn't realize he had committed another blunder—not recognizing two actual hero-level warriors. The two women froze in shock, but Aiten laughed heartily.
Shion decided to end the farce. He released his star aura; his eyes turned silver.
"Forgive my ignorance. I meant no disrespect—it's just that being in the presence of such beauty made it impossible for me to focus properly. I will accept any reprimand you give."
He bowed lightly.
'Ever since I got here, my back has been hurting. I can't argue with powerful people over something I don't understand yet… but I don't think I did anything wrong, he thought.'
Seeing his sincere apology, Wendy spoke,
"Fine. I'll forgive you—just this once."
After things settled down, Aiten spoke again:
"Ark! How long do you intend to pretend?"
The two girls didn't understand, but Shion, Amy, and Wendy looked toward the window—where Ark, the Shadow Force member who once visited Shion, emerged. He smirked.
"Even with your memory wiped, it seems you'd still notice my presence."
Aiten, Wendy, and Amy all looked at Shion, who was clearly nervous.
"Finding you was difficult this time. It wasn't easy tracking you down."
Wendy added, "Difficult? You mean the moment he walked in and glanced at the window?"