The three brothers looked at each other for a brief moment before moving forward together.
None of them spoke. They didn't need to.
They could all feel it—the invisible pressure rolling off the man standing before them. With every step they took closer to Alex, the weight grew heavier, pressing against their chests and shoulders like an unseen force.
It wasn't hostile, but it was overwhelming, the presence of someone who had stood on countless battlefields and walked away every time.
Their footsteps slowed slightly, not out of fear, but instinct.
Finally, they stopped a few steps away from him.
"Welcome back, Uncle," all three said in unison, their voices steady despite the pressure.
"Good," Alex said, throwing his head back as he laughed loudly. "Hahaha!"
The sound echoed through the training hall, filling the wide space with a rough warmth that only someone like Alex could bring. He crossed his arms and looked at the three boys in front of him, his sharp eyes moving from one to the next.
"I remember sparring like this with your father," Alex said, his grin widening. "Back then, none of us knew when to stop either."
He stepped forward, his boots striking the floor with a heavy sound, and extended one arm as if gesturing over them.
"Seeing your performance myself," he continued, "I'll be taking all of you as my students."
The words hit like a thunderclap.
"Wh—what do you—" Vex started to ask, his eyes widening in shock.
"Don't worry," Alex cut in casually, already turning away. "I'll talk to your father myself."
With that, he began walking out of the training hall. His steps were slow and unhurried, yet each one echoed loudly, leaving no doubt about his authority. The Head Guardian straightened immediately and followed behind him without hesitation.
The doors closed behind them, leaving the three brothers standing there in stunned silence.
"…What was that about?" Vin finally said, turning to look at Jude and Vex, his expression confused. "Student?"
"His uncle Alex is really going to take us as his students?" Vex said, his voice filled with disbelief.
"I'm just as confused as you are," Vin replied, shaking his head slightly.
Jude remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the closed doors.
All of us, Jude thought. I thought he meant just me.
He replayed the sparring match in his mind, realizing something unsettling.
How long was he there watching us?
A chill ran down his spine, not from fear, but from understanding. Alex Avernus didn't make decisions lightly. If he had chosen all three of them, it meant he had been observing carefully—long before he revealed himself.
But… this is fine, Jude thought after a moment.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
Training under Uncle Alex will only make us stronger.
Vin walked over and lightly tapped Vex on the shoulder. "Guess we're in for something rough."
Vex let out a small laugh. "Yeah… you're right."
They all knew it.
The Red Knights were widely known throughout the lands. Wherever their crimson armor appeared, battlefields shifted, and wars were decided. Under the leadership of Alex Avernus, they had accomplished feats others called impossible.
They were the elite knights of House Avernus.
Alex as their captain.
Tud.
Tud.
The sound of boots echoed through the long corridors as Alex made his way straight toward the Patriarch's study.
He didn't stop to admire the halls or greet anyone along the way. His path was direct, confident, and familiar—like a man walking through his own home.
He reached the heavy doors of the study and pushed them open without knocking.
Inside, Auri Avernus sat behind his desk, stacks of books spread out before him. Scrolls and documents lay neatly arranged, and a cup of tea rested at the edge of the desk, steam slowly rising. Auri adjusted his glasses as he read, his posture calm and composed.
"You're late," Auri said without looking up. "You should've been back sooner."
"Well," Alex replied casually, strolling in, "you know I took a detour."
Auri lifted his gaze, one eyebrow rising slightly. "How will the other Houses react if they find out the respected captain of the Red Knights is a gambling addict?"
"What?" Alex said sharply. "I haven't gambled in a long time now. Don't go accusing someone without evidence."
"Hm," Auri said, studying him over the rim of his glasses.
Alex straightened slightly, taking on a more proper stance. "The expedition was a success," he reported. "The black dragon is dead. The Red Knights will be back soon, Patriarch."
Auri nodded once, acknowledging the report.
"You've seen the youngest," Auri added after a brief pause. "What do you think?"
Alex fell silent.
For a full minute, he didn't answer.
His expression shifted, losing its casual edge as his thoughts turned inward.
"…Incredible," Alex finally said. "The boy's natural instincts far surpass his siblings."
"So you have no problem taking him as your student," Auri said calmly.
"I'll be taking three of them," Alex replied.
"Three?" Auri asked, surprised.
"Yes," Alex said firmly. "Vin and Vex as well."
Auri leaned back slightly in his chair, thoughtful.
"The three of them are all perfect talents," Alex finished.