Fragarach

Caisein Eran

“Greetings bearer of the seal of the future. I am Caisein Eran, the successor of the Eran family.” He said in a manly tone.

[His much larger upward slanting point pupil is different from Mars, is he a different race of the demi-humans? His build is rather different as well, I think he is rather built for fighting.] Raven thought to himself as he saw the student around his age kneel before him.

[This is really embarrassing, I can’t get used to it even after being knelt down a few times. It’s not really a thing for me?] he asked himself while trying to hold back from telling Caisein to stand up like he did to Nyx when he did the same thing as well.

“It’s nice to meet you Caisein, though Nyx might have told you who I am already, I am Raven Oston. A normal student trying to study like everyone else in the academy.”

Raven introduced himself even though he knew Caisein already knows his identity.

[So this is the aura of the bearer of the seal of the future, it’s much more pleasant than I thought it would be. Nyx told me that he release a pressure enough to make you struggle breathing. I also heard rumors about being it a fluke, a one in a thousand chance of happening to random individuals that accidentally released their mana aura’s pressure in some emotions. He has arrived and that is all that matters, not the truth nor the rumors.] he thought as he look up to Raven.

“It is a pleasure to meet the bearer in my lifetime, you don’t know how happy my ancestors would be if they happen to meet you in their lifetime first, my lord.” He said in a polite and manly voice.

[This sly fox, he never had this tone whenever he talks to me, he is an easy-going dog that has been a trouble maker ever since he learned combat. The Eran family’s problem child, yet he is still going to succeed to be their family’s successor in spite of everything he did.] Nyx told himself as he bit his lip in anger.

[This one again, I don’t feel really comfortable whenever someone calls me lord, if Aranx would hear of this name calling he will be really pissed.] he thought as he glance at Mars then Nyx and lastly Caisein with an uncomfortable expression.

[That startled me, did I do something wrong that made him uncomfortable?] Mars thought as he struggle to think of something he did to ruin his mood.

[I think I know why he glanced at every one of us.] Nyx also glanced at Mars and Caisein.

[Raven doesn’t want to be called lord, that’s what made him uncomfortable.] he thought as he shakes his head in disappointment. [How could I forget something that is very crucial?!] he cursed himself as he buried his face in his palms in disdain.

[What are these guys thinking about? Did I do something wrong?] Caisein thought as he tilted his head in confusion.

“What did I do that made you uncomfortable my lord?” Caisein asked in curiosity.

Nyx’s eyes widen in shock. [He said it again!] he cried internally as he grip his fist in anger for himself.

“Can you not call me lord? It makes me uncomfortable you see.” Raven said with a wry smile. “Is that what made you feel uncomfortable?” he asked with a surprised face. “You see, I grew up from a poor family. So it only makes sense that I am not accustomed to be called like that.” He explained as he scratch his head. “I just want you all to treat me like an ordinary person, like a friend.” He added with a smile.

Immediately after Raven said those things Caisein stood up.

[I like this guy, finally someone who doesn’t care about petty titles like everyone is so obsessed about. Commoners have it easy unlike us nobles huh?] he thought as he stood up smiling.

[That surprised me, that smile. I don’t like the sight of that smile.] Nyx thought as he stood there staring at Caisein.

[He is known for being a carefree trouble maker in the Eran family but his ability speaks for himself that’s why he is still respected as one of the young prodigies from the demi-humans side. What is he going to do now?] Mars thought as he started to break some sweat from the atmosphere around him.

“Mars, can you leave the three of us alone and wait outside?” Nyx whispered to Mars who was standing behind him.

“Absolutely young master. Then I will see myself out.” He said as he gently bow his head and went outside the building.

“Finally someone who doesn’t care about some petty titles or ranks. I was afraid that I won’t find someone who thinks the same way as me.” Caisein said in a refreshing manner while flashing a smile.

[Wow, he switched gears that fast? Or maybe he was like that from the beginning?] Raven thought after the surprise of immediately changing Caisein’s attitude towards him.

“Hey Cai, you shouldn’t act like that in front of Raven.” Nyx immediately said after seeing Caisein act like he normally does every day towards the people around him.

Nyx was walking towards Caisein when Raven extended his arms to stop Nyx from doing so.

“It’s fine Nyx. It will be more comforting for me if he acts that way towards me.” Raven said with a smile on his face.

“But- “ Nyx interrupted but he quickly regained his composure when he saw Raven smiled comfortably.

“I will be glad if you could act normally like what you do when you are around your friends Nyx.” Raven said in a comforted tone and a bright smile.

“That is going to be very hard for me.” Nyx said in a sad tone.

[It’s hard for me to do that indeed. I have been trained to be that way for years since childhood and it’s very hard to break what is deeply buried inside my head. Even everyone in my family will be hesitant to suddenly change what they were taught for generations.] Nyx thought to himself as he look down on the ground.

“I was afraid that you would be like the others, but I am thankful that you ended up different than others. I have always been against that kind of mindset, it’s good to meet someone like me in this world.” He said as he walk towards Raven.

“Likewise, I never would have thought to meet one as well.” Raven replied with a smile.

His eyes moved towards the conflicted Nyx as he struggles to make up his mind.

“Please give Nyx time to adjust on to how he should act towards you, his family is very strict in his training you see. My family is like that as well but I rebel and they can’t do anything about it. Nyx is the most obedient one in all of his siblings, he carries a huge weight on his backs before when he is chosen to succeed the Arcan family and now that you have appeared. The weight of the burden on his back became heavier.” Caisein explained.

“Did he had a lot of friends?” Raven asked.

Everyone went silent when Raven asked that question.

[Hmmm, Nyx’s friends. Wait, were there any?] Caisein thought as he stare at the ceiling looking back on his memories.

Nyx looked even more sad when Raven mention if he had any friends from the past.

[This is infuriating, this is so different than what was taught to me by our elders.] he thought to himself as he grit his teeth.

“Wait- I don’t remember him making friend with other noble kids, he usually devotes his time and effort doing all of the elders’ guidance. He doesn’t seem to have a friend. I don’t know if he regards me as a friend since our families have been believing in the same belief for generations, I have never seen him get friendly with others.” Caisein narrated as he stares at Nyx with a concerned face.

“Is that so?” Raven said as he felt guilty for forcing Nyx to break away from their tradition.

[I feel so awful, he dedicated his entire life to train how to be a fitting companion to the bearer thus preventing him from making friends and acquaintances and here I am asking him to break away from the tradition that he grew up from.] Raven thought as he regrets making an unreasonable request.

As Nyx’s anxiety starts to surface, he unconsciously release his mana aura’s pressure around him, Raven and Caisein felt it as they talk to each other.

[What are they talking about inside? Why is it taking so long?] Mars thought as he lean his back on the wall.

*BUDUMP!*

His felt his heart race as he felt a familiar feeling. [This- this is young master’s mana aura. Did something happened inside? No- no, no! I must be patient, the master don’t want to do something we could regret later.] he told himself as he holds himself back from barging inside the building.

*Pat*

“I am sorry Nyx, I was not aware that you are so devoted that you did not make a single friend because of me. Take your time, I can wait for you to be able to adjust like the way you devoted yourself for me.”

Raven said as he smiled bitterly towards Nyx. Caisein stare at Raven and Nyx in astonishment.

[I never thought the bearer would be this compassionate about other’s feelings.] he felt the warmth in his heart as he smiled. [This- I’m glad he appeared in my lifetime.]

“I am very sorry Raven, I was not expecting it to be like this.” He said in a low voice. “I should be the one to ask for forgiveness.” Raven replied.

His mana aura starts to disappear as he regain control of his emotion.

*BUDUMP!*

[Thank goodness I stayed put.] Mars sat on his feet as his heart beat starts to calm down.

“OH! I almost forgot!” Raven exclaimed as he remembered that a young man sent a message for Nyx.

Both Caisein and Nyx turn their heads to Raven in unison.

“Some students from yesterday waited for me at the alley to give you a message, ‘I am challenging you to a duel. You can use a weapon of your choice, be sure to come at the arena after lunch. Don’t worry about anything, I have already taken care of the arena. There is no need to worry about the venue.’ Is what he said.

The message left Caisein in awe while Nyx grits his teeth in woe.

[They really did challenge him huh? But the biggest mistake was to make the bearer of the seal of the future the messenger. Knowing Nyx, a devoted person. He will not let it pass even for a joke. Even I will feel a little angry about it.] he told himself as he swallowed his spit.

*GULP!*

*GRIP*

[How dare they make Raven a messenger, unforgivable! I will beat the crap out of that bastard!] Nyx thought as he wore an evil smile.

Raven did not realize that both of his companions are greatly mad because of what happened.

[Did I do something wrong?] he thought as he glance at both of them holding back their fangs.