Shen could no longer hold it in.
"Why?" he choked between sobs. His chest burned as he clutched it tight.
"Why did you stay? Why make me your pupil? Why choose someone weak, when there were so many better?"
Tears dripped onto his clenched fists. For a long moment, silence pressed down on him.
Then, slowly, a realization crept in.
"He knew…" Shen whispered. "He knew I wanted glory. He gave me the chance to chase it."
Shen wiped his eyes, forcing his voice steady.
"I can't waste this chance. Not after what he gave me."
The grief hardened into steel.
"I'll get revenge for you, Shu. Even if it kills me."
Shen's eyes burned—twin volcanoes smoldering with rage.
---
The Council of Seven
High above Shen's chamber, in a vaulted hall, seven figures sat around a round table. Hydris towered in the center chair, his massive frame lit by pale blue lanterns.
"Is this information reliable?" one cloaked man demanded. "He's just a child! How can we trust him?"
Hydris's tone was calm, but final. "Shu would never give his blades willingly. He chose this boy to inherit them."
"Or the blades were taken," another countered sharply. "The boy could be a spy from one of the other Grandmasters."
Hydris's gaze swept across them. "You do not understand. The Grandmasters… and I… we possess abilities beyond ordinary men. Some of us can even enchant."
The chamber stirred. Enchanting—rare, exhausting, priceless. Entire nations were judged by their enchanters.
"Shu was one such man," Hydris continued. He drew one of the twin daggers and stabbed it into the table. The metal glowed, symbols lighting up.
From the blade, light burst—forming a moving image. Shu's voice echoed as he handed the blades to Shen. The vision played through to Shu's final breath.
The council fell into silence.
"Do you understand now?" Hydris's voice rumbled.
One by one, the hooded figures nodded.
"Good. The boy will be trained. Monsoon will begin tomorrow. Any objections?"
None dared speak.
"Then it is settled."
---
A New Day
Meanwhile, Shen sneezed in his sleep, jolting half-awake. "Huh? …mhm…" He rolled over and instantly drifted off again.
Morning came with determination burning in his chest. He dressed in the white-and-blue suit laid out for him, a pendant pinned at the tie.
The clothes hung loose at first—then shimmered.
[Magic item equipped]
The fabric shrank perfectly to his form.
"Neat!" Shen grinned. "So the system sees magic items too, huh?"
A knock at the door. Shen opened it to find a tall butler in a crisp blue suit.
"Good morning, Master Shen," the man bowed. "By order of His Majesty, I will accompany you to class. But first—you must be starved. Please, follow me to the dining hall."
As they walked, Shen raised a hand nervously. "Um… where are my daggers?"
The butler's lips curled in a faint smile. "They will be returned shortly. The King is having them analyzed."
"I see… thank you, Mister—"
"Sebastian," the butler cut in smoothly, adjusting his dark hair.
Shen chuckled. "Figures."
They soon reached the grand dining hall, a long table groaning with food. Shen's stomach growled so loud it echoed.
"Shen, I'm glad you're here," Hydris called from the far end, waving warmly.
Shen bowed. "Your Majesty."
Hydris gestured for him to sit. "I know you're eager for your blades, but patience. They must be studied first. For now—eat. Then we talk."
Shen nodded, suppressing his impatience. He sat respectfully beside the King.
"What do you know of spells?" Hydris asked once Shen was served.
"Not much," Shen admitted. In truth, he only knew a basic healing charm.
Hydris leaned in. "Then listen well. Magic is comprehension. Without it, there is no spell—only wasted effort. The simplest healing trick may take a spark of understanding… but the greatest arts demand oceans of it. Remember this when you study. The better you comprehend, the greater you succeed. Understood?"
"Yes," Shen said firmly. "Thank you, Hydris. I'll keep it in mind."
Hydris smiled. "Good. And don't forget—the library is open to you."
After finishing, Shen bowed again and excused himself. Sebastian led him to the classroom.
At the door, Sebastian said, "Have a good day, Master Shen."
Shen smirked. "Drop the 'Master,' Sebastian. It sounds pretentious. Just Shen is fine."
The butler blinked, then chuckled softly. "Very well. You'll fit in here nicely. That's just what another young prince once told me."
Shen grinned, pushed open the classroom door, and stepped inside.