After 48 hours, they were discharged.
Liebe said, "Well, gotta get to the capital. The Grandmaster promised to help me train."
Licht replied, "Damn… just remember, we have four months before we join the academy. And I've got some things to do back home."
Liebe said, "Oh yeah, you're going home for a few weeks. I forgot."
Licht nodded. "See you then."
Elizabeth said, "I still have classes since I'll be joining next year, so I gotta study... even though I was also admitted with you."
Alysa stretched. "For now, I'll just game and sleep. Not like I have anything better to do."
Liebe grinned. "Why not come and watch?"
Alysa replied, "Sure."
Licht said, "See you guys."
Elizabeth smiled. "Have fun at home—and training, I guess."
Liebe turned to Gelda. "Let's go. Get the portal."
Gelda said, "Understood, Lord. Spatial Magic: Astral Gate."
And with that, they were teleported into the royal castle.
Liebe knocked on the Grandmaster's door. From inside, Astreous said, "Come in, come in."
As Liebe entered, Astreous said, "About your training—let's begin."
They assembled in the royal garden. Astreous asked, "Young Liebe, how are you doing now?"
Liebe said, "Much better. Now let's begin."
Astreous nodded. "We only have four months before your classes start at the academy. Use this time well. For today, come at me with your all."
As they clashed time and time again, Liebe was repeatedly defeated.
Astreous said, "I know you can do better."
Liebe replied, "Okay then," and drew his dual swords. He cut a small part of his finger, letting one drop of blood fall to the ground. Then he began to chant:
Let the moon weep red upon the cursed ground.
Let shadows scream where light dares not tread.
I summon forth the hunger sealed within my veins.
Awaken, crimson wrath, unchained and unholy.
By fangs of the void and claws of despair,
I tear through flesh, not for need—but for thrill.
My soul drinks the cries of the broken and bleeding.
My heart beats to the rhythm of carnage and chaos.
Blood—answer my call, boil and obey!
Let desire sharpen into a blade that cuts souls.
Those who stand before me shall drown in scarlet ecstasy.
Those who run shall fall to my shadow's thirst.
With every pulse, my fury grows.
With every scream, my joy ignites.
This is not wrath. This is worship.
Dark Magic: Blood Lust!
Astreous raised his brows. "Wow. A 16-sentence chant. Those are hard to learn—even for a captain. I doubt even your mother knows more than ten 16-line chants. For me, I know about 25. Asten's near 9."
Then Liebe's eyes turned black, and he launched into a rampage. During their fierce battle, Liebe managed to graze Astreous's right cheek.
Astreous smiled. "Well done, little Liebe."
Liebe regained consciousness and asked, "What just happened?" Then collapsed.
Alysa rushed in. "Are you okay!?"
Liebe groaned. "That spell always hits hard…"
Astreous said, "Incredible. A spell that grows stronger depending on malice, bloodlust, and the amount of blood lost… and with just one drop, you were able to graze me."
Liebe muttered, "I hate using it. I lose control. It scares me... that I might even harm the ones dearest to me."
Astreous placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then that's what we'll work on."
Meanwhile, back at the new Vaude mansion…
Licht arrived. "Mommy, I'm home!"
Elodie greeted him warmly. "Well, you certainly have grown."
Jewel waved. "Hello. How was the hospital tour?"
Licht shrugged. "Okay-ish."
Jewel smiled. "I heard the Grandmaster came to visit."
Licht nodded. "Yeah, but sadly the news couldn't go public. A demon escaped the Underworld… so that was kept quiet. But we did get admitted to the Knighthood Academy—without the entrance exam."
Jewel smirked. "Reminds me of when I joined. I failed the first time. Just straight-up failed. Then I looked at the questions, realized they were stuff I could handle, and the practical battles were easy. For the next month, I just ate, studied, and then I got in on the second try."
Licht said, "Nicee."
Jewel teased, "Sadly, the academy must be failing quite a bit if it's letting people like you and Liebe in without a test."
Elodie just laughed.
Then Rosa barged in. "Yooo brother, why do you look like a whale?"
Licht deadpanned, "Sister, I know… but you barely look human."
Rosa smirked. "Oh yeah, I got into the academy last year, so you don't know how rough it is. Trust me—between studying and training, I barely get the chance to sleep. I'm in the medical division. My light magic can heal."
Licht said, "Great. Now teach me how to heal. Mine just cures bruises—that's it."