Emperor's Reckoning

After spending several days in Ruheria City, the group was found lounging in one of the common rooms in a random inn of Lyon's choosing.

As they lounged in the dimly lit common room, the curtains drawn tightly shut to keep prying eyes at bay, Noah rose from his seat and made his way over to the window. Peeking through a small gap in the fabric, he surveyed the scene outside with a furrowed brow.

"More people are coming as expected," announced Noah, his voice low and urgent. "It seems like Burgeon Swan is really wanting to make a statement with this one."

Lyon remained sprawled out on the couch, seeming unperturbed by the news that Noah brought. His eyes were closed, his breathing deep and even, as if he were lost in a peaceful dream.

But the others knew better. They had seen the teacher in action too many times to doubt his abilities, and they knew that his relaxed demeanor belied a mind that was constantly working, analyzing every situation and calculating every move.

"Is today the day?" asked Reinhard.

"Tomorrow," said Rayus with his eyes solemn. "And it seems like the words in Guh City is out as well."

"We gained attention, that's inevitable considering that an entire city was at stake," said Noah before sighing.

Inside the room, the three students were entering contemplation while the other two were the total opposite. Selena was sitting with her mind calm not as the pond, but the void itself. Her eyes closed with no blade in sight. Her breathing was serene as if she didn't breathe at all. Her chest didn't seem to heave but they knew she was alive. The horrors that she could inflict, the power to choke the entire city and even slay the astral projection of Drogan, only brought shivers.

"I wonder where Lenu is?" asked Rayus. "I haven't seen him in the city at all the past few days."

"He might be in hiding considering what's going to happen," said Noah.

"I agree," Reinhard nodded.

The three of them were in consensus. However, as soon as they nodded together, a knock on their door was heard.

"May I come in?" a gentleman's voice came from behind the door.

"Who is it?" asked Rayus with his brows furrowed. He looked at his two fellows but the other two also had no idea. They didn't order a service from the inn.

"Ah, well, pardon my rudeness, my name is Edward Liabolong," said the man behind the door.

"And?" Rayus added as he approached the door with utmost caution.

"I am eager to meet the legend that is now feared in Guh City," said the man.

"Are you from the Burgeon Swan?" asked Reinhard.

Noah slapped his own face whilst Rayus scowled in disbelief. Lyon farted on the side without any remorse.

"I... I believe that we can discuss it inside?" said the man.

Rayus turned and looked at his two friends. Both of them shrugged their shoulders. The man didn't answer directly that he was from the Burgeon Swan but, he was hinting at it. Getting him inside might be a bad idea. However, that's why they had a teacher.

Rayus knelt by Lyon's couch before whispering, "Teacher, there is someone here wanting to meet you."

Lyon's eyes fluttered a bit before opening his eyes. "Why not?"

Rayus nodded before getting back to the door. He hesitated for a second before twisting the doorknob and pulling the door open, revealing a man of standard stature with no redeeming face. However, his robe looked expensive and formal. The way he smiled was also the kind that Noah found in the upper scale of society.

"Hello," the man politely bowed.

"E-En..." Rayus found himself nervous.

"May, I?" Edward gestured with his hand.

"S-Sure," Rayus stepped aside and let him in before closing the door.

Edward was smiling as he stepped inside but it vanished into a slight surprise the moment he saw Lyon taking up space on the sofa with both feet not touching the floor. The latter looked at him with a yawn before the former gulped and sat down.

"Y-You must be the one they are referring to," said Edward with a gulp. ( I absolutely couldn't detect the terror coming out of this man and, he looked so young, I know one can maintain their youth as their cultivation grows, but, there is this slight naivety that I feel from him ).

"What do you want?" asked Lyon, his voice low and disinterested as if every word took a toll on his body.

Edward tried to smile as he spoke, "I'm Edward Liabolong, the owner of the coliseum."

Reinhard, Rayus, and Noah were startled by his statement. Their goosebumps rose as their eyes opened wide looking at Edward who was sitting at the center of the room. This was the person that their teacher was initially looking for, however, the man was not found, he came knocking on their door.

"And..?" Lyon raised his brow.

Edward kept his chest tight, "I want to talk to you about the Burgeon Swan."

"You're with them, aren't you?!" asked Reinhard with a violent tone.

Lyon merely raised his finger before Reinhard behaved. The subtle gesture was kept in Edward's mind.

"I'm not with them," said Edward before he almost could hear ther brows raise at the same time.

"And you are telling me this because?" Lyon fixed his posture and let his feet touch the floor. His eyes were sharp and the drowsiness that Edward caught on just prior was gone. He leaned back before straightening his back and stretching his shoulders.

"I... I'm not much of a fighter," said Edward. "However, I—"

"How did it come to be that you are with the Burgeon Swan?" asked Lyon before he crossed his arms.

"They approached me," said Edward. "I... I don't want to do any dealings with them but I have to."

"They threatened you?" asked Rayus.

"N-No, well, yes, but it's not a blade over my neck or something, they still pay me like any other clients that I have dealings with, however, the safety of my own is something entirely different," said Edward.

"You want protection from us?" asked Lyon.

"F-Forgive me, but I have sought who you are, or what you have done to be exact. People are talking about you, the whole city," said Edward.

"That's why we are keeping ourselves low," said Noah.

"Yes, your reputation, a legend, far beyond even Sir Refl," said Edward. "I have nothing against Sir Refl, but I doubt he could befall three of the notorious bandits in Burgeon Swan, plus one camp as you did in less than a week."

Reinhards's head bloated the moment he heard that even though the one Edward talking about was his teacher.

"You've done scraping," said Lyon. "Yet you chose us, and not the resistance group that Sir Refl led."

Edward sighed, "As much as I want to believe in the resistance under him, you are the better option, by far."

"Are you sure?" Lyon asked.

"Yes!" Edward nodded fiercely. "I vehemently believe that the new teacher of Class Six is a far better option than the old legend that is about to be executed."

Lyon snorted before laughing. "Hahahaha, hear that? It seems like our name will be flaming to every corner of Second Heaven. Don't pretend Reinhard, I know you're beaming inside." he turned to look at Edward before leaning forward, "What's in it for us?"

"T-This is just a contingency plan if they decide to attack me," said Edward. "But everything within my capabilities I will not say no."

"Hoo?" Lyon raised his brows before looking at his three students, "You three, what do you think? Of course, you will keep him safe."

Edward raised his brows. "W-wait, not you?!?"

"My service is not that cheap," said Lyon. "Don't worry about it, these guys have killed one of them, the one that's burly, I forgot his name."

"Poger," added Noah.

"Ah, right," said Lyon.

Edward raised his brows before turning around, "You three killed Poger?"

"Damn right, we did!" said Reinhard before he crossed his arms whilst stepping forward.

Edward turned his head toward Lyon with eyes mixed with doubt. "Are you sure...?"

"My method of teaching is not for you to doubt," said Lyon. "They are my students for six months, and you are an employer."

Edward nervously nods, "I'll see you tomorrow at noon, and uh..." Edward reached for something inside his pocket before placing it on the table. "This badge can be used to access the VIP room of the coliseum, which I will be there as well— There will be someone over there waiting for you, give them the badge and they will open the barrier for you."

"I see," Lyon nodded.

Edward nod before leaving the room, and only for a glance he saw Selena. ( Huh? Was she there the whole time? ). He faced the three students, "Remember, my safety is your priority!"

As the door closed and footsteps diminished, Lyon looked at the three students, "He is quite, eager to live."

"Yeah..." Reinhard smiled.

"Reinhard, do you know who you're protecting him from?" Lyon smirked.

"The Burgeon Swan?" Reinhard raised his brows. However, the more he looked at Lyon's expression the more his eyes widened. The one that was most likely to hunt Edward was none other than the group under Refl.