"How do you feel, mortal?" the entity wondered, looking at him with curiosity.
"I don't feel anything particular, yet I experienced something during the trial. I've never felt this way before. It's hard for me to explain it, but I think it was some egoism or pride," replied Laudis, sitting in the quartz chair.
"You know that you are still bound to me with the pact you've made, right?"
"I'm aware of my situation, Will," the boy responded, looking at the teapot.
"Today I've made you real tea, precisely black tea. Still you haven't answered me..."
"Excuse me? I thought I made myself clear. I am tired and content at the same time. Shall I lie to make you pleased?" the irritated boy said.
"Wrong, it's not what I meant. What I meant is that you quote 'never felt this way before'. It'd be better for you to say you didn't remember the feeling. After all, you have a memory loss, haven't you?" the being continued with a subtle smirk.
"So I've lost my memories?" the youth continued, pursuing his goal.
"Like I've said before, you can ask me later. Of course, if you will still be alive at the marked time."
"The marked time?"
"Yes. I will slowly open up and share more information as we go on. Still, there is one thing that bothers me. What is your real motivation?"
"To get my memories back?" the kid wondered, uncertain.
"Incorrect. Your goal is way different from the prosaic 'I need to get my memories back so I can avenge myself!'. Look at yourself. For the freaking eleven years, you had no problem with memory loss. You survived off stealing, killing weak vampires, music, and gambling. There was not even a single day when you said, 'I wish I had a home'. You have great intelligence, so you never thought about unrealistic dreams. So why the hell can't I see the real reason why? Why bother to become a Crusader?! Why bother to be a hero?! Why bother to kill the monsters?! You are no hero!" the being stated, slamming the table and standing up with anger.
"It's useless whether you forfeit now or later; in both instances, you are destined to suffer. What the hell is your real motivation, you fool?! What is the reason that you push yourself to do unnecessary actions?! Didn't you despise them?! So answer me, why do you try so hard?!" continued irritated Will. For the first time in many years, God couldn't understand the mind of a mortal.
"I don't know. I have no altruistic intents nor any hero complex. I don't need to avenge anyone. I don't think I'm doing the right thing, nor the wrong one, too. I do know one thing. I want to feel something, something different from the emotions that pierce me every single day. I wish to be happy, angry, grateful, or envious. I want to understand what it means to be a human. A human who has real bonds, not made for his own gain. I really want to become average if it makes me content. I wish to comprehend it. How does it feel to have someone to care about? A person, for whom I can sacrifice myself. Perhaps it's my only reason, I want to find that person. Someone who will finally listen to me and help me live. I suppose the person I'm talking about might be my... future wife?" replied Laudis. His right eye let go of one lonely tear. His left hand clenched, wanting to catch something.
"I see... May we end the meeting? I think both of us need to rethink, right?"
"Yeah..."
The youth woke up in his room, alone. The sun shone through the window. The birds were singing a fine tune, and vendors were promoting their stands. He decided to dress up and refresh himself from yesterday. The boy poured a bucket of cold water on his body. His hands were covered in blisters from the axe. Despite them, he was pretty content with the outcome. Laudis wiped himself off with a towel. He bandaged his wounds and left the restroom. He decided to check the current time, and the silver watch showed him — it was half past seven. Then he went downstairs to get something to eat.
"How do you feel?" asked Gladius, looking at the bandages. He was sitting alone in the corner.
"Not so bad. Before I sit, do you mind if I eat here?" the kid replied.
"Yeah, yeah. Go on."
"I appreciate it."
The youth ordered two lamb chops with half a loaf of bread. For the drink, he chose a cup of apple juice.
"So, what is the third trial?" the boy wondered.
"You will choose one of the Crusaders to fight with. Your only goal is to make one of these things happen. One, make your opponent use elemental power. Two, make your opponent use aura. Three, make your opponent surrender," the captain answered, looking at him with curiosity.
"I understand. When is the challenge taking place?"
"It's better for you to rest and take your time. I think seven p.m. will be the best time. The sun will be present, yet the temperature won't be an obstacle. The fight will take place on the training grounds," the man replied, reading from a paper.
"What about rules for me?"
"You can do whatever you want to. You can use mana, poison, aura, et cetera, et cetera. Even if you kill a Crusader during the fight, you won't be punished. Yet I don't think the rest would appreciate it. In short, there is no boundary applying to the applicant. Do you understand everything now?"
"Yes."
Laudis finished the meal and went upstairs. He waited in his room, meditating and thinking about his future.
'Quite an unusual challenge. I've never heard about anything similar before. Nonetheless, the best option for me to choose is Solisia. She is the youngest, least experienced, and prone to distractions. Her weapon is not that strong. I sparred with her with two swords. With a bit of luck, I can pull that off and win. Wait, Will didn't take control of me yet. Don't tell me that freak wants to fight for me. Yeah, that's the most likely scenario. I guess I don't need to prepare myself too much. It's better to rest and let my hands heal up more. I suppose I can even take a nap,' the youth thought, sitting in his bed.
He took a three-hour nap and meditated for the rest of the time. The hands of a clock struck half past six. The boy applied the fragrance and dressed up. He took the coat with him just in case of rain. Walking through the market, he was still wondering what Will would do. Laudis finally arrived, and everyone was standing, awaiting his choice.
"We have fifteen minutes to the third and final trial. Five minutes before it, you will choose your opponent. Remember, no one besides you can use elemental power," Gladius said, polishing his sword.
'Hell if I could even use those,' the boy thought with apathy.
"I understand."
The minutes went by one after the other. When the time came, Laudis lost control of his body. The black heptagon with a seven-pointed star appeared on his back, yet it was hidden beneath his clothes. Will was allowed to show his true nature.
'Remember the rules,' the youth said to him. Despite losing possession of his flesh, he could still think and communicate with the being.
'I know. I can't break them; they are enlisted in the pact. If I were to break them, the reality would collapse, so you know.'
'Nice...'
'Just wait and enjoy the spectacle,' the content entity responded.
"Who do you choose as your opponent, applicant?" the captain asked.
"Dantenium."
Everyone was left in shock. Every applicant before him would opt for women; judging by the stereotypes, they were weak. He was different; he most likely picked the strongest one. The crimson-haired man at first was caught off guard, but then he understood.
'Maybe he can actually become a Crusader. You are very interesting, Laudis...' the male thought, glad about his attitude.
'What the hell are you doing?! Are you trying to get me killed? I only drew with the weakest one, and now you are going to fight the most unpredictable one?'
The boy wasn't a fan of Will's idea.
'Shush...'
"That's something... unusual. Okay, you know the rules, Dante, right?"
"Yeah."
"I guess we can start even now. The battle begins as soon as the swords lose contact and ends when one of the three goals is completed," the knight held down both of their swords close to each other.
"Wait!" the youth said.
"What is that?" wondered Gladius.
"Before we start, I'd like to reveal something. May I?"
"Go on."
"Thank you..."
Laudis took off his eye-patch and slicked back his hair. The red eye caught everyone's attention; it was identical to a vampire's. The kid took a deep breath, almost like he had a cigarette. He cleared his throat and began the speech.
"My name is Laudis Tenbrenum, the firstborn son of Sangiusius! His rightful successor! The prince who was exiled by his empire! The one who ignites the fear in every vampire! I will clear my name by killing the strongest Crusader, that is you! Dantenium, the Warrior of Hades!"
'I am dead...' the youth's mind filled with despair.
There wasn't any noticeable sound after the statement, only silence. They were in even greater shock than before. They couldn't think of anything appropriate to say.
"Ice Cage invoca—"
"Divine Blessing: Mana Blockage," Gladius stopped Udania from casting a spell.
"Why did you stop me?! He is a vampire, possibly yet another prince! Do you want to get us dead, huh?! We didn't kill even the weakest Upper Hand yet, but you want to fight him?!
The girl looked at both of them, confused, wondering what to do.
"Let us see the fight; if he doesn't draw his fangs and claws, then he isn't one. Besides, if he were one, the sun would hurt him. The only things I see on his skin are scars, but no burns. It is unlikely that he is one. Though he is mistaken. I am the strongest one, but whatever makes him content," the knight replied, sitting down on a tree trunk. Despite being humble on the outside, the captain had his pride.
"Ha! I am pleased to be named the strongest one. Let the fight begin," the male put his sword to the boy's.
"Indeed," the youth drew his weapon back, starting the battle.
The showdown started. The wind was light, but noticeable. Will decided to distance himself from his opponent. He started jumping and warming up his wrists. The jumps were low, quick, and faster with every second. He began the offence.
"Technique No.0: Heart's Arson," he whispered lightly.
His second, normal eye began to become pink. Both of his pupils were widening, almost like he had taken some drug. Everyone was observing him with curiosity. They never saw anything similar before. Normal magic spells cannot alter your body; only auras can. The youth's muscles began twitching. His skin was turning red, and his blood flow was getting faster. The truth is that everything inside of him was going faster, even his heartbeat. Of course, at some cost, the cost was his life span. The boy caught eye contact with his foe. A single oak leaf fell between them. Laudis dashed with momentum into Dantenium. Tss — the spared attack scared off nearby animals.
'What the hell? Why does he have such strength and speed? When I saw his sparring, he was around the same level as Solisia. Now, he would be a challenge to her. He cast something, but I never saw such effects on the body. He isn't fully a human; he can't be one. In my entire life, I've never encountered anyone with such powers. Laudis, you are really interesting... Sadly, your time has come. I will draw my sword back and end the trial,' Dantenium thought, aiming for his neck. Despite his great strength, he was pretty intelligent.
The youth turned to the side and started the swing.
"What is he doing?! Why did he aim to the side?! It's going to end so badly," responded Solisia with disappointment.
"Technique No.1: Void Creation," the kid said, swinging his sword to the side.
Fwoosh — air was erased, pulling him to the side. Phuu — the blade completely missed the target. The man was stunned; he had never seen a technique like this before. The woman and the girl were shocked too. They were whispering about his dominant element. It was hard to determine which one could erase something. The captain was captivated by his skill set. The boy looked at his foe. Laudis' eyes weren't filled with anger, fear, sadness, or joy. They were filled with the new emotion he acquired — pride. He looked at his opponent with disregard. The man began to get annoyed by his attitude.
"Do you think you are smart just because you dodged my strike?! Ha! Let's start the real fight now!"
The crimson-haired guy rushed with a great blow. Tss - the youth sparred the attack with difficulty. His blisters opened. His bandages were stained red. His sword began to become crimson, almost like a mythical artifact.
'So that's what pain feels like. Quite an unusual experience,' the being thought.
Dantenium was lit like fire; he started the real offence.
'You have to go va banque.'
Thunk — the two steels met with a great force.
'It's now or never.'
Thung — another strike followed.
'I can only spare maybe three more attacks.'
Thung!
'Distance yourself rather than use void creation to surprise him.'
Thunk!
'Then follow up with a kick and incise his neck,' the boy tutored the entity.
Dantenium stood pleased and without any signs of exhaustion. On the other hand, the kid was tired and his breathing was heavy.
'I understand. By the way, don't you find this funny? God taught by a mortal, that would make pretty nice comedy if you ask me.'
'Didn't you know what to do nonetheless?'
'I knew, yet it is more entertaining for me to use your plan.'
The youth rushed backwards. The man tried to go in and finish him off.
"Technique No.1: Void Creation."
Fwoosh — the distance was cut short. Dantenium was marvelled by the situation he was put in. Thud — he blocked the kick with his sword.
'What the hell?! Why did I spare it with my blade?! That mistake can cost me a win! I can't withdraw my weapon fast enough, but I can't surrender. Not yet! As long as it isn't cutting me, I will fight! I will face the unstoppable force! I deny your win, Laudis!' the male thought, his mind was filled with superiority.
He quickly aimed for his neck. The weapon was coming, but he didn't want to lose. The steel was getting closer and closer. Centimeters to millimeters. From feeling his hair being cut to experiencing the known warmth. The metal had cut him; he had to admit his defeat.
"F.A.I.," he proclaimed.
A thin layer of fire covered his neck. The bleeding stopped, and the boy drew his warmed sword.
"You've put up a great fight," he stated, extending his right hand.
"Yeah, you too," Laudis accepted the handshake.
'See, it wasn't that bad after all,' stated Will, leaving his body.
'I guess so...'
Laudis stood before the rest of the Crusaders. Exhausted, covered in blood, and without any sign of happiness. Gladius clapped lightly, looking at him, pleased by the results. Udania gave him a subtle smile. Solisia was speechless. She couldn't comprehend that he matched him, even for a short while.
"By the way, what was that F.A.I. thing?"
"Shortened incantation. It was discovered about nine years ago. Some spells can be summoned with their initials if the caster uses them frequently. F.A.I. is fire armour invocare. But you did something else, you've done something more interesting. What did you do to boost your physical attributes? Also, are you really the vampire prince?" the man asked, looking at his odd eye.
"They are the sword techniques. I found a book about them in the library. A man from the first century V.E. created them to fight off the first vampires. It was then that humans understood how to use mana against vampires. About my heritage. I could be a vampire, but I'm not aware of it. I can tolerate normal food with ease. The sun doesn't damage me. I don't have an urge to eat human flesh. It was a bluff to catch you off guard. I don't know whether it worked. My eye is an enigma to me. Though I don't have any problem with it," he replied, sitting down on the ground.
'At least he gave me some information to fake my knowledge of spells and my eye. I might be off, but Will can actually be useful,' the boy thought, glad about the outcome.
"Yeah, I've heard about them. They are rarely used because of their high mana demand and difficulty in controlling. But you didn't seem to have a problem with them," the crimson-haired guy responded, respecting his unusual magic path.
"Are you tired?" asked Udania, looking at him.
"Yeah, but I can stand up. I need to have a quick rest, and I will walk to my room— Ekh, ekh!" the kid coughed with blood. He felt a strange feeling, almost like his heart stopped for a second.
"It doesn't look good," the captain noticed the aftermath. His hands were covered in blood from the opened blisters. His eyes' blood vessels were more pronounced.
"Nah, I feel great. I just probably drained my mana completely. These techniques are still new to me, so I didn't have much time to train with them."
"Come on, you've done enough. Trust me," said Dantenium, helping him stand up.
"..."
"Don't worry. You should be proud, you are a Crusader after all," replied Gladius, passing down the headband with their symbol.
Laudis tied it to his right arm and went to the tavern with their help. The vendors were amazed by the sight, for the first time, an applicant was truly accepted.