Chapter 31: Heading back

We rested and decided to head back

"So like the plan, we'll secretly follow you back" Diana said "And when we arrive at the academy, I'll be registered as your bond in my bird form"

"Yeah, if you're just a bird who's perch on my shoulder and with 'Presence', you should be unnoticeable"

"I'll move our things into my new spatial storage and I'll be registered as your bodyguard/butler when we're at the academy" Damon said

"Yeah, I'm allowed to do that, most nobles have several servants to serve them while they're at the academy, we'll allowed 4 bonds and 3 servants per person, but I don't think I want any more companions, our group should be complete"

"Your parents will definitely question you about that huge phoenix tattoo on your back" Dabria said before disappearing

There was a black dragon tattoo on the right side on my chest which I can hide, but my back has this big black tattoo with the shape of a phoenix that covered my whole back.

"Well I'll just hope no one notice it"

Even in Dabria memories, she was told by older gods whose been observing this world that most bond tattoo won't be bigger than an average size of a head. Maybe it's because she's a mutant was the conclusion we reached

Me, Ace and Siege left first, since we have the bond, we'll be able to locate each other.

I arrived at the cabin my family rented that is at the bottom edge of the mountain range.

"You're a couple of hours late" My mom said with hands on her hips

"Yeah you were allowed 3 days" my dad scolded

"Well at least he didn't get into any trouble this time" Olivia hugged me

"I doubt he'll find anyone in the mountain" John said

After a couple minute of scolding, we enjoyed the rest of our vacation, we spent the next several days relaxing, Me, Ace and Siege spent a few hours a day to train in the harsh cold weather.

It was then time to head back.

-We'll go ahead to get rid of any enemies waiting along the way- Damon said

-Don't worry, we'll go in our human form we won't get caught- Diana said

-Thanks-

It feels good having someone at a dark grey level by your side.

Apparently along the way, they encountered several dark purple mages and 1 blue mage along the way, and Damon interrogate them, it seems they were waiting for me.

-Apparently, since the last group failed, the marquis spent some more money to get rid of you for humiliating his son- Damon said

-And the red sword also lost some of their reputation after failing their job, so they sent a blue mage to make sure the job is done and keep their reputation- Diana added

-Well, it might have worked, but they didn't anticipate me having you guys by my side. Worst case scenario, I'll use 'Presence' to overwhelm them and run away to safety-

We arrived home safe and sound, Damon and Diana are camping somewhere in the woods of rabbit forest, we visit them sometimes during our training, they even helped us trained in advanced magic, which would usually be taught in the academy.

It was time to leave for the academy, I was leaving for Artia by foot, well I'll reach it using magic.

"Here's a gift from Luke, it's a A-rank breastplate, we know, you're only allowed to wear a robe over your armor, but if you're outside the academy, it'll be good for you" Mom handed me the armor

"You're the pride of our village, every kid is now aiming to be like you" Dad laughed "Call us often, we need to know you're okay"

"Big bro, we'll train here while you're gone" Emily said

"Yeah, we'll train hard to be as good as you" Oliver said

"Well you wish, even Perseus started learning only when he was 4, you guys are still 3" Olivia said

"Yeah, you guys don't even know how to read yet, but I'll teach you guys when the time comes" John lectured "Take care of yourself Perseus, you'll going to come back stronger than me, and here take this box"

"Can I open it?" I asked

"Sure"

I opened it to find shoes

"I spent some money to get the materials, Eliza made them, they're A-rank, pretty expensive, but think it as a gift from both of us, make sure to drop by their workshop on the way"

We bid our farewell and left at incredible speed. We slowed down when we are further away, Diana was a black bird, the size of my head, she retains her dark purple eyes. She then perched onto my left shoulder.

-Yeah, the right one is my spot, thank you for not taking it- Ace said

-Well, I'll leave the spot to you, when we're not running, that is your usual spot after all- Diana replied

"I have to call you young master at school, don't I?" Damon asked

"Yep, but call me Perseus when we're alone"

-You should phrase things better- Dabria commented

-I don't see anything wrong with it- Siege said

"There's so many voices in my head now, I feel nauseated "

"I don't usually like talking through our minds unless we have some private discussions to do or if it's for stealth so you don't have to worry about me" Damon replied

*****

We arrived at the workshop, Damon waited with Diana on his shoulder outside since Luke and Eliza don't know them yet

"Ellie said to say farewell in her place since she's busy like usual, you like the breastplate I gave ya?" Luke asked

"It's wonderful"

"Good"

"What about the shoes?" Eliza asked

"Well I'm wearing it now aren't I?"

"It'll expand when you grow bigger, and you don't have to worry about it tearing, little tears will repair itself"

"Thanks for the gift"

"Well it was mostly John that got the materials, but visit us often alright, we're closer to you than you are to your parents"

"Of course, I'll visit often"

We left the workshop and headed to the academy. Many students avoided me, but it wasn't that bad, it meant that I won't have to awkwardly interact with them. But a familiar pink haired guy tapped my shoulder.

Albert was accompanied by a middle aged man with light blue hair and blue eyes about 190cm tall which is a bit taller than Damon.

"Ah he's my butler and bodyguard, Aenon" Albert introduced

"Well, here's my new bond Diana and my butler/bodyguard, Damon"

"It seems that we are the same, mister Damon" Aenon took out his hand

"Can't believe I can finally meet someone like me" Damon shook it

-Told you he got a dragon-

-He seems old, ask his age- Dabria replied

"How old are you, Aenon?" I asked

"Hohoho, I should turn 45 this year" he answered

-He's 450 years old, he's older than you- Ace exclaimed

-But not as powerful- Siege added

-And definitely not as beautiful- Diana chimed in

-Thank you, I'm so glad to have you here Diana- Dabria replied

"Hey guys!" A female voice greeted

"Hi Eleanor" Albert replied

"Greetings your majesty"

"You know I hate that" she grumbled "With the way he's dressed, that guy seemed to be your butler, I know Albert can afford one, but no offense, why would a commoner like you need one?"

"Well I like to spend money"

-We all know it's not true- Dabria commented

"Well where are yours?" I asked

"They're going ahead to prepare my room, one person would accompany me at the opening ceremony though, I hope you don't mind him joining our table" She answered

"Of course, I'll just kill him if he piss me off, hahaha"

"What an entertaining fellow hohoho" Aenon laughed

Eleanor looked mortified.

"Well let's head in, we don't want to be late for the opening ceremony" Albert ushered

| You're hoping for too much |

| No |

| I'll consider it |

< I like that answer better>