Hearth Knight (unfinished chapter but why not publish it)

[A few months before the entrance exams of Gold Coffin Academy]

"My boy, how do you see the people in our Rupees Main Mansion? How do you see them as?", A middle-aged man of towering stature that could include him in One Piece.

"What do you mean father? Is this another philosophical question?", A youthful kid, brimming with innocence and maturity that was not easily found in his age, asked rhetorically.

"Just answer the question, my boy.", The clean-shaven man replied with a gruff voice but in an amused and jovial manner.

"I see them as my subordinate, friends, family. Not a single person here do I see in a bad light. As a knight, I have the sense to protect these people.", The kid cupped his chin, deliberating on his words carefully.

"These people are part of the Rupees Family. Knights who protect the Gala Empire. We have a unified interest and heart. Quad, you must remember.

A knight protects the people and a king protects the kingdom's interests. But a good knight, he protects the unity. Inspire and strive for unity. Protect the hearth from being led astray."

"Father, isn't this just the quality of a leader?"

"This is the quality of a leader needed in a king but it is a quality highly sought after for a knight, one that does not represent the rule of the empire, but the people.

You should know that a coup d'etat isn't between kingdoms but between the people and their king. So if you are to serve under the Emperor, abide by my words because even he would need you under his wing.

And you should know what to do in that situation?", Quad's Father, Gerald Rupees explained to his budding talent and asks a question.

Quad thought over it to give a witty response as he always does in response to his overly-philosophical father, "I will be the Knight that protects his hearth", he quips.

Gerald Rupees chuckled, "Good answer as always. Just so you know, I'll enroll you in Gold Coffin Academy. Put your talents to use."

Stunned, Quad used a tone that suppressed the sudden surprise and excitement in his voice, "Yes father!"

"Hehe, addressing me as father still sounds too formal. Alright, you are dismissed.", Gerald chuckled, he hearing his son address him as such due to his awareness of familial and hierarchal ties made it impressive. Quad turned and left with the intent of training with the knights again.

'If he wasn't born a knight, he would make a great political figure with just his ability alone. He will be able to make some good connections in the academy.', The man thoughtfully gave his praise about his son.

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'This...yes. My goal still hasn't changed. I serve the empire! For the unity of its people. These students represent the new generation...', Quad quickly remembered a scene that felt like it happened just yesterday.

"Do you need some rest?", Regardless of how composed and collected Kaitlynn was, Quad only needed a glance to see the fatigue on her. Kaitlynn's hair was slightly disheveled but her cold eyes glimmered with inspiration and energy.

Kaitlynn was about to shake her head when on second thought, 'I could rest and focus on formulating in my mind', to which she changed her mind and nods.

Quad stood near her and got into position, he swiped his foot hard and the ground crumbled, making a boundary line, "Alright, let's see if I can actually make this my home ground."

The sound of crashing rocks immediately attracted monsters, 'I should try reaching closer to Perfection.', planned Quad.

He breathed out and punched a speeding fly.

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Arriving at a very clear lake, a group of seven teenagers observed the clear lake then turned to each other.

Dongmei waved her sword and a clear division appeared made out of ice, "Don't worry, we can split out the lake fore both genders."

Sirena nods delightfully while Adalinda and Audelia sigh in relief before Adalinda then thought of something with a tint of red on her cheeks before shaking her head as if to remove any thoughts. Sirena side glances at her and doesn't say a word.

Albert, Drax, and Lin nod in understanding and went to one side. Drax lightly dipped his foot on the water and shivers, 'F*ck, I forgot that I always use hot showers...', he regretted spoiling himself with his status and money.

Lin on the other hand took off his clothes and sank in. Albert did the same but jumped in to make a splash. Drax then had an idea and jump high into the air.

He then realized that he might just fly over the ice barrier so metal began enveloping his feet. Drax then dispelled it and summersaulted into the lake, making an even bigger splash then Albert.

Some of the water got into Lin's eyes, "Ah!", it burnt his eyes for a second before a blink repelled all the foreign water, 'Huh, it wouldn't be good if someone was despicable enough to blind my eyes. I should consider this when fighting Kagai-Sha.', Lin thought of this having dealt with people with black hearts for the past year. Although they weren't so scheming, it didn't mean Lin would be stupid enough to let down his guard to people who held malicious schemes against him.