Bonds and Bullying

Chapter 7 — Bonds and Bullying

The academy had given them a much-needed break after the brutal mission.

Synoh and Lux were resting in a quiet courtyard, the sun filtering through the trees as they sat on the stone benches, swords resting beside them.

Both of them had spent the last few days recovering from their injuries, but the real healing had happened in their conversations.

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"I always thought I'd just be a knight," Lux said, his voice light, but there was something deeper in his eyes. "But after that battle, I made a promise. To Princess Akane."

Synoh looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Princess Akane? You've got some royal business going on?"

Lux smiled, his eyes distant as if reliving a memory. "She told me she wanted me to become a general one day. She believes in me... and I promised I'd do it. I'll make it happen, no matter what."

Synoh chuckled, his smirk playful. "A general, huh? Trying to lead armies, give orders, and get all that attention? You sure you're ready for that?"

Lux laughed, a rare, genuine laugh. "It's not about attention, Synoh. It's about proving I'm capable of doing more than just swinging a sword. I want to protect people, to lead them."

Synoh leaned back, thinking for a moment. "I get it... but you'll have to deal with a lot of paperwork and political nonsense too."

Lux grinned. "I'm fine with that. As long as I can stay on the battlefield."

Synoh shook his head with a grin. "Alright, Lux. You're all set to be the next great general then. But if you ever get too busy with paperwork, you'll know who to blame."

The two of them shared a laugh.

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After a brief pause, Synoh turned his head, looking at Lux with a playful glint in his eyes. "Alright, my turn to ask. You said you wanted to be a general, but what about me? What do I want?"

Lux raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"

Synoh leaned in, grinning mischievously. "You think I'm some kind of innocent kid who doesn't have big dreams? I'll tell you one thing, Lux, I'm gonna be a legend. I'll be something far greater than any general, trust me."

Lux blinked, surprised. "A legend, huh? Bold words."

"Hey, you know... sometimes, a prodigy's gotta be a little arrogant to keep up the legend," Synoh teased.

Lux laughed again, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Synoh."

---

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, the academy grounds around them began to feel more like home.

But not everything was peaceful.

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The Growing Bully

In the shadows of the academy, Edward's reputation was growing darker.

He was the son of a noble family with a long history of military prowess, and it seemed as though every year he got stronger. Along with his gang of followers, Edward had become a terror among the students.

He didn't pick on just anyone. No, Edward carefully chose his victims — weaker students, those who didn't have the strength to stand up for themselves.

Except for Yuta — the son of a famous S-rank adventurer who had once stood alongside the greatest heroes of the realm. Yuta was untouchable in Edward's eyes. His strength alone had earned the respect of everyone, and even Edward feared him.

But the rest of the academy? They were fair game.

Synoh and Lux had seen it with their own eyes. Edward's gang picking on smaller groups of students, leaving them bruised and humiliated.

"Someone's gotta put him in his place," Synoh muttered one day as he saw Edward's gang surround another first-year student.

Lux clenched his fists, his jaw tight. "I know... but it's not that simple. He and his gang are dangerous. And he's got the backing of the nobles."

Synoh narrowed his eyes, already plotting. "I don't care about his title. If he picks on someone else, I'll step in."

Lux placed a hand on Synoh's shoulder, stopping him before he could act.

"Let it go," Lux said quietly. "We'll be the ones to make a difference. We're not like them."

Synoh hesitated, but then he nodded, sighing in resignation.

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A Growing Tension

Though the tension between Edward and the rest of the academy was palpable, Synoh and Lux knew there was more at play. The academy was meant to teach them discipline, honor, and strength. Yet, the presence of students like Edward showed the darker side of ambition.

Even with their growing bond, Synoh couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was brewing — that the academy was just a small part of the larger world he was about to step into.

Lux looked over at him, seeing the far-off look in his eyes.

"Hey," Lux said gently. "Don't worry about Edward. We've got bigger things to worry about. Training starts again tomorrow, and I'm not gonna let you slack off."

Synoh smirked, returning to the present moment. "You think you can keep up with me, huh?"

"Not a chance," Lux said with a confident grin. "But you'll be a better general for it."

The two of them shared another laugh, the sound of their friendship ringing through the academy.

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(End of Chapter 7)