Mushoku Impact

With the girls' uniforms expected to take a few days to prepare, Paul decided to start attending classes the following week. This gave him four days of additional preparation, time he filled reading up on the very basic curriculum, exercising, and sparring with Xiangling.
Though her vision was currently inert, Xiangling had a little more than eight years of experience wielding a spear, hunting, and battling against the monsters of her world. She had to adapt to her limited strength and stamina, but she was still head and shoulders above Paul in terms of skill and experience.
Putting Paul at an even greater disadvantage, the range of spears made it exceptionally difficult to counteract them with a sword. Unless he rushed at her with the intent of slamming his shoulder into her body, Paul found it impossible to approach within three meters of Xiangling without suffering a counter.
"Damnit...!"
With Xiangling forcing him to drop his sword by slapping his wrist with the flat of her wooden spear, tears swelled in the corners of Paul's eyes as he cradled his hand against his chest.
Feeling apologetic, Xiangling was about to set aside her spear and lend a hand when Paul held up his own, uninjured hand and said, "Stop...I won't get anywhere receiving pity. Just give me a moment to collect myself, and we'll continue."
Though his body was covered in cuts, nicks, and bruises, Paul knew the only way to become truly powerful in the world of Mushoku Tensei was to push through things like pain and overcome his limits. One of the greatest boons of Touki was the regeneration it provided, so he didn't mind bearing a bit of pain if it would help stir the ambiguous energy he knew slumbered deep within his body.
Taking a deep breath, Paul picked up his sword with his left hand; its tip pointed towards Xiangling as he muttered, "I'm coming..."&nbsp;
Nodding her head, Xiangling stood with her body half-turned to Paul, her spear held behind her back at a 40-degree angle to the ground. Her form was similar to a spear version of the Water God Style. She could go on the offensive but preferred using counters and swift, piercing thrusts to break her opponent's stance and target their weak spots.
Bobbing up and down to try and hype himself up, Paul gritted his teeth and waited for Xiangling to blink before lunging towards her as fast as his feet could carry. With her spear positioned behind her body, he estimated there were only a few directions she could attack from. So long as he co-
Completely contradicting Paul's line of thinking, Xiangling stepped toward him instead of trying to create distance. Her footwork allowed her to slip past the point of Paul's blade, her left hand hooking behind his head and neck before she pivoted on her heel and sent him tumbling onto his side using his momentum against him.
"Oof..."
Landing heavily on his already injured arm, the only thing preventing Paul from crying out in pain or curling up into a ball was sheer obstinance. He might be five years old, but his mind was that of a 33-year-old American farmhand. No matter how much pain she caused him, Paul wasn't going to give up so long as he could keep moving.
Fortunately, the spar was brought to an abrupt end when Zhongli stated, "That's enough." in a tone that didn't leave room for argument. Paul and Xiangling had both asked her to help teach them, so she had the final say in matters regarding their training.
"Xiangling, go and prepare lunch. I'll see to our Master's injuries and the remainder of his training."
Though she had wanted to help Paul wrap his hand, Xiangling replied with a faint, "Okay..." before trotting over and returning her spear to the nearby weapons rack. Then, after casting a concerned and slightly pensive gaze at Paul, he scampered off to the kitchen, her soles creating a soft pitter-patter as they impacted against the wooden floor.
Much like Paul himself, Xiangling couldn't really understand why he had been designated as their Champion. In her eyes, his only remarkable trait was his looks. However, even those had effectively been given to him as a result of circumstance...
Waiting until Xiangling had disappeared into the kitchen, Zhongli shifted her amber eyes to Paul, her voice calm yet imposing as she said, "Stand up. It is when your body wants to give out on you that you 'must' get up. More often than not, the only thing that qualifies a person as a true hero is their ability to get up when others would have quit."
With a pained groan, Paul forced himself to his left hand and knees, beads of sweat trickling from his forehead as he took several steadying breaths. Then, in one final, pained exertion, he rose to his feet with what he hoped to be a determined look in his eyes.
Nodding her head in approval, Zhongli created a thin pillar of Geo Energy, propelling Paul's sword into her hand before she held it towards him and said, "One hundred strikes with your left and as many as you can manage with your right. You may stop, but no longer than three seconds at a time."
Suppressing the almost overwhelming urge to complain, Paul grabbed the hilt of the 3kg wooden sword and raised it high over his head. Then, in the motion his father had demonstrated when he was three, he began slicing downward in a slow yet deliberate manner, exhaling on the way down and inhaling on the way up.
While 3kgs might not sound like a lot, roughly 6.5lbs, Paul was just five years old. His natural affinity with Touki made things a little easier, but it was nearly impossible for him to swing a 3kg 100 times in a row without stopping. By the time he felt like his rotator cuff was tearing, he had only completed twenty-nine strikes.
Instead of chastising Paul for his poor performance, Zhongli nodded her head and said, "Switch arms. I never said you had to do all 100 strikes in a single setting. When one of your arms gets tired, switch to the other."
Clenching his teeth with enough force to taste blood, Paul switched to his right arm and began swinging. His injured wrist gave him the paradoxical desire to punch a wall, but he managed to get out five strikes before the pain forced him to switch hands.
Observing Paul with crossed arms and a neutral expression on her face, Zhongli had similar thoughts to Xiangling. However, as someone that had lived thousands of years, she had seen countless examples of seemingly normal humans breaking through their limits and becoming powerhouses that even she couldn't underestimate. So long as Paul never gave up, he, too, would join the legions of Heroes that had carved their name into the foundation of history.
Though he ultimately ended up violating Zhongli's three-second limitation on resting, Paul managed to complete all 100 strikes with his left hand. By then, the pain in his left shoulder had even exceeded the pain in his wrist. Despite this, Paul managed a pained chuckle as he dropped his sword on the ground and collapsed to his knees.
"Is this your limit...?"
Hearing Zhongli's perpetually calm tone, Paul opened his eyes to find her staring down at him with an impassive expression on her face. Though he immediately regretted it, an insuppressible rush of anger washed over him as he groaned, "Eat...a dick..." through labored breathing.
"Hmmm...it would appear you still have some vigor left within you. That's good. In the future, use that to push yourself even further. So long as you never lose control, emotions can be a powerful asset."
Punctuating her words, Zhongli hunched down, grabbing Paul's right arm, pulling him across her shoulders, and hooking her remaining hand around his leg in a manner identical to a fireman's carry. This made it difficult for Paul to breathe, but Zhongli largely ignored his groans as she lugged his limp body over to the sauna/washroom...
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After one of the most hellish weeks of his life, Paul found himself standing outside one of the main lecture halls, patiently awaiting the teacher to call him in.&nbsp;
Contrasting the two girls standing on either side of him, Paul was wearing a two-tone green tunic accented over a long-sleeved white blouse and a pair of dark brown trousers sewn with an intricate, gold pattern. The tunic was trimmed in gold and had four belt-like straps running across the front and an ornate leather belt adorning his waist. As for the rest of his outfit, his feet were garbed in dark leather boots suited for riding, while his collar bore the crest of House Notos in the form of ornate golden lapel pins.
Standing out despite their comparably poor quality clothes, Zhongli and Xiangling wore matching uniforms that consisted of a long-sleeved green blouse, a predominately beige corset, and a marginally darker dress that extended past their knees and covered a pair of white stockings. On their feet, they wore glossy, black, single-strap pumps that complimented the dark trim of their outfit and black ribbons adorning their necks.
Though it was generally frowned upon for a 'servant' to wear the symbol of a Noble House, Paul had commissioned the local goldsmith to prepare brooch pins that would clearly denote Zhongli's and Xiangling's affiliation with House Notos. He knew it was only a matter of time before someone tried to claim the two girls for themselves, so Paul wanted to make it clear that they were off-limits.&nbsp;
Interrupting Paul's thoughts, the teacher, a middle-aged man with a round belly, receding black hair, and a hook-shaped mustache, opened the door to the classroom, stating, "Master Paul, the class ready to receive you and your...companions."
Leaving no room for confusion, Paul squinted his eyes and stated, "While I do not expect you to bow your head, you will regard these girls in a similar light as me. Do I make myself clear?"
Though his brows briefly furrowed, the teacher didn't even think to argue with Paul. The latter's father had even greater authority within the school than the Headmaster. He wasn't going to risk making an enemy out of the Regional Lord just to put a pair of servants in their place.
Crossing his hand over his heart, the teacher, better known as Professor Gaast, offered an overly respectful bow as he replied, "I have cared your words upon my very heart. Henceforth, I will treat the Ladies Zhongli and Xiangling with the respect they so clearly deserve..."
Squinting his eyes, Paul was about to point out the man's rather blatant sarcasm but ultimately decided against it. He was already compromising his first impression by standing outside the class entrance and making a fuss. Thus, without gesturing for Professor Gaast to rise, he bypassed the balding man and made his way towards the front of the classroom with a calm and dignified expression on his face.
"I am Paul Notos Greyrat, First Son of Amarant Notos Greyrat and Heir Apparent of House Notos, Lords of the Milbots Region. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. However, there is one thing I want to make transparently clear. These two, and anyone else bearing the crest of House Notos, are not yours to heckle, mock, or harass. If you are sincere about establishing ties with House Notos, you will treat them with dignity and respect. Anyone who violates this simple condition had better prepare themselves for the consequences..."
Though there were those among the group of thirty or so students that frowned in response to Paul's words, they were predominately the young sons of various Noble Houses. Most of the girls had expressions like their idol had just surprised them with a school visit. Paul was inarguably the most handsome fellow in the entire class. With his status as the First Son of House Notos, it wouldn't even take a week before he had secured his position as the most sought-after male in the entire school, regardless of his views on the matter. As for Zhongli and Xiangling, they would become the objects of envy for countless young men and women, some coveting their beauty while others simply wanted to 'prove themselves' by taking something away from Paul...

Though the primary purpose of the Milbolts Academy for Nobles was to emulate and familiarize Noble sons and daughters with the society they would invariably be a part of, there were a number of classes that focused on things like history, territorial management, math, and even chemistry.
Before his sudden and spontaneous access to the Intersection of Fate, Paul had only intended to study territorial management, swordsmanship, and magic. Now that he had Zhongli and Xiangling with him, his schedule was packed with history, etiquette, ballroom dancing, and foreign studies.
While Zhongli and Xiangling had been provided basic information about the world, it was spotty at best. It also relied on their actual memory to retain it, so Xianling, in particular, had already forgotten most of the stuff she had learned. Zhongli was in a better position due to her extraordinary memory, but she still needed to experience things to be genuinely familiar with them. Thus, while they were only required to attend three classes in any given week, Paul, Zhongli, and Xiangling mutually attended eight.
During the start of their studies, primarily due to his announcement, Paul was regarded as an overachiever and a pariah. A lot of the classes he had enrolled in were meant for children in higher age groups and, in the cases of ballroom dancing and etiquette, female Nobles. The only boys enrolled in the latter classes were there to flirt with girls, so his reputation took a nosedive until rumors regarding his, Zhongli's, and Xiangling's academic performances quickly spread throughout the school.
Since there were adult members of the Nobility that didn't even know how to read, Paul's, Zhongli's, and Xiangling's relative fluency at the age of five was viewed as a sign of prodigiousness. Zhongli, in particular, managed to attain the highest marks in every single one of her classes, while Paul was able to achieve second-highest marks in everything but ballroom dancing, swordsmanship, and magic. In those three classes, Zhongli and Xiangling outperformed even the students that were preparing to graduate...
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"Heir Notos, we would like to have a word with you. Please come with us."
Staring up at the group of older, roughly eight-year-old children led by a boy with blond hair slicked back and fastened into a fashionable ponytail, Paul replied, "You interrupt my meal and entreaty me without even giving your names? Away with you."
Though his two cronies looked like they wanted to step forward and seize Paul by his sleeves or collar, the blond maintained a practiced smile as he placed his hand over his heart, lowered his head, and said, "Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt apologies, Heir Notos. It would appear I have become too accustomed to others knowing my name. I am the First Son of House Havagat, Julius Havagat Silvertoad. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Recognizing the names Havagat and Silvertoad at Upper-Middle Noble Houses, Paul found himself suppressing a sigh as he rose to his feet and offered a less courteous bow and answered, "The pleasure is mine, Heir Havagat. Now, to what cause do I owe the 'pleasure' of your visit?"&nbsp;
Placing extra emphasis on the word pleasure in a vain attempt to get the youth to leave him alone, Paul's smile cramped when Julius answered, "I would like to purchase your attendants. I have already communicated the matter to my father and obtained permission from your own to pursue the purchase. We need only to work out and finalize the details."
Though both Zhongli and Xiangling were present, only the latter furrowed her brows in disgust. This prompted one of Julius's thug-like cronies to ask, "What are you looking at, wench?" but, even then, she did not speak. Due to her perceived status as nothing more than a servant, speaking out would simply exacerbate matters.
Fortunately, Paul had never been the type to tolerate slights and insults to the people he cared about or, at the very least, associated with. He and Xiangling weren't particularly close, but they were still allies for however long it took them to save both of their worlds.
"Enough. Not only is your proposition offensive to the point of appalling, but the manners of your colleagues are worse than a common barhound. This time, I will settle with filing an official complaint with House Havagat. The next time you insult my honor and approach me with such a ridiculous proposal, I will have no choice but defend it. Now, away with you."
Not expecting Paul to speak to him in such a manner, Julius flared up like an angsty cockerel as he nearly shouted, "Have you completely lost your senses? Even if you are from a Greater Noble House, you have no right to speak to me in such a manner. And over a common wench, no less!"
Without missing a beat, Paul's voice leveled into a threatening tone as he asked, "And who is it making a scene over such 'common wenches'? Your failure to find capable retainers does not give you a license to poach from others. Have some class. You're a Noble, not mongrel."
Inhaling a deep breath, Julius seemed like he was mere moments away from striking Paul. The difference in status between a Greater Noble and an Upper-Middle Noble, however, was like the distance between Heaven and Earth. If he struck first and without probable cause, a year or two of house arrest would be the least of his punishments.
"Paul Notos Greyrat. I will remember today's offense. Farewell."
Without waiting for Paul's response, Julius promptly turned and gestured for his cronies to follow as he practically stormed out of the garden where various students, predominately females, enjoyed their meals.
Hearing the distant sound of murmurs and noticing several groups of girls looking his way, a faint yet exasperated sigh emanated from Paul's throat as he sat down and accepted the cup of tea promptly proferred to him by Zhongli.
"Thanks..."
"Of course. You spoke out in our defense and compromised a potential partnership with an influential House. It's the least I can do."
Compelled by Zhongli's words, Xianling offered a bow that was closer to a kowtow than a Noblewoman's genuflection as she said, "Thank you, Paul! I don't know what I would do if I somehow ended up in the hands of this world's greedy and licentious Nobles..."
Before Paul could inform her that he would never allow such a thing to happen, Zhongli caught both him and Xiangling off guard by saying, "As macabre as this may sound, I would suggest suicide. Since you seem to have forgotten, let me remind you that we, meaning those of us conjured through the Intersection of Fate, will return there upon death."
Though Xiangling adopted an 'oh yeah' kind of expression, Paul was left sitting with his mouth agape. Zhongli, noticing this, appeared to pause for a brief moment before adopting a wry smile and saying, "It would appear I forgot to mention that. My apologies, Master Paul. I thought you would have known, given the relationship between the Intersection of Fate and the system you were familiar with in your previous life. So long as you, the Champion, remain, we can be resurrected as many times as necessary. It is because of this that we can willfully give our lives to preserve yours."
"..."
Not knowing what to say, Paul lowered his gaze to his half-emptied cup of tea. His situation hadn't changed, but he felt as though the burden on his shoulders had suddenly increased. It didn't help that he, like the two girls seated across from him, had absolutely no idea why he had been chosen.
Just as Paul was considering hiding away somewhere so that his death wouldn't lead to the destruction of two worlds, Xiangling placed a rather substantial serving of pheasant stew in front of him, saying, "Eat." with an uncharacteristically severe expression on her face.
"..."
Still at a loss for words, Paul remained silent as he dipped his silver spoon into the fragrant, almost curry-like stew. Then, under the watchful eyes of the two otherworldly girls, he took in several large spoonfuls before softly muttering, "It's delicious..."
Stealing a bit of Xiangling's thunder, Zhongli scooped up a spoonful of her own stew, softly blowing on it before proferring it toward Paul and saying, "This is not a responsibility you or any of us asked for. The burden placed on you is especially great. Thus, instead of focusing on us and a world far beyond your reach, you should first prioritize your personal wants, needs, and desires. We are here to support you, not the other way around..."
Though they weren't the exact words Paul wanted to hear, he still felt a little better after hearing Zhongli's words. Then again, with her strangely sonorous tone, she could probably insult people, and it would still come across as profound wisdom...
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To prevent a similar problem from arising in the future, Paul sent a letter to his father that included a copy of Zhongli's and Xiangling's academic evaluation. His father probably thought he had purchased some random Slaves, so he wouldn't have given the matter much consideration before giving the Havagat family permission to pursue a transaction. By showing how truly exceptionally Zhongli and Xiangling were, Paul hoped to nip any future problems in the bud.
Fortunately, Paul had already built a considerable amount of rapport with his father before leaving for school. Had he not, Amarant may have simply gifted Zhongli and Xiangling to the Havagat family as incentives in a trade agreement. Instead, he upheld his decision to allow Paul to pick, choose, and train his servants/retainers. This meant Paul had the exclusive right to trade them away and, in this instance, speak in their defense.
As an additional perk of the rapport Paul had built, Amarant immediately became skeptical when the Havagat family sent him a plethora of letters decrying his son's behavior. Instead of pursuing the matter and writing his son a rebuke, he waited patiently for Paul's private letter to arrive. When it did, complete with a rational account of events and ample evidence of the other party's wronging, he immediately arranged a meeting with the Lord of House Havagat to give the man a piece of his mind.
After enduring the fiercest rebuke he had ever received, bordering on an open declaration of enmity between House Notos and Havagat, the Lord of the latter House compelled his son's immediate return. Upon learning the truth of the matter, that his son merely coveted the beauty of Paul's servants, he beat Julius with such ferocity that the latter ended up being bedridden for two months.
In an effort to smooth things over between his House and House Notos, Lord Havagat offered his eldest daughter, an eight-year-old girl named Sasha, as one of Paul's future concubines. Under normal circumstances, Amarant would have readily agreed to such a proposal. However, knowing his son preferred to have a say in such matters, he ultimately rejected the man's offer. Instead, Amarant reached out to one of the more influential families serving his own, consequently arranging for Sasha to be wed to their seventeen-year-old Heir as his second wife. This was less than ideal from the perspective of House Havagat, but, fearful of what might happen if they refuse, Lord Havagat eventually agreed to the arrangement before subsequently beating his son a second time...
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Mostly unaware of the consequences his single letter had wrought, Paul's stay within the academy became relatively peaceful for the better part of two months. There were a growing number of girls volunteering to be his partner during dance lessons, but that was to be expected when he was the only boy who took the class seriously. Zhongli had initially suggested it as a means to improve his sense of balance and footwork, so, even if it was awkward dancing with girls nearly a full head taller than him, Paul did his best to remain focused. He was starting to doubt if he would ever beat Xiangling in a spar, but, at the very least, he was already strong enough to compete with boys three years his senior. His only lingering setback was his inability to cast even the most elementary of magical spells. He tried, and tried, and tried, but they just didn't work...

Anticipating her arrival, Paul, Zhongli, and Xiangling were prepared to set out the moment Erinellis arrived the following day.&nbsp;
With the tall and slender Elf leading the way, it wasn't long before the trio found themselves at the entrance of a three-storey building that was, at least to Paul, reminiscent of classical, Victorian Era architecture. The walls were modeled from a combination of stained wood and anti-magic bricks, while the entire structure was reinforced with metal trimmings, almost like a gingerbread house. As for the color, much of the building was painted a creamy beige, while the trimming and sloping roof tiles were all dark blue.
Waiting at the entrance to the stylish and heavily reinforced building was a bespectacled woman wearing the ornate robes typically associated with a Magician. She had honey-blonde hair fashioned into a neat bun, peculiar pink eyes, and, despite being in her late forties, a remarkably mature body that managed to show through her thick purple and gold-trimmed robes.
Placing her hand on her heart and, more noticeably, her G-Cup breasts, the woman offered a polite bow as she said, "Master Paul, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Rumina Viktor Greenbull, Water Saint-Ranked Magician and Headmistress of Milbots Academy of Nobles. Please, feel free to address me as Headmistress or Ms. Greenbull."
Offering a similar yet marginally less courteous bow, Paul returned, "The pleasure is mine, Ms. Greenbull." before raising his head, gesturing to the two girls behind him, and adding, "These are my companions, Zhongli and Xiangling. If possible, I would have them attend classes alongside me."
Scanning the rather exotic-looking children standing silently behind Paul, Rumina didn't hesitate to answer, "That shouldn't be a problem. Though the Academy usually prohibits bodyguards and servants from attending class alongside their Masters, these girls appear to be around the same age as you and your classmates. So long as House Notos is willing to act as their Patron, I see no reason to refuse their admittance."
Reaching into his breast pocket, Paul pulled out twenty Asura Gold Coins, more than half his current savings, declaring, "My Father permitted me a bit of discretion to act in instances such as this. These funds should more than cover this year's tuition and supplies."
Accepting the pouch with a smile, Rumina didn't even bother to check its contents. Even if Paul hadn't proferred forth any funding, she would have merely sent an invoice to his father.
"They will need to have their measurements taken and feet sized for their uniforms. While their current garments appear to be of exceptional quality, all students must follow the Academy's rules and dress code. If it pleases the Young Master, we can stop at a tailor during our tour."
Nodding his head, Paul replied, "That is acceptable." before supplanting, "If possible, I would also like to visit the Auction House, the Slave Market, and an able Goldsmith. I will have need of their services during my stay at the Academy."
Returning a smile, Rumina dutifully explained, "I am more than happy to show the way, but all above-board commercial, industrial, and processing facilities can be found near the town square. For...additional services, the Academy expects new students to gather information by interacting with older, more experienced students. Your esteemed father has written me a letter telling me not to afford you too many privileges, so I'm afraid you'll have to look into such matters on your own."
Understanding what Rumina was referring to when she said 'additional services', Paul's smile became visibly wry before he promptly fixed his expression and said, "I'll keep that in mind. Now, shall we depart, or is there a matter requiring my attention in the Administrative Office?"
Shifting her gaze to Zhongli and Xiangling, Rumina answered, "We will need to fill out some paperwork for your two...companions. However, it will take some time to prepare everything. If it's not an inconvenience, I will have Erinellis bring it by your residence tomorrow afternoon. At that point, you need only certify the documents with your seal, and both girls will be enrolled."
Nodding his head in affirmation and approval, a relieved smile developed across Paul's face as he chimed, "Excellent. Then I will entrust the matter to Ms. Greenbull and her capable staff."
Bowing her head in acknowledgment of Paul's praise, Rumina's smile became marginally more sincere. She had heard the rumors, but he was even more mature and polite than expected. This was exceptionally rare among members of the Nobility, so she couldn't help looking forward to his progress. If he proved as capable as he was composed, the Milbots Region would be in good hands once he acceded the Lordship from his father...
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Established shortly after the Laplace War, a cataclysmic event that nearly destroyed the world 400 years prior, the Milbots Academy was one of the most prominent educational facilities in the world. Its student population generally hovered around 150-200, but there were more than 6,000 staff and civilian personnel supporting them. This included a number of skilled artisans, merchants, and even a few payrolled criminals to give students a sense of dealing with 'disreputables' in the shadows.
After getting the girls fitted for their uniforms, Paul was given a tour of the Academy's essential facilities. This included a large field that resembled a staging area for knights, a large barracks, a stable filled with more than a hundred horses, materials to construct barricades, target dummies, and a large armory filled with swords, spears, bows, and other weapons.
Since the Academy operated year-round, a total of thirty-three children, aged between 5-10, could be seen practicing in the field under the close supervision of a young woman with features remarkably similar to the Academy's Headmistress.
Unsurprisingly, Rumina revealed, "That's my youngest daughter, Reva Greenbull. She suffered an injury to her left knee a few years ago, but her skill in the Water God Style rivals that of a Saint. When you are deciding your electives, I suggest giving her lessons a try."
Noticing her mother's presence, Reva left the students in the care of her assistants before making her way over with a faint but noticeable limp.
"Headmistress, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
Casting her gaze to Paul, Zhongli, and Xiangling, Reva's hazel-brown eyes practically lit up. Practitioners of the Water God Style had incredibly sharp intuition. Reva didn't sense much from Paul and Xiangling, but Zhongli was like a massive, unpolished gem. The young girl's balance was perfect, and her eyes, while strange, were as calm and serene as an underground lake. They were the kind of eyes only Kings and higher-ranking members of the Water God Style were capable of exhibiting.
Noticing Reva's fiery gaze, Zhongli adopted a faint smile before promptly closing her eyes. This left Reva feeling at a loss for words until her mother revealed, "This young gentleman is Paul Notos Greyrat, First Son and Heir Apparent of House Notos. I imagine he and his attendants will be joining your class in the near future."
Upon hearing Paul's identity, Reva immediately bowed in a respectful manner, stating, "My apologies, Master Paul. I was unaware of your status as the First Son of House Notos. While that may not be a proper excuse, I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Raising his left hand in a ceasing gesture, Paul replied, "Though you have done nothing warranting an apology, I accept it nonetheless. Please, raise your head."
Though she had also heard the rumors of Paul's maturity, Reva was more than a little surprised by his eloquence. He spoke like the heavily tutored members of the Royal Family. It was a little creepy, but it also attested to the fact that Paul was more than just a handsome yet unassuming boy. He might be lacking in sword talent, but he was exceptional in other ways.
Raising her head, Reva adopted a natural smile as she said, "Master Paul's compassion is greatly appreciated. If there is ever anything that concerns you regarding the Water God Style, do not hesitate to ask. I'm far from the most skilled practitioner, but I'm proficient in the techniques of Flow, Flow Reversal, and Battle Aura."
Though he was tempted to ask about Touki immediately, Paul decided to wait until he had started class and familiarized himself with the basics of swordsmanship. Touki, commonly known as Battle Aura, wasn't something that could be used just because you knew about its existence. It was an ability people gained access to after achieving a particular state of mind or pushing their body far beyond its limits. If it simply required hard work and continuous swinging of a blade, even bandits and butchers would be proficient in its use.
Returning a smile, Paul said, "I'm looking forward to it." in a sincere tone. He was far more interested in the Sword God Style, but as that ultimately involved swinging a sword as fast as possible, he didn't mind starting with the Water God Style. If he could learn Flow Reversal, he could send most magic spells back at their caster. At higher levels, he would even be able to redirect lightning from the sky toward his opponents.
Willfully ignoring the fact that it would take becoming an Emperor of the Water God Style to perform such feats, Paul bade farewell to Reva. They still had a lot of places to visit before the tour ended, first and foremost being the Magic Training Range located just a few hundred meters from the Sword Training Area.
Like most buildings catered to Magicians, the Magic Training Range was comprised entirely of Anti-Magic Bricks. Unless the caster was King Rank or higher, it was virtually impossible to leave so much as a scratch on the exceptionally expensive, pale grey material typically reserved for city and fortress walls.
Just as before, Rumina waited for the Chief Magic Instructor, a tall man with a slender frame, sharp features, and black hair, to come over before personally carrying out introductions.&nbsp;
When the Magic Instructor, an Advanced Earth and Wind Magician named William Fisk, learned of Paul's identity, he reacted in much the same way as Reva. He first apologized before informing Paul that he was more than happy to answer any of his questions. This was entirely intentional, as, for reasons Paul would never truly understand, it was 'customary' for Greater Nobles to allow people to embarrass or shame themselves so they could exhibit their magnanimity.&nbsp;
Though Paul felt such contrivances were completely pointless, he also understood there wasn't much he could do to change the way things were. If he permitted people to behave informally around him, they would view him as an easy mark.&nbsp;
Aristocratic society was extremely cutthroat, so much so that factions could form over something as absurd as an Heir apologizing to someone. The Asura Kingdom, in particular, was a place that revered the strong and politically inclined. Anyone that wasn't willing to play their part, be they a Lord's son or a Slave, would be unceremoniously cut down. Thus, at least for the time being, Paul had little choice but to play along as Rumina went through the process of retroactively introducing him to every significant Head of Staff in the Academy...
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After what felt like three entire days packed into a single morning and afternoon, Paul, Xiangling, and Zhongli returned to their abode. The first two immediately collapsed face-first on two of the three sofas circling the presently extinguished hearth. Their minds may be older, but they had the strength, stamina, and physiques of five-year-olds. Walking around for the better part of seven-and-a-half hours left them thoroughly tuckered out.
Leaving the two to their lamentations, Zhongli, showing no discernible signs of fatigue, made her way to the kitchen to prepare tea and snacks. She may have had the appearance of a five-year-old, but she was still an Archon. She didn't need to eat, sleep, or even consume water unless she wanted to. So long as she didn't sustain any grave injuries, she could go without rest for literal centuries. Thus, after setting out tea and snacks, she confirmed that Paul and Xiangling were sleeping before proceeding to clean the penthouse with a faint smile adorning her face...

Chapter 10: MI10: Potential and Determination