Chapter 113: Subtle Growth (2/2)

”It sounds like she's apologizing, doesn't it Gina?” He asked is female companion.

”I think so Carson, but I'm not really sure.” She gave her own predatory grin.

He held up a finger in mock realization. ”Ah! I know what's wrong. She's still standing. Why don't you try again from your knees. Really get down in that dirt. Its where you belong, after all.”

The couple laughed at Sera's grimace as she started trembling.

Brenden had seen this kind of noble in the past, and been the target of more than a few of them. When he was younger, he quickly learned that the best method was to simply give in to their twisted games. Once they had their fun, they would move on, leaving you beaten but alive. He'd seen what happened to those that resisted, and it wasn't pretty.

He figured that they wouldn't be able to do anything too crazy here on campus, especially since they didn't know who they were associated with. Push too hard and they'd risk angering the wrong noble. Besides, Mike would be held accountable for anything they did. Depending on how things played out, he could even be expelled. It would be safest to just do as they want.

He simply had to let them humiliate Sera right in front him.

There was a stab of memory. A dirty ally, strewn with garbage. Ragged cloth and blood. The noble's feral grin. Her limp body.

”What's this? The mutt wants to play the hero?” Carson asked in a mockingly, however there was hint of fear in voice.

Brenden realized he was now standing in front of Sera protectively. Judging from the way the bodyguard tensed, some of his feelings must be showing on his face. There was a cold rage building deep within him. He felt his hand creep towards the hilt of his sword.

”I believe that is quite enough of that.” The athletic old man was suddenly standing in the middle of them. His body posture seemed relaxed, but Brenden felt an intense pressure.

”Master Liam, I didn't see you there. My apologies for not greeting you.” Carson's personality had completely reversed, as he now spoke with respect and humility.

”Then you need to work on your awareness. I have been here for hours. Long enough to witness this young woman work harder than most Martial Arts students.” He spoke in a calm measured manner, stroking his neatly trimmed goatee with one hand. ”I fail to see why a honorable student of this department would lower himself to harassing her.”

Liam was not a large man. Both Carson and Brenden stood a head taller than him, and outweighed him by several kilograms. However, his presence alone made him feel like a giant.

”Master, this low-class woman spoke to me out of turn. I was merely doing my duty in disciplining her, when this beastman threatened me.”

Brenden felt another surge of anger, and opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when he felt a small pat on his shoulder.

Sera muttered a quiet, ”Thanks,” before stepping out in front of him.

Sketching a humble bow, she spoke in a steady manner, ”The lord speaks true Master Liam. He saw fit to offer his advice on my poor archery, and in a moment of anger I spoke out harshly towards him, spurning his good intentions. For this, I once again apologize, my lord.”

Liam looked over at Carson, ”It seems your lesson has proven sufficient.” He waved his hand in a dismissive manner that said the matter was now closed.

”Now, if I recall you are scheduled to attend Instructor Hugh's class this morning. You may want to hurry, Hugh is not one to forgive tardiness.”

”Thank you for the reminder, Master Liam.” The noble replied, before stalking off with barely concealed anger, dragging his female companion in his wake. The bodyguard gave Brenden one more apologetic shrug as he moved to follow.

”Thank you for stopping my friend, Master Liam,” Sera gestured towards Brenden, ”It almost ended poorly for everyone involved.”

The old man laughed at that. ”Not to insult the young man, he seems to be an accomplished warrior in his own right, but I took action to stop your other friend. Unless I missed my guess, your quiet elven companion was about to eviscerate all three of them in a hail of magic. I've rarely seen such a potent rage so well contained.”

Brenden looked over at Tal, and saw the woman visible forcing herself to relax. He noticed a trickle of blood from her palm, where her nails had cut into the skin.

Liam turned to face Sera fully, ”I must say, miss, I'm impressed. Not only do you have the will and determination to improve yourself, but you carry yourself with both wisdom and humility. It is rare to see such a combination in one your age.”

Sera gave another bow. ”Thank you for your compliment, Master Liam.”

The old man stroke his beard once more. ”Would you be interested in a few pointers from an old man? I used to be a fair archer back in the old days.”