Chapter 38: Bandits
Ever since Richard heard the way to cure his brother he was deep in thought. On the other hand, Clarabell was fuming in anger.
"What the hell is with that stone of truth?! How can it say that to be able to reach Gabriel's level I must sacrifice everything!" Lauria answered.
"I know right. It's impossible for Clarabell to reach Master's level no matter what she does." "What do you mean by that Lauria?"
"I meant it as is." The two started fighting again. So not much has changed even though all that happened. It's been two weeks now since we left the academy only one more week before the class tournament.
We returned to Richard's mansion, as usual, the place is overwhelming. The one to greet us at the very gates was Richard's brother Roland. "Brother you have returned! Will you be telling me the story of your adventure now?" Richard showed a melancholic smile and answered: "Alright Roland I'll tell you the story but it's a story with a sad ending will you still listen?" Roland looked at his brother.
The surprise was written in his face. His kind brother was saying something with a serious tone in front of him. He looked at his brother and nodded resolutely. What a great pair of siblings, that's what I thought.
†
Richard told the tale of our adventure in his perspective. The meeting with Joshua, the fight with the water dragon, the sacrifice of the lovers, and about the stone of truth he omitted the part where he asked a question but that is understandable. Don't get the kid to have his hopes up just yet.
"Wow that's amazing, that means your really strong Big bro Gabriel!" Roland looked at me he was shocked and said: "Big bro Gabriel if you look fine then why do you hide behind the fox mask?" Oh, right I forgot my mask was destroyed by the water dragon. Richard threw something at me. I caught it, it was another fox mask.
"Sir Albert predicted that your mask will break. "My very strong yet easily excited nephew would go wild and break his mask so give this to him. Also, tell him no matter the circumstances when he is at the academy he must wear that. Unless I say otherwise. But for his predictions to be so accurate. Sir Albert is truly frightening."
Albert saw through everything as always. "Sir Albert huh? When I first met him he saw through everything about me with just one look. Then he tells me this "I know everything about every student in this academy from their family background up to their three sizes."
At first, I thought he was just an amazing pervert but it seems his more than that." Clarabell stated, still your not denying that Albert was a pervert. Everyone started saying things they knew about uncle even Lauria joined in and told her opinion. I haven't put on the fox mask yet better do that when before I return to the academy.
†
Later that night I asked Lauria to practice with me. When I first awoke in this world with no memories, I won all of my battles with the sheer talent of this body. But somewhere deep inside me, the me who I was before was telling me that relying on such things isn't enough. I need to get stronger so that I would find who I am. So once I and Lauria found a large enough space I stopped.
The thing we need to improve right now is the time limit of Lauria's unbinded state. Lauria let us begin the chant. As you will my master. "I am the beginning" "I am the end" "I have walked at the edge of the battlefield." "I have waited at the edge for the worthy." "I am one who has overwhelmed destiny." "I am the one to create all weapons." "I am the one who wields all weapons." "Shatter the world and recreate it in my image." "Show to me the eternal carnage." "One body, one soul, one weapon!"
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Richard's POV
I followed Gabriel into an open field that was when I saw him chant. The world change into a land full of weapons. This was Lauria's unbinded state a world of weapons. I once again saw how far my skills are compared to my friend. Every weapon he picked he was able to use it to its full potential. A lance, a sword, a mace, no matter what he used the way he wielded them it makes you think he has been using those weapons for a long time now. I too must practice so that I won't lag behind. I promise you, Gabriel, I will reach you with my strength.
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Clarabell's POV
I followed Gabriel and Lauria into an open field that was when they started chanting. The world distorted and the once empty field turned into a field of weapons. This was the first time I saw Lauria's unbinded state. It was amazing her unbinded state not only affects the wielder it also affects the world around him. The way Richard describe her unbinded state pale's in comparison to the actual thing. I thought he was exaggerating but he wasn't even close. Gabriel then started to wield different weapons. No matter what he used it seems like he was dancing in the field of weapons. This was his stage and the weapons are his partners it was beautiful. That was when I remembered the words of the stone of truth. If I want to match up to Gabriel I must discard everything my past, present, and future, I must offer all to battle.
As I looked at Gabriel I started to wonder. Was that what Gabriel did before he lost his memories. Did he offer everything to battle? Is that why he lost his memories in the first place. Somehow that felt right but at the same time it was wrong I wonder why? While I look at Gabriel practicing I had a sudden thought. Is it really possible for me to match Gabriel if I offer my all to battle? Why does it seem like even if I do that I will never reach him?
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Gabriel's POV
I slept outside after practicing. That was when I heard one of the maids shouting "The town was attacked by bandits."
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On hearing the village was attacked me, Lauria, Clarabell, and Richard rushed toward the town. Richard ordered all the servants to protect his brother while we deal with the bandits. We reached the village There where a lot of shady looking men with swords those must be the bandits. "So what's the plan, Gabriel?" Clarabell asked me. I smiled "No actually plan just go down there and beat all the bandits." Richard and Clarabell sighed upon my statement. "You really are battle hungry Gabriel." Richard pointed out. I shrugged, Lauria turn into twin blades.
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Once we reached the bandits Richard inquired "Where are the townspeople?" The bandits surprised by our sudden appearance drew their swords. "Huh? Who are you brats?" "No need for you filth to know just tell us where the town's people are?" Clarabell answered with her usual haughty attitude. The bandits looked at each other and nodded they started to signal each other. Then more came out of the houses. Their where about a hundred or so bandits. Without any warning they attacked us.
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Clarabell's POV
The bandits suddenly attacked us. I was holding off three of them, they were actually pretty good for bandits. They had a good formation also they knew swordsmanship. I was shocked I was actually having a hard time dealing with some bandits. On the other hand, I looked at the guy simply standing there not moving he only attacked when one came close to him. He didn't have any difficulties whatsoever as usual. Damn it always showing off.
Richard's POV
Damn it I'm only fighting one bandit and it's already difficult. How come some random bandits are this good? If Gabriel wasn't here we would be dead by now.
One of the bandits looking from afar POV
The two kids were actually pretty good they could fight evenly with us. It was the twin bladed boy that was a problem. He was just standing there not even in any stance. Yet every time someone comes close he would cut them down without fail. We already lost thirteen men to just one boy who isn't even taking us seriously. Damn it! If this continues will be all dead better tell the boss.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone