PART 4 :-
THE TRUE MEANING OF MOUNTING
Bond perspective :-
"Well, my job is done here. You can continue and explain to them what Mounting actually is. And both of you should come to my shop as soon as possible."
The old geezer left, gesturing toward us.
"I must continue my class. What I told you about Mounting before was not complete. As you all can see, there is a connection between us and those animals. Every animal that chooses you represents your inner qualities and spirit. You can only ride the animals that choose you as their master.
For example, Nekh has been chosen by many animals, and one of them is Pegasus, which symbolizes his royalty and courage. But that doesn't mean he can ride any animal whenever he wants."
"What are you talking about? Why can't he ride every animal?"
"What I'm trying to tell you is that in war, if you see a warrior riding a creature, it doesn't mean you can ride it too—unless it has chosen you."
"But is not Lancer[*] is the most important warriors for a war??"
"Exactly. That's why those who are not chosen today may not be able to join a war as Lancers. Only those chosen by two or more animals can become Lancers. In war, there's always a chance that an animal may reject you midway. If that happens, it could cause serious problems."
"But Lancer is the most prestigious and respected position for a warrior in war."
"And that's exactly why not every soldier can be a Lancer—but every Lancer must be a great warrior."
"But what if an animal chooses us in the future?"
"As I said before, animals don't judge your capability. They see your inner self—your soul. And there's only a 0.00001% chance that a person can truly change their nature."
"What's the point of being a warrior if I can't be a Lancer?!"
"There are many other roles as well—ground warriors like Hoplites, Archers, Pikemen, Fencers, Berserkers, and more."
"Hey, Bond, can you explain that properly? Most of it went over my head."
I guess that he's not going to understand this easily.
"I'll explain it to you later… Wait a minute—Bright, didn't most of the animals agree to make you their master?"
"No. They wanted to be free."
"But they don't show themselves to anyone except you. Only two or three animals came for the rest of us, but they trusted you."
"So what? I don't want to rule anyone."
"You're missing the point—you could become a Lancer."
"I need to talk to Juha about this. But I don't want to fight in a war. I want to stop it."
Yeah… I know that. But one thing I've realized is that he has something no one else does. That's why he could become an important figure in the future—if he ever joins a war.
"That's enough for today's class. I want to continue, but it's not possible right now. We'll discuss warfare in the next class."
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*[Lancer :- A Lancer is a warrior chosen by one or more spirit-beasts, forming a bond that allows them to fight as one in battle.]
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PART 5 :-
WANTS TO BE PERFECT
MC perspective :-
I went to the forest after finishing today's class. Bond and Dex both went to their master's shop. I came here because I knew I could find him.
And just as I thought—he was sleeping on a rock, snoring.
"Hey—wake up!!" I shouted at him.
He didn't respond. Wait… I have a better plan. I summoned water using my Aura and threw it at him.
What?! A green wall appeared, and the water reflected back at me—like a protective shield.
"Haa… what are you doing here? I don't remember saying I'd train you right now."
"First, dry me!!" I replied in an annoyed voice.
"Hahaha… you took me too lightly," he said, laughing.
"Now tell me—why are you here?"
"I just thought you might show up today."
"And why should I do that? I have more important things to do than deal with you."
"Like sleeping?"
"It's an important job, without a doubt. But that's not the point—why did you expect me to be there?"
"Well… many family members came to the academy today. Even that old man showed up… and you always appear when I least expect it, so…" I said, embarrassed.
"Look, I'm not your parent, okay? Nor do I have any blood relation with you. You're growing up fast, so be mature and gather the courage to walk your path alone. You won't always have someone by your side."
I expected that… but why did I say something like that?
"It's not like I expect anything from you…"
"But I already know what happened at the academy today."
"You already know?!"
"I sent Sagurd. He told me everything—like how you freed those animals."
"I see…" Why do I feel so happy inside? It's not like he cares about me.
"Is that why you're here? If you're done, then get lost. My sleep isn't over yet."
"Bond explained Mounting to me. Do you really think I should become a Lancer?!"
"I don't recall you ever saying you wanted to be a warrior. So why the hell are you thinking about it now?"
"I want to become perfect. That night… if I had been perfect, none of that would have happened. I may not be smart, but I understand that Mini is facing problems in her family because she's my group partner. If I were perfect, no one would question me."
Why is he smiling?
"Sit there."
He summoned a rock, and I sat on it.
"Human emotions… what a strange thing. There was a time when you had nothing, and now you want to protect those feelings. That's good. But listen—no one in this world is perfect."
"But you are perfect. If I could become like you, I'd be glad."
"You think that? That might be the first time I've heard you give me a compliment. I'm glad. But the truth is—I'm not perfect. I've made many mistakes in my life and paid the price for them. I've tried hard and failed at many things, many times. I even have a gambling habit—my winning rate is almost zero—so I've caused plenty of trouble as well. I've lived through many generations, and I can tell you this: a 'perfect human' doesn't exist."
"So don't chase perfection. Instead, become someone you can be proud of. And don't try to become like me—you should surpass me."
"But if I become a Lancer, people might start respecting me."
"You idiot—your brain cells work less than a normal human's. Always remember this: no matter how perfect you become, some people will always find your flaws, no matter how hard you try. So don't live to prove your worth to others—live to prove it to yourself."
"But if everyone leaves me, what should I do then?"
"You need to understand the meaning of sacrifice. Sometimes we must give up something precious for a greater outcome. And if people leave you because you stay true to yourself, then they were never meant to be with you."
Now I feel relaxed.
"Anyway, what are your plans for the warfare section?"
"I haven't thought about it yet. It says I need to choose a weapon. What would suit me?"
"I don't think any weapon is going to choose you."
"What?! What are you talking about?"
"Look—we can learn to use every weapon, but we can never master them unless they choose us. The academy will first teach you how to use all kinds of weapons. After that, there will be a process where the weapon chooses its wielder according to their soul, mind, and purpose."
"But why? If no weapon chooses me, how will I defeat my enemies?"
"Your goal is not to defeat your opponent—it's to change your enemy's mind."
"But I need to fight to survive against them."
"Have you ever seen me with a sword or an axe?"
"No…"
"That's exactly my point. Your strength doesn't lie in any weapon—it lies in your body. The moment you learned the instant-dance dodge, I understood that. No one has ever learned it that quickly before. Your physical and mental abilities don't require a weapon."
"But I've never heard of that before…"
"Everything you know about warfare is a lie. They tell that lie because if they revealed the truth too early, people would stop practicing and just wait to be chosen by a weapon. And that's where they go wrong—if you're unworthy, no weapon will choose you. I'll explain everything in time."
"What should I do now?"
"I'll teach you how to use every weapon. And don't worry—from tomorrow, we'll focus on your Aura control."
After saying that, he went back to sleep.
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PART 6 :-
THE COUNCIL OF JUSTICE
Iras perspective :-
[In a council chamber, where all the members of the Scribes clan have gathered.]
All the high authorities of the Scribes clan assembled because of my lady.
"We are here to discuss a serious matter today."
"Yes, I never imagined that giving a woman freedom would cause such problems."
"We warned you not to give your daughter so much freedom. Girls at that age often bring shame to their families if given too much independence."
"I was present during the interrogation that night, and you wouldn't believe how rudely she behaved."
Everything turned against her.
"She is our first priority, as she was born first. We cannot let things continue like this."
"Everyone, stop. I know what my daughter has done, and that's why we are here—to make a decision. So refrain from unnecessary remarks."
"I mean, come on, Father—didn't we send her to the academy so she could become worthy of marrying into a higher clan and benefit our family?!"
"Yes, he's telling the truth. If she continues to stay with that group, it will affect both her reputation and our clan's standing."
"But the academy has strict rules—no one can change their group until graduation."
"Hmph… we are a highly respected clan in this land. If necessary, we can pressure the academy."
Edward—the next head of the Scribes clan and my lady's half-brother. He is a genius and stronger than her in every field… but a little heartless.
"I suggest that she change her group and continue her studies. But if she refuses, then we must place her in the Golden Cage—for the sake of our clan."
What?! That's too cruel for a child.
"The Golden Cage is too cruel a decision for her. She has already suffered greatly in the past."
I'm glad my lord still cares about his daughter.
"I understand your concern as a father. I am a father as well, so I understand your situation. But you are also the head of this clan, and justice must be the same for everyone."
Forcing your will on a child and calling it justice… they're not even human. If my hands weren't tied, I'd show them what a woman can do.
"Does every member agree with this?"
Everyone raised their hands.
"Very well. It is decided."
"But, my lord! You—"
"It is no longer in my hands, Iras. She must decide what she wants."
"The council orders the Princess of the Scribes to be brought forth."
The herald[*] announced it.
My lady stepped into the center of the chamber, looking up at the upper floor where everyone was seated.
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Minidra perspective :-
[In a room, Minidra sits nervously.]
Calm down, Mini… You already know what's going to happen and what you've decided to do. I just wish someone were by my side. If Mother were alive… would she stand with me?
"Princess, the council is calling for you."
I stepped forward and stood in the middle of the council chamber. It felt suffocating—there were only men here, with a few female servants standing silently behind their masters.
"Look at her… what a beauty. I wish I could have her."
"So beautiful at such a young age. I'll send a marriage proposal to her father. Someone like her should belong to our clan."
"She maybe at my daughter's age but she looks so beautiful. If I am not married I would definitely go for her."
I can hear their thoughts—it's no different from before. The way they stare at me makes me uncomfortable.
"Minidra, Princess of the Scribes clan—the honor and pride of our family. In light of your actions, the council presents you with two options: either change your group, or accept the Golden Cage."
They've already decided everything, and now they tell me to choose. What hypocrisy. Still… I expected this. So, Father—your position and your clan matter more than your daughter.
"I refuse both options. I will continue at the academy as a member of the Machimoi group."
"What?! Do you understand the consequences of your words?!"
Maybe I've lost my mind… but I would rather die than stand with anyone other than Bright.
"My lady, take back your words, or you will be considered a criminal!"
"Being called a criminal is better than accepting others' decisions without my will."
Even if this is the end, I don't care. I want to live as a human—not as a tool.
"And that is why I challenge the council—and my clan—for my freedom."
Everyone was stunned by my words… and then I did something none of them expected.
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*[Herald :- The person who announces news or something that signals what's coming next in a court or council.]
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