It was a giant lizard.

Nolan subconsciously swallowed and focused on the creature's footsteps. The footsteps trailed off and he took a peek. The creature was nowhere to be seen.

“It's gone-”

*Tup, tup, tup!*

A cold shiver ran through his spine and deliberately turned his head back, seeing the lizard glued on the tree's body while curiously staring at him.

Both of them stared at each other... Until Nolan's droplet of sweat touched the ground and the lizard screeched, showing its sharp teeth. Nolan prompted away to where he was hiding while gasping for air.

As he continued, he was on the verge of getting killed by the predator. There was nothing else to do but to break the rules again.

***

“Nolan!” Albeit had been calling his name for twenty times now, yet, no response. “Where could he b-”

“HELP!!!”

Albeit's hair rose on his skin, glancing to his left, and heard a screech. “Nolan!” then rushed inside the forest. “Hang on, Nolan! I'm coming!”

In the forest, Nolan's heart pounded fast, and his sides were throbbing. Couldn't keep running forever, while several veils of mist gathered on his vision.

“I-I need to run...”

He took another step, but a random rock tripped him, landing his sweaty face on the dirt.

“D-dammit!”

Dirt covered his face and he brushed it off with his hands. After that, Nolan squeezed his fists and regretted his childishness. He started to hate himself for why on earth he ran away over simple insults. He should've ignored them and casually walked out of the tower. However, his immatureness went overboard and let his childish side grow.

“Why am I so useless?”

With a deep bitterness rising in his heart, the lizard shrieked from behind.

“Dad...”

The lizard charged, opening its mouth, and dripping its periwinkle saliva on the ground.

“I'm sorry...”

Those last words he muttered made the creature scream in agony.

“Huh...?”

Bewildered, Nolan only stared at the curly crimson-haired man who showed up out of nowhere. Piercing its Rapier on the lizard's stomach with an elegant pose.

“I made it just in time.”

His chain gold necklace that was hanging on his furry white cloak, reflected on Nolan's eyes, making him squint.

The curly-haired man pulled out his weapon and blood gushed out, painting his outfit. He didn't mind it though and distanced himself away from the lizard.

The lizard was still alive, growling toward the Wielder. It charged forward and the lad grinned. A round faint light appeared on the lizard's neck and the boy locked his eyes on the light. He dashed forward and penetrated his weapon on the neck.

“Checkmate~”

Blood squirted all over again and the lizard fell in defeat. Luckily, the noble dodged the blood. But, after dodging it, he glanced at his weapon, filled with blood. It wasn't a big deal and flung his Rapier, removing the blood.

In the far distance, Nolan rubbed his eyes, couldn't believe that the lizard was killed in a second.

“Hey, you.”

The noble looked at Nolan. Instead of frowning at the helpless boy, a welcoming smile occurred on his pale smooth face. The savior ambled forward and handed something to Nolan.

“Here.”

The Broken Hilt.

Nolan hesitated and took his weapon. “W-where did you get it?”

“The handle hit the back of my head,” he rubbed his head. “Are you the one who threw it?”

Based on his appearance, he was wearing a rich blue tunic with a leather belt around his waist. While getting covered by the furry white cloak. There was no doubt that this person came from the Zanchuer Kingdom.

Facing a noble was rare for him, especially when talking to them. Now, he was shaking and answered his question, by nodding his head.

“I'm dead...”

“Hey...”

Nolan shut his eyes. “Here it comes!”

“If I were you, I should've kept that.” the only response came from the noble's mouth.

“Huh?” Nolan blinked twice.

“Your weapon may be a Broken Hilt, but, that's a gift from the Gods. Be thankful that they gave you something and make sure to treasure it.”

Nolan stared at him and subconsciously said, “Aren't you going to make fun of me...?”

“Make fun of you?” he tilted his head to the side. “Where did you get that idea from?”

Nolan regretted blurting that all of a sudden.

The noble hummed for a second before asking, “What's your name?”

“...”

“Hey, what's your name?”

He asked in a way that soothed Nolan's ear.

“N-Nolan...”,

“Nolan?”

Trembling at the noble's words until Nolan's savior spoke again.

“Nice to meet you, Nolan,” he reached out his hand, offering a handshake. “The names Yesügei Dashiell.”

Nolan half-jolted at his abrupt introduction, hesitating whether he'll shake his hand or not.

“What's your last name by the way?”

“B-Backster.”

“Nolan Backster...” Yesügei rubbed his chin and his eyes lit up a little. “Say, is your father, Heimer Backster?”

“H-how did you know him?”

“He's the one who taught me how to use this,” he was referring to the Rapier. “If it wasn't for him, I would be a goner, hehe.”

Nolan didn't know his father taught a noble. For a moment there, he was impressed.

“You're a newcomer, right?” he asked.

“Y-yes.”

Yesügei raised a thumb. “Be sure to pass the Entrance Exam. I'll be waiting.”

His calm demeanor made Nolan at ease. Though, Nolan didn't get what he meant.

Yesügei turned around and Nolan noticed a large Phoenix design on the noble's back cloak.

“Where do you think you're going!”

Albeit emerged from the bush and brought down his Claymore toward the noble. But, his attack was already blocked.

“Who are you?” Yesügei asked.

“Like hell, I'll tell you!”

Albeit attacked him again and again. Yet, his foe easily blocked each attack.

“Stay away from my friend!”

“Friend?”

Just as Albeit was about to smash his sword. His foe vanished, making his eyes widen, and shattered ground.

“You're Nolan's friend?”

The voice went behind him and Albeit quickly swung his sword behind, however, he vanished again.

“Nolan, what's his name?”

Now, he was in front of Nolan. At this point, Albeit gritted his teeth because he felt like he was looking down on him.

Another approach was coming and Albeit prepared his arm to swing his sword. “I said, stay away from him-”

His Claymore flew in the air and landed on the ground, stabbing the dirt.

“Wha-”

“Nice to meet you, Albeit.”

A gentle greet made Nolan's friend stunned.