Chapter 14

At home

"Dad, Mom, soon I will continue my studies in magic. I want to become a Zodiac member. Aren't you both happy?" 

"Honestly, we're very happy and very proud of you, Petra. It's just that we're afraid of something bad happening to you, 'cause it's different out there. I'm afraid you won't be able to make it through," says Dad.

"Don't worry. I can do it. I'm getting stronger, Dad! Believe in me. I will become stronger than you, so I can protect our family!"

"We understand your confidence, Petra. We don't want to scare you, either. It's just that what Dad said is true. The demons out there are very dangerous. They're merciless," says Mom.

"Yeah. I understand, Mom. I've faced them several times already. I know that they're strong. I'm sure I'll be even stronger."

"Have you ever been close to death? Have you ever seen your loved ones destroyed and killed in front of you?! Have you ever felt anything worse than death?! I've felt what you're feeling right now, Petra! This isn't child's play. You'll be out there with your life on the line!" says Dad.

Maybe Dad gets mad 'cause I answered with a smile and seemed dismissive.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I just want to make you both happy. I want to be useful to many people like you said that time when I was slacking off in school. Don't you want me to keep sharpening my knife? If you don't want to sign my letter to enroll in the Zodiacs Academy, fine. I won't insist."

I immediately end the conversation and shut myself away for the rest of the day.

Why should I work hard if Mom and Dad didn't appreciate me? I wanted them to be proud if I became stronger someday, but they didn't seem happy that I was getting stronger. Weird.

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In the living room

"Darling, you're too hard on him. You shouldn't have said such harsh words. He's a good kid. I feel a tremendous change in him. He cares more and more about people close to him. He's also getting stronger by the day. Maybe it's us who are too hard on him," says Safira.

"I don't know. I just don't want anything to happen to him. I've been notified by the Zodiacs' headquarters, that the three demons escaped from the prison. Before this incident, no demon had been able to get out of Maximus' shield. Not a single person had been able to cast its magic within the shackles of Maximus' shield. This is a bad sign," explains Jose.

"I know, but will treating him like this keep him safe? Aren't you afraid that he will run away?" asks Safira.

"I don't know. What's clear is that the current situation is too dangerous to be away from home. The latest news is that today Maximus and Master Dominic are going to Gaia's place. That means this matter is very serious. If things get better, I will allow him to enroll in the Zodiacs Academy," replies Jose.

"Really? I hope everything will be fine. Alright. If that's what you decide for him, then I won't insist," says Safira as she walks away.

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At the Zodiacs' Headquarters

"Captain, Senior Dominic is here," says Gunther.

"Alright. I'll go see him. You guys wait here," says Maximus.

"Okay," says Gunther.

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In another room at the Zodiacs' Headquarters

"Welcome, Senior Dominic and... Huh? It turns out Senior Gregory is coming, too. I thought it was just you," says Maximus. He is surprised to see Gregory.

"Why, young man? Am I too weak to join you?" asks Gregory.

"Ah... That's not what I meant, 'cause I thought you might not be interested in joining," replies Maximus.

"I want to see Gaia. I haven't seen it in a long time," says Gregory.

“Alright. What are you planning to do, Maximus?” asks Dominic.

"Well, I want to make sure that the other 5 Soul Stone's fragments are in Gaia's hands. We all know that those demons already have 3 fragments. According to the book I read about this Soul Stone, possessing 4 fragments can provide extraordinary power. If you have 5 fragments, you can restore the bodies of all kinds of creatures that are nearly dead or in a critical condition. If you have 6 fragments, you can summon spirits to come back to life in the world. If collected all together, it can summon spirits and at the same time give all the power of the Soul Stone," explains Maximus.

"Hey, you sounds just like a traveling salesman. Your long explanation bores me. What's the point?" says Gregory.

"I'm thinking that they're looking for a way to resurrect Ryushiba! That 1500-year-old curse is going to end soon. The time is near. I'm afraid I guessed right!" replies Maximus.

"Ah... So you want to confirm to Gaia that the Soul Stone's fragments are in a safe place? But, I think it would take offense at that remark," says Dominic.

"That's not all I'm saying. We need to know where the Soul Stone's fragments are. That way, we can prevent those demons from taking them. If they find them first, then I don't think even Gaia will be able to face Ryushiba!" emphasizes Maximus.

"Yeah. I know. We'll ask Gaia where the other Soul Stone's fragments are. There's a good chance that it knows where the fragments are," says Dominic.

"Yes. Please help me, Seniors Dominic and Gregory! I can't rely on my own strength. Gaia will only communicate with members of The Four Holy Knights! And you two are the only ones I know are members of the Four Holy Knights. I've never heard of the other two," says Maximus.

"Hmm... Alright. Tomorrow, we'll go see Gaia. Hey you, Gregory. You still have your battle gear, right? Gaia doesn't like to see the earthly clothes. You could get beat up by it later," says Dominic.

"Heh. You should remember, Dominic. I'm still a member of the Four Holy Knights, I'll keep the Four Holy Knights' honor! The Great Armor! Red Bull!"

Gregory stands up and releases a powerful energy that formed an armor with bull horns. It is like a very sturdy armor in red. In fact, the emanated aura is so great that Maximus is blown away by Gregory's great aura.

"What kind of power is that? This is crazy. I can't even move just because I'm hit by that huge aura of him," says Maximus to himself.

"Hahaha. How is it, Dominic? Do I still look cool? Gaia must like my new armor," says Gregory.

"Heh. Stop it, Gregory. I was just asking about your armor. There's no need to expend that much energy. You're scaring everyone in the headquarters," says Dominic as he looks at Maximus.

"Hahaha. Alright. Young people these days are very weak. Unlike in our time, Dominic," says Gregory.

Slam!

The door slams.

"Captain! Just now, we all felt a very strong aura! Are you okay? What happened?" asks Ivar.

"Huh? I told you. It's your fault, Gregory," chides Dominic.

"Ah... No. There's nothing wrong. All is safe, Ivar," replies Maximus.

"Ah... Alright then. I'm sorry, Captain!" says Ivar.

Domina and Domino are also seen near Ivar.

"Dominic and Gregory, huh?" says Domina.

"Ah... Domina. It's been a while since we met," says Dominic.

"Huh? That pair of old siblings are still alive?" says Gregory.

"Magic Mirror! Ace of Diamond!" says Domina. She makes a red box enclosing Gregory inside. 

Gregory tries to hit the red box from the inside, but it is all in vain.

"Hey! Old Hag! Get me out of here! Don't make me mad!" shouts Gregory from inside the red box.

Domina lifts and twirls the box. Then, she undoes her magic. Gregory falls.

Thud!

"I'll pay you back, you Old Hag!" says Gregory. Before he can get to Domina, he is stopped by Dominic. 

"You're still like a child, Gregory. Stop it, I said. You're the one who started it," scolds Dominic.

"Huh? Domina can beat Gregory? Is this serious?" mutters Maximus to himself.

"Hey, Dominic. How are you?" asks Domino.

"I'm fine. How about you, Domino?" replies Dominic.

"You know, the world is in turmoil right now," says Domino.

"How about you two come over to my house tonight? I want to ask you two something," says Dominic.

"No problem," replies Domino.

"What do you want from these two old siblings, Dominic?" asks Domina.

"I don't know, but there's something I want to ask you both. I think you know the answer," says Dominic.

"It turns out that Senior Dominic knows Domino and Domina. Is Domina really that strong? I had joined the Zodiacs for 15 years, but I've never seen Domino and Domina unleash their magic. Then, it can be said that the four of them are equally strong!" mutters Maximus to himself.

Tap...

Ivar taps Maximus on the shoulder.

"Captain, Senior Dominic is going home. He said goodbye to you but you were silent and daydreaming," says Ivar.

"Ah... I'm sorry, Senior Dominic," says Maximus.

"What are you thinking about? There's no need to think too much, Maximus. Tomorrow morning, we'll leave for Gaia's place. Prepare yourself to the best of your ability. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," says Dominic.

"Alright, Seniors Dominic and Gregory. Take care. See you tomorrow," says Maximus.