Getting out of the building there was a limo in front as they were then greeted by a butler. It was a rather a sight for everyone as this was a limo that you would rarely see. With an insignia of a sword with a twirling water flowing around the sword. Everyone around was taking a picture as it was one of the personal vehicles from the diviners. These were beautiful in design that caught anybody's attention. With only twelve made cars, seeing one was like seeing a unicorn.

  “Leo awaits your arrival, please do come in.”

  “Paul??” What are you doing here?” Leonora said.

  “Milady Leonora and Milord Leonardo. Dr. Fausto requested to meet with Leo. So I came personally to see to it that you all come along.” Hearing that the others were confused but got inside anyway.

  Arriving at the House of Lancelot it was really more than a house. This house was like a Miniature city that housed all the members of the Lancelot family. With being a family of twelve, it is no surprise about the wealth that each family holds. Especially with long life as well as the need of a place to house each family member is important. There are hundreds even a thousand in a single family in making sure the bloodline continues. There is even a family with several thousands, which will be explained later. Though there were no guards, it was because there wasn’t any need as with technology and everyone in the household was able to fight. They were the best security.

  “Wow so this is your family’s place!!! How many maids and butlers do you guys have?” Seeing how beautiful and natural the area was, Karma couldn’t believe that Leonora and Leonardo lived in such a large place.

  “We have about a thousand of them to take care of the place and cook food. It's so we can focus everything on fighting and government affairs.”

  “No wonder why you were so frail and weak. Because you guys don’t have to do anything.”

  “It's because of my illness, not because of them. “Leonora puffed as she didn’t like being insulted. “If you want, I can give you a tour of the place.

  “Really??!!! That would be nice.” Karma was excited.

  “Maybe I can come along as well.” Leonardo interrupted as he wanted to join them.

  “No.” Both said instantly without even being considerate. “We are having a girls' time. We don’t need a guy involved unless it is with Fausto.” Leonardo was then dejected while Faust was reading a book. But he was smiling while hearing that. It was rather amusing to hear. But then again, since he was asking a big favour, he might as well get some favouritism from Leonardo.

  “Leonardo?”

  “Yes..”

  “I heard you guys have a state-of-the-art Holographic reality field, correct?”

  “Yes we do. We use it to help train against various battle simulations and for target practice.”

  “Good then Karma and Leonora.” Faust looks at the two. As they look at him. “Both of you will practice inside that arena while I have things to talk to Leo.” This alarmed all three of them as they were surprised.

  “But..”

  “They can’t. Leonora is too weak to do such a thing and Karma is…” He wasn’t trying to say human but that was rather offensive to be frank.

  “Don’t worry, I have faith Leonora will handle it. And Karma is…probably the strongest woman I know.” Faust said as he winked at her. Karma didn’t know if that was a compliment or an insult but then again she is as strong as she destroyed the house by herself.

  “But…” Leonardo was seriously concerned.

  “We will do it!!!” They both said not caring about his opinions as understood that Faust wanted to train them. Both the girls seemed to be always obedient and willing to listen to Faust which surprised him sometimes. On the other hand, he does feel that the girls know that whatever he tell the two it was for their benefit.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  “But..” Leonardo started to protest. But Faust the devious person, said something.

  “Karma, do you know how to hold a gun?”

  “No, why?”

  “Well then Leonardo, you are going to have to teach her. Okay?”

  “No, absolutely not. I remember when I learned…” He was going to say something. But he then imagined holding their hands together and being so close together. The idea of making contact with her was enticing. Just thinking how romantic it would be to shoot a gun together. “No… Karma should learn how to defend herself. I think it's an important thing to do.” Both Leonora and Karma questioned his change of opinion, as Faust was chuckling about it. But they didn’t say anything anymore as they have arrived.

  “Welcome to the main house of Lancelot please come,” Paul said as he opened the gate. Passing through, they could see a massive medieval castle. With a large garden next to a beautiful lake, it looks as though they are arriving into a fantasy world. “Please, Fausto this way.” Opening the door, everyone got out of the car. Paul then instructed Fausto to follow him while the others went to the training facility.

  “Well see you three later.” Faust waves to them as he follows Paul towards the Castle. Along the way, they were walking to a rather large pond. Paul then stopped Faust in front of the mansion.

  “Please wait as I will get my master before you can come in. You are free to look around during the time.” Leaving Faust alone, he wandered around the area enjoying the scenery. It was really refreshing as he could tell why the Lancelot family is regarded for their elegance. Just hearing the water flow felt like it was cleaning your soul. Looking around, it was like he was in paradise. This was till he spotted a man next to the pond. He was in a robe but it was strange that he was playing chess all by himself next to the pond. Walking to see him, it looked like he was absolutely focused. He was staring at it so adamantly.

  “Hello?” Faust said as he properly greeted. But there was no response at all. Getting closer. “Excuse my intrusion?” Faust then walked closer to the chessboard. Looking at the chessboard, he saw something rather obvious of a decision to make as he then moved the piece on the chessboard. “Risky but has high potential?” Looking at the old man, he was trying to get a response, only to get a sleeping man.

  “ZZZZZZZ” He was sleeping so soundly no wonder he didn’t respond. After all, he was an older looking man with a long white beard to his chest. Deciding to walk away, there was a sudden sense of energy being released. Faust then looked back to see a sword pointed directly at his face. Ding thankfully he managed to block it. “Hooo..its been a while since I last saw a young man this talented.” He said as he woke up. Faust was bewildered by it, especially when he just woke up.

  “Uhm I wonder if this is how you talk to people. Is it an age-old custom?”

  “It is when you aren’t part of the family.” He chuckled. “So what do you think of an old guy?”

  “I don’t know but you should probably think twice before you get yourself killed. You could be in for a treat.” The old man was rather curious. But Faust then looked down. The old man followed as there was a blade pointing right at his heart. “So what do we call it? A check?” The old man wasn’t actually scared as he was rather amused.

  “Puhahaha…” The old man kept laughing as he then sheathed his sword. “Indeed it has been a while since I last saw someone this qualified to talk to me.”

  “Qualified??”

  “Yes you are the only one who is able to counter me so well. It's been a while since I found a man who enjoys the way of the sword.”

  “Hmm, it seems like you are a lonely man?”

  “Quite!! Guns have been taking over the world so swords are now decorations or for sports. It's such a shame…” The old man said as he felt so old schooled. Looking at this man, he really looks like a homeless guy. Rugged robe and unshaved bushy beard really made him look like a wizard or a crazy person.

  “Well then, I guess instead of swords and guns a chessboard is still fancied,” Faust said as he then looked at the chessboard.

  “Haha yes I've been on this move for some reason, yet I don’t know why I can’t make that move.” He then looked to see that something had changed. “Strange, it seems like someone moved it?” Giving a glance at Faust, who looked away.

  “Must be the wind, it seems pretty swift these days.”

  “Yes yes it’s the wind. It seems like the wind has brought me the answer.” Looking rather closely, the man seemed to be rather satisfied. In fact, he looked younger for some reason based on the expression which left a deep impression on Faust.

  “You are rather a strange old man.”

  “So are you. A diviner that is not part of the family is rather strange.” Hearing that Faust got defensive as he forgot in a moment of threat, he automatically released his energy. Faust then was about to fight. But the old man stopped him. “Relax, I won't tell. Finding a rare gem such as you would be a waste.” He then took out something and handed it to him. “I hope we get to meet again.” Looking at it, it was a badge with an emblem shaped like a sword with a spirling water surrounding it.

  “You really are a weird person.” Faust took it as he looked at it, wondering why he had given it to him.

  “Fausto we are ready for you. Please come this way.” Paul said as he was looking all over for Fausto. Giving his attention to Paul, Faust was diverted from his attention.

  “Alright let me go say…” Faust looks back as he looks to find the old man. Just to see him disappear. It wasn’t just that, the chessboard was also gone as well. Like what happened. That guy appeared without a trace.

  “Is there something wrong, sir??” Paul asks.

  “Did you see the old man sitting there?”

  “Sir there isn’t anyone here that I saw?” Paul looked around to find nothing out of the ordinary.

  “I see…” Faust then put the badge emblem in his pocket. He knew what he saw. But Faust had a feeling that this old guy for sure wanted his identity to remain a secret. “Lead the way.”