"Master, I have come to bid you farewell today!"
"Eh?" Adam's face filled with bewilderment.
The notion of a disciple — accepted just yesterday — announcing their departure today was truly incomprehensible.
Wait a minute! What kind of sudden announcement is this?
I've heard tales of masters vanishing the day after accepting disciples, but never of a disciple leaving right after finding a master!
Becoming my disciple only to announce your departure? Something's suspicious here, kid!
Do you think your status as a Duke's third son lets you trifle with someone of my power?
Adam's gaze turned menacing.
Anthony, catching his master's dangerous look and realizing the misunderstanding, hastily retrieved a letter from his chest and presented it.
"Master, my family has summoned me, and I must return."
With skepticism, Adam unfolded Anthony's family letter and scrutinized its contents.
"Hmm... oh... I see, I see, now I understand."
The letter was straightforward — Anthony needed to return to his territory immediately.
The reason was clearly stated.
Princess Iris, the Princess of the Six Flowers, was celebrating her 15th birthday debut. All noble children between 15 and 18 years of age were commanded to attend an audience in the royal capital by a specific date, with no exceptions permitted.
This was a royal decree! Any defiance would be treated as treason, met with military force!
Anthony, at age 15, fell squarely within this requirement.
His attendance at the royal capital was mandatory!
"Master, I deeply regret leaving so soon after becoming your disciple!" Anthony bowed deeply, demonstrating his sincere respect.
"Come now, raise your head, Anthony. This is simply an unforeseen circumstance." Adam grasped his shoulder, helping him up, "You're not at fault, and I can certainly understand this situation."
"Stop, don't cry! What kind of disciple would you be, crying in front of your master?"
Though saying this, having a newly accepted disciple turn around and leave... well, never mind. He didn't feel anything.
What did you expect? Rivers of tears in farewell?
Still, this was beyond anyone's control. However, there were important warnings he needed to give.
"Anthony, when you return to the Royal Capital, don't tell anyone that you've become my disciple — not even your parents or family members."
"Because I'm currently in the spotlight, and it could easily bring you trouble and danger."
Adam had been achieving legendary feats one after another, news of which had surely spread to every corner of the Royal Capital.
But there were always ill-intentioned people who couldn't stand such success and wished to cause harm. For the boy's safety, until he grew stronger, this matter would have to remain hidden.
"Yes... if that's what Master requires." Anthony became dejected.
He had been planning to boast to his father and mother about it when he returned, but now that idea was ruined.
Seeing his expression, Adam shook his head and sighed.
Indeed, young men of this age all had the desire to show off. But he was a noble and couldn't be too flamboyant.
"Anthony, as your master, let me teach you a principle before you leave: the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, and the tallest tree gets blown down by the wind."
"Master?" He clearly didn't understand the meaning.
"Whether as a person or an adventurer, you must learn to keep a low profile before becoming truly powerful. Otherwise, you'll attract others' jealousy, and death won't be far behind!"
These words seemed to deeply affect Anthony, and he swallowed hard, nodding seriously to show he would take them to heart.
He didn't ask the foolish question of 'why don't you keep a low profile, Master?' After all, would a master as powerful as his need to fear others' schemes?
He had absolute faith in Adam's strength!
"Don't worry too much about it. Just keep it private and stay alert."
Adam patted the boy's head as he brooded, telling him to let it go.
"By the way, Anthony, when you're in the Royal Capital, you'll probably see that knight who trained you, right?"
"Yes! He serves as Princess Iris's guard knight, so he'll definitely be by her side."
"Master, do you have something in mind?"
"Nothing significant." Adam shook his head, "Though as my disciple, I do have a task for you — if you're willing."
"Yes! Your disciple will complete it without fail!" Anthony declared loudly, then lowered his voice, "What's the task?"
"Have a 'fair match' with that knight lord, using all your strength."
"A fair match?" Anthony echoed, noting the emphasis in his master's words.
"Yes, a fair match. And if the knight lord refuses, you may use your position as the duke's third son to... persuade him."
"Hmm..." Anthony hesitated.
Though nobles commonly used their status to pressure others, he despised such tactics, finding them distasteful.
"Master, is this really necessary?"
"Because a certain child who hasn't grown up needs to see the treachery of the adult world. Only then will he understand his true worth — which will prove invaluable for his growth... Do you understand now?"
Adam looked at him with a somewhat malicious smile.
Anthony was pure-hearted, but he wasn't stupid!
"C-could it be that you mean..." He seemed to grasp the situation.
"Well, who knows? Why don't you go and find out for yourself?" Adam kept his response purposefully ambiguous.
He could have explained everything directly, but that would have deprived Anthony of a chance to grow and learn an important lesson.
Instead, Adam chose to let him discover the harsh realities of human nature through firsthand experience.
"Well then, take care! Stay safe, my disciple."
"Yes! I'll return soon, Master!"
And so, Anthony departed from Axel that day, citing family business as his reason for leaving the party.
Though everyone regretted his departure, they gave him a heartfelt farewell.
After seeing him off, Adam had a sudden realization — wasn't Darkness in the same situation?
If he recalled correctly, she was 18 this year — right at the age limit.
Sure enough! That evening, Darkness also received a letter from her home.
"Everyone, I must return home." She announced at the dinner table, "There's an urgent matter that requires my presence, so I won't be able to adventure with you all for a while. I'm sorry!"
"Well, it can't be helped if it's family business."
"Perfect timing — let's have the party take a break. I haven't had any rest since the Mobile Fortress attack and all those challengers."
Though surprised by the news, everyone simply wished her safe travels and a swift return.
And so, Darkness left Axel the next morning.
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