Vulen woke with a mine-splitting headache, surprised that he was in his room with fuzzy memories of what happened hours before. He was even more surprised that Edward was beside his bed with a grin as wide as a canyon. Vulen couldn't help questioning him as he sat up, rubbing his temples to calm down his mental pain.

“ Not to sound rude, but what are you doing here Edward?”

“ Is that the way to talk to the person who carried your surprisingly heavy body back to your room and tucked you in like a mother?” Edward had a slightly sarcastic look on his face, but Vulen couldn't help but feel horrible. He’d just questioned his friend's generosity.

“ I apologize Edward. I didn't mean to shame your efforts.” Vulen’s face showed his seriousness. He was deeply apologetic, but Edward couldn't help but wonder why Vulen was like this.

“ Dude, chill out,” Edward said with a slight chuckle.” It’s not that serious. I was just joking man jeez. You know what, I’m going to take you out and have some fun. I’m tired of seeing you sulking. Me and the rest of the guys are having a first day of a school party and you are invited on my behalf.”

A multitude of thoughts and emotions flooded Vulen’s mind. Someone had invited him out somewhere to have fun. He didn't have to ask or beg to be included. Someone actually wanted him there. The problem was that he didn't know what happens at a ‘ party in the first place. Was he setting me up? Is he trying to beat me with his friends? Old memories resurfaced of his tribe mates tormenting him, even though he just wanted to fit in.

Seeing Vulen’s distressed demeanor, Edward immediately calmed his suspicions.

“ From the look on your face, I can tell you’ve never been to a party. It’s just the fellas getting drunk, watching fights at the colosseum, and going to brothels. We aren't trying to harm you and I’ll warn everyone to be respectful to you, but they still may ask questions. Come out with us. I’m not taking no for an answer,” Edward said with a wide smile. Even though Vulen was scared and downright doubtful, he couldn't say no to such a warm smile.

“ Alright. I-I’ll come out, but can you tell me what a brothel and colosseum are?

With a sigh, Edward explained what they both were which caused Vulen’s already red face to turn redder.

“ Are you sure women will do that to me? The women in my tribe wouldn't let me because I was too weak to deserve to mate.” Edward stared into the sad eyes of Vulen. He could tell his confidence as a man was shot. Vulen’s pride was based on what he could do for the people he valued, but he’d been shamed by those he loved the most.

“ Trust me Vulen, they’ll do whatever you pay them to do. You know that girl you stared at in class, Jeenie? She works there. This brings me to my next point. Vulen, I know you don't know much about women, but you need to learn quickly because it can get you killed.”

Vulen’s face turned grim. He knew how his tribe fought over women, but it never resulted in death. Here, he could lose his life over offending someone's girlfriend.

“ Listen, you should never date whores. I’m sure you don't know what that means, so let me explain. Both sexes sleep around, but men are praised for their sexual promiscuity while most women are shamed. Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone. There are women with harems who sleep with everyone, but women who are used strictly for sex are treated less then. Those who work in brothels will do anything and everything for money. They do the nastiest things like get peed and pooped on to satisfy a weirdo's fetish.”

Vulen didn't know how to feel. His tribe's mating practice was based on strength. The men have to first fight for the right to mate versus a man and the women have to choose if they want them. The women usually challenge the winner too. The elves weren't monogamous besides those strong enough to keep their partners. Other than that, they were sexually free as long as they had the right.

Vulen explained this to Edward who didn't judge his tribe's practices but had to warn him.

“ Well, your tribe's practices aren't too far off from ours but it's a lot more extreme. Does your tribe leader share his wife or harem members?”

Vulen shook his head no immediately. Anyone Whooing the chief women were challenging the chief directly.

“ Deep down, that's how most men feel when we’re in relationships. A sense of possessiveness over our partners. No matter how many partners we have as men, we never want our women stepping out. Strong women can’t be controlled. They can sleep with whoever they like just like men. This is why men usually date those weaker and poorer than them. We only value women's beauty over their strength and wealth.”

Vulen digested the knowledge. It was another thing different from his tribe. The men loved strong women even if the women didn't want them.

“ Talk to some royal’s girlfriend by accident, and days later, we’ll find your body parts scattered around the city. Dating whores will only end in heartbreak. Be careful. That said, most relationships are safe and monogamous unless your girlfriend whores herself out for higher-status men which have a high probability of happening. I can't tell you how many guys' girlfriends I took.” The look on Edward’s face was as if he was reminiscing.

:” Would you take my girlfriend?” Vulen believed since they were friends, Edward wouldn't do something so harmful, but Edward’s answer surprised him.

“ Of course, I would. That's what friends are for. I just wouldn't date her. Never get emotional over women. It’s a weakness that’ll get you killed. Never get mad at the person who took your partner. You can only get mad at the person who stepped out. I would expect you to steal my girl if she decided to cheat. You help by exposing her, but don't make that woman your girlfriend.”

"Weakness," was all Vulen needed to hear. He burned what was told to him into his brain.

“ Thanks for the talk. Am I supposed to go back to the mana training class or to the next course?”

“This school isn't like that. We’re technically all adults. They allow us to make our own decisions. You don't even have to go to class. You just have to pass the assessments they give us. They give us more than enough resources to self-teach. I was headed to the physical combat class? Wanna come?”

Vulen rubbed his growling stomach as he looked at Edward with an awkward smile.

“ Let’s pick up some snacks on the way there. I’m kinda hungry too.”

The pair stopped at the school's cafeteria where Edward ordered something he called beef jerky and Vulen something he called fries. One bite of a ‘ fry ‘ made Vulen drool. He’d never tasted something so tasty. The only reason why Vulen didn't spend the rest of his day in the cafeteria was that Edward promised that he would get him something tastier later on.

They arrived in a large gymnasium which could be considered a small colosseum. Edward naturally drew many eyes while Vulen tried his best to keep his head down while walking beside him. He was ashamed that he called out for help during his meditation.

In the middle of the gym was a large platform where most students and the gym’s teacher were. As they got closer, Vulen could see an abnormally large, tan, burly human with a scar behind the eyepatch he wore. Vulen could feel his strong presence, almost suffocating him. It felt like he was staring at an immovable force. It was as if the large man was a mountain. The man in front of him couldn't touch Tanyl, but he was stronger than Riggard by a lot. Vulen had finally realized just how much of a frog in a well he was. He always thought Riggard was the strongest person ever besides Tanyl, but he didn't know Riggard wasn’t even the strongest person in his tribe, let alone the entire Lunenmore Woods!

“ If it isn't the stain of the Sullivan family. What’s going on you little shit,” the burly man said in a ruff and deep voice. To Edward’s and everyone else’s surprise, Vulen took an offensive stance. He was willing to fight a battle he knew he had no chance of winning for his friend which put a wide and mischievous grin on the burly man’s face. Edward had a face full of shame. He could barely look at the man in front of him, but Vulen didn't judge him. Anyone would be scared of fighting the powerful man in front of them

“ Your small friend here is more warrior than anyone here.” He let out a hearty laugh strong enough to cause the ground to shake and the students to cover their ears or be deaf.

“What is your name, little warrior? The burly man looked at Vulen as if he found a new toy. Edward wanted to protect his friend from the impending brutal beating, but he froze like the coward the burly man knew him as.

“ My name is Vulen of the Grave Violet elves. What about yours?” Vulens' gaze never left his opponents. Even when his entire body screamed for him to run, he stood proud beside his fear without a hint of fear being shown.

“ Get up here Vulen of the Grave Violet elves. Spar with me. I promise to let you live.”

Vulen began toward the ring but was stopped by Edward who looked pale.

“ Y-you shouldn't do this. He’s going to break your bones!”

“ Shut the hell up pansy! Your friend Vulen isn't a coward like you are. Right Vulen?”

Vulen looked at Edward as if telling him ‘ I got this.’ He was going to defend his friend's honor no matter what. He wanted Edwards's friendship, loyalty, and praise. This was an opportunity to prove himself to Edward and others that he wasn't the weakling who begged for help. He was Vulen, the one who was going to be stronger than everyone. More powerful than everyone. Richer than everyone.

The students cleared the stage. Only Vulen and the teacher stood opposite each other while everyone watched. This atmosphere gave Vulen a sense of euphoria. This setting was what he wanted. Others watching him in all his glory.

“ My name’s Eburhardt. Nine core mana user.” Eburhardt studied Vulen’s reaction and to his surprise, Vulen hadn't flinched at the revelation.

‘ I like him! I want to break his confidence. Destroy it! Make him stronger just to be the shit out of him!.’

“ We aren't here to talk,” Vulen said. He was ready.

“ Giving me the first move? You must want to die!” Eburhardt's feet dug into the stone below him. In an instant, he appeared in front of Vulen who didn't know if he should be afraid or impressed by how fast such a big man closed the distance.

Vulen tried his best to block the fist aimed at his sternum but he could feel his arms shattering under the power of the blow. His body skidded across the stage where he threatened to fall off. The feeling he felt was worse than fighting the large snake. His irrational pride and confidence couldn't save him here.

‘ I’m going to die! I’m going to die! I’m going to die.”

Eburhardt was impressed. Though he held back significantly, that blow was supposed to chatter Vulen’s entire upper half.

The pain Vulen felt was something he’d never felt before. This couldn't compare to his mana veins ripping. This was truly unbearable. He felt like he could die at any moment. He could feel his organs failing. He could feel the broken ribs puncturing his lungs. It became increasingly harder to breathe.

Eburhardt truly didn't mean for this to happen. Though he wanted to break the bones in his body, there’s a seven-core healer who was supposed to heal his unconscious body, but here, Vulen barely got to his feet. His breaths ragged and hoarse. His legs wobbled with every slow step. His face stained with tears and blood flowing out of his mouth. Others could only watch in awe at the half-dead figure slowly walking toward one of the most dangerous people in Alfair. Walking toward the nine-core mana user, attempting to take him on in a half-dead state. Eburhardt could do nothing but admire such resolve. In his eyes, this was a true warrior!

Soon Vulen fell face-first, unable to walk any further. Instead, he crawled! He crawled like a slug until he got close enough to only headbutt Eberhardt's hard black boot, causing his forehead to bleed. Vulen didn't lose consciousness. He didn't want to look weaker than he does now. He wasn’t ashamed of himself this time. He tried his hardest to defend someone who couldn't defend themselves. He tried his hardest to defend his friend. This was his stepping stone to getting respect and admiration. If he had stopped here, he might as well have killed himself. This is what he viewed as true strength.

Vulen could no longer hear those around him, but as his vision landed on his friend who was beside his body with a face full of tears, he couldn't help but smile.