n

n

nAfter sorting out, the mistake, they continued to play. Only this time, it was more fair and no one was allowed to use magic strengthening. But either way, it didn't make much of a difference for john as he wasn't using it from the beginning

nAs for serena, she unnaturally strong for someone of her size, and ariel...

n

"Serena!

" Ariel shouted

nAriel then set the ball straight at serena who had already jumped, expecting the ball to go her way.

n

"I got it!

" Serena replied

nHer accuracy, was unexpectedly good for her first time playing. Not only that, but she was just as strong as serena. John was wondering if they had done some sort of strength training, or if it was master that trained them. But he decided to keep it to himself

n

"Leave it to me.

" Said John as he leapt straight at where Nanesia had spiked the ball

nWhile using the receiver form, he received it on the direction of serena.

nSerena who saw this, turned to face john and watched as the ball slowly descended. Once it was finally within her reach, she set it to Ariel who was already in the middle of her jump

nAriel swung her hand and as it hit the centre of the ball. A nice loud hit sound resonated through their court.

nThe ball was heading straight for the top right corner. Nanesia was the only one who reacted, but even still, she wasn't able to get the ball.

nIt flew right past her, before it landed on the sand. As the rotations got slower, it eventually stopped

n

"16-21.. 14-21... 18-21... How many games did we play?

" nanesia asked

n

"5

" John replied

n

"After 5 games, you guys got a lot better... it sucks how we only won twice, but it's part of life.

"

n

"That's right, next time we'll beat you

" Said Tiana

n

"Count on it.

" Zakaragi Added

nJohn was glad to see that they weren't sore about it.

n

"Yeah, good luck with that

" Said john

n

"We'll face you any time

" Added Serena

n

"And we'll win.

" Declared Ariel

nAriel was really into this game

n

"who else wants to go swimming?

" Nanesia asked as she raised her hand

nEveryone raised their hand.

n

"Then, it's settled!

"

n***

nAs the nice lukewarm water, flowed back and forth from the beach, in a never ending pattern. As John watched as serena and Ariel played around in the water with Zakaragi, Tiana and Nanesia. He felt forgotten.

nFrom here, he could see Zakaragi really enjoy playing around with them, he didn't look like the type of person who could make such an innocent smile

nJohn was envious

n

"M-Master... What did you need?

" Asked john

nHe was called by master before they all decided to go play around at the water.

n

"Nothing, go join your friends

" Said master

n

"Master if you want me to stay, then I don't mind at all. Isn't that why you called me?

" John asked

nSuddenly, master grabbed a small box from her pocket and handed it to john

n

"What's this?

" John asked

n

"That girl you saved, she wanted to give it to you.

"

nJohn opened the box and inside there was a small round green gem. It was shiny and glowy, it didn't look like something a commoner could afford.

n

"Master, what is this?

" John asked

n

"A special stone. I don't know much about it, but it contains magical properties.

"

nJohn already knew that, he could feel it flowing through the stone, what he didn't know was why he got it.

n

"But master, wouldn't it have been better for her to have sold it off instead of giving it to me?

"

nSometimes, I don't understand. Are you dense or just stupid? Zestari Asked

nDense?

nShe's giving it to you because you saved her. That's worth more than money.

n

"It was her choice, be happy.

"

nJohn was feeling conflicted, he didn't know if he should be happy, or worried, but there was no use fretting on it.

n

"She gave me a message to give to you

" Said master

n

"Message?

" John asked

n

"*Ahem* Thank you very much for saving me, j-john, right? Uhm, think of the stone as something that can help you during your travels. Hmm... Ah, right. My name is saphi, how could you leave without introducing yourself? B-but yeah, I'm not sure if we'll meet again, but if we do, make sure you do it properly.

"

nDid your master really memorise and say all of that word for word? Asked Zestari

nMeanwhile, before he even realised, tears had started to stream down john's face.

n

"T-Thank you master... Thanks Saphi... I'll treasure it...

" Said John as he wiped off the tears in his face

n

"Good. Now go play with your friends.

" Said master as he gave john a headpat

n

"Yeah

" John replied with a smile

nAs john got up, he closed the box and started walking to the water, with it in hand. When he realised, he stopped and then walked back.

n

"Master, can you hold on to this for a while? I'm going to go swim

" Said john

nMaster nodded

n

"Also, master... did you really memorise that word for word?

" John asked

nSuddenly master stared at him

n

"I have a good memory. Is that bad?

" Master asked

n

"not at all... I was just surprised, but thanks

" Said john before running off into the water

n

"Both childish... and mature...

" Master muttered as she watched him jump into the water with a face of joy

n--------------------------------------------

n

"What took you so long?

" Serena asked as she passed the ball the ball over to Ariel

n

"Did master make you do training?

" Ariel asked

n

"Master? John has a master?

" Nanesia asked

n

"I guess that'll explain how strong he is.

" Tiana added

n

"Haha... It's nothing like that, master just had something to give me

" John replied

n

"But speaking of training... Are you a knight like me, john?

" Zakaragi asked

n

"No, I'm an adventurer

" John replied as he passed the ball over to zakaragi

n

"Adventurer!?

"

nZakaragi, was so surprised that he ended up hitting the ball further off shore. The 5 were playing volleyball, while people continued to train or swim around

nSo before it could be swept away, john quickly went over to get it

n

"I wonder what rank he is...

" Tiana muttered

n

"John is B-Rank.

" Said Serena

n

"B-Rank? Doesn't that mean he's really strong?

" Nanesia asked

n

"Yeah...

" Zakaragi replied

n

"Guys... where did john go?

" Ariel asked

nThe ball was still floating around, but john was nowhere to be seen within the crowd of people who were swimming

n