Author's Note:
Some people we're asking around if this was a translation or an original work,
... honestly ... -.-
you guy's aren't reading the authors thought at the end are you? (if you did and didn't get it well maybe I didn't write it well probably, apologies if so), I've been commenting things about me writing, then editing then uploading the chapters, but hey, its fair, I've done it before too so I understand, so I'm leaving this comment here just for ya'll to know this is my original work, no translation or anything.
_________________________________________________
The formal inquiry into Fisher Tiger's escape lasted three days—a surprisingly thorough investigation for what would typically be considered a relatively minor incident in Mary Geoise. The escape of a single slave rarely warranted such attention unless it involved violence against a Celestial Dragon or threatened broader security protocols.
But this was no ordinary escape. As Admiral Kong noted during the proceedings, "This represents the first successful slave escape from Mary Geoise that has not ended in immediate recapture or death in over fifty years." The implications were troubling for the World Government's security apparatus—a demonstration of vulnerability in what was supposed to be the most secure location on the planet.
Alcaster attended the final day of the inquiry as the representative of his family's interests, his father having delegated this responsibility to him as the slave's primary owner and most affected party. The proceedings were held in a governmental administrative building rather than Pangaea Castle—a signal that while serious, the matter didn't warrant the highest level of attention.
Admiral Kong himself presided over the panel, which included two Vice Admirals and a senior CP0 representative. Their presence underscored the incident's security implications rather than mere property concerns.
"The investigation has concluded that Guard Jenks demonstrated criminal negligence in his handling of the high-value slave," Admiral Kong stated, his imposing figure made more severe by his formal uniform. "He has been remanded to World Government custody for appropriate punishment."
Alcaster nodded with appropriately cold satisfaction. "The Reed family appreciates the thoroughness of the investigation, Admiral. Has there been any trace of the escaped fishman?"
"None confirmed," Kong replied. "Marine vessels patrolled the waters around the Red Line for seventy-two hours without detecting any unusual activity. If the fishman survived the descent—which remains questionable given the distance and physical challenges—he has evaded our search perimeter."
"I see." Alcaster allowed a hint of displeasure to color his tone. "The creature possessed unusual strength and intelligence for his species. His loss represents a significant setback to my studies of underwater combat techniques, and my cooperation with Saint Shalulia for breeding of exceptional fishmen slaves."
The CP0 representative—a thin, severe woman whose half-mask concealed most of her facial expressions—leaned forward slightly. "Young Saint Reed, our records indicate this fishman served as your personal combat instructor for nearly six months. Did you observe any signs of rebellious intent during your interactions?"
It was a carefully constructed question—not directly accusing Alcaster of negligence, which would be inappropriate when addressing a Celestial Dragon, but probing for information while subtly assessing his level of awareness.
"Fisher Tiger was selected for his knowledge of fishman karate, not his personality," Alcaster replied with calculated dismissiveness. "He performed his instructional duties adequately and showed appropriate deference. Had he displayed obvious rebellious tendencies, I would have had him replaced immediately."
"Of course, young master," the CP0 agent nodded deferentially, though her eyes remained sharp. "We ask only to complete our security assessment. This incident has revealed certain vulnerabilities in our transport protocols that must be addressed."
"Indeed," Admiral Kong agreed. "The maintenance access to the elevator cable housing has been completely redesigned and security increased throughout all transport routes. Rest assured, young master, such an escape will not be possible again."
The irony wasn't lost on Alcaster—they were essentially thanking him for exposing weaknesses in their security system through Fisher Tiger's escape, while simultaneously investigating whether he had any culpability in the incident.
"The Reed family is pleased that this unfortunate event will lead to improved security measures," Alcaster said smoothly. "Though we still expect compensation for our loss."
"Naturally," Kong nodded. "The standard valuation process has been initiated. You should receive appropriate restitution within the month, along with priority selection from the next shipment of combat-capable slaves to replace your lost instructor."
"That would be acceptable," Alcaster acknowledged, maintaining the expected Celestial Dragon focus on property and convenience rather than security concerns.
The inquiry concluded with formal statements finalizing the investigation and assigning responsibility primarily to the negligent guard. Alcaster signed the necessary documentation with appropriate solemnity, playing perfectly to type as the inconvenienced noble more concerned with replacement than retribution.
As the proceedings concluded and Alcaster prepared to depart, the CP0 representative approached him directly.
"Young master," she said softly, "I understand you have a particular interest in specialized training methodologies."
Alcaster regarded her with measured interest. "My studies encompass various disciplines, yes."
"I am Agent Maris," she introduced herself with a slight bow. "I specialize in protective techniques for high-value assets. Should you require additional instruction resources beyond your standard combat training, CP0 maintains a registry of specialized instructors available for... selective deployment."
The offer was unexpected but potentially valuable. Alcaster considered it briefly before responding.
"An intriguing suggestion, Agent Maris. I recently acquired a personal attendant who would benefit from proper training in appropriate service protocols. Perhaps your expertise might be applicable."
A slight shift in her posture suggested surprise at this direction, though her expression remained unreadable behind her mask. "I typically work with security personnel rather than domestic staff, young master."
"Precisely why your skills would be valuable," Alcaster replied smoothly. "Standard servant training produces adequate results for typical households, but the Reed family maintains higher standards. Security-conscious movement protocols would be particularly appropriate for my personal attendant."
Agent Maris studied him for a moment before nodding slightly. "I could arrange an assessment of your attendant's current capabilities and develop an appropriate training regimen."
"Excellent. You may report to the Reed household tomorrow afternoon." Alcaster's tone shifted subtly, injecting the entitled expectation of a Celestial Dragon accustomed to immediate compliance. "I trust you understand the delicate nature of working with valuable property?"
"Of course, young master."
"Good. Because I expect my personal servant to be returned in perfect condition after each session," he stated coldly, his voice dropping to ensure only she could hear. "Any harm to her—physical or psychological—will be considered direct harm to Reed family property, with all corresponding consequences."
The threat, though veiled in property terms, was unmistakable. Agent Maris, no fool despite her relatively junior position within CP0, inclined her head in acknowledgment.
"I understand completely, young master. Your property will be treated with appropriate care."
With that arrangement established, Alcaster departed the inquiry with a calculated blend of aristocratic indifference and entitled satisfaction—exactly what would be expected from a Celestial Dragon whose concerns had been addressed by appropriately deferential authorities.
The investigation had been successfully navigated. Now it was time to focus on the opportunities this new situation presented.
"Begin again, from the first position," Agent Maris instructed, her voice professionally neutral as she circled Koala. "Maintain your center of balance through the transition."
Two weeks into their unusual arrangement, Koala had proven to be a surprisingly apt pupil. She moved through the sequence of "proper service movements" with a fluid precision that reflected both natural aptitude and dedicated practice.
What appeared to casual observers as training in formal servant protocols was, in reality, a carefully disguised program of defensive movement techniques. How to evade unwanted contact without appearing to flee. How to shift body weight to minimize impact from collisions or blows. How to maintain spatial awareness in crowded environments where threats might approach from multiple directions.
Alcaster had just finished his morning training session in the private courtyard and arrived to observe the latter half of Koala's training. He settled at his desk, ostensibly focused on geographical texts while monitoring the session with peripheral attention. The arrangement was proceeding better than he had initially hoped. Agent Maris had proven both competent and surprisingly discreet, never questioning why a Celestial Dragon would want his personal slave trained in what amounted to self-preservation techniques.
Whether her compliance stemmed from fear of consequences or some deeper understanding of the unusual situation remained unclear. What mattered was the result—Koala receiving legitimate training that would serve her well regardless of what the future held.
"Your balance is improving," Maris noted as Koala completed a particularly challenging transition. "But your awareness of rear approaches remains inconsistent. Again, with particular attention to maintaining perception of all access points."
As Koala repeated the sequence, Alcaster allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The traumatized child who had arrived with a frozen smile had transformed considerably over the weeks since Tiger's leave. Though still careful and reserved, she moved with more confidence, spoke with more authentic expression, and occasionally displayed genuine personality when they were alone.
Most importantly, she was developing skills that might serve her well when—not if—Fisher Tiger returned to Mary Geoise. Alcaster hadn't explicitly discussed escape possibilities with her; such direct conversation would be too dangerous for both of them. But it seemed as the implicit understanding between them had grown stronger as her trust deepened and her psychological conditioning weakened.
"That concludes today's session," Agent Maris announced after Koala successfully completed the sequence three consecutive times. "Tomorrow we will begin integrating these movements with carrying protocols."
"Thank you, instructor," Koala replied softly, bowing with appropriate deference.
"Your attendant progresses well, young master," Maris reported, turning to Alcaster. "Her retention of complex sequential movements exceeds expectations for her age and background."
"The Reed family selects its property with care," Alcaster replied, maintaining the expected Celestial Dragon perspective. "Continue developing her capabilities as discussed. I expect measurable improvement in environmental awareness by month's end."
"Of course, young master." Agent Maris bowed slightly before departing, her professional demeanor never wavering despite the unusual nature of her assignment.
Once they were alone, Koala's posture relaxed fractionally—the subtle difference between performance for others and the more authentic behavior she now displayed in Alcaster's presence.
"You may take thirty minutes for recovery before resuming your regular duties," Alcaster informed her, a significant accommodation by Mary Geoise standards, where slaves were expected to transition between tasks without rest or consideration for physical limitations.
"Thank you, young master," Koala replied, genuine gratitude visible beneath her carefully maintained expression.
As she retired to her small but increasingly comfortable quarters adjacent to his chambers, Alcaster returned to proceed with his itinerary. The arrangement with Agent Maris was proceeding as planned, providing Koala with valuable skills while maintaining their cover. Now he needed to address his own continued development in the wake of Fisher Tiger's departure.
While Koala trained with Agent Maris each afternoon, Alcaster had established his own parallel training regimen. Having secured his father's permission to use a private courtyard for "specialized breathing exercises" recommended by Cipher Phoros, he now had a legitimate space for daily practice beyond his formal sessions with instructors.
The courtyard—small by Celestial Dragon standards but more than adequate for his purposes—was sheltered from casual observation by decorative lattice screens and strategic landscaping. Here, during the hours when most nobles indulged in midday leisure activities, Alcaster worked methodically to integrate and advance the various combat principles he had learned.
Today's focus was on the principles of Life Return—the advanced technique that allowed complete control over one's bodily functions. Though mastery of this ability remained years away, he had begun implementing its foundational elements into his regimen.
Seated in meditation posture on a stone platform, Alcaster directed his awareness inward, systematically tensing and relaxing specific muscle groups with increasingly precise control. The goal was to develop the neural pathways that would eventually allow him to regulate not just voluntary movements but involuntary bodily functions as well—metabolism, circulation, even cellular activity.
This was perhaps the most challenging aspect of his training, demanding both intense mental concentration and subtle physical control. Progress was difficult to measure objectively, but subjectively he could feel the incremental improvements—greater precision in isolating specific muscle groups, finer control over breathing patterns, increased awareness of internal energy pathways.
After thirty minutes of this focused internal work, Alcaster transitioned to more dynamic exercises, flowing through modified forms that integrated elements of fishman karate with the Rokushiki foundations Phoros was teaching him.
Without Fisher Tiger's guidance, he had been forced to rely more heavily on memory and analytical observation to maintain his understanding of fishman karate principles. This necessity had actually accelerated certain aspects of his development—particularly his ability to identify and synthesize complementary elements from different martial systems.
The fluid motion and water-energy principles of fishman karate, when properly integrated with the structural power and precision of Rokushiki techniques, created possibilities beyond what either system alone could achieve. Alcaster was gradually developing what amounted to a hybrid style uniquely suited to his specific circumstances and goals.
As he completed his training session with cooling exercises designed to prevent muscle strain in his young body, Alcaster reflected on his progress. Despite the setback of losing Fisher Tiger as an instructor, his development continued steadily forward. The limitations of his five-year-old physiology remained frustrating, but his adult mind compensated with methodical planning and precise execution.
This return to normalcy provided the perfect cover for his continued preparations. With attention directed elsewhere, he could focus on development without undue scrutiny, building the foundation he would need for future phases of his long-term strategy.
As he returned to his chambers to prepare for his afternoon session with Cipher Phoros, Alcaster allowed himself a moment of cautious optimism. His training continued to advance despite the setback of losing a key instructor. Both he and Koala were developing in ways that would serve them well when the inevitable day of reckoning arrived.
For now, patience and persistence remained his most valuable allies. One day at a time, one training session at a time, one small step toward the future he envisioned.
One month after, the rhythm of Alcaster's days had settled into a new pattern. Mornings with his private courtyard training focusing on integration and internal development. Afternoons supervising Koala's training with Agent Maris, followed by his own sessions with Cipher Phoros. Evenings devoted to academic studies that provided cover for his true research.
The physical toll was considerable, even with his methodically designed recovery protocols, but the results justified the effort. His strength, speed, and coordination were developing at rates that occasionally drew subtle notice from his instructors—nothing suspicious enough to raise alarms, but enough to confirm his approach was working.
Tonight, however, exhaustion had finally caught up with him. After a particularly intense session with Phoros that had focused on the preliminary movements for Geppo—the Moonwalk technique—Alcaster had decided to forgo his evening research in favor of proper rest.
He had just finished reviewing some notes on marine navigation currents when Koala entered his study, having completed her evening organization duties.
"The geographical indexes are updated, young master," she reported quietly. "And your schedule for tomorrow has been arranged as requested."
"Thank you, Koala," Alcaster nodded, noticing the careful consideration in her expression—something she wished to say but was hesitant to voice. "Is there something else?"
She hesitated, then spoke softly. "Young master, if it pleases you... might I request a moment of privacy to discuss something?"
The request was unusual—slaves rarely initiated conversations, and certainly never requested privacy. But the trust between them had developed to a point where such deviations from protocol occurred occasionally, always carefully framed within the boundaries of their respective roles.
"Of course," Alcaster replied, setting aside his notes. "Close the door."
Koala did so, then returned to stand before his desk, her posture still deferential but her expression more open than it would be in the presence of others.
"Young master, I..." she began, then paused, seeming to gather courage. "I've been observing the other Celestial Dragon households during my duties. The way they treat their... property."
Alcaster nodded but remained silent, allowing her to continue at her own pace.
"Your treatment of me is..." she searched for appropriate phrasing. "Different. The training with Agent Maris teaches things no other slave is permitted to learn. The private quarters with actual comfort items. The regular meals that include proper nutrition."
She took a breath, then met his eyes directly—a significant act for someone conditioned to avoid eye contact with "masters" at all costs.
"The other slaves have noticed as well. They whisper questions about why the young Reed master treats his personal slave so unusually. Some suggest it's merely preparation for... different forms of service later. But I—"
She stopped abruptly, as if suddenly aware she might be overstepping dangerous boundaries.
"Continue," Alcaster said gently. "I value honest observation."
Koala's hands clasped together tightly, betraying her nervousness despite her outwardly calm demeanor. "Young master, after Fisher Tiger's escape, something changed. Your conversations with me became more... meaningful. The training began. The improvements to my conditions accelerated."
The implications hung in the air between them—questions too dangerous to voice directly but impossible to completely suppress after months of careful observation.
"My question, young master, if I may be permitted..." Koala's voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "Why? Why treat a slave as if... as if..."
She couldn't complete the sentence, the concept too foreign, too potentially catastrophic to articulate fully. Treating a slave as if they were a person with inherent value—such thinking was not merely unusual in Mary Geoise, it was heretical.
Alcaster studied her face carefully, noting the complexity of emotions visible there—confusion, hope, fear, and beneath it all, a desperate need to understand her reality.
How much could he safely reveal? How much should he conceal? The wrong answer might destroy the trust they had carefully built, but too much truth could endanger them both if Koala wasn't ready to bear the weight of such knowledge.