"Sehun eyes on the field." The instructor yelled, startling Sehun to the point of almost dropping his sword. Damnation! The man had a voice on him. Instructor Choi had his eyes on Sehun, and Sehun quickly looked away, knowing he had been caught not doing what he was supposed to be doing during training.  It had been a couple of months since he got back to the order, but it seemed instructor Choi was still holding a grudge against him, because when Sehun returned, he had brought a letter from Lan Zhan, addressed to the grandmaster.  It was clear the instructor had wanted to punish Sehun for his disobedience but was halted by the grandmaster that chose to pardon Sehun with a warning. Instructor Choi had muttered something about nepotism under his breath that Sehun pretended not to hear. He wasn't wrong though. Sehun had used his connection to evade punishment. Something he never did in the past. Now he was a different person. However, Instructor Choi still found a way to punish him. Though Sehun was allowed to attend classes, but the instructor had exempted him from Martial art training with his peers for two months, sufficiently delaying his time to complete his training and graduate. The grumpy mage didn't know, but Sehun had been training secretly with the help of Baekhyun that shared a room with him. And during his training sessions Sehun realized his ability had soared incredibly, he wasn't as weak as he had been in the past. When he tested his core, the amount of power in it had him shocked. Without a doubt it was another gift from the mothers. Speaking of which, Sehun had been wondering why they hadn't spoke to him since that little scolding he received the other day. Though he could feel their radiance within him, but both Yin and Yang didn't make any attempt to communicate. He had wanted to ask them about his new growth in power, because Baekhyun had noticed too. However his roommate didn't ask why or how, merely quirked his brows, the only sign he was stunned. Fire-Hounds hardly stick their noses in anyone's business. One of the reasons Sehun liked them. Finally today his punishment was over and Sehun was eager to get back on the training grounds, not to prove himself or anything, but mostly to ogle fine men with lovely . One person more or less. "Sehun!" The instructor called again, his signature scowl on display. "I am not to be held responsible for your carelessness on the training grounds." His sharp eyes narrowed on Sehun judgementally. "Yes Sir." Sehun straightened, gripping his sword tight, facing the six-eyed, six-legged creature, that had been snarling at him, but didn't attack for some miraculous reason. The creature was huge, as tall at the shoulders as Sehun's. A twisted cross between wolf and snake, a patchwork of ragged fur and crusted scales. Its jaws hung open, fangs gleaming, and all six of its red-and-shadow eyes fixed on him. Har they were called, could be found in any region of Varal, but mostly in Hella. No one knew how they came to be, but it was believed to be created from dark magic and the creatures evolved into being able to reproduce. They were used for training, to sharpen a paladin's skills. In the past Sehun had been terrified when he first saw one. He had threw his sword and ran to hide behind a certain paladin, half in real fear and half just to have an excuse to the other. Said paladin he got his attention at the moment. He was focused on Junmyeon, dancing like a golden flame between leaping shadows and a horde of Har. The paladin moved as if his blade was an extension of his body. The golden streaks through the air weren't an illusion of sunlight and dust; they’re magic sharpening his sword, shielding his back. It also didn’t hurt that Junmyeon was one of the most beautiful men who had ever graced Varal. With his black hair and brown eyes, strong jawline and perfect body. He was so cool. And Sehun was crushing all over again like he had in the past. How he fell out of his crush to love another was mystery he wished to solve, if he could. And this time Sehun would surely have him. Junmyeon got it all, wealth, power, brain and most importantly the looks.  The water elemental, Kim Junmyeon– younger brother to the youngest minster Kim Namjoon  that happened to be the only truthsayer in Lexn– was Sehun's senior, had been studying in the order for more than two years. He was one of the six elite paladins, known as the squad of elite. That Sehun hoped to reach their level some day. In the past Sehun had been an average paladin, but with his past knowledge and rapid increase of magical powers, he could change that and become someone worthy of being in Junmyeon's clique. Someone snorted beside him and Sehun didn't like that sound. He turned to scowl only for his lips to take on a different shape of a grin when he realized it was Baekhyun. 'focus' his friend mouthed.  "Sehun watch out." A voice said at same time, and Sehun swirled just in time to dodge the creature intending to get him. It had finally decided to attack. Instinctively, he leapt off the ground, using the power of air to propel himself, once again surprised his magic was definitely stronger.  With practiced move, he brought his sword down, piercing the Har in one of its many eyes. More were upon him, and Sehun didn't even break a sweat as he raised his shield, and the creature disintegrated the moment it tried to breach through. He watched as two more rushed forward only to meet the same fate as the first two.  When none were left close to him, Sehun lowered his shield, using the end of his robe to clean his sword before sheathing it. It was only then he realized something was off. The training field was quiet. Too ing quiet. Lifting his head, he gazed up to see what had them silent.  Instructors and trainees alike had stopped what they were doing, to gawk at him as though he had spouted horns on top of his head or another head. Like they couldn't believe the person before them was truly Sehun. Baekhyun let out a long suffering sigh, shaking his head at Sehun, the way he did whenever Sehun had ed up. . "How did you?...." Luhan asked his green eyes wide with wonder, he was one of the elites, a Seelie fae, with earth element and telekinetic ability. Though they were not really close, Sehun could consider him an acquaintance. Jimin that was stood next to Luhan had his eyes rounded on Sehun, his lips parted. And Sehun could make out the phantom shape of an eagle behind him. The spirit user was trying to look beyond what his mortal eyes could.  .  Of course they would look surprise. Sehun shouldn't know those moves, shouldn't be able to raise a shield yet. He was in his third semester. And what he did wasn't taught until the beginning of fourth semester. How was he going to get himself out of this situation? He chanced a glance at Junmyeon and the paladin had a look of appreciation on him. The look was directed at Sehun, and Sehun really tried not to dwell on it, but he couldn't help the smile that curved his lips. It turned to a grin when Junmyeon returned it with a small smile and nod of acknowledgment. Elated, Sehun tried to take one step and something extremely sharp pressed against him. He glanced over his shoulder and found a familiar kitsune standing behind him, a sword aimed at his spine. "Who are you?" Minseok asked, the prince had a deep frown on his pretty face. "Me?" Sehun wondered, gazing at Junmyeon as though that would help the situation. "Yes, I've known you for almost two years now and what you just did is–" Minseok shook his head. "Isn't something you should be able to." , Sehun didn't know Minseok was even aware of his existence. Before Sehun could think of a way out, Minseok had reached over and grabbed his wrist. His eyes glowed amber and Sehun tried to pull away. He couldn’t. The skin on his wrist heated and Minseok's grip tightened.  “Hey, what are you doing.” Minseok frowned and looked down at his hand holding Sehun's arm. “What the ever loving—” Sehun jerked his arm away, rubbing the now-tender skin where the kitsune had held onto him. He realized what the kitsune had attempted to do. Read his mind. Had Sehun been so out of his league to the point of shocking Minseok to act impulsively? It was against the rules to read anyone without their permission especially a fellow paladin. "My apologies." Minseok said, shaking his head, as though to get a hold of himself or ashamed by his actions. Probably both. Taking a deep calming breathe, the kitsune gazed Sehun in the eye and said "How did you do it?" Meaning he wasn't able to read Sehun or he wouldn't be asking. Thank . "Uhm..." He scratched the back of his head, lost on what to say. "I–" "I taught him. Been training with him in secret." Junmyeon said, stepping forward, to push down the sword Minseok had drawn, and maneuver the kitsune to stand on Sehun's left side while taking his place by Sehun's right and Minseok didn't protest, like he couldn't even if he wanted to. "You did?" Sehun said, looking and sounding like an utter Idiot. Was Junmyeon helping him? If so then why? What did he hope to achieve? It wasn't like he was aware of Sehun's secrets. Most of the people around were looking at Sehun with suspicious and skepticism. Baekhyun growled, his eyes blazing red, his whole body emitting black smoke like Aura and the ones next to the Fire-Hound cowered, trying to get as far away from him as they could. The next moment both Luhan and Jimin stepped forward, to stand next to Sehun too. Two on his left and two on right like In some sort of rituals or more like guards flanking him, their eyes looking around as though daring anyone to challenge Sehun or something? Weird. "No need to pretend anymore, now that you real strength is out. It's okay." The water mage said, smiling sweety at Sehun, once again it had Sehun grinning like a loon, his brain forgetting what was going on. Junmyeon did that to him. "Yeah, I've trained with him too" Baekhyun walked up, pointing at a poor skinwalker, that was gazing at the Fire-Hound like a timid puppy. "You saw us a few days back. Didn't you?" Baekhyun took position on Sehun's right too, his eyes still red, daring the skinwalker to say otherwise.  Clearly the skinwalker didn't want to be involved in the charade but nodded, not wanting to offend Baekhyun. Sometimes Sehun forgot how deadly his beautiful friend truly was. He came across as almost dainty, with his petite stature, delicate features, and flair for fashion. The Fire-Hound was really scary alright. Every er knew that, especially Baekhyun that had the additional power of a future clan Alpha, he would take you down without breaking a sweat. "It's true." Someone said, Zitao. The skinwalker amongst the elites, strode to take his position near Luhan. If Sehun's brain was functioning as it should, he would find the situation really ing odd. All six elites had come to stand next to him, like some guardian angels. "Why would you hide your real strength?" Instructor Choi finally snapped out of his shock to ask, his scowl in place gazing between all the elites and Sehun that was at the middle, a silent question in his eyes. "I didn't want to call attention to myself." Sehun said smoothly with a lazy shrug, his eyes going back to Junmyeon and the water mage nodded. Instructor Choi snorted. "I would believe something else, all you did was draw attention to yourself. Sehun" He waved a hand. "Why are my elites all standing next to you?" "Because he's our friend." Baekhyun said. Baekhyun helping him was understandable, but the others? Not so much. Sehun wanted to see how this would end. "Sehun is friends with all of you?" Choi Siwon asked. "He is." Zitao said. That was a fat lie. Sehun had never exchange more than two words with the skinwalker and Minseok too. Instructor Choi narrowed his eyes as though to scare the truth out of them. When no one budge, he turned his attention to Sehun. "I need to know when you advanced this much and show me your celestial stone." Junmyeon's hand found his and gave him a gentle squeeze. Sehun was the happiness er right now. Junmyeon had his attention on him, touching him, gazing at him with soft eyes and a smile. he could die a happy man. "Your stone." Junmyeon tilted his head, eyes going back and forth between Sehun's face and his chest. Was Junmyeon checking him out?  It took a moment for Sehun to remember what was going on. Right the stone. That was what Junmyeon meant, knowing they all kept their stones close to their chest, so that it would have direct contact with their core. Disappointed, he fished it out from under his robe and passed it to the instructor.  The man weigh it in his hands, nodding to himself. "It's a fine one." He said. "Expect nothing less from the house of Lan." He gave Sehun the stone back. "Now back to my earlier question, when did you advance? Because I clearly remember your aptitude was the lowest amongst your peers during the entry test." "I was reborn." Sehun said, grinning at the man. Instructor Choi would never know he meant it literally.  Choi nodded."I can clearly see that, what I wish to know is when so that I will know where to put you next or if you'll need to retake the test." "Oh." Now that they know he wasn't as weak, it was only natural to change his training routine. "Uhm two months ago." He told the truth. "You became this good within two months?" The instructor looked skeptical. Sehun wouldn't blame him, it was unheard of. However he couldn't say he was touched by the goddesses in the most literal way. If Sehun were to scale his level now, it would be like from level two, to level six within two months. It sounded almost ridiculous to believe. "Yeah, my Dads helped to boast my spiritual energy" They knew Lan Zhan and his husband were both on grandmasters level. It wouldn't be hard to believe.  Sure enough Instructor Choi looked convinced. He hummed. "I will like him to join the squad of elite." Junmyeon suddenly said, Sehun had almost forgot his crush was stood beside him. "Huh?" Both Sehun and the instructor said at time. "I want him to join us. It's the reason I– we've been training him." He repeated in case the instructor didn't get it, making a gesture between himself and Baekhyun