Walking through the hallways in-between Sarah's directions, we chatted amongst ourselves as we approached the Treasury. Sarah started to talk about herself at my insistence.

  " I mostly had to keep to myself at the Academy. However, I was able to make 2 good Friends during my time there. their names are Asha Clearfield and Sharon Ashblade!"

  Noticing the name, I asked if Asha was related to that Dardus person Warrick had mentioned.

  " Hmm taking an interest in another woman while your Fiancé is in front of you?"

  Noticing a dark purple starting to emanate from her body, I quickly corrected her assumption as only a curiosity pertaining to her name and not the person.

  " Fufufu.. I am only joking John. Yes, Asha is related to Dardus. Her Mother is Dardus's sister, who was only 13 at the time of My Father's Ascension to the Throne. However, her Mother seemed to not really have a relationship with Dardus. He seemed to be more involved with battles than family life, so there was no real bond between the 2. Asha and I became Friends very early on in our academic careers, so we had no real idea about Our Families past with each other."

  I can't help but feel she was lying about joking about that dark-purple Mana, but her answer still sufficed for me. She proceeded to explain that Sharon was the daughter of a Landed Knight and was her constant rival in martial affairs. Somehow in the haze of school life, all 3 drifted together to become Close Friends. She then proceeded to explain that in terms of Court Rank, Asha was seen as a Duke's Daughter, and Sharon was seen as lowborn by most Noble Factions, but was able to silence her critics through her Skill with a blade.

  " I'd like to meet them with you one day. They sound like good people."

  " I'd love for you to meet them! In time..."

  For some reason, Sarah at the last part seemed to have a goal in mind before introducing me to her Friends. After finishing the discussion, we came onto a giant door in the lower bowels of the Castle with 3 guards on duty. After Sarah passed them a letter with Warrick's name on the cover, they read it, then allowed us to enter.

  After stepping through the doors, we entered a place that resembled a museum from my world. Every item placed in-between black ropes with glowing markings on it. I suppose that was the warding. After we had both entered, Sarah began to speak.

  " Now, you simply walk around and see if anything speaks to you... Figuratively or literally!"

  " I guess you'll follow me around to make sure I won't get hurt?"

  " Naturally! I will protect you after all!"

  Sarah answered my questions with the look of a Knight on her face. I decided to do as asked and began to walk around. After browsing some items with names like Axebreaker's Helmet or Towershredder Staff. I stumbled upon a set of black armor and matching shield that caught my eye.

  "Armor of the Dark Sentinel. Hmm."

  I mumbled the name I read and Sarah appeared next to me to explain the history of the armor.

  " Yes, the Dark Sentinel is an Ancient Folk Hero of Diablos. Before the Humans were given their Boons from the Gods, we Demons were making steady progress towards claiming the Capital City of Promethia. That was until Humans received their Boons. As the story goes, during the siege of Whitestone City. A farmer's boy with a Righteous and Courageous heart was touched by one of the Gods and granted the Hero Job Class. Afterwards, he made his way to Whitestone, carrying a Sword of light and a Shield of Compassion. using all 3 gifts he pushed back the Army of Diablos single handily."

  Sarah explained to me in a calm tone, perhaps noticing she had my full attention she smiled beautify as she continued her story.

  " After pushing the Demons back, the King of Promethia pleaded for the Hero to push us back as far as he could, the Hero abided by the wish of the King. The Hero, now with a Party, was able to defeat Demon after Demon, until he made it to the border of Diablos. There a Single Demon stood in purple armor, the Dark Sentinel. He asked the Hero for a one-on-one Duel with a simple request. If the Dark Sentinel won, the Hero was to leave Diablos in peace."

  Sarah's recounting of the tale had been mostly detached, apart from her warm smile towards me, but at this point, she became excited in her retelling.

  " The Hero, confident from his many victories, decided to humor this Demon who requested the Duel. So even with the disagreement of his Party Members, The Hero accepted the duel. After 5 days and 5 nights of intense fighting The Hero was defeated. Everyone was shocked at the battle, however having agreed to the Demon's request. The Hero retreated and never step foot in the direction of Diablos again. Simply put, the Dark Sentinel outlasted the Hero through his defensive equipment. Or in other words. The very set of Armor you see here."

  Her eyes now sparkling with reverence showed the Respect she held for the Dark Sentinel. But I noticed something and asked a question.

  " If the armor was purple, how come the armor is black now?"

  " Originally the Armor was purple, but through the years, different Warriors donned the armor in battle. As it has been told, the Armor was originally created and used to defend Diablos. But the Warriors wore it in an attempt to invade different Countries. Over time, the Armor grew dissatisfied with the loss of its original purpose, so it twisted itself into its new form that you see now. Originally the Dark Sentinel was over 12 ft tall, and the Armor was made for him. Now it would only fit young children.... Or I suppose you, but I personally believe the Armor should only be worn by those it chooses. What do you say John, care to be tested?"

  Feeling a strong sense of admiration for the Dark Sentinel I could only answer to Sarah honestly.

  " I don't think I'm worthy of the armor, Sarah. The entire reason I'm fighting The Hero isn't so much to protect Diablos as it is to settle a score. I doubt the armor would grant me the privilege of using it."

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  After voicing my opinion, Sarah looked a little disappointed but respected my wishes. we began to leave, but then a rumble shook the treasury throughout. Sarah and I held onto each other as we heard the sound of something shattering. After which I felt a presence like a giant monster was breathing down my neck, I got in between Sarah and the feeling. As we looked at the source of the rumble, we were surprised at what we saw. It was a giant... What looked like a Minotaur with 3 dark-blue eyes on either side of its face and a bull ring piercing through its nose. It had purple hair on top of it's head that seemed to be braided into a kind of ponytail behind it's head. It had brown fur on it's torso and it's muscles were bigger than my head. Each of it's limbs it had were longer than I was tall and it had a thin dark brown fur that seemed to work as pants. It had hoofs instead of feet and I think it's chest looked bigger than what I would usually expect from a Minotaur. We stared at it and were shocked when it spoke.

  " Hahaha! I like you Little Human! You seem to have a Good Head on your shoulders!"

  I looked at Sarah and she was looking at me. We were both still reeling from this guy's appearance. But I worked up the wherewithal to ask who this thing was. It answered.

  " Silly Human, you've heard the story of My Armor and still can't tell who I am?"

  " Wait you're the Dark Sentinel?"

  " Correct, Little Demon Girl!"

  To the Demon's answer, Sarah, in shock, correctly guessed the answer. The Dark Sentinel, still smiling at us, introduced itself.

  " To be more accurate! I am a piece of the Original User's Soul, she placed me here as a backup plan in case of emergencies, so please treat me as Her. And with that being said, My name is Julia Morgan! I am the Dark Sentinel! And I have chosen that Human as My Successor!"

  Reeling from what was just told to me. Honestly, I think I'm more shocked she's a girl. I don't know why. But when I think Minotaur's, I think their male by default... Though that does explain the chest and I guess how soft her fur looks? After the confusion settled, especially with all that Soul business. I was feeling a little bad as she had kept her finger pointing at me for a while now, obviously expecting an answer to her declaration. She seemed annoyed at the posture she took for it, she looked kind of imposing with her back bent so her chest jutted out like she was a proud fighter or something? Either way, I asked the most pressing question I thought of before agreeing to anything.

  " Why did you deem me worthy?"

  " Why it's because we have the same reason to fight a Hero! To make it simple. The entire reason I fought that Hero in the first place, was because one of the Demons he slayed in Promethia Was My Son. I originally was going to kill The Hero, but as I saw him approach me at the border, I could see in his eyes that all the fighting had worn him down... And in that moment, I saw My Own Son, weary from war in that child's eyes. I realized that the child was a Son to a Mother as well. So, I decided instead of killing another Son, simply sending him back would suffice. The fight played out how it did, and the story was embellished in some ways for propaganda. Such as my gender being changed, and my name being hidden, but as a commoner I was unable to stop it without revealing who I was. And then I would end up having to fight an endless parade of Demons seeking to make a name off of my own. At the time, My Family and I were just grieving for our loss."

  The Mino... I mean Julia, looked sorrowful as she explained her story... Still, I had to speak to her.

  " Even still... I mean I'm a Human, are you truly fine with helping me? I'm a Paladin. A different side of the same coin as a Hero... Apparently..."

  " It's fine. I never cared for the difference in Species. My Husband was a Human after all. I care much more about a Person's Character."

  Sarah and I were both shocked at that bit of information. And I saw Sarah's eyes light up... I think I see where this is going.

  " John, I think you should accept her offer!"

  And there it is!

  " Ah I see! As a Bonus, I don't mind giving advice about Interspecies Romance!"

  With the expectant eyes of a girl in love with me and what I can only assume were the eyes of a Doting Mother when their Son brings home a Girlfriend, I flew the white flag and surrendered.

  " Ok, alright Sarah. Take out the item. Let's see the effects of the Armor."

  " Ah! No need, allow momm.... I mean myself to explain."

  Yup I think I've found another Mother Figure in my life. Signaling her to continue, I tried to pay attention as the bright smile of Sarah was taking some of my attention away.

  " To begin with, My Husband and I created this Armor to Resist every Magical Element known to us. Needing that to work, the Armor is a Mixed Alloy Plate with our Mana sown in to hold them together like sown thread. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say it'd be around 60% Orichalcum 20% Mithril and 20% Steel. Which when brought together correctly, offers about 60% Resistance to All Magical Elements. You can also examine it if you don't trust the words of this old lady."

  After carefully explaining the Armor, she proceeded to place her hand on her cheek and smile as she said the last part. It reminded me of how My Mother would speak to me when I was young. To say I didn't relax after feeling like that would be a lie. And I won't lie, that helped with the way I responded to her.

  " No, it's ok, I'll trust your words, Julia."

  After my response, she seemed to look at me like she was seeing someone far away from here. I decided not to question it and move to the Armor.

  " So, do I have to do anything to claim ownership of the Armor?"

  " Simply inject your Mana into the Armor, after which, I'll give you Ownership of it. I'll also leave a piece of myself in you so we can communicate when needed. As long as you're ok with it of course!"

  Thinking about the proposition, a voice came from beside me.

  " What about me!"

  Sarah asked clearly hoping for something.

  "Do you really want a piece of myself in yourself, Young Lady?"

  " My name is Sarah! and yes Master, I would!"

  I think I can see where this is going.

  " Ma... Master Why wou..."

  " It'll be fine, Julia. I'm sure you'll have time to talk this out with her later. Julia, for now, I look forward to working with you. Sarah come on, you inject some Mana to."

  Interrupting Julia's confusion, I simply wanted to allow them to talk amongst themselves after we were done. Sarah and I placed our hands on the black Armor and proceeded to inject our Mana together. At which point, Julia spoke again.

  " Hmm... I see you're a Princess, Sarah. What an interesting path you've chosen... Yes, I'll give my Support! In more ways than one!"

  And like that, the Armor disappeared like it phased out of reality and so did Julia. Then Sarah and I heard her voice.

  " Ahem.. I've successfully completed the Ritual. Now if you both look down at your wrists, you'll see you both have Matching Bracelet's now!"

  We both looked, and indeed we did.

  " For John, I've transferred the Armor and Shield to you through that Bracelet, simply imbue it with your Mana and the Armor and Shield will equip to you. Along with that, a feature I was able to add with both of your Manas has been added! John I'll now be able to change the color and appearance of the armor to your liking!"

  " Wow thank you! I guess you can make it purple, I quite like that color as of late."

  I look at Sarah and she blushes from my teasing. After a few moments, Julia speaks again, but to Sarah.

  " As for Sarah, after analyzing you, I've seen that you're a Magic Spearman. So, I've gifted you my husband Mark's spear that he stored with me! It's made of orichalcum! You can probably make better use of it than Mark did, seeing as how you're adept with Magic!"

  " Who was Your Husband, Julia?"

  " He was an average Warrior with a specialization in spear use. But he was a vastly Superior Blacksmith! He even proposed to me with a pair of Rings he made himself!"

  " How romantic!"

  Julia and Sarah seem to be getting along. That was nice, but. As they continued to talk about Julia's relationship, they didn't notice I was being drawn to a Red Sword placed in a stone pedestal.