Zero to Hero (Prequel/prototype)

Chapter 73. City of Nafluica

"Thank you Mrs. Neremont for taking care of us this month." Ken said gratefully to Sophia's mother.

"Thank you both for being friends with my daughter. She's always been homeschooled and never really had much interaction with people her own age." Sara replied as the group settled at the dining table for the final morning of the pair's stay.

"Sophia is great! She is very smart and I'm sure she will become a great inventor one day and come up with some amazing artifacts." Ken said happily as Alice gave him a side glare and pinched his leg.

"When you first approached me, I really had no intention of training you. But your words changed my mind and after a month of training, I can confidently say that you are without a doubt the most gifted individual since Zishell and Julius. I know I couldn't offer much help when it comes to your enhancements, but best of luck reaching holy level. While you might become a rival in the near future, it would be a waste for someone as talented as you to never make it to your prime." Frederick added as the family and Ken enjoyed breakfast.

Similar to a few of the other heroes, Frederick performed his duty and held lessons one day a week at Staeburg Academy where eager students flocked the lessons trying to get everything they could out of the hero.

Just like with every other academy Ken had visited, the young man became the center of attention when he attended those lessons and it took everything he had to stop Alice from going off on some of the more aggressive and persistent girls.

"There is no way you weren't of great help! Just getting to train with one of the top ten and getting to understand your thought process alone was more than I could have ever asked for. While the knowledge you provided me about artifacts and enchanted weapons might not help me directly in my journey to reach holy level. Once I get over this, it will surely help me defeat Julius and Zishell and become the number 1 hero." Ken replied with a confident smirk.

"I believe You will definitely reach holy level before this year ends and best of luck becoming a hero." Sophia added, slightly disappointed that the pair would be leaving.

"You should come to Dragonspire with your father during the tournaments. There are some great resources at our library and very smart people that could definitely help you on your research into artifacts." Ken offered as the group chatted.

As the family chatted with the two guests, the time eventually came for the pair to leave as their necklaces started to glow.

"Thanks again for everything! I will see you at the tournament Frederick!" Ken said sincerely as the pair waved and disappeared from the living room of the hero and once again returned to the familiar common room of Dragonspire.

"Morning everyone. Did you all miss me?" Ken asked with a smile as he greeted the girls waiting for the pair to return.

"Of course I missed you! Hurry up and get to holy level so you won't ever have any excuses to leave me again!" Genesis complained as she clinged onto Ken and refused to let him go.

"Did you already eat or should we head for the dining hall?" Emma asked as she greeted the pair.

"We had breakfast with Frederick and his family. It's Sunday! let's head to town and have some fun since there is no class for any of you!" Ken suggested as the girls agreed and the group headed for town while chatting about everything that happened during the month they spent apart.

"Hey Ryo! Come with us to town!" Ken shouted happily as the first year waved at the group when he saw them walking through the campus.

"Why are you inviting those kids when it should just be us catching up!" Cecilla complained.