Today, several people who volunteered to fight against Searox were gathered in the palace courtyard, including Arthfael. Many of them were men, but there were also quite a few women among the crowd."It's strange, why are there so many women participating?" Valentina murmured, observing several women standing alongside them.Valentina was sure that these women were not palace servants but individuals who willingly joined the battle against Searox. Ever since the powerful tremors believed to be caused by Searox shook Verdantia, the citizens were called upon to participate in preparing for the war against the sea and underground dragon."Perhaps they are powerful sorceresses," Flare suggested.Arthfael turned his gaze to the women standing not far from where he was. Some of them were dressed in clean and beautiful garments, which differed greatly from the clothing of ordinary citizens."What are you looking at?" a woman suddenly felt uncomfortable being stared at by Arthfael.Arthfael i
"What are you doing here?" asked Arthfael, surprised to see Camilla standing confidently in front of him without a hint of guilt or shame."What else? I'm volunteering to be your fighting partner," Camilla replied, raising her hand and producing sparks of lightning magic from her fingertips, proving that she could harness electrical energy as requested.Arthfael was taken aback by Camilla's unexpected declaration. He had never imagined that Camilla, who had always been hesitant and unsure about her magic abilities, would step forward to be his partner in facing the formidable Searox."But Camilla, are you sure about this?" Arthfael asked with concern. "Facing Searox is no small feat. It's a dangerous and life threatening task."Camilla's determined expression didn't waver as she replied, "I know it's dangerous, but I believe in you, Arthfael. And I believe in myself too. I have been practicing diligently, and I want to prove to myself that I can be strong and useful."Arthfael looked
"Ah, I've actually been observing you, and I'm impressed. But I didn't expect you to be this timid," Lyrastra said, moving closer to Arthfael.In truth, Arthfael wasn't scared; he was merely taken aback by the contrast between the terrifying image he had in mind of Lyrastra and her graceful appearance."Are you seducing me?" Arthfael asked.Lyrastra nodded, "Well, in a way, you could say that."She continued to approach Arthfael until it seemed as though she might kiss him. Arthfael was bewildered and unsure of what to do."What are you doing?" Arthfael asked, realizing that Lyrastra was getting too close.Lyrastra flashed a mischievous smile and then stepped back, "Come, let me show you around."Arthfael was a bit puzzled by Lyrastra's invitation to explore a place that seemed like it existed in a different dimension. There was nothing there, just an endless empty space with water pooling on the floor.As Arthfael remained unmoved, Lyrastra immediately took his hand and led him away
Lyrastra gently shook her head in response to Arthfael's plea. "I'm afraid I cannot grant you magical abilities, young one. As I mentioned before, true power cannot be given. It must be earned," she said with a reassuring smile.Arthfael felt a mix of disappointment and understanding wash over him. Deep down, he knew that the path to greatness wasn't about seeking shortcuts or easy solutions. It was about hard work, dedication, and embracing his own inner strength."But don’t worry, Arthfael," Lyrastra continued, "You already possess a source of great power within you."She pointed at his Soulfire Sword, its Xodiac Jade Stone glowing with potential magic. "Your mighty Soulfire Sword holds ancient and powerful magic itself. The Xodiac Jade Stone is a conduit of immense energy and is already attuned to your spirit.""What? Didn't Gerhard receive his magical powers from you?" Arthfael asked."Of course not! Miss Lyrastra has never shared her magical powers with anyone!" Splash replied, j
As previously informed by Amara, Arthfael was invited to the birthday dinner to celebrate Seraphine's special day. Not alone, Arthfael arrived accompanied by Valentina, Camilla, Zeke, Ian, Flare, and Neptunis.The birthday dinner for Seraphine was held at a dining place in the city center. As Seraphine was not of noble birth, the event was a simple dinner party rather than an extravagant affair. There were no ornate decorations or elaborate dances like those held by the nobles. Nevertheless, the birthday party still felt lively and meaningful, with many invited guests in attendance."Is birthday parties always like this here?" Arthfael asked Valentina, who was flying beside him."Well, usually, it's much livelier. But since we're not nobles, it's kept modest," Valentina replied.Arthfael and the others stepped into the entrance area and were greeted by several guests engaged in conversations near the doorway. As Arthfael's arrival became apparent, all eyes turned to him. They instantl
The bright morning sun heralded the start of the day as Arthfael walked through the refreshing and cool forest. He wasn't alone; he walked alongside Camilla, who was still half-awake. Her steps were somewhat unsteady, and her eyes frequently fluttered closed. She occasionally slapped herself to stay alert.Plak!Another slapping sound echoed from behind Arthfael, causing him to quickly turn around. There stood Camilla, rubbing her cheek where she had slapped herself a bit too forcefully."Come on, we're almost there," Arthfael encouraged.Camilla let out a slightly labored breath, then resumed walking, shooting Arthfael an annoyed look."Do we really have to leave this early? The sun hasn't even fully risen yet!" Camilla complained, but she kept following Arthfael who was leading the way."Valentina is still asleep," Camilla added, remembering their friend who was likely still in bed."You need to get used to training in the morning. Your body's in its optimal state during this time,"
Days turned into weeks, and Camilla's training intensified with each passing day. Due to the distinct nature of her training compared to Arthfael's, coupled with their differing physical abilities, Arthfael eventually granted Camilla a day off from training.Camilla leaped with joy upon receiving permission from Arthfael, but there was a condition attached to it: the next day's training would be twice as challenging, as she would be combining magic with her sword techniques."I finally get to experience a break!" exclaimed Camilla joyfully as she received permission from Arthfael to take some time off."Don't get too excited, though. Your training will intensify tomorrow as the day to face Searox draws near," replied Arthfael.Camilla nodded eagerly, "Got it, Sir!""Well, then I'll take my leave. Today, I have a meeting with King Endeavor to strategize," Arthfael said, slipping on his shoes and bidding farewell to the others.Now only Zeke, Ian, Camilla, and Neptunis remained there as
On the way back home, suddenly, Camilla felt a tremor beneath her feet. Her steps halted immediately, and she tried to sense the tremor once again."What's wrong, Miss Camilla?" Zeke asked, perplexed as Camilla, who was at the front, stopped suddenly.Camilla turned and looked at Zeke. "Did you feel that?"Zeke furrowed his brow, as did Ian, who seemed puzzled by Camilla's question. "Feel what, Miss Camilla?" Ian asked, equally confused.Camilla's panic heightened as she felt the vibrations again, and she turned her gaze towards the source of the tremors. Eventually, Neptunis, sensing the vibrations that Camilla was referring to, also looked in the same direction.The vibrations grew stronger and closer. Trees began to sway, and animals that typically inhabited the trees took flight, as if something was rushing through.Not only that, the bushes around them started to rustle. Now Ian and Zeke were beginning to realize what Camilla was talking about, causing her to halt in her tracks.