"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.
Camilla hesitated for a moment, torn between the urgency of the situation and the complexity of what Neptunis was suggesting. The idea of a monster contract was new to her, but she trusted Neptunis's judgment.Seeing her uncertainty, Zeke and Ian fought to create a protective barrier around Camilla, buying her a moment to consider her options."Camilla, we believe in you," Ian called out, his sword deflecting a fierce blow from an Ogre.Camilla took a deep breath, her mind racing. She had never attempted a monster contract before, but the dire circumstances demanded bold decisions. She looked at Neptunis with determination."Okay, Neptunis, let's do it. I trust you," Camilla declared, her voice unwavering.Neptunis's eyes glinted with a mix of pride and gratitude. He stretched his form, the water that composed him shimmering with magical energy. His essence flowed toward Camilla, enveloping her in a gentle, cool embrace.Camilla closed her eyes and focused on the connection with Neptu
For the past 3 days, Arthfael had been using his training time to practice the magic that Camilla directly taught him. After nearly two full weeks of Camilla training in swordsmanship and then combining it with her storm magic, Arthfael followed suit.Not only that, Camilla also practiced how to fight while working in tandem with Neptunis, who was, after all, her contracted monster. They conducted simulations, and now it was Arthfael's turn to learn how to use magic."Are you ready?" Camilla asked, looking at Arthfael.Arthfael wasn't entirely ready, as he wasn't particularly skilled in using magic. Even in his video games, he mostly used swords, so it wasn't surprising that he was more adept with a sword in this world than with a bow and arrow."I don't know, we'll soon find out," Arthfael replied, gripping his Mighty Soulfire sword tightly.Arthfael's sharp gaze was fixed on the wooden dummy in front of him, one he had crafted himself earlier. Similar to Camilla, Arthfael was practi