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
The entire forces of the Kingdom of Verdantia, along with its people who were ready to fight against Searox, were gathered in the palace courtyard. Arthfael, designated as the leader of the war party, stood behind King Endeavor, allowing the king to deliver his words before they set out to confront Searox the next day.Arthfael wasn't alone, he stood beside Camilla, accompanied by Flare, Neptunis, and Valentina. Of course, Neptunis was there alongside Camilla as the monster had formed a contract with her.Beside Arthfael were the attendants of King Endeavor, and not far from the king's side stood a middle aged woman dressed in exquisite royal attire with gold accents, none other than the Queen of the Kingdom of Verdantia."Good morning, everyone," King Endeavor greeted, beginning his address.The atmosphere in the palace courtyard was tense, a mixture of determination and anxiety hanging in the air. Camilla stood among the assembled warriors, her heart both heavy and resolute. The wei
Ten horse drawn carriages moved in a procession from the Kingdom of Verdantia towards Rhett Valley, a journey that would take them 12 hours. In the front carriage rode the leader of the Kingdom of Verdantia, King Endeavor, accompanied by his aide, Elsher.In the carriage behind, Arthfael sat with Camilla and Valentina. The third carriage contained Neptunis, Flare, and one of the palace guards. Flare, being a phoenix, and Neptunis, a water elemental with a larger form than the phoenix, didn't get along well. The palace guard looked fearful, especially due to the tense interactions between Flare and Neptunis."Hey, human," Flare called suddenly, his tone brusque.The palace guard jumped at the sound of Flare's voice, his head turning slightly to acknowledge the creature."Could you try to be a little more polite?" retorted Neptunis abruptly.Hearing Neptunis respond, Flare hissed and shot an irritated glance Neptunis's way. "Could you just shut up?""You're the one who won't let me shut
The night felt even longer with the discussions carried out by the three kings of different kingdoms, along with Arthfael in their midst. For the first time, Arthfael found himself facing three kings simultaneously, individuals he barely knew.It was like a dream to Arthfael, especially since they were discussing the attack they would launch against Searox the next night, precisely when the full moon would shine brightly."So, what strategy will be employed? Will the Verdantia forces attack from the front due to Arthfael's presence?" Faolan, the King of Ophelia, inquired.Endeavor paused for a moment, then looked at Arthfael. "What do you think would be a good strategy, Arthfael?" Endeavor asked.Arthfael, now the center of attention for the three kings, along with Camilla, Valentina, Neptunis, and Flare who were all gazing at him, pondered on a response. They were all waiting for Arthfael's input.As a skilled player of the video games he used to play, Arthfael attempted to devise a