The Ark Of Listen To The Petals

Midori came prepared, with hatred behind her strength. Just like how Rina had been researching more techniques to hone her Element to the best, Midori was also doing her homework. Whenever Tomoe was training with Bryan, Midori watched silently from the sidelines.

Nasima would try to pester Midori to play but would be turned down. The three girls were from the same room but had different mothers. But Midori would have her attention fixated on the training outside. She liked the way Bryan and Tomoe fought each other and copied some of the moves.

However, she found that Bryan's movements were too stiff compared to Tomoe's fluent gestures. But Bryan's kicks and single strikes and thrusts were stronger than Tomoe by a landslide. Both were formidable in their ways. Each time they cut the wind, Midori hears it as if she was there.

She could listen to the whole match and knew every movement and attack as if she was there on site. This ability was an ace up her sleeve as it helped her predict in advance where the next strike would be, especially if the weapon used against her were heavy or loud.

Even the slightest movements, such as a moving joint of an arm, could allow Midori to predict her next move or block the attack. The rest knew she had got a good hearing, but they didn't know to what extent. The only person who knew was Mavislin, who had better hearing than her.

The first time Mavislin realized Midori had an enhanced sense of hearing, she offered a limiter for that aspect. However, Midori flat out declined, saying that it was quite alright to have such a gift. Of course, this further confused the Valkyrie, but since Midori wasn't suffering, it would be fine.

Midori had better hearing than an average human, but it was not at the Valkyrie's level. Mavislin, as shown from the previous mission, could enhance her hearing to the point of seeing the fight just by using her ears. But it would be used only a few times since she didn't like eavesdropping.

In addition, Mavislin could even paint the combatants' positions in her mind just by hearing. And Midori wanted to hone her hearing skills to that high of a level, but Mavislin asked her to learn something else first. That level only comes after years of practice and patience.

It might drive her to insanity one day. For now, she'd have to make do with her gift. But in turn of being rejected, Midori continued to learn about hearing things all around with clarity. When Mavislin came to check, she gave the young child a small piece of advice about being in combat.

"As you've known, when someone swings a sword, you know it without looking since it makes a sound. However, did you know that a hissing sound is made first before something explodes? It's subtle at times but audible with your ears," instructed Mavislin, looking at Midori.

"And when that hissing sound stops, the item doesn't instantly explode. No, there would be a brief second in time that it would be silent before truly detonating. And you'll have to learn to time your counterattack to synchronize with the time of the explosion."

"You have to disable the bomb before the silent moment. If you do it during that period, the bomb will still go off. And you'll die. So do it before the silent moment. Or, if you think that you aren't fast enough to do so, use the hissing to note where the bombs are and get yourself out."

"Maybe then you can see the battlefield without using your eyes because it would be as clear as day. Imagine, I hear every movement as if they were explosions. And if you can do so, the opponent cannot stand a chance against you," advised Mavislin, with a smile as she talked to the child.

Midori's head whirled with the advice so she could only catch a few parts of the direction. But it was the right ones as of this current moment. Before the flowers exploded, Midori could hear the sound of hissing. She figured that Rina would appear after the explosion, so this was her chance to act.

The katana she wielded was lightweight and allowed ease of movement. As such, Midori could dodge the exploding flowers while synchronously deflecting the fragments. Moreover, she grasped that the flowers' petals are like blades after exploding, with one cutting her hand.

Midori wondered if she should use Blood Mastery since she'd already been cut. But seeing the situation, it wasn't the right time yet. She shook her head as she needed to focus on the threat on hand. But unfortunately, the flower petals becoming blades posed a problem for the young girl.