The Ark Of Afternoon Tasks

"As Slayer Verna said, I won only because my defense was high enough to block my opponent. Thus, I wish to learn some good attacking moves from Circe," replied Amani, shyly looking at Mavislin.

The Valkyrie smiled proudly as the two children spoke about their duel.

"That would be possible for the days to come but see if you can learn from Rina first since she is the model trainer for attacking. But if you feel more comfortable learning from the rest of the kids, I won't mind it. But learning from Circe would be more difficult since her body type doesn't fit you."

"Nothing wrong about your size, but that's the nature of everyone's bodies. You can be nimble, but you have to learn from the right person. Right now, the only one who can show you the proper way to attack would be Z since the two of you have similar body sizes."

"And just because someone is plump doesn't mean that they are slow. Z can overpower Raiyen in seconds in a test of agility alone. If that Galaxian Mage can show you some moves, then-"

"No way! I want my lunch to stay in my body," interrupted Z, shoving two pieces of beef into his mouth.

Everyone laughed at Z's sudden outburst as Mavislin continued her explanation for the next part of the day.

"Well, I guess not anytime soon. However, I know what will happen after we've finished lunch. While being supervised by Bryan and Ashley, the kids will hold three more rounds of fighting. Meanwhile, I'll be in the archives with Z to research some things."

"Rina, feel free to continue taking care of the other kids or read up more on your opponent's information for the upcoming battle. As for Tomoe, I might need your help. After the duels are done, I will be stepping in to show you the Basic Elements' Spells."

"It is a must to know the basics of those Elements even if you are a master of one of those Elements. And these small spells could be learned by anyone who possesses Magecraft so that a Water Mage can use Fire through this usage of spells."

"Are we clear on the instructions?" asked Mavislin, with a voice similar to the Empress in Duncan's recollection.

The adults straightened themselves up in respect for the Valkyrie and agreed with her plans while the children quietly nodded. Mavislin gestured for everyone to continue eating, but Duncan did not do so.

"Is there something wrong, Duncan?" asked Mavislin, concerned for the boy.

"No... I thought that you did sound like your mother... I met her in someone else's memories. She was beautiful like you, Mother Mavislin," replied Duncan, refusing to look into the Valkyrie's eyes.

"It should be the other way around. I'm the chip off the old block. But thank you for such praise, Duncan. Your Final Frame form reminded me of a lonely being that my mother and I met a long time ago. When stars have not fallen... The calm before the storm."

"Was the man you met a good person?" asked Duncan, shocking the Valkyrie.

Mavislin placed her cutleries onto the plate before leaning back onto the chair. The Ankou within Duncan's mind was sitting by a grave and listening to the Valkyrie's reply. The Reaper truly wanted to meet the Valkyrie but thought better of it and watched silently.

"Looking back at the memory, I guess he wasn't a good guy on normal terms since he had just finished slaughtering a mountain of people. But at the time, I thought he was a kind person willing to try out the snack I handed out to him. But that's when perspectives apply."

"In the eyes of my mother, he was a lonely being. Thus, she told me the man was a wanderer who made a wrong decision. To the fallen corpses around him, he was a demon, a monster who took their lives in one swing. But, to me, he was the only one who enjoyed my favorite snack with me."

Another wave of silence befell the group before Duncan spoke up again.

"Mother Mavislin?" asked the boy.

"Yes?"

"Was eyeballs your favorite snack of the past when you were with your mother?"

Tomoe instantly spat out his drink and showered poor Midori in tea. The girl screamed as Z tried his best not to die from laughter. The Galaxian Mage immediately remembered when Baby Mavislin forced Raiyen to eat some dead cows' eyeballs upon hearing the question.

The poor boy, not wanting to make the child cry, fell for her tricks and landed himself in the infirmary of the Old Chapel. The boy's facial expression swallowing those eyes, sent the Galaxian to his knees while laughing. Even Baldwin was laughing.