Chapter Three (1)

CHAPTER THREE

THE BRUISE FROM THE PAST (PART 1)

For the maiden, the never-ending night was no longer a strange phenomena. She grew accustomed to it, but she still misses the sun, which makes you sweat if you stay out for too long. She was annoyed by the heat, exhaustion, and desire for water, but she also missed it. At the same time, she pondered how wide and large Se Diastasi was in comparison to the earth, where she belonged. What would the land of day and dawn look like if the land of night was a dry land? Knowing Audrey was a vampire living in that realm, it would be unusual if she asked Caspian or Mevijun.

"It's strange." Mevijun said, after being silent for a while.

"Pardon?" Kia, who was confused, came to a halt.

Mevijun chuckled, "The master is known to be impatient, yet after hours of walking you never utter a word."

'That's because I am not your master.' She thought, but decided to let it stay on her mind. If she revealed the truth, it might shatter the angelic child's heart.

"Is that so?" Kia replied, smiling a little. and kept walking with the boy in front of her.

For hours, the two of them have been walking away from the village. After persuading Caspian to let them leave the village, they went straight to a location where no one could see them. Audrey was a good combatant, after all, and it would be surprising if someone witnessed Mevijun teaching her. On their way, she saw the very familiar mountain of sand and rock that were full of her unfortunate memories of when she failed. Kia could only frown and groan as memories flashed through her mind until they reached a cave. It had a sign that someone had entered there; there were small footprints and a small bed covered with animal fur. A variety of wooden weapons of all sizes were also hung on the wall. The place was so clean that a person could live there without fear of catching a disease.

"Does this cave belong to you?" She wondered, amusement on her face. As she walked in, her gaze wandered over the room. With a broad smile, the child proudly nodded his head. Kia found herself unconsciously patting the child's head. She was about to pull her hand back, but he didn't seem to mind.

"Because the villagers have been pestering you to teach them, I picked this location for you to teach me. Haha, you even forget about this place." He sat on the small bed that he had walked to. "I knew it! Master must've hit her head or eat a food that-"

"Can we just get started?" Kia begged, her face painted with a phony smile. Her body shivered down her spine as cold sweats dripped down her temple. Mevijun's golden brows furrowed as he gazed at her, perplexed. His stare lasts for 5 minutes before he stood up and turned his back to look for something. Meanwhile, the maiden remained motionless, holding her breath.

'He's adorable, but he's much more terrifying than his father. This is why I don't like children.' She thought after remembering to take a breath. Kia sighed with her palms on her chest. The boy then returned and handed her a piece of metal that looked like a sword but didn't have any sharp edges. It was long and heavy as the sword given by Caspian.

"That's a sword replica made from the same materials for swords but that's for training and it has the same weight with it," he explained, as if he could read her mind. Her head was nodding continuously while she was brandishing the it.

"Shall we start with the basics right now, since master already has a great endurance?"

"Yes!"

"But first, let me ask you a question." Mevijun elevated his eyes to hers, a solemn expression on his face. His large golden eyes were fixed on her bloody red pupils. It was strange, but Kia was not intimidated; she was staring directly into his eyes, which made her body feel stimulated and her heart beat rapidly. "Do you want to be strong?" he asked. Her mouth twisted into a smile in return.

*_*_

As she frowned, she remembered a quote. Expect the unexpected, as the saying goes. Mevijun hasn't taught her a single move so far, but he's always teaching (or nagging) Kia about other things. His words were just repeating that she could hear his voice even if she would block her ears. 'Just how could a child talk this fast without getting tired.'

"Are you paying attention to what I'm saying, master? You must remember the basic principles of sword fighting. Physical conditioning, mental aspect, deception, confidence, rhythm, intimidation, timing and distance, and last but not the least- caution. In terms of the master's physical condition, it is excellent, however..."

'Argh, anything but listening to someone's nag.'

After another hour, Mevijun finally stopped and began explaining and demonstrating what Kia sought to know. "Before the battle, show me how you position."

Kia clutched the sword tightly in both hands as she stood straight. The boy's forehead creased just when he sighed. Her posture was unsightly. Kia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment during the time that she saw his reaction. "I'm sorry, but that is incorrect, master." He chuckled after he said that. He then took the sword from her and positioned it correctly while he was discussing it. His words were sure to be unstoppable.

The first technique he taught was a basic attack called "oberhau". For the starting position, the left foot will be the leading foot. It was the front foot while the right foot was on the back. In this position, the body weight is evenly distributed and the hips are facing towards the opponent. The sword will be held at the shoulder level.

First step: Close the line between your opponent and yourself by bringing your sword forward. This way, you can protect yourself from an attack or a counter attack.

Second, depending on the space between you and your opponent, step your right and left feet forward.

Lastly, strike down your blade in a straight line, hitting your opponent. With this, you can also be protected from any counter attack. Always remember to be alert and move your head from the danger zone when the tip of the sword almost hits it. Your hands are even protected by the cross guard of the sword.

'Oh, that's easy.'

Kia's cheeks went red as a tomato and her mouth formed a 'O' in delight. It was enthralling for a newcomer like her. As Mevijun handed her the sword, her eyes glistened. It was now her turn to put what he had taught her into practice. Like what she saw, she positioned herself almost correctly, but the first time will never be perfect. When he realized what she had done, he chuckled sweetly. "Master, the way you grip and strike your sword is incorrect."

She blushed, "Sorry."

"Hold the sword as if it were a part of your body, an extension of your limbs, and you could lose it with a tiny mistake." While swinging a wooden sword twice, he shouted.

"Place your dominant hand at the Quillons, near the bottom of the grip. The swing will be executed with that hand. Your second hand will be placed towards the pommel, on the highest part of the grip. The sword was to be withdrawn with that hand." He added.

'That makes sense! So that's why I couldn't get a good grip on my sword.'

Kia executed the attack for the second time after hearing his clear and full instructions. Her proud smile lit up her face, and it brightened even more when Mevijun praised her. "As one would expect from the Master! But let's end the celebration here. We're only getting started. Many offensive and defensive attacks have to be learned. Let's start with Oberhau's 'The Zornhau' counter-offensive."

Hearing that filled her with joy, and she couldn't stop smiling. She had more fun learning sword fighting than she had anticipated. Despite the recent events that had occurred in her life, she finally felt a sliver of happiness after nights and days of crying. Kia have been given the opportunity to develop her strength. Adrenaline flooded her body, and her heart raced like it did every time she read a book, like if she were born to wield a sword.

_*_*

Wake up, eat, train, eat, and go to bed. Kia's daily routines for the rest of her stay in the village were as follows. Except when Caspian summons her for a meeting that will turn into an awkward conversation. Although training with Mevijun was becoming difficult, she was grateful for his guidance. She'll then join the rest of the clan outside their homes for their daily feast. She also trained with them on occasion and had a friendly spar with them. She may deny it, but she became close to the villagers and became attached to them. Kia learned to give them a genuine smile everyday. Their generosity and kindness warmed her heart. She did, after all, have trust issues. She wished she belonged in that place at times. After all, the village was peaceful and fun. And besides, the village was peaceful and fun. She reminded herself, though, that she is merely a stranger who must return to Earth to save her companions. Instead, she made a promise to herself and the rabbits that she would succeed in her quest.

The remaining days flew by in an instant. The day of the monster's invasion has finally arrived. The sun was not visible, as usual, but the stars and moon, as well as the entire sky, were covered by thick black clouds. Even though the air was even colder than normal, the clan's fighting spirit was unfazed. Except for kittens, the elderly, and pregnant women, all of the rabbits are now at the village's entrance. The entire clan was ready, and they were now forming straight lines, waiting for the expected invaders. Each rabbit was armed with a unique weapon that they had mastered and wore full body armor. Perhaps a they're clan of former knights because of their current straight and dignified stature, and their weapons are made from strong iron and ores that even at a glance could tell how durable and sharp they are. All of the weapons have varied exquisite patterns carved on them, indicating that they were crafted by a master blacksmith.

"Amazing," Kia murmured as her gaze wandered over the place. Audrey was a commander, according to the information she collected during her stay, who led many fights that were all won. As a result, she was now at the front of the line, expected to lead alongside Caspian, the chief. She was dressed in a black crop top shirt, black trousers, a red coat, and leather boots, unlike the others. Although it appears to be simple, the durability and damage reduction effect stunned her the first time she saw it. It was also completely tailored to Audrey's body, so it didn't hide her curves, hips, or chest, and it was really comfortable to wear. It was Audrey's old clothes that she left in the village, as Caspian explained while handing it to her.

[ITEM: AUDREY'S RED COAT]

RARITY: A+

DURABILITY: S

Physical and magical reduction: 50%

A leather vest imbued with magic for defense. Solely made for Audrey, a legendary warrior of the Land of Dawn.

[ITEM: AUDREY'S LEATHER BOOTS]

RARITY: A+

DURABILITY: A+

AGILITY INCREASED BY +100

"Lady Audrey, you've arrived; everyone is now ready for the battle; and here's your sword," Caspian remarked as he approached Kia, who was still gazing around. She smiled and gratefully accepted the weapon. It was a long, thin sword with a fuller carved with thorns and rose patterns and a golden lining in the grip, just as she remembered it from days earlier. Her eyes glistened, and her cheeks flushed. The sword was sorely missed by her.

TING!

The 'emotional' reunion between Kia and the sword was cut short when a hologram flashed in mid-air. Kia saw the holograms reappeared a few hours ago, even though she had forgotten when they had vanished. But the message she was seeing now was frightening than any creature she had seen before. She was so absorbed in reading it that she missed to see Caspian, who was blushing from her recent smile.

[ITEM: THE CORE OF QIRVINTIT]

ITEM CLASS: S+TYPE: Long sword

RARITY: LEGENDARY

ATTACK: +100,000,0.....

DURABILITY: S+

A sword made from the mixture  of Qirvintit's bones and core, the Dragon monarch of Valhalla. Personally crafted by Caspian for Audrey, his paramour. 

Effects:...

Indeed, a terrifyingly powerful sword. Kia couldn't help but scream and open her mouth wide. The effects were long, and the attack had so many zeros. Even the materials utilized in the sword's construction were surprising.

"My lady?" Caspian asked as he observed her strange demeanor. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were filled with worry. Kia quickly snapped back to reality and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, but is everything ready? They should be here in a few minutes."

Caspian breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. "Yes, my lady."

Her smile fades and is replaced with a serious expression on her face. The atmosphere around her changed, just like her face. She was filled with anticipation that boosted her fighting spirit, and she had a fierce gaze, just like a fire that had been added with gas to flame even more.

"Everyone!" screamed Kia. Her voice was so loud, like a gong, that everyone turned to look at her. "Victory is for us!" she said, raising her sword and screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Yes!" said everyone, including Caspian.

Then a bolt of lightning struck the ground, followed by a tremendous rumble, shattering the illusion or barrier that had hidden the village from sight. They didn't even flinch, and they remained still as if their only concern was to protect their clan. The thunder continued to rumble around them, and a powerful cold wind blew across their bodies, before it began to rain heavily.

Kia bit the inside of her lower lip, scared that something horrible would happen. Rain in the desert was a terrible omen in the hamlet. Given the circumstances, it was also too unsafe and dangerous to engage in a battle. Many of them may be hurt or lose their lives. But seeing as they have a strong will to fight, they are surely unstoppable.

ROARRR!

A loud growl vibrated in their ears and they saw in mid-air that it ripped like paper in the middle, revealing a gigantic portal. Everyone was alarmed. Some were nervous, while others were grinning from ear to ear. Gigantic monsters burst out the portal, nearly 7 feet tall with small brown eyes, wide lips, and sharp teeth, and a green, gigantic body. It was definitely green orcs. The orcs that beheaded her friends used their axes. She will never forget how they looked.

Kia gritted her teeth and clenched her fist that was holding a sword as her body trembled. As she glared at the beasts, she was enraged. Even when Caspian tried to call her, he was ignored.

"My lady? What's the matter? " 

Without thinking twice, she ran towards the orcs just as she held her sword tightly. Tears were dripping down her cheeks from her eyes. At that point, she only wanted to slaughter the monsters.

 "Die! Die, you orcs! "

———————

DISCLAIMER:

The author is not a sword expert, and that some of the information in this chapter may be wrong or inaccurate. Please contact her so that she can make any necessary changes.

Please see the following websites for more information:

https://youtu.be/dvu-XUu2ytY

https://youtu.be/X62lZvfZC9o

https://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/sword-fighting.html