New Aura Art

Since knowing the information regarding her gift, Dahlia had a question.

What was a sword?

Was it something that had a handle, and a blade?

Then if so, wouldn't many things qualify into being called a sword with these characteristics as a basis?

Was it perhaps the shape of a weapon that qualifies it to be called a sword?

Many thoughts and questions lurked in Dahlia's mind as she tried to find the ways to become stronger faster.

However, as she and Doron travelled, not many resources were available to her.

Fortunately, it didn't last long as they soon reached the Royal Capital. 

There, she also found out that her Uncle Doron was part of one of the three ducal families of the human kingdom.

***

Pin drop silence permeated throughout the beautiful garden as Doron's eyes revealed an expression of surprise.

'I knew that she would be able to eventually defeat me, but… I didn't expect it to be this soon…'

'Still, only with this will she be able to catch up to that monster.' He thought as the vivid memories of the past appeared in his mind.

He could still clearly remember that boy with snow white hair and eyes the color of blood.

Doron could still clearly feel the feeling in his hands when that boy managed to counter his attacks in three exchanges.

Although he didn't use an aura art that day, he could still feel the power of that boy.

At this moment, a feminine voice sounded from the side, "Oh my, Brother. To think that you'll be defeated by your disciple so soon~"

"Ehem." 

Doron coughed awkwardly while Dahlia immediately bowed.

"I greet the Duchess of the Grava Familia!"

"You're so sweet!" The elegant woman hurriedly approached Dahlia and pinched her cheeks.

However, she looked her in the eye and said, "But didn't I tell you that you don't need to be formal with me?"

"B-Bwut Youw G-Gwace…" Dahlia couldn't speak properly.

"Ackkk! So cute!! Tell me, Brother. How did you find a cute and talend student like her? Did you perhaps kidnap her!?"

The elegant woman was overwhelmed with Dahlia's cuteness as she glanced at Doron.

On the other hand, Doron scratched his head and said, "Sister, didn't we already have this conversation a hundred times…"

"Besides, won't the oldies get mad if they see you losing composure in front of someone outside the family? You know that they're strict when it comes to manners…"

The elegant woman stuck her tongue out with a silly expression, "Oh fuck them. I'm the head of the family so I can just kill them if they annoy me."

"I-I don't think that's how it works…" Doron's lips twitched at her words.

"I don't care about them. They're just people who can die at any time of the day. Aren't I right, Dahlia~"

Dahlia only awkwardly smiled in reply.

The elegant woman ruffled her hair and said, "You're really too cute! Do you want to meet my son? I bet that you'll be great friends!"

"And if possible, you can even be my future daughter in-law…" She added in a whisper.

Still, Doron heard this and smiled, "Sister, I don't recommend you telling her things about that topic…"

"Oh? Are you being protective of your only disciple?

"No, but…"

"My apologies, Your Grace, but I already have my eyes on someone."

"Oh?" The elegant woman had a surprised expression as she looked at Dahlia's serious face. 

"But you're still too young! Well it doesn't matter, I just want my arrogant son to learn from you."

The elegant woman then stood up as she ruffled Dahlia's hair.

"Anyway, I need to get going now. And sweetie, drop the formalities when it's only us, okay? Or else I'll get angry."

"Understood, Your Gra-"

Dahlia abruptly cut her words as she saw the elegant woman raising her brow.

"Ehem. Take care, A-Aunt G-Glorietta." 

A beautiful smile blossomed on the elegant woman, Glorietta's face.

"Very good. Also, your Uncle has also told me that you want to become a swordsman, right?"

Dahlia nodded shyly, "Yes, Aunt."

"Argh!" Glorietta groaned in happiness as she couldn't help but pinch her cheeks again.

She then smiled and said, "Sweetie, can you lend me your wooden sword?"

Dahlia nodded and did as she was told.

"I'm a warrior, but I still have a knowledge or two about the sword. I can't teach well when it comes to the sword, so I'll just show you…"

With the wooden sword in hand, Glorietta's expression turned serious.

She lightly threw the sword in the air.

[Sword Kinesis]

Woom—

A thread of aura connected Glorierra to the sword.

"This technique isn't really that powerful as it is only supposed to assist when you have an opponent who specializes in long range. And since it emits aura, the consumption is really huge."

The sword moved freely in the air, "This aura art lets you control the sword freely with your mind. But be careful as the farther it is to you, the larger the aura consumption."

"I only learned this to help whenever I need to engage in long range battle, so I guess this aura art can be of some help to you too."

"I really need to get going now, see you around~" Glorietta waved her hand before leaving.

However, Dahlia's eyes were sparkling as she saw Glorietta's back.

***

Meanwhile, on the other side…

Regis and Pandora were walking on a rocky path surrounded by greenery.

"Ughhh, how long do we need to walk?"

Pandora asked with an exhausted expression.

She couldn't even feel her legs anymore as they went numb hours ago. Her feet were also hurting due to walking nonstop.

Regis looked at her and replied while smiling apologetically, "I don't really know. The only thing I'm sure of is that we'll reach Corelli Fortress if we continue walking northwards."

"B-But we have already been walking for almost a week…!" Her eyes became teary as she stuttered.

"Do you want me to carry you?"

"No, I can still go. And I also don't want to be a burden…"

The two of them then stopped talking and continued to pour all their energy into their legs as they walked.

It had almost been a week since the death of the three adventurers.

They had also been successful in sneaking in their rooms and getting their belongings without arousing the suspicions of the villagers.

However, the only thing they have was the information Regis got from interrogating the three adventurers.

'I swear I'll get a map…'

He promised himself as he was also tired of walking while only knowing the direction of their destination.