Chapter 14: Adjusting

CAERA DENOIR'S POVIt's been three days since my Vitra blood awakened, and I received Melantha's blessings. Three long days of bed rest, with nothing but time to think—and to adjust to the fact that I now have horns. Real, heavy horns. They felt awkward, and every night was a struggle to find a comfortable way to sleep without them digging into pillows. But Seris reassured me. "You'll get used to it soon," she said. I wasn't sure if I believed her, but I tried.The moment Nessa entered my room, I practically bolted from the bed.

"Young lady, Scythe Seris is waiting for you," she said with a small sigh, like she already knew I wasn't going to walk calmly.

"I'm finally free!" I exclaimed, ignoring her warning to be careful as I ran out.

After three days of resting and meditating—trying to understand the nether that Melantha spoke of—I was ready to move. The cool breeze greeted me as I reached the backyard, where Seris stood waiting. Seeing her standing there, calm and composed, gave me a strange sense of excitement."You seem energetic, as always," Seris said with a soft smile, watching me jog up to her."Hehe, of course! I can finally train again!" I beamed, unable to hide the stupid grin on my face."Training the mind is just as important as physical practice," she reminded me, her expression steady, though I could feel the patience in her words."Ugh... That sounds so boring," I groaned."Hm. You'll understand the importance one day," she said knowingly. Then, with a subtle shift, she drew her sword. "Since you're so eager, let's see how much you've improved."Her sword gleamed under the light, and I couldn't hold back my excitement as I drew mine to match her. I took my stance, trying to focus. But part of me couldn't stop thinking about the ring Melantha gave me. She'd said it would become an arsenal of weapons—but I had no idea how to unlock that potential. Not yet.Pushing those thoughts aside, I studied Seris's posture. She stood with an almost casual ease, her sword resting lightly in her hand. To anyone else, she might seem unprepared. But I knew better. I knew how effortlessly she could shift from stillness to motion, how she could turn defense into attack in the blink of an eye.I started to move, circling her slowly, searching for an opening—even though I knew there likely wasn't one. Seris never gave openings.After completing a full circle, I took a step closer. Without hesitating, I surged forward, channeling mana into my legs and body, my sword arcing diagonally through the air. The strike was sharp, quick. But Seris reacted in an instant, her blade meeting mine with a clear clang."Good," she murmured, deflecting my sword and forcing me to step back. "You've remembered the lesson. The weight and flow of your swing were right this time.""Of course," I said, catching my breath, a proud smile tugging at my lips. "You told me to let my body guide the movement.""Exactly," she replied. "Now, come again."This time, I didn't hesitate. I let my instincts take over, keeping my focus locked on her. As I moved, I activated my emblem—Ember Surge. Flames roared to life along the blade, the heat swirling around me like an extension of my will.The fire danced with my every motion, crackling as I swung toward Seris. She moved with the same fluid grace, her blade catching mine mid-strike. Sparks flew as fire and steel clashed."Better," Seris noted, her eyes sharp as she pressed against my sword, testing my balance. "But don't rely too much on power. Control the fire—don't let it control you."I grit my teeth, determined to keep the flames steady. They responded to my focus, burning brighter but tighter, more controlled. With a step back, I reset my stance and prepared to attack again.The flames roared to life, flickering across the length of my sword, and the air around me grew hot as embers trailed from my blade. My pulse raced with excitement—I'd been waiting for this moment. With a sharp inhale, I charged toward Seris again, my sword blazing.This time, I moved faster, my enhanced strength fueling each step. I aimed low, trying to force her to parry downward and leave herself exposed. But Seris read my intent in a heartbeat. Her sword shifted with the precision of a dancer, deflecting my fiery slash to the side with ease."Better. You're moving more instinctively now," she said with a calm voice, as if our blades weren't sparking violently against each other. "But you're still telegraphing your intent."Frustrated but determined, I gritted my teeth and stepped back to reset my stance. The weight of the horns on my head threw me slightly off balance, but I was slowly adjusting. The flames on my sword dimmed momentarily, waiting for my command. I rolled my shoulders, letting the tension leave my body. Come on, Caera. Feel the flow, just like she taught you.Seris tilted her head, giving me a knowing look, as if daring me to surprise her.I let my muscles relax, recalling her teachings on maintaining fluidity in combat. "No second-guessing," she'd always say. With renewed focus, I shifted forward, this time allowing my feet to move naturally. My body began to dance with the rhythm of combat, and the flames on my sword burned brighter—alive, eager to match my movements.Without hesitation, I flicked my wrist and released a rapid flurry of slashes, embers flying off with every swing. Seris parried each strike, her movements efficient, sharp, and frustratingly precise. She pivoted out of my range, leaving me just a step behind every time."Good," Seris murmured, her tone carrying both approval and challenge. "But let's see if you can adapt."She shifted, her blade a blur of silver, and suddenly I was on the defensive. I barely blocked her first strike, the impact vibrating through my arms, and her follow-up came fast—a sweeping arc aimed at my ribs. I spun away just in time, heat flaring from my sword as I used the flames to propel my movement.Adapt... don't fight the flow—ride it.I felt my pulse steadying, and instinct kicked in. I launched myself into a [Blink Step], vanishing from my spot and reappearing behind her. My sword came down in a controlled arc, embers trailing like shooting stars.Seris spun, her blade already there to meet mine. Our swords clanged with a burst of sparks and fire. I pressed harder, the flames intensifying, and for a moment, I thought I saw her smile—just a flicker of amusement in her normally stoic expression."Not bad," she whispered, though her next move shattered any hope I had of gaining the upper hand.In a single, fluid motion, she twisted her sword and disengaged, forcing me off balance. Before I could react, she was behind me, the tip of her blade lightly tapping the back of my neck."And that's a match," she said calmly, pulling back her weapon.I groaned, both frustrated and exhilarated. "How do you always do that?" I muttered, brushing a hand through my hair, careful not to knock my horns out of place."It's not about strength, Caera," she said, sheathing her sword. "It's about precision. Control." She gave me a pointed look. "You rely too much on the raw power of your flames and your speed. But that won't be enough against a stronger or more skilled opponent."I huffed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Guess I've got a long way to go, huh?""You've made incredible progress," Seris reassured me. "But yes, there's still work to be done."I exhaled, the excitement still buzzing in my veins despite the outcome. I glanced down at the ring on my finger—the gift from Melantha. There was a strange warmth in it, as if it pulsed faintly with its own life."Mama... do you think I'll figure out how to use this ring soon?" I asked, holding up my hand.Her eyes flicked toward the ring on my finger, her expression unreadable. "Honestly, I don't know what secrets it holds. But what I can say is this: make the most of what you already have. In time, the answer may reveal itself when you need it most. Until then, focus on refining your abilities—and trust yourself."I nodded, a flicker of determination settling in my chest. There was so much I didn't understand yet—about my powers, my bloodline, and the forces inside me. But that was okay. For now, I just had to keep moving forward."Alright," I said, the weight of uncertainty lifting as resolve filled me. "Let's go again."Seris's lips curled into a rare, approving smile. "That's the spirit. But this time..." Her smirk deepened. "Use everything you've got. No holding back.""Wait—seriously?" I blinked, half-convinced I'd misheard her.She gave a slight nod, her eyes sharp. "Yes. Use your regalia, or tap into the Vitra mana."A grin spread across my face, excitement humming through me. Finally. She was letting me push past the limits I'd been holding myself to.Closing my eyes, I reached deep inside my core, searching for the strange, swirling darkness nestled there—the black mana. It was wild, unfamiliar, and uncooperative, like a restless beast. When I tried to guide it, it resisted, slipping through my mental grasp. But I didn't let up.Gradually, it began to yield, flowing where I directed it. I guided the swirling darkness toward my fingertips, and when I opened my eyes, I saw it—a small, flickering flame, dark as midnight, dancing at the tip of my finger.Seris's gaze sharpened, her curiosity unmistakable. "Soulfire," she murmured. "So, that's your affinity..."I stared at the flame, fascinated by the way it flickered—alive, yet eerily cold. But just as I started to feel a connection with it, the fire wavered and vanished, like a candle snuffed out by the wind.I furrowed my brow in irritation, but Seris laughed quietly. "It takes time to master. Patience is essential for control. The fact that you managed to summon it on your first try—both within and externally—is impressive."A wave of pride washed over me at her words, and I couldn't help the small grin tugging at my lips. Encouraged, I closed my eyes and focused on summoning the soulfire again, this time keeping it internal. Just like before, it resisted, slippery and stubborn, like trying to tame a wild river. But I didn't give up. Slowly, bit by bit, I coaxed it into place.The moment it obeyed, a powerful surge spread through my body. My senses sharpened, and every muscle in me felt lighter, stronger—more alive. The raw strength flooding me was exhilarating, unlike anything I'd ever felt with normal mana. I could feel my physical capabilities increasing, at least fivefold, like the difference between iron and steel.This was the power of Vitra mana. And it was mine.Seris's smirk deepened, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Good. Now you're starting to see." She stepped back, readying her sword. "Well, come on then."The excitement in my chest flared, my heart pounding with anticipation. Gripping my sword tighter, I let the newfound power flow through me, my stance firm and balanced.This was it. No more holding back.With a grin, I surged forward, faster and stronger than ever before.~~A/N: This chapter took quite a while, and I'm not sure what to say about it. Some readers suggested that I incorporate more emotions into the chapters, so I spent some time watching and reading tips to gain insight on how to do that effectively and here we are. To be honest, it was quite challenging, but I hope you appreciate this chapter. Let me know in the comments and give the chapter a vote if you found it enjoyable. PEACE OUT~