Chapter 105 : A Rematch in the Training Grounds
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the academy's training facilities. The air was thick with mana, humming with the presence of students honing their skills.
Alden arrived, his black uniform slightly ruffled from the day's classes. His hands instinctively reached for the , the sword resting at his waist.
Across from him, as expected, stood Alicia von Rosenheim.
Her crimson hair, tied back in a loose ponytail, swayed with the light breeze. Golden eyes met his with a sharp gleam, her stance relaxed yet poised for battle.
"You again," Alicia said, crossing her arms. "Didn't I already beat you last time?"
Alden smirked. "I learn fast."
She raised an eyebrow. "Good. Because I won't hold back."
Without another word, she unsheathed her sword, the silver blade glinting under the sun.
Alden mirrored her, drawing sword in one fluid motion.
"Same rules?" he asked.
"No Voidstep, no Eclipse Vision."
Alicia nodded. "Just swordplay and aura control. Let's see if you've improved."
---
The Duel Begins
Boom!
The moment the signal was given, Alicia exploded forward with a burst of aura-infused speed.
Alden barely had time to react as she slashed down with blazing intensity.
Fast.
He twisted his blade, parrying the strike with precision, but the force behind her attack sent vibrations up his arm.
Alicia smirked. "You're blocking better."
He didn't answer—he countered.
Pivoting on his foot, he swept his sword in a low arc, aiming for her side.
Alicia sidestepped effortlessly, bringing her sword down in a quick counter.
Alden leaned back just in time, the sharp edge narrowly missing his chest.
Then—he saw an opening.
Phantom Edge Sword – Third Form: Ghost Fang.
His blade flickered, moving at an angle that made it seem almost like an illusion—an unpredictable feint.
But Alicia reacted instantly.
Clang!
Her sword deflected his with perfect control, her aura surging through the metal.
"Nice try," she said, shifting her stance. "But predictable."
She adapted that fast?
Alden exhaled, gripping his sword tighter.
---
Trading Blows
They clashed again—Alden's speed against Alicia's overwhelming power and precision.
She fought with a 5-Star Sword Art, a style that blended offense and defense seamlessly.
He relied on a mix of Phantom Edge Sword and Swift Blade Style, making use of his superior agility and technique.
But no matter how many strikes he launched, she blocked, countered, and adapted.
He managed to land a glancing hit on her arm—but at the cost of receiving a clean slash to his ribs.
Alicia stepped back, breathing slightly heavier.
"You're holding up better than before," she admitted. "But you're still losing."
Alden's eyes narrowed.
---
The Decisive Strike
Alicia surged forward—her aura igniting around her blade.
Alden had only a second to react.
She's aiming to end it.
He braced himself, channeling every bit of his aura into defense.
Clang!
The force of her strike sent him skidding back, his boots carving a trail in the dirt.
A second later, his sword flew from his grip, landing a few feet away.
Silence.
Alicia exhaled, lowering her blade.
"You lose."
Alden stared at his empty hand before chuckling. "Yeah."
She sheathed her sword, tilting her head. "You're improving, though."
He picked up his sword, rolling his shoulder. "Not enough."
Alicia smirked. "Then fight me again tomorrow."
Alden wiped the blood off his lip, his black eyes burning with determination.
"…I will."
The soreness from yesterday's duel still lingered in Alden's muscles, but he didn't let it slow him down. If anything, the loss against Alicia only fueled his determination.
The academy's training grounds were relatively empty this morning—most students were either in class or resting before their midterm exams.
Alden stood in the center, sword drawn. His body was tense, his aura humming around him.
He had improved, but it wasn't enough.
Alicia was stronger, more precise, and had overwhelming control over her aura. If he wanted to bridge the gap, he had to push himself further.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into his stance.
---
Training Begins: Refining His Techniques
Alden focused on his weapon arts, analyzing his previous fight in his mind.
Phantom Edge Sword –
He slashed through the air, his blade moving at unnatural angles, designed to deceive opponents.
Too predictable for Alicia. I need to refine the transition speed.
Again.
His sword blurred as he adjusted his footwork, refining the movement until it felt like second nature.
Next—Swift Blade Style.
He performed fast, successive strikes, keeping his form tight and efficient.
His goal was simple: increase his reaction speed and refine his offensive pressure.
Minutes turned into hours, sweat dripping down his face.
Still, he wasn't done.
---
Aura Control Training
Alden sat cross-legged, focusing on the flow of aura within his body.
Aura wasn't just about brute force—it was about control and efficiency.
If I can make my aura sharper, I can cut through stronger defenses.
He visualized his energy as a blade, refining the way it coated his sword.
Slowly, the aura around him became thinner and more refined, concentrated instead of being wildly spread out.
Better.
He stood up, testing his aura-coated sword.
With a single controlled slash, he cut cleanly through a thick wooden target.
It was progress.
---
Unexpected Company
"Training alone again?"
Alden turned to see Selene Astraea standing near the entrance, arms crossed.
Her light pink hair cascaded past her shoulders, and her crimson eyes flickered with interest.
"What do you want?" Alden asked, sheathing his sword.
Selene smirked. "I was just curious. You push yourself harder than most."
"I don't have the luxury of slacking off."
She walked closer, observing the training dummies he had destroyed.
"Your aura's gotten sharper," she noted. "You've been focusing on control, haven't you?"
Alden didn't respond, but she wasn't wrong.
Selene tilted her head. "You know, most people would kill to have an affinity like mine. Spirit Sorcery makes aura manipulation easier."
"I don't have an affinity."
"Exactly." She leaned against the railing. "Which means you're working twice as hard for the same results. It's impressive… and a little reckless."
Alden shrugged. "That's the only way to get stronger."
Selene studied him for a moment before smiling.
"Fine," she said. "Since you're so determined, I'll help."
Alden raised an eyebrow. "Help?"
She nodded. "You lack versatility. I'll teach you how to use Spiritual Energy in combat."
Alden wasn't sure what her motive was, but…
If it made him stronger, he wouldn't refuse.
"…Fine."
Selene smirked. "Good. Let's get started."