Coming Forth

Frozen North

Two individuals were seen walking on the snow-filled plains.

One of them was a man with a height higher than the other, his black hair blended with his dark, thick winter clothing. Following the man was a shorter girl who had crimson-red hair that reached down to her shoulders, walking behind him as they set out to a place they were going wearing the same thick winter clothing as the man but fitting for her size.

"It sure is cold out here."

Rosetta thought out loud as she walked the snow-filled plains as she followed Samuel. Their steps on the snow created crunches every time they put their feet in it. The noise filled her ears as they walked.

It has been 24 hours since she had been awakened from her long slumber. Although it may be considered as a short time for most people. For Rosetta, however, who had nothing to do for the most part of her recovery, thought it took forever during that time.

Even though she had managed to recover enough strength for her to walk properly, she still didn't feel like she could do the things she normally would. Especially when her physical condition during those 24-hour recovery was abysmal.

Yet, over time, she managed to recover most of her strength by the time the 24 hours was up, and she was back to her normal self.

It's still weird that I was able to recover that fast.

Ever since she had been aware of her unique capabilities, Rosetta was curious what other secrets her body holds. Not that she was scared of herself, but she wanted to know if there's anything that she could do that she hasn't already done yet.

After all, she never thought of utilizing her unnatural strength since what she has done in the past was doing noble training, and that was it.

Now, she was going to train as a warrior. Since Samuel accepted her request to train her, then she can assume that the black-haired man must be a warrior as well.

How strong of a warrior, she doesn't know. What she does know is that—

"How are you able to walk so fast?"

She saw Samuel pass through the snow that was deep enough that it covered Rosetta's knees. Although Samuel was a lot taller than her, around 1 foot (30.48 cm) tall, he was able to walk without much difficulty.

—He was able to traverse the snow with such grace and skill. She couldn't believe anyone could pull such a move.

Rosetta, on her side, was having difficulty.

She didn't have experience with traveling through deep snow since there were multiple ways of traveling to different places. One of such methods was using Saffron's Light Art to directly teleport to the desired location. And that was the frequently used method.

There's also another reason why Rosetta was having a hard time.

"I hate snow. It's icy, rough, and frustrating, and it gets everywhere."

Rosetta grumbled beneath her breath as each step she took used more effort than she liked to do. Especially when she had no experience in doing winter activities, and it was during those times of the year that she never wanted to leave the mansion.

During the times that she actually left the Eisen Mansion during the winter season, she always had a bad experience with snow. Every single time.

Zed would always laugh at me when I fell on the snow, not that he was mean.

Her brother always finds it funny to see her struggle to get her act in times when the snow was a bit too much for her to handle. It was those times when they got together when they're not doing anything related to their role in the nobility.

Rosetta frowned at the thought. The memories of the night of the invasion flashed in her mind. The unforgettable scenes she saw played instantly before her eyes.

Even though it was only a day after she awoke, and forty days after she fell into a coma, the events of that night were still fresh. Despite being technically a month since that happened.

The young girl exhaled, and the cold air revealed her breath. Chills ran throughout her body as the things she had experienced that night still haunts her.

During the recovery, it was most painful when, even though with Samuel's reassurance, the memories kept coming back.

Now that she was out, she could finally let the training distract her enough not to have those flashbacks of that night.

"I wish I could've changed all of that…"

Clenching her aching heart, Rosetta could only do now to focus on herself getting stronger. Her chance encounter with Samuel provided a miraculous opportunity for her to improve.

"We're here, Rosetta."

The young girl stopped in her tracks, having heard the man say those words. Interrupting her thoughts as she saw his black eyes staring back at her.

His towering figure made it seem like he was looking down on her, but she knew that he wasn't doing it unintentionally. After all, the height difference between her and Samuel had made it seem that way.

However, she still feels that he is hiding something from her. Even though she doesn't know what it is.

Samuel was kind enough to cook meals for her and even take care of her throughout the forty days that she's been asleep.

For whatever reason or motives he had for taking care of her, she doesn't know. What she knows is that this is the man that saved her, and that's what matters.

"Can you explain to me why you chose a place like this? I know it's for my training, but what kind?"

Rosetta was aware that there could be an entirely different reason why Samuel chose a place like this.

From her limited training experience literally hours before the invasion, she had an idea what it's going to be like.

If it's going to be a sparring match like what me and Zed did, I hope I get to use a sword this time around as well.

She assumed that Samuel was a warrior. What kind of warrior, she does not know. All she knows is that warriors used their physical prowess alongside their weapons to fight, and that was it. There might be some cases where they fight their fists instead.

What Samuel had answered made her raise an eyebrow.

"You are going to run."

"...Huh?"

With that simple answer, the young girl furrowed her brows as if he had told her a joke. She looked at him top to bottom to see if there's anything that he was hiding.

"...Is this a joke, Samuel? If it is, it isn't funny."

The black haired shook his head. His straight look remained the same, with no signs of deception in his expression.

"No. I meant what I said you are going to run. There is no joke."

The way he answered it was genuine and serious. There was no way that someone like him would ever lie to her about something that is important.

Seeing that there was nothing to disprove on his statements, Rosetta let out an exasperated sigh. Giving in to the man's words.

"Fine. Then, how should I run? Like, run as fast as I can or run as in "run for my life?"

"Either of the two works. There's no difference since what you are going to do would affect your training later."

"Oh really? Seems like it must be worth it since you said it would affect my training."

"Indeed, Rosetta. However, part of this training will be to try your hardest. Especially since this type of training is also used by the Northern Tribes."

Now, it piqued Rosetta's interest. Since from what the man said, it must be something that even the local population must be doing.

Whatever it is, I'm ready.

The young girl looked at Samuel. His serious expression intensified her desire to get stronger.

"For this training session, you have to catch me first."

Without giving her time to react, Samuel disappeared. Leaving Rosetta alone in an instant.

She turned her head left and right, up and down, forward and backward, in every direction, but she couldn't see him.

"Where did he go?"

Samuel's sudden disappearance had made her frantically search in every direction. It didn't help when it was horrifically silent that deafened her ears. So much so that she could hear her own heartbeat.

After a minute of silence, Rosetta nearly gave up on finding the man. Her eyes turned to the direction where they came from before the training.

What she saw widened her eyes.

"Where's the trail?!"

Rosetta could only gawk at the sight where the trail was supposed to be. Rather, what used to be there.

The disappearance of the trail heightened the intensity of her beating heart. Cold sweat began to appear despite the freezing temperature. Her vision could only see the white snow as far as her eyes could see.

If that wasn't already a horrifying sight, then she, being alone with no idea where to go back without the snow trail, is right now.

"Samuel, if this is something you haven't told me about the Frozen North, you better tell me now because I'm scared right now."

Her body began to tremble, not from the cold, nor is it because of the fear she had. It's from the idea that she might've lost track of where she was supposed to go back.

No, no, no. I can't be afraid now, I just need to focus. Yes! Focus! Focus on what he said about running!

Although she was aware that Samuel mentioned catching him, in this case, however, she has to focus on running. Either run as fast as she can or run for her life.

The young girl exhaled and inhaled deeply. Clapping twice as she prepared to start what has already been started.

"Alright, here I go!"

With speed surpassing that of a sprinter, Rosetta ran. Passing through the snow despite being knee-deep into it, she used whatever strength that she had in her disposal for her to plow through whatever obstacles the snow may have.

Rosetta, having a stubborn mindset, did not want to give up. Especially when her training had just started.

Just you wait, Samuel. I'll pass whatever test you have and get stronger!

Since she requested it in the first place, then she has done her part of the bargain. In doing so, not only she had applied what her noble training had taught her but she also lived the principle of "if you asked for it, then do what you can whatever you receive it".

The young Eisen ran. Running as fast as she could as she traveled through the seemingly endless snow-white plains around her.

Her memories flashed, remembering that she was at the same speed when she ran away on the night of the invasion. The soldiers that were after her were catching up despite her superior strength that made up her speed. Showing that their physical abilities were more than enough to overwhelm hers.

Gritting her teeth, she shook her head. The memory fueled her desire to run faster than she could ever be.

The winds brushed against her as she ran. As the minutes passed, she began to feel the exhaustion creeping to her body. She could feel that she was running out of breath. Her own body screamed at her to stop and rest.

However, if she did that, it would defeat the purpose of the training that she had to run. Although she doesn't know when to stop, what she knows is that she needs to find Samuel and catch him.

Her legs ached, having gone at a speed faster than she normally would do, and the time was longer than she used to. She can not, at this present time, allow herself to be complacent at the pace she was at.

Her desire overcame her body's needs. Having lost track of time when she started, Rosetta pushed towards the limitations of her own body. Not paying attention to what may happen after.

The young girl's body had felt it had reached its limits, but she hadn't found the man yet. She knew that finding the man would mean that it was over.

"Where is he?"

With a strained tone as she panted, the hot air from her breath was visible to see as she continued without stopping.

There, at the corner of her right eye, she saw a small black figure in the distance.

Even though Rosetta could barely see what it was, she felt that it was him.

The red-haired girl turned towards the direction where the small figure was spotted. She focused fully on what she believed to be her goal.

Using whatever remaining strength that she can muster, using whatever remaining endurance she may have left, she gave it to her all.

Finally, as she closed into the figure, she could confidently say that she found Samuel.

The girl wanted to shout out to the man that she found him. She wanted to scream at him for leaving her alone. Rosetta wanted to tell him how tired she was. And many more that she could say to him.

Yet, in the midst of those myriad thoughts, she has to catch him.

When she reached a distance where she had to give it her all, she leaped.

Not in a sense that she jumped. Rather, in a sense, that one could describe that she tackled the man.

"FOUND YOU!"

She grabbed hold of the black-haired man as they rolled on the snow. The force she had produced was strong enough to make anyone fall out of balance.

After a few moments of disorientation, Rosetta soon found herself on top of Samuel, with him smiling at her as he lay on the ground.

"You have done a great job, Rosetta. I knew you were able to do it."

The young girl could only let a small chuckle as the exhaustion had finally overtook her, her body resting on the snowy ground beside Samuel.

After all of the running she had done, Rosetta was willing to stop and rest for the day.

"Samuel… How long do you think I've run since you disappeared? It felt like it took forever."

The man stood up as the red-haired girl spoke. Her current exhaustion was strong enough to render, unable to stand.

"You did great. It took you about 45 minutes to find me. That's a good record for you who just started."

"Oh really? You said earlier that the Northern Tribes also used this type of training as well. How long do you think they took to find just like what we did earlier?"

"Assuming you meant those who just started the training, it took them an hour and a half to find. Most of the time used were taking breaks and catching their breaths. In comparison, you never stopped running, which is something none of them could have done."

Rosetta stared at Samuel silently. Her current physical condition did not allow her to fully express her current thoughts of the surprise she has of her feats.

"How… how am I so different?"

Ever since she had discovered that her body was a lot different than she was aware, she was quite frankly questioning herself if she was not human.

Staring at the clear blue sky, her thoughts turned to another memory. A memory of a different night.

Shadowy figures from that memory began to shroud Rosetta's vision.

"Look what she had done. She's not what a child of the Eisen family holds."

"Your eyes, it changed. I see you're not Juvia's daughter."

"Acting like a feral beast. What kind of woman did the Master Swordsman choose as his mistress to bring this abominable offspring? Disgusting!"

"To have this child be the heiress instead of you, Zedekiah? Foolishness! This is madness and an insult, and you say that Juvia supported this, preposterous!"

Many more were told. The laughter and scorn she experienced that night, two years before the invasion, were something that she wanted to forget. The complex myriad of emotions she had felt had done more to haunt her.

"Why do you seem like you don't accept it, Rosetta? Is there something wrong?"

Samuel's words pierced through her thoughts. Ending the memory of that night.

Blinking twice, she saw the black-haired man give out a concerned look. His overall expression showed that he was ready to help.

The young girl frowned, and her eyes turned away from the man. As if she did not want to face her current mentor.

"It's nothing, Samuel. You don't have to worry about it… I'm alright."

"..."

With that, she rejected his offer to help. Her actions made it in a way where there was no room for argument.

An awkward silence ensued between the two. With Samuel still standing where he was and Rosetta still laying down on the snow.

Then, the man approached the girl, and with each step he took, he made a crunching sound until he was close enough to her. After that, he sat near where she lay.

"Are you sure? You don't seem like you're alright."

The red-haired girl did not respond to her mentor. Yet, she didn't react to his approach earlier.

"Is it about the night of the invasion? If it is, can you please share with me how you feel?"

"...Why do you care? It isn't like it's worth your time. I want to rest for a bit before we can continue the next part of my training. That's all."

That was the excuse she could think of at this moment. She wanted to be alone with her own thoughts and try to calm down.

Yet, Samuel was persistent.

"I know you are deeply troubled, Rosetta. How much, I do not know. However, what I do know is that whatever it is that is troubling you, it will affect your training in the future. Not now, of course, even the next several weeks, it would not affect how you do in this training. But, in the future, where all you are going to train today will be entirely different in that time to come. Therefore, I will not press on with the matter, but I hope that you are as you claim to be."

"..."

Rosetta knew the man was right, yet she did not want to tell him what happened. Not on that night. It was a story she swore to herself that she would not tell anyone.

It was a story only Zedekiah and Juvia knew better than anyone else.

I don't want him to be involved in it. I need to overcome it on my own. I don't think his help is needed.

Those were the words the young girl spoke in her mind. Creating a barrier between her and Samuel's well-intentions.

XXX

In another location

Inside a wagon full of people, passing through the rough terrain, whose clothes and overall mood was nothing pleasant, was a boy lying at their feet unconscious.

He was a young man who looked like he was in the middle of his teenage years. His red hair and fair complexion made him stand out among the people inside the wagon.

The people themselves did not recognize the boy, having been from different locations themselves. In fact, everyone inside the wagon had never met each other until they were placed in the wagon for deportation with the boy laying inside the vehicle in a comatose state since then.

However, they did not question it nor even take a thought of who the young man might be. What they know is that he was also a victim of the war like themselves.

Now, they were traveling to a far away place, a place that they themselves do not know. What they are sure of is that it's going to be a difficult travel to reach to the location their captors are leading to.

The wheels of the wagon hit a large rock, disorienting those who are already sick of the distant travel by their captors.

There, the young man awoke for the first time since they had seen him lay on the wagon at the start. Revealing sapphire-blue eyes as he was jolted awake by the impact.

"Where am I?"

Those were the first words he spoke, revealing a tone that anyone would have to see in an unfamiliar environment.

Seeing the boy in a confused state, one of the prisoners, an old man, spoke. Revealing his age and raspy throat.

"I see you're finally awake."

The young man turned to the old man, his gray hair and beard, wrinkled skin, would make anyone think he had aged badly.

"Who are you?"

"Me? Well, that's a funny question to ask an old man like me. Back in my day, I was a handsome man like you, but I asked more polite questions than you do now."

"I'm sorry, please forgive me. Can you please tell me who you are?"

"There you go, such a humble boy. Very well. My name is Tosan Osmand. Just your ordinary old man. What about you, young man? Can you tell us who you are?"

"My name is Zedekiah. Zedekiah Van Eisen."

"Van Eisen?!"

The people on the wagon jolted in surprise at the identity of the young man. Eyes were wide open as they gawked at the newfound discovery of the red-haired boy's identity.

Then, everyone on the wagon began flocking towards the Eisen Heir. Speaking in hushed voices as to not suddenly alarm their captors.

"You mean to tell me that you're the famous Zedekiah who has destroyed countless bandit strongholds on his own!"

"Is it true that you can outrun a horse at full speed?!"

"I heard you are stronger than ten men at once!"

"You look so young to be the legendary Zedekiah!"

With nearly everyone on the wagon surrounding the young man, it was only natural that the young man felt suffocated with the lack of oxygen in the air with so many around him.

Then, the old man, Tosan Osmand, began assisting the young man. Separating him from the rest who were on the wagon.

"Settle down, you silly geese! Don't you see you nearly killed this young boy by being too close to him?! Off with you all!"

The old man surprisingly had enough strength, or power in this case, to have those who were with him calm down.

After the initial commotion had worn down, they sat in anticipation, and the mood was now lighter than before their deportation.

The young man, Zedekiah Van Eisen, stared at the current state of those around him.

He had never seen anyone in such a ragged state before. He could tell that all of them don't seem to know each other very well, especially with how they seemed distant between each other.

The young man had awakened a few minutes ago, and he was aware of what was going on.

"Excuse me, Mister Tosan Osmand. Is it alright for me to ask?"

"Yes, you may. You are free to say whatever you want, young man. You don't have to be polite every time you speak to me. Call me Old Man Tosan if you want. I'm alright with it."

"Thank you. Um, do you know where we're going?"

"That's a question everyone here wants to know as well. The better question is, how did we get here?"

The way the old man said it made Zedekiah raise his brow.

"What do you mean? Isn't this wagon carrying prisoners of war? Don't you guys know about that?"

"That's the thing, we don't know. We don't remember anything before we got into the wagon other than our names and whatever tiny bits of memory. Other than that, what we heard was deportation and that was it. Somehow, your name seems to be brought up whenever we think of something about our past."

Zedekiah couldn't believe what the old man was saying. He could only stare at Tosan with furrowed brows, speechless at the things he had heard from him.

How is it possible that they couldn't remember? Is this the work of a Magic Arts user?

The young man himself remembered perfectly of the events before his awakening. He remembered fighting the enemy commander, Heinrich was his name, and he lost to him. The young heir also remembered the events leading up to his defeat.

I remember him throwing some purple dust at me. What did it do to me anyway?

He checked his body for possible side effects from the dust. Removing parts of clothing, Zedekiah was trying to find out if it had an effect on his overall physical stature.

Fortunately, nothing much had changed other than a visible scar where Heinrich's sword pierced through his shoulder. To which he was thankful that he was able to move freely despite the phantom pain of the wound he received from the memory alone.

Other than the scar that I have, there's nothing that seems to be wrong with me. At least that's good.

The young heir had once thought that having visible scars were signs that say the person could not go on and below the scars are destroyed nerves that would never again operate again.

After all that he had discovered, there was nothing wrong with having a scar.

Saffron lied to me.

Zedekiah remembered the time when he asked Saffron a question about scars. He had assumed back then that since Saffron was a common girl from a far away village, she should have knowledge about stuff that couldn't be found in the books. Then she said stuff about the scars and all those things.

However, it would seem reality was a lot different than what she said.

The boy let out a sigh, now knowing what it's like to have an actual scar as a reminder of the wounds sustained in battle.

"Well, in any case, at least I still remember most of it."

Zedekiah whispered to himself, silent enough for those around not to hear him. His eyes looked at the gloomy sky. The dark clouds hang over the wagon and the road that they're traveling on.

His mind flashed to an image of a red-haired girl. The wagon's mood matched the lonely girl in his memory after that night two years before the invasion.

The young heir frowned, knowing what happened that night all too well.

"I wonder if Rosetta is alright. I hoped she had escaped."

He hoped she did. He didn't want his efforts to be in vain after all that had happened in that duel.

Clenching where the scar was, Zedekiah exhaled. His attention returned to the old man and those who were with him on the wagon.

From what he had observed so far, they seemed to be civilians from the Amriel Kingdom. Specifically, those who are from Fortress City, Marul.

As for how he knew, parts of their clothing had emblems of the city's signature, which is a lettuce. There was no other city in the Amriel Kingdom and elsewhere where they had a lettuce for an emblem.

If they're actually Marul's citizens, then not only the enemy attacked the Margrave Lands, but the Fortress City as well.

If what he observed was correct, it must mean that the enemy had capabilities of attacking on multiple fronts. Which also means that they have larger numbers and greater strategic strength than he had imagined them to be.

If he were also to consider the current state of those who are on the wagon, the enemy must've had Magic Arts users in their ranks. Which makes it a terrifyingly powerful army, able to implement Magic Arts users to their forces.

From what mom told about military theories, if an army manages to have successfully integrated Magic Arts users, they would have capabilities that would alter the scales of the battle. Meaning, any conventional battle on an open field would be utterly disastrous to those who don't have Magic Arts users on their own.

Not only that, as part of the hypothesis of a professional hybrid army, combining both conventional and magical capabilities, it would mean they have a cohesive military structure where the combination of both would ensure significant firepower. Including the fact that it would drastically reduce casualties and environmental factors.

Safe, for example, if a Magic Arts user was able to change a 10 acre landscape full of trees into flat plains, it would create an opening for long-range weaponry to rain down on those who were hiding behind forested terrain. Making it a wild card in terms of battlefield changes.

If the invading army has those capabilities as theorized, they must have had a huge population of Magic Arts users on their own.

If that was the case, Zedekiah realized that the enemy they were trying hard to fight against not only had a monster like Heinrich Abednego, they also had access to resources, such as a population of Magic Arts users, to draw from. Making the nation the invading army hailed from a "Superpower". A classification only designated if they have overwhelming military, industrial, magical, and economic factors on their side.

Although he never heard of a country that possessed such capabilities, the young heir suspected that it might be because they were also capable of deception. Using whatever means necessary to hide their true strength until the time was right for them to strike.

Such a thing would be downright impossible based on whatever common sense a nation has about their capabilities. However, if they had a unified political power and extreme authority, it might be possible, but it will take years of preparation to pull it off.

That country must be a large country to be able to have access to such capabilities.

It would make sense if that were the case, especially considering that it would take a considerable amount of resources to produce the level of effect the invading army has so far.

In stark contrast, though the Amriel Kingdom boasts a large landmass, especially with the integration of the Frozen North, the amount of Magic Arts users was small. Around 0.1% of the general population.

As for the reason why it was so small, it was because of the state religion.

The state religion of the Amriel Kingdom worshiped the "Son of Man," a title of a Son of God who condescended and took the form of a mortal human, performed miracles such as healing the sick, raising the dead, making the blind see and deaf hear, and so on. He also heard about atoning the "Original Sin," but he wasn't sure on that part.

According to the religion, it was against witchcraft and something that was unnatural, to which the clergymen considered seals and magic as heretical and blasphemous.

It was believed that after centuries of debates and wars, within and external, such as the constant invasions from the Frozen North, that the Royal Government decided to limit the control the state religion has and restricted it to the point that any motivation spurred by religion was dealt with. Allowing the Kingdom's Magic Arts users to live in peace without further prejudice by the clergymen and creating innovative seals that proved beneficial to the Amriel Kingdom.

Despite all their efforts, even though it was made with good intentions, there was a schism between the state and the religious leaders because of the reforms made. To which many of the churches vehemently deny those who support the government and those who possess magical capabilities.

Not only that, during those times of conflict, the Amriel Kingdom was severely behind in terms of technological breakthroughs, both scientifically and magically. So much so, despite being a huge country in terms of landmass, the Kingdom was considered a "Third Tier". A designation listed a nation that was behind the growing trends of technology and magic, regardless of economic status.

It was these factors that made the Kingdom defenseless against those who were used to fighting with magical capabilities. However, the Amriel Kingdom has a population size that compensates for their lack of magical capabilities. With the integration of the Frozen North, with the Northern Tribes' skilled warriors, a physical battle, armed with current level seal equipment, were enough to deal with external threats far better than what they were before the Northern Tribes' submission.

Zedekiah was aware that it was only a matter of time before the Amriel Kingdom could catch up with their neighbors.

For now, the young heir decided not to pry any further questions with his fellow passengers. Since their memory loss would pose many problems regarding accurate information, he felt it was best to be silent about it. Including the possibility of a Magic Arts user monitoring their interactions with magic.

Using mom as a base for scaling Magic Arts users, they must've prepared sensors or seals to monitor our actions. As well as planting traps that, when triggered, would set off an alarm. If they're as smart as mom is, they might have set up an explosive as a backup plan if things go out of plan.

Zedekiah had sensed that the enemy was a cautious and meticulous entity. Preparing things beforehand prior to the start of the invasion, calculating the best possible methods to create situations that would bring the best results.

Attacking the Margrave Eisen Lands during the first phase of the invasion proved that the enemy had studied the Kingdom extensively. Taking out threats before they could respond effectively and using the current state of affairs as an extra advantage. The young heir was aware that the land his family owned for centuries was a highly strategic location, alongside the Fortress City Marul. The capturing of those strategic lands was logical, efficient, and realistic.

The fact that they took us out by surprise would mean that their leaders are genius strategists. Enough for them to overwhelm even mom's plans.

Zedekiah knew his mother was not the type to be complacent with regards to defenses. Therefore, he knew his mother, Juvia, was preparing before it happened. Yet, despite her efforts, the enemy was greater than what a strategist like her could ever prepare from.

It's best I stay low and follow whatever our captors are preparing for us. Something tells me that we're outside the surrounding nations from the Amriel Kingdom. Probably using teleportation or instantaneous travel seals to be out of reach for deportation. They're smart for creating a process like this.

The young man turned his eyes to his fellow captives.

He saw that they had hopeful eyes staring at him, clasping their hands as if holding on to what they believed could help them. Looking at him as if he was their chance for freedom.

Being the heir and current line of a family of swordsmen, Zedekiah Van Eisen vowed that they would be free.

Until then, I need to be stronger.

Clenching his hands, a surge of power flowed through his body. A reminiscent of what he had felt during his battle against the enemy commander, Heinrich Abednego.

There, a Master Swordsman, a descendant of the Sword Saint, was willing to do what needed to be done.

XXX

Frozen North. A few hours later.

The sun was high and clear. Its shining rays blessed the winter stricken earth. Its noonday brightness was seen as a sign that the day was at its greatest.

A pair of individuals, Rosetta and Samuel, walked under the shining rays of the sun. Although the cold prevented them from feeling its warmth, they were grateful that they had light to use.

It has been a few hours since the first training session began, Rosetta could tell where they're going and would most likely hold where her second training session would take place.

The young girl walked behind her mentor in silence. The inner turmoil from earlier was still palpable, with the girl refusing to open up her past with her current teacher.

The man himself was also deep in thought. His gaze was placed firmly in front of him, creating an awkward silence as both individuals walked without uttering a word. The only sound they made was crushing the snow beneath their feet.

I hope I didn't make him angry.

With slumped shoulders, Rosetta followed the man. Her heart beat ached her chest the things that happened earlier. Her legs were still worn out from the earlier training session.

The red-haired girl hoped she didn't offend her mentor in any way.

With the silence becoming too unbearable for the girl, she began to open her mouth. Mustering enough courage to speak despite the uncertainty of the man's current state.

"Samuel. Look, I know what I've said earlier was rude, and it probably hurt you, but I'm sorry. I'm sorry about that. But, I can't tell you about it. It's something I'm not comfortable sharing with you."

The black-haired stopped in his tracks, as though the words she had uttered had an effect. So much so, Rosetta was caught off guard by the sudden action.

Samuel turned to the girl, his calm demeanor still the same. Yet, she could feel there was something underneath it.

"I understand that it may be related to your past, Rosetta. I also apologize that I may have been prying too much. However, I want you to know that whatever that had happened before, you must stand strong. It is not enough for you to handle it alone. I can tell you are still struggling with what has happened. How much, I don't know. But, if the time comes when you are willing to share about it, you are free to do so. I am not expecting you to do so immediately."

"...Thank you, Samuel."

The black-haired man nodded and turned towards the direction of where they were supposed to go for the second training session.

The calm reassurance that her mentor gave was something that was so powerful, yet, at the same time, was natural for him. His presence alone can give peace.

Although Rosetta had met the man in just a day, she could see he had that strange aura that he could be trusted in such a short time. The way he acts and speaks is proof of that.

What kind of man is Samuel?

There were questions the girl wanted to ask, but she refrained herself. Not wanting to pry too much, otherwise she would be just like him earlier.

The young girl followed until they reached a snow-filled forest.

The forest itself had its branches filled with snow, making it look like a sea of white and brown. The trunks looked firm and immovable, and she could see that there was something hiding behind the grove of trees.

As she was about to ask, the man continued to walk into the forest. As if he already knew what was already there in the first place.

Is that where we're going to have our training next?

It wasn't like she was afraid of the training itself. It was more of having a gut feeling that what lies inside the forest is dangerous than what meets the eye.

After some hesitation, and seeing Samuel go deeper in the forest, she decided to go after her mentor. Not wanting to be left behind.

As she followed the man, the churning pain her stomach was experiencing intensified.

It's like that morning before the invasion.

Her memory of that time flashed in her eyes. Yet, it felt it wasn't as different as what she was experiencing now.

No, no. I have to trust Samuel for this. He knows what he's doing. …Right?

She turned towards her surroundings, trying to make sense of her mentor's intentions as to why they had to be in a forest.

Rosetta had a feeling that things may go way differently than the first training session did.

"We're here."

The young girl heard Samuel's distinctive calm voice. That same voice that pierced through all doubts.

As she stopped, she noticed that they were on a clearing. It was surrounded by trees, and it was as if there was no way out.

However, it wasn't that that caught her attention.

"Is that my sword?"

Rosetta stared at the metal object at Samuel's feet. Immediately recognized that it was her sword on the ground covered by snow.

How did it get here?

She remembered that she left it behind as she ran away from the enemy soldiers.

To see it here in the forest in the Frozen North of all places brought a strange suspicion in her mind.

However, she needed to confirm if it was actually her sword. Because she knows that the sword given by Juvia was special.

Rosetta approached the sword near Samuel, with the man taking a few steps away to give her space.

Wiping away the snow from the blade using her feet, she saw familiar engravings on the sword. The same symbols that her stepmother showed her before she and Zedekiah fought against the soldiers during the night of the invasion.

Just seeing it brought a tear to her eye. Not expecting it to be so close in a region where she didn't think she would be in. Even an object she never thought she would see again.

Mom…

A blue-haired woman flashed in her mind. Her usual nonchalant attitude, direct, and yet, underneath all of that, was a mother that raised both her and her older brother.

The young girl picked up the blade with its handle. Its familiar weight, coupled with the seals engraved on the sword, filled her mind with memories.

Although this sword may not be the same blade she had used during the brief training she had with Zedekiah hours before the invasion, she couldn't deny it was the sword that was given by Juvia.

One of the seals shone slightly. Her name was visible on the blade as it blended well with the color of the sword. Now, knowing that it is the same weapon that was given and forsaken under the same night, it has now returned to her hand.

Rosetta drew her breath. Swinging her sword from the left, creating a "swoosh" sound. Then, she turned it to an upward swing as it reached the empty air until she held it properly as a swordswoman would normally do.

Seeing how naturally it felt, the young girl was surprised at how she was able to do it.

To be able to use it like I've done this a million times, it's like the sparring match all over again.

She remembered that at that time, she was focused on trying to beat her brother. Never realizing the level of skill that she had used during the sparring match.

After all that she had discovered through Samuel's perspective, this might have been one of the many secrets her body holds.

Not even that. It was because of him that she was able to recognize the strengths she has. Not even herself would've thought it was possible to be this skillful despite the fact that she barely even trained at all.

If only I had thought of training before the night of the invasion.

Rosetta could imagine herself being able to fend off the soldiers better if she had trained. If possible, she could've fought alongside her brother in fighting the enemy commander, and things would have gone differently if it actually did happen.

She wanted to change all of that.

"I see that you have a natural talent with the sword, Rosetta."

The young girl turned to her mentor. His overly calm expression was still visible, his eyes laid firmly upon her form as she held her blade.

"...It's nothing much, Samuel. It's nothing like my brother who could use a sword a lot better than I do."

"Is that so? Are you doubting your own capabilities, Rosetta?"

"No, it's just that he's my brother. Of course, he has better swordsmanship than I do. I'm just his sister who focused on noble training, that's all."

"..."

Samuel seemed to be not convinced by her reasoning. She could hardly tell what he is feeling right now.

"Anyways, Samuel. Let's get to training! Yes, training!"

Rosetta did not want to be in that same position as earlier when asking about her past. She decided it would be best to do the training now and be moody about her past later, when she has time to be alone.

For a moment, the black-haired man doesn't seem to respond. But, a second later, he nodded. Bringing a sense of relief to the otherwise anxious girl who has no intention of bringing up her past.

"Very well. For this part of your training, you will be practicing sword swings."

The young girl nodded, remembering how her stepmother mentioned sword swings prior to the training with her brother.

Although she knew how to use a sword and how to use it effectively while swinging it, she felt that there's a catch in Samuel's training.

"Is there a set amount on how much I can swing, Samuel? I know that my brother and several guards I saw do it. So, is it any different from what they do?"

"It will be slightly different. Specifically, this is also another part where the Northern Tribes' had undergone training alongside the running you have done earlier. Since the sword that you have now has seals on it, and I can see the Weight Increase Seal engraved on the sword, how much weight can you handle?"

"Um, around 181 and half kilograms."

"You have impressive strength, Rosetta. You're strong enough to lift a tiger, especially with how you look in contrast to some who had difficulty carrying it despite the differences in body build."

The young girl had a flustered look on her face. His compliment didn't have to be obvious. She knew about her strength feats. Considering the fact that she had killed a tiger on her own with one punch.

But for the man to say it to her without knowing the exact context that she actually lifted a tiger was a bit embarrassing for her.

Then, Samuel continued.

"Now that I know how much weight you are able to, set the sword weight to 180 kilograms."

"Okay."

Rosetta remembered the words of her brother about the capabilities of the Weight Increase Seal and how it can be used by thinking of the weight of the sword.

As she did so, the weight of the sword became heavier. Not as heavy as the tiger she killed, but it has enough weight to actually feel it in her hands.

"I've set the weight now, Samuel. So, what's next?"

"I was getting to that, Rosetta. Now, swing the sword at a downward angle with all your might and as fast as you can. Do it sixty times with the same speed and strength each."

Rosetta nodded. Focusing on what he said about swinging the sword at her best.

The red-haired girl swung with all her might and used it as fast as she could. Creating a "swoosh" sound as each swing she made.

After swinging the sword sixty times, she was done. She felt a slight ache in her arms after she did so.

I never thought that swinging would be hard. It's like that running all over again.

Considering that the weight itself was 180 kilograms, she was surprised she had managed to do sixty swings at once.

She turned her eyes to her mentor, who was watching her from afar. His eyes were affixed at how she was doing.

"You did a good job, Rosetta. Now, rest for a minute. After that, repeat the sixty swings again with the same strength and speed you did earlier."

Rosetta stared at her mentor as if he had said a bad joke. Nonetheless, she did what he said and repeated the sixty swings again after a minute of rest.

After doing the same sixty swings again, she felt her arms becoming heavier. As if she couldn't move it again, and it was becoming a struggle to even hold the handle of the sword. And she was panting after all of those swings.

"Good, you did a great job. Take a minute to rest. After that, repeat what you did."

"Again?!"

"Yes, again. We'll do it until you can no longer do so."

Rosetta wanted to complain to him that it was hard. She wanted to tell him that it wasn't worth it. She had every reason to say what they're doing was too much for her.

Yet, memories of the night of the invasion came to her mind. Her brother, who was stronger, fought someone with such speed and strength, and she remembered that brother was also trained with swinging a heavier sword. She thought of the things he mentioned that it took him to get the level he was on.

The red-haired girl wanted to get stronger, and she couldn't complain now. This was the opportunity for her to get stronger.

With that in mind, Rosetta regained her second wind and began swinging the sword after a minute had passed away.

She swung her sword with great strength and with great speed. Yet with every swing, she could feel her arms getting heavier. She could feel she was getting weaker and the speed sluggish as she struggled to swing after swing.

25… 26… 27…

As she made near the halfway point, the weight was becoming more and more unbearable. So much so that she was no longer able to maintain the same pace as she did early on.

However, she did not want to end it until she was no longer able to. Stretching herself to her absolute limit.

37… 38… 39…

As she reached the 40th swing, her arms gave up, and her sword fell from her hands. Thus, Rosetta Van Eisen was done.

The young girl was out of breath. She was so tired, she couldn't even carry her own arms. All of the repetitive swings had exhausted all that she had, more so than the running from earlier.

Is this how Zed trained to be a swordsman? Is this also how he had gotten so strong?

She could imagine her brother doing it every morning since that's what she heard about in the morning before everything changed. She could see him experiencing the same thing as she does now.

But to do it on a daily basis for two years is what surprised Rosetta the most. Meaning he had been swinging his sword and increasing the weight during his secret training on a scale she could only imagine.

The red-haired girl realized that her brother had done it so consistently that there was no wonder he was able to fight so well. He had gotten used to holding the sword and swinging it so many times before that he was familiar with it.

From someone who could barely hold a sword to someone who can beat her in a prolonged sword battle, Rosetta could only give respect to her brother, who had done so much in just two years.

Then, she heard the voice of her mentor. Piercing through her ears with his ever calm voice.

"You did a great job so far, Rosetta. You've done three repetitions, which makes it a total of 160 swings, a good record for someone who had just training."

"But… I wasn't able to… reach the 60th swing on the third one…"

"That's alright, you have done what you can, so take a rest now, Rosetta. From the way you speak, you are too exhausted to even move right now. But that doesn't mean our training is over. We still have the third and last session of the training of the day."

"I see…"

Rosetta fell on her back on the snowy ground. Reeling from the effects of the two training sessions that wore out both of her legs and arms. It was great enough that she could barely have any sense of moving them that didn't hurt so much. Any slight movements she could make felt awkward for her.

She wanted to sleep to make the pain go away, but the thought of another third training session had kept her awake. The horror of it being harder than the first two sessions kept her mind racing.

Yet, she didn't want to give up now since this was only the first day of her training. Especially when she has a long way to go to be a swordswoman who can fight the enemy commander who defeated her older brother.

"How did I do well, Samuel? You said that the Northern Tribes' were also trained in this like the first training session. I was wondering if I was able to work well enough."

"You did well, Rosetta. It is true that the Northern Tribes' trainees had undergone a similar training that you have now. As for your progress compared to them, especially swinging a sword repetitively, you're on the same level as them, about 160 swings."

The young girl looked at the man, never expecting the answer he had given to her. Especially when, earlier, he had mentioned that she had better endurance than the Northern Tribes' trainees in running.

But to have her on the same level as them when swinging the sword was something she did not expect to be.

"How?"

"There's a difference between arm strength and leg strength. You could be physically strong with your arms and be slow on your feet. You could be fast on your feet, but you can be weak to carry barely anything in your hands. The purpose of the Northern Tribes' training methods is to balance out the two, making physical strength and speed equal to create an overwhelming force. Especially considering that there are times where those who are strong physically but are slow enough to not be able to catch their faster but physically weak counterparts. As such, the two training methods were designed to align both aspects in making a warrior."

With the explanation given by Samuel, Rosetta understood why she had to undergo such training sessions.

Not only that, it made sense why it has to be that way. Considering the fact that she had seen both her brother and the enemy commander fight with overwhelming strength and speed. Creating a battle where skills and strategy are the only factors that could turn the tide between life and death.

Now, knowing the purpose of the first two training sessions, she wondered what the third training session would be like.

Currently, she was still struggling to adjust to the first two training sessions, and having a third one with a different purpose would make it a nightmare to pass through a day's worth of training.

However, she knew it would only make her stronger. Rosetta was aware that it's worth the struggle to be on a level higher than her brother and fight against the man who defeated him.

How strong the enemy commander was, she doesn't know. What she does know is that he must've been a monster of a man who could shatter enchanted walls with one punch, send gates made of pure steel flying, and be skilled enough to overwhelm Zedekiah using one arm in a deadly swordfight.

This was her goal, to surpass the man who had created so much pain and destruction in her life.

On the current level she was in, she wasn't able to fight him much less stand in that man's presence. His aura exuded an air of invincibility, a monster in human flesh if you will.

There were questions as to how a man like him would lead a company of soldiers, but she guessed he must've had leadership qualities to have someone like him be their commander. The thought of him having all of these special abilities was something that she couldn't ignore. Especially when he seemed to be a bloodthirsty man.

Then, there was Samuel. Her mentor. Who was a stark contrast to the man.

His calm and composed demeanor was different from the enemy commander's intimidating presence. The black-haired man seemed to be more refined and elegant in his movements, whereas the invader walked with pride and strength. The way her mentor talked brought peace in mind while the other brought fear to her mind and soul.

In every sense of the word, both of them are direct opposites of each other. At least that's what she noticed.

For now, in this present time, she has to focus on her training before thinking of anything else for her to compare with.

"How long do you think I should rest before we go to the third training session, Samuel? I know I'm new to this training, can you tell me so I could at least be aware of the time I should take."

"Considering it's a couple of hours before noon, it should be best that you will rest for an hour. The third training session will be held near my home. Therefore, take your time."

"I see… Then, how are we going to go back there? I think it took us a bit of time to get from there to here."

"You don't have to worry about it. I have my ways to get there in a second."

"Really? How?"

The man smiled at her response, as if he was getting ready for something.

Rosetta didn't know what to expect from the man, but she could trust him about how they'll get there.

"It's simple. We're already there."

"Wait, what?"

Before Rosetta could know what was happening, the environment suddenly changed.

All she knew was that they were in a clearing inside of a forest, and now, a second later, they were near the home where Samuel lived.

It had happened in a blink of an eye, and it felt like a dream more than anything. As if the travel from Samuel's home to where the first and second training sessions were held was as if it was nothing more than a figment of an imagination.

The transition from the forest to where Samuel lived had made the young girl more confused than anything else regarding what had happened so far in this day.

In the midst of the young girl's confusion, Samuel spoke as he began walking towards his home. His steps were audible as he walked through the snow-filled ground.

"I will leave you here outside for a little while as you rest, Rosetta. In the meantime, I'll get you something to eat and warm to drink. Is that alright with you?"

"...Huh?"

"Ah, I apologize for the confusion. It would seem that you're experiencing I.T.S. (Instantaneous Travel Sickness) where you are currently experiencing confusion and sudden transitioning from our last location to here. Don't worry, it will wear off in a minute."

"...Huh?"

"Oh… I'm so sorry, Rosetta. But I'll be back in a moment, just rest there and the effects will wear off… Please don't mind me."

"...Huh?"

With that, the black-haired man left the young girl. Leaving Rosetta alone outside under the effects of the I.T.S. as he walked back inside his home.