Chapter 0.56 Naoko and Amelia

The last echoes of clashing steel had faded, leaving only the cold whisper of wind sweeping across the massive training arena. Dust settled. The audience had begun to shift, but **Naoko Roche** remained still—her silver eyes fixed on the center of the field, as if replaying the duel within her mind.

Beside her, **Amelia Amberhart** took a slow breath, her eyes narrowing.

**"What was that energy he used?"** she asked, her voice low, golden gaze tracing the fading sigils in the air where Jin had summoned his technique.

But Naoko did not answer.

Not aloud.

*Hollow Orbit…* she thought to herself, her mind quietly tracing the contours of the forbidden technique. *He activated the first seal of the Lunar Rings. Tch… reckless. Even if it was only at 30% capacity…*

Her silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, fluttering gently in the breeze like strands of woven light. She turned her head slowly—until her gaze met Amelia's.

And for a moment—just a moment—the air between them grew thick, like the tension of an oncoming storm. **Silver met gold.**

Naoko's gaze was unwavering, as piercing and cold as a blade. Amelia's fiery hair flickered slightly with the wind, her crimson strands dancing like flames licking the edge of defiance.

Then, finally—Naoko spoke. Her voice was calm, but beneath it lay something ancient. Something absolute.

**"I have no reason to tell you."**

A pause.

Then her tone shifted—still cold, but sharper now, deliberate.

**"But tell me—what do you think of him?"**

Amelia raised a brow, uncertain of the intent behind the question.

Naoko continued, her voice firm, steady as ever:

**"If he were to fight Rina... who would win?"**

Amelia tensed.

Naoko's expression remained unreadable.

**"They are nearly on the same level,"** she said, answering her own question. **"She could match him in long-range combat, certainly. Her mana control is elegant… I've seen the reports. She's talented. Your bloodline is not disappointing."**

A beat.

Then—like a verdict:

**"But physically? She's lacking. Her body is a mage's body, not a warrior's. I noticed the weakness the moment she stepped into the room. It's a flaw I intend to correct—"**

Her eyes narrowed, and her voice took on a finality that chilled the night:

**"—personally. Once she marries Jin, I'll train her myself."**

Amelia's golden eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous flashing within them.

**"She's not your tool to sharpen, Naoko."**

Naoko tilted her head faintly, silver eyes glinting with something that might have been amusement—or contempt.

**"She'll be my daughter-in-law. That's close enough."**

There was a silence then—thick and heavy, broken only by the distant sound of Jin and Leona speaking, laughing lightly as they began to sheath their swords.

Amelia's jaw tightened. "You're always so quick to shape things into weapons."

Naoko turned her back, beginning to walk.

**"Weapons survive."** Her voice drifted behind her like a shadow. **"Emotions don't."**

Amelia stared at her retreating form, heart pounding—not in fear, but in fury.