PART 7 :-
CONTROLLING THE AURA
MC perspective :-
I was meditating at that time when I sensed something. I felt a source of energy—an aura—around my body.
"It looks like you're able to control your Aura now," Juha said to me.
I had only been meditating for the past few days inside a circle created by Juha. He said that within this circle, the laws of time and science wouldn't apply to me, so I could take as much time as needed to master it.
At first, I didn't believe him. But it actually happened, which is crazy—like a man who can control time.
"Now that you're able to control it, shall we proceed to the next stage?"
"Yeah, I've been waiting for this," I said with excitement.
"Now, use your Aura while thinking about fire."
I tried to gather my Aura in my hand and summon fire. But my hand didn't burn, and I didn't feel any pain.
"Now throw that fire toward me."
I aimed at him and threw a fiery punch, but it didn't go the way I wanted.
"Why is it so unstable and weak?"
"You're still at the beginning. You're not meditating right now. After a few days of training, you'll be able to control it properly."
"So I just have to try harder… Let's start again!" I shouted and tried once more.
"No, wait."
Suddenly, I felt weak and collapsed.
"You used too much Aura. That's why you're weak."
"What?!"
"Now rest for some time."
[While resting]
"Hey, Juha… do you ever hate anyone?"
"Yeah."
"Then how do you face it or erase that hate?"
"They're not alive today, so it's pointless to hold onto it."
"So… hate goes away when the person dies?"
"It doesn't matter. Hate can exist no matter what happens to the person you hate."
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Well, I was thinking about how to erase the hate inside people. And I found out that killing them isn't a solution. So… there's only one thing left."
"And what is it?"
"You can only erase someone's hate for you… by loving them."
"Ha… ha… ha… that's a good one. You've really surprised me many times. But you don't understand everyone's mind—maybe there are other ways too."
"I don't know much about you either. Is everything Mini and the others said about you true?"
"Why do you want to know that?"
"I'm just curious. A legendary figure like you wants to train me… but why?"
"I'll answer everything when the time comes."
"Hey, tell me—are you really immortal?"
"No, not exactly. Not immortal—my aging is just slower than others. But it's true, I've slain a god and watched many generations live and die."
"Whoa… you may act like a joker, but you're really strong."
He hit me again.
"I'm not here to talk about myself. Focus on your training, or I'll punish you very hard.
"Hey, you know what? Bond got a master as well."
"Is that so? Does he like it? How is he?"
"Well, he didn't tell me much, but the first time he mentioned it, he was really happy. But after the first day, he complained that his teacher mostly makes him work in his shop."
"Do you know him as well?"
"Oh… yeah. He's the one who saved us in the market from public humiliation. I can tell that guy is strong too. I guess it's good for Bond. Now he doesn't have to depend on me so much."
"Then that's good for both of you. Rest time is over—focus on your training again."
"By the way, what's the status of your mounting training?"
"That? Neither Bond nor I have any problems. We spent most of our time in the forest when we lived in Joyful, so it's not hard for us to communicate with animals."
"Well done."
I resumed my training, trying other elements like air, water, and electricity—just like I did with fire.
...….
PART 8 :-
BOND AND HIS ARGUMENTS
Bond perspective :-
[In the market of Memphis]
I was getting more and more frustrated doing this work. He made me work in the shop more than he actually trained me.
"Oh… you finished that? Very good."
"I'm not here to do your useless shop work."
"Sorry, I didn't hear you correctly. Your tone makes it sound like you're insulting my shop."
"I am insulting your shop. Most of the time, I'm stuck working here."
"And I pay you for that."
"If I worked somewhere else, I could earn ten times more. I came here for training—not to be your personal helper."
"I train you for free, and you still complain when I ask for a little help?" he said, his voice turning cold.
"A little help?" I snapped. "This is all I've been doing! Do you even train me properly?"
"And the proof is that you were able to control your Aura just by following my instructions in a few days—and yet you question my teaching. No one has ever disrespected me like this before."
"So noisy here…"
"What are you doing here?"
I turned and saw Dex. It was surprising to see him here.
"That's none of your business."
"Oh… I remember you," he said with a smirk. "So, what was your reaction after realizing my prank?"
"The only thing I realized," I replied coldly, "is that you're a certified liar. Even that mark of yours is a lie."
"Ha… ha… ha… but look at you—you've grown. You're much better than before. You're not hanging around with those fake friends anymore… and now you can even accept him as a friend."
"What?! Friends with Dex? Are you kidding me?! We're just comrades—nothing more."
I immediately objected to his words.
"You're comrades… but not friends? How surprising," he said, almost amused.
"It's not like I want to be friends with you either," Dex shot back. "Don't forget—if I hadn't helped you that time, how would you have handled that situation?"
"What did you say?!"
We glared at each other, like we were about to snap at any second.
"Kids these days… such tempers, such fragile egos," he said with a disappointed sigh.
"Now, now… easy, you two."
He handed both of us a heavy box and said,
"Deliver this to the address written here."
"Why should I? And this thing is heavy."
"It's punishment for not respecting your Shisho. And every student should follow their teacher's orders without questioning them."
"I understand for him—but why me?" Dex asked, clearly confused.
"Oh… right… ah, you can call it repayment for what I did for you."
"I don't remember you helping me at all."
"Don't you? What if I had actually burned your hand—or left a permanent mark? What would you have done then?" he said with a smirk. "Be grateful for my kindness, kid—and repay it."
"What kind of logic is that?! It doesn't even make sense!"
Dex looked both confused and irritated.
"Don't look for logic or reasons when helping someone—just do it. No more questions. I have other work to do now, so get lost."
"This is all because of you," Dex muttered. "I only came here to buy some materials, and now I have to carry this heavy box."
"Like I'm walking empty-handed," I shot back.
We continued arguing as we walked away, while Sagurd shouted from behind—
"If anything inside that box breaks, you both will pay me double. Remember that!"
...….
PART 9 :-
PROBLEM COMES BETWEEN A MOMENT
Minidra perspective :-
[In the market of Memphis at night]
It felt strangely boring tonight, despite the crowd. There were so many people around, yet I couldn't shake off this uneasy feeling—like someone might approach me with bad intentions.
"You don't have to worry, my lady," Iras said calmly. "I'm here to protect you from any trouble."
"Thank you, Iras. It's easier when you're around."
Iras is amazing. She's my personal attendant, but she's also strong and intelligent. She guides me in everything.
…Wait. Is that Bright? I can feel his presence—but where is he? What is he doing here at this hour?
Oh… I want to see him.
I want to talk to him.
...….
Iras perspective :-
"Where is my lady going? Why is she heading toward that boy…? This is unusual."
"Wait, my lady—you need to slow down, or you might fall!"
It seemed she didn't hear a single word I said.
"Hey, Bright! It's surprising to see you in the market at this hour."
"Mini?! I'm surprised to see you here too."
"Sir, please don't address my lady so casually. She is a princess."
"It's okay, Iras. He's my friend."
What…? My lady is friends with a boy?
"Ah… who is she, Mini?" Bright asked.
"Oh! Sorry for the late introduction. This is Iras—my personal bodyguard and a master who serves under my clan. And Iras, this is Bright, my friend from the academy. We're in the same group. He's also a disciple of Chiron."
"You mean the God Slayer Chiron!!?"
"Yeah," That boy answered.
It's quite surprising that a legendary figure like him chose that boy as his student. He must be carrying something far heavier than others.
…Wait. His name is Bright. Is he the curse Joyful?
"What are you doing here, Bright?"
"I came here for dinner. Juha ate my entire meal, saying I made it too tasty today."
"You must be hungry then. Do you know any good restaurants around here?"
"No. Most of the time, I eat homemade food."
"Then I'll take you to a good restaurant."
"No, no—you don't have to trouble yourself. You have your own work."
"It's not a problem. I'm here for some errands, and I've already finished them."
"Then… why don't you join me for dinner?"
"Can I…?" she asked, her voice slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah, of course. We're friends, after all."
…Is it really what it looks like? Is my lady… in love?
If not, then why did she accept his invitation, even though she has already had dinner?
"Alright then, we'll join you."
"Ah… my lady, I'm sorry. I can't join you. I still have some work left. You both enjoy your time."
My lady grabbed my arm and whispered into my ear—
"Why are you leaving me now?"
"I can't come between you two," I replied softly.
"Let me not interrupt your first date."
"It's not a date!" she said, blushing.
"Oh… my lady, enjoy your 'not a date.' Leave everything else to me—I'll handle the rest."
I stepped back, watching them.
I don't understand why my lady chose that cursed boy… but if a woman—especially the Princess of Scribes—feels safe around him, then he must be a good person.
Still… there's one thing I can't ignore. Why does he resemble Madam so much?
...….
MC perspective :-
Oohh… I am so hungry right now. He always eats my meal. Next time I will put too much chilli powder in my meal, so he can have a great lesson.
Now I have to eat something. But I don't know where to go.
"Hey Bright. What are you doing in the market at this hour?"
Is it the effect of the moonlight? Because she looks really cute.
"Then why not join me for dinner?"
Oohh no… what am I saying? She is the princess.
"Okay then, we will join you."
Yeah, she agreed.
[With excitement inside.]
Wait!! Just the two of us?? It means a date. No no, what are you thinking, Bright! She is the princess, she is out of my league.
[While walking side by side with her]
I had to make sure she didn't feel bored or insecure around me. But is it okay to just go for dinner?
Ooh… I wish Bond were here. At least he could suggest something.
"Ahaa… is it okay if we look around the market before eating?"
"I don't mind."
Her face was red. Is she feeling hot? Well, today's temperature is high.
"Then how about that store?"
I randomly pointed toward a shop, and we both went there.
"Yes, how can I help you? We have a large collection of earrings and many other items as well."
Mini was looking at the earrings. Should I buy something for her? Thanks to Juha, he gave me some extra money.
"Can you show me that, please?"
Mini asked him to show a pair of teardrop earrings.
"It's beautiful. Does it look good on me?"
I guess she likes it.
"I don't know much about these things, but it doesn't matter what you wear—you look cute every time."
Oops… I shouldn't have said that. Her face turned red like a tomato. I guess I made her uncomfortable.
"Thank you," she said in a low voice.
"Ahaa… then I'll buy that for you."
"No, no, you don't have to."
"It's okay."
I bought the earrings for her. Then we visited a few more shops, and finally, we went to a restaurant for dinner.
While we were sitting there, we heard some noise coming from another restaurant.
"I am going to crush you all!"
What's going on? We both went outside and saw Erebus, surrounded by darkness. It looked like there was going to be trouble.
...….