Chapter 35: Report
Lucia believed that overexerting ones body could lead to vulnerabilities during crucial moments.
Therefore, relentlessly pushing oneself like Shiron did was not her preferred approach, even before considering that it was impossible.
Training was good. However, taking breaks in between was equally important. The habit of always leaving room for the unexpected, which had become second nature, remained in her unchanged, even if her body did.
After a rigorous workout, the girls gathered at a pavilion set up near the practice well to relax and chat.
The topics werent anything extraordinary. Excluding her past life, Lucia had led a rather mundane life, farming potatoes in the fields. And Siriel was just a nine-year-old with no significant experience.
So, youre saying theres a huge ship floating in the sky? And its made of steel?
Occasionally, their conversations took such surprising turns. Siriel knew things that Lucia was unaware of. One could attribute such differences to their differing backgrounds and eras. Still, the vast discrepancy sometimes made Lucia suspicious.
Yeah, I tried it for the first time recently. You know, its massive, but its also incredibly fast? It took only two days to get near here from the capital. My grandfather said it might be even faster than a train.
Hard to believe. Ive heard that trains move at least twice as fast as running horses.
Lucia felt relief while her heart raced. She was fortunate that Siriel, a kind-hearted girl, informed her of these things beforehand. Anyone less kind might have ridiculed her for her ignorance.
Siriel continued speaking, amused by Lucias reaction.
So, Lucia, youve never been on a train? You said you were born and raised in the Helrun region. The distance from there to here is quite significant.
Well when my father came here, he carried me on his shoulders, running all the way.
Lucia replied with a bitter smile.
A surge of emotions overwhelmed her.
With flying ships and metal beasts roaming the land, Glen chose to race on foot till they got motion sickness. As much as Lucia hesitated to say it, her father, Glen, despite his appearance, was an uncultured, ignorant man.
Why would he do that? Carriages are available, right? Its inconvenient.
He might have been a bit frugal. Why bother using it when running is faster?
Weird.
Siriel laughed at Lucias joke, covering her mouth, while Lucia chuckled at her young friends innocent reaction.
Hmm.
Finishing her sentence, Siriel sipped her drink through a straw. The drink was a special treat for the delightful girl that was given by Encia. The tangy freshness of the lemonade revitalized them, causing Siriel to shiver slightly.
It would be great if you could also join on the airship.
Yes, it would.
Well probably part ways after the inheritance ceremony, right?
I wish today would never end.
Siriel, with her head hung low and fiddling with her fingers, looked quite lonely, resembling a lost puppy. Seeing this, Lucia felt a weight on her chest. Noticing Lucias emotions, Siriel straightened up, shaking off the sadness.
Im sorry. I shouldnt have been so melancholic.
She tried to keep smiling as she looked at Lucia. She wished all the memories with her new friend were happy ones. However, Lucia couldnt help but notice the unease in her friends smile, which made her heart ache.
Doesnt she feel sad too?
It had only been three days since Lucia met Siriel, but it seemed enough for a bond of friendship to form. Lucia had grown quite fond of the version of Siriel she had seen.
Thus, Lucia found herself feeling regretful about the impending departure.
Such a lovely girl.
Despite her young age, Siriel was mature. She never acted pompous despite being from a noble family and was always polite. The way she expressed gratitude even for a lemonade moved Lucia.
My first friend in this life
Before coming here, Lucia had met peers of a similar age, but they acted more like animals driven by instinct. There was always a barrier due to their differing mental ages.
But Siriel was different. Why?
The reason soon became clear.
They connected and enjoyed similar things.
Being together made them happy.
In the face of fluffy and refreshing feelings, walls easily crumbled.
Age seemed trivial. Seeing the saddened Siriel, Lucia felt a pang of empathy and sorrow.
Siriel.
Lucia took Siriels hand. Having been outside for long, the hand felt cold and a bit rough.
Uh, yes?
Someday, Ill definitely visit you in the capital!
Dont forget me until then. Promise.
Lucia!
The two girls embraced each other tightly, making a promise without any certainty.
It was a little later when Lucia was summoned by Hugo.
Great! Well be living together from now on!
Yes, truly Im happy.
Siriel smiled weakly, but Lucias face turned bright red. She only realized later how embarrassed she felt.
Why did she act that way? Even Lucia didnt know. But she was well aware of the embarrassment she felt now.
Bang-
Bang- Bang-
That night,
Lucia slept covered in a rough blanket instead of a quilt.
Makal Mountain Range.
A massive belt that separated the magic realms from the non-magical.
With the piercing magical energy and the constant influx of magical beasts, this place felt closer to a magical realm than a human dwelling.
Berta had never been to the magic realm, but she thought that if it were this place, it would give the magic realm a run for its money.
Lately, she had noticed many unfamiliar magical beasts. Even though she was just retracing her steps from the castle to the lake, many more magical beasts attacked her than before.
Thud-
Ugh Kheuk.
The magical beast she just slew was also unfamiliar. It wasnt even listed in the guide or the bestiary she received during her apprenticeship. Its movements were so confusing that it was hard to judge.
Damn it. Why does it roll even with legs?
Berta spat blood and rubbed her swollen wrist. She wouldnt have struggled this much if she had been in better shape.
Crack-
That monster-like old man.
Bertas molars cried out in pain.
The old man, Johan, had beaten Berta to a pulp. She had thought he wouldnt leave an injured patient alone, but he did. This never happened, even in the Special Forces. Looking back, the Special Forces seemed quite humane by comparison.
Focus.
Even as she caught her breath, her legs didnt rest.
She couldnt show weakness. As the bestiary mentioned, magical beasts were always hungry and attacked without hesitation if they sensed prey.
Thump-
Something fell from above. Yet another unfamiliar magical beast. It looked grotesque, like an ugly bat. The bat, already an eerie creature, seemed even more hideous with this description.
Swoosh
Berta channeled energy into her sword. A blue aura danced around, forming a brilliant flame-like shape.
She cleared her mind. She wondered how this creature would attack. Only the thought of how to defeat the beast before her filled Bertas mind. Unsure of its movements and tactics, all she could do was stay alert.
Screech!
Its mouth opened, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
Clang!
Her energy-coated blade was bitten, but there was no injury inside the beasts mouth. Her main weapon was sealed. But the beasts only way of attacking was its tough jaw. Berta had many tricks up her sleeve.
Pop!
A powerful kick landed on its belly, and the impacted area burst open.
Whew.
After several more battles, Berta finally returned to her destination. The sight she was greeted with was a solitary castle. Has her hard work finally paid off?
Could it be the relief that it was over that made her eyes moisten?
Tears of pride streamed down her face, tears that werent shameful to show anyone.
However, her tear ducts dried up in an instant.
Due to the young master who came to greet the worn-out Berta.
Where have you been?
Well
She bit her lip in the face of a more challenging opponent than the magical beasts. However, words she didnt expect came from Shirons mouth.
Do you know how worried I was?
Pardon?
Berta was taken aback.
For a moment, she wondered if she had misheard. Kind words from him?
Really?
Why would I lie to you?
At those words, Berta ran to him like a dog. Her nose was stuffy from all the hardships of the day. Overwhelmed by emotion, Berta hugged Shiron tightly.
Master. I I almost died.
I see. You must have had a hard time. But
Yes?
Berta wept in Shirons embrace, but he didnt wipe away her tears. Instead, he handed her a pen and paper.
Whats this for?
You have to work. Forgot to write the report?
Hurry up, my arms getting tired.
Can I rest a bit? I feel like Im about to pass out
Then write while resting. You can do it, right?
Yes, I can.
Good. Lets do well.
Berta naturally nodded. It felt like arguing would only lead to more trouble.
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