A/N: Sorry about the late update. I've been meaning to get the third chapter up, but I got caught up in college and some writer's block. Anyways, I'm glad to give you guys the new chapter. If you haven't checked my profile, I will be uploading new story pilots. Check out "Master of Shadows" once I upload it.

mineng101 - Thanks for telling me about those issues. They have been corrected. Anyone else who sees an error, please tell me so I can make corrections.

Enjoy.

Chapter 3

Areishia Academy Training Ground - 5 hours later

The sky was a bright blue with orange highlights among the clouds, signaling the evening. In the middle of the field, stood a teen leaning on his sword like a crutch. Sunlight adjacent the school's roof made the figure glisten from the sweat and steel.

Kamito let out a deep breath. "It's been awhile since I was able to practice like the old days."

'It'll be a while till my reserves replenish'

"What do you mean master?" A voice echoed from the blade.

"Well, since I attended this school, I've had to practice battle tactics as a team rather than solo. Back at the Instructional School and Greyworth's home, I had to rely only on myself and my weapon in combat."

"Yes, I understand. My previous master also fought on her own most of the time, even against King Solomon."

'I remember her from my visions in Est's mind. I think I'll ask Est more about her later.' "Overall, we did well for today." He grinned.

The duo decided to rest under a nearby tree. The shade combined with the gently breeze provided sweet relief from their recent activities. Kamito was pulled out of though when Est rested her head on his lap. Normally when Est is tired, she would revert back into her sword form, but at the moment, she lowered her spirit energy consumption below her recovery rate, keeping her human form in a hibernative state while slowly gaining back energy. Kamito didn't mind. In fact, he was happy that Est was trying to experience as much as life as possible. Being stuck as a sword for many years is never a way to live, He looked toward her drowsy face, her eyelids half open. Those slivers of violet always seemed to make things better. His eyes shifted to the sky as his mind drifted to other thoughts. He didn't notice that his hands began to stroke Est's white locks of hair and to twirl the ends around his fingers. Est smiled and snuggled comfortably more into his lap, taking in the moment of sweet bliss.

The mention of the previous hero had Kamito think about his current equipment and skills. At first, he and everyone else thought Est was a sacred sword, but she later revealed that she is actually a cursed sword, giving those who form a contract with her great strength, while she unconsciously feeds on them in exchange for this power. Kamito had already settled this risk with Est, declaring that she is well worth the consequences for their relationship. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the perspective, because of Kamito's mental barriers, his contract with Est is not at its peak. At the moment, Est is only at 10% of her true strength, so the strength she drains from him is also only at 10%. It occurred to him after the incident at the blade dance that if he was able to maintain control while manipulating the Demon King's energy, Est could feed off of that, preserving his original spirit energy. He wasn't sure if that would work, but until he could test it, he would have to focus more on self improvement.

Due both to his training in the Instructional School and further training in Blade Dancing under Greyworth, he has become an exceptional master in terms of swordsmanship; however, there will always be someone stronger. In regard to his fighting style, his original, and preferred, one is wielding two swords. He thought back at the time when he was Dual Wielding Est and Restia. He was able to easily defeat Rubia and Laevateinn, one of the most powerful flame spirits. Even though the Demon King Solomon could control 72 spirits at once, he wasn't trained to handle both high level swords at once. Dual Wielding them drained him of his energy so quickly that he was exhausted after the battle. At the moment, he would probably have to practice with Est and a regular short sword before he starts thinking about contracting new spirits. Even though he hated the Instructional school for trying to turn him into a weapon under their control, he would be lying if he said that their combat teachings were worthless. In addition, he would not have made it this far it it weren't for Greyworth's Absolute Blade Arts. She may be harsh, but she is a master in her own right. Greyworth had told him during his tutoring as Ren Ashbell:

'A true master is an eternal student.'

'Considering her age, she's been a student longer than she needs to be.' A smirk growing on his face.

"What is it Master? Why did you stop?" Est asked. The content smile was replaced tilting her head in confusion. As it turned out, during his entire thought process, he had been playing with Est's hair while also stroking and patting her head gently how she liked it. Est gave a slight frown at the current lack of affection.

"I was just thinking about Greyworth. It's nothing." He replied.

Est gave a little pought, gripping and leaning more onto Kamito. "You don't need that old lady…" 'I'm here.' Suddenly, an idea came into her head. "Can we go out to the town for the rest of the day?" Est sat up and looked at Kamito with her pleading violet eyes.

He was surprised at the sudden request and pondered for a few seconds.

'It has been a while since I've been there. Hopefully my performance at the Blade Dance changed public opinion of me. I might actually enjoy it this time.'

He looked her straight into her eyes and replied with a sincere smile. "For you, absolutely. we've earned it."

"Thank you Master." Est smiled brightly. She jumped onto Kamito wrapping her arms and legs onto Kamito's torso, swaying in joy and rubbing her cheeks against his. Caught off guard by her actions, they fell over in a somewhat compromising position. Kamito laid flat on his back, and Est was right on top of him, hands on his chest and face centimeters away from Kamito's. Both of them were pink in the face until they overheard someone yell out to them "How bold!" Kamito gave a calm breath to the situation.

'Some things never change.' he thought.

He looked at Est and said "Never change Est, Never change."

Est lightly hugged him replying, "Whatever you say Kamito. I'll always be there with you."

The duo eventually sat up, and Kamito helped Est to her feet.

"Come. I still have to take you to town." He reminded her.

In response, she hooked one arm around his, and they started their walk.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you did, please follow or review. See you guys next chapter.