0713MM: Hey guys! I welcome you to the 46th chapter of The Silver Valkyrie! I do not own Black Clover, nor its characters, nor the OCs that are used in this chapter. The OCs and spells used in this chapter belong to guardian of the aura Aurasoul and Warmachine375. Chapter start!^^
Chapter 46
"Alright listen up all of you, cause I won't be repeating myself!" Ren stood in front of all the Golden Dawn Magic Knights, arms crossed and a stern look on her face, while Fay sat on her shoulder with a light smile.
"Your Captain William Vangeance has been found and will be under recovery by one of my tribe healers. And until he makes a full recovery, I will be watching over your squad." She explained. "And while I am here, I will also be teaching you the Heart Kingdom's Mana Method, granted permission by Queen of Heart Lolopechka and ordered by Queen Acier Silva Clover. Most of you will be able to learn the method, but there will be those of you who will not be able to learn it. As such, I will also be teaching you all on your magic and mana. Which has no doubt changed, given your status of the recent incarnation of the elf souls that had inhabited a majority of your bodies. But know this now: I am a strict teacher and I tolerate no funny business! Arguments, fighting, disagreements, mockery, and insults are tossed out the window here. And if I witness it by any of you, there will be harsh punishment! Do I make myself clear to all of you!?" All the Golden Dawn (minus Yuno) shiver in fear and nod frantically.
"Y-Yes m-ma'am!"
"I never realized how scary Ren could be." Mimosa whispered with a gulp.
"Yeah…" Letoile whispered back in agreement.
"I think Yuno is twitching over there." Klaus muttered, glancing at Yuno.
"Yeah. Looking very smitten and ready to pounce her." David muttered lowly.
"David…!" Klaus hissed.
"What? It's true." David whispered back, lightly shrugging.
"Lunettes! Swallow! Got something to say?!" Ren barked.
"N-No ma'am!" The 2 yelled quickly.
"Uh huh." Ren glared with a frown.
"We don't! Honest!" David insisted. "Please, get to the training." Ren glared a while longer before scoffing.
"For your sake, I should hope not." She replied. "Now listen up! I'll be teaching you the basics of the Mana Method. But whether you'll be able to utilize and incorporate it into your magic will be entirely up to you! Are we clear?!" Once again, all of the Golden Dawn (minus Yuno) nodded frantically, not wanting to suffer Ren's wrath.
"Y-Yes m-ma'am!" Despite it initially the Golden Dawn, excluding Yuno, freaking out, one particular dark greenette Golden Dawn member, crossed his arms and scowled.
"Humph! I only listen to one person, and that's Captain Vangeance!" Klaus facepalmed at that.
"Not now Alecdora…!" Klaus groaned.
"Too late…" Letoile muttered.
"Until William has fully recovered, you'll be listening to my orders." Ren frowned. "That is confirmed by not only your Queen, but your Wizard King as well."
"...Just ignore Alecdora, Ren." Yuno remarked. "If he wants to talk back like the spoiled brat that he is, let him. It just means he won't be learning anything from this."
"Unfortunately I cannot allow that, Yuno. Acier and Julius expect me to train all of you in order to keep you alive." Ren frowned, the dark tone in her voice making everyone shudder. "As such, all of you are to be trained. Or else there will be punishment as I warned. Simple as that."
"In that case, we'll all aim to do our best!" Mimosa remarked, lightly smiling.
"I should expect nothing less from this squad." Ren stated simply. "And Alecdora, was it?" She snapped her fingers and everyone shrieked while Alecdora yelled to be suddenly pinned down by several Seraph Knights with her blades.
"Know this here and now. I am not as kind as your Captain. I am not above giving punishment for disobedience. Personally, I think he was too soft on you lot thanks to Patri, but I'm not as kind." Ren warned with a frown. "I expect you to take this training seriously. For it could very well save your life; same for the rest of you. The Dark Triad and their Dark Disciples have magic you can't begin to fathom. One wrong spell, one wrong move, and you will lose your life before you even realize it. Am I clear?"
"Urk…! Yes…!" Alecdora gnashed his teeth in anger. Ren snapped her fingers and the knights disappeared in sparkles of light as she crossed her arms again.
"Good. Now let us begin." She replied. "How many of you are familiar with the concept of Trap Magic and spells?" Several Golden Dawn members looked at each other, mumbling to themselves.
"I've heard of it." Mimosa spoke up after a few minutes. "And even read up on it before, but I've never seen it in action much. I just know that Trap Magic is mainly focused on absorbing an attack spell, then sending it back at the caster with its power doubled."
"That's actually one of the many capabilities of Trap Magic." Ren said. "Trap Magic, Sealing Magic, and even Forbidden Magic use what is known as Rune Array, which is a sequence of runes and shapes that serve as instructions for the magic used to make it commonly in the shape of a magic circle as its base. The more complicated the rune, the more time it takes to draw. The process time ranges depending on the skill of the mage. This also implies the Heart Kingdom's Mana Method." Ren opened her grimoire and gold Rune Array formed in front of her to their shock.
"The mages in the Heart Kingdom create these runes from the natural mana in their environment rather than their own magic like an ordinary magic circle would. But this process still requires the mage to have a large mana reserve." Ren explained. "Not only that, but the mage must possess good instincts and fast reflexes in order to create these runes."
"But wouldn't that mean only those with natural magic can use it? Like Fire and Water mages?" Letoile questioned.
"Not exactly. What humans don't realize is that some elements can actually be found within nature's constructs without realizing it." Ren explained. "For example: In the past none had ever thought Light Magic mages could be of nature. When in actuality light can be found through light rays. Whether they be of moonlight, sunlight, lights from flames, and so on. As such, it is possible to draw out natural light mana from nature itself." Ren released her runes before kneeling to the ground gently touching it. "Metals aren't exactly manmade as most think, but can actually be found in caves and minerals that have been crushed, condensed, pressed, and earthed by the forces of nature once you dig deep enough." She added, standing. "Elements of all kinds can be found within nature. You just need to know where to look."
"You're quite well versed." Klaus remarked.
"It's the territory of an elf." Ren stated, arms crossed. "We elves are loved by mana. For we are home within nature itself; the plains, forests, and open fields are our homes. The sky is our canopy, the sun and moon our lights, the plants from herbs for medicine to fruits and vegetables for food and furs for warmth, the streams and waters that purify us. To even the stones and earth that become the tools we craft for our daily lives. We pay respect to nature for its bountiful gifts and blessings along with the power it blesses us; that is how we are blessed and loved by the mana itself." Letoile, Klaus, Mimosa, David, and even Yuno, had their mouths open in surprise by Ren's explanation.
"Oh wow…!" Mimosa breathed after several seconds, recovering from Ren's speech in regards to Mana Method, in addition to natural mana. "That's amazing…!" Letoile, Klaus, David, and Yuno nodded in agreement to Mimosa's words, while Bell just smiled in slight satisfaction at the 5's reactions to Ren's words.
"Because of their location, the Heart Kingdom has been in close working with nature for centuries; it was how the foundation of the alliance between it and the Elysia Elf Tribe was established with the very first Queen of Hearts and what allowed them to create the Mana Method." Ren explained. "And once you achieve the peak of power of Mana Method, you'll be able to use True Magic, and maybe even Ultimate Magic just as we elves can."
"True and Ultimate Magic?" David breathed.
"True Magic is magic using the very element itself instead of the magic created element. For example, with True Lightning Magic, instead of creating lightning from your magic, you'd be using actual lightning for the spell." Ren explained. "While Ultimate Magic is the very epitome of the magic itself; the peak of power, the ultimate power of your magic that can only be achieved through very large quantities of mana, which can only be done by the elves. But with Mana Method, a human can achieve it."
"But didn't Koji say that it'd be hard for a human to learn it?" Yuno asked, remembering the meeting between Queens Acier, Evanora, and Lolopechka.
"It depends on the human really and the type of mage they are." Ren explained. "Not only that, but the Rune Array in the Mana Method to create the Ultimate Magic spells is very complex and difficult. I'll be honest, not even most of the Guardians in the Heart Kingdom are capable of utilizing it."
"The only one I can imagine being able to is Gadjah, and maybe even that Queen of Diamond." Fay remarked.
"Yes. It's as I said, it all depends on the individual." Ren said. "But for right now, I'm here to teach you the basics on Mana Method. As such, you'll all need to learn Rune Array in order to-"
"Ren Silvamillion Clover Ombra!" Ren blinked at the shout of her full name.
"The hell?" She questioned, looking up.
"It looks like Lady Acier came to visit." Yuno noted. "Hmm? Who's that woman next to her? She looks familiar, but…" Mimosa turned around and gaped.
"Mother?!" Mimosa breathed out.
"Erde?!" Ren blinked. The woman with Queen Acier had long silver hair that she braided back, wearing the blue robes of the Blue Rose Magic Knight squad over her dark evergreen adventure dress and white boots. She stood next to Queen Acier, a light smile present on her face as she and Queen Acier approached.
"Eh? That's your mom Mimosa? I can see the resemblance." David hummed.
"More importantly, Acier has a very big pout on her face. What did you do?" Fay questioned his master.
"What did I-? What do you mean what did I do?! Compared to a majority of the Magic Knights, I haven't done a darn thing!" Ren gaped at her spirit.
"It's my job to play matchmaker!" Queen Acier pouted. "You took that away from me in regards to William! No fair!"
"...Come again?" Ren blinked.
"You heard me! Using your healer!" Queen Acier pouted.
"Oh you mean Alina!" Ren spoke in realization.
"Yes, her!" Queen Acier pouted again.
"You set your healer up with our Captain?!" Klaus yelped.
"No I-..." Ren stopped herself with a blink. "...Well not intentionally."
"Pftt! "Not intentionally" she says." David laughed.
"Forget that for now." Mimosa remarked, turning back to her Mother. "How come you're here, Mother?"
"Besides my older sister practically dragging me out here?" Erde asked. "Because I wanted to see you. See if you've become stronger."
"Oh she will no doubt. I have high hopes with Mimosa learning Mana Method." Ren smiled.
"That's good to hear." Erde nodded, lightly smiling.
"And it's good to see you, Erde; it's been many years. I should've known you were Mimosa's mother." Ren remarked with an amused smile.
"You didn't know?" Erde asked, slightly surprised.
"I didn't really look too into it. Given the fact that, like you, she's my cousin too." Ren shrugged. "Plus the Vermillions and Silvas are a really branched out group of royals."
"True." Erde agreed. "And I'm happy to see you again as well Ren. Given that….uh…"incident" back then…" Queen Acier began to laugh lightly to herself, which got Erde's face to turn red as she gave a light glare at her older sister.
"It's not funny, Acier!" Erde groaned loudly.
"Especially when I know it was your idea back then, Acier." Ren smirked, making Queen Acier meep.
"H-Hey, can you blame me? I was around 12 years old at the time." Queen Acier retorted.
"Actually you were 9." Erde corrected. "I remember because I was 6 years old going on 7 at the time."
"And going into my stuff without permission." Ren added with a smirk.
"H-Hey!" Queen Acier pouted. "Curiosity got the better of me!"
"And you know the old saying, fledgling: Curiosity killed the cat." Ren smirked, Fay snickering.
"Oh don't change the subject!" Queen Acier pouted. "The fact is you took my matchmaking job!"
"Look in my defense, besides our head healer Alina is the only one I can think of who could put a handle on William's stubbornness." Ren shrugged with a smirk. "The fact she's his type was an added bonus."
"Aaaaahhhh!" Queen Acier cried out, while Erde sweatdropped.
"Sis, you've done plenty of matchmaking up to this point." Erde told her. "On myself included. Then you had to turn it into a competition between us to see who'd have more children in the fastest amount of time."
"Of course she did." Ren sighed. Mimosa felt her face heat up in embarrassment to her Mother's words.
"Okay, I really didn't need to hear that." Mimosa muttered. "That's just…I don't think I put it into words without sounding vulgar…"
"This coming from the woman who talks about my supposed sex life with Yuno so casually?" Ren questioned with a deadpanned expression. Mimosa meeped in response, realizing that Ren countered her words pretty well. Klaus and Letoile groaned, while David tried to stifle his laughter. Yuno on the other hand just bore an indifferent expression.
"You have no filter, Mimosa dear." Erde told her second child. "Though to be fair, you probably got that from me."
"Not to mention those two haven't done it yet." Fay muttered.
"Do I have to lock you up in the grimoire again?" Ren glared at Fay.
"Just saying." Fay shrugged. Ren sighed, rubbing her temple.
"Look Acier, if those two end up together, then you get dibs on helping to plan the wedding." She replied. At Ren's words, Queen Acier's initial pout vanished and became a bright smile.
"Really?" Queen Acier beamed. "You mean it?~"
"Yes I mean it." Ren nodded. "Now scat, I got to train these lumps. Something you asked me to do, remember?"
"Yes, I remember." Queen Acier remarked. "But that doesn't mean me and my sister can't watch, right?"
"You wanna watch me drill into these guys and scare them shitless?" Ren asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't you mean scar them?" Fay deadpanned.
"I'd rather not be scarred again, thank you." Erde sweatdropped. "I only let Acier drag me here because I haven't seen my dear sweet Mimosa in awhile."
"Either way, do what you wish. I want to get today's training done by sundown." Ren replied with a shrug.
"Very well Ren dear." Queen Acier smiled. "Well Erde, you have fun now!~ I have work to get back to!"
"Acier!" Erde called out to her older sister, but was ultimately ignored as Queen Acier flew off and back to the castle. "Dammit…! And she's still recovering… Why must she do her work when she's injured?"
"I'll be lecturing her later." Ren scowled, pinching the bridge of her nose before turning to the Golden Dawn. "The rest of you lot, we're resuming! Got it?!"
"Y-Yes Ren!" The Golden Dawn members (minus Yuno) meeped.
"Now I'll be teaching you all Rune Arrays, but whether or not you can use them to conduct and create your Mana Method will be entirely up to you as I said! No Rune is the same for any magic, even if they are the same type. They will be as unique as yourselves, the casters!" Ren told them. "Which means along with mana, instincts, and reflexes, your intellect will play a large part as well! If you understand that, then let's begin!"
"Now I see why she wanted to finish by sundown." Erde sweatdropped. All the Golden Dawn members were scattered about on the ground, exhausted after the training.
"Yeah. Ren knows how to train to the bone." Fay nodded.
"Ugh….. I can't…..go…anymore…!" Langris groaned.
"Have mercy…..!" David breathed out.
"I'll admit, you guys lasted longer than I thought." Ren remarked mildly.
"What do you…..mean by that…..?" Mimosa asked, still catching her breath.
"Usually ordinary mages wouldn't have lasted till sunset with my level of training." Ren shrugged. "Most often pass out by noon tops. Yet you all are conscious by sunset, not bad."
"Humph…" Alecdora grunted.
"Regardless, you all should go eat dinner and rest for the rest of the day. We'll resume training first thing tomorrow." Ren said.
"Very…..well….." Klaus panted. All the Golden Dawn stood up with groans sluggishly walking inside their base, Ren watching them with Erde as Fay sat on Ren's shoulder.
"What do you think?" Fay asked his master.
"Hmm…some can manage it but… There are a good portion who might not be able to within the time limit, even if we have a year." Ren frowned.
"Oh yeah, that's right." Erde hummed. "Queen Lolopechka said in her call with my sister that we all have a year to become stronger so we can take on Spade and the Dark Triad."
"But even a year isn't enough. It took even some of the Spirit Guardians in the Heart Kingdom a few years to learn Mana Method." Ren frowned. "Judging by skill, I can teach a good portion of the Golden Dawn mages here. But with the rest, I can only train them more with their mana." Erde hummed at Ren's words in regards to the Golden Dawn, while Fay put a hand to his face out of tiredness..
"I suppose that's all you can do." Fay sighed.
"Sadly." Ren sighed.
But whether or not it will be enough is the worst thing. I know the Dark Triad's capabilities well. And if we're not careful… Tch! Ren only groaned, rubbing her own face now out of tiredness.
"I need a vacation once all this is over." She muttered.
"Oh yes! A nice one with you and your little prince-! Ack!" Ren flicked Fay off her shoulder with a mild scowl.
"Pfft!" Erde laughed lightly.
"Glad you find this amusing." Ren deadpanned at Erde.
"I'm sorry, I can't help it." Erde admitted. "Still, it was nice to see you again, Ren. I should visit you more often. Either while you're here in Clover, or in Elysia."
"Well I'll be here for a year, either here or in the Silva Manor. So please do." Ren hummed. "Now I better go inside and make sure those kids don't end up falling asleep in the dining hall." Erde chuckled in regards to that.
"Ha. I'd stay, but I need to head back to the Blue Rose Knight base." Erde remarked.
"Say hi to Charlotte for me and wish her luck with her man." Ren smirked.
"Oh I did." Erde grinned. "But I'll tell her again anyway because I know it irks her."
"Haha!" Ren laughed.
"Alright, I'll be heading back now." Erde stretched for a minute or so before turning on her heel and beginning to walk off. Before she got too far, she stopped and turned around. "Oh, I've been getting trained by Valeria in regards to Mana Method, since our magic attributes are the same: Earth Magic." She shrugged. "Not exactly an important detail, just thought I'd say something about it in case you thought of teaching me how to do it."
"I see." Ren hummed.
If I had to recall the Blue Rose Knights, I can think of a good few people there who can learn Mana Method. While Ren was in her own thoughts, Erde gave a nod to the Elysia Elf Tribe Leader and another light smile before heading on her way back to her squad's base.
"Well better go inside. I can just bet half of them are asleep." Ren muttered, walking in the base.
As if on cue, when Ren got inside the Golden Dawn base and its dining hall, majority of the Golden Dawn were already asleep on the dining hall table. The only ones not sleeping were Yuno, Mimosa, Letoile, and Klaus.
"Yeah figures." Ren sweatdropped.
"I want to sleep… But food is more important…" Mimosa mumbled. Ren sighed, getting her communicator and dialing before it showed Noelle.
"Hey Noelle it's me." Ren said.
"Hey Ren." Noelle greeted. "What's up?"
"I'm gonna have to spend the night here at the Golden Dawn base. I trained a lot of them to exhaustion and I'll have to carry them to their rooms. By the time I'm done, it'll be very late." Ren sighed. "And I rather not wake you and Asta up when I come back to the manor."
"Ah, I see." Noelle hummed. "Alright, that's fine."
"Thanks. Sorry in advance." Ren replied. Noelle shook her head, lightly smiling.
"No no, it's fine." Noelle told Ren reassuringly. "You told me why you wouldn't be coming back to House Silva tonight in advance. Had you not called me to tell me, then we'd have a problem."
"Haha, fair enough." Ren chuckled. "Hopefully they'll do better tomorrow."
"And hopefully Yuno doesn't pounce tonight!" Fay added.
"Quiet you." Ren scowled.
"Pfft!" Noelle snickered.
"I'll talk to you later Noelle." Ren sighed.
"Alright Ren." Noelle remarked. "So I'll be saying goodnight to you. Since neither of us will hear from each other until tomorrow morning." She paused, then gaped softly as she recalled something. "Oh! Thought you should know that Licht is training Kane and Asta for the time being. Since you're not going to be here to train Asta in the basics of magic until further notice and all."
"But Asta hasn't recovered his mana yet. Is that a good idea?" Ren frowned.
"They're starting small, so it's fine.." Noelle replied. "Plus it's mostly just drawings and pictures so Asta will have a better idea on what spells he wants for his Star Magic when he has full access to the mana."
"Hmm true. Star Magic's biggest thing is creating shapes into weapons and such. So visual exercises will help Asta in the long run." Ren hummed. "Plus this will let Grandfather and Uncle bond too, so win-win."
"Mmhmm." Noelle hummed in agreement. "That's what I said. In fact, it was I who suggested this morning."
"Good call." Ren nodded.
"Thanks." Noelle smiled before she yawned. "Alright, I'm going to end it here. Goodnight Ren."
"Night Noelle." Ren replied, hanging up.
"Unn…" Letoile groaned, barely able to keep herself awake.
"Alright children." Ren replied, clapping her hands to form knights to pick up the members. "Bedtime for all of you. You'll just have a big breakfast tomorrow."
"Okay…" Mimosa mumbled, too tired to argue. Despite this, she was still clinging onto a muffin.
"Give me that." Ren sighed, taking the muffin while the knight carried Mimosa away. "I admire the tenacity, but she has to learn to give it a rest."
"She's stubborn and has no filter." Bell snickered. "What did you expect?"
"Fair enough." Ren hummed, eating the muffin. "Now better make sure they all get to their rooms. Bell mind leading the knight to Yuno's room for me?"
"Sure thing Ren." Bell nodded.
"Thanks, I'll take the rest of them." Ren replied, walking off with her knights following carrying a Golden Dawn mage each.
"Alright, here we are." Bell spoke after a few minutes. "I'll lead the rest of the knights to the rooms of the other Golden Dawn members, since I know where their rooms are here in this base."
"You actually bothered to know?" Fay asked, surprised. Bell looked over at Fay and rolled her eyes.
"Well yeah!" Bell retorted. "I might as well bother to know!"
"I'm just surprised. You never usually cared about these sorts of things, only always focusing on your masters." Fay remarked with an amused smile. "It's a nice change." Bell crossed her arms at that.
"Humph! I just didn't want to be like you anymore, that's all." Bell retorted. Fay only smirked as they watched Ren send another member to their room.
"You sure you can handle the rest, Bell?" Ren asked.
"I'm sure." Bell replied.
"Well alright, I'll leave them to you then." Ren said, walking off. Ren walked down the hall, checking the window, already seeing the night sky.
"Like I thought; already late." Ren hummed, before walking again. "I should find a spare room to sleep for the night."
"Or you could just sleep in Yuno's room with him." Fay suggested.
"Hush you." Ren deadpanned as she walked. "You just want me to get laid."
"Oh please like you wouldn't want to." Fay rolled his eyes. Ren was quick to shut Fay in her grimoire with a scowl as she walked, not noticing she was walking past Yuno's room. Just as she was about to pass by his room completely, Yuno quickly grabbed her and pulled her inside of his room before closing the door. Ren shrieked, finding herself pinned against the door by Yuno.
"Weren't you asleep?!" She yelped.
"Nope.~" Yuno snickered.
"So you were faking it?" She sweatdropped. Yuno smiled, cupping Ren's cheek much to her confusion.
"You have no idea how beautiful you were today." He smiled, which began to confuse Ren even more than she was already.
"Eh?" She blinked.
"The way you talked about how you're loved by the mana. Despite how stern you were, you had so much pride being part elf and being one with nature." He smiled. "You were breathtaking." She grew wide eyed, feeling herself blush by his words, looking away out of embarrassment.
"Y-You're exaggerating Yuno." She muttered.
"No I'm not." Yuno grinned. He picked her up, carrying her to the bed and placed her down before moving over her as she tried to hide her blushing face.
"And even the way you command the others so well and even putting Alecdora in his place." He smirked.
"Where's all this coming from all of a sudden?" She questioned.
"What do you mean?" Yuno asked.
"All these sudden compliments, it's not like you." She remarked.
"Do you want me to stop?" Yuno asked curiously. "Cause I will if you want me to."
"It's just surprising really." She mumbled. He smiled, rubbing her cheeks, making her close an eye.
"Understandable." Yuno told her. She leaned to his touch as he then leaned down gently kissing her forehead.
"But I meant it. Seeing you today was like falling in love with you all over again." He said. She couldn't help but blush, melting at his words.
"Yuno…" She whispered.
"It's true, Ren." Yuno smiled as he stroked her cheek. He nuzzled her neck, making her shudder as she gently slid her fingers down his back. He took her hand, kissing her wrist, making her shudder as he admired her blushing face, the magic stone proudly against her chest. "I'm glad I gave you the magic stone."
"Huh?" She blinked with a swallow.
"My magic stone." Yuno told her. "I'm glad I gave it to you in the end. It makes me happy that you're wearing it."
"Oh? Why is that?" She asked breathlessly.
"Because even if I'm not always with you physically, I'll be with you through the magic stone." Yuno replied before he lightly laughed. "I know I know, it's cheesy, but it's true."
"Heh not at all. I feel the same." She said with a gentle smile.
"You do?" Yuno asked curiously.
"Yes. This magic stone connects me to you, and I am grateful for that." She spoke, reaching to gently touch his cheek.
"You're welcome Ren." Yuno smiled. She smiled, gently holding his hand.
"I love you Yuno." She cooed softly.
"I love you too, Ren.~" Yuno replied. "Now then, let us go to sleep, yeah?"
"Sounds like a plan." Ren smiled.
"Good…~" Yuno hummed softly. He was about to fall asleep, but then he remembered something. "Oh, what were you talking to Noelle about earlier?"
"Oh I had to tell her about me staying here for the night since I knew for a fact it was gonna take me a while to get everyone to bed, and it would be pretty late if I went back to the Silva House. And I didnt want to wake the inhabitants there if I did." Ren explained.
"Ah. That makes sense." Yuno hummed to himself. "How's my Captain doing? I haven't seen him since I dropped him off at House Silva."
"Don't you worry, Alina is taking well care of William." Ren assured with a smile. "He's slowly regaining his weight, though mana reserves will take a while."
"I expected that." Yuno remarked. "The Captain does have a lot of mana." He put a hand to his chin. "Hmm… Normally I don't care about this, but I'm actually curious how the other squads are doing in regards to their own training for this."
"I'm sure they'll be fine." Ren yawned. "Given the fact who's training them and all. I'm more worried about the Diamond Kingdom mages in Elysia. If you thought I was a spartan, you should see Koji's training."
"Hoh?" Yuno wondered aloud, lightly grinning. "Maybe I should someday."
"Darling, I'd like for you to live long enough for you to court me." She scoffed.
"Haha, true." Yuno agreed. "I do need to do that at some point."
"Mmm…I'm curious how you'll go about it." She smiled softly, curling up against his chest.
"Mmm…Well, I have plenty of time to think of something." Yuno replied. She smiled dreamily as Yuno held her close, running his fingers through her hair.
"Mmm…" Yuno hummed again after a minute or so. "Perhaps we could give some of the other squads a visit tomorrow? You know, like maybe the Amber Phoenix or that squad the Ange, Auriel, is on? It's just a thought. Though if we were to do that, then Elf Fana would have to train the Golden Dawn in your place for a day."
"Hmm…Well I'm sure it would be a godsend to your squad." She snickered.
"I don't know about that." Yuno laughed. "Captain Vangeance might come back to the squad with some squad members hospitalized."
"Heh don't worry. I'll be sure to tell her to go easy on them." Ren giggled.
"You'll have to define "go easy on them"." Yuno laughed again. She laughed, nuzzling closer to him with a smile.
"Jehoel!" Friede shrieked, quickly going to hide; already sensing Ren's mana.
"I told you she was going to find out even after a few days with the Golden Dawn!" Friede hissed at her angel partner.
"Except I didn't do anything to you this time!" Jehoel hissed back. "And if trying to help you learn how to use Angel Power is a bad thing, then I'll simply stop."
"You know I need to learn, but you need to learn to control your temper, that's what got us in trouble in the first place!" Friede hissed back.
"Humph! Well she's not the boss of me!" Jehoel shot back.
"Do you just wanna make her mad?!" Friede snapped.
"You know I can hear you." The 2 shrieked, Friede quickly turning to see an unamused Ren staring at her before grabbing her chin and looked her over.
"Hmm you seem to be doing better, that's good." Ren remarked.
"Th-Thanks." Friede stuttered out.
"Well least Jehoel hasn't done anything stupid. Unlike before." Ren hummed, releasing Friede. "And I see the rest of your squad is training on Mana Method."
"They are, yes." Friede nodded. "Captain's elf counterpart and Valeria are doing that. I just came inside to take a break."
"Ah good, that's very good." Ren nodded. "It's very important to learn your limits and know when to take a breather when necessary. Your angel can learn something from you on that."
"Humph!" Jehoel grunted as her apparition appeared next to Friede. "You saying I don't have limits? Of course I do. It's Captain Fana that doesn't. She's been out there all day with the rest of the squad. Hasn't stopped at all since early morning. Bow, Dazu's husband Vide, and Dazu's mother-in-low Meshu, have had to do her paperwork in the meantime."
"It can't be helped. You guys need to be able to learn this by the end of the year if you can. Plus Fana naturally has more endurance than the rest of your squad, being an elf incarnation and partnered with a Spirit. Because of it, her mana reserves and physical endurance are much higher than the rest of you." Ren explained. "Besides, unlike them, Friede's body isn't as durable. Especially after what you did to it. Forcing your magic into her body will damage her body. Hence why those engraved marks on her body still haven't disappeared. That's why she would need some breaks compared to the others."
"Yes yes, I know that." Jehoel retorted. "I don't need you to tell me such things."
"Then don't ask questions or make remarks you already know the answer to." Ren smirked, making Jehoel scowl.
"Why are you really here anyway?" Jehoel asked. "Surely it's not as simple as you coming here to "check up on me and Friede"."
"I figured Yuno and I could check up on the other squads to see how their training is going." Ren shrugged. "Along with seeing how the other angel hosts are doing."
"Speaking of which, where is your boytoy?" Jehoel asked while snickering. "I don't see him here."
"B-Boytoy?!" Ren gaped, Fay laughing on her shoulder. "Ok you need some manners and language. As for where he is, he's outside speaking with Captain Fana. No doubt comparing notes as fellow Spirit mages."
"Hmm…yes. That does sound like him." Jehoel hummed before she grinned. "And no, I don't need to learn manners or language. I speak the truth when I said he's your boytoy. What else would he be to you, then?"
"Yuno and I haven't even had sex Jehoel." Ren sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"What?!" Friede and Jehoel gaped.
"Why is that so hard to believe for everyone?" Ren scowled.
"Because that's usually the next step in a romantic relationship after a few dates!" Jehoel retorted. "The fact that even my host Friede Rapual knows this is… Oh what's the word? Ah yes, embarrassing. For you, Ren."
"The fact of the matter is we haven't even gone on an official date if you must know." Ren frowned.
"You haven't?" Friede questioned.
"Do you honestly think we had the time? I've been helping Noelle and Asta in the Silva House, keeping that damn fledgling Acier in bed to recover, and been training the Golden Dawn in Mana Method as well." Ren snapped in annoyance. "The closest to skin contact we had is sharing a bed to sleep for the night and that's only when I could spend the night in the Golden Dawn after exhausting the rest of that squad with the training and having to carry them to their rooms with my magic. Otherwise I'm sleeping at the Silva House. So no, I haven't had a date with Yuno yet, let alone doing anything sexual with him, ok?"
"Okay, sorry." Jehoel remarked. "But you could try to do so."
"Yeah, but when?" Friede wondered aloud. "If Ren is truly as busy as she said now, then she nor Yuno will not get the time until after the Dark Triad has been dealt with."
"Exactly. We hardly have time." Ren frowned, fiddling with her magic stone.
"Hey Ren, I just finished comparing notes with Captain Fana." Yuno spoke as he entered the Amber Phoenix squad base. He looked around, noticing the lack of cleanliness. "...Why does the inside look like some spiders invaded the building, then left?"
"Because this squad has been too focused on training to clean their base." Ren sighed, already walking out and whistled, making the Amber Phoenix yelp. "Oi! That's obviously enough for the day! Now clean up your base! It looks like a spider's nest in here!" The Amber Phoenix squad members looked at each other, both Fanas looked at each other as well before nodding, then gesturing for the rest of the Amber Phoenix squad members to go inside to help Bow, Meshu, and Vide clean up the inside of their base. After about a minute, only Captain Fana, Elf Fana, and Vice Captain Mars remained outside.
"We'll be inside in a bit." Fana spoke. "We just want to finish up here real quick."
"Don't even think about it." Ren scowled, arms crossed, making them jump as she glared at them. "Your 'minute' will end up being an hour or more. Inside. Now."
"But I can still train!" Captain Fana protested, a hint of poutiness in her voice as she spoke.
"Salamander." Ren deadpanned. At once, Salamander grew to his larger size, grabbing his master's scruff with his mouth dragging her inside.
"Aaaah!" Captain Fana shrieked. Elf Fana laughed while Mars sweatdropped.
"I was actually liking him chewing on my hair while we were training." He muttered.
"I can make him do the same thing to you 2, just so you know." Ren deadpanned.
"Oh I don't doubt it." Elf Fana remarked. "Come on Marsy. You got to go to bed so you can be with Fana.~" Mars stuttered in a blushing mess as Elf Fana dragged him inside, Ren sighing at them.
"Honestly it's like I'm watching children." She scowled.
"Well, they, as well as me, are children." Yuno retorted. "Minus Captain Fana's elf counterpart, of course."
"And they're older than you." Ren added, as she rubbed her head. "Come on, we should get going ourselves."
"To which squad next?" Yuno wondered aloud before he mentally facepalmed. "Oh gosh darn it. There's a member here that I wanted to see and talk to, but now I can't." He paused, then groaned. "Actually, I think it might have been 2."
"Who?" Ren questioned.
"That girl Captain Fana found at that volcano when she split off from the rest of the group back then." Yuno answered. "As for the other one… Ugh, I can't remember why I wanted to talk to him."
"Huh?" Ren blinked confused.
"Oh, you didn't see either of them when we arrived?" Yuno asked. "I heard from Captain Fana the new girl in her squad is named Calamity, as is her magic." He shrugged. "I guess because she doesn't have an actual name, so someone named her after her magic. Might have been Salamander that did, but I can't confirm it."
"I see." Ren hummed. "Well I didn't see her with the others."
"Maybe you scared her off like you did the others." Fay sweatdropped.
"That's probably what happened." Bell agreed, now sitting on Yuno's right shoulder.
"Geez I'm not that bad." Ren muttered.
"Ren, even Salamander is scared of you. Hence why he listens to you." Fay deadpanned.
"Exactly!" Bell agreed. "Plus that girl seemed quite shy to me. She probably ran inside the base the moment she felt your mana."
"Ugh…" Ren groaned.
"Weren't we going to visit the Black Bulls base next for the day?" Yuno wondered aloud. "Or should we wait until tomorrow for that?"
"I think we have time." Ren hummed softly.
"Sounds good." Yuno remarked. "Plus I want to see the last Angel Host. I've already met 3 of them."
"Then best we get going then." Ren replied.
"Right." Yuno nodded. The two then walked out of the base as Friede and Jehoel watched them.
"I kinda feel bad for them. Not being able to spend some quality time with your lover." Friede remarked.
"For once we agree." Jehoel nodded.
"Well I must say I'm impressed." Ren and Yuno came to the Black Bulls base to witness them training with Grey's angel, who was careful of her possession.
"What do you mean?" Yuno asked.
"The possession isn't a forced one. Not only that, but they're very in sync with one another; which lessens the damage to the body, nothing being forced." Ren replied. Yuno watched again as the Angel possessing Grey's body continued to train the Black Bulls. Or at least the ones still able to continue training.
"Huh." Yuno mused.
"It looks more like an agreement between the Angel and the Angel Host to switch who's in control of the body." Bell noted. "Meaning that this isn't exactly a possession. Least not like Friede and Jehoel, anyway."
"One less issue to worry about either way." Fay shrugged.
"Too true." Bell snickered in agreement.
"Thank goodness." Ren muttered. "If I had to deal with another angel like Jehoel, then I'd be yelling profanities at my creator."
"Pfft!" Bell snickered. "Sounds like you."
"Creator?" Yuno questioned.
"The big man upstairs." Ren scoffed, waving up her hand above. "He had created the elf species specifically for the war between Angels and Devils many, many years ago."
"The first Angel-Devil War." Yuno remarked.
"That's right. We elves were meant to side with the Angels and help guide the humans with their magic in order to defeat the Devils." Ren nodded.
"Being pure with natural mana was what God made them to be." Fay said.
"That's right." A slender, well-endowed older woman with purple eyes and matching long, wavy hair that covers her left eye. She possesses a pair of wings. She wears an elegant white keyhole blouse and a long dress approached Yuno and Ren; the Black Bulls had already begun heading inside for the base for the night.
"Good to see you again Auriel." Fay nodded with a smile. The purplette Angel, Auriel, turned to look at Fay and nodded.
"Same to you Fay." Auriel smiled lightly.
"Wait, you 2 know each other?" Yuno questioned.
"We spirits have been around much longer than you humans realize. We had also fought with the Angels in that war, so we know the Angels." Fay explained. Yuno put a hand to his chin while Auriel gave a nod at Fay's words.
"It's true." Auriel confirmed before she frowned. "And it seems that we will have to fight in another one. I'm not particularly fond of fighting, but I will do it."
"It can't be helped that gaining eternal peace doesn't always happen." Fay sighed. "Though I'm curious. When did you form your Angel Contract?"
"Hmm?" Auriel wondered aloud. "Oh. I can understand why you'd be curious about that. I actually didn't. Not really. I, Tarmiel, Jehoel, and Raguel have been sealed inside 4 grimoires a long time ago. Whether we did it ourselves or it was done by someone else I do not remember. All I remember is the reason why. At least for me, Tarmiel, and Raguel: Because we'd be needed in the future." She then frowned. "You…are aware that Tarmiel lost his closest friends during the first Angel-Devil War, I take it? It hit him harder than I initially thought. Sariel….Ludociel…..and Mael….are dead. I have no doubt that he's feeling a sense of losness."
"How strong were they?" Yuno asked.
"Very strong, as were a lot of us." Fay frowned sadly, while Bell hugged herself. "Many of us lost many good and dear friends. While we Spirits lost our dear masters…"
"Yes…" Auriel agreed. " Still…"
"...There's no use dawaddling in the past." Yuno scowled. "I don't doubt that it was a cruel time for all of you. But we have to do what we can here and now to ensure that no one else we care about suffers the same fate."
"That's what we're here for." Fay replied.
"Indeed we shall win this war. Just as our predecessors did." Ren nodded.
"Yup!" Bell grinned. "Oh, what were you teaching that routy squad before we showed up?"
"Some advanced mana manipulation techniques. While some are common, the magic used by the Black Bulls are very unique and uniquely used." Auriel explained. "With training, they can be truly formidable mages."
"With this coming war, it'll be a blessing." Ren remarked.
"Yes it will be." Auriel agreed. "Still, I cannot help but worry. I fear a year's worth of training will not be enough for all the mages in this Clover-Diamond-Heart Alliance. After all, each mage learns at different paces. Some learn fast, while others not so much. We have to take that into account as well."
"We can only do what we can, Auriel. That's all we can do." Fay sighed.
"I know, Fay." Auriel retorted. "Well, I better head inside so Grey can take control again. She'll need sleep."
"We'll leave you be then. I have to take this one back to his base before returning to the Silva House." Ren replied, motioning to Yuno with a faint smile.
"Oh yes, that's right." Auriel spoke. "You're staying at House Silva for the time being. Maybe I should give myself an opportunity to contact Raguel and see how he's been doing these last 2 millennia."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate it."Ren smiled. "Come on guys, let's get going."
"Alright Ren." Yuno spoke.
"Sure sure." Bell agreed.
"I can't take it anymore!" Ren nearly dropped her book before looking at an annoyed Asta, who was scowling at the needle in his arm. It's been roughly 2 weeks of the dosage, and Asta still hasn't gotten used to it. Noelle groaned in irritation as the fluid finished going from the needle and into Asta's bloodstream.
"Can't take what anymore, Asta?" Noelle scoffed. "The needle? Or the fact that you're having trouble coming up with your spells?"
"That and that my body is still not getting used to the mana!" Asta groaned loudly.
"It can't be helped. You never had mana since you were an infant, so you can't expect to be used to it so easily." Ren frowned.
"I know but still!" Asta retorted in frustration.
"Well, it's done now. So you can stop complaining." Noelle told him.
"Well stop complaining about one thing anyway." Ren sighed.
"Hey!" Asta groaned. "It's not easy coming up with spells, okay?!"
"Kek kek! That's because you lack imagination, idiot." Liebe snickered as he strided past the living room area and towards the front door to head outside. "I'm going to go out and train again. Feel free to join me whenever you're not complaining."
"Don't antagonize your brother Liebe." Ren deadpanned. Liebe stopped at the door and turned around, a deadpan expression on his face.
"You don't chastise Yuno for doing the same thing to him." Liebe pointed out. "Besides, it's mostly used as motivation for Asta anyway."
"Yeah well! When I actually start getting spells, I'll want to spar you!" Asta shot back, causing Liebe to grin.
"Kek kek! See Ren?" Liebe smirked. "It's motivating Asta. I'm going outside now. See you." And with that, he opened the door and went outside; closing it behind him as he did so.
"Alright! Now I better get back to looking at those pictures Licht gave me for inspiration on spells!" Asta grinning, getting ready to sit up from the chair, only for Noelle to prevent him from leaving by grabbing his arm. "Noelle?"
"You need the bandage on that injected spot first, Asta." Noelle scolded him lightly. "Once I put it on, then you can go back to that. Although, you've been looking at those photos for the past couple weeks. Maybe we should look for different photos for you to get inspiration from."
"What pictures have you been looking at so far? Ren questioned.
"Hmm? Oh! Oh you know, swords, shields." Asta answered.
"Have you thought about looking at constellations?" Ren asked.
"Constellations?" Asta repeated. "You mean like the star constellations?"
"That's right. Star Magic works by using the stars you create to form constellations to form your weapons and such." Ren explained. "But weapons wouldn't be the only thing. There are constellations of creatures and so forth. You can find a book of actual constellations in order to give you more ideas on what to create with your spells."
"Oh!" Noelle snapped her fingers, as if remembering something. "Mother has a book on the constellations in the personal library. I don't remember which shelf it's on, but I know we have it."
"There you go. Look for that book to help you get some inspiration." Ren said.
"I'll go see if I can find it." Noelle remarked, getting ready to stand up from the couch to leave the living room. Before she could fully stand up to leave, Asta gently grabbed her right hand's wrist.
"No, I'll go find it." Asta told Noelle. "If the library is in alphabetical order, I'll know where to find it. You just stay here." Noelle looked down at Asta and lightly scowled.
"I can still walk Asta." Noelle told him. "In that case, I'll be upstairs in the office room doing paperwork for House Silva." Asta was about to protest, but Noelle had already gotten out of light grip and strided upstairs. Asta watched her go, a light frown on his face.
"Don't worry, she'll be out soon." Ren stated.
"What do you mean?" Asta asked, turning to face Ren.
"I did all her paperwork." Ren replied.
"REN!" Noelle shouted from upstairs.
"There it is." Ren hummed, flipping a page from her book. Noelle came down the stairs and returned to the living room. She bore an expression of utmost frustration. She shook her right index finger at Ren.
"Wh….Why did you do our paperwork?" Noelle demanded.
"Because you got your mother's stubbornness and would not lay down to save your life unless that paperwork was done. So I did it." Ren replied, flipping another page from her book.
"Ugh…! Dammit Ren…!" Noelle groaned.
"You need to rest for the sake of your baby, and Asta needs to focus on his studies for his magic. This is why I stay here instead of the Golden Dawn base." Ren replied. Noelle crossed her arms in slight irritation.
"Humph. Yes I know." Noelle retorted. "But still. I can do the paperwork. As can Asta. Speaking of which, come on Asta. I'll show you where that book is."
"I'm not saying you can't do paperwork Noelle. But you have to remember pregnancies are tricky; you have to be mindful of your health. Not just for yourself but the baby as well. And it doesn't help that we don't know how many children you're having." Ren frowned.
"You think I'm having more than 1 child?" Noelle questioned.
"You never know. There are chances you might have twins or even triplets for that matter." Ren replied. "It's often something to think about. Back at the tribe, depending on how many children you'll have will affect your body as well."
"True." Noelle agreed. "But other than me having mood swings now and again, I haven't felt anything else yet."
"Not yet anyway. I'm just saying you should take it easy just in case. Especially when I know that paperwork has been stressing you out even though you try to hide it." Ren frowned.
"What are you talking about?" Noelle questioned. "I haven't been stressed out over the paperwork for House Silva." At once Ren, Asta, and Fay deadpanned at Noelle, making her jump. "I haven't been!"
"You're a worse liar than your mother." Ren sighed. "And that's saying a lot."
"Hey!" Noelle pouted.
"You really are Noelle." Fay sighed. "Look, I get you wanna do a good job as the new head of Silva to not worry your brother and mother. But darn it girl, you gotta rest! You yourself are gonna be a mother soon."
"I know that Fay." Noelle remarked. "Still, work needs to be done around here."
"Hence why I'm here to help get it done." Ren stated, closing her book shut. "It's getting late anyway; I need to get some sleep. I have to head straight to Golden Dawn tomorrow for their training."
"Right." Noelle nodded. "You go do that. Me and Asta are going to find that star constellation book and look it over. You know, to see if Asta can come up with any Star Magic spells."
"Just don't stay up too late." Ren sighed.
"We won't." Asta smiled lightly.
"Then I wish you both a goodnight." Ren nodded, going upstairs to her room. Asta and Noelle waved at Ren as she went upstairs.
"Good night Ren!" Both Asta and Noelle called to her.
0713MM: And that is that for Chapter 46 of The Silver Valkyrie! Now I know what I said in regards to each of these next 12 chapters would take 1 month. They're supposed to, but we're going to need some ideas for say...Chapters 47-50/51. If any of you readers have any ideas, please put them in a review or me PM them to me so I can discuss them with aurasoul.^^