Chapter 5: Training and Date

-Ingvild Leviathan POV-

Waking up early in the morning, changing into training clothes, and doing a daily run around the house has always been my daily routine.

Since I was a kid, I lived in a small village with my parents as a single child. They were always taking care of me even though they were often away for a long time due to their profession. My mother was an accountant in a small company, while my father worked as a doctor in a clinic not far from home.

Running has always been my hobby, I usually did it on a sandy beach near my house. Sometimes my parents also joined if they weren't busy or exhausted due to their job.

I sometimes also did it with my friends. After that, we played together until the sun was high at noon before we went home for a quick lunch before going back to play on the beach. There was no school in my village, so I always studied at home by myself. If their schedules weren't full sometimes, my father or mother helped me with my studies.

I sigh when I recall the past again. It's been a few days since I woke up, yet I am still clinging on to those memories.

I should stop and focus on what I am doing right now. I am currently jogging near the entrance of a forest while being accompanied by someone younger than me.

That person is none other than my King.

It is still weird calling a boy younger than me with that title despite us already using each other's first names, but technically he is indeed my King.

Joining Ars' peerage upon awakening was a strange experience.

Ars did explain it to me about his desire to recruit me to his peerage while also saving my life at the same time since I was infected by a disease that caused me to sleep for a long time. Waking up after being asleep for a very long time and finding myself part of a peerage that mom always mentioned feels like a dream.

But this is the reality that I must live with. Better than dying pointlessly since if he didn't recruit me, I would eventually die due to the disease slowly chipping away at my body.

I am grateful for what he has done for me.

"Penny for your thoughts, Ingvild?" Ars' voice snapped me from my thoughts as I nodded at him.

"Just thinking about everything."

"Still trying to catch up with reality?"

"Yes," I replied to him while keeping up with his pace. For someone who's younger than me. Ars did have a considerable amount of stamina. "I am still trying to cope with it even though a few days have passed."

Ars didn't immediately reply back to me, but his expression already tells me he is concerned. After knowing him for a bit, I know when he starts shutting himself down like that, he's probably talking with Azi or just drowning in his thoughts.

For me, Ars Bune is a unique individual.

He doesn't strike me like most teenagers who are very hyperactive at that age. Instead, he's a quiet kid who talks with a manner not befitting his age. It honestly feels like talking to an adult instead of a kid younger than me.

Seeing that Ars won't be replying soon, I decided to change the topic of conversation. "After this, you have a training session with Mr. Azi, right?"

My attempt is rewarded with Ars quickly responding to it. "Yeah. And after lunch, I have a spar with Crom."

I frown when Ars mentions him, but quickly control myself so I don't ruin the mood.

"He seems to be already up this morning as well, but why doesn't he join us?" I curiously asked Ars, which earned a slight chuckle from him. "Did I ask something wrong?

Ars just shakes his head. "Nothing at all, Crom just isn't interested in joining my activity unless we are about to spar." He then added after a brief thought. "Scratch that, I think he just doesn't have any interest in general aside from fighting and eating. The last part is new since he never ate any raw meat again after I cooked for him."

I stared at Ars in surprise. "Eating raw meat?"

"It did happen once before." Ars shrugged casually. "He even said it was good and somehow managed to convince me to eat it once since apparently due to our dragonic nature, raw meat can be considered as tasty."

"Eating raw meat? That sounds very unhealthy. Is it really good?" I asked curiously since I never truly ate any raw meat before.

The look that Ars gives me after he hears my question is almost making me splutter in laughter. "If you are saying that raw, uncooked meat is considered a delicacy, I would really shit your taste bud, Ingvild." He then added in an annoyance as I couldn't stop smiling. "And stop smiling like an idiot! I know you're mocking me for believing in that stupid dragon!"

I laughed.

Ars is truly a unique individual.

We continued our jogging while chatting about various things before stopping for breakfast.

After a delicious breakfast made by Mrs. Hertlinda. Both of us are now standing in the yard not far from the cottage. Currently, I am trying to maintain the magic circle using my demonic power. It seems like an easy task to do, yet in fact, I messed up with it many times as it keeps breaking due to I repeatedly overload it.

I have been doing this from the morning until now, but I haven't made any single improvement at all.

And honestly it's very much frustrating me.

But I am not alone in the progress as I glanced at my King who's standing not far from my position as he's also struggled with his own training.

[No, that's just wrong!]

[The key to controlling Outrage is to accept your rage then you take the flow and control it with a strong grip on your emotion! Not trying to calm your mind instead!]

[Doing so will only disturb the flow and throw your control into disarray!]

"Got it!" Ars snarled in the distance while trying his best to control something that I could describe as a fiery pitch-black aura mixed with gold that surrounds him. From his tensed expression and sweat glistening on his skin, it seems like a pretty hard technique.

A few moments later, I can see the aura surrounding Ars is starting to flicker unstably.

Seems that Ars is slowly losing control to maintain the aura. Something that Azi also shared the same thought with me as they quickly admonished Ars.

[Focus you stupid brat!]

"I am!"

[In your condition, one slip of maintaining control and you'll end up berserk again like the previous attempts!]

"I know!"

[You clearly don't know enough!]

"How about you all giving better instructions then!"

[How about having a better brain instead!]

"How about not making me lose my concentrati-damn it!"

I can hear three sets of angry voices coming from each of Ars' Sacred Gear as they heatly berate him for losing control and dispensing the aura prematurely. Causing a small explosion which hit Ars directly.

From what I heard during his conversation with Azi, he's trying to control that particular aura, which is called Outrage by controlling his emotional state and letting it flow naturally instead of just entirely shutting it down by forcefully calming it. I can feel Ars' demonic power is definitely increasing by a margin while he's in that state, though he's clearly struggling to maintain it just as Azi said.

Speaking of Azi and Crom as well, I learned about their identities during our dinner last night.

Crom of which was currently standing at the corner of the house, seemingly watching Ars with keen eyes while truly Ignoring mine and Hertlinde's existence.

I am fine with that, considering what happened during dinner last night.

-Flashback-

"Never thought in my entire life that I would be sharing a table with a dragon." I heard Hertlinde comment while slowly eating her dinner, which is a simple fried rice cooked by Ars. "This is certainly a unique experience."

I nodded while taking a bite, enjoying the salt flavor with some spiciness blended in. The soft texture of the rice is also making it easier to chew, and combined with fluffy egg and the tender meat from a demonic beast, it's a great meal to enjoy as I cannot help but slightly moan in bliss.

"This is so good…" I hummed while taking another bite.

"Indeed it is," Hertlinde is also agreeing with me as she looks at Ars who's also eating in a slow manner. "You have a talent for being a good chef, Ars."

Hearing that, Ars just shrugged while gulping the food. "Pretty decent I guess, at least I can save myself from starving."

"You don't have to be humble for your talent, dear. I might say that I wouldn't mind eating your cooking everyday." She laughed softly while taking another bite.

I have a feeling that she will definitely steal some recipes from Ars after dinner.

From the corner of my eyes, I looked at the last person who's eating in silence. And if he noticed my gaze, Crom didn't comment anything while he continued eating.

"I've been wondering, Ars dear."

My eyes went back to Ars when I spotted him stop chewing. He gulped his food and quickly responded. "What is it?"

"Why are you living with a Dragon in a secluded place like this?" asked Hertlinde with a curious tone, making Ars suddenly stiffen when he heard that. His body expression piques my interest, but also arouses my suspiciousness. Why did he react like that just from a simple question?

I observes as Ars quickly recomposed himself and replying Hertlinde in neutral tone. "For my training with Crom."

Weird, I sense a sliver of nervousness from his tone.

'Why?'

But before I am able to ask, Hertlinde curiously asks for more information, so I let her do it instead. "From what I remember, the Bune house was not completely destroyed after the Great War. And if I remember, there's other members of the Bune clan which included your parents."

The more Hertlinde spoke, the more Ars seemed unable to look in her direction. He looked downward, while sweat was slowly covering his face.

The atmosphere suddenly shifted.

And I don't like this unpleasant feeling.

"About tha-'' Before Ars are about to reply to Hertlinde, a voice originates from my right, suddenly cutting him up.

"The brat's parents are dead."

Silence.

Hertlinde covered her mouth in astonishment while both of my eyes widened hearing the news come like a bombshell. Both Hertlinde and I quickly turned our attention towards the one telling us the truth as Crom's apathetic eyes bore his gaze as he casually crossed his hands.

"You don't have to say that, Crom."

Again, before any of us could respond to Crom, Ars quickly cut in while staring directly at him. I am curiously observing Ars, especially in his expression. While Ars did reprimand Crom about mentioning his parent's death calmly, I felt a hidden display of anger underneath his tone.

What could have happened between these two?

For Ars to even make such an expression…

"It is the truth, brat." Crom nonchalantly responded with a dismissive tone.

In response, Ars just raised his voice, but not loud enough to be considered as a clear display of anger. "Even so, you don't even have to say that here. We have guests."

"They are your responsibility, not mine." said Crom while staring back at Ars. As both of them are glaring at each other in silence.

But as they did that, Hertlinde suddenly started to talk again. "O-okay… So both of his parents are dead and that's why you're living here with Crom, whom I assumed to be your caretaker, dear?"

Hertlinde is trying to lighten up the mood, as she's also grown anxious due to the current atmosphere. I can understand why since I also hate this kind of atmosphere. Especially when a fight happens between family members like this.

Families are supposed to take care of each other.

Whether they're blood-related or not. family is still a place where you belong. Where you can share your laugh and happiness with your family members

It's not supposed to be like this.

"Miss Hertlinde is right, you're not supposed to fight like this. Both of you are family." I cannot help but plead for both to stop giving each other cold looks.

But what Crom said next completely shattered any conviction that I have left over their 'relationship'.

"I am not his caretaker." spoke Crom with a cold tone. "As I just took him to train so he can be my equal as payment from his dead parents whom I killed with my own hands."

"Crom!" Ars quickly tries to cut Crom, but the damage was already done, as I stood frozen in my place.

'What did he just say…? Ars parents were killed… By Crom…?'

"How could you! Killing his parents while abducting him for such selfishness!"

I am barely able to react at Hertlinda's scream of rage, frozen where I stood due to the revelation. I just stared at Crom while gripping the loins of my white dress tightly.

"Dragons are selfish. You should remember that, woman."

Even hearing his voice disgusts me so much.

My vision begins to grow dark.

I am barely able to think clearly as my vision went cloudy due to tears slowly flowing from my eyes. Having lost my own parents and never being able to say goodbye due to my disease is hurtful. But hearing that Ars' parents are dead due to being killed by the person who is sitting near me is just too much for me to take.

My emotions grow cloudy with hate and rage. Directly to one single person in this room, Crom Cruach.

How dare he…

How dare he do such a thing!

"How dare you…" I whispered as I turned to Crom with an ice cold fury. My vision slowly darkened as I was barely able to control my raging emotions. Even though I didn't know why he suddenly grabbed his head painfully, I didn't care at all.

He dared to take Ars from his birthplace and even killed his parents just for the sake of his selfish desire.

How. Dare. He-!

"Ingvild."

Suddenly, my vision instantly goes back to normal when someone is grabbing my left shoulder. Turning my head, I saw a sweaty Ars putting his right hand on my shoulder, which oddly gave me a sense of comfort as I began to relax at his touch.

"Ars?"

"Ingvild, enough." said Ars while smiling gently at me, which I happily accepted. Smiling back while nodding at him even though I don't know what just happened. But before I could even ask, Ars instantly turned his attention away and spoke with a firm tone. "Crom, don't. This is partly also your mistake for provoking them, including Ingvild."

"You dare to order me, brat?"

I also turned my attention back to Crom, looking at him with disdain as he gave me a death glare and with a murderous aura coating his entire body.

Hertlinde quickly appeared on my right side while grabbing my right hand with her own left hand, standing resolutely even though I could sense how frightened she was when I noticed her trembling hand.

But despite this tension, I was beginning to wonder what just happened before.

What did I just do?

"Her Sacred Gear is affecting you due to her temporarily unstable emotions, thanks to your foolish act of telling the truth about my parents. So it's entirely your fault for being targeted."

I heard Ars talking once again, while now standing directly in front of me.

It still hurts when I hear about his parents' demise. Even if he's able to talk calmly, I am sure that it must be hard for him because of the fact that he's currently living with his parents' killer while being forced to be trained by him.

I quickly grabbed Ars hand with my remaining hand and squeezed it tightly. Trying to give him as much comfort as I can. If Ars is being grateful for my simple gesture, he didn't showed it as he's more focused on Crom murderous state.

All of us are standing in silence. As I and Hertlinde could only look at Ars, who was glaring at Crom, which in turn, glared at me.

"Fine."

After some time, Crom finally relented and dropped his oppressive aura while relaxing his stance, which in response is mirrored by Ars and Hertlinde.

"But remember this little girl, Next time you do it, your life will perish."

I gulped but I refused to back down from his gaze as I glared back at him. I still resent him for killing Ars parents' and taking Ars just to satisfy his desire for blood.

"I didn't take you to end up being a mindless slave, so you better teach her to behave, lest the consequences be paid, even if I have to deal with you, brat."

In response, Ars just snorted hearing Crom's ultimatum while smirking back at him. "Yeah sure, got it Crom. Also I demand you to not tell any of my next peerage members about our circumstances."

"And why should I be obliged to accept it?"

"You may have to deal with the same problem, twice. But also, with an addition."

I took a small victory when I saw Crom's sour expression when he realized the possible outcome and begrudgingly accepted Ars' advice with a small nod.

"Very well. But don't expect me to pull any of my punches in our next session."

"I never wanted that to begin with."

While I was paying attention to their conversation, I wondered where the sudden howls of laughter reverberating in this room came from.

Is this house actually haunted?

Or if anything else, do Ghosts exist?

-End Flashback-

Since then, Crom has just been ignoring me, even when Hertlinde demanded all of us to gather together in the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Honestly I am fine with it, since I don't want to deal with a sociopath who's forced Ars to accept his tutelage just for his selfish desire.

While I am lost in my thoughts, a small explosion occurred which snapped me out of them instantly as I looked at Mrs. Hertlinda's dismayed expression at the ruined magic circle.

'Another failure…' I sighed internally while looking down. It's been several days since I started training to control my demonic power, but until now there's been no progress at all.

"Are you still thinking about the incident yesterday?" Hertlinde asked me, as if she understood the source of my distress. I slowly nodded, unable to look at her while rubbing my wrist.

"He's young, possibly younger than me," I replied while glancing at Ars, who's struggling to control his aura under Azi's constant yelling. "Yet, he carries an enormous weight placed on him due to that man's selfish desire…"

Hertlinde did not reply to me, as she's also gone silent while glancing into Ars direction as well. Seems that both of us have a soft spot for him, despite meeting him not long ago.

As I looked at Ars again, my memories are wandering towards the previous night where we were sitting in a grassy plain, talking and beginning to get to know each other. Sharing laughter together, before I began to remember about my parents where I can't meet them anymore. Then I began to cry when I remembered their faces, their smiles during dinner where we were together in the dining room, sharing familial bonds together, something that I can't ever do again.

Then Ars is hugging me to console my emotional state, leaning towards me while lending his shoulders, as I cried harder-

I feel my cheeks getting warmer when I remember that moment.

How could I be so immature letting someone who's younger be the one who comforts me. Now I can't really look at Ars with the same expression again…

While I am struggling with my inner dilemma, I didn't realized Hertlinde is looking me with interest.

"Having thoughts about Ars again, Ingvild?" asked her, which I replied with a simple nod.

"I don't know, Hertlinde… I still feel embarrassed when I remember about yesterday… But this is Ars that we're talking about." I looked at her with uncertainty. "And with that guy still around and forcing Ars to get stronger fast, I feel like I also need to do that as well to help him."

Hertlinde just sighed while smiling wryly while placing her hand on my shoulder. "You are still young, despite everything that you've already gone through. We have only known each other for a week as well, which is also the same with Ars."

I look at a smiling Hertlinde who is giving me a comforting gaze. "Take your time, Ingvild. You don't need to rush everything."

"... Okay."

Yes, Hertlinde is right.

There's still plenty of time for me to grow stronger.

Smiling at myself and also at Hertlinde, I continue my training to control my unstable Demonic Power. Narrowing my eyes as I begin to concentrate to control the magic circle as long as I can. This way, I am also trying to control the flow of my Demonic Power in necessary amounts while maintaining the process. And until I manage to reach a better degree of control, I will keep training.

Or grinding, like what Ars usually said.

It feels weird but also funny at the same time.

I was suddenly blinded by a bright light that suddenly came out from nowhere, making me quickly close my eyes.

"What with this intense light?!"

"It's coming from the direction where Ars is!"

My heart beating rapidly, fearing if something happened to Ars, as light is notoriously dangerous to our kin. But strangely, I didn't feel any pain while being exposed to this intense light. That did calm me a little, but I am still worried about anything happening to Ars.

And when the light slowly subsided, I slowly opened my eyes.

And am shocked with an enormous shadowy figure standing where Ars was before.

"Whoa…"

-Ars Bune POV-

"My own element?"

[Yes, you stupid blockhead. While fire breath is the most common skill among dragons, some dragons can develop other elemental breath attacks.]

[Aside from refining your pathetic attempt to use Outrage, today's training is also includes you finding your own element.]

[What? Thinking that you're gonna just spewing fire like a common dragon?]

My eyes twitched at the jab but I ignored it to focus on Azi's lecture.

"Fine, so I need to discover my own element instead of relying on what common trope says that most dragons have." I speak with some degree of annoyance while keeping myself focused. There's no point in indulging in Azi's jab lest he would keep going and it will just dampen my mood. "Then, how do I start?"

[In order to find your dragon element, you need to dive into your subconsciousness and find your element's origin there.]

[Unlike elemental magic from your devil magic side, The Dragon element is exceptionally important directly related to your nature as a Dragon.]

[While you can still use other elements from your devil magic, their efficiency will be less than your primary element.]

Now that's new information for me. But it also explains some aspects like how Ddraigs flames are extremely potent that only few can resist his unique flame breath, Blazing Inferno of Scorching Flames, how Tannins breath attack is so strong that it is known to be equal to a Meteor strike, hence his title as a Blaze Meteor Dragon.

Azi just snorted.

[While Ddraig might be considered one of the Apex among dragons, I can't say the same with Tannin.]

My eyes perked up at his statement.

"That's a dragon considered worthy as one of the Dragon Kings who you just trash talked."

[In my prime, I could easily replicate what that muscle-head can do.]

[While my version from your memories are indeed stronger due to the enhancement, I can easily surpass him now that I know what I need to do.]

"Still annoyed by the fact that your other version lost against Vali Lucifer and Albion Gwiber?" I specifically mentioned the fact to them, which actually gives me sharp pain from my right hand as Azi's angry roar echoing in my head.

[The fact that my other versions lost against Lucifer's half breed is sickening even though it's an honorable match!]

[What kind of idiots just spams lots of spells without using the one specifically having slayer traits!]

[Utter piece of shit!]

One thing that I learned about Azi is that he's very much competitive despite his apparently insane demeanor. He also pretty much detested being weak and now utterly hates his other version from the novel after knowing about his other version's demise after reading my memories due to our soul unification.

"Logically, I think you would eventually have had the same fate as your other version if I didn't exist. "

[Logic my ass!]

[I swear if you didn't get strong enough to surpass those sorry excuses of dragons, I will make you regret it!]

[I swear by the name of Azi Dahaka!]

"I know Azi. I also didn't plan to just be a bystander when I have the meta knowledge about this world." I replied to them, which earned me a pleasant hum from Azi as they finally let go of the topic while leaving me to start meditating in order to reach my subconsciousness. Another thing is, he's totally disgusted with both Issei and Vali. Even calling both of them as puny dragons due to their specific title because of their respectives fetishes.

Well, I don't really share the same opinion about Issei when compared to Azi. I don't really hate that guy despite sometimes cringing at his perversion. Well in his defense, the environment surrounding him was totally encouraging him to behave like that.

Adding the fact that he also literally gains a blessing which enables him to obtain powers with just simply focusing on one aspect, it's no wonder that the others are simply acknowledging it or just simply saying how absurd it is.

Well, it's another thing that I found different compared to the series aside from Crom being more aggressive and bloodthirsty.

It makes me nervous.

Given how much difference of personality although their core remains the same, I wonder if the others are also different compared to their canon counterpart.

If that happens, the knowledge that I have would be meaningless.

[Canon counterpart my ass, get back to training!]

[I refused to let my new host be weaker than those stupid, idiotic dragons who dare to call themselves a dragon!]

[We'll gonna train you until you can surpass those retarded Oppai Dragon or Ketsu Dragon-whatever it is!]

Right, time to get focus and stop myself from further asking Azi, lest I get another painful shock from my new Sacred Gear. I think because Azi was not sealed by the God of the Bible, it makes him directly send me any sort of electrical current to zap me.

While I am glad that Azi is supporting my desire to grow stronger, I think he's also kind of overdid it due to his newfound hatred towards himself and others.

Dragons with their pride, huh…

As I closed my eyes while letting my mind wander about anything that I just went through, I suddenly felt a slight tug from the center of my chest. It's small and barely noticeable, but there's definitely something inside my chest that keeps sending me some kind of weak pulse, as if it wants me to reach toward it.

Instinctively, I began to dive deeper inside my mind.

As I opened my eyes, I found myself in a vast, limitless space with glistening lights in various sizes spreading in all directions. Raising my eyebrow at the phenomenon, I was about to take one step when I realized that there's nothing solid for me to step on at all. Rather, I am floating in this endless space which is similar to a night sky.

'Did I just accidentally dive so deep that I somehow reached my own subconsciousness?'

I blinked.

Another weird thing in this world is that I cannot let out any voice at all in this space. But instead, I can emit my thoughts by just thinking it like I just did before.

[Color me surprised, I didn't expect that your mindscape would be shaped like a miniature galaxy.]

Suddenly I can hear the voice of Azi echoing across the interstellar-space. Weirdly, I can't find where he is no matter how I try to perceive him.

[I don't know how you can do it immediately without any proper guide, brat. But this is a good chance for you to find your own element by diving deeper on your origin.]

[Also, you don't need to try to find where I am now brat, just focus on finding your origin in your subconscious world.]

That's weird coming from Azi. I feel like he's hiding something about not wanting to make his presence known.

'I'll think about that later.'

It didn't take me too long to find the thing I am searching for. Since I've read a lot about the concept of mindscape, I just need to be focused and 'commanding' this configuration to give me the quickest path.

I am now staring at the possibly biggest star in this constellation world ever since I arrived here. Compared to the others, this bright colorless star resembles the Sun. I also noticed that the positioning is also similar with it being placed at the center of the space, while shining the brightest.

[I have theorized about the possibility of your power ever since I merged with you.]

[But to think that your dragon element is truly what I am speculating.]

[What a twist of irony!]

I raised my eyebrow when I heard Azi again. 'You know what my element is? And you didn't bother to tell me?'

[Not really brat, I just speculated it the moment I sensed your Demonic power when we were merged.]

[But I didn't seek it any further since our soul hasn't fully merged yet, so I didn't have any access to your mindscape yet.]

[But after seeing it directly, I can confirm what your element is.]

'And what is it?' I asked them curiously. But to my utter annoyance, they decided to keep their lips tight by giving a vague answer.

[You will know the moment you touch that orb.]

[And I don't think you will need any advice since you already realize the principle of your own world.]

[So the rest is up to you, brat!]

So basically it's all up to me to find what my element's origin is, stingy ass dragon.

But technically Azi is right since this thing is basically my own power, so he has no rights to enact any sort of influence here.

I slowly approach the brightest star, as it begins glowing the moment I am getting closer to it. It feels like it's responding to my presence, as the closer I get, the more it glitters with vivid radiance to the point I had to partially close my eyes due to the intense light. It feels weird when you don't get burned by this amount of glowing light, which I probably guess is enough to vaporize a normal devil.

But this is my own power, solely belonging to me.

Something that is a part of me has no reason to cause any harm at all.

As I sink my right hand inside this glistering orb, I suddenly feel a strong tug. I'm barely able to react when the star itself quickly dragged me inside. The intense luminescence also makes me unable to react, where I feel the lights begin to move, circling around me with great vigor like an excited child.

As if it's rejoicing upon meeting its other half.

The last thing I know before quickly losing my own consciousness is the scene where other stars are also drawing themselves closer to me, rapidly approaching my body with the same excited nature as they started to become one.

"H… uge…"

"Oh d…r m… I… idnt ex…ct..hs…"

As my consciousness began to return, I heard similar feminine voices which I deduced quickly from Ingvild and Hertlinde. 'What are they talking about?'

"Hmmm… its… Exep…ional."

Now I hear Crom's voice in addition to both Ingvild and Hertlinde, which strangely is a bit far away if compared from those two. Slowly trying to open both of my eyes, I blinked several times before finally being able to see properly.

The first thing that I noticed is that the surrounding landscape is somehow smaller than usual. The grassy field where I spent my time with Ingvild last night also feels closer which is kind of weird for me. I also noticed birds approaching from a distance, flying hastily in front of my eyes.

Wait a minute.

It's not that the landscape is strange due to my new vision.

But I've grown bigger instead.

Looking at myself, I noticed pristine white scales covering my newly titanic body, oozing such domineering aura which is probably my dragon aura. Inky black colored aligned on the pristine white scales, stout arms and sharp pitch-black claws, four sets of horns which resemble crowns adorned my head colored in black, white and gold along with its spiky mane. Looking at my back, I noticed that my wings were also a mix of a myriad of black and white with the length almost twice of my height.

I have totally transformed into a badass Dragon, which makes me excited as I unconsciously let out a growl from my mouth.

"Ars! Can you hear me?"

I snapped out of my thoughts as I could hear Ingvild's voice. I quickly turned downward and saw her flying figure approaching me with her twelve wings. She then stared at me on an eye level, which I noticed how small she is compared to me.

"Loud and clear, Ingvild." I replied to her, startled at myself with my current deeper voice. Ingvild instinctively squeaked while rubbing her ears due to my voice which now almost resembled a roar instead. I speak once again, while this time with a smaller voice to not cause her another ear damage. "I am sorry about that Ingvild."

In response, Ingvild just shook her head while smiling at me. "It's okay! I am just as surprised as you!"

I only smiled wryly at her reaction. At least show some degree of annoyance, you stupid girl.

"But I am really surprised." Ingvild speaks enthusiastically. Her eyes shine with excitement as she ogles my new form. "I was worried when suddenly a really bright light appeared in the place where you were standing, but when the light was gone, there's a gigantic White Dragon instead of you.

She also added with questionable looks on her expression. "Did you just suddenly transform into a Dragon?"

"Honestly I am not even sure about that." I replied to Ingvild while caressing my chin. "Azi was instructing me on how to discover my dragon element, where I am taking his advice to dive into my mindscape, which didn't take me long in order to achieve it. Though it is weird when you find yourself floating in front of an enormous light."

"Floating? An enormous light?" asked Ingvild curiously.

"Well, my mindscape is shaped like an interstellar space filled with lots of stars. And the huge bluish orb is actually my dragon element that Azi told me to touch, which I complied. And the next thing I know, I suddenly awoke while being in this state."

"That's amazing… To think you could transform by just touching your dragon element…" Said Ingvild with amazement as her eyes once again roaming upon my Dragon form. Making me smile in smug satisfaction.

"Brat."

And there goes my moment to enjoy my newest achievement.

As a familiar voice made both of us immediately turn toward the source. I can see how Ingvild's expression quickly frowned when she saw Crom approaching us with his dragon wings unfolded. Hell, she's even moving closer near me, making me raise my eyebrow due to her behavior.

[Never thought that she would be the type who holds a grudge.]

'Of course she is. Yesterday's fiasco is having a huge impact on her, especially with how she's a family type.' I mentally replied to Azi who also noticed Ingvild's behavior towards Crom.

[So you're getting yourself a maternal type who would give you lots of adoration in the future. What a pansy taste!]

[Strong, courageous woman is what dragons choose over a meek woman like her!]

'You are forgetting the fact that Ingvild could easily put you under her control with her Sacred Gear.' I replied Azi with a deadpan tone. They replied to me with a simple 'tch' and didn't continue the conversation further. Deciding to ignore Azi for a while, I turned my attention towards Crom.

"What is it?"

"Did you get your dragon element?"

I smirked as I raised my right hand while pouring out my dragon energy, creating a raging surge of white electrical currents which surrounded my entire right arm. Without even waiting for Crom to respond, I'm immediately dashing towards him. Raising my fist filled with dense energy of my own element as I launched it straight punch toward his face.

He easily took it with his own hand, blocking it without even trying. But he didn't expect an additional force that struck him immediately with a high voltage of lightning, leaving his clothes charred with repugnant smells emanating in the air.

But to my utter distaste, Crom's body remains unscathed. Which makes me click my tongue in annoyance.

"I Thought I had you this time."

"Next time, brat." Crom just smirked at my provocation while letting go of my right hand. "Your training menu is also changed."

I raised my eyebrow at his sudden decision. Besides me, Ingvild is also paying more attention towards Crom no matter how much she detests him. "We weren't going to do another sparring session?"

"That is if you didn't unlock your dragon element for today, but as you're already passed that part and with unlocking your dragon form as a bonus, I changed my mind."

I sighed when hearing that. "When will we start?"

Crom just smirked. "Soon. Just keep training to master your Dragon form to the point you can use it without burdening yourself."

And with that, he just immediately took flight and left, leaving both Ingvild and me alone in an uneasy mood.

Especially Ingvild, given how she looked at the ground with a gloomy expression on her beautiful face. Honestly, it makes me feel bad about it but I don't really have any idea how to cheer her up. But before I am about to say anything to her, a magic circle suddenly appears on my right ear with a familiar voice from it.

[Hello Ars dear, before you're say anything, please don't. Or else Ingvild will notice me contacting you.] I raised my eyebrow while looking at Hertlinde at the ground who's putting both index and middle finger closely on her ear with a similar magic circle glowing between.

[Now, Nod once if you hear me loud and clear.] Hertlinde said, which I replied with a single nod while keeping my attention on Ingvild who didn't seem to notice anything.

[Now, there's a reason why I suddenly called you in this manner. Lately, Ingvild has been in low spirits due to the lack of progress in her training. I want to ask you to cheer her up by taking her out to the nearest town.]

[How about Crom?] I replied with a low voice.

[Oh, don't worry about that. I'll take care of it.] said Hertlinde with a confident tone.

That didn't really convince me at all. But given how she's worried about Ingvild it kind of makes sense. Also, this is probably a good idea for me to release some stress as well.

[Alright, I will take her out, I just hoped that you can deal with Crom for this.] I finally said to Hertlinde, to which she nodded while smiling happily.

[Thank you, Ars dear.] I can hear Herlinde cheering for me while also giving an odd smile. [I also hope both of you will enjoy your first date as well~!]

I chuckled lightly when hearing that. This woman deliberately set me and Ingvild to going on a date. Really, what a sly caretaker she is.

With that, I called Ingvild who has grown quiet while musing by herself. "Hey, Ingvild. Done with your daydream yet?"

"Ah, sorry about that. I think I will not be musing any longer."

The way she immediately replied to me with an innocent expression plastered on her face is downright cheating. I swear this girl is very much resembling a certain gold-haired Sword Princess.

I smiled at her while returning to my human form while also asking her. "Do you want to go on a date in the nearest town?"

That did wonders as I can see Ingvild's eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh? Date? What is that?"

It took my entire willpower to not outright laugh in front of her for the fact that she's clueless about the concept of dating.

"Yeah, just think of it as something that makes you happy." I nodded at her while holding her hands. Inwardly smiling at Ingvild's confused face as both of us took our leave with a teleportation magic circle.

It doesn't take long for both of us to reach the human world, where I just picked a random city for us to stroll around.

Before entering the city, I have Ingvild wear a sizable white jacket while telling her to put the hoodie on to cover her head. While the chances are low, I am still taking precautions in order to avoid any trouble, especially from other devils.

Looking at the busy road of this town, people are roaming around, street vendors offering lots of goods, smells of the street foods which captivated your appetites, and children are running around while laughing happily, it honestly almost feels like a normal scene you can find in the human world.

"Whoa…!" from the corner of my eyes, I can see an excited Ingvild who's been greedily looking around with sparks in her eyes. "Look at these people…! Is that a fried squid? I haven't had that for a long time…! Ah, there's someone who's selling a bunch of accessories made of shells as well!"

Even after now, I am still not used to how talkative Ingvild can be.

While both she and canon Ingvild are still the same gentle and air-headed girl that I know, but unlike her canon self where she's mostly just sleeping out of nowhere due to the remains of sleeping disease, this version of Ingvild is more lively, and has more characteristics as well.

To be honest, I like it.

I feel like I'm slowly getting used to this version of Ingvild instead of what I've read before. Between knowing from the novel compared to directly meeting her is a huge difference.

While both of us are enjoying our stroll, I see something that catches my interest on the corner of the main street. I quickly approached Ingvild while calling her name. "Ingvild, do you want to see something awesome?"

She looked at me with curiosity. "What is it, Ars?"

"This one." I told her while showing a particular banner hanging at one of the buildings which reads an advertisement that sparked Ingvild interest.

'A New Sea World Theme Park Opens Today! Free Entry for all audiences for today only!'

It didn't take long for her to immediately drag me with strength that is not befitting her womanly figure to the attraction. It is quite fortunate we're visiting the city with a brand new theme park opening, which is also the exact thing that Ingvild loves. As expected, the queue is pretty long given the entry is free, but thankfully it doesn't take too long for us to finally enter the theme park.

And both of us didn't get disappointed at all, especially Ingvild who's in euphoria the moment she enters the Sea World. I am also quite impressed with the variety of the species in this Seaworld. I quickly recognize some bigger species like Barracuda, or Manta Ray, and also several species of sharks roaming around in the spacious aquarium.

As for Ingvild, she's totally very talkative about what she 'hears' from the fishes.

"Ars, look. The fish on the right side above are watching us." spoke Ingvild while pointing at the particular shark who's been staring at us for a while.

"Well, I don't know Ingvild, maybe he's being grumpy or something?" I replied which she nodded immediately.

"She is. I also heard that she's been complaining that the food here is bad." Ingvild said while rubbing her chin in a childlike manner. "I wonder what Mrs. Shark usually eats?"

Inwardly smiling at her innocence, I started to explain to her about the behaviors of sharks, their diet and eating habits, what kind of species they normally prey on, and also about Orca which is Shark's natural predator.

I smiled while observing Ingvild's excitement the more she heard about my explanation about shark natural life. She's also asking me about other marine creatures such as Orca, Whales, Dolphins, and many more that I answer as best as I can.

"Among species of sharks that exist, the most infamous one would be Megalodon."

"Megalodon?" Ingvild asked curiously.

"Megalodon, which means 'big tooth', is a species of an extinct shark that lived millions of years ago. It is estimated that Megalodon size to be almost four times bigger than an adult Great White Shark." I explained the basic information about Megalodon. Watching many documentaries about Megalodon also helps explain it easier to Ingvild.

"They're as big as a dragon then." Ingvild said while humming in fascination about Megalodon. "I wonder, is Megalodon secretly a species of sea dragon due to their immense size?"

I laughed at Ingvild's remark while replying in a teasing manner. "Probably they could be distant siblings of sea dragons."

"If they were, then I would speak with them to let us ride on their backs. Back then, I used to do it with the local marine creature that you mentioned before." Ingvild passionately expressed her interest while also telling me an interesting story about her past. "I think it has a pitch-black skin with a white color on its belly."

While listening to her story, I am also glad that she regains her spirits. Watching her enthusiastically sharing her stories about swimming in the ocean while occasionally riding an Orca out of all of the marine animals while seemed didn't know the name of the marine mammals.

[Attention all visitors, the Orca show is about to start. We repeat, the Orca show is about to start.]

Hearing the announcement, I turned to Ingvild. "Do you want to watch the shows?"

While she probably didn't understand what Orca show is, her curiosity gave in and nodded. "Yes, I want to watch it."

Nodding, I grabbed Ingvild's wrist and started taking her to the pool stage where the show will be held. While mildly shocked by suddenly getting dragged by me, she reacts quickly by matching my steps as both of us walk toward the stage.

After a few minutes of walking, both of us finally arrived at the pool stage, where it is very crowded with seas of people. Loud cheers are reverberating across the entire stage as the crowds are excited for the Orcas.

Seems that Ingvild is the same with those crowds as she seems to have realized the Orcas who swim around the pool while occasionally jumping above the water are the exact same creatures she played with.

"Those are the same sea creatures that I met before in the ocean!" spoke Ingvild excitedly as she quickly approached the pool stage. I quickly followed her while looking around if there's security around trying to stop us from getting closer to the pool. Luckily, it seems the show allows audiences to get closer while maintaining the distance. This allowed us to get closer as I just stood behind Ingvild who's been talking nonstop about Orcas.

Seeing her happily enjoying the show is enough to satisfy myself.

"But still…" I heard Ingvild mumbles something. "Those Orcas, all of them seem sad. I wonder why…"

"It's probably due to the captivity. It greatly restricts their freedom to swim since in the wild, Orcas are quite an adventurous sea mammals. They can swim up to 40 miles a day for food and exercising. They usually dive from 100 to 500 feet, several times a day." I began to explain the general knowledge about Orca while Ingvild was listening fervently.

"Whether they're born in the wild or in captivity, all orcas have the same innate instinct to swim far or dive deep. So captivity cannot offer that kind of range to orcas, which contributes to their boredom and stress."

Ingvild is saddened after hearing my explanation, as she turns her attention towards the pool where Orcas are doing their attractions while directed by trainers who occasionally swam around them.

A surge of Demonic power suddenly surged forth, making my eyes widen in shock as I quickly scanned around before finding it coming from Ingvild, which to be specific, it comes from her eyes which now are glowing in pinkish hue color.

'She must be unconsciously activating her Sacred Gear.' I concluded while observing my surroundings, trying to sense if there's any reaction or other supernatural power which responds to Ingvild's demonic power, which to my relief, I didn't find any ounce of any energy from audiences nearby. But before I was about to tell Ingvild to cancel her Sacred Gear, a cry from the audience took my attention away, which turned out to be a big mistake as out of nowhere, a huge silhouette suddenly appeared and took Ingvild's figure by surprise.

"The Orca is taking away that girl!"

"Someone save her!"

The audiences began to panic as they just literally watched someone just get dragged by one of the Orca into the pool. Some are even running away from the pool due to fearing that Orca would drag another victim. The trainers are quick to react by calling another employee who appeared holding a Tranquilizer gun, followed by other employees equipped with the same thing.

They surely work fast as if they're used to this situation. It seems like a similar situation has happened in this show, which would explain about their quick preparation.

But the thing is, those preparations are not needed.

Because as soon as I saw Ingvild get dragged, I quickly focused my demonic power on my eyes to see what happened inside the pool. And what I saw inside the pool left me speechless.

Because I just saw Ingvild is playing with the Orcas who swim happily around her. As if they didn't perceive Ingvild as a threat but rather as one of them.

And it didn't take long for Ingvild to swim alongside those Orcas, even putting both her hands into one of the Orcas' fins while putting herself on its back. All three of Orca then quickly took momentum to swim upward and high jump while Ingvild was sitting on Orca's back.

It is surely a scene that caused many audience members to gasp in shock and awe, which was mirrored by the trainers and employees as they couldn't believe what they are seeing.

"The girl is riding on the Orca!"

"Incredible, simply Incredible!"

"It's a miracle!"

I just smile wryly hearing that, while simply watching Ingvild playing with those Orca with a joyous expression on her face. Enjoying myself as she took the stage as her own like a Diva who suddenly appeared and taking many audience attention with her glorious performance.

Huh, A Diva.

Yeah it's fitting for her.

The Diva of the Sea.

-Ingvild Leviathan POV-

Today is definitely one of the best days ever!

Despite my mood being momentarily soured during the brief interaction with Crom, the rest of today is simply the best.

After playing with those lovely Orcas for a while, Ars finally called me to return since the sun is already setting down. It is kinda sad that I had to leave those Orcas, especially when they didn't seem to want to let me go. But after I made a promise to come again later, they finally complied while giving me a parting cry.

The other visitors quickly surrounded us, praising me for being brave enough to swim and playing with those Orcas. The employees on the other hand, are giving me a scolding that what I did was dangerous. Though, they also praised me for doing such a thing since none of them dared to do that.

Their faces when I said the Orcas were cute is quite amusing as well.

"Hah… It's already almost evening. Time surely flies so fast."

Ars who walks behind me chuckles lightly. "Considering both of us are strolling in many places after leaving the Sea World, I say it was a good experience for both of us."

I nodded smiling at Ars. It was really fun, hanging around and exploring the city, something I occasionally did with my family back then. The way things change all felt new and exciting. There's so much to be found and new things to learn, even if it did leave me confused as to how language and meanings change a lot after a century has passed.

The moment that I had with Ars. Yes it was fun hanging out and enjoying the delicacy this town had to offer after playing in Sea World.

"Well, it's time to go back." Ars said while preparing a teleportation circle.

I nodded while smiling sadly, wishing that we could stay a bit longer. "Yeah, Hertlinde will be worried about us if we are late."

Everything is really perfect.

I wish I could experience this again tomorrow.

But as if knowing what I am thinking, Ars speaks softly while standing beside me. "There's next time, Ingvild. I promised that I will take you on another date if I have some time to spare from training."

I nodded at Ars' attentive words. Smiling happily when thinking about meeting those cute Orcas again next time.

Though something has been bothering me since noon. What is this 'date' that Ars mentioned before?

Might ask Ars about it.

"Ars." I called his name, to which he responded while still focusing on the magic circle.

"Yes?"

"Can you tell me about this thing called ' a date' that you keep mentioning before?" I asked curiously.

My question got Ars stopped on his attention for a bit, but he quickly recomposed himself.

Is he… laughing?

"A date is basically both of us going out together while having fun." explained Ars while rubbing his chin for a while, before continuing. "It is basically a custom for boys to ask girls to hang out, and vice versa."

"Oh… I see. So that's what date means." I nodded thoughtfully at Ars' explanation about the date.

Weird, somehow it's similar to something that mother used to tell me back then when I was still young.

But what is the exact word that I am looking for-Ah yes. I remember the exact word. It is kinda similar to a courtship that my mother used to nag me about not getting one soon during my sixteenth birthday. Even if the wording is different, the meaning is still the same.

Wait just a moment, if it has the same meaning…

Does that mean…

Ars is trying to court me…?

"Anyway, if you want another date, I could arrange it between my training schedule." Ars speaks again, instinctively making me sputter in embarrassment.

He wants another one?

Does Ars is seriously trying to court me?

I mean, I know that I am already at the age where I am supposed to get married and have a spouse… But isn't this a bit too early?

Also, isn't it too early for Ars as well?

"Uhm… I am… Well, that's… lovely, but is it too soon… For us…?" I whisper in a low tone, unable to utter any proper form of speaking at all due to my own embarrassment.

But if it's Ars who's asking me…

"A-Ars, Do you really mean it? About a-asking me… For going to another 'date'..." I asked him tentatively while unable to look at him directly. I can even feel my cheek getting hotter every second, anxiously waiting for his answer.

Oh my, this whole situation is too embarrassing!

"Well, of course. I mean you had fun during our date. So let's do this again another time." said Ars while looking at me from my left side, which makes me yelp in surprise at how close he is with me.

He just said it without hesitation at all. Ars really wants to court me as his betrothed.

"Ingvild, are you okay?" asked Ars with a concerned tone.

"A-ah… Yes, I am fine, Ars." I replied while quickly composed myself. If Ars is really interested in courting me, then I must respond with a proper manner like what mother taught me before. Taking a deep breath, I'm looking at Ars, mustering my courage while trying to control my emotions so I don't act inappropriately in front of my courting partner.

"Then I will be in your care, Ars." I smiled softly, while taking his right hand. While both of us are often touching each other's hand, this particular one is kind of special for me.

Ars, I may be inexperienced.

But please take care of me.

-Ars Bune POV-

I raised my eyebrow at her sudden demeanor, but I assume that she's happy about our next date and responds by taking my hand while holding it with her own.

"Yeah, then let's go back then decide when we will be going next time." I said while preparing for the magic circle for us to return home. During the process, I began to think about the entire event.

Ingvild's Sacred Gear ability to not only control the sea, but also having some degree of connection to sea creatures is mainly my concern.

It means that she is also capable of directly commanding other mythical creatures that are considered as part of sea mythologies.

I am shuddering at the potential of Nereid Kyries ability, given the amount of mythical sea dwellers in this world.

Such a frightening ability, and she's yet to reach a balance breaker state as well.

Not to mention, combined with her potential as a Super Devil, and also her ability to use her Leviathan clan trait…

'What kind of monstrous being that she will be in the future…'

But I will think about it later.

I also need to deal with Crom after returning later.

But as long as I can somehow make Ingvild happy.

It's worth it.

With that in mind, both of us are leaving the city without realizing what I just did, which later will cause a big misunderstanding that will affect my whole relationship with Ingvild in the future.

_x_x_

Beta Reader: LuluViBritania(FF.N, SB and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th Britannian Emperor(Discord)

Authors Note: Another chapter down, sorry for taking this one for quite long since my laptop is broke and I need to wait for payday to buy a new device. It's a ten years old laptop and I am quite surprised it lasted for that long. Anyway the good thing is, I got a new PC and it's much better than my old laptop. Man, it feels like I've embrace the technology after living like a caveman.
Anyway, Ars finally got his dragon form alongside his dragon element, which is thunder! Always liking this element more than fire due to how versatile and explosive it is.
And also we finally got a first date with Ingvild which ends up with a misunderstanding lol.
Anyway, I finally breaks a 10k words in one chapter, yay!
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see guys on next chapter soon.