"What a battle…"
"Yeah, I couldn't even see their later movements…"
"'Later'? Don't try to boast, I am pretty sure even their starting movements escaped your sight."
"As if you are any better…!"
'Yes, yes, yes! More, more amazement!' Cid was bathing in sea of glory akin to that of a cat that just found a stash filled with premium-quality fish and milk. Everything was playing out exactly as he wanted! The dark horse finally let a slip onto his true powers, defeating one of the strongest tournament participants!
Ahh, the thrill! The thrill!
Oh, and that heroine actually surprised him with her determination. He honestly thought that she was gonna fall after a few hits, but no! Somehow she actually adapted to his battle style and forced him to reveal a part of his true power! Though, considering how she looked at him at the end, it seems like she got enlightenment after he showcased his sword style… And that works for him!
After crushing defeat, hero does not despair… Instead, she takes that as inspiration and her growth skyrockets! She endures hellish training, all for the sake of meeting her rival once more and taking the sweet victory! Man, that's so awesome!
Right, time to leave, isn't it? The final (because he said so) round will start tomorrow, and judging by how everything goes, his opponent should Iris, right? He doesn't even know what to do with her, to be fair… Where can she even fit in his stage?
"Such strength… how is it even possible?…"
Iris held onto armrests.
She could, to a degree, understand Annerose. Velgalta's former Blade relied on her ability to adapt to any circumstances, allowing her to stall out almost any opponent until she manages to create a counter-strategy. Of course, even that level of adaptation has its limits, but even then, Iris herself evaluated Annerose as a powerful opponent; dangerous enough that should princess ever drop her guard, she might receive serious injury.
But this… Mundane Mann… His speed was so high that Iris herself was unable to follow his movements! At all! Yet Annerose still somehow managed to block them! Block good enough that even her opponent praised her skill with the sword!
Iris had to admit; if it was her on the arena… She did not have confidence to win.
"It looks like I lost the bet, huh…" Perv Asshat sighed. Iris was jealous of his ability to stay calm in a situation like this… Though it could also be tied to the fact that he, by his own admission, was not that good in sword way and thus could not understand what, exactly, just transpired.
"I had a hunch that he was stronger than he looks… But not to this point… A warrior of that level, and unnoticed by any major force?…" she shook her head.
"Indeed," Chancellor frowned, "I have never received any reports about a lone fighter of his strength…" he rubbed his beard.
"And I have never seen a technique like his…" she stopped on her words, "How could someone like him evade us for so long is beyond me…"
Iris leaned on her chair and sighed. She could feel the public's gaze turning from the arena to her. Because she was supposed to be fighting tomorrow with winner of this round.
"Even though he's my opponent…" she started carefully, "I do not intend on losing."
"Indeed," Chancellor nodded, "As much skill as he has, unfortunately for him, magic dictates everything. And if he doesn't have enough magic power…"
"…Any opponent that has it will completely crush him," Iris finished with a weak smile.
"Exactly my words."
Iris studied her future opponent once more. The way he barely moves, how his hands shake…
"He tries to fool everyone," she declared, "he wants everyone to think he's nothing more but a mere weakling. Yet now, when everyone is aware of his true strength, this is not gonna work."
"Which means…"
"Yes, I have to prepare for tomorrow's round," Iris stood up, "Farewell, Chancellor Perv. Please, don't forget about tomorrow's meeting."
"Sure thing," his charming smile once more appeared on his face.
Iris went out of the lounge.
Unfortunately, she did not witness Perv going in fit of rage.
Annerose stood up, groaning.
Damn, he sure hit hard… Wait, he's already walking away?!
"Mundane, wait!"
She did not need to scream, though, as he turned to her as soon as he heard her steps.
"Ah, you're more resilient than I gave you credit for…" he cast a weak smile.
"Hmph, thought you could just defeat me and drop here?" yet she smiled back.
"Who knows, who knows…" he chuckled at her.
She gathered her thoughts before speaking further.
"You know, this is the first time ever I receive such a crushing defeat… No, don't get me wrong," she waved her hands, "I am not mad or anything! I am actually really glad I got such an opponent! I left my home country exactly for this reason, to find someone strong enough so I can exchange pointers with them! Though with time I grew a bit… cynical, you could say, as I did not meet anyone proficient enough… But you reignited my passion in sword!" she bowed deeply, "So, thank you! Thank you very much, Mundane Mann!" and extended her hand out with a smile.
"Ah…" he was taken aback, clearly, "Well, pleasure is all mine, I guess…" he scratched his chin.
Nonetheless, he reached to her hand, too.
"Though, I have to admit…" he answered the handshake, but not like how he walked; rather, it a strong, tight grasp, fitting his warrior prowess, "This is the first time someone managed to make me show my true sword skills."
"Ha-ha!" she beamed at his praise, "You flatter me!"
Yet, there was still one thing left to ask…
"You said you have forsaken a lot for your dream… Did you mean?…" she hesitated.
"Ah, about that…" Mundane sighed, "Indeed, I have left out a lot in my pursuit of power…" his gaze turned melancholic as he gazed at the sky.
"Maybe, you did, but!" Annerose raised her hands to her chest as he turned to her in surprise, "That doesn't mean you can't live your best life now!… I have an idea!" she did fist-and-palm, "How about you go with me? I will ask out so you can join Velgalta's Knight Order!"
"Hah, thank you for your kindness, Annerose," his lips curved in a smile, "But I have not yet considered joining such a world…"
"Hmm!…" she sighed, "Alright, then, but if you ever change your mind, you have my recommendation! And don't you dare to not show up tomorrow! I will wait for your match against princess Iris!"
He only blinked lethargically. Then, he chuckled.
"W-What's so funny?!" for some reason, she felt her cheeks heating up.
"You have such a faith for someone you only met a handful of times…"
"But of course! Everyone knows that's the best way to forge friendship is battlefield!" she coughed in her palm in sudden shyness.
"If only such a truth reached me earlier…" he shook his head.
"But it's fine! We are friends now, right?!"
"Friends…" he muttered, "Yes, I like this word…" he slowly walked away.
Annerose watched him until his silhouette disappeared.
She made up her mind. She has grown too stale.
She thought of herself as one of the pinnacles of the world, yet now she knows that there's always a taller mountain behind the mountain, and the higher sky above the sky.
Mundane's technique was practiced to perfection, something she did not do, being content with the skill she already got. And now, she can only watch him.
But she made a promise. She will train herself even further.
Then, they will fight again.
Aurora finally woke up after a long dream.
Hmm, at least she is alive now, isn't she? To once more feel the real warmth of the sun… The chirping of birds… The rustling of the trees… It's good to be alive, isn't it?
She looked around in curiosity. A beautiful, luxurious room… But not over the top. Rather, the materials themselves were of high quality, but the overall feeling felt like… Home?
She heard a door opening.
"Miss Aurora, you are finally awake," a brown-haired human woman entered carefully.
"Indeed, I am," the Witch nodded with a smile and stretched.
"Bring in the food," two more women in a strange uniform entered with plates.
Hmm, right, she did feel hungry, after all… Ah, the perks of having a real body!
She gleefully started eating. Since her death, the world evolved so much… She can see and identify the ingredients, but their combination created a flavor she has never experienced before!… Ah, to be honest, she did not experience that much… But that makes it even better!
Oh? Isn't that ingredient poisonous?… Hmm, no, this dish was made in a way that completely removed all the possible toxins, only leaving the flavour and sustain behind! That's so interesting!
Once Aurora finished with her meal, the two women in uniform (yet another new thing) took away the now empty plates and placed cups with some drink instead. She smiled at them in gratitude and took a sip. It was cool… and refreshing?
"To think that the fearsome demon we all thought to be a world-ending threat would just be a simple girl that likes to have a good meal…" brown-haired woman shook her head, "Cult's propaganda does, indeed, have a wide reach…"
Aurora only hummed in response.
"So, what do you intend to do now?"
"Ah, well…" the Witch frowned in thought, "I wish to experience everything world has to offer and create some beautiful memories," she smiled.
"A good wish," woman smiled back. "My name is Nu."
"Aurora, but… you probably know that already," she squinted mischievously.
Nu just nodded.
"Oh, I also wish to see my gallant Knight!" she remembered the most important detail.
"I… am afraid that you will have to go a long way before meeting with him…" Nu's smile became strained.
"Hmm? Is he busy?" Aurora tilted her head.
"In fact, yes… However, he did say he wished to see you once you exit your, how he said, "healing coma", so once you are ready, I will escort you."
"Well then, I need to prepare good clothes, right? Can't look bad in front of my Knight, right?" Aurora suddenly blushed.
'Miss Beta, I think your dreams about being a Princess with a Knight are under severe threat…' Nu sighed internally.
Rose slowly played with burger's foil that she got that day. The only thing left from Cid.
But it's alright. Soon, she will remove all threats to their peaceful existence. And then they will enter the marriage. It doesn't matter that he's the weaker one right now. She will care for him and nurture him. With his spirit, she knows for sure that one day he will surpass her.
In the meantime, she will protect him. Protect from everything. And give him everything he wants.
Maybe she will even allow Alexia to join in… Maybe. If Cid himself agrees.
First rays of rising sun appeared, only to immediately be covered by gray clouds. Hmm, it's going to rain today, isn't it?
But it doesn't matter. The day has come.
Rose gently caressed her attire. She was still unused to the large black coat with golden linings, and the sharp crown on her head felt a bit heavy, however…
What was more suited for the princess in exile coming back to claim what is hers than black?
The great yandere war is coming… The Witch of Calamity, Seven Shades, Black Rose…
Oh, and Alexia.
Also the old, withered swordmaster that lost too much in pursuit of power, and the young, spirited warrior that looks up to the old master in admiration and wants to prove themselves… I would watch that.
