A/N: Chapter 9 of Mystical Eye of a Savage Hound. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own OC. Revenge of the Sword Clan's Hound belongs to the rightful owner.
Chapter 9: Against the Great Magician
In the hallway of the Baskerville Mansion...
With the joint training ending on a good note and the competitors on both sides of the aisle returning to some amount of normalcy, a peaceful atmosphere blanketed between members of both clans – the Baskervilles were acting as hosts in this situation so most of the competitors were ample amount of time to wash away the fatigue and sweat in the bathhouses before congregating in the mass hall to grab a warm meal. Some of the young hounds sat and ate with some of the young magicians at the same table, discussing topics ranging from ideologies and theories to lifestyles that differ between the two clans. However, most of the topics settled on my debut match with Camus and winning.
I cleaned up very well after the match in the privacy of my own living quarters, taking my time going over every inch of skin under a disconcerting eye under the warm stream of water; sometimes if I was running late to class I would make a detour to using the public bathhouses, but I washed quick enough to avoid bumping into the other hounds or getting caught in the small talks. After shaking the excessive water out of my hair I grabbed a fluffy towel and began to wipe myself off.
Butler Barrymore had swung by before I started to wash with an extra coat in hand, he said he got it from the storage unit and it would behoove me to maintain proper appearance while representing the Baskerville clan. He also mentioned that it would be unacceptable to walk around in only an undershirt and would serve as a distraction for a majority of the males, his words not mine but I couldn't help but rolling my eyes once I was allowed to freshen up.
Drying my hair and combing the dark locks I quickly dressed appropriately, tucking the undershirt before buckling the pants and then throwing the spare coat over my shoulders, slipping my arms through the sleeves and buttoning up. Tying the laces of my shoes I quickly rushed to the cafeteria for a hot meal myself, not bothering to interact with anyone who were already there. The wound on my arm didn't look too nice even after a wash, so with my stomach full of the same old grub, I put my tray away and went to the medical bay. The doctor immediately disinfected the area and bandaged it, walking me through the procedures of how to care for my wound and a warning to avoid getting the bandages wet.
"If you need help with changing or if you run out of the rolls then come back here and I'll help you." I nodded my head in thanks and walked out, my eyes immediately honing in on Hugo as he waited. No doubt he wanted to talk to me, and apparently he thought I would still be in the mass hall but some of the younger hounds told him that I went to get my injury inspected. He didn't say anything as we walked together, letting the silence grow between us.
"And so, how was your duel against the young daughter of Morgue Clan?" He finally opened his mouth to ask his question while I just shifted my gaze to look at him briefly. Hugo was never the one who starts any conversation no matter who he's with, he's not even a man who would bother listening to anyone if he isn't interested in the topic. "This is perhaps your first time fighting against someone of the same age and gender. A duel against a magician is quite different compared to a duel against a swordsman, which I'm sure you've experienced plenty."
"The fight was overall enjoyable to say the least, although I wish it went on a little bit longer. I am once again reminded of the meaning of the event." I replied as I cast my gaze forward, not wishing to gaze at the clan head any longer. "And it is as you said, I normally fight and train against my brothers either similar in age or even higher with varying degrees of swordsmanship. I have yet to test my skills against my sisters, but they seem to favor being secluded in the area where the main family resides, not even bothering to cross swords with an illegitimate heir."
"I will look into ordering the other elites of the main branch to allow some of those noble blue-bloods to fight and train you, some of them may even teach you some new tricks. Actually it may tickle your fancy if I told you that deep down some of them want to have a crack at you, perhaps to either humble you or watch you fail, but again some of those old geezers are sticklers for maintaining the status quo of keeping the social hierarchy going. A load of utter rubbish if you ask me and should be dismantled as soon as possible.
"I don't want your experience to be so narrow that all you've memorized is how males swing their swords, females have a different approach as you already know and use in your fights against your enemies. It isn't fair to you since your brothers get both benefits since they already fight against you and each other. I already see the potential in you and once you become well-rounded in your battles against many enemies...what a magnificent hunting dog you'll become. Your name will be etched within the history of our family."
"Thank you for your consideration, Father." I replied in a casual manner, seemingly surprised that he was willing to go to the main branch of the clan to make a request; most of the elites of the main branch were just as stubborn to be swayed to bend the rules just to satisfy fights among different groups of pups. The old men firmly believed that pups bred from the main line were by far superior and should never play or cross swords with those of a separate branch. However, if it's the Hugo I know and remember who will be doing the asking/persuading I have no doubt he'll be successful in negotiating a fair trade so both sides will get what they want.
Of course if the clan head ends up not satisfying the other elites enough to persuade them to change their minds, even if he outranks them on many level, he will resort to violence if necessary. This is why sometimes Hugo swore to rid the clan of those tradition-holding imbeciles because their constant barking is always the loudest, and it has become a thorn in his side.
"Why didn't you make a proper attack?" asked the Clan head as he was curious to know. "You had opportunities to do so."
"...it is true I hesitated a bit but only for the fact that I got my first opportunity to fight against someone of the same age and gender. I was interest to see how she fought. However I ended up toying with her during our match, I thoroughly enjoyed getting her riled out and lose her nerve and temper. I gave her a chance to showcase what she had as the daughter of a prestigious family, but I guess I slowly got bored when all she did was throw flashing spells at me. Figured I would bring our match to a flashy end myself."
"Mmmmmm. Well be as it may, hesitation in battle leads to unnecessary injuries. Sometimes even the worst of the worst can ultimately lead to death." He made a very pointed look at my bandaged arm before adding, in a more serious tone, "Take that wound as a valuable lesson to never be careless in fights."
Is he worrying for me? That's quite rare for someone like Hugo to express... This time I fully turned my head to look at the well-built man next to me in surprise on my face. I may have forgotten most of my childhood because I was more focused on surviving before my regressed state, but I know that the Hugo of that time was a cold, strict, and brutal entity. There had been a rumor that the reason for his vicious personality was because he lost his first wife and his eldest daughter in a bitter way. Is that why he was so distant and harsh with me? Because I was the second girl to be born and reminded him of what he lost? He didn't want to relive that pain...
"What's your opinion of the Ruby Mine?" Hugo was quick to change the topic as we continued our walk, the hallways just felt like they were endless. Anyone outside the Baskerville Clan may simply see this small talk as a father and daughter bonding together, but I know that it was never about improving relationships. If anything I would have fled to escape having these small talks with the very man who is my revenge target, but I had an image to uphold and not rouse any suspicious of me. I thought about my next words carefully before opening my mouth to speak.
"I think it'll be better to just give it to them and abandon our rights to it. The task of our clan is to develop the wilds and widen the border of our territory. It's as I told the young girl of Morgue, we're not interested in the resources themselves...territory is what matters to us. The Red Fang Mountain where the juiciest veins flow is downstream from Mt. Le Rouge Et Le Noir, an area that is very well known to have some very dangerous things. The demonic creatures that prowl there along with the Barbarian Clans who settled there are our main problems. If we use the Morgue Clan to our advantage, we'll be able to minimize the damage we'll take for the development."
"Correct answer."
"After obtaining the rights to the mine, Morgue Clan will station a considerable number of personnel at the site to dig out the numerous amount of resources. That means we just need to lead our adversaries to that side and let the magicians handle the matter for us. Everything that has caused us trouble will all congregate in one place to be dealt with."
"Looks like the rubies will redden by the blood of Morgue Clan to a new height." Hugo stated with glee as the plan solidified inside his mind. "When that happens even the clan head of Morgue will regret setting a single foot in our territory."
"Hmmmm?" I felt a hand being placed on my head and my hair getting ruffled slowly. I blinked for a few minutes for my mind to process what was happening because Hugo wasn't one for dishing out any sort of actions of affection, much less petting his child on the head.
"Very good, daughter. I'm very pleased." He praised, petting my hair a bit more before retracting his hand.
"Since we're still talking about this topic I think we need to be vigilant in our observation of Morgue's movements. We don't know if or when they'll scheme something behind our backs."
"You don't have to waste time worrying about that, I already had a counter measure in place and it's been going very smoothly." He assured me with a confident tone in his voice. "The number of hunting dogs the Baskervilles have sent to infiltrate them has steadily increased."
"There you are, Clan head." Adolf's voice reached our ears and we turned simultaneously to see the representative and Camus standing in the hallway as if waiting patiently for us. The red-haired princess still wore my coat over her shoulders, however her skirt and leggings were still ruffled and destroyed from our match. In fact if I recall correctly, she tore off most of her clothing due to the impact of the fire spell, so whatever she had on now must be spares that the Morgue Clan brought with them. "Could we have a conversation before you return to your normal duties?"
"Hmmm seems like you haven't left yet, Representative. Do you still have some unfinished business that requires my presence?" Hugo's brows were furrowed, clearly annoyed that his guests were still here.
"It is because we still have one important business left to discuss and yes your presence is most needed." The clan head merely grunted in response and left my side, gesturing with a slight tilt of the head for the Morgue members to follow him as he made his way back to his office.
Hmmmm? What's her issue? I blinked when my eyes caught Camus' and she tightened her grip on her uncle's cloak as she fell in line with Adolf, a bit flustered with her cheeks tinted red and eyes lowered to the floor. If I didn't know any better, I thought she would avoid me entirely or even yell at me for either embarrassing her or kicking her ass during our fight, but here I am bewildered that she was actually trying to catch my attention.
When we reached the office Hugo opened the door and walked straight towards the sofa, taking a seat immediately without a noise. The rest of us took our own positions, with the Morgues on the opposite side across from Hugo and I standing a few feet from the side. It wasn't because I was tired and on my feet for the most part, but it was because I refused to stand or sit next to Hugo any more than needed. Just walking side by side with the man after medical bay was a long stretch.
"Speak then, Representative of the Morgue Clan head, what is it that you have to say?" Hugo was always the cutthroat kind of guy and went straight to the point. For him time is a precious commodity and he wouldn't allow for it to be wasted on frugal and nonsense meetings. Honestly, he had more important things going on inside his mind but he gave Adolf this time as an act of courtesy.
"In truth, Morgue has also contemplated thoroughly as to how to resolve the Ruby Mine problem as amicably as possible. The territory rent is just one of the many items on the agenda, but after hearing what I have to say I'm sure we'll have no trouble coming to an agreement." said Adolf.
"Then what is it? What will I gain by opening my territory to you and the Morgue Clan?"
"How about a betrothal?" The way Adolf said the word elicited a reaction akin to a pin dropping on the ground, absolute silence. Clearly his plan wasn't what neither of us would imagine him to say. He carried on speaking while Hugo and I kept our mouths closed, "Yes, we propose to link the Morgue and Baskerville Clans through a man and a woman, a traditional marriage contract if you will."
"Which two are you thinking of linking together?" questioned Hugo once he was able to move his mouth, his mind already entertaining the idea of this linkage. On one hand it would reap in benefits for both clans and strengthen their relationship within the Empire. On the other hand if something were to happen between them, Baskerville and Morgue could end up in a fight against each other, leading to a devastating repercussion as well as ruined social relationships with the citizens. Both clans have very notorious reputations to uphold so the two candidates that will be chosen for this marriage contract must be a very good and strong pair.
"How about the eldest son of the Baskerville and my own niece here?" Adolf wraps an arm around Camus who had been eying me the whole time during this discussion and rubs her head affectionately. "She's the eldest daughter of Morgue after all. I may be talking as her uncle, but she is no doubt an incredible child. From looks to intelligence she has no lacking quality as far as I'm concerned. I am sure she'll make a great partner for the successor of your clan."
"...my eldest son is twenty-five years old this year. The difference in age is quite large if you ask me." Hugo voiced his concern after a moment of thinking about the pairing. "He wouldn't be a good suitor for the child."
"An eight year old and a twenty-five year old is only a seventeen year difference." Adolf appealed in hopes of getting Hugo to agree with his suggestion, not at all disturbed by such an age gap between partners. "That much is manageable wouldn't you agree? I don't think there's anything wrong with this pairing, they would be very strong together."
This old bastard, who does he think he is...! I schooled my facial expression even though I was sure I allowed a muscle to twitch in response. Adolf spoke about this pairing in a very casual manner, eager to marry off his niece to perhaps one of the oldest children that Hugo sires. To give away his niece to the Baskervilles like it's no big deal to whomever he feels as good enough without asking her opinion...all for the sake of our two clans is abhorrent.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but my eldest son is already married." The clan head of Baskerville waved his hand dismissively, shaking his head to refute whatever was going to come out of Adolf's mouth. "Before you question it, it was an engagement in the womb. You wouldn't have known."
"I will not marry someone weaker than my mother!" A bold tone sounded within the room and it came from none other than Camus herself. Her voice brought the attention of both adults who didn't even consider the child's intention to marry. "I absolutely will not."
"Child, if you refuse to marry someone weaker than your mother you will have to live as an old virgin for most of your life." Her uncle stroked her hair with a gentle smile on his face, I almost forced myself not to puke or gag at his so-called 'sweet' behavior. "Or maybe you have to meet a guy with a huge age gap and you cannot refuse him."
"I'm looking at their potential." She remarked as she turned her head away with a huff, her cheeks puffed in a huff. "And I hate having a big age gap like that, it's gross even for you. I want someone my age or possibly younger."
"Little girl, this is not a buffet." Hugo stated in warning.
"I know. I also don't have a habit of eating whatever that's given. I..." Camus paused as her gaze shifted to me and I just blinked in confusion as both adults turned their eyes on me as well. I could hear the gears inside of Adolf's mind come to a screeching halt once he put two and two together. If this wasn't such a serious topic, I would have laughed out loud.
"You can't, you fool! I forbid it! You can't do it with her!" Adolf, even though he was trying to be polite and whisper in front of Hugo, he couldn't keep his voice low enough. He began to admonish his niece who once more turned her head away with a disappointed expression on her face. "She's not even a child from a direct lineage! An illegitimate half-daughter, which by the way does not fit our deal here which is a linkage between a man and a woman! She's a bastard child! A half-breed is still only a half-breed!"
"But she's the only one who stood toe-to-toe with me and won our match in front of everyone! Not to mention she saved my life when that rogue fireball spell was fired!" Camus argued back, turning to face her uncle to object. Her eyes were glittering in challenge as she continued, "How many shitty hounds here can you say have achieved that sort of thing at only eight years old?"
"Had it been a male with more qualifications who won against you in that match and saved your life I would have no issues. But a linkage between two females? You must be out of your mind! What would your parents say if they heard about this? I would be a laughingstock of the Morgue Clan!"
"I doubt any male in the age bracket of the Baskervilles could come any close to what she's done!" The young genius of the Morgue Clan held Adolf's gaze and refused to back down. "If this is how it's going to be then I might as well die old and unmarried! I already told you I was against marrying someone with a large age gap!"
"My girl, you cannot be so picky when picking a worthy suitor who would stay by your side until death! This is very serious choice and one I refuse to watch crumble away if something were to happen. Why don't we look a bit closer to find a better choice after we finish up our business? Would you be willing and happier if it is someone from a direct lineage of the family and is in your age range?"
This man is making a mockery out of my child, a genius of the Baskerville Clan, as she stands present in the room. He even went so far as to disrespect an entire bloodline of hounds who aren't from the main branch of the family. To him they are deemed unworthy of the little girl... hmph, those words alone between the two of them enrage me to no end. Hugo furrowed his brows in displeasure at what he heard between Adolf and Camus, his eyes beginning to glow a dangerous red hue.
Taking a couple of deep breathes and casting aside his anger for a moment so that he could speak, he said, "Isn't the thought of the individual important in a betrothal? We never asked the little girl of Morgue so she spoke out against it. Perhaps we should ask the other side of the contract what they think?"
"Clan head, you cannot be serious...this child doesn't know what she's saying!" Adolf gasped in surprise but was promptly ignored. Hugo turned his head to me as the direct target of his words.
"Daughter, what do you think of this proposal? It is clear to me that that little girl sitting there has had her eyes on you since you two met." I turned my eyes to gaze at Camus, her puffy red eyes looking back imploring, almost as if she was asking me to say something that aligns with what she wanted; I swear I could hear how hard her heart was pounding within her chest as she waited for me to speak.
I turned my eyes to the next target: Adolf. He looked as if he'd like nothing more than to reduce me to a pile of ashes on the floor. I won't let my status as an illegitimate female stop me from possibly keeping the most destructive ally this world has yet to witness within the palm of my hands. Oh yes, Camus in her adult years was a force to be reckoned with, and this was my chance to get incredibly close and forge a bond with her. However there was one individual who was waiting for me to answer and I had to keep up my act.
"I will do it if that is your order."
This little brat...she'll go through with this betrothal if she's ordered to do so?! The representative of Morgue stared incredulously at my absurd answer while Hugo sat in silence with a knowing smile on his face. Adolf's fingers curled into tight fists from where they laid on his lap. Camus for her part just blushed and covered her mouth, probably to contain a rush of joy that coursed through her body. She was worried that I wouldn't accept, but it seems like my answer left some wiggle room. How dare she be so insolent against an only daughter of direct lineage!?
"Direct and side lineage have no meaning in Baskerville, at least I couldn't care less who came from where as long as I see potential in the child." Hugo turned his head back to his guests, dragging the eyes of the Morgues on him. "Sometimes those with the surname of Le will produce inferior children and those with the surname of Van will produce superior. This daughter of mine who has an illegitimate surname continues to prove that she is superior to those who have a surname of a direct lineage."
"For the clan head to speak so highly of this child...is she really that talent?"
"You've seen her in action with your own eyes, Representative. Not many hounds who were present could stand in front of your niece and win the way she did. You must've also heard about her reputation before your arrival here, word does travel fast these days after all."
"Hmmmmm..." The older gentleman stood up from where he sat and approached me, inspecting my whole being with a critical eye. He is on the taller side, around the same height as Hugo, and since he is a lot closer I wager I barely reached his chest height. But of course while he was scrutinizing me I was doing the same thing, running through what I remember about him. Adolf is a 6th circle master, which meant that he is extremely strong and in the upper echelons of the Morgue Clan. Although from what I have witnessed during his trip here is that he is stupidly doting on his niece, must come with the territory of being an uncle.
Unfortunately for me I'm nowhere near his caliber to win in a one-on-one fight if he goes all out. I'd be slaughtered on the spot if I tried. Even if I were to unleash Beelzebub and attempted to use the swordsmanship up to the Fifth Fang, it would just be like my fight against Camus except it would be my loss. I don't want to be forced into a position where I show Hugo of all people everything because he doesn't deserve to know all my secrets.
I want him to die being caught unaware of the treasures that the Baskerville Clan had hidden away right under his very nose. First was Beelzebub, then it was the secret book at the library that mentions how to achieve the Tenth Fang. These two things together... will let my revenge against him be a successful one.
"Hey brat, I'm not saying this to you per se and it's not because you are of the wrong gender... but just being somewhat talented is nowhere near good enough to walk alongside Camyu, let alone starting any sort of relationship with her." Adolf leaned close to whisper in my ear and jolting me out of my thoughts, watching my facial expression for any reaction which I won't give him the satisfaction of witnessing. "She is the beloved daughter of the Morgue Clan. You couldn't even dream of laying your eyes on her much less be in the same room or breathe the same air."
Camyu? Is that her real name or a nickname? I briefly glanced at the red-haired princess and she gave me a puzzled expression in return. She was not sure what exactly her uncle whispered in my ear to get me to look at her. How cute, it's a bit better than calling her Camus if I'm being honest.
"Personally, I don't find even the legitimate children of the Baskervilles enough for my niece. She is way above your league and deserves nothing but the best." Adolf continued to prattle and placed a hand on my shoulder almost to intimidate me. However he soon frowned in confusion and tried to tighten his grip, but my strengthened and blessed body stood firm against him. I haven't even spoken or acknowledged him. "Why aren't you answering? Are you listening to me, brat?"
"Why would I bother to listen to someone who said they weren't speaking to me?" I finally questioned and tilted my head up to stare at him unflinchingly. "It'd be stupid of me and a waste of time."
To speak so boldly in front of Uncle...no one at home dares to do it other than my mother... Camus covered her open mouth with a hand while Hugo smirked, not bothering to cover the smile that was on his face.
"Heeheehee, a cheeky brat you've raised, clan head. You are unlike the rest of the mangy mutts in this place, and it would do you well to watch your manners around me. Sir Baskerville," The representative turned his attention to Hugo with an interested gleam in his eyes after giving me that stern warning. "may I have the chance to have a deep talk with this child a little while longer?"
"Is the great magician of the empire really planning on interrogating an eight year old child?" Hugo quipped out of sarcasm, throwing the same line as Adolf once said himself. "It is very unusual for someone of your status to show such excessive interest in the child...especially a child from another clan."
"Ohoho. Well, putting the chances of a romantic relationship blossoming between two females aside your brat could be a potential ally and a great friend of my niece one day. As her uncle it is my duty to make sure anyone who wishes to fight alongside or maintain a good relationship with Camyu is up to reasonable standard. I'm asking this favor not as a representative from the Morgue Clan, but as a girl's uncle."
"It's not like that! Uncle!" Camus held her arms up in front of her in an 'X' shape. "I swear!"
"Stay quiet, my dear niece. Sometimes things like this are in necessary order." Adolf's voice held a tone of strict warning in response to Camus' attempt to protest. He addressed Hugo, clearly not interested in asking me the one who he's definitely challenging to this fight, what my opinion was on the matter. "So, what do you say, Sir Baskerville?"
"Well...if you insist." The clan head released an annoyed sigh at the other man's stubbornness, wanting nothing more than to rid his estate of the overstayed guests. This was perhaps the longest interaction he has had with members of Morgue, and he was anxiously waiting for them to leave. With a wave of a hand, he turned his attention to me and said, "Daughter, take this as another learning opportunity to experience Morgue Clan's power."
"By your will and order."
Outside courtyard...
There weren't many individuals mulling about or the very few that were still visible quickly made themselves scarce. This meant that this little mock fight was only for the eyes of four individuals that were currently present: Hugo, Camus, Adolf, and me. Less distractions the better in my opinion. Adolf and I stood facing each other while the other two acted as the observers to determine a winner. There was a considerable distance between us but instead of my usual stance I held my sword in my hand. I knew what a dangerous opponent Adolf Morgue is at this point of the time line, so every hair on my body stood on end.
"Little Child of Baskerville, I will be testing your qualities in this fight so show me everything that you are. Think of this as a candidate screening and I'm filtering out the unworthy ones who don't have an ounce of potential." Adolf spoke as he took on a relax stance, not at all taking me seriously or thinking that I was an imminent threat to his life. "I would be very disappointed and angry if you entertain the idea of holding back."
To be fair you'd probably faint, convulse, foam at the mouth and shit your pants if I were to show my entire hand. And you wouldn't be the only one to do so, the other two would probably do the same thing. I kept that thought to myself and just nodded my head in response to his words.
"Shall I give you a handicap? I wager it is only fair for one as young as you are to be facing me." He held out his hand and began to chant an earth spell. Soon a large size earthen jar formed before my very eyes, and then there droplets of water that began to fill the jar until only about an inch was left from the top.
"As expected of Uncle...! He's perfectly harmonizing fire, earth, and water magic to create the jar!" Camus' exciting voice cut through and I am under the impression that she also dotes on him to a certain extent.
"I will duel with a full jar of water balanced on the top of my head. If you can make me spill even a single drop, it will be your victory." Adolf explained the conditions as the jar was indeed, balanced on his head. "I used to play with Camyu like this as a training exercise. She passed with flying colors. I can only hope that you wouldn't be a disappointment."
None of the hounds in my past life, including me and Vikir, couldn't even hope of approaching him. I shall use this to experience a portion of his powers because the clan head of Morgue Clan is even a fearsome man to face. Hugo already voiced his opinion and agreed to this because he knows and thinks the same thing that I am. Now what would my odds of winning be if I faced him with full strength, pre-regression?
"Come at me, child." Adolf spoke, gesturing for me to start.
Assassination through ambush would have less than 50% chance given my status. Nearly zero percent if I fought head on... However, with how I am now I think I may have a good chance of a win if I don't go all out. What is more important is showing enough to make Hugo content. With my mind made up I sped towards Adolf with my sword drawn, a glint in the eyes with the intent of piercing the jar with the tip of my sword. It should be simple enough.
"Don't charge head on you fool!" Camus' warning came too late and I felt my sword hit what appeared to be a barrier as I swung, the shock waves stinging my arm upon contact. Adolf just stood with an arm outstretched, a knowing smile on his face as if he anticipated this move off the bat. Of course, it's just so obvious. It was my fault for hastily running straight at him thinking this would be so easy.
"Why would you tell her that, my dear niece? Don't tell me that you're actually rooting for this young girl to win against me?" The representative of the Morgue Clan sounded hurt but kept his barrier up as I backed up, warily looking at the magic shell to see if there was a weak point. "Shield magic is the best response against a swordsman. Without exceptional aura you cannot hope to pierce it, much less make a small dent or crack."
So he's going to force me to show more than a mere swing, he's not interested in this type of foreplay. In a way he's like Hugo, wanting to jump straight to the good stuff. I frowned when I heard his words, but it soon washed away once I noticed a four teardrop-shaped objects that were swirling like a spinning top behind the magician. It appeared to be earth made and coated in fire, I was willing to bet that it would pierce my body full of holes if I weren't careful. He was definitely on a higher level than Camus who used magic circles to fire off her spells, he didn't seem to need those sort of things due to his experience and skill.
"Is it time for me to attack?" There was a dangerous smile that appeared on the old man's face and I subconsciously began to pool mana into my legs, getting ready to dodge the assault.
"Uncle! That's too much!" The red-haired genius of Morgue yelled at her uncle as he sent such deadly spells my way, her nostrils flared indignantly as if she had been insulted at this sort of different treatment. "You've never used such magic even when sparring against me! Are you going easy on me because I'm your niece?! I refuse to be treated as such!"
"My dear niece...whose side are you on right now? Couldn't you at least cheer on your uncle just once?" Adolf asked her, taking his eyes off me for a second to look at his niece. "You know your mother would flay my hide if I were to not go easy on you during our sparring. I can't even bring myself to use the fire spells because your red hair is just too precious."
….his attacks are at a speed that someone would be able to dodge if skilled enough, or if they do manage to dodge it would be just barely. Hugo ignored their banter and focused solely on me, watching and waiting for something to show as I continued to dodge the attacks. Not many hounds have the speed that my daughter possess, seems like I won't have to intervene. I'm interested to see what this young hound has to show against Adolf Morgue.
Is this truly the extent of his skill? Slightly lost in my own thoughts I watched the magician carefully while keeping on my toes, watching as more spells were fired from behind the shield. He continued to hide behind his shield while launching all sorts of attacks, the perfect offense and defense for a magician. If I used the fact that I'm only eight, coupled with prior experience after regression, I could bait my opponent to lower his guard. I might be able to even kill him...but I shouldn't get ahead of myself because that was not the main purpose of this fight. I wonder if that shield spell goes all around him...
"Very clever. So curious to even think of this tactic on your second attempt." Adolf praised as I closed the distance between us and ran circles around him instead of attacking straight on, blocking my swings with his shield when I thought I had a chance. Turns out the spell covers its caster fully like a bubble, an iron defense that wards off other spells or physical attacks. "I must give praise to you for trying."
Hmmmm, now that that was out of the way, I must try another method. I stopped running and took my time to assess the situation. I gave myself time to catch my breath because had I continued to run I would only wear myself out.
"I'll begin to increase my power a bit, it won't be a very drastic change I assure you." Adolf spoke and it caught my attention. "Do try to hold out a bit longer and entertain me."
"Gah...!" I winced as my eye twitched and throbbed as the aura level of the magician went up, something that has never happened before as far as I was aware. I couldn't stand still for too long as another wave of attacks came my way. I bobbed and weave as I had done before, but because of my eye I was forced to use my sword to deflect some of the attacks the best I could until the waves quieted down and I was able to get some breathing room. My eye...! Why does it hurt like this?! ...is it because of the old man's rise in power?
"Hmmmm? Is something the matter? You seemed to have slowed down a bit..." questioned the representative as I put some distance between us, an eyebrow raised in mock concern, I know that tone of voice and knew it was just an act. "You're not going to score any points if you go on the defense."
"Just got a little something in my eye, nothing to worry about." I quickly moved a hand to cover the eye, faking the motion of rubbing out the impurities as my eyelid closed shut. There was no doubt in my mind that this eye I was born with is resonating powerfully with the increased amount of mana that was oozing from my opponent. The reason why it behaves this way is still unknown, but I had a feeling that I'd find some answer if I go to Morgue territory. A prestigious clan of magicians, what better way to find an answer to a mystical eye then mingling with individuals who use magical power.
"Don't think for a minute that I'll go easy on you just because you temporarily lost half your sight."
"A hound even if blinded will still fight to the end. We have other senses that will help guide us to victory." I rushed forward again in a frontal attack, slowly coating the surface of my blade with a faint aura. It wasn't like the reddish hue that I showcased during my fight in the colosseum, so it wasn't as hard to detect that those watching. I slammed into the shield spell and continued to swing against the hard shell. This time I know how to get his guard down...! I'll make his shield spell go away...!
"While I am impressed by your tenacity it won't change anything even if you swing your sword hundreds of times." Adolf spoke with confidence as I continued to swing again and again. He shook his head mockingly as if to tell me to give up, "Your sword cannot break through this shield of mine."
"Rraaaaaaaaaaaaah!" I lunged and swung my sword, pouring everything I could possibly reveal in front of Hugo into the strike and watching the sparks fly. Adolf's eyes widened as he noticed the cracks running through his shield.
She attacked the same spot with such accuracy and power that she managed to deal damage? A calibrated machine with a one track mind. The great magician quickly held up her other hand in hopes of holding the shield from completely shattering. Her focus and level of swordsmanship certainly deserves recognition. However...
CRACK! A couple more strikes and one finally forced my sword to shatter in front of my eyes upon impact, breaking around the middle and leaving me with only a handle.
"This is no different than trying to break a stone wall by throwing eggs. You should have taken the durability of my shield and the durability of your sword into account. There is merit in being bull-stubborn and trying to brute force it through, but you should consider your opponent carefully when using such tactics." The representative of Morgue began to gloat and cement his victory, almost lecturing me of my loss. "You have talent and wit, but you're still greatly lacking in areas to even be considered of any use to my niece, least of all a 'partner' in this linkage."
"Mmmmmm." I hummed, not in approval to what he said, but just a noise in the back of my throat as I stared at him while holding my broken weapon. There was a small ghost of a smile on my face because I knew I actually won our little duel.
"Ah!" Camus' startling voice finally caught Adolf's attention as he felt something wet dribble down his face. He paused and glanced up as the water oozed out of the jar. Sticking out of the surface of the item was the broken part of my sword, the surface glinting as it caught the rays of the sun. "The sword pierced the jar!"
"Ahhhhhhhh! Wha-wha-what?! A piece of the sword broke through!?" Adolf gasped and spluttered where he stood, unable to comprehend what just happened as the jar soon became empty. "Impossible! My shield is the strongest! No one was able to penetrate it!"
"Father, I believe that's enough." I spoke before looking at the water-logged Morgue magician, a laughing smile upon my face. "Even the jar should be empty about now...you're thoroughly soaked." I walked over to the two observers and hopped off the stage, standing before Camus who stared at me with wonder; from what I heard was that she and Adolf sparred but she had yet to beat him earnestly. I said teasingly, "Well, Princess, how did you like the show?"
"It's just a coincidence that you beat Uncle, don't think about getting a big head you dog! Just wait and see, I'll beat him too in our sparring match!" She pointed a finger at my face before turning red and said, her voice slightly trembling, "B-But since you did...does that mean...our proposal is a go?!"
Coincidence...is that what the little girl thought? The broken piece of the sword just happened to conveniently hit the jar? Hugo grinned as he thought about what Camus said, not knowing that I was also looking at him carefully out of the corner of my eyes. Viktoria Van Baskerville. I might be raising a much more sly hunting dog than I originally thought.