Chapter 31 - Still, I didn't get to say it..
The various bright flowers planted in the atrium were still blooming despite the winter wind. This phenomenon, which went against intuition about the seasons, felt a little strange.
As Noah walked, he suddenly heard another whistling sound in the morning breeze, completely different from the natural wind. It was the sound of a sword slashing through the air at extreme speed.
Following the source of the sound, Noah came to a lawn where he could see magic stone lamps and a small fountain. In a corner near the wall, a small figure was waving a sword.
Noah's eyesight allowed him to confirm at first glance that it was a wooden sword, yet it cut through the air with a sharp sound and carved out a series of almost overlapping afterimages.
If there were a target in front of it, it would probably be slashed, cut, and pierced four or five times in a single breath, shattered into pieces.
The girl who swung the wooden sword with astonishing momentum also stared straight ahead, her clear gaze as sharp as her blade. Although she was a little girl, less than ten years old, her slender arms allowed her to wield a wooden sword almost as tall as herself with ease.
Noah was still amazed to see such swordsmanship again. He could see that, unlike his own rough style figured out through battle, the swordsmanship Ais used was the result of precise design and training. The minimal movements of her arms combined with the unusually steady rhythm of her footwork made Ais look like she was conducting an orchestra or dancing gracefully.
It was quite beautiful.
Human intuition is a wonderful thing; it can often perceive things many cannot subjectively grasp. Take swordsmanship, for example. Although there are exceptions, excellent swordsmanship often gives a sense of elegance due to its cleverness, lightness, and efficiency.
Ais's swordsmanship was just like that, and it even captivated Noah a little.
Although Noah could probably beat the little girl with just one finger, he never judged others based on their current strength. Some people are stronger simply because they have lived longer.
This was how Noah himself had surpassed those strong individuals who once looked down on him. He didn't want to become the kind of person he once hated.
If I were at Ais's age, I would definitely be beaten badly.
However, there was still confusion in her sword. Although the sharp force contained extremely strong emotions and murderous intent, that was not the true source of power driving Ais to swing the blade. Swinging a sword for the wrong reasons will not unleash its true power. Noah was sure because he had been the same way before.
While Noah was thinking, Ais suddenly stopped swinging and turned her gaze towards him. Golden eyes met blue eyes.
Ah, I got caught staring.
Noah blinked and walked towards Ais with a calm expression.
"Good morning, Ais. I was just distracted. Your swordsmanship is truly remarkable."
Just like basic abilities, swordsmanship styles or fighting methods are personal secrets. Therefore, watching others train is somewhat taboo, especially for rookies like Noah who are unfamiliar to the group.
Hearing Noah's apology and praise, Ais felt a little strange. His words sounded as if he was genuinely fascinated by her swordsmanship because it was so good.
Probably just my imagination.
"Yeah... it's nothing." Shaking her head, Ais blinked. It was unclear what she was thinking, but the blush on her cheeks, already slightly red from the cold wind and training, became even more obvious. She secretly looked up, made eye contact with Noah, bit her pink lips lightly, and then lowered her head.
"Um, thank you..."
Although the girl's voice was as soft as a mosquito's whisper and disappeared in the morning breeze, Noah still caught it keenly, though he almost thought he was hallucinating.
What's going on? Not only did she not blame me, she even thanked me?
"Also, sorry... in the Dungeon, and before on North Street..."
Only after hearing the rest did Noah understand. She was thanking him for saving her in the Dungeon and apologizing for not thanking him when they met again on North Street.
"It's nothing serious. After all, seeing a group of weird men following a little girl would make anyone concerned."
"But Riveria said that we should express our gratitude when we are rescued."
Noah glanced at the wooden sword in Ais's hand. "Miss Ais and Lady Riveria have a good relationship. Is that why you're using a wooden sword?"
Although he didn't know why Ais had rushed into the Dungeon last time, this little girl was obviously a battle maniac. Even though her weapons might have been destroyed in the last battle, the Loki Familia certainly had no shortage of replacements. It seemed easy enough to guess why Ais could only train with a wooden sword now. It was clearly a protective punishment.
Ais's eyes widened immediately. "How do you know that?"
Noah didn't answer directly but winked teasingly and turned away. "Who knows? Maybe it's just intuition."
Looking at Noah's back, it took Ais a while to react. Realizing she was being teased, her fair cheeks couldn't help but puff up. "Jerk..."
However, after her dissatisfaction dissipated, she couldn't help but cover her chest again.
Still, I didn't get to say it.
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