Point of View: Paul
Paul was sitting, staring out of the wagon window—though in truth, he wasn't looking at the scenery. His eyes focused on the reflection instead.
He looked at his companions. Lilia was seated in front of him, eyes closed. Norn slept curled up at his side, clinging to his arm.
And then there was Aisha…
Sleeping right next to Arthur, resting against his shoulder as comfortably as if the boy were her personal pillow.
Paul let out a long sigh.
"I don't know if I should be happy because it seems I've found a kid far better than me… or if I should be angry."
"But he's taken good care of them… too good. Even now both girls are advanced-rank magicians. Haha… my own seed scares me." he thought with a dry laugh.
He looked down at Norn.
She had changed so much. The first time he visited her she seemed depressed, with empty eyes that reminded him of himself. When he asked Lilia about it, she explained everything. Apparently her grandparents looked down on Norn for being "less" than her sister.
He began to regret leaving her… but he had had no other choice.
But as he kept visiting, she slowly changed—like a flower coming back to life. Much to her grandmother's displeasure, of course.
"Good job, kid."
"You've done something this old man never could. I'm the worst father, a useless drunk."
His fists clenched unconsciously.
Lilia, without saying anything, placed her hand on his and gave it a soft squeeze.
He breathed deeply; the air finally reached his lungs again.
"Thank you, Lilia…"
He rubbed his face, trying to clear his thoughts.
"I just hope Rudeus has read the letter and hasn't done anything stupid," he murmured. "Rudeus, I promise I'll bring your mother home. No matter what happens, I will."
---
Third Person
With Arthur
Back at the base, Arthur stepped forward.
—So you're the one coming with us, Rujierd,—he said, bumping fists with the warrior.
—Yes, Arthur. It's been a while. Look how much you've grown,— Rujierd replied with a faint smile. —So… you're coming too?
Arthur nodded.
Rujierd's gaze drifted over the room. When he spotted Norn and Aisha, he gave them a respectful nod. Both girls returned the gesture.
Norn. Aisha. I'm glad to see you both safe.
It's good to see you too, Mr. Rujierd,— Aisha replied politely.
Ginger, who had been keeping watch nearby, finally exhaled.
Don't worry anymore,—Paul said. —Arthur will go with them.
A-ah, right… that makes me feel better,—Ginger answered, though she still peeked nervously at Rujierd.
Then Paul stood up and signaled Arthur to follow him.
Outside, in an empty clearing, the sunset painted the sky orange.
So, why did you call me? —Arthur asked.
I just wanted to confirm something.
Confirm?
Yes. Lilia told me about the style you created, and I got curious.
He drew his sword and took the stance of the Sword God Style. "I want to test your strength myself."
Arthur blinked. —Are you sure?"
He drew his own sword. —I won't hold back.
Haha, that's what I'm hoping for. By the way, what's the name again?
Arthur stepped forward lightly, leaning his body just slightly, raising his sword with both hands at chest height, the tip angled downward.
For now, it's called the Saint Style of Dawn.[1]
Pff—what a nice name. And you even call it 'Saint' rank. Let's see if you're truly worthy of that.
Paul tightened his grip, muscles tensing.
Arthur simply breathed… and the air around him seemed to settle.
Then you start.
Arthur vanished from his view for an instant. A sudden burst—straight at him. Paul raised his sword just in time; the impact echoed like a crack in the air. Paul grit his teeth. The force behind that strike was real.
His strength… it's above mine.
Paul stepped back and counterattacked. Three swift strikes aimed at vital points. Arthur barely blocked the first; the second forced him to twist his body; the third grazed his cheek.
Arthur lowered the sword as if preparing to thrust, but in the last second twisted it into an odd-angle slash—something Paul had never seen before.
What kind of style is that…?
Arthur pressed forward, increasing the pressure. The exchange intensified. Paul relied on years of experience, but Arthur compensated with instinct, reflexes, and an unpredictable rhythm.
One particularly strong clash forced both apart.
Paul breathed a bit heavier—not from exhaustion, but excitement.
No wonder Lilia talked so much about you… But I feel you're missing something. You don't have much real combat experience, do you?
You're right. I haven't fought anyone as strong as you before,— Arthur answered honestly.
Then let's keep going.
Paul rushed in first this time. His speed spiked suddenly; Arthur matched him effortlessly. The sound of clashing metal filled the clearing. Arthur slid back, feet gliding smoothly, blocking and deflecting every attack.
Then Paul unleashed a full-power strike—his strongest.
Arthur followed, raising his sword diagonally.
A metallic explosion rang out.
Paul jumped back immediately… but Arthur was already upon him.
A movement from the Style of Dawn: "Yoake Kiri" (dawn cut) —a basic-rank technique, but with boosted speed.
A blur, leaving dust swirling behind.
Paul tried to block—but Arthur's blade was already touching his neck.
The fight was over.
Arthur stepped back and lowered his sword.
I told you I wouldn't hold back.
Paul breathed hard, sweat rolling down his temple.
Then he burst into a rough laugh.
"Damn kid!" He wiped his forehead. —Didn't think you'd be that far above me. You mastered a new style… and yes, you truly have the power of a Saint-rank swordsman."
His expression turned serious—proud—and slightly trembling.
Now I'm more at ease. A Superd and a Saint-rank swordsman watching over Norn and Aisha… That's quite the combination.
Haha, you flatter me, Mr. Paul—, Arthur said, sheathing his sword.
But…—A sinister smile spread over Paul's face. "If you lay a hand on my girls… I will find a way to kill you.
Arthur swallowed hard, nodding. "This man really is terrifying when it comes to protecting his daughters."
Come on, it's late. The others must be looking for us,— Paul said, finally relaxing.
They walked back toward the base.
But hidden among the bushes, someone trembled as he watched.
"Th-that kid…" he whispered, a bead of sweat sliding down his cheek. "He's a monster… He's gotten too strong… too fast."
---
Early Morning
Four people set out after saying their goodbyes at the base. They traveled through many places, resting and taking turns. Sometimes monsters blocked the way, but they were dealt with quickly—and Arthur used those moments to train the girls in real combat magic.
The results were impressive.
Even Rujierd seemed surprised—he had only recently learned how strong the girls had become.
---
Point of View: Norn
Norn sat near the campfire, hugging her knees. The orange glow danced in her eyes while her thoughts wandered far away.
Thinking about living with my brother… it scares me a bit.
I think it all started the moment I saw him hitting my father. At that moment, I thought he would kill him.
And… "all I felt was hatred."
She sighed.
Even though Father explained everything later… I still feel this tight knot in my chest. I don't know what I'll say when I see him.
What are you thinking about?
She looked up at the voice of a very important person to her.
Arthur stood there, hand resting lightly on his sword's hilt, but his expression was gentle.
Nothing… just thinking about some things,—she said, trying to sound steadier than she felt.
Arthur studied her for a moment, those eyes of his seeming to understand more than she said. "She's been like this since we left… must be because of her brother."
It's about your brother, right?— Arthur asked.
She froze for a second.
He sighed. —Come here.
—Huh?
Arthur crouched beside her and gently placed his hand on her head, ruffling her hair just a little.
—You don't have to carry everything by yourself, Norn.
She looked down, feeling a strange warmth in her chest.
Arthur continued softly:
Your brother isn't perfect… and you don't need to understand everything right now."
But when the time comes… you won't be alone. I'll be with you.
Norn bit her lip.
For some reason, those words lifted a weight she didn't even know she'd been carrying.
Thank you… Arthur, — she whispered, leaning just a little against his arm without noticing.
Arthur smiled faintly, watching the fire.
---
Point of View: Aisha
Weeks later.
The constant rattling of the wagon over uneven roads had become the melody that followed them day and night. They had been traveling for weeks, and although adventure sounded exciting, the reality was an endless landscape of green and slow-moving sun.
At least… I secured the best seat.
I was curled up beside Arthur, my shoulder brushing his every time the wagon jumped. The best thing about him being so strict with "proper behavior" was that he always sat as close as possible to the door—so he could react first—and I simply made sure to take the seat right next to him.
Arthur was reading a storybook to pass the time. I couldn't help staring at his face for a while.
Do I have something on my face?— Arthur asked.
Nope. I just think it's interesting how focused you get when you're reading," Aisha replied.
Well… it is pretty interesting, —he said.
When I moved closer, I felt Arthur tense up a little. I wasn't sure when he started reacting like that. Before, I could get close to him and he wouldn't react at all. But recently, whenever I lean in… he gets a bit nervous.
Who would've thought a Saint-rank swordsman could get flustered?
And the best part is… it's because of me.
Once I discovered that, teasing him became my new hobby.
So what's it about?— I asked, tilting my head so my cheek brushed his shoulder.
Uh… um… —Arthur cleared his throat and turned the page. "Old heroes. Big battles. Stuff like that.
The way he talked told me he wasn't reading anymore—he was way too focused on not pushing me away.
I laughed internally.
Mmm…— I murmured, letting a lock of my hair brush against his arm. —You're gonna write your own book someday, right? The Great Arthur of Dawn… sounds cool, doesn't it?
Wh-what book?— he asked, confused in that way he only gets when I catch him off guard.
Your adventures, duh. Ever since I met you, you keep doing amazing things.
I settled my head properly on his shoulder.
But if you write it as boring as you talk sometimes, nobody will read it.
Hey…— he sighed—but didn't move away.
That made me smile.
I looked outside the wagon, watching the slow march of trees passing by.
"Ever since I met Arthur… my life hasn't been the same. It's not boring anymore… or heavy. And that… that really makes me happy."
---
End of Chapter
[1] I changed the name because I thought it was really ugly lol