A few days has passed since I was held in the interrogation room. It was almost close for the hunting competition.
Sebastian gave me advice to train much more efficiently with the sword and a way to somehow control the aura. He mentioned that the flames that came out of me are called auras and that those who have it gain some sort of magical powers. At first he wasn't sure if it could even be called as an aura since there's never been one so bright yet dense like the sun.
So we decided to call it the Sun Aura.
Zorul is nowhere in sight ever since we left Zorus's abode. He never appeared in this world unless he has but he's somewhere else. He wasn't on me when we left through the portal, I'm sure he can open a portal like Zorus, right?
Today is the day where all the knights under the princess train together for the upcoming hunt. Which means meeting the very people who tried to kill me and the others. For the hunt, each team has to consist of at least 5 people to participate.
Unfortunately, I am forced to join under the orders of the empress and the crown prince. The rest of the team will be determined through the training today. Many of them seemed unimpressed and dejected as if they have something better to do than to participate in the hunt.
"Come one now Christine, you're losing focus"
Dufrey swinged his sword aiming for my right which I could not block fully. It caused me to stager and lose my footing, almost falling on my back.
"Oww"
"Here" Dufrey offered his hand which I gladly accepted
"Something on your mind?" Dufrey was concerned. I understand why since I've been acting like this ever since that day.
"Just scared I suppose. It's my first time being a knight and now I'm forced to joined the hunt. If I could evaporate into thin air, I would"
Dufrey stood there controlling his expressiin but gave up and let out a huge laugh. I stood there annoyed by his outburst but gave in at the end.
"W-what's so funny" I asked in between laughs
"You somewhat resemble my little sister. She was also in the same situation as you in a way"
He smiled bitterly. It doesn't seem like he would want to talk about her more if I asked.
"Well then, I suppose I should really train my skills huh"
He chuckled and we both continued sparring with each other. We sparred for some time before taking a break and I noticed the captain acting different than usual.
His clothes were those of a knight and they weren't the same clothes he had worn before. He seemed more like a knight....strange
"Hey Dufrey, do you mind if I sparred with someone else for a bit?" I turned to look at him
"Sure why not? The more experience, the better" He waved me off as he sat on the floor, drinking his water.
I walked over to the captain and his followers and they seemed to all hide behind him. I just had this feeling that they all knew about what had happened and since the princess wanted it to be a secret, she must have sent Sebastian to deal with them.
"So.." I think I heard someone squeak....Must be imagining it.
"Would anyone like to spar? It's a bit boring with Dufrey over there" I pointed towards Dufrey.
"I heard that!" I chuckled.
None of them said a word. Even the captain was hesitant. I sighed, after what had happened I understand why they are so defensive.
"Let's put the past behind us shall we" I held out my hand towards the captain.
He was unsure wether to take it or not but he was assured by his followers. We shook our hands and agreed to be on good terms from now on.
"So, who wants to go first" I smiled menacingly.
Hours after sparring, I had gotten to know them better. Although, the lackey is nowhere in sight ever since the beginning. I also got to know that the captain's name was Gord. It made me think of similarities between him and a bitter gourd. They're both so bitter although he's better now. Damn I missed my chance before.
As training went on today, my footings have improved and I could react to dangers very quickly. All I need to focus on now is how to swing more swiftly and have a more stronger blow.
Once the sun starts to set, my training with Sebastian begins. Sebastian is a Magic Swordmaster. His aura is the Holy Aura.
Usually those with a Holy Aura enters the church as a paladin and pledges their loyalty to the church. I wonder how the church let go of him so easily.
"When you summon your aura, you have to make sure you are in a calm state. Since you have only managed to summon them when you're in danger"
"Alright then, what should I do?" I asked and put my sword down on the ground, steeping away from it.
"Close your eyes and calm your nerves. Feel the breeze passing by you and imagine those same flames. Feel those flames on your skin and go with the flo-"
I was in a black space. I imagined the flames that surrounded me before. I felt it rise, the heat picking up it's pace and the crackling sound coming from a distance.
I feel it on my skin and it hurts. It's like someone scraping my skin. I let it flow against my skin and embraced the pain. Until a sharp pain pierced my chest and forced me awake.
I gasped awake back to reality and fainted the moment I got back. I caught a glimpse of Sebastian running towards me as I lose consciousness.