Chapter 80: Aura Force!
We had been training tirelessly for a week. By now, both Julius and Marius had stopped complaining. They were laser-focused on applying the techniques I had taught them.
Julius had improved remarkably. His attacks were now precise and unpredictable, no longer easy to read. "I’ve really grown this past week," he said confidently. He constantly sparred against Mark and Elan, pushing himself to the limit every single day.
Marius, too, was brimming with enthusiasm. On the first day, he’d been overwhelmed by Vivin and me, ending up battered and bruised. But now? He was parrying our attacks with ease. His defensive skills were steadily becoming formidable.
"Marius, you... you’re really shaping up to be a defender, not an all-out attacker," I said, genuinely impressed as I watched him fend off a flurry of blows without breaking a sweat. His shield moved with a rhythm that felt instinctual, almost effortless. What was once a weak point had become his greatest strength.
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his usual shy smile playing on his lips. "Guess being a tank suits me, huh?"
I nodded firmly, my tone serious. "If you keep this up, you’ll become an indispensable ally in battle. Not many can anchor a team the way you can."
Just as I finished speaking, I felt it—a sudden, powerful presence. It was like a surge of energy brushing against my senses, familiar and unmistakable. My instincts went on high alert. Without a word, I stepped outside to investigate. The others followed, curiosity etched on their faces.
There, standing at the entrance of the training grounds, was the Patriarch himself—Tetsu von Blackmore. His presence was commanding, radiating an aura of authority and power. He had returned to the Blackmore mansion, likely to restock supplies and recover before heading back to the front lines of the war. The mere sight of him filled me with a mix of respect and apprehension.
I saw Julius and Mark frightened by the sudden arrival of the Patriarch. They were oppressed by the Patriarch’s aura. From afar I could also see Aisha who was frightened by him. This was because it was their first time meeting the Patriarch.
Patriarch’s expression was grim as he addressed us. "The battlefield is in chaos," he began, his deep voice heavy with urgency. "Demons are appearing in waves, and they’re bringing monsters with red crystals embedded in their bodies. Their numbers are growing rapidly."
The words sent a chill down my spine. Red crystals? My thoughts raced. That couldn’t mean...