31 – Unexpected encounter
*Inhale* *Exhale* *Inhale* *Exhale*
“Very good, my lord. Breathing is a crucial part of this technique. A specific amount of air must flow in your lunges, and the rhythm has to be constant. You really managed to get the hang of it.
Now then let's move on to actual hand to hand combat.” (Saphira)
A mage, as a general rule is a powerful force to be reckoned with. However, mages have one major flaw that you can't normally get around. And that's close range combat. Most spells are designed to be fired at range. Firing something at point blank is usually a no go because you're going to get caught in your own spell.
And that's why I wanted to try and eliminate this shortcoming. By nature, Saphira Vermilion is a witch, yet she spent 10 years of her life developing a technique that mages can use at close range. A secret martial arts style. Kind of a long name if you ask me, but let's not be judgy, as my naming sense isn't exactly the best either.
The Warrior Emperor Martial Arts Style is centered around the usage of your mana similar to how qi works. You essentially channel the flow of mana and use it as a weapon. Naturally you don't learn martial arts overnight. So it is going to be a long process. However basic techniques like Electric Acceleration or Thunder Palm should be within reach.
And since it's going to take quite a handful of days until we reach a port, during each break we took, I took the time and tried learning under Saphira's guidance. She really is a good teacher. It never occured to me that it was possible to treat mana in such a manner. In my particular case, if I master this style I should be able to achieve the same physical strength as Leona, which is unheard off. Only a dual Core user would be able to do something like that, yet Saphira developed something amazing.
“Hey Magnus, I forgot how this part of adventuring sucks. Aren't there any comfortable beds around?” (Rose)
“Rose-san, how exactly do you think I could transport a bed with us? Be content with the sleeping bags. Bear with it.”
Technically I could store beds in my storage but using such an important space for something like that… I feel like Iseria-chan would nag me forever if I did that.
“Fine, fine. Since it's not coming out of my pocket, I won't complain. Just promise to let us sleep in a proper bed once we reach the port and not sail straight away.”
“That can be arranged.”
I’m starting to get used to Rose’s complaints; at least it's not as bad as…
“Kyaa!! Stop that, you pervert!” (Rusalka)
“What's wrong with a little bonding time? *Nom*Nom*” (Leona)
“Aaah!! Don't nibble on my ears!!” (Rusalka)
Ugh. I don't even know what am I supposed to do in this scenario. Thankfully enough…
“Alright, you two, break it up. You're disturbing my lord. It is clear that you lack common etiquette, but that will change from now on. Now that I am here, I will not allow you to be disrespectful towards my lord.” (Saphira)
“Huh!? What's that supposed to mean? I treat hubby with utmost respect.” (Leona)
“That's right. If anything, we should teach you a thing or two.” (Rusalka)
“Is that so? Your posture is all wrong, you lack table manners, you tend to interrupt my lord mid sentence… honestly besides your fighting skills, there is not much value in you two.” (Saphira)
“Why you… are you picking a fight? Don't get ahead of yourself just because you have the biggest boobs!” (Leona)
“Shall I add your hot headed temper to that list?” (Saphira)
“Girls, with all due respect, please try to get along. You could each learn something from each other.” (Magnus)
“Understood.” (X3)
Honestly it feels like I’m babysitting a bunch of children. And I can't say that I am that mentally aged myself. Despite the fact that I analyze most things, more than half the time I end up just going with the flow and I don't know what I’m doing. So me watching over them is like the blind leading the blind.
“...!?” (Leona)
Hmm? I couldn't help notice that Leona's attitude suddenly changed. One moment she was all playful and in the other she became stiff?
“Something wrong, Leona?”
When I asked that, a pale gust of wind made the tree leaves and bushes rustle. Wait. Something doesn't feel right here.
“Grrr! This is bad!” (Leona)
“Mind letting me go and explain yourself? You're squeezing me too tight!!” (Rusalka)
“My senses are sending me warning signs. And the air… a foul stench is headed this way. I got goosebumps all over… Someone or something dangerous is headed this way.” (Leona)
If Leona is this worried then I guess camping can wait. She's not the type to be scared like that, so this means the danger is real. Even the horses started to go crazy and wanted to make a run for it.
“If that's how things are, get ready, girls. Stay on your guard and…”
“AAAAAAAAA!!!” (Saphira)
Out of nowhere Saphira started to scream. I can't keep up with all these sudden turns. Just what the hell…!?
“No! Not him!! I don't want the nightmare to return!” (Saphira)
Soon, footsteps echoed and a figure finally came into sight.
It was a knight wearing a jade green armor. The armor part was the same as the holy knights I was accustomed to, but compared to those, this one looked a lot more ornate and this dude, although he is big, looks very agile. What stood out was his helmet. The top
of the helmet had a golden horn akin to a rhino. While looking over the helmet I noticed something.
He… he has red eyes? Or rather, in the spot where a person’s eyes should be, the opening of the helmet glowed with two crimson lights. Its “eyes” were reminiscent of light coming from a machine and gave off a sense of coldness. Those eyes were now scanning each and everyone. It raised the hair on the back of his neck. This guy… really is emitting murderous intent.
“What’s this? Saphira Vermillion? Is that really you, bitch? Didn’t you go and die in a ditch somewhere? And why are you disguised like a human and in the company of such inferior creatures?” (???)
“No, no, no! This can't be happening!” (Saphira)
“Saphira! Get a grip of yourself, woman!! Have you forgotten that you're my property now? I will not allow you to behave that way!” (Magnus)
“!!” (Saphira)
I had to bring her back to reality. However in moments of extreme fear or trauma, the only thing that can break your thought process from it is a stronger force. My eyes glowed strongly and I used the skill Dragon’s Authority. Anyone weaker than me will have their soul shaken and they will be compelled to listen to my words.
Dragon skills are complex and eventually my goal should be unlocking Dragon Tongue. A power that dwells in words themselves, however the current me lacks that ability and the knowledge on how to attain it. However thanks to one of the Undead King’s books, Dragon Authority is possible up to a certain degree, and it seems effective.
“Haven't I already told you, Saphira? No matter what happened in your past life, it doesn't matter. So focus on the present and future, and not the past.”
I then pointed my staff at the green fellow.
“Whoever you are, if you send that much killing intent towards us probably means you have a death wish.”
“Arrogant words, coming from a lizard. Fate really has a strange way of guiding people. Regardless, the only reason your acting so cocky is because you have no clue who you're dealing with.
I am, Yridian, the jade knight and… one of the 5 Great Generals of the Demon God.”
Everyone froze stiff the moment he said those words. To be honest, even I felt like crawling under a rock. But I can't back down now.
“Revealing your name won't change anything.”
“Hou? And why is that?”
“Because… I am here. And there is nobody that stands above me!”