Chapter 21 - Sword Saint
Rygar slowly opened his eyes, feeling a gentle pulse coursing through his body, as though he were being wrapped in a comforting warmth. His vision was blurry, but his ears caught a familiar, kind, and warm voice:
"...and let him recover with a healthy body. X-Heal."
The magic radiated over him, gradually restoring his strength. As his mind cleared, he saw Verdia crouching beside him, her gaze fixed on him with evident concern. When she noticed that Rygar was regaining consciousness, her expression softened, though worry still lingered in her eyes.
"Are you alright?" Verdia's voice was soft, but it carried a subtle note of concern that Rygar rarely heard from her. She watched him intently, probably waiting for any sign that the healing had fully taken effect.
Rygar forced himself to sit up, feeling his energy returning. He used a healing spell on himself and gave a faint smile as he felt his strength spreading through his body. "Yes... I'm feeling better now."
"Thank you, Master."
Verdia stood up, relief crossing her face. "That's good. I came looking for you after you were gone all night. I was so worried. You still need some time to recover, but the worst is over."
"There were some complications," Rygar admitted. "That wolf over there was a mutation. It had already killed the Silver Mist Wolf when I arrived. I had to fight for my life." He paused, reflecting on his near-death experience. "But... maybe I should thank it after all."
He grabbed the blue blade and focused on the touki flowing through his body. A moment later, he smiled. Moving forward, he accelerated rapidly, far faster than he ever had with his previous Flash Step technique. He shot past a tree like a bullet, leaving only a deep slash at its base. The trunk toppled over with a resounding crash in the silent forest. This was the true signature move of the Sword God Style—the Longsword of Light.
Verdia observed him for a moment before clapping excitedly. A joyful smile spread across her lips as she congratulated him, her pride for him shining even brighter than his own.
"Congratulations, little Rygar! You're now a Sword Saint," she declared, stepping closer. "I hope the sword has been useful."