Chapter 176: Stop beating around the bush.

Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Stop beating around the bush.

Chapter 176: Stop beating around the bush.

There was little point in learning a technique that he couldn’t properly use when he could spend that time improving his Aura instead.

So for the time being, he would have to put it on hold until he broke through.

Osborne eventually came across a small clearing where several animals had gathered to feed, and after observing them for a brief moment, he selected a suitable target.

He didn’t bother approaching carelessly, instead using the surrounding trees to conceal his presence before moving closer, and once he was within a suitable distance, he drew his sword and dealt with the animal in a single swift movement.

After securing his prey, he checked the surroundings once more before returning towards the camp, although his thoughts hadn’t completely moved away from the manuals.

There were other sword techniques he discovered back at their base, but Osborne didn’t see the need to learn such low-ranking sword techniques when his current strength was far above them.

Most of those manuals were meant for ordinary Aura users, and while they might have been useful to someone who was just beginning their journey as a swordsman, he didn’t see any reason to spend time learning techniques that offered little improvement over his existing abilities.

He wasn’t particularly interested in collecting sword techniques simply for the sake of having them, especially when his time could be spent on something more useful.

Only the Ravenous Beast Blade of the trafficker leader had truly piqued his interest due to its sheer destructive power.

Moreover, the technique wasn’t simply limited to the 4-star level.

A part of the manual contained notes on a 5-star section, providing further instructions on how the technique could be developed once the user reached the next stage of Aura cultivation.

Meaning its power wouldn’t be useless when he reached 5 stars as well.

Osborne couldn’t help feeling that the manual was a rather valuable find, especially considering that he hadn’t expected to obtain something like it from the traffickers in the first place.

Finding this manual was definitely an unexpected blessing no matter how many times he thought about it.

*********

Osborne soon returned with another game.

Like last time, it didn’t take him much time to finish preparing it, and before long, the pleasant smell of roasted meat had once again begun spreading throughout their little camp.

He had also taken the opportunity to gather some additional firewood on his way back.

Once the meat was properly cooked, Osborne removed several pieces and placed them on a wooden plate he carved himself, before handing one over to Sasha.

The girl accepted it with a small smile, the scent of the meal over the fire had already caused her appetite to grow.

The two soon settled down beside the fire to enjoy their dinner.

Sasha took a bite, appreciating the familiar taste of the spices as she slowly chewed the tender meat, while Osborne remained focused on his own meal without paying much attention to anything else.

While the meal was nice, Sasha would occasionally glance at her master from time to time, as if pondering whether to say something or not.

She would look at him for a moment before lowering her gaze towards her food, only to repeat the same action a little while later, and although she tried to make it seem as though she was simply looking around, her behaviour was becoming increasingly obvious.

Osborne initially ignored her, assuming she would eventually say whatever was bothering her, but after several minutes had passed without her making any attempt to speak, he began finding her constant glances rather distracting.

"Is there something you’d like to tell me?"

Eventually, Osborne couldn’t hold back and asked, his voice carrying through the quiet clearing as he turned his head slightly in her direction.

Sasha froze, realising she’d been seen through, and the piece of meat she had been holding stopped halfway towards her mouth.

"It’s nothing..."

She tried to awkwardly laugh it off, lowering her head as she continued eating, although her actions did little to convince him that there was truly nothing on her mind.

Osborne let out a breath.

"It’s obvious there’s something on your mind."

He placed the remaining piece of meat on his plate before turning towards her, and although his tone wasn’t particularly harsh, there was a certain seriousness in his voice that made Sasha realise he wasn’t going to let the matter go so easily.

"I’d rather have you focused on the journey at hand than risk any issues."

He continued, briefly glancing towards the forest surrounding their camp before returning his attention to her.

"So tell me, what is it that bothers you so?"

Sasha turned silent for some time, her fingers unconsciously moving around the piece of meat she was holding as she tried to gather the courage to express what she had been thinking about.

She had considered bringing it up earlier, but each time she looked at Osborne, she found herself hesitating, especially since he had already done so much for her without asking for anything in return.

Even now, she wasn’t entirely certain how he would respond, and the possibility of being rejected made her feel a little embarrassed before she had even asked.

"I was wondering if you could please teach me how to fight~"

She managed to say, though looking slightly embarrassed in the process.

Osborne raised a brow beneath his helm, not expecting such a question from her, especially considering that he hadn’t seen any indication that she was particularly interested in combat before now.

"You wish to learn combat?"

Sasha nodded her head vigorously, seemingly relieved that she had finally managed to say what was on her mind.

However, her enthusiasm didn’t seem to have the effect she had hoped for, as Osborne remained silent for a moment while looking at her, apparently trying to understand what had brought about such a sudden request.

’Is she still hung up on that teacher thing from last night?’