Chapter 99
A Complete Opposite People
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)
The next day, after finishing with necessary shopping, we took Albert and Marina and left the post town.
And in order to avoid a waste of time even a little, we made a base at the foot of the mountain where Guirdjieff lived.
Even if I said that it was a base, it was easy to build a simple hut with cloth and boards bought in town centering on our carriage, and it was also easy to separate between men and women.
"Sorry, I think that it will hard for everyone for a while." (Sirius)
"If I can be by Sirius-sama's side, I will not think too much of hardship." (Emilia)
"I am like Nee-chan. I don't have any problem if I can be with Aniki." (Reus)
"For us, this carriage is like a house, isn't it?" (Reese)
"To begin with, it is too luxurious. If we are complaining, we are not different than foolish nobles." (Fia)
Well, there was a beautiful river flowing in a little away from the place, and our carriage had a kitchen and bath as well.
There was Hokuto watching out the surroundings, so the facilities here was far better than a poor inn.
By the way, the siblings who saw Hokuto for the first time, although it wasn't as much as the siblings in the house, they recognized Hokuto as a higher rank existence by showing respect and used honorific. To put it simply, maybe the term 'Boss' was better to be used?
"Rather than us, Sirius-sama's side is more concerned, is it? Were you looking forward to go to Parade?" (Emilia)
"Well, I won't deny that I am looking forward to it. It is true that I am concerned about unknown ingredients, but the town doesn't run away. When everything is over, I am thinking to have the siblings to show us around the town." (Sirius)
"Hehe, that's alright. They probably know a lot since it is their hometown." (Emilia)
Since the disciples agreed, I can train Albert without worrying about it.
—
And the remaining half month until the deadline mentioned by Albert…
After the base was ready, a full-scale training began.
"I understood Albert's ability since I fought him on the other day, so now, I want to know your limit of stamina. From now on, you will run until you collapsed." (Sirius)
"Please treat me well, Shishou." (Albert)
I mentioned about becoming my disciple earlier, and since then, Albert started to call me Shishou.
Maybe because Reus fought him in the other day, he cheerfully patted Albert's shoulder who worried about a lot of things.
"Oi oi, it's not good to be timid. We are going to collapse anyway, so let's go with an eager feeling of collapsing later!" (Reus)
"…Aah, sure. I can't become stronger if I am afraid." (Albert)
"Just as you said. Well, I'm going first!" (Reus)
With such exchange of words, Albert also started running while smiling at Reus who headed out earlier.
Anyhow, I was going to run after those two, but I also saw the appearance of Marina who anxiously looked at her brother from a distance.
"Aniue…" (Marina)
"That's not good, Marina. It is something your brother decided by himself, so we should watch quietly." (Emilia)
"But, Aniue fainted at that time, so if he somehow fainted…" (Marina)
"Is that so? We are used to it when looking at Reus, but you are worried when watching from the side, is it?" (Emilia)
"However, that is necessary to become stronger. Besides, Sirius understands the limit of people well, so it's not necessary to worry unless Albert's determination breaks. Believing and waiting are the secret of a good woman, you know." (Fia)
Even though the ladies in the house had experienced my training, they understood me, but for those who didn't know, it seemed like a torture. Thus, it couldn't be helped if Marina became worried.
As Emilia persuaded Marina with a smile, she calmed down a bit.
"More importantly, since the brother is trying really hard, is Marina only going to look?" (Emilia)
"Anyhow, why don't you also get stronger and surprise your brother? Why don't you practice magic with us?" (Emilia)
"…Oh yes. I am not someone who will stay watching." (Marina)
"Let's start with Marina's aptitude attribute, alright." (Emilia)
"Uhmm, my aptitude is fire attribute…" (Marina)
I was concerned because I was concentrating on Alberto and Reus at the moment, but if it was like that, it won't be a problem.
After waving my hands to Emilia who nodded and left everything to her, I went after those two who ran first.
—
After several hours…
"Gahuu!?" (Albert)
"Aniue…" (Marina)
By only running at the foot of the mountain, with an occasionally repeating with full power running, so when we finally came back to the base, Albert collapsed at the same time.
As soon as Marina came over, Reese came in earlier and started to check Albert's condition.
"Reese-san, Aniue is…" (Marina)
"Yes, please be quiet, alright. Injury… none. Breathing… rough, but within acceptable tolerance. And the body water…" (Reese)
"Reese, here's the water." (Emilia)
"Thank you. Albert-kun, can you drink this?" (Reese)
"Haa…haa.. I-I'm fine…" (Albert)
"You don't have to force yourself to speak. Sirius-san, how about your side?" (Reese)
"…He's fine. There is no sequele." (Sirius)
I touched Albert and verified with [Scan], but I couldn't confirm any conspicuous sequele. He had a degree of fatigue just right beyond limit.
Emilia didn't bring cold water. She brought warm one, so if he rested for a while, there would be no problem.
Marina was staring at me with cold eyes because of what I did to her brother, but while looking at us who skillfully treated him, she noticed that she couldn't do anything, so she stayed quiet.
From there, when Emilia and Reese separated from Albert when they had confirmed that nothing was wrong with him, Reus, who went for long distance running alone, came back, and he bitterly smiled at the fallen Albert.
"Didn't I tell you not to match up with me? Are you alright, Al?" (Reus)
"Haha… Certainly… It was a mistake. I do understand now… the reason why Reus is strong." (Albert)
"Wa-wait a second! Unlike you, this is the first time for Aniue. Don't incite Aniue!" (Marina)
"It doesn't change the fact that he collapses. Phew…" (Reus)
"It is because you are used to it–… Eh!?" (Marina)
Since I told Reus to properly rest during resting time, he removed the weight of his arms and feet.
Marina was about to hit Reus with anger, but the words held when seeing the weight removed by Reus was sinking into the ground.
"Yeah, what is it?" (Reus)
"…What is that?" (Marina)
"It's a weight. After all, Aniki also wears it, you know?" (Reus)
"I am not using it as much as Reus though. Depending on the situation, I plan for Albert to use it." (Sirius)
I wasn't sure if he could reach until that level within the remaining of half month, but personally, I felt like he could do it.
Without having a favorable view, I thought that Albert was excellent. The basic stamina was insufficient, but the ability that could surely aim the opponent's weapon was brilliant. More importantly, I judged that his determination close to Reus, so he could be considerably trained.
And the moment her lips were tied, Marina rushed in and got closer to Albert who was hydrating.
"Aniue, let's not to do any more than this! Aren't you already messed up!?" (Marina)
"Sorry for the trouble. No matter how much you ask, I can't do that. I am the one who want to train, so I can't give up easily." (Albert)
"But, if you keep doing it, you will definitely die!" (Marina)
"Don't worry, I will not die until I marry her. Besides, I also noticed. I was really slacking until now. I am surely taught by myself." (Albert)
"It's enough if you understand that. The training will also start from noon, so Al, make sure you take a good rest." (Reus)
"…Ah, either way I can't move at all." (Albert)
As I entrusted Marina and Reus to take care of Albert, I spoke to the ladies who were cooking at the kitchen.
"How's the lunch preparation?" (Sirius)
"It's finished. Shall we eat soon?" (Emilia)
"We are fine, but Albert need a little bit more rest. I'm going to look at him. I leave the preparation to you guys." (Sirius)
"Leave it to me!" (Emilia)
Since I thought that Albert couldn't eat anything for now, I would rest while applying regenerative activity to him to the extent that he could eat meals.
So, when I touched Albert's back while applying regenerative activity, Reus who was resting besides us, was looking at Marina, who stood by, and tilted his head.
"Say, what are you doing, Marina? If it is about Al, he's fine. Why don't you help Nee-chans?" (Reus)
"Wha!? I-I am worried about Aniue…" (Marina)
"I am happy that you are worried, but I'm fine, you know. More importantly, please go over there, and help them with something." (Albert)
"…Understood." (Marina)
Although Marina unwillingly left us, her eyes was shining when looking at the dishes for the first time while helping Emilia and others preparing lunch.
"Hamburger? Just by squashing the meat and reshaping all at once, it will change so much. Besides, this soup takes too much time to prepare even though no ingredient is put inside." (Marina)
"That is Albert's meal." (Emilia)
"Th-this is Aniue's meal?" (Marina)
"He is tired and he can't eat well. But even with these, it goes well inside the stomach. Why don't you have a little taste?" (Fia)
I remembered that the ladies took troubles to prepare it. And then, when Marina drank the soup that Fia handed over, she opened her eyes wide because the taste was different than it looks.
"It has a thin flavor… but what is this? It's really gentle." (Marina)
"I know, right? During my time, Sirius made it for me, and he really helped me a lot." (Fia)
"However, we are still not good enough. Although we learned how to make it from Sirius-sama, somehow the taste is different." (Emilia)
"I wonder if it is because of difference in experience? Maybe because of delicate cooking time or a secret how to pick up the lye." (Fia) (TLN: Not so sure what kind of dish is this.)
"This is from Sirius-san?" (Marina)
"Of course. He is our Master, after all!" (Emilia)
"Woof!" (Hokuto)
Emilia and Hokuto, who just came back from the mountain, were sticking out their chests as if they were completely talking about themselves.
By the way, Hokuto was asking to procure the food supply instead of us. He showed how all-purpose he was by not only getting monster's meat, but also edible wild vegetables.
And then, when the lunch time came, Albert, who couldn't move because of fatigue, seemed to suffer even by drinking soup.
At that moment, it might be the time for pro attendant, Emilia, but…
"Are you alright, Aniue?" (Marina)
"You need to eat properly, you know. If not, you can't handle the training in the afternoon." (Reus)
Since Marina and Reus were taking care of him, there was no need for Emilia then.
"Haha… I'm ashamed. How many times I have shown a miserable appearance." (Albert)
"Anyone will become like you if they become Aniki's disciple. Come, give me the spoon. I will feed you." (Reus)
"Wha!? You, shut up. I will take care of Aniue!" (Marina)
"There is no problem if anyone is doing it, right?" (Reus)
"I'm sorry, but I will only accept your feelings. I want to avoid things like making her jealous as much as possible." (Albert)
It was a weird conversation, but Albert's behavior toward steady man was well understood.
Well, even when he received nursing from Reese, she didn't make any tremor, but would she come until this far if nothing was done?
"But, that is difficult. If you stay like this, I will not feel confident for you to move from noon." (Reus)
"You don't have to worry. The reason is, well… if I say that it is because of personal experience, will you understand that?" (Albert)
"I think that it will be severe, but eat as much as you can. Once you finish eating, go take a nap." (Reus)
""Nap?"" (Albert/Marina)
The scene where the siblings tilted their heads altogether was similar to the siblings in the house in the past.
While laughing inside, the calm and cheerful lunch was finished. There was no need to say that the remaining soup was happily given to Reus and Reese.
—
After meal… I tried to touch Albert who immediately fell asleep due to fatigue, but Marina was cautiously staring at me.
"If you do strange things to Aniue… I will not forgive you." (Marina)
"If you are worried, you may come and see it. Look, I'm only touching." (Sirius)
I somehow managed to put my hand on his shoulder. I applied regenerative activity with a bitter smile to increase Albert's resilience.
I thought that it would be enough even with just an hour, so after recovering, the body would be fully tormented again, and the repetition would be done in the same way again.
Thanks to that, he would gain double or triple efficiency that a typical training, so he should able to get sufficient results in half a month. The problem was the perseverance wouldn't break his heart midway, but if it was Albert, I thought that he would fine.
Reus lied down next to me while taking a rest, but Marina didn't get away from Albert.
"Say, isn't Al just tired and sleeping? Why are you so worried?" (Reus)
"…It doesn't concern you." (Marina)
"Yes, it doesn't, but you are like how I was in the past, and I don't like it. You worry too much…" (Reus)
Perhaps, Reus wanted to say that she relied too much on her brother.
Just like how he relied on his sister, Emilia, in the past.
"I'm not doing the same thing like you." (Marina)
"No, in the past, I was also like Marina. I couldn't stand unless I was by Nee-chan's side. But, now it's different. Try to see it." (Reus)
"Sirius-sama. Please have this." (Emilia)
At that time, Emilia, who sat on the other side of Reus, offered fruit cut into bit size with a full smile.
"Nee-chan. Give it to me too." (Reus)
"Since you are here, eat it yourself." (Emilia)
"Wha!?" (Reus)
"… I'm sorry. I don't really get it." (Marina)
"I used to throw a tantrum until I got the fruit in the past, but now, I think that I am doing better because I am happy if Nee-chan is happy. Anyhow, Marina is too worried." (Reus)
"I know that I am worried too much, but it's just that… I wish for Aniki's happiness." (Marina)
Marina, who got hit with bullseye, quietly looking at her brother's calm sleeping face while laughing at her.
"I was able to live because Aniue always protected me. That is why, I would do anything for Aniue's sake." (Marina)
"Is that what Al wants?" (Reus)
"It doesn't matter if he wants it. If Aniue wants to marry that person, I will fully support him." (Marina)
"If that's the case, don't stop your brother. Right now, he needs to be stronger." (Reus)
"Isn't it pointless if he die because of this!? There are times when Aniue collapses, unless I protect him." (Marina)
Somehow she depended on his brother more than I expected.
She was protected since she was a child. In a sense, that might be natural.
If this was true, Albert also needed to listen to her, and he probably should also talk to her, but… now I couldn't deeply butt in.
"It is something like that, huh. But, Al is not the only one, Marina also need to be stronger." (Reus)
"Unfortunately, I am confident with fire magic. Because I will burn you before long." (Marina)
"That's not it. That's why–… No, I want you to stop since you are saying something strange." (Reus)
Reus was about to slip his mouth, but he seemed to endure.
Although it might be good to talk about this in particular, but now I thought that I would praise Reus, whose mouth was closed.
"What is it!? Don't pull out after talking this far." (Marina)
"Hey! Albert might wake up." (Sirius)
"Aah!" (Marina)
"Uhh… Pamela…" (Albert) (TLN: The name in raw is パメラ)
A reaction coming from Albert was seen because of her loud voice, but it seemed that he didn't get up because he was sleep talking.
He talked a woman's name in sleep, perhaps it was his fiancé's name.
After that, Reus and Marina stayed in delicate atmosphere until the time to wake up Albert.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)
—
Together with Reus and Alberto, who finished his nap, we came to an open space somewhat away from the base.
"Amazing… it is like what Shishou and Reus say. My body is light. It feels like a lie." (Albert)
"Well then, there will be no problem with the training from noon, right?" (Sirius)
"Y-yes!" (Albert)
"From today, the training will be repeated with recovery over and over again. Anyway, you'll get stronger by doing it the number of times, but it is over if your heart break. Engrave that in your heart." (Sirius)
"Understood!" (Albert)
Albert was surprised by the body recovery with a slight nap, but the performance training would start from here. Considering the damage to the surroundings, that was the reason I left the base.
I prepared wooden swords for them, including Reus who stood next to me.
"Oh, it's a mock battle, right? How are we going to do this?" (Reus)
"With both of you. I will fight both of you at the same time, so come at me with all strength." (Sirius)
""Eh?"" (Reus/Albert)
I took a certain distance from those two, and set the wooden sword.
They were all at lost of what to do, but when I unleashed bloodlust, they instinctively held their swords. That was a passing mark.
"There are also other training, but every day from today, both of you will do mock battle with me at the same time. Of course, seriously come at me. And Albert…" (Sirius)
"Wha-what is it?" (Albert)
"Until you can land a blow on me during mock battles, I will not allow you to challenge Guirdjieff. Even if it approaches the deadline, I will not let you enter the mountain." (Sirius)
"Eh!? That is…" (Albert)
"You need to have a determination until that much. Besides, it's just a single blow, and Reus is in it together. It is not impossible, right?" (Sirius)
"In-indeed. Anyhow, even with a single blow–… Reus?" (Albert)
An expression of hope could be seen from Albert who held his wooden sword, but Reus was focusing to the limit while sweating.
"Albert… I won't go easy just because I know you, alright." (Sirius)
"Ah, Aah. I understand well about being beaten hard. I will fight… seriously." (Albert)
"You're wrong! More seriously… fight with the intention of killing! As if you are about to challenge a large dragon!" (Reus)
"B-but, Shishou is…" (Albert)
"It's not impossible to be killed when Aniki is going all out! Listen up, just be prepared! Get use to his movement… and break it!" (Reus)
"U-uoooh!?" (Albert)
"Well then… I'm coming." (Sirius)
—
After a couple of hours… I returned to the base and dropped the two of them who I carried on the ground.
""Gohuu!?"" (Reus/Albert)
"Aniue!? Eh, you too!?" (Marina)
In addition to the bruises on the whole body, all of their stamina was squeezed… No, they were forcibly squeezed, so they were exhausted. They would recover after a while.
Although there was an extra person, it was a similar situation like the lunch earlier.
"Uuu…aahh… It's not a dragon… It's not a dragon, you know…" (Albert)
"Dragon!? Perhaps, you are fighting Guirdjieff… Aniue!" (Marina)
"Uuh… Reese-ane…" (Reus)
"There, there. I will treat you know." (Reese)
"As expected, it seems a bit too much for a mock battle, even with Reus." (Emilia)
The plan was as soon as Reese's treatment on the bruises and outer appearance finished, I would activate the regenerative activity. Since there was still time before dinner, I would do it in order to have individual mock battles.
While the treatment proceeded and wrapped with magical water, Emilia came next to me with a medicine box in hand.
"Is Sirius-sama injured?" (Emilia)
"Aah, I have no problem." (Sirius)
She seemed to think that I was struggling by fighting them both at the same time, but to honestly, it wasn't so.
Actually, if those two seriously went all out and attack me, I guessed that I might receive a single blow. Both of them had that much of skills.
But, that was the story if their coordination was good.
Even though they know each other's movement to a certain extent, I thought that it was impossible to suddenly cooperate and fight. In fact, their actions were falling apart.
While somewhat hesitated, Albert stayed at a certain distance and didn't attack. He was looking for gaps as Reus normally assaulted me like how we were having mock battles previously.
Because of that, it was almost like one-on-one situation. Therefore, the result was I defeated Albert after defeating Reus, and far from getting injuries, I was just a bit tired.
When I told everyone how the mock battle went on, Emilia and Fia had a wondering look.
"Fighting two of them at the same time? Why are you fighting like that?" (Fia)
"That's right. Sirius-sama is also having hard time, but even though I pity Reus, aren't you training Albert?" (Emilia)
"Honestly, I was interested to look how they fight together. And…" (Sirius)
Reus and Albert.
Although they seemed to get along well, their way of fighting were exactly opposite.
Firstly, unless there was a particular reason, Reus would attack from the front. There was also influence from the Strongest Sword, Lior-Jiisan.
I didn't think that was bad, and I also taught him other attacks and techniques in mock battles with me, but since Reus was originally have sharp kinetic vision and intuition by instinct, he had a habit of making a move by relying on it.
He had numerous tactics to press and break through by force, such as stopping opponent's attacks from the front by using his forged muscles.
As opposed to Albert, his physical strength was inferior, but his abilities to read ahead and making perfunctory techniques were very high.
Practically, when they demonstrated such abilities in the Fighting Festival, it was obvious that Albert was losing in term of physical strength to Reus' blow, even when he averted the blow once.
Albert was trying to become stronger in order to protect her fiancé, and he was a combatant specializing in defense. Although he was not one of the disciples who entered a religion in some place, Albert was a suitable man to be called as a Holy Knight.
Because of that, he always fixed in receiving blows, and there were almost none of voluntary assaults.
He was wondering how to attack in the mock battles earlier, so he used a strategy of waiting, rather than attacking like during the Fighting Festival.
"They should have known that it is impossible for individuals to defeat me from the mock battles earlier. In other words, they need to coordinate, observe each and adjust their movements." (Sirius)
Which was why I was going to conduct an individual mock battle.
In terms of attack and defense… they were missing those parts from each other, so I want them to observe and realized what they were missing.
I intended to speak out if there was no change after a few days, but I hoped that they would voluntarily notice it.
"The training is mainly to improve the foundation of the stamina. After that, it will be the repetition of mock battles and accumulating experience." (Sirius)
Albert seemed to be slightly confused when he was informed something he didn't know. By the way, in Reus' case, he avoided the assault by instinct and intuition.
So, I would do mock battles while changing the tactics every time. Whatever happens, they had to flexibly coop with it. Hence, this could foster their judgment to make a quick move.
Because there won't be any problem to learn by heart during battles.
"Ooh… that's why." (Albert)
"Additionally, rather than being most concerned about that, Albert is a friend equal to Reus… and I want you to be his partner." (Sirius)
"Aah… Sorry about that. Because my brother is weird…" (Emilia)
"To me, Reus is like my younger brother. But, there is nothing special about this." (Sirius)
As Emilia was my lover, Reus would truly become my brother someday.
"Sirius-sama…" (Emilia)
"Although you have been telling this many times, you are more like a guardian than an older brother. Hey, Okaa-san. I want to eat beef stew tonight…" (Fia)
"At least call me father… and what kind of spoof is that? In fact, Fia is bolder, and it suits you." (Sirius)
"Well then… I want to eat beef stew today. If you let me have it… I will give you service at night." (Fia)
"Don't be too aggressive." (Sirius)
While Fia was being playful, crawling her fingers on my chest, I leisurely waited for them to be revived.
"Ehehe… blessed with Reus who officially became a younger brother, and having children with Sirius-sama… aah…" (Emilia)
"Get hold of yourself quickly." (Sirius)
"I don't want to! Because now, I want to be blessed with children!" (Emilia)
"You're refused!?" (Sirius)
Even today, Emilia was in her best condition.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)
—
Next day… Albert, who collapsed due to long runs since today morning, was recovering a little bit earlier than the last time.
So, he was given a free time until lunch, but…
"How about I attack Aniki from the front, and Al attacks from the side?" (Reus)
"No, Reus' greatsword has a wide range, so I feel like I'm going to get entangled." (Albert)
When I thought whether they were taking a break, they were talking about mock battle.
I kept listening to their conversation while cooking meals, and it made me smile inside.
"Besides, I can't keep up with Shishou's movements at all. I want to gather experience a little bit more." (Albert)
"But you don't have much time, right? How about we both boldly charge from the front when attacking?" (Reus)
"Although my sword is suitable for attacking from the front–…" (Albert)
The discussion between the two continued and it gradually became heated.
Their voices gradually became rough, but they were that serious. If they were going to have small fight, I thought that I would quietly watch them.
Marina looked anxious, maybe because it was difficult to interpose between these two, and… she was somewhat looked lonely.
"That's why I said it is pointless to attack head on! I should try to attack from the side at the same time!" (Albert)
"Cheap tricks that we think won't work on Aniki, you know! So, let's just go straight from the front!" (Reus)
"Eeeiii… this won't lead anywhere! If that's the case, let's just try both in the mock battles!" (Albert)
"Aah, fine! The one with the tactic work well will get a side dish of the dinner from the other!" (Reus)
Because the mock battles would be repeated many times until they collapsed, it wasn't bad to try both tactics. Such trial and error would also be a source of encouragement.
And then, as they started to lose the thoughtfulness to each other, it made me happy because it was my ideal thought of relationship.
"By the way, have you noticed? Aniue's meal now is only a soup." (Marina)
"Aah!? But, that's fine. Today, Aniki will make it." (Reus)
"Isn't Aniue's portion will be no more!? If you are going to take Aniue's portion, I'll give you mine!" (Marina)
"Really!? Thanks!" (Reus)
"Eh!? Ah… yeah. Th-that's a promise, but Aniue will win!" (Marina)
Incidentally, not only Albert, Marina's discretion was getting loose.
There were many unknown facts other than being a noble, but I was really glad that I met the siblings.
This meeting was a very good stimulus for Reus. I was smiling in satisfaction while kept stirring the ladle in a pot.
By the way, the result was…
"Both are not working. In the first place, your coordination was bad before attacking. Redo it." (Sirius)
""…Yes"" (Reus/Albert)
The two, who had bumps on their head, were altogether fell to the ground.
—
— Reus —
After finishing the mock battles, I lightly moved my body since I recovered earlier than Al, and confirmed my condition.
"Yeah… there's no problem." (Reus)
There were also treatment from Aniki or Reese-ane, but maybe I got used to it too much.
If it was about swinging sword, there was no problem since I had already recovered.
"It's… going to take some time for Albert, huh." (Reus)
"Well, of course! I've said this many times, don't compare Aniue to you!" (Marina)
Al won't have his dinner until he recovered, so it seemed that it would take some time to recover.
Since I had time, I tried asking Marina who got angry over and over again.
"Say, Marina. Your aptitude is fire attribute, right?" (Reus)
"…Yes." (Marina)
"Well then, use your magic on me." (Reus)
"Wha!?" (Marina)
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)
—
"Goodness, why should I do this…?" (Marina)
Marina and I went to a place slightly away from the base.
To tell the truth, I wanted to go further ahead, but since she won't agreed if Al couldn't be seen, we were in a place that could be seen from the base.
She listened to my request while complaining and grumbling. As expected, Marina was a good person.
"It's fine, isn't it? You said that you will burn me right?" (Reus)
"Although I said that, I wasn't really…" (Marina)
"Anyway, just do it. Do not hesitate and come at me!" (Reus)
"Aah fine… I don't care anymore!" (Marina)
I asked Marina to hurl fire spells at me and I would slash them as training.
I could ask Nee-chans if it was Wind or Water attributes, and for Earth, the rocks around here would be good enough.
But since I was the only one with Fire attribute, I couldn't gather much experience. That was why I was thankful that Marina was here.
And then, I steadily slashed the fireballs that Marina shot.
"…You are weird as always, isn't it? Don't you feel hot?" (Marina)
"Not really? There will be no problem if I cut it while being careful. Leaving that aside, you can do this even more!" (Reus)
"Right, I will do as you wish!" (Marina)
"Rather than wishing— ah!?" (Reus)
Although the number of fireballs increased exactly as stated, it wasn't good enough for me yet.
Therefore, I had no problem to clear them away, but far from cutting one of it with sword, even my body passed through it.
I was surprised by a strange flame, and I noticed that I was deceived when a stone hit my head.
"Hmm, you were deceived, huh. Where was the self confidence earlier?" (Marina)
"…Could that be an ability to show illusion?" (Reus)
"That's correct. If this is a fight, you are finished, so reflect more…" (Marina)
"Amazing! Can you make an illusion of fire?" (Reus)
"Doing it… Uuehh!?" (Marina)
There were other fireballs too, but the heat was difficult to be understood. Unless I cut it, I won't know because was a mass of mana.
When Marina was highly praised with the way she handled it, she was panicking while her face became reddened.
"What's going on? Come, use some more. I will ascertain it this time!" (Reus)
"Goodness. You, what is wrong with you!" (Marina)
"Ooh! That's it!" (Reus)
Why did I feel that Marina was desperate? Did I say something strange again?
But Aniki and Nee-chan who were watching in a distance were smiling… so there was no problem, right?
Oh well, I'm going. I was curious, but now I had to focus on the fireballs.
I didn't know why her face turned red, but I was having a lot of fun training with Marina.
—
Extra
(Author's Rejected Materials - Part 1)
"Although you have been telling this many times, you are more like a guardian than an older brother. Hey, Okaa-san. I want to eat beef stew tonight…" (Fia)
"At least call me father… and what kind of spoof is that? Even though you are older than me…" (Sirius)
"What a rude thing to say as a lover!" (Fia)
"That's effective, huh." (Sirius)
(Author's Rejected Materials - Part 2)
This time is about a rejected title.
[Offensive Reus, Defensive Albert] (TLN: Can also be translated as 'The Giving Reus, The Taking Albert'?)
This title was completely going into 'that' direction, so it was rejected.
—
Presenting Hokuto
Hokuto-kun was walking around the mountain.
The reason he was here because he was asked to procure food for the Master.
Even if he was asked to do it alone, if the Master wanted it, he would do it.
That was Hokuto-kun righteousness.
Hokuto-kun, who was told to procure things that could be eaten and monster's meat, walked around the mountain with a custom-made basket.
"Woof!" (Hokuto)
Since meats were everywhere, Hokuto-kun first looked around for wild vegetables.
He gathered fruits and mushrooms that he knew, and he occasionally dig the ground to find root vegetables as well.
Digging the ground with tremendous momentum, let alone potato-like crop, Hokuto-kun also found a delicious looking monster in a clear space without trees.
It was a big rabbit monster, but according to the information from the people in town, it seemed to be a delicious meat.
After Hokuto-kun hid the basket filled with food ingredients in order not to be stolen, he approached to hunt that monster, but…
"…Woof?" (Hokuto)
Suddenly, a flying dragon came down from the sky and gripped the monster with its sharp claws, and brought the prey to the sky.
Although Hokuto-kun was taken for a moment, he couldn't give up the delicious meat that the Master would make for him.
"Woof!" (Hokuto)
'That is mine!' As if he was saying that, Hokuto-kun made a high jump.
Hokuto-kun came close until the flying dragon's bottom in no time. It was an impossible aerial battle between Hokuto-kun and the flying dragon that could freely fly in the sky.
In fact, the flying dragon noticed that Hokuto-kun was approaching. It changed the direction of flight and went away from Hokuto's straight jumping trajectory.
However…
"Woof!" (Hokuto)
Discharging howl…
Hokuto-kun spit out mana from his mouth while loudly howling, and he changed the trajectory in the air by the reaction.
Having no idea that Hokuto-kun would come in such a way, the flying dragon was unable to cope with his charge which was like a rocket. He caught the flying dragon while bumping its body.
The flying dragon fainted with that impact. And then, Hokuto-kun started falling with the flying dragon, but as he on the verge of falling to the ground, he jumped by using it as a scaffold, and escaped from the impact of the fall.
Nevertheless, the flying dragon was alive, but since it was already on the verge of death, Hokuto-kun finished it off. And when he tried to confirm the rabbit earlier…
"…Woof" (Hundred Wolves)
Whether the rabbit was swallowed or eaten, Hokuto-kun couldn't confirm its whereabouts.
Since it couldn't be helped, Hokuto-kun's tear off the tail of the flying dragon that was relatively safe, and returned to the base.
And when the dinner time arrived… it seemed that the Master and the juniors were satisfied with the dishes made with the meat.
By the way, Albert-kun finished eating early. Since he was tired, he returned to the carriage and was resting. However, Marina-chan didn't follow him.
"This meat was delicious! Hokuto-san, what kind of meat is that?" (Marina)
"Woof!" (Hokuto)
"…A big flying dragon with a horn on its head? Say, Aniki. The one that Al should kill is…" (Reus)
"Dang! Shut up!" (Sirius)
Ignorance is bliss.
For the sake of the Master, Hokuto-kun only wanted to secure good meat, and he didn't know about Albert-kun's situation.
Depending on time and situation, Hokuto-kun sometimes didn't think much about others.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)