Though they were from different Familias, they needed to maintain a professional distance.
As dusk approached, the three of them arrived at the walls surrounding Orario.
They were on the northwest side; the walls offered a panoramic view of the city. The vast expanse was breathtaking.
The grand buildings—the Gods' Palace, the arena, and the headquarters of prominent Familias—were as tall as the walls. Their beauty was captivating.
The Babel Tower, in the city's center, towered over the walls. The smaller houses were charming.
The city, divided into eight sections by eight main streets, was gradually quieting down. Magic lamps were dimming; Orario was preparing for sleep.
"Ready?"
Ais spoke softly; Riveria observed their practice.
"Where… do we start?"
Arthas asked, realizing his ignorance about combat.
He knew nothing about fighting—how to fight, what to use.
He'd used his sword against the Silverback Gorilla, but his attacks had been instinctive.
Basic slashes, but his power had easily cut through everything.
"Where to start…"
Ais muttered, examining Arthas.
"Riveria, you'll handle the magic part."
"I'll monitor Arthas's mana."
"Alright, let's begin… attack with your strongest move."
Drawing her rapier, Ais pointed it at Arthas.
"We're actually fighting."
Seeing Ais's serious expression, Arthas shrugged, drawing his longsword.
Gripping the hilt, he took a step forward and swung at Ais.
Without dodging, Ais parried his attack with her rapier.
"Longswords are usually swung in wide arcs; their power is overwhelming, making them difficult for those using smaller weapons to handle."
"But…"
"My strength is too weak."
Arthas said, making Ais nod slightly.
"Arthas, you're a new adventurer; low strength is normal."
"Don't be discouraged. Everyone has strengths. Yours is magic; you don't need to match your strength to your magic."
Riveria said, observing their brief exchange.
"I want… to use my own power."
Arthas looked at his hands.
"What makes you think your magic isn't yours?"
Riveria frowned, approaching Arthas intently.
"If you think magic is inferior to swordsmanship, I'll be angry."
As Orario's strongest mage, magic was everything to Riveria; she wouldn't tolerate such statements.
But looking at Riveria's pout, Arthas wondered what it would feel like to kiss her.
And he did.
Arthas acted on impulse, regardless of the consequences.
And his self-control lessened around Riveria.
"You!"
Surprised by Arthas's sudden kiss, Riveria stepped back, glaring at him.
Ais tilted her head, confused; she hadn't noticed because of Arthas's speed.
"What's wrong, Riveria?"
"No… nothing."
Looking at Arthas's serious expression, Riveria gritted her teeth. She'd misjudged him.
He was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
How many times has he done this? And she couldn't resist.
How… infuriating!
"Answer me! Do you look down on magic?!"
Riveria's petulant tone made Ais shiver.
That's sweet. Am I a third wheel?
Ais, observing them, felt strange.
She was happy for her friend, but also worried. This relationship wouldn't last. She hoped Riveria wouldn't get too involved with Arthas.
Friendship… was the limit.
"I don't look down on magic… power has no inherent strength or weakness; it's about the wielder, but I…"
Arthas squeezed his hand.
Weak… like an ordinary person, yet this body held a power that terrified Gods.
"This frost… doesn't feel like it's mine. A power that isn't mine… how can I feel secure?"
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