FVN Chapter 332: Sigurd's Training Academy - Under the moonlight
Chapter 332: Sigurd's Training Academy - Under the moonlight
"Well, you all turned up on time. That's a pleasant start." Sigurd spoke with a smug tone, wearing both an under-tunic and pants, with her robes hiding all of her skin. She was an ancient and old-fashioned woman, and once becoming Asura's lover, she would hide her flesh unless they were together and in private.
The first member, Danos Odon, stood out with his fiery red hair and tall stature. A mage by profession, he now wielded a long staff like a monk. He admired his father, Felix Odon, and lord Garret Fenix. This became evident in his desire to serve Asura. The long months of studying and observing their future lord only fueled his enthusiasm.
"Danos, a mage primarily. However, when beside Asura even mages need to hone their bodies and combat abilities. Even his women aren't allowed to slack in this area." Sigurd nodded before holding her eastern bamboo sword and taking a stance. "Survive three strikes, and you pass the first test."
Danos nodded his head, swirling with flames as he prepared to fight.
"Do you think he'll get smashed in a single blow again, big guy?" A blue-haired male, a little shorter than Danos with a shield and spear, whispered to a bald male with a stocky build.
"Danos will do his best." Belial Montclair, the son of Mander, responded. His bald head and huge physique, like a bear, stood out, wielding a giant axe. He was a warrior who specialised in earth magic and vitality. "Do not mock a fellow brother, Vergil."
The next moment, Sigurd moved like a bolt of lightning attacking Danos from all angles. She weaved through the gaps in his defence, striking him and sending him flying into a nearby tree.
"Guh!" Danos slammed against it before falling on his ass. He looked at her in confusion before shaking his head.
Sigurd walked towards him, putting her sword away and lifting him off the floor with a single hand, her gaze ferocious. "You dare say you will protect my husband with such a pitiful defence? Why bother using magic in such a flashy way when it only serves to distract you from battle!?"
She glared at him. "Get your shit together, or I will find a replacement. Is that clear?" Once he nodded, she tossed him to the side and turned back to face the group with a sullen aura.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" Danos's voice sounded strained, the blood leaking from his mouth, the damage inflicted by Sigurd's thin wooden blade.
Vergil, Belial, and the others could only sigh in sympathy for their brother's fate.
"Though Garret and Glade might rate your skills high for your ages, please understand the level at which Asura improves. He has surpassed you all in four months. I do not ask you to become gods or mighty beings, but while fighting beside my husband, you will focus on your duty and avoid showing off or flaunting your egos."
Sigurd glanced at all of them, her eyes scanning the group. "Besides Asura, you will no longer be children. If you are weak and powerless, he will discard you, or quite honestly, you will just die without any achievements. Only those with the will to overcome their weaknesses may follow him."
"Hah... I thought she was supposed to be the motherly one." Vergil whispered, thinking she couldn't hear him.
"Vergil Calman!" Sigurd bellowed, a sharp glint in her eye as she drew her sword. "Come, it is your turn."
"H-Hey, how did you know!?"
"I have been watching from the moment you all arrived here. A single glance at you lot revealed a lot. Only you had that foolhardy arrogance, and you haven't yet become an adult, so I assumed you would not learn until hit or humiliated." She smirked.
"Asura doesn't need brats who can't even defeat a woman."
"Alright, see you in a few."
Sigurd nodded and returned to the desk where her training results lay scattered. However, in the centre were dozens of letters... all beginning with similar words, 'Dear Asura,' 'Darling,' 'My beloved,' not just on the desk but the bin beside her desk was full of scrunched-up love letters all written by this sword master.
"I better burn these again before someone sees them!"
***
"I'm sorry for dragging you out here today, darling."
Asura shook his head. "It's fine, I wanted to talk with you away from the others, too."
"Really?" Lucia was surprised, her black eyes widening as she stared at him. "Then, can you hold my hand tighter?" She asked, a weak smile appearing on her face as he gripped her hand tighter.
"Like this?"
"Y-Yeah." She stuttered. Her voice sounded like she was about to cry. "Thank you for bringing me with you."
"Of course, Lucia. You're going to be my wife." He realised that from the moment they slept together, she changed; the old flirtatious Lucretia seemed to become more shameful for her. Or rather, she turned into a rather lovely woman.
"Asura." She suddenly called his name with a gentle smile. "If you ever feel like I'm not useful or if I'm a burden... Please tell me and let me know what I can do to change that."
"Just smile and stay beside me!" Asura stopped and turned towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders and looking into her eyes. "Be yourself and not who others want you to be. Be my Lucia and no one else's!"
She blushed before wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning in close. "That's good. I wanted to hear those words from you."
The two stayed silent after that and gazed into each other's eyes with a warm smile. Lucia liked to hear his words of support and affection, while Asura was always glad to give them.
Lucia stepped back, letting go of him after noticing the time; though she loved him, Lucia, much like Helliana and Verana, made sure not to abuse their time together and really put Asura first at all times. Though this worried him, he didn't want them to hold back on his account.
"Let's wait a bit longer. I want to be with you longer, Lucia." Asura said with a powerful voice while holding onto her tightly, pulling her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her back.
Lucia's eyes widened once more before relaxing, a tear falling down her cheek as she buried her face in his chest. "I want that too! I want to be with you forever!"
The two stood in silence after that. Asura closed his eyes and stroked Lucia's hair as she did the same while smiling. A moment of silence under the moonlight before they would do battle once again.
After a while, the two were forced to part, but when Lucia left him, she no longer looked so down. Her mood had changed, and on her finger was a ring he gifted her before departing on this trip. A beautiful red jewel decorated it, and she held it up to show it off to the moon with a wide smile on her lips.