Reiji's Heal and Rejuvenation remained at level 1 since he doesn't have anyone to heal in the past couple of years… There was no reason to level it up, unlike his Stealth and Sword Kinesis that were very important to him.

[ -10 Skill Points ]

​​

He spent 10 SP to fully heal Rufus's body but it was worth the price since Reiji learned how Rufus would fight with his life on the line…

Nevertheless, his full recovery surprised not just the two Arcanists but Rufus himself. After all, even the healing potions that he knows wouldn't be this effective. At most, it will normally take a few minutes to a full hour before it takes effect.

It was unlike his Master's ability to heal almost instantaneously.

'Mhmm… This kid… At least he learned how to avoid getting hit on his vital parts…'

Reiji commented.

The young man managed to protect himself very well and only sustained injuries that wouldn't threaten his life. He at least has the basic knowledge on how to defend.

He did very well against the two Arcanists although they are holding back…

'M-master… Thank you for healing me…'

'That's fine… Let me Take—'

'Wait, Master! Let me try one more time! I know it might be a waste healing me just now if I get injured again but I can see it… I can see their movements and strikes… My body was just unable to react on time… But I should be able to do it now!'

Rufus suddenly regained his confidence after being healed…

Reiji didn't find anything wrong with the kid having another go against the two. In fact, he's quite happy that Rufus is very enthusiastic about this and that he didn't feel afraid even after being beaten up.

'Alright… Do your best. I'll be watching you--Ahh…. Just concentrate on your battle.'

Reiji realized that Rufus might feel pressured if he said that he'll be observing him so he added that he just have to concentrate on this fight…

'Do you need our help, Reiji?'

He suddenly heard Felix's voice.

'Oh… We're fine… Right, just help us isolate this area if you can. We don't want any innocent civilians getting caught in our squabbles here.'

'A squabble, huh? Haha… Don't worry… Yerin has a skill for that…'

'Great… Thanks for your help!'

Reiji wasn't surprised about their presence since he already felt that they have been observing them since a while ago.

As a matter of fact, he even felt that Rory, perhaps including Gate was watching them right now…

After all, this not too far from their territory.

***

'They're both trying to avoid killing me… This is my chance…' Rufus gripped the shinai tightly as he changed his stance…

Jodan no Kamae!

As he raises his sword, he poured most of his Spiritual Energy into it and waited for Renzo to get closer…

Karen would normally wait for Renzo to attack first before she would act. He also noticed that Renzo likes to target his neck and his face while the lady was always targeting his stomach and knees…

He's unsure if that was planned but it must be their habit.

After knowing this, Rufus just has to find an opening and try to counter them…

"You're not giving up, huh…"

"You must've spent a very expensive healing pill or something… Would you mind sharing it with us?"

"Hmph! Come! Make me tell you!"

Rufus's spirit didn't break as he waited for them to enter his sword's range.

"Hahaha! Very well… That's easier for us."

The 3rd-Class Arcanist said as he rushed towards Rufus. It seems that he would like to end this already…

He clenched his fist tightly and his arm was suddenly covered by thick energy…

Reiji and Rufus were unaware whether he would throw this to them or will be used as a gauntlet instead…

But it doesn't matter as should be able to parry or dodge if necessary…

Hmph!

Renzo stomped on the ground as he bolted himself to Rufus… The latter also noticed Karen started moving behind her partner… It was their classic strategy and Rufus would no longer fall for it…

He focused on Renzo's movement and as soon as the man almost reached his sword's range, he used one of the kendo footwork which surprised Reiji…

Tsugi-Ashi!

It is the connecting footwork perfect for increasing the reach of his sword from his Jodan no Kamae…

His stealthy left foot and right foot step together with Suri-Ashi gave him a single-step advantage...

He was actually quite pissed that his sword strikes were always being dodged or parried… He knows that his stance and striking angles weren't that wrong so it only means that his timing was terrible.

From all the techniques that Reiji has taught him in the past couple of days, this Tsugi-Ashi was the one that was easily imprinted in his mind as it was quite easy to do…

Finally, he grasped the correct timing after seeing Renzo attack several times…

That's right, Rufus already got used to his speed while he didn't show all of his techniques to give them a surprise…

His miscalculation a while ago was their combined strength leading him to an almost defeat if not for his master's healing ability.

Bang!

"Aargh!"

He managed to hit Renzo's shoulder and even though the man has Arcane Magic protecting him, the shinai's heavy strike still hurt him a lot… It feels like he was hit by a heavy steel sword instead of wood!

This successful hit was the start of Rufus's advantage against the two…

Karen joined in the fight as they started getting serious about him. Of course, Reiji didn't let them bully his student anymore as he used his Take Over after Rufus became satisfied with his performance…

Reiji didn't even have to spend all of the remaining time in his Take Over as he easily dealt with the two noble Arcanists.

After all, he secretly activated his Overload ability a while ago and the two don't seem to have any ability that would negate its effects.

'Mhmm… Take a look at Ruthren first… I'll try something with these two people…' Reiji instructed his student as he flew to the unconscious Arcanists.

The young man only nodded as he quickly checks the condition of his master's servant.

He has bruises everywhere but it was not fatal… As long as he received medical attention, he will easily recover…

He didn't bring any potions or healing pills with him since he didn't think that they'll be fighting someone within this city…

'Anyway… Why are there no people coming around this area?' Rufus thought after observing the surroundings.

This place shouldn't be an abandoned area so he found it a little weird.

Nevertheless, he decided to quickly buy bandages and medicines after letting his master know…

Reiji permitted the young man as he concentrated on his task…

He wanted to try if his ability would work against the two.

'Sword Slave Marker!'

The Marking Process of the skill takes a huge chunk of his energy so he dropped to the ground instead of hovering around.

[ You have failed to apply the Slave Marker ]

'Urgh… It's really tough, huh…'

***

While the master and student were outside the Arcanist Tower, the Sun Fire Knights decided to pay a visit…

This is something unplanned so the officials were unprepared.

"No, you didn't mix up the date. We just wanted to see the Tower for ourselves before we proceed to the challenge that was requested… We want to build some friendly ties first before we proceed with something like a duel that our superiors have agreed with."

Oliver, the leader of the Knights, explained. He also showed that he was just following the orders from above and didn't mean to offend the Tower for requesting such a duel…

Nevertheless, as a Knight-Lieutenant, he has to uphold the dignity of their Order so everyone was quite surprised by this unannounced visit…

However, they still welcomed them even without any preparation to show that their Tower is magnanimous to everyone.

"It is fine, Sir Knight. It is not a big deal… Right, Sir Kael was also quite interested in meeting everyone here… He has heard about the reputation of your Flash Steps…" The tower's official smiled as he leads them to the reception room…

"Ohh… I heard that he has an Arcane Magic called Gale Phase… It's not surprising that he wants to see our signature ability…" Oliver nodded as he knows the powerful 2nd-Class Arcanist living in this tower.

He looked at the young squires of their Knights Order as they shook their heads…

Their true reason for visiting this place was actually to let these three young kids get used to the ambiance of the Tower…

After all, this place has some unique oppression to those who aren't wearing the Arcanist Robe given by the Tower…

It wouldn't be noticeable at first, but staying for too long would make them feel like their Spiritual Energy would start to leak out making them a little weak.

Their shaking of head just now meant that they can't feel any changes yet...