Light and the chaotic aura he developed were intertwining around his sword. With a forward slash, a tremendous amount of mana and aura began trembling the training grounds.

The training dummy looked to be terrified as it was approached by the said power. Upon impact, even its so-called resistance had been completely erased. All that was left were remnants of the power Andrew had just released.

He then began incorporating it with his body, black gusts of his smoke-like aura blaring and light particles subtly appeared on his heels.

He took note of the other still dummies scattered across the field, the last of which was standing much further away.

Grasping his sword tightly, he held out his other hand. In an instant he was propelled to the nearest dummy, before fiercely cutting through with his chaotic aura’s strength.

Quickly he then moved on to the next dummy, slashing swiftly everytime and finding a good rhythm to obliterate the next.

For a moment his chaotic aura lost control as its power nearly pulled him to the ground, yet he swiftly aimed with his hand and prevented his fall with light magic.

Using it for propulsion, it was actually his light magic that boosted his speed. Some mages would be enlightened as Andrew was one of the few who used “magic” as a physical enhancer and not just for offense.

After a while, sweat could be seen on his face, and with a grunt he released both powers on the last dummy.

‘My limit is about 10 minutes…’ Andrew thought as he went and laid on the ground.

It had already been days since they returned to Taglagas. Their training under the Duke of Arigare had made them all stronger. Not only did they become more experienced, they already learnt how to use their persona.

Namiku’s chaotic aura was as frightening as it could get. She was able to intimidate even the likes of ogres which were considered almost A-rank monsters. Yet what made her more amazing was the fact she was able to release her aura with ease.

Rizaul’s aura was bright red making his strings more flexible when it came to bending it to his will. It was also noticeable how his aura of intent was on a much higher level, only below Drew Sunheart, an expert in using his aura of intent.

Rinca too possessed a red aura otherwise known as genuine aura, yet it appeared to be lighter compared to others. A rare feat, yet since the lineage of Arigare were known to possess the silver or neutral persona, it somehow made sense.

On the other hand, Viola’s magic had further matured. Her destructive power was amplified upon Andrea’s arrival, as she was taught the magic that made her mentor famous.

Now, Viola could wield her light magic like the tip of the sun, and upon impact it would burn anything. Its speed was also something to be trifled with as even the likes of speedy monsters weren’t able to dodge her magic.

Unbeknownst to any of them, Note was the only one who was feeling inferior to his friends. As someone who was called a genius at a young age and was able to gain his persona earlier than anyone, he felt that he had already reached his limit.

He was okay with those thoughts yet still, sometimes he could not help but feel sick of being called a genius when he himself knew what he was,

‘A fraud...’

Yet there was no time for him to feel that down. Namiku’s bright smile was warm even from a distance, as Note immediately felt better just from that alone.

Gathered together were the rest of his friends. He could only smile genuinely as he approached them and thought,

‘No doubt they’re worth protecting as well.’

.

.

.

As they exited the guild training area, they were greeted by Loknar who was passing by, or so they thought. They were then immediately invited to his office.

“Please help yourself.” Said Loknar with a smile as he gestured his hand towards the food infront of them.

He was seated at his table with an empty chair by his side, yet questionably, Tahina simply chose to stand by him. An act they thought was out of respect due to her being a secretary.

By then, the ladies were all seated enjoying the sweets and tea served by Tahina. On the other hand, Andrew, Rizaul and Note chose to stand at the back of the room.

“You always have good sweets, vice leader!” praised Namiku, who acted unprincess-like again.

Rinca could only sigh at her friend whose elbows rested on the table as she ate. An unorthodox manner for a princess, yet even she didn’t feel the need to call her out.

Back at Arigare, Namiku confessed how she wanted to be free from her duties. She was always envious towards others for having the freedom she didn’t have.

Nevertheless in the end, she jokingly said she was kidding, but all of them knew those were her real feelings.

As she remembered that, Rinca then halted her noble-like manners, leaning forward from her chair and placing her elbows on the table. Awkwardly she mimicked her surprised friend.

Her actions were not left unnoticed as giggles immediately followed. She could only turn away as her face flushed brightly. Among the laughters around her Note’s was distinct and admittedly ear piercing, yet before she could even attack him, she was hugged by Namiku who smiled and said,

“Thank you.”

Viola also went and smiled at Rinca. Both of them understood that perhaps someday, sooner than they could anticipate, Namiku would go back to fulfill her duty as the princess of the Easterside Empire.

The only thing they could do now was to erase those thoughts in their heads, and enjoy the moments they still had with each other.

“I’m glad you like it princess.” Replied Loknar with a smile.

He then gazed towards Tahina who understood what that look was for. Soon with a snap of her finger, bright mana and small winds loomed around the room.

When Loknar sensed it was done, he then added on,

“Sorry about that. We have to make sure that from this point onwards none of this will leak.”

Without any second to waste, Note asked with a serious tone.

“So... what is this about, vice leader?”

It was true that more often than not, Note seemed to be an erratic and care-free young man, yet in truth, being a knight at an early age made him keener than the rest of them.

Loknar and Tahina smiled. Yet the one who answered was none other than Sarah Star who teleported in front of them.

“TADAH!” She said loudly as she sat at the empty chair by Loknar. Her clothes were luxurious and announced its nobility, a clear indication it was not suited for battle.

Yet as usual, the dress looked beautiful paired with her appearance, wherein even the trio (Andrew, Rizaul and Note) found it to be very elegant.

Had they not seen her capabilities themselves, they would not dare believe she was a monster on the battlefield.

“It is good to see you again, Lady Sarah.” Said Andrew and the rest of his friends.

Sarah smiled upon hearing their greetings before casually picking some sweets to eat. Tasting a few, she turned to them and replied.

“Good to see you all again.”

The conversation then started with Loknar explaining the purpose of their meeting. It only grew heavy when Sarah Star told them that upon investigation, she believed that the dungeon at Lagupa was, if not created by someone, surely related to the monsters that recently kept popping up near Taglagas.

“What made you so sure they’re somehow related, Lady Sarah?” Asked Tahina with a troubled look.

It was a frightening thought that she hid behind her composure. The possibility that both incidents were planned, surely meant someone was trying to terrorize the kingdom.

“It’s hard to explain but some monsters have lingering aura in them. Upon tracing them, they were quite similar, rather it belonged to someone.”

“A monster tamer...” Loknar’s words gave all of them chills.

Monster tamers were far rarer than beast tamers and were known for being loyal supporters of Lucile.

Even Sarah Star’s usual smile was heavy as she nodded in response. She then added on,

“Whatever that--- or it is, it is likely they are planning something.”

The room then became silent, only Andrew and Note were mature enough to remain calm. The rest of their friends were terrified, especially knowing that if by chance, the dungeon wasn’t discovered earlier, catastrophe might have not been prevented.

“How about the one who reported it, have they been found?” Asked Note yet just by their reaction, he knew they weren’t able to.

“We’re not even sure if that being is friendly. Could be a greater threat wanting to sabotage a hindrance.” Said Loknar as Sarah Star nodded next to him.

Even she wasn’t able to trace any lingering mana or aura from that letter. That alone made them realize that the one who wrote the letter was powerful.

Little did they know, it was a gluttonous bird’s dark magic that made it possible.

.

.

.

“That’ll be all.” Loknar said sternly as Tahina listed the details of their meeting.

All of them bowed down to the Vice-Guild Master, and thanked him as they stepped outside his office. Yet before they could all exit, Loknar called out,

“Ah, I almost forgot.”

Andrew was the last person standing by the door, while the rest of them already stood outside the office.

Finally the vice-guild master cheekily added on,

“Congratulations on your title, Andrew. Or perhaps I should say, Magic Swordsman.”

Andrew visibly cringed at what he heard, but could still muster enough strength to say his thanks.

Note on the other hand gave a hearty laugh from outside the office. He then peeked through the door and proudly said out loud,

“That title is sick though!”