The Moonlight Swordsman

The smoke from the burned village continued to billow into the air even after a week had already passed. Many hunters and mages avoided the area, having heard the news.

The noble families took the threat of riots seriously and acted quickly to clear out any hunters and mages who were causing trouble and problems for them.

A figure emerged from the billowing smoke: a blonde man, his clothes torn and tattered, some of them wrapped around his injured stomach.

David stared blankly at the location where Katherine and their unborn child had burned alive. The rage and anger inside him bubbled like a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment.

He had an overwhelming desire to avenge their deaths by taking the lives of every person responsible for snuffing out the light from Xelgar.

David kneeled and snatched a handful of dirt and ash from the ground, his gaze fixed on the spot where Katherine had been tied up. He rubbed the grime across his cheeks and forehead, smearing it on like war paint.

The earthy scent filled his nostrils as he silently swore vengeance.

*****

After a long and exhausting week at the magic institute, Aizel returned to his inn, eager to see Daisy and the kids.

He intended to take Daisy with him to find a suitable shop they could either rent or buy, allowing Daisy to begin earning for herself.

Aizel and Daisy explored the bustling market, looking into every nook and corner. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to find an ideal location.

Some of the available shops were too far from the city center, making them unfit for their requirements.

Suddenly, a woman appeared out of nowhere and placed her hands on Aizel and Daisy's shoulders, startling them.

"Look at my cute little lovebirds spending some time together in the morning," Vespara said.

Daisy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she heard that, while Aizel looked at her with a neutral expression.

"Don't you have things to do?" He asked.

"Naa, I am free."

"Yeah, but we aren't. Let's go, Daisy. She will just waste our time."

Aizel firmly grasped Daisy's hand and moved away from Vespara.

"Wait, pretty boy, aren't you looking for a shop for her?" Aizel came to a halt, his gaze now fixed on Vespara. His expression was expectant as if he expected her to provide more information.

"Let's go to my shop first."

Daisy glanced at Aizel, using her mana sense, while he gave her a reassuring nod.

The trio entered the potion shop, and Vespara swiftly locked the door from the inside. Daisy sensed it and quickly moved behind Aizel. Vespara chuckled at her reaction.

"Now then. You are looking for a shop for her, right?"

Aizel simply nodded.

"Let her work here. You can't easily get a shop in the main market. What would you even sell?"

"F... Fruits."

Vespara burst out laughing at his response, her laughter filling the room before she cleared her throat and spoke, "Do you think people will buy from your shop?

"Selling fruits in the corner of the city where no one goes except for those with ulterior motives.

"Now what do you think?"

"Why do you want to help her? What's your angle here?"

"Nothing pretty boy; I get lonely sometimes; I could use a hand or two from this beautiful lady" Vespara chuckled and added, "And let's face it, there's nowhere safer in the entire kingdom than my company."

Aizel reluctantly agreed. So far, no one in the city had caused him any trouble after learning that he was a student of the war goddess.

"Daisy, what do you wanna do?" he asked.

"Huh... who is she, Aizel?"

"Oh, I am sorry, I forgot to mention, she is Vespara Bloodmoon, 'The Great War Goddess' of the kingdom."

He introduced her with the style and class of an announcer introducing a distinguished guest.

She finally recognized the figure standing before them as soon as she heard the name. Even though few had seen her in person, the name of the War Goddess was widely known throughout the kingdom.

"Are you okay with me working here?" she asked.

"Of course, darling. We'll spend our time having fun."

"Okay then, I don't mind helping you."

*Clap*

"Perfect, now leave her with me and go do your work. Go now sho sho..."

Aizel motioned for Daisy to step back as he approached Vespara, his lips close to her ear, whispering softly, "If you do anything to her or the kids…

"I will become strong enough to hunt you down like a bitch. No matter where you hide, I will find you. I will tear your body apart and spread it across the kingdom."

Vespara caught his gaze, and a chill ran down her spine as she felt her body and soul being drawn into the deep, dark abyss of his eyes.

Aizel exited the potion shop and walked to the institute. He knew they would be assigned a group mission today.

He had no desire to join the group mission because he didn't trust anyone and wouldn't be able to use his power freely. At Core Grade II, he had yet to discover the full extent of his unique power of imagination.

But the rewards were too enticing to pass up. Magic artifacts were promised, and he couldn't help but wonder what sort of abilities and powers they held. It would be his first time seeing such artifacts in this world.

As Aizel entered the class, he noticed all the mages were present and eagerly awaiting Professor Liam to assign the groups.

After 5 minutes...

The mages were divided into groups, but two pairs were the talk of the class. Seraphine and Hazel were one of them.

But the one that had everyone's complete attention was the pairing of the War Goddess' student, Aizel, and the great Soren Balthazar.

"It's a good thing you are with me, sparring partner; you can learn a lot."

"Why do I have to be paired with this idiot?" Aizel moaned.