The Moonlight Swordsman



"So how much longer will it take for you to brew the potions?" He asked.

"At least two weeks," Vespara replied.

"Does it always take that long?"

"Of course, if you want the potion effect to last longer, it takes time."

"Hmm,

"So when will you take Daisy to that lake in the cave?"

"Soon enough, have you used it?"

"Can't you tell?"

"Hm… you seem like you have advanced to Grade III but still feel a little weak. Did the lake not have the full effect on your core?" She asked.

"Sort of, I don't know," he replied.

"Well, I am going to sleep.

"I have to inform about David and his group at the institute tomorrow." With that said, Aizel left the shop.

His mind was racing as he made his way back to the inn from the adventures of the day. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Vespara's sudden appearance and knowledge of the magic circle in the forest were suspicious.

"Is she helping David? No, why would she do that in the first place? Maybe I am overthinking things here," he thought.

As he opened the door to his room, Aizel was immediately greeted by a group of excited kids rushing towards him, their faces lit up with wide grins and happiness as they eagerly hugged him.

"You are finally back..."

"We missed you...."

"Hehe, I told you I would be back soon."

He embraced them tightly for what seemed like an eternity, not wanting to let go, causing the children to wonder if something had happened to him.

Daisy, who had been standing on the sidelines, smiled at the scene.

Aizel then caught sight of Daisy and made a beeline toward her, hugging her tightly and leaving her stunned.

Oliver and Lily, witnessing the scene, started to whistle teasingly.

"Did something happen?" Daisy asked, still bewildered by his sudden action.

"I am just glad you guys are safe," Aizel replied, even though he didn't let her go.

"Aizel,"

Aizel pulled away from the embrace, feeling embarrassed for his sudden outburst of emotion. He took a step back and cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

"I-I am sorry, it's just that I was caught in the illusion while fighting and witnessed some horrible things."

Daisy slowly caressed his face with one hand, her smile radiating warmth. She sensed his feelings and spoke softly, "It's okay, Aizel. I know you care for us a lot.

"Do you want to eat something?"

"Yeah, sure,"

Aizel and Daisy left for the kitchen, and he offered to help her prepare a meal.

"Here I thought this time they are going to kiss," Oliver whispered to Lily.

"It seems we have to bring them closer. I don't want mumma to lose to Aunt Vespara." Lily said, her expression showing determination for the mission.

The Next Day...

Aizel stood before Professor Liam in the institute and recounted in detail what he had witnessed in Chester Town with David. He did not leave out any details, describing everything he had seen and heard.

"This is really some serious trouble. An artifact that can erase mana from the surrounding area.

"I should relay these messages to the headmaster fast. Good work, Aizel; I will make sure you will be rewarded properly for that."

"Thank you, professor,"

Aizel left Professor Liam's office and went straight to the magic lecture that was about to start.

However, he noticed that there were fewer mages available in the class, as most of them were assigned to different missions, and some were busy controlling the riots.

Aizel entered the class and found himself a seat, taking a moment to settle in.

As he sat there quietly, he noticed only a handful of mages from wealthy backgrounds were present.

Suddenly, someone sat down beside him, prompting Aizel to open his eyes and look.

"Hello Aizel, finally I can meet you."

He saw a bright face with red hair and a perfectly sculpted body with alluring curves. Her red eyes sparkled as she sat down beside him.

"Who are you again?"

"OOHHH, you don't even know me? How is that even possible?"

As if she were a princess, she quickly stood up and elegantly brushed her red hair away from her face before introducing herself to Aizel.

"I am Isabella Redmount, the firstborn of the Redmount family."

"Okay,"

"Okay? Only okay?"

"What do you expect me to do, carry you like a princess?

Kyaaa, I will gladly let you carry me everywhere," Isabella thought. As if coming out of a trance, she shook her head and spoke, "No, why would I want that now? I was just merely saying, you should at least know everyone who is from the major family."

"Okay,"

"Well leave it, why are you here? What I heard was you were assigned to clear the Fangspire mountain."

"Where did you hear that?"

"I have my sources,"

"I have already cleared the mountain yesterday,"

"WHAT!" As soon as she shouted, the sound reverberated throughout the class, causing everyone to turn their heads and look in their direction.

"How is it possible? Did you clear it alone? Really?"

"Hmm.."

"Fufu… nice as expected. I hope you can make it into the team for the Interkingdom tournament."

"There are still two more mages who will be fighting with you for the places. Edumond Valtor and Raven Damaris."

"I don't care," he replied, closing his eyes again.

"You should. Edumont is from the Valtor family, who are very good at close combat, and he is the third strongest mage after Soren and Princess.

"Meanwhile, Raven is also strong, but she is too mysterious."

A change came over him after hearing that; arrogance and superiority took root in him.

"Listen carefully, you spoiled brat: I don't care who you are or this person you mentioned is; I will beat the shit out of anyone who stands in my way."

Isabella's eyes darted to Aizel, who was now wearing a look of disdain and superiority. His sudden shift in expression and tone caused her to hesitate and look at him uncertainly.

"SOOOFFTIEEE...You are here too."

As Hazel's voice broke his focus, she rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. Though he still felt a hint of disdain, he took a few deep breaths to compose himself and calm his racing thoughts.

Hazel promptly took a seat next to Aizel, and Seraphine followed suit by joining them from behind, forming a group of four with Aizel in the middle.

"You have changed in some way." Suddenly Seraphine spoke.