The Moonlight Swordsman



"Drink it and tell me how it tastes," Rayla said.

Aizel's gaze briefly met Rayla's before shifting to the drink that had been placed before him. The glass's contents drew his gaze because of the hypnotic quality of the light blue color they sent out.

He had never seen alcohol quite like that, and its unusual hue was the first clue.

Is she trying to drug me?"

[Maybe, Master]

Rayla observed Aizel's hesitation with keen observation. She took the initiative to pick up his glass and take a sip of it.

She put the glass back in front of him. 

"It isn't poisoned,"

Rayla's reassurance heightened Aizel's curiosity, and he warily went for the glass. 

Raising it to his lips, he took a tentative sip, allowing the ethereal, light blue liquid to dance upon his tongue.

In an instant, an explosion of flavors ignited his senses, scattering vibrant bursts of taste inside his mouth.

The essence of the drink was so delicious that it went far beyond the idea of alcohol to provide an experience far superior to what he had anticipated.

"This...What is this? What is it called? Where can I find it?" AIzle quickly asked.

"This is a special drink that is made by the piss of a unique sea monster."

*PURRRRR*

[HAHAHAHAHHAA]

When he jerked back, the contents of his mouth flew out and rained down on Rayla's face.

The revelation that the beverage had been concocted from urine left Aizel both disgusted and betrayed.

"YOU.. are you making fun of me."

"No, I didn't know you would get mad because of it. I am sorry my L....Ahem. Sorry...

"But that drink is really famous around the kingdom, even though it is made by piss. 

"Serving that liquor to someone always means a sign of respect and friendship with each other," Rayla replied. 

She took out a cloth and cleaned her face.

"I..I.... Aizel wanted to apologize to her for the behavior, but he wasn't able to say it. 

"It's okay, many have the same reaction when they first know about it. So would you like to drink more?"

"NO! I am fine."

[hahaha, Oh my master, you really like the piss of a monster, don't you?]

Shut up, Sekki."

"I thought you guys hated humans?" Aizel asked.

"Yes, we hate humans,"

"So why am I receiving a different treatment from you? I mean, we still haven't done anything yet."

Rayla's expression didn't change, but her internal anguish was hidden. Her thoughts whirled as she tried to come up with a good answer to Aizel's inquiry.

Panic gripped her as she weighed the consequences of her next words.

Should I tell my Lord everything? Who am I, and who is he? In that way, I will be able to stay close to him and help him recover sooner." Rayla thought.

But the Blood Dragon Mage has told me to leave him alone on his own. Only difficulties and challenges will make him a true mage."

I don't know what to do."

"I can tell you have no intention to harm my race." 

In the end, she lied.

"How can you be so sure?" Aizel asked, raising his brows.

"Because if you have, you will die without even knowing how." Rayla tried to threaten him. But in her mind, she just wanted to change the topic.

"Now that's more like it, Kitty," Aizel said. Her eyes sparked a little after hearing that.

Kitty? KYA..... Rayla blushed a little after hearing that.

"Okay, you can rest now; I am going upstairs.

"If you want something, you can call me, and don't go anywhere without me," she said, quickly standing up and rushing upstairs.

"What a strange cat!"

[Master, do you want to pet her?]

Don't talk rubbish, Sekki, or next time you will find yourself inside a Seafolk ass."

[Sorry Master]

In one of the rooms, Aizel found a soft bed to relax on. He needed to get some shut-eye to recover from the mental strain of the day. 

It was the middle of the afternoon, and he decided to take a nap to refresh his tired body and clear his mind before proceeding.

At night...

Aizel's eyes snapped open, his senses alert as if drawn back from a deep slumber. At that moment, he noticed Rayla standing in the doorway.

"Why are you staring at me like this?"

"I was just trying to wake you up, but you were in deep sleep, so I was confused.

Aizel sighed.

"Is there any problem?" he asked.

"No, but I want to spar with you," Rayla replied.

"With me? Why would you want to spar with a guy who is only a Grade II mage?" Aizel asked, his brows raised.

Sekki, something is wrong with this cat."

[Yes Master, I will be ready to go all out on your command]

"Isn't it good practice for you? Where will you get a chance to spar with a Grade V so easily?" Rayla said.

Damn, I thought she was only in Grade IV."

[Master, be prepared to use your mind potions if something goes wrong]

"It is only a spar, right?"

"Yes, I am bored and have nothing to do," Rayla replied.

"Okay, but I don't want to spar with you in front of anyone. And Jeffrey will come with us."

"I have no problem with that. Follow me,"

*****

Aizel and Rayla discovered themselves perched on a rocky cliff with a stunning view of a half-moon's soft glow. 

The mystical ambiance was enhanced by the heavenly light that created ethereal shadows across the rocky landscape. 

In this tranquil setting, Aizel and Rayla stood face to face, their eyes locked in an unspoken connection. Meanwhile, Jeffrey sat in the corner, observing the scene with quiet contemplation.

"Now this is only a sparring match, so there is no need to go serious," Rayla said.

She quietly draws her katana from her waist and holds it with both hands, taking the normal sword stance.

Rayla's demeanor changed subtly as Aizel's eyes landed on her.

Though her physical form remained unchanged, an invisible shift in her aura signaled a heightened state of readiness.

Aizel could sense the underlying power coursing through her veins, emanating a formidable presence that exuded both caution and the potential for swift action.

Her entire body appeared to be on alert, ready to defend itself or launch an attack at the first provocation.

Sekki, she is strong. A lot stronger than I predicted."

[Fufu, time to go all out]

Of course, I mean, we could even die on a small mistake."