The Moonlight Swordsman



1 week after Aizel's Battle...

Tucked away in the serene northern outskirts of Felgura city, amidst the sprawling landscape, stood a quaint and elegant mansion that served as the sanctuary for Aizel, Vespara, Daisy, Shelly, and the children.

It nestled harmoniously among the prestigious residences of the city's esteemed inhabitants, who valued exclusivity and refinement.

The house stood out with its grand architecture, intricate details, and appealing charm. Its strong walls, which were built with flawless precision, showed how skilled and hardworking the builders were who had worked so hard to make such a beauty.

With its polished marble pillars and finely carved reliefs that told stories of times gone by, the facade gave off an air of wealth.

Strategically placed, the house had a beautiful view of the landscapes around it, which were a mix of green meadows, majestic mountains, and clear streams. The sweet smell of growing flowers was carried on the soft breeze, adding an ethereal touch to the already beautiful scene.

Just a few miles away, beyond the well-kept grounds and fancy gates, stood the powerful and authoritative Felfura Castle. Its tall spires reached for the sky and cast shadows across the land, and its huge walls stood as a reminder of the city's long history and proud past.

"Well, at least we don't have to think about safety for now," Aizel said, looking in the direction of Felgura Castle.

"This was the best I could get from the bets. It will work for now," Vespara replied.

"There is still a month left for the tournament to start. What should I do till then?" He asked, looking towards Vespara.

"hmmm...I can't teach you Arcane Magic Circuit, so forgot about that for now. You are already good at using your elements....

"What more can you learn?" Vespara pondered when suddenly a grin appeared on her face. 

"I don't know why, but seeing you like that gives me a bad feeling."

"Hahahaha, that's a nice house you got, little brother."

"FUCK!"

[I hate his laugh; break his mouth anyhow, Master]

"I am here on the request of Vespara to train my little brother.... hahahaa," Aquarian said.

"Good luck, Aizel." Shelly waved her hands and walked inside the mansion along with Daisy.

"Who said I will.... before Aizel could finish speaking, he suddenly started to ponder.

"How can you boost my power more before the tournament?" Aizel asked, his brows raising as he waited for him to answer.

"You use swords as your weapon and even change them at your will, right?"

Aizel nodded.

"Well, I am only good at swords, so I can teach you that. What do you say?" Aquarian asked while smiling.

"I already know how to use swords, along with many other techniques. I don't think there is more to learn."

"Haha.. Pretty boy, do you know who you are rejecting now? Even the Sword Emperor can't hold a sword against him." Vespara commented.

[Why the hell does he call himself sword emperor then?]

"So what's the catch here? Why do you want me to teach? There must be something you might need in return right?" Aizel asked.

Aquarian looked a little confused when he heard that.

"What can I even get from you? I just want to teach you because that's what I like."

"So you just like to help others without expecting anything in return?" Aizel asked again.

"Yeah, pretty much. When you reach my stage, you will realize there is nothing much to do in life,"

What a load of crap this guy says. I don't believe that he doesn't have any motive," Aizel thought.

[Yes, but Master, we should agree with him. Learning from a Grade VIII mage will surely help us]

"You are really powerful. When I first saw you, I didn't expect much from you.

"But during the battle, you really opened my eyes. I have never seen a mage like you before who can handle the mages above grade so easily. 

"Even Soren wasn't able to do it when he was in Grade II."

"But you will find a lot of difficulty in the tournament if you stay the same. 

"Either you have to advance to Grade III or you have to upgrade your skills and techniques more," Aquarian said. 

I can forget about advancing to Grade III for now. So this is the only choice," He thought.

"Okay, I will do it,"

*Clap*

Aquarian clapped his hands one time in excitement after hearing that.

"It's been so long since I taught something to someone," He said.

"It's good for you, big brother. Go take him and enjoy as much as you can," Vespara replied with a smile.

"Now?"

"Yes hahaha, why should we waste time? Let's go!"

"Wait, bring him at night to my shop. He can't miss his herbs and plants lesson," Vespaar said.

"What do you do by learning that? Do you also brew potions?"

"No, but I can create many things with their properties that can help me fight," Aizel replied.

"Oh, just like those containers that emit smoke and light?"

Aizel nodded.

"Interesting, okay, got it."

Without warning or anticipation, a magic circle materialized beneath the feet of Aizel and Aquarian.

Its detailed markings glowed with a strange light that made them both feel like they were in another world. The familiar surroundings of their sanctuary vanished in an instant, and a completely new location took their place. 

As Aizel's eyes opened, he found himself standing on a small, deserted island in the middle of a vast ocean.

The azure waters went as far as the eye could see, and the waves were majestic as they crashed against the worn rocks that surrounded the island.

Towering mountains covered in moss and lichen rose from the rough landscape like ancient sentinels, as if to protect the island from the vast abyss around it.

"What is this place? Where are we?" Aizel asked as he looked around.

"Consider this place your home for a month now. We will practice here without interruption or facing any risk," Aquarian replied.

"Okay, so what are you going to teach me first," Aizel rubbed his hands in anticipation.

"Hahaha, I like your spirit. First is Meditation,"

"WHAT!"