“Boom, boom, boom.”
A muffled, thunderous roar rumbled from the depths of the snow mountain.
“All the investigations done?”
At the edge of a cliff deep in the Northern Border mountains, a burly Dragonkin stood watching the smoke and dust rolling above the distant snowy peaks, asking his subordinate behind him without turning his head.
“Reporting, sir, our people have scouted the path.” The Dragonkin subordinate bowed as he replied, “Seems there are quite a few secrets hidden in that snow mountain. The information from our informant is most likely true.”
The burly Dragonkin nodded, then asked, “The movements of that team a few days ago—Karen really stirred up trouble for them, didn’t he?”
“Exactly!” There was a note of pride in the subordinate’s voice. “He had to pull quite a few people away for us, and hasn’t paid any attention to this side. Once this Sealing is undone, the Human Treasure might just fall into our Dragonkin’s hands!”
“Well done.” The burly Dragonkin curled his lips in a cold smile, his gaze locked onto the snow mountain.
“Keep watching for any changes in the mountain. Station troops along the route too; the humans might already be catching wind of it.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll go warn the others.”
……
The crisp, cool air of the Northern Border’s morning always carried a refreshing chill. Anya was practicing swordsmanship with Kashan, as she did every day without fail.
“Anya, your swordsmanship has improved again.” Kashan deflected Anya’s Heavy Sword, a look of approval flickering in her eyes. “You’ve finally found a sword that truly belongs to you.”
During their sparring, Kashan could see clearly that Anya’s moves had shed their awkwardness. No longer like a month ago, when she only had form but no soul.
“It’s all thanks to your teaching, teacher.” Anya sheathed her sword with a gentle smile.
If the two of them sparred now using only swordsmanship without Douqi, Anya could manage a three-to-seven split against Kashan.
Kashan was still the more experienced, after all. Unless Anya tried some trickery, she couldn’t match Kashan yet.
“That’s enough for today.” Kashan pressed down on her own sword, signaling to stop. “Your progress is truly surprising. If your father knew, who knows how happy he’d be.”
“You flatter me, teacher.” Anya replied with utmost modesty.
“I’m not joking.” Kashan’s expression turned serious. “I’ve taught many people, but I’ve never seen anyone progress as quickly as you. Maybe you have your own secrets hidden in your heart—that’s none of my business. But as your teacher, I must say: don’t waste your talent. You ought to leave the Northern Border and see the world.”
“Are you suggesting I participate in the upcoming Holy Academy competition?” Anya instantly guessed Kashan’s intention.
“That’s right.” Kashan nodded. “I trust those old fellows at the Holy Academy will see your talent. I myself graduated from there, and there are countless talented people within. You’ll learn far more there than here in the small Northern Border.”
“But isn’t the registration deadline already past?”
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll speak with someone from the Holy Academy and get you added in.” Kashan patted her own chest in assurance.
Anya fell silent. If she wanted to earn fame, this was certainly a way. But that would mean having to use the Converter, which would be hard to explain.
Imagine being known as a Swordswoman who’s never shown any magic, then one day suddenly telling everyone, ‘Actually, I can do both sword and magic. The idea that I couldn’t use magic was a lie—wouldn’t that just infuriate them?’
Anya never liked showing off. She felt it was better to live peacefully.
Besides, she hadn’t broken through to third-rank yet. If she went up against third-rank opponents with only second-rank strength, she’d be at a real disadvantage.
Especially that genius girl from the Lorsi Family she’d met last time—if the other went all out, Anya wouldn’t stand a chance without using the Converter.
To be safe, Anya thought it best to train a while longer.
“You really won’t participate, Anya?” Kashan sighed, sounding a little disappointed.
“No, teacher. Lately I feel like I’m close to breaking through to third-rank. It’s better for me to focus on that.” Anya shook her head.
“You’re right. Although such things can’t be forced, it’s not a bad idea to seek a breakthrough.” Kashan didn’t insist. “Your father probably has his own plans as well. I won’t interfere.”
She turned to go, then suddenly remembered something and looked back, reminding, “Oh, right. Your father will be bringing a guest back soon. Be sure to stop by the hall—he asked me to let you know.”
“Alright, Teacher Kashan. I’ll go.”
After seeing Kashan off, Anya turned toward Iris, who was dozing off nearby.
“Wake up, Iris. Time for us to go.” Anya wanted to ruffle Iris’s silky hair, but her hand met only air.
Tch, it really is annoying not being in the System Space.
“Mmm…” Iris opened her eyes, wiped the drool from her lips, and smacked her lips as she muttered, “Anya, are you done? Let’s go.”
Iris had originally planned to go eat sweets with Anya at Amy’s after practice, but the morning sunlight was just too cozy. Before she knew it, she’d fallen asleep.
“I’m afraid not.” Anya sounded a bit regretful. “My father wants me in the hall. If I get delayed, I might miss it this morning.”
“Ah…fine.” Iris’s face fell, but she quickly perked up again.
“Looks like you didn’t sleep well last night, Iris.” Anya chuckled, noticing how listless Iris looked.
“You have no idea how tightly you held me last night. It’s a wonder I managed to sleep at all.” Iris complained in a low voice.
“I’ll be careful next time.” Anya said, turning to head for the hall.
“Careful, my foot! If you cling to me like that again, I won’t let you sleep with me!” Iris puffed up her cheeks angrily.
Anya didn’t take it to heart. She’d long since figured out Iris’s personality—tough words, but a soft heart.
A textbook example of ‘tsundere’, just like in comic books.
As she was thinking this, she stepped into the hall and was immediately drawn to a figure in the corner.
It was a blonde girl, dressed in heavy armor from head to toe, with only her small head exposed, making her look oddly out of place.
“Who’s she?” Iris made a small sound of curiosity and glanced at Anya.
Anya shook her head, indicating she didn’t know either.
The blonde girl had clearly noticed them too. Her gaze swept up and down Anya, examining her from head to toe, finally settling on the practice Heavy Sword strapped to Anya’s back.
“You’re a Heavy Sword user?” the blonde girl suddenly asked, grinning with interest.
Anya didn’t know who the girl was, but she nodded politely.
“What a coincidence, so am I.”
As soon as she spoke, the blonde girl suddenly stood up. In a blur, she vanished from view.
In almost the same instant, she appeared behind Anya, bringing with her a fierce gust of wind as she attacked!
After so much training in the System Space, Anya’s senses were razor-sharp. Her heart tightened—she instinctively drew her Heavy Sword, spun around, and swung.
But the expected collision never happened.
There was nothing behind her. The blonde girl stood to the side, watching with a smile.
“Not bad, little one. Pretty quick reflexes!”