Chapter 472: Friendly Brawl (1) (1/2)
Under the proud, bright sun a small commotion of people could be seen forming around an otherwise open area of the emerald green plain.
Despite the scorching, blistering summer daze that dominated the peaceful land, many of the realm's sentient residents rushed to the scene, hoping to get a glimpse of what they hoped to be a grand spectacle.
The crowd formed a natural ring, a makeshift arena around the participants. On one side, a feminine shape, wrapped in a strange exotic-looking attire stood with a calm, relaxed posture. Her new attire, a black sleeveless kimono that covered most of her body, leaving ample room for movement for her arms. Below that, form-fitting cotton pants (AN: Hakama for those interested), whilst just like before it kept her feet free without restricting her in maneuvering. Finally, her head was left free, the usual half-mask, and the hooded cowl was not equipped this time.
The woman was, of course, Number 3 facing off against all four of her dear boy's servants at the same time. Even then, she was brimming with excitement and an ample amount of confidence as she looked at the four peculiar figures with a bright smile.
”Are you sure about this? They are not on the same level as the others in Gupta; they have been evolved and been influenced by the same energy as you.” Standing at the center of the ring and acting as the judge over the upcoming duel, Aiden was looking at his Master with a concerned look, he warned her.
”Don't worry about me kid.” Number 3 shook her head, the smile not leaving her expression as she looked at the boy. ”Just make sure to watch and focus on the fight. I need your keen eyes to spot any irregularities. This energy… Soul Power you called it? It is still very new… It is so different compared to mana.”
Aiden could only sigh and instead turn towards her servants lining up at the other side. Not wanting to reveal his instructions, he activated their shared mental channel and instructed them all.
'Make sure you are careful, not to go too overboard! The purpose of this fight is not to kill or harm the other, but to measure the power and strength of each other whilst also getting to know yourselves!' He explained in a stern tone.
'[Orc] Yes, Young Master! Rest assured, we will control our strength!' As usual, Roas' voice came first, carrying a great deal of reverence.
'[Goblin] Yes, rest easy, Master, we will not do anything too excessive!' Glohn was quick to follow after the dark grey giant, giving his reassurance as well.
'Thuk doesn't understand. Why are we fighting if not to kill, not to hunt? Thuk is confused…' Breaking the tense atmosphere, the naive little lizard's innocent tone and words resounded in their minds in the next moment, causing almost all of the participants to barely be able to retain their emotionless expressions and not reveal a smile.
'[Orc] Thuk, don't ask such questions at a time like this! Just follow the Young Master's instructions, and make sure you do not hurt the milady! After this, I will sit down with you and explain everything you are still confused about.'
Acting as the senior brother as he actually was, Roas was actually quite gentle, and kind to his brothers (and hopefully his sisters in the future as well) when it came to teaching them about matters of the world or the Young Master. He would often go and offer his help pro-actively. Since he couldn't stay at his side at all times, he shifted his focus in becoming 'The Big Brother' of all current and future accepted servants of the Young Master.
'Okay guys, focus on the task now. Decide on what you will do while I talk to Master one last time.' Aiden sighed, leaving the mental channel, and returning to reality instead.
Turning towards Number 3, seeing the eagerness, the excitement in her gaze, Aiden knew that his words wouldn't have any chance in convincing her. Yet, even if he himself was interested to see the new power and potential of his master, he didn't want to see her getting hurt. He wanted to at the very least try speaking to her one last time before they shift gears and start a pointless brawl.
However, just as he turned towards her and took a couple of steps, Aiden stopped in his tracks as he could feel the thickness in the air swirling with an increasing ferocity around her. A profound aura, her battle intent surrounded her, growing and expanding as her mindset shifted and entered into the battle-ready state.
Her experience, her knowledge accumulated throughout the countless years of her life created a fearsome, thick, and cold domain around her body. What shocked Aiden, and made him stop in his tracks and instead took a few steps towards the side instead was the fact that she seemed to be unconsciously able to manipulate her [Soul Power] on an entirely different level, even compared to himself.