Chapter 26 - #26 Teaching Kurome (2/2)
While it was still on the ground I slashed its stomach and then turned around to look at Kurome who was watching all of this carefully.
”Were you able to catch at least something from this fight?” I asked with a smile.
”...I thin- look out!” Kurome wanted to say something but then her expression changed to the horrified one.
I thrust my sword behind me without even turning around and felt an impact.
*Thud* The panther's lifeless body dropped on the ground after having its head pierced by my sword.
”Also, don't forget to never drop your guard down, no matter what~! Hehe” I said with a small laugh while looking at Kurome's surprised expression.
”So...Were you able to catch anything from this fight? Don't be afraid to say no, I will teach you everything from the bottom even if you really understood everything anyway.” I said with a small smile while burning their bodies.
Class: Assassin (Lv. 9; +13 Agi, +7 Int, +4 Str, + 2 Cha) 959/2560 XP
Special Class: Fire Monarch (Lv. 6; +12 Cha, +10 Int, +9 Const) 204/320 BXP
”...Just a bit, I-I understood most of it, I think. But I am not sure if I would be able to apply it in practice.” Kurome hesitated for a bit before answering me and judging from her expression and words, I could tell that she was being honest with me.
”Good! You have even more talent than I anticipated” I walked up to her and she closed her eyes in fear when she noticed my hand nearing her head but I only ruffled her hair, completely surprising her.
”Huh?” When she noticed this, she looked up at me with a confused expression.
”Sorry about that, I will stop if it makes you uncomfortable.” I said with an awkward smile.
My main goal should be to gain her trust and loyalty before training her. But...I have no idea how to treat kids. I should have gathered some experience by taking care of my own kid in my old world...Now that I think about her, I hope she is doing well.
”A-Akashi? Can I ask you something?” She asked with a hesitant expression.
”Sure, go ahead” I replied.
”How is it possible for you to produce flames out of nothing?” She asked me with a curious look.
”Hmm...good question. I was simply born this way, born with the fire's protection and favor. Come on, let's move on, we need to get to the next nearest village before the sun will go completely down.” I said and started to move forward.
”? Wait, young lord, what about your father?!” Ichika stood still in her place with a shocked expression.
”I will make up an excuse. Don't worry, I won't let him punish you.” I said with a decisive tone.
----
Both Kurome and Ichika watched Akashi's slowly distancing back with absent-minded expressions for a few seconds before they finally woke up and decided to quickly follow after him.
”*Little Kurome, we are both girls...tell me, what do you think about Akashi?*” Ichika whispered to Kurome, slightly surprising her.
”*Um, what do I think? I-I don't know...*” Kurome replied with a completely confused expression.
”*For example...Do you think he is kind?*” Ichika asked with a teasing smile.
”*Hm...He seems...too reserved? But I think that he is truly kind to the people close to him...It's just regrettable that my big sis couldn't come with us...maybe we would be able to find a new family.*” Kurome looked at the back of Akashi's black uniform with a small smile before the smile turned to tears when she started to think about Akame.
”*Shh, maybe I can't replace your big sister but you can depend on me the same way. And once the young lord will fully trust you, he will do anything to keep you happy so you can ask him to let you meet up with your sister later.*” Ichika tried to comfort her.
”*Really?*” Kurome asked with a shocked expression, she was having a hard time believing Ichika's words
”*Of course, take a look at me. I am just a lowly bodyguard for the young lord, ready to trade my life for his at any moment yet he treats me as part of his family! Look at this gift I have gotten from the young lord, hehe!” Ichika said with a wide smile while showing off her new necklace.
Kurome was shocked by how brilliantly the gem was shining and even though she didn't know the price of such thing, she was sure that it cost much more than her parents could ever earn in their entire life.
'...He gifted this to his bodyguard...?' Kurome thought with an absent-minded expression while looking at the necklace.
”*You know, I really envy your age!*” Ichika said with an envious look, she patted Kurome's shoulder before starting to walk faster to catch up to Akashi.
Kurome was confused from Ichika's words but when she noticed that she was left alone at the back, she immediately quickened her pace to catch up to Akashi and Ichika. She, herself, wasn't aware of this fact but while she was busy catching up to them, a small genuine smile appeared on her face.
----END----
[Name: Akashi Phoenix (Age: 9)
Title: King of Sloth
Class: Assassin (Lv. 9; +13 Agi, +7 Int, +4 Str, + 2 Cha) 959/2560 XP
Special Class: Fire Monarch (Lv. 6; +12 Cha, +10 Int, +9 Const) 204/320 BXP
Health: 320/320
Energy: 695/695
<Stats>
Strength: 22 (26)
Agility: 26 (39)
Intelligence: 24 (41)
Constitution: 20 (29)
Charisma: 17 (31)
Free Stat points: 26
Classes: Young Noble (Lv. 4; +5 Cha) 12/80 XP, Warrior (Lv. 4, +7 Str, +3 Const) 3/80 XP
Special Classes:
ACTIVE SKILLS:
[Absolute Dominance - When facing the formidable foe, show no fear, instead show your arrogance. + 40% to every stat, fire intensity, and explosiveness]
[Phantom Strike - Blink towards your enemy, the maximum distance is decided by your Agility (10 energy)]
PASSIVE SKILLS:
[Child of Fire - Flames love you as its own child. You are protected by the fire itself, whenever someone uses long-ranged attacks, flames will protect your body from projectiles even without your consciousness but you can still stop them if you want. This isn't ultimate defense!]
GOLD: 2315
SILVER: 125