12 A Blizzard Is Coming (2/2)
The expert-level droid no longer posed a threat to him to these days. Eight of the ten times he fought the android, he'd able to defeat it.
His polished techniques let him snuff the android out before it even assessed his threat level. Admittedly though, the element of surprise was the reason he was able to defeat it.
Otherwise, if the android knew beforehand about Reed's mastery of Yohua, it would have never given him a chance to act. It would have immediately designated him as a top-level threat and used its Anima skills to end the fight as quickly as possible.
Seeing that the expert-level android no longer posed a challenge to the boy, Axtorius cackled and told Reed that he'd only be sparing with him henceforth.
”Don't worry, I won't use Anima. As a handicap, I'll only be using a single hand, too,” he said. Comforting words, don't you think?
Everyone bitterly smiled when they heard Reed's complaints and consoled him the best they could. It'd looked like Instructor Axtorius had really taken a liking to him...
Half a year passed by in a flash for the group as they each trained their combat arts and increased their Anima tolerance.
But the good old days finally came to an end on a particularly clear day. Axtorius had gathered everyone in the mountaintop for an important announcement. Reed and his friends sat down lazily as they waited for him to start.
His voice echoed across the mountain as he said, ”I've summoned you all here to let you know that as of today, the first stage of your training is complete. You've all become well-versed enough with your combat arts that you'll at least be able to defend yourself out in the real world.”
”But the most important development you've all made is that you've developed sufficient resistance towards Anima to begin the second stage of your training, which you've no doubt been eagerly waiting; learning how to shape and use Anima in a fight. Anima skills, as they called.”
”Alas, I will not be teaching you how to use Anima skills. Instructor Windsong was in charge of teaching you how to manipulate Anima, but we've had some interesting developments...” He glanced at Reed momentarily before continued his speech.
”Unfortunately, Instructor Windsong will not be available for your next stage of training. Instead, we've elected to solicit one of our training academy's unexpected guests to teach you as a stand-in instructor. ”
”Have no fear, the individual who will teach you is a natural-born genius when it comes to Anima control. You'll be in one of the best hands of the North has to offer.”
Axtorius unexpectedly paused for a moment and looked hesitant. He rubbed his brow and quietly sighed.
Students picked up on the fact that something was wrong. They wondered what could have given the Instructor such a miserable expression. Rarely anything ever fazed this man.
”The guest instructor is someone rather...unique, you see. I'm sure you've all heard of the 'Winter Princess,' right? You will all have the honor of being taught the basics of Anima by Her Royal Highness. It's an extraordinary privilege, so take care to make the most of it while you're under her care.”
”This concludes your time here at the tempering mountain. I'll activate the main altar shortly and then return to the spire. Take this time to grab your belongings. We'll be leaving in ten minutes.” He vanished and left everyone to their own devices.
Reed looked at the sky happily and grinned like he had won the lottery. He had finally escaped the old man's clutches; the sweet taste of freedom had invigorated his spirit. His next destination would hopefully be with that princess the old man spoke about. Anything was better than being cooped up with the old man a day longer.
Excited, he turned around said, ”Hey, Astor, who's that princess the old man was talking about? You know who she is by chance?”
But Astor remained silent. He looked sick and somewhat pale as if he had been struck by a sudden fever. Cold sweat rolled down his face as he looked at Reed and said, ”Y-Yeah, I know who she is, bud. She's...an older sister of sorts to put it simply. Not that we're related or anything. It's just that she's, well, you know...”
”She's a natural disaster given human form,” Horatio said.
”She's a natural disaster given human form,” Ophelia said.
For the first time, Horatio's stoic facade broke as he gritted his teeth.
He had an uneasy look on his face as he said, ”I guess we never told you back then, huh? Astor's a real prince, but he's was originally from one of the Kingscrown's branch families. When they discovered his latent potential as a child, the main family adopted him and gave him his title.”
”The 'Winter Princess' that Instructor Axtorius spoke about is one the Moon King's direct descendants; one his great-grandaughters, and an infamous contender that is known for her unyielding attitude. She's gotten into a lot of trouble because of her tendency to break anything that gets in her way.”
”Simply put, she's a princess down to the marrow of her bones. It's either her way or the highway, as they say. She's the type that doesn't accept anything other 'yes' as an answer.”
Reed noticed a glaring bit of information and had to make sure that he had heard it correctly.
”You said she's an infamous contender, right? Did hear that correctly, or have I gone mad?”
”You hear it correctly, she's still a contender amid her climb to godhood. Don't even think for a second she's normal. She's an honest to god freak of nature who can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of conquerors already. A real monster who can control Anima like its part of her or something.” Astor shuddered at the thought of seeing her again but knew that it was too late to run...
”You should prepare yourself for the worst, bud. I've no doubt in my mind that she came over here because she heard about your pact with Will of the World back then. She's probably eager to meet you, so do yourself a favor and try not to piss her off, please? Because if you, even I won't be able to guarantee your life if you do...”
Reed gulped as he stared at Astor and began to wonder if he had made a mistake.
”Perhaps, I had it best out here in the mountains, after all...”