12 Aureus Astrea 4 (1/2)
The third bout began with Aureus approaching Edward in a storm of dust.
Aureus's sword drilled towards Edward without letting up.
Edward stepped back in rapid fashion.
As Aureus's speed tapered, Edward's blade instantly glowed.
Aureus's eyes flashed and he activated his aether gems.
Mass
Edward's blade flew out of his grasp as his blade connected with Aureus's sword.
The bout was over in a flash as Aureus's sword connected in rapid succession with Edward's barrier in the next second.
—
”Beautiful!” Johan cheered as Aureus ended the bout.
”A true killing move,” Tarin agreed.
”Hope that Edward doesn't take it too hard,” said Johan while looking sympathetic. ”Few can force his highness to such a level even when using a gimmick.”
”I wonder what is Edward's background with the sword. He appears to possess the potential to be a 3 leaves swordmaster.” said Tarin.as looked at Edward.
”Could he be a potential divine blade too?” Johan asked as he turned towards Tarin.
”My old eyes are not that discerning. Perhaps his highness would have a more accurate evaluation.”
”Still, that's a unique combination of heavy and light. He has only been here for a few weeks and thought up of such a stratagem. He even used the Lighten which is commonly used outside combat situations to such a degree. Quite impressive.”
”That wasn't all there is to it. If he was not naturally a speedy fighter and choosing to augment himself with two strength boosting cores, he would not have been able to push his highness this far.”
”What was his main factor in being able to do so though? I can tell that it wasn't his combination of heavy and light nor speed and strength that pushed his highness this far.”
”It was his variation and grasp of timing. He uses his variety to create a series of minor openings in his opponent and then capitalizes on it with his unique grasp of timings with an unrelenting focus on weak spots. He reminds me of as an assassin. I wonder if special operations is an euphemism for assassinations in his realm.”
—
”Well played, your highness.”
”You too. It was a good series of bouts. Are you considered a swordmaster where you are from?”
”I am not too sure about that. I believe I should be good enough but I never went to take the certification. Where I come from, swordplay is considered more of a sport or pastime as the gun was more or less the weapon of choice for most combatants.”
”Do people who engage in this pastime regularly become swordmaster?”
”No, highness. Many whom I know, pick up the sword in a combination of interest and to maintain their body fitness.”
”Sounds like an idyllic realm.”
”Meet me at the study at 4pm, there is something I wish for you to look over.”
”Highness, I will be there.”
—
As Aureus rejoined Tarin and Johan, Johan showed a rare display of patience as he waited for Aureus's assessment of Edward's combat abilities.
All along the path back to the castle, Aureus was silent. As they reached the main hall, he expressed his thoughts.
”I believe within a few years Edward could step into an Adamant's level of strength.”
”Does he have the potential of being a divine blade?” asked Johan in a curious tone.
Aureus was apprehensive as he deliberated his answer. As they rounded the corner towards the study, Aureus concluded that Edward does have the potential to be a divine blade. However, Aureus added that his particular style of swordsmanship would not allow him to count amongst the strongest of divine blades.