Chapter 49: Airael: Axi, Train with Me!

Chapter 49: Airael: Axi, Train with Me!

Although I found Axi a bit chatty at first, his later words, clearly filled with concern, lifted Airael’s spirits significantly.

She quickly replied with a smile, “Thank you for your concern. But I know all of this; I value my life greatly.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Axi didn’t say anything more about it and turned to leave.

“Axi, wait a moment!”

Airael called out urgently to stop him.

“Is there something you need?”

Axi turned back to look at Airael, curious.

“Well…”

Airael seemed quite embarrassed, struggling to get her words out.

Axi didn’t rush her but patiently waited.

After a moment, Airael finally mustered her courage and said, “Do you have time next? If you do, could you train with me, especially in martial skills?”

As soon as the words were out, she didn’t give Axi a chance to respond; her nerves made her spill all her thoughts at once.

Although she had criticized Axi harshly yesterday, it was an undeniable fact that he was stronger than her in martial skills.

Inviting Axi to train with her was less about companionship and more about seeking instruction and guidance.

This could end up being a troublesome request for Axi.

Thus, she was a bit afraid he would coldly reject her.

Moreover, it would be quite embarrassing for her.

However, Axi didn’t refuse; instead, he asked, “Is it here?”

It was clear he was agreeing to Airael’s request.

Under her cloak, Airael beamed with joy, saying, “Thank you, Axi.”

“No need to mention it. By the way, I’d also like to see how a Battle Mage fights.”

Axi replied graciously.

“I won’t disappoint you.”

Airael said confidently.

“Then I look forward to it.”

Axi smiled.

At that moment, both of them shared a knowing grin.

After a while, Axi realized Airael hadn’t answered his earlier question about where they would train. So, he asked, “You didn’t mention where we are training? Is it here?”

“Not here!”

Airael shook her head in response.

Though this was a fine training ground, being the castle’s training hall, Airael felt it wasn’t suitable for their purposes.

There were too many people around!

Their upcoming session would primarily involve martial skill training, which meant some vigorous actions might reveal her identity under the cloak.

While she wasn’t hiding from anyone, it was best to minimize potential troubles.

She didn’t want to end up seen as a disaster-bringer or a seductress.

She understood men’s thoughts; most of the time, it’s about beauty and power.

Both could be derived from her.

“Then where is it?”

“You’ll see.”

With that, Airael started leading the way.

Axi promptly followed.

At that moment, Powell, who was engrossed in training with the knights and soldiers, didn’t notice their departure.

To those knights and soldiers, he was a strict teacher.

They highly respected Baron Powell.

Not because he was their lord, but because he taught them invaluable skills.

Many knights and soldiers had followed Powell for years.

Their survival over the years was closely tied to his instruction and training.

The eager learners absorbed everything, and as an instructor, Baron Powell was continually dedicated, eager to impart all his knowledge to them.

Meanwhile, Airael led Axi out of the castle to a quieter spot nearby.

To be precise, they arrived at a clearing within a small grove.

Despite the town being crowded, out of respect for Baron Powell, there weren’t any refugee camps near his castle.

Thus, the area felt relatively desolate.

Moreover, staying within the grove, nobody typically ventured this way.

“This will do.”

Airael stopped and turned to face Axi, who had also stopped.

“Ailia, why did you choose here?” Axi asked, puzzled.

“It’s quieter here,” Airael replied.

She didn’t mention the real reason.

However, she felt this reason was quite convincing.

Indeed, Axi only nodded and dropped the subject, “Then let’s get started.”

With that, Axi drew his longsword and assumed a defensive stance.

It was clear that he intended for Airael to attack first.

Seeing Axi’s stance, Airael was ready.

She pulled out a reasonably decent longsword from her Storage Ring.

This sword was one of Ailia’s spoils, which she was now using as a temporary weapon.

It felt quite comfortable in her hands.

Noticing the sword in Airael’s grip, Axi’s pupils constricted slightly, then he asked, “Your sword doesn’t belong to the Human Race, does it? And it doesn’t seem like it’s made by Dwarven craftsmanship.”

“That’s right, it’s a sword made by the Elven Race,” Airael replied with a smile.

“While it may not be as famous as Dwarven swords, Elven swords have their unique characteristics.”

Upon hearing this, Axi drew a deep breath, his expression becoming serious.

He knew that Elven swords typically had some magical effects.

Thinking of this, Axi realized that Elven equipment seemed purposefully made for the kind of Battle Mage Ailia described.

Once she drew her longsword, Airael struck an offensive pose, declaring, “Then let’s begin!”

With that, Airael launched herself at Axi in an assault.

She dashed forward, her sword aimed straight at Axi’s chest.

Axi, quickly regaining his focus, seemed unfazed by Airael’s sudden attack.

He brought his sword up defensively, gripping the hilt with one hand and the blade with the other, blocking Airael’s strike.

The collision of their swords produced a jolt that only slightly tilted Axi’s stance.

“Damn!”

Faced with this situation, Airael gritted her teeth.

She shifted from one-handed to two-handed grip on her sword, then swung it down at Axi’s head.

Axi again adopted a defensive stance, managing to parry Airael’s attack.

However, this time, he didn’t manage to hold his position as firmly as before.