"Let's stop here for today. Anymore and you might end up breaking something."
After Diantel speaks those words, Renkai collapses to the ground. The moon is almost perfectly staring down at them, revealing the time to be midnight. Diantel doesn't have a single streak of sweat on him.
"We've been at it for quite a few hours, and I haven't even gotten tired yet. I can say, though, you're definitely getting better. A few more weeks, maybe months, and you might be able to surpass me."
Renkai splays herself out, looking into the night sky. She reimagines the countless spars they had and tries to understand why she lost in every single one.
"I don't have a few more weeks, though."
Renkai, he's been-
I knowIden.
Renkai slowly pushes herself back up, something that slightly surprises Diantel.
"You still have the energy to stand up? Is that your way of telling me for one more spar?"
"You've been cheating."
Diantel's startled at her accusation.
"What do you mean by that? Cheating in what way?"
"You've been using magic this whole time."
"Really?"
"Did you think I wouldn't notice the mana flowing off your body? I can't use magic, but I told you I had trained my mana to the point I could sense it nearby. Your body has mana residuals all over it, especially your forearms and hands."
Diantel jumps slightly, but eventually starts clapping with a smile on his face.
"I'm glad you noticed."
"Why?"
"You said it earlier. I'm old. Physically, you're probably stronger than me. There are two things that I have over you. Technique and magic. What kind of magic do you think I used?"
Renkai. He was usin-
I know Iden. I can probably tell better based on the residue than your calculations.
Iden lets out a slight huff, clearly upset he can't show off his knowledge.
"You were using Enhancement Magic, weren't you?"
"What v-?"
"Physical."
"External or-"
"Internal."
"How much mana-"
"At least a third of your mana reserves."
Diantel gives Renkai a small smile, while she returns with a focused gaze.
"You really are just like your mother."
Renkai tilts her head, confused.
"You've never met my mother, so how would you know?"
Diantel moves towards the weapons rack and sets his spear up.
"I've always heard rumors about her. About how she was obsessed with coming up with new spells. Of course, that was back when I was younger, when I was an adventurer. I did get to see her one time. On my way back from a dangerous expedition, she was sitting out in front of a restaurant, absorbed in a book. One of the Hero's party members had come out with some food, and they began to chat. Then, they started asking questions. Questions that your mother immediately answered before they could even finish their sentences."
Renkai just stares at Diantel, then finally lets a small smile grow on her face.
"That really does sound like my mother."
"You finally smiled."
Renkai's face immediately shifts to a disgusted look. Diantel's face changes to disappointment.
"Hey, what's with that face?"
"I just thought you were disgusting for noticing a smile on a young girl."
"You mean the young girl who's my adopted daughter?"
He moves towards toward backdoor and stops.
"I'm...relieved."
Diantel turns his head and fixes his gaze on Renkai.
"You've been through so much, and you're finally starting to recover. It makes me...glad. Glad that I was the one who raised you."
His voice isn't as stern as it was before. It was soft and relaxed. Diantel finally enters their home, leaving Renkai alone outside.
She looks up into the night sky, her gaze focused on the moon that's directly above. She extends her hand, as if reaching for the moon. She lets out a singular sigh as she drops her arm to her side.
"Only a few more days."
Renkai, can we talk?
For the first time, Iden's tone sounds serious compared to his normally joking tone.
What is it?
It's about us, mainly you.
Hm?
You will die.
Is... that a threat?
No, a premonition.
Why do you feel that way?
After seeing the results today, it confirms my feeling. You're not remotely strong enough to even put up a decent enough fight against that demon. This goal of yours is-
I know.
Then how about you stop this nonsense?
I can't. We both know this.
Iden is taken aback by her words.
But you'll die at this rate! Even if I were to predict that things move accurately, you wouldn't be able to react in time!
Even so, I have to.
Do you think you even have a chance! It's a demon we're talking about! One that was able to harm a hero! Do you really think-
Iden.
Renkai's silver eyes darken, taking on a dangerous look. Her pitch-black hair flows greatly in the night's wind. Her stern features are emphasized heavily by the moonlight.
I have to do this. No matter what. You're asking me to run away. To let that demon continue living on. Where would I even go? And, you're forgetting about one thing, Iden.
And what would that be?
Artelia. That dragon had told us about a dungeon. If I want any chance at killing that thing, it will be in the dungeon. I believe in her words.
...
Iden is silent, not because he can't refute, but because he's deep in his calculations.
Iden?
Eventually, he starts speaking out loud instead of to himself.
...demon, you're lacking in everything—strength, skill, techniques, magic, mana, and literally everything else. Skills and techniques won't be the defining factor, but considering you also refuse to learn magic, it'll play more heavily. Mana is essentially worthless at the moment due to your refusal, so the only two we could possibly work on are skills and techniques. Then there's that dungeon that Artelia mentioned...
Iden? Are you good there?
Renkai.
Yes?
There is a chance. It's not a guaranteed victory, but even so, this is your-
Okay.
You haven't even let me finish-
I don't need to. I trust you. If I die, you die with me. We're essentially siblings.
Alright then. I'll tell you everything tomorrow when Diantel has you train. For now, get some sleep.
Renkai enters their home once again. There isn't a lot of furniture, just a table, a few chairs, and the necessities for their kitchen. Diantel is sitting down, reading through what seems to be reports from his knights. As she heads to her room, she remembers her investigation permit and the dungeon.
"F-...Diantel."
Diantel doesn't look up, just simply turns his head slightly, letting her know she has his attention.
"The day after tomorrow, or maybe the day after that, I'll have to head back to the Adventurer's Guild."
"Why?"
"After I slayed that dragon, the receptionist mentioned I might get promoted from Iron to Silver. On one of those days, I'll have to go in and pick up my new tags."
"Alright. You'll do some light training before you leave, then you'll be sparring when you come back."
He turns his attention back towards his reports, assuming their conversation is over.
"About that. When I do get my tags, there's somewhere I need to go."
Her question is what grabs his attention the most. He sets down his reports and fully faces her.
"And where would that be?"
"Would you perhaps know any great mountains with a small hill in front of them?"
"There are a few I can think of, but first, you're not trying to get out of training, are you?"
"Of course not. You know better than anyone that I want to get stronger."
"You're right. There is one mountain that is north of Meomina that'll probably be of interest to you. There were a few adventurers who went there, but they never returned. I won't stop you from going, and I know you won't tell me why, but I do hope you'll tell me one of these days."
"I will."
Diantel gives her a nod of approval.
"Good. Now, get some sleep. You'll probably end up waking sore from all the things you did today."
Renkai nods and walks towards her room once more.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
She enters and softly closes her door. Her room is bare like the rest of the house. She has no interest in decorations of any sort, just a simple stand in the corner meant to hold her armor and cloak.
"Five days left."