But however hard she trained, her thoughts were only of Kopii. Of the words Lefiya had said.
The rumors about Kopii, that he was a pervert. She tried with all her might to deny it, to think that they were rumors, that he could not be like that. But with every swing of the sword, she kept imagining Kopii's face.
She had learned to give her all, so sweat poured off her in streams, but even so, he did not want to leave her head. Every time, remembering Lefiya's words, deep inside Ais, jealousy began to awaken. That feeling, which she had already forgotten, began to return with new force.
«Completely naked.»
Lefiya's voice suddenly struck Ais's head, reminding her every second.
Bang.
She was so focused on the words that she unconsciously squeezed the training sword harder than before, completely destroying it. She could no longer ignore it.
She had to sort this out, to understand whether these rumors were false or not. Because if she did nothing, this feeling would eat her from the inside. Throwing away the sword, she headed for the training ground exit. With one thought in her head. That all these rumors were just rumors and nothing more. She could only hope for that.
She did not even want to think that it was all true. The mere thought of it made her jealous even more, and the feeling of disappointment in Kopii grew geometrically, becoming stronger and stronger with every second.
And if it turned out to be just rumors. Which Ais was sure of, because she perfectly understood that these rumors could be spread only because people envied him. His rapid growth, his beauty, his uniqueness. There were too many reasons why people could spread these rumors. Ais was even sure that these rumors were being spread by some arrogant familia. Because how was it possible that someone from a low-class familia could surpass everyone and put everyone in their place.
Those who thought their growth was very good could in one second think that they were doing something wrong, and descend even lower into the dungeon. With the thought: "If he could do it, then why am I worse?" Which, in most cases, was a very bad idea.
Ais perfectly understood them. Because she had also thought that way when she first learned how her record had been broken. She had been surprised by it, in the good sense of the word. She had wanted to know how he had leveled up so fast, what he was hiding.
But in all her time with Kopii, she had never learned what his secret was. But she knew one thing for sure: he was very talented; she had personally confirmed it. And not only in battle was he talented, but in other areas too. Like in cooking; he also taught well.
Ais thought, walking through the busy streets of Orario, beginning to understand where to start, how to find out whether it was true or not. She went along with her feelings, fully ignoring the fact that she did not know how she would confirm or refute it. How she would search for information.
She did not understand at all where to start and how to start correctly; where to start? She did not know, but she did not want to give up. She had to learn the truth. And, of course, she understood that the best way to find out whether these rumors were true or not was to ask the main character of these rumors.
But that was the last thing she would do. She did not want to see Kopii, while she could again go along with her emotions at any moment. So she would not go to him for now.
But with every day, she understood one thing: it was impossible to do. That everything she did was a waste of time. But not everything was so sad, because she was almost sure that these rumors were true. But she could not be one hundred percent sure.
During these days, she understood one thing: finding the one who started spreading these rumors was impossible. There were quite a few reasons for this, and the main ones were Kopii's popularity and the large number of Orario's residents.
One said, another supported and told others his version — that is how rumors spread. She was even almost completely sure that these were just rumors, until she met someone who had seen him, when he walked naked through Orario.
At first, she did not believe it, because he was not the only one who said so, but he could tell what others could not: where it was and when. He remembered it well, because it was not so long ago.
But, coming to that street and asking some people, some gave the same date and place. This fact spoke for itself.
Because of this, Ais was upset and disappointed in Kopii. But every time, remembering the time spent with Kopii, she could not believe it. He did not look at her like a piece of meat. He almost never touched her, only when they sparred or when he taught her to cook.
So she decided not to beat around the bush any longer and ask Kopii directly. She wanted to hear the full story. Because rumors were rumors; they were always embellished.
— Act…
Already approaching Kopii's house, before reaching it, she met Kopii on her way. But this Kopii was somehow strange; a different aura emanated from him. And he had become a little bigger than before. But she decided not to focus her attention on that.
— Hi.
— Hi, Ais.
— Were you heading to the dungeon?
I examined his appearance more carefully.
— No. I just wanted to train.
Whoosh.
Bang.
Before I could open my mouth, he began closing the distance between us, aiming for my head. Of course, for me, it was slow, but for him, it was a good level. Even a very good one, but not for me.
Dodging his blow, with a light palm strike to the chest, I sent him into the air.
Seeing how he tried to get up, I instantly closed the distance between us, trying to strike him, thereby sending him into the air again.
— You could go a little easier. You know? – He said with a smirk.
— Monsters won't be merciful.
Clang.
Bang.
Whoosh.
Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
«He's gotten stronger.» — I thought, blocking his every blow, not giving even a hope of a successful attack. Seeing how he was flying in the clouds, I struck a little harder than before.
— Don't get distracted.
Saying that, I kicked him in the stomach.
Blegh.
But, seeing how he vomited, I understood that I had overdone it a little.
— Oops.
I began closing the distance between us, and when I came closer, he instantly struck.
Clang.
But I blocked it at once.
«What's with the glasses?» — I asked myself, looking straight into his eyes.
A smile from ear to ear appeared on his face, and he began to swing. I did not stop him; I simply waited for Kopii's next attacks.
Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
He began rapidly dealing attacks. I blocked his every attack, feeling that his attacks had become even stronger, which could not but please me.
Seeing again how he sank into his thoughts.
Bang.
I kicked him in the face, again sending him into the air and shattering his glasses to pieces.
But at that very second, I froze in confusion.
His eyes were completely black. As black as… his.
---
— Mom! Dad!
Bang.
— It's alright!
The sudden embrace of my mother calmed my heart. Raising my eyes, I saw my mother's face, which spoke of reliability and protection. She gently rocked me. Seeing her smile, I felt complete protection. And all the fear and horror vanished at that very second.
Bang.
— Mom, where's dad?!
— He'll come soon. – Her quiet and soft voice said.
Looking at the sky, I saw horror; my whole body was covered in cold sweat. Only my mother's embrace saved me from this horror.
But the watching eye of the monster… Its eye of pure darkness looked at me, fully consuming my soul.
Eyes that embodied only darkness.
She remembered them for her whole life. The eyes of the one who took everything from her.