Ronan bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, both of you. I couldn't have done this without your guidance and support."
Ms. Amara's eyes held a rare warmth. "We are already near our next destination."
Ronan nodded. The ship docked smoothly on a forested cliffside. The air carried a faint, musky scent, signalling the presence of magical beasts. Ms. Amara and Ronan stepped out, their eyes scanning the dense foliage ahead.
Ms. Amara turned to Ronan, her tone firm but calm. "Ronan, this is also a Tailed Fox den. Inside, there's a six-tailed beast, a rare and powerful creature, and a few five-tailed ones as well. Observe."
Ronan nodded, though his heart pounded. Before she could say more, Mr. Alden stepped forward, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword.
"Ronan," he said, his voice a deep rumble, "watch closely. This is how a true swordsman fights."
With that, Alden strode forward, his steps impossibly light for a man of his stature. His aura shifted, radiating a calm confidence that made the air seem heavier. As Alden approached the den, glowing eyes appeared in the shadows. A low, guttural growl echoed. Without hesitation, a five-tailed fox lunged at him, its fur bristling with fiery energy.
Alden's sword flashed like lightning, cleaving through the air with precision. The blade met the fox mid-leap, and with a swift, almost effortless motion, he redirected the beast's momentum, sending it crashing lifelessly to the ground. The other foxes emerged, their tails glowing ominously. One unleashed a torrent of purple flame, while another flanked him with blinding speed. Alden sidestepped the fire with graceful footwork, his movements as fluid as water. His sword spun in a wide arc, deflecting a claw strike from the second fox.
Ronan watched, wide-eyed, as Alden's every motion seemed choreographed. His steps were precise, his strikes efficient. It wasn't just strength; there was an artistry to his fighting, a mastery Ronan had seen before.
It feels like I am watching my old academy teacher, Master Gideon, but with more precision, Ronan thought.
"Did you see that feint?" Ms. Amara whispered to Ronan, her eyes narrowed as she analysed Alden's technique. "He intentionally left an opening to draw that fox in."
Another fox leapt at Alden from behind, but he spun, his blade glowing faintly as it arced through the air. A fiery tail dropped to the ground, followed by the beast itself.
The ground trembled as the six-tailed fox emerged, larger and more menacing than the others. Its crimson fur shimmered with an inner light, and its six tails fanned out, each glowing with a purple hue.
Alden didn't hesitate. He charged his sword with thunder. The fox roared, releasing a massive burst of purple fire. Alden leapt, twisting mid-air to avoid the blast. As he descended, his blade slashed downward, leaving a yellow thunder trail that struck the fox's flank. The beast howled in pain but retaliated, its tails whipping like fiery serpents. Alden ducked, rolled, and countered with a flurry of strikes that seemed to blur with their speed. The fox's movements slowed, its strength waning under Alden's relentless assault.
With a final, decisive blow, Alden drove his sword through the fox's heart. The beast let out a low whimper before collapsing, its glowing tails dimming.
Alden stood over the fallen creature, his chest rising and falling steadily. He sheathed his sword and turned back toward the group. Ms. Amara stepped forward as Alden extracted the six-tailed beast's core, a fiery orb pulsating with energy. He handed it to her without a word.
Ronan stared at him, his mind racing. "How... how did you move like that? It was like you were predicting their every move."
Alden smirked, his scarred face softening. "Experience, boy. And practice. One day, you'll understand."
Back on the ship, Alden spoke as he stored the other materials. "Next stop is a Hunter's Boutique near the academy. We'll sell these, and you'll see how we make use of what we take from the beasts. But remember, Ronan,"—his gaze locked onto the boy—"strength isn't just about swinging a sword. It's about control. Discipline. Learn that, and you'll go far."
Ronan clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. He silently vowed to reach that level of mastery someday.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky as the group traveled toward the academy. Mr. Alden glanced at the darkening sky and then at Ronan and Ms. Amara.
"If we push forward, we can reach the academy tonight," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "I've got some food with me. How about we eat while moving?"
Ms. Amara smiled softly. "That sounds like a good idea. Let's take a short break and eat."
Without hesitation, Mr. Alden waved his hand, and with a flicker of magic, a compact table and three chairs materialized under a modest umbrella. "Dinner is served," he said with a grin as he set the table.
Ronan took out a lunch box. "I've got some food as well." His voice carried a hint of excitement, though he tried to keep it casual.
Ms. Amara was already unpacking her provisions, neatly arranging an assortment of fruits, vibrant salads, and meticulously prepared meat dishes. Ronan's eyes flickered over the options before quietly reaching for a piece of roasted meat. Mr. Alden, noticing his choice, chuckled and did the same.
Their gazes met, and Ronan offered a faint, sheepish smile. Mr. Alden broke into hearty laughter. "Good choice, lad. Good choice."
Ms. Amara raised an eyebrow, her tone playful but tinged with disapproval. "Only meat? Really, Ronan? You need a balanced diet, not just protein."
Ronan scratched the back of his head awkwardly, a slight flush creeping onto his cheeks. "I, uh... I just prefer it, I guess."
Mr. Alden, unbothered, waved a dismissive hand. "Don't listen to this witch. She'll brainwash you into eating nothing but leaves and vegetables."
Ms. Amara huffed and crossed her arms. "When have I ever forced you to eat only vegetables? Honestly, Alden, you exaggerate everything." Despite her words, a teasing smile tugged at her lips. She reached over, placing bowls of salad in front of the two men. "Eat. Both of you."
Ronan hesitated but obliged, taking a few bites. As they ate under the starry sky, the conversation turned reflective.