The next morning, the training ground was bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew. Ronan stood alone, his silhouette sharp against the pale sky, as he gripped the dark silver blade of Eclipse Edge. The sword felt solid in his hands, its smooth yet resilient surface reflecting the early light.
Ronan took a deep breath, feeling the faint thrum of his fire mana coursing through his veins. He closed his eyes, focusing on the energy within him, and began to channel it into the blade. At first, the sword remained cool to the touch, but as his mana seeped into the metal, it began to glow faintly, a deep crimson hue spreading across its surface. The air around the blade shimmered, heat waves distorting the light as the temperature rose. Ronan swung the sword in a wide arc, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp, resonant hum. The crimson glow left a faint trail like a streak of fire suspended in the air for a brief moment before dissipating.
He continued to practice, his movements fluid and precise, each swing of the sword accompanied by a burst of heat that made the ground beneath him sizzle. The training ground, usually filled with the sounds of clashing weapons and shouted commands, was eerily silent, save for the occasional crackle of fire mana and the rhythmic whoosh of Ronan's blade.
Unbeknownst to him, Ms. Amara and Samantha had arrived at the edge of the training ground. They stood in the shadows, watching Ronan with a mix of curiosity and admiration. Samantha's eyes widened as she saw the crimson glow of the sword and the way the air around it seemed to bubble with heat. "His flame control increased again," she whispered, her voice tinged with awe.
Ms. Amara crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Ronan's control over his mana has improved significantly. This must be the peak of his ability at this tier."
As they watched, Ronan finally stopped, his chest rising and falling with exertion. He placed Eclipse Edge on the ground, the blade still glowing faintly as it began to cool. Ronan's thought, "High-grade swords really live up to their reputation. The effectiveness of my sword skills when infused with flame has increased significantly."
Ms. Amara's eyes narrowed as she observed the sword. "That's a high-grade fire-elemental blade," she said, her tone laced with concern. "Where did he get that?"
Before they could intervene, Ronan noticed their presence. He quickly sheathed Eclipse Edge and walked over to them, a hesitant smile on his face. "Good morning," he greeted, his voice slightly breathless.
"Good morning," Ms. Amara replied, her gaze lingering on the swords at his side. "Care to explain where you got those?"
Ronan scratched the back of his head, his smile turning sheepish. "I bought them yesterday. From the Hunter's Boutique."
Samantha raised an eyebrow. "With what money? Those aren't cheap, Ronan."
Ronan hesitated for a moment before reaching into his storage ring. He pulled out a handful of monster materials, including flame cores and tier-two monster cores, and held them out for inspection. "I sold some of these," he explained. "Garrick Vale, the owner, gave me a good deal. But he said I should consult Ms. Amara before selling the rest. I was thinking about absorbing those Rank-Two flame cores."
Ms. Amara's eyes widened as she examined the materials. "Another Rank-Three Tailed Fox's flame core? And Rank-Two Tailed Fox cores? Ronan, where did you get these?"
Ronan's chest swelled with pride. "I hunted them," he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "During the breaks Sir Alden gives us."
Samantha crossed her arms, her expression a mix of exasperation and pride. "You're going to get yourself hurt one of these days," she said, though there was no real anger in her voice. She reached out and flicked Ronan's forehead lightly. "Just don't cause trouble for Ms. Amara, okay?"
Ronan rubbed his forehead, his smile turning into a pout. "When have I ever caused trouble?"
Samantha gave him a pointed look, her lips twitching as though suppressing a smile. "Do you really want me to answer that?"
Ms. Amara chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Don't worry, Samantha. I'll keep an eye on this brat."
Samantha nodded, her expression softening. "Thank you, ma'am. And Ronan!" She turned to him, her tone serious for a moment, "Do not take unnecessary risks"
Ronan rolled his eyes but nodded. "I'll be careful. Don't worry."
Samantha's expression instantly softened into a warm smile. "That's my little brother."
Ronan groaned, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm almost eighteen! Stop calling me that!"
Samantha ignored his protest entirely, turning to Ms. Amara. "Please take care of my little brother."
"Hey! Hey! Are you even listening to me?" Ronan called out.
Samantha laughed, the sound light and carefree as she walked away. "Sure thing, little brother. I won't call you Little Brother."
Ronan let out an exasperated sigh before realising her trick. "You—! You—!"
Ms. Amara couldn't contain her laughter any longer, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. Ronan shot her a look, his embarrassment deepening. "This isn't funny, ma'am."
Ms. Amara wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, her expression softening. "It's a little funny," she admitted. "But don't worry, Ronan. You'll always be her little brother, no matter how old you get."
Ronan sighed, shaking his head, but there was a small smile on his face. Despite his protests, he knew Samantha's teasing came from a place of love.
As the training ground began to fill with other students, Ms. Amara turned to Ronan, her expression turning serious. "About that Rank-Three Tailed Fox core," she said. "I have a buyer in mind. You can name your price."
Ronan shrugged. "You can set the price, ma'am. I trust your judgment."
Ms. Amara nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Very well. I'll handle it."
Just then, Serena and Elenor entered the training ground. Elenor's face lit up when she saw Ms. Amara, and she ran over, her voice cheerful. "Good morning, ma'am!"
Ms. Amara greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Elenor. Serena, come with me to the office for a moment."
As they walked away, Ronan couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had pushed himself harder than ever before, and it showed.