As Aiden walked alongside Rhea, he couldn't help but notice her quiet demeanor, only breaking her silence when necessary. His mind wandered back to their first meeting, and he recalled Peter's words about her strength. Now, six months later, Aiden had grown stronger, but Rhea's prowess still impressed him.
"So, I'm living with Rhea and her father," Aiden said, glancing at Rhea, who met his gaze briefly before looking away.
"Something on your mind?" Rhea asked, her voice low and even.
Aiden shook his head. "Nothing."
As they continued on their way, Aiden's eyes widened slightly as he realized their destination. "Wait, are we heading to the nobles' quarter?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Rhea nodded, her expression neutral. "Yes, that's where Isaac and I live."
When they arrived, Aiden's face softened into a gentle smile. The house was modest compared to the grand estates surrounding it, but he didn't mind. He was just grateful to have a place to stay, train with one of the strongest men in the Atlantian Kingdom, and perhaps explore the Yaijuu world to gain more battle experience and power. For Aiden, this was a step in the right direction.
As Aiden followed Rhea into the house, he caught a glimpse of the group of boys from the nobles' quarter staring after them. Their snide comments drifted through the air. "Who's that guy hanging out with Rhea?" one of them whispered. "No idea, but what is he doing here?" another chimed in.
Rhea's expression remained impassive as she unlocked the door and ushered Aiden inside. "Ignore them," she said curtly.
Aiden's eyes scanned the house, taking in the family portraits and warm decor. Rhea led him to his room, which was tidy and well-appointed. "You'll be staying here," she said, her voice softening slightly.
Aiden nodded, taking in his surroundings. After Rhea left, he set about unpacking his belongings. A few minutes later, he decided to knock on Rhea's door, but she opened it before he could.
"Hey, can you show me around?" Aiden asked, feeling a bit more at ease.
Rhea's calm demeanor was reassuring. "Sure, why not?" she replied.
As she guided him through the house, Aiden's eyes widened at the array of weapons on display in Isaac's room. "I'm really intrigued by these," he said, reaching out to touch a sword.
Rhea's expression turned thoughtful. "Those are all gifts for his performances in missions. He doesn't really use most of them, though. He prefers fighting bare-handed, or sometimes with gauntlets."
Aiden's eyes landed on a golden gauntlet that pulsed with intense mana. "Like this one," he said, his finger extended.
Rhea's grip on his arm tightened. "Don't touch it. You know what happens if you do."
Aiden's response was laced with a hint of bravado. "I know, I might die in the process."
He walked away, his attention drawn to a pair of twin dark blades with crimson markings that seemed to glow with an inner fire. As he approached, however, Aiden's smile faltered, and he took a step back.
Rhea's eyes met his, and she nodded. "You felt it too, right?"
"The mana is suffocating," Aiden agreed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rhea's expression turned serious. "The mana alone is enough to choke anyone who stays close to it for long. Unless the person is as strong as the blades themselves."
Aiden's gaze lingered on the swords. "It feels alive," he murmured.
Rhea nodded, her eyes never leaving the blades. "Some say they have a will of their own."
Aiden's curiosity got the better of him. "Who makes this kind of weapon?"
The voice behind him was deep and resonant. "They're called blacksmiths. They craft weapons like this using materials harvested from Yaijuus or some rare objects."
Aiden turned to see Isaac standing in the doorway, a knowing glint in his eye. Aiden's expression turned questioning. "Yaijuus?" he repeated, his interest piqued.
Rhea bowed her head in respect, and Aiden followed suit, his eyes still fixed on Isaac.
"Yes, we call them Yaijuu cores," Isaac explained. "They're more like their hearts, infused with their evolved types and mana. Without it, the Yaijuu would die."
Aiden's eyes shone with determination as he asked, "Do you agree to what I asked for, sir?"
Issac's gaze lingered on him before he nodded curtly.
"Fine. I'll allow it, but only because you've shown a willingness to grow stronger, unlike some students I could mention." Issac's tone was measured, but a hint of approval crept into his voice. "I'll let you know when it's time. For now, stay out of trouble with the nobles."
With that, he turned and headed to his room. Aiden's face broke into a wide smile as he watched him go, feeling a surge of excitement and anticipation. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face the challenge.
Aiden's eyes sparkled with excitement as he exclaimed, "I get to fight those Yaijuus again? I couldn't ask for more!" His gaze drifted to Rhea, who was quietly adjusting her bracelet. The gesture caught Aiden's attention, and he recalled something from their previous hunt. "Your bracelet looks unique.... it seems to be infused with mana. What's the story behind it?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him. Rhea's expression turned guarded, and she walked past him without responding.
*****************
In the grand dining hall of the Lanchester estate, the atmosphere was tense despite the lavish spread. Daniel Lanchester and his mother, Selene, sat at the table, their meals untouched. Jane Henderson, Bolt's mother, sat across from them, her smile strained. The loss of her husband and son weighed heavily on her, and the future of the Henderson family line hung in the balance. Bolt's untimely death at the hands of Lyra had left the family without an heir, and Jane's worries were palpable.
A man in a striking red suit strode in, a charming smile spreading across his face. He made his way to the dining room and took the seat reserved for the head of the household.
"Hello, Jane Henderson," he greeted warmly.
Jane forced a smile, replying, "John Lanchester, it's a pleasure."
John's gaze turned affectionate as he locked eyes with his wife, Selene, and he leaned in to kiss the back of her hand.
Selene's face lit up with a radiant smile. His attention then shifted to Daniel, who sat with furrowed brows and clenched fists, his anger palpable. "Daniel, you've grown... a little," John said, flashing a confident grin. "You're still not quite as big as your old man, though," he added, gesturing to himself.
Daniel's eyes locked onto John's, his voice laced with tension as he retorted, "Is that all you have to say, Father?"