"Let Dumbledore spin the wheel, collect fragments, only by synthesizing all the fragments can you trade with me for a photo..." Ian has the "Muggle heart" but not the "Muggle courage."
He was just killing time on the road to the small town, walking out of the forest. The vibrant life of the forest was replaced by a quiet and somewhat desolate scene.
The town is nestled in the valley, stone houses scattered beautifully. Although untouched by time, the deserted environment still gives a sense of desolation and ruin. The streets are covered with fallen leaves and dust; occasionally, a gust of wind blows by, swirling a few dried leaves in a dance on the empty street.
Ian strolled along the cobblestone streets of the town, from afar he could see Pandro in the center of the town square teaching Ariana swordsmanship.
Perhaps because practicing swordsmanship requires concentration, or maybe the distance between them was not short, neither of the two in the square noticed Ian jogging towards them.
"They're actually doing it for real?"
Ian remembered the last time in Morgan's castle, Pandro had loudly insisted that Ariana abandon magic to learn swordsmanship; he had thought it was just Pandro talking big.
Unexpectedly, upon returning to the town, Pandro was truly teaching Ariana swordsmanship—in fact, Ian initially thought he probably wouldn't run into Pandro in the town.
After all, he's someone who loves traveling. Just like the young man who left before, when Ian first met him, he was merely traveling through.
The sun hung high.
In this uninhabited town untouched by time, sunlight gently bathed every corner, draping this quiet place in a golden veil.
The girl was focused practicing under the sun.
She wore a slightly oversized linen dress, her hair simply braided into two plaits falling over her shoulders, the originally gentle girl's demeanor now had a hint of heroism.
Every movement, every swing of the sword, strives for precision and strength. Ariana's sword had rhythm and melody; her swordsmanship skill had clearly been honed for quite a time.
"Ariana, the path of swordsmanship lies in conviction and focus."
"Swordsmanship is not only a display of strength, but also a test of mind and will. You need to learn to listen to the sword's voice, feel its pulse and the rhythm of each swing."
"When you can hold the treasure sword, letting it become an extension of your body, then you have mastered my swordsmanship. It requires no tricks nor any sword play routine."
"Where your mind goes, the sword follows; this is a realm where, once you completely shed your inner weakness and fear, you will be unstoppable in the world."
Pandro was dressed in a simple brown robe, casually hanging an ancient longsword at his waist, guiding Ariana's movements while not forgetting to brag about himself, "My swordsmanship is not something ordinary people can learn. You've hit the jackpot, Ariana; this has more prospects than being a wizard."
"My swordsmanship can cut through destiny, while wizards are trapped by it. Who's superior is obvious, isn't it?" While boasting, he didn't forget to diss wizards.
Not sure where such resentment came from.
"I don't know what destiny is, Pandro. I just know this isn't as fun as fishing."
Taking a break, Ariana wiped sweat as she sighed; it was clear she was only forced into it and didn't choose to slack off during learning.
"Destiny is a mischievous gremlin." Pandro saw Ian purposely detour from a distance, trying to hide and scare them, but with his head sticking out.
"Your sword edge needs to be at its throat..." After saying this, Pandro made a hushing gesture, then tiptoed around from the post office Ian was hiding behind.
He originally intended to place the treasure sword on Ian's neck to show off coolness.
However.
"Here's a wizard's greeting!"
Unexpectedly, Ian seemed prepared, quickly squatting down and swiftly reaching back, performing a well-prepared Monkey Steals Peach maneuver.
"Ah!!!"
Pandro suffered a critical hit, his expression contorted, sucking in breath through clenched teeth, causing his treasure sword to fall to the ground; sitting back on the ground, his face turned maroon.
"Look, Ian caught a big fish." Ariana, clearly understanding, stepped forward, unable to face the sight of Pandro rolling on the ground clutching his legs.
"He cheated!"
Pandro's tone was full of disbelief.
"Fishing is really fun."
Ian flashed him a bright smile.
"Perhaps this is destiny's response, Pandro; it probably doesn't want to be cut." Ariana earnestly spoke, delivering the true mental blow to Pandro.
"..."
Pandro wanted to refute.
Ian had already raised the camera and photographed his embarrassment.
"What's this?"
The strong flash left Pandro somewhat stunned.
"Is it a camera? It's become so small." Ariana curiously looked at the camera in Ian's hand, obviously familiar with something invented centuries ago.
"Yes, Muggle technology will make it even smaller. Not sure if wizards can keep up with the times." Saying so, Ian also took a photo of Ariana.