Chapter 158: Chapter 156: Provocation

Chapter 156: Provocation

Aurora took her sword and observed her opponent.

The old man who taught her for years had a katana in his hands and even though he wore no expression, she could feel the pressure.

Blinking for a second, the old man moved at an imperceptible speed and Aurora, in response, followed her instincts by shielding herself with her sword.

“Uhg...”

The old man struck her right side with a force and power that caused Aurora to tremble and lose her balance.

Without waiting for her to recover, he moved again and Aurora tried to protect herself, even though she wasn’t even able to see him coming or try to regain her balance.

Defending from a couple of blows, the last blow collided with her sword, and she was sent flying as she spun and crashed through the ground.

“Easy as always.”

Aurora heard the old woman’s voice and instead of parrying her blow, she covered herself to roll across the ground until the force of impact subsided and she was face up.

The sky was boundless white, as was the ground and surroundings.

The ground was hard leading to every time she hit it truly hurt, and it was in this place where she always trained.

“I think that’s enough for today,” said the old man and, looking at his new katana, he muttered. “It’s a nice weapon. Quite a beauty.”

Aurora kept her gaze on the boundless sky as the white aura recovered her aching body.

This was typical training with her master and the only difference was that this old man fought with a greater ferocity to test the new sword she ended up giving him as a gift.

“I’m glad you like it, master,” Aurora replied, getting up, still holding her sword in her hand.

The old man analyzed it carefully, revealing the seriousness with which he always trained it.

Without sheathing the katana, the old man seemed to have dozens of openings through which to attack, and such a feeling was what made him terrifying.

Aurora would not fall for that deception.

“Fighter training has strengthened your body more than before, and you have become stronger by using the sword,” said the old man, nodding gently and looking at the sword added. “Still, I only see how you strengthen it with magical energy and don’t use your sword aura.”

The sword aura was the swordsmen’s own experience and the manifestation of their art and life.

For some, it was the proof that a swordsman was an A-Rank and for others; it was the beginning of a deeper path and for Aurora; it was the latter.

When one advanced to S-Rank, there was always a qualitative change and one improved unparalleled.

Sometimes the sword aura would gain a unique ability, whether it was an affinity to an element or just something more abstract.

Swordsmen were not the only ones, as fighters could also gain something new on their ascent to S-Rank, always depending on the personal experience of each skill user.

However, Aurora did not manifest her sword aura, at least not in her combat with her elderly master.

“I’m sorry, master.” Aurora apologized and, giving a half-smile, she muttered. “Maybe I’m getting rusty.”

The instant she finished her words, the old man moved, making a direct slash, and Aurora raised her sword to protect herself.

*Clang*

The sound of two swords clashing echoed through the area and Aurora backed away from the old man’s strength and stepping on the ground, maintaining enough stability to execute a counter-attack.

However, the old man did not move and sheathed the katana.

“No, you’re not ‘rusting’.You’ve recovered, unlike before,” said the old man in a flat tone.

Aurora’s expression relaxed and posture ready to strike, she disappeared, stowing the long sword in the space ring.

She didn’t deny that she had taken her sword before and faced what she had to face, even if her hands were shaking.

Whether it was to achieve her goals or get rid of those she needed to eliminate.

However, if she compared the skill when she started training at the beginning of the year to the current skill, she would not deny that she regained her abilities and had improved.

She could train with her master in here, and she could train outside as well.

She had certainly made progress.

She could pick up her sword without thinking about the past and without shaking too much or getting lost in memories and burdens, which only slowed her down.

Still, Aurora knew she had trouble with manifesting her sword aura.

It wasn’t as if she couldn’t manifest it in full, but only manifested it when she took things seriously and not when she was training.

“Never mind. We can settle this matter slowly,” said the old man, returning to his original position.

He was letting her problem go.

It was already rare for her to hold back like this and her master, instead of pushing her to move forward, was considerate of her, to take time to move on.

“We don’t have time to train, so if you wish, we can do it another day,” the older woman interjected, smiling as she shifted that tension.

She had been watching the combat and, in a way, was keeping the atmosphere from becoming heavy.

Aurora, noticing this, hid her smile and took her leave, only to appear in the hotel room where she was resting.

Plopping down on the bed, Aurora couldn’t help but sigh.

She knew she had problems and even if she did; she understood that they were not easy to solve.

In the end, all she could do was move on and continue to do what she had to do when necessary.

Moving forward for her beliefs and ideals.

—You don’t need to pile so many burdens on yourself.

A simple text that only sought to keep her from becoming too overwhelmed came to her mind.

She would pile one burden after another and then carry it on her back... That was the way Aurora moved.

No one asked or demanded it of her and it was she who did it on her own.

From heading off to rescue refugees on the ‘Ark’ mission or from being in charge of taking out ‘General Kavuri’ or the countless charges she was putting on her back now with the Abyssal Portals.

From Zerzura’s grand plans for protecting Africa to keeping a watchful eye on those portals whose name did not bode well.

Yet, despite all those burdens, she...

“I want to do this and I will do it,” Aurora replied in a serious tone.

Saving and helping people was not a burden to her, and while she understood that the ‘burdens’ her system referred to were her own emotional burdens, to her, such burdens did not mean much.

She had picked herself up again when she arrived in Africa after falling into the deepest pit of her life, and now all that remained was to walk and carry on.

She did not deny that there were people she could not save, some marked her more than others and she had difficult moments, nevertheless, her eagerness to help pushed her to help those she could.

It was not an obligation, but simply a desire reinforced by the ability to act.

For her, that simple desire and the strength that allowed her to help was enough to move and act.

Her system did not respond and Aurora, after checking the time, put all those issues aside and got up to head to the living room.

Even though the white aura helped her recover, she was still, her arms and shoulders aching.

“Are you done?” Alice asked, coming out of one of the rooms.

The hotel rooms were large and very comfortable, giving her the possibility of two students to rest in complete peace.

With two bedrooms and a small living room, it offered enough privacy for each student.

“Yes. Are you ready yet?” Aurora asked and when her roommate nodded, she prompted. “I’ll go take a shower and we’ll go.”

Although the hotel offered many types of food, Alice wanted to go out to a restaurant for dinner and had already taken it upon herself to arrange everything.

There were Vanessa’s victories to celebrate and Taqiyya, who finished first in the craft tournament.

Her previous 32 points were raised to 37 points by taking first place in the craft tournament.

Second place in the crafting tournament went to Zerzura Academy, who raised their points from 20 to 23, leaving third place to Merlin Academy, who managed to score a bonus point.

******

“Every time I see the ranking, I can’t help but get excited,” murmured Nicole, grinning from ear to ear.

“Our teammates showed their full potential. I’m proud,” Rachael confessed.

“The day after tomorrow, we will have to show our full potential,” Dalia added with an exhausted look.

Right now, they were walking through the streets of Elelin City, following Alice.

Unlike a normal day, the usual group didn’t come, and neither did all the members of the academy.

Somehow, the female members of the academy ended up joining together and formed a group, leading to the dinner turning into a ladies’ night.

Cithrel, Aurora, Clémentine, Érica, Nicole, Dalia, Leslie, Rachael, Taqiyya, Vanessa, Venali and Alice.

They were all heading to a restaurant that Alice had booked and who was leading the group.

Venali also came along, surprising those who had not heard and discovered that, in fact, that charming young man was a lady.

Aurora smiled and realized that Alice didn’t care who came, as her sister was concentrating on what she was going to eat.

This group of twelve members was walking while paying attention to the tournament ranking projected by means of the holographic clocks.

Heroes Academy with 37 points had taken the lead, taking a lead of 8 points over Merlin Academy, who had 29 points.

Paladin Academy took third place with 25 points, leaving Aetherium Academy and Cernunnos Academy in fourth and fifth place with 24 points.

Next was Zerzura Academy with 23 points, Adventurer Academy with 22 points, and Druid Academy with 21 points.

The other academies were kept with the same points they got when they won their respective fights.

There were twenty academies, and it was difficult to keep a close eye on each of them, and more so when some were at an extreme disadvantage, as was the Russian Academy that had only one point.

The only point they got was by beating Cristian in the individual combat and they were at the bottom of all the academies, although close to them were other academies.

A normal result when one thought that some academies were facing heavyweights, as it was Aetherium Academy or Merlin Academy.

“Although we have the advantage, we must remain vigilant. These tournaments haven’t shown how everything can change extremely fast.” Clémentine remarked without hiding the solemnity in her voice.

After the extra tournaments, some academies like them gained a tremendous advantage and took the lead.

However, there were others who got a boost.

A clear example was Merlin Academy, who won the alchemy tournament and in the other two tournaments finished in third place, going from their former 22 points to 29 in just one day.

But without a doubt, the one who stood out was the Heroes Academy.

They went from 24 points and in these three tournaments gained 13 points, leaving them first with their 37 points.

“That’s enough of that talk. It’s time to enjoy the victory,” Cithrel interrupted and, looking at Vanessa next to the shy Taqiyya, added. “We should also celebrate all victories.”

Not just for Vanessa and Taqiyya winning, but for the previous fights in which everyone put in the effort.

It was a long time before they reached the finals and instead of thinking about what might come; it was better to relax and enjoy the break.

“Besides, Alice invited everyone, so we have to enjoy ourselves,” Aurora said in support of Cithrel.

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Alice didn’t mind that the dinner turned into a group thing and it was normal when she was probably interested in the food, not who was with her.

“By the way, no need to invite us. We can help with payment too,” Rachael said, giving a slightly serious look.

Clémentine, Érica, Leslie, and Nicole looked at each other and then at Rachael before giving half-smiles.

Aurora controlled her expression and pretended she didn’t see anything.

It was normal that when Alice invited; it was she who was in charge of everything.

From paying to choosing the restaurant and it was important, the latter and more so when she wanted to try new food.

For people who didn’t know her well enough, it was normal that Alice’s invitation made them feel uncomfortable.

Taqiyya and Vanessa showed that discomfort being represented by Rachael.

However.

“They don’t need to worry about payment,” Alice replied, and seeing some giving odd looks, she explained. “Technically, the restaurant hasn’t opened and we’re actually going to sort out their food and service before they open.”

That explanation gave more questions than answers, and Aurora simply gave a smile to encourage them to continue.

The Apicius Company was going to open a branch here, and they were invited to have them try out the services before the official opening.

They also had no problem with them inviting others, as the managers needed to test the hotel’s services.

For Aurora, such events were not uncommon, and more so when they both had a very close relationship with the Apicius Company, a relationship that went beyond being mercenaries working with them.

As for the expense? Alice was likely to eat more than most of the group put together and if the company would take someone like her, they could take anyone.

“That doesn’t soothe too much.” Mumbled Rachael sighing as she realized she couldn’t back out.

Clémentine and the others smiled, sharing the sentiment.

It was better to be invited to a normal restaurant than one that opened a day early just to welcome them.

“They don’t need to worry. They already know the size of our group and we just need to leave our reviews,” Aurora explained, trying to calm things down.

She lied.

While they could drop the criticisms, what really mattered was sitting down and enjoying the delicacies they could serve them.

However, telling a little lie to get them to relax was helpful.

“This is nothing once...”

Nicole, as if wishing to calm the mood, told of the time they traveled to Greece and wandered into a magical tree.

All while they walked around listening to these stories and some anecdotes of the time in Africa and the anniversary party.

If Nicole started the talk, the others joined in and Vanessa also talked a bit, leading them to relax.

In that kind of atmosphere, they continued walking down the street, approaching the center of Elelin City.

Businesses, bars, restaurants, and all kinds of entertainment buildings filled both sides of the streets.

Sometimes they could see other students hanging around the area.

This was the busiest side of Elelin City and buildings colored both sides of the city with lights of all kinds.

Announcements of the international tournament, reproductions of the best fights, or the current ranking.

Short scenes of the different extra tournaments and then giving reports of the other tournaments that would be held the next day.

As would be the criminalistics tournament and the informatics tournament that seemed to be more hectic than everyone expected.

Then they were met with the typical fashion announcements and the announcement of the release of the Cosmos Company’s virtual machine, which hinted that it would have a connection to the international tournament.

After following Alice on foot, the group approached the gigantic building where the Apicius Company logo was located.

As usual in the designs, there was a restaurant on the second floor and on the top floor, leaving the intermediate floors to be distributed among the administrative offices.

Since it was nighttime, the administrative offices were closed and only the restaurant on the second floor was open to the public.

“I think the restaurant is now open,” Rachael muttered as they walked in and saw the second-floor restaurant full of people.

The Apicius Company had many food-related businesses, but their personal restaurants were still very famous.

For such a reason, it was not strange to see that the restaurant was full at this hour.

“Actually, it’s...”

“Oh, aren’t you the students of Hero Academy?”

Before Alice could lead them to the part restricted by guards to go up to the top floor, a voice came from behind her back.

When they all turned around, they saw a decent-looking young Asian man, who was watching them with some contempt and a slightly mocking smile.

He didn’t even try to hide the expression and was showing it directly.

“Congratulations on taking first place. I hope you enjoy it,” said the young man and giving a teasing smile, he commented. “Since you won’t have it for long.”

Aurora recognized the young man from the fact that he was who Andrés had informed her at the opening party.

The S-Rank who was among Aetherium Academy’s A-Rank group, Xu Long.

However, instead of answering, they all looked at each other, wondering with their eyes if anyone knew him.

There was no relation between them other than that the two academies would-be opponents in the next round, so it was surprising that he came so abruptly.

“You’re too confident,” Cithrel said with a tone that seemed animated, and with an amused smile, he looked at the group accompanying the young man and pointed. “But I think it will be difficult with the points you have.”

If the young man struck the first blow suddenly, then Cithrel struck back.

There were some odd looks directed at Cithrel, quite surprised on her part.

Why did she do it?

That very friendly and cordial atmosphere she gave off when she first met everyone was beginning to fade quickly as one got to know her and take confidence.

And now Cithrel made her comment seem casual and calm, but it was a direct jab at the young man.

There was a 13-point difference between Hero Academy and Aetherium Academy, so as long as Hero Academy didn’t lose resoundingly, they would have the advantage.

Xu Long’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Cithrel, especially her figure, and then gave a dismissive smile.

“If those present are the participants, then it would just be a child’s game for me,” He commented casually.

The members of the hero academy who were singled out turned to look at each other, Rachael, being the one who frowned.

“This is a group tournament. A single individual won’t change things too much,” Rachael said, and giving him a smirk, she added. “Even if you win the A-Rank group match, it will only be a wave in the sea.”

An A-Rank only earned one point from their individual combat and, with their entire group, they got 5 points from the group combat.

Even if he was an S-Rank, he would only get 6 points if he was lucky.

So he didn’t have as much control over the victory as he pretended to have.

Aurora, who was watching, did not know what to say, and it was a stranger when that young man felt angered by Rachael’s response.

He threw the first stone, wanting to provoke them, and with a few responses he seemed to have gotten angry right away.

“Come on. I’m hungry,” Alice interjected, and looking at her group, scolded. “I think we’re all adults to be playing a childish game of provocations.”

Despite calling this clash between the two academies childish, Aurora couldn’t help but look at her friend in a new light at her mature intervention.

Was it because she was wasting time that could be spent on food?

“Hmph... We’ll see if they still maintain that attitude when I wipe the floor with you,” said the young man in an annoyed tone.

Clearly, he was affected by Alice’s qualification of his provocations.

Aurora looked at the group accompanying Xu Long and from what she noticed, this was a normal performance.

None of the followers tried to stop him and they didn’t interfere, either.

Alice didn’t even return her gaze and just signaled to the guard, who opened a portal to go up to the top floor.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough, she turned to her group, who were still exchanging glances with the young man and asked. “Why are you guys standing still? Do you like looking at an idiot that much?”

“...”

Aurora’s expression trembled, realizing that it was wrong to look at Alice in a new light.

However, Xu Long’s expression changed the most at that glib tone and the indifferent look Alice was giving her.

The worst part was that Alice wasn’t even showing a grudge or looking to provoke him.

She asked so matter-of-factly that it was shocking.

“The chef is expecting you,” interjected the guard, who opened the gate.

He shot a glance at Xu Long and his group with a unique seriousness.

That the other guards were giving glances at this place evidenced that if they kept bothering them, they would intervene.

It didn’t matter if the student was an S-Rank, there were laws here, and breaking them would get them in too much trouble.

Even in a lawless place, no one would make a scene in the living room of one of the biggest companies in the world.

They were beyond simple personal strength, and it made sense when they claimed to own a city.

The young man retreated, growling with annoyance and anger.

Aurora simply shook her head and followed her sister with the others, moving deeper into the portal and arriving at the last portal.

In that place was a long table waiting for them all as music blared from a corner.

Those present looked at each other not because of the scene, but because of what had happened.

“Why did he provoke us so suddenly?” Érica asked uncomprehendingly.

“Maybe he felt pressured by our points or just wanted to provoke us to try to make trouble for us,” Rachael replied with a frown.

Even she herself was unsure of her words.

Xu Long’s provocation was sudden, and the causes could be multiple.

He could be feeling jealous and pressured by the Hero Academy points or he simply wanted to provoke them so that they would want to challenge him to an academy duel.

Aurora supposed that the latter option was the more likely, since, if they were the ones challenging Aetherium Academy, they were the ones who could choose the mode of the duel.

And they could take advantage of it by wanting an A-rank match for Xu Long as an S-rank to take over.

A simple ruse that was not forbidden by the authorities.

However...

“Is it necessary to think about it that much? He was just an idiot,” Alice commented with a bored tone.

No one could deny that comment.

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