|Late Master|

It was a peaceful morning when I, Lucas, saw someone's familiar face...

[Lucas: ...What's this nostalgic feeling?. ...!? Master!!!]

My master was there in the garden and I called her with a bit flustered voice. Master turned around to see me as the butterflies flew around her. She has a long blonde hair with azure eyes and has a slightly pale skin. Other people in the kingdom sometimes call her a goddess because of her gorgeous smiles upon seeing her when she's greeting them...

[Master: Lucas, come here.]

Master gave a smiled look on her face to me when she noticed that I was there. She directly carried me like a baby when I approached her and I was left dazed by her strength carrying someone like me!

[Lucas: hmm...? How can you carry me like it was nothing? A... An.. And! I'm an adult now! Please don't carry me around...]

I was really embarrassed while telling that to my master, but she was in shocked when she heard that..

[Master: ?!?!? Oh no! My little Lucas is in a rebellious phase! But because of that.. I want to spoil you even more!!!]

[Lucas:?!??! Stop it masterrrr!]

She replied while smooching my face. Of course, anyone would make an abashed face while doing that sort of thing to them outside.. But then, I made a troubled look, trying to remember what's going on..

[Lucas: ... Did I forget something?....]

I asked while showing a puzzled expression thinking of a matter. Master was wondering why I looked so baffled.

[Lucas: I think... I'm remembering something very important just now, but..... I just can't recall it...]

I just can't remember anything from that point and it made me anxious and cheerless. Thus, master embraced me while saying..

[Master: If it's important, then you'll eventually remember it, so in the meantime, you just need to calm yourself.]

She hugged and replied to me to lessen the pressure on mind.

[Lucas: This warmth.... I... I... Thank you, master.]

When I calmed down for that moment, someone was there standing at the other side of a three and a half meters high fence, and was shouting at us.

[???: HEYY LUCASSS!!! MASTERR!! I'M HEREEE!! TEACH ME MAGICCCC!!!]

I suddenly heard a familiar voice coming from that direction. Without thinking, I quickly went to that place and I saw..

[Lucas: Vivian?.... wait.. Why are you so young??]

[Vivian: ???? What do you mean Lucas?.. You're acting weird today, you know....]

I was genuinely surprised when I saw a young Vivian outside our mansion. Leaving that aside, I used my wind magic to let her soar and appear to my side for a brief moment. Vivian ran enthusiastically towards our master to let her train with them.

[Lucas:.... I guess I'm just tired or something?..]

At that point, I gradually got rid of my uncanny thoughts and came back to them. As I was walking not just far ahead, I abruptly sense someone trying to intrude the place. So I immediately focused my senses into the surroundings. After confirming that there was someone hiding in the bush outside. I directly use a little amount of mana to activate my wind magic and use it to blow the bush lightly so I won't damage them afterwards, and I saw..

[Lucas: ?? Ethan? What are you doing here? Is it just me or.. Ughh whatever..]

[Ethan: ?!? Ah... eh.... I.. I was just wandering around here ya know..]

I unexpectedly saw a young Ethan hiding in the bush, making an excuse as he whistles... but I think I know the truth..

[Lucas: I see.. Then, goodbye and I'll leave you there.]

[Ethan: Wa-.. Wait!!! I also want to go inside!!!]

[Lucas: Then tell it to me as soon as possible!]

I sighed while helping him to get inside. The two of us went to the garden where my master and Vivian are waiting.

[Lucas: Why are you guys entering at the wrong place??? We have a proper gate for you guys to go in.]

I obliviously just realized that the two of them entered at the side of the mansion. Ethan told him that it was more fun because he could fly for an instant. Vivian said that she accidentally saw them here, doing unnecessary things so she interrupted as soon as she has the opportunity to do so... I blushed for a second when I heard that there was someone who caught a glimpse at us..

[Vivian: Hey Ethan, why are you here?]

Vivian asked him nonchalantly and he answered back saying..

[Ethan: L-Lucas invited me all of a sudden so I didn't have a choice but to accept it ya know.]

[Lucas: Wha-?!?..]

Ethan made a dumb reason while smirking at me. Well the real reason why he was there is... Who knows?... Then master was preparing for our next training session, including Ethan of course. So she let Vivian, Ethan, and I go to the training ground while waiting for her arrival. It only has a right size for training me alone, but.. Maybe they can still manage to fit in?

[Vivian: Alright!!! Lucas! Ethan! Let's do our best!]

[Lucas: Yeah!]

[Ethan: Hah! This will be easy.]

We were filled with determination to accomplish our quota for the day. For a second, without even a warning, we didn't notice the movement of someone from behind of us, it gave me chills down my spine as we were trying to look back to it. Ethan was the first one who turned around and we followed him.. We saw nothing but only leaves rustling in the trees accompanied by the breezing winds across the sky. We felt a little bit secured for a second and wondered why there was a rabbit approaching us. Vivian's eye was sparkling and she ran after it. Thereafter, we were in awed with a tremendous speed of that rabbit's movement when she tried to stroke its fur. I immediately remembered that it was a kind of living creature that master once told me....

[Lucas: VIVIAN! IT'S A DEADLY RABBIT!! COME HERE! NOW!!]

I tried using my "Godspeed" to save her quickly but nothing happened, wait.. What's that skill anyway???.. I didn't waste anymore time and decisively created an opening together with Ethan to escape for now and plan to scotch its speed and decide what to do afterwards.

[Lucas: Vivian! Can you buy us some time? Just play with it for a while!!]

[Vivian: EHHHHH?!!? This is a bit one sided but.. I'll try my best!]

I asked her and she replied me with a concerned look. I kinda don't want her to make that face so I'll put an end with this as quickly as I can. I looked to Ethan to start our little plan but... Is it just me or he's totally angry? Well whatever.

[Lucas: Ethan, I suppose you can use your Shadow magic.]

[Ethan: Of course! but at this situation, I can only plant my shadows in a certain area. I can't follow that rabbit's speed at all..]

[Lucas: I see... Then it's decided! We'll utilize our own magic to defeat that rabbit!]

We were at the corner of the training ground while discussing our objective. As for Vivian, she is being overwhelmed by the flash movements of the rabbit but it doesn't mean that she would be defeated easily. She countered some light attacks inflicted by the rabbit. While giving us some time to prepare, she performed her lightning magic to par its pace in speed. She saw and grabbed the wooden sword besides the dummy doll that I used when training with my master. If it was a real sword, The rabbit will definitely die even with just a single hit but.. Every time she strikes the sword with her own two hands.. The rabbit briskly dodged it, leaving only the grass being ruined. She's incredibly fast for a young girl I'd say but she won't last long. As for the rabbit... I don't know why its moving so weird.. I mean he's only evading Vivian's attacks like its training her.. AHHHH enough with chitchats. Let's begin the operation!

[Lucas: Ethan! you ready?]

[Ethan: Yeah! My shadow is already ready! The heck is wrong with ya, talking by yourself.]

[Lucas: Sorry bad habits..]

Without further delay, I performed my wind magic to weaken the rabbit's motion and try to drive it away towards Ethan's shadows.

[Lucas: Vivian! Come here!]

[Vivian: Huff.. Huff.. Yeah comin!!]

She was gasping saying that while approaching me at her best speed. I immediately concentrated my attention on performing my magic to start our operation.

[Lucas: Good, the rabbit is following her. ETHAN READY YOUR SHADOWS!]

[Ethan: Ya don't need to tell me!]

Vivian directly jumped over me without thinking...I quickly supported her using my "Breezing Wings" so she could fly higher but... I forgot that she's wearing a skirt so I saw.. silk.. EVERYTHING!!!

[Vivian: PERVERT!!!{SLAP}]

Well, I got slapped by her own palm and yeah, it really hurts!! I didn't mean to look up... Anyway, the rabbit is already at my range of magic wind. I cast a skill which will weaken a speed type monsters by losing its breath.

[Ethan: Not yet, Lucas!]

[Lucas: Yeah! Vi.. Vivian.. Ca.. Can you- I mean I'll do it..]

I asked her if she could dispatch the rabbit to the corner side but I saw a threatening glare in her eyes so I'll just do it my on own.(sigh)

I borrowed my wooden sword to send off the rabbit into the corner where Ethan's shadow is planted. I thought it would be an easy task but despite the weakened state, it's still moving fast. I grip the sword firmly and I turned my upper body into a stance that my master taught me so I could withstand its attack from any directions. I didn't even think that this will make us succeed, I guess I should train myself more in swordsmanship. With the combat and magic skills that I'm using. I have the upper hand in this battle. However, The spell that I created to weaken the rabbit has been broken for some reasons...

[Lucas: TSK! What now?!]

I can't think straight for a moment when the rabbit was in its prime speed and it suddenly attacked me.

[Lucas: You're attacking me now huh.]

I promptly analyzed my situation. The rabbit is just moving fast, so let's concentrate all at once... My destination point is at the back of my body where I would need to push it to that shadow of his.

[Lucas: I see..]

I already have an idea...

[Lucas: Vivian! I'm sorry for doing that so please help me just this once!]

I asked her to assist me, she was a bit hesitant but eventually, she accepted it. I gave her my wooden sword and be the bait.

[Vivian: Hey! That's an absurd decision of yours!....]

[Lucas: It's fine, I can handle it.]

Despite being mad at me, she's still worried about my being huh.. Well here goes nothing!

Vivian attacked the rabbit while I perform a spell to weaken that rabbit once again. This is the only way to defeat that rabbit....

[Lucas: Vivian! Try to push it towards me!]

The enfeebled rabbit was being swept towards me. I was a bit hesitant but, high risk high return so let's just do it. I seized its whole body so it won't escape. I forgot something while carrying the rabbit... It's biting meee!!!! It bit my right hand as I was running towards the shadows in the corner side. Even though it hurts a lot, I didn't let that rabbit go until I reach my goal point. Suddenly when I'm already near in the planted shadows, I clumsily stepped on a rock and lost my balance. Thus, the rabbit and I both entered in the shadows at the same time.

[Vivian: LUCASSSS!!!! ETHAN GET LUCAS OUT!! QUICKLY!!!]

[Ethan: It's impossible! I still can't manipulate my shadows completely!]

She panicked while saying that.. Ethan's shadows can let the specified target suffocate inside it. If Lucas can't get out on his own, he'll die of suffocation.

[Vivian: Where's master?!? She's taking too long!.]

[Ethan: I can only hold my shadows for more than a minute!..]

[Vivian: Then... I'll go in!]

[Ethan: NO!! You're only making things worse if you do that!.. I.. I don't really want to say that... but... GAHHH I'm sorry princess!]

The two of them are desperately trying to figure something reasonable for Lucas to get out in the planted shadows.

[Vivian: At this rate!! He'll-?!?]

Before Vivian finishes her sentence. A strong gust of wind came up in the shadows on the corner side of the training ground. Ethan was 5 meters away from his shadow magic that he planted while Vivian was 2 meters away from it.

[Vivian: ?!? LUCAS!!!]

[Ethan: Princess! stay away from my shadow!! ARGH!! I.. I can't hold on anymore!....]

His shadow is about to close however, he saw tears in her frowned eyes. So in desperation, He did his best to keep on letting his shadow magic to stay put for another second..

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Something arose from his shadow..

[???: GAH!! HUFF... HUFF.. HUFF.. HAH... I almost died back then HAH.. Damn that rabbit.]

It was Lucas who's panting a lot..

[Vivian: Lucas!!!]

They approached Lucas who's lying down with his hands on his face..

[Lucas: For a second I thought I'm gonna die. Good thing I still have enough mana to activate my "Breezing Wings". Wondering what happened?]

(Back there inside the shadows)

[Lucas: AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!]

I, together with the deadly rabbit, descended in the pit of shadow for a reason that I stepped on a rock. Tsk, I should be careful next time.. The rabbit clasped at my hand using its teeth. It felt painful as I was trying to remove it from me. I didn't have a choice but to enhance my spell for that rabbit so it won't struggle clinging to me but... What the heck!? He knows how to tickle someone!!? My flanks are being tickled by that rabbit. I can't stop laughing and the result, I almost lost the air in my body. I directly punched it using my left hand but it didn't budge.. So I also bit it back. It taste like... AGHHH! I don't want to remember what it taste like! The rabbit fell faster than me after doing that. Before I get breathless, I used my wind magic to ascend rapidly and strengthen it at my full speed and the rest is up in the surface which is here.

[Vivian: Why did you do such reckless things?!!?.]

[Lucas: Sorry Vivian, I made you worried...]

Vivian was undoubtedly worried about me... I guess should play safe...

[Ethan: You damn idiot! Don't ever let the princess cry! That ain't a game!]

While Ethan was lecturing me... Yeah, yeah.. gonna bear that in my mind...

All of a sudden, A brilliant light orb emerged from the window of our mansion and the orb came to us . It gradually healed our wounds and restore all of our mana.

[Lucas: .... I think I recognize this...]

I remember my master was holding this and it occurred to me that she invented this on her own..

[Master: THAT'S RIGHT!! I'll give you a reward later Lucas hehehe..]

My master unexpectedly pop up out of nowhere. Wh.. What kind of reward will she give me?..

[Vivian: Wha-!? How did you do that?!]

[Ethan: .... My lady, are you the one who did that?...]

Vivian was stunned while Ethan asked my master with a curious face.

[Master: That's also correct! Hmm.. As for you Eth-]

[Ethan: No my lady, I'm fine.]

[Master: Ehhhh.]

Ethan didn't let my master finishes her words. I guess he doesn't want because he'd be troubling her.

[Master: I was the one who did all of that.]

Obviously, we were staggered when she said that. Then she continues.

[Master: The first one was to lurked behind you with a frightening aura. Ethan was the first who turned around, what a brave man! The second one... I summoned a deadly rabbit! Tehee! Well don't worry, the rabbit didn't die cuz after you succeed to remove it from you, I quickly dispel the summoning.. That was your training for the day. I only want to know what Ethan was capable at. To think that you, princess Vivian and Lucas have gotten stronger than before, You made me proud.]

Master praised the 3 of us. Come to think of it, why would a deadly rabbit be in a secured location like my master's mansion of all places?!.. It's already afternoon. Time flies so fast huh.. Before Vivian and Ethan bid farewell, My master gave them snacks to eat. As for me...

[Lucas: Ugh... Ack!..]

I felt a bit dizzy, she approached me while holding a glass of water and I drank all of it. but then...

[Lucas: Ma.. Master... what kind of water did I drink?...]

I gradually remember something important that I was thinking about this morning..

[Lucas: .... I see... Master is already.. So it means.. I'm dreaming?]

[Master: Who knows...]

[Lucas: Master... Can I ask about the reward?.. I'm kinda curious...]

I remembered all of it, I was in a middle of a mission together with the 5 girls. I hope they're fine.. She embrace me for the last time. So this is the reward huh...

[Lucas: This is... really... the best.. I'll never forget this gentle warmth of yours master...]

I cried loudly like a baby while hugging her tight.. This might be the last time I'll see my master...

[Master: You really are my little Lucas... I'm sorry for doing this to you... Someday... You'll know the truth... Good bye.. Lucas...I love... yo-....]

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After that, Lucas gently opened his eyes and he saw the 5 girls...

To be continued...