Chapter 26

“Of course, he wouldn’t…”

Lafetti who standing beside Sarete and was listening to her words spoke. Her voice expressed the Lamian's firm will and unwavering trust and desire. Her eyes narrowed but anyone could feel the affection hiding from within that seemed to be hot enough to burn someone they laid against.

He can never... Lafetti declared inwardly.

Every night Rain would take her on a sensual journey that had known no limits, burned her in the passion she had longed and desired and would never want to separate from. Then, every morning she would wake up finding him watching her, his beautiful blue eyes steady and thoughtful on hers. He would capture her hand and kissed her fingertips while saying sweet words and honeyed phrases she longed to hear, making her flesh tingle anew and day as bright as the rest of the world is.

This had become their routine, and she had become addicted to it, never wanting it to stop.

How would she live without that if he suddenly disappeared and say no more?

Impossible!

It could never be allowed to happen!

“He loves me, he cares for me and he would never betray me… he’s mine and will always be mine…”

Words filled with steel-like determination were spoken. Her lips curled into a smile, but this smile had a tinged of gentle and love, with a hint of extreme obsession. She wasn’t the type to utter these words, especially in front of him but Lafetti felt once in a while wasn’t that bad…

Once a while, she should declare to the world--anyone can get the sun, snow, or rainbow--but no one should dare to take away her Rain. For all in this world, she's the only one allowed to possess him. To obtain him, she would turn the world in an eternal drought.

“I will have him for eternity—I’ll lay you two to one, that he will never leave my side!”

She wanted him and that would never change.

Even if he wanted it, she would never let him go…

In that sense, Rain seemed to have unknowingly poked a sleeping dragon and awakened it.

Unaware of how Sarete and Lafetti felt, Rain continued his time with the children. Because his knowledge of the world was imperfect, the children became more talkative, however; asking more questions and even tried to pitch in for all that they know and heard of from the gossips around them.

It was a fun time…

A wonderful day!

… …

Woooosh.

Rain’s sword cut through the early morning's cold air.

His movements were still faltering, but it didn't look like he was being thrown around by the sword’s weight anymore. This was a result of the physical training and physical enhancement through his special ability; he had gone through up until today.

“Does, this look, good?”

“Yeah, keep at it like that. But make sure your elbow doesn't fall too far when you thrust.”

“Yes, Elder Sister!”

Drova observed Rain from the front and made slight alterations to his form to make it more easily to thrust, move and slash.

“Your sword, there’s too much hesitation and stray thoughts. Focus on the sword, on the battle…Attack like you mean to kill your enemy—don’t hesitate!” Drova said as she walks around him, staring at his every angle. “The moment you hesitate, you will die!”

“Yes!”

Rain continued to repeat the boring thrust, slash, and stab. Drova saw that he wasn’t showing even a trace of impatience and her impression on him increased. His figure was thin, and he gave off the impression of being fragile, but whenever Drova saw him, she felt a strange warm sensation. And this calm and warm sensation seemed somewhat addicting.

Rain’s attitude, personality, and character these past few days had already won her appreciation and goodwill. He was hardworking, not even complaining once as he worked. He seemed to be quite adept in every chore, and even if he did not, teaching him was so easy since he was able to learn it in no time.

His personality as well, he treated all people the same, not minding their strange appearance. He was able to get along with most of the Lamians, save for those who are still wary of him. His character is like the sun, so bright and cheerful.

His smile seemed to be contagious as Drova could see smiles wherever he goes. Now, the entire Tribe felt so different than before.

And Drova like this transformation.

What’s more, despite his fragile appearance, Rain packs quite a punch. His physical attributes were unexpectedly quite high—which against the logic that his physical appearance let off.

Bemused, Drova smiled faintly as she confronted Rain with her own sword.

“Elder Sister?”

“Try attacking me a little. That should give you a way to measure your own capabilities.”

Drova said that her expression slowly turned firm and strict. Rain felt that Drova holding a sword suddenly changed. She was exerting an indescribable pressure.

“But, isn't it dangerous?” Rain asked with a worried expression. For me, that is…? He added in his mind while smiling wryly. He was not so presumptuous and arrogant that he would think he would be able to contend against her. Surely, he would be the one to get trashed the moment they fight.

“Don't worry, these are just practice weapons.”

Drova smiled and touched the blade of her own sword. Their weapons were both intended to be used for practice, so the blades had been swapped out with a softer material and there is no sharp edge as well. In short, there was no worry about any injuries.

“Okay, I'll give it a shot.”

Rain nodded and showed a serious expression. He readied his sword and pointed the tip towards Drova. It was a beautiful form, just like Drova had taught him.

Hmm... his form is good, but he's hesitant in his aim.

And...

Rain’s intention to attack was moving around Drova, looking for an opening. When she was facing a veteran warrior, like Lafetti, Stagna, and her other sisters, they would have already decided on where to aim. Since this was a difference in experience, Drova felt like it couldn't be helped.

Training is not the only thing that makes a person strong, but also experience.

When Rain has his own share of fierce battles in the future, he would surely become more firm, decisive and calm.

“Here I come!”

Rain stepped forward. His movements were different from that of a boy his age. The results of his training, and absurd physical enhancement through eating numerous monsters showed itself here as well.

It's just as I thought...

However, Drova had sensed a problem within the aura that Rain was emitting. She felt like it was a bigger problem than not settling for a target.

“Rain, be more serious.”

“I'm being serious!”

Rain moved in with a swift step and thrust while extending his arm. Drova responded by changing the incline on his sword a little. When she did, Rain’s thrust struck the flat of her sword and recoiled. Drova let out a sigh. Rain’s immaturity appeared during this moment. Whether he noticed it or not, but he still seemed to be worried about hurting anyone, much less killing them.

Rain is too good for this kind of world…

“This is, my best!”

Despite his first strike being blocked, Rain didn't stop. Rain spoke as he unleashed attack after attack. His combination didn't just consist of thrusts but also slashes, and this was without a doubt Rain’s current best. Meanwhile, Drova read his aura and blocked his attacks while trying to think of a way to train Rain to forgone his current mindset and change it into more battle-oriented.

If this goes on, no matter how strong he becomes in the future, it would become a hindrance to his growth.

“Rain, I admit your sword handling is too beautiful. But I think it would be harder to read you if you drop your shoulders a little.”

Since Rain had just started his practice, Drova still had enough room to think while parrying his attacks. Suddenly, when Rain was within Drova’s attack range, he secretly activated his [Agility EX] to boost his speed, and charged right through Drova. Rain’s sudden speed increase causes Drova’s eyes to slightly widen in surprise.

When the sword was inches away from her head, Rain thought he might be able to get a single point.

However, sadly the reality is different.

When Rain thought he could get a hit, he felt an impact on his chest then flew backward.

Rain coughed blood as he struggled to stand up.

His chest hurting.

“Are you okay? I’m sorry I was just surprised by your sudden attack so I reacted in reflex,” Drova came over and hurriedly help Rain stand up.

Rain smiled wryly and shook his head. Jeez, I still have a long way to go.

“Do you want to try again?” Drova looked at him.

“Yes, of course.” Rain took a deep breathe, calming down his nerves and his gaze regained its sharpness.

“Great,”

Drova smiled happily and gave him his practice sword back.

After a moment of stand-off, Rain once again started another round of attacks.

… …

“You're wide open!”

When Rain’s sword was only a few inches away, Drova moved. Rain only felt that he saw a flash of light then he flew back.

For a moment, he was in disbelief.

It was too fast. He couldn’t see anything. The sword was like there the whole time and he ran up to it himself.

Extremely unfair. And she was not even serious. If she did, if she wanted to kill me… Rain’s whole body began to shiver.

This kind of technique was beyond human knowledge.

“...That's why I keep telling you that you're too honest, Rain.”

Rain smiled helplessly as he sprawled on the ground.

Although he was defeated, he felt refreshed.

“When you fight someone, you need the intent to kill. Don’t ever hesitate, if you do, you are already defeated even before your enemy move.”

“But I just can’t see you like that at all, Elder Sister,” Rain displayed a troubled smile as he sat on the ground.

Drova was caught off-guard and stared at Rain foolishly.

“Although I know that I needed to think that you’re an enemy, my mind just couldn’t. Then, my body follows,” he muttered as he scratched the back of his head. “In my mind, Elder Sister can never be an enemy,”

Drova, understanding what he meant flush a beautiful pink. However, it disappeared a moment after and reached out, stroking his head.

“Is that so?” she said, her smile was brighter than normal. “Well, there is still time…you’ll get used to it,” despite her calm, Drova felt her heart beating wildly and she almost let out a smile of complete happiness.

However, it would perhaps be embarrassing so she tried her hardest to endure.

“Can you still go on?” she asked.

However,

“…nah, I’ll stop here for now. I still need to go to Miyabila’s forge,” Rain stretched his arms and slowly stood up.

“Ah, right… today, you will be helping Miyabila,”

Drova recalled Rain’s routine. Sometimes, he will be on Sarete’s workshop in the morning, then, help the other Lamians in the afternoon, tending the field and feeding the magical beasts they reared. Then, there will also days where he will go to Miyabila’s forge instead of Sarete’s Workshop.

“Isn’t it hard?”

“No, not at all. I’m actually quite interested in Miyabila’s work and was learning from her on how to create metalworks,”

Rain happily replied.

“But didn’t you ask Sarete as well?”

“Yeah, there are so many interesting things here I want to do,” Rain grabbed his pet bottle from the ground and drink.

“Anyway, Elder Sister please help me train again next time,”

“No problem, just come here and I will teach you a lot,” Drova patted his shoulder.

“Ooh, thank you a lot big sis,” Rain laughed happily as he turned around and started running towards Miyabila’s forge.

Watching Rain’s back, Drova showed a warm smile. “Be sure to rest sometime!”

“I will,”

Hearing his reply, Drova shook her head. “Jeez, what an incredible man. I just hope he would not overwork himself—don’t you think so as well, Lafetti?”

“No need to worry, I would never make that happen.”

A voice came from behind her.

Lafetti came out from the shadow of an enormous tree.

Drova turned towards her and let out a wry smile; “But still, you… you look extremely creepy stalking him from the shadows like that. If you are there, you might as well show yourself to him.”

“Watching him from afar is enough.”

“What? Did Sister Sarete’s words have an effect?”

“… …” Lafetti showed an impassive expression as always. She was always as cool as a block of ice.

“…better or worse, I agree with her words. You really should stop sticking to him wherever he goes. Sometimes, it’s suffocating you know. It’s like having shackles, not being able to do what you want—you overprotecting him like that, when it’s unnecessary, it’s somewhat unsettling. Nothing’s going to happen to him here anyway, you should really feel relieved and leave him alone.”

“My Rain wouldn’t think the same!” Lafetti scowled. “He loves me, and of course, wanted me to be beside him all the time!”

“You’re too naïve, Lafetti.” Drova rolled her eyes. Sometimes, Lafetti was too stubborn in weird aspects. “Rain wouldn’t say anything, He’s too soft-hearted, it’s almost unbelievable. However, he might love you truly Lafetti, but the heart is like the weather. It could suddenly change with but a single moment, you best be careful.”

Lafetti hissed in anger. However, Drova was not fazed at all. She turned towards the direction where Rain went. “Rain is the type that bottled up his feelings. If someday, he couldn’t contain it anymore. That love would be gone, and would be replaced by hate…”

“DROVA!!”

“I’m just saying the truth, Lafetti,” Drova shook her head. “I’m just giving you a warning, best it might be too late before you, yourself realize things.”

“That’s enough!” Lafetti hissed and turned around in complete anger. “The Chief has called us, so save your prattling!”

Drova smiled wryly as she looks at the fuming Lafetti walking away.

“You know we Lamians, Lafetti, the moment we give our hearts to someone, we never realized we are actually overdoing it, giving too much love. Never realizing, we are actually hurting not only ourselves but also to the people we love.” Drova paused, wrestling with the words that weighed heavily on her mind, “Giving less, breaks relationship, giving too much will also destroy it either way. Love is an extremely sensitive subject, sometimes heart or mind alone is not enough—use both with extra care,”

“… …” Lafetti's movement stop. However, after a moment she slithered away without even looking back.

To this, Drova can only shake her head with a wry smile.

However, even if you can't retain him, you best not worry.

Because we will do anything to do anything what you failed to achieve.

Rain cannot leave the tribe...

Everyone knows that.

… …