Out of respect, the Imperial Army did not cover up Blood Crescent Moon—guild's death.
However, the reason was slightly altered.
Because they couldn't reveal it to the public just yet.
Not yet.
In any case, after the funeral, perhaps missing Yi Jihyeon, Evelyn conducted Brandon's training.
"I don't get why it's so hard for you. Don't you have the [Ice] affinity? Wouldn't it be similar in a way?"
She asked with furrowed brows. While Brandon was showing steadfast results, it only amounted to much.
He could manipulate the mana, but it only ended there.
He was unable to do any of the flashy attacks Yi Jihyeon could do.
But it was quite understandable. Only when one completely mastered their affinity, could they contort into their mana, resulting in a unique trait.
Brandon was well aware of those unique traits.
An example would be his [Cursed Flames] or [Cursed Chains].
While for a third person, Reinhard would be a great example with his [Flaming Bow], or Raven with his [Shadow Step].
"[Ice] affinity huh? About that...."
Brandon stared at his hand. Then, raising his head to meet her gaze, he spoke.
"I don't have any of those affinities anymore."
"Huh?"
Evelyn looked at him dumbfounded.
"Are you serious?"
"When have I ever joked around?"
Brandon had already come up with an excuse once someone had actually asked seriously.
The only one who knew the truth, of course, was Amelia.
"But how is that possible...? I've never heard of such a case."
It was the truth.
Throughout history, no mage or duelist had ever lost their affinity naturally.
Of course, there were cases of mages who lost their affinity after their mana core broke.
But in Brandon's case, his mana core was the healthiest it could be.
Much to the point where even Evelyn felt envious.
Because her mana core....
'Right, it will heal soon.'
It wasn't as bad as before. But there were occasional moments where she felt a stinging sensation on her chest.
But recently, that stinging sensation seemed to have frequented less.
She felt like it was healing.
She was told she should use her mana to cleanse her core and help its repair, despite the pain it would bring.
And so, training Brandon served as a good exercise for that.
Evelyn closed her eyes as her gloved hand gently touched Brandon's back.
Her hand emitted a radiant glow, and Evelyn felt the mana inside Brandon's passage as if it were tangible.
"Now follow my direction."
The process was the same. They had been doing this for a week now, yet for some reason, despite how strong or knowledgable Brandon was, he couldn't grasp it at all.
Yes, his mana gradually distorted into something cold, but it only ended there.
"Did you get that?"
Pulling her hand back, Evelyn opened her eyes and asked.
She had posed this question everyday.
"Yeah, I think I get it now."
Brandon responded, but Evelyn thought so otherwise and stepped back, fixing a set distance between the two of them.
However, it was then.
While it took Evelyn's assistance for the mana around him to distort, things took a different turn today.
Swoosh—!
The aura emanating from Brandon flickered. White, black, then light–blue.
It started off faint, even small, to the point Evelyn found it ridiculous how someone would output such faint elemental magic.
No, it wasn't ridiculous.
As she scrutinized, she finally realized something.
'Is he doing it on purpose?'
If that was the case, then it was rather skillful.
His control over the [Permafrost] affinity was weak. But to make up for it, his mana control was ridiculously skillful.
The aura around him gradually expanded, and Evelyn felt the chill coming from him.
It was indeed the [Permafrost] affinity.
And if it was passed onto him by Yi Jihyeon, which Brandon wouldn't explain to her how it happened, then the mana signature should be familiar.
She called out, her radiant blade pushing him back.
He blocked, dodged, and countered, but she deflected every move with ease.
How could he keep up against an SS– ranker in the first place!?
"Focus."
Evelyn said, her eyes sharp.
"Anticipate, don't just react. Incorporate the affinity until you get used to it."
Brandon gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance.
He could feel the [Permafrost] affinity stirring, the chill seeping into the ground beneath him.
Swoosh—!
He dodged another swing and swung back, their blades meeting once more. This time, he held firm, feeling his control sharpen.
Evelyn smirked.
"Better."
They continued sparring, the cold air filled with the sound of clashing steel.
By the end of it, Brandon slumped down on the ground, trying to catch his breath.
The sweat had accumulated to the point his shirt stuck close to his skin.
"You're too—Haaa.... strong."
"You'll get there. You're still seventeen."
"Seventeen, huh?"
Brandon raised his head, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Evelyn looked at him with furrowed brows. Brandon was rushing too much.
Sooner or later, he might burn himself out.
Despite the cold war ongoing, it wouldn't hurt to go outside and hang out with people his age.
Though sometimes, Brandon had an air around him that resembled an old man.
It was weird.
She was older than him, yet it felt like she was the younger one.
But the feeling was nice.
He was like family.
Like a younger br—An old uncle.
It really was weird.
"Uncle?"
"Huh?"
***
In any case, after changing into cleaner clothes, Brandon looked ahead, keeping the new sword on his waist.
'Ah.'
He had almost forgotten something. For that reason, he approached Evelyn, who was cleaning the place.
"Evelyn."
"Hm?"
She paused, and turned around, meeting his gaze.
"Are you free on Christmas?"
"I should be. We're given a week off during Christmas Eve."
"Oh, good. My family and I are thinking of celebrating with everyone. You can come if you like. You can invite Miss Vanessa too."
"That sounds nice. I'll give Vanessa a call."
Then, as if remembering something, Evelyn continued.
"Ah, can I invite another friend too?"
"You have other friends?"
"...."
Evelyn frowned. She may have zero social skills, but she had friends too!
For example....
She counted on her fingers, only to stop at the third.
"...."
"I'm kidding. Go ahead, the more the merrier."
"Okay, I'll give them a call."
The moment Brandon left the training hall, Evelyn removed the glove and stared at her hand.
"...."
She had been suppressing it this whole time, thinking it would disappear if she used her mana for a bit.
And indeed, it did subside for a bit, she had noticed it.
But again, it was still there.
Her hand had turned an eerie pale color.