CH 77

Chapter 77: Tempered (3)

[Physis' POV]

The aftermath of intense training swept through the training grounds, leaving knights sprawled on the ground, each groaning in pain. and I myself struggled to swallow my exuberant breaths as I slumped to the ground.

Exhausted and unable to do much, it was a difficult state to be in. However, I could clearly feel mana flowing through my body.

Perhaps the knights also realized this, as their expressions were not as bad as the groans they made.

With this level of progress... It seemed possible to at least complete the minimal preparations before the subjugation party was formed.

"This... the effect is remarkable. I can clearly feel mana flowing through my skin."

Even Sir Tir, who had fallen out with me at first, realized that the magic circle installed by Adilun was remarkably effective, and spoke those words.

Of course, he fell out at first, he got up and defeated the other knights. Still, he was quite skilled

"We will have to thank Adilun later."

"That's only natural. But to install a magic circle that increases the concentration of mana... I didn't know she could do something like this. If I had known, I would have suggested it to her earlier."

I tilted my head at Sir Tir's words. The reason Adilun was able to install this magic circle was because her magic skills had grown thanks to the influence of shedding.

At the time of transformation, Adilun herself was too overjoyed to realize this fact alone, but she did mention that she achieved remarkable magical accomplishments while training at the Magic Workshop...

"That's probably not it. Adilun mentioned that her magical power has increased since the transformation."

"Ah, I see. Even so, if this trend continues... It won't be difficult to subdue the monsters. We've only trained for a day, and to experience such a sense of growth... I have always been skilled at hunting monsters, and if I can achieve this level of growth..."

"Well, that might not be the case."

"What?"

"It may be easier than expected, but it could also be harder. The exact details will only be known when Sir Lucas returns.”

Sir Tir, who was tilting his head at my words, soon nodded. He must have underestimated the monsters himself.

"I guess so. We should always approach monsters with caution. I was too hasty."

"It's still an uncertain matter, so it's best to thoroughly prepare, Sir Tir."

“Alright, Sir Physis. Thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you."

After shaking hands with the knights, I immediately went to my room and freshened up before heading to Adilun's room.

I knocked on the door, but I couldn’t hear Adilun’s voice yet. Apparently, she was still in the magic workshop.

I made my way straight to her magic workshop.

Sure enough, I could feel Adilun's presence from inside. When I entered the workshop to check, she had her hair styled in the same way as before, revealing her alluring slender neck.

Adilun always looks beautiful, no matter how she styles her hair... Even so, I couldn't help but think that this hairstyle suited my taste the most.

Anyway, she was deeply engrossed, examining various books in that state.

She seemed so focused that she didn't notice my arrival. Wanting to surprise her, I stealthily approached and suddenly embraced her by the shoulders.

"Adilun."

"Ah! Physis?"

“What are you looking at so intently? It's almost time for dinner."

"Ah... I was just looking at this research I was working on before. I was about to put it away after looking at this. Is your training all finished?"

"Yes. Thanks to you, my training efficiency has improved drastically."

"I'm glad I could help. How do the knights react?"

"They couldn't help but feel amazed. They could clearly feel mana flowing through their bodies. It was a bit overwhelming. They all thanked you."

“Hehe. Then give me my reward.”

“If it’s a reward, are you talking about this?”

I gently pressed my lips against hers as she slightly turned her head. The expression of affection, which never gets tiresome no matter how many times we do it, always fills my heart.

Adilun, seemingly sharing the same sentiment, closed her eyes and focused on meeting my lips. After a while, I pulled away slightly and looked at her expression. I saw a satisfied smile on her face.

"Well, this should be enough. Let's go eat. Everyone waiting for us."

“Yes.”

As Adilun got up from her seat, I grabbed her hand and interlocked our fingers.

"This is nice too."

Her bashful smile was so lovely that a smile naturally formed on my own lips.

"I hope this situation ends soon. Then we can be together all the time..."

"Well, if we're both part of the subjugation party..."

"That's true, but I don't plan on dating in such circumstances."

"I feel the same way. We have to choose the right time and place, don't we? Don't we?"

"Yes, we do."

Although we didn't have many instances where we could choose the time and place, thinking about it, we didn't really need to. We just needed to focus on serious matters.

Thanks to the effect of Adilun's deployed magic circle, I had a certain level of confidence. If we maximized the efficiency of the magic circle, combined it with intensive training, and engaged in proper practical combat as part of the subjugation party... I was convinced that we could defeat the king of monsters.

No, we had to. What was my reason for staying here? What was my reason for living as a person of Rodenov?

It was because Adilun could only be happy if the people here were happy. Her deep affection for Rodenov was evident in her attitude and every word she spoke.

Even when she came to Ortaire, she started by saying how good Ortaire's scenery was, but ultimately, she praised Rodenov as the best... and she even expressed her fondness for the people of the place she lived.

Her love for the region was evident in every action she took. It didn't need to be said how special this place was to her.

So, I had to protect it. The daily life here and her peace.

What was the reason I had caught the black dragon that had brought destruction to countless countries in my past life?

Wasn't it because I was moved by her story? So... it was time for me to create a foundation that would make her happy, just as she had done for me.

No matter how powerful the king of monsters may be... it surely wouldn't be as strong as that gigantic dragon. Of course, I would have to see it for myself, but there was no need to be overly scared.

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Even during dinner, the atmosphere was not much different from the daytime. It was evident that His Excellency had witnessed the knights' intense training throughout the day and seemed quite satisfied with it.

Furthermore, when I mentioned that Adilun had installed a magic circle to increase mana concentration, I could see a surprised expression on his face.

"That... happened right after the transformation. I didn't know the details, but should I say that flashes of inspiration gradually increased after the transformation? My affinity for mana also significantly improved."

"Things have worked out well in many ways. It's truly fortunate. I believe you will be of great help in the upcoming subjugation."

"Yes."

"I received word that Lucas will be arriving soon. However... according to the news he relayed, this monster attack seems to be of considerable scale. It's not the usual size of monsters that appear. If we make the slightest mistake, we may have to seek help from the central forces."

"The central forces? Will they actually send support?"

"They are cautious. There are more than a few who would be pleased if Rodenov were weakened... but if Rodenov collapses, they won't be able to ensure their own security, so they will likely send support. The best scenario would be for us to stop them without any casualties... I'm not sure. We'll have to wait for the situation to unfold. For now, we have requested support from the central forces."

"What was the response from the central forces?"

"They said they understand for now. But how things will actually turn out...?"

"We should prepare the subjugation party in advance, right?"

"That's right. So, we're preparing the subjugation party in advance, and as soon as Lucas arrives, we will immediately set the punitive force in motion."

"Understood, Father."

"I understand."

“I know you two are struggling quite a bit, but please cheer up a little. I will also do my best to prepare.”

"Yes."

We nodded solemnly, and dinner came to an end.

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After dinner, I bid farewell to Adilun and was about to turn back to head to the training grounds. However, I heard Adilun's voice calling me to stop.

“Physis.”

“Yes?”

"Are you heading to the training grounds right now?"

"Yes. I feel like... I need more training."

"Then let's go together. I think I also need to build up my stamina."

“Stamina?”

"Yes. If I'm part of the subjugation party, I can't expect to be treated as a noble lady. So, I think it's necessary to at least build up some stamina, right?"

"Well, that's true... But won't you get tired?"

"It's okay. Everyone is putting in effort, so I can't be the only one resting."

"Then... okay. Let's go together."

"Yes!"

Adilun came up to me and linked her arm with mine. It seemed like... it was not only about building stamina, but she also wanted to spend time with me.

"Tell me the truth, more than building stamina, you just want to be with me, right?"

"Hehe. Yes, that's right. If the subjugation starts... we won't have time for this."

"...I see."

I wrapped my arm around Adilun's shoulders, pulling her closer, and we walked towards the training grounds together.