The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

In the days following their first training session, Van and Theresa continued to meet in secret before dawn.

It became a simple routine—sparring at the cracked Garden Fountain, trading insights behind the laundry shed, and on occasion, silently sharing bread rolls when both of them skipped breakfast in favor of practice.

Van was true to his word. He didn't just correct her form—he remade it.

Using his Ocularis Lens and his understanding of several orthodox sword schools and battlefield improvisation, he tailored something new for Theresa.

'It's a good thing that I read a lot of books in Dawnspire Academy…' He mused.

His teachings were not quite a knightly style, not quite a rogue technique.

As he made various changes, it became Theresa's sword style.

They named it together.

"Willowstep… I like it!" Theresa said after agreeing with the name.

It was a light, fluid sword style emphasizing agile footwork, deceptive movements, and counter-strike movements.

"You don't need to clash swords head-on…" Van reminded her as they trained. "You're not the kind who breaks through a shield wall—you'll find the gap before it forms."

The core of Willowstep involved three principles:

Feathered Shifts – using subtle turns and momentum to redirect or evade attacks.

Swift Draws – tight, precise cuts meant to disable, not overwhelm.

Feint Guard – feints created for defense, designed to bait out reckless offense.

Theresa had never moved like this before.

"You can definitely build a Sword Training Hall! Of course… Not in this kingdom… But you'd definitely become a great Swords Master if you're in a different country." Theresa said as she couldn't help but feel a bit sad that Van was stuck as a slave and couldn't properly bring out his full potential.

Still, it was a vain topic since there was no way to escape unless their Master actually decided to set them free.

Anyway, the Willowstep Sword Style felt natural... Theresa decided to make this an heirloom in case she had a chance to make a family in the future.

Nonetheless, as they continued to practice, she grew faster, lighter, more confident, and more accustomed to her new battle style.

And then, the day of the duel came.

***

Surprisingly, they had actually entered the Apprentice Mage Arena.

It was vastly different from the Servant Arena where Van had fought Rogar.

Built from enchanted marble and surrounded by high-level formation arrays, the arena felt completely safe even if numerous bombs exploded here... Any Zero Circle, First Circle, and Second Circle Magicians practicing could easily use their full power and not worry about getting the floor damaged at all.

The floor itself had repulsion spells designed to keep the duelists alive, if not exactly safe.

Van had only seen it from the outside until now. But thanks to Julia, he gained clearance to attend as a "training servant."

Julia smuggled him in under the pretense that he was there to observe magical duel formations.

But Van's eyes weren't on the runes or formations.

They were on Theresa. He was curious about this battle and decided to take a break from his Alchemy study.

Theresa stood inside the marble-floored stage, facing two other servants of Harvey. They were Nile and Tamir.

Nile, a broad-shouldered boy with a heavy saber. According to Theresa, he was a former mining slave turned fighter. He had scars down both arms and wore thick, padded leather…

Tamir, the youngest, was a bit skinny but he was quick. He was a captured assassin who previously attempted to assassinate Hayvey. However, he was turned into a slave instead. Anyway, he uses twin knives strapped to his back.

Apparently, Harvey expected Tamir to win and it wasn't just a blind faith. Tamir had the confidence of someone used to fighting dirty.

And then, there was Theresa.

Clad in a gray training tunic with her sword, she looked slender and calm. But Van knew better.

She was ready.

From the viewing platform, Harvey sat with a bored expression, lazily sipping tea from a crystal cup.

"Begin…" a robed Apprentice Mage announced from the side, activating the boundary spell. He seemed to be an old Mage, so he was probably not a student but an assistant of some sort hired to do some menial tasks in the Tower.

Soon, the match started.

It was a three-way battle, and normally, the fighters would feel each other out.

However, Nile charged immediately…

"Let's end this fast!"

His heavy saber swung in a wide arc toward Tamir.

Tamir flipped backward, showing how agile he was. He actually wanted Theresa and Nile to clash first.

Unfortunately, Theresa didn't move at first.

She waited.

"Willowstep isn't about the first strike," Van had told her. "It's about choosing the perfect second."

Nile and Tamir exchanged a series of blows—saber clashing against daggers.

Apparently, they just felt that Theresa was an easy opponent since she wasn't really a strong fighter. She excels in her knowledge and various abilities to serve Harvey.

After some time, Nile forced Tamir back just by using his brute strength, turning every swing into a deadly strike.

It was at this time that Theresa finally moved…

She had light steps, and she almost glided across the stage to get closer to the two…

"Good timing…"

Van muttered as he watched from above with his Ocularis Lens actively assessing the battle.

[ Tracking Combat Rhythms… Opening Detected… ]

Soon, Theresa moved behind Nile, the flat of her blade catching him across the thigh—not enough to maim, but enough to disrupt the balance.

Apparently, Van wanted her to show her dominance in this battle. She must have an overwhelming ability that the two other slaves could never argue about her win at all.

"Argh!"

Nile grunted, swiping back with his saber...

However, Theresa already vanished from the strike zone.

Tamir snarled. "Come at me"

He lunged toward Theresa with both daggers… He then made a quick, stabbing outburst to threaten her.

But Theresa didn't block directly.

She used her practiced Willowsteps… It was a movement that allowed her to attack with her blade at difficult angles.

At this point, there was already a small crowd of mage apprentices watching from above, and they found the battle quite interesting. After all, they had this misconception that female swordsmen weren't that reliable because of how rare they were.

"She's redirecting every blow…" someone muttered.

"Interesting sword technique…"

"She must have decent sword instructors. Which slave is that?"

"What? Are you planning to buy her? Pervert…"

"What the—"

Harvey didn't listen to these Apprentice Mages. However, his bored look had already vanished.

Theresa then found an opportunity to drop low and sweep a foot beneath Tamir's stance.

Tamir flipped and recovered his balance, but left his side open.

Swift Draw.

Theresa's sword struck his ribs in one clean strike.

The attack was blocked by Tamir's Aura but Theresa also used Aura on that attack. Because of that, the Force accumulated, and Tamir cursed as he stumbled back…

Nile came in hard now, charging at both.

Theresa didn't dodge as she even stepped into his reach!

The arena was now silent aside from the sounds made by the three battling slaves.

Theresa rotated her hips, parried the saber with one hand, and spun.

The movement wasn't simple, but it was Willowstep that utilized her Aura Control to deflect and open an attack…

Soon, her blade slammed against Nile's wrist.

The saber dropped…

Still, it wasn't enough to win as Nile wasn't giving up just yet. Nile still had many skills he hadn't shown yet. He couldn't just give up.

Nile roared, charging with his bare hands.

Tamir tried to flank from the other side.

But Theresa moved swiftly…

Parry. Twist. Evade. Turn.

All of her movements were guided by Van through their training!

A dozen exchanges in seconds.

Sweat poured down her brow…

Her stamina was still lacking after all.

It wasn't something she could easily improve in just a few days of training.

Still, despite her limbs burning, her eyes were steady.

Her Aura was faint, but it flowed cleanly now. It was empowering her reflexes and guiding her sword.

Tamir attacked once again—only to find her blade waiting.

Thud!

It was the final strike.

After this attack, Harvey knew that he had seen enough. There were already a lot of people watching and he didn't like the way they were looking at Theresa.

"That's enough… You've won, Theresa." Harvey said.

Just like that, cheers erupted.

Not just polite applause—actual cheers from some of the observing students.

Van grinned from the stands as pride started swelling in his chest. He may not be the one who just won the battle, but seeing how his student won, he couldn't help but feel happy about it as well.

Harvey then walked toward the stage as the barriers were lifted.

Theresa sheathed her practice blade and knelt. Her sweat had soaked her collar, but she was feeling excited.

Harvey stopped in front of her and raised a hand.

"To the victor… You've earned your reward as promised."

He then tossed a coin pouch toward her.