With the Baptism event nearing just a day away, to make the most of their remaining time, the group decided to set out to explore the city's bustling streets and vibrant markets, immersing themselves in its rich culture and lively atmosphere.
Before setting out, Ayami took charge and approached the reception of the Sylvan Haven Inn. With a determined expression, she requested an extension of their stay for one more day.
The elf Innkeeper, surprised by Ayami's word, glanced at Ewaan. However, upon seeing his calm demeanor and understanding his intentions, she opted to remain silent.
She nodded with a warm smile in agreement, granting Ayami's request without further hesitation.
Ewaan's newfound comprehension of the system's directives empowered him to conceal the tattoo on his hand with a mere mental command.
As the Takagi twins attended to matters at the reception, seizing the opportunity while he and Maya were alone, he imparted this newfound knowledge to her, guiding her through the steps to conceal the crest on her hand.
Together, they took a brief pause to verify that their markings remained obscured from curious gazes, silently acknowledging the secrecy of their situation once more.
Their journey through the city was filled with anticipation and curiosity, each step echoing with excitement as they ventured deeper into the heart of the city, ready to uncover its hidden gems and forge unforgettable memories together.
°°°
As the afternoon approaches, they indulged in a hearty lunch from the bustling side stalls at the market.
Satiated and content, the group sought solace in a serene spot within a nearby park. Surrounded by towering trees and vibrant greenery, they found respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Too relaxed, Ewaan's thoughts drifted to Ayami's impressive swordplay skills. Suddenly suggesting, "Let's spar! You and me."
His proposal was spontaneous, driven by a desire to test his teachings of sword arts from his world against Ayami's formidable abilities, honed through the mastery of magic-infused swordplay.
Ayami's response came with a hint of skepticism, her surprise evident in the slight raise of her eyebrows. "Sure, but do you even know how to wield a sword?"
Ewaan's response was cryptic, "You'll see when you spar with me..." as he stood up from the bench and began to walk forward.
With a determined expression, Ayami broke two sturdy branches from a nearby tree and handed one to Ewaan.
As they assumed their stances, Ewaan's voice was firm as he spoke, "Do me a favor and don't hold back."
"You're that confident huh?" Ayami remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Not confident, but just want to assess my own worth!" Ewaan replied, his tone resolute.
Ayami raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "Is that so? Well then, let's see what you're made of," she retorted, her eyes gleaming with competitive spirit.
Improvised swords at the ready, their movements fluid and precise as they circled each other, sizing up their opponent.
With a swift motion, Ayami lunged forward, her blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.
As they sparred amidst the tranquil setting of the park, Ewaan and Ayami engaged in a fierce exchange of blows.
Their improvised swords clashed rhythmically, the sound wood clashing echoing through the peaceful surroundings of the park, each strike carrying the weight of their determination and skill.
"You're good at this! Where did you learn such impressive swordsmanship?" Ayami asked, her curiosity piqued by Ewaan's skill with the sword.
But without answering, Ewaan continued and countered with agility, deflecting her strikes with ease, his movements graceful and controlled.
Despite her fierce determination, Ayami found herself struggling to keep up with Ewaan's advanced modernized techniques.
With each strike, Ewaan pushed Ayami back, his skill and experience evident in every move.
Ayami fought valiantly, but she couldn't match Ewaan's expertise, her frustration mounting as she struggled to hold her ground against his sword skills.
Despite the intensity of their spar, Ewaan's calm demeanor remained unshaken, a stark contrast to Ayami's growing frustration.
Ayami, refused to back down, her determination fueling her attacks as she pressed forward with renewed vigor and her strength, now turning the situation.
Surprised, Ewaan uttered, "You were holding back before, weren't you?"
With a smirk, she responded, "You have impressive skills but I have the strength to back it up!"
The intensity of their exchange escalated with each passing moment.
With a swift feint, she caught Ewaan off guard, landing a decisive blow that sent him staggering backward, momentarily disrupting his calm demeanor.
Ewaan's eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled, momentarily off balance.
Ayami seized the opportunity, pressing her advantage and delivering a final, decisive strike that left Ewaan defeated, his pride wounded but his respect for Ayami's skills heightened.
They stopped, their breaths coming in short, ragged gasps as they lowered their improvised swords, the intensity of their spar fading into a moment of shared exhaustion and mutual respect.
"Looks like it's my loss," maintaining his stoic expression, he remarked with a hint of admiration in his voice.
Ayami grinned triumphantly, her eyes sparkling with pride for herself and admiration for Ewaan. "You weren't bad at all! Even as an ordinary human, you managed to back me, a Spellblade, into a corner! That's just shows how impressive your skills are."
Together, they buried their improvised swords on the ground, fashioned from sturdy tree branches, near the tree Ayaka and Maya were sleeping, forming a 'X' that resembling their sword-wielding comraderie.
Their spar coming to an end as they basked in the satisfaction of a well-fought battle.
°°°
Exhausted from their intense spar, Ayami eventually succumbed to sleep, joining Maya and Ayaka who were already fast asleep from the day's activities and relaxation.
As they rested under the soothing shade of a nearby tree, Ewaan decided to utilize his new skill, ‹Appraisal›, to check Maya's status.
To his surprise, he discovered that Maya didn't possess the title of ‹Hero›, as he expected it to be but she still possessed various other skills, courtesy of the mysterious ‹Hero's Crest›.
〘MAYA TEMPEST〙
〘Level 01〙
〘16 Years〙〘Female〙〘Human〙
__________________________________________
〘Class: None〙
〘Attribute: Light, Water, ???〙
__________________________________________
〘SKILLS: Extent+, Linguistics+, Subspace (Level 1), Cooking (Level 3), Fast Learner (Level 6), Waveshield (Level 1), Light Resistance (Level 1), Water Resistance (Level 1)〙
〘ELEMENTAL SKILLS: Basic Water Control (Level 1), Basic Light Control (Level 1)〙
__________________________________________
✥ Currently In Possession Of The Holy Armor ‹Luna's Grace›
°°°
Curious about the Takagi twins' stats, Ewaan utilized Appraisal on them as well, hoping to uncover more about their abilities and potential.
〘AYAKA TAKAGI〙
〘Level 41〙
〘16 Years〙〘Female〙〘Human〙
__________________________________________
〘Class: Arcane Weaver〙
〘Attribute: Lightning〙
__________________________________________
〘SKILLS: Speed Boost+, Basic Cooking (Level 8), Analyze (Level 3), Magic Missile (Level 5), Vitality Infusion (Level 5), Long Sense (Level 7), Hexashield (Level 8), Lightning Resistance (Level 9), Guardian Ward (Level 7), Empowerment (Level 4), Resonance (Level 1)〙
〘ELEMENTAL SKILLS: Intermediate Lightning Control (Level 9), Paralyze+, Lightning Strike+, Thunder Spikes+, Lightning Arrow (Level 8), Electric Field (Level 7), Thunderstorm (Level 6), Lightning Spear (Level 4), Chain Lightning (Level 2)〙
〘UNIQUE SKILLS: Lightning Protection (Level 2), Thunder's Wraith (Level 1), ???〙
__________________________________________
✥ Favoured By The Goddess Of Thunder
✥ Currently The Goddess Of Fertility Bestows Her Divine Gaze Upon Her
✥ Currently In Possession Of Tier-3 Artifact Staff ‹Staff Of Grimm›
°°°
〘AYAMI TAKAGI〙〘Pyromancer〙
〘Level 42〙
〘16 Years〙〘Female〙〘Human〙
__________________________________________
〘Class: Spellblade〙
〘Attribute: Fire〙
__________________________________________
〘SKILLS: Fire Resistance+, Intermediate Sword Skill (Level 6), Basic Fist Technique (Level 3), Falcon Boost (Level 5), Might Break (Level 2), Physical Resistance (Level 4)〙
〘ELEMENTAL SKILLS: Advanced Fire Control (Level 2), Fire Blade+, Fiery Fist+, Swordland (Level 7), Fire Fusion (Level 5), Sky Burning Fists (Level 3), Deadly Cut (Level 7), Fiery Swing (Level 2)〙
〘UNIQUE SKILLS: Flame Protection (Level 1), Fire Possession (Level 3), ???〙
__________________________________________
✥ Favoured By The Goddess Of Fire
✥ Currently The God Of War Bestows His Divine Gaze Upon Her
✥ Currently In Possession Of Tier-3 Artifact Sword ‹Blackfyre›
°°°
Ewaan's surprise grew as he observed Maya's unknown attribute and the Takagi twins' unique skills.
What caught his attention even more was their connection to deities, a rare achievement not easily obtained.
Not only did they have the favour of a god and goddess, but another divine entity was also keeping an eye on them, hinting at their extraordinary potential and significance in the world's unfolding events.
As the day passed by just like that, the anticipated moment of the Baptism Event finally arrived.
••• ••• •••