Chapter 20: The Test...

The next day, Kaega still woke up early. Today, he proactively went to the kitchen and asked Elina to teach him how to cook. Elina didn't hesitate to teach him, but she was quickly amazed at how fast he learned.

-You learn so fast. You've almost managed to do the whole process by yourself... how did you do that?

-Yesterday, I paid a little attention to you and the kids cooking...

-A little?

Elina recalled that yesterday, Kaega mostly just helped carry things and set the table, barely looking at them.

-If you weren't in Aquila, you'd probably be an alchemist or a talented mage...

-Oh, is that so? Thanks...

Elina said no more, her face looking as if she was just wondering why...

Around noon, Kaega went out to the yard where Lyne was teaching the children some small combat techniques. Kaega remembered Lyne's reaction when she saw the horse he had bought. Although she didn't question it, Lyne still had to frown at Kaega's spending habits after finding out.

-Lyne... I want to spar to check my own condition.

Lyne stopped training the children, looking at Kaega in astonishment at his words.

-Are you sure... I think... you still shouldn't.

Lyne wasn't looking down on Kaega; she was worried about his physical condition. Kaega didn't show any anger but just replied gently.

-I need to check my combat condition for tomorrow...

Lyne had no choice but to tell the children to step back and watch the two fight to learn. The two stood about 20 steps apart.

-Ready?

As soon as Lyne asked, two wooden knives immediately flew towards her. Lyne easily dodged them, but Kaega didn't stop.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

clack clack clack.

Lyne advanced, slashing and blocking all three.

-Ha... you're too fast...

Kaega retreated, not letting Lyne get close. As Lyne was about to speed up, she saw Kaega's smile. Under her feet, a long string had been laid out at some point. Lyne jumped up.

-You noticed, huh...

-Since when?

-I only fight when I'm prepared.

As soon as he finished speaking, Kaega threw another knife with great force.

whoosh!!!!

Lyne somersaulted in the air, easily dodging it.

-Ha...ha.... dodged it that easily again....

Kaega quickly started panting as if he was very tired.

"He's tired!"

Lyne immediately crouched and shot forward like an arrow to finish it.

-Lyne.... the faster you charge, the harder it is to change direction....

Kaega smiled because Lyne had fallen for his trick. Lyne realized the sign of fatigue just now was fake. Kaega dodged the direction she charged. He held out the wooden knife towards the position she was lunging at, but contrary to Kaega's expectation, Lyne slammed her wooden knife into the ground to brake.

-That's possible too?

Although Kaega appeared surprised, his eyes were not. Then Kaega took the initiative and charged forward. Though also very fast, he was too slow compared to her. Lyne slashed at Kaega as he charged.

Swish...

Lyne's eyes widened as she... missed... Although she had held back some strength and speed, it was still enough to take him down. As Kaega ran, he slid his body past the slash.

-Hey, you're underestimating me too much...

Just as Kaega stood up, two knives flew back at him. Having just stood up, Kaega couldn't react in time to the returning knives.

thud thud.

They hit Kaega's knee and his knife-wielding wrist. The wooden knife flew out of his hand, and his mobility was restricted.

-Shit...

Kaega intended to retreat, but Lyne rushed up like the wind, closing the distance and putting her knife to his throat.

-Got you!

-Ah... I lost... ha..ha...

This time, Kaega suddenly started panting heavily. Lyne was surprised because he was breathing as if he was about to die.

-Why are you panting now?

-You think I'm a monster...?

-I thought you were acting.

-I was just pretending to be fine....

The kids' eyes widened in amazement. In the fight just now, they could only clearly see Kaega's movements. As for Lyne, they could barely keep up with her.

-As expected, when it comes to fighting, big sister Lyne is the best.

-That dark brother is pretty good too.

-He only throws knives.

-He didn't trick us.

Elina walked out into the yard, heading towards Kaega, and used a healing spell on him. Kaega felt better now.

-In this condition... now I'm not sure if he can help at all...

Kaega remembered the person Elina called "he," and Kaega had forgotten to ask about him.

-That's right, Elina, I haven't asked you about the 'he' you mentioned.

-Ah, that's right, I forgot too. Then come to my room, I'll tell you about him in private.

Elina had also forgotten. The two of them had been too busy preparing for work yesterday.

-Lyne, are you coming along?

Lyne hesitated, looking at the children, but the kids had suddenly disappeared.

-Huh, where did they go?

Elina smiled at the silly children she had adopted. She said to Lyne.

-If you're free, you can come along too. You might find some useful information.

Lyne had no reason to refuse. She also helped Kaega up and went into Elina's room.

In Elina's room, the three of them sat on chairs and talked again.

-So, let's start from our original purpose here...

Kaega and Lyne focused on listening to the information Elina was about to share...

.....