Chapter 94


    Ian stood still for a long time.


    The legendary Snowke Sword wielded by Asilia.


    He pondered over her swordsmanship, which swept away countless snowkes with the de, multiple times.


    It wasnt a sword meant to cut someone.


    It was expression and path.


    What Asilia wanted to convey was the path she had walked.


    I think I understand.


    He understood what Asilia wanted to say.


    And Ian acknowledged it.


    I only wanted to be stronger. I wished for daily training, growth, only stronger growth. That seemed necessary to defeat my enemies.


    The enemies werent just Richard Pierce.


    Not just the Bloodstone Cult.


    Numerous evils that could unfold in scenarios.


    Thats what it meant.


    My growth goals were all rooted in anxiety and obsession about the future.


    Asilia blinked.


    Your self-awareness is fast.


    Because I saw something very valuable.


    Hehehe.


    Ian quietly looked at Asilias warm smile.


    She asked him to be her disciple.


    Not anyone else, but the Snowke Swordmaster.


    Even in the game, she was a character shrouded in mystery, trapped in Richards prison, digesting within it, with no way to be revealed.


    But her swordsmanship she left behind was famous.


    The top swordsmanship known to be created by the reclusive master, the Snowke Sword, created by Asilia.


    It was also Sharon Pierces final sword technique.


    I didnt expect such a background.


    It felt like the missing piece of the story in the game had been filled.


    He was given the opportunity to learn such a legendary swordsmanship.


    However, there was one thing to note.


    Ian silently stared at Asilia.


    She, who had been smiling faintly, sighed quietly.


    Did you notice?


    <em>Nod.</em>


    Ian nodded and said.


    Your skin felt particrly cold.


    Asilias skin was cold.


    Even when she hugged, it felt like it was in a ce cooled by the mist of a hot spring.


    I felt it when I hugged you. There was an energy in your body that wasnt yours.


    <em>Shiver.</em>


    A sound of footsteps.


    As Asilia turned around, her dress top slipped off.


    White arms and back.


    There were ck scars there.


    Its from the fight with Richard.


    The scars started from her arms and extended across her back to the opposite wrist.


    It hasnt healed. Rather, after being absorbed here, vitality has been flowing out from this wound. Blocking with mana was all I could do.


    Ian looked silently at the ckened scars.


    Like wounds torn by a beast.


    There, he felt a simr energy to the corpses he had encountered outside.


    So thats why Danya suddenly got scared.


    Danya, who was suddenly afraid before introducing the hot spring, came to mind. It was surprising, but her sharp intuition made him admire her.


    Just a moment.


    Ian asked for permission from Asilia and ced his hand on her back.


    Cold.


    He covered the scar with his hand.


    Huh.


    A small surprised groan mixed with Asilias breath.


    Ian slowly sent his power through his hand.


    But the wound did not respond to his power or Dishwashing.


    Youre good at using warm energy.


    I thought I could purify it.


    Its not contaminated. Its just that all the vitality in that area has been absorbed.


    Just a space that sucked the vitality just by existing. Asilia would have resisted it with mana. But here, mana cannot be gathered. All mana scatters and disappears.


    As Ian sent more power, he asked.


    How much mana do you have left?


    The reason her body was cold must signify the limit. Both mana and vitality have reached their limits.


    Asilias back twitched.


    If youre too perceptive, women dont like it.


    How much longer can you hold on?


    The time here flows about five times faster than outside.


    Five times.


    Judging by Sharons age, it wasnt difficult to calcte the passage of time.


    At least 50 years had passed.


    Then. How much time do you have left?


    Silence engulfed the cave.


    Ians mouth opened with difficulty.


    If it were Danya


    If it were Danya, she wouldnt know. If she could use her Snowke Flower, some mana would be restored, even if only a little.


    As Asilia turned her head back, she chuckled softly.


    My prison, although not as big as this snowfield.


    It was a meaningless statement.


    Ian sent his power to her back, silently wishing for somefort, even though he knew it was meaningless.


    Then.


    A rustling sound was heard.


    Theres a saying that even a tiger speaks if it does.


    Danya stood at the entrance of the cave.


    However, there were a few problems here.


    One was that Asilia had taken off her top, revealing her upper body.


    The other was that Ian had his hand on her bare back.


    Danyas eyes widened naturally.


    W-What are you two doing!


    Silence descended.


    Both of them hesitated on what to say in response.


    F-Friends, mom!


    In response to Danyas shocked exmation, Asilia hurriedly spoke.


    Miss Danya, this is a misunderstanding.


    Oh, indeed, Snowke Swordmaster Asilia.


    Ian silently cheered for her quick response.


    A-A misunderstanding?


    Yes. Weve just formed a bond.


    If you say that, wont the misunderstanding deepen, Snowke Swordmaster?


    While Ian was bewildered.


    <em>Kwoong!</em>


    I-If youve formed a bond, then, then with a m-man and a w-woman together like that!


    Danya stuttered her words.


    A considerably shocked expression.


    Disappointed!


    The pink tail rose up and then disappeared.


    It felt like something came like a storm and then vanished like a storm.


    Was it a dream? He wished it was a dream.


    There was silence.


    Asilia smiled apologetically.


    Im naturally introverted, you see. Hehe.


    Its okay. I couldnt find words to say.


    Do you need me to chase after her?


    I was concentrating on you, Asilia, so its fine.


    Ian is quite popr, isnt he? Hehe.


    Asilia, elegantly covering her mouth,ughed.


    Seeing her like that, Ian made up his mind.


    I dont quite understand what youre talking about.


    Ian concluded his sentence after a brief pause.


    Master.


    <em>Whirl.</em>


    Asilia, startled, met Ians eyes with a puzzled look.


    Her top was down.


    Seeing Ian turning his eyes away from her.


    <em>Swush</em>


    After a moment, she hastily put her top back on.


    Thats enough.


    Their eyes met.


    A somewhat awkward atmosphere.


    Its a little awkward, isnt it? Its my first time having a master.


    Its my first time having a disciple too.


    Dont masters and disciples usually perform some kind of ritual to mark their bond?


    Ive seen that in martial arts novels.


    Like bowing or something.


    We dont have to do that.


    <em>Smile.</em>


    Asilia smiled softly and embraced Ian.


    You are now my disciple, the Snowke Swordmaster. Sasha Asilias disciple.


    The existence of a master felt warmer than he had expected.


    Danyas mind was in turmoil.


    Weve just formed a bond.


    Asilia had definitely said that.


    But what does forming a bond entail?


    Why was Ian looking over Asilias bare back, with her top slipped off and her hand covering her chest?


    Uggghhhh!


    Frustrated, Danya turned to the girl sitting next to her.


    Hey, Lina.


    Yeah? Danya. Whats up?


    They had be quite friendly over time. Lina had treated Danya quite kindly. However, at the same time, Danya knew well that they were alsopetitors.


    But at this moment, Danya needed Linas help.


    To deal with the voluptuous woman with that lewd body.


    Yerina had gone out to look around, so Danya couldnt ask her for help.


    What does it mean to form a bond?


    Usually, its a metaphorical expression for a physical rtionship. Why, Danya, are you?


    Oh, no, no! What nonsense! Ian and I are still just colleagues!


    Lina tilted her head.


    I know that. I thought I saw the title of a book I was reading.


    Lina rummaged through her bag and pulled out a book.


    [The Dukes Young Lady Wears a Leash Every Night]


    What is this?


    Its a novel thats been very popr in the capitaltely. I borrowed it from school to read on the train. Want to read it?


    Danya epted the book and opened it.


    The first thing that caught her eye was an illustration.


    It depicted a beautiful youngdy in a dress, wearing a cor and crawling on the floor. The raised hem of the dress looked indecent.


    Danyas face turned red in an instant.


    Squeezing her eyes shut, Danya closed the book.


    N-No, not this kind of thing. I-I mean


    Yeah?


    W-Whats the usual way to form a bond?


    Lina raised an eyebrow.


    Well?


    Do you not know either?


    Not that I dont know I just have a specific way in mind.


    As Linas face began to blush, Danya unknowingly swallowed her saliva. Why was she feeling so embarrassed just by hearing about forming a bond?


    What is it?


    I like it a bit wild.


    Wild?


    Yeah.


    Lina brought her hand to the handkerchief tied around her neck.


    First, we would lie together on the bed and look into each others eyes. Its nice if its warm, but I prefer it cold. Id like to be pressed down firmly as you gaze at me with those cold eyes, as if scolding me.


    Huh?


    With your thick hands, youd press down firmly. Until my breathing bes rough. Until my head spins.


    Is this what it means to form a rtionship?


    Is this how normal people form bonds?


    Or is this just Linas preference?


    Danya was confused.


    But wont it hurt?


    Even if my breath isbored and my body feels exhausted, my heart would be asfortable as ever.


    Lina smiled as if just thinking about it made her happy.


    She didnt know.


    It was still too difficult for Danya to understand.


    Then, when forming a bond, do you also stroke each others back?


    Back?


    Yeah.


    Should we try it?


    Suddenly, Linas finger traced down Danyas back.


    Eek! I-It tickles!


    If it tickles, that means it feels good.


    So, Asilia and Ian!


    Danya, with her tail standing straight up, said to Lina.


    You know, Danya.


    Yeah?


    Do you also like Ian?


    It was a sudden and direct question. Danya was taken aback and blurted out something she didnt even mean.


    L-Like him? What nonsense! Were just colleagues!


    Really?


    Y-Yes! Really!


    Then, would you mind if I formed a bond with Ian?


    Danyas eyes, initially filled with confusion, suddenly became serious.


    I wouldnt like that.


    I thought so. You know, Danya.


    ?


    I-I can give up Ian for you. When I was lost for a while, you took care of Ian. And that Silvia too.


    Why bring her up here!


    Lina giggled at Danyas flustered reaction.


    Instead, no matter who takes first, I will be second. If its not you two in front of me, Ill be more assertive.


    A calm yet shocking confession.


    I I dont think I can live without Ian.


    She is Lina, who always smiles brightly.


    She had never seen Lina speak so seriously.


    Danya bit her lower lip.


    Or if you think you cant handle it, I could try it first and let you know?


    Linas words were provocative.


    Danya stood up abruptly.


    A surge of emotions bubbled up within her. It felt like jealousy, likepetitiveness.


    Silvia. Asilia, and other women.


    No matter who they were, Danya was determined not to lose Ian.


    But Im so inexperienced


    She didnt even know how to deal with Asilia, who seduced Ian by taking off her top.


    Lina looked at her innocently.


    She said shed be satisfied with being second.


    Danya had heard that popr men sometimes have concubines.


    Maybe she needed to give up her excessive greed to win Ian.


    After making her calctions, Danya reached out to Lina.


    Lets cooperate.


    Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.


    Lina smiled brightly.


    Somehow, Danya felt uneasy about that smile.


    But Ill be the legal wife.


    The moment Danya dered loudly.


    Legal wife?


    Ian and Asilia returned.