The Minotazer rushed towards me. I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I swung the blade upward and a wall of blade lights halted the monster's advance. I swung my blade fast. A blade light flew out, hitting the foe on its shoulders.
MMROARR
The beast bellowed and threw a fist at my face. I took a step forward, the grass rippled. I swung my blade again. Two blade lights blocked the fist, creating a deep wound. The Minotazer bellowed from the pain. And punched with the other arm. I couldn't block it in time and was sent flying. I rolled for a few meters before coming to a halt. I stood up, albeit painfully. I took a stance ready to receive my bull-headed opponent. It stomped hard on the ground and charged at me.
Three Blades Crossing Mountain. I blocked its charge and followed up with Two Blades Like A Wave. The first blade light wounded its chest. The second blade light worsened the damage. The Minotazer stumbled back. 'A chance!' I used Blade Chases Wind and sent a blade light at its neck. A deep wound appeared on its neck but it wasn't enough to take it down. I used Three Blades Crossing Mountain to push back the Minotazer and followed up another Blade Chases Wind. The beast fell on its back and could never stand up anymore. It disintegrated in a mass of lights.
I closed my eyes and opened them again. I finished my mental battle. I was back in my room. Tomorrow I would use my martial art in an actual battle. Even if I had a competence level mastery in a technique, I still need battle experience. Else I'd be no different from a greenhouse flower. Beautiful but weak.
****
"Solon, come out for dinner," mom called out from the kitchen.
"Coming." I stood up and went to the dinner table.
Dinner was stewed Grazing Rabbit. Grazing rabbits were domesticated beasts of copper rank. They were plump rabbits the size of cows. They can't jump high but they are able to tackle a man straight to an emergency ward.
"Eribh dear, did you know that your son brought a girl home today?" Mom started talking in a jolly tone.
"Oh, did he now?" I heard dad's voice for the first time in a while.
"Yes. I didn't know your son was a chick magnet. They've only been together for a few hours and he was already introducing her to me. She was very beautiful and kind. She didn't know how to cook but was very enthusiastic in helping me."
Klee gave me a piercing glare. If looks could burn, I would have been roasted crisp.
"Good work son," dad gave me a thumbs up. "I'm expecting to see a grandchild soon."
The glare intensified.
"What? Where not going out yet." I hurriedly denied him.
Klee withdrew her gaze.
"Ohhh. Not going out YET, was it?" Mom said teasingly. "So, when will you ask her out?"
I felt a chill coming from Klee's direction.
"I don't have any plans on dating anyone for the time being," I said in a serious voice.
"Tsk." I heard them click their tongues. 'I understand mom and dad, but Klee you too? Do you really want a nephew or niece that much?'
****
Early the next morning, I was sitting down in a café. Across the street was an iron rank gate. The Red Gorge. Today I would be using Five Blades Seeking Stars in actual combat.
"May I take your order, sir?" A cute girl in a maid outfit walks up to me. She must have been a high student working as a part-time.
"I'll take a mocha, please. Oh, and a cheesecake, thanks."
"One mocha and cheesecake coming right up."
A few minutes later the door of the café opened and a familiar face walks up to my table in hurried steps.