Oliver's hearty laugh filled the roof top again.
"Good man," He said grasping Dyon's hand, "You two can go, I'm sure you don't want to be here anyway. I'll see you when the world of the central tower opens, I'm sure you'll make great gains there. Uncle Libro was adamant on getting you a spot, and considering your talent, there should be no problems."
Dyon smiled and nodded. Waving his hands, the crowd looked on in awe as another phoenix appeared. Dyon and Madeleine faded into the distance, the cries of the Phoenix filling the skies.
Back on the ground, Akihiko's expression was dark and twisted.
'You can enjoy this victory for now. But, I'm coming for you. The central pillar open world isn't a joke. Once news spreads of you and Madeleine, it won't be hard to get hundreds of people attacking you together. I wonder what you'd do then? Madeleine will be mine. Her potential will be mine. I'll rise up the ranks of the martial world and conquer everything.'
Akihiko's chest heaved before he suddenly calmed.
'No… I have something far better in mind.'
Akihiko turned and walked away.
Tammy was scanning the people remaining in the banquet with intelligent eyes. 'The central pillar open world, huh? That brings back memories…'
The rest of the guests were still in a daze when Oliver's claps filled the silence again.
"Alright! This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let's work hard and motivate each other! If something isn't the way you want it to be, fight for it! You just may win," Oliver smiled a bright smile, his handsome face making it impossible for the crowd to stop nodding at his words.
"Everything by absolute power or absolute sympathy!" Oliver roared.
His charisma took hold of the banquet, causing many eyes to shine.
"Everything by absolute power or absolute sympathy!"
"Everything by absolute power or absolute sympathy!"
**
Madeleine laid on Dyon's chest as they hovered in the air, reclined to enjoy the night sky.
"You're quite bold for a girl who's almost been recluse for her whole life you know," Dyon said chuckling.
"Little sister Delia and Meiying probably thinks so too, but you've been in my heart since the opening ceremony. Maybe not exactly in this way… But sometimes a foot in the door for a long time leads to a fully open one, no?"
Dyon smiled, 'It seems like she's been watching from afar for a long time… it must be lonely being in that room with Libro all the time.'
Dyon felt slender fingers playing with his collar, "The truth is that I'm always playing the gentle big sister role, mostly because I have no idea how much longer I'll have the chance to…"
The vulnerability in her voice made Dyon tremble. Madeleine was so strong, yet it seemed even martial artists had their weaknesses too.
"Forget about me, tell me about your life Dyon," Madeleine said gently.
Dyon smiled, steadying his heart as Madeleine rested her hands on his chest.
'Don't get a boner, don't get a boner. She's laying her heart bare and you're thinking about sex. Stop it.'
Madeleine chuckled, almost as though she could hear Dyon's thoughts.
Dyon took a deep breath, "In the human world, I guess you could say I have high standing, not that that means anything at all here. My dad was a General, but he died when I was 10. My mom was a gentle woman, and she's actually the one who wanted me to join this academy. Although she died when I was 8, I found some letters from her that my dad left in his will to be given to me when I turned 16."
Dyon felt Madeleine trembling by his side, but he simply wrapped the arm that was pinned under her around her waist and pulled her closer, causing her to blush.
This was the first time he had ever been so close to a woman, it made his heart beat erratically. He couldn't help but greedily take in her fragrance.
"There's no need to feel sad. They're the reason I must stay strong and live a good life. I invented so many things and succeeded in the human world so I could have them look down on me with smiles on their faces. Now, I'll do the same with the Martial World."
Madeleine stayed silent for a moment, before removing the pin for her hair and letting her beautiful brunette hair fall. She held the fiery golden lily that Dyon had gave her in her hand as she lay on Dyon's chest, trying to hide her tears.
Dyon gently moved the hair from her eyes and wiped her cheek. "Now you've given me another reason to be strong, right?"
Dyon smiled brightly as Madeleine looked up at him.
"Mm," Madeleine nodded while smiling through her tears.
"Forget all that stuff, let's talk about something else. You're much stronger than me, what do you think I should choose as a weapon?"
Madeleine was a bit off put by the question, but she still answered enthusiastically. It was clear that Dyon had been thinking about this for a very long time. Ever since he witnessed Darius' spear qi, in fact.
"Well, my big brother always said that swords are the king of all weapons. But, I think he's a bit biased," Madeleine said with a chuckle. "Your will of music is so strong, but finding music techniques, especially ones that resonate with a man's more innate yang characteristics, is beyond difficult.
"With your talent, I don't doubt that any weapon would be mastered if put into your hands. But, since the sword is so popular, it's the easiest to find techniques in and probably the cheapest to start off with."
Madeleine giggled, "I saw you con The General out of 10,000 profound stones, you're probably richer than even my father right now."
"Con? I'm innocent of all charges! I only took advantage of a situation shown to me. Plus, he deserved it!"
Madeleine could only role her eyes toward Dyon's antics.
"There's a bit of a warning, though. Since sword techniques are so easy to find, there's a lot of fluff to it too. Be careful in choosing so you don't start with a shaky foundation."
Dyon nodded in agreement. What Madeleine said made perfect sense.
The two chatted into the night, completely oblivious to the time they were spending together…