"Do not intervene."
Today was a day destined to be etched in Ais's memory. After all, she witnessed a fearless little one facing the giant.
David and Goliath—a famous story told by the Gods. David, a small man who confronted the giant Goliath without a sword, yet managed to slay him. More than just a story, it was a reflection of never giving up. Even when everything is against you, you can still prevail against the giant.
Now, Ais could see with her own eyes as David (Yuki), without a sword or any other weapon, faced the monster Goliath. Although she could also do it, facing the giant, there was a vast difference between them.
*BAM
David (Yuki) was incredibly powerful, defying all logic. David could confront Goliath with his fists, and Ais watched Goliath fall under David's fist, completely powerless.
"Very strong..."
These were Ais's only thoughts; this fight was on a completely different scale than adventurers, without magic, only using their fists. David was powerful.
After all, this black Goliath was an anomaly, and Ais estimated it had the power of a level 5. Additionally, its size and regeneration were on a different scale.
*BOOM! BOOM!
*GYAAAA
"First gate: Gate of Opening... Open!"
*Swish... Swish.
Despite this, David was very fast, making Goliath unable to keep up. Even she was surprised because David's speed was otherworldly; no adventurer could move at such extreme speeds.
*Bom, bom, bom
However, Goliath had something hidden, as it began attacking from a distance, gathering energy in its mouth and releasing it in shockwaves. This, of course, surprised her since Goliath shouldn't be able to do this.
But this didn't stop David.
"Hahahahaha. Good! Yes! That's how it should be! Let's dance more!"
No, David was delighted by this. Ais could see it—David (Yuki) was burning with a strong fighting spirit. For Yuki, the stronger the giant, the better.
However, everything must come to an end.
"Raiton: Senko."
After all, wings of enormous electricity formed on Yuki's back.
"Impossible... Without enchantment... It's almost like Ariel."
Murmuring in shock, Ais was fascinated. After all, she knew it was very challenging to enchant while in motion, not to mention that Yuki didn't speak. This alone reminded her of her wind magic, which she could activate with a thought.
"Second gate: Gate of Rest... Open!"
But while she was in shock, something else happened.
Yuki's speed increased once again, becoming unable to follow even with her enhanced senses. Yuki's body flickered, and in an instant, he was behind the giant.
This took her by surprise since, if she were his opponent, she would be unable to make a move.
And she was right, as Goliath began to split in half, disappearing in smoke.
"I want it... I want that strength."
Looking at that small yet strong presence, Ais wanted to know the secret of his strength. She wanted to have that strength beyond this world.
So, clenching her fist, Ais had made a decision. She would be his disciple no matter what. She wanted to become stronger, and now it was within her reach—she just had to not give up.
Approaching Yuki, who was lost in thought, she lowered her head.
"Please, be my master."
Seeing this girl again bowing her head, Yuki didn't know what to say.
This was the third time this woman asked him to train her.
"You don't waste time, huh?"
Shaking his head, Yuki sighed.
"Please... I'll do anything... I need power... Please teach me."
Muttering trembling words, Ais lowered her head even further.
She wasn't willing to give up on this. However, Yuki just raised his hand.
"It's better if you stop. My fighting style and yours are very different. It would be inappropriate and confusing to try to understand my style. I am a Shinobi, and you are a swordsman. It's better to give up."
Shaking his head, Yuki wasn't lying. Even though he used a sword and practiced Kenjutsu, he was still a Shinobi. Even now as an adventurer, his roots belonged to the Shinobi world.
That's why Ais couldn't learn from him. It would only bring an unstable foundation to her training, causing a disaster.
"Please, I need it, I must become stronger. Please."
Lowering her head even more, Ais still didn't give up. Even though she understood Yuki's point, she had hope. She still had a battle to face, and now she was too weak—an ant in front of true powers. That's why she desired Yuki's strength, who effortlessly defeated a superior monster.
"..."
On the other hand, Yuki was considering various options. Accepting this girl's proposal would be beneficial for him. Having her as a member of the second-strongest family would bring a strong connection, as well as stability. If he wanted to establish his base in this world, he needed to ensure this city was under his strict control. And for that, Yuki needed the Goddesses, who would take care of all his needs and act as his shield.
However, Yuki also didn't want to deceive this girl, as he felt some emotional attachment to her, being similar to him. Not to mention, he knew about her story through Rasiel and understood why she desperately sought power.
(I guess I'll use that.)
Thinking about the Eight Inner Gates, Yuki wanted to test if this girl could cultivate them. Even though this technique used the body instead of a sword as a weapon, Yuki wanted to see if she could surpass her limits, increase both speed and endurance, and also test her skills in Kenjutsu.
Thinking seriously, Yuki brought a hand to his chin.
*BROOMMMM
However, while lost in his thoughts, the dungeon shook again.
"Eh?"
Turning his head, Yuki's instincts kicked in; something big was about to emerge.
"Something is coming... Something big."
Even Ais could feel it; after all, the amount of energy escaping was enormous, on a completely different scale from Goliath.
"It is..."
*Creak
*Clink
Creating several cracks, the dungeon wall shattered like glass, revealing something horrifying.
*ROOOOAR
With the sound of a roar, a pair of sharp claws, as well as various bones, emerged from the wall.
*ROOOAR
Roaring again, a skeletal beastly head with horns was seen, along with long skeletal arms forcing their way out of the wall, several spider-like bone structures, a long skeletal tail, and disproportionately long legs. Its bony body was protected by armor that initially looked like chainmail.
"I see... A defense system, huh?"
Looking at the deep bloodlust in those red eyes within its empty sockets, Yuki frowned. After all, he knew he would have to face this beast sooner or later.
*ROOOOAR
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TN: guess which monster it is lul