The art of aura sword was more than just physical prowess. It was a connection between the wielder and their weapon, a bond that transcended mere steel and flesh.
For those who mastered this connection, a power known as sword aura would manifest - a will coated with a spirit of strength capable of cutting through diamonds with ease.
But there was a technique that surpassed even this.
Unlike sword aura, El uara allowed the sword itself to react directly to the wielder's spirit, forging a connection between their soul and the blade.
It was a difficult technique, for the stronger the power, the more the wielder's life span would decrease.
Only the creator of the technique possessed the ability of immortality, and thus only they could wield it without fear.
Legends spoke of those who had achieved mastery over El uara, their swords becoming extensions of their very being.
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The mere presence of the grandfather was enough to make anyone fall on their knees out of fear. But what I felt was different - it was not fear, but a sense of impending doom.
It was like the Grim Reaper himself had shown up in front of me, waiting for my death.
As I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel that his sword was even more dangerous.
It was as if it had a life of its own, taunting me with every move.
And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, Grandfather made a move. In one blink, he was already in front of me, his sword flash aimed at my neck.
The surroundings became silent as I wondered if this was the end for me.
But then, something unexpected happened. The grandfather's sword stopped before it cut my neck. It was like he was testing me.
"So, this is the clan's martial arts, how beautiful,"
I said, my voice calm and composed.
"Indeed, and if you can't learn this technique, I won't allow you to ascend in that world,"
Grandfather's words, his eyes fixed on mine.
As soon as I heard my grandfather's words, a wave of relief washed over me.
It meant that I still had a chance to get stronger and become the kind of protector Mae deserved.
But even as hope began to bloom, I couldn't ignore the fact that my body was at its limit.
After I collapsed, looks like my grandmother was watching the whole scene in the corner and walked in front of me.
"You lied, Vesper. If my memory serves me right, learning that technique is not one of the qualifications for learning Elrod techniques. Why did you force Sean to learn that technique?"
While my grandfather watching my body, he grasped his sword and looked carefully.
"So you're watching, Iris. It's cold, so my guess is right. I force him to learn that technique because his mother doesn't have enough time, if this continues; another war will start before he ascends. Actually, I was hesitating on teaching it to him, because that technique comes with a great price. But who knows what will happen, they say blood will tell. Am I right? Lady Aurora"
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As the days turned into weeks and the weeks became months, my grandfather trained me with an iron will.
His patience and guidance were unwavering, and I felt my strength grow with each passing day. We trained tirelessly until the cold winds of winter gave way to the warm embrace of spring.
It was then, after six long months, that my grandfather began to teach me the techniques of our clan.
Day by day, he imparted his knowledge to me until I was ready to take the next step on my journey.
And finally, that day arrived - the day of my Ascension to Ethereal. I stood before my grandfather, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, as he spoke to me with pride in his eyes.
"So, now's the day, huh? Sean. You managed to survive under my guidance, and now it's up to you. Find your answers on the way to Ethereal and discover what lies ahead. Make your name known in that world!"
"Thank you for everything, grandfather. I won't disappoint you."
I nodded, determined to make my grandfather proud.
"Ah, before I forget, there's something I want to give you. Follow me."
He smiled warmly at me.
Without hesitation, I followed him down a hidden path - one that I had always been forbidden to explore.
As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.
As I approached the entrance, I saw my grandfather standing before the door, murmuring something under his breath.
Could it be the key to unlocking the secrets within? With bated breath, I watched as he turned to me and handed me a small object, nodding in silent agreement that it was time to enter.
The door creaked open, revealing a room filled with weapons and treasures beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
The air was thick with the scent of ancient metals and the promise of power.
As I gazed upon the weapons before me, I could feel their strength pulsing through my veins.
But what caught my eyes was the sword that lay before me, its blade gleaming in the light, a sea of blue that captured my attention from the moment I laid eyes on it.
The weapon had no guard, but that only added to its beauty, and as I gazed at it, I felt an inexplicable urge to wield it.
"I was about to introduce her to you but I think there's no need now,"
Grandfather words.
"Huh, is this the thing you want to give me?"
I asked, my eyes still fixed on the sword.
"Yes, that's one of your mother's swords. During her debut as an ascendant, she went through a lot of battles and this sword is the one she used when she developed two of her final techniques, more importantly, it was forged by your father himself"
The word "Father" felt meaningless to me, as I had never met him in my entire life. And yet, here was one of his works, right before me.
"Your father's probably is on Ethereal. Don't hate your father too much; even he wants to meet you and your sister. He probably looking for a clue as to why your mother disappeared when he fought that demon 5 years ago."
"But-"
"Enough chit-chat. Here's your sword. Take care of it, just like your mother cared for hers. It's yours now; by the way, it has a name. Out of all of her swords, that's probably the only one she named personally because all of her swords were already named before bearing. Take good care of it, Sean. This sword's name is Yume."
As I held Yume, one of my mother's swords during her debut, I felt a sense of awe and reverence overcome me.
The sword, once wielded by the genius princess who managed to surpass even one of the demon kings in Ethereal, was now in my possession.
Its beauty was beyond compare, and my eyes refused to look away from it.
As I gazed at the intricate details etched upon its surface, I couldn't help but feel a sense of oneness with the sword.
It was as though the sword and I were meant to be together, united in purpose and strength.
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As the inheritance was settled, my grandfather and I finally left the room and made our way back to where my sister and grandmother were waiting for us.
My heart was heavy as I knew that this was the last moment I would spend with my family for a long time.
"It looks like this is goodbye,"
I said softly, trying to hide the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.
"Take care of yourself, brother. I'll catch up with you soon,"
my sister replied, her voice laced with concern.
"Take care, Sean. Make sure you come back to us,"
My grandmother added, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I felt a lump form in my throat as I struggled to control my emotions.
I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my only family behind, but I knew that this was something I had to do.
As the tears started to stream down my face, I turned to my grandparents and spoke from my heart.
"Thank you for taking care of me all these years. I promise I will come back without a single scratch. Please take care of my sister for me."
We all struggled to control our emotions, but we knew that this was the last moment we would share for a long time.
As I left the home that had taken care of me for years, I couldn't help but wonder what this feeling was that was hurting my heart so much.
I knew that this farewell would be something I would cherish forever.
The air was heavy with the weight of emotion as I prepared to leave my earthly life behind. With a heavy heart, I summoned Aurora, my ethereal spirit who I made a contract on.
"Auror- no, Beira, please send me there, in Ethereal I mean,"
I whispered, my voice choked with tears.
"Beira? Did you just call me whatever you want?"
Beira raised an eyebrow at my use of her new nickname.
"I mean, it's pain if I call you Aurora - it's long. So I came up with a nickname to call you. Beira is considered to be the goddess of winter, you know."
I quickly explained myself.
"As long as you're okay,"
Beira replied with a small smile.
And with that, she created a massive portal before me, a swirling vortex of light that would take me to my new home.
I took one last look at my family, tears streaming down my face as I bid them a final farewell.
Every step I took toward the portal felt like a heavy price to pay, for the path I was taking was not one that would be considered normal in any sense of the word. But for me, it was the only path there was.
And then, with one final step, I stepped through the portal and officially ascended to Ethereal, leaving my earthly life behind me forever.