A Familiar Face
Jeremy's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the warm glow of sunlight streaming through the window. His gaze fell upon a familiar figure sitting in a chair, engrossed in a book.
Aria, Ares' daughter, looked up, her bright blue eyes sparkling. "You're awake."
Jeremy's voice was rough from sleep. "Damm, you've grown up. I remember when you were just a little girl, always calling Ares 'Papa'."
Aria's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, embarrassed. "Please, don't bring it up."
Jeremy chuckled, wincing in pain. "Sorry, sorry. Can't help but notice."
Aria's expression turned serious. "Besides that, I heard you fought Big Sis Akane."
Jeremy's gaze narrowed. "You called her 'Big Sis'? You know her?"
Aria nodded. "Yes, we're... acquainted. She's a strong warrior, but her methods can be... extreme."
Jeremy's thoughts turned to the battle. "That's an understatement."
Aria's curiosity got the better of her. "What was it like, fighting Akane?"
Jeremy's expression darkened. "Intense. She's relentless."
Aria's eyes sparkled with interest. "I've heard rumors about her Inferno's Cage technique..."
Jeremy nodded. "It's real, and deadly."
The conversation flowed easily, Jeremy feeling at ease with Aria's warm and caring demeanor.
But beneath the surface, questions lingered.
What was Aria's connection to Akane?
And what secrets lay hidden behind Aria's innocent smile?
Jeremy's curiosity deepened. "How do you know Akane?"
Aria's expression turned nostalgic. "I met her when I was seven. She fought Father to the death."
Jeremy's eyes widened. "Weren't you worried about your father fighting Akane? No offense, I know your father is strong, but Akane is... different. She thrives in battle."
Aria's smile was serene. "I wasn't really worried. Father is the strongest, and you know he loves fighting too. I think that's why he and Akane get along – they're both battle maniacs."
Jeremy shuddered, remembering their intense fight.
Aria continued, "Long story short, Father won, and I got to talk to Akane about her sword philosophy."
Jeremy leaned in, intrigued. "What's her philosophy?"
Aria's eyes sparkled. "She believes a sword should reflect one's soul, and the strongest swords are forged in the fiercest battles. Akane thinks that every clash, every scar and every victory etches the warrior's essence into the blade."
Jeremy's gaze narrowed. "That's chilling."
Aria nodded. "Akane's passion is intimidating, but fascinating. She sees swords as extensions of oneself, amplifying strengths and weaknesses."
Jeremy's interest grew. "And what do you think?"
Aria's voice softened. "I think Akane's right. A sword reveals its wielder's true nature. Father wields his claymore, Aura's Requiem, with precision and power."
Jeremy pondered. "Your father's swordsmanship is legendary."
Aria smiled. "Yes, and Akane's sword, Kaze no Kokoro, embodies her fierce spirit."
Jeremy's eyes widened. "Kaze no Kokoro? That's a powerful name."
Aria nodded. "It means 'Heart of the Wind.' Akane's sword is as swift and deadly as its name suggests."
The conversation flowed, revealing hidden depths in Aria's connection to Akane.
Jeremy wondered: What secrets lay hidden behind Akane's ferocity?
Aria's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love learning about the Sword King's philosophy. I'm happy to finally ask you, Jeremy, about yours."
Jeremy looked at her, intrigued. "You really want to know about mine?"
Aria nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! You're part of the Sword King and ranked third. I already asked my father and Daniel Lostbell."
Jeremy's curiosity piqued. "What are their sword philosophies?"
Aria smiled. "Father said his is perseverance – never giving up and striving to win every battle he faces."
"For Daniel Lostbell?" Jeremy asked.
Aria's voice took on a contemplative tone. "He said it's about honor and duty. To wield a sword is to cherish its beauty and significance, never taking it for granted. He believes swords embody one's convictions and wielding one means fighting for what you believe in."
Jeremy nodded thoughtfully. "I see."
Aria leaned in, expectant. "Now, Jeremy, what's your sword philosophy?"
Jeremy paused, reflecting. "Mine's... resilience. My sword, Mischief Katana, represents adaptability and cunning. But, truthfully, a sword isn't anything special – it's all about how you perceive it."
Aria's eyebrows rose.
Jeremy's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Anything can become a sword, depending on your mindset."
He broke off a piece of wood from the table.
"The moment I thought of this as a sword, it was one."
With a swift motion, Jeremy sliced the table in half.
Aria gasped.
Jeremy looked at Aria, grinning. "This is my sword philosophy."
Aria's eyes widened in amazement, then narrowed.
"You know Mom will be mad that you slashed her table."
Jeremy froze.
"God damn!"
Aria giggled.
"I guess you proved your point, Jeremy."
Jeremy chuckled nervously.
"Guess I did."
The air filled with laughter, forging stronger bonds between Jeremy and Aria.
Jeremy leaned back, casual. "I heard from your father you're joining Ted's team for the Tournament of Power."
Aria nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Father really respects him. I don't really know much about him, but I know he's very powerful."
Jeremy chuckled. "That's an understatement. Ted, the Unmovable Mountain, is a legend. He's a war hero, like your father."
Aria's curiosity piqued. "What makes him so remarkable?"
Jeremy's grin widened. "He single-handedly killed the Vampire King, ending the century-long war. His body is like the Great Wall – nearly indestructible."
Aria's eyes widened.
Jeremy continued, "Ted created the Darknious Shield technique, blocking even deadly blows. Plus, he's contracted with the Golden Dragon."
Aria's jaw dropped. "That's incredible! Dragons are notoriously prideful."
Jeremy nodded. "Yes, and the Golden Dragon's power enhances Ted's defense. Even your father, the God of Aura Proxy, acknowledges Ted's prowess."
Aria leaned in, intrigued. "What did Father say?"
Jeremy's voice took on a serious tone. "He said Ted's Darknious Shield might be the only technique to surpass his aura control. Father's impressed, and that's rare."
Aria's determination burned brighter. "I'm honored to fight alongside Ted."
Jeremy smiled. "You'll learn from the best. Ted's leadership and strength will propel your team to victory."
The air filled with anticipation as Jeremy and Aria continued discussing the Tournament of Power.
Aria's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Jeremy, when you recover, let's spar!"
Jeremy yawned lazily. "Why spar me? Spar your father; he's stronger."
Aria pouted. "He doesn't want to spar with me because I'm his 'little baby'."
Jeremy chuckled.
Aria continued, "But Father says you're on par with Daniel Lostbell if you took sword fighting seriously."
Jeremy yawned again. "That's too much work."
Aria's face lit up. "Please, just one spar!"
Jeremy thought, I owe Ares a debt for treating me.
"Okay, fine. We can spar tomorrow. Should be healed up by then."
Aria squealed, excited. "Okay! Don't forget!"
She dashed out of the room in a hurry.
Jeremy thought to himself, groaning mentally.
"What have I gotten myself into?"