Chapter 29: A Farewell to the Training Grounds
The afternoon sun hung low over the Augustine estate's training grounds, casting a golden glow across the familiar field. Argus stood at the edge, his wooden sword strapped to his back, his heart heavy with the knowledge that this would be his final training session with Suzume—at least for now.
Suzume, as usual, was already there, leaning against her favorite tree with her arms crossed and a mischievous smirk on her face. But today, something in her expression was different, softer. The air between them felt heavier, not with tension, but with the weight of all the time they'd spent together.
"Look who's on time for once," Suzume teased, pushing herself off the tree as she strode toward him. "Guess you finally learned a thing or two."
Argus rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the small grin that tugged at his lips. "Maybe I just didn't want to hear your complaining for the last time."
Suzume laughed, the sound light and carefree, though there was an underlying note of nostalgia in it. She circled him slowly, looking him up and down, as if assessing how much he'd grown since they'd started training together.
"You're not that scrawny kid I first started working with, that's for sure," Suzume said, her voice softer than usual. "You've come a long way, brat."
Argus could feel the warmth in her words, even through the teasing. He had come a long way—thanks to her. Everything he had achieved up to this point was because of her relentless pushing, her refusal to let him quit, and the bond they'd built over the years.
"You're the one who made sure of that," Argus replied, a rare seriousness in his tone. "I wouldn't be where I am without you, Master."
Suzume froze for a split second, her eyes widening slightly before she quickly regained her composure. Argus rarely called her 'Master' without some kind of sarcasm laced in his tone. Hearing it so sincerely made her pause.
"Don't get all sappy on me now," Suzume said, though her voice had lost some of its usual sharpness. She stopped in front of him, her eyes meeting his in a moment of unspoken understanding. This wasn't just another training session, and they both knew it.
Argus stood quietly, waiting for her next move. He had grown used to Suzume's teasing, her unpredictable nature. But today felt different, more intimate in a way that made him acutely aware of how much their dynamic had evolved.
Before he could react, Suzume stepped forward and, without warning, pulled him into a tight hug. It wasn't the kind of embrace Argus was used to from her—this one was warm, genuine, and filled with unspoken emotion. He could feel her chest press against him, and for a moment, he was completely enveloped by her.
"Hey, what's this for?" Argus asked, his voice muffled as he found himself squished between her chest. His tone was half-teasing, but there was a sense of comfort in her closeness.
"Don't think too much of it, brat," Suzume replied, her voice soft near his ear. "Just... consider it a reward for surviving all my torture over the years."
Argus chuckled, though he could feel the slight tremor in her grip. He knew this wasn't just about surviving training. Suzume wasn't one to show vulnerability often, and this moment—this hug—was more than just a casual gesture. It was her way of letting him know that she was proud of him, even if she'd never admit it outright.
After a moment, she released him, though the warmth of her touch lingered.
"Don't let it go to your head," Suzume added, her smirk returning, though her eyes still held that softness. "You're still a brat, even if you've grown up a bit."
"Right," Argus replied, grinning. "Still your brat though, right?"
Suzume's smirk widened, and she shook her head. "Always, brat. Always."
They stood in comfortable silence for a few moments, the weight of their bond hanging between them. This was goodbye—for now—but it didn't feel like an end. Suzume would always be his master, and he would always be her only disciple. Their connection ran deeper than just swords and void powers.
"Here," Suzume said suddenly, breaking the silence as she reached into her jacket. She pulled out a small, intricately wrapped bundle and handed it to him.
Argus took it, raising an eyebrow. "What's this?"
"Just something to remember me by when you're off showing off at the academy," Suzume said, her tone casual, though there was a hint of something more beneath it. "Open it."
Argus carefully unwrapped the bundle, revealing a finely crafted dagger. Its blade was sleek and sharp, with runes etched into the metal, similar to the ones Suzume used in her own weapons. The hilt was wrapped in dark leather, and the weight of it in his hand felt perfectly balanced.
"Master... this is incredible," Argus murmured, his eyes wide as he admired the craftsmanship.
"It's not just any dagger," Suzume said, her voice a touch more serious now. "The runes are designed to channel your void powers. It'll grow with you, adapt to your strength. You'll need something to rely on when I'm not there to kick your ass."
Argus looked up at her, his expression filled with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper. "Thank you, Master."
Suzume smirked, but her eyes softened again. "Don't thank me, brat. Just make sure you use it well. And don't forget who gave it to you when you're out there making a name for yourself."
Argus nodded, slipping the dagger into its sheath and attaching it to his belt. He felt the weight of her gift settle against his side, a constant reminder of everything she had taught him.
"You'll do fine at the academy," Suzume said, her tone turning playful as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "But don't go bullying those poor kids just because you're stronger. Try to behave, brat."
Argus smiled. "I will. And I'll remember everything you taught me."
"Good," Suzume replied, giving him a firm pat on the back. "Now, get going before I decide to give you one last sparring session for old time's sake."
Argus laughed, knowing full well that if they started sparring again, it would last hours. "I'll pass, Master. I think I've had enough beatings for one lifetime."
Suzume chuckled, watching as Argus turned to leave the training grounds. She stood there, her arms crossed, her smirk fading just slightly as she watched her only disciple walk away.
As Argus reached the edge of the grounds, he turned back to look at her one last time. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, there was no teasing, no mockery—just mutual respect and the bond they had forged over the years.
"Take care, brat," Suzume called out, her voice carrying through the wind.
"You too, Master," Argus replied, his smile lingering as he turned and made his way toward the mansion, the weight of his new dagger reminding him of the journey ahead.