Holding the rapier in my hand, that feeling returns—the feeling of the "breathing of the sword," as Alter once called it.
It's hard to put into words. It feels like eting an old friend I thought I had lost, even though it's just a wooden friend and not actually a tal one.
Every cell in my body stirs awake, trembling with energy. My heartbeat quickens, my muscles tingle, as though my very flesh is urging on, to move, to swing, to thrust, to cut! It's intoxicating. I feel like I could lose myself in the rush, like I've just downed three cups of strong coffee and now the jitters won't stop.
But no. Being too excited will only trip up.
I force myself to pause. Slowly, I let out a breath, guiding my racing thoughts back into calm. My grip loosens just enough, my shoulders soften.
"Now," Eris asks, tilting her head with a smile, "do you still rember all the moves? Can you show again?"
"Well…" My voice trails off as hesitation creeps in.
It's been so long since I last held a sword. Not once have I practiced since that day we walked out of the Morvena Dungeon. Even I don't know how much my brain and body rembers—not just the theory, but the actual motions, the flow, the rhythm.
Still… my heart stirs. I want to find out.
I step farther ahead, choosing a patch of ground where the grass is flat and the space is open. The air feels a little cooler here, as though it, too, is waiting for my performance.
"Alright—ti for action, nya!" I declare, trying to shake off the nerves.
I draw in a deep breath, close my eyes, and let everything else fall away.
In the darkness of my mind, the world turns quiet. And there, rising from mory, cos the image of Alter.
My thoughts drift back to that mont—
The very mont when Alter first guided through her beautiful sword art.
___________________
Again—the Di Ventaria Sword Art.
Also known as the Royal Di Ventaria Sword Waltz.
An elegant, beautiful, yet extrely powerful set of sword skills, it originated from the Royal Family of Alter's past life—the House of Di Ventaria. As their princess, Alter had practiced it since the day she could hold a blade. Each swing, each step, each breath of hers had been refined until perfection.
Thirteen moves.
Thirteen "sword songs."
Each one composed with its own rhythm and tempo, like music given form. Each one bearing a na as beautiful as its movents. Together, they were not simply sword techniques, but a waltz of steel.
Yes! I rember it now!
First Move — Glass Requiem!
I spring into motion! In an instant, my rapier pierces the air again and again in a flurry of shallow strikes!
Schew! Schew! Schew!
The blade whistles with each thrust, as if the air itself is crying out.
And oh boy—even I'm shocked at my own speed!
Just now, I managed ten thrusts in a single second! My arm feels like a stabbing machine gone wild!
Not quite as fast as Alter, of course. Her thrusts were so fast they were invisible, a blur my eyes could never follow. But still—this is incredible!
Yet speed alone isn't enough. Glass Requiem demands precision too.
I take another breath, forcing my excitent into focus. My gaze drifts over the field, and there—scattered crimson flowers swaying gently in the breeze. A sudden idea flashes in my mind.
I crouch low, then sweep my leg outward. A rush of wind bursts forth, scattering the blossoms into the air.
Now, a storm of petals whirls before my eyes, spinning, falling.
And in that mont, those tiny petals—each no larger than a fingernail—beco my targets!
"Alright! Let's do this!
Di Ventaria Sword Waltz! First Move—Glass Requiem!
"Hiyaaaa!"
Vzzt! Vzzt! Vzzt! Vzzt! VZZT!
My sword flashes through the air like a streak of lightning.
In the blink of an eye, my rapier pierces the petals swirling before !
Well… not all of them. I did miss a few.
But still—ninety percent of them landed clean! The petals now hang on my blade, stacked one after another like I've just made flower skewers!
My eyes widen, my breath catching in shock and delight.
"I… I actually did it?!"
I didn't even think I could pull sothing like this off!
"Ooooh! Ohhh! Eris! Eris!" I shout, bouncing on my heels like an excited child. "D-did you see that!? Did you see that!?"
Mwahahahaha!
I'm amazing!
This is aweso!!!
…Okay, fine. Strictly speaking, this sword technique isn't really mine. It's just that this body rembers how to perform it. After all, it once belonged to Alter, and every single move of this sword style has been carved deep into its muscle mory.
But hey!
I'm allowed to be proud!
Heck yeah!
"Wooooooah!" Eris gasps, clapping her hands to her mouth. Her eyes sparkle, wide with disbelief. "F-Felicia, this is incredible! Even I don't think I could pull sothing like that off!"
"Mwehehe!" I plant my fists on my hips and puff out my chest proudly. "Looks like I'm a genius now!"
Eris giggles, shaking her head. "Alright then, genius—can you perform the rest of the moves?"
"Nn! I'll try!"
Without waiting, I hop backward, twirling my rapier into position once more. My feet slide against the grass, and my body feels lighter than air—like the music of the sword is flowing through again.
And so, I leap back into action!
Second Move — Crimson Tercet!
Third Move — Nocturne Fall!
Fourth Move — Waltz of Dusk!!!
…
In the end, all thirteen moves are completed—each one to near perfection!
My sword sings thirteen sword songs, weaving them together into a breathtaking performance.
A step back, a twirl, and then a deep bow—like a waltz dancer who has just finished the most elegant recital. My small dress flutters with the motion, and pride swells warm and bright in my chest.
Clap clap clap!
Eris claps with all her strength, her palms ringing loud, her eyes brimming with tears of admiration.
"Beautiful! So beautiful!" she exclaims, her voice trembling with awe.
"Mwehehe!" I scratch my nose, grinning from ear to ear, cheeks heating up despite myself.
But then—Eris bends down and casually picks up a sword. A slender one-handed wooden blade.
"Eh?" I blink in surprise.
Eris.. what is she doing? I wonder.
Eris walks slowly toward . Then she stops, bows slightly, and extends a hand toward like a knight inviting a partner to dance.
"Miss Flufftail," she says with a gentle, almost teasing smile. "Your sword waltz was amazing. So… would you like to have a dance with ?"
Ba-dump!
My heart skips hard against my ribs.
"W-w-w-what's this? A… a dance?" I stamr, ears twitching furiously.
"I an… a spar, of course." Eris grins, her fangs peeking just a little. "Silly Felicia."
A… spar?
With Eris?
UOOOOOOOOOH!!!
"HELL YEAH! BRING IT ON!" I scream, my tail curling up in excitent.
"Alright. Co at with everything you've got!" Eris declares, raising her sword in a ready stance. "If your blade can score a legit hit on , you win."
"Ohoho! How bold of you, Miss Eris, to challenge !" I puff out my chest, grinning smugly. "Then tell —what happens if I win? Will there be a reward?"
"Of course." Eris narrows her eyes, her smile sharpening into sothing daring. "If you win… hmmm… I'll grant you one request."
"Ooooh! A request? Anything?" My ears perk straight up.
"Anything."
"Hahaha! Eris, you'll regret this! I'll claim my prize!"
"The ti limit is ten minutes."
"Bring it on!"
And so, Eris and I take our places, facing each other on the open ground. The breeze stirs around us, carrying the last few flower petals from my earlier dance. Both of us raise our swords.
My heart pounds wildly in my chest, every beat echoing in my ears.
I don't even know what I'll ask for yet…
But this battle—this duel with Eris—
I will definitely win!
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