Agares was pushed back after being struck by Aoi’s magical claw attack.
He didn’t block it using his saber skill—he simply slashed through the attack and relied on basic sword techniques for defense.
From this, the man discovered two important things about Aoi’s progress.
First, Aoi’s Mana capacity had increased, along with her attributes. That ant she didn’t tire as easily as before.
Second, Aoi had beco familiar with her attack pattern. She realized she only had one offensive skill—Fox Nature Claw.
But if she could fully master it, it wouldn’t be surprising if she unlocked new ones in ti.
And lastly, Agares noticed how Aoi’s movents and attack patterns had beco familiar. He wasn’t observing them to find gaps to win—but to find her weak spots and help cover them with his own strength.
In the end, the two of them would always be a small team working together.
"How are you feeling, Aoi?" asked Agares.
Aoi smiled. She felt that today’s sparring was beyond her expectations. Even so, training with Agares had drained her stamina.
Before she could even take a step toward him, Aoi fell down onto the grass, panting heavily. She was exhausted.
Agares knelt down, thrusting Shadepiercer into the ground as he caught his breath. He wasn’t as tired as Aoi—he could still keep going as usual.
He returned Shadepiercer to his inventory, then walked forward and crouched beside Aoi, who now lay flat on the ground, eyes closed, completely relaxed.
"Let’s take a break."
"Yes, let’s rest," Agares replied.
He patted his magic pouch and pulled out a handful of fresh berries. He placed them on the grass beside Aoi, and she imdiately began munching on them with delight.
Not just berries—Agares also pulled out a bottle of water from the pouch. He uncapped it and took a slow drink. It was cold and refreshing.
"Are we going to continue training?"
"No. Let’s call it a day."
As Agares and Aoi rested, soft footsteps approached from behind them. Agares instinctively turned and saw it was Milenia.
She had woken up and was carrying a tray with three glasses—two dium-sized and one small.
"You both must be thirsty. Here, take these."
"How did you know we were training out here?" asked Agares.
Milenia smiled and turned to et his gaze. She had heard the sounds of combat coming from the backyard.
When she asked one of the maids to confirm, she found out that Agares and Aoi were out here training.
"I heard you two sparring. Of course, I had to bring sothing refreshing to drink," she said.
Aoi quickly got up and took the small glass, which was filled with a stamina recovery drink with a grape flavor—not wine.
Agares smiled and took one of the glasses, sipping it slowly. Milenia sat down on the ground with them, kneeling as she curiously listened to their training details. Aoi had a lot to say.
Milenia and Agares smiled as they listened to Aoi’s stories. Then, Milenia leaned against Agares’s shoulder—sothing that clearly surprised him.
"Aoi’s progress is truly impressive," Milenia said.
"Yeah. She’s a talented fox. It’s no wonder she’s already mastered her attack skill so quickly," said Agares.
"What’s your next plan?"
Agares fell silent. He glanced sideways, noticing Milenia still looking ahead, watching Aoi perform battle stances like a proper Kitsune. Every now and then, Milenia chuckled at Aoi’s antics.
’Is it okay to leave her alone? Or... should I just take her with to the dungeon?’ thought Agares.
"I’ll probably return into the dungeon soon—maybe tomorrow or the day after."
"I see. Then I’ll wait here."
"Don’t you want to co with us?" asked Agares.
Aoi nodded in agreent, clearing her throat. If Milenia joined them in the dungeon, their combined strength would multiply several tis over.
Milenia’s first reaction was shock.
She hadn’t expected Agares to invite her to explore the dungeon with him. That was a clear sign that he trusted her—especially her judgnt.
Even so, she still carried trauma from the dungeon. Every ti she saw its damp, dark, cold walls, mories of her fallen party mbers would co rushing back.
She didn’t want to feel that. Most of all, she didn’t want to lose soone important to her ever again. She wanted Agares to stay alive and safe.
"Co with us, Milenia," Aoi coaxed.
"I don’t know... It’s been three years since I last explored a dungeon. I’m afraid I’ll only slow you down," Milenia replied.
"You’ll slow us down? Don’t worry—Agares is with us," Aoi said, pointing at her master.
Agares gave a faint smile, then turned until his eyes t Milenia’s. His gaze had changed lately—especially since spending the past week with her.
Milenia had co to prefer this current look in his eyes over the cold, emotionless one he had when they first t.
"Yes. I’ll protect you."
"So, what do you think?" Agares asked.
Milenia went quiet for a mont. Taking a deep breath, she finally began to open up about her situation.
She did want to go back to adventuring in the dungeon, but the trauma and grief from losing her party still haunted her deeply.
Agares nodded. Healing outer wounds was easy—but healing emotional scars and trauma was sothing else. It required more than help from others—it demanded personal resolve.
"I don’t know what happened to you, but the only way to overco that trauma is to face it head-on."
"If your trauma is tied to a floor boss, then you need to fight that boss—and believe that it’s beatable."
"If your mind can accept that a boss monster can be defeated, your fear and trauma will lose their grip on you."
Milenia nodded, agreeing with his reasoning. But still, just the thought of stepping into the dungeon corridors filled her with dread.
"Thank you... but I don’t think I’ll go with you," she replied softly.
Agares furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes. He felt responsible for helping her overco her trauma. He didn’t want Milenia to be trapped in sorrow and guilt any longer.
"No. You will co with ."
"But I already said I—"
WHOOSH!
Agares summoned Shadepiercer and swung it to the side as he stood. The blade stopped just at Milenia’s neck, startling her.
"I already told you."
He pulled the sword back and stabbed its tip into the ground. Milenia’s pupils dilated like a startled cat’s, her full attention now locked on Agares.
"I will help you deal with your trauma. And for your safety—I’ll handle that, too."
"I’ll protect Milenia as well!" Aoi chid in, raising her paw.
He turned and smiled, correcting himself with a more serious gaze directed at Milenia.
"That’s right. I and Aoi will protect you!"
"How?" asked Agares.
Milenia stood frozen, heart pounding, hands trembling.
She was completely stunned, unable to speak, overwheld by the sight of Agares trying to take on her trauma all by himself.
For the first ti in her life, Milenia had t a man like Agares. A man like him was what every woman dread of.
Milenia wanted to spend her entire life with Agares—for him and beside him.
She smiled through teary eyes, "Of course."
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