NOAH'S (POV)
With less than two months left before we all leave the mansion for our adventures, I still hadn't made any real progress with my Time Element. My level hadn't increased either—it only grows when I kill monsters or demons. I've never killed a human before, so I don't even know if that gives experience.
At this point, I had no choice but to ask my father to contact the Headmaster to help train me in time magic.
My parents were shocked by the number of elements I could use, but surprisingly, they didn't press me for answers. Even the Headmaster, Rein Shroud, was stunned when he learned I possessed the Time Element.
He seemed genuinely eager to repay me—for saving Olivia. A True Saintess. If she had died that day, the Church wouldn't have remained silent.
A True Saintess had only appeared once before in history—during the Great War against the demons. Olivia wasn't just important to the Church, she was vital for the entire future.
Currently, my parents were training the girls while I stood across from this old man—well, Headmaster Rein Shroud.
His presence alone was overwhelming. Majestic. One gaze from him, and you'd be on your knees before you even realized it. His golden eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom, and his long mahogany hair flowed like a river of memories—proof of the countless battles he'd endured.
"Umm, it's been a while, Headmaster," I said, his piercing gaze fixed on me like he'd found a priceless treasure.
"Ah, yes. I heard you want me to help you train your Time Element," he said, calmly.
"Yes," I replied instantly.
"Are you ready to face anything while I teach you?" he asked, a dangerous glint in his eye.
"Yes. I won't give up," I said firmly.
"I'll be merciless," he warned.
"I forgot what mercy feels like since training with Father," I muttered.
I remembered clearly—I'd been beaten until I couldn't get up, from sunrise to sunset. Every day.
"Good," Rein grinned. "Because I'll show you real hell. Hahaha!"
Somehow, I already regretted this decision. "This old man... just you wait," I thought, watching him laugh like a lunatic.
"Let's begin."
Rein closed his eyes, focusing his mana. The air trembled around him as mana began to pulse.
[Domain Expansion]
A golden ripple spread from beneath his feet, expanding outward. I watched in awe as a barrier of glimmering light and distorted space enveloped the area—but only I was trapped within.
[Light + Time]
Suddenly, swords made entirely of radiant particles shimmered into existence. Thousands. No—millions. They hovered in the air like a divine judgment, ready to strike from every direction.
[Infinite Loop of Swords]
The moment he uttered those words, the swords began to multiply. I couldn't even see the end of them. A literal sea of blades.
"Does this old man want to kill me!?" I shouted, gaping at the endless swordstorm.
"Old man! Are you trying to murder me?!"
"Oh? You're ready to start already? Here you go," he said casually, lifting his hand.
The swords began to move. Slowly at first. Then they accelerated in all directions—some flying directly at me.
"WAIT—OLD MAN—! ARGH!" I screamed as a sword grazed my shoulder, blood spurting.
"Eva, activate Pain Resistance permanently!" I yelled.
[Pain Resistance has been locked as active for the entire training period.]
"Good," I growled, gritting my teeth as I ran and dodged while blocking the incoming swords. Each one carried monstrous power—just brushing against them left deep gashes.
Thirty minutes passed. My body was soaked in blood, sword wounds decorating me from head to toe.
"You won't get anywhere by just running and dodging," Rein called out, as calm as ever.
"Then... haah... what should I do...?!" I gasped.
He was literally eating cup noodles while I fought for my life! What kind of training was this!?
"You need to use your Time Element so the swords can't touch you," he said flatly.
"And how am I supposed to do that?!" I snapped.
'If I knew how to use time, I wouldn't have called you here, old bastard...' I grumbled internally.
"You'll have to find out yourself."
"Great."
"One more thing," he added.
Now what?
"I'm speeding up the swords since you're slacking off," he said with a devilish grin.
"WHAT—?!" I barely dodged one, only to have another slice through my arm. "ARGH!!"
The pain was unbearable.
This domain... it was a loop of time. Even when my limbs were cut, they would regenerate over and over—but the pain remained just as real.
Having your hand sliced off once is traumatic. Repeatedly? Torture.
My vision blurred as I staggered. "Radiant Bloom!"
Golden vines burst from the ground, wrapping around my body. Warm light healed me, and for a moment, I could think clearly again.
Why the hell was I running? I had so many elements. I didn't need to run—I needed to fight.
"Let's do this."
I summoned ten clones. Some were instantly skewered, but I kept summoning more.
"Create a barrier!" I commanded.
"Fire Shield!"
"Earth Wall!"
"Water Prison!"
"Thorn Cage!"
Even a Thunderstorm crackled above, but the swords pierced everything.
I used Distortion and Compression—it worked for a bit, but the sheer number of blades overwhelmed my spells.
Dark Bind gripped swords and held them back, but it wasn't enough.
Crack... crash... crater...
Every barrier shattered. Every clone died.
I was alone—gasping—watching a tidal wave of blades rush toward me.
A memory flickered in my mind. The battle against the Shadow Demon. I had used my final form then. That's how I survived—barely.
But now... could I?
I don't have time to think.
"Eva, after I use my fifth form—immediately activate REVIVE."
[Understood.]
"Let's see..."
I gripped my sword tightly, channeling all my mana into it. My vision narrowed. The world slowed.
"This will be the second time..."
"Eclipse Blade: Fifth Form."
The atmosphere shifted. A dense stillness descended. Even the blades slowed slightly.
[Celestial Void]
-to be continued....