Raon blinked slowly as he looked at Alice.
"Me?"
He had accepted the war against the Kaivar as his fight, but he thought his role would be to deal with the monsters and the Fog Tribe.
He had planned to just lend a hand at the end, but suddenly hearing that they should cut off Kaivar's head together left his mind blank.
"Then who else but you?"
"Isn't the Pirate King here?"
He pointed to Lawaine, who stood in front of Alice.
"He's the captain. He needs to lead when dealing with the monsters guarding Kaivar's nest."
She shook her head, saying Lawaine was always supposed to handle the monsters and the Fog Tribe.
"Alice is right."
Lawaine nodded with his hands behind his back.
"My role is to draw Kaivar out of his nest. It's arguably more important than confronting him."
"But with Lawaine's Astral Ring, he could easily pierce a dragon's scales…"
"My specialty is defense, so Raon's swordsmanship might be stronger."
He smiled gently, placing a hand on his chest. Though he wasn't dressed, it seemed like he was giving a Zieghart salute.
"Besides, if Kaivar knows our information as Alice suspects, Raon is the only one who can exploit that gap. Please, sever the dragon's head."
"Please."
Not just Lawaine, but the other sailors on the Azure Wind also bowed their heads. Their eyes burned with flames, possibly because their comrades in the city had died.
"Raon."
Kuberad stepped forward, biting his lip.
"This must not happen again. I beg of you."
He looked at the black smoke rising from Aikar, his white eyebrows trembling.
Wooooooong!
The Requiem Sword hummed, as if sensing Kuberad's sincerity.
"It seems your sword also wants to try. What will you do?"
Alice lightly nodded her chin as if to make a choice.
"I'll do it."
Raon nodded without much hesitation.
'Nothing changes.'
In this fight, they had to capture both the dragon and the monsters protecting it. It was just a shift in focus.
"Good, then…"
Alice stopped just as she raised her hand to pat Raon's shoulder.
"What's that seagull on your shoulder? Is it a pet?"
"…I'm not sure myself."
Raon winced as he looked at the seagull possessed by Merlin.
"You're quite peculiar."
Alice chuckled and clapped her hands, looking at the sailors.
"Everyone, prepare to depart. The front lines will arrive in Yucal Village soon. Take good care of them."
"Yes, ma'am."
Lawaine responded confidently and looked at the sailors.
"Let's start with the restoration!"
Knowing what to prioritize, he directed the survivors to treat the injured and repair essential buildings.
"I'll handle the repairs."
Kuberad declared as he led the restoration effort, hammer in hand, heading into the city with others following him.
"Then you, come with me."
Alice beckoned with her finger and walked toward the port.
"Where are we going?"
Raon followed, tilting his head in confusion.
"To discuss how to catch that mad lizard."
Without further explanation, she walked briskly.
"Hm…"
Feeling down as he observed the crushed, blood-soaked barricades, Raon soon found himself facing the wide-open blue sea.
Alice descended directly onto the water, as if it were their destination.
'A discussion at sea?'
What kind of talk?
Raon read Alice's thoughts as he stepped onto the sea.
"This should do."
Alice stopped when the harbor was faintly visible behind them and turned around.
"We don't always need words for discussions."
She drew the sword from her waist. The blade gleamed red.
"We'll depart as soon as preparations are complete. There's not enough time for a verbal exchange…"
She beckoned with her finger as if to challenge him.
"Let's have a conversation with our swords."
"Phew…"
Raon exhaled softly as he looked at Alice.
'As expected.'
When she led him to the sea, he thought she might want to spar.
'It makes sense.'
Understanding each other's martial arts through dialogue alone was difficult. To fight the dragon effectively, it was faster and more efficient to cross swords directly.
"Caw!"
The seagull on his shoulder flew off as he drew Heavenly Drive.
Raon smiled faintly and activated the Ring of Fire. As the Ring of Fire raised his realm of the soul, he sensed the calm yet immense energy in Alice's dantian. It was a daunting aura and Willpower.
'She's indeed a Transcendent Warrior…'
She was the first Transcendent Warrior of Zieghart he saw, aside from Glenn.
He operated Glacier to the extreme from the start, knowing he could barely touch her even with his full strength.
Feeling the living chill run sharply through his mana circuit, he raised Heavenly Drive.
"Then here I come."
"Anytime."
Alice naturally lowered her sword. Despite her graceful posture, there were countless openings.
Zzzzzzt!
Raon exploded Glacier and stomped. The ice from the mana circuit instantly froze the sea and Alice's legs.
"Oh?"
While Alice looked curiously at her frozen legs, he stepped with Supreme Harmony Steps. Knowing he had no chance head-on, he swung Fang of Insanity to the right, aiming at her neck, heart, and shoulder simultaneously.
Zing!
Three fierce attacks slashed at Alice's vital points.
"You're quite adept."
Alice smiled, twirling her sword lightly. Despite the playful swing, a translucent shield of aura rose before her.
Zzzzzzt!
The three strikes of Fang of Insanity were simultaneously blocked. It was a sword art that wielded aura from afar.
'As expected, her swordsmanship focuses on space.'
Just as Wrath had mentioned, Alice's specialty was space manipulation through swordsmanship. This was just the beginning.
Ching!
Raon didn't retreat. He stepped lightly on the frozen sea, approaching Alice. If distance meant nothing to her, he would close in further.
"Good decision."
Alice nodded, raising her sword.
Wooooooong!
The space before him wavered like a mirage, and a fierce strike enveloped in aura rushed at him. It wasn't just a sword energy but a strike infused with her Willpower.
Raon bit his lip and raised Heavenly Drive. The flames from the blade formed a solid shield. It was the Flame Wall of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation.
Zzzzzzt!
The Flame Wall and the spatial sword clashed, making the sea surge as if it would collapse.
Raon stepped on the waves and swung Heavenly Drive. Silver petals blossomed from the blade, rising with the sea breeze. Though lacking in finesse, the power of Fire Spirit soared and poured down on Alice.
"Beautiful."
Alice smiled faintly, drawing her sword to her chest.
Wooooooong!
The air vibrated violently, twisting the flow of mana. The fiery petals rushing towards her floundered in midair and dissipated.
"Hm…"
Raon frowned as he watched the flames dissolve into the sea.
'I didn't expect them not to reach her at all.'
Alice had manipulated space with her sword, preventing the flames from even touching her. It was a defense beyond imagination.
However, he didn't feel despair. Instead, he felt inspired by her mysterious martial arts and conceived a new defensive technique.
"Now it's my turn."
Alice smiled, extending her sword. The space before her twisted as a fierce strike imbued with aura rushed at him.
'I'll push it away.'
Just moments ago, Alice had manipulated space to repel his Fire Spirit. He might not understand the principles of her spatial sword, but he could do something similar.
Wooooooong!
Operating Glacier, he thrust Snow Flower Piercing Spear. He repelled the incoming frontal strike, while using absorption to draw in the strikes from the sides more swiftly.
Raon stepped back with Supreme Harmony's Third Step, retracting both the spear and absorption.
Boom!
The frontal strike and the drawn-in side strikes collided, causing a massive explosion that sent seawater soaring to the sky.
-You…
Wrath's jaw trembled as he watched the soaring waves.
-You, you imitated my technique to follow that thief girl's skill?
'Yes.'
Raon nodded. The frontal strike was faster, and the side strikes slower, so he used the spear and absorption to make them collide.
He felt a sense of fulfillment as he actualized what he had envisioned.
"Huh, did you just mimic my swordsmanship?"
Alice's surprised voice came from behind the waves.
'Now.'
Without answering, Raon leaped through the fountain-like seawater. He swung Heavenly Drive diagonally.
Raon Zieghart Sword Style: Silver Sword Dream.
The blade of Heavenly Drive captured the grandeur of the sea, drawing a delicate line like a dream.
Zing!
Though a surprise attack that blurred the distinction between real and fake, it still didn't reach Alice.
Using aura, she created a space impenetrable by the sword.
"Too bad."
"It's not over yet."
Raon's left hand, which had been held back, shot forward like lightning. From the Requiem Sword in his grip, a chilling energy surged.
Zing!
The red blade and the trailing icy blade struck Alice's shoulder fiercely.
Wooooooong!
However, the twin blades of Frost Snap stopped just short of Alice, unable to penetrate her space. Though the blades vibrated as if about to shatter, they couldn't break through her defense.
'I anticipated this.'
Believing Alice could block the attack, he wasn't surprised. He proceeded mechanically to his next move.
Wooooooong!
He combined the retreating Heavenly Drive and Requiem Sword. Fiery flames erupted from Heavenly Drive, and silvery cold flames from Requiem Sword.
A massive sphere of heat and cold formed at the intersection of the two swords, radiating a terrifying pulse.
Flame Dragon Strike and Astral Ring. Using dual swordsmanship, he unleashed the most powerful techniques simultaneously.
A splitting headache ensued, but he endured with the Ring of Fire, extending the attack to its fullest.
Boom!
An immense force exploded, causing a storm to sweep across Aikar, and the entire sea shook.
"Huff…"
Raon exhaled heavily, stepping back. As the wild waves subsided, Alice's figure emerged.
'Hah…'
Not a scratch…
Alice's light bronze skin was unscathed, and her clothes were intact. However, the perfect defense of her space showed a slight gap from the intense impact.
'Just that…'
Raon bit his lip as Alice smiled. At that moment, her strike pierced through the gap in space.
"Ugh…"
Raon barely nullified the attack with Heavenly Drive's White Shadow Slash, swallowing his groan.
"Hoo…"
Catching his breath, he pondered how to penetrate her defense when suddenly, applause rang out.
"Impressive."
Alice had already sheathed her sword, clapping.
"Are you mocking me?"
"No, I'm sincere. Your swordsmanship's variety, the dual sword technique balancing heat and cold, and your refined combat sense are impeccable."
She shook her head with a bright smile.
"Especially your combat sense. Among martial artists I've seen, you're the second best."
Just as he was about to ask who the best was, she continued.
"What do you think of my swordsmanship?"
"It's swordsmanship utilizing space. I couldn't find a way to break through."
"Correct. It's a maximized spatial sword."
Alice brushed her crimson hair off her forehead.
"Most are just amazed when they see spatial swordsmanship, but you're the first to try to mimic it."
She seemed genuinely surprised, her eyes sparkling with interest.
"You might be able to master it."
"Pardon?"
"Would you like to learn my swordsmanship?"
"Can I learn it?"
"I'll only teach the basics, but if you do well, you might master it."
"Then…"
"Ah, but first, I should show you my final sword technique."
She grasped her sword hilt, her lips moving.
"Sword Domain."
After their sword conversation, Raon and Alice headed to the only intact restaurant.
The other sailors had already eaten and were preparing for departure, leaving the restaurant empty.
"Yukan. Is there anything left?"
Alice greeted the manager with a wave.
"Sorry, all the ingredients are ruined. We can only make fish porridge…"
The manager bowed apologetically.
"That's fine. Make it spicy for two."
Alice waved her hand, saying that after eating only beef jerky, fish porridge would be a feast.
-Fish porridge?
Wrath jerked his head up.
-We've only had beef jerky and Nadine bread so far. It's a feast! Hurry up!
He waved at the unseen manager.
"Alice."
Raon sat across from Alice, narrowing his eyes.
"Is Sword Domain a single strike technique?"
Alice's Sword Domain had shown immense power, enough to split the sea, but it vanished after one swing. He had seen many sword domains, but a single strike domain was a first.
"Yes."
Alice nodded lightly.
"I imitated my father a bit."
"The head of house?"
"Father's Sword Domain, Unblemished Perfection, grows stronger with each swing."
She seemed to recall Glenn's sword, her eyes distant.
"I've seen it too."
Raon nodded. As Alice said, Glenn's Sword Domain amplified its power explosively with each swing.
Rather than power, it felt like the essence itself was being overwhelmingly amplified.
"I found swinging multiple times bothersome. So I created a single-strike domain. It's cooler to end a duel in one move, isn't it?"
Alice smiled, clearly satisfied with her domain.
"I see."
Raon lowered his gaze to the worn-out table.
'A sword domain reflects a swordsman's life.'
Alice had a straightforward domain, mirroring her personality. It was true that a domain reflected a person's life.
"But with that domain, couldn't you kill Kaivar in one strike? It seems you don't need my help…"
"It'll be difficult."
Alice slowly shook her head.
"That dragon is close to becoming an Ancient."
"What?"
Raon's eyes widened. It was hard to believe a dragon nearing the Ancient stage was slaughtering humans.
"Hard to believe, right? But it's true."
Alice smirked, saying even dragons had immature ones.
"Now you see why we need you?"
"Yes…"
Dragons grew stronger with age, being at the pinnacle of creatures. A dragon nearing the Ancient stage couldn't be easily guaranteed victory against.
"So…"
Alice tapped the table lightly, leaning forward.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Pardon?"
Raon blinked, baffled. Talking about an Ancient dragon, and then suddenly mentioning a girlfriend, left him confused.
"No way, at 21, with that face, that strength, that fame, you don't have a girlfriend?"
"Uh…"
"Come on, tell me secretly. I'll keep it confidential."
Alice said, like someone who couldn't keep a secret.
"Uh, I don't. Now isn't the time for relationships…"
"There's no right time for love. You'd be married by now in the old days."
"I heard you didn't either…"
"I was busy with wars back then!"
"I've been busy with many battlefields."
"I still found time for love in war. Love blooms in battle. Who's in Light Wind?"
She licked her lips, eager to know.
"Uh, Alice. If we catch Kaivar, won't the dragons interfere?"
Raon tried to change the topic, asking a meaningful question she might answer.
"Dragons are more like individuals than a race."
Alice seemed to accept the diversion, waving her hand slowly.
"Killing Kaivar won't move the dragons. The Lord might warn us, but we can just call in support."
"Support?"
"We have our father and your grandfather."
"I doubt he'd come if we called…"
"He'll come if you call."
Alice assured him, patting his shoulder.
"Um, are you okay…"
Raon bit his lip briefly, still concerned about leaving Glenn alone with the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance and the Leader of the White Blood Religion.
"I've told you, I'm fine."
Alice shook her head, saying she was fit enough for morning exercises.
"So…"
She leaned forward again.
"Who's your girlfriend?"
"..."
Raon smiled faintly at her serious expression.
'Feels like real family.'
He'd heard relatives ask about love lives and jobs after long separations, now he felt it firsthand.
Rimmer felt like a carefree brother, Sheryl a brusque but caring sister, and Alice felt like a real relative for the first time.
"I really don't have one."
As Raon shook his head, the manager brought the fish porridge.
"Your meal is served."
As soon as the dishes were on the table, Wrath drooled.
-At last, I can eat…
"Caw!"
Just as Wrath celebrated, the quiet seagull dived at the dish, gulping down the hot porridge.
Apparently, the request was to eat fish.
-My meal!
Wrath's jaw trembled.
-Pluck that wretched bird! Eat it boiled if you must!
He raged as the seagull devoured the porridge.
"I'd support whoever you date. Tell me if anyone catches your eye. Maybe I can introduce you…"
Alice didn't care about the seagull, continuing to ask about his love life.
"Phew…"
Raon sighed deeply, shaking his head.
What a mess…
Two days later.
The Pirate King's warship Azure Wind unfurled its sails off Aikar's coast.
The pirate flag, adorned with a cute skull, flapped in the wind, producing a solemn resonance.
"The situation has changed, but our goal remains the same."
Alice turned from gazing at the distant sea from the deck of Azure Wind. The sailors' steely eyes reflected in her red irises.
"It will be a tough fight. The biggest war since I formed this pirate crew. Many will die, and many will be injured. But…"
Alice's soft voice calmed the sailors' eyes.
"We go. We'll tread on blood and sever the dragon's head. But I can't do it alone. You must open the way for this great feat."
She tapped the scabbard at her waist and nodded.
"I trust you."
"Yes!"
With a single firm word, Raon and the sailors roared so loudly the sea seemed to tremble.
"Let's go."
Alice smiled, turning as if satisfied with the response.
Wooooooong!
Azure Wind's grand horn sounded as it moved forward. The warships behind it spread their wings like hawks, shattering the tranquil sea's silence.
Only twelve warships. It seemed insufficient to capture the dragon, but there was no fear in the eyes of the warriors sailing forward.