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This… this is the reward?
Still kneeling on one knee, Kureha stared wide-eyed.
As a Sword Saint, this was the first time she had witnessed swordsmanship she couldn't even comprehend.
Noren waved the level-breakthrough potion at Freya. "Sis, c'mon. Let's get stronger together."
Hearing that, Freya didn't hold back at all and leaned in. "Hehe, well—since you're inviting me."
"Master, Akina worked really hard in that fight too."
"A-Akina's right."
Akina and Anna also stepped forward with firm determination.
Watching his group of followers constantly hungry to grow stronger, Edgar couldn't help feeling proud.
As their master, how could he ignore that desire?
"…Should I be joining them too?"
"Everyone's leveling up like crazy. If this keeps up, I'm seriously gonna get left behind."
The Star Elf looked a little dazed, taking a step forward without even thinking.
Then she snapped back to herself with a jolt.
W-What was she doing?
Composure!Where was an elf's dignity?
She quickly retracted her foot, pretending nothing had happened.
"Ahem. I, uh… remembered the kingdom still has some pending matters. I'll go handle those."
Edgar gave her a teasing look. "You sure you're capable of handling kingdom affairs?"
"Hmph, don't underestimate m-me."
She swallowed hard and forced confidence into her voice. "Back in the Elf Kingdom, I did similar work."
"I—I'm leaving!"
Rigid as a statue, she headed toward the door.
Creaaak—
The hinges groaned as the door opened.
Once outside, she leaned against the wall, heart pounding wildly.
Her face was burning hot, a warm heat spreading through her whole body.
That was close—she'd almost thrown herself at him.
At least… at least not the first time, right…?
Gritting her teeth, she peeked through the crack in the door.
Hmm.
So that's how they used the potion?
She never actually paid attention before.
"It's all just—preparation for getting stronger."
The Star Elf began telling herself blatant lies just to feel better.
Meanwhile.
Kureha was caught in turmoil.
That whole "getting stronger" scene had shattered her worldview.
But… was this the bond between master and follower?
She took a deep breath, a whirlwind of thoughts rushing through her mind.
Although… something felt off.
But the senior followers all did it, right?
As a follower herself, shouldn't she also take action?
Yes.
She'd just sworn to become a proper follower.
If she already had the resolve, she ought to carry it out.
That was her pride as a Sword Saint.
Kureha rose from the floor, walking forward with steady steps until she stood before Edgar.
"Master, as your sword, I want to truly become part of the group."
"...…"
Edgar looked at her, surprised.
This woman… she was this bold?
He'd assumed it would take her ages to mentally prepare for something like this.
But she was just… starting with a full frontal attack?
He reached out and ruffled her silver hair.
"Your strength is already among the top in the group, but if you relax, the others will pass you."
"So, I'm glad you made this decision."
"Master, I'll do my best."
Edgar stepped forward, radiating overwhelming presence.
An invisible pressure wrapped around her, almost solid.
To Kureha, he suddenly appeared impossibly tall—like a god.
And the next moment—
She felt a sword path entirely unlike anything she had ever learned.
Sharp, unyielding, blazing.
So this is Master's swordsmanship…
All other thoughts were wiped away. A wordless emotion flooded her mind.
She forgot everything, sinking completely into the enlightenment of swordsmanship.
On the other side—
Edgar eyed his glowing [Sword Saint] skill, a gleam flashing in his eyes.
Sword insights kept flowing into him, making him suck in a breath.
He had become a natural-born sword prodigy.
This kind of understanding? He'd never had it before.
"Master… o-oh… I think my strength increased?"
Kureha blinked at him, dazed.
Edgar pinched her cheek lightly, smiling. "That's one of the perks of being my follower."
"R-Really?"
Though baffled, she accepted it quickly.
Facts spoke louder than doubts.
As the current Sword Saint, she had near-perfect control over her own body.
Just now—her strength had definitely risen.
At this pace, she was going to break through her current level very soon.
"Alright, let me take a look at your [Sword Saint] skill."
Edgar's gaze deepened.
He had a feeling she'd surprise him.
...
"Master, my level really went up."
As the kingdom's Sword Saint, Kureha's physical strength was absolutely unmatched among the followers.
So even though the others were already passed out asleep, Kureha was still basking in her rising level.
"As expected, Sword Saint really is incredible."
"Show me what else you've realized."
"Y-Yes, Master."
Kureha looked at Edgar as though gazing at a god.
But her movements didn't stop.
She wanted to show him everything she had understood.
With Edgar—who also had the [Sword Saint] skill—as her sparring partner, she sank deeper and deeper into the sword.
The kingdom had just regained stability, but its Sword Saint seemed to have vanished from public sight.
0...…
[Kureha Clyret]
[Race: Demon]
[Master: Edgar Lucifuge]
[Level: 42]
[Skill: Sword Saint]
[Sword Saint: Born a prodigy of the sword. Can easily master any sword art. Experiences no bottlenecks on the path of the sword.]
"She jumped two whole levels. Looks like she was right at the edge of a breakthrough at level 40."
Edgar checked her status, gently brushing her silver hair.
Feeling his touch, Kureha wrinkled her small nose and whispered:
"Master… I'm at my limit…"
He chuckled, pinching her smooth, pale cheek.
"Alright. The others are waiting for us."
"Oh."
Kureha blinked, remembering.
Right—There was a follower meeting next.
She stretched, silver hair cascading around her face in a perfect frame.
Several days passed.
Kureha's entire aura had transformed.
"Let's go," Edgar said.
"Yes, Master."
Freshly washed and neatly dressed, she followed behind him like a loyal knight.
When they entered the meeting room—
The Star Elf and the others were already waiting.
Kureha could feel several curious stares.
She turned, meeting Freya and the group's eyes.
"…What? Something on your minds?"
"Heh… hehe."
Freya and the others twitched at the corners of their mouths.
This woman was no joke.
Damn it.
Looked like they'd have to start strengthening their bodies too…
"..."
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