This… this is the reward?
Still kneeling on one knee, Kureha's eyes widened in disbelief.
As Sword Saint, she witnessed swordsmanship beyond comprehension for the first time.
Norn waved the elixir maker at Freya. "Sister—level up together."
Hearing, Freya joined without hesitation. "Hehe—since you insist."
"Master—Setsuna fought hard too."
"S-Setsuna right."
Setsuna and Anna stepped forward resolutely.
Seeing peerage eager to grow—Kaiser felt gratified.
As Master—how ignore such desires?
"Should… I join?"
"Everyone leveling—fall behind otherwise."
Star Spirit dazed; stepped unconsciously forward.
But snapped back; body jolted.
Wh-What thinking?
Composure!
Elven composure?
Star Spirit retracted foot; casual. "Um… kingdom affairs pending. I'll handle."
Kaiser eyed playfully. "Sure you manage kingdom governance?"
"Hmph—don't underestimate."
Star Spirit swallowed; firm. "In elf realm—similar duties."
"I-I'm off."
Stiffly exited.
Creak.
Door opened.
Star Spirit leaned wall; heart pounding wildly.
Cheeks burning; heat flowed within.
Close—nearly surrendered.
But first time…
Star Spirit bit lip; peeked door crack.
Mm.
Elixir used thus?
Never noticed closely.
"All for growth preparation."
Star Spirit self-deceived subconsciously.
Meanwhile.
Kureha conflicted.
Bare strengthening scene—shattered worldview unprecedentedly.
But!
This peerage-Master bond?
Kureha breathed deeply; countless thoughts flashed.
But… off somehow.
Yet senior peerage all did.
As peerage—act too?
Yes.
Sworn qualified peerage.
Resolved—fulfill.
Sword Saint caliber.
Kureha rose; firm steps to Kaiser.
"Master—as your sword, wish truly integrate peerage."
"…"
Seeing resolute Kureha, Kaiser surprised.
This woman—bold?
Expected long mental prep given personality.
Direct now?
Kaiser ruffled hair.
"Top strength among peerage—but slack, surpassed."
"Your decision—pleases me."
"Master—I'll strive."
Hearing, Kaiser stepped forward; overwhelming dominance.
Invisible pressure substantial.
Kureha felt Kaiser towering—godlike.
Next.
Utterly novel swordsmanship.
Sharp, hard, scorching.
"This Master's sword path."
Kureha's mind—final thought; indescribable emotions flooded.
Forgot all; immersed sword insight.
Meanwhile.
Kaiser eyed glowing [Sword Saint]; eyes gleamed.
Endless sword insights—inhaled sharply.
Now natural sword master.
Such proficiency—unprecedented insight before.
"Master… mmm… strength rose?"
Kureha sensed oddity; puzzled at Kaiser.
Kaiser pinched smooth fair cheek; smiled lightly. "Peerage perk."
"Really?"
Despite incredulous, Kureha accepted swiftly.
Facts persuasive.
Contemporary Sword Saint.
Body mastery divine.
Instant.
Strength risen.
This pace—soon breakthrough.
"Right—show [Sword Saint] skill."
Kaiser deep gaze at Kureha.
Premonition—surprise incoming.
…
"Master—level truly up."
Kingdom Sword Saint—strongest physical among world peerage.
Others asleep.
But Kureha immersed growth joy.
"Indeed—[Sword Saint] useful."
"Show further insights."
"Mmm… yes, Master."
Kureha gazed godlike at Kaiser.
Actions unrelenting.
Show all sword insights to Master.
Same [Sword Saint] Kaiser sparring—deeper immersion.
Kingdom stabilized, but Sword Saint vanished from view.
…
[Kureha Grayrat]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV42]
[Skill: Sword Saint]
[Sword Saint: Natural sword master—easily grasp any swordsmanship; no bottlenecks on sword path.]
…
"Two levels direct—40 edge breakthrough."
Kaiser eyed attributes; thumb rubbed silver hair lightly.
Sensing, Kureha wrinkled delicate nose; murmured.
"Master… limit."
Kaiser smiled; pinched smooth fair cheek.
"Good—others await."
"Oh."
Kureha blinked; recalled.
Right.
Peerage meeting next.
Yawned; silver hair cascaded, perfect contours.
Days passed.
Kureha's aura transformed utterly.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Master."
Dressed, freshened.
Kureha loyal guard-like behind Kaiser.
Conference room.
Star Spirit's group awaited.
Kureha felt scrutinizing gazes.
Turned—met Freya's group eyes.
"Something?"
"Heh… hehe."
Freya's group mouths twitched.
This woman—formidable.
Damn.
Physical strengthening—daily agenda.
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