The various bright flowers planted in the atrium were still blooming despite the winter wind. This phenomenon, which went against intuition about the seasons, felt a little strange.
As Noah walked, he suddenly heard another whistling sound in the morning breeze, completely different from the natural wind. It was the sound of a sword slashing through the air at extreme speed.
Following the source of the sound, Noah came to a lawn where he could see magic stone lamps and a small fountain. In a corner near the wall, a small figure was waving a sword.
Noah's eyesight allowed him to confirm at first glance that it was a wooden sword, yet it cut through the air with a sharp sound and carved out a series of almost overlapping afterimages.
If there were a target in front of it, it would probably be slashed, cut, and pierced four or five times in a single breath, shattered into pieces.
The girl who swung the wooden sword with astonishing momentum also stared straight ahead, her clear gaze as sharp as her blade. Although she was a little girl, less than ten years old, her slender arms allowed her to wield a wooden sword almost as tall as herself with ease.
Noah was still amazed to see such swordsmanship again. He could see that, unlike his own rough style figured out through battle, the swordsmanship Ais used was the result of precise design and training. The minimal movements of her arms combined with the unusually steady rhythm of her footwork made Ais look like she was conducting an orchestra or dancing gracefully.
It was quite beautiful.
Human intuition is a wonderful thing; it can often perceive things many cannot subjectively grasp. Take swordsmanship, for example. Although there are exceptions, excellent swordsmanship often gives a sense of elegance due to its cleverness, lightness, and efficiency.
Ais's swordsmanship was just like that, and it even captivated Noah a little.
Although Noah could probably beat the little girl with just one finger, he never judged others based on their current strength. Some people are stronger simply because they have lived longer.
This was how Noah himself had surpassed those strong individuals who once looked down on him. He didn't want to become the kind of person he once hated.
If I were at Ais's age, I would definitely be beaten badly.
However, there was still confusion in her sword. Although the sharp force contained extremely strong emotions and murderous intent, that was not the true source of power driving Ais to swing the blade. Swinging a sword for the wrong reasons will not unleash its true power. Noah was sure because he had been the same way before.
While Noah was thinking, Ais suddenly stopped swinging and turned her gaze towards him. Golden eyes met blue eyes.
Ah, I got caught staring.
Noah blinked and walked towards Ais with a calm expression.
"Good morning, Ais. I was just distracted. Your swordsmanship is truly remarkable."
Just like basic abilities, swordsmanship styles or fighting methods are personal secrets. Therefore, watching others train is somewhat taboo, especially for rookies like Noah who are unfamiliar to the group.
Hearing Noah's apology and praise, Ais felt a little strange. His words sounded as if he was genuinely fascinated by her swordsmanship because it was so good.
Probably just my imagination.
"Yeah... it's nothing." Shaking her head, Ais blinked. It was unclear what she was thinking, but the blush on her cheeks, already slightly red from the cold wind and training, became even more obvious. She secretly looked up, made eye contact with Noah, bit her pink lips lightly, and then lowered her head.
"Um, thank you..."
Although the girl's voice was as soft as a mosquito's whisper and disappeared in the morning breeze, Noah still caught it keenly, though he almost thought he was hallucinating.
What's going on? Not only did she not blame me, she even thanked me?
"Also, sorry... in the Dungeon, and before on North Street..."
Only after hearing the rest did Noah understand. She was thanking him for saving her in the Dungeon and apologizing for not thanking him when they met again on North Street.
"It's nothing serious. After all, seeing a group of weird men following a little girl would make anyone concerned."
"But Riveria said that we should express our gratitude when we are rescued."
Noah glanced at the wooden sword in Ais's hand. "Miss Ais and Lady Riveria have a good relationship. Is that why you're using a wooden sword?"
Although he didn't know why Ais had rushed into the Dungeon last time, this little girl was obviously a battle maniac. Even though her weapons might have been destroyed in the last battle, the Loki Familia certainly had no shortage of replacements. It seemed easy enough to guess why Ais could only train with a wooden sword now. It was clearly a protective punishment.
Ais's eyes widened immediately. "How do you know that?"
Noah didn't answer directly but winked teasingly and turned away. "Who knows? Maybe it's just intuition."
Looking at Noah's back, it took Ais a while to react. Realizing she was being teased, her fair cheeks couldn't help but puff up. "Jerk..."
However, after her dissatisfaction dissipated, she couldn't help but cover her chest again.
Still, I didn't get to say it.
...
Although Noah wanted to find a place to do morning exercises to adapt to his physical strength after receiving the Falna, most of the area of the Twilight Manor was occupied by the eight towers, leaving the atrium pitifully small.
At this time, most of the Familia members were still sleeping, and Noah didn't want to disturb anyone.
Noah looked around and subconsciously turned to the north, where he saw the towering white city walls. As a defensive structure built against monsters from the Dungeon, the city wall was essentially a huge circular fortress with various facilities inside.
Its height was second only to the central Babel, and the passage on top was so spacious that several carriages could pass side-by-side. In addition, it was very close to the Twilight Manor. Noah could hardly think of a better place for morning exercise.
However, the city wall was designed for defense. Although it was no longer primarily used against monsters, it posed a potential threat to the city itself, not to mention that Evilus was lurking in Orario now. Even Noah could figure out that if the city walls were filled with explosives, or even just occupied by archers with magic swords, they could pose a threat to the entire city from a high position.
The Ganesha Familia, known as the "police of the City," and the Astraea Familia, known as the "Familia of Justice," were stationed at the foot of the city wall year-round and patrolled the wall once in the morning and once in the evening to ensure it wasn't occupied.
It seems I'll need to find an opportunity.
Time passed quickly. Along with the still somewhat dazzling sunlight, the sound of a large bell ringing from the east side spread throughout the city. The Twilight Manor quickly became busy.
Although Noah's cooking skills were recognized, no one wanted him to take on that as a Familia responsibility, including himself. After all, once a hobby becomes a job, you quickly lose interest.
After finishing breakfast, Noah followed Riveria out of the Twilight Manor and headed towards Northwest Main Street.
Northwest Main Street is often referred to as Daedalus Street, where the largest number of adventurers and adventurer-related businesses gather. This included the Guild Headquarters, as well as numerous weapon shops, item shops, inns, pharmacies, and treatment centers that catered to adventurers.
Various mysterious shops were also hidden in the back alleys.
Noah's task today was to get a basic understanding of Daedalus Street. In addition to registering at the Guild, he also had to visit some of the Familias that had cooperative relationships with the Loki Familia to show his face.
Nine o'clock in the morning was the peak time for adventurers entering the Dungeon, so the avenue was crowded. But whether they were demi-humans carrying claymores, elven archers holding bows, or supporters carrying huge backpacks, they all cast complex glances at the high elf and Noah, mixed with awe, envy, and curiosity.
Under the gazes of many, Noah and Riveria passed through the courtyard with its exquisite reliefs and monuments and entered the Guild, built with white columns.
The first thing that caught the eye was the conspicuous reception area. Not far away was a huge quest board and a magic stone exchange counter.
However, contrary to Noah's expectations, although it was early, the exchange counter was already crowded with adventurers, blocking the way.
After hearing arguments like "Get out of the way!" and "We have to go to the Dungeon later," Noah understood.
The thinking was probably, "Only idiots would go exchange magic stones in the afternoon when it's crowded. Smart people go the next morning! This way, you can use the money directly to buy things and avoid wasting it at the pub or entertainment district."
The result was that there seemed to be too many "smart" people.
There was a similar situation where quite a number of adventurers didn't exchange their magic stones at the Exchange Post on the third floor of Babel after leaving the Dungeon but came specifically to the Guild Headquarters to exchange them.
Walking to the front desk, Noah noticed that although the clerks were of different races, they were basically all beautiful women.
Wearing Guild uniforms, they appeared intelligent and beautiful, blooming like bright flowers among the rough adventurers.
Riveria raised her hand and greeted a red-haired werewolf who was staring blankly with her hand on her cheek. "Good morning, Rose."
The werewolf clerk raised her head lazily and glanced at Riveria, much like a domestic cat basking in the winter sun. "Welcome, Lady Riveria Ljos Alf, Vice-Captain of the Loki Familia. What may I do for you today?"
Noah first felt the werewolf's gaze linger on him for a moment, and then he noticed that the corners of Riveria's eyes seemed to be twitching.
"Rose, when will you stop greeting me like this?"
"It all depends on the Guild manual. When they aren't threatening us with salary cuts, we have to address the major Familias this way."
"Haven't you always said you wanted a relationship? No one would dare approach you if you're so lifeless."
These two have a good relationship if they can argue like this.
Just as Noah was thinking this, the red-haired werewolf raised her hands and stretched. "I may not be as good as you, the high elf royal who makes goddesses jealous, but I do have my own strengths."
The tight uniforms accentuated the female clerks figures. When she stretched, her shirt bulged prominently at the chest, the buttons looking like they might burst at any time.
Yes, it was indeed an advantage. Compared to Riveria, who exuded an intelligent, brave, and almost sacred aura, even the red-haired werewolf clerk, who was already considered beautiful, looked second at best. However, only in terms of breast size, Rose was superior to Riveria.
Noah's unwavering gaze seemed to have attracted the werewolf's attention. "Hey, brat over there, do you like watching that much?"
Noah tilted his head, a hint of confusion in his blue eyes. "If you mind others seeing, why do you do it in public?"
The werewolf clerk narrowed her eyes, her gaze becoming somewhat hostile. "Your tone is just like that girl of yours. So annoying."
Riveria sighed and bowed her head to the clerk. "Ais has caused you trouble. I have already punished her. I apologize."
"...Huh. So, this mature-looking young man is also your rookie?"
"Yes, please register him."
Although the Guild employee seemed a little difficult to approach, she was surprisingly efficient. Perhaps her indifference was necessary for the job of an Advisor.
After all, the job required contact with many people, and sometimes unnecessary enthusiasm only caused trouble.
Noah took the form and wrote down his information with a quill.