Episode 18

Heliet nodded in agreement as Meliana approached the pair.

"Is it just the two of you living here?"

"That's right, be warned... if you dare to mess with us, I'll slash you with this sword."

Meliana chuckled softly.

"A wooden sword can't harm me, but what about this," said Meliana, drawing a sword from her sleeve, which she tossed at the feet of Vivia.

"The magic you've just conjured is quite impressive... how about this, if you two can damage my hat or take it, I will take you on as my apprentices, but if you lose, I will leave this place immediately."

"Heh, you're quite confident."

"Of course, I am a renowned sorceress, after all."

Vivia picked up the sword and aimed the tip at Meliana.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Definitely, Heliet, isn't this a great opportunity... we could learn so much from her, but sorry, I do want you to teach me, just not interested in being anyone's apprentice."

"I don't have a problem with that, what about you?"

Meliana's gaze shifted to Heliet, who was merely holding his book.

"I'm in as well."

"That's good, now attack me from every angle."

"Let's go Heliet."

"Alright."

As Vivia took a step forward, Heliet chanted an enhancing spell followed by a speed spell for himself.

"Take this."

Vivia leaped while swinging her sword.

"Hoyah, your moves have too many openings."

Meliana dodged with ease and then struck Vivia's abdomen with the palm of her hand, sending her tumbling backward. At that moment, Heliet advanced to replace her.

He unleashed a powerful blast of water, pushing Meliana back slightly.

"Very impressive."

Vivia, now back on her feet, stood beside Meliana and swung her sword from the side. Meliana dodged, but her hat was split in two before she could react.

Heliet and Vivia sat down breathlessly, while Meliana clapped her hands in delight.

"You both are indeed remarkable; as per the agreement, I shall teach you everything I know about magic."

"Yes, master."

"It better be useful magic."

Meliana simply smiled faintly.

From then on, the two of them trained hard every day, through weeks and months, until several months had passed.

Not only did they all practice together, but they also shared every aspect of their lives until the time for them to part ways arrived.

Being a sorceress from the kingdom, Meliana had to return there after spending her vacation.

Meliana said her goodbyes and flew off using the staff she always carried. After she had flown a few kilometers, she sensed something wrong and decided to return to check on her apprentices.

What she saw upon her return was startling.

Both Heliet and Vivia were lying in a pool of blood.

"Heliet, Vivia."

At the same moment, a spear of wind pierced Meliana from behind, and she fell atop her pupil's body.

The one who had done it was a dark sorceress, a familiar face to Meliana, who swiftly vanished into the ether.

"Heliet, Vivia, I won't let you die... forgive me, but I will make you both immortal."

"Master?"

"Meliana."

"But didn't you both have dreams you wanted to fulfill?"

With the last of her energy, Meliana created a magical circle with her blood and chanted a life-consuming spell.

Subsequently, Heliet and Vivia's bodies were restored, while their master dissipated into specks of light, leaving behind only her staff.

"I leave that staff to Heliet... should you ever take an apprentice, make sure they can wield it too. As for you, Vivia, even though you may not want to accept anything from me, know that I loved you both dearly. Go, live the life you desire."

"Typical," Vivia turned away with tears streaming down her face.

Heliet, for one, picked up the staff left by his master; like his friend, tears were evident on his face.

"Vivia, I seek vengeance."

"So do I."

Rain washed over the pair.

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