A Holy Sword? (5.5K) (continued)

The Snow Woman has already developed to the terrifying level of seven tails. According to her own account, with each additional tail, the magical power within her body doubles, so even before reaching nine tails, she has already reached a terrifying level.

Not to mention that they also received injections of enhancement drugs.

Its overall strength is in no way inferior to Alpha.

Alpha has now surpassed its initial form at the beginning of the main story, reaching an even greater level.

Their mastery of combat techniques was terrifying; they were like a sponge, relentlessly squeezing him dry.

It's absolutely terrifying.

In contrast, Claire's progress was not as noticeable.

Perhaps because of what happened in the first lesson, Claire would take the initiative to make advances towards him in every lesson that followed.

At first, it might have been out of shame and resentment that I wanted to get revenge, but over time it seemed to have changed, as if I was venting my anger on him.

In the original story, Claire really enjoyed torturing her younger brother Cid; she was a terrifyingly sadistic brother-complex character.

But now...

He wasn't sure if he was still a brother-complex type, but it seemed that sadistic tendencies had transferred to him.

Therefore, Claire's magical power increase remained unchanged, but she had reached the pinnacle of her ability in controlling magical power and honing her swordsmanship.

Well, due to limitations such as species, it has reached a bottleneck that cannot be broken through.

As for the development of Shadow Garden, it has been quite rapid.

Alpha is like a cat rescuer; every now and then, he picks up a Demonic Possession. It's fair to say that at least four of the Seven Shadows were rescued by Alpha.

Of course.

Mahiro was no exception in this matter; occasionally, on a whim, he would rob the cult's prison wagon and rescue a couple of adorable kittens.

For example, Zeta in the sixth seat.

Her real name is Lilim. She comes from the Golden Leopard Tribe, the most prestigious clan among the orcs. She is also the daughter of the clan leader, making her a wealthy and noble lady.

However, he suddenly developed symptoms of Demonic Possession, and was discovered by a passing priest of the cult, who then brought disaster upon him.

Her parents, her brother, and even the entire clan that betrayed them were all killed without leaving a single survivor.

As one member of the Golden Leopard Tribe, Lilim was equivalent to the entire clan. During her escape, she was captured by the cult and watched helplessly as her younger brother was killed and then thrown into a prison van to be taken to the nearby cult research institute.

Just then, Mahiro, who happened to be out for a "stroll," Mahiro them and rescued them.

He also cured her symptoms of Demonic Possession.

Well, after so many experiments, Mahiro has finally found a gentler method: first inject the enhancement potion, and then slowly infuse it with magic to raise the threshold.

This will not only avoid causing any pain, but will also enhance your strength.

"Young Miss, all the guests for the farewell party are now in place."

"Okay, I understand. I'll be right there."

As the door closed, Claire slowly opened her eyes and gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

After three years of refinement, her initial unruly edges have been smoothed out, and she has become more rounded.

That childish air has faded, and she has grown into a graceful young woman.

Today is her fifteenth birthday, and also the day she will be going to the Midgar Magic Swordsman Academy in the royal capital to study.

Given that he had a good-for-nothing younger brother and was a rising star in the Kagenou Baron House, his parents decided to throw a grand farewell party to celebrate.

For today, she changed into an evening gown that she wouldn't normally wear, put on white silk gloves, and applied a more mature makeup look.

However, these were all trivial matters to her.

Most importantly--

"... Finally, I can get rid of that sadistic teacher."

Claire murmured to herself as she saw a smile slowly spread across her face in the mirror—a smile that would allow her to break free from the past and embrace freedom.

But her hands tightened slightly around the hem of her skirt.

I don't know why, but I feel a little uncomfortable.

"That sadistic teacher..."

Soon, the farewell party began.

The town's gentry and the lords of nearby territories were invited to the event, where they gathered together, toasting and laughing.

Claire's parents were also among them, showing off their daughter's excellent swordsmanship.

"What a boring banquet."

Claire truly believed this from the bottom of her heart.

Although others might see her as the center of attention, unfortunately, she doesn't like it.

The people around me were buzzing incessantly in my ears like annoying flies.

Not only could she not drive them away, she was also forced to stay put, keeping the flies company as they continued their pointless conversation.

Utterly boring.

Just then, she suddenly spotted Mahiro's trail.

Dressed in a black tuxedo, she sat alone in a corner of the banquet hall, ignored by everyone, drinking by herself.

Although he was all alone, there was not a trace of loneliness about him.

There was an inexplicable sense of detachment from everything, as if looking down upon all living beings from God's perspective.

"Excuse me, could you please move aside?"

As if possessed, Claire pushed aside the crowd surrounding her and, amidst their astonished gazes, walked step by step toward Yotsuba Mahiro.

"Teacher Mahiro"

"Oh? That's rare. You actually called me by my name properly. This must be the first time, right? Oh no, it's the second time. I remember last time..."

"Mr. Mahiro, don't you want to say something?"

Claire abruptly interrupted his reminiscences and teasing, staring at him intently, as if waiting for something.

"Alright, I won't tease you today since it's your big day."

Mahiro down his wine glass, looked at the graceful girl standing in front of him, and the playful smile on his face gradually turned into tenderness.

"Claire Cagaino, congratulations on completing your studies and graduating perfectly."

"No, it's all thanks to your excellent teaching, teacher."

"Yes, that's certainly part of the reason, but it's mostly due to your own hard work. So, as your teacher, I'm planning to give you a graduation gift tomorrow."

She was just trying to flatter him, but she didn't expect this jerk of a teacher to start bragging. She originally wanted to give him a disdainful look, but when she heard there was a graduation ceremony, she immediately changed her mind.

"A graduation gift? What kind of gift can you give? It can't be something weird, can it?"

Thinking of how Mahiro had tormented and teased her in the past, Claire couldn't help but give him a disdainful look.

"What are you thinking? It's a very proper and ordinary gift."

Mahiro knew what she was thinking, so he smiled slightly and said, "The reason I did that before was mainly to motivate you. Nothing can make people improve faster than emotional influence."

For example, feelings like hatred and anger can be considered a driving force for progress.

After all, having a goal makes it easier to pursue; without a goal, you'll just be like a headless fly, bumping around aimlessly.

"Claire, you have great talent, but you've never had a proper goal, which is why your progress has been so slow."

Having a younger brother who's practically a cheat code is enough to demonstrate the Kagenou Family's bloodline, especially in this generation, which is actually quite impressive.

Not to mention that Claire was originally Demonic Possession, meaning she had the blood of Freya, one of the legendary three heroes—a human hero.

As for Claire, she simply nodded, only half understanding.

After all, she was just a fifteen-year-old girl; how could she know so many intricacies? Besides, he was just making things up on the spot.

"Then I'll look forward to your gift, Mahiro- sensei."

A slight smile appeared at the corners of her lips.

This was the first time she smiled at Mahiro, and surprisingly, it looked quite beautiful.

It's much better than having that bitter, resentful, or arrogantly icy face all the time.

"But where are you going next?" Claire suddenly asked again.

Since Mahiro's three-year contract has ended, if he doesn't renew it, he will have to leave the Kagenou Family.

"If possible, I would like to ask you to extend your contract for another two years, and to tutor my younger brother, Cid, during those two years. Although he hasn't made much progress in the past few years, he's not unintelligent. Please."

He's definitely a brother-obsessed guy.

Claire, who is usually so proud and aloof, actually lowered her head for her younger brother, Cid.

But...

"I think we should forget about it."

"Why? If you think the dowry is too low, we can increase it."

"That's not the issue; besides, the price you offered is already high enough."

Mahiro waved his hand and said.

Indeed, he had made a lot of money off Kagenou Family over the past three years, hiring him for almost five times the usual price.

As it turns out, their money was well spent.

Only...

"Putting aside my other things to do, I mainly feel that your brother doesn't need my guidance. Maybe one day he'll give you a huge surprise."

"What's the meaning?"

Claire looked at Mahiro with a puzzled expression.

Before she could ask anything else, Mahiro had already stood up to greet her approaching father.

"Have you been Mahiro, Mr. Mahiro?"

"No, let's talk somewhere else."

"Alright, let's go to my study."

Baron Kagenou and Yotsuba Mahiro left the banquet early, leaving Claire alone, staring blankly at their receding figures, her lips slightly pursed.

However, when Mahiro followed him into the study, he saw Claire's father take a letter out of a drawer and hand it to him.

It also bears the Kagenou Family crest on a wax seal.

"Mr. Mahiro, here is the letter of recommendation you need."

"I am extremely grateful."

Mahiro to accept the letter, she discovered that the other party had no intention of letting go of it. Instead, they tentatively asked:

"Mr. Mahiro, is it really necessary for you to go to the capital so urgently?"

That's right, he's planning to head to the capital.

After all, everything that needed to be done and could be done on this land has been done, and it's time to leave and go have some fun at that so-called Magic Sword Academy.

The purpose of receiving this letter of recommendation was to apply for a teaching position at the Magic Sword Academy.

Given the Kagenou Family's status, it would be impossible for them to enroll as students, but using their qualifications as a stepping stone to employment would be quite easy.

However, Baron Kagenou then spoke again:

"Mr. Mahiro, although this is a selfish request, if possible, could you please postpone your visit for another two years? Please continue to work for my family and tutor my good-for-nothing son. I'm willing to pay any price!"

After all, Claire's example was right there; even the Baroness, who was stronger than him, was now no match for Claire in swordsmanship.

This level of teaching is probably one of a kind.

Therefore, he wanted Mahiro no matter what, in case he could train another rising star for the Kagenou Family?

But Mahiro smiled slightly: