The Moonlight Swordsman



Aizel's eyes went up in surprise when he looked at Daisy, who was snuggled up in his arms. 

"You are worried about me? Instead of yourself?" He asked.

"Yes, the kids love you the most. If I die, I know they can depend on you. But if something happens to you..

"What are you even thinking about? Why are you even thinking things like that?"

"But the tourn..

"Just shut up and sleep with me peacefully. No one is going to die. 

"Take out these stupid thoughts of yours and dump them into the dustbin," Aizel said, hugging Daisy tightly.

A smile appeared on Daisy's face when she heard that.

"By the way, what is a dustbin?"

"Ignore it,"

*****

The next morning..

As Aizel's eyes fluttered open, his gaze immediately fell upon the sight of Daisy nestled against his chest.

Her body was curled up as if she were trying to find warmth and comfort in their shared sleep.

A tender smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he marveled at the gentle rise and fall of her breath, the delicate strands of hair that cascaded over her serene expression.

With utmost care, Aizel gently disentangled himself from Daisy's embrace and rose from the bed. 

As he stepped outside the mansion, he found himself greeted by the familiar presence of Aquarian and the rest of them.

The small yard, which was filled with soft morning light, was a peaceful place for them to meet. The air was filled with the sound of the children's laughter and the wind's soft whispers.

"So you are finally up," Aquarian said.

"Yes, let's leave."

"Aizel, remember we have to visit the wedding after 6 days," Shelly reminded him again.

"Sure, I will meet you then."

A magic circle appeared beneath their feet, and both Aizel and Aquarian were teleported back to the island.

Aizel quickly took off his clothes and smoothly dove into the ocean, eager to find serenity in the underwater world. 

With every stroke, he went deeper into the water, which wrapped around him like a second skin. Using his memory as a guide, he swam through the vast body of water until he reached the place where he had meditated the day before, a quiet rock bed. 

The currents of the underwater world caressed his body with a soft touch, making him feel at home. As he sat down on the rock, he closed his eyes and let the peaceful atmosphere soak into him.

As time went by, the seconds turned into longer moments and the minutes into what seemed like hours.

Aizel remained rooted in his spot, his gaze fixated upon the shimmering surface of the water.

In a deep state of thought, he felt like he had merged with the water and become one with its vastness. The rhythmic waves of the currents mirrored the way his thoughts went up and down. 

As if called by an unknown force, a thin strand of water gently brushed Aizel's forehead, waking him up from his tranquil reverie.

Startled, he blinked and gradually emerged from his meditative state, his senses returning to the present moment.

He relinquished his connection to the vast depths of the ocean and swam back towards the island.

As he came up to the surface, the familiar rocks and small mountains were there to greet him. 

"You can now even understand my message with just a small strand, Good."

"Do you think forming a water core is a good idea?" Aizel asked, even though he didn't need to form a core to use the power and abilities.

"Having more trump cards is always good. 

"And it's not like you are the only special one. You will definitely face more dangerous and ruthless mages in the tournament.

"They will go to any lengths to win their battle. Many mages might have many cores or unique powers.

"Some might even go to great lengths to use the Arcane Magic circuit. So displaying a three-core mage might draw some attention toward you, but it is better than dying, right?"

Aizel nodded in agreement. 

"But I will rather avoid it unless it is an emergency,"

"Now take out your sword," Aquariand said.

Aizel summoned Sekki, and it quickly morphed into a double-edged sword.

Meanwhile, Aquarian did the same and summoned a low-grade weapon.

"Are you sure with that sword?" Aizel asked.

A glimmer of amusement danced in Aquarian's eyes as he shifted his gaze towards a towering mountain in the distance.

With a graceful movement, he raised his sword, its blade enveloped in a delicate shroud of water. 

Aizel's attention was captivated as he observed the scene unfolding before him.

Aquarian brought the sword down with a swing that was both calm and driven, a seamless display of control and power.

In an instant, the mountain succumbed to the might of his strike, cleaving it in half as if it were a mere illusion. 

Trees, rocks, and debris tumbled in a cascade of destruction, transforming the serene landscape into a scene of chaos and upheaval.

"Forgot it; Why did I even ask that?" Aizel sighed as he saw the simple swing of his.

"Now come, let's practice,"

Aizel nodded.

In a blur of movement, Aizel vanished from sight, only to reappear with astonishing swiftness directly behind Aquarian.

With a quick and decisive strike, his sword descended upon its target, aiming for Aquarian's exposed neck. 

In a swift and fluid motion, Aquarian's hand whipped out like a coiled serpent, expertly deflecting Aizel's attack with precision. 

Aizel found himself momentarily vulnerable, caught off guard by the speed and skill of his opponent's countermove. 

With a surge of electricity coursing through his veins, Aizel swiftly infused himself with the power of lightning.

He quickly moved away from Aquarian, putting some space between himself and the danger. 

How the hell did he parry just by standing in one position?" he thought.

[His hand moved like a whip, Master]

"You lose focus, you die." Aquarian's sword was dangerously close to Aizel's neck, making for a tense moment. 

But in a remarkable turn of events, Aizel dissolved into flickering flames, vanishing from his original position.

The flames swiftly reassembled at a safe distance, allowing Aizel to materialize unscathed. 

"See, your mind has already started to act faster now that you are more calm. 

"But still you lose focus for a second here and there,"

Now how would I explain to him that I am communicating with the spirit sword," Aizel thought and let out a weak sigh.