Chapter 1238
Martha slammed her heels down hard against the stone of the vacant practice area within the Wise Martial Palace. One stomp wasn't enough to release the pressure building in her chest, so she struck the earth repeatedly, sending sharp tremors through the ground.
"Dammit!"
Still unsatisfied, Martha hurled a curse at the empty air and threw a frantic punch at nothing.
"Damn it all!"
Back at the fifth training ground, she had managed to maintain a stoic facade, acting as if the outcome didn't bother her. However, in the solitude of this place, she couldn't simply swallow such a crushing defeat.
The sting was worsened by the fact that she had lost to Runaan. In Martha’s mind, Runaan had always been just a step behind her, and seeing that gap flip so dramatically made her blood boil.
Yet, her fury wasn't solely rooted in the sting of a lost duel.
'I want to help her, but...'
She felt utterly powerless. It was obvious to Martha that Runaan was struggling with something heavy. She couldn't pinpoint the cause, but seeing that perennial sleeper sporting deep dark circles and looking physically drained was a rare and worrying sight.
Martha’s plan had been simple: overwhelm Runaan with the strength she had forged through relentless practice, and then offer her support from a position of power. Instead, she had been outclassed so thoroughly that even her blunt, action-first personality found it impossible to speak up.
"I suppose the disparity makes sense, if I think about it..."
While Martha had only recently laid claim to the Authority of Envy, Runaan had been the pioneer, receiving the Authority of Sloth long ago and refining it ever since.
Raon had often mentioned that Runaan’s affinity for Sloth was unnaturally high. Given that head start and natural talent, it wasn't logically surprising that a chasm had formed between their abilities.
"Even so..."
Martha ground her teeth together and unsheathed her blade.
"I refuse to be left in the dust like this!"
Her fierce competitive nature—the very trait that proved she was the rightful master of the Authority of Envy—refused to let her succumb to despair. Despite the lopsided loss, she wasn't finished. she was determined to bridge the distance and eventually stand over Runaan in victory.
"Haaaaaaah!"
A roar erupted from Martha’s lungs, loud enough to pierce the clouds, as she swung her sword. The high-level techniques she hadn't been able to manifest during her fight with Runaan now poured out, causing the air in the Wise Martial Palace to explode with violent concussions.
She didn't realize it, but this burning fixation on a clear superior was the perfect fuel for the Authority of Envy rooted in her soul.
As Martha practiced with a frenzied intensity, nurturing the power within her, the door to the training area creaked open. A stunning woman with dark tresses and eyes that mirrored Martha's own stepped inside.
This was Elena, Martha’s mother, who had once been a prisoner in her own body under the control of the White Blood Religion’s leader.
"Phew..."
Unaware of her audience, Martha continued her aggressive venting through steel for another hour before finally slamming her sword back into its scabbard.
"Huh? Oh, Mom!"
Startled, Martha’s eyes went wide as she finally noticed Elena standing there.
"You seem to have had a rough afternoon."
Elena navigated the cracked and ruined floorboards with grace, offering a soft, maternal smile.
"Dinner is ready, but since you didn't show up, I decided to come find you."
She gave a small nod, signaling she had been watching for some time.
"S-sorry. I just... I was frustrated about something."
Martha rubbed the back of her neck, feeling a prickle of shame for letting her mother witness such an emotional outburst.
"It’s alright to feel that way. In fact, I think it’s quite impressive that you chose to process your anger here alone rather than taking it out on others."
Elena reached out and took Martha's hand, noting how much her daughter had grown.
"Ugh..."
The heat of Martha’s anger began to dissipate under Elena’s gentle touch. She looked away, scratching her cheek in a fit of bashfulness.
"Tell me what's on your mind. Talk to your mother."
Elena sat down firmly on the training ground floor, pulling Martha down with her.
"Well..."
After a moment of hesitation, Martha met Elena's gaze and recounted the entire ordeal that had taken place earlier that day.
"I see. So it was Runaan."
Elena expressed a brief flicker of surprise that the girl she remembered as being so simple and quiet had grown strong enough to dominate her daughter, but she remained composed.
"It’s natural to feel a sense of urgency when a peer you viewed as an equal suddenly leaps ahead. But..."
She leaned in and gave Martha’s back a reassuring pat.
"In my eyes, my daughter is actually more impressive than Runaan."
"What? How does that make sense?"
Martha tilted her head, genuinely baffled by the statement.
"Because despite your loss, your first instinct was to worry about your friend. You wanted to offer her kindness. Not many people possess a heart large enough to care for their rival in the moment of their own defeat."
Elena’s smile widened as she spoke of how much she admired this side of Martha.
"Th-that’s not it! She isn't even my friend! It’s nothing like that!"
Martha’s face turned a brilliant shade of crimson, and she shook her head frantically to deny the sentiment.
"If you say so."
Elena’s knowing smile didn't fade; she could see right through her daughter’s defensive exterior.
"Ugh..."
Martha groaned, unable to handle the scrutiny.
"I’m skipping dinner! I’m going to stay here and work!"
She scrambled to her feet, declaring that she’d rather breathe in the dust of the gym than sit at a table.
"Very well. Sometimes a little extra focus is good for the soul."
Elena nodded, respecting Martha’s need for isolation.
"However, I noticed your balance was slightly off during your forms. In that first move, you need more stability in your left leg. For the second, try to sink your hips a bit lower. Your energy flow also seemed restricted because you were forcing it too hard. And as for the third technique..."
She rattled off a list of precise technical corrections as if she were a seasoned master.
"Wait, Mom...?"
Martha stared at her, stunned. Her mother had never been a practitioner of the martial arts, yet the advice was incredibly specific.
"Oh dear! Look at me go."
Elena pressed a hand to her mouth as if she’d accidentally let a secret slip, and began to back away.
"Don't mind me. It just looked a certain way to my eyes."
With a sheepish wave, she turned and made a quick exit from the training hall.
"What was that all about...?"
Martha frowned, turning the advice over in her mind. For someone who had never gripped a hilt, Elena’s observations were unnervingly accurate.
"Maybe I should give it a shot."
She figured there was no harm in testing the suggestions. Recalling Elena’s words, Martha braced her left leg firmly for the opening move, dropped her center of gravity for the follow-up, and adjusted the snap of her wrist for the third strike.
The transformation was immediate. The techniques suddenly carried the exact blend of crushing weight and lethal speed she had been struggling to find.
'And that's not all...'
By layering her aura in two distinct pulses rather than one blunt thrust, her transitions became lightning-fast.
"Ha!"
Martha looked toward the door where Elena had disappeared, breathing out a puff of pure disbelief.
"Mom... who are you, really...?"
"What’s on the agenda for today?"
Raon grasped Runaan’s hand, his face lit by a warm, lingering smile. It was a look that felt uncharacteristically sweet, almost sugary.
"Hmm..."
Runaan looked at him with her usual vacant stare before tilting her head down slightly.
"I want to practice..."
Even in the realm of her dreams, her first instinct was to pick up her sword.
"Training?"
Raon’s eyebrows shot up in feigned astonishment.
"Yes... Martha is getting stronger..."
Runaan remembered the intensity of their earlier match.
"I need... to keep up..."
The encounter had clearly left a mark on her, and she tightened her grip, motivated by a sudden spark of ambition.
"I see..."
Raon folded his arms, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"I went to all this trouble to plan a day of fun for us, but if you’re set on working, I suppose I can’t stop you."
He let out a small, disappointed sigh.
"Fun things...?"
Her curiosity was piqued.
"Indeed. I've sourced a brand-new type of bead ice cream, and I've set up a contraption that lifts us high into the clouds so we can see the whole town. Plus..."
Raon went on to describe a list of treats and attractions he and the villagers had prepared just for her. His smile never wavered, though it carried a certain polished quality that didn't quite match the real Raon.
"Hmm..."
Runaan didn't notice anything amiss. She simply rubbed her chin, weighing her options.
"But still, the training..."
She was about to insist on her original plan.
"I’ll be right by your side the entire time."
Raon squeezed her hand, reinforcing his presence.
"Let’s enjoy ourselves first. We can always swing swords later. We have all the time in the world to be together."
His voice was persuasive, suggesting they prioritize their happiness before the hard work began.
"Uh..."
Runaan gazed into his eyes and finally relented.
"Okay... if you think so, Raon..."
In reality, the true Raon would never advocate for putting off practice, but within the haze of the dream, she didn't catch the inconsistency.
"Should we go see the flower crowns the local kids made for you?"
Raon began leading her toward a vibrant garden.
"Big sister! You’re finally here!"
"Over here, big sister!"
A group of children playing among the blossoms cheered and waved as they saw her approach.
"Try this on, big sister!"
"We spent all morning making it!"
They held up a circlet woven from brilliantly colored petals, urging her to wear it.
"Thank you..."
Runaan reached out, her hands trembling slightly as she took the gift. The thought of their tiny hands working so hard to make something for her brought a surge of genuine warmth to her heart.
"Go ahead, put it on."
Raon gave her an encouraging nod.
"Yeah..."
She placed the crown atop her head, feeling the lingering warmth of the sun on the petals.
"How do I look...?"
A soft, rare smile graced her lips as she looked to Raon for approval.
"Beautiful. It’s perfect for you."
Raon replied with an easy compliment that the real version of him would likely have stumbled over.
"We worked really hard!" one child shouted.
"We did! I’m so glad you like it," another added, their faces beaming. Their small fingers were stained with juice and dirt, proof of their labor.
"You guys..."
Runaan took their hands, her heart full.
"Runaan, it’s time for ice cream."
Raon placed a hand on her shoulder, gently nudging her toward the next activity.
"Wait... can the children come too...?"
Runaan felt a slight tremor in the hand she was holding.
"Don't worry about them. They've already had their fill."
Raon gestured toward the group, indicating they had been taken care of.
"That's right!"
"We already ate so much!"
The children released her and stepped back, urging her to enjoy her treat.
"Are you sure...?"
Only after they reassured her did Runaan finally turn away.
"Let’s go."
Raon took her hand again and walked her toward the shop.
The bead ice cream parlor in this dream-village was massive, dwarfing any shop found in Zieghart or even Cameloon. It was a veritable palace of frozen treats.
"Wow..."
For someone as stoic as Runaan, the sight of so much ice cream elicited a genuine gasp of wonder.
"Pick whatever you like."
Raon gestured grandly, indicating he would cover the cost of anything she desired.
"Okay!"
Runaan’s cheeks flushed pink as she inspected the rows of colorful beads. She was visibly vibrating with excitement, her fingers twitching with joy.
"......"
Raon stood behind her, watching her reflection in the glass. His gaze was soft, yet there was a faint, unsettling shadow lingering in the depths of his eyes.
"How many can I have...?"
"As many as you want. It’s all yours."
He pulled out a heavy purse of gold to prove his point.
"Yeah..."
Runaan seemed even more touched by his generosity than the sweets themselves. Her smile deepened as she began her selection.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of carnival rides, peaceful walks, and endless delicacies. The constant contact with Raon’s hand provided a sense of security that made her completely forget her earlier vow to train.
"It’s time to part for now."
Raon finally let go of her hand, giving her a shallow nod.
"Oh..."
Runaan let out a long, heavy sigh of regret.
"Don't be sad. We’ll meet again soon. And eventually..."
Raon spoke with a calm, certain authority.
"We will never have to be apart again."
He closed his hand into a firm fist, as if making a sacred oath.
"I’d like that..."
Runaan smiled, feeling a sense of peace.
"Until then..."
As Raon waved goodbye, Runaan felt the foundations of the world begin to tremble, and she drifted into darkness.
"Haah!"
Runaan bolted upright in her own bed, still wearing the clothes from the day before.
"What was that...?"
She had the distinct impression of having lived through a very long dream, but the details were completely gone. No matter how hard she grasped at the fading threads of her subconscious, nothing remained.
She knew it had been a happy experience—perhaps the most joyful sleep of her life—but the void in her memory was deeply frustrating.
However, the dream wasn't the only thing missing.
"Yesterday... what did I do...?"
The events of the previous day in the waking world were equally hazy.
"I was at the training ground..."
She tried to piece it together, but the memory of her intense duel with Martha and their subsequent conversation had vanished. All she could recall was the vague notion that she had practiced.
"Phew..."
Runaan stood up as the weak morning light began to spill through her window. She reached for her blade and took a shaky breath.
"I feel so exhausted..."
She caught her reflection in the mirror as she moved toward the door. The circles under her eyes had grown significantly darker, yet a ghostly, faint smile remained fixed on her face.
"I just want to go back to sleep..."
