During this winter break, we will visit [Ford Company] located in the magic city.
What I told Woohee is true.
At the same time, I will rescue Woo Hyoyeon, a friend of Woohee.
Maitri, the owner of [Ford Company], is the strategic mind among the 13 key executives of [Turning White].
He excels at intelligence gathering and instigating internal chaos.
Moreover, Maitri is a person who has been placed in charge over Elinia Academy matters.
If we cannot stop him, key figures within the academy might ally with Turning White.
As time goes on, this will become a major problem.
Two individuals I've previously captured, Francis and Melon, report to Maitri.
However, due to Maitri's complex leadership structure, they're unaware that he is their superior.
Right now, Siena's ability to control high level spirits is a significant advantage for us.
I need to work closely with her to strike at [Ford Company] this winter break.
Maitri and his group are formidable foes.
Beyond my hero team, we'll need additional allies.
We have to use every resource available.
For now, I'll focus on strengthening those who are on my side.
After dinner, Theo and Amy went to the Knight Department's training ground to collect Little Fist, who had been left in someone's care.
As anticipated, Irene was there.
She was meditating, cradling Little Fist.
Little Fist was peacefully resting in her arms.
Amy's eyes widened in surprise.
"Little Fist!"
At the sound, Irene looked up, saying,
"You're here, Theo."
Little Fist opened his eyes, observing Amy with curiosity.
─Pew, pew, pew, kiing?
Amy sighed in relief.
"Thankfully, he seems alright."
Feeling somewhat sheepish, Amy gently stroked Little Fist's head, relieved that he was unharmed.
Irene stood up, smiling warmly at Amy,
"Don't worry, Little Fist has been just fine since Theo left it with me. Its heartbeat and breathing were stable."
"Thank you, Irene. I'm really sorry for imposing on you,"
Amy expressed her gratitude, feeling a bit guilty.
"It's no trouble at all. I was planning to meditate anyway,"
Irene assured her with a smile and a nod.
Then, Irene turned her attention to Theo, her gaze serious.
"Everything went well, I hope?"
"Yes, thanks to you"
Theo continued.
“I had told you that I would explain why I left Little Fist with you. I happened to meet Siena, and she and Little Fist don’t get along, always fighting whenever they see each other. I thought it would be best to leave Little Fist with you for a while."
“...I see. Siena is always a bit odd, but I’m more curious about something else, Theo.”
Irene pressed, maintaining her serious demeanor.
“Why did you choose Seria as your first Aide? Shouldn’t you have offered the position to me first?”
“Oh, that?”
Theo met her gaze directly, unfazed.
“Irene, I just naturally assumed you’d be with me.”
Irene was momentarily stunned by his boldness, his nonchalant expression making it clear that he saw this as an absolute certainty.
His arrogant self-righteous attitude was just so ‘him.’
Despite herself, her irritation gave way to amusement.
“Ha... Hahaha. That’s just like you, Theo... but I get it. I'll be your aide."
Irene surrendered with a laugh, and Theo responded with a faint smile.
"Thank you, Rin. Together, we'll make the best team this academy has ever seen."
"...Don't think a smile will let you off the hook. You better make sure to tell Seria that I'm your first aide, Theo."
“Of course, I will.”
Irene felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she continued to watch him smile.
‘I’ve lost to you, Theo.’
Shaking off the moment, she shifted the conversation.
"Speaking of Aides, Theo, students can have up to four, right? Who are the other two?"
"I'm considering Alphs, another student from the knight department like you. As for the fourth spot, I'm still deciding."
"Alphs? Alphs Shupiri? Isn’t she ranked at the very bottom of our class?"
Irene was genuinely surprised.
In the large knight department, students were divided into classes based on their academic performance.
So, it was common for students in higher-ranked classes to be unfamiliar with those in the lower ranks.
Being at the top of her class since her admission, Irene had never been in the same class as Alphs, but she knew of her.
She belonged to the [Order of Light], and all students in the order possessed divine power, so most of them were in the top rankings.
But Alphs had faced ostracism and verbal abuse from many students since her first semester due to her low ranking and her age; at 18, she was older than most first-year students.
However, Alphs always responded with a smile, a sight that often filled Irene with pity.
Nonetheless, in the competitive environment of Elinia Academy, a place renowned as the continent’s top educational institution, pity without actual help could do more harm than good.
Before Theo’s change, Irene had been solely focused on her training, aiming to join the Imperial Knights, and had no time to offer help.
'So Theo has his eye on Alphs for the top team? Theo isn't one to speak carelessly.'
Her contemplations were interrupted when Theo turned to her with a serious look and said,
“Alphs has great potential. Before team performance evaluations officially begin, let’s help her improve.”
"Alright, I trust you have a plan."
Irene nodded, reassuring herself.
'Waiting is something I’m used to. This is nothing.'
Suddenly, Theo took a step closer, his expression grave.
"Irene, there’s something I need to ask you."
"What is it?"
She asked, looking up at him anxiously.
Her eyes were trembling, as if imagining something terrible.
‘Why is she reacting like this? What is she thinking?’
Staying calm, he asked.
"It’s about breathing techniques. Are you familiar with them?"
"Huuuu..."
Irene took a deep breath before answering,
"Of course, I know. Like how exhaling longer breaths can aid in attacking. Like this."
She picked up a practice longsword and demonstrated, exhaling forcefully with each strike.
Theo shook his head.
"It seems we have different concepts of breathing techniques. Wait a moment."
He then picked up a practice sword from the rack and, with a nod to Amy, he began to demonstrate a swordsmanship technique, incorporating a sophisticated breathing technique he had learned from Woohee.
For the next five minutes, Irene watched intently, analyzing every nuanced movement Theo made.
'The breathing technique I was taught is completely different... No, this is on a completely different level. There’s almost no inefficiency.'
Theo integrated the breathing technique into every part of his body—his legs, ankles, elbows, and head—using it for both attacking and defensive maneuvers, such as various rolls and dodges.
Swiiiiish-!
Whoooom-!
After about ten more minutes, Theo finished his sword demonstration, taking a moment to catch his breath and straighten his clothing.
"What do you think, Irene?"
"It’s incredibly efficient and advanced compared to what I've been using. The breathing technique is remarkable."
Irene replied honestly, impressed. Despite growing up surrounded by exceptional knights, she had never seen anything like this before.
Theo nodded.
“Then, learn it and make it your own.”
“But... is it really okay to teach this to others so openly?”
Irene looked up at Theo with curiosity.
Swordsmen and knights, who wield long weapons, are known to protect their techniques fiercely.
The breathing method Theo demonstrated was on par with a mage's personal spells—valuable and rarely shared or passed down.
The technique Irene had been using was a closely guarded family secret, taught only to members of her family.
“...”
Theo met her gaze calmly.
"It doesn’t matter, not when it comes to you."
