Mira announced the end of her training sessions. Many disciples started cheering as they wouldn't have to take these tortuous classes anymore! Even though they found it useful and it could help them in the future, as long as they got stronger such things wouldn't happen. But there were others who held a different opinion. There were actually quite a few disciples that enjoyed that style of fighting. They didn't want to replace their weapons with it, but it was more like a hobby. A great way to relieve stress. Even though Mira is a demon when she's teaching, they'd be able to vent out their frustrations in the class.
The disciples made their way back to the sect with mixed feelings. But regardless of what they were feeling, today was a day to celebrate! Most of the disciples went out with their friends to eat at a restaurant or walk around the city to celebrate their graduation from that hell class.
Meanwhile, Mira walked next to Elder Bridget.
"Good job, Mira! I didn't think they'd be able to lean within a few months. I guess your style of teaching can be very useful." Elder Bridget complimented.
"They would've been able to learn faster if things weren't so comfortable here. Though I guess that's where I come in." Mira said back bluntly. Elder Bridget just scratched the back of her head and laughed awkwardly.
"Ahaha. Yeah, things are comfortable here. But you don't need to make it sound like a bad thing. Violence may force people to get stronger faster, but it also kills talents that would've been able to shine as long as they lived. That's why I have another offer for you." Elder Bridget said with an awkward smile. She didn't really enjoy talking to Mira.
"Oh? What is it?" Mira asked, but she could already guess what it is.
"There will be a large tournament coming up where all of the sects around us will bring their top disciples to fight. This won't happen for almost another 2 years, but doing well in this tournament is very important to the Sect. So, I want to send some of the disciples that have high potential to you to spar with. Us Elders will keep working with the Core Disciples that were here before you and some of the Inner Disciples with a lot of talent so you won't have to worry about training them. I only have a list of around 25 disciples or so that I want you to spar with. You can even have Maria join you as an assistant or something since she also seems rather skilled. But before that, we want you to reach the top 3 in the Arena and Battle Tower to prove your strength to not only us but the other disciples as well. You and Maria can keep your tokens for daily use at the Cultivation Caves if you can do this for us." Elder Bridget proposed and Mira nodded.
"I don't have a problem with this. But you Elders should also work with them as well, including Maria. I only know how to use a scythe and fists. But I can be the whetstone to sharpen their skills." Mira suggested and Elder Bridget's lips twitched. Of course, they aren't expecting her to take over their jobs!! That's the whole point of them being here!
"Ahem. I'll let the Elders and Disciples know of your decision. Please don't take too long to complete our requirements." Elder Bridget said and then left.
Maria then walked up nervously to Mira. She seemed quite flustered.
"We'll have a day off tomorrow." Mira said as she kept walking back to her room.
Maria wanted to scream with joy, but she held it in and went to prepare everything.
***
The next morning, Mira opened her eyes after cultivating through the night and saw a red dress and a purple mask that only covered half of her face placed on her bed. She also noticed that Dominique was already awake. She just sighed and put on the dress and mask.
After putting on the dress, she walked out to see several other people in her home. Celaine, Audra, and Nisha were also here and wearing beautiful dresses as well. Dominique was also wearing a long dark blue dress that complimented her royal blue hair well.
All of them were stunned by Mira's beautiful appearance even though she has on a mask. It didn't detract from her beauty at all and only made her more mysterious.
Dominique ran up and held her hand, showing that she was ready to go.
"Now that everyone is ready, let's go! I have the whole day planned out!" Maria said as she led everyone out of the room.
They immediately attracted the attention of the other disciples when they were making their way out of the sect.
"Wow! I wonder where they're going? And isn't that Mira? I never thought I'd see her in such a fancy dress! So beautiful!"
"KYAAA!! Mira! You're so beautiful and cool! I wish I could come with you!"
"We love you, Mira!"
It seems that Mira was starting to build a fan club. A strong, reliable, beautiful, and cold disciple like Mira is like their Prince Charming. Sometimes the other disciples forget that Mira's a girl due to her ruthless and brutal behavior. But this is why so many of the disciples thought she was cool!
"You sure are popular, Mira. Even the other females want you. No wonder you joined this Sect." Audra teased Mira and only received a glare in response.
"That's not even the worst of it! Some disciples will even come up to Mira, asking her to punish them! Haha! Some of these girls are turning into real perverts haha!" Maria laughed as she recalled something that only happened one time!
Mira just sighed and shook her head.
They soon made their way out of the sect and into the city.
"Let's go to some food stalls for some breakfast!" Maria said as she walked next to Mira.
They made their way down to the area with food stalls everyone and soon caught the attention of everyone. They were all beautiful women who radiated a strong aura. The owners immediately knew that they were from the Sect and knew that they could pay up.
"Would you like to try our meat kebabs? They're the best in the area!"
"How about trying our egg sandwiches?! Perfect for a morning stroll!"
"Why don't you try our meat buns?! I can assure you that you won't find better food in the city!"
The owners of the stalls kept trying to sell their food and Mira's group just bought a little of everything. It only cost them a few spirit stones for each person to buy everything.
"Thank you for your business!!" The food stall owners yelled as Mira's group left to walk around the city.
They started walking around to explore the city a bit now as they ate and conversed with each other.
"How'd you meet Mira?" Nisha asked Maria. Maria then proceeded to explain how they met to the group with fervor! This was the best thing to ever happen to her!
"Wow, I had no idea that Mira would save anybody from trouble. How lucky you are." Nisha said in response to the story and everyone else nodded their heads.
"Well, she said that she wanted information about where she was and what was outside of the forest." Maria explained which cleared things up a bit. Mira didn't save her because she felt bad, she did it for information.
What… What about you… Dominique, was it? H-How'd you meet Mira?" Celaine asked hesitantly, but she wanted to be a part of the group as well.
"I met her at the end of the tournament! She's teaching me to get strong!" Dominique said proudly and the 3 of them paused for a second. So this little girl is Mira's disciple? Bullshit!!
"Why'd you take her in, Mira?" Audra asked curiously.
"Her determination, heart, and drive are commendable. Plus she does what I say without complaints." Mira said without giving much of an answer. Though she didn't lie. Those were the reasons that Dominique won the bet. But the others didn't know what to say to that answer. Mira usually downplays things and makes them seem worse or weaker than they actually are. So if she says that Dominique is commendable, wouldn't that mean she's godlike? They weren't sure what to think.
They kept conversing with each other as they walked around the city. Soon they came upon a rather large park. There was a lot of greenery and things for children to climb or play on as well. It seems that Maria wanted them to have a peaceful walk around this park and just enjoy the happy and peaceful atmosphere.
They soon gathered a lot of attention from the parents, but the kids immediately ran over to them.
"Wow! You ladies are so pretty! Wanna play?!"
"I've never seen ladies as pretty as you! Are you from the Sect? My Mama talks about the sect and says they are full of strong ladies! I'm going to be strong like you one day!"
"Why are you wearing a mask, Miss? Are you trying to hide? You aren't doing a very good job at hiding if I can find you!"
Mira's group was getting swarmed with kids. It's not every day that they meet the disciples of the Sect. The ones getting the most attention were Maria, Dominique, and Mira. Maria and Dominique because they gave off a more childish and playful vibe and Mira because the kids felt safe when they were around her. Even though she always had a bad expression on her face and was rather cold there was no hostility.
The parents came over and grabbed their children and apologized. But Maria just told them it's fine and that they didn't bother them at all.
Dominique watched as the children reluctantly left and went back to playing with one another. She knew that she probably wouldn't get any days like that since she wants to get stronger and stay with Mira. Part of her wanted to be able to be like those kids, but it was only replaced with the drive to get stronger and stay with Mira. But she also saw some kids sitting on their parent's shoulders and wondered if she could do at least that much. She tugged on Mira's sleeve and asked.
"Mira, can I get on your shoulders like how they are?" Dominique asked nervously. Mira looked around and noticed what she was talking about. Mira nodded her head and squatted. Dominique climbed on her shoulders and they continued walking.
"Hahaha! I feel so tall! I can see so far! Thank you, Mira!" Dominique exclaimed when she sat on her shoulders.
The other 4 were shocked by this scene. Was Dominique her disciple or a secret love child?! Why was Dominique treating her like a parent and Mira didn't seem to object? What is going on? They yelled in their hearts but refrained from asking.
They walked around the city some more and participated in various activities. They went into various shops to look around. Tried on different clothes. Looked at weapon shops. Maria also took them to a nice restaurant. They weren't disturbed this time and were able to have an enjoyable meal. The girls were able to warm up to Mira a bit more as they asked her questions or advice on things. Mira's domineering personality wasn't as overwhelming today so they wanted to take full advantage of that to learn more about her.
Mira answered some questions rather vaguely and didn't talk much. They didn't feel as distant as before and were able to have a nice time. Even the nervous Celaine eventually calmed down and started joining in on the fun.
After having dinner, Maria led them out of the city to a secluded area. They then watched the sun set and waited for the stars to come out. Dominique eventually fell asleep in Mira's arms and they made their way back to the Sect after a while.
Once they made it back to their rooms, Mira decided to say a few words to Maria.
"It was a nice day. Something I haven't had in a very long time." Mira said and walked away to her room.
Maria just stood there stunned. She then started to tear up and had a warm smile on her face that was full of love.
"I'm glad."
