*Thud*
The Battle ended as Astaria was sent flying.
She was doing well for the first 15 minutes and was able to hold on against Nawdren, this time, the Sword the shine around her sword was dimmer than the first time she used it, however, it was much more stable.
The output wasn't as strong, however, Astaria knew that last time, she was simply wasting Mana.
She still couldn't control this technique very well, therefore, she was limiting the Mana she feeds the sword with. The output was compromised, however, her control was better.
And honestly, even this 'controlled' and 'limited' strength was very much enough to cut through Nawdren's defenses.
In this last month, Astaria hadn't made much progress.
She has only learned how to willingly activate the technique, and that too, only if her Mana reserve was filled to the brim. She tried using the surrounding Mana for it, but it proved to be much more complicated and Astaria had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to learn it anytime soon.
First, she needed to master this technique using her own Mana.
Astaria even had a lead in today's battle at the start, Nawdren knew how dangerous her technique was, one mistake and he might lose a limb.
He needed to be careful.
He fought in a defensive position, just keeping himself safe, and mostly focusing on dodging Astaria's attack.
Previously, the best move for him in this situation was to just run away and return when Astaria ran out of Mana like how he did the first time Astaria used this, now, however, he didn't have that option since Nux was standing right behind.
The moment he ran, Nux would appear and…
Nawdren didn't even want to think about what would happen then.
Anyways, ultimately, he needed to fight Astaria head-on until she masters this technique.
Astaria needed to grow, however, if Nawdren continued to run whenever they spar, she would never learn anything.
Of course, Nux also wouldn't always restrict Nawdren like he is doing now,
Astaria needed to learn how to stop this technique before it stops itself after devouring most of her Mana.
She was still in the learning phase, slowly but surely, she would master this technique, and once she does, Astaria believed that even fighting toe to toe against Nux wouldn't be impossible.
However, for now, her target was Nawdren.
Who, after being defensive for the first 15 minutes, started attacking when her control over this technique started weakening.
Defending against his attacks and at the same time, trying to restabilize the Mana around her sword was difficult, soon, Nawdren's attack connected and Astaria's body flew away.
"I won."
Nawdren spoke as he walked towards Astaria.
"I still haven't lost yet."
Astaria replied.
Nawdren simply glanced at the sword she was holding.
The Sword was not shining anymore,
It was clear, the technique broke off, Astaria didn't run out of Mana yet, however, as mentioned before, she could only activate the technique when her Mana reserves were filled to the brim and without the technique, defeating Nawdren was simply impossible.
Astaria quickly rolled back and stood up.
Glaring at Nawdren, she injected Mana into her sword again, but just as everyone expected, it didn't work, she tried to force it, however, Nawdren didn't just stand there like a puppet.
He quickly rushed towards Astaria and started attacking.
The Spar wasn't over until Nux said so.
And Nux wouldn't say anything until Astaria herself opens her mouth or is put in a difficult situation that might be threatening.
Nawdren continued his attack, Astaria's body was sent flying again.
She tried to roll back again, however, Nawdren appeared in front of her again and kicked her abdomen.
"Khooockk!!"
Astaria coughed out blood.
Nux narrowed his eyes.
Seeing that expression on his face, a smile appeared on Amaya's face,
"He treats her differently." She commented.
"Indeed."
Thyra nodded.
"What do you mean?" Evane frowned.
"If it was any of us sparring right now, he wouldn't have let Nawdren attack us like that," Thyra replied.
"Well, she wouldn't like it if he participated in her battle."
Ember commented.
"Would you like it?" Amaya questioned.
"…I won't either…" Ember replied.
"And you think he wouldn't stop the fight if it was you?"
"…he will…"
Ember knew it.
Amaya just smiled as she proved her point.
Ember lowered her head.
"Don't focus on her nonsense, Ember."
Thyra spoke as she glanced at Amaya and then turned toward Ember.
"He wouldn't stop your fight if you were fighting against an opponent he thinks you can defeat. Nawdren, however, is not someone you can do anything against, even though you are now an Emperor."
"All of us and Astaria are at the same Stage, early Emperor Stage."
Ember replied.
"Do you truly believe you are comparable to Astaria right now?" Thyra questioned.
"…" Ember turned silent.
"You have your answer.
He treats her differently because she is strong.
We all have his love.
However, that woman is different.
Along with love, she also has his acknowledgment.
He becomes protective when it comes to us, of course, it's not his fault, he does it because he loves us.
In her case, he holds back his instincts and forces himself to not move."
"Do you not wish to earn his acknowledgment as well?"
Ember questioned.
"Why do you think I am training with that monster for?"
Thyra replied.
A smile appeared on Ember's face as well.
"Anyways, this battle is over."
Felberta commented.
The women glanced at the battlefield and just as Fel said,
"Stop."
Astaria ordered, stopping Nawdren from attacking.
Nawdren quickly jumped back and raised his hands in the air, clearly showing that he hadn't done a thing the moment Astaria told him to stop.
His eyes quickly rushed towards Nux, wishing to see if he would get beaten up like a ragdoll or not.
"Hmm?"
Nawdren, however, couldn't find Nux.
Nux had already left his position and was currently tending to Astaria, wiping her wounds while helping her drink the Healing and Mana Potion.
"Oi," Suddenly, Nux called out.
"Y-Yes?"
"Spar with me as well."
Nawdren's face paled.
