Chapter 58: Aleas Left Hand (1/2)

A decade ago.

Inside the Garden of the Eilric Family, a young Alea Eilric took a deep breath and stared at the training dummy made of straws that had been fully equipped with metallic armor. On her left hand was a short black sword that she often used for practice. The length was perfect for a nine years old girl, so she didn't complain.

Raising her sword above her head, she took a step forward and swung her sword downward, slicing the dummy into two, including the armor.

”Huft.”

Suddenly, a deep voice resounded in her ears, saying, ”Oh, my little Alea is training.”

She turned around and saw a middle-aged man with blonde hair. He wore a black suit as if he just got out of work. Despite his stern face, his smile would be able to melt one's heart.

”Papa!” The young Alea made a big smile as she dropped the sword and jumped toward him, hugging him tightly.

”Haha, come here. This is my little Alea.” He laughed and hugged her back while stroking her hair. ”How are you doing?”

”I'm fine. It's been a while since Papa is home, so can I show you the result of my training for the last two weeks?” She smiled and crossed her arms, looking very proud.

”Oh? Show me, show me.” He became excited as he released her.

She then looked at the grass beneath his feet and sat down without shame. ”Go, go. Papa wants to see Alea in action.”

”Un.” She repeatedly nodded her head before going to the right, grabbing another practice dummy and planting it on the ground.

”That's right. Since you have successfully cut the current armor, how about Papa giving you Elite Rank Armor that you can use to practice? This one won't be cut by your sword for a while.” He smiled and walked toward the storage room in the garden.

”Really? Grandfather doesn't want to lend me the armor.” She looked at her father with an expectant face.

”That's because you don't call him Grandpa. If you call him that, I'm sure he will give you one.”

”Hmph. Grandfather is a bully. Alea won't call him Grandpa.” She pouted and looked away.

”Haha, wait for me, alright? I will grab it for you.” He waved his hand and started walking.

Alea nodded while humming, expressing the joy in her heart. Not long after, her father returned and brought a blue armor, putting it on the dummy.

”This is a good one. I'm sure you will like it.” He smiled, sat on the ground and cheered for Alea.

She made a big smile before she picked up her sword.

Suddenly, her aura changed. The smile was replaced by a serious expression. Her warm eyes turned cold as if she was possessed by something.

Her father already realized it, knowing that she was a genius. However, it might be due to his love, his vision only contained Alea in it. He completely ignored the sword on her hand and miscalculated how much she had practiced during the time he was away.

The moment she struck the sword with the same blow as earlier, a cracking sound rang like a thunderclap in his ears.

The sword snapped into two, with the other part bounced back toward Alea.

Alea couldn't react at all as only a shocked expression remained on her face.

A shadow suddenly appeared from the left and completely blocked everything from touching her.

”Alea? Are you alright?”

Alea was shivering as she raised her head, terrified. Her mouth opened and closed again and again as if she was freezing. Using all her energy, she said, ”Papa… Are you alright?”

”I'm fine.” He made a gentle smile.

”But… But…” Tears started swelling up and flowing down her cheeks. Even Alea could understand with her eyes that the sword hit her father.

”Don't worry, Papa is fine. You did nothing wrong. In fact, Papa was in the wrong this time. How about you go back first and call your mother here?”

”Uhn.” She broke free from her father and rushed toward the house. Her feet gave up several times, but she continued pushing herself to stand up and run while shouting. ”Mother! Mother!”